Research Papers

E. W. Clay’s Life in Philadelphia Series During the 1830’s, among the antislavery protest, freeborn blacks of Philadelphia represented the wealthiest and most educated group of African Americans in the country. They established their own schools, churches, and even a social order. Associated to the cultural and social economic status, African American clubwomen of Philadelphia were greatly ridiculed in racially prejudiced cartoons such as E. W. Clay’s popular â€Å"Life in Philadelphia† series. E. W.Clay was inspired to make these series by George and Robert Cruikshank who had published a â€Å"Life in London† series. His late 1820s feature series â€Å"Life in Philadelphia† fight with who African Americans could be in the social world; a world that relied on race and slavery as powerful signs of inequity. His response was brutally racist: in Philadelphia, those African Americans who took on the frills of urban life were strained and out of p lace. Clay’s analysis came in the form of fourteen engraved plates, a series that was one part observation, one part artistry, and one part imagination.Clay’s series presented American spectators a cruel portrayal of black figures that offered an exaggeration in overdressed clothing and proportions, awkward poses, and thus failed to measure up to the demands of freedom and citizenship. In Clay’s cartoons, not only was their style being ridicule but their language as well. In his 1828 â€Å"Is Miss Dina at home? † cartoon he mocks the person by declaring that an African American with a business card is simply a laughable concept. Blackness, as illustrated by Clay, provided his free black subjects mistaken aspirants, were always controlled by incomparable distinction.Clay’s varieties of drawings were inspired by the way some of the African American women had started to carry themselves out. They added a touch of certain things, that perhaps were not permissible by their society, and it made them give the impression trying to be different. They might have imitated their middle-class etiquette and their ways of life, but they always overreached, or as one of Clay’s characters put it, â€Å"aspire too much†. This series of cartoons were an observation that everything they did was taken as a joke.Clay was not the only American caricaturist active during the Jacksonian era, but he was the first American artist to specialize in political caricature. His work was pointed towards African Americans; therefore in the south it was pointless for southern whites to purchase these images. The south already had slavery and was establishing social perimeters. Nevertheless, many people still bought his cartoons. The early success of Clay’s images is example to his ability to tap into the nations fears and appeal with the dilemma on slavery and in abolition.His â€Å"Life in Philadelphia† etchings mocked the fancy dre sses, their manners, and dialects of Philadelphians, white and black. Today these images are often used as basic examples of discrimination against blacks. However, an inspection shows humorous, theatrical pictorial satire, grounded in Philadelphia culture just before the rise of the Abolition Movement. Clay’s work shows that he reserved that right to comment on events and personalities regardless of political affiliation as well as the right to change his mind on issues. Although Clay’s point of view varies from topic to topic, he did not always follow a party line in his caricatures.

True Grit

Ronnie Simonson Mrs. Brown W-2 2-26-11 The Analysis of Baseball A very famous author and poet May Swenson, wrote a poem called the,† The Analysis of Baseball†. This Poem uses many types of poetry elements. The elements that are primarily used in, â€Å"The Analysis of Baseball† are Onamonpias, Rhyme, and metaphors. In the Poem,†The Analysis of Baseball† there are many Onamonpias used as an element of poetry. In this poem Onamonpias are used to get the reader into the poem and give excitement.The first example where an Onamonpia is used is when May Swenson says, â€Å"Ball bounces off bat, flies air, or thwack ball meets mitt. What that statement was saying was that the batter can choose whether to make contact with the ball or watch as it goes into the catcher’s mitt. One more example where an Onamonpia is used to give excitement to the poem is where she says, â€Å"Sometimes ball gets hit Pow when bat meets it, and sails to a place where mitt just has to quit. In that example the word POW is the sound that is going to occur when the ball meets the bat. Next in the poem, â€Å"The Analysis of Baseball† rhyme is another element of poetry used in this poem. In this poem rhyme is used because it gives it a scene of humor and helps the reader get a rhythm. The first example where rhyme is used is when the poet says, â€Å"Ball hates to take bat’s bait. † What that is saying is that the ball doses not want to come into a coalition with the bat or have a big impact.The next example of rhyme that is used stated is,† Ball flirts, bats late, don’t keep the date. † What that meant was that the batter was late to swing and now cannot hit the ball. The last main element of poetry that was used in, â€Å"The Analysis of Baseball† is Metaphors. One example of a metaphor is when May Swenson says, â€Å"Bat waits for ball to mate. Ball hates to take bats bait. † In that verse May Swen son is saying that the batter has swung and missed the ball and now has a strike because the bat wants to mate but the ball does not want to take bats bait.The next example where a metaphor is used is when she says, â€Å"Ball flirts, bats late, don’t keep the date. † What that statement was saying is the batter has once again swung and missed and now has an additional strike. This poem has used many types of elements of poetry. May Swenson used metaphors, rhyme, and Onamonpias to give this poem excitement and also help give the reader meaning to the poem. This poem also tells the reader what is happening without really even telling them what is happening. True Grit Ronnie Simonson Mrs. Brown W-2 2-26-11 The Analysis of Baseball A very famous author and poet May Swenson, wrote a poem called the,† The Analysis of Baseball†. This Poem uses many types of poetry elements. The elements that are primarily used in, â€Å"The Analysis of Baseball† are Onamonpias, Rhyme, and metaphors. In the Poem,†The Analysis of Baseball† there are many Onamonpias used as an element of poetry. In this poem Onamonpias are used to get the reader into the poem and give excitement.The first example where an Onamonpia is used is when May Swenson says, â€Å"Ball bounces off bat, flies air, or thwack ball meets mitt. What that statement was saying was that the batter can choose whether to make contact with the ball or watch as it goes into the catcher’s mitt. One more example where an Onamonpia is used to give excitement to the poem is where she says, â€Å"Sometimes ball gets hit Pow when bat meets it, and sails to a place where mitt just has to quit. In that example the word POW is the sound that is going to occur when the ball meets the bat. Next in the poem, â€Å"The Analysis of Baseball† rhyme is another element of poetry used in this poem. In this poem rhyme is used because it gives it a scene of humor and helps the reader get a rhythm. The first example where rhyme is used is when the poet says, â€Å"Ball hates to take bat’s bait. † What that is saying is that the ball doses not want to come into a coalition with the bat or have a big impact.The next example of rhyme that is used stated is,† Ball flirts, bats late, don’t keep the date. † What that meant was that the batter was late to swing and now cannot hit the ball. The last main element of poetry that was used in, â€Å"The Analysis of Baseball† is Metaphors. One example of a metaphor is when May Swenson says, â€Å"Bat waits for ball to mate. Ball hates to take bats bait. † In that verse May Swen son is saying that the batter has swung and missed the ball and now has a strike because the bat wants to mate but the ball does not want to take bats bait.The next example where a metaphor is used is when she says, â€Å"Ball flirts, bats late, don’t keep the date. † What that statement was saying is the batter has once again swung and missed and now has an additional strike. This poem has used many types of elements of poetry. May Swenson used metaphors, rhyme, and Onamonpias to give this poem excitement and also help give the reader meaning to the poem. This poem also tells the reader what is happening without really even telling them what is happening.

Blood Brothers Essay Example for Free (#7)

