Business Process Outsourcing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Business Process Outsourcing - Assignment Example However, this definition of service is redefined by the new world system with the proliferation of business process outsourcing, which allows the separate production and consumption of services. The emergence of business process outsourcing can be best understood by employing a PEST analysis, which looks at the important aspects of the society that includes political, economic, social, and technological. The political sector has created a favorable arena in which business process outsourcing can proliferate. Policies which help promote globalization are instituted facilitating the elimination the geographical boundaries among nations and easing the exchange of products, capital, and services. The economy is evolving into a single global village which allows the free flow of goods and services by the elimination of trade barriers. Labor intensive products and services are channeled to developing economies where labor is relatively cheaper. In terms of social aspects, it is visible that there has been a wide social acceptance of foreign culture which allows the acquisition of foreign language especially English. Technological advancement specifically created a way to easily t ransfer data across geographical boundaries. A European based insurance company which opts to utilise Indian firm for its data processing and call handling gains benefits through: productivity improvements; access to expertise; operational cost control; cost savings; improved accountability; improved human resource; and the opportunity to focus on core business. However, business process outsourcing runs the risk of loosing managerial control, threatens security and confidentiality, and lowers the flexibility of the service consumer to react to the changes and trends in the business environment. Business process outsourcing is considered as a sunshine industry in India. Business process outsourcing generates jobs in the economy, brings in large revenues, and aids in economic development. However, the Indian economy should also recognise the risk associated in allowing foreign firms utilise their labor force. Business process outsourcing is hasardous to workers as they need to cope with the significant time difference in between their location and the location of the service consumer. II. Introduction According to Kotler (2002), service is "any activity which or benefit that one party can offer to another which is essentially intangible and does not result in ownership of anything." In comparison to goods which are produced by manufacturers, service is characterised by four distinct characteristics which are not present in tangible goods: inseparability, which signifies that the provider and the consumer of the service should be in the same location; intangibility, which implies that the service cannot be fully assessed using the senses; variability, which recognises that the quality of the services is not consistent using different customers' perception; and perishability, which implies the inability to store services (Palmer 2004). However, service has been redefined by the current global economy. A closer look at how large business organisations undertake their day-to-day operations reveals that services are now separable. The growing globalisation ushered a new trend called business

Human Resources Essay Example for Free

Human Resources Essay There are quite a few differences in which the knowledge theory in different professional settings such as educational, human resources, service, etc. can be manifested. This human resource outline will incorporate three major contextual levels, with the first level addressing knowledge theory themes, the second relating aspects of that theme, and the third denoting the organizations to which they apply. According to the theory of knowledge that was introduced by Kant, it is a product of doubt and this theory helps us to distinguish right from wrong after examining the things that can be trusted and ones that cannot be trusted. Differentiating data and inferences is something debatable and the philosophers believe that this distinction is illusory and that all knowledge can either be immediate and derivative. (Theory of Knowledge. info, n. d. ). Definition of knowledge The way that we should use in order to impart knowledge is important. For this, we have to make the other person belief that knowledge is true, furthermore the words that we use to impart that information play a very vital role. The behavior of the people in the work settings can then be judged after which they analyze the truth in the logic and it should not be vague, however people in different work settings might react in a different manner. Data Data is basically raw information and knowledge can be a characteristic of behavior that can be mental or physical. Methods of Inference The important forms of inference for theory of knowledge are those in which we infer the existence of something having certain characteristics from the existence of something having certain other characteristics, furthermore there is a probability if the knowledge might be true or false as well as limitation of variety. We acquire knowledge from our surroundings, our past experiences, our perceptions about certain things, etc. Our understanding is also affected by how we take the things. One of the problems that occurs due to the theory of knowledge is what knowledge is or what it comes from or is there any such thing actually present or not, therefore this fact is somehow true that different professional settings have different theories of knowledge. Educational Setting The knowledge theory theme in the educational setting would have the basic need to impart knowledge to the people who come to seek education. People educate themselves for the sole motive of seeking more information and knowledge so that they can develop a core competency over the others. Examples of such a setting can be any school, college or university. Other than a formal educational institute, people also learn a lot at their work especially in the learning organizations. (Christner, Freeman Mennuti, 2005). Human Resource Setting The duty of the leader is to make innovation and the leader must know all the basic requirements of being an HR manager. He should have the skills of hiring and selecting new candidates after which he must evaluate which ones to select and these which ones to train once they are selected. Just like the strategy that is adopted by Wal-Mart does i. e. selecting the right candidate for the right position is one of the essential needs of an organization and after the selection; the leaders should encourage their juniors to suggest ideas that could lead to creativity and innovation. Furthermore, it is essential for the organization to reward its employees and to support along with proper amalgamation. This will ensure that the processes are applied to the organizations. This is because an organization is big or small; they need an HR department to manage their human resources well. Evans, 2003). Service Setting In the service sector, knowledge is the main thing on which these types of work setting exist. Services are intangible in nature and so they cannot be seen or touched, however they can be felt and the customer can measure the performance of a service by determining how much satisfied he is with the services that were being rendered to him. The US economy is mostly based on the services. Most of the US citizens work in the service sector. Examples can include doctors, consultants and teachers, etc. Conclusion While comparing the differences of how knowledge theory is manifested in educational, human resources, service settings, it is thus clear that all three require different theories and knowledge to operate. Educational setting enables us to examine how knowledge can be applied in an organization and this can be done by using knowledge management techniques that help in better decision making and better way of communication that leads to enhancement. Human resource setting is basically how to manage the human skills while service setting is about the ambience and physical environment in which a service occurs and is also called services cape.

Pathology and Current Treatment of the Alzheimers Disease Essay

Pathology and Current Treatment of the Alzheimer's Disease Introduction One of the most feared aspects of aging is the deterioration of the memory and cognitive function (dementia) that occurs among the elderly with increasing frequency with advancing years. A significant proportion of otherwise healthy elderly persons show a significant decline in mental function later in life. It has been estimated that 10% of the population over the age of 65 suffers from mild to moderate dementia and 4-5% suffer from severe dementia. The incidence of severe dementia rises from less than 1% at ages 65 to 70 to over 15% by age 85 (Terry and Katzman, 1983). In the United States alone, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is the major cause of senile dementia, afflicts several million people, and with the increasing longevity of the population, the number of such patients requiring complete and continuous institutional care will rise to epidemic proportions. This paper will attempt to describe the Alzheimer's Disease condition, both behaviorally and neuropathologically , and then look at traditional and current methods of treatment for patients of Alzheimer's Disease. The onset of senile dementia is characterized by increasing impairment of memory of recent events such as what a patient had for breakfast an hour earlier, though a detailed recall of the distant past may be essentially intact. Inevitably, the patients lose their cognitive abilities, that is, their abilities to read, write, calculate, and use language appropriately; they cannot feed or dress themselves, they do not recognize their own families, they get lost when only a short distance from home, and ultimately do not even know their own names (R. Perry et al., 2000, C.J.A. Mouli... ...minimal and mild) Alzheimer's Disease: relationship to episodic and semantic memory impairment, Neuropsychologia, 38:3, 2000, p. 252-271 Prasad, K.N., Hovland, A.R., Cole, W.C., Prasad, K.C., Nahreini, P., Edwards-Prasad, J., Andreatta, C.P. Multiple antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Analysis of biochemical rationale, Clinical Neuropharmacology, 23:1, 2000, p. 2-13 Roses, A.D. Apolipoprotein E affects the rate of Alzheimer's Disease expression: b -amyloid burden is a secondary consequence dependent on apoE genotype and duration of disease, J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol, 53, 1994, p. 429-437 Terry, R.D., Katzman, R. Senile dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, Ann. Neurol., 14, 1983, p. 497-506 van Leuven, F. Single and multiple transgenic mice as models for Alzheimer's Disease, Progress in Neurobiology, 61:3, 2000, p. 305-312

Gurram Session Assignment

Sham C Grams Question I-Discuss how either good or poor quality affects you personally as a consumer. For instance, describe experiences in which your expectations were met, exceeded, or not met you purchased goods or services. Did your experience change your regard for the organization and/or its product? How? Response- When you consider a product or service the top notch factor that falls into consideration is Quality, be it anything from Pen in a students hand to a rocket on its way to mars should have a quality standard in order to survive.Quality may be in good or bad standard, depending upon the type of quality of the product or service provided one may personally change his idea or thought about the product. In my personal opinion I had both good and worse experiences of the products I used. Among many products I use I always look for the good quality product or service pay for. Experience 1- I am totally a gadget freak and put myself more into collecting electronic wonders an d smart phones.I bought a Sony smart phone worth 450$ back in hose time when one would hardly know what is an android phone, since Sony is way fast in releasing the smart phone's with android O. S thought to buy one for myself. I bought an Experts XSL worth 450$ and started using it. Everything was good until 5 months I really liked the phone and used to proudly display as my costly gadget, then one day Sony released a software upgrade for the phone and wanted me to update. Updated my device and it started to restart automatically, called up the customer support guys and hey proved no help to me. I tried contacting them several times but still no use finally the device stopped to start permanently and when mailed Sony about the issue they say that the device is out of warranty on the date when I send them a mail. Finally decide to start negative propaganda about Sony and still doing it. I will never ever recommend someone to Sony gadgets. Experience 2- I never shop online basically, one day I decided to give a try.I thought to buy a shirt from eBay. Com online store, went online and selected shirt for myself and then bought it with a scary thought about the quality of the product, surprisingly the quality of the shirt is great and am highly satisfied with the quality and the service provided by the online shopping giant. They also provided me a 15% discount for my next purchase. So from now on I would refer anyone to eBay. Com without having a second thought. Question 18- How can you internalize and practice quality at a personal level in your daily activities?Response- There is a wise saying that â€Å"If there is no Problem with the horse shoe, then he horse is good and if the horse is good than the race can be won easily†. If an individual follows quality and practice quality at personal level, he also puts the same practice at his work. Personal level quality practice includes like 1 . Completing tasks in given particular time 2. Reaching the desire d destination on time 3. Time management 4. Personality development 5. Maintaining accuracy 6. Planning 7. Appearance All these factors fall in developing the quality in daily activities at individual level.

