Jollibee Foods Essay

1. On what key resources and capabilities did Jollibee build its market position in the Philippines? Jollibee’s success in its home market developed as a result of its ability to better meet the needs of the Filipino customer. Although its success was mediated by the political and economic crises of 1983, Jollibee was still able to deliver a product that both cheaper and better tasting than that of McDonald’s. †¢As one of the â€Å"5 Fs,† flexibility was an asset of Jollibee. The ability to push forward the Champ burger, competing with the Big Mac, highlights a source of competitive advantage. Market research indicated that Filipinos preferred Jollibee burgers’ spicy taste to McDonald’s plain beef patty. †¢Another source of competitive advantage was Jollibee being able to broaden its core menu of chicken, spaghetti, and a peach-mango dessert pie during the economic and political crisis. McDonald’s foreign brand appeal faded making J ollibee dominantly present in the market with 31 stores. †¢Implementing the â€Å"5 Fs† philosophy and the ability to offer all of these to customers at an affordable price was a well developed operations management capability. Jollibee was able to deliver quality food and service consistently and efficiently in a fun and friendly environment. These were key success factors that allowed Jollibee to expand quickly throughout the Philippines. 2. Which of these deliver sustained advantage? The flexibility to cater to customer needs is a sustained advantage. Not only did Jollibee create a spicy burger that appealed to native Filipinos, they also were able to customize meals for local tastes in foreign markets. Another sustained advantage was the international strategy to target expatriates and planting the flag. The targeting of expatriates allowed the company to ease its transition into an unfamiliar market. The popularity amongst expats could generate publicity and attract walk-in traffic from non-Filipino ListValuable?Rare?Difficult to Imitate?Without Substitutes?Implications for Competitiveness? Developing spicy burger preferred by FilipinosYesYesNoNoTemporary competitive advantage Opening stores where competitors had little or no presenceYesYesNoNoTemporary competitive advantage Flexibility to adapt to local customer needsYesYesYesYesSustainable competitive advantage International strategy targeting expatriates and planting the flagYesYesYesYesSustainable competitive advantage Expanding overseas into new marketsYesNoNoNoCompetitive parity

Mendel Vs. Darwin

Dear Mr.. Mendel, I am very Interested In your study of genetics. I also am a Naturalist and we share the same passion for Gods creation. I have known, from your studies of genetics, organisms may only pass down traits to their offspring that they were born with. This proved Lamarckism theory to be incorrect. Your studies show many helpful genetic facts. One of which is all members of a species are all different in some way. This ties together part of my own theory called Natural Selection.I too believe that all organisms are born with different variations. Variations that help to get food or escape from predators will help that animal survive. Then, those animals will reproduce offspring with the helpful variation. Your genetic studies reinforce my theory of Natural Selection. One of our few differences is that you conduct controlled experiments, while I simply observe nature. Much of my work took place while sailing on the Beagle around South America and Africa. I observed the natu ral life and took notes.You seem to Like working In a laboratory while I Like to explore the world and see nature as It happens. Our methods of study are almost opposite, but both reveal much information. Every organism's difference is a variation. While I traveled to the Galapagos, I noticed many variations in the finch species. From island to island, each finch bird has a different type of beak. I hypothesize this is because each island has different food sources so each bird adapted to their environment.Some have sharp, thin beaks to separate insects while others on different islands have shorter beaks to pick seed off the ground. I understand that in your research with peas you have found out that offspring inherit only traits that the parents were born with. I formed similar thoughts about the finches. As you may be thinking, my theory Is very controversial within the church. Most people think low upon me for believing my theory. Some say Natural Selection Is going against the churches belief of the Genesis written In the Bible.Fortunately for you, you are part of the monastery. You have your colleagues to support your ideas and thoughts. I am in the process of writing book to express my ideas to the people. I hope my ideas will be revolutionary and change the thoughts of evolution. My wish is that society will someday find value in my research, even if it is rejected by the church in present. Sincerely, Charles Darwin Mendel Vs.. Darwin By resourcefulness I am very interested in your study of genetics. I also am a Naturalist and we share the same passion for God's creation.I have known, from your studies of genetics, One of our few differences is that you conduct controlled experiments, while I seem to like working in a laboratory while I like to explore the world and see nature as it happens. Our methods of study are almost opposite, but both reveal much As you may be thinking, my theory is very controversial within the church. Most people think low upo n me for believing my theory. Some say Natural Selection is going against the churches belief.

Compare the difference in gender roles and socialization processes in relation to the Smith family

The purpose of this assignment is to compare the difference in gender roles and socialization processes in relation to the Smith family. It will give a brief explanation of gender roles and socialization and will take into account the situation of Jane and David and it will also look at the thoughts of Jane's eighteen-year-old daughter Katherine. Gender roles are said to originate from birth with the classification of sex. As in all systems of ascription, even though most people believe that sex role behaviour flows naturally, from biological or inborn differences, societies do not leave that development to choice or possibility. Instead, from the earliest years, before they can understand a word, infants are told what their sexual identity is, and are praised for any behavioural evidence of appropriate activity. Adults will describe an infant as having ideal female traits, if told it's a girl (sweet, cute, charming) and as having ideal male traits if told it's a boy (strong, destructive, rebellious). What begins in infancy continues through the years. For generations girls have been praised for their maternal behaviour with dolls, and boys were told they were sissies if they showed the same behaviour. The family, second edition, page 75). According to Connell in introduction to sociology Talcott Parsons argues that the biological facts of sex and reproduction limit the sex gender roles available to males and females. In other words females social roles are mainly to produce and bring up children while males are to provide the main resources of survival. Connell disagrees and believes that sexuality as well as gender is formed by social influences and personal choice. (Introduction to sociology, page 187). Ann Oakley argues that gender roles are cultural rather than biological; humans learn the behaviour that is expected of males and females within their society. (Sociology themes and perspectives page 589) Gender behaviour is first learnt through primary or basic socialization within the family and is reinforced later in almost every area of social life for example, at school and at work. Socialization refers to the various ways in which a child learns to act in a way acceptable to a given society. Oakley argues that as a young baby grows, they are socialized into their different gender roles through their contact with different people and institutions. By the age of sixteen the majority of young men and women have been socialized into a belief of male dominance, even though the forces of disagreement to this attitude are stronger than they were and patterns of socialization based on gender equality occur more frequently. (Introduction to sociology page 184-194) Socialization is the process by which human behaviour is formed through experiences in social situations. Through socialization the individual learns the values, norms and thinking of a given society. Cooley (1864-1929) distinguished two types of socialization: primary and secondary. The two forms of socialization are defined partly in terms of the particular groups or agencies in which they take place. Primary groups are small they entail face-to-face relationship and allow the individual to express the whole self; the family, peer groups and close friends are all primary groups. Within these groups the individual learns, by personal experiences the primary values such as love, loyalty, justice, and sharing. Freud emphasised that the first few years of a person life, those commonly spent among primary groups are the most significant in forming the structure of his or her behaviour. Secondary groups are large, more important, more properly structured, and exist for particular purposes. Secondary socialization involves learning how to organise and conduct oneself in formal contexts and how to behave towards people who have different degrees of position or authority. (Introduction to sociology page 3) Thompson, N (2001) states that the pressure to match to sex-appropriate roles within the patriarchal family is both a major part of the socialisation process and a significant aspect of sexism. Patriarchal beliefs promote the traditional model of the family, with the male breadwinner being the main provider, head of the household and defender of his territory, the wife and mother as nurturer and carer and their dependent children whom they socialise into following in the footsteps of the appropriate role model, boys like daddy and girls like mummy. Anti discriminatory practice page 42) Jane feels that she is responsible for looking after her father. Pilcher (1995) cites Finch's evidence that women provide the great majority of personal care to relatives and that the parent to child relationship is the most important source of support after the spouse relationship. Children, mainly daughters, are a major source of support for elderly parents. (Age and Generation in Modern Britain page123). These feelings Jane is experiencing are possibly due to the behaviour she learned through her own socialisation within her family, For example, Jane believes that her mother would have expected her to look after her father, therefore she would live up to her mothers expectations if she takes on the responsibility of carer to her father and secondly, her experience of growing up as a female was that women were responsible for household and domestic tasks. Ann Oakley believes that males and females are exposed to different activities through out childhood for example; girls are mainly encouraged to become involved in domestic tasks. (Sociology themes and perspectives page 590) This would explain Jane's behaviour in her own house as she does most of the household chores, even though Jane and her husband equally work full time. David thinks that his father should go and live with him and his partner, he hasn't asked his partner yet how she feels about this. David may feel through his own socialization that it is his duty as the son in the family to take control of the situation. David is hoping that his wife will be willing to give up her part time job to look after his father, â€Å"Women in this society are generally the hands-on caregivers, (typically the eldest daughter or daughter-in-law) (AARP Magazine) David hasn't mentioned giving up his job, this could be Patriarchal gender through socialisation, David thinking he is the man of the house and the main bread winner and has authority over his wife's say. His wife works part time and she is probably on low pay, to David her job may not be important as it is a second wage, maybe financially it would be better for her to give up her job, but he isn't thinking how his wife would feel about doing this. (Anti discriminatory practice page 42-43). Jane's eighteen-year-old daughter Katherine has concerns about her mother. This could be down to changes and different expectation through generations. The fact that, Katherine is in higher education suggest that her prospects and opportunities are higher than that of her mothers. Women are beginning to change their attitudes in the direction of greater approval of more equal gender behaviour, and as a result a more equal sharing of housework. In addition, as a clear indication of the future, younger women, women with more education and wife's with better educated husbands were more likely to move towards independent gender attitudes. The family 133-135) In conclusion, the guilt Jane is experiencing and David's thoughts in deciding how to care for his farther is common and is a product of societies expectations. David and Jane haven't really giving any thought to the situation or consequences of their father. They are both acting on what they think would be expected of them by their mother and through their socialisation, that is to look after their father. Neither of them has taking the thoughts of their father into consideration, although Michael is getting very forgetful, he still has right to choice, maybe Michael wont want to live with them or wont want them to look after him, Michael if possible, might want to stay in his own home. Jane and David cant and shouldn't really try to make any decisions without firstly getting an assessment done on their father, this should happen once they get in contact with the social worker, and secondly they should also both speak to their family to find out how they feel about the situation, after all what decisions are made involves them as well.

