Joy Ride

Michelle Cronin Professor Radford English 101 8 October 2012 Begging for an Escape â€Å"Joy Ride† is a short story written by Richard Russo. It features a boy, John Dern, and his mother, who both long for an escape from their lives at the time. This story follows the theme that one key aspect the human condition is the search for an escape. At some point in life, most humans wish to escape their past and present state of living. There may be many motivating factors behind this. However, most attempt to escape for one of three main reasons.These include using an escape as a means of finding freedom, an escape to help another person, or just as a temporary move to solve a problem. In this story, John and his mother have all three reasons in the back of their minds as they see their lives disappear in the rearview mirror. John’s mother wants an escape so that she can be free. Free from stress, free from worry, free from her husband†¦ So she leaves a note with a simpl e goodbye and she is off. She takes her son with her and breaks free from the ties that bind her. She believes that this country is big enough for a fresh start for the both of them.She says, â€Å"It’s not only a free country, it’s a big one. Big enough for us to get lost in. We’re bound for freedom, sweetie† (76). John’s mother is trying to explain to him that this country is huge, and that if the two of them try, they can get lost in the freedom. They have the power and the ability to leave, escaping the lifestyle they are in right now. By leaving, they have the opportunity make anything of their future. John’s mother also explains that she wants to be free from the marriage that is slowly ripping her apart.She says, â€Å"It’s just that living with him – being married to him – is just like being covered with these little cuts all the time. There’s no big gash you can show anybody, nothing they’d believ e would really hurt, but these damn little nicks, they suck the blood right out of you† (92). John’s mother would like to be free of her husband’s ties that seem to terrorize her wherever she goes. It appears that he does nothing to cause her extraordinary pain, but the little problems are the ones that hurt her the most. Just being with her husband leaves her with all of these painful thoughts and memories every single day.It’s the little problems that John’s mother is trying so hard to escape. However, her motivation for escape also has to do with John. He needs this escape as much as his mother. John was growing up and falling in with the wrong crowd, making very bad decisions. His â€Å"friends† talk of a trip they took to Old Orchard Beach in Maine. When thinking about this, John decides that he too needs to get out of Camden. â€Å"This is exactly the kind of adventure I feared and longed for† (78). In this quote, John is conveyi ng his need for escape. His mother sees how necessary an escape is and how desperately John needs a new outlook on life.And this is exactly what his mother intends to give him. As they go on their journey, both John and his mother experience a little taste of the freedom they have hungered for. Years later when discussing the trip, his mother explains the real reason behind the joy ride. â€Å"I’ll tell you what I do remember. I remember that the reason for that trip was you. What I remember was the vicious little monster you were becoming† (110). In this quote, John’s mother is revealing her true motive behind their escape. She wanted to give him an experience that would allow him to change the way he was behaving before it became too late.Her son was falling in with the wrong crowd and she wanted him to get out of there as fast as possible before he did something horrible. Whether the escape is permanent or temporary, it remains a memory that will forever be e ngrained in one’s mind. An escape can last anywhere from minutes to a lifetime, but it will remain a memory throughout one’s entire life. For example, when reminiscing, John says â€Å"This whole trip was nothing more than a joy ride, like the one my junior high friends had taken, and now I could understand their reluctance to talk about it.No doubt it had been a shabby thing, devoid of glory† (108). John is saying that their escape had only been a temporary freedom and that it ended shortly after it had begun. In comparing his joy ride with that of his friends, he claims that both did not end up the way they had imagined and that he did not want to talk about it, just as his friends had not wanted to talk about their trip. However, he goes on to say â€Å"More than twenty years now, as I think back on our joy ride that spring, it seems far more remarkable than it did at the time†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (109).He is expressing his sincere thought on the subject in that ev en after decades have passed. Although it seemed to somewhat fail because he and his mother ended up going back to his father at the time, with time, he begins to realize that the trip meant more than he originally thought. No matter how long or short the escape is, the memory will last a lifetime. The word escape can be defined in many ways. The definition that applies most to this story is â€Å"an act of breaking free from confinement or control. † In â€Å"Joy Ride,† John and his mother were begging for an escape from their life.Throughout the actual trip, John’s mother had him convinced that she wanted to escape from her husband. But at the end of the story after years have passed, she explains that the true reason behind the escape was to change the path he was walking. John needed to escape the group he was in. People attempt to escape for many reasons. For John and his mother, it was for freedom, freedom from John’s father, freedom from the expect ations of John’s friends. And although it was not a permanent escape, it will be permanently engrained in the minds of both John and his mother.

Lee Harvey Oswald Was Not the Lone Assassin

On November 22nd, 1963, President John F. Kennedy (JFK) was shot and killed in a motorcade running through Dealy Plaza, in Dallas, Texas. Shortly after, a man by the name of Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested and charged with the murder of President Kennedy. Over the years there has been much controversy over if Lee Harvey Oswald was in fact, the only man involved in the assassination of JFK. The assassination is still a topic of debate to this day and has spawned many conspiracy theories. At the time, there was little persuasive evidence to prove that Oswald was involved in any sort of conspiracy to assassinate the president, but as time went on people began to grow suspicious of certain things. In 1966, Mark Lane was one of the first to introduce the idea that Oswald did not act alone with the publication of his book Rush to Judgment. Now today, 75% of people believe Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone[1], 70% of respondents believed that the assassination involved more than one person[2]. Also 66% of Americans believe that there was a conspiracy, while 74% believed that there was a cover up[3]. It is inevitable that there is much confusion as to who was involved in the assassination of President Kennedy, but I firmly believe that there is indisputable evidence that shows that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone in the assassination. To start off, after the assassination took place and Oswald was captured, authorities changed the identity of the murder weapon many times. For instance, Deputy Sheriff Eugene Boone and Deputy Constable Seymour Weitzman both initially identified the murder weapon as a 6. 5 mm Carcano rifle, but the following day Weitzman signed affidavit describing the weapon as a 7. 5mm Mauser bolt action rifle, equipped with a 4/18 scope. Later on, investigators identified the rifle as a 6. 5mm Carcano, proving that Weitzman lied about the murder weapon. In his book, Mark Lane exploits this as the strongest reason why there was a cover up. He says â€Å"The strongest element in the case against Lee Harvey Oswald was the Warren Commission's conclusion that his rifle had been found on the 6th floor of the Book Depository building. Yet Oswald never owned a 7. 65 Mauser. When the FBI later reported that Oswald had purchased only a 6. 5 Italian Mannlicher-Carcano, the weapon t police headquarters in Dallas miraculously changed its size, its make and its nationality. The Warren Commission concluded that a 6. 5 Mannlicher-Carcano, not a 7. 65 German Mauser, had been discovered by the Dallas deputies. † Also many witnesses to the assassination were aggressively confronted and were told to keep quiet about what they saw. Acquilla Clemmons, who claimed she saw two men, not only Oswald, at the scene of Officer J. D. Tippet’s[4] murder, says a man armed with a gun confronted her at her house and told her not to speak of what she saw. Leading off of this, in the next three years following the assassination, 18 witnesses were mysteriously killed along with many people dealing with the investigation process. This is significant because it shows that it was not just a coincidence that out of the small number of people that were testifying as witnesses already, many were being killed off. Somebody wanted these witnesses quiet. These deaths seemed to follow a pattern. Whenever various government agencies started a new investigation to look further into the assassination, key people within the agency would be killed, and the investigations halted. Key people were murdered when the New Orleans District Attorney, Senate Intelligence Committee, and House Select Committee on Assassinations started to conduct efficient investigations. Another claim by the Warren commission is that a single bullet killed the president and wounded the governor. There are many flaws with this theory, most prominent being that if there was in fact only one bullet shot, it must have traveled through 15 layers of clothing, 7 layers of skin, approximately 15 inches of tissue, struck a necktie knot, removed 4 inches of rib, and shattered a radius bone. Apart from this being very unlikely, the Zapruder film[5] shows President Kennedy being wounded in between frames 225 and 226, while Governor Connelly appears to have been wounded in frame 240. Pro conspiracy theorists believe that this is indisputable evidence that there were two shooters, because it is impossible to fire two shots from a Carcano rifle in less than 2. 3 seconds (43 frames in the film), meanwhile for anti conspiracy theorists it proves the single bullet theory correct. The evidence tips in favor of the pro conspiracy theorists because this shot is irtually impossible to successfully make. With the angle the bullet entered and the fact that there was so much to go through and the bullet came out in near perfect condition, with some bend in the back of the bullet, it is more likely that there were in fact two shots fired. Judging by the fact that it is impossible to fire two shots from a Carcano rifle in less than 2. 3 seconds, and the president and the governor were h it within 15 frames of each other on the Zapruder film, it only makes sense that there were two separate gunmen. Another reason why Lee Harvey Oswald was not the lone assassin is that he himself was assassinated two days after capture. While Oswald was being transported to the county jail, he was shot point blank on live television by a man named Jack Ruby. Ruby claimed to authorities to have murdered him to avenge the death of President Kennedy. He wanted to avenge Kennedy for patriotism and out of pity for the widow. Ruby owned a nightclub in Dallas at the time, and was also a known gangster and women and drug trafficker. Although Ruby claims to have murdered Oswald as revenge for killing President Kennedy, most people believe it was part of a cover up for a much larger conspiracy. After Ruby’s arrest, he was sentenced to death, only to have his trials postponed and die of lung cancer shortly after postponing the trial. While Oswald was in interrogation, he changed his story many times when asked routine questions such as â€Å"where were you at the time of the shooting†, or â€Å"explain to us what you did the day of the assassination†. He also denied any involvement in the incident even though there was evidence against him. Oswald was bound to face further, more intense interrogation in the future, and this is the reason most people believe that assassination of Oswald was to prevent him from talking about what actually happened in the Kennedy assassination. There were also many strange reports of President Kennedy’s brain being switched from when it was seen in evidence, to when the autopsy was performed. There were pictures of Kennedy’s brain for evidence showing immense damage to the rear, consistent with an exit wound and therefore evidence of a shot from the front. Meanwhile, the autopsy brain did not nearly show the same amount of damage in the back of the brain, and an exit wound in the front. Douglas Horne, the Record Review Board's chief analyst for military records said that he was â€Å"90-95%† certain that these brains were not the same. The idea of a brain switch is highly likely according to many investigators on the subject. This is evidence of a cover up because the way the bullet entered the brain could have shown numerous things to investigators. For one thing, it could have shown the angle and direction in which the bullet entered, proving that Lee Harvey Oswald could not have shot Kennedy from the 6th story of the Texas Book Depository because of the difference in the angles. It could have also shown multiple bullet wounds, disproving the single bullet theory, and ruling out Oswald as the lone assassin. In all, having investigators obtain Kennedy’s real brain would have been catastrophic to any conspiracy, for it would have proved that the conspiracy’s scapegoat Lee Harvey Oswald was not the lone assassin. The situation in which Oswald had supposedly shot Kennedy continues to seem less and less likely to be possible. Both Craig Roberts[6] and Carlos Hathcock[7] said that this assassination could not have been done how the Warren Commission says it was. â€Å"Let me tell you what we did at Quantico, we reconstructed the whole thing: the angle, the range, the moving target, the time limit, the obstacles, everything. I don’t know how many times we tried it, but we couldn’t duplicate what the Warren Commission said Oswald did. Now if I can’t do it, how in the world could a guy who was a non-qual on the rifle range and later only qualified ‘marksman' do it? â€Å"[8] This quote vividly disproves the idea that Oswald was the lone gunman. Two highly qualified snipers completely recreated the scene of the assassination, and could not make the shot in a copious amount of attempts, but a mere marksman Oswald could make the shots perfectly in one? These odds are extremely unlikely, and to think that it is even possible that Oswald could make a shot of this caliber is absurd. There are countless reasons why Lee Harvey Oswald was not the lone gunman in the Kennedy assassination. The final verdict on the assassination of President Kennedy, is that Lee Harvey Oswald fired three shots from a 6. 5 mm Carcano rifle out of the 6th floor window in the Texas Depository building, with one bullet missing the motorcade entirely, one bullet going through Kennedy’s back, and one bullet puncturing the back of Kennedy’s head, straight through to Governor Connelly, wounding him severely. An abundance of witness accounts clearly state that they heard shots elsewhere, and were told to be quiet about this, the shot Oswald would have had to make was impossible, Oswald was murdered two days after his arrest, the Zapruder film disproves the idea of the lone gunman, and there were many falsifications in the stories of Oswald and investigators about what happened that day, what weapon was used in the murder, the brain description, and what happened in interrogation. The lack of paperwork itself should have been enough to sway the opinions of a higher authority that there was something wrong with the investigation. Even when researching this topic, it is still not even clear what did happen on that horrible day. The Warren Commission, along with the Dallas Police, the FBI, and many other organizations, did an atrocious job of properly investigating and documenting the investigation of this assassination. If that is not sufficient, there is the fact that the way the final report claims this assassination happened is not humanly possible. This has been proven by highly trained snipers and well informed authority. Lee Harvey Oswald was not a sniping guru, nor was he the man who by himself killed President John F. Kennedy.

