Monday, September 30, 2019

Lawsuit for Call Center Fabulous County, Florida for a sum of money Essay

There was a saying that business is business.   Sustainability of a firm depends upon production and it is always measured by the amount of money earned.   In some cases collectibles are difficult to handle.   In fact it is one of the known business risk – the delivery now and pay later deals.   Too many establishments failed due to laxity on issues such as collection especially in the payments of bad accounts. Collection Committee should send a registered mail to the Call Center Fabulous Country indicating the exact amount of money to be collected including penalties if any.   The committee on collection must also decide the cut-off period if there is no given grace period on payments indicated in the agreement or stipulated in the contract.   Moreover, the agreement must be read thoroughly before initiating a suit so that all angles are carefully studied and properly explored. The committee should know that there are rights to discretion proper to a specific type of businesses.   For instance, a call center provides business transaction globally which mean that any disruption in their services with regards to the services your company provides may cause more damage than the amount being collected.   Upon making a thorough review of the situation and in case that the Call Center Company stated did not respond or make a written reply to the Collection Committee, immediate action on the filing of suit should take place at a small court in a county where the party being sued or where the signing of agreement took place (Balovich, 2006). Legal services is expensive and vary depending on states therefore, the collection committee must try to use all its capabilities in making a collection with the use of proper business ethics.   There could be easy way of handling collection than a lawsuit in fact one of the biggest points to consider before doing so is to ask the following question.   Is the amount being collected proportionate to the expense incurred in litigation?   Aside from money involved, what will be the social costs and consequences of the action?   Filing a case on claims involves time and energy and responsibility of the Collection Committee to handle diligently. Some overdue collection depends largely on how it is done.   There are ways to expedite the collection of payments.   For example, making sure that your contract indicates when is the payment due and to whom you deal with.   Second, indicating clearly that payment is due on a very specific date or writing in the invoice with this clause: penalty will be incurred due to late payments.   Meantime it is also good to request payment in advance (Examiner, 2005). Knowing your clients is also the best strategy in providing solutions to problem in collecting due payments.   It is good to find out where they stand and what their next move is.   Bankruptcy Code indicates in Chapter 11 that â€Å"debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time (Judiciary).   Overdue payments are also company’s loss even if payments are collected, taking into consideration the cost of money lost through time.   Some business or corporations can seek the help of the court of bankruptcy and it would mean losing the game with them. Part 2: Draft of a sale agreement on the sale of used computer equipment to a Call Center Company   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A contract is define as a meeting of the mind or mutual understanding of any pursuit; In brief it is a mutual consent.   Therefore, it is good to know the points legally by understanding the cause and effect of the act may it be personal or corporate initiatives.   References on contracts may be applicable but it is always good to consult with an attorney (Balovich, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Drafting a sale agreement usually includes common terms indicated in the general deed of sale.   However sales agreement on used items may have exemptions like the term â€Å"as is where is basis (VISTEON INC.).†Ã‚   The agreement must be clear that the seller is selling used equipments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is also important to include in the draft the following details:   the correct name of both parties because it is always a foot forward to know whom you are dealing with (Examiner, 2005).   It must also include the complete description of the items including serial numbers of the equipment, the number of pieces and the exact price of that equipment being sold.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The committee chairman had explained that the call center is going to pay your company in four monthly instalments meaning at five hundred dollars a month.   Before doing so, it must be clear how these sums will be collected and if penalty will be charge for late payments. Normally, used items are paid in cash but it is your company’s discretion that they opted for this agreement.   However it is good advice to plan for an advance collection since two months is too much to wait for a two thousand dollar bill.   It is also important to check on the taxes to be paid by selling used equipments and who is going to pay for it before the total amount on the agreement is written.   The tax exemption identification card is listed normally below the buyer’s signature (VISTEON INC.).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are also clauses in the contract that must be taken in consideration such as termination of the contract since the agreement includes a two month pay period.   It could be at the disadvantage of the company if the items sold are returned during the pay period because of the other party misuse or negligence.   Much more if a refund would be asked.   These two major risks must be well thought of by the committee before the agreement is drafted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Terms and conditions of the draft agreement must include a written approval of the committee.   It is also important that details are discussed in meetings before finalizing a draft.   A lot can be taken into consideration through consultation since being new means there are still a lot to learn.   For this reason a complete knowledge of the company policy and history is needed to deal with its customer successfully. Part 3:   Fraud and trespassing or violation of 3 call center employees regarding company rules.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is difficult to give evidence on pre-empt unlawful act or an action that did not took place.   For instance verbal information that so and so is trying to steal money by falsifying company invoice.   In fact stealing is a grave crime to be committed voluntarily by an employee.   The only evidence is that they should be caught with the false invoices but according to the situation the three employees got arrested even before they have committed the crime.   In fact the only strong evidence is that they broke into the call center at night.   These employees can be charged of unlawful use of company equipments since they should not be working outside of the schedule the company has intended for them.   However there are also cases that workers get back to work at night but this must be approved by their supervisor as overtime.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Employee’s misbehaviour is dealt first by the human resource department.  Ã‚   There could be major implications on the company’s image due to the immediate arrest of the three call center workers. Sandra Robinson an expert on employee-employer relations and workplace deviance said that even the best employees can be dysfunctional because of poor management   (Keen, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is also important for managers and supervisors that arrest of people without due evidence is tantamount to abuse in human rights of which these workers can file a suit on moral damages to the Fabulous Call Center Company.  Ã‚   All citizens are given due process of law and to inflict others with committing serious crime without solid evidence is also a serious offense.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moreover, call center operates on a tight security level and they make sure that data are verified accurately before anyone is given access to information (Diaphonics, 2006).   No employees are allowed to enter the premises within the authorize time.   To break into an office at night could seem impossible because of the tight security measures that all call center company enforces.  Ã‚   Just within its perimeter area, at the entrances, or being on the floor, break periods, the lockers and lounges are controlled by the operation and security group.   It is a bit impossible that three people could just break in when in fact modern technology misuse can lead to hardware theft.   There is no use for people to break in since hackers can use wireless technology in committing crimes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   At any instance, if the employees broke into an office a trespass warning is issued by the police (Tech, 1999).   The human resource department should terminate employment on the basis of not following company rules and office procedures.   However, there are legal basis in doing so.   There is a great deal to settle with labour disputes than dealing with how the controversy occurred.   Management has the right to look further whether someone’s interest is upheld at the expense of others. Part 4:   Outline for a Mortgage Agreement for a purchase of a building.   What is a secured and unsecured debt and what happens in case of default?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Probably since it is a law firm who is making a purchase through mortgage mean that it is equipped with the legal terminologies and procedure to conduct its transaction.   However the one in charge on the procurement of the bigger building is a project manager who could be better of with building operations than with legal proceedings. Making an outline to assist the project manager could be very helpful but there is a lot of information that could be taken from him because based on his position he knows the project.   He knows whether there will be cost on renovations or building repair and maintenance which will be an additional on cost for the building.   Other costs on building operations may deplete the payment schemes especially if the structure was purchased through a mortgage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before making an outline on the mortgage it is important to talk with the project manager first so that the building that is intended to be bought or to be constructed is free from liens and encumbrances.   Basic knowledge on procuring a building for a specific need say an office building is a must. It is important whether the structure is fit for the intended use.   Project managers normally have knowledge of their operations and provide systems for functionality.   They are the key to abate risks that are sometimes encountered in building procurement.   Project managers talents are tested on time and cost management and they are the professional that assist the owner in project delivery which pertains to buildings (Massachusetts, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mortgage agreements includes clauses such as: purchase price and warranties, authorized person to purchase and the person in charge in the mortgage company and its assigns with the proper addresses, definitions of terms, and building warranties (Findlaw, 1999).   Since the money will be lent by a bank it is important to know the cost of money with the law firm cash flow.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is important to know the monthly amortization with the principal amount being borrowed and this must be discussed thoroughly how debts will be paid by the Owner.   It is good to think this way since banks usually operates not only on how they are paid but more on how they can foreclose a property.   Determining the cash flow will also guide the buyer how much will be given to secured and unsecured debt.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Alan Barnes a certified debt arbitrator and president of Debt Regret defines in his article that â€Å"secured debt as a debt in which the creditor maintains a security interest in an item or piece of personal property (Barnes, 2005).†Ã‚   As described above banks play in this notion of having an interest on the item being procured. The amount of money lent is collateralized by the property and the drawback to this is when the amount borrowed is not sufficient to buy the building.   That remaining amount can be called unsecured debt.   However, the balance on the purchase of the property is still the responsibility of the buyer.   Unsecured loans can be settled through debt programs successfully therefore much pliable to handle than the secured debt.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mortgage law varies from one state to another.   It is important that the terms of mortgage indicates profoundly the right of the lender to recover his purchase in case of default in payment and to find out if the lender has interest over the property.   It is also best to calculate and find provisions on how the payments can be made without default.   Initially, expansion means prosperity but managing a bigger family means high risk, transferring into bigger buildings can be a more productive effort but does not always mean more money.   Sometimes it is more on spending on real property which cost can be recovered in a number of years. References Balovich, D. (2006). Small Claims Court For Debt Collection And Disputes [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 07 February 2008 from http://www.creditworthy.com/3jm/articles/cw051806.html. Barnes, A. (2005). What is the Difference Between Unsecured and Secured Debt? [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-the-Difference-Between-Unsecured-and-Secured-Debt?&id=20875. Diaphonics. (2006). CALL CENTRE GATEWAY SECURITY [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www.diaphonics.com/callCentre.php. Examiner, T. (2005).   Collecting Payment Due The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to speed up the payment process: [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 08 February 2008 from http://www.enewsbuilder.net/betterbusiness/e_article000492994.cfm?x=b11,0,w. Findlaw. (1999). Sample Business Contracts [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://contracts.corporate.findlaw.com/agreements/mortgage/note.html. Judiciary, T. F. Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www.uscourts.gov/bankruptcycourts/bankruptcybasics/chapter11.html. Keen, C. (2006). UF study: Even good employees act up if supervisors mistreat them [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://news.ufl.edu/2006/04/06/employee-misbehavior/. Massachusetts, T. C. o. (2004). OWNER’S PROJECT MANAGER GUIDELINES [Electronic Version], 7 pages. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www.mass.gov/cam/Creform/Own_PM_Guide.pdf. Tech, T. (1999). Police log [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www-tech.mit.edu/V119/N28/28polog.28n.html. VISTEON INC. USED EQUIPMENT SALES AGREEMENT [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www.goindustry.com/salefiles/8144/8144_6242.pdf?TimeStamp=0x0000000019793073&EntityID=8144&EntityTypeID=5.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The Value Wastelands

