Reaction Paper: Ayala and National Museum Essay

When we visited these museums, National Museum and the Ayala Museum, both have shown the prosperity of our history and culture. The museums have shown us why and how Filipinos go beyond during that time. The museums have an abundant role in nourishing us Filipinos the past of our history and culture. Of course, in a sense of reminding us what our heroes have done in order to give us the freedom and how our ancestors lived. In my opinion, the museums have shown the importance of the Philippine history. They want us to be conscious about how our ancestors prospered and how much wealth our ancestors were in culture and at the same time, suffered. At the Ayala museum, we have seen many gold objects, ceramics, and artifacts which were kept for us to see how our ancestors in pre- colonial period lived and their culture and beliefs before. Our ancestors somehow have similarities to the beliefs of the Egyptians wherein, they believed in after life. We saw masks wherein the museum explained that it was used to cover holes of a dead person so that no other souls will enter the body. Filipinos before already have the belief that our body was the temple of the soul. Other gold objects represents the ranks in the society just like what we saw in the said museum that was displayed. The ceramics have shown how our ancestors traded crafts from other countries particularly in China and how our country made good contacts to them. These revealed how beautiful our culture was before as well as the status of the Filipinos. The fabrics displayed at the Ayala museum have shown us how Filipinos before evolved in terms of cultural aspects because of the colonization that occurred. The paintings showed the history in an artistic way. The artworks I remembered were the paintings of Juan Luna and Carlos Botong Francisco. Their paintings were based on what they saw in our history. Especially, in the paintings of Carlos which I think I really appreciated because of the video clip they’ve done to make the paintings become alive. These artworks emphasized the events that happened in the past and portrayed the Philippines. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that lucky to get a chance to contemplate each of the paintings. One thing I noticed that the paintings as what I have said, were truly describes our history and as well as our identity as a Filipinos. Captivating dioramas also helped us to really understand and visualize our past. It was made pieces by pieces and the materials were very detailed. It has a total of 60 dioramas and it was arranged in sequence which helped us to understand what really happened. The dioramas gave me the feeling as the part of the history as if I was there in the actual event. Our visit in these museums, I can actually say that it helped me to reflect my identity as a Filipino citizen. In our present community, it seems that our history was not being perished anymore. Some didn’t really care about our history and culture anymore. Our beliefs, our natives, ancestors and many things related on what we are as a Filipino. It’s the fact that many of us didn’t appreciate what we are as a Filipino. Nowadays, we’re too obsessed in the culture of other countries which leads in forgetting our own. For me, as a Filipino, by the help of these museums strengthen my identity as a Filipino. Why? It is because these museums represents how our ancestors bravely fought which were in the way to our liberty and how wealth our culture was before.

Bigger Thomas A Tragic Hero Essay

Bigger Thomas as a Tragic Hero When analyzing Bigger Thomas, Richard Wright’s protagonist in the novel Native Son, one must take into consideration the development of his characterization. Being a poor twenty-year-old Black man in the south side of Chicago living with his family in a cramped one- bedroom apartment in the 1930’s, the odds of him prospering in life were not in his favor. Filled with oppression, violence, and tragedy, Bigger Thomas’ life was doomed from the moment he was born. Through the novel, Bigger divulges his own dreams to provide for his family and to be anything but a â€Å"nobody.† Although Bigger struggled to fight through obstacles to pursue his dreams for the future, his chase for a better life came to an abrupt halt after the tragic accidental murder of his employer’s white daughter. Bigger Thomas fits the definition of a tragic hero, considering he is the protagonist of Native Son that experiences tragedy throughout the novel. Along with tragedy, Bigge r also undergoes change as the novel progresses. By the end Bigger’s life story, he is able to change into a man that is no longer consumed through the fear in his heart. Due to his characteristics, Bigger Thomas can be compared to Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Both characters are tragic heroes that are related by their struggles through tragedy and changes they undergo throughout their lives. By comparing the two characters, one can solidify the importance of both characters because of their tragedies they experience. In the beginning of Native Son’s book one: Fear, one is able to realize that Bigger Thomas’s fate looms in the hands of his environment. He did not choose to live a life of poverty in the â€Å"Black Belt† of south side Chicago. This life was forced upon him. On page 20 of the novel, foreshadowing occurs as Bigger chats with his friend Gus about his future. He says, â€Å"Every time I get to thinking about me being black and they being white, me being here and they being there, I feel like something awful’s going to happen to me† (Wright 20). He displays a defeatist attitude that he further explains as he talks to Gus. He explains his reasoning as he questions, â€Å"Why they make us live in one corner of the city? Why don’t they let us fly planes and run ships?