Managing Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Managing Project - Research Paper Example A project is defined as 'a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result' (PMI, 2000:4) there are two key aspects to the concept of projects. These are 'temporary endeavour', indicating that there is a beginning and an end to it, and 'unique product, service or result' implying that day-to-day operations are not (part of) projects. The implication here is that the IR project is comprised of two aspects, those being the actual execution of the project and the daily operations involved in the fulfilling of the aforementioned goal. Project management is a broad area of study, involving multiple business aspects ranging from strategic decision making to human resource management and from stakeholder management to investment decisions. The first papers on project management techniques were not published until the 1950s (PMI, 2000). Most literature referred to large scale military, defence, IT, construction and R&D projects. Project management was defined as the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements. Further, it provides one with the tools and strategies which are prerequisite for the successful management of projects (Mumford, 2000; Charvat, 2003). It has been identified by several management and organizational development scholars as integral to the efficient and effective management of large-scale organizations (Elonen and Artto, 2003; Meredith and Mantel, 2003; Thiry, 2004). In direct correlation to the proposed IR project, the above stated definition outlines the extent to which project management is ideally suited for the former's purposes. The IR project is both sizeable and complex, added to which, it is primarily driven by such developmental needs as which have identified the energisation of the country's tourism sector as integral to economic growth. Both the size of the project and the internationally competitive sector within which it is located highlight the necessities of utilising project management tools and strategies as a means of ensuring on-time and n-budget completion. 2.3 Programme Management Programme or project portfolio management may be defined as the coordinated management of grouped projects (Gray, 1997) for the purpose of maximising efficiency by prioritising projects, eliminating those that incur excessive risks and costs, and identifying those that best subscribe to organisational objectives (Meredith and Mante

Personal Development Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Personal Development Paper - Essay Example Before the eight stages of development, the prenatal stage is the first stage in personal development. In this case, B. Newman and P. Newman (2011) noted, that life development started after inception. Although my mother provided scanty details about my life when I was in her womb, the scanty information that she provided me with indicated that I used to kick her womb when my father was supporting her during the pregnancy. In addition, I could kick and turn every time that my father touched her bulging stomach. Perhaps an indication that I was happy with life. The infancy stage, which is the period after birth to two years, is â€Å"a period of strikingly rapid development† (B. Newman, & P. Newman, 2011). At this stage, I experienced physical growth and started showing coordinated partnered behavior. My mother told me that I was able to develop an attachment with her within the first month of birth. In this case, she told me that I was able to develop a sense of trust in her since she was always available every moment that I required her in my life. Hence, I developed the cognitive aspect that made me realize when she was available and when she was not available. In addition, my mother told me that I was able to grow physically and weighed more than twice my birth weight one year after I was born. B. Newman and P. Newman (2011) identified the second stage as the stage of toddlerhood, which is the period between 2 and 3 years. In line with this, my mother told me that I was playing around at this age and was always busy and enjoyed every moment of my life while exuding confidence by doing things on my own, which is an indicator that I was developing a sense of autonomy. I realize that I developed this sense of autonomy due to trust that I developed in my mother during the infancy stage. On the other hand, I was able to develop the cognitive aspect of speech, and I

Suitability of United Kingdom for Multinational Business Research Paper

Suitability of United Kingdom for Multinational Business - Research Paper Example The UK has a special relationship with foreign countries such as the USA and France. It is also a member of NATO, G8, G7, OECD, Commonwealth, and EU. This membership enables it to develop a good business and political relationship with foreign countries. However, the types of distance between the UK and these countries affect these relationships a great deal. According to Ghemawat (137), the different types of distance between different countries influence global trade and multinational business strategies. The specific types of distance identified by Ghemawat which affect the UK in its international trade and multinational strategies include Cultural, Administrative, Geographical and Economic distances (CAGE). In terms of cultural differences, the UK may be considered to experience distance dimension in international involvements through language differences with foreign countries, different ethnicities, different religions, and different social traditions and norms. The main featur e that makes the UK different from other countries is its British culture. For instance, the language spoken by UK citizens is British English. This differs from other languages spoken by UK’s trading partners. The language spoken in France is French while that spoken in Spain is Spanish. The language spoken in the Netherlands is Dutch while that spoken in the USA is American English. This difference in language affects multinational business strategies of multinational companies intending to enter the UK market. According to Alkema, Koster, and Williams (5), one of the most important business strategies for a multinational corporation is to maintain its core business products and services while attempting to meet the needs of its customers in the foreign country. This is always hampered by language differences because certain services are better offered and communicated using the local language of the host country than in British English. Furthermore, the social traditions, religion and ethnic communities of the UK may also not accept the products and services offered by multinational companies. Another example is that UK companies selling pork may not thrive well in countries like Russia. The second type of distance between the UK and other countries is Administrative distance. In this case, multinational business strategies and international trade between UK companies and foreign companies will be affected by the absence of shared monetary and political associations, political hostility and government policies. If the multinational companies from hostile countries intend to enter the UK market, they may face political resistance and may not thrive in those markets. For instance, some Middle East countries such as Iraq are not politically friendly to the UK because of the UK’s affiliation with the US. This makes them not to get appropriate reception in the UK. However, the UK political system is welcome to most countries and is, therefore, an a ppropriate destination for international business. Geographical distance also affects the international involvement of UK and other foreign countries (Ghemawat 142). For instance, if a country lacks a common border with the UK e.g. US, it becomes difficult for US companies to trade within the UK market. This is because it may take time to transport products from one country to another.

Direct Marketing Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Direct Marketing Plan - Assignment Example At the present, Fears and Robinson family get bigger and they have more than 200 stores countrywide by the end of 2005. F&R quality goods are distinctive and elite and they have an unparalleled status for value and service (Block, 1992). By this verity, the organization anticipates to magnetize public that value the artistic quality of transporting flowers, offerings and further materials. As F&R creations are generally flowers and fashion accessories, they deem themselves to be in the trade gift market, though a quantity of customers buy the product for themselves. F&R's mission is to develop into a renowned name of value flora, chocolates and gift items delivery service in the United Kingdom. Fears & Robinson intention is to increase customer positive reception of these products and to furnish regulars with attractive unique arty beautifications. When we look using the marketing terminology, ... Raise repeat customers by 7%. Build an effectual pull operation and bringing in new consumers that are supportive in generating more orders. Erect customer trustworthiness by granting incomparable delivery services and a client-centric strategy. Targeting When we look using the marketing terminology, the advantage of target marketing is simple-effectiveness. Firm target advertising is a technique to more efficiently arrive at clientele. Target marketing is a healthier utilization of company most precious possessions, i.e. time and wealth, to produce supplementary profits. The target market procedure lets us to chop down these factions of people so one can better recognize how to get to consumers. One approach to carry out this is to form a target market outline. Fears and Robinson is focusing on flowers and gift accomplices, targeting females with middle-end and upper-end revenue as the end users (Larkin, 1992). The side view of the F&R buyer contains in the following topographic, demographic, psychographic, and protocol factors: Topographies The abrupt geographic target is the municipality of London, with inhabitants of 7,465,100 A 60 mile geographic region is in need of F&R's stuffs and services The overall targeted area resident is projected at 485,000 Demographics Womanly Matrimonial Have kids, but not essentially at house Age limit is between 21 to 35 years, with an average age of 27 Learning expertise further than high school Earning a collective yearly family earnings of 50,000 or greater Condominium or home possessor Psychographics: The manifestation of her home is a main concern Entertaining and demonstrating her habitat is imperative She makes out herself as ingenious, elegant and talented, but seeks justification

English Exit Letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

English Exit Letter - Essay Example My interest in writing suddenly came back and I realized it isn’t such a laborious task at all. One only has to put his thoughts into words until these words produce sentences and sentences form paragraphs. This I can accomplish quite easily when I’m in the mood. But when I’m not, I could just stare at the emptiness of my computer screen, wishing the hyperactive cursor to do the job for me. Writer’s block, they called it. Every writer, I believe, will have to deal with it time and time again. Putting thoughts into words is a piece of cake. To keep it structured though is another story – a skill a have yet to master. Happily, this problem seems to persist only in my informal essays. Formal is much more precise, topic clearly defined, making it easier for me to discern which information needs to be included and which one should be eliminated. With informal essays, it’s as if I’m just talking to someone about something so passionately that I tend to ignore unity and coherence within my paragraphs. I was told that, when used properly, this free flowing method in writing could actually become an asset, so it isn’t such a bad thing after all. I could hardly tell if my old writing process was in fact a process. For all I know, I simply wrote. I was adamant to follow my own style, which I liked to call a process, despite being aware that it’s not always recommended. Though this may not be such a dramatic change, this course taught me the formal discipline in writing which I consider to be a significant improvement. Planning, I learned, is indeed a very crucial stage in writing in order to come up with an effective output. This enabled me to explore other genres such as informative and compare and contrast

Anyhting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Anyhting - Essay Example In performing economic estimates, it is prudent to encompass both micro and macro aspects of economics. Economists in the recent past have expressed concerns over the persistent deteriorating economic performance of the rest of the world markets and not the United States (U.S). They are relatively sanguine about the US economic performance outlook . This is after an irregular first half of the year and most economists express confidence that the economy will improve in the second half. On the contrary, they express mixed attitudes towards the other global markets such as the Eurozone, China and Japan. The European market is hard hit by their broken banking system. These outcomes are comparatives based on micro and macro-economic factors in the respective economies. Therefore, as the second half approaches, there is need for economies to critically analyse the underlying macro and micro factors that are likely to slow growth. It is vital to appreciate the forecasts laid by economists and use them effectively in better management of economics events likely to occur. This will assist ensuring sustainability of economic performance not only in the US but rather across other markets. Nick Timiraos. American Exceptionalism. Economic outlook over the next four quarters. Wall Street Journal. 11 Sept. 2014. Web. 11 Sept 2014.

