Jerome K. Jerome “A Victim to One Hundred and Seven Fatal Maladies”

The text is written by an English writer and humorist Jerome K. Jerome, best known for the comic travelogue â€Å"Three Men in a Boat†. The story is about one young healthy men who thought he became â€Å"a victim to one hundred and seven fatal maladies†. The story is written by a humorist, that’s why it contains a lot of different funny moments and special stylistic devises. The first one we met already in the name of the story â€Å"A victim to one hundred and seven fatal maladies†. This phrase has an ironical tone. We understand that one man can’t have one hundred and seven fatal maladies at once.The title let us to understand that something will be wrong with the main character, but probably the author will just ridicule certain type of people. So, one man after reading some medical books decided that he had all of fatal diseases at once, and came to the doctor to tell about his trouble. The doctor said nothing but wrote a prescription, which he lped the patient to recover, despite it didn’t contain any medicaments. The story can be divided into 3 logical parts – story proper, climax and denouement.The story has no exposition, because it begins directly with activity of the main character, who was sitting in the library and reading a book about diseases. In the story proper we knew the whole information about the central character of the story. Generally, the text is built around such human character trait as hypochondria. The author chose an interesting way to describe this mental instability – the whole text is written with irony. We can feel it already in the beginning of the story: â€Å"I sat for a while frozen with horror; and than in despair I again turned over the pages.I came to typhoid fever – read the symptoms – discovered that I had typhoid fever – began to get interested in my case, and so started alphabetically†¦ and the only disease I had not got was housemaidâ €™s knee†. After these words we understand what kind of man is the main person and may be smb. found himself in it. It’s very funny to read about the man who thought he had all the diseases of the world, but honestly speaking if I was on his place I would be scary because of all these diseases.The main person impressed me because in spite of such number of diseases he didn’t cry, shout or go into hysteric, conversely he apples to himself with irony. We can feel it in his thoughts and statements: â€Å"I sat and thought what an interesting case I must be from a medical point of view. Students would have no need to â€Å"walk the hospitals† if they had me. I was a hospital in myself. All they need do would be to walk round me, and, after that, take their diploma† or during the conversation with the doctor â€Å"I will not take up your time, dear boy, with telling you what is the matter with me.Life is short and you might pass away before I had fi nished. But I will tell you what is not the matter with me. Everything else, however, I have got†. I think that hypochondria of the main personage is in a bad case, because he had not only all the symptoms of the diseases he had read in the book, but even thought up several complications. To describe this the author used antithesis: â€Å"I tried to examine myself. I felt my pulse. I could not at first feel any pulse at all.Then, all of sudden, it seemed to start off. I pulled out my watch and timed it. I made it a 100 and 47 to the minute. I tried to feel my heart. I could not feel my heart. It had stopped beating†. The climax of irony and self-irony of the story, I think, is in these 2 phrases – â€Å"I had walked into the reading-room a happy, healthy man. I crawled out a miserable wreck†. It’s very funny and very sad simultaneous, because we understand that the only disease this man had was his mental instability.And the main character itself un derstood that he was absolutely happy and healthy man before he read about the diseases, but after it he felt totally ill, even though he understood nothing in medicine and he could not determine if he had those symptoms or not. The denouement of the story comes gradually from the visiting of the doctor through the situation in the chemist’s up to recovery of the main person. The key role here played the doctor. He knew our personage for a long time and was his old chum, that is why he immediately understood what was going on and what was the matter with the patient.The doctor knew an approach to this person. He wrote such a funny prescription, because he knew that suspicious people like to treat themselves and he knew that the patient would follow each word he wrote in the prescription. And the focus succeeded – the man ate 1 pound beefsteak and drank 1 pint bear every 6 hours, made 1 ten-mile walk every morning, and took 1 bed at 11 every night, and, lo and behold, à ¢â‚¬â€œ â€Å"I followed the directions with the happy result that my life was preserved and is still going on†.Happy end ? So, the story is over, but I think it is the end only for one part of the whole story, I mean the story of the personage’s life. I think it is not the end, because the question is the difficult mental trouble and one funny prescription can’t solve this seriously problem. I think that man would be happy and healthy until he read one more book or article or watched a TV-show about a new fatal disease. People with such problems must consult not with subject matter experts but with mental specialists, and only in this case they will have chance to become really happy and healthy.

Leadership and Employee Morale

Assignment Leadership and Employee Morale Dorothy â€Å"Micki† Gould Kaplan University Organizational Behavior MT302 Professor Rhonda Shannon May 09, 2012 Unit 8 Assignment Leadership and Employee Morale The ten truths, just learning them is not enough. It is crucial to good leadership to apply them. (Kouzes & Posner, 2010) * You make a difference. Believe in yourself. Believe you can make a difference. If you do not believe it, neither will anyone else. * Credibility is the foundation of leadership. Mean what you say and say what you mean.Do not be misleading; be honest and upfront about everything. * Values drive commitment. If you do not know what you stand for, find out. You need to know what you value. * Focusing on the future sets leaders apart. How can you lead if you do not know where you are going? What is the end goal; do not think you are the only person who sees it or that can get you there. * You cannot do it alone. Remember to lead you have to have followers; you cannot lead if you do not include other people in your plans and have a team. Trust rules. Trust and respect, you cannot get either one without giving it. * Challenge is the crucible of greatness. Do not be afraid of change. If it is not working, ask for suggestions and /or look for different ways to implement changes. Make the changes necessary to grow. * Either you lead by example, or you do not lead at all. Do not expect someone or anyone to do something you are not willing to do yourself. This also goes back to credibility. Do as I do not just, as I say. * The best leaders are the best learners.Strive to learn. Going back to challenges and changes, if it is not working, find a new way to do it. Also, remember you can learn from your followers and team members. * Leadership is an affair of the heart. Have passion in what you are doing, or you cannot lead your team members to want what is best. This is my favorite. My job has a saying: Have a Heart H = Help everyone you can E = Enjoy your job and your customers A = Always â€Å"be there† for your co-workers and customers R = Respect everyone, especially the difficult peopleT = Truth is always the answer (Management, 2012) â€Å"All aspects of transformational leadership—are leaders able to motivate followers to perform above expectations and transcend their self-interest for the sake of the organization. Individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and idealized influence all result in extra effort from workers, higher productivity, higher morale and satisfaction, higher organizational effectiveness, lower turnover, lower absenteeism, and greater organizational adaptability. (Judge & Robbins, 2007, p. 391) References Judge, T. A. , & Robbins, S. T. (2007). Organizational Behavior (14th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Retrieved March 22, 2012 Kouzes, J. , & Posner, B. (2010, August). Leadership Truths. Leadership Excel lence, 27(8), 15. Retrieved May 11, 2012 Management, B. (2012). Employee Handbook. BMG Employee Handbook. Brundage Management. Retrieved May 12, 2012

Birth Control Essay Example for Free (#2)

Birth Control Essay Birth control is a way or method used to prevent pregnancy. There are different kinds of methods of birth control that can be used by man and woman. All of these methods have positive effects or sides. The pros of birth control are the following: (1) lessen the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (â€Å"Pros and Cons of Different Contraceptive Methods â€Å"); (2) it is helpful in preventing pregnancy, but the degree of the effectiveness of the birth control method depends on the type of method that is being used by the couple (â€Å"Pros and Cons of Different Contraceptive Methods â€Å"); (3) allows active participation of men in the prevention of pregnancy (when using condom or withdrawal method) (â€Å"Pros and Cons of Different Contraceptive Methods â€Å"); (4) it helps regulate the menstrual cycle of a woman; (5) it lessens the pain and difficulty of having a menstruation (â€Å"Pros and Cons of Different Contraceptive Methods â€Å"); (6) prevents or lessen the possibility of having uterine and ovarian cancer, anemia, ovarian cyst and pelvic inflammatory disease (â€Å"Pros and Cons of Different Contraceptive Methods â€Å"). There are also some other pros of birth control method but it depends on the method that the couple is using (â€Å"Birth Control Pill Faq: Benefits, Risks and Choices†). There are many types of birth control. The following are the types of birth control that is being used: (a) male condoms which are also called as barrier because it blocks the sperm cells from getting near or into the egg cells; (b) oral contraceptives or birth control pills prevent the ovary from releasing eggs; (c) female condom is also called as a barrier because it prevents or blocks the sperm cells from reaching the egg cells; (d) Depo-Provera hormonal injections is a type of birth control that uses hormone progestin. Continuous injection of this for more than two years has an adverse effect on woman; (e) spermicides; (f) contraceptive sponges is also a barrier type of birth control. Although using this type of birth control would still have a risk of having a toxic syndrome. Woman that are very sensitive to spermicide nonoxynol-9 are not encourage to use this type of method; (g) diaphragm and cervical caps also blocks the sperm cells going inside the cervix. This type of method needs the assistance of the doctor for proper usage and fitting of the cervical cap or diaphragm; (h) intra – uterine devices is used and placed inside the uterus to prevent the sperm cells from entering it and reaching the egg cells; (i) surgical sterilization or tubal ligation is a permanent birth control that needs a surgical process; (j) periodic abstinence or natural family planning. In this type of birth control, the woman should have the knowledge about the fertility process so that this method would be successful (â€Å"Birth Control Methods â€Å"). There are some mild health risks related to the use of birth control methods. But there is also one severe health risk when using birth control method such as pills for a longer period of time like cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, cardiovascular accident or stroke, high blood pressure and other cardio related diseases (â€Å"Birth Control Methods†). Both man and woman are responsible in birth control planning. They have an active participation in the birth control method. Although their physician would prescribe a pill or appropriate birth control method, still the couple would be responsible to the possible outcome of that method. They are the one who can observe to the negative or positive effect of that particular method. When a serious or life threatening situation or death happens, the couple is more reliable than their physician. In choosing birth control method, couples or person that is going to use it must consider if (1) it will affect your health like if they have history of breast cancer, have high blood pressure, has low density of the bone, diabetes, sexually transmitted disease (STD), and heart disease; (2) those possible side effects of the method; (3) frequency of having sexual intercourse; (4) the benefits that the method can give; (5) the quality of that certain drug or method in birth control; and (6) the possible outcome if ever the couple decided to have a child (â€Å"Birth Control Guide†). Shop Lifting Shop lifting is very common especially on malls and convenient stores. People shop lift because they need that particular thing or that they can’t afford to buy the things they wanted to (â€Å"Teenagers Shop Lifting†). Some shop lifters that has the money to buy things thinks that shop lifting gives them the adrenalin rush or thrill that cannot be caught, they think that what they have stolen is not important and they also think that they are not stealing because the owner or the store can afford to buy that again or the store is insured (â€Å"Teenagers Shop Lifting†). In some cases, people shop lifts especially students because of peer pressure. Shop lifters always carry a small bag or large jacket with a large pocket or umbrella (â€Å"Preventing Shoplifting†). Those things can be use to shop lift. Store management or staff should also be aware and alarm when a person puts down their bag because they may place the thing they get simply by dropping it into the bag (â€Å"Preventing Shoplifting†). There are also times that shop lifters are into a group (â€Å"Preventing Shoplifting†). Some of them will distract the attention of the staff while the others do the crime. Shop lifters can be seen mostly in malls that are crowded and convenient stores. The similarities of these two places are that they have a big space and do not have enough staff that would assist and guard the clients or buyers. Those shop lifters know that in places were there’s enough employee to assist and guard them, they won’t be able to the deed because there’s a big chance of getting caught while in malls and convenient store, they can easily place the things they get and hide it in their bags or clothes without being notice by the employees. Shop lifting is a crime that can be categorize as light. In some states, the fine depends on the amount that the shop lifter stolen while the jail time depends on the repetition of the incident (Zukowski). The penalty or fine ranges from 40 to 1000 dollars and the jail time is only 30 days up to 6 months (Zukowski). The society and justice system give the offenders a second chance to correct their action. If they are going to repeat their action, they will be punished again with a higher penalty and possible longer jail time. Compiling an Annotated Bibliography ? â€Å"Birth Control Guide† Ed. US Department of Health and Human Services: FDA Consumer Magazine, 2003. This article focuses on different approved birth control methods. It also provides information about the different types of birth control method and also the severe health risk that may be obtain from the prolonged use of contraceptive pills. ? â€Å"Birth Control Methods†. 2005. Planned Parenthood of Connecticut. June 27 2007. http://www. ppct. org/medical/services/bc_method. shtml. This article talks about different birth control methods. It also provides knowledge about pros and cons of different types of birth control method especially tubal sterilization. ? â€Å"Birth Control Methods† Ed. Us Department of Health and Human Services: National Women’s Health Information Center, 2005. This article provides birth control methods that can be use. It also provides knowledge on what they should take into consider when choosing a birth control method. ? â€Å"Teenage Shop Lifting†. 2006. Indian child. com June 26 2007. http://www. indianchild. com/parenting/teenagers/teenagers_shop_lifting. htm. The article provides the reasons why teenagers try to steal and ways to handle and persuade them. ? â€Å"Birth Control†. 2007. Cool Nurse. June 25 2007. http://www. coolnurse. com/birthcontrol. htm. The article tackles about having safe sex with the use of birth control methods. This provides idea or knowledge about the effectives of each method and the reasons why it is not recommended for teenagers. ? â€Å"Preventing Shoplifting. † Namibian Police 2007. The Namibian Police Force carries out their duty by informing the public of the different crimes and ways how to handle that situation. They encourage the public to have an active participation in fighting the crime to maintain the peace and order in their place. ? â€Å"Birth Control Pill Faq: Benefits, Risks and Choices†. 2007. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. June 25 2007. . The staff focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of taking contraceptive pills. The staff also discusses other contributing factors that make birth control pills unsafe to use than any other birth control methods. Birth Control. (2016, Aug 09). We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you

