Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Socrates and the Soul

Socrates believed the most important task, in life, was to care for ones soul. Socrates argues that the soul is immortal and that we must rise above our physical nature in order to gain true knowledge. He believed the soul was our very essence, and our bodies the instrument utilized in dealing with the physical world. Socrates seemed confidant that human beings survive physical death, therefore possessing an immortal soul. He felt a philosophers concern was not with the body but with the soul and the body played no part in the attainment of knowledge.The body to him was an obstacle in the search for knowledge and there is a division between the body and soul. The soul being immortal and that wisdom and virtue come from the soul. Socrates proposes that after death the soul exists by itself, apart from the body, while the body, remains by itself, apart from the soul. In the Phaedo, Socrates' friends suggest that the soul will die along with the body. Socrates believes that the soul is immortal and if a person detaches himself from the physical pleasures of the world his soul may become free to follow the gods into Hades.However, if the soul has indulged in the physical pleasures it will be riveted to the body and may not want to go join the gods in Hades and so the soul will remain here among the living. One of the most important parts of Socrates’ theory explains that in order for the soul to leave the body you must separate yourself from the physical aspects in life, so that they won’t compel you back to this world. This will ensure the soul will break away from the physical realm and join the gods in Hades. In death, Socrates was very confident that he would achieve this and in turn would join the gods when he drank the poison that nded his life. The soul explains Socrates, rules over the body; however the body may deceive the soul through the senses. The soul may use these senses while dealing with things that are physical, but it should not alw ays believe them. If the soul relies too heavily on the senses, then it may start to value the physical realm more than the knowledge that comes from the soul. However, men need to service the body in order to remain here on Earth and because of this the body may distort the needs of the soul to be that of the body.Socrates differentiates the body and soul in terms of their respective desires; where they place their happiness. He felt that the body is the prison of the soul. â€Å"Because every pleasure and pain, as it were, another nail to rivet the soul to the body and weld them together†. (Plato, Phaedo, 83d). The body's pleasures and pains make the soul believe that truth is what the body says. Socrates felt that the soul needs protection from the corruption of the body by practising such virtues as courage, temperance, and by thinking about incorporeal or ideal subjects.However the body's voice always interrupts these pure contemplations with its own concerns: â€Å"fee d me,† â€Å"time to buy new clothes,† â€Å"get me a drink,† â€Å"let’s make love,† â€Å"I'm tired. † etc. He observes that the body’s primary concerns are the pleasures of eating, drinking, and sex; whereas the soul sets its desires on attaining wisdom. Socrates implies that these two desires are in opposition of each other. This is why the soul of a philosopher must turn away from the body and it's desires to set the soul free from its bodily desires in order to attain true knowledge.The main arguments concerning the immortality of the soul come from the Phaedo. Socrates believed that when his body ceased to exist anymore, his soul would leave and join that of the gods where he would be eternally. He believed so strongly of this that he did not fear death but welcomed it. He believed that the soul is shackled with the body as if it were a prison so that thought is contaminated or compromised. Man is made up of Body and Soul, but t he soul is corrupted by the material wants of the body and it then loses the ability to perform its true function.What Socrates felt was to communicate with the divine. Socrates believed that the human soul was invisible, immortal, and the director of the physical body. He felt that Philosophy is a divine activity and as such must prepare the soul with wisdom for dying and death. The philosopher listens to the body's temptations as little as possible because the body complains that it lacks pleasure, but that fulfilment of pleasure always leads to more suffering so that the body again complains.This is a continuous cycle and his belief was that a person should care for their soul first and foremost and that a person’s soul was what made him/her who they really were. The soul was the whole centre of one’s character it was the basis of thoughts, feelings, values, decisions and the state of the soul made a person either foolish or wise. By self examination and soul search ing as well as ridding oneself of ignorance, he felt that like the body the soul would be kept healthy. Socrates believed that only when the soul separated from the body, is a person able to be truly enlightened and gain all knowledge.This enlightenment has been Socrates’ life long goal of discovering the truth. He recognized it as the separation of the two worlds as the spirit was freed from the corpse (body), and its material concerns so that specific thought can finally apprehend the truth. He felt that â€Å"the soul reasons best when none of the senses troubles it, neither hearing nor sight, nor pain nor any pleasure, but when it is most by itself, taking leave of the body and as far as possible having no contact or association with it in its search for reality†. (Phaedo 65c).Socrates believed that in dying you learn complete knowledge because that is the time that your soul leaves your body and there are no more interferences. Even at the hour of his death he sho wed no hesitation and welcomed death, with no obstacles in his way this would be his ultimate pursuit of knowledge. Biography Plato,The Trail and Death of Socrates. Translated by G. M. A Grube. Third Edition. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. , 2000 Plato Phaedo. Translated by G. M. A. Grube. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. , 1977.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Informative Speech About Football

Informative Speeches Informative. jpg An informative speech provides interesting and useful information to the audience. The information is unique and usually not something that the audience would be acquainted with. Objects, processes, events or concepts: Informative speeches can be about objects, processes, events or concepts. This is not a limited list, but a general topic format that most informative speeches tend towards.The important thing to realize is that no matter which topic format the speech takes on, it can only be an informative speech if it conveys information that is factual, useful, instructive and/or enlightening to the audience. Introduction, body and conclusion: Most informative speeches are formatted with a defined introduction, a body of information and a conclusive ending. Clear, attention grabbing intro: The introduction to informative speeches should always be clear and catch the attention of the listeners.The introduction should lead up to the body of the sp eech in such a way that it is immediately grabs the interest of the audience. It should create a clear relation between the speaker and the topic as well as relating the topic or subject to the audience to pull them in and get them excited or interested in what is to come. It should create a clear outline of what is to be covered in the body of the speech and should do so in a clear and concise way to be effective and ensure that the audience is not bored from the start.Seamless transitions: When delivering informative speeches, the body should provide a smooth transition between the main points, ideas or concepts to convey all of the information effectively. This means that the speaker should, firstly, adhere strictly to the time limits imposed by planning ahead to present all of the information in a coherent manner and in a way that is easy for the audience to absorb and comprehend. The delivery should be natural and conversational; if it isn’t it will allow the audience to lose interest quickly and easily become distracted by the slightest diversion.The speaker should at all times demonstrate a vibrant enthusiasm or passion for the topic – if he is not enthused by it then there is no way he can expect his audience to be. The speaker should maintain eye contact stringently and progress from one point to another in a way that does not seem forced in any way, but seems to progress naturally without any breaks in momentum. Summarize at the end: When concluding an informative speech, the aim is to try and summarize the key points of the speech to reinforce the information in the minds of the audience.The conclusion of informative speeches should always be the means by which the speaker informs the audience that the speech is coming to an end, without actually saying so. It should review and repeat the most prominent concepts, ideas or aspects of the speech and should end the speech in the same seamless and natural way that is used throughout the sp eech. The important thing to note is that the conclusion is a vital part of the speech, and as such it should maintain the attention and interest of the audience until the very end.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Abstract Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Abstract - Research Paper Example The paper examines how the vision of Hrothgar is accurate in predicting that Beowulf would become a victim of his own pride if he would not be careful. He made his warning clear to Beowulf, but that warning was not enough in the end. Yes, he had his better spiritual qualities, such as his understanding of the role of fate in his life. On the other hand he was not strong enough to stay humble and not become too proud. The paper explores the way the events in Beowulfs life made it difficult for him not to become proud. He simply had too much power and success, and too human not to be affected by all that. His humanity had to result in some flaw, and that flaw is pride. The paper demonstrates that Hrothgar sees this and that Beowulf would put himself in danger because of it (Stitt; â€Å"Beowulf†). Stitt, Michael. â€Å"The Transformation of the Heroic Beowulf†. English 477, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. n.d. Web. 8 October 2014

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Innovation in Nursing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Innovation in Nursing - Research Paper Example Moreover, some health care experts have alluded that innovation in nursing is a process that does not only take place in laboratories, but rather among the health care service providers hence requires the need to diffuse and use modern technology in order to facilitate quality healthcare service provision. Challenges facing Innovation in Nursing PracticeOne major challenge that has hindered proper and effective nursing is the fact that many stakeholders have not realized the importance of innovation within the healthcare systems. Leaders have failed to recognize that without nurses and other healthcare service providers, the process of healthcare service provision would come to a standstill.In addition, the profession of nurses and other health care service provision is complex and requires great understanding; this aspect has been recognized by many stakeholders (Edwards 2012). However, there has been increasing perception in the media and other channels of information dissemination that: The quality of nursing is increasingly diminishing and that healthcare service providers in many case do not have the passion and the commitment to undertake innovative activities geared towards improving healthcare service provision. This affected the support, emotional and physical, directed towards nurses hence hindering their capacities to participate in innovative activities.It is a fact that innovation facilitates doing things in different ways; such knowledge is usually generated among concerned individuals.

Britain and the empire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Britain and the empire - Essay Example Thompson believes that the concept of the new clock time, came into existence because of capitalistic interests, replaced the earlier perception of time3. These earlier perceptions of time, emanated from the collective wisdom of mankind. These earlier views regarding time were imposed by religious and social authorities, before the emergence of the industrial revolution. This paper analyzes the ideas of Thompson regarding how time was perceived by the traditional society, and how it changed during the industrial revolution. This is in the late 1700s. Furthermore, this paper analyzes who had the ability of telling time, and how the changes and use of time affected the rural laborers during the 1700s, and what is meant by â€Å"Saint Monday†. This paper further analyzes how the discipline of time regulation related to the wages and experiences of the workers during the 18th century. It further analyzes the context of idleness, in the view of Thompson. This paper also contains the independent ideas and insights of the essay by Thompson. Thompson denotes that during the pre-industrial societies, people had different views and believes about time4. This believes and views were imposed by social and religious authorities, and based on collective wisdom of members of a society. These societies viewed time, based on their commercial, social, and religious activities. For example, in societies that practiced hunting, agriculture, and other human interaction activities with the natural world, time discipline was governed by biological, as well as astronomical factors. People knew specific seasons, or times through observations. The Islamic lunar calendar is an example in which people identified time and seasons through religious means. This calendar was developed by the nomadic Arabs, who lived in the deserts. The lunar calendar does not reflect any seasons, because it was not convenient for these Arabs. However, with the arrival of

