Select a research topic of your interest and explain relevance of the Assignment

Select a research topic of your interest and explain relevance of the selected topic. Clearly define how it will benefit the ind - Assignment Example This shows that many people in the 21st century are appreciating the rapid development in technology. Therefore, it is an admissible fact that many people that are involved in economic activities have access to technology, which connects people across the globe (Khosrow-Pour, 2006:23). This creates a scenario where businesses have to use technology to improve on their services. As such, they will keep changing their approach to technology. Many people have taken the initiative of taking statistics on how technology is used in the world. These statistics have been influential in ensuring other businesses are not left behind when it comes to technology. Many businesses have been benchmarking technological advancement that is used by other businesses to ensure they are on the verge of making successful impact in the market. The statistics show that the developed countries in the world have appreciated the use of technology to greater heights. Developed countries have massive resources t hat have been used to improve their indulgence in technology. In most instances, the developing countries invest heavily in companies and firms that are allied to manufacturing technology. As such, they will have an advantage in accessing the technology that is manufactured. Similarly, developed countries have an upper hand in that they manufacture technology in bulk. This gives such countries the advantage of large scale production. As such, the technology will be retailed at lower prices. In the same line, developed countries were on the frontline in researching on the internet usage and its advantages. As such, they were on the frontline in implementing the use of technology in most parts of the economy. These countries go to greater heights in ensuring all businesses are interconnected to each other. This creates a scenario where businesses are in healthy competition in the market. This leads to high quality products offered in the market. Internet users in the developed countri es are advanced in that most of the population has access to internet services. The service providers are well established in the market and offer top notch services (Bailey, 2011:10). When the internet service providers are well established in the market, they will offer their services at subsidized prices. This is done to attract a larger demand for their services. Since the internet services are retailed at acceptable and affordable prices. As such, most of the population will feel the need to use the internet services in most of their working. The developing countries have followed the trend of savouring internet use and connection. The developing countries have taken the internet issue seriously and have gone to greater heights in ensuring most of the population are accessible to the internet. Most of the companies that offer the service in the developed countries have taken the initiative of investing in the developing countries. As such, they also give the developing countrie s priority in service delivery. Apparently, the developing countries have been influential in ensuring the internet development and use is on constant growth. Therefore, the number of people that use the internet has been increasing through the years. Virtually most of the businesses in developing countries have appreciated the need for internet connection and use, as it enhances their businesses. On the other hand,

Organizational Theory & Research Essay Example for Free

Organizational Theory Research Essay Organization is a â€Å"concept used in a variety of ways such as (1) a system or pattern of any set of relationships in any kind of undertaking; (2) an enterprise itself; (3) cooperation of two or more persons; (4) all behavior of all participants in a group; and (5) the intentional structure of roles in a formally organized enterprise† (Koontz, et. al. , 1980, p. G-11). Organization development is a â€Å"systematic, integrated, and planned approach to improve the effectiveness of people and groups in a enterprise through the use of techniques for problem discovery and various intervention techniques for solving these problems† (Koontz, et. l. , 1980, p. G-11). One of the key aspects of managing is â€Å"organizing† and it is a skill required of any manager if he or she is to be effective and successful in attaining organizational objectives and effecting change (see Koontz, et. al, 1980, p. 330). Management literature has acknowledged that people tend to cooperate with one another in the face of a crisis because man has learned that it is better to cooperate than to compete with one another. In cooperative activities, goals or objectives are achieved much easier than when individual persons act separately in attempting to achieve a group goal or objective. Organizing involves identifying the right people to involve in the design, development, and implementation of the process of problem identification and problem solving. One requirement of effective organizing is knowledge of the fundamental nature of group dynamics. When two or more people are formed to work on a particular task, they usually undergo certain stages of group development. These are forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. During the â€Å"forming† stage, group members tend to be cautious and almost become aware of each word that each says to others; in the â€Å"storming† stage, members become impatient of formalities and tend to express themselves and demonstrate antagonism and sarcasm; in the â€Å"norming† stage, members learn to tolerate frustrations and become more acceptable of other members of the group; in the â€Å"performing† stage, team members has put aside their differences and concentrate on the objectives of the group, thereby performing to the fullest and achieving their preset goals and objectives; in the â€Å"adjourning† stage, group members have achieved their objectives and disbands themselves and return to their home organizations or department.