Blood Brothers Essay In the three plays I have read by Willy Russell, all of them are linked by the fact that they all contain an aspect of social inequality. Russell uses humour in all these plays to show serious messages, mostly through stereotypes. In every play there are two very contrasting social groups, each figure-headed by certain characters in the stories. For example, in Blood Brothers, Mickey figureheads the working class society like Rita does in Educating Rita, and the children do in Our Day Out. Whereas Eddie figureheads the middle class society in Blood Brothers, Frank does in Educating Rita, and Mr. Briggs does in Our Day Out. We found that the people from the working class backgrounds were all very broad scoucers, who tended to use slang words such as â€Å"ciggie† and â€Å"chippie. † They were what you would call a very typical stereotype of a broad liverpudlian. Most of them had problems aswell. For instance, Mickey in â€Å"Blood Brothers† has family problems because he has many older siblings which means he gets a lot of hand-me-down clothes and gets bullied by his older brother Sammy who breaks his toys. Rita in â€Å"Educating Rita† has many conflicts with her husband Denny who doesn’t want her to carry on with her tuition from Frank. She wants to be educated so that she can have choices. As the play progresses and Rita becomes more educated she begins to make her own decisions, she moves out of her house, ends her relationship with Denny and says â€Å"I might even have a baby† The people from the middle class backgrounds however were made to look rather different. Eddie in â€Å"Blood Brothers† doesn’t have to share his toys with brothers or sisters like Mickey does, and his mother doesn’t have to worry about financial problems because they have quite a lot of money. The men that were from the middle class backgrounds (Mr. Briggs and Frank) both wore suits and seemed to be well educated, living a comfortable lifestyle. This society of people in the stories tended to speak more formally using words such as â€Å"What in the world is being off one’s cake? † Eddie is brought up to speak correctly and not use colloquialisms. In â€Å"Blood Brothers† Micky asks him what a dictionary is and Eddie replies â€Å"It is a book which tells you the meaning of words. † I think Russell makes the social classes seem so very different to one another in each play, so that when they come together there is a lot of humour, but also a lot of tension between them because neither social class really understand each other. This forms a rich and poor type of scenario for all three plays. In â€Å"Educating Rita† Frank is a rich lecturer and Rita is a poor university student who has bad problems with her husband at home. In â€Å"Our Day Out† there is a similar contrast between Mr. Briggs the, well-spoken teacher, and the children who come from a poor, run-down area. These rich and poor scenarios are serious messages that Russell conveys in all three plays. Interestingly enough though, it is the people from the middle class backgrounds that turn out to be the most strange of the two societies. Frank in Educating Rita has a drink addiction, yet has a comfortable lifestyle and is on a stable income. Mr. Briggs doesn’t like the children at the school where he works because they are less fortunate than himself, he says â€Å"most of them were rejects on the day they were born. † Eddie’s adopted mother in Blood Brothers, Mrs. Lyons, is supersticious and unhappy. Quote: â€Å"The shoes! The shoes! On the table! Get them off! Get them off! † Frank and Mr. Briggs are in many ways the same, they both wear suits and dress smartly, they both have similar lifestyles and they both have some sort of problem (i. e. the drink and the hatred for people less fortunate than him). This is where I think that Blood Brothers is different, it doesn’t contain a male character as old as Frank or Mr. Briggs who appears often in the story. Whereas the conversations between adult and youth in the other stories are mainly comical, like in Our Day Out when the two lads are caught smoking at the back of the bus, in Blood Brothers they are more intense. I think Blood Brothers on the whole is more intense. In Blood Brothers Russell uses a narrator drifting in and out of the play at certain times, saying daunting things about the scene that has just happened, or is going to happen. I believe this represents the devil and is a good way of creating an eerie tension, because he moves to different places on the stage in the play, and you never see his whole face or body, he is always in the shadows. There are no narrators in the two other plays but dramatic devices also take on the form of dramatic irony. In â€Å"Blood Brothers† this is shown by the two twins not knowing they are twins, when they first become friends. Later in the story when they find out they were born on the same day â€Å"That means we can be blood brothers† the audience can see what is happening, they are going to eventually find out that they are real brothers, and there will be a big disaster because of this. â€Å"Our Day Out† shows dramatic irony when the bus driver is told the children can’t afford sweets or lemonade â€Å"lemonade never touches their lips† but when the driver turns around they all are munching on chocolate bars! Later on their journey the bus stops at a sweet shop and the audience sees the shopkeepers talking about raising the prices of the goods in their shop â€Å"Can I help inflation? † The audience now know that the shopkeepers are going to raise their prices, but the children don’t. The children get their revenge for being ‘ripped off’. They all squeeze into the shop and each time the shopkeepers turn their backs to collect more sweets from the shelves, the kids pocket anything in front of them. The two shopkeepers are oblivious to the stealing taking place until the coach leaves and they realise no money from the till has changed hands â€Å"Thievin’ little bastards! † shouts one of the shopkeepers. Russell also uses the influence of song in â€Å"Blood Brothers† and â€Å"Our Day Out† to show the mood and feelings of the characters as the play progresses. At the beginning of â€Å"Blood Brothers† Mrs. Johnston is seen dancing in a pub singing a song with the lines â€Å"Oh we went dancing. † in the chorus. As the play continues she occasionally sings this line but at a tempo which reflects the mood of the play itself. In â€Å"Our Day Out† the songs are cheerful and uplifting â€Å"We’re off, we’re off, we’re off in a motor car. † The themes of the three plays are all linked in many ways. As I have said before, social inequality connects all three, another is the fact they are all set in and around Liverpool with some of the characters in each play speaking with a very broad Liverpudlian accent. Finally, the last one is that they all contain an aspect concerning death. I. e. In Blood Brothers, Mickey and Eddie, in Educating Rita, Rita’s flatmate tries to commit suicide, and in Our Day Out one of the pupils called Carol also attempts to kill herself â€Å"Try an’ get me an’ I’ll jump over. † I believe that Willy Russell features the aspects of social inequality, hatred, death, abuse, love, irony and humour in each play because he knows they have a hard-hitting impact on the audience. Also I think it is because at some time in his life he has been affected significantly by them and so, involves them in something which he can express his feelings and emotions at. Writing. Blood Brothers. (2017, Sep 23).

Implementation of Integrated Performance Management Essay

Implementation of Integrated Performance Management - Essay Example TQM has a preventive approach and not a detective approach to work (Walton, 1986). It is a proactive system and not a passive one and stresses on removing the defect rather than just locating it. Deming (1986) and Walton (1986) both state that the detective systems have serious disadvantages. Firstly these are results and as such cannot help in correction of past errors. Secondly, the greater loss is that due to errors the customer will be dissatisfied. Thirdly the direct cost of defect detection and later correction or replacement is doubled. Fourthly the human cost by way of fear of performance and loss of pride in workmanship is the greatest of all (Walton 1986). All this can be avoided by following TQM process by not allowing a defective product or service to be sent from production lines. Obviously prevention is better than cure. Performance management should be understood as a tool for measuring corporate objectives and is calculable in tangible form in terms of outputs and finally deliverables to customers. The ultimate goal is to deliver total quality and 100 percent value to the end customer. (Zairi 1994) and this is the standard or benchmark of acceptable performance management that describes the optimum use of all resources. Zairi (1996) goes on to state that product life cycles are getting shorter making it imperative for organisations to turn to innovations with greater speed to remain effective in their markets. Decision making thus becomes dependant on quality assurance systems that provide the required information for these judgments. Performance management is therefore essential to evaluate the quality and to ensure acceptability by customers. According to Zairi and Youssef (1998) in the global context today competition cannot be met with cost efficiency alone. Quality plays an equally important role in assessing competitiveness. Quality is a function of (TQM) and

Critical Thinking paper in Health Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critical Thinking paper in Health Care - Essay Example When he was experienced the creativity decreases, which makes him apply his known and time tested strategies and techniques he found successful. This is in general but not be certainly Work setting depends upon nature of work and work place. If the nature of work is individual one has enough free hand to set it according to his convenience. For instance, a teacher in a school can work according to his own plan and setting regarding his duties in class room and correction of Answer sheets. But in the case of a marketing executive it depends on his superiors, subordinates and the clients he has to meet and melt. When it comes to the work in a back office it depends on the work culture of that office and the nature and pace of doing work of his colleagues. The situation is different in case of front office. There, the work setting depends upon the people they meet and talk. All the aforesaid cases are the instances of subordinate services. If one has to lead a team (smaller or bigger) he has to plan every thing in advance and must be able to guide his team mates. Here the work setting needs a good home work, alertness and planning. When one member abstains from work or will take leave, the work setting depends on the team leader.

Public Administration (MSc) area Research Proposal

Public Administration (MSc) area - Research Proposal Example It is provided through organizations with facilities and personnel to offer proper healthcare to people in need (Stone; 131; 2008). Most of the developing countries do not provide adequate basic health care to their population, that is, their public health systems are not functioning as countries such in sub-Saharan Africa have less than three doctors per a population of 10,000 people. Significant losses of medicines due to poorly managed storage and distribution system or are missing in some countries, lack of an effective infrastructure system which is paramount for a worthy health care system. Health amenities in these countries are situated in urban areas far from the rural folks who are most in need of these services as well as they constitute the highest numbers in terms of demography. The political and social-economy structures of these countries hamper access to health services, blocking patients and service providers out. Overcrowded houses, being short of clean water and sewerage treatment leads to spread of diseases and social stigmas especially AIDS make most of the populace to avoid testing and trea tment. In general governments in these countries spending on health care is not a priority due to lack of political will, hence fewer resources are devoted to endemics such as HIV/AIDS or Malaria. Even where health care funds are allocated they end up being unspent due to poor management and bureaucratic ties in the government machinery (Smith;379; 2002). Pharmaceutical firms have been on the fore front of solving the health problems of these countries by giving access to health services and medicines in collaboration with the governments, non-governmental organizations and other international agencies (Jenkins; 90; 1978). Policy makers in Third World Countries have had a low priority and neglect for quality healthcare at the expense of a wider coverage, as well as the health departments of these countries have poor information systems that are not reliable in documentation to assess the quality of health. The observation is that, improvement of quality is equivalent to additional inputs and costs that these countries cannot afford with their economies. For improvement of healthcare quality assurance in developing countries the focus should be on the formulation and review of health policies that are supported by a committed and willing leadership and set up of institutional framework to enable the assessment of quality in the health industry. Only through research which is home based that can help in the development and assessment of new methods to implement quality assurance without necessarily escalating the inputs which are key for quality healthcare (Paquette;59; 2002). Public administration in health care of developing countries should strategize on working along the ministries of health and finance

The new police model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The new police model - Essay Example This external force has existed throughout ancient societies. The tribal leaders in ancient times acted as judges and their servants executed punishments. Even in various tribal regions of the world this system still exists. The tribal leaders along with their followers act as a police force. The safeguard of the primary aim of society is the main purpose of these forces. The concept of police also defines or explains the aim of living in a society. The humans live in a society as a means of creating a system where they are safeguarded by threats. The police force plays the important role of safeguarding the society members against threats from within the society. Therefore the role of police has been crucial from the very beginning of human societies. In definition, the people who are given the job of enforcing the law are called police. This power is bestowed upon the police by the government and the society itself. The police force further comes into action when there is civil disorder or anarchy. The power of police is domestic. Therefore there is a jurisdiction or an area where this power is applicable and considered legal. The power of police therefore extends only to a certain region or a certain country. Many organizations have their own law enforcement agencies. The military for example has a police force which instead of a regional jurisdiction has an organizational jurisdiction. The role of any police force is defined best by the society itself. Only few decades ago police was used as a tool to strengthen the prejudicial system of ethnic discrimination. Therefore it can be said that police is not a tool of giving justice but in fact maintaining the current state of affairs or in other words order. There are many different stages of the development of the police system to the model currently being used in most countries. The current model however was

Failure or success Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Failure or success - Essay Example Gatto’s opinion on the effects of schooling is extremely intense. In â€Å"Against School†, he stirs up a discussion on whether ‘boredom’ is the perfect term to describe the experience of modern day students. From his personal experience, most students feel bored with the education system and think their teachers do not seem to understand their subjects and probably aren’t interested in learning more (Breton and Largent 25). Gatto brings up the question of who should be blamed for the critical mess in the education system. Ideally, teachers often appear bored and keep blaming their students for feeling disinterested in taking their studies seriously (Breton and Largent 157). He offers a solution to boredom and encourages students to amuse themselves in the classroom. Also, he encourages teachers to provide students with adequate education rather than stirring regular schooling. Gatto also scrutinizes whether the existing school system is meant to spearhead forced schooling. He goes ahead to compare the school system to the Prussian culture and refers to it as an educational system that is meant to nurture mediocre intellects. With such an educational system, students are denied the opportunity to develop appreciable leadership skills. Also, he states that most people connect ‘successes to ‘schooling’. According to him, important people like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson never subjected their lives to the strenuous schooling system, but still made it in life (Breton and Largent 241). In addition, Gatto believes that schools were designed to make good citizens at their personal best. Gatto thinks that the public school system is designed to fulfill the major covert functions of a school. He outlines the covert functions by revisiting Alexander Inglis’s basic functions of a modern school.