Water pollution and the way agriculture affects this global dilemma Research Paper

Water pollution and the way agriculture affects this global dilemma - Research Paper Example Water Pollution and the way agriculture affects this global dilemma Water pollution is becoming an increasing problem throughout the world today. Some of the people identify the main cause of water pollution to that of agriculture activities. For instance, in the United States, the cause of pollution is forty-eight percent of stream and river water and on the other hand, forty-one percent of the lake water because of agricultural activities (Sustainable Table, 2011). This issue has largely become a ‘global dilemma’ as the topic aptly puts it. This requires a detailed study of the topic. The question therefore arises as to how agriculture leads to this global dilemma, and how adversely it affects and endangers the lives of the species. Various studies have shown that indeed modern agricultural system has had a significant role in increasing the water pollution. Agriculture is a major contributor in European countries to the cause of water pollution, both ground and surfac e water (Echaore-McDavid, 2007). Pollution has a non-point source, and thus, it does now allow its measurement. ‘Non point source accounts for almost half of water pollution and agriculture remains the largest contributor to it’ (Sustainabletable, 2011). In addition, the same study also states that almost 50-70% of the pollution of the surface waters originates mainly from agricultural lands in the form of fertilizers and animal wastes (Roberts, 1995). Not only this, but the use of pesticides, specifically the synthetic herbicides, have also caused a major concern, since these an easily leach into the ground water and pollute it. In aquifers, the nitrate concentration may also increase due to the intensity of the usage of fertilizers (Echaore-McDavid, 2007). In addition, the storage of manure in lagoons often becomes a source of water pollution. ‘When these lagoons leak during storms or rain, they may rupture and overflow’ (Sustainabletable, 2011). Leaking lagoons subsequently lead to the emission of antibiotic residues and harmful bacteria, which leaches into the water surface (Sustainabletable, 2011). The building of dams to aid irrigation in agriculture also alters the stream flow regimes that lead to the degradation of the aquatic and riparian habitats. The run-off due to rain and storms also pose an additional problem. Surface run off from agricultural lands carries salts, fertilizers, pesticides, pathogens and other pollutants, and dumps into aquifers and other water sources. The water sources used for drinking water poses a threat to human and animal health (Shortle & Abler, 2001). A study carried out by the US environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) found that agriculture is the leading cause of poor quality in river and lakes (Shortle & Abler, 2001). However, this problem is not limited to the United States only. This problem is very significant in developing countries, where the majority of the population depends upon agricu lture for their livelihood. This in essence does prove that the problem of water pollution is indeed a global dilemma. According to Shortle and Abler (2001), a process known as eutrophication, the nitrogen, and phosphate present in fertilizers runs into the water, and thus, causing the algae to bloom. This reduces fish life. Aquatic vegetation also disappears. The marine eco system therefore gets disturbed. The pesticides in water supplies may also risk human health. This water pollution also reduces the availability of public drinking water, thus putting a strain on our scarce water resources. Modern agriculture systems have also led to increase in salinity and water logging due to irrigation. This has destroyed large amounts of lands, especially in developing countries (Shortle & Abler, 2001). Hence, this has become clear through all the review literature explained above that water pollution has indeed become a

Economics of Taxation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Economics of Taxation - Essay Example Does the Family Credit alter the marriage penalty or bonus? Under the current 2006 tax system, the value of the personal exemption and standard deduction for household 1 (married couple) would be a consolidated amount of $16, 400. This is made up of the personal exemption of $3200 ($6400 for 2) and a joint standard deduction for the married couple of $10,000. The same value calculated for household 2 amounts to $8200 for personal exemption ($3200) and standard deduction ($5000). As per the Simplified Income Tax Plan proposed by the advisory panel on tax reform, Family Credit replaces the personal exemption and standard deduction. It is available to all taxpayers. For a married couple with no children, it amounts to $3300 whereas for an unmarried taxpayer it is $1650. Assuming that the current income tax brackets prevail, the following comparative analysis would justify whether the taxpayers prefer the old tax code or the new Simplified Tax Plan: 2. Which is more equitable: the current system with the personal exemption and the option to take either the standard or itemized deduction, or the Family Credit which everyone can take, even if they also itemize deductions? Discuss both horizontal and vertical equity and explain your answer. Solution: â€Å"Tax equity focuses on equal treatment of similarly situated taxpayers† (Sommerfeld, Anderson, & Brock 9). There are two tax principles, namely, horizontal equity and vertical equity. Horizontal equity is a basic yardstick used to measure whether tax burdens are fairly distributed. According to this principle, taxpayers with same income should pay the same amount in taxes. On the other hand, the principle of vertical equity is a proponent of the progressive structure of tax assigning high income earners greater responsibility to share the tax bill (Kaplow 1989). Under the current system, personal exemption is available to

Peaceful Coexistence Policy and the Changing Personalities in Soviet Essay

Peaceful Coexistence Policy and the Changing Personalities in Soviet Leadership - Essay Example However, not all policies resulted in failure and devastating suffering (Allen 1964). One notable exception was the policy of Peaceful Coexistence instituted by Khrushchev. Until then, the country had been led by Josef Stalin. Under Stalin’s leadership, many oppressive and rigid policies were put in place. After his death, there was a significant incentive to revise them as they had weakened Soviet standing, both abroad and at home. The United States had outpaced the Soviet Union in the nuclear arms race (Mc Dougall 2000). The Soviet Union was surrounded by United States bases located all over Europe. As a result, the Soviet Union had to buy time so as to catch up with its rival. Peaceful Coexistence was the perfect resort. By declaring its interest in peace, the Soviet Union could fend off any likely attacks from the United States at its weakest hour. By no means was Khrushchev a radical departure from Stalin. However, small changes took place, and they were the embodiment of the policy of Peaceful Coexistence. These small changes and how the person at the top helped brought them about shall be at the centre of this writing. Stalin was a dictator. He used all means, mostly brutal, to achieve his selfish aims. He eliminated enemies at an alarming rate and with great ferocity. Its worth pointing out that the name Stalin means ‘man of steel’. His brutality was evident in the way that he expelled Trotsky from the Communist party. He subsequently organized for his murder even while in exile, in Mexico City. He did not believe in political competition (Allen 1964). He eliminated several of his close allies. When his son tried to commit suicide unsuccessfully all he could say was, â€Å"the idiot can not even shoot straight†. From this character, it would also be fair to assume that the Soviet Union would also take on a more aggressive attitude to international affairs. On the political front, the Soviet Union under Stalin dealt brutally wi th Poland. They corrupted the politics of Soviet member countries like Poland and Ukraine. Generally, the Soviet Union under Stalin was a reflection of the man himself, brutal. Enter Khrushchev; an extremely different man when compared to Stalin. He could tolerate a little competition. He closed the Gulag labor camps which had thrived under Stalin. He criticized Stalin as a brutal despot. His preference to indulge in negotiations is well documented. Taking after his character, the Soviet Union also adopted a more conciliatory tone with regard to international conflicts. When the fate of East Berlin was at stake, he issued a sixth month deadline which he subsequently withdrew in the interests of peace. His approach to the Cuban Missile Crisis is also worth mention. In the depth of the Cold War, he clandestinely stacked nuclear weapons in Cuba, a few miles off the United States border (Mc Dougall 2000). After this plan was unmasked by the Kennedy administration, he respectfully abided by the truce. These differing approaches to politics in the Soviet Union directly derive from the leader at the helm. This is very much in consonance with the Soviet maxim that the revolution begins at the top. With regards to economic affairs, the approach also depended on the attitude and character of the leader at the helm. Under Stalin, the Soviet Union depended entirely on agriculture. It was Stalin’

Lillian Wald Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Lillian Wald - Research Paper Example She began her nursing practice at the New York Juvenile Asylum. The children, who stayed there belonged to poor families and Wald began teaching their parents home nursing. She was the author of â€Å"public health nurse† term. She made an emphasis on the necessity to integrate nursing help in the public community. She took care of poor people, immigrants, their children, ethnic minorities and many other underprivileged members of the society. Wald’s contribution to nursing and humanity The results of her work can be found in the book â€Å"The House on Henry Street† (1911) and â€Å"Windows on Henry Street† (1934). Lillian Wald initiated visiting nursing and it is one of her greatest contributions to nursing and community health. Wald and nurses, who followed her managed to provide their services to 450 patients in the Henry Street. Therefore, the modern nurses should learn patience, tolerance, a great care and sympathy shown to their patients. Moreover, a need to improve public health and improve relations in the families of the community would benefit for the public health improvement for sure. Lillian Wald initiated visiting nursing and by 1933 her staff had grown to 265 nurses who made 550,000 home visits and they provided their services to 100,000 patients. In 40s there was a division of Wald’s organization and a freestanding agency of nursing services. Wald’s visiting nursing was directed on help and aid to the underprivileged families.   Her initiative to organize personal visiting resulted in the New York City.   The main goal of visiting nursing was in underlying the important role of a visiting nurse in the community was in dealing with the social problems that accompany illness. Definitely, public health of the community depends on correlation between social and health issues. Moreover, Lillian Wald was not indifferent to women’s housekeeping practices. Recreational activities for families were al so her main concerns. She was the founder of the Women's Trade Union League in 1903. Starting from 1930 she travelled in Russia, China, Japan and Hawaii in order to get better concerned about humanitarian issues. From 1915 this woman expanded her caring about the American society, public health and community activities. She was the President Roosevelt’s assistant protecting children against labor, providing them with the right to attend school, improving education of mentally handicapped people. Civil rights protection was also one of the crucial aspects of Wald’s interests. Protection of African-American rights, protection of women’s rights resulted in development of specified programs and campaigns and establishment of the Foreign Policy Organization and the American Civil Liberties Union (Daniels, 1995). Lillian Wald contributed much into public welfare and was an active citizen, a caring woman and she has shown that nursing is a way she wanted to share her c are with the community. Moreover, a visiting nurse and Wald’s living near her patients, when they had severe health conditions means that this woman was a sensitive and caring person. She struggled for human rights protection, family well-being, women and children health and felt a great sympathy for them. In the field of nursing, Wald’s contribution can be considered as the most humane attitude reflected in public health caring. Wald claimed that

