Declaration of Sentiments: Blog Response Essay

After 156 years, you would think that the issues brought up in the Declaration of Sentiments would have been resolved by this day, but unfortunately that is not the case. Since the dawn of capitalism, developing around the same time period the Declaration was written, it has become one of the most powerful (if not THE most powerful) economic structures in the world. It is no coincidence that this structure has become increasingly dependent on the destruction of women’s self-image, self-respect, and self-worth in order to sell more products. In the Declaration of Sentiments, one of the grievances listed recounts men’s continuing dominance over women’s self- respect. It reads as follows: â€Å"[Man] has endeavored, in every way that he could to destroy her confidence in her own powers, to lessen her self-respect, and to make her willing to lead a dependent and abject life.† It’s heartbreaking to see that this issue is still so pervasive today. It is not a learned behavior to hate one’s own appearance, hate one’s own size, and to feel as though there is a rigid sphere in which a person should inhabit. All of these self-worth issues have repeatedly been projected at women by men for years– whether it be through religious standards, social norms, or in this case, through profit. This method is much more insidious and less blatant than the traditional concept of men literally exerting physical dominance over women. In fact, the destruction of women’s self-worth via modern capitalism is so normal that it goes completely unnoticed. It’s because of subtleties like this that some people believe that sexism is no longer a problem. However, many people don’t seem to give any thought to the fact that women aren’t born believing that they are not pretty enough, not the right size, and that there are only a set amount of career options for them. Around age seven, a roughly equal number of boys and girls have ambitions to become the president of the United States. However, when asked the same question again at age 14, the number of girls with the same ambition dropped significantly . Most of the sexism perpetrated today feels normalized and flies under the radar for most of the media-consuming population. Another subtle way in which sexism exists isn’t even committed by men—women are taking part in a cycle of misogyny and hatred of the members of their own gender. Very commonly nowadays you see young girls and even grown women claim to be different from their female peers in order to seem more appealing to men. It’s a very simple self-perpetuating way for misogyny to exist without ever being perpetrated by males. With the â€Å"not-like-other-girls† mindset, women are pitted against other women, as opposed to standing in solidarity against the very institutional sexism they have been unknowingly perpetuating. Girl-on-girl hate has been sensationalized and normalize in the media via television shows (see Gossip Girl), movies (see Mean Girls), and books (see The Clique series) all of these are specifically targeted for young girls. Often the antagonists of these stories are female peers and the happy ending or â€Å"reward† is finally getting to be with which ever boy that has been lusted over for the length of the story. While they do highlight the very real issue of bullying in schools, these stories do little to nothing to promote the friendship and commonality that young girls have together. In relation to the aforementioned grievance, self-image doesn’t have to be limited to one’s personality or appearance—it can refer to one’s gender, and can lead to the dislike of members of one’s own gender. It’s easy to focus on the issues that have yet to be resolved. However women have made many strides since this Declaration of Sentiments was written. One of the first monumental movements started, led, and accomplished by women was women’s suffrage. This led to later allowing women the equal opportunity to work in office. Smaller yet equally necessary movements have been sprouting all across the globe such as body positivity, anti-street harassment, and sex positivity, which aims to get rid of the double standard between men and women’s sexual activity. Although many feel sexism has been irradiated it is still very much alive despite the many victories women have had. Socially, politically, and sexually women have been repressed and overpowered but with hopeful generations massive amounts of development is yet to come. Bibliography Cogdon, Jessica, Claire Dietrich, and Jenny Raskin. Miss Representation. Prod. Jennifer S. Newsom. 22 Jan. 2011. Television.

Swot Analysis and Organizational Development in the Nigerian Public Service

Abstract: The public service in Nigeria has suffered setbacks which are largely attributed toineffective and inefficient management. The general poor service delivery of publicservice organizations can be attributable to the inability of these organizations todevelop proper evaluation strategies that would assist them refocus on their coremandates. A relatively new concept in organizational management, SWOT is a toolthat assists organizations assess themselves by evaluating their internal and externalcompetencies, challenges, opportunities and threats, with a view to enhancing their performance.Using secondary data and a purely descriptive approach, the paper examines the concept of public service and organizational development and prescriptively presents SWOT as one such tool that can enhance the performance of public service agencies. Conclusion: In today’s organizational context, performance has assumed a pivotal role in the face off rapid changes in the domains of globaliz ation and technology. To survive, grow and succeed in achieving their objectives public enterprises in Nigeria must become aware of their strength, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges.This can be achieved by using SWOT analysis in performance management decisions. In the Nigerian public service, annual budgets and annual performance evaluations areused in managing performance-outcomes and behavior. These deal with the past and not futuristic. The use of SWOT analysis framework can help improve enterprises ‘efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability. This will turn around the Nigerian public service and enable it to achieve the national goals and remain an influential institution and as an instrument of public service delivery and development.Nevertheless, while useful for reducing a large quantity of situational factors into a more manageable profile, the SWOT framework has a tendency to over-simplify the situation by classifying the organization environment into catego ries in which they may not always fit. The classification of some factors as strengths or weakness or as opportunities or threats is somewhat arbitrary. Perhaps what is more important than the superficial classification of these factors is the organization’s awareness of them and the development of a strategic plan to se them to its advantage. In view of the expected benefits of SWOT analysis, we recommend that public service organizations should take advantage of this management tool to improve on their overall performance and service delivery. SWOT analysis will expose these organizations to their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats so as to assist them to take evidence based decisions about strategies that will focus on effectively achieving their core mandates and visions.

Analysis of USEC Inc.

USEC is the world’s leading supplier of enriched Uranium to nuclear power plants. Due to the expiration of long term energy cost savings contracts, USEC is examining the possibility of taking on a new project called the American Centrifuge Project. This project will utilize a different process for Uranium enrichment, which is the core business process of USEC. The new technology process uses much less energy, which will reduce manufacturing costs and keep USEC on the leading edge of technology in the enrichment market space. As with any major energy industry project, the ACP project comes with a huge price tag of around $1. billion. Investment of this size cannot be made without due analysis. We have taken in to account all the details given while calculating key statistics for this project. A thorough analysis is in the best interests of USEC as the project will provide them with the freedom to implement new technologies in the uranium enrichment process in their own plant. W ithout this, USEC is constrained to lease the government owned plants which usually comes with its own restrictions. We will be calculating the individual cash flows of its existing Paducah operations and the ACP project it is planning to invest in.Our decision will be based on the incremental NPV and IRR. This report will walk us through all the important aspects of our analysis and ultimately to our final decision of whether accepting or rejecting the project. Background USEC is pursuing ACP for several reasons, most of which can be attributed to an increasing gain by its competitors in the market space. USEC’s long term contract for a lower cost power supply for their current process had expired. This left USEC with much higher costs for electricity, which is heavily used in the current process for Uranium enrichment, gaseous diffusion.This jump in energy cost reduced the margins USEC was receiving on sales, as compared to their competitors. This is driving the need to com e up with an alternative solution to the current process. The ACP technology is being looked at because it could give a competitive advantage to USEC against its competitors. ACP will lower the production costs and improve USEC’s technology position in the market. If the company takes on the ACP project, USEC will reach 6. 5 million units in production by 2013. A minimal level of maintenance would be required due to the improved technology and better facilities.ACP would also double the size of USEC as a whole. Cash Flow Calculations We are providing below the assumptions and other calculations we used while computing the WACC and the cash flows. * Net working capital of 5% of sales will be used for both Paducah and ACP project * Inflation is assumed to be 3% * Flotation costs are ignored for cost of equity. * We assume a risk-free rate of 5. 09%. This number comes from the current yield of the 30 year T-bond as shown in Exhibit 5. * 50% reduction in enrichment cost start fro m year 2011 (for ACP project).Without the 50% reduction, the enrichment cost in 2011 would have been $50. 15. We are going to start at 50. 15/2=$25. 07 (50%) from year 2011 as enrichment cost and from there it will again increase at the rate of inflation which is 3%. In 2011, the total capacity will be 3. 5M (2. 5M from ACP and 1M from Paducah). While calculating the enrichment cost for the year 2011, we used the reduced cost for the ACP capacity which is 2. 5 million and the original enrichment cost for the scaled down Paducah plant capacity which is 1 million. * Change in NWC for 2006 will be 0.The NWC will be recovered at the end of he final period which is at the end of year 2025. * The CAPEX and the depreciation cost for the Paducah plant in the year 2011 will be prorated to the reduced capacity of 1 million while calculating the cash flow for the ACP project. * Market Risk Premium will be assumed as 6% * CAPEX for Paducah, Paducah depreciation, and lease expenses are fixed and prorated where required but is not adjusted for inflation. Weighted Average Cost of Capital To calculate the weighted average cost of capital, we first calculated the market value of debt and equity.The case exhibits provided the necessary data to calculate the market value of debt and equity. The weight of debt and equity were calculated to be around 32 and 68 percent respectively. Appendix will provide the detailed steps we used to calculate the WACC, individual cash flows for Paducah and ACP and the incremental cash flows. A risk free rate of 5. 19%, a Beta of 1. 3, and a market risk premium of 6% were used to calculate the cost of equity using CAPM. For cost of debt, we used the given 9. 04%. We came up with the after tax WACC of 10. 57%Analysis and Recommendation. We are comfortable in using the WACC as the discount rate for cash flow calculation. NPV calculation using the WACC as the discount rate will provide us some idea about whether this project is at least worth or not f or the cost of capital. But to make our final decision, we would really look at the incremental IRR and NPV to see how much more or less it comes up when compared to the discount rate. We will be expecting an IRR which is at least 2 percent above the discount rate as a justification to recommend a project of this size. We calculated the NPV for ACP to be $1,910,199,999. 1 which is greater than the NPV for Paducah at $1,615,996,848. 88. The incremental internal rate of return and NPV of this project are 13. 12% and $294,203,150. 14 respectively. The incremental IRR of 13. 12% is 2% more than the discount rate of 10. 57% (or WACC in our case). Current stock price of $10. 80 is based on USEC’s current business model. We believe that the current stock price is undervalued as it does not reflect the potential of the ACP project. As a result, the stock price will increase. So based on the NPV and incremental IRR, it would be in USEC’s best interest to accept ACP.The ACP proj ect will help the firm to double its capacity and improve the technology to gain the competitive advantage in the industry. The long term prospect of USEC will be bright as a result of ACP project. Though the ACP plant will be completely depreciated at the end of its life cycle of 15 years, it will provide USEC with more opportunities to further improve on the technology which has proved profitable already and to invest in more lucrative future projects which will ultimately improve the financial bottom line of the organization.