The Lack of Will Makes Us Lazy

The Industrial Revolution was the beginning of a new era in human history. Thanks to this, many countries were able to experience economic growth at a rate never seen before. Unfortunately, it has brought an unforeseen consequence that today has been taken for granted. Because of lacking regulation laws during the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution, we now face the worst environmental crisis of all time. As a result, the planet is experiencing an increase in temperatures around the world. However, nothing is all lost, yet.With renewable energy, among other things, it’s possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, therefore reversing the damage we have done to the planet. For instance, there are wind farms. The wind is a renewable energy that is often overlooked. With new technology, it’s possible to harness the wind and convert it into a power source. The United Kingdom has managed to do this with success. In the southeast coast of England, the government was able t o build an off-shore wind farm with over 100 turbines, which harvests the power of the wind.The Thanet wind farm, as they named it, is capable of producing enough energy to power over 200,000 households in a year. If countries around the world had the will, they could replace non-renewable energy sources with wind farms. This is an excellent idea that could reduce carbon emissions by billions of tons each year. In addition, another renewable source that could help reduce emissions is solar energy. The planet receives more solar energy from the Sun in an hour than it consumes in a year.If every home owner had the will to install solar panels in the rooftops of their homes, not only would it lower their electric bill, but also, their emission levels would drop drastically. Similarly, China is planning to build something close, but in massive scale. The Chinese government struck a deal with First Solar Inc, an Arizona-based company, to build a solar field the size of Manhattan. If the deal goes through, the gigantic solar field will be able to power approximately 3 million Chinese homes. In the end, solar energy is another excellent renewable source with a lot more potential than we might think.Moreover, another way that we can reduce greenhouse gases is by encouraging public transportation. As we know, driving our daily commute can become a struggle. Sometimes, we pollute the environment with carbon dioxide without even moving our cars, stuck in traffic jams, wasting energy in the process. On the other hand, people who use mass transit when commuting save by not spending money on increasingly expensive gas, but more importantly, reduce their carbon emissions. Another plus for using mass transit systems is that you basically have an excuse to meet new people seating next to you.On the contrary, if you rather enjoy commuting alone while driving a car, a hybrid or an electric is a great alternative to regular combustion engine vehicles. Either way, there’s n o excuse for anyone to reduce their carbon emissions while commuting to work or school. In the end, the technology to reduce worldwide greenhouse gases is on our fingertips. The only thing that’s stopping us from doing the right thing and reducing emissions is will in our part. It’s human nature to act after the disaster strikes. Let’s not wait after coastal cities start flooding and act now so we can secure a better future for our descendants.

Business Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business Strategies - Essay Example This essay discusses ways to develop and execute different Business Strategies. In the process of developing a Business Strategy the firm uses its competencies to gain, sustain and enhance its strategic or competitive advantage. The source of competitive advantage for any business operating in an industry arises from the skillful use of its core competences. A combination of organizational behavior and resources ultimately leads to the development of capabilities that a firm used to build competencies. These competencies are used to gain a competitive advantage against rivals in an industry. Competitive advantage results in above average returns to the company. Businesses need a set of strategies to secure competitive advantage. The concept of strategies is not consensual in nature and has significantly evolved during the past decades, influencing the development of business strategy theories. In literature, it is usually considered that one can distinguish four main theoretical appr oaches to business strategies. These business strategy theories can be grouped into four main approaches: 1. Classical; 2. Evolutionary; 3. Processualist; and 4. Systemic. All these approaches are covered in this essay as well as concepts developed by the main thinkers associated with these four main approaches: Chandler, Ansoff, Porter, Cyert & March, Mintzberg, Pettigrew, Hannan & Freeman, Williamsons, Granovetter, Whitley. This essay also states that the nature of the power balance within organizations is an important consideration when discussing strategy development. ... According to Mintzberg (1998), strategy emerges from a pragmatic process of learning and adaptation. |in fact, the focus of this approach is the enterprises internal resources and their capacity to generate the firms' competitive advantage. This implies that strategy is all about long term construction and consolidation of distinctive internal competences. In the same way evolutionary strategies theories during 1980's state that environment is normally unpredictable to anticipate effectively and hence future oriented planning becomes unrealistic. It is the market which makes the important choice not the managers as established by the classical approach. For long term survival basically depends on best strategy which concentrates on maximizing chances of survival. The only real comparative advantage is relative efficiency; hence managers must concentrate on cost leadership. In 1990's the systemic approach emerges, taking the relativist position and considering that the objectives and practices of strategy depends on the cultures and powers of the respective local systems. Strategies may pursue objectives other than profit maximization if their social background frames other interests for them (e.g. personnel pride, managerial power, excellence). In this view, the parameters that guide strategy drive not so much from human cognitive bounds as from the cultural rules of the local society. As a result companies from different systems have different strategies i.e. strategies vary according to socio-political-economic systems & geographical locations. Almost all the strategies basically focus on private organizations and on competitive markets and consider profit maximization as their ultimate aim of strategy

The American Red Cross Structure Research Proposal

The American Red Cross Structure - Research Proposal Example In 1859, Mr. Dunant witnessed a battle in Italy and was horrified to see how the wounded were left to die without help. Very rapidly he organized the villagers to recover the injured and took them to houses and church to provide them with the best help they could at the time. Most of them had little or no medical experience. From there on, Dunant devoted his work to train international relief groups that would go into aid the wounded in battlefields worldwide, both civilians and soldiers, who were victims of war, it is important to outline that Mr. Dunant required these organizations to work independently from any nation. Starting in 1863, two conferences played very important roles for the Red Cross organization. The first one in Geneva, Switzerland, outlined the principles of the Red Cross, and the second one, created the set of rules of how to treat the wounded on a battlefield and the conduct of war. Initially, twelve European Nations signed the Geneva Convention, today the Red C ross organization can work in war zones and battlefield worldwide, under the International Committee of the Red Cross. (Red Cross History. How the American Red Cross Works. Howstuffworks.com) In the United States, during the civil war, Clara Barton volunteered as a nurse to aid the wounded soldiers in the battlefield. She had no medical background since she was a former school teacher and later an office clerk. Her first-hand experience with the wounded inside the battlefield, made her realize that these soldiers needed professional care as soon as the battle ended, and later when the war was over, she created a system to track down missing soldiers and bring them together with their families. Later on, she made a trip to Europe where she learned about the Red Cross organization and its similarities to her efforts. She stayed in Europe and volunteered to work in European wars.  