Statement of Purpose Essay Example for Free

Statement of Purpose Essay As a young child, I was attracted to sci-fi films because of exploration of the planets. Anyone, who has ever seen the television series â€Å"Star Wars,† will never forget the imposing space ships connecting planets, robot troops; dangerous battles in the space, and of course, two human-like robots. In the television series â€Å"Star Trek,† I really took part in adventures of the Enterprise spaceship to mysterious planets at the speed of light. These films gave me a question: â€Å"Can we create a machine having intelligence as human? The question is still haunting me, and becoming an computer engineering To indulge in natural science in my childhood, I became excellent in physics, chemistry, and especially in math. I had won three times in math competition, two in high school, and one in Tarrant County College. It seemed only logical that I pursue a career in computer engineering. In the realm of engineering, I have developed a special interest in the field of artificial intelligence and had taken a programming course. I was a technical assistant at Department of Automation and Robotics of Institute of Applied Mechanics in my country, Vietnam, I learned about its many practical applications, especially in relation to automation and robotic. It also helps me understand more about my major. Another particular interest of mine is theoretical physics. I am attracted by philosophy of physics, theoretical physics, Eastern philosophy ideologies about structure of the universe, similarities between meditator and scientists. Later I would like to work in the area of research and development for industry. It is in research and development that I will make the greatest contribution, utilizing my theoretical background and creativity as a scientist. As Sun Tzu said â€Å"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,† being admitted to SEO program is not only a good single step to begin my journey, but also the greatest chance for me to open the door of graduate school. The program will help me to gain practical experiences. It also gives me ideas what reality needs, so that I will have better direction to pursue in my professional goals.

Effect of Parasite Diversity and Age on Antibody Responses

Effect of Parasite Diversity and Age on Antibody Responses This study was aimed at investigating the effect of parasite diversity and age on the levels of antibody responses to P. falciparum in individuals living in an area of seasonal malaria transmission. Two blood stage antigens (MSP1(19), AMA1) and two liver stage antigens (CSP and celTOS), making a total of four antigens were selected to be used for the study. These antigens were tested in archived plasma samples with ages ranging from 1year to 70 years. The samples were collected close to the end of the rainy season in the months of November and December (wet season), and April the following year at the end of the dry season (dry season). Of the samples collected in the wet season, 34.1% had parasites whiles those collected in the dry season was 15.5% (table 1). Appawu (2004) reported the seasonality of malaria transmission in a neighbouring district (Kasena Nankana District), being high in the wet season and low in the dry season. The high transmission in the wet season could be due to favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes as a result of several collections of water when it rains and in turn increase the number of vectors and hence the high number of parasites individuals are exposed to (Ahmed, 1989). This data is in agreement with an earlier finding in northern Ghana by Apawu and his group where they found high parasite carriage, and high multiplicity of infection (MOI) in the wet season compared to low carriage and MOI in the dry season. Parasite carriage here means the proportion of participants with P. falciparum at enrolment. There was however no statistically significant difference in the parasite densitie s when compared between the seasons (p=0529) table 1. There was no difference in the overall ages between the wet and the dry season. (p=0.937). This was expected as most of the samples collected were from the same individuals in the two seasons. To explore age related pattern of P. falciparum infection, participants were categorized into three (3) age groups: under 5 years, between 5 and 15 years, and over 15 years. The data shows the 5-15 year olds having higher infected proportion in the two seasons (table 2). Parasitaemia was also determined using a more sensitive method, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR data confirmed the microscopy data because the 6-15 year group also had higher proportion of individuals carrying parasites at enrolment. This could be due to the fact that they are the more exposed group with incompletely developed immune systems. In contrast, under-fives who are much younger are likely to receive better care from parents thus preventing them from being infected with the parasites. Bed net usage could be one way of protecting the children. Also because of their younger ages they may not be allowed roam around freely. Adults on the other hand despite having possible similar exposure as 5-15 ye ar olds, seem to have less parasites because of their developed anti-malarial immunity. This partial immunity is gained with age and repeated exposure thus making the younger individuals more susceptible to infection (Pratt-Riccio et al., 2005; Dodoo et al., 2008). Thus the over 15 year group who are older, had the least proportion of infection (table 2). The study also sought to determine the relationship between IgG levels and age. Figures fig 7 and 8 shows the correlation plots between age and IgG levels in the wet and dry season respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between and IgG levels raised against AMA1-FVO, MSP1, CSP and CelTOS in the wet season. And for the dry season, the significant correlation was between age and IgG levels to AMA1-FVO, MSP1, CSP, and Celtos. The correlation coefficient (r2) and the p values are indicated on each plot. There was however no correlation between age and AMA1-3D7 (r2 0.0142, p 0.0699) for the wet season, and AMA1-FVO (r2=0.0114, p= 0.0594) for the dry season. The significant correlations were however very weak. This indicates that though IgG levels increased with age, the association between the antibody levels and age was not so strong and that the influence of age on the amount of antibodies produce against most of the antigens in the population studied was not that mu ch. However the age dependent increase in IgG response to the antigens tested may be due to the mature immune system in adults, and could also be due to cumulative exposure to infection over time (Nebie 2008). It is however not known what might be the reason for the lack of correlation with age to AMA1-3D7, and AMA1-FVO, in the wet and dry season respectively. IgG responses to the two AMA1 alleles (3D7, and FVO) was plotted against each other to determine which is more predominant in the study population. There was a strong correlation between the antibody levels of AMA1 alleles of 3D7 and FVO (r2=0.8382, p) implying that both strains are circulating in the study site during the wet season. A similar trend was observed in the dry season but with a lower correlation coefficient compared to the wet season (r2= 0.5302, p). Antibody titres against recombinant antigens have often been linked to protection from clinical disease (Polley 2004, Nebie 2008, Dodoo 2008, Dodoo 1999, Cavanagh 2004). Where high anti-malaria antibodies is interpreted to mean protection from clinical disease. The important role of antibodies was demonstrated by the passive transfer of purified IgG from immune donors to individuals with P. falciparum infection, which reduced parasitaemia (Cohen 1961, sabchareon 1991). Apical membrane antigen-1 AMA1 and MSP119 have been associated with reduced risk of clinical malaria (Branch 1998, Osier et al 2008). Anti-CSP antibodies have also been found to be partially protective where in Kenya high anti-CSP, anti-LSA, and anti-TRAP ( pre-erythrocytic ) antibodies were demonstrated to be associated with relative protection from reinfection (John CC 2005, 2008). The most advance malaria vaccine, RTS’S which is a subunit of CSP, has been found to protect to about 35-55% in children 5-17 mont hs for about 8 months (Alonso 2004,) . Also anti-CelTOS antibodies have been shown to inhibit invasion of herpatocytes by sporozoites in mice (Bergmann-Leitner 2010). In this study, antibody responses to the antigens, AMA1-3D7, AMA1-FVO, MSP119, CSP, and CelTOS were determined using indirect ELISA. The optical densities (OD) of the antigens were converted to arbitrary units (AU) where the highest OD for each antigen was awarded an arbitrary unit of 4, to allow for comparison between antigens the antigens tested. Antibodies to AMA1 in individuals living in malaria endemic regions have been reported to be high, (Thomas,1994, chelimo, 2005), and this study thus reports high antibodies to AMA1-3D7, and AMA1-FVO compared to MSP1(19), CSP, with anti-CelTOS antibodies being the least. (Fig: 3) in both wet and dry seasons. The data also shows total IgG responses in the wet season was higher than the in the dry season for all the antigens (p) except MSP119 where no statistical differences wa s found between the two seasons (p=0.85) (Figure 3). The seasonal changes in antibody response could be as a result of higher number of vector (mosquitoes) in the community in the wet season which could in turn increase the exposure of the population to parasites and also introduce new parasite clones/strains in the population and hence the high anti-malaria antibodies found in the wet season. In contrast, the dry season cause a reduction in the number of breeding sites for the vectors reducing their population resulting in minimal exposure and hence the low antibody levels. In malaria endemic regions, the number of different clones of Plasmodium falciparum parasites infecting a person could be a transmission indicator, an indicator of the hosts immune status, and a useful parameter in evaluating malaria control interventions (Babiker 1999, Arnot 1998, mayengue 2009). It has also been reported that parasite diversity in high malaria transmission areas are high and that individuals could carry multiple genotypes (clones) but the opposite pertains in low endemic areas with most infections being monoclonal (Peyerl-Hoffmann 2001, Bakiker 1997, Haddad 1999). Genotyping was done using block 3 region of the MSP 2 gene (Smythe et al. 1990) because of its high polymorphic nature (Felger et al.,1994 1999; Robert et al., 1996). Also MSP2 was selected to be used for this study because of the high allelic diversity observed in Ghana and other countries bordering Ghana with as many as 154 alleles in Ghana and about 50 genotypes in CÃ ´te d’Ivoire. ( Silue 2006 , falk 2006). The results from the two seasons using the 3D7 allelic family primers showed high mean multiplicity of infection in the wet season compared to the dry season (1.76, and 1.46, p=0.001) table 3. In both seasons, the number of infections per person ranged from 0 to 4. A similar degree of multiple infections has been reported in other African settings (Ntoumi et al., 1995,Beck 1997, Engelbrecht 1999). The samples used for this study was collected in asymptomatic individuals and the high multiplicity of infection found in the wet season could probably be due to high rate of exposure as a result of favourable breeding conditions compared to the dry season. This study did not find any significant correlation between MOI and age in both seasons (p=0.5768 for wet season, and p=0.4158 for the dry season). The samples were then grouped into two based on whether positive or negative using PCR to detect Plasmodium parasites. No differences were detected in the IgG levels between th e antigens tested in both seasons when compared based on the PCR data. This result is similar to that found when microscopy was used except that anti-CelTOS IgG in the parasitaemic group was higher than the non-parasitaemic group when microscopy was used. The disparity in the CelTOS report could be due to the lower sample size analysed using PCR compared to the microscopy. Apical membrane antigen AMA1 has been found to be a promising blood stage vaccine candidate antigen but this potential has been dampen due to extensive polymorphism (Remaque 2008).