The Emerging areas of Social Software Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Emerging areas of Social Software - Essay Example Actually we have reached here through a long and gaining experience for hundreds of years in broadcast media. The experience was gained through printing press and broadcasting through radio and Television. We had earlier the communication technique such as telephone and telegraph before email and other electronic media came into existence. The vast experience gained through these personal or one-to-one way of communications or social communication through radio, TV etc help us in quickly adopting these new social software through which a fast communication through Internet takes place. The Major social software: Now we have all three types of communication i.e. one-to-one way of communication (instant messages, email), one-to-many way of communication (blogs) and many-to-many way of communication (wikies). Let us see how the three ways of communication takes place. a) Instant Messaging (One-to-one communication): Instant messaging is a one-to-one way of communication and by this techniques a person can communicate with other person privately over a network. The major instant messaging provider includes skype, yahoo messenger, and msn messenger, ICQ etc. The system highlights a group of people if they are online and thus you need to have the email id of the person to know whether he or she is online. You can open any instant communication to any of the person whose status is online. These are very simple to use and people can communicate with each other in almost real time across the globe. b) Blogs (0ne-to-many): Blogs and websites are the examples of one-to-many way of communication are becoming more and more popular. Many people write blogs and the readers of these blogs can post their views about the topic. There are a large number of people having their blogs on the net. Some of the common blog websites includes blogspot and livejournal. c) Wikies (Many-to-many): Wikies are the excellent examples of many-to-many way of communication. Here in wikies a person can edit the content written by another writer. So, a number of people can write and edit the contents available on the websites. The examples of these websites include Metballwiki, Wikipedia and Wiktionary. d) VoIP: VoIP or voice over Internet protocol is also termed as Internet telephony or IP telephony. In VoIP the voice is routed through IP based networks and requires a broadband and therefore it is also termed as broadband telephony or voice over broadband. The voice over IP protocols are used to communicate voice between two users and these services are very cheap and even a VoIP to VoIP phone calls is either free or costs too less. There are lots of advantages of VoIP over dialed PSTN and some of these includes incoming calls are automatically routed to your VoIP even when you are out of town, VoIP work from anywhere with a reliable Internet connection, mobile VoIP facilities and many more. The main difficulty with VoIP is that you can not send fax from it (Wikipedia, undated). Emerging Trends in social software: The major advantage of social software in Community gain: There

Nutrition 2B Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nutrition 2B - Essay Example ngs regarding the fact that whether I am obtaining the required amount of nutrition or not from the intake of my favorite non-veg meals (KFC, â€Å"Food†). I am fond of KFC’s chicken buckets and thus, visit the outlet once a week. I majorly place order for the Kentucky grilled chicken (6 pieces) bucket and the extra crispy (6 pieces) bucket on alternate basis. Apart from these two, I also order for rice bowl meals, desserts, mac & cheese and green beans for altering my taste. Thus, evaluating the nutritional value served within each bucket (6 pieces) of grilled chicken in the first step (KFC, â€Å"Food†). The above formulated tabular charts project a clear description regarding the percentage of nutritional value, which I get from the favourite foods I order in a KFC food outlet. The data provided within the table helps in determining that the ordered food combinations cannot provide the complete amount of calorific value, which I require on daily basis as a diabetic patient. The level of saturated fat intake from the chicken bucket is high in comparison to other food items depicted in the third table. Moreover, it can be observed that the percentages of sodium provided by each of the food products are quite high. The below provided table describes about the daily nutritional requirements for diabetic patients (Treatment For diabetes, â€Å"3 Diabetes Diet Meal Plan Guidelines†). Apart from just sodium and calorie value, protein intakes through the consumption of the chicken buckets are also high in comparison to the regular calorie requirement. However, one specific benefit of consuming fast food combos is that the level of intake of trans fat is comparatively low as can be understood from the tabular data. Thus, for consuming the appropriate amount of calorie and other specific intakes, it is necessary that I make certain alterations within the previous order combinations. Although being a big fond of the KCF chicken items, I will have to focus more on the

The Dream is now Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Dream is now - Essay Example One of my friends has completed his university studies last year but up to date he is unable to secure any job of his dream in the government or high ranking agencies in this country. This is because his status of being undocumented. Hence, end up settling for less than what all through he has worked hard and smart to do in life, which is quite a disappointing. In most cases, this has prompted him to struggle financially as he tries to cater for varied expenses, which if he was employed like any other said documented citizens life to him would have been quite easy. Based on my experience and what I have learnt through this 30-minutes video, undocumented immigrants face utter segregation when it comes to employment opportunities. This is despite having gone through extremely demanding learning process entailing not only financial commitments but also one’s time. It is quite demoralizing especially when one all through has studied and excelled but he or she cannot manage to secure a good employment opportunity with the government as well as its agencies. This is despite both the regime and its agencies having such openings for fresh graduates but those recruit cannot dare think of undocumented candidates having the required skills and expertise. In addition, these undocumented immigrants despite having excelled well in high school, higher institutions cannot take them. Hence, end up making them undergo extremely tedious and demoralizing processes if they ever secure a chance in those institutions. In most cases, this goes to the extent of some candidates giving up in life if they are not strong willed. After watching this film, I learnt those in high offices especially from both sides of the influential political parties only careless about the undocumented. This is by coming into a consensus of what ought to be done in

Managing the Multinational Firm Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Managing the Multinational Firm - Research Paper Example A good example of this is bankrolling a retreat for legislators while threatening to relocate. Daniels, Sullivan & Radebaugh (2006). Multinational corporations are able to affect the lives of the ordinary citizens through, among other things their products and employment policies. Daniels, Sullivan & Radebaugh (2006). Their preference for employing workers under contract rather than permanent terms, for instance, has led to the emergence of 'permanent casuals', individuals employed under contract terms for their entire productive lives. Also multinationals are no longer the preserve of the industrialized west. They are emerging from the less developed nations and spreading their reach worldwide. The bulk of material in this paper has been sourced from written references and covers companies in different countries and operating environments. The paper will look at the obstacles and consequences of a company having a presence in several countries. It will also study the people factor a s reflected in cultural differences and work ethic. The question of administering operations both local and overseas and competitive advantage is also considered. Daniels, Sullivan & Radebaugh (2006). As a manager of a multinational company I one has access to huge sums of money due to economies of sale and access to a very large market. The manager can also raise capital on international equity market. This enables the company to invest heavily in research development capital goods and employee development. Daniels, Sullivan & Radebaugh (2006). These will in turn lead to further increase in revenue. Innovations will lead to an improvement in living standard in countries where the multinational has a presence. The multinational will also create employment through growth of support industries to supply the multinational with raw materials. The multinational will also boost foreign exchange reserves in the home country generated by exports. With its presence alone the multinational will raise the bar for national producers and force them to raise he standards of their goods. Daniels, Sullivan & Radebaugh (2006). Multinational corporation also purchase local firms by way of investment exposing their goods to a wilder market and profiting the original entrepreneur e.g. Google's purchase of you tube multinational companies also boost trade as most world trade is between companies in the process they facilitate spread of technology and also act as a conduct for local firms to get their goods onto the international market. Daniels, Sullivan & Radebaugh (2006). Multinational firms also provide technological know how, same of which requires large capital investment. The sums involved may be out reach a government but quite reasonable for a multinational company. They may also have the technology and simple pass it on. By investing in other countries they are able to capitalize on the knowledge gained and test it more thoroughly in different scenarios other than those already a encounter. Daniels, Sullivan & Radebaugh (2006). Reputable multinationals can also allow private individuals or small business to benefit from their size reputation and accumulated expenses agreements.