The Digital Dice Game Project: An Overview

The Digital Dice Game Project: An Overview A traditional dice is a small polyhedral object, usually cubic in shape. It generates a random number in the range of one to six. There are also non cubical dice with different number of faces such as tetrahedrons (four faces), octahedrons (eight faces) or dodecahedrons (twelve faces). A digital dice is an alternative device that can be used to replace the traditional device with the help of a numeric display. It is controlled with the help of a switch. The count will display numbers randomly from one to six on the 7 segment display in a push of the button. 1.1 Rules of the Game: The Digital Dice game consists of two players, Player A and Player B. Both the players, Player A and Player B, are given a switch each to control the dice. In this game, only one player is allowed to play at a time and the input of only one player is counted at a time. A LED indicates the players turn. The output of each players throw is added to the output of their previous throws number. This gives their final score. The maximum count is taken as 30. When any one of the players reaches the maximum count of 30, the Game ends. The player (Player A or Player B) has won the game. The beeper along with a light indicates the players victory. Chapter 2:  Circuit Description This chapter gives a detailed description of the block diagram for the Digital Dice game project. It discusses the main parts and also gives a detailed explanation on the same. 2.1 Block Diagram The main parts of the block diagram as shown in figure 1 are: 2 Clock pulses Random Number Generator Digital Dice Display 2 Adder Circuits (including the seven segment FND display) Game Over disabling circuit Reset switch 2.2 Clock Pulse Clock pulse is a signal used to synchronize the operations of an electronic system. They are continuous and precisely spaced changes in voltage. The main aim of this part in the circuit is to give the appropriate clock pulses to the next circuits to make a progress in the game. For this purpose, 2 clocks have been employed for each player. Here a special circuit has to be employed so as not to allow the player that has already played to play until his opponent has had his chance. This is done by using the Toggling feature of J-K flip-flop (IC 7476). Each of the 2 clock pulses is then ANDED with the 2 outputs of J-K flip-flop which is Q and Q. At any point of time, only one of Q and Q will be HIGH and so only one player will be able to play at a time as per the rules of the game. The clock of the other player being ANDED with zero will be ineffective. The appropriate clock then will pass through the OR gate and into the input clock of the J-K flip-flop, thus toggling it and providing a chance for the other player to play. The output of the OR gate is given to the rest of the entire circuit as a common clock. 2.3 Random Number Generator The main aim of this part is to generate any number between 1 and 6 (inclusive) i.e. 3-bit binary number, similar to a cubic dice where each face represents a number. However, the number generated in this circuit is not in any kind of a predictable sequence and is in a perfectly random similar to an actual dice in such a game. This is facilitated by the use of IC NE-555, which generates series of output clock pulses. The resistors and capacitors surrounding it formulate a particular RC time constant and the IC then continues to generate output clock pulses till the end of this time period. So, when the appropriate clock pulse is obtained from the above discussed clock pulse circuit, the pulses generated by IC NE-555 are fed to the next Integrated Circuit, Binary Ripple Counter (IC 7493). Another Integrated Circuit, Decade Counter (IC 7490) can also be used. The Binary Ripple Counter counts from 0 to 5 i.e. 3-bit numbers provided the MSB (Most significant Bit) of the counter is not considered. After the count reaches five, the Counter resets to zero. When many clock pulses are received by it in a single time-constant period, it counts from 0-5 many times and outputs any of these numbers. This is known as Random Number Generation. However, the numbers obtained from the above procedure are between 0 and 5 (inclusive) and the desired numbers are from 1 6. This is taken into account by including another Integrated circuit, Binary Parallel Adder (IC 7483) which increments the above generated number by 1 as it is between 0 and 5. The output of the Binary Parallel Adder is the final desired random number which is then fed into the Digital Dice-Display circuit as shown in the figure 1. 2.4 Digital Dice Display Circuit The only purpose of this part is to show the face of the Dice corresponding to the number generated by the randomizer circuit. This is done with the help of a BCD 7 Segment decoder which is used to drive a common anode 7 segment display. The output of the above discussed circuit forms the input for the BCD which then enters the input of seven segment decoder. The random number generated by the random number generator circuit will be displayed on the 7 segment display when the button is pushed by a player. The number displayed is any number between 1to 6 in a complete random sequence. 2.5 Adder Circuits This is the core part of this game. All the numbers generated so far should be accounted for each player independently in the form of their score. As discussed earlier, this score gets incremented by each alternate fall of numbers on the dice. The Adder circuit performs this function. The Adder circuit is made up of a group of 3 AND gates. One of the inputs of the AND gates is a bit of the random number generation and the other input is one of Q and Q (outputs of the J K flip-flop as discussed above in the Clock Pulses section). Hence, at a time, the score of only the appropriate player gets incremented by the number on the dice. Whereas the score of the other player remains the same (i.e. gets added by 0). The outputs of the 3 AND gates enter the Integrated Circuit, Binary Parallel Adder (IC 7483) as inputs for A. The Most significant bit (MSB) A is kept grounded. The inputs for B come from the output of the Integrated circuit, 4-bit Register (IC 74194) and these stores the Least significant bit (LSB) of the final score. There are two Binary Parallel Adders and the output of this 1st Adder (IC 7483) is connected to the 2nd Adder (IC 7483), which converts the added binary number into its decimal equivalent and stores the output in the above mentioned 4 Bit register (IC 74194). This conversion is produced with the help of different logic gates (AND and OR gates). When the binary number is greater than 9, 6 (0110) is added to it, else 0 (0000) is added to the number thus generating the equivalent LSB decimal number. Therefore, the LSB remains less than or equal to 9, thus representing the score in decimal form. The same technique is applied to the Most Significant Bit of the score. Here, 1 is added to the MSB of the Binary Parallel Adder (IC 7483), if the above generated binary number is greater than 9. The other input for this 3rd IC-7483 comes from another 4-bit register (IC 74194). Therefore, the MSB can also show decimal numbers from 0 9. The same Most Significant Bit and Least Significant Bit numbers from the Adders are given as input to Integrated circuit, BCD (IC 7447), which is the driver IC to the Seven-Segment LED display. The outputs of this Integrated circuit are fed into the LT-543, to show the corresponding numbers. An important point to be noted here is that the same common clock is given to the above mentioned IC-74194 registers so that they can output the stored numbers each time. 2.6 Game Over Disabling Circuit This part of the block diagram indicates the END of the game, i.e. Game Over. The game is considered to be over once the score of any one of the two players (Player A or Player B) reaches/crosses the score of 30. The second input of the Most Significant Bits of the Most Significant Bit of the decimal score of both the players form the input to the NOR gate. Thus, when any score reaches/crosses 30, the 2nd Most Significant Bit becomes HIGH. Thus NOR output becomes LOW (i.e. In a NOR gate, when any one of the inputs is HIGH, the output is LOW). This is then ANDED with the clock-pulse to be given to the J-K flip-flop. As a result, the J-K flip-flop does not receive any clock. Thus, the toggling feature of the flip flop stops. Thus, the random number generation stops and the Dice-display remain unchanged. And, finally the scores remain fixed. Therefore, the game has come to an end The winning player (Player A or Player B) is identified by the tone of the buzzer/alarm along with a LED to provide an indicating light. This is having one end on the above 2nd Most Significant Bit and the other end grounded. 2.7 Reset Switch This is also a very important part of the game. The function of this switch is to bring the game back to start from any point of time. This is performed with the help of a Combinational Circuit and a Push-to-OFF switch. This is a kind of switch which has its 2 ends always connected, except when pressed/pushed. Thus, one end of the switch is grounded. Therefore, by default this makes the clear inputs of all registers HIGH. Here, the registers employ Active Low Clear inputs. When the switch is not pushed, HIGH clear is fed to the registers via a NOT gate. Therefore, normal functioning of all the registers is obtained. Also, the output drawn from the OR gate then depends on the output from the AND gate (the 2 inputs of the AND gate come from the 2nd Most Significant Bit and 3rd Most Significant Bit of the output of the Binary Ripple Counter, IC 7493). When the switch is pressed, the connection of its 2 ends gets broken and thus making the Clear input to all registers LOW via the NOT gate (i.e. all registers are cleared). Therefore, one of the inputs to the IC 7483 Adders become 0000. And, also the input of the OR gate becomes HIGH, thereby ignoring the 2nd input and thus providing HIGH output to the RO(1) Clear input of the Binary ripple counter, IC 7493. Now, the counter is reset by 2nd Clear input RO(2) as it becomes HIGH, providing 0000 output. This forms the other input of Binary parallel adder, IC 7483. Thus, the Adder circuits display 00 in the 7 segment display. This 0000 output is then carried via the Binary parallel adder, IC 7483 (here the input carry is also 0) to the Dice-display circuit which displays 00. Chapter 3:  Random Number Generation Circuit This chapter explains the circuit diagram required for the random number generation and the digital dice display. It also talks about the working for the same. 3.1 Circuit Diagram The below figure (figure 2) shows the circuit diagram used for the random number generation of a digital dice. 3.2 Operation Figure 2 shows the circuit diagram to generate any random number between 1 and 6 and display it on the 7 segment display. In operation, a clock frequency of 50 Hz is generated by the pulse generator. It is ANDED with the push button. When the push button is pressed, the clock pulse generates a series of clock pulses. The combination of the clock pulse and the push button forms the counter clock for the Binary Ripple Counter (IC 7493). This counter behaves as a Mod 6 Counter and it counts from 0 5. Once the count reaches 5, it resets to zero. Thus, the connection of QB (with value 2) to R0 (1) and QC (with value 4) to R0(2) respectively. The output of this counter is connected to the input A of the Binary Parallel Adder (IC 7483), i.e. QA, QB, QC, QD to A1, A2, A3, A4 respectively. The function of the adder is to add the number 1 (Binary 0001) to the output from the Binary ripple counter. This is done by grounding the pins B1, B2, B3 and the pin B4 is connected to the supply to get a value of 1. The output of the Adder is connected to the BCD 7 segment display, i.e. the pins 9, 6, 12, 15 are connected to pins 7, 1, 2, 6 respectively. Therefore, any number between 1 and 6 is displayed in a totally random manner in the form of its decimal equivalent on the 7 segment display. This completes the random number generation and the Digital dice display parts of the block diagram. 3.3 Components Assembled The following components have been assembled on a Bread Board in order to create a random number display between 1 and 6. 3.3.1 Counter A counter is a device which stores the number of times a particular event or process has occurred, usually in connection with a clock signal. Every counter requires a square wave clock signal to make them count. A square wave clock signal (as shown in figure 3) is a digital waveform with sharp transitions between low (0V) and high (+Vs) voltage, such as the output from a 555  astable timer. Here it comes from the pulse generator. Examples of counting are digital clocks, watches, timers found in a range of appliances from microwave ovens to VCRs and counters are also found in everything from automobiles to test equipments. There are mainly two types of counters: Ripple Counters In a ripple counter, there are a chain of flip-flops with the output of each flip flop forming the input for the next. Every time the input of the flip flop changes from high to low (on the falling edge), the state of the flip flop output changes. Ripple counters mostly count on the falling-edge which is the high to low transition of the clock signal. They use this edge as linking counters becomes easier as the most significant bit (MSB) of one counter can drive the clock input of the next. This whole process occurs because the next bit must change state when the previous bit changes from high to low the point at which a carry must occur to the next bit. The disadvantages of this counter are: There is a slight delay (known as a Ripple Delay) as the effect of the clock ripples through the chain of flip-flops. But in many circuits, this is not a problem as it is far too short to be seen on a display. In a logic system, the connection to the ripple counter outputs will cause false counts which may produce glitches in the logic system and thereby disrupt its operation. For example, a ripple counter changing from 0111 (7) to 1000 (8) will briefly show 0110 (6), 0100 (4) and 0000 (0) before 1000. Synchronous Counter A synchronous counter has a more complex internal structure as compared to a ripple counter. The advantage of this counter over the ripple counter is that it ensures that all its outputs change precisely together on each clock pulse, thereby avoiding the brief false counts which occur with ripple counters. Most synchronous counters count on the rising-edge (refer figure 5) which is the low to high transition of the clock signal. They usually have carry  out and carry  in pins for linking counters without introducing any ripple delays. These counters have a synchronous reset which occurs on the next clock pulse rather than immediately as in a ripple counter. Since reset must be performed on the maximum count required, it is a very important function. 3.3.1.1 Binary Ripple Counter (IC 7493) This is the counter used in the circuit. Figure 3 shows a clock signal driving a 4-bit (0-15) counter. It is connected with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) to show the state of the clock and counter outputs QA QD. And Q indicates the output. A counter can be used to reduce the frequency of an input signal and thus behaves as a frequency division counter (as shown in figure 7), i.e. they can be used to reduce the frequency of an input (clock) signal. Each stage of a counter halves the frequency, so here the LED on the first output QA flashes at half the frequency of the clock LED, i.e. QA is 1/2, QB flashes at 1/4, QC at 1/8 and QD at 1/16 of the clock frequency. It is usually labeled as Q1, Q2 and so on. Qn is the nth stage of the counter, representing 2n. Division by numbers that are not powers of 2 is possible by resetting counters. Counters can be reset to zero before their maximum count by connecting one (or more) of their outputs to their reset input. The counter is in two sections: Clock A for QA and Clock B for QB, QC and QD. If the reset input is active-low a NOT or NAND gate will be required to produce a low output at the desired count. Active low is indicated by a line drawn above reset. For example:     (say reset-bar). The reset function requires an immediate reset on the next count. 3.3.1.2 Decade Counter (IC 7490): A decade counter (refer figure 8) is a binary counter that is designed to count to 10 or 1010 in binary, i.e. it counts the number of pulses arriving at its input. The number of pulses is counted up till 9 and it appears in binary form on four pins of the IC. When the tenth pulse arrives at the input, the binary output is reset to zero (0000) and a single pulse appears at another output pin. This function is performed due to the fact that the NAND output goes low, and resets the counter to zero. D going low can be a CARRY OUT signal, indicating that there has been a count of ten. So for ten pulses in the input, there is one pulse output. Therefore, the 7490 Decade Counter divides the frequency of the input by ten. And, if this pulse is applied to the input of a second 7490 decade counter, then the second IC will count the pulses from the first IC i.e. for 100 pulses input, there will be one pulse output. 3.3.2 Binary Parallel Adder (IC 7483) The parallel adder precedes the binary counter, i.e. once the counter begins its count from 0 5, it then enters the adder where the binary 0001 is added to it. The central computational element in any circuit is the adder. The function of the parallel adder is to add two n bit numbers together. For this purpose, n full adders should be cascaded with each full adder representing a column in the long addition. The carry signals ripple through the adder from right to left. Figure 9 indicates the working of a logic full adder/ subtractor. The adder circuit has a mode control signal M which determines whether the circuit has to operate as an adder or a subtractor. Each XOR gate receives one input from M and the other input from B, i.e. Bi. The function of the XOR gate is that if both the inputs of the XOR gate is the same, then the output of the XOR gate will be zero and if both the inputs to the XOR gate are different, then the output of the XOR gate will be 1. When M = 0, the output of XOR gate will be Bi ⊕ 0 = Bi. Thus, the addition function takes place, i.e. the circuit performs A plus B (A + B). When M = 1, the output of XOR gate will be Bi ⊕ 1 = Bi. Since it is the complement of B, subtraction function takes place, i.e. A plus 1s complement of B which is the same as A minus B (A B). Every digit position consists of two operands and a carry. The operation of an adder is to add the two operands and the carry-in together. If the result is less than the base, this sum is outputted with a carry-out of 0. 0therwise the base is subtracted from the total of the two operands and the carry-in and this sum is outputted with a carry-out. 3.3.3 BCD 7 segment display decoder Here, the output of the Binary parallel adder forms the input for this BCD 7 segment decoder to display the random number from 1 6. The inputs A D for the BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) display driver are connected from the outputs of the parallel adder. The display driver consists of a network of logic gates to make its outputs a g become high or low. This lights the required segments a g of a 7-segment display as shown in the figure. Usually, a resistor is required in series with each segment to protect the LEDs, 330 or 270 is a suitable value for many displays with a 4.5V to 6V supply. But for this project, only one 270 resistor is used which is connected between 3 (display test) and 8 (ground) pins of the integrated circuit. There are two types of 7-segment displays: Common Cathode (CC or SC): This display consists of all the cathodes connected together. These need a display driver with outputs which become high to light each segment, i.e. they are illuminated with high voltages. For example the IC 4511. Here, there is a connection between the common cathode to 0V. IC 4511 is designed to drive a common cathode display and thus would not work with the common anode display. Common Anode (CA or SA): This display consists of all the LED anodes connected together. These need a display driver with outputs which become low to light each segment, i.e. they are illuminated by connecting with low voltages. For example, IC 7447 (BCD 7 segment decoder) which is the IC used for this project. Here, there is a connection of a resistor in series between the common anode to +Vs. The 7447 chip is used to drive 7 segment display. The input to the 7447 is a binary number DCBA where D is 8s (1000), C is 4s (0100), B is 2s (0010) and A is 1s (0001). The IC 7447 display is intended for BCD (binary coded decimal) which has input values from DCBA = 0000 (0) to DCBA = 1001 (9) (i.e. 0000, 0001, 0010, 0011, 0100, 0101, 0110, 0111, 1000, 1001 in binary). Inputs from 10 to 15 (1010, 1011, 1100, 1101, 1110, 1111 in binary) will light odd display segments. The following functions can be performed on the IC 7447: This IC has an open collector outputs a g, which can sink up to 40mA. A lamp test can be performed on the IC to check if all the segments are in working condition. This is done by keeping the part of the IC low. At this point of time, all the display segments should light (showing number 8). There is another function which is the Blanking Input (). If the blank input is low, then the display will be blank when the count input is zero (0000). This can be used to blank leading zeros when there are several display digits driven by a chain of counters. The blank  output can be achieved by connecting the blank  input of the next display down the chain (i.e. the next most significant digit). Also, a function stands for Ripple Blanking Input. When is low and DCBA = 0000, the display is blank otherwise the number is displayed on the display. This is used to remove leading zeroes from a number. For example, displays 89 instead of 089. If more than one display has to be used, a connection of (Ripple Blanking Output) from most significant 7447 to the of the next 7447 has to be done. If a connection between of the least significant 7447 to 5V is done, the display will turn off when the number is 0. This circuit can also be controlled by a PLC (Programmable Logic Circuit), if the inputs to the BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) come from the 4 output bits of the PLC output card. Chapter 4:  Summary This chapter lists the achievements and developments of the project The following has been achieved in this project: Successful design and simulation of random number generation circuit along with the dice display Block Diagram of the Digital Dice game, circuit diagram for the display of random numbers from 1 6 on the 7 segment display. Successful assembly of wires, binary ripple counter (IC 7493), binary parallel adder (IC 7483), BCD 7 Segment display decoder (IC 7447). The development of this project is as follows. The digital dice game is currently being assembled, and post assembly, it will be used as a game to be played between two players.. Remaining circuit diagrams with more detail about the remaining parts of the block diagram will be designed.