HR and Change Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

HR and Change Management - Case Study Example Founded 25 years ago in a South African garage by three young engineers, growing to a 4.5 USD billion organization, expanding worldwide through acquisitions, entering and exiting businesses, surviving the dot net collapse in the early 2000's and the combating the changes in the competitive landscape, facing changing market conditions and evolution of customer demand, portfolio migration from basic, one shot, hardware sales to performance based multi-country managed services deals - were some of the major changes that the organization has faced in the past. Bottom line, IP (intellectual property) management is key in this company because their intrinsic value is mostly people based, as they have no or little industrial assets. While recognizing the importance of IP as a factor of competitive differentiation (experience, proof points) and financial performance (repeatability, optimized learning curve), little has been done to establish and coordinate global and local HR strategies. Group HR develops very specific programs like the Leadership Forum (retention & development of key individuals) or DDU (on-line university) and leave country alone for day to day operations. As the market faces skills shortages, as the multi-national business is booming, and as the sales model moves from transaction to annuity, it is important to put in place streamlined HR policies and mechanisms that will support an expected organic growth rate of 15/20% per annum (2/3 time the market). Research Methodology There are many different research techniques that have been used by the company when recognizing and identifying the changes that are about to take place in the economy, the industry and within the company itself. The techniques that were chosen by the company differed based on the situation, the circumstances and most of all the information that needed to be gathered to make effective decision. Market conditions Market conditions are always bound to change and can never be expected to remain static even in the most stable economic conditions and therefore the company through the years has used many different techniques to keep and eye on the market. It was common knowledge to the senior management team that just looking at the external environment alone is insufficient and that the organization should look at both the micro and macro level environment as well as the internal environment of the company. Therefore the organization always carried out three different studies and used different frameworks to analyze the situation in the outside environment. In order to study the

Discussion question Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion question - Personal Statement Example The movement became popular in 1965, and peaked in the year 1968, and it managed to unite a large percentage of the Americans to protest against President Kennedy’s role in Vietnam. The unity in protesting against the war was depicted on October 1965, where there was thousands of debate on the morality of the war. This day was termed as the Vietnam Day (Hampton et al, 1990). This war also led to the emergence and recognition of student organizations as a force capable of promoting civil rights of people. For instance, in 1964, there emerged the students movement termed as the Freedom Summer, under the leadership of Mario Savio. The movement main objective was to protest against the war, and it did this by cooperating with other human rights organizations, and organizing mass movements to sensitize the government of their displeasure (Hampton et al, 1990). In 1966, the University students formed the Under Ground Press Syndicate, whose objective was to share intelligence information concerning the war with various civil rights movements. Freedom Summer Movement also formed the Liberation News Channel, which managed to mobilize more than a thousand seminarians who wrote protest letters to the secretary of defense. In conclusion, this conflict should not be seen as promoting civil rights, and this is because many people died and property destroyed. The speech by Martin Luther managed to accelerate the progress of the civil right movement in United States of America. Due to the speech, and his actions, the United States Legislature managed to pass a bill termed as the Civil Rights Act, 1968. The act protected a person against discrimination due to his race, religion or national origin, when such a person was involved in transactions related to housing projects (Hampton et al, 1990). This speech by Martin Junior King precipitated the emergence of more civil rights groups to fight for equality among

American Ideology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

American Ideology - Essay Example Politics, like diplomacy, is the art of the postponement of hostilities, in the way people try to resolve their political, economic, and ideological differences. However, it is a fact that people will still try to bicker and debate on their differences despite the best efforts, because some people have a hard set of ideas or ideologies which cannot be swayed. This is in effect the essence of democracy, in which various ideas are welcomed and tolerated. Ideology can range from the extreme left (very liberal) to the middle to the extreme right (conservative) and this brief essay is a position paper as it examines both these two ideologies. Discussion Ideas are rarely truly original or innovative, most of these ideas are either influenced by earlier ideas or mere improvements or adaptations of much earlier ideas in human history. In this regard, history works in only a one-way street, which means earlier ideas can influence later ideas, as people go through their lives and human history unfolds in a deterministic way. This philosophy postulates that every human idea, action, and decision is a consequence from prior events or antecedent state of affairs. Along this line, history and ideology works in the same way; nothing exists in a vacuum and both Hitler and Einstein were also influenced. Question No. 1 – socialism is an economic, political, and social principle which states that the general public (the common masses) should own and control public properties or the so-called commons (the natural resources open to everybody for exploitation and their use); it further advocates public ownership of the means of production in society, such that there will be no private ownership of these same means of production for goods and services. Socialism is an adverse reaction to excesses of a free-market capitalism which arose out of the Industrial Revolution in England back in the eighteenth century; it (the Industrial Revolution) changed the wealth paradigm from own ership of vast tracts of land to ownership of the means of production, namely the new factories and assembly lines. This is a new economic system but the new class of capitalists exploited the masses of laborers by hiring them at subsistence wages, working in unsafe or unsanitary conditions, no minimum working hours and no minimum or living wage, the widespread use of child labor, and the repression of progressive social ideas such as labor unions or in not letting the workers' voice be represented or heard. Socialism therefore is in opposition to the main and cherished ideals of capitalism that are centered on egoism and self-preservation through the so-called â€Å"invisible hand† of Adam Smith in which free markets are supposed to be self-regulating and all are to be supposedly benefited by the profit motive. But modern economics show this does not really always work out as envisioned because capitalism implies fierce competition in free markets and this leads to undue wea lth accumulation by a few individuals (the capitalists or new elites of society). Modern economics always struggle with issues of scarcity and socialism is the best way to solve it. Albert Einstein believed that humans are capable of going beyond Veblen’s so-called â€Å"predatory phase† in the collective human experience of social development, which is reason for socialism to be adopted as the best system for human society. Reason is the key to achieving the social-ethical