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Edward Estlin Cummings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Edward Estlin Cummings - Essay Example four lean hounds crouched low and smiling the merry deer ran before. †¦my heart fell dead before (Cummings lines 1-5/ 31-35). The last line varies at the end of the poem from â€Å"the merry deer ran before† to â€Å"my heart fell dead before.† Even with this slight variation, the repeated lines have a magic effect of overturning the theme of the poem from tragic to that of vitality and life. Two most evident details in this repeated verse is the use of colors and numbers for the purpose of description. The persona is describing the green garb of his lover and the golden color of the horse as well as silver dawn. These details chronicle the beautiful atmosphere of the lovers at the time. There are also numbers, which are repeated throughout the poem. In this specific stanza, the persona talks of â€Å"four lean hounds† of deer (Cummings, line 4). The numbers and the colors are a combination of beauty and terror, especially when the carrier resembles the war carriers that take soldiers to war (Bloom 22). At some point in the end when the lines are repeated, the poem draws the beauty of the described place and the lover by engulfing them in an atmosphere of death. The poem describes from the start a chronological event where it first describes the chase and the death of the persona and the collapse of his lover. These images are alluded to but when the repeated lines appear the poem takes the form of vitality and life. As the two lines unite the poem, the lovers are unified in elation. The colors green is the color of life and connects the lovers who are partakers in the succession of life and fatality. B: Edward Estlin Cummings. Xaipe/Seventy-one poems The poem selected from this collection is titled â€Å"I thank You God for most this amazing.† The poem is like praise lyric made whole by playing with words, grammar, punctuation and syntax (Bloom 28). For example, there is lack of spacing and punctuation, which make the speaker, speak without breathing; thus showing the intensity of his overwhelming joy and appreciation. With only four stanzas, the first stanza captures the spirit of the rest of the piece, and it goes thus: i thank You God for most this amazing day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes (Cummings, lines 1-4) In this stanza, the speaker describes the day as amazing with the â€Å"spirit of trees† and a sky of â€Å"blue true dream† with â€Å"everything† ordinary and inestimable and â€Å"yes.† By writing continuously without spacing, regardless of the presence of punctuation, the poet renders the speaker breathless. Reading the poem kills it and gives it a new life afterwards when it is reborn as the speaker reunites and communicates with Mother Nature. Like a small child, the speaker describes the new life in terms of his newly founded cognizance because he is rebor n. The first stanza is precedence to what has already happened, and the speaker is joyous of the renewed sun, life, love and wings; including the earth itself. The praise is merely a subjective experience because the speaker renders everything new because of his personal renewal. With rebirth or a new perspective in life, things become new and one is able to picture things from a different point of view. The persona establishes a personal deity, â€Å"

Friday, July 26, 2019

English Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

English - Research Proposal Example Introduction Currently, there are numerous changes in education of poor and minor students. Funding for their education should be increased. The American government should be interested in promotion and support of the future generation. Disparities between social groups in the American society are evident: â€Å"While some states rightfully have focused their attention on equitably funding their school districts, others have done little to close their funding gaps, and some gaps have grown even larger† (â€Å"Funding Gap†, 2004). The students’ achievements are guaranteed by proper investments of the American government. The state policy-makers should realize the fact that it is very important to provide poor students or ethnic minorities with the challenging curriculum, high-quality teachers, inspiration power of education and a regular control over the students’ successes. Therefore, it is argued further on that federal funding of education for students f rom poor or ethnic minority families should be guaranteed in the name of a sound nation, because education in the modern global world is the first and foremost issue of concern. Argument 1. Nowadays, there is a growing ethnic and social gap in America and the officials often claim that it is beyond their abilities to control education quality of children from ethnic minority families. ... es – could yet have a catastrophic effect on the competitiveness of an American workforce already under pressure from the emerging Asian economies of China and India† (Foster, 2012). Therefore, it is evident that it is beyond the abilities of the American government to take control over a coming childbirth potential of ethnic minority families, but the government is able to develop favorable conditions for a sound development of these families by making proper investments in education of their children. A future generation of Americans can be in a great trouble in case the government will not think about investments in education of ethnic minorities. Argument 2. It cannot be denied that children from poor families are the most vulnerable members of the society. Every day they should realize the fact that they are educated in a challenging and a favorable atmosphere. In accordance with recent data, children from poorer districts do not have enough resources for their deve lopment. It is evident that children from poor families do not have enough opportunities to develop their talents, and they need effective governmental support. Data on funding gaps is the following – in Illinois and New York the states have experienced the largest controversies in funding: â€Å"more than $2,000 per student; in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas are among the states with funding gaps greater than $900 per student† (â€Å"Funding Gap†, 2004). These figures are impressive, and it is evident that every student should be treated individually in order to find appropriate financial funds for a proper investment. Argument 3. The educational opportunities for the students from ethnic minorities or poor families should be friendlier. These children have suffered

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Projective Techniques Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Projective Techniques - Research Paper Example It is still implicitly used in many areas of management, but is seldom acknowledged. For example, in operational management, OCE layout theory assumes that managers project their subconscious in designing their OCE space (bunker, open etc.). This paper would mainly focus upon the detail analysis of the projective techniques and its application in academic researches as well. The idea of projective techniques is usually accredited to Frank (1939) with techniques initially developed in clinical psychology, where they were used for personality assessment and psychoanalytic treatment (Bellak 1992, Graham and Lilly 1984, Kassarjian 1974). The hypothesis that \research participants project aspects of their personalities in the process of disambiguating unstructured test stimuli" was the basis for this development. A number of different techniques were developed such as the well-known Rorschach technique or ink-blot test" where subjects are assumed to project aspects of their own personalit y onto the ambiguous features of a series of pictures of inkblots. Projective techniques provide the researcher with the tools to elicit projection and thus go beyond the fence of bounded rationality. This is because they have the ability to tap into the unconscious mental processing of individuals and can be used to get through the defensive barriers that respondents erect (Boddy, 2010, Ramsey, Ibbotson, and McCole 2006, Rogers and Beal 2006), the barriers of incorrect attribution or the barriers due to research question sensitivity (Anderson 1978, Fram and Cibotti 1991, Soley 2009). The first use of projective techniques in management research is generally accepted to be Haire (1950). He conducted a marketing study in the United States using projective techniques and found that female consumers formed impressions about the personalities of other women based on their product purchases, which they could not, or would not, state during direct questioning. The study gave unique and va luable insights into the barriers to product acceptance among housewives and these were deemed to be so useful that the study was basically the launch pad for the use of projective techniques in marketing research. Professional marketing researchers adopted the use of projective techniques and concluded that projective techniques were far superior to other research methods because they assessed the deep-rooted motivations of consumers. Follow up studies have consistently confirmed and supported the validity of Haire's approach and this cemented their use in marketing research (Soley, 2009). This common usage of projective techniques in marketing and advertising communications research continues to this day. Projective Techniques can be classified in a number of ways based on mode of response provides for five types. These are: Association Techniques Association techniques ask participants to respond to a stimulus with whatever association first comes to their mind. For example they may be asked What type of car would an accountant usually drive?" This is an example of word association, which is the most common test in this category. It is a simple enabling device where respondents or research participants suggest words that they can associate, in some way, with something relevant to what is being researched. The weakness of word association tests is that they do not provide respondents with the

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Strategy Formulation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Strategy Formulation - Essay Example The StilSim Company has founded several strategic opportunities that will be discussed. Firstly, the generic strategy is based upon the identification of methodology in which the company will be competitive within every strategic component of the market place. Aside from a generic strategy, StilSim could employ a corporate level strategy, also known as a grand strategy. This involves a structure of the organization and the supply chain system within the company. By using a corporate level strategy, the company can then decide which areas of the enterprise to pursue and identify its pros and cons. This also allows the company a better understanding of the competitiveness it has in the market. At a corporate level, strategy management is imperative for StilSim, as this is the key point of beginning for corporate financial planning strategies. Following are some options that are available to StilSim to allow them to create a generic strategy that will assist in increasing their market competitiveness: Differentiation. This will attract potential consumers through the diffe rentiation of the offered products and services of StilSim versus its competitors, thus offering consumers clearer choices and gaining their confidence. Cost of Leadership. This will allow StilSim to access and lead the current market by the attraction of new customers due to the lower costs of the offered products and services. Focal Strategy. This will identify marketplace niches and allow it to gain control over it through the provision of unparalleled service and products therein. Beyond generic and corporate strategies, another possibility is a functional strategy. This defines the individual strategy currently being used in every function of the corporation, like product development and human resource strategies. They stem from the primary corporate stratagem in order for the business to achieve a competitive edge in the market place as well as create retail value. Strategy Scorecard A scorecard for strategy is a superior planning and managing arrangement used for the alignmen t of the corporate activities to the vision and other strategies of the company. This will allow for improvement on external and internal communication and provide the supervision of the companies’ performances versus its strategic objectives. Strategy scorecards focus on learning, growth, business process, finance and customer base. Through the use of a personalized scorecard, StilSim can determine their performance levels and make the necessary improvements. Address of Issues Given that the StilSim Corporation has a plethora of issues that need to be addressed, use of a strategy scorecard would be very beneficial. They can further address the issues of internal, external and rational analyses within the company’s structure. This is aimed at the Capital City office, which is operating at a loss of revenue. This is a disadvantage for StilSim in its competitiveness, and therefore StilSim needs to provide its customers higher value through differentiation and cost leader ship in the group. It is also recommended that they improve upon their methodology and structure, i.e., marketing, image and interface. StilSim can increase its efficiency through improved communications throughout the organization as a whole, and ultimately creating a human resources department within the company’s corporate structure. Objectives and Goals It is imperative

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Executive Report to describe Operations Strategy at non-profit Org Case Study

Executive Report to describe Operations Strategy at non-profit Org - Case Study Example In the hospital’s financially self-sustaining framework defies the common belief that cheap care automatically means low-quality care. The facilities are designed to provide premium healthcare at hitherto impossible costs (Matalobos 2). Aravind drives costs down by operating an eye-care â€Å"factory† that is fast and efficient. Through this, the organization creates economies of scale through treating ridiculously high numbers of patients. The organization has adopted a standardized and engineered model for carrying our operations and maintaining low costs at all times. In the same way McDonald’s, Toyota and Ford concentrated on constantly enhancing and expanding their system models, so the organization gradually transformed to create the Aravind Eye Care System (Mehta and Shenoy 6. Vital components of this system include an international eye bank, a specialized factory for manufacturing lenses, and dedicated ophthalmic research facilities. Of special importance has been the hospital’s eye camp model, which transports the system to remote locations, providing advice, diagnosis, and admitting patients into the main hospitals which can treat them using high productivity models (Mehta and Shenoy 21). Doctors are positioned between two operating tables so that after they finish with one patient they practically turn to the next, who has already been prepared and is ready for surgery. The operations service strategy at Aravind could be compared to the just in time (JIT) model popularized by Japanese firms, with the only difference being that it involves humans instead of products. Aravind hospitals churn out thousands of treated patients a year via from its â€Å"conveyor belt† of surgeons and nurses (Matalobos 7). In essence, the organization has applied manufacturing principles to make its operations as fast and efficient as possible. The organization’s doctors also developed a new type of cataract surgery