censorship :: essays research papers

Principles of Censorship in Singapore Administration of censorship in Singapore has been performed in a typically methodical manner with guidelines developed through experience.[8] First, materials going into the home are more heavily censored than those going into the corporate world. The Singapore authorities have drawn a distinction between information for business uses, which should be as free flowing as possible, and information for non-business uses. Information for the home is seen to be of a less critical nature so censorship of such information is regarded to have not as deleterious an effect. Second, materials for the young are more heavily censored than those for adults. This is an admittedly paternalistic principle of protecting the weaker members of society from the possible harm of the materials in question. Third, materials for public consumption are more heavily censored than those for private consumption. This is a corollary of the second principle as it is assumed that the public includes those who are "weaker." Also, regardless of the level of censorship those who are determined can always get their hands on them. Hence private consumption can only be policed to a limited extent. Further, it is more efficient to police public instead of private consumption. It should be noted that private consumption of censorship materials is still policed in that those found in private possession of censored materials can be convicted in court. Finally, materials deemed to have artistic and educational merit are less heavily censored. This is a recently articulated principle and has been applied to movies, which now have an R(A) or Restricted (Artistic) rating. In sum, censorship in Singapore has an element of differentiation: home vs. business, children vs. adults, public vs. private consumption. Further, materials that can be shown to have some tangible and wider benefit--such as for business, art and education--are censored with a much lighter hand. On the other hand, materials deemed to have less tangible benefit--such as "pure entertainment"-- are censored more heavily. To be sure, some of these principles come into conflict in the administration of censorship. The concession to artistic materials is an admission of one such conflict. On the Internet, however, the

Mao Zedong

Alyssa Franco 11/28/12 Mao Zedong is considered to be one of the most controversial political leaders of the twentieth century. He has been known both as a savior and a tyrant to the Chinese people. From his strategic success of the Long March, to his humiliating failure of the Great Leap Forward, to the Cultural Revolution that shocked the country and took countless lives, Mao has significantly influenced the result of what China is today. From humble origins, Mao Zedong rose to absolute power, unifying with an iron fist a vast country torn apart by years of weak leadership, imperialism, and war.This astute and insightful account by Jonathan D. Spence brings to life this modern-day ruler and the tumultuous era that Mao Zedong did so much to shape. Mao Zedong was born on December 26, 1893 in Shaoshan village in Hunan. He experienced a middle peasant upbringing that was â€Å"rooted in long-standing rural Chinese patterns of expectation and behavior† (Mao, 10). Mao went to Shao shan village school where he learned the customary Chinese curriculum as well as studied the â€Å"time-honored texts from the Confucian canon† (Mao, 11).At this time in his childhood, the whole country could foresee the fall of the previous dynasty, the Qing. Mao studied to be a teacher at The First Provincial Normal School, in Changsha, which influenced his future thinking and beliefs. He believed that the Chinese way of thinking needed reform, therefore fixated on younger people and peasants to build his political career. In 1912 Mao decided to go to Wuhan. For five years he studied and received an education in academics, as well as politics. When Mao graduated in 1918, he was a political writer with a notable following.He had studied Marxism and other communist ideas and by 1919 considered himself to be a Marxist. For several years Mao wrote on his views and even began establishing groups that shared the same political opinions as he did. Mao had organized a group of Comm unists in Changsha and in 1921when he went to Shanghai to participate in the First National Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. He rose to absolute power when he survived the Long March, a military retreat undertaken by the Red Army to escape the attacks ordered by Chiang Kai-Shek.This began his ascent to power because of the leadership displayed during the retreat. It gained him the support of many members of the party. Through the years Mao had many successes as well as failures as a leader. He put into actions two 5 year plans, established the Hundred Flower Movement, launched the Great Leap Forward, and set the groundwork for the Cultural Revolution, forever leaving his mark in Chinese history. The Great Leap Forward, what was supposed to be one of Mao Zedong’s greatest achievements, in turn actually became his most prominent failure.By 1957, to Mao at least, following the Soviet Union example no longer seemed sufficient. Growth was too slow, too reliant on tec hnical experts, and too controlled. He believed that China had to find a way to use their labor power to revolutionize more rapidly. Mao began to introduce the idea of the Great Leap Forward. In Mao’s mind the Great Leap â€Å"would combine the imperativeness of large-scale cooperative agriculture with a close-to-utopian vision of the ending of distinctions between occupations, sexes, ages, and levels of education† (Mao 143).Through the concentrated work of hundreds of millions of people laboring together, China would convert itself from a poverty stricken nation into a mighty one. Mao believed that China as a whole would procure the â€Å"benefits of scale and of flexibility† (Mao, 143). The peasants and workers performed large amounts of labor, working with â€Å"almost no respite in the fields† (Mao, 144). Trusting Mao, the Chinese Communist party, as well as the people of China got caught up in the idea of a â€Å"utopian† type society and full y supported the plan.This ideal however, did not transfer over to reality. The Great Leap became one of Mao’s biggest failures as the ruler of China. Many officials were surprised at Mao's naivety, especially since Mao used to be a farmer himself. Some Great Leap projects were successes, although all too often they were disasters. These projects were undertaken with too much haste and with so little methodical knowledge that serious mistakes were made. After Mao had realized that his plan was deteriorating he quickly called for a slower pace and more attainable goals.Mao’s faulty economics ended up creating a famine of massive proportions. The Great Leap Forward ended up killing approximately 30 million people as a result of starvation and diseases related to poor supplies and dearth of food, this time period is known as the Three Hard Years. Not surprisingly the Great Leap Forward strained the connection between China and the Soviet Union. Mao was never partial to Khr ushchev, Stalin’s successor, their relations were never affable. The countries continued to grow apart till their political split in 1960.The Great Leap Forward as well as the preceding intellectual Hundred Flowers Movement presented Mao being increasingly detached â€Å"from any true reality check† (Mao, 145). He appeared to be less and less concerned for the consequences that might transpire from his own â€Å"erratic utterances† (Mao, 145). Another notable event that took place during the control of Mao was the Cultural Revolution, 1966-1969. Mao, now 70, was still overly enamored with revolutionary continuity.He told his nephew, what he believed were the five essential elements in his succession: â€Å"One must be a genuine Marxist-Leninist; one must be willing to work for the masses wholeheartedly; one must work with the majority and accept their criticisms, even if the criticisms seemed to be misplaced at the time; one must be a model of obedient discipli ne under the strictures of democratic centralism; and one must be modest about oneself, always ready to indulge in self-criticism† (Mao, 168).Mao then posed this question, â€Å"You grew up eating honey, and thus far you have never known suffering. In future, if you do not become a rightist, but rather a centralist, I shall be satisfied. You have never suffered, how can you be a leftist? †(Mao 168). This question obsessed many of China’s youth during the infancy of the Cultural Revolution. Mao’s answer was to be founded on the idea that â€Å"wanting leftist revolutionary activism could be regenerated by identifying the enemies correctly and then using all one’s ingenuity in rooting them out and destroying them† (Mao, 169).It was a power struggle between Mao and the older officers in the government. Mao used youth and freedom to rally against the older powers in an attempt to show the people that he was really the one with the best idea of Ch inese thought. He did not specifically coordinate the coming of the revolution, â€Å"but he established an environment that made it possible and helped to set many people and issues in place† (Mao, 170). The army became involved because Mao could not control the followers by words alone.Since Lin Biao, in charge of the military, thought that the army would keep the newfound power it had gained through the Cultural Revolution, he decided he would change Mao's power. The army took care of gathering youth from around China to produce the Red Army. This displayed that Mao was still in power and had the Army behind him. Mao left behind him a legacy that cannot be easily forgotten. He reformed the thoughts of the Chinese people from very reserved and old fashioned, to a new age of thinking. Being in power for such a long period of time, and uniting China to make it stronger was a great accomplishment.Mao Zedong should be considered to be a tyrant because of his lack of compassion during the Three Hard Years; although he did manage to capture the hearts of many, especially the youth of his time. Mao did demonstrate extreme perseverance and leadership, controlling China until it was physically not possible for him to do so. Spence does a good job of placing Mao in history, but it's the private man with whom he is most sympathetic. Spence creates Mao as clever and foolish, harsh and loving, practical and naive. Yet Mao's deepest motivations remain mysterious. This book is a satisfactory introduction to the enigmatic life of Mao Zedong.