Argumentative Essay: Guns Do NOT Kill People :: Argumentative Persuasive Gun Control

Many stories like the following occur, but are hardly every published: Three robbers entered a Commerce City, Colo., residence, one of them pulled a knife, according to officials. The two men and a woman apparently had planned to rob an acquaintance: but the homeowner resisted the threat, drawing his semiautomatic handgun and shooting the two men. After the three fled, they called for medical help from a cousin's house. The police followed shortly thereafter. "As soon as they get out of the hospital, we'll be there to meet and greet them," said Sgt. Craig Coleman of the Adams County Sheriff's Dept. (rifleman) These are two of many different stories that are produced monthly by the magazine American Rifleman. Every issue gives 4 to 7 stories on how handgun's save lives everyday. There are many people who believe that a handgun can save your life, but there also people who believe that they are just used for bad guys to kill. The Constitution states that we have the right to keep and bare arms, but there are some groups that have decided that is not right. They will do whatever it takes to change Amendment 2. This year there was a new gun law added to the long list of gun laws. In Colorado and Oregon the law was passed with a huge margin. The law states that you can not buy a gun at a gun show without a background check, and for it to be a gun show there only needs to be 3 or more people. So, in other words many of the police officers in the world will now be breaking the law when the switch guns with other officers. For instance, there are four officers standing around at the police station, and a couple of them decided to try out each others gun for a day or two. Under this new law, the officers have now broken the law. Many gun owners say there is no need for this new law. The NRA and many other pro-gun groups did everything they could try and make sense of it to people. Even after spending almost 2 million dollars, they still failed. (Kleck). Sarah Brady, Chair of Handgun Control, Inc, was quoted when she said, " These two overwhelming victories clearly demonstrate that al l Americans, including gun owners, support responsible gun laws which keep criminals from buying guns.

In Defense of Chatrooms Essay -- Technology Internet Computers Papers

In Defense of Chatrooms With the advent of the Internet, fewer people are using the telephone or postal system as media of interactive communication exchanges due to their specific uses and limitations. While the former does not allow one to chat with several others from all over the world simultaneously and at a reasonable cost, the latter is handicapped by its time-consuming nature. Replacing the two mediums is a fast and rising newcomer, chatrooms, which offer an unprecedented opportunity to interact effectively, cheaply and widely, with multiple individuals at a time and in faraway places too. Chatrooms are definitely not meant as a utopia and in fact, they can be a serious menace when people exploit them through verbal, psychological abuse or worse, physical abuse. Despite the dangers which can be minimized through self-discipline and parental guidance, chatrooms are suitable places for developing the self socially, mentally and culturally, as well as shaping the character traits of the self. Being social creatures, "we are born into social environments (to) discover and explore the world through social discourse, (to) come to know ourselves through interpersonal experience" (Leitenberg, 325). Such basic requirements are met when one chats online by typing rather than by talking, for example, through Internet Relay Chat (IRC), which attracts people from "Finland, Australia, South Africa, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Iceland... and that is only a sampling of some of the geographical areas represented on the Net" (Reiner & Blanton, xvi). The diversity in the nationalities, ages, occupations and personalities of IRC users tends to give the self a global orientation since one is able to navigate to other countries an... ...Harold. Handbook of social and evaluation anxiety (New York: Plenum Press), 1990 Pyra, Marianne. Using Internet Relay Chat (USA: Que Corporation), 1995 Reiner, Diane & Keith Blanton. Person to person on the Internet (London: Academic Press Limited), 1997. Reuters, AP. "Victims of Net stalkers cry for help", The Straits Times (world), March 30th 2000, p 6. Sia, Cheong Yew. "What is your child up to in cyberspace?" http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/opin/opin2_0428.html Tapscott, D. Growing up digital: The rise of the net generation (New York: Mc Graw-Hill), 1997. Weiss, Ann E. Virtual Reality: A door to cyberspace (Canada: Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd), 1996. Whittle, David B. Cyberspace: The Human Dimension (New York: WH Freeman & Co), 1996. Wong, Karen. "Jail for chatline pimp", The Straits Times (prime news), March 23rd 2000, p 2. In Defense of Chatrooms Essay -- Technology Internet Computers Papers In Defense of Chatrooms With the advent of the Internet, fewer people are using the telephone or postal system as media of interactive communication exchanges due to their specific uses and limitations. While the former does not allow one to chat with several others from all over the world simultaneously and at a reasonable cost, the latter is handicapped by its time-consuming nature. Replacing the two mediums is a fast and rising newcomer, chatrooms, which offer an unprecedented opportunity to interact effectively, cheaply and widely, with multiple individuals at a time and in faraway places too. Chatrooms are definitely not meant as a utopia and in fact, they can be a serious menace when people exploit them through verbal, psychological abuse or worse, physical abuse. Despite the dangers which can be minimized through self-discipline and parental guidance, chatrooms are suitable places for developing the self socially, mentally and culturally, as well as shaping the character traits of the self. Being social creatures, "we are born into social environments (to) discover and explore the world through social discourse, (to) come to know ourselves through interpersonal experience" (Leitenberg, 325). Such basic requirements are met when one chats online by typing rather than by talking, for example, through Internet Relay Chat (IRC), which attracts people from "Finland, Australia, South Africa, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Iceland... and that is only a sampling of some of the geographical areas represented on the Net" (Reiner & Blanton, xvi). The diversity in the nationalities, ages, occupations and personalities of IRC users tends to give the self a global orientation since one is able to navigate to other countries an... ...Harold. Handbook of social and evaluation anxiety (New York: Plenum Press), 1990 Pyra, Marianne. Using Internet Relay Chat (USA: Que Corporation), 1995 Reiner, Diane & Keith Blanton. Person to person on the Internet (London: Academic Press Limited), 1997. Reuters, AP. "Victims of Net stalkers cry for help", The Straits Times (world), March 30th 2000, p 6. Sia, Cheong Yew. "What is your child up to in cyberspace?" http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/opin/opin2_0428.html Tapscott, D. Growing up digital: The rise of the net generation (New York: Mc Graw-Hill), 1997. Weiss, Ann E. Virtual Reality: A door to cyberspace (Canada: Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd), 1996. Whittle, David B. Cyberspace: The Human Dimension (New York: WH Freeman & Co), 1996. Wong, Karen. "Jail for chatline pimp", The Straits Times (prime news), March 23rd 2000, p 2.

Non-Voluntary Euthanasia: The Future of Euthanasia Essay -- Euthanasia

Non-Voluntary Euthanasia: The Future of Euthanasia      Ã‚  Ã‚   Non-voluntary euthanasia seems to be the natural direction in which euthanasia practice evolves. In the Netherlands at the present time, there is a fear on the part of the aged, about being taken to the hospital - where the doctor may have the last word about life and death. This essay digs into this evolutionary process of voluntary euthanasia evolving into the non-voluntary type.    Advocates of legalised euthanasia almost always insist that they only want voluntary euthanasia (VE) - a they say they are as opposed to the taking of life without the subject's knowledge or consent, that is, non-voluntary euthanasia (NVE), as anyone else. Some do extend their advocacy to some examples of NVE, such as seriously deformed newborns, [1] where consent would not be possible, but this is not usual. It is widely accepted that sufficient protection against the unwanted extension of VE to NVE would be ensured by the inclusion of appropriate legal safeguards.    As safeguards, clauses are proposed that would require the doctor to be satisfied that the patient's request was freely made and sufficiently informed, that there was no psychological abnormality such as depression, and possibly by requiring psychiatric consultation, that more than one doctor be involved in the decision that it was medically appropriate to take life in the circumstances, and that there be adequate documentation. It is also common to find lawyers who declare that such laws would be feasible to devise, though it is less common to find actual draft laws published for discussion. In one sense, those lawyers are correct when they say such law would be possible - but they stop short of addressing t... ...thout explicit request of patient. Lancet 1993; 341: 1196-1199.    12,Van Delden JJM, Pijnenborg L, van der Maas PJ. The Remmelink Report; Two Years Later. Hastings Center Report 1993; Nov/Dec 24-27.    13.Fenigsen R. The Netherlands; New Regulations Concerning Euthanasia. Issues Law Med 1993; 9: 167-171.    14.Id. p 170.    15.Brownstein EG. Neonatal Euthanasia Case Law in the Netherlands. Aust Law J 1997; 7: 54-58.    16.Washington vs Glucksberg, 117 SCt 2303.    17. Stevens C, Hassan R. Management of death, dying and euthanasia; attitudes and practices of medical practitioners in South Australia. J Med Ethics 1994.   Meier DE, Emmons CA, Wallenstein S, Quill T, Morrison RS, Cassel CK. A National Survey of Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in the United States. N Eng J Med 1998; 338: 1193-1201. 20: 41-46.  

Beach Activities Essay

When you go to the beach you can enjoy various activities either with your friend, family or couple. On sunny day you can lay on the beach and tanning you’re skin or swim in the ocean. Those are most common activity that people do in beach. You also can enjoy parasailing, fishing, diving, surfing, boating or build a sand castle and so on. These activities are available to do because of the climate. The areas of beach’s climate are mostly hot in the daylight hours and cool down a little in the afternoon. There is a wind from the ocean so even it is hot you still feel not sweaty but freshWhen you go to the beach you can enjoy various activities either with your friend, family or couple. On sunny day you can lay on the beach and tanning you’re skin or swim in the ocean. Those are most common activity that people do in beach. You also can enjoy parasailing, fishing, diving, surfing, boating or build a sand castle and so on. These activities are available to do because of the climate. The areas of beach’s climate are mostly hot in the daylight hours and cool down a little in the afternoon. There is a wind from the ocean so even it is hot you still feel not sweaty but freshWhen you go to the beach you can enjoy various activities either with your friend, family or couple. On sunny day you can lay on the beach and tanning you’re skin or swim in the ocean. Those are most common activity that people do in beach. You also can enjoy parasailing, fishing, diving, surfing, boating or build a sand castle and so on. These activities are available to do because of the climate. The areas of beach’s climate are mostly hot in the daylight hours and cool down a little in the afternoon. There is a wind from the ocean so even it is hot you still feel not sweaty but freshWhen you go to the beach you can enjoy various activities either with your friend, family or couple. On sunny day you can lay on the beach and tanning you’re skin or swim in the ocean. Those are most common activity that people do in beach. You also can enjoy parasailing, fishing, diving, surfing, boating or build a sand castle and so on. These activities are available to do because of the climate. The areas of beach’s climate are mostly hot in the daylight hours and cool down a little in the afternoon. There is a wind from the ocean so even it is hot you still feel not sweaty but freshWhen you go to the beach you can enjoy various activities either with your friend, family or couple. On sunny day you can lay on the beach and tanning you’re skin or swim in the ocean. Those are most common activity that people do in beach. You also can enjoy  parasailing, fishing, diving, surfing, boating or build a sand castle and so on. These activities are available to do because of the climate. The areas of beach’s climate are mostly hot in the daylight hours and cool down a little in the afternoon. There is a wind from the ocean so even it is hot you still feel not sweaty but freshWhen you go to the beach you can enjoy various activities either with your friend, family or couple. On sunny day you can lay on the beach and tanning you’re skin or swim in the ocean. Those are most common activity that people do in beach. You also can enjoy parasailing, fishing, diving, surfing, boating or build a sand castle and so on. These activities are available to do because of the climate. The areas of beach’s climate are mostly hot in the daylight hours and cool down a little in the afternoon. There is a wind from the ocean so even it is hot you still feel not sweaty but fresh.