PMP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

PMP - Essay Example In this marketing plan, I have reflected on my qualifications in the hospitality industry that would advance the industry. I have also discussed my major strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relating to this field. I have mentioned all the relevant skills and knowledge that I have acquired to ensure optimal success in the industry. If well read, it is work worthy to be acknowledged and appreciated as it clearly reflects all my skills, qualifications and knowledge relevant in the financial sector. I believe that with my expertise and experience, I can be an asset to the tourism industry. Introduction This marketing plan shows all my skills and qualifications relevant in the tourism industry. Tourism is an extremely crucial area in today’s world because of the increasing demand in the industry with many people trading world wide. As a matter of fact, the sector of the tourism in the world is one of most diversified, and this is evidenced by high level of advancement in the various sectors such as hotel, game parks and game reserves, museums, historical sites and archives among others. With this kind of developing world, it then means that people should be always fore sighted, and every time, be innovative so as to come up with more advanced tourist industries. I chose this sector because I have the knowledge and expertise with regard to it and fully familiar with it (Pink 18). In addition, I am passionate and have a lot of interest in the hospitality industry. By having hospitality knowledge, I can work anywhere in the world and advance the industry with my skills and talent. Also the hospitality industry offers flexible working hours and a good pay while still having fun. Business is a major concern today due to the increased trading activities all over the world. Such activities have led to the development of the hospitality which is universal making the largest job provider in the world. In the developed countries like U.S.A, it has created a large number of jobs compared to the developing countries. The quality of living has improved because of the hospitality industry. Also people have started recognizing the essence of the hospitality industry unlike in previous years. Creativity and innovation have really transformed the industry. Also, strong marketing campaigns such as promotions, advertising and public relations have led to the advancement of the hospitality industry. There is the issue of work permit that one should have in order to be legible to work in the tourism industry. Such legibility is an investment and requires capital. Therefore, failure to have it may disqualify you to work in the industry. This is the best chance, for me to venture in tourism filed because I made an application for donation by an international NGO and it promised to fund me after I take my proposal. I can then not pretend and waste this opportunity. I also want to venture now because I had been given out a proposal plan concerning the tourism industry in many processing companies when I orally informed them about my plan. Other companies have also requested me to propose the techniques applied in acquiring the tourism industry and this means a good cash and good experience, as well. Personal mission statement My core values are Integrity, Honesty, Dedication, creativity and Innovation, Efficiency and Effectiveness. My vision is to get the best from the

Claptons recording Essay Example for Free

Claptons recording Essay A distinct genre of music originated between 1890 and 1910 drawing from elements of African American music, and emerging ragtime and jazz and this genre came to be known as the blues. The main instruments of blues music are the guitar, piano, harmonica, along with violin, mandolin, string bass, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, and the drum set. From the late 1950s, following the incorporation of electric bass and keyboards into blues ensembles and the ascendancy of electric lead guitar and soul blues singing, blues experienced a slowdown in its evolutionary development within the American black community. This halt also coincided with the growth of white interest and involvement in the blues. And soon a few white solo performers, such as John Hammond, Jr. , began to emerge as blues specialists (Moore, 2002). This provided great impetus in the growth of blues popularity among American whites and internationally. Most of these performers continued to work within established contemporary blues parameters or explored and re-created historical sounds, creating new songs, sometimes developing new themes to reflect a more modern lifestyle, and maintaining a high level of instrumental virtuosity (Moore, 2002). While rock and blues have historically always been closely linked, blues-rock as a distinct genre did not arise until the late 1960s. The genre was originally British, with artists like Alexis Korner and John Mayall forming bands. John Mayall started a band called The Bluesbreakers in 1963, and he was able to recruit a young British guitarist named Eric Clapton in 1965. Eric Clapton is a British guitarist, singer, and songwriter, specially noted for his virtuoso guitar playing and whose style is based on American blues as played by T-Bone Walker, B. B. King, Muddy Waters, and particularly Robert Johnson. Clapton was influential in the development of rock music in the 1960s, playing with the Yardbirds (1963–65), John Mayalls Bluesbreakers (1965–66), Cream (1966–68), Blind Faith (1969), and Derek and the Dominos (1970–71). His first solo recording, Eric Clapton, featuring the hit After Midnight, was released in 1970. In seclusion from 1971 while battling heroin addiction, he resurfaced in 1974 with 461 Oceanside Boulevard, which included a version of Bob Marleys I Shot the Sheriff. (Where’s Eric, 2006). Eric Claptons influences and upbringing played a huge role in his evolution as a blues musician. As a teenager, he was drawn to such blues masters as Big Bill Broonzy, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson. Jamming in pubs and clubs, Eric soon joined the Yardbirds, a commercially performing group marked for great success. Eric Clapton left the band in 1965 and seeking a purer avenue to the blues, he briefly joined John Mayall The Bluesbreakers. Eric stayed for just one album and decided to break away mainly because the work rate imposed by Mayall left little time for fun. Moreover, Eric got bored of simply copying his blues heroes in John Mayalls band and felt it was time to turn his artistry into creativity. He also recognized a kindred spirit in Jack Bruce. In 1968 that Clapton formed Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. This group showcased his talent at potent, extended guitar improvisations and produced vastly different original music including the hits White Room, Strange Brew and Sunshine of Your Love (Roberty, 1995) Eric Clapton, over the years has recorded many blues songs. But he always made it a point to provide benefit and credit to the original artists of blues music. Claptons recording of Skip James â€Å"Im So Glad†, was recorded when Clapton was a member of the power trio Cream. The credit obtained through this song was a huge help for original blues artist James; royalties from the recording paid Jamess medical expenses at a time when he was virtually destitute (Weissman, 2004). Cream folded two years later when Clapton left to form Blind Faith with Steve Winwood, Rick Grech and Ginger Baker. This group too did not last over a year and soon Clapton, in search of further freedom and expression recorded his debut solo album in 1970, joining forces with the American team of Delaney and Bonnie. It was then that he began to actively develop his vocal skills simultaneously working on the state of rock guitar, as part of Delaney and Bonnie Friends. He also worked with Derek and the Dominos, where, in the company of Duane Allman, he fashioned such enduring classics as Layla (Roberty, 1995). The early and mid-seventies was a time of great struggle for Eric Clapton as he battled with drug addiction. He had huge solo hits such as 461 Ocean Boulevard and also traveled a lot during this period. Albums in the mid-to-late 70s, such as ‘Theres One in Every Crowd’, E. C. Was Here and No Reason To Cry, were all Top 20 chart hits. It was an era defined by such Clapton-classics as Wonderful Tonight, I Shot the Sheriff,† Lay down Sally and the 1978 release â€Å"Slowhand†. Clapton began an amazing run of gold and platinum successes that continue to this day. Claptons place in music history had long since been assured but it is important to note that his popularity was largely due to his strong adherence to total musical integrity, which brought him, time and again, back to the basics of the blues. Recently Eric Clapton on the success of his blues album â€Å"The Cradle† has said: The bones of this thing are coming from inside me and my need to pay back all these people that I heard from Day One†. In this latest album, he has paid tribute to blues gurus such as Robert Johnson, Lowell Fulsom, Elmore James, Willie Dixon and the inimitable Muddy Waters. Thus, whether playing electric or acoustic, Eric Clapton remains the quintessential blues guitarist. Bibliography: Wheres Eric! (2006), A Brief Biography of Eric Clapton. Issue 39. http://www. ericclaptonfaq. com/biography-ecs-life-career/clapton-biography-mother-father-grandparents-wife-children-son-daughter-addiction-. html Moore, Allan (2002). The Cambridge Companion to Blues and Gospel Music. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, England. 2002. Weissman, Dick (2004). Blues: The Basics. Routledge Publishers. New York. 2004 Eric Clapton: Blues You Cant Loose. http://www. iem. ac. ru/clapton/ Roberty, Marc (1995). The complete guide to the music of Eric Clapton. Omnibus Press. 1995.