†(Wright 20). As a result of this conversation, the reader is able to  identify that Bigger goes through his life feeling defeated. He has minimal hope for his future as he li ves in fear that something awful will happen to him due to the color of his skin and where he lives. Although one may argue that Bigger is a negative person who uses the color of his skin to justify his evils, this is not the case considering Bigger constantly is oppressed by his environment and lacks options in his life. The white people that surround Bigger give him no hope to prosper thus creating a tragic existence from the start. It is not until Bigger gets a job offer from a rich white philanthropist, Mr. Dalton that his life may be able to turn around for the better. Unfortunately for Bigger, this opportunity does just the opposite. While accepting a job as a chauffer for the Dalton family, Bigger becomes optimistic about his current situation. Instead of constantly letting his mother and siblings down, he is now able to provide for them through this job by granting them $20 from his salary each week. Although the job acquired little skill, Bigger was satisfied that through this job, he could be less of a â€Å"nobody.† While reflecting on this new chapter in his life, Bigger expressed, â€Å"This would be an easy life. Everything was all right, except that girl† (Wright 59). The girl that worried Bigger was Mary Dalton, Mr. Dalton’s free spirited daughter that constantly challenged Bigger’s patience and authority. Their first encounter left Bigger skeptical of Mary Dalton’s motives. By their second encounter, Bigger was blatantly fearful that Mary would cause him to lose his job. During their second encounter, Bigger is ordered to chauffer Miss Dalton to the University for her nightly class. Unfortunately to Bigger’s surprise, Miss Dalton has another set of plans. She tells Bigger, â€Å"I think I can trust you† (Wright 64) in order to toy with his emotions and disobey his boss’ orders as Bigger, Mary, and Mary’s communist boyfriend Jan Erlone take the car out for a night in the loop. After a rousing evening on the town filled with booze and conversations about communism that left Bigger offended and ashamed to be black, it became Bigger’s duty to make sure that Mary was placed safely in her bed after being too intoxicated to stand on her own. Because Bigger strives to obey his boss, he feels inclined to personally place Mary in her own room in order to avoid trouble. This shows that Bigger Thomas took Mary to her bedroom with no intention of causing any problems in his new  workplace reminding the reader that Bigger is not an evil human being, just a product of his environment. After being in Mary’s bedroom, B igger decided to overstay his welcome due to his curious arousal with white women. To Bigger’s surprise, â€Å"a hysterical terror seized him† (Wright 85) as Mrs. Dalton makes an appearance in Mary’s bedroom to check on her daughter. Bigger automatically assumed that if he was caught in Mary Dalton’s bedroom at an odd hour of the night he would be immediately fired and accused of raping a white woman that could ruin his already tragic life forever. Due to her blindness, Bigger was not seen immediately, but he realized if Mary kept mumbling, Mrs. Dalton would make her way to the bed and eventually feel Bigger laying next to her. Out of pure fear, Bigger reacts irrationally as he suffocates Mary Dalton with a pillow in order to keep her quiet. Fear is what provoked the irrational response that killed Mary Dalton and turned Bigger Thomas’ life into a series of tragic events. In Malcolm Cowley’s scholarly article, Richard Wright: The Case of Big ger Thomas, he reminds the reader that despite his monstrous actions towards Mary Dalton, he is not the one to be blamed. Cowley makes the point that Bigger, â€Å"has been trained from the beginning to be a bad citizen. He had been taught American ideals of life†¦but had been denied the means of achieving them† (Cowley 113). Cowley’s observation justifies that Bigger reacted as a product of his environment that constantly taught him to be a bad citizen because he had no way to achieve the kind of life he would hope for. This provokes even more tragedy in Bigger’s life. Through the accidental murder of Mary Dalton, a tragic hero arose in the form of Bigger Thomas. This tragic hero was born out of pure fear for the white man, but as the novel progressed, the fear of oppression slowly left the tragic hero as he vows to no