Critique â€Å"The†Values† Wasteland† Charles Skyes’ work has been in seen in many prosperous newspapers throughout time, to name a few New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Most of what Skyes writes is educational issues. Skyes has also written a number of books, ProfScam: Professors and the Demise of Higher Education (1988), The Hollow Man: Politics and Corruption in Higher Education (1990) and 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn In School (2007).Skyes is involved in many other things for example he is a senior fellow at the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute and he hosts a radio show in Milwaukee that is popular. Skyes addresses mostly topics that he sees as breakdown in the American culture. The following critique is from an excerpt from Skyes book Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why America’s Children Feel Good About Themselves But Can’t Read, Write or Add. Skyes addresses numerous controversial moral issues within American children today, giv ing statistics from many different surveys claiming that American children are not so intune as they once were.Skyes also quotes a few different people that have done various studies and or surveys along with his own opinions on these same issues. Skyes conclusion is that we have given our children array of irrational morals and that we need to look at the ones who provide them to these children. Skyes includes all that is negative and has no mind for any of the positive with our children today. A weakness of this article, Skyes has put down children and their morals and then takes his readers with points that it is the parents, communities, the media and even the churches that society need to take a look at and settle the blame there.Charles Skyes excerpt â€Å"The†Values† Wasteland† gives an example of a teenager who was accused of rape and the repercussions afterwards. Skyes introduces his readers with statistics and research on issues such as â€Å"it was acc eptable for a man to force sex on a woman† (199). Skyes’ statistics have his readers believing that this is all teens. Skyes credibility is for his self-gain, only showing his view point. He does not tell his readers where in Rhode Island the statistics were gathered from. Were the statistics taken from only urban areas, or rural areas?Skyes inferences are based solely on one group of students giving a sense of incomplete comparison. The article explicitly and deliberately distracts the readers to other issues that Skyes thinks will hit more at home about morals. â€Å"A write in survey of 126,000 teenagers found that 25 to 40 percent of teens see nothing wrong with cheating on exams, stealing from employers, or keeping money that wasn’t theirs†(199). Grabbing the attention of the readers with a â€Å"red herring† knowing that this issue would cause the reader to identify.Skyes only includes from the survey that one point. Skyes hasty generalization gives his readers insufficient statistics and what the survey was based on while playing on his readers emotions. Skyes purpose for this book clearly shows how he perceives American children. He gives factual statistics on the negative influences on American children to sway his readers into believing that today’s they are need of a huge change and reform. Skyes has written continuously about the educational issues in America.Taking a look back at his other work and what he is involved in now, TV, Radio, books, it is all about the same things: educational issues with children and how we need to act on changing it or forever be doomed. Skyes effectively gave all negative statistics, doing his research thoroughly although it was quite biased, skipping over anything that had anything to do with the positive. â€Å"More than 60 percent of high school students said they had cheated at least once on an exam†(199).Showing the large amount of students that admitted to cheatin g yet there is nothing to support this statistic as the actual question and how it was worded and how Skyes actually came to have that 60 percent of students. Did it come from one school or many schools? Skyes needed to give more information about the statistics he acquired and focus less on the negative. Skyes uses the phrase â€Å"IDI’s† (I-Deserve-Its) saying that today’s kids are all about entitlement and are completely surrounded by â€Å"personal needs wants and don’t wants and rights. (199) Again where is Skyes getting all his information? In the poverty stricken areas or middle class? It really does make a difference where Skyes got his information. Then he could have added in the different neighborhoods that people need to really take a look at and change. As the reader, I don’t know. Perhaps it is an all-around assement maybe not but, Skyes is not very clear on the where’s, or how’s. His argument is valid to a point but doe s not give any information for the readers to make a decision.Skyes leaves this wide open for the reader to think that it is all American kids that are IDI’s. Skyes compares American children to Asian children who are not given a choice in what they are allowed to read. â€Å"Asian children continue to read about stories of perseverance, hard work, loyalty, duty, prudence, heroism, and honesty†(200). The examples that Skyes gives that American students used to study are all white and dead; Benjamin Franklin, Florence Nightingale and Thomas Edison.Skyes boosts that they taught lessons of â€Å"inventiveness, character, compassion, curiosity, and truthfulness†(200). I agree that all of those mentioned are very noble historical people but we do have in today’s living that carry the same lessons that children can relate with more than a bunch of dead white people. This was a very racist comment made by Skyes and his credibility went right out the window. Skye s has given a lot of statistics of negative morals with our American children of today.He does not allow the reader to make his or her own educated decision without giving anything to go on except the negative statistics that Skyes has provided. Skyes tries to convince the readers that it is not just the schools but parents, media, and church that are to blame for the way American kids are. In addition he has proven his racism with comments he has slipped in trying to sway the reader to think that other children are better than the American child. This excerpt makes me exceptionally angry with Skyes who makes me think that he is all holier than thou.Skyes knocks down the very country he lives in. He makes some very interesting points about the way children â€Å"may† think, but I do not agree with him. I feel that the American children are right where they are supposed to be. These issues have always been. If he really wants a change, Skyes needs to include all the good that could be going on and not leaving teachers, parent, and clergy members feeling helpless. This excerpt was poorly thought out and Skyes really needs to reevaluate his own morals and social issues.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

None Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

None - Essay Example We decided to focus our attention on Pumkin’ Chunkin’ where helped festivalgoers in making of scarecrows. Jordan facilitated the group spot the project, playing a very pivotal royal as the group leader. Later on, Ashley served the group in seeing the objectives of the group were achieved. The goals never ambiguous, we knew what we were supposed to do at every stage of the team’s activity. Despite Faisal’s personality being a reserved one, teamwork prevailed with every member clearly focused on the activities we were to engage with and made appropriate contributions. Meeting together to brainstorm made us reflect on the goals of the group, an aspect that helped the group to keep evaluating the goals we focused to accomplish. The specificity of the goals made it easier to achieve them. At all instances the group worked to avoid confusion and ambiguity. Our goals were measurable and quite realistic. The group achieved the goal of coming up with two ideas for the service project. Jordan presented the idea of having our service project at Pumkin’ Chunkin’, this was the idea that came up for the team and members unanimously embraced the idea. Further, the meetings were held as scheduled, members never felt overwhelmed. An analysis of the service was seen to be an idea that could be accomplished within the given period. All members were actively engaged in the activities of the group. At no point did we go overboard, we did exactly what we could afford. This was in an effort to be as realistic as possible. We not only kept encouraging each other but also realistically expressed individual weaknesses that every person was obliged to work on. This helped us keep focused on our goals more as the group bonding was more evident. The timing of our group activities was well executed. Our focus to finish was to finish the service project before the second week of October, sure enough, the timing was achieved and the team was glad to h ave finalised the step. This was a product of proper planning and commitment by individual members. The service project also presented an opportunity to engage in the making of scarecrows together. An aspect that made us utilise our every moment diligently. It was also evident that the goals we set were all attainable. We never went overboard to engage in extremely tasking activities that would overwhelm us, but we chose to engage in mild but consistent activities. Engaging in making scarecrows for party goers present the best opportunity for us to interact with each other as well interact with other people. This not only made us to learn much about each other but also made us enhance our social space. Through the service period, Ashley led us in the best way possible despite not having elected her formally to be in charge of us. As a team engaging in similar and an interesting activity, synergy was evident. We never found the difficulty in doing the scarecrows, having the meetings and the discussions. Our simple weaknesses were being complemented by each other. The teamwork and the encouragement we had kept us going. The synergy was evident in the way we kept assisting each other in making scarecrows. Section 3: Conclusons Working in a team presents diversity of thought and character that is signification in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in executing an activity.

Friday, September 27, 2019

A Silurian placoderm with osteichthyan Research Paper

A Silurian placoderm with osteichthyan - Research Paper Example In this regard, the Chondrichthyes are deficient of the huge cutaneous bones that typify the Osteichthyes. The Chondrichthyes are regarded as the cartilaginous fish while the Osteichthyes are regarded as the bony fish. The mutual opposition of these distinctions and the body structure of the last common ancestor of gnathostomes have continued to be a topic of consensus among scientists (Zhu et al, 2013). In this paper, Zhu and colleagues (2013) identify and delineate a three-multidimensional well-maintained placoderm fish from Silurian of China with combined features of a placoderm-like cutaneous skull roof, shoulder girdle and braincase with osteichthyan-like cutaneous bones of the mandibular and hyoid arches, and a palatoquadrate sharing obtained attributes with crown gnathostomes. This is a thing that had not been seen before. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the skull roof is level and sturdily curved horizontally. Most of the braincase of the fish was covered with rounded , central and nape plates, winged by corresponding postorbital, peripheral and frontal and subsequent paranuchal plates along the route of the arterial intraorbital and primary lateral line grooves. Additionally, the petite and thin proboscis constitutes a snout, a premedian and premaxillary those seem to be attached mesially. The Dermal cheek comprised the jugal, maxilla and a quadrajugal with a sensory channel pattern. The trunk armour comprised of attributes similar to those of the early arthrodires such as phlyctaeniid. On the other hand, the analysis revealed that the braincase was wide and flattened, replicating that of the ancient arthrodires (Zhu et al, 2013). This review was executed to identify the phylogenetic position of Entelognathus and the effect of its typescripts on gnathostome organic evolution. The evaluation was carried out using a modified version of the data. Entelognathus was placed with arthrodires, crown gnathostomes and ptyctodonts by the severe accord of 1 17 most frugal trees. The results of the analysis put several acanthodians under the gnathostome and osteichthyan stem clusters. The phonetic resemblances between the chondrichthyans and acanthodians were translated as symplesiomorphies. Zhu et al’s (2003) results portrayed that the resemblances represent synapomorphies of the chondrichthyan entire cluster. The classification of all acanthodians in the chondrichthyan stem cluster indicates that macronery in the preceding mutual ancestor of crown gnathostomes. The results of the analysis also indicated that Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes had macromeric cutaneous bones and offered a new theoretical account for reviewing crown gnathostome variance. Personal Response This paper clearly brings out a comparison of the four groups of the jawed vertebrate. It makes it clear to me, as a reader, by indicating that two of the groups are still in existent while two are extinct. Additionally, from my observation, similarities and differe nces between the groups are well articulated through diagrams through the article. The article explains each of the body structures and skeletons before comparing them. For instance, the article shows that Osteichthyans and Placoderms have macromeric cutaneous skeletons dominated by a huge body plates while Chondrichthyans and Acanthodians have micromeric cutaneous skeletons that primarily consist of scales. The article has brought me at

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Portfolio Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Portfolio Analysis - Assignment Example Portfolio analysis includes all efforts made by a firm towards the achievement of the best trade off between returns and risk tolerance. Portfolio analysis also involves the quantification of the financial and operational impact of a given portfolio, and it is quite vital as it helps firms to evaluate the performance of their investments and the effective timing of its returns. Each portfolio consists of sub-unit. For example, the financial sector can be made up of several banks or the Airline industry can be made up of several airline companies. The analysis of each portfolio helps an investor in making a decision when investing. Most likely, a rational investor will choose the best portfolio and screen out the ones that are not essential based on objective criteria. A good portfolio is characterized by high returns on investment (Reilly and Brown, 2011). Portfolio analysis requires subjective judgment as it is not easy to segment different industries. Description This report will analyze the performance of different portfolios that are displayed in FINVIZ to ascertain their trends at a particular time. Particularly, the analysis will be based on individual stock, the best and the worst performing portfolios. FINVIZ has several portfolios. Therefore, each industry has individual portfolios. Below is a table and a bar graph showing the performance of different portfolio listed in FINVIZ for a period of three months.... A good portfolio is characterized by high returns on investment (Reilly and Brown, 2011). Portfolio analysis requires subjective judgment as it is not easy to segment different industries. Description This report will analyze the performance of different portfolios that are displayed in FINVIZ to ascertain their trends at a particular time. Particularly, the analysis will be based on individual stock, the best and the worst performing portfolios. FINVIZ has several portfolios. Therefore, each industry has individual portfolios. Below is a table and a bar graph showing the performance of different portfolio listed in FINVIZ for a period of three months. No. Name Performance (Quarter) 1 Financial 5.87% 2 Industrial Goods 4.97% 3 Consumer Goods 4.84% 4 Services 3.62% 5 Healthcare 2.49% 6 Basic Materials 0.21% 7 Conglomerates -0.08% 8 Technology -2.95% 9 Utilities -4.06% Economic /Market analysis The contradictions that caused the 2008-2009 global recessions are not being resolved, and t here is a possibility in the near future of another recession due to: †¢There are vast amounts of household debt, which are unpaid, particularly one for home mortgages. †¢The global capitalist crisis for example, most immediate European crisis, which will reduce exports in the U.S market and destabilize its financial system. †¢Introduction of a policy by the U.S government which forced expenditure at the federal, state and local level to be cut. As a result, the Gross domestic product (GDP) went down by almost one-half percent in 2011. It might also cause more harm in the future †¢Increased rates of unemployment, growing rate of inequality, the growing power of financial capital and growth driven by