Evaluation and the use of concept mapping

Evaluation and the use of concept mapping A concept is a thought, notion, or an abstract idea developed from a situation or particular instance experienced by the learner. Concept mapping consists of diagrams that represent an organized visualization of a concept and its associations or explanations (Novak Gowin, 1984). The use of concept mapping as an educational tool is well established through many branches of learning, including nursing (Schanze Grà ¼b-Niehaus, 2008; MacNeil, 2007; Trochim, 2009). Knowledge derived from the nursing process flows remarkably well into the overall design of a concept map. Although similar to other types of knowledge mapping, concept mapping provides a unique structure to gather major concepts together with direct linkages that can be easily visualized and readily examined. Properly prepared concept mapping will allow the learner to venture into all the learning domains, including cognitive, affective, and psychomotor; as well as allow the educator to move from a teacher-centered learning environment to one that is learner-centered. Concept mapping is designed to promote meaningful learning by the student, and allow for an effective formative or summative evaluation method by the educator. As the map is designed, the learner can incorporate new knowledge and reject inaccurate concepts and ideas. The map can also refine knowledge with examples or events, and allow for learning rather than route memorization. For the educator, the concept map can demonstrate the depth of the learners knowledge, and visually depict what the educator must emphasize to complete the learning process. The educator can also rapidly develop further learning opportunities through critical thinking exercises employing proposed changes to existing concept maps. Concept Mapping Theory Concept mapping was developed in 1972 as part of an effort at Cornell University to study the ability of young children to obtain basic scientific concepts. The design was the result of research into the cognitive psychology of learning and the constructivist epistemology. Based on Ausubels theory of learning, concept mapping attempts to emphasize the difference between rote learning and meaningful learning (Novak Caà ±as, 2006). Rote learning occurs when new information is added to the learners prior knowledge framework in a random and verbatim fashion. Thus, there is little permanent structure and the new information is rapidly forgotten. In meaningful learning, the new information is linked to the learners prior knowledge framework in a conscious and purposeful manner, thus producing a stable structure and substantial change in the way the learner experiences learning, in other words a conceptual change (National Institute for Science Educations College Level One Team, Universit y of Wisconsin, n.d.). This relationship is shown in Figure 1. Further studies and collaboration on concept mapping use and design, including work at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) in Florida, led to integration of concept mapping with software tools and enabled rapid application of the concept mapping framework to numerous disciplines. Concept Mapping Design In concept mapping, graphical representations are arranged in two predominant manners. First, in the hierarchical fashion, the main topic or question is displayed at the top of the diagram, with inclusive and general concepts near the top and specific, less general concepts arranged in a progressively downward pattern (see Figure 2). The other most common concept map design is in a circular fashion, known as the spider method, with the core topic or idea in the center immediately surrounded by inclusive and general concepts, becoming less specific and more general the further from the core (see Figure 3). Other less common concept mapping methods include the flow path method, where concepts are linked together in a progressively linear fashion to represent a final concept, and the systems method, where input and output concepts are related to the central concept in a production-line style of visualization. Still other methods of concept mapping may be developed to reflect the learners or the educators vision of representation. Typically, concepts are enclosed in boxes, circles, or other geometric shapes with the relationships identified by connecting lines. There are descriptors on the connecting lines that specify the nature of the relationships. Concepts may also be cross-linked to show relationships between domains of knowledge or concepts located in different areas of the map (Caà ±as, 2003). Examples, events, or possible solutions can also be included, although these may not be boxed or circled, and the connecting lines can be dashed or dotted to represent an unsubstantiated relationship. Concept Mapping Construction Many methods can be used to construct a concept map. In general, the process will begin as follows: identify a question related to a process or problem; identify the key concepts of the process or problem; rank these concepts in order by identifying the most descriptive and broadest concept then narrowing the descriptions until the most specific concept is listed last; connect the concepts by links, using notations to represent the relationship between the concepts and enable meaning to the linkage; provide examples, including social, personal, and professional examples to clarify the concept or the relationship between concepts; and then continue to link, add examples, and promote the relationships. Some constructors may find it useful to perform this design using post-it notes or index cards, and arranging their ideas on a table or white board to allow for ease of concept ranking, as well the ability to provide easy changes of relationships and rapid visualization of data. The novi ce and expert alike may also use various shapes and colors to designate concepts and subconcepts to make the map clearer. Concept Mapping Software Although concept mapping may be performed with pen, paper, and other non-electronic methods, there are a number of software programs that can be used to provide a variety of concept maps with ranges of detail. In addition to using traditional word-processing programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Corel WordPerfect or Corel Draw to construct concept maps, specific concept mapping software has been developed. The IHMC, a coalition of Florida universities, has developed Cmap Tools, a robust concept map developer that is free for use (IHMC, 2009). This software also includes a search feature that allows the user to search a wide variety of public Cmap databases for sample concept maps. Other software programs that are specific to concept map construction includes Axon Idea Processor, 3D Topicscape, Inspiration, MindGenious, MindMapper, MindView, Semantica, SmartDraw, Spinscape, and Tinderbox. Several of these software packages are available in multiple programming formats, in addition to several languages, and are free for download. Concept Mapping Example As an example to demonstrate concept-mapping construction, a learner is assigned to research the disease process sepsis, and make a presentation to the class. The learner studies several peer reviewed journal articles (DellaCroce, 2009; Nelson, LeMaster, Plast, Zahner, 2009; Steen, 2009) to obtain the latest information on the disease process, and decides to develop a concept map to explain the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic tests, and treatments for sepsis. The learner develops a table to highlight the ideas that will be outlined on the concept map (see Table 1). Finally, using the CmapTools Knowledge Modeling Kit, Version 5.03, the learner prepares the concept map (see Figure 4). Preparation for Developing a Concept Map Steps Responses 1. Identify a question related to a process or problem What is sepsis? How is it diagnosed? What are the signs and symptoms? How is it treated? 2. Identify the key concepts of the process or problem Invading Microorganism, Sepsis, Inflammatory Response, Organ Failure, Systemic Inflammatory Response, Septic Shock, Treatments, Risk Factors, Infection, Death 3. Rank these concepts in order by identifying the most descriptive and broadest concept, then narrowing the descriptions until the most specific concept is listed last Rank 1) Invading Microorganism 2) Infection 3) Inflammatory Response 4) Systemic Inflammatory Response 5) Sepsis 6) Septic Shock, Severe Sepsis 7) Organ Failure 8) Treatment, Risk Factors, Diagnostic Tests 9) Death 4. Connect the concepts by links, using notations to represent the relationship between the concepts and enable meaning to the linkage Links are Pathophysiology, Leads To, Plus, Can Lead To, Organ Failure 5. Provide examples, including social, personal, and professional examples to clarify the concept or the relationship between concepts Vital Signs, Signs of Organ Failure, Criteria for Determining Sepsis Table 1: Preparation for Developing a Concept Map Concept Mapping Advantages Concept maps provide several advantages over other methods of instruction and evaluation. Concept maps can provide the learners access to a â€Å"big picture† view of the topic of interest, allowing the student to advance to conceptual understanding rather than simple memorization or rote learning. This in turn can provide the student the bases for critical thinking. Concept maps are also easy to construct. Concept maps can also be used as both an instructional strategy for the educator or a learning activity for the learner. As a learning activity, the student can acquire the desired knowledge, performance, and behaviors specified by the curriculum (Caputi Blach, 2008). In situations such as developing continuing education opportunities for existing nursing staff, the use of concept mapping can aid in learning new content through visualization, as many staff prefer visual or kinesthetic learning (Nursing Times, 2009). In cases where students need a platform to reduce anxiety generated prior to testing due to a lack of surety on whether the critical aspects of a clinical lesson were studied, the use of concepts maps can help students organize data, determine complex relationships between patient data and disease processes, and provide the student with an overall picture of the care provided to their patient (Hsu, 2004). Concept Mapping Disadvantages Although concept mapping has many advantages, some disadvantages exist. The wide variety of possible concept map designs can lead to additional evaluation time by the educator as students use different construction techniques. Grading of the differing concept maps may also lead to difficulties unless the educator uses strict grading criteria, such as a detailed assignment rubric. The use of concept mapping may also require a paradigm shift by learners used to only the memorization method of learning. This can sometimes cause difficulty as the learner transitions to the new method of learning. Concept Mapping Use in Learning Domains The cognitive domain includes knowledge and skill development. As cognitive learning occurs, the learner is able to recall facts, patterns, and concepts that will result in the development of intellect. Concept mapping is primarily based on the cognitive domain, as the learner combines concepts into a framework that can develop critical conceptions and critical thinking. The affective domain includes learning that is based on our interaction with our environment through feelings, values, motivations, and attitudes. Concept mapping draws into the affective domain through the construction of the framework, and the use of the environment to provide definition to the concept, and the use of values, attitudes, and feelings to link the concepts together to promote understanding. The psychomotor domain includes learning in the physical domain, such as movement, coordination, and development of motor skills. Psychomotor learning is measured through speed, precision, and techniques in execution. Concept mapping lends well to learning in the psychomotor domain, as the learner physically constructs the concept map using a variety of tools and software. Concept Mapping in Nursing Education Concept mapping is used at several levels in nursing education. By using concept mapping as a learning process in nursing undergraduate education, the educator can develop and refine critical thinking skills in the learner through generating ideas, promoting nonlinear relationships between patient data and complex disease processes, and forcing the learner to visualize the application of nursing theory to nursing practice (Abel Freeze, 2006; Phelps, Wallen, Cusack, Castro, Muehlbauer, et al., 2009). One of the most common uses of concept mapping in nursing is the use of concept mapping to demonstrate the nursing process in care planning. Each component of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation) can be presented around a disease process; or patient problems can be identified and relationships established between the problems to develop a holistic perspective of patient care (Taylor Wros, 2007). See Figure 5. Concept mapping can also be used effectively in formative, as well as summative assessment. In the formative assessment, the educator can provide a baseline concept map with the major concept listed and several basic relationships identified prior to lecture. The student can use the concept map during the lecture to identify further concepts and relationships, and build upon the baseline concept map to develop their knowledge base. Once the lecture is completed, the educator can use the learners maps to evaluate the effectiveness of their lecture, as well as the effectiveness of the learners attention, by examining the completed concept maps and comparing these maps to the lectures objectives (MacNeil, 2007). The baseline concept map can also be developed by the learner prior to class, such as in a homework assignment, and then completed during lecture as well. Figure 5: Sample care plan concept map (Ackley Ladwig, 2006). In a summative assessment, the educator can require a summative concept map at the end of the course to evaluate overall course objectives, as well as provide the learner with a valuable tool for future reference. Concept Mapping Function in a Learner Centered Environment Concept mapping has been used in both undergraduate and graduate nursing as an analytical tool to organize existing knowledge, synthesize new knowledge, and prioritize information in a logical, visual sequence. Concept mapping develops nonlinear cognitive function that can promote critical thinking and clinical decision making in nurses (Wilgis McConnell, 2008). This makes concept mapping an ideal strategy to switch the classroom from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered environment the learner can develop, adapt, and draw their learning directly from the concept map. Concept maps can be used by learners individually, or in small groups, to simplify complex processes and engage students in the learning process (Harrelson, 2006). As study guides, the concept maps can replace traditional question and answer study handouts with a visual map that can promote meaningful learning opposed to rote memorization (Caputi Blach, 2008). Summary Concept maps represent a collaborative learning strategy developed to take advantage of the difference between rote learning and meaningful learning. Concept maps can be used in all aspects of both undergraduate and graduate nursing, and can be used to facilitate education in all learning domains. As learners begin to analyze clinical data, the learner can begin to develop their critical thinking skills and begin to plan comprehensive care for their patients. As learners begin to study disease processes, the learners can appreciate the effects of interventions directly on patient outcomes. Educators can use concept mapping as a teaching, as well as evaluation strategy. References Abel, W., Freeze, M. (2006, September). Evaluation of concept mapping in an associate degree nursing program. Journal of Nursing Education, 45(9), 356-364. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Ackley, B. J. Ladwig, G.B. (2006). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, (7th ed.). Missouri: Mosby Elsevier. All, A., Huycke, L. (2007, May). Serial concept maps: tools for concept analysis. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(5), 217-224. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. All, A., Huycke, L., Fisher, M. (2003, November). Instructional tools for nursing education: concept maps. Nursing Education Perspectives, 24(6), 311-317. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Caà ±as, A. J. (2003). A summary of literature pertaining to the use of concept mapping techniques and technologies for education and performance support. The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. Retrieved September 19, 2009 from www.ihmc.us. Caputi, L. Blach, D. (2008). Teaching nursing using concept maps: A how to book. Glen Ellyn, Illinois: College of DuPage Press. Chiou, C. (2008, November). The effect of concept mapping on students learning achievements and interests. Innovations in Education Teaching International, 45(4), 375-387. Retrieved September 19, 2009, doi:10.1080/14703290802377240 Clayton, L. (2006, July). An effective, active teaching-learning method. Nursing Education Perspectives, 27(4), 197-203. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Conceià §Ãƒ £o, S., Taylor, L. (2007, September). Using a constructivist approach with online concept maps: relationship between theory and nursing education. Nursing Education Perspectives, 28(5), 268-275. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. DellaCroce, H. (2009). Surviving sepsis: the role of the nurse. RN, 72(7), 16-21. Retrieved October 14, 2009 from http://search.ebscohost.com Farrand, P., Hussain, F., Hennessy, E. (2002, May). The efficacy of the `mind map study technique. Medical Education, 36(5), 426-431. Retrieved September 11, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Harpaz, I., Balik, C., Ehrenfeld, M. (2004, April). Concept mapping: an educational strategy for advancing nursing education. Nursing Forum, 39(2), 27. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Harrelson, G. (2006). At education. Concept mapping. Athletic Therapy Today, 11(1), 25-27. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Heinrich, K. (2001, April). Mind-mapping: a successful technique for organizing a literature review. Nurse Author Editor (10542353), 11(2), 4. Retrieved September 11, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Hicks-Moore, S., Pastirik, P. (2006). Evaluating critical thinking in clinical concept maps: a pilot study. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 3(1). Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Hsu, L. (2004, December). Developing concept maps from problem-based learning scenario discussions. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 48(5), 510-518. Retrieved September 18, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. IHMC. (2009). Download IHMC Cmap tools. Retrieved October 14, 2009 from cmap.ihmc.us/download. Irvine, L. (1995, June). Can concept mapping be used to promote meaningful learning in nurse education?. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 21(6), 1175-1179. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database Jenkins, A. (2005, October 26). Mind mapping. Nursing Standard, 20(7), 85-85. Retrieved September 11, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Kinchin, I., Hay, D. (2005, July 15). Using concept maps to optimize the composition of collaborative student groups: a pilot study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 51(2), 182-187. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Kostovich, C., Poradzisz, M., Wood, K., OBrien, K. (2007, May). Learning style preference and student aptitude for concept maps. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(5), 225-231. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Larue, C. (2008). Group learning strategies for nursing students: reflections on the tutor role. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 5(1), 1-17. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Lim, K., Lee, H., Grabowski, B. (2009, July). Does concept-mapping strategy work for everyone? The levels of generativity and learners self-regulated learning skills. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(4), 606-618. Retrieved September 19, 2009, doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2008.00872.x MacNeil, M. (2007, May). Educational innovations. Concept mapping as a means of course evaluation. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(5), 232-234. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Mueller, A., Johnston, M., Bligh, D. (2002, 2002 Jan-Mar). Viewpoint. Joining mind mapping and care planning to enhance student critical thinking and achieve holistic nursing care. Nursing Diagnosis, 13(1), 24-27. Retrieved September 11, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. National Institute for Science Educations College Level One Team, University of Wisconsin. (n.d.) Classroom assessment techniques: Concept Mapping. Retrieved October 10, 2009 from http://www.flaguide.org/cat/conmap/conmap5.php. Nelson, D., LeMaster, T., Plost, G., Zahner, M. (2009). Recognizing sepsis in the adult patient. American Journal of Nursing, 109(3), 40-46. Retrieved October 14, 2009 from http://search.ebscohost.com Novak, J. D. Gowin, D. B. (1984). Learning how to learn. New York: Cambridge University Press. Novak, J. (2002, July). Meaningful Learning: The Essential Factor for Conceptual Change in Limited or Inappropriate Propositional Hierarchies Leading to Empowerment of Learners. Science Education, 86(4), 548. Retrieved September 19, 2009, from Education Research Complete database. Novak, J.D. Caà ±as, A. J. (2006). The origins of the concept mapping tool and the continuing evolution of the tool. The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. Retrieved September 19, 2009 from www.ihmc.us. Nursing Times. (2009). Nurses learning styles: promoting better integration of theory into practice. Nursing Times, 105(2), 24-27. Retrieved October 14, 2009 from http://search.ebscohost.com Phelps, S., Wallen, G., Cusack, G., Castro, K., Muehlbauer, P., Shelburne, N., et al. (2009). Staff development story: concept mapping: a staff development strategy for enhancing oncology critical thinking. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 25(1), 42-47. Retrieved October 23, 2009 from http://oboler.isu.edu:3227. Schanze, S. Grà ¼b-Niehaus, T. (2008). Concept mapping: Connecting educators. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Concept Mapping. Retrieved September 19, 2009 from cmc.ihmc.us/cmc2008papers/cmc2008-p303.pdf. St. Cyr, S., All, A. (2009, March). Concept mapping: a road to critical thinking. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 25(2), 70-76. Retrieved September 18, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Steen, C. (2009). Developments in the management of patients with sepsis. Nursing Standard, 23(48), 48-56. Retrieved October 14, 2009 from http://search.ebscohost.com Taylor, J., Wros, P. (2007, May). Concept mapping: a nursing model for care planning. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(5), 211-216. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Trochim, W.M.K. (2009). Concept mapping: soft science or hard art?. Retrieved September 19, 2009 from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/research/epp2/epp2.htm. Vacek, J. (2009). 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Ford Motor Company Supply Chain Strategy Essay -- Ford business Strate