longer live in fear. After Bigger Thomas’ accidental murder of Mary Dalton, Bigger’s life turns into a wild goose chase where he is forced to hide out until being caught by Chicago authorities. While awaiting his trial, certain to face death, Bigger meets the man that will defend his case. The defendant Max, a white communist decides to take on Bigger Thomas’ case in order to show white people the oppressive lifestyles black people were forced to survive on every day. At first Bigger was skeptical about a white man volunteering to defend a black man accused of murder and rape. He questioned, â€Å"Why would Max  risk that white tide of hate to help him† (Wright 420). He is shocked that a white man would defend a black man out of the goodness of his heart. Max asks Bigger questions that remind Bigger that he is a human being among everyone else despite his race. At this point it does not matter to Bigger if Max saves his life, because Max has made him mature mentally and unde rgo change. After recounting a conversation where Max asked Bigger questions about what he wanted to do with his future, he expresses to Max, â€Å" (you) asked me questions nobody ever asked me before. You knew that I was a murderer two times over, but you treated me like a human† (Wright 424). After Max assures Bigger that he is a human, Bigger transforms his way of looking at life. Instead of feeling constantly oppressed, Bigger believes that he is a human that deserves a future much like everyone else despite the color of his skin. Instead of accepting his death sentence, Bigger realizes that he has the urge to live his life as a human that possesses the ability to have a future. As Max reassures him, â€Å"you’re human, Bigger† (Wright 424) Bigger comes to a change in his heart. He realizes that the fear he has sustained from the white people that constantly suppress him comes from his own thoughts. He now believes in himself as an individual that no longer lives in fear. Because of this, Bigger is able to accept his death sentence and change his outlook on life. Unfortunately, this change came too late in his existence to matter. Although Bigger loses the battle with life, he ultimately wins the battle with the color of his skin after accepting that he is just as human as Max, his defendant. In James Baldwin’s article, â€Å"Many Thousand Gone- Twentieth Century Interpretations of Native Son,† Baldwin explains his interpretation of Bigger Thomas’ battle within Native son. He explains, â€Å"In this case the force of circumstance is not poverty merely, but color a circumstance which cannot be overcome, against which the protagonist battles for his life and loses† (Baldwin 53). This statement is not accurate considering a battle is not lost. Even though Bigger Thomas is sentenced to death, he is able to end his life with peace of mind knowing that he can die as a human without fear. The change Bigger Thomas has undergone shows that Bigger has overcome his oppression thus winning his battle. After reading Native Son, the protagonist Bigger Thomas resembled another tragic hero from the play, Death of a Salesman. By comparing Willy Loman, the protagonist of Death of a Salesman to Bigger  Thomas, one can tell how similar their characters are altho ugh they have been created in different time periods and environments. Both Bigger and Willy are lost souls trying to give meaning to their ultimately meaningless lives. As a result of their self made pressure to have a purpose in life, they both are not well liked by their friends. After divulging a plan to rob a store owned by a white person, Bigger gives his friends Gus, G.H., and Jack strict instructions to meet together at a specific time. When Gus shows up to their meeting spot late, Bigger is outraged. He cusses at his friends and resorts to physical harm due to his anger. While his friends watch Bigger self-destruct into a man of rage, G.H. lets bigger know that, â€Å"You done spoiled things now† (Wright 40). Not only had Bigger spoiled the plan to rob the store, but Bigger had also spoiled his friendships as all three men leave him to wallow in his rage alone. A similar situation occurs in Death of a Salesman as Willy Loman receives a friendly visit with his friend Charley. Since both men were unable to sleep, they decided that a quick game of cards would be a sufficient outlet for their energy. While playing cards, Willy develops a hostile attitude towards Charley and constantly insults him on his choice of eating habits and card playing abilities. After Charley accuses Willy of cheating during their game, Willy evolves into a rage-infested tyrant and orders his friend to leave. Charley retorts, â€Å"You ought to be ashamed of yourself† (Miller 1252) and storms out the door. This instance compares to Bigger Thomas’ uproar with his friends considering both outbursts led to their friends leaving them to wallow in their own anger. In addition to not being well liked, both Willy Loman and Bigger Thomas live in constant fear throughout their stories. As a mediocre salesman, Willy Loman spends his days fearing that he is not successful enough to provide for his family. Because of this looming fear to be