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Leadership Self Assessment and Reflective Assignment Essay

The Leadership Self Assessment and Reflective Assignment - Essay Example Assessment type: The Survey Were you surprised by your findings? The purpose of planning and implementing ‘the survey’ as a strategy and method of assessment is effective in finding out specific information concerning specific populations or audiences. Whether it is an ordinal Likert scale of quantitative analysis or a nominal scale survey analyzing societal demographics, I have started, again, to realize that I am a part of the important population and audience that has shared meaning within society. However, I am also part of a dialectic society that must continuously and consistently try to maintain ethics, value, budgets, and integrity amongst dynamic change and norm/value diversity and adversity. When participating in a survey or assisting to design a survey, I am practicing strategies in participatory management. Interestingly, the planning, designing, and completion of a survey does result in surprising results. Therefore, the answer to the initial question is â⠂¬Å"yes†. I am surprised by the results of a survey†¦in which results are swift, unexplained, and blunt. Assessment type: The Interviews Have the findings changed your behavior in any way? The assessment technique of the ‘participatory interview’ process is not only intimidating, but interesting and thought provoking. In a sense, conducting an interview as a researcher or employer or, in turn, responding to the assessment questions as an interviewee are both critical components of the participatory decision-making procedures called ‘The Interview’. The conceptual nature of interview assessment is multi-faceted. Is it an example of situational inquiry, where someone simply needs to ask questions concerning the management of a situation and a response is required? Or is the interview assessment the important component of proactive, collaborative communication. I think the ‘narrative interview’ process is an important component and demo nstration of the communication skills of good listening and effective speaking. Therefore, in answering the question†¦ â€Å"Were there changes in behavior as result of the prospective findings†? Yes, narrative and situational interviews, as well as the basic job interviews, have the effective ability to put both the interviewer and respondent in positions of control and empowerment. There is a consciousness of appearance and intellectual perspectives; self-awareness, multi intelligences, and moments of reflexivity emerge within the context – the time and space – of the interview. Approaches to inquiry, whether personal or professional, often create symbiotic relationships. Both the interviewer and the respondent can exercise the concept of shared, purposive meaning, assessing if there are common values, purposes, and perspectives. As a very authentic Headmaster demonstrating leadership and management abilities once stated, â€Å"†¦ the endless commit tees and endless debates about process, I still want people involved†¦I seek its voice all the time† (R. Evans 232). Assessment type: The Questionnaire Interesting thing about questionnaires, they are a strategic method in which I’ve been allowed to be creative and innovative in the approaches to

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Promotion and Place Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Promotion and Place - Essay Example the new outfit that’s all the rage, a purchase that will satisfy our safety needs by providing adequate clothing as well as our belonging needs by identifying us as belonging to a certain group and our esteem needs by providing us with a symbol of our current status in society. Using this theory, advertisers have learned how to capitalize on these needs to maximize their own sales. Examples of these ideas can best be illustrated by taking a look at two purchases made recently and the motivations for selecting the items and brands that were bought. The purchase of a computer might be considered by some to be a luxury purchase because it does not directly address any of Maslow’s needs. It does not feed us, clothe us, provide us with additional security or indicate we belong to any specific group. However, if I wanted to succeed in school, I needed to have a computer on which to do my homework and to help me study. This first purchase was a major purchase because it required me to spend a great deal of my savings on one item and therefore threatened my ability to meet some of my other needs, for instance, whether I would have enough money left over for groceries for the rest of the semester. That a computer was required for the successful completion of my academic career was, in part, the fulfillment of my safety needs because it will eventually provide me with the degree I need to obtain better employment and a secure future. The decision to buy an Apple computer was based on a series of television commercials that led m e to believe the Apple was a better purchase than a PC. These commercials feature two men representing each type of computer, each demonstrating different ways in which the Apple is better than the PC. By indicating that the Apple is less susceptible to spyware and computer breakdowns, these commercials appealed to my safety needs by indicating that my personal information would remain private and that my work would probably not get lost

Monday, September 23, 2019

Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe - Essay Example Two major events precipitated inflation in Zimbabwe and that is, involvement in Congo civil war in 1998 and the land expropriation of 2000. The Zimbabwe government entered into war on the side of Zaire’s dictator Laurent Kabila without having budgeted for the war, without any reserves for the war or any arrangements to raise the funds. The land expropriation program of 2000 saw the government forceful take 4,500 farms from white settlers and give it to war veterans and politicians (Coomer and Gstraunthaler 312). This led to reduction in foreign investment from 400 million US dollars in 1998 to a mere 30 million in 2007. The productivity of the land was also reduced by half between 2000 and 2007. This government policies also led to imposition of sanctions by the IMF, US, UK and EU. The government in order to win public confidence provided initiatives such as purchase of farm inputs for the farmers who had been given land. The farmers also used the land as securities for securing loans. This unforeseen expenditure compounded with the four year expenditure in Congo war led the Reserve bank of Zimbabwe to adopt inflationary policies such as printing more money and employing more staff. This led to devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar and the central bank responded by printing more money and even increasing the face value. This is the origin of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe. By March 2007 the inflation rate in Zimbabwe was 2,200% while by October 2008 it rose to 3,840,000,000,000,000,000%! (Noko 347). Hyperinflation led to lose of value of the Zimbabwe dollar. Wealth was lost within months as millionaires were no longer wealthy. The prices of commodities went up leading the government to regulate the same. (Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas 11). This led producers to opt for other markets which led to an acute shortage of various products. The industries were dissolved, unemployment was at the highest level, poverty escalated and some citizens fled to other countries. The next section gives methods through which this hyperinflation could be solved. Solutions to Zimbabwe’s Hyperinflation Hyperinflation was brought about by the practices of Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Replacing the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is a sure way of ending hyperinflation (Hanke1 23). Some countries such as Angola have contained their high inflation rates without replacing their central bank through change of policy. The question is why could this be implemented in Zimbabwe? This could not be adopted in Zimbabwe because from historical perspective policy change has never checked inflation in Zimbabwe. Moreover, all over the world hyperinflation has been linked to the issue of currency by the central bank or the concerned country’s treasury. Central banks can easily end inflation as they fuel them. One of the sure ways is to stop the printing of currency. This solution reduces money in circulation and contains hyperinflation, but it is a long process because it takes time for the central bank to regain its lost credibility. During this time interest rates on loans normally escalate and it is very difficult to get a long term loan because there is less money in circula

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The call to discipleship Essay Example for Free