Ford Motor Company Supply Chain Strategy Background In 1913, Henry Ford revolutionized product manufacturing by introducing the first assembly line to the automotive industry. Ford’s hallmark of achievement proved to be a key competence for the motor company as the low cost of the Model T attracted a broader, new range of prospective car-owners. However, after many decades of success, customers have become harder to find. Due to relatively new threats to the industry, increasing numbers of cars and trucks are parked in dealer lots and showrooms creating an alarming trend of stagnation and profit erosion. Foreign-based automakers, such as Toyota and Honda, have expanded operations onto domestic shores and, in turn, have wrestled market share from American automakers. As a direct result, unit over-capacity has steadily risen, while heightened competition and diverse product lines have led to increasing customer demands. To answer these threats, Ford has made recent attempts to transform its dated vertical integration production model into a maneuverable, efficient supply chain. Emphasizing methods such as Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory, Total Quality Management (TQM), and Synchronous Material Flow (SMF), Ford has derived a multi-tiered system of supply. The tier system consists of numerous generic suppliers, â€Å"tier two† and below, who are managed by â€Å"tier one† vehicle sub-system suppliers. The â€Å"tier one† suppliers, by nature, are completely dependent upon Ford’s survival since the provided sub-system component is specific solely to Ford. Dell and Virtual Integration Despite the revamping effort, Ford remains plagued with prolonged Order-To-Delivery (OTD) time periods, congested inventories and error-ridden procurement processes. Upon investigation, these troublesome issues appear to be well addressed by the radically new direct business model of the Dell Computer Corporation. Dell differentiates itself through the utilization of virtual integration, an efficient and effective direct business model facilitated by electronic business providing Build-To-Order (BTO) products directly to customers. The process begins with the customer specifying exactly which features are to be included in the desired computer. Dell, then, buys components from several different suppliers via Internet-based JIT ordering. By using Dell’s process of JIT ordering , misal... ...ndustry by integrating a direct supply network. Ford’s goal of TQM could be easily met by implementing a variation of Dell’s already successful virtual integration business model. Fostering cooperation through incentives is key since compliance of supply chain partners is necessary to gain first-mover advantage. Conclusion In today’s competitive environment, it is important for any business to focus on the customer and to provide unique value in order to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Without virtual integration, competitive advantage is lost. Successful implementation of virtual integration initiatives allows supplier companies, which are performing only certain processes, to work together as one entity. Therefore, operations become more efficient by reducing inventory, assuring quality, and reducing delivery time. More importantly, the organization maintains the ability to thrive in a competitive marketplace by achieving increased customer satisfaction through unique and strategic core competences. Virtual integration will redefine corporations and , eventually, entire industries as supply chains evolve into a new business model of cooperation and sharing.