Moral Values swings the election essays

Moral Values swings the election essays On November 2, 2004, the American people were faced with one of the most important elections of our time. Previous days before Election Day, it seemed as if John Kerry had the popular vote. In the aftermath of the elections, President Bush won the Electoral College vote as well as the popular vote. Before and after the elections, many polls where conducted on which was the major factor for choosing a candidate. It turns out that moral values was a hidden but a major factor. To understand moral values, one must analyze what issues fall under this category and why it cost John Kerry the title of becoming President. Conservatives will say that a same-sex marriage goes against moral values. President Bush is even trying to ban same-sex marriages nationwide. John Kerry on the other hand, supports gay marriages and would leave the constitutional amendment for the states to decide. In exit polls conducted by The Associated Press, 79% of Bush voters choose moral values. If moral values were the major factor among Bush voters, this would imply that about half of the people in this country are against gay marriages. Kerry would have the disadvantage on this issue. Another issue that is brought up when talking about moral values is abortion. Although they have always stirred up controversy, it can not be compared to the Partial Birth Abortion. It was banned in this country by President Bush. Kerry, however, was against banning the partial birth abortion. Kerrys position of being personally opposed to abortion but supports abortion rights is the very thing that contradicts his personal view. This is one of the main reasons why many Americans believe he is a wishy-washy. A candidate should stand firm in what he or she believes, not try to fit into mainstream culture. Finally, the way the candidates projected their faith was also important. Ke ...

A Timeline of the Suez Crisis

A Timeline of the Suez Crisis Learn what events lead to the Suez Crisis, which was an invasion of  Egypt  in late 1956. 1922 Feb 28:  Egypt is declared a sovereign state by Britain.Mar 15:  Sultan Faud appoints himself King of Egypt.Mar 16:  Egypt achieves  independence.May 7:  Britain is  angered over Egyptian claims to sovereignty over Sudan. 1936 Apr 28:  Ã‚  Faud dies and his 16-year-old son, Farouk, becomes King of Egypt.Aug 26:  Draft of Anglo-Egyptian Treaty is signed. Britain is allowed to maintain a garrison of 10,000 men in the  Suez Canal Zone and is given effective control of Sudan. 1939 May 2:  King Farouk is declared the spiritual leader, or Caliph, of Islam. 1945 Sept 23:  Egyptian government demands complete British withdrawal and the cession of Sudan. 1946 May 24:  British premier  Winston Churchill  says the Suez Canal will be in danger if Britain withdraws from Egypt. 1948 May 14:  Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel by David Ben-Gurion in Tel Aviv.May 15:  Start of the first Arab-Israeli War.Dec 28:  Egyptian premier Mahmoud Fatimy is assassinated by the  Muslim Brotherhood.Feb 12:  Hassan el Banna, leader of the Muslim Brotherhood is assassinated. 1950 Jan 3:  Wafd party regains power. 1951 Oct 8:  Egyptian government announces that it will eject Britain from the Suez Canal Zone and take control of Sudan.Oct 21:  British warships arrive at Port Said, more troops are on the way. 1952 Jan 26:  Egypt is placed under martial law in response to wide-spread riots against the British.Jan 27:  Prime Minister Mustafa Nahhas is removed by King Farouk for failing to keep the peace. He is replaced by Ali Mahir.Mar 1:  The Egyptian Parliament is suspended by King Farouk when Ali Mahir resigns.May 6:  King Farouk claims to be a direct descendant of the prophet Mohammed.July 1:  Hussein Sirry is new premier.July 23:  Free Officer Movement, fearing King Farouk is about to move against them, initiate a military coup.July 26:  Military coup is successful, General Naguib appoints Ali Mahir as prime minister.Sept 7:  Ali Mahir again resigns. General Naguib takes over the post of president, prime minister, minister of war and commander-in-chief of the army. 1953 Jan 16:  President Naguib disbands all opposition parties.Feb 12:  Britain and Egypt sign a new treaty. Sudan to have independence within three years.May 5:  Constitutional commission recommends 5,000-year-old monarchy be ended and Egypt become a republic.May 11:  Britain threatens  to use force against Egypt over the Suez Canal dispute.June 18:  Egypt becomes a republic.Sept 20:  Several of King Farouks aides are seized. 1954 Feb 28:  Nasser challenges President Naguib.Mar 9:  Naguib beats off Nassers challenge and retains the presidency.Mar 29:  General Naguib postpones plans to hold parliamentary elections.Apr 18:  For a second time, Nasser takes the presidency away from Naguib.Oct 19:  Britain cedes Suez Canal to Egypt in new treaty, two year period set for withdrawal.Oct 26:  Muslim Brotherhood attempt to assassinate General Nasser.Nov 13:  General Nasser in full control of Egypt. 1955 Apr 27:  Egypt announces plans to sell cotton to Communist ChinaMay 21:  USSR announces it will sell arms to Egypt.Aug 29:  Israeli and Egyptian jets in fire-fight over Gaza.Sept 27:  Egypt makes deal with Czechoslovakia arms for cotton.Oct 16:  Egyptian and Israeli forces skirmish in El Auja.Dec 3:  Britain and Egypt sign agreement granting Sudan independence. 1956 Jan 1:  Sudan achieves independence.Jan 16:  Islam is made state religion by act of Egyptian government.June 13:  Britain gives  up Suez Canal. Ends 72 years of British occupation.June 23:  General Nasser is elected president.July 19:  US withdraws financial aid for Aswan Dam project. The official reason is Egypts increased ties to USSR.July 26:  President Nasser announces a plan to nationalize Suez Canal.July 28:  Britain freezes Egyptian assets.July 30:  British Prime Minister Anthony Eden imposes an arms embargo on Egypt, and informs General Nasser that he can not have the Suez Canal.Aug 1:  Britain, France, and the US hold talks on escalating the Suez crisis.Aug 2:  Britain mobilizes armed forces.Aug 21:  Egypt says it will negotiate on Suez ownership if Britain pulls out of the Middle East.Aug 23:  USSR announces it will send troops if Egypt is attacked.Aug 26:  General Nasser agrees to five nation conference on Suez Canal.Aug 28:  Two British envoy s are expelled from Egypt accused of spying.Sept 5:  Israel condemns Egypt over Suez crisis. Sept 9:  Conference talks collapse when General Nasser refuses to allow international control of the Suez Canal.Sept 12:  US, Britain, and France announce their intention to impose a Canal Users Association on the management of the canal.Sept 14:  Egypt now in full control of the Suez Canal.Sept 15:  Soviet ship-pilots arrive to help Egypt run the canal.Oct 1:  A 15 nation Suez Canal Users Association is officially formed.Oct 7:  Israeli foreign minister Golda Meir says the UN failure to resolve the Suez Crisis means they must take military action.Oct 13:  Anglo-French proposal for the control of the Suez Canal is vetoed by the USSR during the UN session.Oct 29:  Israel invades  the Sinai Peninsula.Oct 30:  Britain and France veto USSR demand for Israel-Egypt cease-fire.Nov 2:  UN Assembly finally approves a cease-fire plan for Suez.Nov 5:  British and French forces  involved in the airborne invasion of Egypt.Nov 7:  UN  Assembly votes 65 to 1 that invad ing powers should quit Egyptian territory.Nov 25:  Egypt begins to expel British, French, and Zionist residents. Nov 29:  Tripartite Invasion  is officially ended under pressure from UN.Dec 20:  Israel refuses to return Gaza to Egypt.Dec 24:  British and French troops depart Egypt.Dec 27: 5,580 Egyptian POWs exchanged for four Israelis.Dec 28:  Operation to clear sunken ship in Suez Canal starts. 1957 Jan 15:  British and French banks in Egypt are nationalized.Mar 7:  UN  takes over the administration of the Gaza Strip.Mar 15:  General Nasser bars Israeli shipping from Suez Canal.Apr 19:  First British ship pays Egyptian toll for use of the Suez Canal.