The call to discipleship Essay Vocation comes from the Latin word calling which we as Christians believe is a calling from God to become followers of Jesus and make our pilgrimage her on earth. Throughout the old and new testament God has called to people and inspired them to begin their individual vocation through the use of the holy spirit which strengthens the individuals mind and body since God is now with them to guide the on their journey. Presumable of the most famous callings in the Old Testament was that of Moses where he was called by God when the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush allowing him to received the Holy Spirit which enabled him to embark on his vocation to lead his people into freedom and salvation from their Egyptian rulers. Consequently many people now, in contemporary society are inspired and motivated by this same Holy Spirit giving them the spiritual strength to begin on their own vocation as God uses the Holy Spirit to speak with his people directly as in the burning bush or in directly as in through life experiences, natural events or historical events. The Gospel indicate that a decisive moment for Jesus when he realised his calling was with his meeting with John the Baptist, where upon coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the spirit, like a dove, descend on him and a voice come out from heaven saying you are my son the beloved; my favour rests at you. Consequently it is at this point that Jesus realised his calling when receiving the Holy Spirit, leading him to begin his public ministry as is displayed in Matthew 4:1-2. Essentially Jesus baptism allowed him to foresee his vocation as well as strengthening his mind and body to continue with his vocation even though he known of the troubled times he will come across as God was there to guide and protect him. Furthermore due to Jesus vocation Simon and Andrew acknowledged there when they were recruited by Jesus to became his disciples as Jesus announces he will make the fishers, fishers of men causing them to leave their nets and follow him as they realised t heir vocation was to be a disciple for Jesus by learner for the wise man, as told in Mark 16:20. Through his various teaching and parables, Jesus taught his disciples to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you Matthew 5:44, outlining his teaching about loving your neighbours on the Sermon on the Mount in Mark 7:24-27. During which his expands on the Ten Commandments Moses had inscribed on the rock teaching that the most important commandment was to love God with all your heart, mind and strength followed closely by the golden rule telling early Christians to do onto others as you would like them to do onto you. After Jesus death many of these teachings were continued by the work of the apostles who were filled with the energy of God as they saw tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there filling them with the holy spirit inspiring them to teach to people across the world as Jesus had done Acts 2:1-5. Consequently all the marks of a disciple of Jesus being love, compassion and service to the lord stayed with the disciple well after Jesus death as a result of his teaching prior to his death, such as in the last supper John 13:14 where Jesus washed the feets of his disciple if I, your lord and teacher have washed your feet, you then should wash the feet of others. Furthermore the fact that disciple comes from the Latin word learner proved to be the bases of which the disciples had to undergo before they were able to able apostles of the lord and spread the word of God. Baptism, being a Greek work for being bathed or totally washed is the sacrament for the initiation of a person into the Christian community, helping us unshackle our souls from the original sin committed Adam and Eve from their failure to obey God. For Catholics baptism is the normal way by which a person becomes a Christian and is celebrated by a religious ceremony of initiation by a person into the Christian community. The origin of baptism began with the baptism of Jesus marking a new beginning in his life since he received the Holy Spirit and God declared him to be his son. Through this sacrament a person who is baptised becomes a child of God by receiving the Holy Spirit as well as their calling from God. They are many different types of paths a person can follow each with an individual vocation ranging from discipleship, being called a witness or being a member a community. The laity can follow in Jesus example and lead a vocation of their own in several different ways all through the work they do. The call to religious life is the vocation undertaken by monks and nuns who believe that to be able to show complete and utter dedication to their religion means they must isolate themselves from the busyness of contemporary by spending most of their lives praying and reflecting. Furthermore the call to Priesthood is another vocation that some few select people in contemporary society embark on which involves them taking the three evangelical as those who chose the religious life. Although people recognise these vocations are important as they show dedication to God, the call to married life and parenthood also show the same devotion to God since 1 Corinthians tell us that . Consequently this vocation can only be undertaken by the laity whom have not had to take any of the three evangelical counsel preventing them from marring or having children. Additionally as well as these vocations there are many others which people do as a career although not to obtain money but to give service to others through their job e.g. doctor, nurse, teacher or social worker. In conclusion there are many ways in which to show love towards God such as praying, attending mass and showing compassion towards others which Jeusu taught us to do, during his time here on earth. aii) explain why some Christians join communities and take vows of poverty chastity and obedience For the many Christian that choose to dedicate there lives to God and live their life in a religious order, the fundamental reason they that believe that this type of life will be better suited to them is that they deem that the new change in life will help them come closer to Jesus in many new ways as they will be encouraged in that pursuit by the examples of other sincere Christian who want to do the same. Additionally it is easier for them to achieve their purpose without the distractions and busy-ness of modern living with its emphasis on materialism. This life new type of life relieves them of the demands of partners, children or work and thus giving them more time to spend in prayer, meditation and worship. The roots of monasteries can be traced back to the time of Jesus when Christians were being persecuted for their belief, because of this to be a faithful Christian meant being willing to be a martyr, which required a high level of dedication to the gospel. However as Christianity came into favour and the persecution stopped some Christians desired to restore the high level of dedication as they had experience during the persecution. They did this by living as hermit in isolated places such as deserts and eventually joined together in communities setting the beginning of a monastic life. At this present time these communities of Christian who have separated themselves from their worldly possessions to commit to become as perfect Christians as possible are called monasteries. These days the people living this kind of life are called monks and nuns and abide by arrangement which they must live under called a rule, the best known monastic rule being that of Saint Benedict. Religious communities are now more diverse in nature but all share the same desire for dedication to the Gospel. The three evangelical counsels which monks and nuns take when they join a religious order are the vow of poverty, chastity and obedience. The vow of poverty is taken by monks and nuns to allow them to experience the life of the poor as theyre more sensitive to the needs of the poor when poor themselves than being blinded by wealth. Consequently to do this shows complete trust in God as it enable them to live in the service of others as Jesus did, founding the origins of Christians poverty. Furthermore for someone to be a true follower of God the must give up all their earthly possession to inherit the treasures of heaven as Jesus said to the rich young man (Mark 10:17-22) Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. Furthermore monks and nuns take the vow of chastity as living a celibate life allows them to dedicate their life to the Gospels without the distraction of family life or working life. Living a celibate life mean that both monks and nuns have to give up their sexual relations like Jesus and not have a husband, wife or children because Christians husbands and wives have the duties of loving each other and share in the responsibility of looking after the children, limiting what they can do to promote the gospel and live in service to others like Jesus disciples. The third of the three evangelical counsels, which monks and nuns take, is the vow of obedience. They vow to be obedient to God and follow in Jesus example as the bible depicts Jesus as being in perfect obedience to God since Christians believe that he died not because he wanted to, but in accordance with Gods will (Mark 14:32-36) Take this cup away from me. But let it be as you, not I, would have it. For the dedicated Christians who want to be as obedient as Jesus they must all obey human authority that in included in obedience to God because all authority comes from God, although many people find it difficult to submit authority because of their pride. Consequently the vow of obedience enables a religious community to be united in the service of God and others with an abbot if chosen by monks or mother superior if chosen by nuns leading them. There are many religious orders in contemporary society all whom follow the examples set by Jesus although in different ways. Apostolic order or those who lead active lives try to show their love for God by helping their neighbours directly. For example Benedictine monks provide education in their schools and by doing this show their love towards their neighbours which in turn shows love for God. However there are orders whom unlike the Benedictine monks follow the contemplative life by being totally focused on God. This requires them to be separated from the everyday world and be committed to God as a contemplative person, mainly monks and nuns, is one who seeks to live with a permanent awareness of Gods presence. Consequently orders such as these show their devotion to God by reading and meditating on scriptures in order to understand Gods purpose and to experience his love in their lives. Additionally they spend most of the time in prayer to God to be able to listen to what he has to say to them. aiii) explain the purpose and practice of ONE particular religious community An example of a religious order that exits in contemporary society and leads both active and contemplative lives is that of the Friars of the Order of Preachers, known as Dominicans after they founder St Dominic. They are a religious order of priests and brothers in the Roman Catholic Church. The Order was founded in the south of France in the early thirteenth century where St Dominic realised that some of the central truths of the gospel were being denied, and saw the need to establish a preaching community. Consequently Dominic and his brothers showed by their lives and in their preaching that it was possible to live a radical form of life without abandoning the truth of the gospel. This message soon spread quickly throughout Europe, being especially strong in the centres of learning. The Order was known from the beginning to have been instituted especially for preaching and the salvation of souls and is appointed entirely for the complete evangelisation of the Word of God. Dominican friars live in priories, usually with at least six brothers under an elected prior. The Divine Office and Mass are sung daily by the community, and form the heart of the common life. Sharing meals and recreation together is also an important part of community life. Any works of the brothers are seen as works they do as a member of the priory. They profess obedience directly to the Master of the Order, and so can be moved to another priory, as the needs of the Church and if the Order requires. As part of their profession of obedience they also bind themselves to the celibate life and the life of personal poverty, so as to be free for the common apostolate. Their life is not only a witness to the gospel in itself, but prepares them to preach that gospel. So that they can minister the word and the sacraments of faith, most of the brothers are ordained priests; however there are also non-ordained brothers who contribute in various ways to the preaching community and thus share fully in the work of the order. As they are required to be men of prayer, in times of quiet contemplation as well as in the liturgy and in all that they do, they must never lose touch with the God whom they study and preach. Dominican friars are both apostolic and contemplative. Contemplation means both prayer and study, so all the brothers are called upon to devote time to study, whatever their other work might be. In a number of cases this means full-time academic research and teaching, but for every friar it means a continual enrichment of their preaching. The first eight years of a friars life in the Order are set aside for full-time initial formation, principally the study of theology and philosophy, according to the needs and abilities of the brothers. The purpose of their regular and contemplative life is to prepare them to preach the gospel, not only in the homilies given at Mass, but also by lecturing, writing books and pamphlets, appearing on radio or television and producing material for the Internet. They preach their gospel to the people they meet in their work in parishes, schools, hospitals, prisons, universities and all the other places where Dominican friars are found. Wherever their work takes them, they try to emulate their founder St Dominic, who, it was said, spoke always either to God or about God. Dominican priories in particular areas are grouped into provinces. It is the province, which is responsible for admitting, training and nurturing friars, and so a province builds up over time its own character and traditions. The English province covers the whole of Great Britain, and is also given the care of three islands in the West Indies. In Britain there are 75 friars in seven houses, at Oxford, London, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Newcastle, Leicester and Glasgow. Apart from prayer and study there is a wide range of work that is done in these houses: parishes, chaplaincies to universities, schools, hospitals and prisons. A number of brothers are writers or lecturers, many of who teach in Blackfriars, a Hall of the University of Oxford run by the Order. There are nearly forty provinces of friars in the Order of Preachers, from all parts of the world, all united by obedience to the Master of the Order. Sharing in the charism of the order there are also enclosed nuns, apostolic sisters and members of Dominican lay fraternities, priestly fraternities and secular institutes. Their order has a world-wide mission, and so they work to spread the gospel not only by preaching in their own lands but also in those places around the world where the Christian message of hope has not been heard. b) Give response to the view that: Christians should lead active rather than contemplative lives. In the argument concerning whether Christians should lead an active rather than a contemplative life my beliefs would strongly support the argument for many reasons. The fundamental reason being that Jesus led an active life during his time here on earth by helping others and preaching the Word of God. Nevertheless many people believe that leading a contemplative life shows greater devotion to God as Jesus himself said that the first and greatest commandment is to love God and this should come above all other in his teaching on the Sermon on the Mount. Consequently because of this many people may misinterpret the message given since not only can show the same devotion and love by leading a contemplative life but you can also show the same devotion and love by leading an active life. This is supported by the parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46) come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me, indicating that both active and contemplative lives show love to God as Jesus taught us that love must be more than mere words but we are charged to act on our love and this can only be done by living an active life since you go out and help people rather than pray all day. Furthermore Jesus sent his disciples as apostles with specific tasks (Mark 6:7-13) he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits tells us that we should follow the apostles example and lead an active life since Jesus told his own disciples to lead an active life making sure that Christianity exists in contemporary society as the apostles spread the word of God to all parts of the world they went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. Despite this clear example of why people should lead an active life some still disagree and say that Jesus praised the example of Mary over Martha (Luke 10:38-42) Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her telling them that showing devotion to God through prayer and contemplation is more worthy of praise. However even though Jesus may have said this, the fact that Christians should be Christ like means we should therefore do the kind of work he did and he led an active life himself. The Gospel offers us numerous examples of the compassion shown by Jesus to the sick, the lame, the lepers and those who were considered to be outcastes of his society. Jesus prayed over them but he also cured them. Consequently many Christians use this as their inspiration to act on their love of other through giving active service in their communities e.g. St Vincent De Paul, CAFOD, Missionaries of Charity all whom work to help the outcastes of our society. Those who lead contemplative lives, on the other hand say that Jesus himself went off to pray on different occasions such as his 40 days in the desert meaning he did sometimes lead a contemplative life therefore being alone to pray and mediate in order to communicate with God is a very important part of Christian Vocation. Nevertheless all Christians have a vocation to evangelise and this can only be done by leading an active life since in a contemplative monks and nuns usually live in enclosed orders cut off from the outside world to focus on their relationship with God. They defend their way of life by saying Jesus warned us against the possibility of becoming tangled up in material possessions in the Parable of the Rich Young Man (Mark 10:17-22) as it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Leading a contemplative life prevents this materialistic temptations encroach on life as they take vows of chastity, obedience and poverty to join their orders and do not mix with society. In conclusion I consider that leading an active life would be better than leading a contemplative life because it gives you the opportunity to help others which is what Jesus himself did and told others to do during his time here on earth. However, we should also combine this with times set aside in our day for prayer and contemplation. Sundays should be set aside for attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion. Many religious orders show us how it is possible to combine the active and contemplative life and Mother Teresas order. The Missionaries of Charity is an example. These sisters have special times during their day, which they set aside for prayer, meditation and contemplation. They also go to work in the Homes for the dying, the orphans or in the communities. For other monks and nuns who join contemplative orders, this is their choice and their belief that this is their vocation, a different route to heaven but no less important.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Launch behaviourism Essay Example for Free