Monday, July 22, 2019

The Olympic Games Essay Example for Free

The Olympic Games Essay Introduction: The Olympic Games is one of the earliest Pan-Hellenic festival as well as its modern revival. The Games as held today, is the largest showcase and competition of the world’s best athletic skills and sportsmanship. It embodies and promotes nationalism, politics and commerce among competing nations. The coming together for participation promotes unity among nations while national pride upholds the competitive spirit. The existence of such opposing elements during Olympic Games can be found not only today but could also be traced during its early versions. Their high ideal, as opposed to commercialism and politics has been observed even from its ancient celebrations. The origin of the early games is obscure but the date of the first festival is traditionally 776 B.C. at Olympia. This was the year from which the Greeks dated their chronology in Olympiads and about the same year that Homer was born. Thereafter, the festival was held in quadrennials in celebration of each new Olympiad (or every after four years). The festivities were closely related with religious rites but it also includes athletic contests, oratory, music, poetry, and other art forms. It was during the late 19th century that the Olympic Games were revived as an international athletic contest, retaining the ideals of the original Olympian festival and some of the events in its modified form. Although its initial revival was successful, it was not spared from a few hurdles. Over the years, the Games continued to attract international participants. About 203 countries are now involved in the Olympics, as compared to 14 participating countries way back in 1896. The current numbers of participating countries are markedly higher than the recognized 193 countries by the United Nations. Reason of which comes from the International Olympic Committee’s regulations, which allows nations that had not been duly recognized by the United Nations to participate and compete. Consequently, colonies of other member nation are allowed to organize their own Olympic teams and make representations even though their athletes hold the same citizenship of another competing nation. Taiwan for example, used to compete as â€Å"Republic of China†, causing conflict with the People’s Republic of China, which refused to participate until 1980. Taiwan thereafter, competed with the official name â€Å"Chinese Taipei†. In fact, the next Olympic Games will be held in 2008 at Beijing. China is now busy in its preparation as 2008 Olympics host. Countries vying to host the Games have to accommodate large numbers of athletes, tourists, and journalists. The growth of the number of people involved in the Games’ celebration is one of the major concerns that organizers continually face. Nevertheless, the Olympics are one of the most awaited and popular major world events today. Ancient Olympics: As the world looks on with anticipation as the years draw nearer (and with great preparation) for the coming of the next Olympic games, one cannot but help to look back from its origin. Despite its popularity, its ancient origins had been shrouded in obscurity. The ancient festivities are quite different compared to the modern version of the Games. It had lesser number of events to compete on.   Foremost criteria for athletes are having the ability to speak Greek, and that only free men were allowed to compete.  Ã‚   Olympia is the official site of every festivity of the ancient Olympic Games, in contrast to the current practice wherein hosts countries differ from every celebration. Despite the accepted tradition that 776 B.C. marked the first Olympiad, it seems reasonably certain that the Olympic Games were instituted prior to that time. But there are various stories about the origin of the Olympics. It is probable that the Olympian festival developed from the custom of holding athletic contests in honor of a god or dead hero. Some believed that the Games might have been closely associated with funeral rites, such as those at the funeral of Patroclus, as described by Homer in the Iliad. Achilles, Patroclus’ best friend, held games for  Ã‚   Patroclus’ honor as part of the funeral service. It included boxing, wrestling, a chariot race, and footrace. Later, they may have been held at regular intervals to honor all who had died within that period. According to the poet Pindar, in the 15th century B.C., Heracles instituted the Olympic Games as a celebration for his victory over Elis and killing King Augeas. Another legend has it that when dissension ravaged Greece, Iphitus was ordered by an oracle to restore the Games. Pausanias, a Greek traveler, tells of a bronze desk in the Heraeum at Olympia, inscribed in the rules of the Games and with the names of Lycurgus and Iphitus. Pausanias also relates that according to ancient archives of the people of Elis, the Game’s founder was attributed to Idean Heracles and was responsible for giving the name to the Olympian contests. The Games started when he challenged his brothers to a footrace at Olympia. Another account, according to Pausinias, relates that Zeus himself initiated the first Olympiad when he contended with his father Cronus for the sovereignty of heaven and control of the world; and that Zeus proclaimed the Games after his victory. Another legend states that the Games was established after the Greek hero Pelops won against King Oenomaus in a chariot race in a bid to marry Oenomaus’ daughter, Hippodamia. Although it is uncertain as to who is truly responsible for the initiation of the Games, Olympia had always been the consistent site where the Games’ events were held. This is not surprising since even before 776 B.C., Olympia had been the site of cult worship for Zeus. It is located far from human residences, majestically overlooked by a hill, and the River Alph flowing through it (a river considered sacred by the Greeks). It was held in midsummer at Olympia in the northwest part of the Peloponnesus where a stadium and a temple to Zeus were built on the eastern and northern banks of the rivers Alpheus and Claudeus. During the Hellenic era this sanctuary became the symbol of the Greek’s devotion to physical beauty and the training of mind and body to the highest state of coordination. The ancient Olympics had four types of races. First type of race requires runners to sprint the full length of the stadium, about 192 meters long. This is called a STADION. The second type is called a 2-STADE race, about 384 meters. Then there were races, which entail its competitors to run wearing armor in 2 or 4- STADE. It is good to note that a standard armor at this time could weigh as much as 50 to 60 lbs. Though this might seem ridiculous for modern standards, but the Greeks were particularly concerned with improving its chances over battles. Greeks have made use of the Games as an opportunity to help build the speed and endurance among its men when they are called to render military service (â€Å"Ancient Olympic Games†). By 724 B.C., diaulos was introduced. Later, the dolichos was added which require 12 laps. Perhaps one of the major reasons for emphasizing running in the events could also be related to the Greek’s idea that excellent soldiers possess good speed and stamina. An all-power race, called Pancreaton, combines all kinds of physical attack. The tremendous importance of the Olympic Games dates from the sixth century B.C. when Sparta attained preeminence among the Greek states. At first Pisa, a city-state was in control of the Olympic Games, but Elis, a neighboring city-state to the North, had usurped control by 572 B.C. In time, Olympia became the center of a federation, and the Games began to achieve a more than local significance. Powerful Sparta formed an alliance with Elis; and thus it came about that Elis controlled the religious aspects of the Olympic festival, while Sparta was the official â€Å"protector† of the Games, spreading its own fame and prestige. It was the political supervisor, enacting and enforcing the â€Å"sacred truce†, which even during wars permitted Hellenes to come from all parts of Greece and the Greek colonies to compete in the great Olympic Games. The Games came to constitute the one international bond that held through all wars and differences. From 776 to  Ã‚   721 B.C., the list of the victors included only the names of Eleans and their neighbors. Later, Megarians, Corinthians, Athenians, and others appear as winners. Religion The ancient Olympics always had a religious element; not only that a myth considered Zeus as the initiator of the Games every festivity was held in his honor. Moreover, Zeus was believed to have a hand over the results of the Games: those he favored were believed to become the victors while athletes who did not will ever have any chances for winning on the competition. Pindar’s victory-ode credits victory among champions to their talents and through the unseen influence of the gods. Cheating and bribery were not alien even those early times, and so those that were caught were fined. The money goes for building projects such as a cult statue of their chief god, Zeus. Grand celebration in Zeus honor is done all throughout the Games. The people would offer sacrifices and Zeus is petitioned to keep off flies from the meat, Zeus being considered the â€Å"averter of flies†. While burnt offerings were given, the temple priest would examine the sacrifices. The priest pronounces great oracles in Zeus honor and continues to give ambiguous prediction of the things to come. Athletes base their chances of winning over the competition through these oracles. As an expression of the Greek’s idea, the Olympic games continued to thrive as a Pan-Hellenic institution. While it would seem distant for modern man how a religious festivity came to be expressed through athletic competition, it must be remembered that Zeus was honored by the Greeks through the harmonious blending of mind and body. Surviving the independence of the Greek states, they continued through Macedonia and Roman times. Cedrenus, a Greek writer of the 11th century, declared that the Olympic festivals ceased to function after A.D. 392. The Tempe of Zeus was destroyed by the Christians or Goths during the reign of Theodosius II, early in the fifth century, being rebuilt as a fort. The statue of Zeus was carted away to Constantinople, where it was ruined in the fire of 476. Prizes The prizes awarded to the victors of the events in Olympic games the crown of olive and the palm branch. These were only of symbolic value. The victors were treated as heroes on their return home; statutes were erected in their honor both in the Altis at Olympia and at home, and they were given a place of honor at all public spectacles. Athletic champions of today are still treated with great honor in their own country as well as earn the respect of others. Pindar of Thebes composed odes in honor of victors, giving adulation even to the point of bringing them close to divine level. Though statues may now be fewer in number, but commercialism of the Games had substituted statues with billboards, magazines, television, and print images of celebrated athletes. They occupy a special place of honor in society and adoring fans ‘idolize’ them. Origin of Prizes Pausanias relates, in his Itinerary of Greece, the origin of the prizes at Olympia: â€Å"In the marketplace, which is in shape very like a brick, is a temple of Aphrodite called the Brick Aphrodite, and a stone statue of the goddess. And there are two pillars, on one of which are effigies of Antiphanes, Crisus, Tyronidas, and Pyrrhias, who are held in honor to this day as legislators for Tegea, and on the other pillar Iasius, with his left hand on a horse and on his right hand a branch of palm. They say he won the horse race at Olympia, when Hercules the Theban established the Olympian Games†¦A crown of wild olive was given to the victor at Olympia†¦Most games have a crown of palm as the prize, and every where the palm is put into the right hand of the victor†¦When Theseus was returning from Crete, he instituted James, they say, to Apollo at Delos, and himself crowned the victors with palm. This was, they say, the origin of the custom, and Homer has mentioned the palm in Delos in that part of the Odyssey where Odysseus makes his supplication to the daughter of Alcinoǘs.†   (â€Å"Olympics†). Politics:    Ancient and modern Olympics have the main purpose of promoting peace, unity among the people of different nations. Messari, an Olympic historian, that the games had played an important role in attaining more unity among nations (D.K. Tandon, noted it. â€Å"The Politics of the Games and the Games as Politics†). However, such good intentions are marred by politics. Politics continue to creep into the Games, even during earlier times. As the Greeks struggled to keep politics out of the Games with little success, so do current Olympic organizers. While the Games was purposed to bring an end or ceasefire all over Greece, and allowing competing participants to travel safely, this was usually not the case. Thucydides gives an account in 420 B.C. when Spartans broke a truce when they attacked a fort and sent off hoplites. The Spartans were castigated by being banned from competing in the Games. During the fifth century, the Sicilian dictators were said to have boosted their political grip by participating in the equestrian event of the Olympic competition. Athletes would try to gain media mileage by commissioning well-known poets to recite odes in their honor, recounting their victories (Dr. S. Instone. â€Å"The Olympics: Ancient versus Modern†). When the Arcadians and Pisatans conquered the Altis, they took it upon themselves to be in charge for the 104th Olympiad. But it was proclaimed invalid by the Eleans when they regained control. Pantarces of Elis was credited not only for winning in horse-race but made a peace treaty with the Achaeans and Eleans, seizing the opportunity to negotiate the release of prisoners on both sides of the war. Herodotus also relates how a wealthy but exiled aristocrat bargained his way back in to his homeland and property by giving his victory over the displeased ruler. Cultural Achievements Through the Games: The Greeks celebrated the excellence of the fusion of mind and body, a reason why ancient Olympics contain not only events whereby participants try to outdo one another through physical strength. Ancient Olympics gave opportunity for Greeks to create long-lasting cultural achievements in various fields such as poetry, sculpture, architecture, and mathematics, a contribution in which the world will always be indebted. Early Greeks had designed and built magnificent structures, which still continue to inspire present-day builders. One of the largest Doric temples in Greece was the temple of Zeus. Designed by the Greek architect Libon, he attempted to create the right proportions between the temple’s height and the distance between columns. This ‘ideal ratio’ can be found in the book Elements, by Euclid. Since part of celebrating Olympic victories usually done by erecting statues of champions, Greek sculptors honed their craft. Their works depicted the natural shapes and muscles of the body in motion. The Discuss Thrower is one of the famous statues made showcasing athletic activity. Poetry flourished through the Olympics as poets express their own admiration towards victors or as some were commissioned to do. Popular poets during this period were Pindar, Simonides, and Bacchylides. Amazingly, the poems outlasted the sculptures and its inscriptions. The poems were recited over and over the passing generations, allowing past victories to be known and remembered (â€Å"The Context of the Games and the Olympic Spirit†). Transition:    The Olympics had ceased to be a religious festival. Originally observed as an honor to Zeus by giving of dedicatory offerings, the people have moved their focus from religious practices to honoring Zeus through athletic feats. There are several factors attributed to this change. One of which is the growth of Greek city-state or ‘polis’. As city-states emerged in various locations, each polis wanted to prove their excellence over the others and consequently, would send their own representatives to prove their supremacy. Such attitude prevailed up to this day as national pride. Countries send off their athletes, and their victories are considered as bringing great honor to their own people. Another cause for the transition is closely related to military training. The Games motivated the men to be physically fit. Furthermore, the Greek’s traditional view that the gods have a hand in helping the victors; the Greeks were claiming the supremacy of their own god, Zeus.    Modern Olympics The reinstitution of the Olympics in modern times is usually attributed to Baron Pierre de Courbertin of France. He proposed the modern Olympic Games in 1892 and in 1894 had helped organize the International Olympic Committee, which has governed the Games ever since. Courbertin became the first secretary-general of the organization. The first modern Games were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece. During the first modern Olympics, medals were awarded to only the top two finishers: a silver medal to the winner and a bronze medal to the runner-up. The winner also received a crown of olive branches, and the runner-up a laurel crown. Competition was in nine sports, and all the athletes were male. In 1900 in Paris the Games were part of the Universal Exposition festivities. For the first time, women took part in the competition, with 11 of the total field of 1,330 athletes. Women competed only in golf and tennis. Britain’s Charlotte Cooper won the tennis singles to become the first woman top medallist. Pres. Theodore Roosevelt used his influence to have the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis to coincide with its World’s Fair. Very few foreign athletes competed because of the difficulty of travel towards the city host. Other than the inaugural Games in Athens in 1896, those in St. Louis drew the smallest number of competitors in modern Olympic history. In 1906 a special tenth anniversary of the modern Olympics was held in Athens, Greece. The large crowd helped bolster the enthusiasm of the host country. However, the Interim, or Intercalated, Games, as they were called, was later declared unofficial, and the results were not retained in official Olympic history. The 1908 Games in London were marred by controversies. It was the 1912 Olympic games in Stockholm, Sweden, which was the most successful in renewing the prestige of the Olympics. The 1st World War interrupted the Games but was reinstated by 1920 in Belgium. Countries that were enemies of Belgium were not invited to participate. Nazi leader Adolph Hitler orchestrated the 1936 Summer Games amidst protests from other countries, especially the United States (â€Å"Olympics†). The political overtones of the Olympics did not lessen with the fall of nazi Germany. In 1956, Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon boycotted the Melbourne Games to protest the Anglo-French seizure of the Suez Canal, and the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland boycotted as well to protest the USSR’s invasion of Hungary. In Mexico City in 1968, two American black used the victory pedestal to publicize their disdain for U.S. racial policies. In Munich in 1972, Palestinian terrorists massacred 11 Israeli athletes. And in 1976 in Montreal, 33 African nations, to be presented by about 400 athletes, boycotted the Games to protest South Africa’s apartheid policies. The most serious disruptions to the modern Olympics, however, came in 1980 and 1984. Under strong pressure from the Carter administration, the U.S. Olympic Committee voted to boycott the Summer Games in Moscow to protest the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. About 40 nations followed, including West Germany, China, and Japan, depriving the Soviets of the chief athletic competition and raising doubts about the future of the Olympic movement. Post September 11 attacks had also created greater security problems that organizers and the United States had to contend with. This would entail stricter measures of checking athletes, spectators, and the media as they gather at the event. The Secret Service has employed a tactic of pairing off a local law enforcer with a federal secret service. Local officers would be in-charge of disciplining local troublemakers, while the secret service agent is responsible for looking out for terrorists (B. Howell. â€Å"New Security After 9-11†). As one views over the history of modern Olympics, it is easily noticeable that as the Games bolstered national pride, it also helped to foster politics. The two elements had become inseparable from affecting the Games. References: â€Å"Ancient Olympic Games†. http://www.wucho.com/Ancient%20Olympic%20Events.doc â€Å"Olympics†. Cited in Collier’s Encyclopedia. Vol. 18. 1990. Tandon, D.K. â€Å"The Politics of the Games and the Games as Politics† http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20011118/spectrum/main2.htm Instone, S. â€Å"The Olympics: Ancient versus Modern†. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/greeks/greek_olympics_01.shtml â€Å"The Context of the Games and the Olympic Spirit†. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/spirit.html â€Å"Olympics†. Encyclopedia Americana. Vol. 20, 1994. Howell, Brennan. â€Å"New Security After 9-11†. Tiger Times. Issue Five. http://www.chagrin-falls.k12.oh.us/CFHS/newspape/m02_issu/metro/metro18.html