Differences Between Fordist And Post-Fordist Work Essays

Differences Between Fordist And Post-Fordist Work Essays Differences Between Fordist And Post-Fordist Work Paper Differences Between Fordist And Post-Fordist Work Paper This essay will be examining the conceptual framework of both Fordism and Post Fordism alike. It will be examining how Fordism began, and how through many different changes, both within the industrial sector as well as Society as a whole, there was a switch to Post Fordism. It will incorporate my own experiences of working in retail, in order to demonstrate how I perceive the way in which Post Fordism is evident in the workplace, in addition to demonstrating that, Fordism has not been totally replaced and is still present in more ways than one. Fordism refers to the system of consumption and mass production characteristic of highly developed economies during the nineteen forties, right through until the nineteen sixties. Under Fordism, there was mass consumption combined with mass production, which produced sustained economic growth and widespread material advancement. The 1970s-1990s however have been a period of slower growth and increasing income inequality. During this period of time, the system of organisation of production and consumption has, almost, undergone a second transformation. This new system is often referred to as the flexible system of production or the Japanese management system. On the production side, the flexible system of production is characterised by remarkable reductions in information costs and expenses, total Quality Management, just-in-time inventory control, and leaderless work groups. On the consumption side: by the globalisation of consumer goods markets; faster product life cycles; far greater product/market segmentation and differentiation. Henry Ford, (born 1863- died 1947) founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903. In 1908 the company initiated the production of the Model-T, of which the company sold 15million. It was the first car of its kind to built using a new type of production. Fordism involves the mass production of consumer durables, which are made on moving assembly line techniques operated with the semi-skilled labour of the mass worker. Before cars were produced by hand which was both time consuming and very expensive. The actual physical production of the car was also a problem due to numerous parts involved, the Model T took only 12. hours per car to be built from start to finish, a build time which would have been impossible to sustain on a continuous basis before. It was from this new process of the production line that Fordism took its name. Henry Ford had come up with a way of producing cars that broke the overall production process down into hundreds and sometimes thousands of small, individualised, highly-specialised, parts. By introducing a complex division of labour, Ford r easoned (correctly) that costs could be lowered and profits increased. The production was a new way of thinking and doing, helped made possible by new advances in machinery. Fordism, or Henry Fords new ideas of manufacturing, came about as a solution to a problem: that of how to increase the amount produced and decrease the time needed to produce it. He saw the existing methods of production as being slow, laborious and inefficient. Previously, workers had been highly skilled and because of these specialised skills, they were highly paid. This however, was all about to change. Fords main contributions to mass production/consumption were in the area of process engineering. The hallmark of his system was standardisation. Standardised components, standardised manufacturing processes, and a simple, easy to manufacture and repair, standard product. Ford had done this by employing a workforce that needed the minimal training, and had little skills. Fords first factory was at River rouge in Detroit. The management principals that were in place at that time were that of intensive work-planning and close supervision of the workers. The job involved very little training, and involved the employee to insert a car part into a machine, to which the machine carried out the work, not the employee. Ford regulated how the employees worked, in the sense that he would calculate the speed at which an employee took to carry out a particular task, and then a standard was set. He carried out Time and Motion studies in order to ensure that there was maximum efficiency on the production line, in order to minimise waste. Anyone who didnt comply or couldnt keep up with the times set was dismissed. Ford took great pleasure hiring and firing, often replacing older employees, with younger, faster, more efficient employees. He also had many rules, such as no talking and whispering with fellow employees, as he felt that this distracted them from their work. Others however believed that due to his paranoid nature, he did not want his employees conspiring against his work ethics. Because the job was so repetitive, and restrictive to the employee, morale was also low and the staff turnover was high. This prompted Henry Ford to introduce the Five Dollar a Day. This was a relatively high wage level, however it could only be obtained when the worker had worked for a continuous six months and complied with all the rules that were in place at that time. Henry Ford decided that this was the best way to get the workers to work at the speed, and in the way that he wanted. And so Fordism began. It basically meant that the workforce should be recognised as a valuable, integral part of the production of a product, rather that being treated as a commodity to be kept at arms length. If the workers feel valued and appreciated, then they are much more likely to work harder, with a lot more thought put into their work However, during the great depression in the States, during the nineteen twenties and thirties, there was very little disposable income. Therefore, this meant that there was no longer a great demand for the Ford car. Furthermore, people had become tired of owning the same car as their friends and neighbours, and longed for a change, and a break from the norm. After the depression, during the Long Boom (1945-1970+), the Fordism way of working was no longer seen as a way of treating employees, as well as a way of working and managing working production. After this period, the white collar professionals replaced the assembly line worker in totally new line of work. This was done through the introduction of hi-technology companies, and a great influx in communications and marketing. Scientists, academics and university graduates, who had the skills to invent new information technologies, took the power away from the industrialists and bureaucrats, who for so long had dominated with economic power. The post-Fordist division of the work-force between a skill-flexible core and a time-flexible periphery, which is now replacing the old manual/non-manual distinction, underlies a shift from the post-war vision of a one-nation mass consumption system to a two-nations model based on the affluent flexible worker plus a social security state (Jessop et al. 1987: 109-10) The period of Post-Ford has also witnessed the introduction of better-paid jobs, which, unlike Fordism, also hold better job security. Skilled workers were also better paid and as such a far greater amount of people were taking up places at university, where the end result of an Honours degree meant that many were employed by large companies to design and build robots, which would slowly take over the work of previous employees. Many Functionalists would say that this change, from Fordism to Post Fordism was a momentous step, in the sense that things are changing for employees, and employers for the better. Through perks at work such as work incentives, as well as extra pay for working unsociable hours etc, workers nowadays, in all lines of work, feel that they have received a better deal. From the bin man, who is now referred to as the refuse collector, to the shop worker, who is now referred to as a sales advisor, most would agree that not only standards in the workplace have went up, but also morale, and how people view their jobs. But is this the case? Through examining my own experiences of work, it is apparent that yes, things have changed for better, but also for worse. And that often, the unsuspecting employee is being exploited and demoralised by Post Fordism, all in the name of profits. Whilst working in Marks Spencer before beginning university, employees were subjected to both indirect as well as direct forms of conformity, in every aspect of work. From the first day of work, employees had details of themselves taken for Marks Spencers uses only. These included broad details of Address, and bank account, right through to personal details about health and fitness. At which, on receipt of these, the company knew practically every detail about the employee, and therefore could run checks etc. n them without their knowledge. Employees were then initiated into the company by means of videos, depicting other employees who were so appreciative to Marks Spencer for the conditions and perks that they have in their job. In addition to this was a video in which the Managing Director thanked the new employees for deciding to work for the company. They w ere also told that their work would be well valued and appreciated, and that anything positive they do within the company would go towards prolonging the quality of the company. New employees were then given new, identical uniforms to each other and sent down to work on the shop floor where the policy is The customer is always right, and after watching the videos and being in receipt of the numerous pep talks, each felt they owed a duty to the company.. The Sales Advisor job, to many, is a more sophisticated term for shop worker, however most employees take the term seriously. Contracts were given strictly on a temporary basis. In that there was never any job security, because, employees were employed under the agreement that they would receive a trial run, so-to-speak. And when the period of employment that they had worked was up, they would be graded accordingly, in terms of how they spoke to and listened to customers, and managers alike, the employees appearance and attitude to working, and also most importantly, how hard they worked. Most contracts were given for a maximum of 8 to 10 weeks, and in this time, any employee that had three days of absence was told that their contract would not be renewed, regardless of how they performed in the other criteria of how they worked, i. . timekeeping and appearance. As mentioned previously, the employees wear identical uniforms to each other; this is to suppress individuality and to promote a sense that everyone is equal. Managers however wear smart suits, and show their superiority over the shop floor workers, making them aware that although everyone is important in their own way, some are a lot more important than others, and therefore should receive more respect, in terms of how they are spoken to and treated. During the Marks Spencer revamp during 1998, it was customary for the top managers to come down to the shop floor to engage in conversations with the floor workers about what they thought of the overhaul, giving the impression that the floor workers opinions counted. When in actual fact, the plans had already been drawn up, and so basically, what the managers were doing was to try to boost staff morale, with little impact. New staffs were unable to join the Union as it was thought that they should be on a permanent contract before they joined up, therefore it was hard for someone to voice concern or a complaint. Sales advisors are kept under close guard, in the sense that, there were hi-Tec CCTV cameras, strategically placed around the store, with extra cameras placed in front and behind every till, to record every move. Talking to fellow employees was discouraged, and only permitted if it was work related and relevant to that particular point in time. Although employees were initially welcomed and made to feel like an asset to the company, very soon this appreciation, turned to suspicion and distrust. However, through the intervention of CCTV and Managers, employees and their actions are scrutinised at every move, without them realising it. Overall, this essay has aimed to explain how social relations within the workplace are a result of Fordism and also post Fordism. It is evident that although Fordism proved not to be an acceptable or effective way of treating employees, it wasnt totally off tract. Now days, where Post Fordism is evident almost everywhere, it is apparent that the conceptual framework of Fordism still plays a major role in the company policies of many workforces, from the corner shop, to the large corporations, where keeping the employee on their toes and scrutinising their every move ensures that profits and sales remain high. Employees are ideologically conditioned into believing that they are working for the good of a company, who respects and values what they do. In some cases this is true, but in most cases employees are there merely to boost profits, and are easily replaceable, as they are more than aware of.