successful, Willy often lies to his family about his job in sales to make himself seem far superior to who he really is. For example, while Willy explains to his wife, Linda about the money he has made on one of his sales trips, he exaggerates the amount of money he made. This lie would have been unnoticed if Linda did not ask Willy to pay for the reparations of their leaky roof. When Linda asks him to pay, Willy exclaims, â€Å"A hundred and twenty dollars! My god, if business don’t pick up I don’t know what I’m gonna do† (Miller 1247). The shame Willy feels because he is unable to pay for the roof reparations  directly correlates to the constant fear Willy has to become successful f or his family. Bigger Thomas is also a character that constantly lives in fear. This fear is shown when Bigger is explaining to his lawyer Max about how whites have all the power and Bigger fears that because of this, his life will not amount to anything. He tells Max, â€Å"Well they own everything. They choke you off the face of the earth, they like god†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wright 353). Since Bigger believes that white people control everything he fears that nothing can be done to make his life meaningful. Both Bigger Thomas and Willy Loman possess similar qualities that show are comparable through their lack of ability to make friends throughout their fear ridden lives. Through Bigger Thomas’ life of oppression, violence, and tragedy, one is able to tell that he struggles with the hopes of becoming anything but a â€Å"nobody.† Being the protagonist of a tragic novel, Bigger possesses the qualities of a tragic hero. Even though his life is cut short due to the tragic acc idental murder of Mary Dalton, his boss’ wild daughter, Bigger is able to go through a change that brings him peace of mind as he awaits his sentence to die. Being a product of his environment, Bigger constantly lived in fear of the white man. With the help of his lawyer Max, Bigger was able to undergo change and realize that he too was a human that had no need to live in fear. Drawing from specific scenes from the text, Bigger Thomas can be compared to Willy Loman, the protagonist in the play, Death of a Salesman. Their characters were both inflicted with fear throughout their lives that eventually ended in tragedy for both characters. Works Cited Arthur Miller Death of a Salesman. Baym, Nina, gen. ed. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. 8th ed. Vol. A. †¨New York: Norton, 2013. Print. James Baldwin- Many Thousand Gone- Twentieth Century Interpretations of Native Son – Ed. Houston A Baker- Englewood NJ Prentice Hall. 1972-48-63 Malcolm Cowley- Richard Wright The Case of Bigger Thomas- Twentieth Century Interpretations of Native Son- Ed Houston A Baker – Englewood Hills NJ Prentice Hall. 1972-112-115 Wright, Richard. Native Son. New York, London: Harper & Brothers, 1940.

Big Time Toymaker Essay

The theory to practice scenario between Big Time Toymaker and Chou in my opinion entered into a contract in two separate occasions. The first time was the verbal agreement Big Time Toymaker (BTT) made with Chou three days before the 90 day period ended and then there was the email Chou received that gave him the terms, time frame, price and obligations; at this point Chou felt that there was an actual contract. The one fact that could help Chou in this case is that he has an email to prove that there was some sort of intent there from BTT regarding a contract. On the other hand the one thing that may count against Chou is that he never received anything in writing, which would be the actual contract. The fact that both parties were communicating by email does impact my analysis. Companies send emails to one another all the time discussing terms and agreements and the fact that they had spoken and made a prior agreement verbally counts as the initial agreement and the email would be follow up. A contract consists of all parties that are involved to have a signature and if they verbal agreement would not have taken place before the email then my decision would be different. I feel that Chou has the right to feel that he was entering into a contract with BTT but should have followed up for a written contract. The role of fraud has played a role in this scenario according to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), the sale of goods for more than $500.00 and any lease transaction for goods of $1000.00 or more (Melvin,2011). In this scenario Chou received $25,000.00 in exchange for the negotiation rights for 90 days from BTT. This is not a mistake under the doctrine of mistake because in order for this to take place there would need to be a unilateral mistake made in the contract and there was not one and neither was there an actual written contract. If there was an actual contract there could have been laws applied towards strict liability as well. For the sake of argument assuming that the email served as a sufficient contract then BTT was in breach of the contract. BTT was in breach by not distributing the game as they agreed. With BTT breaching the contract Chou can seek compensation for any damages and any loss.