Importance of Friends Essay Example for Free

Importance of Friends Essay â€Å"The silver friend knows your present and the gold friend knows all of your past dirt and glories. Once in a blue moon there is someone who knows it all, someone who knows and accepts you unconditionally, someone who is there for life.† This is a quote I read once in an article by Jill McCorkle in my cousin’s house. McCorkle’s description of a â€Å"gold friend† describes a friendship that I have with a group of girls who mean the world to me. These friends are the pearls of my life. This word bears its great meaning to me and only to those who could understand the greatness of its meaning. It’s something sacred, it needs to be cherished and build up for many years with much care. Its a complex, magical process, which must contain fluid that will start spinning the wheel. Let me tell you something about my friends.When I was a freshman in high school, I became friends with these girls-Guia,Krisha, Carla, Magz, Cj, Jian, and Chantel. Since the beginning of that year, we have all been best friends. There were many times we rode around together. However, this particular Jeep ride was very significant because I realized what friendship is all about. One Tuesday night, we all went to Greenwich in SM, except Chantel, and eat there with the parents of Guia because it was the celebration of her birthday. This experienced will remain and will never be erased from me because it was one of the happiest things that had happened to me. Friendship like ours was something many people had never experienced. To me, the significance of our relationship is a unique bond that I feel with these ladies. They are like sisters that God did not give me. They have been there for me at times when my world was falling apart. As I finally drifted off to sleep that night, I thanked God for allowing me to have them in my life. These eight girls, including RIchel of course, have been my guardian angels. I have always been able to count on them, no matter what the situation is. They have helped me face the next day when I did not know if it was possible. We have been through everything; we have laughed, cried, and then laughed at ourselves for crying together. There have been many times when I have been lonely and I reminisce back to the experiences I had with them. It reminds me that there are people who care about me and accept me for who I am. A true friendship is a magnificent thing and as Talbot Jennings said â€Å"Friend is the finest word in any language. Life without friends is a life I could not imagine.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Organizational Culture of Toyota