Attention Keepers in The Most Dangerous Game :: essays papers

Attention Keepers in The Most Dangerous Game In Richard Connell’s â€Å"The Most Dangerous Game†, he uses several literary devices to keep the reader interested. During Rainsfords journey to and through the island of General Zaroff he partakes in an adventurous journey filled with mystery, suspense, and dilemma. These devices are used to keep the reader interested throughout the story. Mystery is used to give the story a scary and unusual setting. First, the story about Ship Trap Island is used to arouse superstitions. These superstitions bring you into the story to make the reader desire more about the mystery. Second, mystery is used whenever Rainsford hears the shots, the screams, and later sees the bloody brush. This makes you want to know what was hunted down and killed there. Lastly, mystery engross General Zaroff’s huge chateau. Connell’s description of a home on the edge of a cliff with tall towers, iron gates, and a gargoyle knocker makes for a good mystery. This home makes the reader think, why is this here. These mysteries lay down a foundation for a suspenseful story. Mystery is just a precursor to suspense. Suspense is used in several places throughout the story. One, when Rainsford is standing at the door seeing a giant standing there silent, this makes the reader wonder what will happen next. Two, when Zaroff is talking to Rainsford about the most dangerous game. This fools the reader and Rainsford about Zaroffs intentions towards Rainsford, and it makes the reader want to keep reading. Last, Rainsfords dilemmas keep the reader in suspense. The reader wonders how he will get himself out of his predicaments. Dilemma is closely related to suspense because the reader wants an answer or explanation to the characters problem. This keeps them interested. For instance, when Rainsford is tossed overboard in a vast sea, the reader wants to know what he will do because it is a serious adversity. The next dilemma occurs when the General is hunting Rainsford.

Political Parties Essay -- essays research papers

The Labor Party The labor Party is made up of men and women who do and do not have jobs. They believe themselves to be the keepers of the American dream, providing opportunity and justice. They believe that every American has the right to a decent paying job and a good place to live, that by joining the union there should be no fear of getting fired, to free, quality public education for themselves and their children, to universal access to publicly fund, comprehensive, quality health care for all residents. 5 issues that the Labor Party supports: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Guarantee Everyone a Job at a Living Wage- They believe that Corporate America and the rich and powerful and taking millions of jobs for other people. At this point the labor party believes that there are no longer enough jobs to go around. They feel that there needs to be a right to a lining wage job that pays above poverty level wages and is able to go up. They believe that this should be written into the Constitution. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pay laid-off workers- when a large corporation lays off a worker, the value of their stocks goes up. It is also proven that in family with a laid off worker, they experience increases in illness and social problems. On this issue they feel that if a worker is laid off, the company or corporation that they had worked for should pay the salary for every year that they had worked for them. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An injury to one is a injury to all- states that the labor party enforces full rights to all, they are fighting to make sure that women are paid the same that men are. They believe that it does not always only hurt the women being paid less, but the nation as a whole. At the moment this party is starting anti-discrimination programs to stop all unfairness, whether it be race, sex, or heritage. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Universal access to health care- Because health care is one of the most important things in the United States today, the Labor Party is annotating that it too does not treat people fairly. Health care is a very large issue because without it people are more prone to becoming ill or sick. Eighteen percent of Americans who are working full time do not have health insurance. The labor Party is strongly pushing for all American to have health insurance. They believe that whether or not a family is makin... ... force fighting against rip off schemes by big business. Food co ops, free health clinics, and community newspapers have had long lives after being established by the PFP. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Socialist Economy- industries, financial institutions, and natural resources are owned by the people as a whole and democratically managed by the people who work in them and use them. This would be a big change from the present corporate capitalist economy. The richest 1% of the population has half of all privately owned stock in U.S. corporations and controls most of theinstitutional stock. They control the policies of business, government, and the media. The capitalist economy starts out with competition for personal profit and ends up with huge monopolies which waste resources. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Capitalist Economy- They don't care if they endanger the planet by making useless or even harmful products, so long as they make money. Under capitalism, millions of people are jobless, homeless, often hungry, and without proper medical care. Even those with decent jobs live with the fear of war, nuclear destruction, and environmental pollution of our food, air and water. Political Parties Essay -- essays research papers The Labor Party The labor Party is made up of men and women who do and do not have jobs. They believe themselves to be the keepers of the American dream, providing opportunity and justice. They believe that every American has the right to a decent paying job and a good place to live, that by joining the union there should be no fear of getting fired, to free, quality public education for themselves and their children, to universal access to publicly fund, comprehensive, quality health care for all residents. 5 issues that the Labor Party supports: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Guarantee Everyone a Job at a Living Wage- They believe that Corporate America and the rich and powerful and taking millions of jobs for other people. At this point the labor party believes that there are no longer enough jobs to go around. They feel that there needs to be a right to a lining wage job that pays above poverty level wages and is able to go up. They believe that this should be written into the Constitution. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pay laid-off workers- when a large corporation lays off a worker, the value of their stocks goes up. It is also proven that in family with a laid off worker, they experience increases in illness and social problems. On this issue they feel that if a worker is laid off, the company or corporation that they had worked for should pay the salary for every year that they had worked for them. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An injury to one is a injury to all- states that the labor party enforces full rights to all, they are fighting to make sure that women are paid the same that men are. They believe that it does not always only hurt the women being paid less, but the nation as a whole. At the moment this party is starting anti-discrimination programs to stop all unfairness, whether it be race, sex, or heritage. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Universal access to health care- Because health care is one of the most important things in the United States today, the Labor Party is annotating that it too does not treat people fairly. Health care is a very large issue because without it people are more prone to becoming ill or sick. Eighteen percent of Americans who are working full time do not have health insurance. The labor Party is strongly pushing for all American to have health insurance. They believe that whether or not a family is makin... ... force fighting against rip off schemes by big business. Food co ops, free health clinics, and community newspapers have had long lives after being established by the PFP. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Socialist Economy- industries, financial institutions, and natural resources are owned by the people as a whole and democratically managed by the people who work in them and use them. This would be a big change from the present corporate capitalist economy. The richest 1% of the population has half of all privately owned stock in U.S. corporations and controls most of theinstitutional stock. They control the policies of business, government, and the media. The capitalist economy starts out with competition for personal profit and ends up with huge monopolies which waste resources. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Capitalist Economy- They don't care if they endanger the planet by making useless or even harmful products, so long as they make money. Under capitalism, millions of people are jobless, homeless, often hungry, and without proper medical care. Even those with decent jobs live with the fear of war, nuclear destruction, and environmental pollution of our food, air and water.

How far do you think Educating Rita has a happy conclusion?