Literature-Shakespeare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Literature-Shakespeare - Essay Example A woman who had declined to marry, almost certainly because she would lessen her own status and ability to rule by doing so, although her father’s various mishaps will also have had their influence. At the time most women were in a very restricted place in society, either under the control of their father’s or husbands, and unable to make decisions for themselves In many production of the play the parts of the queen of Athens and that of Titania are played by the same person – does Shakespeare therefore show them as reflecting different parts of the same character? .It should be remembered that it was not until the time of Charles II that women appeared legally on the English stage, so that these parts would have been played originally by young boys. The Plot This is a complex one involving 4 couples , Theseus , Duke of Athens and his bride to be , Hippolyta: Oberon and Titania the fairy king and queen: and two pairs of young people - Hermia and Lysander: Helena and Demetrius. After many tricks and turns, including of course the play within a play, love conquers all. At the beginning Theseus dominates his bride to be, reminding her of how he had wooed her, the queen of the Amazons, :- woo'd thee [Hippolyta] with my sword, And won thy love doing thee injuries; But I will wed thee in another key, With pomp, with triumph, and with revelling. (I.i.16-19) Hippolyta is therefore portrayed a conquered former enemy and apparently compliant. Is that how Shakespeare sees royal spouses or merely how he portrays them? He was born after the death of Henry VIII and Mary Tudor had died in his infancy so he had no personal experience to go on. . Hippolyta’s response is minimal, especially as they are interrupted by the entry of others. . He has conquered her by his physical strength. How much choice did she have in the matter? Would the audience understand erotic references in ‘sword’ and ‘injuries’ at a time when chastity in a bride was so prized? She merely discusses the short time left until the wedding. The rulers have had their quarrel and settled it as mature adults before the play begins. They have resolved their own differences. For the others though the action is all ahead of them and they do not have as much control over their own affairs as the rulers enjoy. Hippolyta does not appear again until near the end of the play ( Act iv) when she enters with her husband and Egeus. Theseus comes over as being very much in charge, giving orders to others. To Hippolyta, although he still tells her what is going to happen, he does address her as ‘Fair queen’. Her response is merely to reminisce. In Act v she disagrees with her husband - he thinks the lovers stories are mere fables, but she accepts them as being true witnesses ‘ More witnesses than fancy’s images. However this isn’t an argument really. By the end of the play Hippolyta seems merely world weary. She wants the rustic’s play to be over - Act V , scene 1, ‘I am a weary of this moon, would he but change’ and ‘I hope she will be brief.’ She criticizes ‘ His speech was like a tangled chain’ ‘ It is after all her wedding night. There are more important things to come than watching a silly and badly done play about thwarted lovers. Hermia The play is very much of its time . Rulers, if not Elizabeth I, did marry for political reasons. For others there was not much more choice. The idea of young people marrying because they were passionately in love was still an alien

International Finance and Banking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Finance and Banking - Essay Example In 1965 the Northern Rock Building Society was formed as a consequence of union between the two North East building societies. The bank was nationalized in 2008. Concise summary of the facts of the case In the year 2007, the country of United Kingdom experienced the bank run for the first time in over 140 years. At that time the bank under consideration was not significantly large as it was ranked 7th taking the total assets in consideration. But the bank played a significant role in retail banking business. The bank also had its mark as a mortgage lender. About a decade ago, the bank transformed itself from a mutual building society to retail deposits as well as mortgages. The depositors queued outside the bank to withdraw the deposits. It was feared that it could shed its impact on the deposits of the bank. After repeated attempted failures to secure a purchaser operating in the private sector, the government took the initiative to nationalize the bank. The bank now operates as a b ank that is fully owned by the state. Since then, the government has acquired substantial stakes of equity in other banks of Britain as a part of the general program of re-capitalization (Llewellyn, n.d. p. 1). After the Bank of England made an announcement on liquidity support on an emergency basis for the bank, the depositors started to queue up outside the branches with the objective to withdraw the deposits they made in the bank. The television news channels broadcasted the news that the bank has sought for the support of bank of England on the previous evening. However the damage was complete well before the run made by the current account holders. A sign of subprime crisis could be felt from the month of July in the markets for short term funds. The crisis began to apply stresses on the balance sheet as well as the off balance sheet items sponsored by the bank. The bank