Is Evolution True Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Is Evolution True - Essay Example Individuals who have better survival characteristics will have greater chance of reproducing and pass on those characteristics to the off springs (Shubin, 2009). Comparative anatomy is the evidence that two different species of animals share similar anatomical similarities such as similar bone structures. For example, whales and hummingbirds have tetrapod skeletons that are inherited from a common ancestor. However, their bodies have changed and parts have been lost through natural selection. Another example that clearly demonstrates this is the similarities between crocodiles and alligators (Coyne, 2010). Comparative embryology is another concept supporting the theory of natural selection. All vertebrate embryos follow a similar developmental path because of their common ancestry. These embryos have a similar basic body plan due to the similar set of genes they exhibit. For example, the embryos of humans, fish, birds and rabbits look very similar during the early stages. In addition, they all have gill slits and two-chambered heart (Shubin, 2009). In conclusion, evolution by natural selection can still be exhibited in day to day life. For example, nowadays bacteria and viruses are constantly becoming resistant to antibiotics that would work effectively previously. Also, if two people get into a fight, the strongest is likely to win or whereby the strongest and fastest sperm cell usually fertilizes the ovum in

Santorini, Greece Architecture Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Santorini, Greece Architecture - Research Paper Example This volcanic eruption destroyed the center of the island, causing it to sink and to create today’s caldera. The caldera is circular in shape and it is entirely filled with water. In fact, it is the only sunken caldera in the world. The inner coast around the caldera is a precipice of nearly 300-meter drop; it has many layers of solidified layers of lava on top of each other. The outer beaches are very smooth and shallow. Sand color of beaches is different depending upon which geographic layer is exposed; it could be white, red, grey or black sand. The climate of Santorini is affected by its volcanic location. It is generally fair with pleasant temperature throughout the year. The summers are marked by drought. The temperature in the summer months e.g. July and August range from 30 -32 degrees centigrade during the day to 20- 23 degrees at night. Spring and autumn are perfect. The winters are generally humid with mild temperatures. Rain is almost nonexistent, but some showers are expected at the end of April and September. Snow is also very rare. The climate in the Santorini is also affected by the winds rushing in the region. The ‘meltimi’ wind is present in July-August while ‘sirocco’ wind blows here in the spring. The history of Santorini is closely linked with the geophysical characteristics of the region. Santorini and its caldera have been formed due to volcanic activity in the area. Santorini volcano has played an important role in the existence of an island from the prehistoric times to the present date. The island was named Callisto, strongly and Thera before it became Santorini. The name "Santorini" derives from the Crusaders who in their way stood for rest near the Church of St. Irene, so they called the island Santa Irene (Santorini). According to the known Santorini history, its first inhabitants were the pre-Hellenistic in the Bronze Age. After the Phoenicians, Dorians and the Minoans followed.  Ã‚  

Week 2 705 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 2 705 - Assignment Example 138). EBP bundles link to quality patient outcomes through identifying best practices that can be used for efficient and effective interventions that improve health outcomes. The ventilator care bundle, for example, reduces mortality rates in intensive care units. It has also been associated with reducing incidence of ventilator-acquired pneumonia and number of days that a patient takes in an ICU. I would use them in my institution by setting them as guidelines because they guide care personnel into best practices for improved outcomes (Gottwald and Lansdown, 2014). Translational research is a type of research that aims at using evidence-based results for further human research or for improving intervention measures. The research approach focuses on user of research findings, communication of the findings, and transformation of organization for effective implementation of empirical results (Jennings, 2004) for improved delivery of care (Chelsea, 2008). Translational research is, therefore, similar to EBP because of their research scope of knowledge development that can be used for improving care practices. Translational research, however, focuses on use of developed knowledge while focus of EBP is limited to knowledge

Curriculum and Instructional Adaptations, Attitudes and Collaboration Research Paper - 1

Curriculum and Instructional Adaptations, Attitudes and Collaboration for Students with ADHD in an Inclusive Setting - Research Paper Example Curriculum and Instructional Adaptations, Attitudes and Collaboration for Students with ADHD in an Inclusive Setting ADHD is characterized by poor attention spans, being fidgety and restless, heightened variability of task performance, impulsiveness, distinctly observable hyperactivity and inability to exhibit compliance with rule-governed behavior. Such children are easily identifiable and the usual reporting party is either the parents or the teachers’ at the primary level of education of such children. Unless special strategies and instructional adaptations are made for such children at the right stages of their life, they run the risk of being school dropouts and slipping into an abyss of psychological disorders in their adult life. The primary focus of a teacher should therefore be to be well equipped to identify behaviors associated with ADHD in the classroom environment. The classroom has been adjudged as the best environment where such students’ can be recognized. Ready availability of children for developmental comparisons in the classroom and special demands placed on them for attention, learning and self-control elucidate the differences between them, if any. Multiple criteria for diagnosis of such children are described in the American Psychiatrist Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and a well trained and informed teacher is the best candidate to identify such children due to the close proximity, consistent contact and direct observation/evaluation of task handling abilities by them.

Financial Markets and the Real Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Financial Markets and the Real Economy - Essay Example In this perspective, recorded economy includes all economic activities within a country that are recordable and reported through gathering of appropriate statistics (Bailey 78). Non-monetized economy on a different perspective refers to all economic activities that are linked to self-consumption. Therefore, real economy is a composition of all the aspects of economic activities within a given nation. Overview of Financial Markets Financial market on the other hand refers to a place where buyers and sellers (individuals and entities) meet to trade on assets that include equities, currencies, derivatives, and bonds. In most cases financial markets are referred to as stock markets. Amazingly, financial markets are as old as humanity. Financial markets started the moment mankind settled down to engaging in serious activities of growing crops and exchanging them with other crops. Despite this aspect of trade was known as barter, there were some financial markets aspects within the trade. For instance, there are possibilities that some people due to one reason or another attain bad harvest (Levinson 99). However, with the bad harvest such individuals had to struggle and obtain a way of farming and obtaining food for their families. In so doing, there was the aspect of obtaining credit hence the assertion that financial markets are as old as humankind. With advancements and developments, financial markets in the contemporary business environment have taken a totally different shape. There are many forms of financial markets currently all of which have their specific purposes to accomplish. In addition, financial markets developments and advancements have led to formation of highly organized markets like the...This essay attempts to create an understanding of the link between real economy and financial markets, adding to the numerous debates, articles, and studies on the link between financial markets and real economy Real economy is part of economy concerned with actual production of goods and service within a country. Real economy in most cases is referred to as the total economy, which encompasses all the economic components such as economic activities, both monetized and non-monetized transactions, official and unofficial, and all transactions or activities that take place between rural and urban areas Financial markets serve functions in which they are formed or mandated to within a given economy. The first fundamental function that financial markets perform is that of setting price. Through determining the exchange rates, financial markets have the vista of providing price discovery. The second fundamental function of financial markets is the valuation of assets. Through determining market prices, financial markets are in a position of valuing assets Economists believe that a powerful measurement of economic performance is only attainable through obtaining a marginal value of wealth from asset markets. Other than the fact that real economy impacts positively and negatively on financial markets, it is inevitable that financial markets also affect real economy either positively or negatively. In most cases, real economy benefits or is disadvantaged from the various functions of financial markets.

Consider the doctrine of judicial precedent in the law of England and Essay

Consider the doctrine of judicial precedent in the law of England and Wales, having particular regard to its advantages and disadvantages. Cite relevant case law examples in support of your answer - Essay Example The majority of those who support precedent tend to overlook the justice seeking benefit provided by this concept, and are inclined to praise its practical value (Bader & Cleveland, 2011, p. 35). As such, precedent is the intersection of law and justice. The principal value of precedent arises not from its capacity to commit judges to some specific course of action. This value is due to its capability to generate constraint, while permitting a certain amount of discretion. The common law rests on a strong rebuttable presumption that earlier decisions are to be followed (Waddams, 2009, p. 132). It does not require an inviolable presumption in this regard. The contention that stare decisis leads to a rebuttable presumption has been deemed to be incomplete in some quarters. This is due to the fact that there is no indication regarding the strength of the presumption. Moreover, there is an absence of precision regarding the circumstances and reasons for being rebutted (Waddams, 2009, p. 133). This enables citizens to conduct their affairs in a manner that is certain and predictable under the law. Speculative traders could benefit significantly as they would be in a position to determine the stance to be adopted. For instance, the French Civil Code was aimed at protecting French citizens from the prejudicial behaviour of the courts of the Old Regime. Similarly, the fear and chaos prior to and during World War II, was to some extent due to the destruction of certainty and consistency of the law (Luyulei, 2011). For every conceivable situation, precedent has the capacity to provide an analogy. In conjunction with the flexibility possessed by the doctrines of distinguishing and ratio decidendi, the courts are enabled to make incremental adjustments to the law, in order to satisfy the requirements of justice (Luyulei, 2011). Due to precedence, a case builds upon the other, and the law experiences logical development. Moreover,

Curriculum and Instructional Adaptations, Attitudes and Collaboration Research Paper - 1

Curriculum and Instructional Adaptations, Attitudes and Collaboration for Students with ADHD in an Inclusive Setting - Research Paper Example Curriculum and Instructional Adaptations, Attitudes and Collaboration for Students with ADHD in an Inclusive Setting ADHD is characterized by poor attention spans, being fidgety and restless, heightened variability of task performance, impulsiveness, distinctly observable hyperactivity and inability to exhibit compliance with rule-governed behavior. Such children are easily identifiable and the usual reporting party is either the parents or the teachers’ at the primary level of education of such children. Unless special strategies and instructional adaptations are made for such children at the right stages of their life, they run the risk of being school dropouts and slipping into an abyss of psychological disorders in their adult life. The primary focus of a teacher should therefore be to be well equipped to identify behaviors associated with ADHD in the classroom environment. The classroom has been adjudged as the best environment where such students’ can be recognized. Ready availability of children for developmental comparisons in the classroom and special demands placed on them for attention, learning and self-control elucidate the differences between them, if any. Multiple criteria for diagnosis of such children are described in the American Psychiatrist Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and a well trained and informed teacher is the best candidate to identify such children due to the close proximity, consistent contact and direct observation/evaluation of task handling abilities by them.