The Symbols Of The White Buffalo And The Red Heifer Essay Example for Free

The Symbols Of The White Buffalo And The Red Heifer Essay Every culture has its own set of norms and beliefs that serve as guide and standard of living for its people. Each culture is being protected and kept sacred by the people and is being passed by generation to generation. Even as the world goes on to its fast changing global trend, although some of the world’s ancient cultural traditions have already vanished or at least faded away, some remained strong and were kept, observed and regularly celebrated today. While Greek and Roman mythologies are integrated in the modern culture (such as the names of the heavenly bodies), the legends and myths which main characters are animals can still be traced in the modern cultural traditions held by the people. Two of these examples are the legends of the White Buffalo and the Red Heifer, animals which symbols are held sacred even unto this day.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The White Buffalo and the Red Heifer are animals that are held symbolically sacred by the Native Americans and the Jewish people, respectively. While their legends are held by completely different cultures, these animals symbolize quite the same sacred values of hope, change, life and death. Before we can make further comparison of the two different cultures, it is important that we first have to look into the stories behind their cultural symbols. A brief narration of the story of the White Buffalo Woman, which is believed to have been the origin of the symbolic importance of the White Buffalo in the culture of the Sioux or the Lakota tribe, will be briefly narrated here before we will try to extract the symbols deep inside the legend. We will be taking the highlights of the legend from the story as told by John Fire Lame Deer, a man believed to be a Heyoka, and a holy man of Lakota (John Fire Lame Deer, 1967)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In one summer, the seven sacred council of fires, called Oceti-Shakowin,of the nation called Lokota Oyate encamped. The chief of the one of the bands (Itazipcho or â€Å"Without-Bows†), Standing Hollow Horn sent two of his men to hunt for food. In a high hill, they came across with a woman, floating with two round red dots of face paint on her cheeks (John Fire Lame Deer, 1967). In John Fire Lame Deer’s own words: â€Å"She wore a wonderful white buckskin outfit, tanned until it shone a long way in the sun. It was embroidered with sacred and marvelous designs of porcupine quill, in radiant colors no ordinary woman could have made.†   The woman was identified as Ptesan-Wi, White Buffalo Woman. One of the men had a sexual desire of the woman and tried to touch her but was struck by lighting and was burnt until all was left of him was a â€Å"heap of blackened bones†. Other version of this part says that the young man was eaten by the snakes which were under the feet of the sacred woman and all was his skeleton. The other young man was told to return to camp and tell the â€Å"buffalo nation† to prepare for her coming. The chief then ordered the people to gather and prepare for the coming of the holy woman and the medicine lodge with twenty-four poles was made as ordered. After four days, the White Buffalo Woman arrived in the camped, entered the medicine lodge and then taught the people many things. They made an earthen altar (made of red earth) with a buffalo skull. The holy woman then opened the bundle containing the sacred pipe called chanunpa and then taught them how to use it. She also taught them the proper words and gestures of prayer to how to sing the pipe-filling song. The White Buffalo Woman also told them that they are the â€Å"living bridge between the Sacred Beneath and the Sacred Above.† She then turned to the stone in the bowl and said, â€Å"Its stone represents the buffalo, but also the flesh and blood of the red man. The buffalo represents the universe and the four directions, because he stands on four legs, for the four ages of man. The buffalo was put in the west by Wakan Tanka at the making of the world, to hold back the waters. Every year he loses one hair, and in every one of the four ages he loses a leg. The Sacred Hoop will end when all the hair and legs of the great buffalo are gone, and the water comes back to cover the Earth.† The White Buffalo Woman also told the women that the works of their hands are as great as the warriors, taught them how to fire the hearth and the way the corn and meat should be cooked. To the children she said that they are the most important and most precious ones. As the purest of all tribes, she told Lakota that it was the reason why sacred piper was given to them. Before the White Buffalo Woman left, she told Standing Hollow Horn these words: Remember: this pipe is very sacred. Respect it and it will take you to the end of the road. The four ages of creation are in me; I am the four ages. I will come to see you in every generation cycle. I shall come back to you. The ending of the legendary story might have been the one held symbolically important up to this day. The White Buffalo Woman left the tribe, rolled over and stopped four times. On each stop, the holy woman turned into different colors of a buffalo. First she turned into black, then to brown, to red one and then to a white female buffalo. In John Fire Lame Deer’s narration, the legend ended this way: â€Å"And from that day on, our relations, the buffalo, furnished the people with everything they needed meat for their food, skins for their clothes and tipis, bones for their many tools† (John Fire Lame Deer, 1967). In the midst of the highly urbanized Western culture, the legend of the White Buffalo Woman is still alive in the culture of the plains tribes in America. Based on the moral value of the story and the economic situations of the native Americans, there is no reason to doubt that the White Buffalo is more than a legend and cultural symbol in the lives of these people. For the poor people of America, the White Buffalo is â€Å"a symbol of sacred life and abundance† (Kagrise, Sarah 2005). The tribes of Lakota, Dakota, Nakota and Sioux regard the white buffalo as an important element of their traditions and prophecies (Schwartz, Stephanie M. 2006). If we are to go back to the legend, we have noted that the White Buffalo Woman left a promise to the nation that she will see them again and that promise is what the Native Americans are still waiting for unto these days. Held as a prophetic sign, these people are literally waiting for the birth of a white buffalo, an omen which signals the beginning of a sacred hoop of life (Kagrise, Sarah 2005). Why should one even expect that in the midst of the highly urbanized American culture, people will be amazed with the birth of a white buffalo and was even named â€Å"Miracle†? On August 20, 1994 a white buffalo was born in Janesville, Wisconsin farm-an event which struck the American people that they rushed to the see the white buffalo with their gifts (Menagerie, Steve). One practical reason that is, if we are to examine the event out of the context of culture and tradition, is that white buffalo is biologically or genetically rare. Buffalos are already considered 1nearly extinct as early as 1893 wherein it is estimated that there had only been 300 buffalos left in North America. Despite the fact that Miracle has changed color from white to blonde on its third year, the people around still continue to see her. On her death ten years after, Miracle left the Native American community shocked. Two years later, another white buffalo was born in the same farm which they named â€Å"Miracle’s Second Chance.† These events were held as significant omens by the Lakota tribe. A spiritual leader of the Teton Oglala Lakota named David Shallow interpreted these omens by critically examining each phase. For Shallow, the name of the second white buffalo is by no means a coincidence because it carries the message of a second chance for all people and since Miracle’s Second Chance was born during a thunderstorm, Shallow believes that the destruction of evil is near (Shallow, David cited in Schwartz, Stephanie 2006). For the Native Americans, the birth of a white buffalo is the starting point of the healing process, a symbol of hope for the poorest people of the American nation (Kagrie, Sarah). After Miracle and Miracle’s Second Chance, there were still born white buffalo calves named White Cloud (July 10, 1996, a two-year-old found in South Dakota), Medicine Wheel (May 09, 1996) and Rainbow (April 27, 1996). From here, let us further consider one great prophecy by the Lakota: â€Å"When four white buffalo have been born, then the old ways will return and the earth will be saved. White Buffalo Woman herself, in the myth, promises to return at the end.† From Miracle (1994) to White Cloud, Medicine Wheel and Rainbow (1996), there have been four white buffalos born. The prophecy, if we are to examine has already been fulfilled even before Miracle’s Second Chance was born in 2005. What changes, as salvation suggests, have happened since then are still unclear. Like the White Buffalo, the Red Heifer is also highly regarded by the Jewish culture as sacred and symbolic. Although both the animals came from one family, one can notice that the there are physical differences in these animals that also mark the differences in their symbols to the two cultures. First, their color as Lakota culture regarded white as sacred and holy while the Jewish culture still consider the red heifer holy and sacred despite its being literally red. Another thing is that white buffalo in the culture of Lakota is not allowed to be hunted (their near extinction seem to be the contrary) while the Red Heifer is literally being killed as a holy sacrifice to God of the Jews. Genetically speaking, a White Buffalo is unhealthy, since its white color is due to its being albino while the Jews chose the unblemished, healthy and young rd heifer in order to make the sacrifice pleasing unto the Lord. The ritual of the Red Heifer is Biblical, that is, it is contained or written in the Bible, in the Torah (in the portion called 1Chukat), particularly in the book of Numbers, Chapter 19. The description of the ritual being conducted when the red heifer is being offered is clear and specific in the book of Numbers. â€Å"It is the ritual slaughter of a red cow with no blemish, and the burning of the cow together with cedar wood, hyssop, and red thread. The ashes of this cow are mixed with water and used as part of a seven-day ritual to purify those members of the community who have come in contact with death.† It was said that the water to which the ash of the cow have been mixed is the â€Å"Water of Impurity† or what the Jews called, mei nidah (Hammer, Jill). Those who are being sprinkled with such water will become pure while those who have administered in the water will become impure, a process which suggests that the ash of the red heifer makes the impure pure and the pure impure (J. Hammer). In other accounts, the water mixed with ashes is being drunk by sinners for the purpose of redemption (Reb Yakov Leib HaKohain). Before we come to grasp the real meaning or symbol of the heifer, it is first important that we will be able to have a background on how does the offering of the red heifer originated. As quick answer, the ritual of the red heifer came from the Jewish tradition of offering in the Temple of Solomon: â€Å"In the days of the Temple, all who entered it had to be made spiritually clean by being sprinkled with a substance whose main ingredient came from the ashes of a red heifer burned in its third year† (Bronner, Etan 1997). The Temple of Solomon is considered to be the center of the Jewish life despite its destruction by the Romans according to Bronner. For the Jews, the Temple serves as the direct link between the chosen people and God (E. Bronner 1997). This might have been the reason why the significance of the red heifer, as a sacrificial animal in the temple days, still holds relevance in the life of the Jewish people. Going back to the red heifer itself, the red cow represents a change agent (J. Hammer). Consider the cycle of making the impure pure and the pure as impure through the sprinkling of the water with the ashes of the red heifer. If we are to closely look into the process, we can say that the red heifer, though it has been reduced to ashes, served as an agent that allows somebody to change. In the words of Hammer, the red heifer â€Å"brings life into death and allows death to return to life.† Who else can make something change as bringing life to death and the other way around? God alone and God is Divine. If the red heifer symbolizes this cycle of change, then the Red Heifer is the symbol of the Divine and therefore, God. It is also important to note that in the Jewish tradition, all the sacraments and religious rituals are done exclusively by the Levites, the family of priests. Having such, the Levites are the ones who act as â€Å"humans who are part of the cycle of mortality and fertility, but who also touch the eternal† (J. Hammer). For the Jewish people, even the destruction of the temple, its rebuilding and its final destruction also have something to do with the Red Heifer. The destruction of the temple is regarded by the Chosen People as a symbol of the recreation of their religious life (E. Bronner). Let us remember that the history of the people of Israel have come a long way from being fruitful descendants of Abraham and Jacob, to being slaves in Egypt, liberated by Moses and were promised to have the Land of Canaan. These people have come through their ups and downs all because of their stubbornness. They always go back to their usual sin of polytheism and of worshipping other gods other than Yahweh. Based on these facts, it is not surprising that these people held religious or spiritual rebirth truly important. They recognized their need to cleanse their spiritual lives and their need for a Savior. For the Jews, the Red Heifer and its ashes are the â€Å"prefiguration† of the coming Redeemer, the Messiah they have been waiting for (Reb Yakov Leib HaKohain). There few good reasons why the Red Heifer is a sacred symbolic not only for the Jews but also for those who are into the religion of Christianity. Although the Red Heifer only serve as symbol, as opposed to the White Buffalo which birth is believed to be an omen, it embraces realities of human’s spiritual life. First, the realities of life and death teach the Jews to exert much effort in making and keeping themselves clean and pure before the eyes of the Lord. This is the only way they believe they can get into the House of God. This belief is evident in the modern Jewish custom of washing their hands in a bowl of water at their doorsteps after they came from the graveyard (J.Hammer). After having the origin and symbols of the White Buffalo and the Red Heifer, it is also important that we have them compared in order to examine which one is symbolically significant unto this day. In his commentary, David Yarrow sees evident and significant similarities in the two animals. First, the White Buffalo and the Red Heifer are both females and both represents fertility, health, hope and abundance. Second, both symbolize the need to live a sacred, holy life in order for human beings to be pleasing or worthy in the eyes of God. Third, both represent changes in the cycle of life and recognize the reality of death, that is, spiritual death in order to be spiritually born again. Fourth, they both recognizes the presence of the Supreme Power and allow that Sacred Entity to rule over the lives of the people. This reality establishes the presence of the link between God as the Creator and humans as creatures. Lastly, both had kept the believers of the culture and the legend waiting-for the redeemer who will bring good tidings to those who are physically and spiritually afflicted. There is however realities in the White Buffalo that somehow made me prefer to believe in the symbolic significance of the Red Heifer. Consider that the biological existence of the White Buffalo is inherently rare. This is because a white buffalo is born albino which gives it its white color. This means that white buffalo is actually an expression of unhealthy birth because albinos do have genetic disorder which make them different from the rest of the specie. Consider also that being unhealthy, white buffaloes do not usually live long as in the case of White Cloud and Rainbow although Miracle lived ten years. With these realities therefore, I can say that the birth of a white buffalo should not be seen as an omen. In fact, the Lakota prophesy of having four born white buffalo after which will mark the near coming of the near end cannot be held solidly true. There have been more than four white calves born around the world and yet the prophecy seemed unfilled so far. Another thing is that the first well-known white buffalo, Miracle, have turned blonde as she grew old. In the case of the Red Heifer I can see that the Jewish culture regard the animal as purely symbolic. Compare to the white buffalo, the red heifer is a common animal in the Jewish culture, although the poor people during the Biblical times cannot afford to sacrifice one. Anther thing is that not all red heifers can be sacrificed because only the female and unblemished and is under 18 months old can be worthy to be sacrificed. There is nothing held miraculous in the birth of the red heifer and thus it poses no significant marker of a time. Unlike the white buffalo, the red heifer does not say something about the near future. This is especially important in the spiritual lives of the people. Without the red heifer saying something about the future, the Jewish people are encouraged to keep their lives sacred at any point of their lives because of the uncertainty of the time when the Redeemer will come.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I believe that the Red Heifer is more significant today than the white buffalo. Because it recognizes the realities of life and death and the need to consecrate man’s life to God, the Red Heifer embraces all cultures, even those who do not literally believe in God. This is because the red heifer reminds us that human beings are mortals and that as spiritual beings, we are in need of also dying from our sinful lives to give way to our spiritual rebirth. Let me borrow the words of David Yarrow, in his analysis of the symbols and implications of the white buffalo and the red heifer in our lives: â€Å"While white buffalo and red heifer portend time to build a Temple, the only way to build a true new Temple on the Mount is to follow the Peacemakers instructions: bury the hatchet, plant a tree and unite. A shrine in Jerusalem must not be just for Jews and Israel, but of, by and for all the peoples of the Middle East—and the West—all the Earth† (Yarrow, David). Yarrow stressed that both animals pose a great challenge for all human beings to share our earthly gifts as custodians of God’s blessings unto the earth. There should only be just one thing for us to do. Whether we believe in the White Buffalo or the Red Heifer, the existence of our one Creator should be enough to unite all the cultures of the world. Yarrow concluded, â€Å"Harmony needs all things in natural balance—including the power of masculine and feminine in church, culture and government† (Yarrow, David). WORKS CITED Bronner, Etan. Portent in a Pasture? The Boston Globe. April 16, 1997. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://www.championtrees.org/yarrow/holycows.htm Hammer, Jill. The Red Heifer and the Cycle of Life and Death. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://telshemesh.org/earth/the_red_heifer_and_the_cycle_of_life_and_death.html John Fire Lame Deer (1967). White Buffalo Calf Woman Brings the First Pipe. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://www.kstrom.net/isk/arvol/lamedeer.html Kagrise, Sarah (2005). Native American history: the legend and importance of the white buffalo. November 28, 2005. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://media.www.rwcactivist.com/media/storage/paper248/news/2005/11/28/Features/Native.American.History.The.Legend.And.Importance.Of.The.White.Buffalo-1048409.shtml Menagerie, Steves. This is a White Bison. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://users.aristotle.net/~swarmack/bison.html 2Native American Myths. The White Buffalo Woman. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://www.livingmyths.com/Native.htm Reb Yakov Leib HaKohain. Zabbatai Zevi and the Mystery of the Red Heifer. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://www.donmeh-west.com/redheifer.shtml Schwartz, Stephanie (2006). Lakota Spiritual Leader On Wisconsin White Buffalo Calf. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://www.rense.com/general73/whitebuf.htm 1White Buffalo. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://www.native-languages.org/composition/white-buffalo.html Yarrow, David. Holy Cows!! The Unity of Biology and Ecology with Spirit. A Commentary. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from http://www.championtrees.org/yarrow/holycows.htm

Study of the mind and brain Essay Example for Free

Study of the mind and brain Essay Just as parents are to the children at home, so are the teachers also to be in the schools. They should assist in the welfare of the children. They should bring them up psychologically, mentally and in all areas of life. As a teacher, it is expected of him or her to draw close to the students one-on-one to know their individual capabilities and to help them harness their potential to the maximum. A teacher must be keen and observant knowing the times when learning in students is at its peak and then utilize the opportunities. Man as an entity is a visual being. He finds it easier to recollect what he sees because of the impression it etches upon his mind for remembrance. It has been researched and found out that classical music serves as a form of enhancement of the brain. Looking at the integration of the brain and the mind, it is important to note that the analytical ability of the student is enhanced. It widens the inherent ability of the mind opening up the student to limited possibilities of knowledge and understanding. The inquisitiveness of such student in knowing the nitty-gritty and application of the principle in daily life. Teachers also in order to pass across their message should gather the students together and take up practical sessions with them right from the start to the finish. This gives the student the confidence to do whatever he has being taught in class. Examples of how the integration of the study of the brain with the study of the mind could positively influence student learning are: 1. Giving the students their form of expression in the classroom. Allowing for the students to take practical sessions, exposing them to large sums and structural analysis . 2. Also sitting with them in their younger ages and showing them the HOW TO and then putting them through it. Even when they miss it, they should not be rebuked . This atmosphere allows for the potential in the mind to be explored and the students can open up themselves. References: Spencer, S. (2009) Mapping the mind and brain retrieved from http://sbs. arizona. edu/insights/mind/mind. html on July 17, 2009.