My Dilemma (acquisition, merger and initial public offer) Research Paper

My Dilemma (acquisition, merger and initial public offer) - Research Paper Example How the Dilemma came about One Monday morning when I got to the office, something strange and out of protocol happened. Hitherto, I rarely had any say on proposals for growth and expansion. I was more or less a passive observer who was around to learn from his superiors. This time round I was not even asked to give contributions towards a proposal to be sent to management but to select one of three choices management had taken on a long term growth and expansion move. Most of the time, proposals from my department to management were discarded but when proposals came from management to my department, it meant that the proposal was certainly going to be implemented. This means that the choice I made was going to be implemented. For a student on internship to decide the long term growth and expansion program for the multi million advertising company was indeed a herculean task. The dilemma was also with the fact that I had to choose among options given by management. The options were acquisition, merger and initial public offer. The company was considering either purchasing an events organization company or merging with the events organization company or putting its shares on public offer as a means of expanding the existing company. This was a dilemma because all three options had their own advantages and disadvantages. It was indeed difficult pointing out which of the options was going to be better than the either. Meaning of the three options Merger has been explained by Farlex (2011) to be â€Å"a combination of two or more companies in which the assets and liabilities of the selling firm(s) are absorbed by the buying firm.† It continues to posit that in the event of merger, there is a â€Å"decision by two companies to combine all operations, officers, structure, and other functions of business† (Farlex (2011). To this effect, it meant th at if I chose the option of merger, my company would have been tagged as the buying firm. It also meant that by merger, our company was going to combine all its operation, staff, structure and organizational culture with the selling firm. The new company that was going to be formed out of the merger was not going to be under the outright ownership of our firm but then ownership shared by the two companies in question. The Investopedia (2011) on the other hand explains that â€Å"when one company takes over another and clearly established itself as the new owner, the purchase is called an acquisition.† The implication of this definition is that if this choice was chosen by me, our company was

Controversy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Controversy - Essay Example In fact, the market economy of New Zealand is one of the most prosperous economies of the world with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $181.3 billion, as on April, 2013 (OECD, 2013). Taxation in New Zealand is a vast and complex phenomenon. Since 1980, the country is going through significant tax reform programs for the purpose of restructuring its marginal tax rate system. In 2010, the marginal income tax rate was reduced from 66% to 33%, corporate tax rate was also diminished from 48% to 33%. GST (Goods and Service Tax) was introduced at a rate of 10% initially. However, imposition of Capital Gain Tax in New Zealand still remains a controversial issue. A Capital Gain Tax may be defined as the tax levied on realization of assets such as shares, bonds and properties or capital gains for individuals and corporations. This kind of tax is imposed when investors realize a profit by selling the capital asset at a price higher than the purchase price. In this paper, the significance of introducing Capital Gains Taxation in New Zealand’s economy will be discussed and eventually relevant inference regarding the concerned matter will be drawn (OECD, 2013). New Zealand is one among the three countries in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) which is not having Capital Gains Tax. According to the reports from March, 2014 both the Labour Party and Green Party of New Zealand are advocating the importance of imposing Capital Gains Tax. However, implication of imposition of such tax burden is still in debate (Claus, Creedy & Teng, 2012). Capital Gains Tax from economic income perspective is a long debated issue. Arguments can be introduced in this regard by experiencing the Labour Party’s effort to establish horizontally equitable income by taxing the capital gain on accrual basis and by imposing taxes at an equal rate on capital gain irrespective of their other source of income. Apart from that, be it Labour or Green Party, the

The State Council as the central government plays a highly important Essay

The State Council as the central government plays a highly important role in Chinas law making process. Discuss - Essay Example The council administers the local and the international government plan and hence is a general body which holds the entire responsibility of serving the public and the country collectively1. The State Council of China is a public administration body. It is an institution which is on the highest level of administration. The members of the State Council consist of premiers, vice premiers, ministers, commissioners, general-auditors and secretary generals with a bench to form for public administration and public health service2. Security and education are part of the political system objectives and hence are covered up by the state council in respective means. All areas are under one master plan, and policies are circulated by the â€Å"State Council† for further operation. The State Council is directly connected to NPC (National People’s Congress) for passing decisions and legislation of activities. The State Council associates â€Å"National People’s Congress† and the rest of the standing committees for work order, work plan and administration3. Being on the highest level of administration, The State Council is responsible for the following functions; enactment of public level legislations, responding to top level ministries and to the local bodies, responding to commissioning authorities, formulation of social development plan, formulation of economic development plan, formulation of public health service plan, formulation of foreign policies and foreign affairs, implementing judicial legislations and vice versa4. Being a central body of command and being on top administrative function, the State Council responds with a legal way of proceeding. It applies legislative apprehensions to manage and control the governance system of the country. In China which is a Capitalist State, the law making process is under the State Council administration. This is to ensure a government system where public rights are fulfilled,

Three Social Media Aggregators That Bring It All Together Essay Example for Free

Three Social Media Aggregators That Bring It All Together Essay Social media services facilitate connection of people via Facebook, Twitter and Flickr, for example, have opened enormous opportunities for people to interact and share ideas. As Pash (2009) puts it, managing the many updates is not an easy task; hence, must provide a viable way of managing the different social media services. In the article, 3 Social Media Aggregators That Bring It Altogether, Pash (2009) asserts that social media aggregators are the solution to the challenge of managing the different social media services that keep people connected. According to the author, social aggregators are significant in ensuring that there is a single entry point to access one’s social networking sites. This has long-term benefits by enabling one to keep monitoring his social network streams and keeping them in one dashboard. Through this, it will be possible for social network users to establish flexible ways of managing the network sites by categorizing them in terms of importance. People who rely on social media as a communication platform, for instance, business owners will find the concept extremely significant. This is because they have to communicate with their clients and expand their customer base. Through the social aggregator processes, it is possible for business owners to prioritize on their activities and establish long-term connections with clients. On a personal level, the idea of social media aggregation is important in enhancing the ability to monitor social media tools in my jurisdiction. The need to improve communication networks will certainly trigger me to join the social media aggregation exercises. Indeed, this is a valuable way of examining one’s social media influence. Reference Pash, A. (2009). Three Social Media Aggregators That Bring It All Together. Retrieved from: http://www.pcworld.com/article/169515/social_media_aggregators.html Source document

Starbucks Corporation Essay Example for Free

Starbucks Corporation Essay Problem:The problem is anti-globalization which makes more difficult for Starbucks to enter in new markets. Symptoms:1. Protests from anti-globalization activists. 2. If those activists have enough media power it leads to international scandals sometimes even involvement of celebrities (who also might be activists of anti-globalization). And finally the worst situation for Starbucks:3. They receive push-backs in new markets. That is why Starbucks needs to establish some systematic method or decision process which would work equally around the world by helping to say: To open new shop in certain place or not!?Alternatives:I. To try to solve problems with anti-globalization activists. +/- If Starbucks could solve this worldwide conflict they would go in the history, but by my mind it is impossible to speak with those people by continuing to go globally. It is in what they believe and they will not change their mind. II. To work with the media of regions they want to go in. Everybody knows that big power is in hands of people who have good relationships with the biggest media. Starbucks has to use it:†¢Maybe they has to involve in requirements for their next foreign partners that they need to be in good relations with mass media (like biggest newspapers and TV channels):+ They could overpower anti-globalization activists. + They could make better PR of themselves. Then it could start some media wars, because they can not be sure that some of media companies also are not anti-globalists. It could be quite a hard for Starbucks to find such a partner with the required contacts. III. To promote loudly and more active that they have very friendly Environmental Mission Statement. Spend money that this message would go globally. + Nowadays, when there is so much pollution and foodstuffs becomes modified Starbucks should make global marketing campaign where they would tell everybody that how their work is to: instilling environmental responsibility as a corporate value and that they uses environmental products.- It will require big money. IV. For each market to work out the strategy that they uses the coffee from the best coffee fields of this particular country where they are planning to go in. + It means that they can show in the numbers how many working places they will give and that coffee growers in this country will not gong to suffer, but at the same time in the coffee shops for those who want it they also offers coffees from different regions around the world. Of course it is not 100% diminishing the possibility of anti-globalist activities. V. In place of searching partnerships in the new place to sell franchises. Franchise vs. Partnership:+ This person would be more interested that there would not be push-backs because he will be 100% owner of Starbucks coffee shop/s.- For the person who buys franchise it would be more difficult to open Starbucks because opening costs for one coffee shop is high. + He will know better the ethical things which Starbucks can not step over. It will be harder for franchiser to catch up this know-how which Starbucks has and he can loose the Starbucks identity. + It is always more acceptable for the locals if it is international but belongs to the local guy and even more better if it is well known person or this fact is nicely showed in the media.- For the franchiser it will be more complicated to follow the statements of the employment policys benefits packages, shares for employees est. Partnership vs. Franchise:+ Starbucks owns its coffee shops and has to pay to his partner 20 to 50%.- Starbucks it is not local they are Americans. + Starbucks has very good and well established know-how of everything starting from choosing coffee and ending with their employee polices. + Starbucks can make one and united mission statement and goals and what are the most important they can control it. + By giving franchise Starbucks can not control the brand is it made correctly, even Starbucks has not standardized places, but they adapt their coffee shop to each place and culture. + Starbucks cant be 100% sure that their partner will be the right person and will bring the best ideas and outcomes. Recommendations:I would choose to implement Alternative # III and # IV. To make louder marketing campaigns, to make better and louder PR that is what is needed for Starbucs. To become more local they need to support locals. I would suggest doing it because Starbucks are very profitable company which means that they can spend more money for good PR and many charity activities in the country they are or want to go in. Implementation:Global marketing campaigns:1st step:To come together and to decide what kind of activities they could support in each country whether it would be one system for all or case by case decision. My suggestions would be:It would be better that all society in each country  they come in would feel that they bring not only American coffee shops but also something to their nation or community. That is why I would choose to implement case by case decision what kind of charity support it will be. ~ For Example: Also as I mentioned to make some Coffee Planters Associations in each country where they come in and in which country can be planted coffee. It would make better relationships with society and also they will gain the opportunity to get good coffee (they can also educate planters). ~ For Example: They can open in each country some Starbucks Rio (as example) Interests Organization where they could for example support youngster graffiti contests (it is only as example, because in Rio they had vandalism cases (but this example is only in case if this is the real problem), so, the main thing is that they need to find core of the problem points when they will come in new place and by smart and intelligent ways to solve it. It means that: 1st they have to find out what problems they will facing in this new place and 2nd only after finding some interesting and socially responsible way to solve this problem to go publicly with the announcement that they will open Starbucks in this place. That will help to make good PR for Starbucks before entering the market. 2nd step:To decide how to promote globally that they are very friendly to the environment?My suggestions would be:As I told it is very important that company is friendly to the environment. Starbucks has to show it and best way is to show with the help of promotions. They have to hire the best and most creative promotion agency and together think about the strategy they can show their attitude to the environment. In general:I can suggest improving the relationships with mass media and try to find out why they are writing or showing what they do and creating bad PR for Starbucks. I can suggest working more with governments of the places where they want to go in because we know that governments have an access to mass media. I would suggest never overstepping ethical issues of countries. But more of everything I would suggest to stay as friendly as they are and try to conquer societys hearts by building that they are not Americans but they are cosmopolitans and their Starbucks in particular country is not any more American Starbucs but completely adapted to the country they come in. stategic managemet 7th edition. charles w.hill and gareth r.jones