U.S. Fiscal Budgeting and Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

U.S. Fiscal Budgeting and Government - Essay Example The proposal has recently sparked debates on both the Republican and the Democrat controlled Congress, an ordinary occurrence prevalent in American history especially during those times when the president puts forward his budgetary plan. Both the Republican and the Democratic parties would often disagree on what causes imbalance on the Federal budget, and oftentimes, heated debates soon ensue with regards the subject. The issue of budget in the US is an interesting topic to listen to except that ordinary Americans are not privy to the language and the esoteric terms employed in this discussion. It is also imperative that the public and the US legislators be able to pinpoint the sources of imbalance in the federal government expenditures. The president, as a rule, submits his proposal in the month of February after which it is submitted to the Congress on the first Monday of the said month. As this is only a proposal, the budget constitutes and specifies the government’s intended spending for the following fiscal year. This proposal is backed by voluminous documents aimed at convincing the Congress of the importance and value of the budget provisions. The cabinet and the agencies under the Federal government likewise submit their proposals which will consequently be included in the final version of the proposed budget (Taylor 1950). This proposal contains some line items specified as discretionary and some as mandatory expenditures. Discretionary spending obliges a yearly appropriation bill, a piece of legislation which should be enacted and determined by the Appropriations Committee of both Houses of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives. This spending is under the discretion of the Congress and usually lasts for one year. On the other hand, mandatory spending is a spending which also requires legislation but is not dependent on a yearly appropriation bill. Examples of these are Social Security

What are the implications of globalisation for democracy Essay

What are the implications of globalisation for democracy - Essay Example istant others live in a different continent and time zone, yet electronic communications have rendered the differences of time and space insignificant. We have become more interdependent and the contemporary world can best be referred to asa global village or a shrinking world (Held and McGrew 2003, 3). If modernity was about the power of the nation state and the legitimization of the state action through traditional democracy, then globalisation would clearly have a significant impact but probably not in the contemplated way. Globalisation is usually associated with the decline of the nation state and the rise of pan national government, international organisations like the World Bank, UN and some of the most powerful TNC’s. Yet for Heldalthough state sovereignty has waned and their freedom to act has also declined in the face of globalisation, yet they have also seen resurgence. Problems associated with globalisation such as damage to the environment, overpopulation and migration have all been addressed by different nations. Revision Aid: Two way argument that nation states are in decline because of globalisation and pan national government but also that states are resurgent because they attempt to rise to the challenges presented by globalisation. Furthermore, in terms of democracy, the bureaucracy flourishes through the networks of ICT. Notions of infocracy and the transparent citizenship come into being as more and more personal information is held about us. This has consequences for democracy as we are encouraged to participate through Held’s plebiscitary democracy by channelling our wants and preferences to government through ICT. One might argue that such a process might as well develop a sense in us as to where we may pass on such inputs to the pan national organisations (Dijk 2000, 11). Revision aid: as governments make greater use of ICT, so they collect more information about us but we may also have greater opportunities to communicate political

Exploring Presidental elections and Presidental Power between Research Paper

Exploring Presidental elections and Presidental Power between President Ronald Reagan and President Barack Obama - Research Paper Example During his reign, his administration concluded an important treaty with Soviet Union in order to restrict the intermediate range for nuclear weapons conducted in a proxy war with Nicaragua through the services it offered on the contras. Thus, it invaded the grenade ostensibly to prevent the Soviet Island from becoming an outpost of the Soviet. In 1984, Reagan was re-elected by a huge margin back to the white house. This paper will analyze the presidential powers of Reagan during his reign as the president of the US. Reagan’s taking office that was ushered shortly in his popular acceptance for supply of the side economics both with bellicosity abroad and at home. He was given a political honeymoon after an unsuccessful assassination attempts in 1981. The democrats in the north and the south supported President Reagan’s domestic policy (Cannon 33-35). He therefore instituted a program that focused on phasing out taxes and increasing expenditures on defense of the governme nt. Furthermore, education and welfare budgets were cut, and unanimously accepted, by the congress (Lawson 38). This was a deregulation program of business and a measure of tightening control of information concerned about the government. During his reign, Reagan’s staff contemplated on legislation of the British secret acts until they realized that loyalty was paramount for the detection of the lies. In the foreign policy, other countries were alarmed due to the frank nature of the triumphant of the American rhetoric and determination of the administration in imposing the leadership in America and its priorities. He used his position as the president to pressure for the catapulted movement of the NATO in to order increase expenditures on military. For instance, Reagan affronted even Margaret a staunch supporter to sell grains to USSR to raise money to boost the military. This was like pleasing the agribusiness sector aimed at supporting the US subsidiaries companies that bas ed in Europe. He also managed to prevent Western Europe from importing natural gas, which Russia demanded. The fears of the nuclear weapons receded when Reagan agreed to limit his expenditure on arms talks with Russia and reduced on the tone of the bellicose rhetoric. This progress passed in a summit held in Geneva with Russian president Gorbachev. Reagan’s domestic policies of the US recessed the economy, which meant that his re-election was uncertain. In 1984 November, he got a huge margin of the votes than 1980 election. He exercised peace abroad and gained fame locally. His policy of not ruling but reigning made him famous and extended his congressional action. Furthermore, Reagan presided over for the breakup of USSR claiming victory in the cold war. He was rhetoric a symbolic conservative thinker whose legacy became a strong boom to the economy. He recaptured the national confidence and decayed the spirit of the community that resulted from community inequalities. Most symbolically, he tripled the national debt for US (Owen 235). During his reign for two terms, Reagan sought through all means to reduce domestic programs of the US federal government (Cannon 123). During his first years in office, he adopted the theory of the supply side to stimulate the production and the control of the high inflation by cutting the tax and reducing federal spending. 1982, was the year of major recession

It is over 100 years since The Principles of Scientific Management was Essay

It is over 100 years since The Principles of Scientific Management was first published. How relevant are Taylor's ideas for un - Essay Example This paper will look at the scientific management theory 100 year later and the influence that it has on understanding work organizations in the present day. Scientific management theory is part of the wider aspect of economic efficiency that was recurring theme in the late 19th century and early 20th century aimed at increasing efficiency in the way humanity carried out its activities, decreasing waste from processes and using empirical methods to make decisions rather than accepting pre existing ways of doing things (Rowlinson, 1988, p378). In political and sociological terms, scientific management can be seen as division of labour that has been done logically with its consequences being deskilling of the worker and dehumanisation of the workers and the workplace (Peci, 2009, p294). In his work, Taylor noted that some workers were more talented than others and even the best of the workers in most cases remained unmotivated, he also noted that most of the workers who were coerced to perform repetitive tasks usually worked at a slow rate, he called this behaviour ‘soldering (Jones, 2000, p640). When given a similar pay, Taylor found out that the employees were likely to do the equal quantity of work as the laziest of them all. This behaviour showed that all workers were interested in their own self benefit and they were not willing to work harder if they were not guaranteed of an additional income. Taylor concluded that they way organizations had been set in relation to work ethics was such that it encouraged inefficiency among the workers. From this observation, Taylor posited that time and motion studies combined with rational analysis and synthesis could provide one of the nest methods to perform any particular task, which could not be done by the methods that were present during that particular time. Taylor argued that the amount of compensation that was given to the employees would only equal the amount of work that the employee was willing to perfor m. The scientific management theory started at a time when automation and mechanisation existed but they were not fully applied in the production process. This is was attributable to the fact that in those days’ people did not have any idea that the scientific management process was the required ingredient that would see the shift of production as being done only by humans to production that would be supported by machines. In his scientific management theory, Taylor had a complicated view on workers. At one time, he addressed some of their concerns in terms of the remuneration that they got as a result of their works, while at another time, he compared them, especially the less intelligent ones with draft animals (Ackroyd & Bolton, 1999, 372). However, with in relation to workers, Taylor’s scientific management theory had a few shortcomings. One is that the theory did not acknowledge individual differences among the workers in the sense that the most efficient way of w orking for one worker, may be the most inefficient for another worker. Secondly, the financial interests between the workers and the management are different therefore, the measurement process and the retraining of workers did not usually get support from the workers. Taylor argued that all tasks that an employee was assigned could be organised in such a way that the productivity of the worker would increase and that his scientific theory of management was more effective than the usual ‘

The Factors That Affect Apple Brand Strategy Essay

The Factors That Affect Apple Brand Strategy - Essay Example The paper will then throw light on the Research Questions and Hypotheses as formulated by an author, based on which entire research process is conducted. The next sections will be about Literature Review in which contributions of theorists will be critically reviewed. The research moves on with a Case Study on Apple Incorporation after which the author will discuss appropriate findings and analyze the scope of Research Questions. Finally, the paper will discuss Research Limitations, Suggestions / Recommendations to strategic planners of Apple Company and will end this research project by providing conclusions, which will be drawn from the current use of brand strategies, their scope, and workability in future. This last section will also discuss if any advancements may take place in branding and marketing of consumer products because of digitalization, universalization, and internationalization in upcoming years. The globalization of world in the 1990s after the advent of internet followed by advancements and developments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has created unlimited business opportunities for people across the globe. Indeed, the trade among nations has increased drastically in last two decades because of availability of better communication and networking infrastructure that in turn facilitates profit-maximizing enterprises to initiate new ventures in domestic and foreign markets. In addition, the international community has also opted to eliminate barriers to trade and commerce through international agreements such as GATT, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and WTO (World Trade Organisation). Indeed, these free trade agreements and rationalization of custom and import duties were an attempt to create new employment for citizens and provide maximum investment opportunities to their businesses.