Website Evaluation †Apple Store

Website Evaluation – Apple Store In the recent years, electronic business becomes more widespread, and rapidly growing in the whole world. Because of the cost efficiency and coverage, many companies build a website to sell their products on the Internet. One of the most famous worldwide consumer electronic company, Apple Inc. also established an online store which called Apple Store (http://store.apple.com) to sell different products on the Internet from 1997 (Technical Update, 1997). The website is widely use in buying the products of Apple Inc. by the customers in worldwide. Therefore, the quality of the website has to be good enough for to numbers of customers. This essay is going to evaluate, discuss and conclude about the Apple Store and its e-commerce operation by using different methods of evaluation. Website Purpose Outline Company Background Apple Inc. is one of the biggest consumer electronic and computer company in the world. It provides many famous hardware products including the iPhone, the iPod series, the iPad and the Mac hardware products to different types of customers (Apple Inc. Annual Report, 2010). The company sells its products in more than 300 retail stores in various countries from 2010 (Spence, 2010). Other than the website and the retail store, Apple Inc. sells its products by wholesalers, retailers from other company, direct sales force, third-party cellular network carriers, and value added resellers at the same time (Apple Inc. Annual Report, 2010). Website Functions Apple Store is a website provides various services to customers, which are products description, software download, products selling and after sales services. Product Description Finding and filtering information for the customers is important to a successful electronic system since the customers would like to find the products and services in the easiest way (Ng, Yan and Lim, 2000). Therefore, a good e-business website must have a good production description. Apple Store describes the information of different products in detail for the customers understanding the functions and usefulness of the products. Diverse products like the iPod, the iPhone, the iPad, the Mac hardware products, software and accessories are being introduced by words, videos and pictures in different languages in the website. For the iPod, iPhone, iPad and Apples computers, those features, outlook and technical specifications is being showed in the site. The website even uses video to explain how to use the products in detail to attract the consumers. At the same time, in every description page we can see a Buy Now button which is a link to the product selling part to make the purchasing process easier (Apple Store, 2010). Software Download Apple Store provides many types of software for different products. There are both free and paid software for the customers to better use their hardware products. Like many software production companies, customers can choose to buy the software in the normal stores or on the online store. And the software update can be found on the website for providing new features and fixing the bugs on the products. Also, the software can be downloaded in various languages in the world. Product Selling The online Apple Store is a channel of product selling to various customers in the world. Customers can buy anything which can be bought in the Apple retail store including hardware, Apple software, third party software and selected third party accessories on the website. They even can buy the certified refurbished products and the old type products which cannot be bought in the normal store on the online store in a cheaper than normal price (Apple Store, 2010). For the customers who buy the goods on the Apple online store, they can buy the goods on installments without interest. After Sales Services The Apple Inc. provides many after sales services to the customers if they bought the products on the Apple Store. They can check the delivery status on the website in order to know the process of delivery. When the customers take the product to repair in the repair department of Apple, they can check the repair status on the site. And they can get support if they have any problem of using the product. The website provides many product using problem solutions to the users (Apple Store, 2010). Therefore, the customers can get help easily from the Apple store website if they have any problem. Website Analyses Web Accessibility Users with disabilities have to use the website. Therefore, a good website should be able to let them to utilize it easily. Web Accessibility is a standard for checking that whether the users with disabilities can perceive, follow, control, communicate with and contribute to the website (W3C, 2005). For a website, if it is sufficiently flexible to be used by all of assistive technologies, it can be called as an accessible website (Slatin Rush, 2003). For the Apple Store, web accessibility will be evaluated by whether the website has the essential components if it is accessible to people with disabilities (W3C, 2005). In content, the basic text and images introduce the product and the purchasing instruction. For the people who have blurry vision, they cannot read unless the text is very large (Thatcher, 2005, P. 3). By the way, the text size and color cannot be change in each page in the Apple Store website. The minor visual disability people cannot change the text size to what they need when they want to see that page. However, for the product introduction, the Apple Store uses some videos to introduce the major functions and special features of the products, the visual disability people, even the blindness who is completely sightless (Paciello, 2000, P.8), can know more about the product by listening the voice in the videos. But for the auditory people, there is no subtitle in the videos for them to understand what is about on the video. At the same time, for the visual disability people who want to make transaction in the website, there is no instruction video or audio about the process of transaction for those people who need it. And even in the transaction page, no access for the visual disability people to make a transaction. Therefore, Apple Store does not provide enough access to disability people. Webqual 2.0 Research Design Finding the domain which can reflect the situation in reality is better than doing artificial laboratory-based experiment (Barnes Vidgen, 2001). By the way, only analyze one data about the domain is not enough for the website evaluation. Therefore, compare the domain with the major competitors is the best way to evaluate the quality of the website. In the market, there are many competitors of Apple having an online store to sell consumer electronic products (Apple Inc. Annual Report, 2010). The major competitors which are chosen to be evaluated with Apple Store are the Sony Style online store (http://www.sonystyle.com), and the HP online store (http://www.shopping.hp.com). The reasons why those websites are being chosen to be compared are because both of them are selling consumer electronic and computer products. At the same time, both three of them are recommended by the UK consumers (Satmetrix, 2010). Sony is the biggest multinational conglomerate corporation in Japanese. It is one of the leading company of selling consumer electronic and computer products. Playstation, Sony music products and Sony laptops are some example of the famous electronic product of Sony (Sony Style, 2010). Sony Style online store is a channel of distribution on the Internet. HP (Hewlett-Packard) is another major competitor of consumer electronic and computer products of Apple Inc. It is a multinational information technology corporation in USA which is famous by its computer products. HP is famed for selling different types of hardware product. Methodology 40 questionnaires have been done from the user of Internet in the worldwide. Questions in the questionnaires are distributed to different countries, different age and different gender people by Internet. The questionnaire is mainly divided into 2 parts to measure those three websites quality and their view of the importance of the criteria. First part is about their basic information, which is about their age group, gender, and most importantly, whether they have visited those three websites. The data of the interviewees who have not visited those websites are not going to be count in the analysis. The second part is different descriptions of the websites. Each of them uses the scale 1 to 5 to elaborate the interviewees agreeability of the descriptions (Barnes Vidgen, 2001). And the description importance for evaluation is also asked in the questionnaire, in order to know how they feel about the importance of those descriptions. Data Analysis In the 40 interviewees, 28 of them have visited those Apple Store, Sony Style online store and HP online store. Therefore, only this 28 interviewees questionnaire results are being counted in the analysis. All data which are collected are summarized in Table 1 in the appendix page. The marks counted are the average marks of the 28 interviewees in each question. All marks are round up to 2 decimal places for evaluation conveniently. According to Barnes, the Webqual can be divided into different categories in SERVQUAL which are tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy (Barnes Vidgen, 2001). They are going to be the criteria to see how the quality of those three websites is. Importance of specific question for user At the beginning, the importance of each description is going to be analyzed first. From the table, we can see the average marks of importance in different descriptions are quite high. Therefore, most of the descriptions of Webqual are important for the interviewees. In aesthetics, the interviewees think having a good outlook is quite important to them (Description 1). It can attract them to stay in the website for a longer time. However, having an appropriate design and audio-visual effect (Descriptions 2, 3) are not as important as other criteria, since they are not the critical element for them to stay in the website. Then, reliable (Descriptions 4-6), responsiveness (Descriptions 7-8), competence (Descriptions 9-10), credibility (Descriptions 14-15), and security (Descriptions 16-17) are quite important for the website users. It is because both of the criteria are about the safety of the transaction on that website. The users of website most concern the trust and dependability of it (Jones, Wllikens, Morris and Masera, 2000). However, for navigation (Descriptions 11-13), whether the websites are easy to find and to return to and find your way around are not important for the interviewees. Only the website has things where they expect to find them is important for the interviewees. Whether the website is easy to give feedback (Description 18) is quite important for the interviewees. For the empathy of the website, websites are quite good in communication (Descriptions 19-21) and their understanding the individual (Descriptions 22-24) are not as important as others. Descriptions Comparison between Three Websites Referring to Table 1, the evaluation of interviewees can show the differences between those three websites. In terms of aesthetics, the users think that the Apple Store looks much better than the Sony Style online store and HP online store. As we can see in those websites, Apple Store provides more pictures and a better looking homepage between those three websites. At the same time, both of them have an appropriate style of design for site type. By the way, only Apple Store creates and audio-visual experience to the users. In the Apple Store website, there are some videos to introduce the major functions and special features of the products. So the Apple Store has a higher overall score of aesthetics. For the navigation, which is the description that the users thinks it is not that important, we can see Apple Store and Sony Style online store have a higher marks of whether it is easy to find and to return to and Apple Store gets a higher marks in it is easy to find your way around. It shows that the Apple Store is easier for the user to find and use. At the same time, the interviewees claim that the three websites have things what they expected to find them. For the reliability, the marks between three websites are quite similar. It is because both three website are run by big company, which are Apple, Sony and HP. They have to make their websites free from error in order to maintain their credibility. Only about the description about providing up-to-date information, Apple Store get a higher average marks between three websites. It is because after the press conference of the new products, the new products features will be updated immediately on the website next day while the other two websites do not do this kind of update. For the competence, interviewees think that those websites can provide them with professional and competent image and believe they can process transactions competently, again, because both three website are run by the big company. Professional and process transactions competently are important for the credibility for them. For responsiveness, HP online store gives a more clear time for delivery for products or services. It shows what the exact day is for the customers receive the product, while the Apple and Sony website only show the estimate day of delivery which is not enough for the customers. At the same time, the access of three websites is good for the interviewees, both of them are easy to give feedback or contact the company. By the way, for the credibility and security, Apple Store has a higher mark compare with other two websites. It is because the Apple website is more famous in dealing with online trading and many of the interviewees have done the transaction through Apple website. Therefore, it has a higher mark in compare with the two other websites. For the empathy, both websites does not have a good mark since the website does not convey this culture to the website users. In conclusion, Apple Store gets the highest marks between three websites in the evaluation. Therefore we can see Apple website is the best in the group of consumer products websites. E-commerce Operation Evaluation Value Creation model Value Creation is important for a company. According to Mathur and Kenyon, it is about the design of future competitive offerings for the financial success of a company (Mathur and Kenyon, 2001) and the company have to beat the competitor by the value creation (Phillips, 2003). Novelty Apple.com provides a feature that the customers can order the products in multiple configurations. They can customize what they buy on the website. For example, when a customer orders a Macbook Pro, he can choose the processor, memory, graphics card, hard drive he like. This feature is a novelty in the online store market when it was first revealed. It creates value by eliminating inefficiencies in buying process for the customers. Because the customers can chose the product configurations according to their personal needs. So it is easier for them to purchase on the Internet. Customers can buy certified refurbished products on the Apple online store. The certified refurbished products are the products which undergo a rigorous refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale in a price which is cheaper than the normal price. It creates value by creating entirely new markets which is the market of the customers who like buying cheaper product. At the same time, it can help the company to sell the refurbished products. And because it is selling on the official website, it is more reliable for the consumers. The Apple Store let the customers engraving their iPod if they make an order on the website. They can make some personalized words on their iPod by the laser engraving. The text will be engraved near the top, on the back of the iPod. Any different types of iPod can use this service if the customers buy the iPod on the apple website. It creates values by capturing latent consumer need which is personalized design of their iPod. Efficiency The Apple online store provides the consumers with efficiency in different aspects. First of all, the information asymmetries between the Apple online store and the buyer have be reduced since the website provides all information which the buyer need in deciding whether purchasing, including the price of all different product, all possible discount, the price of adding different customize part in the products. Unlike in the normal store, the buyers have enough information in making the decision on buying a product or not. Therefore, we can say the information asymmetries between each group have been reduced. At the same time, the searching and bargaining cost of the buyer has been reduced by using the Apple online store. They do not have to search in different store since the price of the Apple Store is unified in the market. Therefore, their decision making pace will be faster than in the normal store since they have enough information to making the purchasing decision. Complementarities Apple Store provides with vertical complementarities to the customers which are after sales services. On the website, when you login your purchasing account, many individual information about your purchasing can be shown on the webpage. Delivery status, repair status can be checked on the site. Then the buyers can easily organize the usage of their products after the purchase. If they have any problem of using the product, many supporting service are available on the website for the buyers. They can browse the instructions about the using problem on the website. And also read the guideline from the website. For the horizontal complementarities, in some promotion, the buyers can buy the computer with the printer of the partner firms. This cooperation between the company helps to create value that the customers can have the bundle of products and get the value create from the cooperation. Lock-In In the Apple online store, it provides many services that create value for the customers. For the customers who have purchased in the Apple online store, they will receive the email about the latest news about the store, which is about the latest products, latest software download or some news about the company. When the customers can see the email regularly, they will be locked in with the company. And the email have the link for the customers to know more further information about the new, which make some potential purchasing for the company. Also, personalization for the customers appears in the Apple online store. After the first transaction between the customer and Apple store, the customer can turn the one click ordering function in the website with entering the credit card and personal information in the website. The customer is then allowed to purchase anything on the Apple Store with single click on the website (Apple Store, 2010). This personalization service for the customers let them to purchase in the website easier and increase the sales of the Apple Store. Conclusion In conclusion, Apple Store is one of the best electronic business website. In the evaluation, we can see the website quality of Apple Store is on the top in between the competition. At the same time, it provides with values in different aspects. By the way, the web accessibility is not good enough for the use of disability. The company has to put more effort in this aspect. (3243 words) References Article in a Journal Ng, W.W., Yan, G. and Lim, E.P. (2000), Heterogeneous Product Description in Electronic Commerce. ACM SIGecom Exchanges, 1(1) Barnes, S., and Vidgen, R. (2001), An evaluation of cyber-bookshops: the WebQual method. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 6(1), 11-30 Amit, R. and Zott C. (2001), Value creation in E-Business. Strategic Management Journal, 22(6-7), 493-520 Jones, C., Wllikens, M., Morris, P., and Masera, M. (2000), Trust requirements in e-business. Magazine Communications of the ACM, 12(43), 81-87 Mathur, S.S and A. Kenyon (2001), Creating Value: Successful Business Strategies, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford Book Thatcher, J. (2006). Understanding Web Accessibility, Web accessibility: web standards and regulatory compliance, FriendsofED, 3 Paciello, Michael G. (2000). Introducing Web Accessibility, Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities, CMP Books, 8 Slatin, J. and Rush, S. (2003). Maximum accessibility, Addison-Wesley, New York. Phillips, P. (2003). E-business strategy: text and cases, London: McGraw-Hill. Website Apple Annual Report (2010), phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9Njc1MzN8Q2hpbGRJRD0tMXxUeXBlPTM=t=1, Accessed December 2010 Nick Spence (2010), Grand opening of Apples 300th retail store brings Covent Garden to a standstill, www.macworld.co.uk/digitallifestyle/news/index.cfm?olo=rssNewsID=3234571, Accessed December 2010 Technical Update (1997), Apple Online Store Orders Top 12 Million Dollars in First Month, www.uc.edu/ucitnow/winter_98/apple.html, Accessed December 2010 W3C (2005), Introduction to Web Accessibility, www.w3.org/WAI/intro/accessibility.php, Accessed December 2010 W3C (2005), Essential Components of Web Accessibility, www.w3.org/WAI/intro/components.php, Accessed December 2010 Satmetrix (2010), First Direct, Sony, Saga, O2 and Apple, Among the Most Recommended Brands According to 8,000 UK Consumers, www.satmetrix.com/company/press-and-news/pr-archive/pr20100618/, Accessed December 2010 Apple Store (2010), What is 1-Click?, store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/oneclickfaq.html, Accessed December 2010