Alliance Supermarket & Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems Essay

Introduction A universal product code (UPC) can be easily read by a laser system scanner, which then can be forecasted as a product as a point-of-sale (POS), thus then allowing for a better account of the businesses inventory. In this case, Alliance Supermarket using both these systems to be able to replenish their inventory when the system automatically detects whether a certain product item is in demand. A great plus that a Point-of-sale system can do is treat each store different, but then total their needed inventory for replenishment, then placing a one lump side order to fulfill all orders, then distributing them by stores demands. In this paper, I will help the Chief information officer (CIO), which is in charge of Alliance to see what more can be done with the information that is compiled by the POS system. There will also be a comparison between the products being picked up by the POS system, the customer, and determining what other products, the customer potentially is being persuaded to buy. In addition, looking into the customers, buying habits to analyze a pattern in the each product’s sales or weather patterns. POS System Uses & Customer Service Furthermore, now that we understand the pure functioning of the POS system, we can then identify that POS system current purpose in Alliance, and how it can be used differently introspectively speaking. In addition, when a customer buys a product at the Alliance Supermarket, the  UPC barcode is scanned through a laser system, which then updates the entire Alliance Supermarkets inventory. This allows the Alliance base their product orders through a historical pattern for record of their products that are running low, and are in need of replenishing. Now, Alliance Supermarket does not quite understand that due to its different store locations, there are customers purchasing different products per location basis. Therefore, instead of Alliance grouping all its information per product, Alliance can benefit from allocating the individuals stores product history, thus identifying different behavioral purchases for seasonal items or on purchasing habits. In the efforts of Alliance, continuing the use of using the UPC code will enable Alliance not to ever reach their minimal reorder point of product inventory, because there would be a minimal product level of inventory in place that will be tracked through historical product demand patterns. In addition, when a product gets to a minimum inventory product set, then this is when the product will be reordered, allowing for stress to be relieved from the reordering pressures. â€Å"One way it does this is by using computers to monitor sales data and to order (or stop ordering) as point-of-sale (POS) demand information indicates. This information is transmitted each day to the company’s headquarters (Vonderembse, & White, pp 10.2, 2013). Moving forward, the POS system will allow for the Alliance seasonal items to be reordered in accordance to their last season’s product performances. This is in comparison to Alliance’s current system in place, which is basing their products inventory total by combining all its stores inventory sold. Now, this is where the origination of the current systems problems in place is affecting its customers at different store locations. Thus, customers who are being affecting become customers that are irate due to not having their product on hand at their disposal. The use of this system allows for the demand of customer products not to be overstocked, which will results in having happier customers, and keeping the costs low. The different Alliance store locations can allow for a promotional use of new products by adapting to their customers buying patterns. Creating Reduction in Costs & Increasing Customer Service In an effort to create higher profits, every business goal should be to reduce its costs. One of the ways Alliance can help in costs reduction; it  must first decrease its overhead by adding more self-checkouts, in addition to controlling its inventory. The correct analysis in inventory will also allow for a reduction in costs, as it will reorder what it has needed versus producing overstocking in merchandise. In accordance, the self-checkout aisle will allow more customers to be checked-out in a faster process, thus saving more means on less employees causing customers to be self-checkout through multiple machines, thus allowing for a huge reduction in Alliance’s cost and cause a positive ripple effect in increasing customer service. â€Å"Thinking short-term and cutting hinders costs long-term growth. Practical implications – Leaders need to evaluate their practice, asking questions of themselves and look at making more long-term plans. They need to involve and eng age key personnel now and the in future† (Denton, p 3, 2013). New Approach Methods/Individual Customers The first new approach that Alliance can implement is by using the information purchased by their customers on an individual basis by learning from their habits in purchases been made at Alliance’s different store locations. This will enable Alliance to identify what items are been sought out more than others through this separation of store locations, product preference, and customer demand. For example, I shop at CVS Pharmacy here in Houston, TX, and the why they attract us back in the store is through coupons that can be used for items, we normally but, in other words, Alliance needs to be able to weather different products to continue to drive them to the stores new promotional avenues. Therefore, if Alliance uses the same method CVS Pharmacy uses in order to attract more walk-in customers, Alliance needs to know what products their customers are accustomed to buying, thus identifying new sell opportunities by the use of coupons. Nevertheless, the individual product information can also be used to determine, what purchases are in need of replenishing Alliance’s inventory by identifying their customers buying patterns or habits. â€Å"The rapid proliferation in the use of technology through Point of Sale (POS) data by supermarket retailers has resulted in delivering value to consumers† Pepe, & Pepe, pp 69, 2012). Privacy & Ethics Alliance Supermarket needs to adhere to its privacy and ethical  considerations in order to gather information based off the purchased items using the POS system. Alliance needs to make sure they have all their ducks in a row before they start to analyze their customer’s personal and private buying habits. Therefore, every business needs to keep in mind their customers privacy or ethical concerns due to violating these laws can hinder a business success and customers trust. A business ethics counts for a lot in a customer’s point of view by determining whether an organization is ethical or not will be the decision a customer will have to make before conducting business with them. However, if and when Alliance starts to track its customers personal purchasing habits, Alliance needs to make sure they only analyze those customers that are aware of Alliance objectives, then Alliance can move forward with their mission. In addition, one important thing Alliance needs to remember, is that the information obtained should only be used for business purposes, and not for personal reasons, because this can lead to illegal activity, and breaking a customer’s trust. â€Å"Considering the Internet advertising industry’s current actions, computer users and government regulators would be well advised, both practically and ethically, to move to a user control model in electronic monitoring† (Charters, p 243, 2002). Conclusion In conclusion, the universal product code (UPC) can be easily read by a laser system scanner, which then can be forecasted as a product as a point-of-sale (POS), thus then allowing for a better account of the businesses inventory. In this case, Alliance Supermarket using both these systems to be able to replenish their inventory when the system automatically detects whether a certain product item is in demand. A great plus that a Point-of-sale system can do is treat each store different, but then total their needed inventory for replenishment, then placing a one lump side order to fulfill all orders, then distributing them by stores demands. My findings have resulting in suggesting to the Chief information officer (CIO) of Alliance, based on the information compiled by the UPS & POS systems, that the individual buying habits of their customers buying patterns can lead to a positive approach in each of their product’s sales or weather patterns. In essence, the POS system will allow for better control of Alliance’s inventory, thus reducing costs from a strategic point of view  by fine-tuning their inventory based on individual customers/individual stores, which will accurately determine the appropriate inventory needed replenishing. In addition, adapting a coupon-based system, which will personalize their products in need of marketing base on individual customers buying habits, thus resulting in an increase in customer service. Of course, let us do keep in mind Alliance’s customers privacy, while keeping Alliances Supermarkets Ethical behavioral at an all-time high. Reference: Charters, D. (2002). Electronic monitoring and privacy issues in business marketing: The ethics of the DoubleClick experience. Journal of Business Ethics, 35(4), 243-254. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/198066766?accountid=32521 Denton, A. (2013). Why is productivity falling in 2013? the role of leadership in creating growth during the recession. Strategic Direction, 29(7), 3-5. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/SD-04-2013-0010 Pepe, M. R., & Pepe, M. S. (2012). Using point of sale (POS) data to deliver customer value in the supermarket industry through category management practices. Journal of Marketing Development and Competitiveness, 6(1), 69-73. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1019047228?accountid=32521 Vonderembse, M.A. & White, G.P. (2013). Operations Management . San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