School Uniforms Essay Example for Free

School Uniforms Essay Many schools in the United Sates are at odds over school uniforms. In many cases, when uniforms are imposed students feel that their rights are being taken away (Kelly). That is the main argument against school uniforms. Although there is this disadvantage to school uniforms, there are many advantages. Along with making the students life easier, school uniforms would also provide for a more comfortable atmosphere and help students to focus mainly on their educations. In order to make uniforms acceptable, parents and teachers must work together to show the positive effects that uniforms could have on each students life. Many students feel that with uniforms they will not be recognized as individuals. Students often feel that their wardrobes define who they are as people. Even though school uniforms do take away a persons right to show his or her individuality through clothing, the advantages certainly outweigh the disadvantages in this case. Students would probably be more accepting of the idea of school uniforms if a more casual style of uniform were adopted than a formal traditional style (Kelly). One of the many advantages would be a more stress-free school week for students. For example, students are usually worried about what they will wear the next day. On average, a student usually spends anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour trying to find something to wear the next day. In this amount of time, the student could have spent thirty minutes studying or gone to bed that much earlier. In addition to saving time, there would be less of an acceptance problem between peers because name brands and styles would no longer matter. School uniforms would also provide for better student/teacher relationships. With uniforms, all students would be recognized as equals. Therefore, both teachers and students would get the respect they deserve. With uniforms, there would be less of a division between peers, and cliques would not be as obvious in the student body. With these things in mind, it is probable that discipline problems would drastically decrease (School Uniforms). As an  added advantage, teachers would be able to focus on the more important things than a students dress code violations (Kelly). Lastly, students would no longer focus on each others wardrobes. Most of the time, students worry about everyone but themselves. Oftentimes this results in the less fortunate or more outrageous students being ridiculed. All of this goes back to the student being accepted. As previously stated, all students would be recognized as equals. Students would be more likely to be judged on their accomplishments before anything else, especially style and appearance, could come into play. This would allow students to focus solely on their educations (School Uniforms). In conclusion, schools with uniforms seem to excel academically. The student bodys perspectives change considerably. They are no longer caught up in the material things; they are forced to concentrate on the matters that really matter. Students could attend school with a clear mind every day and focus on their educations and not each other. In the end, uniforms would be a helpful tool to all educational facilities. Works Cited Kelly, Melissa. Safety in Schools and Uniforms. School Uniforms. 03 Nov 2004. School Uniforms: Where they are and why they Work. 26 Feb 1996. Manual on School Uniforms. United States Government. 04 Nov 2004.

Allelopathy Paper Essay Example for Free

Allelopathy Paper Essay Introduction: Considering the beneficial properties of plants, not only to us, but the environment as well, it is important to understand the nature of Allelopathy and how it affects plant ecology. According to the Topics in Biology Laboratory Manuel, allelopathy refers to â€Å"the beneficial or harmful effects of one plant on another plant, by the release of chemicals from plant parts in both natural and agricultural systems. † By secretion of biochemical materials, allelopathy involves a plant’s ability to inhibit germination or growth of the surrounding germination. In our exercise, we tested for the presence of allelopathic chemicals in plant shoots and the effect of the allelopathic chemicals (our I. V. ) on the germination and growth (our D. V. ) on radish seeds. The question proposed became, â€Å"Does Rose seed extract affect the germination and growth of radish seeds? † Keeping the allelopathic effects in mind, our working hypothesis became, â€Å"If radish seeds get exposed to the rose leaf extract, then their percent successful germination and the average length will be less than the percent successful germination and the average length of the radish seeds which do not get exposed to the Rose leaf extract. Materials: For week 1 and week 2 the following materials were used: 10 grams of fresh leaves (rose), sandwich-type plastic bag, a scale, a blender, 100 mL of distilled water, folded cheesecloth, a funnel, one stock bottle, 3 pieces of filter paper, two Petri dishes, and 40 radish seeds. Methods: According to the Topics in Biolo gy Laboratory Manuel, the experiment was conducted as follows: First we needed to collect fresh leaves from one plant species, and fill up a plastic sandwich bag, which we were to bring with us to the lab. Next in groups we were to weigh 10 grams of leaves from the one plant species and place the measured sample in a blender. Next we added the 100 mL of distilled water to the blender. Holding the lid of the blender, we blended the mixture completely. Then we placed some folded cheesecloth into a funnel and sat it into a stock bottle. Finally we poured the blended mixture through the funnel/cheesecloth to filter the solution. To test the Allelopathic effects, we then needed to place 3 pieces of filter paper in each of the bottoms of the two Petri dishes. In one Petri dish (labeled with the leaf extract) we added 10 mL of the filtered solution, so that it soaked the filter paper layers. In the second Petri dish (labeled control), we added 10 mL of distilled water so that the water soaked the filter paper layers as well. Next in each of the Petri dished we added 20 radish seeds on top of the 3 pieces of filter paper, evenly spaced. Then we placed another piece of filter paper on top of the seeds in both dishes. Finally, we placed the lids on top of both Petri dishes to prevent excessive evaporation and stored them at room temperature, giving them a week to germinate, then be evaluated. Results: For our results, after careful observations and measurements, the percentages of successful germination were as follows: For the Experimental group, that is the group treated with extract, had a 70% success rate in which 14 of the 20 radish seeds had sprouts. However, the Control group, which had been treated with distilled water, had an 85% of successful germination in which 17 of the 20 seeds had sprouted. When comparing the seedlings length, the experimental group recorded 3. 0 mm being the shortest, and 13. 0 mm being the longest, making 4. mm the average length of the seedlings, all which is indicated on the following two pages by bar graph representations on average seed length and percentage rates of both groups. When looking at the control group, however, the shortest length measured was 12. 0 mm and the longest was 62. 0 mm, making their average 42. 0 mm. When observing each of the radish seed’s conditions, it was obvious that the control group produced healt hier, more vibrant seedlings with an extended root system and hair. However the experimental group contained more so dry, yellowish seeds with little to no root hair. Discussion: When observing the results of the Allelopathy experiment, it is evident that the results reflect and indeed support my hypothesis which stated that, â€Å"If radish seeds get exposed to the rose leaf extract, then their percent successful germination and the average length will be less than the percent successful germination and the average length of the radish seeds which do not get exposed to the Rose leaf extract. † So again when comparing the average length of seedlings between the control group and the experimental group, there really is no comparison; the experimental group had a mere 4. mm length verses that of the control group which had a remarkable 42. 0 mm length. Although noted both had a high percentage rate of germination, it really comes down to Allelopathy and the competitive â€Å"chemical warfare,† present in our experimental group. As for leaving room for error, a number of problems could have taken place, such as if small amounts of water needed to be added to re-saturate the filter paper, or if fungus appeared due to the high temperatures, etc. Over all I believe the experiment did a good job of explaining and demonstrating the Allelopathic effects on plant economy.