Lathes

* A lathe (pronounced /ˈleÉ ªÃƒ °/) is a machine tool which rotates the workpiece on its axis to perform various operations such as cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, ordeformation with tools that are applied to the workpiece to create an object which has symmetry about an axis of rotation. * Lathes are used in woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, and glassworking. Lathes can be used to shape pottery, the best-known design being the potter's wheel. Most suitably equipped metalworking lathes can also be used to produce most solids of revolution, plane surfaces and screw threads or helices. Ornamental lathes can produce three-dimensional solids of incredible complexity. The material can be held in place by either one or two centers, at least one of which can be moved horizontally to accommodate varying material lengths. Other workholding methods include clamping the work about the axis of rotation using a chuck or collet, or to a faceplate, using clamps or dogs. Parts: A lathe may or may not have a stand (or legs), which sits on the floor and elevates the lathe bed to a working height. Some lathes are small and sit on aworkbench or table, and do not have a stand. Almost all lathes have a bed, which is (almost always) a horizontal beam (although some CNC lathes have a vertical beam for a bed to ensure that swarf, or chips, falls free of the bed). A notable exception is the Hegner VB36 Master Bowlturner, a woodturning lathe designed for turning large bowls, which in its basic configuration is little more than a very large floor-standing headstock. At one end of the bed (almost always the left, as the operator faces the lathe) is a headstock. The headstock contains high-precision spinning bearings. Rotating within the bearings is a horizontal axle, with an axis parallel to the bed, called the spindle. Spindles are often hollow, and have exterior threads and/or an interior Morse taper on the â€Å"inboard† (i.e., facing to the right / towards the bed) by which workholding accessories may be mounted to the spindle. Spindles may also have exterior threads and/or an interior taper at their â€Å"outboard† (i.e., facing away from the bed) end, and/or may have a handwheel or other accessory mechanism on their outboard end. Spindles are powered, and impart motion to the workpiece. The spindle is driven, either by foot power from a treadle and flywheel or by a belt or gear drive to a power source. In most modern lathes this power source is an integral electric motor, often either in the headstock, to the left of the headstock, or beneath the headstock, concealed in the stand. In addition to the spindle and its bearings, the headstock often contains parts to convert the motor speed into various spindle speeds. Various types of speed-changing mechanism achieve this, from a cone pulley or step pulley, to a cone pulley with back gear (which is essentially a low range, similar in net effect to the two-speed rear of a truck), to an entire gear train similar to that of a manual-shift auto transmission. Some motors have electronic rheostat-type speed controls, which obviates cone pulleys or gears. The counterpoint to the headstock is the tailstock, sometimes referred to as the loose head, as it can be positioned at any convenient point on the bed, by undoing a locking nut, sliding it to the required area, and then relocking it. The tailstock contains a barrel which does not rotate, but can slide in and out parallel to the axis of the bed, and directly in line with the headstock spindle. The barrel is hollow, and usually contains a taper to facilitate the gripping of various type of tooling. Its most common uses are to hold a hardened steel centre, which is used to support long thin shafts while turning, or to hold drill bits for drilling axial holes in the work piece. Many other uses are possible.[3] Metalworking lathes have a carriage (comprising a saddle and apron) topped with a cross-slide, which is a flat piece that sits crosswise on the bed, and can be cranked at right angles to the bed. Sitting atop the cross slide is usually another slide called a compound rest, which provides 2 additional axes of motion, rotary and linear. Atop that sits a toolpost, which holds a cutting tool which removes material from the workpiece. There may or may not be a leadscrew, which moves the cross-slide along the bed. Woodturning and metal spinning lathes do not have cross-slides, but rather have banjos, which are flat pieces that sit crosswise on the bed. The position of a banjo can be adjusted by hand; no gearing is involved. Ascending vertically from the banjo is a toolpost, at the top of which is a horizontal toolrest. In woodturning, hand tools are braced against the tool rest and levered into the workpiece. In metal spinning, the further pin ascends vertically from the tool rest, and serves as a fulcrum against which tools may be levered into the workpiece.

Loneliness and Dreams in Mice of men Essay

John Steinbeck wrote the novel of Mice and Men during the great depression. During this time there were few jobs which meant people had to migrate in search of jobs. This meant they were constantly moving and could not establish lasting friendships or relationships. Steinbeck portrays the loneliness and hardship felt by people living through the 1930’s American depression. He shows how the dreams of the characters were what helped them survive through this period. In this essay I will discuss the dreams and loneliness of the characters in the novel and how Steinbeck reveals each characters loneliness and dreams. George and Lennie both experience loneliness. Even though they had each other George needed somebody on his wavelength, with his level of maturity because Lennie is like a child and does not think like an adult, he is mentally retarded. One almost gets the feeling that he doesn’t want Lennie for companionship at all when he is talking to Lennie about how he would live without him. † God a ‘mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy.† Page 11 As George carries on talking of his laid back carefree lifestyle he dreams of he progressively gets angrier. It makes the reader wonder why he even stays with Lennie if he feels so overwhelmed with the responsibility of looking out for Lennie. George is a thinker he sees how bitter other men on the ranch have become through their loneliness; George knows that staying with Lennie stops him from being truly lonely. He also has protection from Lennie because he knows he is safe when he has a big guy like Lennie as his friend. Looking out for Lennie gives him a purpose, a reason, a role in his life he gets the satisfaction of knowing he is needed. ‘George fell silent. He wanted to talk.’ Page 41 This quote is from when George talks to Slim. He is happy to have the chance to talk to someone on his level of maturity. As Slim is a good listener and tries to understand the relationship between George and Lennie. Lennie doesn’t really experiences loneliness although he needs to pet something, to hold something. He always has George to look after him sees George as a father figure. George instructs him on how to behave and what to do in certain situations. ‘Slowly, like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to its master, Lennie approached,’ page 9 This quote is taken from when George wants to take a dead mouse away from Lennie who doesn’t want to give it up. It reveals how George has an authority over Lennie. George and Lennie’s dream is to one day own some land. They wish to live on this land and be their own boss. George no longer wants to comply with somebody else’s rules. He wants to have a purpose in working hard on the land because then he will benefit from his hard work. Whereas when working on a ranch he is working hard for somebody else’s profits. Lennie is only interested in tending to the rabbits. He just wants to be able to pet some animals. His dream fits in with George’s it doesn’t matter if he owns the land or not. Curley’s wife’s name is never mentioned she is always referred to as Curley’s wife. Steinbeck never uses her name because the other men see her as belonging to Curley, just another possession of his on the ranch Curley’s wife is the only woman on the ranch, she married Curley recently and she is still quite young. She is lonely because she has no one to confide in. When she wants to talk to the men she uses the excuse she is looking for Curley. ‘Any you boys seen Curley?’ Pg81 This quote is from when Lennie, Candy and Crooks are in Crook’s room and Curley’s wife comes in. In this chapter we know she uses the excuse she is looking for Curley as a way to talk to the men on the ranch. We know this because, after the men tell her he hasn’t been there she says ‘Think I don’t know where they all went? Even Curley. I know where they all went. ‘ Page 81 She uses this excuse every time she wants to talk to the men but she has shown that she knew exactly where he was this time. She then calls them the weak ones the ‘bunch of bindle stiffs’ but even after that she wishes to talks to them. This is because she is desperate for some company anyone to talk to. She is seen to be a ‘tart’ and ‘jail bait’ by the other men on the ranch, but she still wants to have them for company. Curley’s wife also had dream, she still has, and when she was younger she wanted to be an actress. She says how she could have been famous, rich and happy. † I coulda made somethin’ of myself.’ She said darkly, â€Å"Maybe I will yet.† Pg 93 The fact that she still hopes to fulfil her dream is rather pathetic. Her dream is very unrealistic she will never break free from her unhappy marriage. She has this dream because it is a form of escapism, she can pretend that she is not lonely and that one-day she will not have to live the way she very much dislikes. † I tell you I ain’t used to livin’ like this.† Pg 93 She reveals her dreams to Lennie when he’s on his own she finds that the men only talk to her when they are on their own. Even when Lennie is on his own he is reluctant to talk to her because of what George has said about her. Crooks is a Negro in a society that considers non-whites as sub-human. He also is partially crippled which does not help when he is living in a society that value people by their ability to provide a service. Because of his race he does not sleep in the same room as the other workers, he lives in the room where he works in and ‘ a manure pile under the window.’ Because of this Crooks spends most of his time on his own leading to a great feeling of loneliness. His only companions are his books and as he has seen people come and go he has acquired more possessions than the others have. His loneliness is revealed when he is talking to Lennie. Lennie is talking to Crooks in his room, telling him about the land they will one day own. † A guy needs somebody-to be near him.† Pg 77 Crooks reads books but because of his colour he has no friend not even somebody on his wavelength. He is on his own every night whereas all the other men share their room in the bunkhouse. Crooks is so overcome with his loneliness that he cannot hope or dream anymore. He doesn’t take any notice of Lennie’s dream because he has heard it all before. â€Å"I seen hundreds of men come by on the road†¦ An’ every damn one of ’em’s got a little piece of land in his head. An’ never a god-damn one of ’em ever gets it. Pg 78 Although after he hears how this dream could become a reality Crooks is influenced and wants to join in. He later retracts his statement because of the way Curley’s wife treats him. † Well you keep your place, then, Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny.† Pg 85 She’s racist and through her body language she shows that she has the authority over him. This is why he no longer wanted to join in with the plan of owning land. Candy is lonely because he has nobody; he only had one companion, which was his dog that he had since the dog was a puppy. Candy was very upset when his dog had to be killed. His loneliness is revealed when Carlson proposes that the dog should be shot. † Why’n’t you shoot him, candy? The old man squirmed uncomfortably.† Pg 47 The thought of Candy’s only companion being shot fills him with dread. The thought is uncomfortable. He tries many times to reason with Carlson and find a way that he can put off the death of his dog. â€Å"Candy said hopefully, ‘you ain’t got a gun.† Pg 50 The only reason he lets his dog die is because he cannot argue with Carlson. Also Slim agreed with Carlson and Slim word is the law in this play, the voice of reason. Candy is so desperate for companionship that he keeps a blind dog that is in pain from dying in a way this is an act of selfishness. Candy listens attentively while George and Lennie are talking about their dream. He offers to buy the land they need to fulfil their dream. â€Å"S’spose I went in with you guys. Tha’s three hundred an’ fifty bucks I’d put in † Pg 62 Candy is very old, because of the great depression there is no job security and because of this he thinks he will be sacked soon. At this point the dream seems more real to them than it has ever been before. Before it was just a fantasy, some thing to find comfort in, but he could never actually let himself believe it. † They all sat still, all bemused by the beauty of the thing,† Pg 64 I think now their dream is more realistic but not realistic enough because George says if Lennie and he don’t spend anything they would have $450 but they are bound to spend something especially when George is interested in going to the cat house. Also the asking price is $600 it will take a lot longer for them to raise that amount of money. The great depression in America had its effect on many of the characters; money was hard to come by. Loneliness is a major theme in the novel Of Mice and Men because many of the characters suffer from this more than anything else. Loneliness kills Curley’s wife, embitters Crooks and candy although Lennie and George put it off through the fact that they have each other for companionship. â€Å"Guys like us, that work on the ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world’†¦. Lennie broke in. ‘But not us! Because †¦because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why’ Pg 14 Steinbeck doesn’t offer any answers to the character’s problem of loneliness. Showing the reader a graphic and moving portrayal of how loneliness affects people without providing an antidote or giving a happy ending makes the novel really sad. Lennie and George’s dream brought nothing but pain and grief instead of promised joy and happiness, which ties into the tittle of the book which was taken from a poem titled to a mouse by a Scottish poet called Robert Burns. This poem was about how a mouse, which had planned for the winter by making a nest, had its nest ruined by a tractor. George and Lennie planned carefully how they were going to achieve their dream of being free and independent but forces beyond their control shattered their dream. Steinbeck never suggests that dreams should not be had, Lennie and George’s dream was so powerful that Candy was drawn in and for a short time so was the cynical Crooks. This dream was what comforted Lennie and helped George survive. The dreams the characters had had to be had they were what was needed to hold on to, to survive and to work for. This period of time made people bitter because they were lonely, the only person they had to look out for was themselves, kindness had no place on the ranch. They all cried out for love and care but only Lennie openly expressed his need for it through his constant talk of rabbits. Characters like Crooks had become cynical, he had lost hope and he couldn’t dream. At first when Lennie talked of his dream Crooks thought it was another pathetic dream he was beyond imagining how everything could be. Curley’s wife’s dream was rather pathetic and quite unrealistic but it was a form of escapism for her. So she fantasised about her dream coming true but it was her way of coping when she was in an unhappy marriage that she had no way out of. It is sad to think that the loneliness that she was trying to get away from killed her in the end.