4 Creative Ways to Advance Your Career

4 Creative Ways to Advance Your Career There’s no worse feeling in the world for a job hunter than finding the perfect position but being eliminated from consideration simply because you fail to meet one requirement. There may be some ways around these â€Å"must-haves,† but in most cases failure to meet the job description - or even one small component of it - can remove you from the running. Instead of taking a chance on it happening again, cover your bases by padding your resume with one or more of these four sought-after skills. 1. Basic CodingWhile a weekend-long program in basic coding won’t land you a job as a software engineer, it will round out your resume. Sites like Codeacademy offer free lessons in a range of programming languages, including PHP, HTML, Python, Javascript, CSS and others. Each lesson is short, powerful, and delivers just what you need to add â€Å"Programming† to the â€Å"Skills† section of your resume.2. Public SpeakingTen percent of people love public spe aking, 10 percent are terrified of it, and the remaining 80 percent are somewhere in the middle - they know it’s not going to be very fun, but they also know they’ll survive the experience.Aside from helping you pass the â€Å"good communication skills† requirement part of a job description requirement, there’s another important reason the majority of people should work on this skill: why would you want a job when you can merely tolerate a major aspect of it? Comfort with public speaking won’t just land you a job; rather, it will continue to be a useful skill throughout your life.Coursera’s â€Å"Introduction to Public Speaking† course is free, always open, and delivers useful instruction and plenty of opportunities for practice through its public speaking curriculum, including a series of videos totaling 18 hours, videos, and peer assessments.3. Graphic DesignGraphic design skills are highly desirable for a wide range of positions, particularly with the growth of social media, digital technology, and ever-popular infographics. While fudging knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign or Illustrator on your resume can lead to catastrophic results - particularly if you’re called upon to demonstrate your knowledge or experience - it is possible to learn the basics on your own.For example, Adobe offers tutorials designed to help everyone from novices to experts expand their skill set, while online education website Lynda’s â€Å"Photoshop CC Essential Training† offers the training you need to feel comfortable working with Photoshop.4. Website BuildingAn increasing number of employers are requesting that candidates include links to personal websites along with their application materials. Don’t have one of your own? Unfortunately, this may indicate a lack of initiative and/or the inability to keep up with 21st century expectations.Rather than risking coming off as unmotivated, take advantag e of classes aimed at helping beginners acquire the knowledge they need to to build their own websites. The Muse’s â€Å"Your Guide to Building a Personal Website That’ll Land You a Job,† offers the perfect starting point.The best part of many of these web courses and tutorials? Many are taught during a single day or weekend so you can increase your job marketability without investing significant additional time or expense. Your resume will thank you for it.

How Maps Can Distort Space and Deceive Us

How Maps Can Distort Space and Deceive Us Maps have become increasingly present in our everyday lives, and with new technology, maps are more and more accessible to view and to produce. By considering the variety of map elements (scale, projection, symbolization), one can start to recognize the innumerable choices that mapmakers have in creating a map. Why Maps Are Distorted One map can represent a geographical area in many different ways; this reflects the various ways in which mapmakers can convey a real 3-D world on a 2-D surface. When we look at a map, we often take for granted that it inherently distorts what it is representing. In order to be readable and understandable, maps must distort reality. Mark Monmonier (1991) puts forth exactly this message: To avoid hiding critical information in a fog of detail, the map must offer a selective, incomplete view of reality. Theres no escape from the cartographic paradox: to present a useful and truthful picture, an accurate map must tell white lies (p. 1). When Monmonier asserts that all maps lie, he refers to a maps need to simplify, falsify, or conceal the realities of a 3-D world in a 2-D map. However, the lies that maps tell can range from these forgivable and necessary white lies to more serious lies, which often go undetected, and belie the agenda of the mapmakers. Below are a few samples of these lies that maps tell, and how we can look at maps with a critical eye. Projection and Scale One of the most fundamental questions in mapmaking is: how does one flatten a globe onto a 2-D surface? Map projections, which accomplish this task, inevitably distort some spatial properties, and must be chosen based on the property that the mapmaker wishes to preserve, which reflects the maps ultimate function. The Mercator Projection, for example, is the most useful for navigators because it depicts accurate distance between two points on a map, but it does not preserve area, which leads to distorted country sizes. There are also many ways in which geographic features (areas, lines, and points) are distorted. These distortions reflect a maps function and also its scale. Maps covering small areas can include more realistic details, but maps that cover larger geographic areas include less detail by necessity. Small-scale maps are still subject to a mapmakers preferences; a mapmaker may embellish a river or a stream, for example, with many more curves and bends in order to give it a more dramatic appearance. Conversely, if a map is covering a large area, mapmakers may smooth out curves along a road to allow for clarity and legibility. They may also omit roads or other details if they clutter the map, or are not relevant to its purpose. Some cities are not included in many maps, often due to their size, but sometimes based on other characteristics. Baltimore, Maryland, USA, for example, is often omitted from maps of the United States not because of its size but because of space constraints and clut tering. Transit Maps: Subways (and other transit lines) often use maps that distort geographic attributes such as distance or shape, in order to accomplish the task of telling someone how to get from Point A to Point B as clearly as possible. Subway lines, for instance, are often not as straight or angular as they appear on a map, but this design aids the readability of the map. Additionally, many other geographic features (natural sites, place markers, etc.) are omitted so that the transit lines are the primary focus. This map, therefore, may be spatially misleading, but manipulates and omits details in order to be useful to a viewer; in this way, function dictates form. Other Manipulations The above examples show that all maps by necessity change, simplify, or omit some material. But how and why are some editorial decisions made? There is a fine line between emphasizing certain details, and purposefully exaggerating others. Sometimes, a mapmakers decisions can lead to a map with misleading information that reveals a particular agenda. This is apparent in the case of maps used for advertisement purposes. A maps elements can be strategically used, and certain details can be omitted in order to depict a product or service in a positive light. Maps have also frequently been used as political tools. As Robert Edsall (2007) states, some maps†¦do not serve the traditional purposes of maps but, rather, exist as symbols themselves, much like corporate logos, communicating meaning and evoking emotional responses (p. 335). Maps, in this sense, are embedded with cultural significance, often evoking feelings of national unity and power. One of the ways that this is accomplished is by the use of strong graphical representations: bold lines and text, and evocative symbols. Another key method of imbuing a map with meaning is through the strategic use of color. Color is an important aspect of map design, but can also be used to evoke strong feelings in a viewer, even subconsciously. In chloropleth maps, for example, a strategic color gradient can imply varying intensities of a phenomenon, as opposed to simply representing data. Place Advertising: Cities, states, and countries often use maps to draw visitors to a particular place by depicting it in the best light. A coastal state, for instance, may use bright colors and attractive symbols to highlight beach areas. By accentuating the coasts attractive qualities, it attempts to entice viewers. However, other information such as roads or city-size that indicate relevant factors such accommodations or beach accessibility may be omitted, and can leave visitors misguided. Smart Map Viewing Smart readers tend to take written facts with a grain of salt; we expect newspapers to fact check their articles, and are often wary of verbal lies. Why, then, dont we apply that critical eye to maps? If particular details are left out or exaggerated on a map, or if its color pattern is particularly emotional, we must ask ourselves: what purpose does this map serve? Monmonier warns of cartophobia, or an unhealthy skepticism of maps, but encourages smart map viewers; those that are conscious of white lies and wary of bigger ones. Sources Edsall, R. M. (2007). Iconic Maps in American Political Discourse. Cartographica, 42(4), 335-347. Monmonier, Mark. (1991). How to Lie with Maps. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

The French Expression A La Fois

The French Expression A La Fois Expression:   la foisPronunciation: [ah lah fwah]Meaning: at the same time, at onceLiteral translation: at the timeRegister: normalThe French expression la fois means at the same time, even though the seemingly essential word mà ªme is not - indeed, cannot be - included. (See synonyms, below.) Examples   Ã‚  Ã‚  Je ne peux pas lire et à ©couter de la musique la fois.I cant read and listen to music at the same time.Ce film est amusant et à ©ducatif la fois.This movie is (both) funny and educational at the same time.Ne parlez pas tous la fois, chacun son tour.Dont all speak at once, everyone (will) speak in turn. Synonyms and Related Expressions avoir le don dubiquità © - to be everywhere at once.se dà ©doubler - to be in two places at once.en mà ªme temps - at the same time.ensemble - together.mà ªner ___ de front - to ___ at the same time, e.g.mener deux affaires de front - to run two businesses at the same time.mà ªner plusieurs tà ¢ches de front - to perform two tasks at the same time. Expressions with ​La Fois chasser/courir deux lià ¨vres la foisto try to do two things at once(literally, to chase/run after two hares at the same time)On ne peut pas à ªtre la fois au four et au moulin. (proverb)You cant be in two places at once.(literally, You cant be at the oven and the mill at the same time.)Nul ne peut servir deux maà ®tres la fois. (proverb)You cant serve two masters.(literally, No one can serve two masters at the same time.)