Laws and Policies affecting Oil Gas industry

Laws and Policies affecting Oil Gas industry Every oil and gas industry are working according to the oil and gas laws, the law covers every aspects of the oil industry for example , ranging from licencing, operational issues, joint venture, project contracts, service contract and construction , disposal, acquisition, farm -in, marketing and sales , oil and gas transportation and diligence work. There are three major laws shown below Downstream Energy Law and Policy The Downstream Energy Law and Policy, the legislation and regulation are implementing implement policy for down stream energy industries. . The importance of this the policy decision is to restructure the electricity and gas industries it will change the legislation, the approach of regulators. The law can makes working environment better Environmental Law and Policy for Natural Resources and Energy This policy deals with national and international environmental policy and power generation, consumption of natural resources and production. Example there may be problem rising in production sector, mining activities, transportation of petroleum, use of new clear energy, global climate effects and air pollution and d ad regulatory systems International and Comparative Petroleum Law and Policy This is law and policy implementing in the international petroleum industry, The main part of this law are oil company, investors and host government. In this law financial investor and international corporate are faced in a open and practical way, The stake holders are very much interested on the financial development of petroleum resources .The law fully supporting the taxation issues also solve the variety issues , economic , lawyer , accountants , engineers and geologists in A brief introduction is provided to petroleum taxation issues. Private and Government Policy Some factors should be considered before deciding to choose a private or government policy. 1. Private company wont have a nationality requirement ie not be a citizen of host country also they provide insurance without regard to countrys economic development level or investment economic effect. 2. Private companies insure both existing and new ones whereas government insure only new project or expansion of the existing one. Also if we want a government policy for the project we must register our project with the government company at an earlier stage. 3.The government usually write policies for a long term(15-20 years)whereas private one write only for short usually three years basis and is renewed at the end of each year for an additional year so that there is always a three year basis. Currently political risk insurers provide coverages at a fixed rate .Most recently private companies offer coverage up to 15 years 4. Government insurance cost is cheaper than private ones. 5. Private offers more flexibility and opportunities to change the conditions of policy whereas government is not willing to change the rules from a standard form 6. The government polices inform the host government about the coverage .But private firms forbid the investor from disclosing the information regarding the investment because disclosure will make the policy invalid. For some investors it is advantageous to use both private and official markets to meet their needs in securing investments. Government insurers such as MIGA and OPIC encourage public private partnerships and syndicated insurances in cooperation with private companies. http://www.dundee.ac.uk/cepmlp/academic/FT-MBA-Oil%20and%20Gas%20Mgt.php Development strategy achieved through transforming corporate governance I took Halliburton petroleum industry to analyse the structure, performance and management. It is the one of the richest refinery in US .is the prime responsibility of the Top level directorial board to ensure the benefits of its share holders and the main duties includes The evaluation of the chief executive officers performance and commitment and to take adequate action which includes dismissal , removal etc.In this main duty of the board in the executive section in each boad meeting is to evaluate the chief executive officers performance by the main director and the evaluation includes both qualitative and quantitve work area of the chief executive .The quatitive and qualitive ares includes leadership ,following managent development ,Integrity,perfomance of the business, informing the board matters that effects that Halliburton and its operation unit The final evaluation department made by the main director will present in the compensation commity after being communicated with chief executive officer and the duies if the compensation community includes the review of the evaluation of the report and and provide the recommendation for the coming year and Setting the compensation of the chief executive officer.The compensation is made according to the recommendation made by the compensation community The setting and evaluation of compensation of the executive management Annual revaluation and review of the plans and development program for the executive management The monitoring performance of the corporate against strategy and business plans Innovation Management in oil and gas Industry Innovation is not simply start the business but is a business of creativity ,It has some thing new , it is a new art .Innovation is strongly support the performance of the business ,Innovation is the result of hard work, efficiency. I choose BP to explain innovation management .BP is a UK company based company and it the 4th largest company in the world and also largest private energy corporation in the world. Innovative characteristics Now BP is gain an important place in the world oil industry. it was founded by George Reynolds. BP gain momentum in innovative process in nineties and it has got enough investment and is declaring now but 2001/2000 it was on its peak .BP is the biggest 10 company in the world constantly alter its technology by updating the new and latest .Bp using ultra modern technology to keep themselves at top. Innovation Strategy of The Company Dedication shown by the senior management with in the business strategy. Dedication by the employment is very important to implement innovative process. The main innovative steps are Performance Progressive Health and Safety-which ensure no harm to the people of environment Innovative- transformation new business ,bottom line performance and HSE expected a achievement are I part and factor of innovative process BP achieved innovation by abandonment of effective management and process added heavy stress and multi performance to the staff and which effects the working pattern of the company .Every motivated individual are the great and strength of every business sector but pressure of the management will effect their performance .BP creating campaign to make aware every employer that about priority and making comfortable in their own way to provide effectiveness and innovation Innovation requires knowledge of customer and user, BP providing training programs for understanding the innovation application in their working field by this new technology BP achieved performance management, new idea will be a risky factor to companies .Innovation occurs motivation .Innovation need encouragement for the new idea in the driving force for the innovation. BP providing innovation needs, active support to improve employees skills. Innovation is long term process involve lot of money and time BP investing millions of pounds for theses activities 2009 was the worst economical year in oil and gas industry>The recession hit all over the world . Demand of the energy resources doesnt gone down but even through the production goes down .It is reported that world will use 45% of energy by 2030 there may be some challenges which need ultimate solution to the innovation strategic level , some example are invest more money on innovation , a alternative fuels like wing , solar ,increase innovation process Sustainable Development in Oil and Gas Industry I am analysing Zadco oil company to examine about the corprote Overview of Sustainable development .It is the second largest oil company in U.A.E. The main objecitive of the Suitable Development of the development of the present generation and meet the development future generation Economic Sustainability Zadco is producing approximately one by fourth of U.A.E oil , Upper Zakum field which is the fourth largest oil in the field is the main assets of the Zadcos maily depend upon the growth Social Sustainability Zadco contribute for the social sustainability and some contribution in includes employement opportunity, community welfare project , promation of educational institution Enviromental Sustainability Zadco has strictily maintaint its effort to reduce the environment pollution, it also monitor its emission and discharges constantly to to reduce the harmful effect in the ecosystem http://www.halliburton.com/AboutUs/default.aspx?navid=973pageid=2305 Business Planning Processes The success of an organization depends on how effectively their strategies are implemented and how it works. The main function of the business plan is to identify and develop strategy to support the companys mission and vision. It may be long time or short time. The corporate performance focussing the development of companies in all area.The corporative planning team interfaces every group in the business units. http://www.zadco.com/CMS/AboutZADCO/CorporateOverviewMissionVisionValues/BusinessPlanning/tabid/251/Default.aspx Operation management in oil and gas industry The basic ethics and idea of operation management in the framework of the upstream Oil and Gas business is to enable executives to carry out a decisive evaluation of their concerns contrive and supply chain to comprehend the ways in which strategic goals are interpreted into decision-making. Decipher calculated objectives into rational calculated verdict associated to effective placing, viewed within a global context for the oil and gas sector. Transmit and converse the relation between manufactured goods and development design, and examine and construct strategies for re-engineering effective and supply chain practices to gather diverse market needs. Evaluate and expand stratagem for facility development and classify deliver chain arrangement and control worth planning, manage and skill management. Competent of effort out troubles relating to strategic operational decisions leading to the achievement of competitive advantage through an effective operational strategy. Characteristics , The model of transformation, how cooperate strategy links with operation strategy, operations by strategic drives, project appraisal, project management, location of operations, planning capacity, capacity strategies: methods of forecasting demand; Operational Scheduling; aggregate plan formulation; capacity strategies; purchasing and supply chain strategies, global sourcing and supplier selection; inventory management; MRP/MRPII/ERP; quality and environmental policy: quality management; quality control and international standards for quality systems; environmental policy; risk management; measuring performance, performance metrics, improvement strategies. Strategies for Facilities Management; Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). QUALITY MANAGMENT The industry handles hazardous fluids and gases through a variety of processes. Considering the personal safety for both staff and public, protection of the environment and business continuity (maintenance of revenue streams, both for companies and for national economies) require a high level of operational integrity. A solution element in the reassurance of appropriate products being supplied is the quality management system operated by the goods dealer and service contractor. The experience of previous editions of API Q1 has proven that requirements additional to ISO 9001:2000 are necessary to provide assurance with high opinion to quality of products and services on a consistent and global basis. It is a collaboration between the American Petroleum Institute (API) and ISO technical committee ISO/TC 67, Materials, equipment and offshore structures for petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries. According to John Modine, Director Certification Programs, American Petroleum Institute (API), ISO/TS 29001 is expected to result in Increased international acceptance of time-tested sector-specific quality system requirements on a broad scale for the worldwide oil and gas industry. He defines it as: One industry one standard. We knew that API Spec Q1 (6th Edition) contained extremely valuable quality system requirements for the oil and gas industry and we wanted to help disseminate those sector-specific quality requirements to the international oil and gas industry. We concluded that the best way to do that would be to draft the next version of API Spec Q1 (7th Edition) with a joint API/ISO committee with the final result being a joint publication of API Spec Q1 and ISO/TS 29001. The final goal is to obtain worldwide receipt and use of the standard. The new technical specification aims at the growth of a quality management system that provides for frequent improvement, highlight defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain and from service providers. Incorporating the requirements of ISO 9001:2000, ISO/TS 29001:2003, it also includes detailed, sector-specific requirements for design, development, production, installation and service of products. To assist the user, the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 are given in boxed text, followed by specific direction and additional requirements for its implementation within the industry. Although some of the supplementary requirements may be viewed as not specific to this industry, they are needed in TS 29001 in order to ensure that the requirement(s) are explicit and can be audited. ISO/TS 29001 is obtainable for use by manufacturers of oil industry utensils and materials (upstream and downstream), service providers to the oil and gas industry, purchasers of utensils, materials and services and organizations who could use the criterion for assessments and certification. Major risks in oil and gas industry One of the main consideration in any global investment is the political risk .It is mainly focus on oil and gas or energy sector. This sector is very large and controversial most of the all countries energy sector is privatized, when Investing money on foreign country the investor should evaluate the political risks, economical, and geological risks. The oil companies producing the hydrocarbons in reasonable profit at right time. An contract signed with the government for particular time that should be a longer time than the present government. A upcoming government might ready to western companies and allow a more autonomist policy for their general resources. Once geological survey finished the economists will analyze finance budget, i company management will assess the major risk in a new project and resolve that risk in an suitable way, Political risks has been changing according to their political and socio-economic situation of their own country, For example in1990s Enron Corp in India and1980s Belco Petroleum Corp Peru in both cases present government changed and new government came and adopt new anti foreign investment policies because of that they dropped their project. There are mainly two types of risks one is Country specific political risks and another is firm political risks .Firm specific risks are directly connected to the company, for an example government might chance to cancel the project or terrorist group may decided to attack the Industry. But in the country specific politics risks is not directly connected the firm but it will effect national wide, for example the government decision will effect money fluctuation or civil war Dfferent types of l risks are shown below . Government Risks Instability Risks Firm exact Risks unfair regulations damage Creeping expropriation Kidnappings break of contract Firm particular boycotts County Level Risks Mass nationalizations labour strikes Regulatory change rural rioting Risk Management There are number of essential ways to protect the investment firms from the political risk, economic risks, environmental risks, and technological risks. Assessment factors can strongly influence the companys fiscal performance. Political risk is mainly managed by two ways one is actual political risk insurance and another is De facto insurance. De facto insurance is the protection from strategic partnering and planning. Political insurance is covering all part of the investment .In De facto insurances is mainly preventing the loss in risky areas for example exploration and production , money fluctuations, civil war etc. Two important sections in a political risk policy constitutes event of loss and the measure of damages and it wil be as a result of the type of coverage that is purchased. So it is important to understand the types of political risk insurance coverages. These coverages generally includes expropriation, currency inconvertibility, war and civil disturbance, trade disruption and breach of contract.all these should be closely examined Expropriation coverage protects against patial or total loss of investment caused by host government which eliminates insureds ownership or exercise of its rights with respect to the investment. Coverages can also used against creeping expropriations which had effect of preventing the investor of its ownership.to its investments. The amount of loss wil be the investments net book value. While discussing the amount of loss based on a particular coverage the concept of book value become important and it determines how much will be recovered in the event of loss For example in US there are two methods of accounting for drilling results. An oil company can either use an accounting under which dry hole costs are written off in the year incurred, or the full cost method of accounting whereby all drilling costs are capitalized and written off over the economic life of the reserve. Both methods will produce different results. So it is important to discuss a definition for net book value that will produce a promising financial result for the insured. Expropriation can take the following forms Confiscation of Fixed Assets and Bank Accounts Many companies have investments in the form of subsidies or joint venture .In order to attract foreign direct investment government will give some concessions or signed agreement with the company .But w hen the government changes some changes will happen in investment regulations and the locally held assests will undergo some unfairly actions imposed by the new government which restricts its operations. Share holder loans invested by the companies are at the risk of legal penality. Insurance is needed to protect such loans. Expropriation coverages also include losses due to material change imposed by the host government. The following agreements are mentioned Drilling Rights Long term agreements should contain remedy to protect against future disputes because such licenses may be cancelled later. The contract should significantly relay on qualitity of arbitration provision to secure against legal indebtness through court. Exploration/Exploitation (Production Sharing Agreements) When overseas government attract western companies to share in the travel of discovery of the potential field this agreement will comprise the unfair treatment at the next phase. Thus this agreement will identify how the oil revenues are split between the company and the government. At the time of struugle the government will undergo any of these agreements and identify the indebteness of the government and coverage is available on grounds similar to drilling rights Proven Reserve In situations where future oil revenues are included in the balance sheet and the underwriters are satisfied with the accounting principles it is possible to include loss of future earnings as a part of net asset value in the event of expropriation by the host government .2. Confiscation of Mobile Assets Contractors who take specialized mobile plants or equipments such as barge from overseas will re-export it after the completion of their project. Before re-exporting he needs permission and license from host government. If he refused the permitted the permission he will be exposed to a potential loss caused by confiscation and deprivation. 2.Currency inconvertibility coverage helps the investor to meet the loss arise due to his inability to convert local currency into the foreign currency specified in the policy, which is usually United States dollars, or the investors home currency,to transfer aborad. The coverages include excessive delays (usually expressed in terms of a stated time period), adverse changes in local laws or regulations, and an adverse change in the conditions governing the conversion to foreign exchange. The risk of devaluvation is for the insurance company.the investor will pay over the blocked currency to the company in exchange for the foreign currency. 3. War and civil disturbance coverage protects against damage or destruction due to war or any other disturbances. This coverage includes revolution, insurrection, coup detats, sabotage and terrorism. The damage may not be actual but the investment is considered as a total loss.The measure of loss will be investors net book value of the assets destroyed or damaged. The company also needs a option to replace the destroyed ones or a reasonable price for the maintenance of the damaged ones. 4. Breach of contract coverage protects the host countrys repudiation against investors contract.this coverage will provide a process for resolution of disputed and the investor can obtain an award for damages. If it is not paid with the state period of time, the investor can then demand for net book value of investment under the policy. Future loss in profit is not covered 5. Project finance Majority of overseas project requires bank finance on a limited or non-recourse basis. Private companies now offer a coverage of 10 years to protect banks giving loans to such projects. . The project sponsors will be seeking finance from the lenders where the assets of the project are assigned as collateral and the cash flows derived used to repay financing. 6. Border closures, blockades and sanctions will not cause a loss of the local investment Two possible consequences that tailores the insurance programs are loss of profit and increase in operating costs .