Consider the doctrine of judicial precedent in the law of England and Essay

Consider the doctrine of judicial precedent in the law of England and Wales, having particular regard to its advantages and disadvantages. Cite relevant case law examples in support of your answer - Essay Example The majority of those who support precedent tend to overlook the justice seeking benefit provided by this concept, and are inclined to praise its practical value (Bader & Cleveland, 2011, p. 35). As such, precedent is the intersection of law and justice. The principal value of precedent arises not from its capacity to commit judges to some specific course of action. This value is due to its capability to generate constraint, while permitting a certain amount of discretion. The common law rests on a strong rebuttable presumption that earlier decisions are to be followed (Waddams, 2009, p. 132). It does not require an inviolable presumption in this regard. The contention that stare decisis leads to a rebuttable presumption has been deemed to be incomplete in some quarters. This is due to the fact that there is no indication regarding the strength of the presumption. Moreover, there is an absence of precision regarding the circumstances and reasons for being rebutted (Waddams, 2009, p. 133). This enables citizens to conduct their affairs in a manner that is certain and predictable under the law. Speculative traders could benefit significantly as they would be in a position to determine the stance to be adopted. For instance, the French Civil Code was aimed at protecting French citizens from the prejudicial behaviour of the courts of the Old Regime. Similarly, the fear and chaos prior to and during World War II, was to some extent due to the destruction of certainty and consistency of the law (Luyulei, 2011). For every conceivable situation, precedent has the capacity to provide an analogy. In conjunction with the flexibility possessed by the doctrines of distinguishing and ratio decidendi, the courts are enabled to make incremental adjustments to the law, in order to satisfy the requirements of justice (Luyulei, 2011). Due to precedence, a case builds upon the other, and the law experiences logical development. Moreover,

Education Essay Example for Free

Education Essay Maraming Pilipino ay nananatiling †walang pakialam, walang interes, at walang komitment. † May pagkamanhid na nagaganap kaugnay ng mga usapin sa moralidad kaya madalas inuunawa na lamang yaong mga bagay na di dapat palagpasin;ang kasamaan ay hindi nasusugpo dahil lubhang abala ang mga tao sa pagkayod ng ikabubuhay. Kung gusto nating tayo’y umunlad, hindi ito dapat magpatuloy. Express your agreement or disagreement to the statement above. Give concrete examples. In what ways have colonial education developed this apathy or lack of interest? In what ways can the present system of education help solve this problem. To a certain extent, I agree and disagree with the statement, I do not wish to appear not  to have a stand on this so allow me to explain: If I were to be realistic, I would have to admit that the statement is true. An example is an ordinary teacher working in a public school who handles three subjects and an advisory class with 30-50 students per class. She has a family of her own with 2-3 children and a husband who is a government employee. She rents a house with a fee of 5 thousand a month, exclusive of utilities. All children are in school. Monthly expenses on food, transportation, school fees etc. exceed her and her husband’s salaries combined. To augment their monthly earnings both husband and wife take on additional jobs, the teacher has private tutorials after school and the husband drives for a family on the weekends and holidays. No one can question her integrity as a teacher; she does her work well and with sincerity. But with the bulk of her responsibilities not only with her own family but with her students, do you think she has the time to debate on issues such as corruption in government? An issue that she was born in and with already. An issue that she has no immediate solution for. An issue that continues even after the post has â€Å"changed hands†. That no matter who sits in government, same problem on corruption occurs but on different levels, depth and facets. For this ordinary teacher, she would rather focus her time on the daily problems she encounters and can provide immediate solutions for – like her students failing grades or, frequent absences. Or misunderstandings with a colleagues, or school projects of her kids. Can we fault her for simply focusing on solutions she has control over? Does that make her insensitive, numb, does not care or uninterested with the issues around her? Will her joining street rallies, taking a day off her from her responsibilities and a day’s pay from her salary, to denounce the government that seemingly disregards her problems address the corruption issue and solve it within the day she can afford to spare? I do not believe so. She does what she can, at times that she can. This attitude is  not  even colonial. It’s an innate Filipino and human value that we all take on when necessary. And the teacher’s attitude of providing solutions at her level no matter how mundane helps the community. Small things like inculcating honest values, and upgrading human respect for others to students under her care would make a difference, so when they grow up and they take on the leadership of the country, she hopes they would be a different brand of leaders. She is but one teacher, but even a small pebble when thrown creates a ripple in any body of water.

Importance of Elasticity Demand

Importance of Elasticity Demand Price Elasticity of Demand (PED) measures the percentage change in the price of a product, to the percentage change of demand for that same product. It is measured through varying degrees of elasticity. An inelastic good means that a change in price will have a very little effect on the demand. Due to PED=%?Q / %?P, inelastic  ­goods have a PED

Audio Engineer Essay -- essays papers

Audio Engineer An audio engineer is responsible for the operation of the soundboard and other equipment in the recording of music, words, sounds, or any combination of such material. There are several types of engineering positions available in today's studios. In large studios, there are usually several engineers, each with the own duties and contributions. There are recording engineers, recording assistants, set-up engineers, maintenance engineers, and even mix-down engineers in some cases. In smaller studios the engineer is usually responsible for all of these duties. As a rule, the engineer should be able to set-up, use, and fix the equipment they work with. In the studio, the recording engineer has to prepare for the recording sessions by setting up the necessary equipment, run the equipment during the session, and break down afterwards. While this sounds all too simple, one must remember that the engineer must work with the producer and the act to achieve the sound they're looking for, as well as troubleshoot any technical problems. This is not always a smooth process. The engineer must employ both creative and technical skills, applying their knowledge and experience to helping create music in collaboration with the artist and producer. There are many degree programs offered by schools around the world, leaving the prospective recording engineer with several routes of training. One method of receiving training in the audio engineering field is through short course and seminars. While these serve only as an introduction to the field by themselves, they are also instrumental in keeping professionals abreast with current trends and technologies affecting the industry. Such seminars are also a great source of networking for the professional. Short courses and seminars are an excellent way of supplementing a one or two-year program to enter the field. These schools tend to concentrate on the actual usage and maintenance of studio equipment. Hands-on experience and intensive exposure to the equipment is an advantage of such a program. Most offer considerable job placement services as well. Trade or occupational schools are a good choice if someone wishes to someday become a recording engineer. A student may also choose to attend a university or college and pursue a four-year degree in audio engineering. Most of these progr... ...ate education for entry into the field. The annual income of an audio engineer can range from $12,000 at an entry-level position to upwards of $125,000+ for top positions. Remember too that successful freelance engineering is very lucrative. Not only can the reputable freelance demand higher pay, but may also share in the royalties of a particularly successful project. There a few things that one needs to consider before choosing to pursue a career in audio engineering. A recording engineer often has to work long, irregular hours. An engineer must also be able to work well under extreme pressure. It also helps if the engineer has a good musical ear, as well as an appreciation of music. Naturally, it helps to be fairly adept technically and electronically. If you feel like this is you, and you can handle working for a long time without reward (hopefully not too long), then a career in audio engineering could be for you. Bibliography: Resources Field, Shelly. Career Opportunities in the Music Industry. 3rd Ed. New York: Facts on File, 1995. Martin, George. Making Music. New York: Quill, 1984. Http://hrdc.igr.com/lmi/occ prof/5225 html (career overview)

Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy Essay -- essays research papers

Looking Backward   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book Looking Backward was written by Edward Bellamy and published in the year 1888. Bellamy started off his career as a journalist but then married and decided to devote his efforts to writing fiction novels. Looking Backward was published and Bellamy was famous. The book stirred around the country and had people imagining a world like the one Bellamy created in his book. The idea of a utopia as the one he describes is unbelievable. His book is what people, of even now in the twenty first century, wish the world could possible be like. However, Bellamy’s world of reasoning and judging of people based on the inner beliefs was not what people of then or now do. Bellamy’s book showed a world of rationality being applied to create a world of down right good and generous people. If rationality was every used to create a wholesome war-hearted society than the picture that Bellamy envisioned would be true today. Bellamy built his utopia upon the positio n that individuals did not compete with one another.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story starts with a preface that explains the sum of the story. The story introduces the fact that Bellamy is writing as if it is already the twentieth century and the world is looked at through rationality. Bellamy uses the character Julian West to represent industrialization and how his utopia are used as the answers is used as the answers to industrialization problems, and Dr. Leete to represe...

Business Class

1) Go to the Bureau of Economic Analysis's Webb site (www. bea. gov) and locate the gross domestic product data. Compare the annual figure for the last four years. What do the figures indicate for the next couple of years? In 2007 it was 4. 9%, in 2008 it was 1. 9%, in 2009 it was -2. 5%, in 2010 it was 4. 2%. 2011 is not yet out. These numbers indicated a rapid decrease and a rapid bounce back. I think for the next couple of years, the figures will rise again before a decrease comes again. ) At the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Web site (www. bls. gov) under Industries, click on Industries at a Glance to find the information about the manufacturing industry. What is the employment trend in manufacturing over the last four years (percentage change from the preceding period)? The unemployment percentage has been going down over the past four years. We are coming off of a 7. 9% unemployment rate. ) Return to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' home page and use the Search feature to find tre nds in employment for the state of Illinois. Look around the Web site to see what other information is available. Plot the trend in manufacturing employment in Illinois over the last four years. On your own, discuss what economic changes may have influenced that trend. In 2009, there was a big unemployment filing from the manufacturing industry due to job loss. That year there was about 65,000 jobs lossed in the manufacturing field. It went from 620k in January to 553k in December. It has been staying around 560k-570k over the past few years though. There are many reasons the manufacturing employment has dropped. Automation, technology, outsourcing, and other things factor in for the decline in jobs since 2009. 4)Based on the information you have gathered, write a brief summary of what may happen to company sales over the next couple years. Based on what I have gathered, company sales will increase