Human Resource Development Essay

HRD is any process or activity that either initially or over the longer term has the potential to develop adults work based knowledge, expertise, productivity and satisfaction, whether for personal or group team gains or for the benefit of an organization community , nation ultimately the whole community†. HRD beliefs:- 1- People can do better and do wonders. 2- Involve them, trust them and treat them as resource or assets. 3- Fours on strengths of people and help them overcome their weakness. 4- Integrate individual’s needs & aspiration to organization Objectives of HRD:- 1- Develop high motivation level – To strengthen superior-subordinate relationship 3- To develop a sense of team spirit, team work & inter team collaboration. 4- To develop the original health, culture & climate. 5- To generate systematic info about HR 6- To increase the capabilities of an organization to recruit, select, retain and motivate talented employees. 7- To develop construc tive mind in employees. 8- To generate info about HR for manpower planning, placement, successive planning and like. Author – Meera Sharma SCOPE: The field of HRD or Human Resource Development encompasses several aspects of enabling and empowering human resources in organization. Whereas earlier HRD was denoted as managing people in organizations with emphasis on payroll, training and other functions that were designed to keep employees happy, the current line of management thought focuses on empowering and enabling them to become employees capable of fulfilling their aspirations and actualizing their potential. This shift in the way human resources are treated has come about due to the prevailing notion that human resources are sources of competitive advantage and not merely employees fulfilling their job responsibilities. The point here is that the current paradigm in HRD treats employees as value creators and assets based on the RBV or the Resource Based View of the firm that has emerged in the SHRM (Strategic Human Resource Management) field. The field of HRD spans several functions across the organization starting with employee recruitment and training, appraisals and payroll and extending to the recreational and motivational aspects of employee development. The main functions of HRD are:- 1. Training and development Training and development is aimed at improving or changing the knowledge skills and attitudes of the employees. While training involves providing the knowledge and skills required for doing a particular job to the employees, developmental activities focus on preparing the employees for future job responsibilities by increasing the capabilities of an employee which also helps him perform his present job in a better way. These activities start when an employee joins an organization in the form of orientation and skills training. After the employee becomes proficient, the HR activities focus on the development of the employee through methods like coaching and counseling. 2 Organization development OD is the process of increasing the effectiveness of an organization along with the well being of its members with the help of planned interventions that use the concepts of behavioral science. Both micro and macro changes are implemented to achieve organization development. While the macro changes are intended to improve the overall effectiveness of the organization the micro changes are aimed at individuals of small groups. Employee involvement programmes requiring fundamental changes in work expectation, reporting, procedures and reward systems are aimed at improving the effectiveness of the organization. The human resource development professional involved in the organization development intervention acts as an agent of change. He often consults and advising the line manager in strategies that can be adopted to implement the required changes and sometimes becomes directly involve in implementing these strategies. 3. Career development It is a continuous process in which an individual progresses through different stages of career each having a relatively unique set of issues and tasks. Career development comprises of two distinct processes. Career Planning and career management. Whereas career planning involves activities to be performed by the employee, often with the help of counselor and others, to assess his capabilities and skills in order to frame realistic career plan. Career management involves the necessary steps that need to be taken to achieve that plan. Career management generally focus more on the steps that an organization that can take to foster the career development of the employees.

Effects of different corticosteroids on the immune system Research Paper

Effects of different corticosteroids on the immune system - Research Paper Example The glucocorticoids are used in replacement therapies for various inflammatory diseases, in severe allergic reactions such as asthma, in the management of some autoimmune disorders and in some cancers as well (Howland, Mycek, Harvey, Champe, & Mycek, 2006). The therapeutic role of corticosteroids has expanded since their first application for the treatment of reheumatoid arthritis in 1949 (Doan, Melvold, & Waltenbaugh, 2005). Different therapeutic corticosteroids are available for replacement therapies, and they play an important immunosuppressive role by mediating the adaptive and innate immune cells of our body. Cortisol is the basic and fundamental glucocorticoid produced in the human body. The three main functions for which corticosteroids are widely used therapeutically include their use as anti-inflammatory agents, for suppression of the immune system, and as a replacement therapy for replacing the hormones not produced at normal levels by the body (NHS Choices, 2013). The prod uction of cortisol reaches its peak during the early morning followed by a drop and then again a peak, relatively smaller, in the late afternoon. Cortisol has various body functions. It promotes the production of glucose and protein catabolism and the degradation of lipids by lipolysis. Cortisol increases the body’s resistance to stress by elevating the blood glucose levels, which helps in more energy production, and fighting stress situations such as cold, trauma, infections, fright, and bleeding. Cortisol also plays an important role in decreasing the blood cell levels which include eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. This particular action is important in the treatment of leukemia. The lowering of peripheral lymphocytes and macrophages also helps in mediating an anti-inflammatory action. Cortisol increases the production of growth hormone (Howland et al., 2006). The immunosuppressive action of corticosteroids is used in the treatment of many autoimmune diso rders such as inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematous, and rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids are also helpful in treating several renal autoimmune diseases such as nephrotic syndrome (Doan, Melvold, & Waltenbaugh, 2005). Numerous corticosteroid preparations are used for therapeutic purposes. Hydrocortisone is used as a topical preparation or in an injectable form. The injections are given to reduce inflammation in joints and tendons of affected individuals. Dexamethasone is used in acute conditions such as severe breathing allergic reactions, and is utilized mainly in the intravenous form. Prednisolone is used in several autoimmune conditions and allergic reactions and is available in suppository form, injections and as oral tablets. Fludrocortisone’s fundamental usage is for Addison’s disease, in which there is a deficiency of normal body steroid production (NHS Choices, 2013). Cortef contains hydrocortisone and is readily absorbed from the gastroi ntestinal tract. It has a wide variety of indications including rheumatic disorders, adrenal insufficiency, SLE, dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, allergic conditions such as asthma, serum sickness, rhinitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, ophthalmic diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, optic neuritis, haematological diseases such as acquired haemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic

The Influence of Cultural Tourism and Urban Tourism in the tourism Essay

The Influence of Cultural Tourism and Urban Tourism in the tourism industry in Newcastle, UK - Sequel - Essay Example It is of crucial significance to note that Newcastle City is rich in culture and traditions. This follows the diversity in populations as well as the diversity in human behavior, beliefs as well as traditions. In this regard, it is important to highlight that Newcastle City is rich in both cultural tourism as well as urban tourism (Deborah and Amie, 2013). Urban tourism in Newcastle is world class. It is of crucial significance to note that Newcastle city draws many tourists due to the diversity of cultures as well as tourist attraction sites located within (Melaine, 2007). In Newcastle, Urban tourism is promoted by such tourist attraction sites including Tyne Bridges, Quayside, Castle Keep and Chares. In addition, Grey’s Monument and Jesmond Dene promote urban tourism in Newcastle (Melaine, 2007). The other key contributor to urban tourism in Newcastle is the issue of Cultural Tourism. Cultural tourism in Newcastle has significantly contributed to increased tourism activities in the City. Cultural tourism has massively contributed towards enhancing urban tourism in the city of Newcastle in various ways (Deborah and Amie, 2013). Cultural tourism has led to increased influx of populations from different corners of the world to pay visits to Newcastle in order to share some of the unique experiences in Newcastle City (Melaine, 2009). This has contributed greatly towards improving the city’s economy due to increased tourism activities. Some of the cultural activities in Newcastle responsible for commanding the increased cultural tourism include the luxurious nightlife in Newcastle. This has led to increasing influx of tourists who visit the city to feel the unique nightlife experiences thus raising the economy (Deborah and Amie, 2013). The beauty of the nightlife in Newcastle is vested in the diversity of nightclubs, pubs, bars and restaurants. These have specialized in offering world-class services to tourists thus

Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Communication - Essay Example This new innovative technology came into being in 1998 and within a short span of time became popular specially among youngsters. The reason for its increasing popularity is the ease of usage and accessibility it has brought in communication. Moreover, certain scholars call it as an innovative tool and an interesting mode of communication. This is because electronic communication has brought ease not only for young people but also for businesses and students of all ages. Even elders are benefited with it since electronic communication has given birth to virtual communication, which has made it convenient to talk face-to-face with relatives overseas. Yet where this communication medium has benefited the society, it has brought with it certain downsides as well. This is because where virtual communication and networking has helped bring people closer, it has also developed certain negative consequences in numerous ways. In this paper we will be evaluating both the positive and negative contributions of electronic methods of communication in our society (Middlewood & Abbott, 124; Krus, 28-1 to 28-8). First off, we will discuss the benefits electronic communication has brought to our society. Firstly, on a personal level, virtual means of communication has helped people build closer ties with their family and friends living overseas. This is due to the social networking websites like Skype and Facebook through which people could communicate with their friends and relatives no matter what place or country they are in. Both the networking sites provide the facility of video calls which allow face-to-face conversations with the other person anywhere in the world (Middlewood & Abbott, 124; Krus, 28-1 to 28-8). On academic level, virtual communication has enabled the students to communicate more conveniently with teachers/instructors at a faster speed. Also, the networking sites mentioned has enabled the students to take virtual classes on Skype. Email facility and Face book communication (which includes the study groups made on Facebook nowadays and other academic groups) provides student with the ease of getting instant feedbacks from teachers. Also Smart phones have further enhanced the communication since through smart phones, students and instructors can instantly communicate with each other. Moreover, the new trend of Colleges and Universities developing their own grading software on their websites has made it easy for professors to update student grades online in minutes. On the other side, students could immediately log in and see their results without waiting for the next day or so to get their reports in paper form. In addition, electronic communication through social networking websites have enabled professors to upload study materials on their College website account or on the Facebook group, which could be accessed by students within seconds. Most importantly, virtual/electronic communication has turned our environment into a paperless environment, since everything is documented and managed online (Middlewood & Abbott, 124; Krus, 28-1 to 28-8). On a business level, virtual communication has enabled businessmen to conduct meetings online without having to travel to another city or country. Emails, faxes and social networking websites have benefited the businesses in the fields of marketing, finance, public relations and all kinds of management. It is with the help of social networking and

Use elements of minimum core in applying theories and principles for Essay

Use elements of minimum core in applying theories and principles for planning and enabling inclusive learning and teaching - Essay Example This process can be applied in any of the phases and it should be continuous, meaning that there is no limitation to the number of cycles that can be made in a learning situation. According to this theory, with no limitations, one would simply go on repeating the same mistakes. According to the theory, individuals learn in four ways and they are likely to develop one mode of learning more than others. Thus learning is by concrete experience, by observation and reflection, by experimenting actively, and by active conceptualization. These four processes can be applied by learning facilitators or teachers (Coffield, et al. 2004). This can be applied in literacy and language. For example, in reading one can use readable, accessible texts also teaching learners explicitly how they can develop comprehension skills using activities that are related to their texts. Learners are also encouraged to highlight the main words also ideas in texts, successful questioning, setting the picture, as we ll as stimulating previous reading prior to any reading so as to offer learners’ great chances of decoding the text, will also work. There are other diverse theories and principles that have been developed to aid in understanding planning and enabling inclusive learning and teaching. The minimum core elements can be applied in enabling inductive learning and teaching. One of these elements is the use of reinforcement. It is vital that the teachers integrate positive reinforcement to learning and teaching. Positive reinforcement includes rewards given to students and positive remarks made by the teachers. This can be given to encourage behaviour, achievements and notable improvements (Curzon 2003). This is important in learning as it is important how learners view themselves, their self esteem and being aware of their strengths and weaknesses affects their learning ability. The learners’ degree of motivation as well as engagement in learning and the phase

Case Analysis (Continued 2) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Analysis (Continued 2) - Essay Example So, in the remainder of the present segment, we shall attempt to determine Otis’s position on the Global Integration / Local Responsiveness Grid to determine the extent of the veracity of the statement. So, it is evident that Otis in Russia is influenced both by global as well as local factors. Thus, from this perspective, the notion of Otis being solely Russian does not hold. It is true that local factors play an important role, but the impact of global integration factors is not insignificant enough to validate the statement. However, if we consider the facts that the Russian operation is self financed with all employees and traditions being Russian, along with the strength of the local responsiveness factors, the statement cannot be so easily invalidated. The most important part is that Modernization, which is the most important part of the business, was invented and introduced by Otis in Russia, the statement does seem to be at least partially true. To facilitate an enhanced perception of the possible areas that can be focused upon to increase the extent of value created, the value creation at various stages is presented in the following table. The accorded comments for each stage in resources, assets and competencies are explained thereon through a more detailed narration. Otis’s prime strength lies in its R&D capabilities. Being a part of United Technologies Company (UTC), Otis strives on its constant innovations which in fact account for a significant part of the company’s budgets. UTC has a considerable number of engineering centers spread all over the globe and the culminated know how is efficiently utilized for all major subsidiaries. As a result resources, assets as well as competencies, all are significantly value generating for the R&D stages. Particularly in case of Otis-Russia, it benefits from not only this

Working in a Health and Wellness Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Working in a Health and Wellness Company - Essay Example Problems such as obesity can be attributed to the element of poor diet where individuals consume more of a particular type of food that is mostly rich in fats. Therefore, I would advise the clients on the proper measures they can take in order to overcome this problem. As a consultant, I would also facilitate in updating membership information as well as receiving payments for various services from the members of the club.  Apart from advising the clients about the measures they can take in order to improve their health, our company also specialized in offering training sessions to the clients so that they can improve their wellness. Our company has specially designed facilities that are meant for training and development in a bid to improve the physical fitness of the clients. The company has a gymnasium that is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that can be used by the clients for all their requirements in carrying out physical exercises. The company also has sporting groun ds where the clients can engage in sporting activities such as cycling, athletics, soccer, and basketball. Our company has a strong orientation towards sporting activities since we believe that it is very important in the health and welfare of the people. The company encourages members to form teams and it often sponsors tournaments as a way of motivating the targeted people to take an active role in the sport.  The company also offers herbal solutions that can be used to improve the health and wellness of different people. One important aspect of the company is that it specializes in using natural solutions to address the health concerns of the people. The company has a staff complement of about 30 employees and it operates three branches in the Kent area. The company has a competitive advantage in that it offers unique products that are not matched by the other products and services offered by other companies.

Research paper on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

On Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice - Research Paper Example In fact, a girl who was wed when her father died would not inherit his fortune; instead, the husband was in line for the inheritance. This is what would have happened in the Bennet house hold, and this is one of the reasons that Mrs. Bennet wanted to make sure that her girls were wed. Keeping these thoughts in mind, Jane Austen, in her novel, Pride and Prejudice, reinforces the conservative values of the society in which her characters live. The period that the novel takes place was called the Regency Period. This period was called this because King George IV was in rule between 1810 and 1820 and the story takes place midway between these two years in 1813 (Austen, â€Å"Study† 10). During this period, the industrial revolution created wealthy men from the middle class who were business owners and professionals. They were able to purchase large homes, landscape the grounds, wear elaborate clothes and be driven around in fine carriages (Austen, â€Å"Study† 10). Although many had become wealthy, others were struggling and many were hungry. When people have these challenges, they often turn to social unrest, which happened at this time, and there were bread riots and worker protests (Austen, â€Å"Study† 11). Social customs were very important to this era and men and women had specific places within society. Austen shows this throughout her novel. This historical back ground was never included in Austen’s novels. Instead, she wanted readers to understand what she saw during this time because she was constantly observing the middle class that she lived within. Her novels depicted the â€Å"manners and morals of the middle class† (Austen â€Å"Study† 11). This historical back ground is important to understand how Austen’s novel reinforced the conservative values of the time. â€Å"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife†