Pi and Richard Parker in Life of Pi Essay example -- Yann Martel

Pi gives two renditions of his 227 days on the ocean. His second version, instead of involving animals, claims that other survivors from the ship are present. Pi witnesses and takes part in cannibalism, going against his vegetarianism and human nature. Pi also commits murder in this adaptation of his story, killing his mother’s murderer, a reality that is hard for Pi to come to terms with. Since this event is easier for him to cope with if is not the one directly involved in the killing, he replaces himself with Richard Parker. Thus, as shown by Pi’s creation of others in order to suppress guilt, the mind can invent or distort memories in order to preserve one’s sanity and spiritual survival. The same mechanism of self preservation of the mind is shown in the movie Castaway (2000). In the movie, Chuck is the only survivor of a plane crash and he must survive a island. Humans cannot bear isolation. To cope with his loneliness, Chuck creates Wilson, a volleyball with a face drawn with blood, and treats Wilson as if he is an individual. To Chuck, Wilson is someone to engage in conversation with and a close friend. Wilson’s creation illustrates how humans will do anything to cope with loneliness, prevent insanity, and ultimately survive. â€Å"I must say a word about fear. It is life's only true opponent. Only fear can defeat life,† (Martel, 203). On his trek, Pi faces a multitude of different fears and overcomes each one of them in order to survive. One of Pi’s greatest fears is Richard Parker, the deadly Bengal tiger. Pi realizes that he has to cope with Richard Parker, regardless of his natural fear, since they are in the lifeboat together. Pi cannot run away, he must take action. He states, â€Å"I couldn’t always be runnin... ...s, a group of stranded schoolboys show their need for each other’s company. The first thing the boys do is seek each other out once they arrive on the uninhabited island. The boys are young and cannot tend to their needs alone, thus it is necessary for them collaborate in order to survive. Within the group, a hierarchy of leadership is established. One person is viewed as their chief, someone of considerable wisdom and charisma to guide them. The main focus of their group is survival, however, there are two philosophies on how to survive within the group. This causes the group break into factions. Even though there are disagreements between individuals, they continue to stick together and form groups. This illustrates how collaboration between individuals is essential for survival in dire situations and how people will work together if their existence depends on it.

Essay --

With the turning point of the American Revolution in the favor of the Americans being the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 and the eventual surrender of British General Cornwallis to George Washington in 1781, the Americans finally earned and gained the freedom they desired from the British. From the beginning when the Articles of Confederation were ratified by all thirteen colonies in 1781 through 1789 when the Constitution was ratified by nine states, the Articles of Confederation provided the United States with an effective government. This experimentation with new government was very new in every sense of the word. New things are not always perfect just as new computer programs may have glitches but as with new computer programs; the Articles of Confederation could have been developed and improved to a stronger government. The Americans did not leave any room for improvement and development for the Articles of Confederation, which contributed to its downfall. Americans were fearful of trying something new and with the Constitution. They were afraid of turning back to a government extremely similar of the British government. As a result the Articles provided an effective government politically, economically, and diplomatically from 1781 to 1789. The political effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation is obvious in that it was written in the spirit of independence from the British government and was, as a result, written as a different government as opposed to the government of the British. The Articles explained that the union of the states as a confederacy, a loose group of independent states. This guaranteed that their new government would not include the politics of the past British government. â€Å"They said States hereby sever... ... the Constitution that it was necessary. Opponents to the new plan, anti-federalists, criticized it most on it creating a strong central government that will be abusive to individual liberty. It wasn’t even until the Bill of Rights was drafted by James Madison that people started to accept the Constitution. The Articles of Confederation may have extended much power to the states, which can be interpreted as a way of separating the states; the unity of the states under the Articles of Confederation should be interpreted as Aristotle observed that â€Å"the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.† The Articles of Confederation never got its fair chance to spread its wings as a government and show the world how high it could actually soar. However, during its term from 1781 to 1781, the Articles of Confederation provided the United States with and effective government.