Canadian Blood Services

Company Environment The company Customers Competitors Regulatory Situation Global Environment Major developments and general industry Trends Opportunities and threats Marketing Strategies Mission and Corporate Values Objectives Strategies Marketing Functions Product Price Promotion Place Analysis and Suggestions M analysis G analysis Conclusion Bibliography Appendix Global Environment Major Developments General Industry Trends According to a survey conducted by the Pet Products Manufacturer Association, more than 71. 1 million or 63% of U. S. ouseholds have a pet. (Gundersen, 2008) The pet food market has proven to be a very attractive market, according to the 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association, it is estimated that US$47. 7 billion was spent on pets in the US in 2010, with US$18. 28 billion being spent on pet food alone. The strong spending comes amid price increases in nearly every pet food category, the result of rising costs of fuel, ingredients and transportation for ma nufacturers. (Taylor, 2010) Opportunities: One of the biggest advantages NPP has is that it is a subsidiary of Nestle.What this means is that NPP can rely on the substantial and large funds of its parent company in order to expand its line of products, do some more aggressive marketing and pricing and have a cushion to fall back on in case of having sales decrease. The second great opportunity for NPP is the fact that pet owners are seeking for more luxurious products for their pets and they’re getting greater interest in what they feed their pets with. What this means is that the pet food market is expanding rapidly, especially in North America. According to a survey conducted by the Pet Products Manufacturer Association showed that in the U.S. more than half of the households have at least one pet in their houselod. (Gundersen, 2008) Threats: As in any business, one of the biggest threats is having numerous competitors; this is a big concern to NPP considering that they are not the leading company in the pet food industry. Not only NPP has to compete against the already established big pet care companies but there is a trend that all major pet care retailers are starting their own line of products. Having all these product lines and competitors only mean lower sales as more consumers decide to switch brands.Although North America is a well-established and growing market for pet care products, there are some other markets where customers are not well educated about the products and this may be an obstacle. An example provided by the Datamonitor report about NPP gives an example of owners believing home meals are more nutritious for their pets than commercially prepared food for pets. This is a common misbelief in emerging markets. Company environment The Company: The company we decided to research is Nestle. Nestle is currently the largest food and beverage company in the world.This company has a wide range of products such as milk based products, ice creams, prepared dishes and pharmaceutical products as of beverages. Its top brands or the ones that contribute the most to the company are Nestle, Nespresso, Maggi, KitKat, Purina and Friskies among others. Nestle is a Switzerland based company that was surged back in 1866, when the first European condensed milk factory was opened in Cham, Switzerland, by the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. One year later, Henri Nestle, a trained pharmacist, launched one of the world’s first prepared infant cereals ‘Farine lactee’ in Vevey, Switzerland.The two companies merged in 1905 to become the Nestle  you know today, with  headquarters  still  based in the  Swiss town of Vevey. The company is currently employing over 328 000 employees worldwide and has factories or operations in almost every country in the world. For the purpose of the marketing review, we decided to talk specifically of one of the many brands that Nestle owns, being this â€Å"Nestle Purina PetCare Company† or NPP. This subsidiary is one of the most influential brands of Nestle and its main focus and line of products rely on the manufacturing of pet food products.The headquarters for this branch of Nestle are located in St. Louis, Missouri in the United States of America. Customers: Nestle Purina PetCare Company operates in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Central America and South Africa, what this means is that NPP is able to reach several different markets around the world and a great deal of possible consumers. Competitors: Considering Nestle Purina PetCare operates on a global market, it also has several competitors. Some of its strongest competitors are Mars Inc, Colgate-Palmolive Co. and Procter & Gamble Co. Their main competitor is Mars Inc. hich is the only company that has been able to surpass Nestle in pet food sales; having sold approximately US$13. 3 Billion compared Nestle’s US$12. 9 Billion. Regulatory Situation: The pet food industry is heavily regulated by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) in the case of the United States. However, all Purina’s North America facilities have on-site quality assurance laboratories and staff. One of the means by which Purina try to maintain its quality standards is by having 99% of the roducts sold in North America manufactured at Purina-owned U. S. manufacturing facilities. Also, Purina ingredient sourcing and processing meets or exceeds all the regulations implemented by the agencies mentioned above. Distribution/Sales Channels Nestle Purina Petcare uses a multichannel distribution approach in order to make it easier for consumers to get their product. One example and, for some the most convenient, is purchasing their products through Purina’s website. Customers avoid any sort of middleman and they get the product delivered directly to their front door.This is an example of direct distribution, which is having the manufacturer dealing directly with the consumer. On the other hand, NPP also uses an indirect distribution approach which consists in having one or more intermediaries work with manufacturers to provide goods and services to consumers. This is the most common way by which people purchase products as it is the case when consumers go to retailers to buy a product that the retailer bought from the manufacturer. In other words, when a consumer goes to their local grocery shop and they buy Purina products, they are purchasing through indirect distribution. Grewal, 2012) General Strategy Business Mission: Nestle's mission is to satisfy each customer needs by offering and selling high quality food, worrying about nutrition and health of their customers to provide good food for good life. â€Å"At Nestle, we believe that research can help us make better food so that people live a better life. Good Food is the p rimary source of Good Health throughout life. † (Nestle, 2012) â€Å"Nestle’s objectives are to be recognized as the world leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness, trusted by all its stakeholders, and to be the reference for financial performance in its industry. † (Nestle, 2012) Corporate valueNestle is focused on certain values within the company that make them unique in the global market. They are focused on health, wellness and nutrition of each customer through every product but it is also important the security and safety of each product has high quality. Moreover, it is also important to note that in Nestle is always looking to have open communication with clients and they respect the privacy of them. (Nestle, 2012) In organization is important to respect human rights within and outside the organization but Nestle is not only worry to respect human rights but also the environment in which employees are in this company.It also is important to prevent acci dents, injuries and illnesses within the company, which Nestle has a document that explains each of the regulations of health and safety policies. (Nestle, 2012) The relationships between the company and suppliers are very important which is why Nestle has a code of suppliers which explain how have to the relationships, always demonstrating honesty and respect between them. (Nestle, 2012) Nestle will help rural communities and farmers to obtain a production system that cares about the environment.It is also important use products that are friendly to the environment, as well as the conscious use of water that is necessary and vital to every human being. (Nestle, 2012) Objectives (short and long term) * â€Å"Be recognised as the world leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness, trusted by all its stakeholders, and to be the reference for financial performance in its industry†. (Nestle, 2012) * Provide a safe environment and social responsibility. * Understand local and global n eed. â€Å"Achieve leadership and earn that trust by satisfying the expectations of consumers† (Nestle, 2012) and create close and long relationship between their brand and customer. * â€Å"We are investing for the future to ensure the financial and environmental sustainability of our actions and operations: in capacity, in technologies, in capabilities, in people, in brands, in R;D. † (Nestle, 2012) * Make sure that they can satisfy future generation and ensure that they will have â€Å"profitable growth year after year†. (Nestle, 2012) Marketing strategies * Competitive advantages:In order to gain a competitive advantage is important to have product or brands that can differentiate from others, also be in everywhere so that people feel identified with the product. For Nestle, culture, values and attitudes of individuals are important to determining what their needs are; they try to offer unique products in each geographic point where customer are. (Netle, 20 12) * Growth drivers: Today people are more conscious about having good food and nutrition, plus a healthy life. Nestle is focused on these areas which make them to have a large market. [Everything] we do is driven by our Nutrition, Health and Wellness agenda, Good Food, Good Life, which seeks to offer consumers products with the best nutritional profile in their categories† (Nestle, 2012) * Operational pillars: Innovation is always important in any business; people are always looking for change and find better products. Nestle is always looking to innovate and renew each of their products in order to engage their customers and stay in the market; offering products that are unique and makes them different than the competition.It is also important make the process most efficient from the product development to delivery of the consumer (Nestle, 2012) Marketing functions: Product and services Nestle Purina Petcare has a wide line of different pet food products. They have speciali zed food and treats for both dogs and for cats. Among the products designed for dogs they have a wide variety of products, which classified as of Purnia’s website are: Adult Dogs, Puppy Food, Senior Food, Targeted Dog Nutrition, Dog Treat and Dog Litter and Training Pads.Among all these categories they offer 28 different products that are sold under different labels. On the other hand, their cat oriented products are classified as: Adult Cat Food, Kitten Food, Senior Cat Food, Targeted Cat Nutrition, Cat Treats and Cat Litter. On their cat food line of products, they offer 24 different products and all of these are sold under different labels. Purina offers over 50 different products for both dogs and cats and these are sold under 20 different labels.This is one of the reasons why Purina has been able to dominate in this market, as it has been able to give an option for almost every single kind of need that customers may have due to their wide variety of products. Pricing Con sidering the pet food industry is a very competitive market, NPP has been forced to change its pricing strategies to adapt to the market. Currently, NPP uses a competitor based pricing method that an approach that attempts to reflect how the firm wants consumers to interpret its products relative to the competitors’ offerings. text book citation) The biggest problem with keeping up with competitive prices is that it prevents companies to increase prices and its revenue is also decreased as they have to make greater investments in advertising which increase costs and therefore decrease revenue as well. Distribution activities Nestle Purina Petcare uses a multichannel distribution approach in order to make it easier for consumers to get their product. One example and, for some the most convenient, is purchasing their products through Purina’s website.Customers avoid any sort of middleman and they get the product delivered directly to their front door. This is an example of direct distribution, which is having the manufacturer dealing directly with the consumer. On the other hand, NPP also uses an indirect distribution approach which consists in having one or more intermediaries work with manufacturers to provide goods and services to consumers. This is the most common way by which people purchase products as it is the case when consumers go to retailers to buy a product that the retailer bought from the manufacturer.In other words, when a consumer goes to their local grocery shop and they buy Purina products, they are purchasing through indirect distribution. (Grewal, 2012) Promotion activities Coupons are largely used by NPP and its competitors in order to increase sales. Coupons provide a stated discount to consumers on the final selling price of a specific item; the retailer handles the discounts. (Grewal, 2012) Your Analysis and Suggestions Appendix: Example of the company’s promotion Research Material References: http://www. petfoodindu stry. com/6371. html Taylor 2010 http://www. estlepurina. com/History. aspx PURINA HISTORY http://www. purina. com/coupons-and-offers/couponsandoffers. aspx COUPONS AND ETC http://www. purina. com/commitment-to-quality/commitmenttoquality. aspx REGULATIONS http://www. linkedin. com/company/nestle-purina LINKEDIN PROFILE Gundersen, R. (2008). A Growing Trend: Pet Owners Who Include Animals in Their Estate Planning. Journal Of Financial Service Professionals, 62(4), 70-76. http://saveonfoods. gsnrecipes. com/Shop/WeeklyAd. aspx promotion Nestle. (2012). Nestle good food, good life. Retrieved from http://www. nestle. com/AboutUs