Walt Disney Theme Parks Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Walt Disney Theme Parks - Case Study Example Over the years, the company has not only grown to great heights in achieving major market share in the entertainment industry but it has also defined the American entertainment culture. The financial stability of the theme park division have served as a critical counterweight to the volatility to the media and studio entertainment divisions (Thomas, 29). The aim of this paper is to analyze how a successful 'old economy' company has adapted to changing technologies and has used the internet to further expand its business. Although the company is now a diversified one that encompasses almost all aspects of the entertainment business (film production and distribution, cable television, publishing) as well as merchandise retailing, I will focus on its main division in which it has developed a niche market, that is theme parks. This paper is divided into two parts: 1) Part I will discuss the company's business strategy in the theme parks division and will undertake a SWOT analysis for the division and 2) part II will discuss the internet business strategy for theme parks in detail, including those for customer segmentation, acquisition, integration with overall marketing strategy, technical infrastructure and handling of data acquisition, management and use as well as social and regulatory issues. When the concept of Disneyland was thoug... Over the years, it has taken the shape of carnivals and amusement parks, offering joy rides, games, inexpensive food and even vacation stay. The Disneyland was initially an extension of the already established Disney brand but now the brand has become synonymous to the theme parks. Disneylands now house restaurants and hotels and are major tourist destinations, complete with campsites, deluxe villas and even a cruise line. Disney earned revenues of $25.4bn in 2000 from its various business - film production (Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood, Miramax, Merchant-Ivory), film distribution (Walt Disney Theatrical Productions Buena Vista International), video/ DVD (Buena Vista Home Entertainment), theme parks (Caifornia Disneyland, California Adventure, Walt Disney World in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Disney Vacation Club, Hong Kong Disneyland), television networks (ABC with 10 stations and 3,400 affiliates, ESPN, Walt Disney, Buena Vista, Touchstone, radio (ABC Network, with 21 stations and 21,000 affliliates), cable television (ESPN network, Disney chcannel, The History Channel, Toon Disney), magazines (Discover, Disney Adventure, FamilyFun, FamilyPC and ESPN The Magazine Media Networks), children's books and a number of licensees and 728 Disney stores selling merchandises. The Internet business of Disney includes GO Network (which wound up after the dot com bust), disney.com, espn.com, abcnews.com, family.com, abc.com, The Disney Catalog (Wasko, 2001). Yet, the business that comes to mind the most when one thinks of Walt Disney Company is its theme parks. The Disney parks have become the most visited vacation spots in the world.

Big Drive Auto Essay Example for Free

Big Drive Auto Essay With the current hard economic times, there is a need to implement the new alternatives that are there for Big Drive. The main aim of all these is to increase sales while at the same time they decrease the expenses that will be incurred. Some steps needs consideration while implementing these new alternatives. It is clear that the company will be involved with production of completely new product owing to the fact that the customers now need electric car. The company should first comply with the government requirement of production of electric car. They should then renovate the factories so that they can be in a position to produce the new breed of cars. Later on when the company is stable in the market, it can try to produce cars according to customer’s specification. (Arthur, S. Sheffrin, M. , 2003) It is also clear that the labor or the job market has reduced by thirty percent. This means that there is no longer available labor and for the company to survive, it must adopt to new labor methods. Fortunately, for the company, the line of production allows mechanized type of labor. The company should therefore modify the plan so that it can adapt to the use of the new technology. It can use machines in places where it previously used human labor and this will be able to cover up on the labor shortage. It is also clear that the number of dealership as seriously decreased. This means that the company must be prepared to have a good relationship with the current dealerships that are in the market. The company may also decide to look for new alliances with new dealers especially the ones who are entering the market, as they are more likely to accept such alliances. (Arthur, S. Sheffrin, M. , 2003) These three options happen to be serious non-pricing barriers to entry in this market. For the company to survive, it must be prepared to try to adapt to the new technology as much as possible. It would be recommendable for the company to set aside more resources so as to modernize the plant to produce the type of cars the customer wants and at the same time be able to penetrate the market as much as possible using the available dealers and the new and upcoming ones. ? References Arthur, S. Sheffrin, M. . (2003). Economics: Principles in Action. New Jersey: Upper Saddle River.

Java Coffee Shop Business Plan Marketing Essay

Java Coffee Shop Business Plan Marketing Essay Java Culture coffee bar is determined to become a daily necessity for local coffee addicts, a place to dream of as you try to escape the daily stresses of life and  just a  comfortable place to meet your friends or to read a book, all in one. With the growing demand for high-quality gourmet coffee and great service, Java Culture will capitalize on its proximity to the University of Oregon campus to build a core group of repeat customers. The company will operate a 2,300 square foot coffee bar within a walking distance from the University of Oregon campus. The owners have secured this location through a three-year lease with an option for extending. The have also provided $140,000 of the required $170,000 start-up funds. The remaining capital will be obtained through  Bank of America commercial loans. The company is expected to grow sales revenue from $584,000 in FY2001 to $706,000 in year three. As Java Culture will strive to maintain a 65% gross profit margin and reasonable operating expenses,  it will see  net profits grow from $100,000 to$125,000 during the same period. Java Culture coffee bar will be located on the ground floor of the commercial building at the corner of West 13th Avenue and Patterson Street in Eugene, OR. The company has secured a one-year lease of the vacant 2,500 square feet premises previously occupied by a hair salon. The lease contract has an option of renewal for three years at a fixed rate that Java Culture will execute depending on the financial strength of its business. The floor plan will include a 200 square feet back office and a 2,300 square feet coffee bar, which will include a seating area with 15 tables, a kitchen, storage area and two bathrooms. The space in the coffee bar will be approximately distributed the following way1,260 square feet (i.e., 55% of the total) for the seating area, 600 square feet (26%) for the production area, and the remaining 440 square feet (19%) for the customer service area. This property is located in a commercial area within a walking distance from the University of Oregon campus on the corner of a major thoroughfare connecting affluent South Eugene neighborhood with the busy downtown commercial area. The commercially zoned premises have the necessary water and electricity hookups and will require only minor remodeling to accommodate the espresso bar,  kitchen and storage area. The coffee bars open and clean interior design with modern wooden decor will convey the quality of the served beverages and snacks, and will be in-line with the establishments positioning as an eclectic place where people can relax and enjoy their cup of coffee. The clear window displays, through which passerby will be able to see customers enjoying their beverages, and outside electric signs will be aimed to grab the attention of the customer traffic. Java Culture will offer its customers the best tasting coffee beverages in the area. This will be achieved by using high-quality ingredients and strictly following preparation guidelines. The store layout, menu listings and marketing activities will be focused on maximizing the sales of higher margin espresso drinks. Along with the espresso drinks, brewed coffee and teas, as well as some refreshment beverages, will be sold in the coffee bar. Java Culture will also offer its clients pastries, small salads and sandwiches. For the gourmet clientele that prefers to prepare its coffee at home, Java Culture will also be selling coffee beans. The menu of the Java Culture coffee bar will be built around espresso-based coffee drinks such as lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, etc. Each of the espresso-based drinks will be offered with whole, skimmed, or soy milk. Each of these coffee beverages is based on a shot of espresso, which is prepared in the espresso machine by forcing heated water through ground coffee at high pressure. Such espresso shots are combined with steamed milk and/or other additives like cocoa, caramel, etc., to prepare the espresso-based beverages. Proper preparation techniques are of paramount importance for such drinks. A minor deviation from the amount of coffee in the shot, the size of the coffee particles, the temperature of milk, etc., can negatively affect the quality of the prepared drink. U.S. coffee consumption has shown steady growth, with gourmet coffee having the strongest growth. Coffee drinkers in the Pacific Northwest are among the most demanding ones. They favor well-brewed gourmet coffee drinks and demand great service. Eugene, OR, with its liberal and outgoing populace and long rainy winter, has traditionally been a great place for coffee establishments. Java Culture will strive to build a loyal customer base by offering a great tasting coffee in a   relaxing environment of its coffee bar located close to the bustling University of Oregon campus. Java Culture will focus its marketing activities on reaching the University students and faculty, people working in offices located close to the coffee bar and on sophisticated teenagers. Our market research shows that these are the customer groups that are most likely to buy gourmet coffee products. Since gourmet coffee consumption is universal across different income categories and mostly depends on the level of higher education, proximity to the University of Oregon campus will provide access to the targeted customer audience. Java Culture will cater to people who want to get their daily cup of great-tasting coffee in a relaxing atmosphere. Such customers vary in age, although our location close to the University campus means that most of our clientele will be college students and faculty. Our market research shows that these  are discerning customers that gravitate towards better tasting coffee. Furthermore, a lot of college students consider coffee bars to be a convenient studying or meeting location, where they can read or meet with peers without the necessity to pay cover charges. For us, this will provide a unique possibility for building a loyal client base. Coffee consumption has shown a steady 2.5% growth rate in the United States over the last decade. In 1994, total sales of coffee were approximately $7.5 billion with gourmet coffee representing 33% (or $2.5 billion) of that. The retail coffee industry is flourishing in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The local climate, with a long rainy season, is very conducive for the consumption of hot non-alcoholic beverages. At the same time, hot dry summers drive people into cafes to order iced drinks. Further, coffee has really become a part of the lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest. Its discerning coffee drinkers are in favor of well-prepared, strong coffee-based beverages, which they can consume in a  relaxing environment. According to the 1997 Oregon Food service Statistics (NAICS 72), Eugene had 45 established snack non-alcoholic beverage bars (NAICS 722213) with total sales of $14.2 million. Among other establishments that offer coffee drinks to their customers are most of Eugenes limited- and full-service restaurants. Java Cultures direct competitors will be other coffee bars located near the University of Oregon campus. These include Starbucks, Cafe Roma, The UO Bookstore, and other Food service establishments that offer coffee. Starbucks will definitely be one of the major competitors because of its strong financial position and established marketing and operational practices. However, despite of Starbucks entrenched market position, many customers favor smaller, independent establishments that offer cozy atmosphere and good coffee at affordable prices. Cafe Roma is a good example of such competition. Despite the owners and managers experience in the definitely industry, the company will retain the consulting services of ABC Espresso Services, the consultants who have helped to develop the business idea for Java Culture. This company has over twenty years of experience in the retail coffee industry and has successfully opened dozens of coffee bars across the U.S. Consultants will be primarily used for market research, customer satisfaction surveys and to provide additional input into the evaluation of the new business opportunities. Java Culture will capitalize on the strong demand for high-quality gourmet coffee. The owners have provided the company with sufficient start-up capital. With successful management aimed at establishing and growing a loyal customer base, the company will see its net worth doubling in two years. Java Culture will maintain a healthy 65% gross margin, which combined with reasonable operating expenses, will provide enough cash to finance further growth.