Construction Practices in China

Construction Practices in China Construction practices in China Abstract Chinese economy has experienced rapid growth since the adoption of the open door policy in the past over 20 years. Real estate and construction, which act as a core industry in mainland china, developed quickly as well. Quality professional services in the area of real estate development and construction is one of four main industries in Hong Kong which is internationally renowned. Since the Central Government of China has continually introduced policies like the signing of CEPA to stimulate economic growth, the real estate market will booming in the coming decades. The Hong Kong professionals in the field of real estate and construction industry should take these opportunities to explore mainland China market to give full play to their advantage of the ability to combine economic and financial principles with project management and construction technology. The objective of this paper is to estimate the market opportunities for Hong Kong professionals in the areas of real estate, building and construction consultation in Mainland China. This paper will analysis the market environment using SWOT method and give some suggestions to the clients while they are making strategic management plan. Introduction China, the worlds second largest economy, enlarge their demands for professional consultancy services in the field of real estate and construction market which including real estate, surveying, planning, project finance, development, building and construction after access World Trade Organization (WTO). In the meantime, the competition patterns of Chinas construction industry have been formally changed since China became a member of WTO. These changes comprise three perspectives. The first one is the growing foreign competitions in the Chinese construction industry. Secondly is the increasing participants of native construction firms in the worldwide construction market. The third one is changes of construction market environment by envisaging Chinas WTO commitments. The implementation of the WTO framework raised the level of legal enforcement in the construction industry which means a quick response to the changes is essential for Chinese contractors in developing their competitive advantage. This increase the numbers of professionals and consultants who are intend to expend their business in mainland China with their unique insight and professional advantages. Hong Kong professionals and consultants are familiar with western laws as well as both eastern and western culture, they c an take their advantages in this particular chance. Moreover, Hong Kong real estate and construction industry is a developed and competitive field, explore mainland market can release some competitive pressure during process of talent output . Market environment in Mainland China The demand on the construction industry is closely related to the national fixed capital construction investment scale, which has been increasing rapidly along with the country’ s economic growth. The growth can be seen in the chart below and we can conclude that the fixed asset investment will increase continually in the coming years as china still define construction as a pillar industry. Although China accepts open-door policy and some economic innovation to develop the country, mainland China market still hold its unique characteristic as uses Centrally controlled system. The hierarchy in China is too complicated that the Joint Ventures have difficulties in developing business in China (Walker, 1991). Chinas Background Information Nature of work Qualification Human resources Management skills Technical / Financing ability Organisation structure Social influence (CSR)China-related factors Qualification in China Business coverage Public relation There are many types of Joint Ventures in China Mainland, namely, equity joint ventures, co-operative ventures, compensation trade and wholly foreign owned ventures. China uses this way to develop for many reasons: 1) The investors bring the professionals and advanced equipments which contributing to rapid development 2) China can save a lot of money of the construction development 3) The modern construction methods have been brought into China To sum up, China welcomes international and competitive investors like the developers of Hong Kong to have business in China Mainland and if the company does not know too much about China or it has no qualification of construction work in China, it should co-operate with local government or local companies and this is main part of the paper. Identification of business objective As a Hong Kong developer needs to start business in mainland China, first of all, the objectives must be confirmed in the initial stage: Objectives: 1) Qualification of construction in China Mainland Since the company does not have any qualifications of construction work in China, it must co-operated with the government or some local firms, the best strategy is to have long term partnership with one company which possesses relevant qualifications, so when there is a new construction project, less time is needed for getting government’s approvals. 2) Expend the reputation in mainland China 3) Business extension The company is still in the developing stage and intends to occupies part of the market in main cities of China. SWOT assessment for the business development SW (Strengths and Weaknesses) Good project management skills Hong Kong developers are equipped with mature project management internet system. Project workshop like project process management, risk management are increase their management ability in a large extent. Better information management facility Hong Kong has new information and technology and these become the advantages when developing business in China Mainland, e.g., the cyclical and sustainable system are widely applied to different fields of construction work in Hong Kong (Lam, et al., 2010). Moreover, the communication systems including project management system and business administration system make sure the process and linkup between different parties proceed effectively and smoothly. The use of building information modeling (BIM) also improve effectiveness of construction practices. Advanced machinery and equipment t Higher labour productivity In general, labour productivity growth increases the capacity of the economy as more outputs could be generated from any given amount of labour inputs, thereby enabling the economy to expand at a faster pace. In the case of Hong Kong, a city with limited natural resources as well as modest population growth, the continued enhancement in labour productivity is particularly vital for rendering growth impetus to support a sustainable and healthy economic development. Moreover, Hong Kong labour own a good reputation in high productivity as they are keen on improving their living standards continually. Good finance-raising ability Compared with local developers, Hong Kong developers own more comprehensive finance raising method which including RIETS, foreign loan and bonds, securities or even raise the money from their parent companies. Base on the statistic annual book of China, for the native developers, there are over 80 percents of funds for property development only comes from direct and indirect bank loans. This factors also illustrate that Hong Kong developers are easier to diversified their invest risk through combining different sources of investment amount. Good cost control ability the utilize of modern information facilities ensure Hong Kong developers control project cost better than local companies. The cost control system generate a higher profit and monitor the construction cost during project life cycle. Attraction to good human resources Hong Kong government pays great attention to the quality of the construction worker and managers, take the Construction Industry Training Authority (CITA) which was established in September 1975 with an amendment in 1991 (Rowlinson and Walker, 1995) as a example, CITA offers trainings and helps to the ones who are in the construction field or will enter in the near future and it level up the quality of the staff, furthermore, numerous professional from western world come to Hong Kong which is also contributes to the high quality construction design and build. Higher production costs Increasing production costs on the Chinese mainland will eating into thin profit margins for Hong Kong developers definitely. Demographic dividend in China is reduce day by day and developers are facing manpower shortage as well. Limited channels for market information Although the internet smaller the world and it seems that all the information can be found from it, actually, in China Mainland some real information of the market will be to some degree blocked by the government, so some depression parts cannot be clearly found and there would be more risks when having construction projects in China. Lower businesses qualification, Nothing can be done if the developer of Hong Kong has no qualifications of having construction work in China Mainland, such as safety qualification, construction qualification and some land acquisition problems. Every place has its own guideline of design and build, and the developer who wants to have business in China should learn relevant law and regulation, if something is done over China’s law and regulation, the project cannot get the stamp from the authority department even though the project is in the final stage. Limited businesses relationship One of the most important things of having business in China is the relationship with China’s government, it is very common for China’s government to assign projects to the companies they have good relationship with, even in the tendering, both reputation of a company and the relation with government are important, in short, without government’s help, the project cannot be approved in the initial step. Leung, Chan and Chong (2010) also mentioned that relations meant a lot in China, people in the construction industry should have good relations with friends in the society, especially the ones within construction organizations. Zhang (2011) also illustrated that in China, prior to the commencement of construction work, the company must apply to the Planning Bureau and obtain a Construction Planning Permit, so to build up good relations with the local Planning Bureau is very important. OT (Opportunities and Threats) Improved policy environment for foreign business The policies published by China government stated that they would continue to improve economy environment to attract foreign businesses such as the accession to the WTO and signing of CEPA. Government promotion of construction The 12th Five-Year Plan which begins in the year 2011 set the mission that the whole social fixed assets investment on construction industry must grow more than 15% every year. This is a strong evidence that Chinese government want to cement the pillar industry status of construction industry which also strengthen confidence of Hong Kong developers to explore their business in mainland China. establishment of credit system China will promote the establishment of a nationwide social credit system comprehensively in the next five years, or the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-2015). The Chinas State Council stated that the country will accelerate legislation and regulation improvement concerning the credit system and push forward the construction of credit systems within industries and government departments, and at local levels. The government will also give their mind to make sure the credit system be shared in the nationwide, develop credit rating agencies and promote use of credit products in an orderly way. Meanwhile, the government should enhance its own credibility by increasing transparency, and strengthen education on social honesty. development of understanding of international practice certain restrictions on foreign investment China uses law to restrict the foreign investors in China, e.g. China welcomes the investors who hold advanced technology and can improve the living environment of China, can provide international level products, etc., so China’s government would spend a lot of time to assess whether the investor is suitable or not. increasing intense competition The open door policy creates opportunities for many foreign companies to enter China’s huge market which increase the competition among companies. the risk of breaching contracts. Reassessment of the feasibility After the SWOT analysis, it is necessary to reassess based on the advantages and the disadvantages. References Ganesan, S., Hall, G. and Chiang, Y. H. (1996). Construction in Hong Kong. England. Lam, P. T. I., et al. (2010). A sustainable framework of â€Å"green† specification for construction in Hong Kong. Journal of Facilities Management, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 16-33. Leung, M. Y., Chan, Y. S. and Chong, A. M. L. (2010). Chinese Values and Stressors of Construction Professionals in Hong Kong. Journal of construction engineering and management. Shen, L. Y., Leung, B. Y. P. and Hao, J. J. L. (2010). Construction and real estate practice in China. Department of build and real estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Hong Kong. Walker, A. (1991). Land, property and construction in the People’s Republic of China. Hong Kong. Zhang, X. L. (2011). Social risks for international players in the construction market: A China study. Habitat international, 35, pp. 514-519. Chan, J. H. (2012). A hybrid knowledge-sharing model for corporate foreign investment in China’s construction market. Expert Systems with Applications, 39, pp.7585-7590. Shen, L. Y. and Tam, V. W. Y. (2002). Implementation of environmental management in the Hong Kong construction industry. International Journal of Project Management, 20, pp. 535-543. Zou, P. S. W., Zhang, G. M. and Wang, J. Y. (2007). Understanding the key risks in construction projects in China. International Journal of Project Management, 25, pp.601-614.