Technology ,Rights, Value and Free society Essay

Technology ,Rights, Value and Free society - Essay Example This essay argues that individual rights and the common good can be reconciled; that it would be disastrous to adhere to only one principle. For instance, some claim that the authority bestowed upon individuals by private property rights is very dangerous to the common good; criminologists claim that protecting the criminals’ individual rights is endangering the common good by letting criminals walk; advocates who are focused on the overall moral environment of the society claim that protecting the rights of individuals to take unsafe drugs will certainly challenge public moral standards, whereas others, who are interested in the market’s ethical standing, generally conveys displeasure with the right to freedom of trade and commerce, declaring that these sorts of freedom set free the forces of insatiability, greed, and materialism to the detriment of unity, peace, and civility. Reconciling Individual Rights and the Common Good The restriction of individual rights seldom takes place without asserting or demanding some public value from it. And leading scholars, such as Mesthene, and governing political forces use this public value to justify their agenda of restricting individual rights. However, the key questions are, should it have to be this way? Should individual rights go against the common good? Without a doubt, those who support the natural rights of individuals refuse to believe so. It was exactly to prove the harmony between individual rights and the development of the community. John Locke would definitely disagree that there should be a battle between these two principles. Indeed, the disagreement arises from a fundamental misinterpretation. This includes believing that the community is far from being â€Å"a community of human individuals who share certain community concerns which will best be served if each individual has his or her rights fully protected† (Machan, 1998, 154). The argument is that human nature brings people toge ther into one community and establishes principles by which society could be completely unified, at least in theory. This is the very argument supported by natural rights scholars-- that the common good is most successfully protected by awarding each individual prerogative. Within such prerogative every individual is in all likelihood be able to achieve the best s/he can, bringing about the little or no damage in the process, for by denying individuals the power to meddle in other people’s business, the damage or immortality they do will almost certainly harm only them. This will absolutely work as dissuasion to misbehavior, which, consequently, generates benefits to the larger society. Even those scholars, who thought that preferably the most appropriate course of action for all individuals is to work for the society, also thought that the common good could be gained by means of private avarice, as long as specific ideals of liberty are respected. Even ancient philosophers, such as Aristotle, claimed that private property rights would benefit the common welfare. As stated by Aristotle (Machan, 2004, 73): That all persons call the same thing mine is the sense in which each does so may be a fine thing, but it is impracticable; or if the words are taken in the other sense, such a unity in no way conduces to harmony. And there is another objection to the proposal. For that

All The King's Men Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

All The King's Men - Essay Example All the King's Men opens with the visit of Governor Stark and his group in a small town in their state. The novel then recounts the humble beginning of the governor, how he has risen from poverty to power through his fortune in politics. Stark's entry into the political arena is facilitated by a trick of fate. Gaining statewide popularity after an accident in his hometown, he was asked to run for governor. Realizing that he was only being used in order to split votes for one of the other candidate, he backed out and began campaigning for the candidate he was supposed to take vote from. This puts him in the spotlight facilitating his entry to the world of politics in the next election. The narrator in the story, Jack Burden, is a reporter assigned to cover the campaign and governorship of Stark. From this responsibility, he ends up being Stark's right hand, aiding him in unveiling the "dirty secrets" of the latter's political enemies. Thus, Jack becomes instrumental in forcing Stark's enemies into submission through bribery, threats, persuasion, and other "dirty works." This job leads to his discovery of the flaw of Judge Irwin whom he looked up to as his second father and whom he regarded as perfect. This event triggered a chain of events including Adam Stanton's acceptance of a lead job in Stark's hospital and Anne Stanton's affair with Stark. Towards the end of the story, Stark has fallen prey in his own scheme. His enemy, MacMurfee has threatened to publicize that Stark's son is a father of an illegitimate child. This is supposed to bar Stark from running for senator. However, Stark used Jack to persuade Judge Irwin to make MacMurfee back out. Realizing that it is better to die than to live up to his past and submit to the blackmail, Judge Irwin committed suicide. Jack then learns that Judge Irwin is his biological father. Desperate to be a senator, Stark gave the hospital contract to MacMurfee even though this was cancelled when the former's son became paralyzed in a football game. Adam Stanton was angered at the discovery of the affair of Stark and his sister Anne. Thus, he killed Stark even though it also cost him his life. Jack later married Anne and wrote a novel about the confederate soldier. All the King's Men largely mirror the tenets of the American political culture. It is irrefutable that this nation upholds that the government is answerable to citizens, who may change it through elections (Dye 25). In the novel, Stark become so obsessed with his power as a politician that he devoted much of his time and money in making his enemies' submit to him by discovering their "dirty secrets." He recognizes that if these flaws were made public, the voting population will respond negatively to their campaigns. This strongly highlights the fact that even though politicians control the society, the sole decision of who will reign still rests on the citizens. In one aspect, this also mirrors the prevalence of classical liberalism which is central in American political culture. Classical liberalism holds the dignity of the individual and their rational ability to control their own destinies. In the case of the politicians, it is their dignity and reputation which dictate the length of their stay in the office. On the other hand, it is

Health Screening and History of an Adolescent or Young Adult Client Essay

Health Screening and History of an Adolescent or Young Adult Client - Essay Example She reports some over-exertion on occasion while training, and some periods over vacations where she does little exercise, while on vacation, for example. She considers herself fit and strong for the most part, and evidence to support this is clear from her physical appearance. She is well-toned, and proportioned, with a good energy and open demeanor. Her ability to sustain high levels of mental and physical activity, particularly in the academic year, and during her training cycle, is further indication that she is healthy, overall. Primarily her health is maintained through her exercise programs. However, she does not always ensure that her nutrition is suitable to this kind of exercise program. While aware of the connection between good health and lifestyle, she acknowledges that she does eat fast foods regularly, and does not always maintain regular meal intervals. The family has comprehensive health insurance, and she is covered well for any medical eventuality. The client has e xperienced no serious illnesses in her past, except for some childhood illnesses, and has torn an ankle ligament during training in the past, and ripped a thigh muscle, also during training. Recovery was complete and within reasonable time. She does not suffer from any chronic condition, and has only incidental experience of influenza, or colds, not in any regular or ongoing pattern. Occasionally she does use over-the counter pain medication for infrequent headaches, and describes these as being due to heavy exercise routines, or intense academic work periods, when she does not sleep enough, or has strained her body and endurance. No allergies are evident. Family history does include cancer – the maternal grandmother succumbed to initial breast cancer. Awareness in the client is heightened and supported by her mother, and they are checked by a physician regularly, together. Balance is lacking in her food intake. Despite her apparent physical strength and stamina, the maintena nce of this condition is due to large intakes of fats and carbohydrates, with relatively lower intake of protein and vegetable matter. This may imply lower than acceptable mineral and vitamin intake (RDA, 2011, website), but her youth does tend to mask the lacking elements in an overall picture of health. She has access to good nutrition at home, but excuses poor food choices by insisting that she has no time and needs to eat fast foods, so that she has time to complete all her activities. Her parents are busy, too, she reports, and thus the family seems not to consider their food too carefully. Fluid intake is reported to be high during training sessions, and consistent and regular during non-training. The client uses water only and does not use energy drinks, or supplement drinks, stating that she does not like them. The client is taking in approximately 2200 calories daily, but it is likely from her reported meals’ composition that she is taking in too much fat, too much f atty acid, too much total carbohydrate and not enough protein and fiber (RDA, 2011, website). Nutrients are also likely to be below Recommended Daily Intake, especially given her training and exercise regime. She may in fact be in need of supplements in some form or another and be at risk for unstable blood glucose. The client is fairly regular in her sleep/wake patterns – she tends to be asleep by 10:30 p.m. and awakes no later than 7:30 a.m. On occasion, she reports, on the weekends, she may go to bed later, and

How Life Would Change if We All Had a Better Memory Essay

How Life Would Change if We All Had a Better Memory - Essay Example Perhaps we have a tendency to forget things as a way of working with people around us without going totally postal on them. At the same time, we wouldn’t need to sit up all night cramming for tests since a simple read-through the notes would give us the information we need to pass the test. Of course, then tests might be restructured to test whether we can actually think or just regurgitate information we’ve been fed. But maybe that would be a good thing, too. Memory actually turns out to be a fascinating subject when one stops to consider the possibilities. If everyone had a better memory, the entire structure of school would need to be changed. We wouldn’t need to take US history in middle school, then high school and then college, we could spend that extra time working on other subjects or investigating different things to a greater degree. As I’ve mentioned, the structure of tests would necessarily be different, not focusing so much on whether we can remember the right dates for a particularly important battle, since that would be too easy, but instead testing whether or not we can analyze the significance of that battle, why it was decisive (not what we read about why it was important but actually coming up with our own ideas about it) and then relating the lessons learned through that battle to events occurring in the present. If Americans actually began thinking instead of just trying to repeat what they’ve heard, we might have an entirely better country.

Benefits of the Ctrip Idea in the Future Life Case Study - 35

Benefits of the Ctrip Idea in the Future Life - Case Study Example Decision making will be easier for the traveling agencies due to the classifications of travelers (Mohinder, 2009). Â  This classification will be beneficial to the agencies in that they will be able to make decisions based on the ability of their clients and consequently treat a client fairly and thus increasing their customer base (David & Nancy, 2012). Â  This exhibit according to the case idea demonstrates the customer base beginning from 2007 when a new CEO is hired. Considering the vertical axis as the customer base in hundreds of thousands and the horizontal axis as the years moving forward, it illustrates that in the year 2007 the customer base was at 600,000. The figure increases to 800,000 customers in 2011 resulting from the acquisition of 16 percent by Tencent Company. This figure is predicted to rise in 2017 due to the recommendations made and the figure is projected to be at one million customers. This means the customer base in the projected future life will increase accordingly (Mohinder, 2009). Â  Considering exhibit 5, the case idea recommends that the increase in the customer base through the methods stated earlier will lead to increase in the profits due to increase in the travel activities above.