Launch behaviourism Essay Ivan P.Pavlov was the first initiator of behaviourism as he formed the basis and groundwork of behaviourism. Pavlov was a Russian scientist who was particularly interested in conditioned reflexes which led him to his infamous experiment of dogs and their salivary glands. In Pavlovs experiment he found that a dogs behaviour can be conditioned. Firstly when the dog was given food it would salivate, then the next time the dog received food a bell would be rung. This continued until the dog would salivate by the mere sound of a bell. This experiment provided the basis for Pavlovs idea that behaviour and responses could be conditioned (Tennant, 1997) John B. Watson drew from Pavlovs ideas and was the man to launch behaviourism. Watson was a psychologist from the United States. His infamous experiment was on a human baby code named Albert B. When Albert was exposed to a rat he showed no sign of fear but then a loud banging when there was a presence of a rat, which made Albert cry. Therefore every time Albert saw a rat he would associate it with his past experience and immediately cry whether there was a banging or not (Tennant, 1997) B.F Skinner was a major contributor to the school of behaviourism and believed that behaviour is maintained and produced by its consequences. Skinner believed that rewards and positive reinforcers have a greater affect on behaviour. He demonstrated this through his famed Skinner Box where animals were placed inside a box and were given an option of levers which they could press, one gave them food, the other an electric shock or similar. The animals soon learned which lever not to press and this demonstrated Skinners theory of learned behaviour (Van Iersal and others, 2005) Behaviourism is not the stimulation in psychological science as it once was. Psychologists and much of the public prefer more cognitive explanations of human behaviour. Thus the application of behaviour analysis is still active and successful in fields such as child development, education and drug abuse but is not reliable, as technology and scientific advances have proved otherwise to the denial of internal processes. Behaviourism is very much about nurture when it comes to the nature vs. nurture debate as it focuses on external stimuli affecting behaviour. Where behaviourism applied behaviour can be controlled, as action and external operations are controllable. Behaviourism can only explain a small part of human behaviour but it can no fully describe it. (Kazdin, 2000). To explain human behaviour an updated perspective is needed and not one convention is 100% right. The best approach is to take a little from each (McIerney 1998). Behaviourism was extremely influential in the early 20th century as it was the most up to date information available. Since scientific advances in brain chemistry and thought processes behaviourism has become outdated. Pavlov, Watson and Skinner had major impacts on not only behaviourism but also to psychology. Their techniques can still be applied today. Although behaviourism can explain a bit about behaviour it is far too narrow as it does not encompass or consider mental working of a human and brain functions which is a very important role in behaviour. Even though it is outdated behaviourism is still an interesting convention of psychology and can still be useful in explaining behaviour and treating behaviour problems. Bibliography: The Behavioural Approach : Class Handout  Behaviourism, Microsoft(r) Encarta(r) Online Encyclopaedia 2005