Many definitions of comedy claim that at the end of the play a happy conclusion will have emerged. How far do you think Educating Rita has a happy conclusion? Educating Rita is a play by Willie Russell, set in 1983. It is a semi-autobiographical play about Rita, a young working class Liverpool hairdresser who decides wants to gain an education using an Open University. Her tutor is the disillusioned and alcoholic Frank, who teaches at the Open University to pay for his drinking habits. Rita decides she wants to learn everything, even if it means ‘abandoning her originality’.With Rita’s marriage break down, and Frank’s alcoholism, will either of them ever receive their happy ending? In some ways, I think the Educating Rita does have a happy ending. This is due to many incidents throughout the play which shows Frank and Rita can have a good life and can now move on with it. At the beginning of the play, Rita says that she â€Å"wants to learn everything†. By the end of the play, she fulfils this dream as she passes her exams and can now be seen as an â€Å"educated woman†.She can now be herself, a working class hairdresser, yet have an education at the same time, which she didn’t think she could have before, as she thought she was â€Å"out of step. † Furthermore, nearing the end of the play, Frank gives Rita a dress that he bought for her. â€Å"Well, it’s er – it’s a dress really†. This is significant as she says that she’s not going to buy a new dress until she has learnt everything and passed her exams. When Frank gives Rita the dress, he says it’s for an â€Å"educated woman friend† of his.Therefore, this could show that the play has a happy conclusion as Rita has done what she wanted to do and, with Franks help, learnt â€Å"everything. † Also, Frank gains self-confidence. This is because Rita convinces him that he is a good teacher. â€Å"I came to tell you you’re a good teacher. † This shows that Frank, although a few hiccups along the way, gained a lot throughout the play. This shows that Educating Rita has a happy ending because Frank finally gets approval and self – confidence. Rita also realises that she has choices.This is shown when Denny burns her books. â€Å"He said either I stop comin’ here an’ get off the pill, or I could get out altogether. † This shows how serious Rita is about gaining an education, even if it does mean sacrificing her marriage. This shows that Educating Rita does have a happy conclusion as, even though Rita loses a few things, she now knows she has choices. â€Å"I’ll make a decision, I’ll chose. † This shows that Rita knows she doesn’t have to conform to what other people want. Half way through the play, Rita has an identity crisis. â€Å"Because I’m a freak.†Rita thinks she is â€Å"out of step† becaus e she doesn’t fit in either working or lower class and she doesn’t know where she should be. This is shown when she doesn’t know whether to go to the pub with her family, or to Franks house for dinner. However, after her roommate Trish tried to commit suicide, Rita realises that being higher class doesn’t mean you’re happy. Also, that she doesn’t have to change to fit in. This shows that Educating Rita can have a happy conclusion as Rita goes back to her usual enthusiastic self and is back to having her own opinions, instead of â€Å"empty quotes.†Even though Frank and Rita have negative experiences throughout the play, Rita cuts franks hair and wishes him good luck, so they depart on good terms. â€Å"I’ll take ten years off ya. † This shows how Educating Rita can have a happy conclusion, even though Rita is back to being a hairdresser, her and Frank can remain friends and they have both learnt a lot from each other. On the other hand, the play could be seen as having an unhappy conclusion. This could be due to how Frank and Rita departed. Firstly, throughout the play, Frank shows signs of having a crush on Rita.â€Å"Why didn’t you walk in here twenty years ago? † This shows Frank fancies Rita, however Rita never reciprocates these feelings, which could be seen as disappointing as it’s not a normal love story. Educating Rita could also be seen as having an unhappy ending as both Frank and Rita are what they used to be. Frank remains an alcoholic and Rita is back to hairdressing. â€Å"If you could stop pouring that junk down your throat. † Rita thought Frank would stop drinking, however he doesn’t. Therefore, the play could be seen as unhappy because Frank hasn’t got out of his old habits.In conclution, I think that Educating Rita could been seen to have a happy ending because Frank and Rita both gain something from being together. Although they have thei r ups and downs throughout the play, they depart on a happy note. Rita learns everything she wants to and fulfils her dreams of being educated whilst Frank rekindles his love for poetry and gets to move on to Australia, as well as his self-confidence. They both have a happy ending and can still be friends, even if Frank was hinting throughout the play that he fancied her. Therefore, I think that Educating Rita has a happy conclusion overall.

How Is John Proctor Presented in the Crucible Essay

The way in which the protagonist, John Proctor, is presented in The Crucible somewhat changes throughout the play. Firstly, he is presented as quite dominant and violent, however as the story progresses, he is presented still as a violent character but a much more likeable one. He is also one to go with his first instincts, and has a lot of pride. These two characteristics are the main factors that lead to Proctors downfall. The first scene in which Proctor is introduced is set in Reverend Parris’ house. Upon entering, the first line he speaks in the play is â€Å"Be you foolish, Mary Warren? Be you deaf? I forbid you to leave the house, did I not?† Mary clearly feels intimidated by Proctor, as even before he speaks she â€Å"leaps with fright†. This suggests that Proctor is an important man in Salem society and that he has a good reputation. On the other hand, when he says â€Å"I am looking for you more often than my cows!† the audience starts to see that Proctor is a rather humorous and charismatic person. As the play progresses however, Proctor becomes less like this and more miserable. This therefore creates a large impact on the audience as they see him quickly change from the way he was at the beginning of the play. The next part of this scene sees Proctor speaking to the antagonist of the play, Abigail Williams. The scene introduces Proctor’s main Hamartia, which is that he cheated on his wife Elizabeth with Abigail. Lots of animal imagery is used in this scene, for example, Abigail uses the phrase â€Å"sweated like a stallion† and Proctor refers to what Abigail said about him as â€Å"a wild thing to say†. This symbolises the fact that Proctor acts on his first impulses is an animalistic manner, the way he acted solely upon his lust for Abigail without giving it any proper thought. As the scene progresses, the affair that Proctor had with Abigail is slowly implied to the audience through the flirtatious dialogue which the two share, and through lines such as â€Å"you know me better†. The audience can therefore establish throughout the scene that Abigail is the antagonist and that the fact that Proctor slept with her will be the cause of his downfall. At the start of act two, Proctor is presented as a man of quite a violent nature, and the audience also starts to see how the relationship between him and his wife, Elizabeth, is failing. As he opens the door and enters, there is a sense of a change of atmosphere in the house as Proctor can be seen â€Å"carrying his gun†. This represents the more aggressive nature of Proctor in contrast to Elizabeth’s more gentle nature, as she is â€Å"softly singing to the children†. This noticeable difference in character between Proctor and his wife starts to inform the audience that their relationship could be quite poor, without the dialogue even starting. The gun could also represent Proctors impulsive nature and his tendency to solve things with violence. In the final scene of The Crucible, Proctor refuses to confess to witchcraft to save his life, as he is much too proud to do so. He yells to Danforth, â€Å"You will not use me!† He would much rather keep his pride and his reputation and therefore be hanged than be used to justify the deaths of other people convicted of witchcraft. At this point in the play, the audience is starting to like Proctor and so the scene is full of suspense as we conclude that Proctor is certainly going to die. After he has refused to confess, he says â€Å"I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor†, suggesting that after all of his sins, this is the only good thing he has done in his life. Proctor therefore goes to his fate, still maintaining his reputation and his pride. In conclusion, John Proctor is presented as a classic example of the protagonist of a tragedy, and also as an allegory for the people who would refuse to confess to being involved in communism, and give up the names of other people involved in communist groups during the time of McCarthyism. He is presented as very proud and instinctive, and he will not go against what he thinks in right, even to save his own life.

Book Review of Drinking Essay

Caroline Knapp writes eloquently and honestly, yet often starkly, about her life as a â€Å"functioning alcoholic. † Ms. Knapp graduated Magna cum laude from Brown University, was a contributing editor at New Woman magazine as well as the Boston Phoenix. She wrote for many other magazines as well and was the author of Alice K’s Guide to Life. She was born into an upper-class family, one of two twin girls, daughter of a psychoanalyst father and an artist mother. Yet despite all the gifts seemingly bestowed upon her, from her earliest memories Ms. Knapp felt that she was different in some way; that she needed something to sustain her and help her travel through life; her particular crutch became alcohol. Carolyn’s family, though a model of respectability and stability on the outside, had their own particular demons to deal with. Carolyn’s father was described as â€Å"cold, remote, and inaccessible, an alcoholic involved in extramarital affairs. † (Handrup, 1998, p. 1). Her mother seemed to be â€Å"preoccupied with breast cancer throughout much of Knapp’s childhood,† and â€Å"was seemingly unaware of the inner life of her children. † (p. 1). Carolyn relates stories of her father’s previous marriage which produced three children, and the confusion that came along with the ex-wife and the younger son who was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and whose erratic behavior frightened Carolyn. The theory of nature causing alcoholism pretty much goes out the window on this particular case as Carolyn’s twin sister Becca never turned to alcohol or any other addictive behavior to cope with a life that virtually mirrored Carolyn’s own. The disability of any alcoholic seems to be an intense need for protection; an inability to weather the storms of life alone, the absolute craving for a friend, a lover that will carry them through the rough times. In fact, Ms. Knapp felt about alcohol the exact same way she imagined others felt about their lovers. It was something she craved, obsessed over, and thought about constantly. Ms. Knapp’s â€Å"rough times† in life soon translated into absolutely anything at all, good or bad. The sun was shining, or it wasn’t, the cashier at the grocery store was unfriendly, or perhaps too friendly, somebody died, a baby was born. Every nuance of life became too difficult to deal with, the emotions that accompanied normal day-to-day living were too much to process without a drink—or two, or three, or four. Ms. Knapp wryly notes that living without alcohol is like being â€Å"forced to live alone without the armor. The armor, of course, is protection from all the things we might actually feel, if we allowed ourselves to feel at all;† (Knapp, 1996, p. 113) Comfort became an absolute necessity, and Caroline remembers that from the time she was able to sit in her mother’s lap she would rock herself back and forth, and that this bizarre behavior continued for more years than she cared to remember. â€Å"Later I developed a more elaborate system: I’d get on my knees and elbow and curl up in a ball on the bed facedown like a turtle in its shell, and rock away, for hours sometimes†¦I was deeply embarrassed that I did this, ashamed of it, really, but I needed it. I needed it and it worked. The truth? I did this until I was sixteen. The rocking was just like drinking. † (Knapp, 1996, p. 62). So, from the comfort she derived from rocking–for hours sometimes– Caroline â€Å"graduated† to a more sophisticated form of self-comfort—alcohol. She never came to a satisfactory conclusion as to why that comfort was so essential to her. â€Å"I still don’t know, today, if that hunger originated within the family or if it was something I was simply born with. In the end I don’t suppose it matters. You get your comfort where you can. † (p. 61). While Knapp faced few serious medical issues as a result of her alcoholism, she nonetheless suffered through the physical challenges her addiction brought such as the soon-daily hangovers, headaches and nausea. She suffered blackouts on occasion, and another woman one day remarked about all the tiny broken blood vessels on her nose—a classic sign of the habitual drinker. Knapp combined two addictions for a period of time; anorexia and alcoholism. She felt like the anorexia gave her control over her life, and the alcoholism made it possible for her to continue the anorexia. She notes during her anorexic phase that â€Å"I simply couldn’t stand the starving anymore, couldn’t go on without some kind of release from the absolute rigor and vigilance and self-control, and I’d go out and eat like crazy and drink like crazy. These episodes were usually preceded by some glimmer of insight into my own loneliness, some gnawing sense that my hunger was more than merely physical. † (Knapp, 1996, p. 141). The psychological consequences of this intense need for protection in the form of alcohol were many; Knapp notes several times how impossible it was to maintain any type of intimacy in relationships when she had a whole secret life that nobody else knew of. She felt she was one person at work– the responsible, hard-working, intelligent and dedicated writer– another with each of her boyfriends, another with her parents and siblings, and perhaps could only let her true self come through when she was alone with her lover, her glass of bourbon. Caroline felt an emptiness deep inside, that nothing could counteract except alcohol. She also felt an enormous sense of powerlessness in her own life, and described it in this way: â€Å"As a rule, active alcoholics are powerless people, or at least a lot of us tend to feel that way in our hearts. † (Knapp, 1996. p. 178). Perhaps because she was a classic example of the functioning alcoholic, few people in Caroline’s life ever mentioned her drinking to her as being a problem. When her mother told her that perhaps she was drinking a bit too much, Caroline promised she would only drink two drinks a day, no matter what. When she was unable to keep that promise, she found one excuse after another. Her own sister, while realizing the problem, skirted the issue with Caroline. While Becca didn’t come right out and say that she thought her sister was an alcoholic, Caroline felt shame because she knew on some level her sister knew. Friends and boyfriends alike, seemed to accept the fact that Caroline drank, never seeing much below that superficial level of awareness. Although there were moments of clarity when Knapp realized she must stop drinking, (such as the time she was drunkenly swinging her best friend’s two daughters around and fell down, narrowly missing injuring the children), in the end it was no one thing that prompted her to enter rehab. She felt that it would take â€Å"great courage to face life without anesthesia,† (Iaciofano, 2004, p. 13) yet, in the end, she was able to pull that very courage from somewhere deep inside herself. Ms. Knapp’s story, full of bad relationships, years of self doubt and pain, strong addictions and family issues, psychologically goes far beyond the disease of alcoholism itself, and offers tremendous insight into the gut-wrenching need for something to ease the pain that life inflicts. Ms. Knapp notes that â€Å"You take away the drink and you take away the single most important method of coping you have. How to talk to people without a drink†¦.. How to experience a real emotion—pain or anxiety or sadness—without an escape route, a quick way to anesthetize it. How to sleep at night. † (Knapp, 1996, p. 254). References Handrup, Cynthia Taylor. (July-September 1998). Drinking: A Love Story. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. Retrieved April 20, 2006, from http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_qa3804/is_199807/ai_n8791537/print Iaciofano, Carol. (June 16, 2004). Lyrical Essays Trace a Woman’s Short Yet Rich Life. Globe. Retrieved April 21, 2006 from http://www. arlindo-correia. com/061203. html Knapp, Caroline. (1996). Drinking: A Love Story. New York, Bantam Dell, A Division of Random House.