Personal Narrative- Curiosity and Me :: Personal Narrative Writing

Personal Narrative- Curiosity and Me How many people wonder about holes in the ceiling and cracks on the floor? When did they happen? What caused them? Or what about when you see a cigarette in the toilet and wonder who had the guts to smoke in the girl's bathroom that day and why they chose that brand of cigarette, or why they even smoke at all. And even if people do think about these things, why? For what purpose? I guess I do it out of boredom. But is boredom really an excuse? I mean, really, how bored can a person get? I don't guess it is boredom after all, probably curiosity, which can build to all sorts of lengths, and I believe it most certainly starts there. How else can you explain why I want to know what happened to a certain somebody when a certain somebody else, punches them in the eye? I am almost positive it stems from curiosity and, that is where and how I try to make sense of this story. It begins on a nice hot July morning, with birds singing and flowers in full bloom; ok, not really. But how awesome would it be if it worked out that way. It really would put something beautiful into this mesh of words. Actually it really didn't have a starting place, but starting people. A band. All the people in this band and all the people that surrounded this band were a part of my life for almost eight months. I don't really understand why, but at first I really did enjoy hanging out with these people. I guess maybe because they were 'cool', but I mean we never really did anything cool. So basically we sat around pretending to be cool, because we were considered cool. Or maybe it was just the others that were considered cool. I really don't know, but pretending to be cool was just not all that cool to me. I don't understand how people can hang out with the same people day in and day out, just to belong. I did for so long, but I really can't tell you why, It reminds me o f a song. One of those songs you know all the words to but don't know the name of it or who sings it, you know?

Alexander The Great Essay -- essays research papers

Alexander the Great   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alexander the Great was the king of Macedonia, conqueror of the Persian Empire, and one of the greatest military geniuses of all times. Even at an early age, Alexander had the promise to become a great leader. Through all his victories and conquests, he has become a great hero and has had a large impact on history. That is why I chose he book Alexander the Great, by J.R. Hamilton for my review. Hamilton does a very good job with the story of Alexander the Great.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book begins by talking about the Macedonian homeland and the make up of the people, their culture. Alexander was born in 356 BC in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia he was the son of Philip II, king of Macedonia, and of Olympias, a princess of Epirus. After discussing his parents and their relationship, Hamilton talks about how Aristotle was Alexander's tutor from age 13 to 16 and stimulated his interest in science, medicine, and philosophy. The book then talks about how well prepared Alexander was to take over the throne. Then, in the summer of 336 BC Philip was assassinated, and Alexander took over the Macedonian throne.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hamilton does a very good and descriptive job of how Alexander soon showed his power when the large city of Thebes revolted in 335. Alexander stormed the city with mighty force and took 30,000 people as slaves. An important point the book discussesnext is when Alexander begins...

Connections between Dickinson’s Life and Themes Essay -- Biography

Many people in the world today misunderstand and judge other people. This represents people throughout time. In the mid to late 1800s, people judged Emily Dickinson and never really knew who she was. Her life was a mystery to most people because all they knew was her reclusive self. She wrote at the end of the Romantic Period but is also referred to as a writer from the Realist era due to her focusing on negative aspects of life. Writing over 1,770 poems, Dickinson published only seven throughout her lifetime (Dommermuth-Costa 105). People never realized her talent until after she was dead and her sister, Lavinia, took her poems to be published (104). Without intending to do so, Dickinson affected American Romanticism through her writings and her knowledge (104). She wrote unconventional, but her poems were unique by lacking a title and using different punctuation (104). People can learn about Emily Dickinson without just reading her biography. Her poetry reveals many aspects of her life such as solitude, pain, religion, love, and death. Emily Dickinson’s life greatly influenced her poetry. Dickinson’s poetry possesses the idea of solitude just as her life did. â€Å"There is a Solitude of Space† says that a person can find anonymity in the privacy of her home (Dommermuth-Costa 56). In addition, â€Å"The Soul Selects Her Own Society† contains a description of a soul that freely chooses to close itself off from the world to pursue solitude in order to help with her creativity and self-discovery, which is what Dickinson decided to do with her life (â€Å"The Soul Select†). In the first stanza of â€Å"The Soul Selects Her Own Society,† the speaker describes the soul shutting a door, an image of an individual deliberately closing herself away (â€Å"The So... ...(â€Å"Because I Could†). Dickinson spent most of her time in bed from November 1885 because she was suffering from Bright’s disease, a very serious disease of the liver (Dommermuth-Costa 101). She went into a coma on May 13, 1886 and never regained consciousness (101). Dickinson’s fascination with death reflects the theme of death in her poetry. In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s life inspired her poetry’s themes. Her experience with her solitude and religious ideals added to the truth behind some of her poems. Additionally, her pain experienced from deaths and her fascination with death portrayed an individual’s true feelings toward death. Her love life greatly influenced her poetry because many people did not know about her having any kind of relationships with people. Overall, reading Emily Dickinson's poetry helps a person discover the many experiences of her life.