The Homeless in Our Community Essay -- Homelessness In Our Community,

Table of Contents Literature Review — 3 Methodology — 5 Findings — 6 Summary — 8 Works Cited/Works Used — 9 Appendix: Survey Form — 11 LITERATURE REVIEW In this information behavior study, our group examines the everyday information resources, needs, and behaviors of the homeless. Literature research has led us to many key resources. Important literature on our topic includes Everyday Information Needs and Information Sources of Homeless Parents, The Homeless and Information Needs and Services, and Are the economically poor information poor? Does the digital divide affect the homeless and access to information? by Julie Hersberger, and The Impoverished LifeWorld of Outsiders and Framing Social Life in Theory and Research by Elfreda Chatman. The fundamental concepts in the literature show that a study must have a definition of homelessness and information poverty, address the everyday information needs and services of the homeless, identify misconceptions about how the homeless view and use information, and discuss information behaviors and barriers for the homeless. The homeless are a growing population in the United States. As the gap between the wealthy and poor increases, more people find themselves overwhelmed and displaced without a permanent residence, financial stability, or social networks, such as family, friends, and/or public assistance. Generally, homelessness in America is a result of unaffordable housing, family fragmentation, domestic violence, mental illness, health problems, addictions, unemployment, or a combination of several of these issues1 (Hersberger, 2001, p. 119). Research has concluded that homeless â€Å"people in their everyday lives are assessing their information needs in... ....What kinds of everyday information are you interested in encountering here? 23.How useful is what you learn at this place 1) Not Applicable 2) Not Useful 3) Somewhat Useful 4) Very Useful 5) Can’t Do Without 24. Is the information you encounter mostly trivial or good for making important or big decisions? 1) Trivial 2) Big Decision 3) Small Decision 4) All 5) Other 15 25.What would make it easier for you and others to share useful information at this place? 26.What are the drawbacks to getting information at this place? 27.How important is this place as a means to get help for information about everyday life? 1) Most important 2) Somewhat important 3) Not very important 4) Not important 28. What is your next best place for information? 29. Is there anything you’d like to add about what you’ve just told me? 30. Gender 31.Age 32.THANK YOU!

Personal Narrative: How Society Shaped Me Essay -- Social Group Neighb

Personal Narrative: How Society Shaped Me What is society and how did it help shape me into the person I am today? First, society is the state of living in organized groups of people. These organized groups of people are the ones that made me who I am today and will continue to shape me, as I grow older. My version of society is white middle class people who grow up going to catholic schools. These white middle class people are only associated with other white middle class people, and very seldom venture out of this little society. As stupid as that sounds to not associate with other people it is true. The reason this is true is because of where I live, where I go to school, and who my friends are. I guess it is just like Emerson said, â€Å"the virtue in most request is conformity.† So, the three social forces that have played the biggest impact on my life are my community, my friends (family) and my education. I have lived in the same neighborhood my entire life, a neighborhood full of white middle class families, with the exception of one middle class African American fam...

Formalistic and Dialogic Analysis of The Descent of Odin :: Descent of Odin Essays

Formalistic and Dialogic Analysis of The Descent of Odin Poems are more that words on a piece of paper, it is a grand "play" with different "characters" strewn onto the pages. "The Descent of Odin" is a poem with a story with a rich vein of conversation embedded into it. By using the formalistic and dialogic method, I plan on showing you these jewels that I found while reading this poem. The first voice that is found in the poem is the voice of the Narrator. When using the Dialogical Method, the reader notices that the voice is obviously an older person. Now, when the poem is turned to Formalistic, see how the point of view of the Narrator is like a mediator at the beginning at the poem. There he is looking out during the vocal transitions between Odin and the Prophetess, then relays it back to the reader (HCAL, Dialogics pg 349,P.O.V. pg. 87, Voice: pg, 89). His speech is very sensual and symbolic, which adds to the darkness of the poem. The first example of this is the beginning of the poem where you can read it (HCAL pg 85). Up rose the king of men with speed, And saddled straight his coal-black steed; Down the yawning steep he rode, That leads to Hela's drear abode ("The Descent of Odin", Lines 1-4). Look the wording that he uses for the color of the steed: coal-black, the slope of the steep. It causes the reader to take another glance at the poem to visualize wh at is going on with their mind and imagine that they are there watching "The king of men" ride his horse to Hela's abode. The second example is found in the second paragraph. Right against the eastern gate, By the moss-grown pile he sate; Where long of yore to sleep was laid the dust of the prophetic maid ("Odin", lines 17-20). Now we take a glance at the voice of Odin, the mighty god of war. Fix onto the lines of Odin when he first speaks. His voice is not induced with flowery language; instead it is very plain with even tones. The voice of Odin causes the reader to be pulled back to earth (HCAL pg 87). The voice seems to say, "Look at me, listen to me!† Now look at how he converses with the Prophetess: Yet a while my call obey; Prophetess awake, and say.