How Life Would Change if We All Had a Better Memory Essay

How Life Would Change if We All Had a Better Memory - Essay Example Perhaps we have a tendency to forget things as a way of working with people around us without going totally postal on them. At the same time, we wouldn’t need to sit up all night cramming for tests since a simple read-through the notes would give us the information we need to pass the test. Of course, then tests might be restructured to test whether we can actually think or just regurgitate information we’ve been fed. But maybe that would be a good thing, too. Memory actually turns out to be a fascinating subject when one stops to consider the possibilities. If everyone had a better memory, the entire structure of school would need to be changed. We wouldn’t need to take US history in middle school, then high school and then college, we could spend that extra time working on other subjects or investigating different things to a greater degree. As I’ve mentioned, the structure of tests would necessarily be different, not focusing so much on whether we can remember the right dates for a particularly important battle, since that would be too easy, but instead testing whether or not we can analyze the significance of that battle, why it was decisive (not what we read about why it was important but actually coming up with our own ideas about it) and then relating the lessons learned through that battle to events occurring in the present. If Americans actually began thinking instead of just trying to repeat what they’ve heard, we might have an entirely better country.

Characteristics of Highly Effective School Administrators Essay

Characteristics of Highly Effective School Administrators - Essay Example e school administrator must be able to communicate goals and vision of his/her institution, and plans, achievements and challenges that the institution faces. The administrator should also be able to attract input from other stakeholders and develop the stakeholders support for ease in development and implementation of administrative policies. Administrative leadership, also known as managerial leadership, is another characteristic of an effective administrator. This feature incorporates abilities to balance between priorities, delegate leadership roles, facilitate innovation and improvements, and to ensure accountability. In balancing priority, an effective administrator identifies activities with their priorities and allocates time, in duration and order, to each activity to ensure effectiveness in completion. An administrator with the trait also identifies and recognizes potentials of each subordinate and promote growth. In addition, the successful administrator is accountable, setting standards for other to emulate, and leads in innovation and development of potentials. Highly effective school administrators also have educational leadership trait, also known as instructional leadership. The administrators ensure that instructional ventures are best on reliable vision towards effective learning. The administrators also ensure that instructions are improved continuously and that high levels of expectation and favorable culture for development are established in their

The cruel treatment Essay Example for Free

The cruel treatment Essay Miss Havisham, her dream is rather alarming as she wants too seek revenge on all male sex the reason for this is because of the cruel treatment she received from her fian. Since that day she has been wearing the same bridal clothing and has not removed anything out or out of place in her home. She lives her life vicariously through Estella whom she adopted and is used to break every males heart. She invites males from when they are young so slowly there hearts may be broken, eventually her dream also fails as many know about her plans and they tend to ignore her. Well, I thought I overheard Miss Havisham answer- only it seemed so unlikely- Well, you can break his heart.' (Pg. 59) Another instance of foreshadowing, this is the first point in the story when the reader can see Miss Havishams plot with Estella. Further on her plans come to an end as Estella is married to Drummel who is a cold hearted man and now she is beaten and treated the same as his animals as drummel states in the novel also Estella says he whips his horses, in comparison Im spared. Now Estella ends back at Satis house alone just like Miss Havisham, neither the two have succeeded in there dreams. Abel Magwitch, who is at first a gruesome prisoner that escapes on the marshes where he meets pip. for he gave me a look that I did not understand, and it all passed in a moment. But if he had looked at me for an hour, or a day, I could not have remembered his face ever afterwards, as having been more attentive. (Pg. 37) Pip is talking about his convict after the soldiers catch him. This passage is important to the story because it foreshadows all that is to come. Pip could not interpret what the convict felt for him. He was sent down to Australia where he made a fortune by farming but after all that time he still risked his life and came back to England so he can be pips benefactor, because of the favour pip had done him. Pip does not know who his benefactor is as he couldnt even imagine it would be Magwitch. Yes, Pip, dear boy, Ive made a gentleman on you! (Pg. 315) Magwitch tells Pip this the first night he comes to his house. It reveals that Magwitch is his benefactor and this one statement totally changes Pips outlook on his good fortune. His dream comes to an end as he is sophisticated and does not realise that he is a convict, the novel ends where he began it as a convict, no improvements has been made in his life also. All the characters did not go far with there dreams as they too hasty into doing things, firstly pip with all the money he has he squanders it all, Miss Havisham relies on Estella when she is married and beaten and Magwitch who is an escaped convict doesnt realise that pip cannot become a gentleman as Magwitch himself is not a noble person. All three characters inhabit imperfection in their own personalities and are ruined matters beyond their control. Pip tries to become a gentleman when his benefactor is not a nobleman and his origin is a blacksmith, Miss Havisham adopts Estella to take her revenge through Estella and Magwitch is trying to be pips father which he can never be, none realise and are expecting too much of themselves. All characters are linked in this way that they could try to use any means to make there dreams come true but it will not work as somewhere at some point there will be a tun over as they are imperfect in some ways. All their dreams are unreal and because of this they act unusually and behave the way they shouldnt. Their expectations are far too great for them too control over and from this they fail into fulfilling their dreams and aspirations. This novel is a mirror image of dickens and from this he wanted for the middle and upper classes to understand the lifes of the working class people and also children along with the difficulties and hardship they had to go through.