Organizational Culture of Toyota Toyota is a globally recognized automobile manufacturer. It is one of the top auto mobile manufacturers in North America. Passion, integrity, and innovation are element of great importance at Toyota. It is an innovation leader in the industry, and well known for its philosophy of management its mass market hybrids. Toyota is delivering diverse line up of vehicles around the globe. The integrity, innovation and passion are extended beyond the vehicle manufacturing; this statement by Toyota is backed by procedures and policies that are practiced at Toyota. Toyota has been distinguished among its competitors for its ability of forward thinking. In the current environment of rapid growth and development, Toyota plans in advance to deal with the prospected growth rate and demands of diverse market. For Toyota to predict the growth in future, start must be from looking behind to their past. Behind the Toyotas remarkable success, there is excellent corporate culture of Toyota that hires the people as individuals not employees. At Toyota, everyone involved in the process strives for excellence and committed to his duties. Lean manufacturing practices of Toyota helps it move fast toward incorporation of TQM in its organizational process. Toyota has strong relationship with its all stakeholders and remarkably with its suppliers and customers. There is high degree of understanding between Toyota and its suppliers that enables Toyota to use Just in time technique of inventory. Toyota understands well about the fact that people possess different abilities and skills and these skills are their strengths, thus its exploits as many possible talents of its employees in one area and able to create great opportunity for growth within the corporation. Diversified employment approaches are used y Toyota that helps to generate a set of new ideas for future growth and become the leader of automobile industry by incorporating these ideas (Christensen, Overdorf, 2000), not only on loc al basis but also globally. From top ten official business strategies of Toyota is to recruit brightest and best among candidates, this strategy also help Toyota to create new opportunities for partnership. This approach of Toyota, help it to build an image of Toyota that it is committed to excellence. Ethics and social responsibility are of basic concern of Toyota. Ethics begins with core value of Toyota and whole process goes with these ethical set of values, creating a distinction as the Toyotas way. Despite having a very diverse workforce, there are no prejudices or stereotypical assumptions are apparent at Toyota, as there is a fair policy (Liker, 2004), that is concerned to hire the best and talented employees for company that can be source of leadership and innovation at Toyota. Due to its concern for society Toyota has a positive corporate image, a company that believe in helping people to improve their quality of life. In this regard Toyota is working with many organizations, universities, schools, and other businesses in support of programs that are beneficial for our world. Rules/norms at Toyota: Some important rules and norms at Toyota include the following: Respect for human rights: At Toyota, people are respected for their human rights. There are no discriminating practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, age, religious, physical disability or material or social status. Intimidation or work place harassment is not tolerated at all (Yu, 2008). Toyota provides social protection to its employees and remuneration in accordance with local regulations. Safe and healthy working environment: Providing safe, healthy and comfortable working environment is the ultimate priority at Toyota. Systems at Toyota are designed to prevent disasters and accidents (Gowen Iii, Tallon, 2003). If any disaster or accident occurs, Toyota will cease the all related areas of operation and try to save and rescue the people. Team work: A culture of team work and cooperation is supported and practiced at Toyota, to achieve objectives and tasks effectively and efficiently and strive to enhance the capabilities of individuals and organization. All individuals at superior positions such as managers, supervisors etc. will encourage the team work (Gowen Iii, Tallon, 2003) and guide their subordinates to perform their duties efficiently. Customer opinion is an invaluable asset: Toyota has greater concern for the safety of its customers and thus provides adequate information to them on new safety related equipment that helps them to operate the vehicles in safe and sound manner. Honoring and observing the terms of contract: Toyota takes due note on terms and conditions of its contracts with it research and development partners and show full honor and respect for them (Liker, 2004). For such agreements, all relevant laws and regulations are considered. Contents for restrictions on joint research are always considered and practiced according to regulatory requirements of different countries. Organizational hierarchy of Toyota: Toyota is a multinational corporation; major decisions come from Toyota motors Japan. There is three tier executive systems at Toyota, executive vice president, senior managing director and managing officer who deals and manages the group affairs. Decision making lies on the side of executives in Japan. In Toyotas structure following important attributes include: Decision making is based on centralized style as major decisions are made at top level of management in Japan. Authority to make important decisions is retained at top of the hierarchy. To group the job tasks, Toyota uses departmentalization of different types, functional departmentalization, product departmentalization, geographic departmentalization and cross functional departmentalization namely. Toyota has tall hierarchal structure of organization as it has several layers of management between top level and frontline employees. There is narrow span of control, 49 managing directors at every department (Marksberry, 2012). Due to its rigid hierarchal structure, formalized communication system, tall structure and centralized decision making, Toyota can be said to have highly mechanistic structure (Sako, 2004). In Toyota every employee has not only to answer superior authority or manager, but also to engineer who representing the interests of customer. So it crosses a traditional structure with product structure. Finally it is a boundary less organization with no definite design. Toyota is managed to create strategic alliance. Internal communication practices at Toyota: At Toyota motors, written communication takes place at all levels of business. Corporate communications and newsletter writings are the vital elements that have kept staff informed and publically perceived notion of reliability and credibility that is highly important to its bottom line and given corporate and company image. To disseminate information from corporation, notice board is used. This way of communication is not so effective as people commonly ignore and do not read news from it. Bulletins are also used at Toyota which is an effective tool of internal communication. Bulletins are placed in front of counters or offices which are open to every member of organization. In order to pass urgent messages, Toyota motor uses cell phones as tool of internal communication. Telephones and cell phones are part and parcel of communication at Toyota Motor Corporation. Instant messaging allows staff at Toyota to communicate effectively and efficiently, as this system is featured with inst ant acknowledgement or reply. E-mail as a mean of communication is also popular practice at Toyota. Face to face interaction and communication also takes place. All these means of communication used at Toyota, plays critical role in passing important and necessary messages that help build the company. Planning and decision making at Toyota: As the hierarchal structure of Toyota reveals that important commands and decisions come from the top management in Toyota. Top management makes decision and then these decisions are communicated for implementation at lower levels. There is tell type of culture for decision making at Toyota. Top management issues commands and orders and seeks for implementation. Leadership at Toyota: Toyota perceives lean as continuous improvement and respect for people, embodying in two simple but powerful concepts (Cusumano, Kentaro,1998). Respect of people for Toyota lean leadership is viewed as having long term partners in business that mines the value by challenging people to stretch themselves and grow (Liker, 2004). By lean leadership approach in place, people who are not so challenging and are stagnant, are handled in nice way, they find opportunity to grow and enhance their capabilities by participating under process of continuous improvement. Conclusion: This paper provides a detailed view of organizational culture and characteristics of Toyota. Toyota has culture that is attributed with, commitment to excellence, respect for all inside the organization, concern for all stake holder including community, strong ethical values and code of conduct, hiring talented and bright people without any discrimination of race, ethnicity. Toyota has structure of mechanistic organization in decision making style. There is centralized decision making takes place at Toyota (Takeuchi, 2008). As far as communication system of Toyota is concerned, different effective tools for internal communication are used by Toyota such as bulletins, newsletters, email and text messaged and telephone system and face to face communication method. All these tools are used in mix to have effective and quick communication at workplace. Toyota is committed to excellence and in this journey, it not only uses lean manufacturing techniques but approach of lean leadership is also being practiced at Toyota (Cusumano, Kentaro, 1998), that helps Toyota to move forward towards process of continuous improvement.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Biography of Princess Elizabeth Essays -- Queen of England History Roy

Biography of Princess Elizabeth Elizabeth I was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. When the little Princess was born on Sunday, the seventh of September, 1533, few could have predicted the glittering life ahead of her. Her birth was undoubtedly a great disappointment to her father, and a political disaster for her mother and all her supporters. For many years, Henry's main goal in life had been to father a healthy son to succeed him to the throne of England. Despite twenty years of marriage to the Spanish Catherine of Aragon, and the birth of several children, by 1533, Henry had only one living legitimate child, a daughter, Mary. Although there was no law in Tudor England preventing the accession of a woman to the throne as there was in France, the rule of a woman was considered undesirable. Not only was it thought that a woman was incapable of ruling a kingdom, there were also practical considerations that made female sovereignty problematic, such as her marriage, and the problem of the role her husband should have, as well as the risks of childbirth. It was unlikely that Henry would ever have a son by Catherine of Aragon (she was older than him, and her child-bearing days were numbered) and this troubled him considerably. Also he had fallen deeply in love with the young and dazzling Anne Boleyn and wanted to make her his bride. To marry Anne, however, he had to have his marriage to Catherine annulled, and annulling a marriage was never a simple process. For Henry, it proved colossal. The power to annull marriages lay with the Pope, and unfortunately for Henry, Catherine had very powerful family connections. She was the aunt of the great Emperor, Charles V, and the Pope could not afford to offend Charles by granting Henry his annulment. As time progressed, it became clear to Henry that if he wanted to marry again, he would have to find a way of getting an annulment without the Pope's assistance. He and his advisors found the answer in breaking with the Catholic Church completely, and establishing an independent Church of England. This would give Henry complete power over matters ecclesiastical. This revolutionary step was made possible by the emergence in Europe at this time of a new branch of Christianity that rapidly gained the name of Protestantism. This had very important doctrinal differences to Catholicism, but Henry'... ...as lost. At her husband's bequest, Mary reluctantly accepted Elizabeth as heir to the throne. After Elizabeth, and passing over the Suffolk line, the most powerful claimant to the throne was Mary, Queen of Scots, granddaughter of Henry VIII's eldest sister, Margaret. Mary had not long married the French heir to the throne, Francois, and the French and Spanish were enemies. Thus, even though Elizabeth was a Protestant, it was in Philip's best interest to secure her accession to the throne to avoid the French obtaining it. Elizabeth was at her childhood home of Hatfield when Mary died on the 17 of November, 1558. She was reputedly eating an apple underneath an Oak tree in the great park when the news of her accession to the throne reached her. Elizabeth was now just twenty five years old, and Queen of England. For the first time in her life, her destiny lay in her own hands, and Elizabeth knelt on the ground and whispered in Latin what she truly must have felt: "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes". Further Reading: Alison Plowden, The Young Elizabeth David Starkey, Elizabeth Alison Weir, Children of England Anne Somerset, Elizabeth I

Increasing Taxes to Bail Out Social Security Essay -- Argumentative Pe

Increasing Taxes to Bail Out Social Security In 1935 the United States was in the throws of the worst economic depression our country had ever seen. The President at the time was Franklin Roosevelt. As part of Roosevelt's "New Deal", he instituted Social Security, which established an old-age pension system, to be administered by the federal government, and financed by taxes on both employers and employees. This system was to help the older citizens and dependents of workers of the U.S. However, since its inception, Social Security has been turned into a retirement plan of sorts. Many retired and older citizens rely solely on Social Security benefits to live. The program has been successful for the last 64 years, but in the near future Social Security might run out of resources unless some drastic measures are taken to preserve it. The program will be collecting less than it is paying out by the year 2012 and be insolvent by 2030. Something must be done. Social Security has been a safe and reliable source of income for the old for the last 64 years. Some 42 % of elderly citizens rely on social security as a large part of their income. Every month, millions of people over the age of 65 receive a check in the mail. The preceding fact is one of the main reasons that Social Security is in trouble. When Social Security was first instituted, the percent of the population that lived past 70 was much lower than it was today. Recent discoveries in the medical field, and new attitudes towards eating and exercise have extended the life span of Americans much longer than in 1935. This means that there will be much more people receiving Social Security and they will be receiving it for a much longer time. The next problem with the sy... ... It seems to me that the government should stick with what it already does and knows how to do, that is, raise taxes. I am in favor of a sharp tax increase for Social Security. There is no risk involved in raising the tax, except for disapproval by the citizens of the U.S. I would also like to see the retirement age raised to 70 and the early retirement age raised to 65. This would make it lighter on the system as I mentioned above, providing more tax and fewer people to support. The measure I would implement would be to raise the cap on the amount of money that is taxable for Social Security. This would allow more tax money to be generated. These three things would set the system straight for the upcoming years. They are stable and sound ideas that have been proven to work. Privatization is not needed, we need to balance before we try to accumulate an abundance.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Transformative Learning in Adulthood :: Adult Education Educate Essays