Scm Micromaxx and Rim

SCM of Research In Motion & Micromaxx India An assignmemt of Supply Chain Management Submitted to Ms. Hemlata Madam Faculty (S. R. Luthra Institute Of Management) BY Farhan 118050592017 Asmita 118050592050 March 20, 2013 BlackBerry BlackBerry is committed to ensuring that the management of supply chain activities is socially and environmentally responsible. As a multinational company it recognizes that supply chain operations reach many parts of the globe and a diverse range of communities, each with their own culture and business normsThere are certain standards of employment and environmental performance that must be respected wherever they operate or have business relationships. These standards are encapsulated in our Supplier Code of Conduct Supplier compliance with the BlackBerry Supplier Code of Conduct and Responsible Minerals Policy is an expectation for doing business and is fundamental to supplier engagement activities. This Code is made up of five sections. Sections A, B, and C outline standards for Labor, Health and Safety, and the Environment, respectively.Section D outlines the elements of an acceptable system to manage conformity to this Code. Section E adds standards relating to business ethics. BlackBerry  continues to be an active participant in the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI). Supply chain social responsibility Implementation BlackBerry  uses a risk-based approach for monitoring supplier conformance to Supplier Code of Conduct. In fiscal 2012, BlackBerry established an enhanced process for evaluating supplier social and environmental responsibility (SER) risk and prioritizing suppliers for assessments.The first step is a high-level risk assessment based on such factors as supplier location, commodity, relationship and history. The high-level risk assessment intended to be conducted annually on identified supplier list. The output of this assessment is a prioritized lis t of suppliers, who will be required to complete detailed self-assessments. BlackBerry  intends to use the EICC-ON system to gather this information. BlackBerry  supports a common industry solution to supplier SER management and is actively engaged in the continued development of the system through work with EICC.Freely chosen employment in our supply chains BlackBerry  supports the principle of freely chosen employment and does not support the use of slave labor in any of its forms, including forced labor and child labor. Supply chain carbon reporting BlackBerry  is participating in the EICC’s carbon reporting system. Through this system it will survey many of direct suppliers of materials, which will give insight into the carbon emissions associated with BlackBerry’s supply chain.It will help us to identify areas for improvement and opportunities to work with suppliers on projects to reduce carbon emissions. It will also help to raise awareness within supply chain of the impact of carbon emissions on the environment and the benefits that can be gained through reduction programs. Conflict minerals BlackBerry  does not support the use of minerals that are illegally mined, transported or traded, nor metals derived from such minerals, including gold, tantalum (columbite-tantalite), tin (cassiterite) and tungsten (wolframite).Learn more about BlackBerry work to address conflict minerals Supply chain conflict minerals due diligence BlackBerry  is an active participant in the piloting of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. They launched program in early 2012 with a request sent to more than 170 direct suppliers of materials to provide information regarding their minerals sourcing practices. The results will enable to have a greater understanding about the sourcing practices of our suppliers.Public-Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade In 2011 the US State Department launched the Public-Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade. This is a joint initiative between governments, companies and civil society to support supply chain solutions to conflict minerals challenges in the DRC and the Great Lakes region of Africa. BlackBerry  has joined this initiative, which aims to help the governments of the DRC and other countries in the region break the link between the illicit minerals trade and ongoing violence and human rights abuses. Supplier diversityThe BlackBerry  Supplier Diversity Program works to create mutually beneficial business relationships with diverse suppliers that strengthen communities. The goal is to provide opportunities to diverse suppliers who satisfy purchasing and contractual standards. Diverse businesses include small businesses, businesses owned by veterans, minorities or women, and those in historically underutilized business zones. Sourcing areas of the corporation are encouraged to identify and in clude diverse suppliers and consultants in the procurement process. BlackBerry  Supplier Diversity ProgramBlackBerry's Supplier Diversity Program aims to achieve corporate diversity goals while enabling growth in the communities in which they operate by providing opportunities for qualified small, diverse and women-owned businesses. They strive to create vendor–buyer relationships that allow diverse organizations to continue to develop, while offering quality products at competitive prices. Included in program are: 1. Minority-owned businesses certified by the  National Minority Supplier Development Council  in the U. S. and by the  Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council  in Canada 2.Women Business Enterprises certified by the  Women's Business Enterprise National Council  in the U. S. and by  WeConnect  in Canada 3. Small Businesses  certified by the U. S. Small Business Administration 4. Veteran-Owned and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned busines ses  certified by the U. S. Small Business Administration 5. Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone businesses  certified by the U. S. Small Business Administration Objectives include: 1. Actively seeking out certified diverse suppliers that can provide competitive, high-quality goods and services with business models that align with our business strategy. . Seeking the inclusion of diverse suppliers as a part of our strategic sourcing and procurement process. 3. Communicating the value of supplier diversity both internally and externally to stakeholders. 4. Leveraging our supplier diversity results to help meet the supplier diversity expectations of our customers. Networking Project managers, commodity managers, buyers and contractors are encouraged to attend diverse supplier trade fairs and expositions to identify and establish business relationships.BlackBerry  endeavours to meet with diverse businesses at procurement conferences in order to explain purchasing proce sses and expectations and to communicate our needs for products and services. Mentoring BlackBerry  offers a mentoring program where employees have the opportunity to provide assistance to diverse suppliers in the areas of business planning, product/service pricing, financial planning, marketing, technical knowledge, brochures, the bidding process, paperwork simplification and workflow. We also encourage some of our largest suppliers to mentor diverse suppliers.Supplier diversity affiliations BlackBerry  is committed to growing our diverse supplier network through partnerships with the following organizations and other local diversity councils: 1. U. S. Small Business Adminstration (SBA) 2. National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) 3. Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) 4. Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) 5. Women-Owned Enterprise Connect, CA (WeConnect – Canada) Value Chain Analysis (VCA) [pic] Primary Activities Inbou nd Logistic Automated Receiving SystemsRIM has implemented sophisticated automated receiving systems to speed up the receiving process and reduce facility footprint and storage space requirements. Delegate Raw Materials Acquisitions RIM works its OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partners to delegate the raw materials acquisition process but provides some supervision for quality control purposes. Operations Utilize OEM’s Economic of Scale RIM outsources production to third-party OEM partners to utilize their economies of scale while removing the burden of production management from the firm. Internal DesignThe design and conceptualization of current and future product is done internally at RIM, utilizing industry-leading industrial design teams and engineering. Outbound Logistic Economical/Stylish Packaging In order to save money on shipment an entice customers Blackberry use eye-catching packaging that takes up less physical space and weight less. This reduces shipping c osts and environmental effect while attracting customers to the firm’s products, Worldwide Blackberry Store To control the firm’s brand image RIM sells Blackberry products through first-party retail establishments and through authorized retailers.Direct shipment Blackberry. com online orders are shipped directly to consumers form storage facilities in China. This minimizes inventory buildup in more costly warehouse locations in the Canada. Marketing and Sales RIM is marketing the company’s products and solutions in order to generate revenue, and increase the market and mind share for the organization. Planning, developing, implementing and executing the company’s go-to-market and sales strategies and programs, including product advertising/promotion; telemarketing; e-commerce marketing; specific product/product line marketing; and multiple channel  programs.Planning, developing and coordinating all internal and external communications programs. Building awareness of RIM services and  products in all key segments. Creating content, setting style and supporting all company websites. Assessing, analyzing and maintaining the supply to demand ratio. Services Creates the first and last impressions our customers have of our business. Deliver a consistently superior experience across all areas where the customer is engaged. Provide BlackBerry device, software, account, andtechnical support to millions of end-users. Support ActivitiesGeneral Administration RIM general administrator tracks and reconciles global benefits invoices, ensures financial guideline compliance, prepares monthly reports and participates in continuous improvements projects. Human Resource Management RIM Human Resources team consists of  dynamic, forward thinking professionals who are located in each region. Being passionate about RIM allows the team to be creative and resourceful when finding the right people to join our team. This passion also drives us to enhanc e our skills of driving employee engagement on a global scale.The Recruitment Specialist establishes and fosters a consultative relationship with RIM hiring managers through close working relationships with various business units. Research, Technology and System Development Research and Development BlackBerry smart phone plans to open a research and development operation. RIM has more than 30 million subscribers. In the third quarter of 2012, it shipped more than 10million devices. Patent Filling Blackberry believes in the importance of protecting its intellectual capital by filling patents in U. S and worldwide for its inventions and innovations. MICROMAXMicromax is one of the leading Indian Telecom Companies with 23domestic offices across the country and international offices in HongKong, USA, Dubai and now in Nepal. With a futuristic vision and an exhaustive R&D at its helm, Micromax has successfully generated innovative technologies that have revolutionized the telecom consumer space. Micromax is on a mission to successfully overcome the technological barriers and constantly engender life enhancing solutions The company’s vision is to develop path-breaking technologies and efficient processes that incubate newer markets, enliven customer aspirations.DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY Micromax managed to  make  dealers pay in  advance by offering them more margins. It offered higher margins of 15 %margin, which is higher than the industry average of 6-10%. Micromax managed this hurdle through strategy of more margins for advance payment. It is not a new strategy to offer such kind of discounts for advance payments (cash discounts), but to make a retailer accept such an offer is indeed a remarkable feat . To increase penetration in the Indian telecom market, Micromax is bundling with telecom operators such as Aircel.For better accessibly and prominence in the market, Micromax is coming up with 150 experience zones (exclusive stores)across the nation, in addi tion to ensuring bigger presence at the multi branded stores. Corporate Level strategies 1. Expansion strategy 2. Resource allocation: heavy investment in R&D, lately heavy investment in brand building. 3. Wide portfolio catering to diverse segments. 4. Business Level strategies: 5. Unique Fusion of Cost Leadership and Product Differentiation. 6. Following a Frontal and Flanking attack strategy. 7.Products are mostly in the embryonic and growth stages. Functional Level  Strategies 1. Product Innovation 2. Rapid channel expansion 3. Targeting widest customer base ( Rural + Youth) 4. 360 Degree advertising 5. Innovative advertising 6. Effective and accurate segmentation 7. Excellent Supply Chain management (Delivering value to each channel member). KEY ELEMENTS OF SCM 1. Easy access to rural markets in India by product innovation in form of dual sim phones and 30 day battery life phones 2. Offering margins and commissions to distributors 3.Lean, cash-based supply chain means Microma x has to be much more accurate and faster in its forecasting compared to its bigger competitors. 4. Time-to-market from the design to production stage is around 3 months as compared to the 18 months taken by larger guys 5. It puts new designs on the shelves by leveraging with China. Primary Activities Inbound Logistic Commission and Margin Offerings Micromaxx has implemented simple discounts and margins to distributors to speed up the receiving process and reduce facility footprint and storage space requirements.Delegate Raw Materials Acquisitions Micromaxx partners to delegate the raw materials acquisition process from China but provides some supervision for quality control purposes. Operations Utilize OEM’s Economic of Scale Micromaxx outsources production to third-party OEM partners to utilize their economies of scale while removing the burden of production management from the firm. Internal Design The design and conceptualization of current and future product is done inte rnally as well as externally , utilizing industry-leading industrial design teams and engineering.Outbound Logistic Economical Packaging Micromax uses a push mail service called easy mail. Idea was to package the phone pack like a parcel Worldwide Stores To control the firm’s brand image Micromaxx products through first-party retail establishments and through authorized retailers in India, China, Srilanka and Nepal Direct shipment Micromaxx. com online orders are shipped directly to consumers form storage facilities in China,gurgaon. This minimizes inventory buildup in more costly warehouse locations . Marketing and SalesMicromaxx is marketing the company’s products and solutions in order to generate revenue, and increase the market and mind share for the organization. Planning, developing, implementing and executing the company’s go-to-market and sales strategies and programs, including product advertising/promotion; telemarketing; e-commerce marketing; specifi c product/product line marketing; and multiple channel  programs. Planning, developing and coordinating all internal and external communications programs. Building awareness of services and  products in all key segments.Creating content, setting style and supporting all company websites. Assessing, analyzing and maintaining the supply to demand ratio. Support Activities General Administration Micromaxx general administrator tracks and ensures financial guideline compliance, prepares monthly reports and participates in continuous improvements projects. Human Resource Management Human Resources team consists of  dynamic, forward thinking professionals who are located in each region. Being passionate allows the team to be creative and resourceful when finding the right people to join our team.This passion also drives us to enhance our skills of driving employee engagement on a global scale. The Recruitment Specialist establishes and fosters a consultative relationship with hiring managers through close working relationships with various business units. Research, Technology and System Development Research and Development Plans to set up a research and development centre in China by the year-end at an investment of Rs 50 crore. The centre will help customise phones at the manufacturing level company, since we import from China. The software development will continue in Gurgaon. Scm