MCI case study

June 1972, MIMIC began construction of Its telecommunications network. Funding: MN shares (common stock) @SO, In total after commission $27. 1 MN; Summon of credit from banks; $6. Man from private investors; MIMIC still rely on AT&T facilities to carry calls from its subscribers to MIMIC transmission centers in each metropolitan area. PAYOFF, MIMIC revenue $6. MN, losses of $38. 7 MN. MIMIC has exhausted its credit from its banks. MIMIC sold shares for $8. MN. 1976, ‘exeunt' service. And revenue started roaring. 1976 revenue, 28. N, first profit $100,000; 1977, 62. MN; Between 1976-1978, lease financing of new fixed Investment was the only substantial source of funds available. 1978, withdrawal of the court's ‘exeunt' DCE. 1978, public market to issue convertible preferred stocks. Preferred offerings allowed MIMIC to retire its short to intermediate term bank debt and to issue further debt of a longer term kind. 1980, MIMIC provided ‘executions residential customers . Strong growth but constrained only by a lack of investment capital. July, 1980. Leasing actuality decreased.FYI 981 , demand for investment fund Intensified. Offer convertible bonds. Jan. 1982: Antitrust settlement between AT&T and LIST. Department of Justice. AT&T will need to break up before 1984. Economics of scale and scope are important; basic call service and value added services. Increase In access charge after the AT&T antitrust settlement 1 . What are the business problems facing MIMIC? After the settlement of antitrust case of AT&T, the differential In access charges will be phased out through charging MIMIC 80% more and this In turn Increased Mi's operation expense.MIMIC could lose its cost advantage to the competitors and lead to decreasing sales and profits. AT might also reduce its price to prevent its erosion in market share. AT communications was the main competitor. MIMIC need dial 20 digits ATT dial 11 digits. 2. How do these business problems translate Into fina ncing problems? More we can see the graph, we saw a sharp rise in both external financing and internal financing, with external financing even a bit higher than internal financing. 3. To what extent can traditional financing strategies work for MIMIC?It is getting more expensive for MIMIC to acquire further funding through issuing debts and MIMIC will become more risky if take on further debts; If MIMIC simply issue equity, public might read this move as the stock has been overpriced and now the firm is trying to push down the price. Thus, the share price of the firm might go down. 4. Based on projected financial statements in the case – income statements, balance sheets, and projected capital expenditures calculate Mi's projected needs for external financing during the years 1984 through 1988 inclusive, for each year.Analyses the consequences of alternative financing policies of MIMIC during these years – as sequences, such as first debt, then equity, then debt again as needed –on the projected financial condition of MIMIC in the (fiscal) year 1990, in terms of measures such as debt to equity ratios and interest coverage ratios. 5. Suppose that for its initial financing â€Å"trance† of $1 Billion by the end of 1984, MIMIC decides to choose NOW between a Straight Debt issue of 20 year maturity with an interest rate of 12. 5%, with no sinking funds (early repayments), versus a ConvertibleDebt issue of the same size, of notional maturity 20 years with an interest/Coupon rate of 7. 75%, and a conversion price of $ 55 per share. Assume further that IF the conversion option is not exercised within the following 5 years then it would expire (unlike in the case), and this would continue as (cheap) debt. Which of these two debt issues should MIMIC choose in March 1983, to maximize shareholder value? Assume that annual standard deviation of returns on Mi's equity value are either 20% or 30% and that the interest rate on (safe) MIMIC debt eq uals 12. 5%.

Starbucks Retail Stores Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Starbucks Retail Stores - Essay Example This essay stresses that social responsibility, and in particular consumer and community considerations play central role in the process of Starbucks brand positioning. It is acknowledged that Starbucks coffee shops are active members of local communities. Starbucks coffee shops are found on â€Å"the near-by corner†, being 200 in London alone. Through a consistent policy of community-directed events and wide-spread initiatives, Starbucks have continuously supported community growth and added to community satisfaction. The â€Å"Bookdrive† initiative is running for a third consecutive year where Starbucks customers donate books to local schools, nurseries or hospitals. â€Å"Timebank† is another community-targeted endeavour, involving individuals in various local activities. The â€Å"Workwise† program is targeted at employability of young people. Starbucks â€Å"ethical coffee† was initiated along with other retail shops promoting â€Å"Fairtradeà ¢â‚¬  principles. Acknowledging that Starbucks coffee shops are not merely coffee traders, but are active members of the local communities, has long-term benefits for the company in terms of brand positioning. This paper makes a conclusion that the strengths of the Starbucks brand include international know-how, advanced brand recognition, quality raw materials, premium speciality coffee products, good shop locations, personalized service, special attitude and community-oriented social policy. Still, markets and consumers are not static; therefore brand-supporting activities should be continued, and adjusted to changing market developments.

Writer's choice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 32

Writer's choice - Essay Example However, there are other additional measures that can be used in determining the wellbeing. The majority of the areas picked are made of steel (review 350); consequently the heavier the post is, the more it will cost to buy. This shows that steel being heavy is preferred for the placement in the post of cantilever. This expresses that the lightest material of the three empty segments picked above will be the most practical to decide for the for the cantilever post. The rectangular and square blank areas measure the same in this way. This makes them obtain either one will have the same cost, however as the empty rectangular area has a higher component of wellbeing then that will be the most prudent methodology. As I would like to think, this task was done effectively. Most of the sensitive issures were put into consideration. As we decided the best measurements to get the best and most practical component of security for the cantilever post, the three best picked empty segment all have a variable of wellbeing. Over 1.5 which expresses that the undertaking was sufficient. As all the area selected are equipped for supporting the sign, we found that the most prudent empty segment post is discovered to be the "RHS(250 x 150 x 9)". This is as it has a high variable of wellbeing and light

Management Enquiry and Research Methods (MBA) Essay

Management Enquiry and Research Methods (MBA) - Essay Example These steps include data collection, analysis, presentation and validation as well as goal setting, the creation of a proposal for targeted team building efforts and the implementation of the proposal. 1. Data collection-In general data collection will be done in a confidential manner by interviewing each team member. During the interview process, it will be the aim of the researcher to identify the common sentiments of the group members and ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the team as a whole. 4. Validation of Data-This is a very important step in that the findings need to be checked for accuracy. During this process, the data collected is relayed to the team and the team is asked for input with regards to its accuracy. 5. Goal Setting-Before a team can begin to solve its problems, it is prudent that the team identify the direction in which it intends to go. This will serve as a means of shaping and formulating the future of the company in a structured manner. 6. The Proposal-This is an integral part of any action research. During this phase, the team considers the current issues and devises a plan for their solution. Much of this phase involves discussion and focuses on accountability. 7.