Friday, September 20, 2019

Industry Analysis Of The Beer Companies Commerce Essay

Industry Analysis Of The Beer Companies Commerce Essay The U.S. beer industry got its start in the 1840s and 1850s with the introduction of lager style beers, brought by German immigrants. Before that point, beers were heavily oriented toward ale, porter, and stout and were mostly brewed at home. At about the same time, several technological advances occurred that led to the development of the U.S. beer industry as we know it today. Mechanical refrigeration greatly aided in the production as well as the storage of beer. Pasteurization was also adopted during this period, which opened the way for wide-scale bottling and off-premise consumption of beer. By 1850 there were about 430 breweries in the United States, producing about 750,000 barrels of beer annually. Commercial brewers began to grow in size and number, and by the late nineteenth century there were almost 1,300 breweries. The beer industry is widely known for been an oligopoly. However, in our approach, we will explore the possibility of analyzing microbreweries in particular from a monopolistic competition market structure perspective. The beer market oligopoly is composed by three big players: Anheuser-Busch which holds 48 % of the market share, Miller Brewing Co., with 18% and Coors Brewing Co. with 11%. Please refer to the below graph and table for information regarding the market share held by the remaining companies. (Market shares are shown based on shipments of 205.6 million cases in 2005 and 210 in 2006) Anheuser-Busch Company is a dominate competitor. It is the largest brewing company in the United States, operating 12 breweries in the United States and 20 in other countries. Anheuser-Busch InBev is the largest global brewer with nearly 25% global market share and one of the worlds top five consumer products. The brewing industry as a whole is made up of several dominant multinational companies and thousands of smaller producers, which range from regional breweries to microbreweries. The market is heavily saturated with competition. The beer industry is divided into standard lager, premium lager, specialty beer, ales, stouts, and bitters, and low/no alcohol. These three varieties are divided in smaller categories based taste, what the beer is made from, calories, strength, etc. In the MillersCoors family they sell Miller Lite, Coors Light, Blue Moon Belgian White, Coors, Fosters Henry Weinghards, Icehouse, Keystone Premium, Leinenkugels Killians Irish Red. Miller Genuine Draft, Miller High Life, Milwaukees Best, Molson Canadian, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Red Dog, and that just begins to scratch the surface. Coors and Miller light are the top selling beers. They are pale lager beers called Pilsners. Through diversification of products, mergers and joint ventures with competitors to strength portfolio diversity and gain market share MillerCoors Brewing Company has competed fiercely against its competition and will continue to grow through striving for excellence and innovation. Smaller Competitors (not limited too) Asahi Breweries Diageo Heineken Kirin Brewery Company Carlsbery Boston Beer Company Lion Nathan San Miguel Corporation II. Socioà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Economic The alcohol industry has faced many policies, regulations, laws, and rules to govern the manufacture, promotion, distribution, sale, and use of alcohol. Some include but are not limited to. The Prohibition in the United States banning the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol shut down the brewing industry for 13 year between 1920 and 1933. The alcohol excise taxes that impose volume taxes on distilled spirits, win, and beer that are in addition to State alcohol taxes. Keg tagging and Registration that would hold buyers accountable. Community-based approaches to reduce risks associated with retail alcohol environments such as Responsible Beverage Service. Limiting alcohol sales licenses. Limiting Alcohol Sales at public events, being able to cut people off. Advertising limits and regulations, underage consumers can not be marketed to. Numerous state laws regarding the sale of alcohol (such as Indiana cannot sell alcohol on Sundays) and legal limits for driving. III. Porters Five Forces A. Threat of New Entrants (low/medium) The Threat to New Entrants in low to medium, low because it would be difficult to achieve the success of the larger companies such as Anheuser-Busch or MillerCoors and medium because it is possible to enter as a small microbrewery although if success surround the microbrewery more than likely one of the big competitors would enter a joint venture or merge with the company. Although as illustrated in the graph below the beer industry is growing. Many factors could cause this including the current economic recession. During difficult economic times the sales of alcohol increases. Due to the high rules and regulation apposed on the beer industry and the high market presence of top competitors it would be difficult for new entrants to hurt MillerCoors. Looking at the situation in a different way Coors to be successful and competitive had to merge with Molson Inc. and begin joint venture with multiple other companies the largest being Miller Inc. To be successful in this market it takes a great deal of capital for raw materials, production, advertising, and distribution. For a start-up company alone it would be difficult to raise the capital needed. B. Suppliers The Threat of Suppliers is Medium/High. Raw materials account for a large percentage of the total costs and if supplier increase prices it cuts into the profit or the company has to price its product higher and because the beer industry is so competitive that could prove to be problematic. Although it is medium to high because MillerCoors is such a large company that it gives them a backbone to be able to negotiate. The supplier though overall could have a big impact on the final product. C. Buyers The threat of buyers is high because people do not always have brand loyalty when it comes to beer. There is a large number of brewers and companies and without brand loyalty the buyer way buy whats cheapest, or on sales, etc. Buyers taste and preferences control the market. The beer industry has even began to make beers with only 55 calories for the beer drinkers trying to watch their weight. The amount of money put into research and development and advertising shows the power of the consumers and the need for market share. D. Substitute Products The threat of substitutes is medium because although in the alcohol industry there is a lot of choices many beer drinkers like the low alcohol social drink. Many people drink beer at ball games, bars, football games, nascar events, and so on and it is more a culture. There will always be other options to what people would like such as water, tea, carbonated beverages, etc. but beer is beer and not easily replaced in the culture. E. Rivalry The threat of Rivalry is high because the market is heavily saturated with completion. Many companies have merged and began joint ventures and the market has consolidated thus creating powerhouses and it would be difficult for a company to penetrate the market while the powerhouses have such strong market shares not only in the United States but globally also. IV. Conclusion As for the industry analysis I believe that the beer industry is a growing market with few major players and many microbreweries. Anheuser-Busch has a strong hold on the market share although there are areas that Coors can improve upon to gain market share such as brand image and lack of marketing. The market is heavy saturated with competitors although many are small compared to Anheuser-Busch, Miller, and Coors. It would be difficult to penetrate the larger market because of the strong hold they have on the market share especially Anheuser-Busch. Anheuser-Busch has strong brand recognition/awareness and strong marketing campaigns this is the key to their success. Part II: Firm Analysis I. Current Situation It is drank at ball games, bars, when people are celebrating, when people are depressed, and sometimes just when people have had a long day at work. Beer is the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverage. It ranks third in most popular drinks falling behind only water and tea. In 2006 more than 35 billion gallons of beer was sold with producing total global revenue of $294.5 billion. The Coors Brewing Company is the worlds fifth-largest brewing company in the world and Molson Coors Brewing Company is third largest brewing company in the U.S. Its popularity is linked to having the largest single brewery facility in the world, marketing research and understanding of it consumers, financial structure and most importantly through strong branding. Molson Coors Brewing Company strive to continually challenge and consistently reinvest in its people as passionate stewards of the brand. Molson Coors Brewing Company grew from the dreams of Adolph Coors and John Molson. Both individuals though different in many aspects shared the same common passion for brewing. Their journeys started and ended in different times and locations but together they work toward what is now known as Molson Coors Brewing Company. Separated by many years and numerous miles their dreams in 2005 overlapped with the Merger of Molson Inc. and Golden, Colorados Adolph Coors Company. Than to become a better competitor of Anheuser-Busch in 2007 SabMiller and Molson Coors Brewing Company entered into a joint venture to create MillerCoors. The Coors history begins in 1873 when the Golden Brewery opens, advertising bottled beer, ale, porter, cider, imported and domestic wines and seltzer water. In 1890 17,600 barrels of beer were outputted. With a growing company in 1920 the prohibition aka The Noble Experiment took place making the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol for consumption illegal this ended in 1933 and the Golden Brewery resumed operations. In 1953 Coors began to advertise on television and in 1955 Coors produced more than 1 million barrels. In 1970 the annual sales exceeded 7 million barrels. 1975 Coors becomes a publically traded company. In 1990 annual production exceeds 19 million barrels. In 1991 Coors became available in can and bottles in Indiana and was than available in all 50 states. In 2005 Coors Brewing Company and Molson Inc. merged together to take a leading role in the consolidating global brewing industry. In 2008 Molson Coors entered in to a joint venture with SABmiller to creat e MillerCoors in the United States. B. Strategic Posture The mission is not clearly stated on their website. All I could find was their community investments mission which is Our community investment mission is to promote the health and well being of individuals and communities where we do business. Our investments treat all people and resources with integrity and respect. I think on their website they have done a good job at showing people how they have become involved in protecting the environment and that they view being socially and environmentally responsible important. I believe that Coors need to have a mission, vision, and values statement to show all their employees, managers, suppliers, distributors, and even customers what they hope to accomplish and what they stand for. If a company has a direction to move toward they can begin taking steps forward. After more research on another site I found a vision for the company but on the companys own site I could not find it. The other site said their vision was, Molson Coors vision is to be a top-performing brewer winning through inspired employees and great brands. Were driving growth by becoming an innovative, brand-led company, delivering and re-investing productivity for growth as we build a winning, value-based culture. I believe for them to get their desired results that they will have to better market themselves. This includes restructuring their website and getting their mission out. Anheuser-Busch does a great job at presenting a story that people can follow and laugh with. II. External Environment (Opportunities and Threats) Opportunities included their merger with Molson and their joint ventures to capture more of the market share. They also have a lot of potential for growth because the beer industry itself is growing. Their name is known and now they just have to improve on what their name signifies. Threats included substitutes products as well as other brewing companies. The high market share of Anheuser-Busch. III. Internal Environment (Strengths and Weaknesses) Strengths included innovation, and a diverse portfolio of brands and products. The company also has a long history, working capital, and experience through difficult times. Weaknesses include bad publicity that has occurred. No clear mission, vision, and values for the company, suppliers, distributors, and customer can read. Another weakness is the high threat of substitutes in the market. The management of Coors realized that they needed to band with other competitors to ensure that they could be a presence in the marketing. They have taken actions to improve marketing and are still working toward making the company better. Change is not a short process and it takes a lot of time for people to accept change. Recommendations Improve on brand awareness through marketing and advertising. Coors needs to become a more friendly company that people can known and trust like a Disney or Pepsi. When people think beer most people automatically think Budweiser and Coors needs to work to have their name out more, sponsor events, have commercials, etc. Part III: Firm to Firm (Coors vs. Class Strategic Company) Analysis Anheuser-Busch and Coors are much like Pepsi and Coke. They are both highly competitive companies that continually try to innovate and create new more attractive products for their consumers. All four companies attempt to satisfy consumer needs and wants. In this situation Anheuser-Busch is the Pepsi Company because they both hold overwhelming control of the market share. Coors is like Coke as Coke only holds 27% of the market share in the United States and Coors holds somewhere in the high teens. Unlike Coors though Coke has a strong marketing strategy but has not been able to compete with Pepsi on a global level. Their Porters analysis are also very similar. Work Cited Banham, Russ. Coors: a Rocky Mountain Legend. Lyme, Conn.: Greenwich Pub. Group, 1998. Print. Ogle, Maureen. Ambitious Brew: the Story of American Beer. Orlando: Harcourt, 2006. Print. Van, Munching Philip. Beer Blast: the inside Story of the Brewing Industrys Bizarre Battles for Your Money. New York: Times Business, 1997. Print.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Equality :: essays research papers