Business Credit Evaluation :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Business Credit Evaluation Credit Review Summary What Banks Look For The most fundamental characteristics a prospective lender will want to examine are: - credit history of the borrower - cash flow history and projections for the business - collateral that is available to secure the loan - character of the borrower - loan documentation that includes business and personal financial statements, income tax returns, and frequently a business plan, and that essentially sums up and provides evidence for the first four items listed The first three of these criteria are largely objective data (although interpretation of the numbers can be subjective). The fourth item, the borrower's character, allows the lender to make a more subjective assessment of the business's market appeal and the business savvy of its operators. In assessing whether to finance a small business, lenders are often willing to consider individual factors that represent strengths or weaknesses for a loan. Also consider our discussion of how banks judge your application. Loan Application, Bank Review Form: What Do Banks Really Look For? Financial Statement: Last 3 years of business financial statements and/or tax returns Last 3 years of owner ¡Ã‚ ¦s personal tax return Current personal financial statement Cash Flow from Operations "Why is there so much month left at the end of the money?"  ¡X Unknown The cash flow from your business's operations  ¡X the cycle of cash flow, from the purchase of inventory through the collection of accounts receivable  ¡X is the most important factor for obtaining short-term debt financing. A lender's primary concern is whether your daily operations will generate enough cash to repay the loan. In addition, cash flow shows how your major cash expenditures relate to your major cash sources. This information may give a lender insight into your business's market demand, management competence, business cycles, and any significant changes in the business over time. While a variety of factors may affect cash flow and a particular lender's evaluation of your business's cash flow numbers, a small community bank might consider an acceptable working cash flow ratio  ¡X the amount of available cash at any one time in relationship to debt payments  ¡X to be at least 1.15:1. As most lenders are aware, cash flow also presents the most troubling problem for small businesses, and they will typically require both historic and projected cash flow statements. Managing Your Cash Flow A healthy cash flow is an essential part of any successful business.

Assessment Methods Essay

Diagnostic assessment is a pre assessment that determines a difficulty for the student in a precise area. This type of assessment provides teachers with information of the student’s previous awareness of the topic, their interest and attitude before instructing a lesson (McMillan 2011, p 6). Diagnostic assessment information can be collected from Summative assessments of the previous lesson. It is important to note the expectation of what the students should know, understand and be able to do at the end of the lesson as this is an integral part of an effective lesson (McMillan 2011, p 8). Formative assessment occurs during instructions, giving feedback to students on their work to assess their level and determine the next level of work activities (McMillan 2011, p 6). This type of assessment takes place during learning and helps to improve the lesson as the learning is monitored and the progress of the student is noted (McMillan 2011, p 8). The student has the opportunity to improve learning during the lesson through the feedback and send them in the right direction of learning. Learning problems are able to be distinguished during the lesson and actioned accordingly, and instructional adjustments can be made (McMillan 2011, p 8). Summative assessment takes place at the completion of the lesson to determine the student’s level of understanding, their knowledge and can physically do (McMillan 2011, p 6). This is the aim of the lesson to decide if the teaching has been positive and that the students have achieved at the anticipated level of learning. Students are graded, teachers and lessons are evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the plan (McMillan 2011, p 8). The three assessment types that form the assessment cycle are an integral part of a primary classroom learning structure. Students with learning disabilities need to be assessed in the early stages of their learning to determine the techniques of tailored learning to be applied. Using Diagnostic assessment â€Å"effective teachers were found to have tailored instruction to students’ unique needs and interests, finding just the right materials to reach their students† Robinson, G. (2008). Teaching numeracy skills a Formative assessment is then used to improve learning throughout the lesson. A summative assessment is then required to determine the student’s numeracy capabilities. Assessment is an important part of the education curriculum, to enable an effective learning environment for the students. It also allows the teacher to ensure the lesson is tailored to the students learning disabilities and there needs to achieve the learning result desired. References McMillan, J. H. (2011).

Process Design Matrix OPS/571 Essay

When working for Swim World Inc. it was necessary to help customers in various situations. Customers would bring in their water from pools or spas to be tested and get advice on how best to keep them balanced. It was the duty of the sales representative or manager to help the customer with this important aspect of owning a pool or spa. If the customer had an older spa and was looking at the newer spas on display then the sales representative would inform the customer about the features of the newer spas and what the positive aspects of changing spas would be. The workforce at Swim World Inc. was very small due to the fact that it was a new store and not very well known in the small town it is in. The store was small and with two other stores in Wenatchee and Chelan it was very possible to run with just two people and weekly visits from the delivery crew and service/repair team. With these people coming in and out of the store regularly it was little wonder that the owner only came down from the Wenatchee store once a year to survey what is being done and give the two members of the store a pep talk to get them selling more spas, patio furniture, stoves, and lawn ornaments. This plus a commission on all big ticket items helped to keep the team motivated to make customers happy and move inventory. For the manufacturing process Papa Johns Pizza Delivery was chosen. This store is very well placed in the small town that it operates in. Located on a very busy street in Moses Lake it is centrally located and the whole town can be navigated within an easy ten minutes of the store. This allows the workers within the store to be very detail oriented. Assembling the pizza, cooking it and making sure there are no big bubbles in the dough when cooking is easily done. This makes it very pleasing to the eye and customers are less likely to complain. Drivers can take the completed pizza and deliver it within minutes of coming out of the oven. Hot fresh pizza made with quality ingredients lets Papa Johns Pizza be one of the most successful in the small town where two other big names in the pizza business are all located. Scheduling for Papa Johns Pizza is very carefully done. A shift lead opens the store in the morning to prep for the day to come. Two drivers are there to help open the store and delivery the first orders that come in to the location. Around 1pm in the afternoon the manger and two to three more drivers come in for the afternoon rush. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays there are anywhere from two to three drivers for every one inside person working. The evenings have at least a manager or assistant manager and a shift lead on the schedule with anywhere from one to three insiders plus five to six drivers on duty so that pizzas go out quickly and easily to keep customer complaints to a minimum. Both service and manufacturing businesses make sure that they keep customers happy and coming back to the business. Repeat business makes a company happy to hire more employees who adhere to the company’s motto of doing the best job possible for the customer. Scheduling and workforce are a necessary part of the business to make sure there is enough staff on hand to keep the customers from standing in line for a significant amount of time. This one-on-one approach assures customers that they are being put first and not just a pocket book of money.