Holes by Louis Sacher

Holes by Louis Sacher Theme Fate does play an important role in the lives of many of the characters in the novel Holes. Stanley’s great-great-grandfather was cursed with bad luck by Madame Zeroni because he did not carry her up the mountain as he had promised. The bad luck haunts his relatives for over a hundred years, until the day Stanley Yelnats the third fourth fulfils the promise of his great-great-grandfather by carrying Madame Zeroni's great-grandson up a mountain and sing him Madame Zeroni's lullaby. From this point the Yelnats family’s luck turns. Stanley Yelnats great-grandfather was robbed by Kate Barlow and left stranded in the desert. He had survived alone for seventeen days before he was rescued by some hunters. He claimed to have â€Å"found rescue in god's tumb†. So when Stanley and Zero are stranded in the exact same desert over a hundred years later and spot a mountain with the contour of a thumb, Stanley decides to follow his great-grandfather's example and climb the mountain. On this mountain they find onions and water which gives them strength to survive and continue their adventure. On their adventure, Stanley and Zero develop a solid friendship. They face a lot of challenges which makes them bond even stronger. A good example is when Stanley carries Zero's almost lifeless body up the high, steep mountain. Stanley steals a car just to help his friend Stanley, and Zero gets in to a fight only to defend Stanley. Good Conflict Zero escaped from Camp Green Lake after he had hit Mr. Pendanski in the head with his shovel. Knowing that Zero is walking around in the desert without any food or water leaves Stanley feeling guilty and worried about him. This makes him steal a car and escape from camp, just to help his friend. Fine. Conflicts between characters Catherine Barlow and Trout Walker Catherine is the first woman to turn Trout down and give him a â€Å"no†. This upsets Trout, and he burns Catherine's school down and kills her boyfriend. Mr. Sir And Stanley Stanley is accused of stealing Mr. Sir's sunflower seeds and is taken to the Warden by Mr. Sir. The Warden gets upset about Mr. Sir wasting her time with trifles and slap him his face with her poisonous nails. Mr. Sir's face get ugly swellings and he lets his anger and embarrassment out on Stanley. Zero an Mr. Pendanski Mr. Pendanski is constantly mocking at Zero about how stupid and incompetent he is. Zero finally gets enough and hits Mr. Pendanski in the head with his shovel. Fine Setting Green Lake was once the largest lake in the whole of Texas. It was a bright and lush place surrounded by peach trees and fertile mountains. When Sam got killed the whole town of Green Lake was somehow punished, not one single drop of water has fallen on Green Lake since that fateful day. The area is now all hot and dried up and there are no longer any remains of the green and sunny paradise it used to be. Camp Green Lake is now just a dry wasteland without any signs of vegetation, shade or water. Beside the boys, the only residents are scorpions, rattlesnakes and some deadly yellow-spotted lizards. When Stanley and Zero leave Camp Green Lake the sky turns dark and the first drop of rain for over a hundred years falls into the empty lake. Water being reunited with the lake is probably an indication on that vegetation and wildlife slowly will return to the area. We are also told that Camp Green Lake will become a Girl Scout camp in a few years. This tells us that the camp probably will be upgraded and get a friendlier look. It is also unlikely that a Girl Scout camp would find place in a desert, so this again suggests that Green Lake is returning green again. Good Characterization When Stanley arrives Camp he is an unhappy, overweight kid without any friends, being bullied by classmates and teachers. He appears to be secluded and feels uncomfortable in social situations and he is often sick with generally bad health. After just a weeks stay at camp, Stanley starts to lose weight and gain muscle. He gets a little more confident as he feels more accepted and he is given the nickname â€Å"Caveman » by the other boys. Stanley’s letters home Stanley writes a lot of letters home to his mum which gives us an impression of him being a kind and caring boy. In the letters he twists the truth with the intention of sparing his mum. This underlines his character even more. A few months later Stanley has gotten even stronger. He is a faster digger with muscles and thick skin. His low self esteem seems to be as good as gone. When Zero ask him to teach him how to read, Stanley has no problem turning him down. It is like he has lost much of his sympathy. By the time he leaves camp, Stanley has changed a lot, both physically and psychically He is more self-aware and has developed the emphatic side of himself. He is the same good guy as before just braver and happier. Good Zero Zero is first presented as a silent and strange character who shrinks from answering questions and talking. As we follow Zero through the book, we get to know him as an honest and generous boy. He is homeless and sent to Camp Green Lake because he had stolen some shoes. He is a smart kid, however he has some trouble expressing himself since he neither can read nor write. Stanley helps him with his language problems and they develop a friendship and Zero really opens up through the book. Good The adults at Camp Green Lake Mr. Sir Mr. Sir is one of the counsellors at Camp Green Lake. He is emphatic and tough and seems to enjoy being cruel to the campers. As result of his attempt to quit smoking, he is constantly chewing sunflower seeds. Mr. Pendanski Mr. Pendanskis in charge of Stanley's tent at Camp Green Lake, Tent D. He seems to be a friendly and quite stupid man, however he reveals the mean side of him- self when he suggests shooting the boys at the end of the book. (He is also nasty to Zero throughout. ) The Warden The warden is the commander in chief at Camp Green Lake. She is threatening and feared among both the campers and the other adults at camp. She claims that the boys are digging to build character, however she is really looking for Kate Barlow's treasure. Good Parallels between the stories Peaches Kate Barlow was famous for her spiced peaches, (Stanley and) Zero finds remains of these peaches out in the desert a hundred years later, calls them Sploosh and survives on them. The cure against bad foot odour, invented by Stanley's father has the smell of peaches and is named Sploosh. Onions Sam was an onion-seller, and he spoke well about the many healing qualities of onions. Sam's onion field was located on the exact same spot as Stanley and Zero find their onion supplies. The onions make Stanley and Zero regain their health and. avoid bites from the deadly yellow-spotted lizards.. Yellow- spotted lizards Yellow-spotted lizards are deadly lizards living in the empty holes at Camp Green Lake. Each lizard has exactly eleven yellow spots on their back, and it is said that if you are close enough to count them you are as good as dead. It was a yellow-spotted lizard that killed Kate Barlow and it is yellow-spotted lizards that almost kills Stanley and Zero while they are digging up Kate's treasure. Mary Lou Mary Lou was Sam's donkey. Sam claimed her to be almost fifty years old, and explained it by her eating nothing but raw onions. She got shot in the head and died the same day as Sam. There is also the boat. Fine The role of the song The first song deals with the fact that life is hard and a wish of an easier life. The second song is replying that life will never be easy and you will have to face your troubles and be proud of yourself. This song fits the Yelnats family, since they are a family with bad luck wishing life was easier. OK, but how does this change in the song reflect the changes in the story? Title I believe the novel is called holes simply because the campers have to dig holes and there are also â€Å"holes† in the novel which need to be filled. You could give some examples of these. There are also holes in the lives of Stanley and Zero. For example, the one left by Zero's mother when she disappeared. Good. You have answered the various parts of the assignment well and have shown insight and a very good understanding of the novel. You could perhaps have written a little more in some of your answers. Language: mistakes (there are a few too many of these) are colour coded as follows yellow: spelling blue: verbs green: language (for example, word choice, prepositions, punctuation and so on)

People Commit Crime for Selfish Reason Essay

Last week, when I was on the way to school and suddenly I heard a girl screaming for help. Then, I straight away went to look for her. I was shocked when I witnessed a girl was being robbed by a man. This gave me a whole idea of crime awareness which is alarming in the country. In this modernization and globalization era, people go against the laws to commit the immoral activities such as kidnapping, murdering and drug dealing because they are self-centered and they do not care about others’ feelings. Thus, do you think it is right to commit crime for selfish reasons? In my opinion, I totally agree that people commit crime for selfish reason or for their own benefits because they are craving for money, want to fulfill their lust or jealousy and to survive in their life. First, I would like to highlight that people commit crime for selfish reasons because they craving for money. In this rat race society, people tend to commit crimes to get more money because they want to increase the standard of their living such as having a luxurious life. Unfortunately, some people can make it but some people fail. If they cannot make it plus they are uneducated or with low paid salary, they will tend to commit crimes such as embezzlement and bribery. This is due to the reason, people will be looked up by others based on their well off appearance, for instance, luxurious car and branded bags will upgrade their status. Consequently, if they are having strong desire to have more money, they will tend to go against the laws and get involved in many illegal activities like robbery. Besides, they do not care about others and they just want to get more money to enjoy their luxurious life. In brief, commiting crimes for money is a selfish action. Another point that I would like to highlight in this phenomenan of people commiting crime for selfish reason is because they want to fulfill their lust or jealousy. If people are feeling very lonely and they have strong desire to do some immoral activities such as sexual harrasment towards a girl by force. For example, when men see sexy and attractive girls walking on the pathway, they are being tempted and this will urge them to harrass those girls. This is because they want to vent their emotion and fulfill their lust and they do not care about others’ feelings. Besides, people tend to commit crimes to fulfill their lust such as raping or killing people for excitement. If people are emotionally sick or pervert and get involved in triangle love such as when two girls are in love with the same guy, both of them might feel jealous with each other and end up with fighting. If this matter turns serious, it might also end up with a murder case. The girl is willing to murder the other girl, so that she can own the guy all for herself. Hence, commiting crimes for fulfilling their lust or jealousy is a self-centered action. Last but not least, I would like to highlight that people commit crime for their own benefits because they want to survive in their life. Without any educational background, they could not get a proper job to sustain a living in the high cost standard in the city. As a result, this will lead them to commit crimes such as kidnapping and robbery to survive. Besides, they need food, shelter and other physical needs of life that lead them to commit crime for their own survival. Thus, they care less about the cosequences of their action and even ignore the pain of the victims from the actions that they have done. Other than that, some people are lazy to work for their life and always think about to go for an easy way so that they will tend to commit crimes for their self-centered reasons for instance stealing, break-in houses and car thieves. Therefore, commiting crimes for survival in their life is a selfish action. In conclusion, I restate my stand that people commit crimes for their own purposes. Their selfish action is due to craving for money, fulfilling their lust or jealousy and surviving in their life. All of these are also not a good excuse for commiting crimes and these problems have to be resolved as soon as possible which needs the co-operation between the government and citizen of Malaysia.