Equality In 1890, less then one half of one percent of women were employed gainfully outside of the home. Over the next hundred years, women have not only gained access to jobs outside of the home, but also fought for equality in the work place. These struggles have not been easy by any means. Women have overcome many obstacles in there journey into the work force, none grater then the views of their male piers. Many males thought and continue to think that there is no place for women in the work place. Women made there strides into the work force by not only following examples of their courageous pioneers, but also by banding together to show their strength. During the mid 1800's a small number of women begin their assault on, what were at the time considered, male-only jobs. Fields such as teaching, preaching, medicine, and law were all jobs domenated by men. Women had made some progress in the work force before the 1850's. In the mid nineteenth century women were the majority for grade school teachers, up from the ten percent of elementary teachers, that were teachers in the colonial period. This can be largely attributed not to the fact that men were more accepting of the idea that women belonged in the work place, but rather men were drown to the higher paying and more socially appreciated managerial jobs brought on by the industrial revolution. School boards did not mind these talented leaving because they could higher a "less qualified women" for as low as one fifth of males salary for the same job. Susan B. Anthony was the first women to publicly speak out against this gross injustice towards women. After being fired to "replace a male teacher fired for incompetence,she was paid one third of the salary he had received,"(Reifert 74)she went to the state teachers convention of 1853 to register a protest. After being hushed once and a half hour of debate she was finally allowed to speak her peace. Although nothing became of her first encounter with the women's movement, she quit teaching and went on to become one of the great leaders of the women's movement. Antoinette Brown was anther women that was not happy with the status quo of women in society. She started, in 1846, by attending Oberlin college, which only nine years before had become the first co-educational college. Oberlin, although being very receptive of women in their women's department, they did not let women take any courses besides the ones offered in the women department. This lead to a conflict when Brown made her intentions of obtaining

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Black Men and Public Space in America Essays -- Jim Crow Segregation

Black Men and Public Space: An Agent of Change African-American men and white men are born and raised within the continental U.S.; each of their own faculty empowered to change the social injustice of a society. The innate qualities of the African American do not compare to those of the white man, yet - â€Å"empowered† they are with character. The foundation for the concept –â€Å"character† is best defined as â€Å"holistic,† meaning of physical, mental and social qualities – A. Adler’s school of thought, as well as A. Maslow and C. Rogers’ thoughts –â€Å"[a]n equal human being†¦ cognitive, emotional, and volitional† (Ambrus, 33 -34) Jennifer Ritterhouse, author of Growing Up Jim Crow: How Black and White Southern Children Learned Race, explains that childrearing practices by caregivers resulted in the facilitation of race discrimination and it included â€Å"[r]acial self-consciousness and the ‘etiquette’ of racial interactions.† These two facets, Ritterhouse says, gave â€Å"[u]nderstand[ing to] their own position and identity within a white supremacist society†; through exchanges among peers, they were reinforced. (para 7) Furthermore, they are not â€Å"[i]nstinctive†; she ascertains socialization as â€Å"[u]nwritten rules governing all instances of interracial interaction.† This setting dates from the 1980’s. Having clarity on a realm of discrimination, we can then imagine the migration of racism stretching from the South to vast regions of the U.S. In the United States, opportunities for the cultural growth of African American men have been absent, because so cial discrimination continues to exist. In 2005, the phrase â€Å"[N]o Child Left Behind† (NCLB), coined by Kathy Emery, reverberated throughout the United States. It was a vision for the education system ... ... Nelson, Claire Nee. â€Å"Growing Up Jim Grow: How Black and White Southern Children Learned Race.† Georgia Historical Quarterly. 2007. University of Maryland University College. America: History & Life. 4 Jul 2008. Simons, Jeffrey. Expository Writing. Course home page. Jun. 2008-August 2008. Dept. of English, University of Maryland University College 15 Jul 2008. http://tychousa7.umuc.edu/WRTG291/0806/8906/class.nsf/Menu?OpenFrameSet&Login. Staples, Brent. â€Å"Black Men and Public Space.† The Norton Reader. Ed. Linda H. Peterson and John C. Brereton. Shorter 11th ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2004. 231-32. Wallace, Maurice O. â€Å"Constructing the Black Masculine: Identity and Ideality in African American Men’s Literature and Culture, 1775-1995.† Academic Journal. 2003:90.America: History & Life. University of Maryland University College Library. 4 Jul 2008.