Assessing The Strategy Of Blue Ocean Commerce Essay

Assessing The Strategy Of Blue Ocean Commerce Essay The market set is divided into two categories which are called oceans: Blue Oceans and red oceans. Red oceans are the known market space as it exists today, with all the various industries. Competitive rules are defined and barriers are clear and accepted. Competition exists among players to gain a bigger share; the more players are on the market, the fewer prospects for profit and growth is existent. Cutthroat competition turns the red ocean bloody. Blue Oceans on the other hand represent the opposite they are the unknown market space with industries that are not existent today. Demand is not created by competitive rivalry, because the rules of the game are yet to be set. There is substantial opportunity for profitable growth because of the deep potential of market space that is not yet explored.  [2]   To be successful in economic performance most companies are laying the focus on competitive strategies, plenty of enthusiasm is spend on analyzing and outperforming rivals. Using the vocabulary of the authors their focus is on red ocean strategies. In the future this will not be enough to survive; in addition to swim in a red ocean companies need to create Blue Oceans.  [3]  The following image illustrates the major differences between red and Blue Oceans. Image 1: Comparison of Red Ocean with Blue Ocean strategy  [4]   Value Innovation The basis of the Blue Ocean Strategy is called Value Innovation. Competition is made irrelevant by creating value for both buyers and the company. Buyer value is created by the benefit and price that the company offers to the consumer; value to the company is created from the price and its cost structure therefore only if those two variables are aligned the strategy works. The innovation of a product/ service must create value for the market and eliminate features that are not valued by the current market. New and uncontested market space is made accessible by simultaneously differentiate and reducing costs. This strategy is contrary to common management strategies which propose that companies can either create value to customers at higher costs or create reasonable value at lower costs.  [5]  According to the authors Value Innovation is a strategy that embraces the entire system of a companys activities.  [6]  Image 2 illustrates Value Innovation. Image 2: Value Innovation  [7]   Analytical tools and framework There are three basic tools that will help companies to build a Blue Ocean Strategy. The strategy canvas The strategy canvas is a tool that helps to build a Blue Ocean Strategy. It highlights the current situation in the known market space and shows the offering level that buyers receive across several key competing factors. By illustrating these factors in a simple matrix a graphic description in form of a value curve is visible. This value curve shows a companys relative performance within its industrys factors of competition.  [8]  By illustrating the current situation of an industry the strategic focus can be shifted away from current competition to alternatives and noncustomers, a redefinition of the industry can be constructed.  [9]  Image 3 illustrates a strategy canvas with an example of an Airline. Image 3: Strategy Canvas  [10]   The four actions framework This tool uses four key questions to lead to a new value curve: Which of the factors that the industry takes for granted should be eliminated? Which factors should be reduced well below the industrys standard? Which factors should be raised well above the industrys standard? Which factors should be created that the industry has never offered?  [11]   The first two questions give an insight in how to reduce the cost structure in comparison to other players in the industry. Question 3 and 4 give insight into how to lift buyer value and create new demand.  [12]   The eliminate-reduce-raise-create-grid This tool is supplementary to the four actions framework. It gives companies the possibility to act on all four questions answered before to create new value. The four factors of what to eliminate, reduce, raise and create are put in a matrix and by that scrutinize every factor the industry competes on.  [13]   Formulating Blue Oceans strategies Reconstruct market boundaries In order to break away from the competition the first principle is to reconstruct market boundaries. The challenge is to find possibilities of Blue Ocean opportunities. During performing research across various industry sectors the authors found a basic approach to remaking market boundaries, the six path framework.  [14]  This framework is applicable in all kinds of industries and all are based on looking at data from a new perspective. These are the six paths: Path 1: Look across alternative industries Path 2: Look across strategic groups within industries Path 3: Look across the chain of buyers Path 4: Look across complimentary product and service offerings Path 5: Look across functional or emotional appeal to buyers Path 6: Look across time  [15]   By analyzing each of the single paths companies will be able to get an insight into how to open up Blue Oceans by rebuilding market realities and leave behind conventional boundaries of competition.  [16]   Focus on the big pictures, not the numbers The approach to the strategic planning process is based on drawing a strategy canvas, as it is explained in the section of analytical tools and framework of this document. A structured process for developing a strategy canvas has been developed, which is called the Visualizing Strategy.  [17]  As the name implies, this process uses visual stimulation with the purpose to unlock peoples creativity. The main focus here is laid on the big picture rather than on defined numbers and operational details.  [18]   Reach beyond existing demand To achieve a maximization of the size of the Blue Ocean you are creating the focus should be laid on two things: The analysis of non-customers and finding out strong similarities of what buyers value.  [19]  This is a reversed approach to common strategies, where the focus is on customers and customer differences. The three tiers of non customers The challenge is to find out who the non-customers are and get a deep understanding of them. The authors describe three tiers of non-customers that eventually can be transformed into customers. The first tier of non-customers is closest to your market and would stay and increase their frequency of purchases if a leap in value would be offered to them. These non-customers also referred to as soon-to-be.  [20]  The second tier of non-customers is further away from your market and aware of offerings in it but has consciously voted against them. These non-customers are also referred to as refusing.  [21]  The third tier of non-customers is farthest from your market and has never considered its offerings as an option. These non customers are also referred to as unexplored.  [22]   By analyzing each of the three tiers an understanding of the non-customers can be developed to attract them into your market and expand your Blue Ocean.  [23]   Get the strategic sequence right The fourth principle of Blue Ocean Strategy focuses on the challenge to build a sustainable business model that will make profit on your Blue Ocean idea. The idea here is to use sequences and key criteria within a sequence to reduce business model risk.  [24]  Each sequence has a key question that has to be asked. If answered with no the sequence has to be reshaped. If answered with yes one can move on to the next sequence. The four sequences are: Buyer utility: Is there exceptional buyer utility in your business idea? Price: Is your price easy accessible to the mass of buyers? Cost: Can you attain your cost target to profit at your strategic price? Adoption: What are the adoption hurdles in actualizing your business idea? Are you addressing them up front?  [25]   With this sequencing as a starting point further analyzing of strategic pricing, target costing and finally the profit model is developed.  [26]   Executing Blue Ocean Strategy Overcome key organizational hurdles The challenge to execute the strategy of Blue Oceans is significant, since there are changes made from the conventional way of doing things. The authors present four common hurdles in the execution: The cognitive-, political-, motivational- and resource hurdle. Dealing with those challenges in form of hurdles with tipping point leadership is the key to make Blue Ocean Strategy happen in action.  [27]   Build execution into strategy The sixth principle of the Blue Ocean Strategy is about building commitment and trust into the strategy from the start. The focus is laid on a fair process as a key variable that distinguishes successful Blue Ocean Strategy moves from those that failed.  [28]   Case analysis In this section, we intend to describe and analize two cases of innovative companies (Virgin Galactic and Petrobras) based on the Blue Ocean theory. Virgin Galactic Description of Virgin Galactic Virgin Galactic is a company which belongs to the Virgin Group. This group was founded 1970 by Sir Richard Branson and is one of the leading brand venture capital organizations of the world. The group has created more than 300 branded companies in a variety of different industries, employs around 50,000 people and generated revenue of approx. US$ 18 billion in the year 2009.  [29]  Based on them the success of this group derives from the power of the Virgin name, Richard Bransons personal reputation; our unrivalled network of friends, contacts and partners; the Virgin management style; the way talent is empowered to flourish within the group.  [30]   The Virgin Galactic company has the aim of making private space travel available to everyone by creating the worlds first commercial spaceline.  [31]  Virgin Galactic will create, own and operate spaceships, the SpaceShipTwo. To achieve this goal the Virgin Group uses it experiences in aviation, adventure and luxury travel combining with the technology developed by Burt Rutan. The company was founded in the year 2004 and is located in New Mexico. The SpaceShipOne became the first private spaceship with high altitude-flights in the year 2004. The successor of this technology, the SpaceShipTwo, has seats for two pilots and six passengers. Every passenger has to pay US$200.000 with a deposit ofUS$20,000. At the moment 340 passengers have registered for this service.  [32]  So far 450 people have ever been to space, the goal of Virgin Galactic is to take 1,000 people to space within the first year of commercial operation.  [33]  The first commercial flight shall start in the year 2012.  [34]   The mothership of the SpaceShipTwo, the WhiteKnightTwo, will take the SpaceShipTwo to a height of about 16km and then release it. At that point the rockets of the SpaceShipTwo will boost and bring it to a height of about 100km.  [35]  There it will fly for about five minutes in which the passengers have a magnificent view at the earth and can enjoy weightlessness. Afterwards the space ship will decrease the altitude and land at its base in New Texas. The first flying tests of the WhiteKnightTwo were executed successfully and the SpaceShipTwo completed the first manned glide flight in October 2010.  [36]   At current stage the company Blue Origin which is based close to Seattle is also working on a private space ship.  [37]   Analysis of Virgin Galactic The analysis will start by discussing the Value Innovation of Virgin Galactic. So far tourism in space was available for seven specific persons who paid in average US$ 25 million for staying about 14 days at the ISS.  [38]  The clear buyer benefit of Virgin Galactic is to make this tourism available for nearly everybody who can afford paying the US$200,000 which is less than 1% of the price so far. Moreover, these space trips also add value to Virgin Galactic as it will earn US$200,000 for every passenger having already 340 on the waiting list. Virgin Galactic clearly succeeded in creating a Value Innovation. In the following the strategy canvas for Virgin Galactic will be developed to see the value curve in comparison to its competitor the stay at the ISS.  [39]   As principal factors the following was defined: price, safety, request for personal attributes and easy preparation for the trip.  [40]  As seen in image one the Virgin Galactic company enables a much more comfortable and convenient stay as the previous tourism on the ISS. This is also based on the lower requirements a person has to fulfill to be able to execute this tourism and the lower time-investment. Image 4: Strategy Canvas of Virgin Galactic  [41]   Considering the four action framework Virgin Galactic reduced the costs by eliminated the factors that a stay in space has to be combined with a long duration and cost-intensive stay at the ISS and with cost-intensive rocket starts. Furthermore, they created the factor that nearly everybody would be able (from physical requirements  [42]  ) to go to space with a low time-investment and a comparably low amount of money. They increased the convenience of space-tourisms to a very high extent. In conclusion, they managed to dramatically reduce the costs while increasing the perceived value of the passengers which are interested in some minutes of weightlessness and seeing the earth from the space. Virgin Galactic also concentrated on the so called non-customers as the total number of customers was seven so far. They identified the implicit wish of most people to go to space once. Organizational hurdles The cognitive hurdle cannot be applied as Virgin Galactic did not start in a red ocean but directly entered the Blue Ocean with the start of the company. The hurdle resources will probably be not a big burden as the first flying tests went successful, customers on the waiting list already paid close to US$7 million as deposit and Sheikh Mansour invested US$280 million in this business.  [43]  Furthermore, the Virgin Group and the state of New Mexico are supporting this business. The motivation of the employees and managers is high which is also pushed by Richard Branson personal interest in the success of this company.  [44]  The political hurdle could be implemented by making new laws for required safety standards. But already in 2004 the US congress passed a law which allows passengers to fly into space with the understanding that these vehicles might not be as safe as regular airplanes. Furthermore, the governor of New Mexico supports this company  [45]  and the Virgin group has a high political power. In conclusion all the hurdles were passed successfully by Virgin Gallactic. Build execution into strategy From the beginning Richard Branson declared the vision of this company to make private space travel year 2004. Conclusion In final conclusion, Virgin Galactic entered a Blue Ocean from the beginning. It decreased the costs and made space travel available to everyone by creating the worlds first commercial spaceline. Virgin Galactic works towards this clear vision with having the first commercial flights very likely eight years after its foundation in the previous tourism in space and increased the value of it by leveraging especially the convenience for the customers. Moreover, it went beyond known customer space by offering this service for less than 1% of the costs so far. It managed the organizational hurdles and created a strong vision from the start. Although other companies as e.g. Blue Origin try to create space tourisms this ocean is deep blue so far for Virgin Galactic. Petrobras Description of Petrobras Petrobras was established on October 3, 1953 by the president of Brazil, Getà ºlio Vargas, to undertake oil sector activities in the country. In the early 1970s, the members of the Organization of the Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose the international prices substantially, triggering the so-called Oil Shock. As a result, the market was troubled and marked by uncertainty. In order to overcome the difficulties, the Brazilian government adopted economic measures in order to overcome the supply of oil. Some examples of these measures were the encouragement for use of ethanol as automotive fuel and prioritizing offshore exploration and production. With the measures, the government intended to reduce the dependency on importing a very expensive product and to create an industry to create jobs and exports. These tasks where given to Petrà ³leo Brasileiro (Petrobras) for being executed.  [46]   Producing ethanol for powering the nation 1975 marks the beginning of the production of Ethanol by Petrobras in Brazil aiming to drive the large-scale substitution of oil based vehicular fuels for biofuels. Substituting gasoline for ethanol (produced from sugarcane and manioc) led to 10 million fewer gasoline fuel cars running in Brazil, reducing the countrys dependence on imported oil.  [47]   Today Brazil is recognized as the world leader in the production of ethanol for industrial purposes, based on the most advanced agricultural technology for sugarcane cultivation in the world and to the amount of arable land available in the country. In 2010, the Brazilian ethanol produced by Petrobras was designated as one of the most advanced biofuels due to the 61% reduction of green house gas emissions.  [48]   Pioneering in deep waters In 1984 the company discovered one of the biggest reserve in deep water ever registered in the world. The Albacora field was discovered; proving the existence of giant fields nestled at great depth in Brazil. This marked the beginning in deepwater exploration for the company. By 1986 the company, which until then purchased technology, was faced with the challenge of producing oil at a depth of 400 meters. After surveying the market and finding out there was no technology available for this depth, the company decided to invest in developing new technologies. This was an extremely ambitious project, since, at the time, Petrobras had been exploring at depths of 150 meters and had plans for 1000 meters by 1990. This project turned out to be a great success and the company is currently the global leader in this area. By 2005, Petrobras sets the record of drilling depth with a sloped that reached 6915 meters beyond the bottom of the sea.  [49]   Petrobras achieves self sufficiency In 2006 Brazil became a self-sufficient country in oil and gas production. With an average of 1.9 million barrels per day, Brazil went on to exporting more oil and oil products than it imported. It was like a dream came true, only possible because of the technological efforts and dedication of the employees. Since this point, Petrobras is the most profitable company in the Brazilian economy, being recognized as the eighth biggest oil exploring company in the world.  [50]   In the upcoming years, Petrobras intends to invest in using and developing new renewable energy sources. The portfolio of new projects includes wind, solar and water energy sources and fuel hydrogen. The intention is to reduce even more the dependency on oil, delivering the necessary energy sources to Brazil in order to sustain the intended growth of the upcoming years. Analysis of Petrobas Petrobras success can be summed up in one word and that word is innovation. This company faced the challenge of turning one of the biggest countries in the Americas from a big consumer of imported oil to self sufficient in oil and gas production. This strategy was based on focusing on the big picture (producing its own oil and become an exporter of petroleum) rather than finding a temporary solution for importing oil in the 70s, when the biggest crisis of oil prices occurred. Value Innovation They broke away from the competition by reconstructing market boundaries. For each challenge they faced, they were able to create and develop the necessary technology that didnt exist in the market, becoming a leader in deepwater oil drilling. They reached beyond their existing demand by having more oil available than they need for their own consumption. They also created value to the country by reducing the amount of CO2 in 61% emitted by cars and public transportation thanks to the introduction to ethanol and biodiesel. Brazil became a more efficient country thanks to the use of their natural resources for powering the nation. By mixing ethanol with oil, Petrobras has managed to increase the value for customers by creating a reduction of oil prices  [51]  and by guaranteeing the oil supply they reduced the dependency on foreign companies. Strategy canvas We have decided to explain the differences between the two largest producers of Ethanol in the world, Brazil and U.S.A. As we have mentioned before, Petrobras is the only company responsible for the production and distribution of ethanol in Brazil. Image 5: Stragegy Canvas Petrobas  [52]   As we can see in the figure xx, Brazil is the second largest producer of Ethanol in the world (6,500 million gallons in 2009  [53]  ) behind the United States (10,900 million gallons in 2009  [54]  ). But, the total area used by Brazil for cultivating their sugar cane (3.6 million hectares  [55]  by 2006) is far less than the land used by the United States (10 million hectares  [56]  in 2006). This means that the productivity per hectare is superior in Brazil than in the United States. Another important thing to mention is that thanks to the mixture of Ethanol and oil in Brazil, green house gas reduction has been reduced considerably (89%  [57]  ), increasing the value the company gives to their customers. Organizational hurdles The hurdles are based on the theory mentioned in the first section of this project. During the oil crisis of the 70s, the company faced the challenge of completely changing the paradigm of production. In the cognitive hurdle, we can say that the employees understood completely the need of the company and were able to transform the company. In the second hurdle resources, we can say that the company successfully understood that they needed to invest a great amount of resources in RD in order to increase the efficiency of the production of ethanol and also to raise the drilling depth for oil extraction. Motivating employees on a thirty-year-old project has been an enormous challenge for the company. They have managed to succeed by achieving small goals each year, increasing the level of satisfaction and trust towards the leadership of the company. Finally, the political hurdle was managed correctly due to the implications of the transformation project, involving the government, the management and employees of the company. Build execution into strategy As we mentioned before, the strategy was clear from the beginning: Reduce the dependency of oil and turn the country into a self-sufficient country. The facts speak for themselves, the whole company aligned in order to achieve the goal and it is an example on how to implement the Blue Ocean strategy. Conclusion So, why can the strategy of Petrobras be considered a Blue Ocean strategy? First of all they focused on creating value for the country by reducing the amount of oil imported and gaining self-sufficiency. As a consequence, they were able to reduce considerably the prices of gasoline in Brazil and the dependency of external factors to develop the country. They achieved this goal by innovating in ways to reduce consumption of oil (alternative fuels like ethanol and biodiesel) and exploit the potential the country had in its coasts, regardless the technology available at the times. In the last twenty years, Petrobras has become a key player in the success of Brazil to achieve development. The upcoming years for this company look really bright, thanks to the investment they are doing on other alternative means to produce electricity (water, solar and wind), improve the efficiency of alternative fuels and by creating the necessary technology for increasing the depth for deepwater drilling for oil. Discussion In the following the degree of novelty of the Blue Ocean strategy and the general criticism about this theory will be discussed. Analyzing the degree of novelty in the Blue Ocean Strategy The book The Blue Ocean Strategy was first published in 2005 and according to the two authors based on more than 15 years of research in various dimensions of this business topic and 150 successful strategic moves spanning.  [58]   As we read above the Blue Ocean Strategy aims at creating new demand in an uncontested market space. This is done by reducing the factors of competition and offering new value to t