Micromaxx and Rim SCM of Research In Motion & Micromaxx India An assignmemt of Supply Chain Management Submitted to Ms. Hemlata Madam Faculty (S. R. Luthra Institute Of Management) BY Farhan 118050592017 Asmita 118050592050 March 20, 2013 BlackBerry BlackBerry is committed to ensuring that the management of supply chain activities is socially and environmentally responsible. As a multinational company it recognizes that supply chain operations reach many parts of the globe and a diverse range of communities, each with their own culture and business normsThere are certain standards of employment and environmental performance that must be respected wherever they operate or have business relationships. These standards are encapsulated in our Supplier Code of Conduct Supplier compliance with the BlackBerry Supplier Code of Conduct and Responsible Minerals Policy is an expectation for doing business and is fundamental to supplier engagement activities. This Code is made up of five sections. Sections A, B, and C outline standards for Labor, Health and Safety, and the Environment, respectively.Section D outlines the elements of an acceptable system to manage conformity to this Code. Section E adds standards relating to business ethics. BlackBerry  continues to be an active participant in the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI). Supply chain social responsibility Implementation BlackBerry  uses a risk-based approach for monitoring supplier conformance to Supplier Code of Conduct. In fiscal 2012, BlackBerry established an enhanced process for evaluating supplier social and environmental responsibility (SER) risk and prioritizing suppliers for assessments.The first step is a high-level risk assessment based on such factors as supplier location, commodity, relationship and history. The high-level risk assessment intended to be conducted annually on identified supplier list. The output of this assessment is a prioritized lis t of suppliers, who will be required to complete detailed self-assessments. BlackBerry  intends to use the EICC-ON system to gather this information. BlackBerry  supports a common industry solution to supplier SER management and is actively engaged in the continued development of the system through work with EICC.Freely chosen employment in our supply chains BlackBerry  supports the principle of freely chosen employment and does not support the use of slave labor in any of its forms, including forced labor and child labor. Supply chain carbon reporting BlackBerry  is participating in the EICC’s carbon reporting system. Through this system it will survey many of direct suppliers of materials, which will give insight into the carbon emissions associated with BlackBerry’s supply chain.It will help us to identify areas for improvement and opportunities to work with suppliers on projects to reduce carbon emissions. It will also help to raise awareness within supply chain of the impact of carbon emissions on the environment and the benefits that can be gained through reduction programs. Conflict minerals BlackBerry  does not support the use of minerals that are illegally mined, transported or traded, nor metals derived from such minerals, including gold, tantalum (columbite-tantalite), tin (cassiterite) and tungsten (wolframite).Learn more about BlackBerry work to address conflict minerals Supply chain conflict minerals due diligence BlackBerry  is an active participant in the piloting of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. They launched program in early 2012 with a request sent to more than 170 direct suppliers of materials to provide information regarding their minerals sourcing practices. The results will enable to have a greater understanding about the sourcing practices of our suppliers.Public-Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade In 2011 the US State Department launched the Public-Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade. This is a joint initiative between governments, companies and civil society to support supply chain solutions to conflict minerals challenges in the DRC and the Great Lakes region of Africa. BlackBerry  has joined this initiative, which aims to help the governments of the DRC and other countries in the region break the link between the illicit minerals trade and ongoing violence and human rights abuses. Supplier diversityThe BlackBerry  Supplier Diversity Program works to create mutually beneficial business relationships with diverse suppliers that strengthen communities. The goal is to provide opportunities to diverse suppliers who satisfy purchasing and contractual standards. Diverse businesses include small businesses, businesses owned by veterans, minorities or women, and those in historically underutilized business zones. Sourcing areas of the corporation are encouraged to identify and in clude diverse suppliers and consultants in the procurement process. BlackBerry  Supplier Diversity ProgramBlackBerry's Supplier Diversity Program aims to achieve corporate diversity goals while enabling growth in the communities in which they operate by providing opportunities for qualified small, diverse and women-owned businesses. They strive to create vendor–buyer relationships that allow diverse organizations to continue to develop, while offering quality products at competitive prices. Included in program are: 1. Minority-owned businesses certified by the  National Minority Supplier Development Council  in the U. S. and by the  Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council  in Canada 2.Women Business Enterprises certified by the  Women's Business Enterprise National Council  in the U. S. and by  WeConnect  in Canada 3. Small Businesses  certified by the U. S. Small Business Administration 4. Veteran-Owned and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned busines ses  certified by the U. S. Small Business Administration 5. Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone businesses  certified by the U. S. Small Business Administration Objectives include: 1. Actively seeking out certified diverse suppliers that can provide competitive, high-quality goods and services with business models that align with our business strategy. . Seeking the inclusion of diverse suppliers as a part of our strategic sourcing and procurement process. 3. Communicating the value of supplier diversity both internally and externally to stakeholders. 4. Leveraging our supplier diversity results to help meet the supplier diversity expectations of our customers. Networking Project managers, commodity managers, buyers and contractors are encouraged to attend diverse supplier trade fairs and expositions to identify and establish business relationships.BlackBerry  endeavours to meet with diverse businesses at procurement conferences in order to explain purchasing proce sses and expectations and to communicate our needs for products and services. Mentoring BlackBerry  offers a mentoring program where employees have the opportunity to provide assistance to diverse suppliers in the areas of business planning, product/service pricing, financial planning, marketing, technical knowledge, brochures, the bidding process, paperwork simplification and workflow. We also encourage some of our largest suppliers to mentor diverse suppliers.Supplier diversity affiliations BlackBerry  is committed to growing our diverse supplier network through partnerships with the following organizations and other local diversity councils: 1. U. S. Small Business Adminstration (SBA) 2. National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) 3. Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) 4. Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) 5. Women-Owned Enterprise Connect, CA (WeConnect – Canada) Value Chain Analysis (VCA) [pic] Primary Activities Inbou nd Logistic Automated Receiving SystemsRIM has implemented sophisticated automated receiving systems to speed up the receiving process and reduce facility footprint and storage space requirements. Delegate Raw Materials Acquisitions RIM works its OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partners to delegate the raw materials acquisition process but provides some supervision for quality control purposes. Operations Utilize OEM’s Economic of Scale RIM outsources production to third-party OEM partners to utilize their economies of scale while removing the burden of production management from the firm. Internal DesignThe design and conceptualization of current and future product is done internally at RIM, utilizing industry-leading industrial design teams and engineering. Outbound Logistic Economical/Stylish Packaging In order to save money on shipment an entice customers Blackberry use eye-catching packaging that takes up less physical space and weight less. This reduces shipping c osts and environmental effect while attracting customers to the firm’s products, Worldwide Blackberry Store To control the firm’s brand image RIM sells Blackberry products through first-party retail establishments and through authorized retailers.Direct shipment Blackberry. com online orders are shipped directly to consumers form storage facilities in China. This minimizes inventory buildup in more costly warehouse locations in the Canada. Marketing and Sales RIM is marketing the company’s products and solutions in order to generate revenue, and increase the market and mind share for the organization. Planning, developing, implementing and executing the company’s go-to-market and sales strategies and programs, including product advertising/promotion; telemarketing; e-commerce marketing; specific product/product line marketing; and multiple channel  programs.Planning, developing and coordinating all internal and external communications programs. Building awareness of RIM services and  products in all key segments. Creating content, setting style and supporting all company websites. Assessing, analyzing and maintaining the supply to demand ratio. Services Creates the first and last impressions our customers have of our business. Deliver a consistently superior experience across all areas where the customer is engaged. Provide BlackBerry device, software, account, andtechnical support to millions of end-users. Support ActivitiesGeneral Administration RIM general administrator tracks and reconciles global benefits invoices, ensures financial guideline compliance, prepares monthly reports and participates in continuous improvements projects. Human Resource Management RIM Human Resources team consists of  dynamic, forward thinking professionals who are located in each region. Being passionate about RIM allows the team to be creative and resourceful when finding the right people to join our team. This passion also drives us to enhanc e our skills of driving employee engagement on a global scale.The Recruitment Specialist establishes and fosters a consultative relationship with RIM hiring managers through close working relationships with various business units. Research, Technology and System Development Research and Development BlackBerry smart phone plans to open a research and development operation. RIM has more than 30 million subscribers. In the third quarter of 2012, it shipped more than 10million devices. Patent Filling Blackberry believes in the importance of protecting its intellectual capital by filling patents in U. S and worldwide for its inventions and innovations. MICROMAXMicromax is one of the leading Indian Telecom Companies with 23domestic offices across the country and international offices in HongKong, USA, Dubai and now in Nepal. With a futuristic vision and an exhaustive R&D at its helm, Micromax has successfully generated innovative technologies that have revolutionized the telecom consumer space. Micromax is on a mission to successfully overcome the technological barriers and constantly engender life enhancing solutions The company’s vision is to develop path-breaking technologies and efficient processes that incubate newer markets, enliven customer aspirations.DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY Micromax managed to  make  dealers pay in  advance by offering them more margins. It offered higher margins of 15 %margin, which is higher than the industry average of 6-10%. Micromax managed this hurdle through strategy of more margins for advance payment. It is not a new strategy to offer such kind of discounts for advance payments (cash discounts), but to make a retailer accept such an offer is indeed a remarkable feat . To increase penetration in the Indian telecom market, Micromax is bundling with telecom operators such as Aircel.For better accessibly and prominence in the market, Micromax is coming up with 150 experience zones (exclusive stores)across the nation, in addi tion to ensuring bigger presence at the multi branded stores. Corporate Level strategies 1. Expansion strategy 2. Resource allocation: heavy investment in R&D, lately heavy investment in brand building. 3. Wide portfolio catering to diverse segments. 4. Business Level strategies: 5. Unique Fusion of Cost Leadership and Product Differentiation. 6. Following a Frontal and Flanking attack strategy. 7.Products are mostly in the embryonic and growth stages. Functional Level  Strategies 1. Product Innovation 2. Rapid channel expansion 3. Targeting widest customer base ( Rural + Youth) 4. 360 Degree advertising 5. Innovative advertising 6. Effective and accurate segmentation 7. Excellent Supply Chain management (Delivering value to each channel member). KEY ELEMENTS OF SCM 1. Easy access to rural markets in India by product innovation in form of dual sim phones and 30 day battery life phones 2. Offering margins and commissions to distributors 3.Lean, cash-based supply chain means Microma x has to be much more accurate and faster in its forecasting compared to its bigger competitors. 4. Time-to-market from the design to production stage is around 3 months as compared to the 18 months taken by larger guys 5. It puts new designs on the shelves by leveraging with China. Primary Activities Inbound Logistic Commission and Margin Offerings Micromaxx has implemented simple discounts and margins to distributors to speed up the receiving process and reduce facility footprint and storage space requirements.Delegate Raw Materials Acquisitions Micromaxx partners to delegate the raw materials acquisition process from China but provides some supervision for quality control purposes. Operations Utilize OEM’s Economic of Scale Micromaxx outsources production to third-party OEM partners to utilize their economies of scale while removing the burden of production management from the firm. Internal Design The design and conceptualization of current and future product is done inte rnally as well as externally , utilizing industry-leading industrial design teams and engineering.Outbound Logistic Economical Packaging Micromax uses a push mail service called easy mail. Idea was to package the phone pack like a parcel Worldwide Stores To control the firm’s brand image Micromaxx products through first-party retail establishments and through authorized retailers in India, China, Srilanka and Nepal Direct shipment Micromaxx. com online orders are shipped directly to consumers form storage facilities in China,gurgaon. This minimizes inventory buildup in more costly warehouse locations . Marketing and SalesMicromaxx is marketing the company’s products and solutions in order to generate revenue, and increase the market and mind share for the organization. Planning, developing, implementing and executing the company’s go-to-market and sales strategies and programs, including product advertising/promotion; telemarketing; e-commerce marketing; specifi c product/product line marketing; and multiple channel  programs. Planning, developing and coordinating all internal and external communications programs. Building awareness of services and  products in all key segments.Creating content, setting style and supporting all company websites. Assessing, analyzing and maintaining the supply to demand ratio. Support Activities General Administration Micromaxx general administrator tracks and ensures financial guideline compliance, prepares monthly reports and participates in continuous improvements projects. Human Resource Management Human Resources team consists of  dynamic, forward thinking professionals who are located in each region. Being passionate allows the team to be creative and resourceful when finding the right people to join our team.This passion also drives us to enhance our skills of driving employee engagement on a global scale. The Recruitment Specialist establishes and fosters a consultative relationship with hiring managers through close working relationships with various business units. Research, Technology and System Development Research and Development Plans to set up a research and development centre in China by the year-end at an investment of Rs 50 crore. The centre will help customise phones at the manufacturing level company, since we import from China. The software development will continue in Gurgaon.