Beloved, Water Imagery Essay

We visually see water as a clear, constantly flowing object integrated in many areas such as an ocean, a pool, or even a simple cup. But sometimes we do not see the meaning water can have and it’s relation to society. In the novel Beloved, water is related to and involved in many instances that lead to a positive change. Characters like Sethe have experienced a situation in which she had to once escape sweet home, a former slave home, to go on to live a free life. Instances of rebirth or birth occur with Denver and Beloved being brought into the world. At the time, being a slave was hard and even harder when one was pregnant; one would still receive constant abuse, and for Sethe, it was a difficult life. Beginning a new life with a family could have been the start for so, but they would have to escape their slave homes. Therefore, it is seen that the motif of water serves as a positive concept for the characters and their future. At first, it is seen that Sethe, a black, female, pregnant slave who resides in sweet home, is under the care of a cruel man, schoolteacher, who enforced slave-like behavior. The brutality Sethe suffers gets to the point where she has to run away from sweet home in secure of a peaceful life. Captured, beaten, and under the control of schoolteacher after her attempt to run away, she does so again, despite being caught previously. Upon her arrival at the Ohio River, she sees a white girl by the name of Amy Denver, who aids in the birth of Sethe’s daughter as the canoe is being filled with water; her child is named Denver, after Amy Denver helped her. Later another character named Stamp Paid helps Sethe go across the Ohio River without any problems. The water in these scenes is significant because a new child is born, and without the water, it would be a harder process to deliver. With the help of Stamp Paid, Sethe goes over the Ohio River on the way to Baby Sugg’s house. The water also signifies the first steps to Sethe’s freedom by leaving sweet home and the cruel memories it has to her. Before heading to 124 with Denver and eventually meeting up with Paul D, Sethe makes a stop at Baby Sugg’s home in Cincinnati, OH. Baby Suggs could be viewed as an inspiration to the black community as she is aware of what slaves are going through. â€Å"She led Sethe to the keeping room and, by the light of a spirit lamp, bathed her in sections, starting with her face. Then, while waiting for another pan of heated water, she sat next to her and stitched cotton. Sethe dozed and woke to the washing of her hands and arms. † (Morrison, 109) The implication of Sethe’s face being bathed is that she is starting her life all over. The memories she has of being raped by schoolteacher’s nephews and constant abuse from schoolteacher are cleansed away by the water she is bathed with. The water in this context serves as a make-over for Sethe’s life, allowing her to move on from the past and to the future. In addition to seeing Sethe find her freedom through her escape, Paul D too had to find a way to get to 124 to be with her and Denver. Stuck in the abusive prison camp in Alfred, GA, the prisoners are kept in their cells all day by rain: â€Å"It rained. In the boxes the men heard the water rise in the trench and looked out for cottonmouths. They squatted in muddy water, slept above it, peed in it†¦ it happened so quick he had no time to ponder†¦ one by one, from Hi Man back on down the like, thy dove. Down through the mud under the bars, blind, groping. † (Morrison, 109) The excessive rain that poured down to the ground created a muddy footing which gave the prisoners the opportunity to escape. Paul D took advantage of this situation to escape the prison camp to get to 124 to be with Denver and Sethe. Once again, it is seen that water is an essential positive concept for the characters in Beloved. Without the water’s presence, the muddy ground would not have allowed or helped Paul D and the rest to escape. The impact the water has on this scene is helping to facilitate Paul D after he has been enslaved for a long time. He and Sethe both start new paths because of the concept of water. Within the text, the motif of water is shown to be has an essential object which helps the slaves in different ways. The flatbed filled with water aids in the delivery of Denver. The water that Baby Suggs bathes Sethe with cleanses her past and rejuvenates her life to a brand new future. The torrential downpour Paul D experiences in his prison camp allows the ground to become an easy surface to escape from opening the way to a new future. And finally, the long Ohio River is used by Sethe uses to escape her â€Å"prison† with schoolteacher in Kentucky. All of these examples of water’s are positive leading out causes for these characters. Without water, the characters goes would have ended up much differently.

How Employees Relate to One Another Sets Gore Apart Essay

1. What evidence is there that W.L. Gore and associates aspire to meet the goal of human relations? With their promise to provide a challenging, opportunity-rich, work environment with reasonable job security, Gore & Associates is able to encourages hands-on innovation and in term maximizing individual potential, while cultivating and environment that fosters creativity and also to operate with high integrity. Their system works, and they have proven this to us for more than 50 years. For a company to be in the green for every year they have had their doors open to the world, they must be doing something right. Everyone knows that a happy worker is a productive worker, and I believe that Gore & Associates get this. They strive on making their employees happy ones, and by looking at their numbers, they know exactly what it takes. 2. How does Gore and Associates depict an organization that fully appreciates the â€Å"systems effect†? In a â€Å"systems effect† all people in an organization are affected by at least one other person, and each person affects the whole group or organization. By using a system approach to business, Gore and Associates develop high-performing individuals and groups. Individuals and groups are the foundation of an organization and human relations is the foundation of supporting performance. By understanding the company as a whole, but also by what each individual does to play part to the company’s overall growth and wealth, they can really take a whole new prospective look at how even the smallest matter can change the whole outlook on the company, and how each individual plays part in the success of the business. 3. One can argue that W.L. Gore’s lattice structure encompasses some of the unexpected discoveries brought out by Elton Mayo and the Hawthorne Studies. Identify some features of the lattice structure that align with some of the  unexpected discoveries of the Hawthorne Studies. Hawthorne Studies refers to an increase in performance caused by the special attention given to employees, rather than tangible changes in the work. Gore’s lattice structure is a proven method, with no titles, no bosses, no formal hierarchy, and with compensation and promotions that are strictly decided by peer rankings of each other performance, the overall performance increased because of the special attention given to employees. A happy worker is a productive worker. Studies have shown that workers are usually, but not always, more productive then unhappy workers. W.L. Gore understood this and strives on sustaining a work environment that harbors career success. 4. How does Gore’s â€Å"sponsorship† program contribute toward meeting some of the 10 human relations guidelines outlined in the Chapter? By freedom to encourage, help and allow other associates to grow in knowledge, skill, and scope of responsibility, sponsors help associates chart a course for success in the organization. I believe that Gore & Assoc. stands out among other companies because they allow people to grow and actually work towards something better. The more effort a person puts into his career the more he can get out of it. By sponsors showing genuine interest in their colleges, and by helping others, they create win-win situations, both small and large scale to the company’s overall growth.