D-day :: World War II

D-day I think the reson the d-day operation was sucsessfull was because of deception. It was 1944, and by this time the united states had been "in the war" aginst germany for threee years and the british had been in for almost six years. Alot of people dont know that there were many beachs that were seiged that same day that usaully dont get meantioned. the two that were the most importante that most people focuos on were the Omaha and utah beach beacuase of so many american solgers flooded those beachs and they had alot of casulties. Most of the other beachs were tackin with minamal casulties. over the next couple of hours the men on the beachs had to go though hell. The "allied invaders" had to tack these beach they played a huge role in the over all sucsees of the operation. Before the landing the german beachs had to be preped by bombing by air by the united states bombers that with 1,000 ships droped 5,000 tons of bombs. The beachs were also softened up by the united states battel ships bombarding the beachs. Although fewer Allied ground troops went ashore on D-Day than on the first day of the earlier invasion of Sicily, the invasion of Normandy was in total history's greatest water to land operation, involving on the first day 5,000 ships, the largest "armada" ever assembled; 11,000 aircraft (following months of preliminary bombardment); and approximately 154,000 British, Canadian and American soldiers, including 23,000 arriving by parachute and glider. The invasion also involved a long-range deception plan on a scale the world had never before seen and the clandestine operations of tens of thousands of Allied resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied countries of western Europe. American General Dwight D. Eisenhower was named supreme commander for the allies in Europe. British General, Sir Frederick Morgan, established a combined American-British headquarters known as COSSAC, for Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander. COSSAC developed a number of plans for the Allies, most notable was that of Operation Overlord, a full scale invasion of France across the English Channel. Eisenhower felt that COSSAC's plan was a good operation. After reviewing the disastrous hit-and-run raid in 1942 in Dieppe, planners decided that the strength of German defenses required not a number of separate assaults by relatively small units but an intense concentration of power in a single main landing.