Urban sprawl

The term â€Å"urban design† may have been coined in the mid-1950s but 20 years later it was still largely unused outside a small circle of people concerned with the four- dimensional development of precincts of cities. It has a wide, almost boundary-less definition with different connotations depending on professional discipline or the particular context within which the urban environment is being assessed. It is the process of making or shaping physical forms through cognitive perception (senses) (Arnheim, 1969)-it is not simply an intellectual process nor can it be.Design is not linear and constitutes a sensual engagement with reality (not virtual reality). Elements of Urban design: Urban Design involves the design and coordination of all that makes up cities and towns: a. Buildings, b. Public spaces, c. Streets, d. Transport and e. Landscape. Urban Design weaves together these elements into a coherent, organized design structure. The urban design structure defines the urba n form and the building form. Design is also making of things through indirect or unintentional actions.It is the physical and geometric manifestation of underlying forces generated by human ehavior and its interactions with the environment. The way you arrange your furniture in the living room to be â€Å"comfortable† is an act of design that has behind it significant underlying (cultural) forces and determinants (Hall, 1966). Consequently, as we approach design in our culture, we have basic approaches and conventions for interpreting human behavior and needs into design form. 0 People: need, want, aspiration, passion. Program: what and how much of something satisfies the stated need. 0 Context: bio-physical, cultural, Jurisdictional, historic/time, interrelationships. Organization, structure, and process. 0 Design elements, principles, and relationships or compositions (art): space, enclosure, movement, and circulation. 0 Structure, manufacturing, and economy. References an d source: Urban Design. org. Books: Jon Lang – , Urban Design: A typology of procedures and products, Ron Kasprisin – Urban Design, the composition of complexity. 4. Short notes: a.URBAN SPRAWL: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas. Poorly planned development that spreads a citys population over a wider and wider the land between them and the city fills in as well. Examples: . A Northern Virginia housing development encroaches on farmland. Population growth and relocation is threatening rural environments across the world. Photograph by Sarah Leen Written by John G. Mitchell Republished from the pages of National Geographic magazine. 2. In the United States, urban sprawl is becoming a matter of increasing concern.From 1970 to 1990, people who worked in U. S. cities moved farther and farther from urban centers. The population density of cities in the United States decreased by more than 20 percent as people in cities moved to suburbs and outlying areas. About 0,000 square miles of rural lands were gobbled up by housing developments. For example, the population of the city of Chicago decreased during this period from 3. 4 million people to 2. 8 million. But the Chicago metropolitan area grew from about 7. 0 million persons to 7. 3 million.Sprawl occurs in metropolitan areas that allow unrestricted growth or that have no plans to contain it. Other factors include the widespread use of automobiles and the building of expressways. Example: Mexico City. References and Source: Unbelievable aerial photographs of Mexico City show how the urban landscape preads over mountains while maintaining a remarkable 25,400 people per square mile. â€Å"In a megalopolis like Mexico City,† Mail, â€Å"the relationship between man and space is ever so apparent. ww. pearlandisd. com† National geographic. com – By John G. Mitchell in July 2001, Fraser Sherman – Demand media. b. URBANIZATION: Urbanization is the physical growth of urban ar eas which result in rural migration and even suburban concentration into cities, particularly the very large ones. The United Nations projected that half of the world's population would live in urban areas at the end of 2008. By 2050 it is predicted that 64. 1% and 85. 9% of the developing and developed world respectively will be urbanized.Urbanization is closely linked to modernization, industrialization, and the sociological process of rationalization. Urbanization can describe a specific condition at a set time, i. e. the proportion of total population or area in cities or towns, or the term can describe the increase of this proportion over time. So the term urbanization can represent the level of urban development relative to overall population, or it can represent the rate at which the urban proportion is increasing. Example:Chicago 1854 1898 Graphs: Source: United Nations, World urbanization prospects: The 2003 revision, population division of department of economic and social affairs of the United Nations secretariat. c. URBANITY: Urbanity refers to the characteristics, personality traits, and viewpoints associated with cities and urban areas. People who can be described as having urbanity are also referred to as citified. Example: They seek papers and panels that investigate elements of urbanism and urbanity during' the long nineteenth century, such as: urbanites (the flaneur, the prostitute, the detective, the criminal, etc. urbanites and the rise of consumer culture; immigrants and urban communities: urban domesticity in literature and culture; architecture, urban design, and city planning; urban spaces and the gothic imagination; motilities and forms of urban transport; the politics of urban space; the city and the natural environment; urban cartographies; urban crime and violence; urban spaces and urban peripheries (Suburbs; ghettos, wastelands, industrial zones, dumps and other hybrid spaces); urbanism and public health; animals and urban environm ents; concert halls, opera houses, and other urban entertainment venues; estaurants, cafes, and urban eating and drinking; leisure and urbanism; city/country divides; and the anti-urban tradition in art and literature.Typology (in urban planning and architecture) is the taxonomic classification of (usually physical) characteristics commonly found in buildings and urban places, according to their association with different categories, such as intensity of development (from natural or rural to highly urban), degrees of formality, and school of thought (for example, modernist or traditional). Individual characteristics form patterns. The word type has been derived from the Greek word ‘Typos' which means ‘impression'.A type in urban design is a characteristic set of form properties of a building, a space or combinations of both (groupings of buildings or spaces, combinations of buildings and spaces). A type is not a concrete example that can be copied. It is a means of estab lishing a relation between a large numbers of comparable objects. Keeping that in mind it can be seen as a kind of ‘generalized model'. In contrast to a category that has a sharp delineation, the delineation of a type is vague and it is multiple interpretable. This makes it pre-eminently suitable to be used in a design process because it occupies a position in between abstract ideas measures than to the modern measure. The type incorporates quality and quantity, but it is not necessary to revert to pre-rational scientific ideas to use it.Buildings have been classified in many different ways, depending on the nature of the study, and the purpose of the classification. In building type studies, for example, buildings are classified according to their functions. The purpose of building type studies is to compare the methods by which different architects have responded to imilar client needs (building task), under different economic, social, technical and site constraints. Hospita ls are studied together, and so are schools, houses, office buildings, stadiums and so on. The differences in the design approach among the designers can be very instructive. References and Sources: Books: Urban Design: A typology of procedures and products, Urban sprawl The term â€Å"urban design† may have been coined in the mid-1950s but 20 years later it was still largely unused outside a small circle of people concerned with the four- dimensional development of precincts of cities. It has a wide, almost boundary-less definition with different connotations depending on professional discipline or the particular context within which the urban environment is being assessed. It is the process of making or shaping physical forms through cognitive perception (senses) (Arnheim, 1969)-it is not simply an intellectual process nor can it be.Design is not linear and constitutes a sensual engagement with reality (not virtual reality). Elements of Urban design: Urban Design involves the design and coordination of all that makes up cities and towns: a. Buildings, b. Public spaces, c. Streets, d. Transport and e. Landscape. Urban Design weaves together these elements into a coherent, organized design structure. The urban design structure defines the urba n form and the building form. Design is also making of things through indirect or unintentional actions.It is the physical and geometric manifestation of underlying forces generated by human ehavior and its interactions with the environment. The way you arrange your furniture in the living room to be â€Å"comfortable† is an act of design that has behind it significant underlying (cultural) forces and determinants (Hall, 1966). Consequently, as we approach design in our culture, we have basic approaches and conventions for interpreting human behavior and needs into design form. 0 People: need, want, aspiration, passion. Program: what and how much of something satisfies the stated need. 0 Context: bio-physical, cultural, Jurisdictional, historic/time, interrelationships. Organization, structure, and process. 0 Design elements, principles, and relationships or compositions (art): space, enclosure, movement, and circulation. 0 Structure, manufacturing, and economy. References an d source: Urban Design. org. Books: Jon Lang – , Urban Design: A typology of procedures and products, Ron Kasprisin – Urban Design, the composition of complexity. 4. Short notes: a.URBAN SPRAWL: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas. Poorly planned development that spreads a citys population over a wider and wider the land between them and the city fills in as well. Examples: . A Northern Virginia housing development encroaches on farmland. Population growth and relocation is threatening rural environments across the world. Photograph by Sarah Leen Written by John G. Mitchell Republished from the pages of National Geographic magazine. 2. In the United States, urban sprawl is becoming a matter of increasing concern.From 1970 to 1990, people who worked in U. S. cities moved farther and farther from urban centers. The population density of cities in the United States decreased by more than 20 percent as people in cities moved to suburbs and outlying areas. About 0,000 square miles of rural lands were gobbled up by housing developments. For example, the population of the city of Chicago decreased during this period from 3. 4 million people to 2. 8 million. But the Chicago metropolitan area grew from about 7. 0 million persons to 7. 3 million.Sprawl occurs in metropolitan areas that allow unrestricted growth or that have no plans to contain it. Other factors include the widespread use of automobiles and the building of expressways. Example: Mexico City. References and Source: Unbelievable aerial photographs of Mexico City show how the urban landscape preads over mountains while maintaining a remarkable 25,400 people per square mile. â€Å"In a megalopolis like Mexico City,† Mail, â€Å"the relationship between man and space is ever so apparent. ww. pearlandisd. com† National geographic. com – By John G. Mitchell in July 2001, Fraser Sherman – Demand media. b. URBANIZATION: Urbanization is the physical growth of urban ar eas which result in rural migration and even suburban concentration into cities, particularly the very large ones. The United Nations projected that half of the world's population would live in urban areas at the end of 2008. By 2050 it is predicted that 64. 1% and 85. 9% of the developing and developed world respectively will be urbanized.Urbanization is closely linked to modernization, industrialization, and the sociological process of rationalization. Urbanization can describe a specific condition at a set time, i. e. the proportion of total population or area in cities or towns, or the term can describe the increase of this proportion over time. So the term urbanization can represent the level of urban development relative to overall population, or it can represent the rate at which the urban proportion is increasing. Example:Chicago 1854 1898 Graphs: Source: United Nations, World urbanization prospects: The 2003 revision, population division of department of economic and social affairs of the United Nations secretariat. c. URBANITY: Urbanity refers to the characteristics, personality traits, and viewpoints associated with cities and urban areas. People who can be described as having urbanity are also referred to as citified. Example: They seek papers and panels that investigate elements of urbanism and urbanity during' the long nineteenth century, such as: urbanites (the flaneur, the prostitute, the detective, the criminal, etc. urbanites and the rise of consumer culture; immigrants and urban communities: urban domesticity in literature and culture; architecture, urban design, and city planning; urban spaces and the gothic imagination; motilities and forms of urban transport; the politics of urban space; the city and the natural environment; urban cartographies; urban crime and violence; urban spaces and urban peripheries (Suburbs; ghettos, wastelands, industrial zones, dumps and other hybrid spaces); urbanism and public health; animals and urban environm ents; concert halls, opera houses, and other urban entertainment venues; estaurants, cafes, and urban eating and drinking; leisure and urbanism; city/country divides; and the anti-urban tradition in art and literature.Typology (in urban planning and architecture) is the taxonomic classification of (usually physical) characteristics commonly found in buildings and urban places, according to their association with different categories, such as intensity of development (from natural or rural to highly urban), degrees of formality, and school of thought (for example, modernist or traditional). Individual characteristics form patterns. The word type has been derived from the Greek word ‘Typos' which means ‘impression'.A type in urban design is a characteristic set of form properties of a building, a space or combinations of both (groupings of buildings or spaces, combinations of buildings and spaces). A type is not a concrete example that can be copied. It is a means of estab lishing a relation between a large numbers of comparable objects. Keeping that in mind it can be seen as a kind of ‘generalized model'. In contrast to a category that has a sharp delineation, the delineation of a type is vague and it is multiple interpretable. This makes it pre-eminently suitable to be used in a design process because it occupies a position in between abstract ideas measures than to the modern measure. The type incorporates quality and quantity, but it is not necessary to revert to pre-rational scientific ideas to use it.Buildings have been classified in many different ways, depending on the nature of the study, and the purpose of the classification. In building type studies, for example, buildings are classified according to their functions. The purpose of building type studies is to compare the methods by which different architects have responded to imilar client needs (building task), under different economic, social, technical and site constraints. Hospita ls are studied together, and so are schools, houses, office buildings, stadiums and so on. The differences in the design approach among the designers can be very instructive. References and Sources: Books: Urban Design: A typology of procedures and products,