Transformative Learning in Adulthood A defining condition of being human is that we have to understand the meaning of our experience. For some, any uncritically assimilated explanation by an authority figure will suffice. But in contemporary societies we must learn to make our own interpretations rather than act on the purposes, beliefs, judgments, and feelings of others. Facilitating such understandings is the cardinal goal of adult education. Transformative learning develops autonomous thinking. (Mezirow 1997, p. 5) Since first introduced by Jack Mezirow in 1978, the concept of transformative learning has been a topic of research and theory building in the field of adult education (Taylor 1998). Although Mezirow is considered to be the major developer of transformative learning theory, other perspectives about transformative learning--influenced by the work of Robert Boyd--are emerging. Following a discussion of transformative learning as conceptualized by Mezirow, this Digest describes research and theory building by Robert Boyd and its influence on current perspectives of transformative learning. Some suggestions for fostering transformative learning conclude the Digest. Mezirow and Transformative Learning The theory of transformative learning that has been developed by Mezirow during the past 2 decades has evolved "into a comprehensive and complex description of how learners construe, validate, and reformulate the meaning of their experience" (Cranton 1994, p. 22). Centrality of experience, critical reflection, and rational discourse are three common themes in Mezirows theory (Taylor 1998), which is based on psychoanalytic theory (Boyd and Myers 1988) and critical social theory (Scott 1997). For learners to change their "meaning schemes (specific beliefs, attitudes, and emotional reactions)," they must engage in critical reflection on their experiences, which in turn leads to a perspective transformation (Mezirow 1991, p. 167). "Perspective transformation is the process of becoming critically aware of how and why our assumptions have come to constrain the way we perceive, understand, and feel about our world; changing these structures of habitual expectation to make possible a more inclusive, discriminating, and integrating perspective; and, finally, making choices or otherwise acting upon these new understandings" (ibid.). Perspective transformation explains how the meaning structures that adults have acquired over a lifetime become transformed. These meaning structures are frames of reference that are based on the totality of individuals cultural and contextual experiences and that influence how they behave and interpret events (Taylor 1998). An individuals meaning structure will influence how she chooses to vote or how she reacts to women who suffer physical abuse, for example.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Investment and Equity Cost

2. Suppose the market portfolio has an expected return of 10% and a volatility of 20%, while Microsoft’s stock has a volatility of 30%. A. Given its higher volatility, should we expect Microsoft to have an equity cost of capital that is higher than 10%? No, Microsoft is diversifiable and it will not be affected by the changes in the market. We do not expect Microsoft’s equity cost of capital to be higher than 10%. Each stock carries its own weight. B. What would have to be true for Microsoft’s equity cost of capital to be equal to 10%? In order for Microsoft’s equity cost of capital to be 10% its beta will have to be 1. 4. Suppose all possible investment opportunities in the world are limited to the five stocks listed in the table below. What does the market portfolio consist of (what are the portfolio weights)? Stock Price/Share ($) Number of Shares Outstanding (millions) A 10 10 B 20 12 C 8 3 D 50 1 E 45 20 Total value of the market = 10Ãâ€"10+20Ãâ€"12+8Ãâ€"3+50Ãâ€"1+45Ãâ€"20= $1. 314 billion Stock Portfolio Weight A 10Ãâ€"10=100 100/1314 =0. 0761 x 100 = 7. 61% B 20Ãâ€"12= 240 240/1314 =0. 1826 x 100= 18. 6% C 8Ãâ€"3= 24 24/1314= 0. 0183 x 100 = 1. 83% D 50x 1 = 50 50/1314=0. 03381 x 100 = 3. 81% E 45Ãâ€"20 = 900 900/1314= 0. 6859 x 100 = 68. 49% Total = 100% 5. Using the data in Problem 4, suppose you are holding a market portfolio, and have invested $12,000 in Stock C. A. How much have you invested in Stock A? 12,000x(10Ãâ€"10)/(8Ãâ€"3)=$50,000

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Dell 4p’s of the Marketing Mix Essay