Inspiration and Authority

World religions such as Christianity, Judaism and Islam both today and throughout history have been directly linked to inspired scriptures. It is from these scriptures that observers can derive a sense of inspiration and a force of divine authority, with the parables and teachings of the holy doctrines pronouncing the will of God. This is the simple proposition that begins this difficult discussion on the different ways that we may understand, interpret and ultimately deduce truth in the experience of engaging the scriptures.Given that the subject of this discussion is the true to be verified in the Bible, the Christian faith, and to a lesser extent the Jewish faith, will be used for consideration here. In divining ‘truth,’ we must first recognize that an understanding of religious scriptures varies across a great spectrum of Christians, with the shared experience of inspiration giving way to an underlying diversity of opinions on what is being instructed or to what exte nt ‘facts’ reported in the Bible may be accepted as such.These opinions concern such things as the authorship of the scriptures, the role of the prophets and the certainty held in the words of scripture themselves, which when held together establish a degree truth which is itself often in the eye or heart of the beholder. All of these issues are related to the point of view from which one approaches the content of the Bible, whether it be one of conservative interpretation or of liberal understanding.For those who take a conservative perspective on the scriptures, Achtemeier (1980) identifies these as individuals who generally believe that the authority of the scriptures descends from the fact that they were inspired directly by God. This is to say that to the conservative Christian, the source of the text appears to be God’s direct intervention in human events through those that are identified as prophets, predisposing assumptions to recognize an incontrovertibl e degree of truth in the words of the Bible. The logic is generally held that inspiration â€Å"implies that the Bible is authoritative for all humanity in all aspects of life.Unless the Bible is truly inspired by God, there is no reason why it should be considered any more authoritative than any other book. These are said to be endowed with the divine inspiration which allows them to offer dictation of the events. † (Kulikovsky, 1) This is a view which resonates with the historical and biblical conception of prophecy. Prophecy would play a very important part in the early development of the Christian philosophy. Such a claim is supported by Longman (2007), who states that â€Å"the prophetic role in public evangelism grew from the Old Testament prophecies of an outpouring of the Spirit.Prophets are consistently valued highly among the churchly ‘offices' or roles, and prophecy is rated chief and most prized among the gifts. The New Testament-era church was more depende nt on the prophetic gift for giving it direction (Acts 13 and 15). † (Longman, 1) This is because prophecy is seen as carrying the direct word of God, the distinct source of inspiration, authority and truth. However, there are some interesting considerations which come through in the textual analysis that warrant further scrutiny.In particular, the conceptual issue of inerrancy helps to provide some new insights into the ways that we should understand the history of the Bible and its aspiration toward the reflection of truth. Inerrancy is the theory which states that the divine inspiration conservatively believed to be at the base of the bible’s words determines that all of these words are inherently true. This means that the scriptures’ report on history, both mortal and divine, is to be understood as true to the last letter. This is a view that modern scholars have come more frequently to reconsider.A developing liberalism in the interpretation of the scripture s allows that even if it is believed they have been produced by human observation and interpretation of events, their value is no less great as a reflection of some higher truth. This is to say that it is no longer necessary to assume that every word of the bible must be understood as factually perfect but must instead be understood as authoritative in demonstrable intent, and therefore answering to a higher truth than simply that which is suggested by a proper detailed report of history.This view does allow a reading of the Bible which is more enabling to the modern observer, entitling an acceptance of the important truths concerning morality and divinity, without enforcing an unflinching approach to the historical report of the bible. This opens the floor for the divining of truth even in the presence of critical scrutiny. This is an idea which seems appropriate, with great individuality determining the way that inspiration is received and the way that truth is understood and, the reafter, manifested. This refers either to the prophet, the author or the reader of the scripture.For each, the receipt of inspiration from God many take any of an infinite number of forms. This is an appropriate maturation in the accommodation of Christian discourse to the needs of modern Christians, who come from many different lifestyles and dispositions to receive the words of God. This holds truth to a high standard that is nonetheless absent of rigidity. Still, there are reasons to concern ourselves with the danger to core Christian beliefs of too liberalist a stance on that which may be defined or read as truth.This is to say that â€Å"the risks of individualism and illuminism, an exclusive reliance on the authority of ‘inner testimony’† should be seen problematic to important cardinal tenets. Specifically, conservative Christians worry that â€Å"anything which suggested that Christ’s life and death were only, so to speak, a dramatized projection of the self’s inner history would be hard to reconcile with an orthodoxy concerned to defend the idea that God assumes real and particularly human existence in Jesus.† (Richardson, 304) As this constitutes a core belief, it is important for many Christians that even the origins of the scriptures reflect this same idea. Thus, historical truth must be taken in distinction, with so many of the details of the Bible based on allegorical narrative, with morality and lifestyle practice deeply couched in not just the words and principals, but even in the incidences and landmark moments of biblical account. Still, the liberalist perspective allows one to consider that it is not required to think of the scriptures in this way to find a defense of the concept of Jesus Christ as the son of God.It is less constructive, that is to say, to think of the scriptures as having been offered by direct inspiration than to think of them as demonstrating the inspiration of early Christianity. Historically speaking, there is an inherent truth to that which is implied by narrative accounting, with interpretation allowing us to at least reflect on inspiration for such major narrative moments as the path of Jesus. This is a functional achievement even without achieving the mark of inerrancy.To this end, our outside reading helps to support the case that the bible does not need to be considered a historical document in the way that we might look at a textbook (though even here, the field of historiography does ask us to define and contextually consider what ‘truth’ is. ) Instead, â€Å"the truthfulness of the Bible should be evaluated according to its own ‘usage and purpose. ’ Yet its purpose rarely includes details of history and science. † (Morrison, 1) These elements of history and science are usually considered byproducts that are revealed within the context of a larger story drawn from a specific time and place.This seems, increasingly a suitable way to understand the place from where our scriptures draw their authority as well, with very real truths about the Bible’s cultural origins emerging through even a skeptical reading. Achtmeier (1980) is particularly convincing on this subject because of the way in which his analysis treats the conservative view point. The author seems to be guided by the intent to show that conservative interpretations that demand an inerrant perspective actually do a disservice to the truthful value of the text.The grace of God and the way that this inspires the people are both hidden behind discussion about the accuracy of dates and details. This critique shows that this may not be the authority that was intended by the scriptures, which illuminate far more important truths about human spiritual history than physical history. Ultimately, this discourse establishes the rather liberal sense of the origin of the scriptures as relating to certain inherent truths which are visible now to a broad array of observers, whether spiritually connected or not.This is to say that the discussion here suggest that the truth that we find in scriptures is not a result of the direct intervention of God in the process of writing and also not as a result of being a perfectly accurate reflection of history. Instead, its relationship to truth shows that the scriptures are a suitable way of understanding how authority and inspiration translated faith in the early development of canon. This is a perspective which will help to ground an understanding of the core value of the Bible while also illuminating new and developing ways to understand their origins and history.Works Cited Achtemeier, Paul. (1980). Inspiration and Authority. Hendrickson Publishing. Kulilovsky, Andrew S. (1996). Inspiration, Authority and Interpretation. Kulikovsky Online. Ret. 4/22/08 http://www. kulikovskyonline. net/hermeneutics/inspirat. htm. Longman, Robert Jr. (2007). Prophecy in the New Testament. Spirit Home. Ret . 4/22/08 http://www. spirithome. com/prophist. html#ntproph Morrison, Michael. (2002). Inspiration, Authority, and Reliability of Scripture. Worldwide Church of God. Richardson, Alan & John Bowden. (1983). The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology. Westminster John Knox Press.

Responsibilities of a team leader Essay

Four responsibilities of a team leader in our organization: 1. Food alert files (Health and Safety, Food and Safety). First of all, to make sure that all work environment is safe for employees and customers. Second, to check if all departments are providing good Food alert standards set by government at work place. As well, to make sure that all legally required documents would be up to date. 2. Communication. All team leaders constantly need to be in good communicational skills, if you want to run successful business. Everyday you have to communicate with Head office as well as other restaurants, to know what’s happening in all company, using phones or e-mails. And don’t forget to pass important news for team members. Inside the house, usually, Managers team is communicating though the LogBook, and with team members during briefing times before sifts. 3. Motivation is the driving force, which help courses us to achieve goals. Leaders using motivation will satisfy individual needs and team will have inspiration to complete the tasks. It’s very important point in running business. Depending on how motivated teams are, it may further determine the effort they put into their work and therefore increase the standard of the output. 4. Presenting good example and standards or the company. Team Leader always needs to be as example how to act at work, and that other team members would be able to take some experience. If everyone will represent good company standards and will look after the customers well, they will not only think well of the team but also of the company in general. Two examples of the problems you would need to refer to someone with more authority: 1. Racism. It is illegal to discriminate against anyone of the grounds of their race. If it would happen in work place, management team needs to investigate. Just GM or Head office member has authority to take action on  such a complaint. 2. Reconstruction. Every business has yearly budgets, if someone wants to reconstruct the building outside or inside it has to be approved by GM. Feedback on own performance Collected feedback to identify one of my strengths as a team leader and one area for improvement: †¢ Strength – Organized team supporter. Always supporting team and showing organizational skills. †¢ Area for improvement: rudeness, toughness. Sometimes, choosing wrong way of speaking + plus very demanding on the things to be done. Establishing trust One thing to describe what you can do to establish and maintain trust within the team you lead: Respect for others. One of the most important points to work on. If it will be trust and understanding in the team, there will be respect and good atmosphere for work, witch will course business to run smooth. To maintain trust you have to work on couple of following points: †¢ Time- set aside time to be with these people, work with them, talk with them and even play with them. In the end you will gradually start to realize that there personality or point of view aren’t that hard to get along with after all. †¢ Patience – The truth is that the best people, the smartest people and the most successful people take a good long look at other people and express empathy and selflessness towards the people they associate with. †¢ Listening- always to have time to listen for the others, to step aside and to take a look at their opinion. Maybe some examples can be even better then yours. †¢ Laughing- it’s one of the important points, to build the team, not just to be a working robots. With the laugh in the teamwork will run perfectly, plus good relaxed atmosphere. †¢ Honesty- if you will be honest with them, they will be the same with you.

Patriots resist British laws and policies Essay

After the Seven Years War, Britain’s hold on the colonies was established. The Crown then began to impose laws on the colonies to offset the losses it incurred in securing Britain’s hold. Among these laws were the Sugar Act, which hiked the non-British goods import duties, and the Currency Act, which prohibited printing of currency, were met with resistance in America. Other laws and policies governing taxation and trade were also imposed on the colonies. However, many people in the colonies did not favor the British laws. Three strategies they used to foil British control are: organized demonstrations, non-importation of British goods, and terrorizing tax collectors. The Sons of Liberty was established as a secret organization with the purpose of terrorizing those who were tasked as tax collectors under the Stamp Act. The ploy was successful since the tax collectors all quitted even before the Stamp Act was implemented. Without collectors and with protests, the colonists were successful in getting the Act repealed. The non-importation was the most successful strategy for the patriots. It worked very well for a few years. It made Britain reconsider its laws and repeal the Stamp Act. The Crown had a lot to lose with the colonies’ imports. However, it soon declared that the colonies can only trade with Great Britain and no other country. The organized protests were also successful at times but led to a disastrous event when people were killed in Boston after a skirmish with British soldier. But the event was used by radicals as a propaganda against the British colonizers. The radicals incited protests and recruited men to their cause. The public protests helped to mask the formation of an armed movement that would oppose Britain’s right to the colonies.