Australia’s Recent Economic Performance

The macroeconomic policies of a country are the most important policies and these policies play significant role in the economic growth of the company. These also decide the economic position of the country as well as decide the direction of the economy of the country. There are several different types of the macroeconomic policies and among them most important policies are fiscal policy, monetary policy as well as exchange rate policy (Barbieri and Pezzini, 2001). The fiscal policy of a country helps to allocate the budget of the country’s necessary development and other requisites. The monetary policies of the government help in allocating the fund in correct investment option so that the country can able to achieve the desirable economic growth. In addition to that the exchange rate policy helps the government to maintain the rate of domestic currency as compared to the standard international currency. In Australia the government put great emphasis on developing effective m acroeconomic policies in order to ensure the desirable high growth rate for the country (Brittle, 2010). This report is an attempt to analysis the macroeconomic policies of Australia, which help in improving the growth of the country.  Ã‚   The Australian Government has taken significant economic policies, which help the country to establish substantial growth for the country. The government of Australia has been at the front position for utilizing the fiscal policies in order to minimizing the macroeconomics effects of the financial crisis, which influence the global economy (De Menil, Portes and Sinn, 2008). The Australian Government can do so as the debt of the country is minute compared to the international standard. Even after many years of fiscal deficits, the net government debt is remaining lower than 10% of the GDP of the country. This compares positively with the debt ratio of the United Nations Government of around 70%. The country has implemented sustainable fiscal policies, that needs the debt of public does not enhance connecting to the GDP in long term. The gross domestic product of Australia has expanded up to 0.7% in December 2015, in comparison to upward revised 1.2% growth in previous quarter and the market consequences (Fender, 2012). The expenditure on consumption is positively contributed to the expansion, net exports and investment also contributed to the growth of GDP.   The growth of economy is around 3% by accelerating from the upward revised 2.8% in September quarter and thus beating the expectation. Therefore, it is considered to be the fastest growth since the third quarter of the year 2012. The growth rate of GDP in the country is around 0.88% from the year 1959 to 2015. The growth rate reached to 4.50% in the first quarter of the year 1976 and recorded low at the rate -2% in second quarter of the year 1974. The current economic performance of the country is good and is supported by high production level (Freebairn, 2003). It is also a significant contributor of the five sectors that is expected to drive the future global development: education, agribusiness, mining, wealth management, and tourism. The structural reforms of the government of Australia can face decade of deficits due to the increase in the spending on the older households. The repaying costs will fall on the younger households. The Australian GDP is seemed to be expanded for the last quarter of the year 2015 and it also seems to be upward rising in with the growth percentage of the 2.7 percent and thus the expectations are seemed to be fastening the expansions that are required for the proper enhancement of the resources for the utilisation of the resources in the Australia. The growth rate of the country Australia is enhanced at the third quarter of the 2012 whose GDP annual growth is seemed to be fastening the expansion of at the rate of the 9 percent. Thus the bureau of the statistics also shows the growth of the economy in the country of the Australia also helps in the development of the economy of the country of the Australia. Thus the country Australia’s national GDP seems to be increasing at the next year of second year of at the low interest rate of the GDP and thus it also shows the growth of the -3.50 percent which also helps in the creation of the statistics of the Australian Bureau of the statistics (Abs.gov.au, 2016). The structural ref orms of the government of Australia can face decade of deficits due to the increase in the spending on the older households. The repaying costs will fall on the younger households. Hence,   the Australian economic centre seems to be dominated by the services sectors and thus it also helps in the increment of the success of the of the other sectors including the mining sectors that are require for the proper enhancement of the percentage at the rate of 13.5 % and thus it also helps in showing the key developments in the commodity of the exports and the imports and thus it also helps in the proper increment   of the investments in   the infrastructural services for the proper enhancement of the sectors data. Thus the Australian GDP also shows the actual values of the Australian GDP shows the historical and the forecasting of the economic calendars that are related to the new releases of the year.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Therefore, it would be difficult for the government of Australia for next ten years (Tawadros, 2016). Therefore, the commonwealth government is funding to adopt and implement new policies. Apart from this, government of Australia is still to respond the scale of the budget challenges. These challenges are difficult to overcome as the government does not have enough funds to purchase the reform. The sustainability of economy depends on the government policies (Friedman, 2000). The policies implemented by the government are reducing the superannuation tax, changing the capital gain tax and the negative gearings,   introducing broad property levy and broadening the goods and service tax.   The country has significant economic policies, which help substantial economic growth of the country. The GDP of the country is stable from the last several years as well as improved substantially in last few years.   a). The companies providing incentive for work to the employees and innovation via reduction in organization and income tax might constrain the desired policy setting and outcomes. The strategies can affect the policy setting of the country (Relative fiscal capacities of the States 2006, 2006). The government can have a significance influence on incentives that affects investment, innovation and taking decisions whether the workforce should participate or not and all the drivers for development. The incentives are influenced by disciplines imposed by the competitive markets. The reduction in the income tax can affect the income source of government (Gruen, 2005). The approach of the government to the fiscal policy is significant to imparting credibility and certainty to the market through application of the macroeconomic policies. The creditability policy contributes to the reduced uncertainty and thus creating more attractive business environment. The disciplined fiscal policy with credibility over medium terms allows the business to make decision regarding investment with greater confidence. The rates of payments which include their adequacy should be balanced against the impacts on the incentives for the employees to get off the welfare (Gruen, 2005). Therefore, the economic policy settings through the welfare and tax system impact on the work incentives and it should be frame in such a way that avoids the discouragement of employees.  Ã‚   When the government of the country reduced the income tax rate along with the tax for the companies, the government do so for promoting the business activities of the countries. When the income tax reduced for the individuals of the country the citizens have more money and they can expense more thus, the cash flow in the market is increasing and there is more liquid money in the market so the growth of the market is increasingly increased and from the growth rate of the market the economy of the country use to be booste d significantly. In case of reducing tax for the companies the companies have more liquid money, which the companies can invest in the future development of the companies and it help in prospectus growth and development of the country and its economy. The economy is boosted by these particular novel policies, which is different from the traditional economic policies. By these economic policies the government of country use to take substantial risk as by this policy the taxation income of the country will be reduced and the wealth of the country will be reduced initially but at the same time it open huge potentiality of growth and economic development of the country. The policy of reducing income tax and the company tax is innovative taxation policy of the government of the country that substantially help the country to improve its economic growth and development. At the time when the countries, in order to encourage the investment and growth of the companies of the country reduce the income tax rate as well as company taxes, which lead to deficit in the budget as the tax collection from the income tax Act of the countries as well as from the others taxes which are levied to the companies performing their business activities within the constituency of the country. By reducing the taxes the wealth collecting from the taxation will be reduced initially, however, it encourage the companies within the country to do more investment as well as this policies encourage the companies to do expansion for the growth and development of the company (Gumus, 2011). Therefore, in order to proceeding expansion the companies have to use several government facilities and have to provide taxes for availing the facilities and so that the taxation wealth of the country will be increased. Besides this, it helps in the growth of the market as due to this policy of go vernment to reduce company and income tax the market use to be growing substantially (Nagel, 2000). Moreover, in this way the economy of the country will be growing. In case of reducing the income tax, the taxpayer citizens of the country will get more money in their hand so they incline to buy more or they use to expense more in this case the market use to grow substantially (ItoÃÅ'„ and Rose, 2008). Therefore, by the help of this policy the government can be able to improve the economy of the country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   b). When the central bank of the country takes initiatives for lowering the interest rate, it plays significant role stimulating the economic activities within the country as several organizations use to take finance from the banks in order to improve their business activities so that the companies can be able to establish desirable growth and development (Kincaid and Shah, 2007). The decrease in the interest will help in the development of the economic activity of Australia. The price growth can also be controlled of the houses so that the middle and low income group family can afford for the houses. Therefore, the affordability of the houses can be improved with the lower rate of interest and decreasing the rate of price of the houses. It has been concluded that the housing policy in the country is inappropriate that affected the housing affordability of lower income and middle income group of the people. It has been forecasted that the rise in the price of the houses imposes negat ive impact on the people of the country. The decrease in the rate of interest of the houses will encourage the lower and middle income group of the people. The increase in the rate of interest and decrease in the   price of the houses will enable to afford houses. The tax amount should be reduced and the combination of the Negative gearing and capital gain tax has contributed problems to the affordability of the houses all across the country. The decrease in the interest rates and price of the houses will help to increase in the investment in houses and attracts more number of investors towards purchasing of houses in the country. The complexities in the changes in the price of the houses have created difficulties in front of the government of the country. However, decrease in the rate of interest and decrease in the principle price will increase the affordability of the houses among the investors and other people. In the following policy banks play an important role as they provi de loan to the people for different purposes as well as for the housing in the country.   The policies and factors should help in the growth and appropriate development of the country.                Therefore, in case of lowering interest rate by the central bank of the country a boom in the market can be evident as the economic activities by the companies use to be improved substantially by the governmental policy of the country. At the time, when the price of the housing is growing the lowering in the interest rate help in improving the affordability of the housing as the customers of the housing can obtain the house in lower rate of interest and thus the tendency of buying a new house will be increased and maximum number of people incline to buy new house thus, a boom can be evident in the real estate industry (Monacelli and Perotti, 2010).   The government of Australia should undertake reforms on the spending and revenue side. The government is focusing on cutting down the spending. The government has reduced the budget for the foreign aid and the savings have been proposed for primary care, welfare through the changes in arrangement in the benefits and eligibility threshold and primary care. The revenue measures can help the government to improve the budget deficit and other policies.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Barbieri, S. and Pezzini, M. (2001).  OECD territorial reviews. Paris: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Brittle, S. (2010). Ricardian Equivalence and the Efficacy of Fiscal Policy in Australia.Australian Economic Review, 43(3), pp.254-269. De Menil, G., Portes, R. and Sinn, H. (2008).  Economic policy. [Oxford]: [Blackwell]. Fender, J. (2012).  Monetary policy. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Freebairn, J. (2003). Economic policy for rural and regional Australia.  Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 47(3), pp.389-414. Friedman, B. (2000).  Monetary policy. Cambridge, MA.: National Bureau of Economic Research. Gruen, D. (2005). The Evolution of Fiscal Policy in Australia.  Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 21(4), pp.618-635. Gruen, D. (2005). The Evolution of Fiscal Policy in Australia.  Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 21(4), pp.618-635. Gumus, I. (2011). Exchange Rate Policy and Sovereign Spreads in Emerging Market Economies.  Review of International Economics, 19(4), pp.649-663. ItoÃÅ'„, T. and Rose, A. (2008).  International financial issues in the Pacific Rim. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Kincaid, J. and Shah, A. (2007).  The practice of fiscal federalism. MontreÃÅ' al: Published for Forum of Federations = Forum des feÃÅ' deÃÅ' rations and iacfs by McGill-Queen's University Press. Monacelli, T. and Perotti, R. (2010). Fiscal Policy, the Real Exchange Rate and Traded Goods*.  The Economic Journal, 120(544), pp.437-461. Nagel, S. (2000).  Handbook of global economic policy. New York: Marcel Dekker. Relative fiscal capacities of the States 2006. (2006). Canberra, A.C.T.: Commonwealth Grants Commission. Tawadros, G. (2016). Asymmetric monetary policy rules in Australia.  Applied Economics, pp.1-15.9-24-14 [Accessed 29 May 2016].

A Different Conception of an Ideal Government in the Case of a Hobbess Research Paper

A Different Conception of an Ideal Government in the Case of a Hobbess Civil Society - Research Paper Example Hobbes acknowledges the value of freedom or liberty as something that cannot be gotten in nature but only possible in civil society. However, the insufficiency with this definition is well exemplified when discussing the importance of positive or civil liberty that exists in any civil society as espoused by Rousseau. Rousseau argues that idea Hobbes idea creates negative liberty or civil society that is typified by ‘unlawful chains’ that compels people to conform to a system they actually do not agree with. Another criticism against Hobbes's state of nature relates to the existence of man as pre-social. Rousseau wonders how a man would be considered pre-social yet in the state of nature, most qualities attributed to him are social in nature. Rousseau describes the aspect of pride as one that can only take place in a social environment. It must be understood, nonetheless, that both of these two scholars base their arguments on men’s qualities that are interpersonal in nature. According to Rousseau, it is misleading when Hobbes claims that the life of man is solitary and yet he has inferred used the concept of neighbourliness where people are not likely to get satisfied with resources at their disposal, because they are envious about what their neighbours have. Hobbes supports a government that is headed by a ruler or king. In this case, people would confide their power or sovereignty in the hands of kings as a way of being more resolute and consistent in exercising political authority. Furthermore, Hobbes indicates that once the people have surrendered their absolute power to their ruler or king, they do not have any right to rebel against his wishes.