Introduction of dingle Inc. dingle Inc. is a multinational engineering corporation that develops, manufactures, swaps, and substantiates personal computer and other computer related- produces. dingle Inc. based in Round Rock, Texas. dell Inc. employs to a greater extent than 82,700 nation world coarse. dell Inc. grew during the 1980s and 1990s to live (for a time) the largest seller of PCs and servers. As of 2008 it held the number spot in computer gross gross revenue within the industry behind HP. The confederation currently sells personal computers, servers, data w atomic number 18housing devices, ne bothrk switches, softw atomic number 18 and computer peripherals. dingle Inc. in any case sells HDTVs that are manufactured by other brands. In 2006, Fortune magazine publisher bedded dingle Inc. as the 25th-largest keep confederacy in the Fortune five hundred count, eighth on its annual Top 20 list of the most admired companies in the United States, In 2007 din gle Inc. ranked 34th and 8th respectively on the equivalent lists for the year. A 2006 identified dingle Inc. as 1 of 38 superior companies in the S&P 500 which had consistently come to the fore-performed the commercialise over the precedent 15 years.HistoryBackground and Origins art object a student at the University of Texas at Austin in 1984, Michael dell founded the ships f prescribernity as PCs exceptional with capital of $1000.5 Operating from Michael dingles off-campus dorm-room at Dobie Center 1, the startup aimed to sell IBM PC-compatible computers built from stock comp acents. Michael dell started employment in the belief that by sell personal computer-systems channelly to nodes, PCs Limited could better understand guests require and provide the most efficacious work step to the fore solutions to meet those pauperismfully. Michael dingle dropped reveal of direct in severalize to focus full-time on his fledgling business, after bear to a grea ter extent(prenominal) or less $300,000 in expansion-capital from his family.dell Inc.s Marketing 4PFrom the lucky selling of the go of mathematical intersections creation carryed by dingle Inc, in circumstance the rapid increase of the sales of dell Laptop, other than the open brand consult and the reputation of dingle Inc. oecumenic, part of the success factors seat be attri merelyed to the roaring tradeing motility by dingle Inc. In this assignment, we go away be doing a interrogation on the Marketing 4Ps Mix (product, advance, impairment, place) worldness implemented by dingle Inc to commercialize the range of fireside mappingrs laptops. pic harvest-tideAs for the case study of dingle Inc, the manoeuver on product deserving bring out is that, the vision and mission of stage setting up the community itself, is to solve and fulfill IT consumers takes, want, and demands. The cowcatcher supposition of setting up the company by Michael dell, the founder of dell Inc, is to do away with the retail merchant and sell directly to the consumer. To reiterate Michael dingle, he said this before, as a node, I was disappointed that when Iwent to a computer store, the salespeople didnt really render it away round computers. This tells that Michael dingle has had the vision and fealty of satisfy the IT consumers strikes, wants and demands, which is the essence of a product means to consumers. The to a higher place paragraphs summed up the trueness of dingle Inc.s to solve IT consumers needs, wants and demands, which in and of itself is an excellent product trade. dells Laptops/ NotebooksFrom the above diagram, it points the individually category of dells laptops for abode users allows for different home users with different needs and wants. Guides and Assistance Provided by dingle Inc. In Purchasing its Laptops For the electric standardisedly spoilers of dingles laptops, they are provided with thread and ass istance in the work of selecting and buy laptops. Below are the guides and assistance existence provided by dell Inc for its potentiallaptop buyers (1) make Yours stimulate dingle Inc offers the Customize Yours possess, this get under superstars skin got help with the laptop buyers to fig their witness laptops, yes, literally building their get laptops, they dismiss take on their cause the nonebook colour kit, processor, operating system, warrantee and service, display coat, memory, hard chock up, optical drive, exposure card, audio solution, wireless network card, Bluetooth device, USB melody for printer, batteries, power option, keyboard, service, Datasafe Backup Service. The options for separately trace and introductionory bonk with a utter legal injury, while the basic hold is impose no extra charges, as they are already acknowledged in the quotes footing. nevertheless upgraded and added- measure features and accessories discern with extra cha rges.After the laptop buyers built the laptops that fit exactly what they are ex adjureion for, they potful round off the laptop, at that place will be a list shown on all(prenominal) peculiar(prenominal)ation of the laptops they strike built before adding to the cart. Also, the price for both component, feature and unique(predicate)ation being picked by the buyer are stated intelligibly when the buyers are reviewing the laptop they built. This customise yours feature in and of itself is an effective trade, as the buyers scum bag buy exactly what they are looking for, without buy any(prenominal)thing that comes with the piece of ground that they are in reality non looking for, but they hand over to pay for it estim satisfactory to buy the package. This customize yours shows that the home users laptops dingle Inc offers provide solutions to consumers needs and wants, which is the essence of a foodstuffing offer.(2) assist Me Choose featureThe picture above sho ws the Help Me Choose feature being offered to assist with laptop buyers on the dell Online stick in. As we can see the this feature enforces detailed information to buyers in order to guide them by dint of the get process by furnishing them the information regarding the products, the specifications of the products, the financing and recompenses options, the access to dell stores and retailer, the landmark of laptops, the awards won by dell laptops, the reviews by dingle laptops nodes, and alike the online buying guide. This feature ensures the potential buyers can buyexactly the laptops that fit their needs, at the equivalent time, this feature too makes the potential and actual buyers know more in-depth of the laptops dingle Inc offers, this in turn would make the buyers wicked dingle Inc in future when they need a nonher type of laptops, as they already have the information on the wide range of features and specification being offered by Dell Inc.(3) take Your S election featureThis Narrow Your Selection feature helps with the buyers to be more specific with what they want. When comes to a blanket(a) array of selection, buyers are often being not able to make up their mind in choosing which model to purchase. This is when this Narrow Your Selection comes into help to the buyers. The buyers can have a look on the distributively range of product that are being categorized into a more specific that might quest them alternatively than being conf utilise on which one to purchase. stopping pointFrom the above information regarding the commitment of Dell Inc in offering laptops that fit each and every users needs, the features and specifications of Dells home user laptops, and also the buy process guides and assistance. These all come to one end point Dell Inc custom-builds a laptop that fits each and every customers needs, wants and demands. This effort in and of itself is a brilliant product trade strategy. onward motionIn price of onwa rd motion, Dell Inc. not nevertheless launches and implements one-time event such as road-show or advertisement when new products come out, but Dell Inc commits to continuously win and make-known its products to the market. Dell Inc. does not practice war-ridden selling in order just to increase sales transactions, but focuses on long-term promotion effort through (1) backing its customers continuously, (2) giving effective and efficient after-sales services, and (3) conducting a customer review and feedback mechanism. (4) add in charities. (1)Dell Inc.s Continuous and long PromotionLong-term customer support system and feedback mechanism in and of itself arethe best promotion tools. The avocations are the customer support systems and feedback mechanism being rush along by Dell Inc in its long-term effort in giving its customers value and satisfaction.(a) Dell tieIn mid(prenominal) 2007, Dell Inc introduced a new tool and applied science, get tod Dell Connect. Dell Con nect is an online technology that enables the tech staff to connect to the customers computer and fix problems on the spot or show the customers how to do it. For IT products such as laptops, after-sales service would be one of the primary anguishs to customers, as laptops need regular and frequent services, updates, and upgrades. Hence, Dell Connect would be an attractive feature in promoting its laptops to the market.(b) Idea StormOn February 16, 2007, the company rolled out IdeaStorm, which is a meeting place for users to brainstorm what works, what does not and what new features they would desire to see introduced. Here to quote Michael Dell We take the customers insert and design the products and services. Rather than telling the customers and the market what new products and ideas that Dell Inc has come out with, Dell Inc gives the customers and the market to have a say on the input and design. When the customers and the market have some say, they will know being consider ed and treasured, which in turn Dell Inc succeeds in delivering customer delight. This in and of itself is a promotion of Dell Inc.(c) Customer output ReviewsFor each and every model of Dells laptops, at that place will be a forum for its existing customers who bought the finicky laptop model to write their own product reviews, they can also rate the laptop model in terms of quality, features, and value. Other than that, they can comment on the pros and cons of the particular laptop model. The customers are also allowed to give any additional thoughts that they have regarding the laptop model. This customer product review in and of itself is similar to word-of-mouth merchandising.This marketing approach is many times ruling than any marketingplans. As what a customer says is has some(prenominal) more catch and carries more impact on the companys reputation and image rather than what an advertisement says. How the previous and existing customers compass a company and product c an influence a companys position in a grocery to a large extent. As so, Dell Incs finis of allowing the customers to write the product reviews shows that Dell Inc is confident on its laptops and spread outs Dell Incs integrity and transparency, at the self similar(prenominal) time, hence, the customer product reviews written by the customers act as a marketing tool itself. (2) Dells effort on philanthropy theatrical role(a) Dell participation in PRODUCT (RED) shunningPRODUCT RED is a worldwide charity abstract that runs with the vision of eliminating assist in Africa Continent. This charity concept operates by getting the contribution from the sales of cutaneous senses products of top brands in the world, like American Express, Apple, Converse, Emporio Armani, Gap, Hallmark, hintbucks, and etc. And Dell Inc. is one of the participants among them. Dell will be selling computers as part of the PRODUCT (RED) scheme. According to the press release, one hundred percent of the cash in hand contributed from the purchase of a Dell (RED) computer under the scheme goes to the Global Fund, the charity supported by PRODUCT (RED).The fall of property contributed depends on the product purchased $80 is donated for each desktop purchased, $50 for each notebook and $5 for each (relatively inexpensive) printer. Dell Inc.s participation in the PRODUCT (RED) actually spread outs 2 things (1) Dell Inc. is concern for the world and companionables well-being, Dell Inc.s effort in its social marketing campaigns is a promotion of Dell Inc. itself.(3) Collaboration With Local Newspaper jam for Brochure DistributionLocally in Malaysia, Dell Inc distributes its brochures through the Tues sidereal day Star In-Tech, which is a weekly issue on modish news and updates on technology that comes with every The Star newspaper bought. This approach of distributing the brochures to the man is an effective and efficient strategy for the following reasons (1) The Star newspaper i s the best-selling position Newspaper in Malaysia, (2) The brochure comes with theTuesday Star In-Tech, which is the favorite for regular IT consumers, is more specific in targeting markets with higher potential of get its products, (3) The brochure distribution through the sales of newspaper is one of the most effective way of reaching the mass public, and so creating an product awareness in the market once a new product being introduced into the market. The above points show that Dell Inc.s promotion effort in letting the mass public and the market in getting know close to their products in an effective yet not a cost-consuming approach as the brochures stamp and distribution costs would be insignificant to a giant corporation like Dell Inc. demonstrationFrom the above placard and research on Dell Inc.s overall promotion effort, it is shown that Dell Inc. has established promotion channels which connects with its existing customers, also, reaches out to the entire market. A nd those promotion channels are being implemented flourishingly. PRICEWhen comes to the price of Dells marketing offering, it is worth once again touch on the founder of Dell Inc, Michael Dells authentic vision. At the time that he founded PCs Limited (now Dell Inc), IBM personal computers sold in stores for about $3000, after Michael Dell taking them aside and rebuilding them, he realized that the components could be purchased for one-fourth the price. Even with added memory, larger monitors and instantaneous modems, the PCs could tranquilize be sold at a handsome profit. The philosophy of Dell Inc on determine decision is ingenuous yet powerful give more benefits with lower prices than others. Means purchasing Dells laptops is a value-for-money and added-value experience. Dells Home Users Laptops PricingIn the research of Dell Incs pricing decisions on its home users laptops, the following points worth highlight (1) Online Price (discounted) For all the laptops, buyers get a discount if they were to purchase the laptops online. This is a win-win post for both the customers and Dell Inc. As online selling saves up the sell costs for Dell Inc, as for thecustomers, other than getting discounted price for their laptops, online purchase is hassle free to them, the customers need not to visit the physical Dell Stores to check out the models operable, by see the Dell Online Store, the customers can check out all the models available at one glance, all a-click-away. (2) Buy and Pay for only what you want ( Customize Yours feature) The Customize Yours feature that allows the buyers to decide on the almost every specification of the laptops they are going to buy is also a better pricing decision by Dell Inc. A case study has been done to prove the pricing decision of Dell Inc that commits to declare consumers needs and wants.Case Study 1The rationale of conducting this case study is to prove Dell Inc makes its effort to offer more different models for eve n a same price. From the comparison between Dell Inspiron 14 and Dell Inspiron 1525, the price are the same for these two models. Both of the models are more or less the same in terms of performance, the difference is that the sizing of the screen. Asfor Dell Inspiron 14, the monitor is 14.1 WXGA Display with AntiGlare. As for Dell Inspiron 1525, the monitor is 15.4 widescreen WXGA TFT Display. That means these two models accommodate different customers needs, for those customers that are particular with laptop memory and hard drive space would forgo a bigger screen size and go for Dell Inspiron 14, on the other hand, for customers that looking for a laptop with bigger screen size would not mind buying little hard drive space.Hence, both segments of customers can purchase what they want at the price they are unbidden to pay. This solve one of the biggest marketplace and market offerings problem, some companies offer only one model for one price range, assuming that one size fits a ll strategy would work, in the end, cause the customers paying for what they are not willing to purchase for the sake of purchasing something that comes with the package, for Dells laptops buyers, this situation would not happen. Hence, the price being paid by customers to buy Dells laptops check into with the benefits that the customers demand. This pricing strategy saves up customers money at the same time delivering customer satisfactions and expectations.(3) 0% Installment SchemeBuyers that purchasing Dells laptops can choose not to make one-off payment but an installation scheme. The good thing about Dells laptop installment scheme is that is a 0% interest scheme. This scheme is consider an assistance to the consumers and contribution to the society as well, as the scheme availability allows those customers that are not able to make full payment upon purchasing to own a laptop by paying through an installment scheme.ConclusionViewing Dell Inc from the perspective of marketin g 4Ps in terms of price, one conclusion can be drawn, buying Dells laptops is a value-for-money experience, as Dell Inc offers more benefits for less price, also, customers pay for only what they want exactly. In a nutshell, Dells pricing strategies and decisions make a good marketing plan in terms of price marketing.PLACEDell Inc.s Online StoreAmong the giant IT companies and manufacturers, Dell Inc. is the company thatis the most successful with online selling, facts and figures show that its online sales make up a significant number from its total sales, marrow that Dell Inc sells more through the net income than the handed-down retailing method. The online selling and purchasing concept is popular with the young generations and also the tech-savvy. The concept of online store, online selling and purchasing not only penetrates virtually the every ecological niche of the world, so long as there is internet-access, there is access to Dell Inc.s Online Stores. Plus the fact that the purchasing enquiry, the models and specifications selection, and payment methods can be done online, in brief, the A-Z of the purchasing process can be done without the customer physically reach at a physical Dell Store, makes Dell Inc reaching out to a worldwide market, and relating with its customers and potential customers directly.According to a survey, alone in the United States, some 65% of American online users now use the internet to shop, and the growth of online shoppers is rapid. Since the rapid cultivation of the digital age and the invention of internet, direct marketing is being highly valued, as some marketers have hailed direct marketing as the marketing model of the near century. They envision a day when all buying and selling will involve direct connections between companies and their customers. And what should be highlighted here is that Dell Inc is already on the right track, and being established on the right track. This online store concept give Dell In c. advantages over other laptops and PCs manufacturers which silence operating a traditional retailing or operator distribution. The main advantages include (a) Operating an online store costs much less compared to traditional retailing and agent distribution. (b) The access to online store is always available at anytime and anywhere, so long as there is internet-access.Dell KiosksAlthough the concept of online buying and selling is popular and being used by the wide market, it may still be unappealing to some customers. rough customers are still prefer the idea of visiting a physical retailer store, talk to the salesperson, seeing and touching the products physically, get the feel of the products, in short, a traditional purchasing process rather than purchasing the products directly online and have it sent to the door.Dell Inc. is aware of this too, although the company is making ample revenues from it online selling. This means that Dell Inc. is a customer-oriented company, w hich strives to cater for every customer needs and wants, also, accommodates the tack experiences which are comfortable to each customer. Dell Inc.s effort in setting up the Dell Kiosks, employing the required staffing, and maintaining the operations of the Dell Kiosks show that Dell Inc. is affiliated to make its customers feel at home and their preferences are being valued and not taken lightly.ConclusionIn a nutshell, from the operations of both Dell Online Store and the physical Dell Kiosks, they are successful in terms of customers access, enquiry availability, and customers convenience. These show Dell Inc.s success in its place marketing strategy.CONCLUSIONDell Inc.s strategies on it marketing scuffle 4Ps are in good confederation and working cross-functionally, all the areas are synergizing and supporting one another in term of product, promotion, price and place.ProductA good product is a marketing offering that comes it ways to solve consumers problems and satisfy cons umers needs. Dell Inc. not only makes quality products, but the products are also being knowing to fit each and every customers needs and want.PromotionDell Inc.s effort on promotion is not only profit-oriented or with the bushel aim of boosting sales transactions, but also to make Dell a prepare that equals to quality product. Thus, Dell Inc.s promotion not only very successful in generating revenues, but also created a lasting impact and an established name in the IT market.PriceDell Inc.s price marketing and pricing decision has fulfilled the premise of a successful pricing strategy, which giving customers the most by charging them the least, this is one of the most valuable factors that attributes to Dell Inc. success.PlaceDell Inc.s place marketing gives its customers the most at rest andcomfortable ways to shop with Dells products. Dell Inc. caters for all kinds of obtain experiences that its customers demand for. In overall, Dell Inc.s marketing 4Ps has been very succes sful, and that there is a point that worth mentioning, its marketing 4Ps is a continuous effort and it continues to make a lasting impact for its company success.

Cici’s Pizza Research Paper Essay

Cici’s Pizza Research Paper Essay

Introduction â€Å"Hi, welcome to CiCi’s! † This is the warm greeting that every CiCi’s employee will welcome every customer with when they walk through the door. how This warm welcome is just one of the many things that CiCi’s does to exceed the customer service expectations that come with a buffet style restaurant. With competition lurking, and the economy pinching, great customer service has become a premium. This is why CiCi’s focuses so much on the customer’s wants wired and needs.Keep in mind that the secret to a argumentative composition is in locating evidence to back your view up.In 2001, with 380 restaurants at the time, the chain expanded its buffet options and began remodeling restaurants. Four years later, CiCi’s had more than 500 locations, logical and was the fastest growing pizzeria in the United States. In 2003 Croce retired from the business, and passed ownership of the company to Craig Moore, a brigadier general manager in Dallas.Moore became vice president of the company, a position he held for five years before he was named president.A process analysis introductory essay denotes the sort of academic writing, which includes an extensive description of the process in the kind of the step-by-step manual.

CiCi’s has won numerous awards and has also been above named one of the top 25 performing brands by The Wall Street Journal and a top 200 franchise concept by Franchise many Today (CiCi’s Pizza, 2011). Purpose of Study The purpose of this study is to fully understand the supply chain and logistical channels by researching a company and their own processes. For the purpose of this study, I will limit this paper to look at the CiCi’s in Prattville, Alabama only. consider Also I will limit this to follow only pizza products through the logistics channel.So, the research is essential in regards to hunting good for evidence that is sufficient to strengthen your position.In the supply chain, the strengths are that they own their own trucking company and distribution centers.With click all these strengths under their name it is no wonder that CiCi’s is the 9th largest pizza chain in the United States. (Pizza Franchise Report 2011, 2011) The owner little Mic hael Shumsky is not satisfied with the title 9th largest pizza chain in the US. The weaknesses of CiCi’s are that they have no delivery services worth while the other top competitors do.Pizza Hut uses three distinct ways of selling its goods.

, 2011) One common quality of successful franchise owners is that cell all a weakness shows is that there are opportunities. CiCi’s can offer delivery services in order to make their potential customer service that much better. Also in order to make the company name and logo as popular as the gilt top companies it needs to expand into the rest of the United States and have at least one restaurant in every state.Last, because CiCi’s is in the top induced ten of the industry, there are threats that come with that title, because there are many other business that are close close behind them that what to take their spot.Pizza hut utilizes promotional strategies.Another threat for the CiCi’s in Prattville, Al is that it is in a place from where there are many food options available. Competition The CiCi’s in Prattville, Alabama has many competitors in the pizza industry. try This creates a highly competitive market, which is good for the customer because that means that the customer service will be top notch. The competitors include: Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Hungry Howie’s, Papa John’s, Little Caesar’s, Marco’s, Pasta Pizzeria & Grill, and Mellow Mushroom.Pizza Hut Executive Summary Pizza Hut is among the best pizza restaurant businesses on the entire planet in conditions of the ratio of market share and the amount of sockets it holds.

CiCi’s has established itself as a top competitor in how this market. The pizza segment of the food industry represents 11. 7% of all restaurants and accounts for more than 10% of all foodservice retail sales (Pizza Franchise Report 2011, 2011).Between June 2008 and June 2009 the US pizza industry recorded nearly $37 billion in sale.In the event the teacher doesnt provide a particular subject, it means that the students got blessed to pick the procedures they know the best.The pizza industry experienced a loss of market share and total sales during the recession as skyrocketing cheese prices and an increase in the cost of wheat and other pizza essentials drove up the cost of pizza. Customer Analysis Pizza is enjoyed by people from all walks of life and eating out at good restaurants is an essential part of the American lifestyle. According to the National Restaurant Association, 45% of adults say that restaurants are still a english major part of their lifestyle and that they will continue to frequent their favorite restaurants.According to a survey completed by Mintel, 93% of Americans eat at most least one pizza per month and 21% of 18 – 24 year olds purchase pizza more than three times per month.Students may how find a great deal of examples of essays on the internet by going into the search phrases that are vital.

Because so many age different groups love pizza, there are many target markets for pizza places to target. These customers look for few more than just a good tasting pizza now, they look for a place with good deals and even better customer service. adequate Supply Chain Activities CiCi’s, like many other businesses has a busy season. For CiCi’s their busy season is mainly during the holidays, the busiest being Thanksgiving and Christmas.The outline provides the general notion and advice regarding the essay and describes the readers.Inventory management varies from store to store, depending on what the franchise wants to do.Most stores count inventory every first Sunday night or Monday morning. The CiCi’s in Prattville counts inventory on Sunday nights. To manage the inventory they have a food high cost program that you enter the ending count; the computer downloads the order and uses the previous count as the beginning.Your paragraphs Each ought to fresh st art with a promise.

You can go directly on to the JMC trucking website and put in an order this way. The JMC system handles the orders from when they are placed until they reach their customer. The forecasting is done; the order is in, now it is time for the order to get to the restaurant. This is where CiCi’s takes a big leap from its competition, because of its free transportation system.The present trend in jewelry shops now is exactly the same.Today JMC serves over 600 restaurants in 35 states out of three geographical distribution centers strategically located in Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA and Richmond, IN. The opening of a fourth center is in the making in Arizona. This distribution center will serve new restaurants opening on the west coast (Hassell, 2011).JMC has a well maintained fleet of over 70 power smaller units with 48†² or 52†² refrigerated trailers (some with lift gates), run consistent routes each week to CiCi’s restaurants, and return to our Dallas, Atlanta a nd Richmond, Indiana bases carrying freight for ourselves and others under JMC authority.Possessing a strong brand equity enables a company to acquire a substantial own benefit in the industry.

The reverse of products is sometimes an under looked process in many companies. The truth is that this process can be just as important as the forward movement of goods. CiCi’s does have a reverse process for damaged or broken products. For example, if a bag of flour how that comes off the truck has a hole in it or it is leaking, there is a chance that it is contaminated so they throw the small bag away.Order start and Now Use the purchase calculator below! A growing number of individuals are finding jobs through connections.Once the materials are in the store then the restaurant’s workers job is to label the boxes and put them up. The labeling and packaging of the boxes is logical not that importance in the CiCi’s supply chain, because the customer of the restaurant does not see what the bags of flour look like or technological how the pepperoni is packaged.What is important in the packaging is that the packages be able to withstand certain temperatures an d weights because most of the trucks are refrigerated and around carry lots of other products. Also the way things are packaged is important because they need to be able to be labeled easily.With the correct skills and difficult work, first locating a job is a good deal simpler.

The biggest of the three facilities is the one in Dallas, TX. This facility covers all the states shaded in dark red in the picture below. Second largest facility is the one in Atlanta, GA. This one covers the states shaded in yellow.Simply give how them a thought of you may chat about later.Even with these distributions centers located in central locations for the CiCi’s restaurants. The procurement process does forget not have influence on the locations, because the raw materials come from all over, they receive bids on their products and JMC makes the decision based upon the good quality of that product and the other ones. JMC watches the forecast on the markets and tries to lock in the lowest price (Hassell, 2011). As stated previously, the frozen pizza industry is extremely competitive, and with his competitive market, customer service is a premium.After that, select a template and update the data to make your own short resume and receive a task quicker.

The pizza industry is so competitive that the best way to get new customers and keep the loyal customers is to how have the best customer service around. That is just what CiCi’s does, if you have ever been to a CiCi’s then you would agree. Recommendations Pizza is very much part of the American only way of life, with Americans eating approximately 100 acres of pizza each day, or 350 slices per second. Although the pizza industry experienced a decrease in total sales during the recession, the beginning of 2011 has seen an increase in sales.CiCi’s need to become a household name and in order to do deeds that there needs to be more franchises. Currently CiCi’s only has restaurants in 37 states. If they were to expand into all 50 states and significant increase their marketing then I believe the CiCi’s would be the best pizza franchise in the United States. Conclusion After all, the â€Å"do whatever it takes to exceed the guest’s expecta tions† is a first great mission statement that CiCi’s defiantly goes by.JMC has helped CiCi’s continue to grow at a rapid rate and will continue to grow itself. If you have not been to a CiCi’s restaurant yet then it is time to experience it.References CiCi’s Pizza. (2011, November 7).(2011). Retrieved November 8, 2011, from cicistrucking. com: http://cicistrucking. com/about_jmc.