depended heavily on non retail funding. The retail deposits constituted only 23 percent of the liabilities t ill the summer months of the year 2007. The short term borrowing constituted the rest of the funding. (Shin, 2008, p. 3). The above figure shows the beginning of the situation of crisis. The ABCP or Asset backed commercial paper was regarded as the favoured way for the vehicles of off balance sheet to fund the holdings of mortgage that are related to assets. But the real question which came up in that situation was not directed to find the reason behind the running of the retail depositors. Decision makers were more concerned on sudden drying up of the short term deposits which the bank enjoyed before the month of August, 2007. More emphasis was given on to find the reason on why the lenders operating in the market for capital suddenly decided to deny lending to other banks. (Shin, 2008, p. 10). The above figure shows the comparison of liabilities of the bank both before and after the run. The bar on the left hand side shows the main components of the liabilities of the bank at the end of the month of June, 2007 (Rafferty, 2008, p. 4). The bar at the right hand side shows the liabilities after the run and support in terms of liquidity by the Bank of England. The most glaring picture which comes out from the figure is the difference of the liability to the Bank of England at the end of the year 2007. Response of the financial markets A problem for all banks during the middle of the year, 2007 was the turbulence in the

Adolescence in anthropology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Adolescence in anthropology - Assignment Example According to our Week 2 lecture from Dr. Tanya Mueller, the female body form is, at times, considered the default body form.The lack of the Y-chromosome is responsible for the development of female anatomy while in utero A person becomes a male or female while in utero, which is after conception but before birth and puberty. All embryos are identical in external appearance for the first eight weeks of gestation, and then several factors nudge the infant toward male or female development. In the seventh week, the embryo has both male and female primordial ducts. In the normal female fetus, the millerian duct system then develops into oviducts and a uterus. In the normal male fetus, the wolferian duct system on each side develops into the epididymis and vas deferens. The external genitalia are similarly bipotential until the eighth week (The reproductive organs and genitals associated with "female" or "male" arise from the same initial (fetal) tissue). Thereafter, the urogenital slit d isappears and male genitalia formed or alternatively, it remains open, and female genitalia is formed. If the egg was fertilized with the x chromosome then the female structures continue to mature, the default system. However if the y chromosome fertilized the egg then a hormonal switch happens; two genes are activated and the female structures are completely dissolved and destroyed and the male organs take their place. Hormones play an overwhelming role in determining sexuality right from conception to puberty. The increased production of sex hormone like estrogen is responsible for changes like breast growth, changes in the walls of the uterus and vagina, and changes in the pelvic structure. Hormones like prolactin and lactogenic stimulates milk production and also helps maintain normal ovarian cycle. Follicile-stimulating hormone stimulates egg production in female while sperm production in males. Luteinizing hormone stimulates ovulation in females while the hormone oxytocin caus es uterus to contract and the breasts to release milk, thus lending female characteristics. On the other hand, hormones like testosterone stimulate development of male reproductive tract and male secondary sexual characteristics. Being a female, from the biological point of view, is determined on the basis of distribution of body hair, patterns of fat deposit, higher voice etc. A major characteristic is the establishment of the menstrual cycle. This involves the periodic growth and shedding of the lining of the uterus. Being a male again can be identified by definite body features and distribution of hair and fat etc., besides in the production of sperm and ejaculation. Also, males and females have different behavior patterns. Some behavioral differences are learned (patterns of dress, use of facial make-up), whereas others appear to be less dependent on culture (degree of aggressiveness, frequency of sexual thought). 2. Several lectures discussed the establishment of adolescence as a distinct life history stage. When do you think we see this occurring? In other words, even though there is no doubt mammals, monkeys, apes, and fossil hominids experience puberty (age at alpha) or reproductive maturation, do these qualify as a â€Å"distinct life history stage†? Why or why not? The sexual development of puberty has a typical pattern I both boys and girls, with a generally predictable line of changes taking place. The onset of puberty in most girls is marked by the development of breasts, which happens at an average age of 11 years. This is followed by the growth of pubic hair, and then hairs in the armpit. However, it has been found that a minority of girls have pubic hair coming out before their breasts begin to grow. Menstruation takes place usually two and a half years after the onset of puberty. A regular pattern of ovulation corresponding to achievement of fertility usually develops rapidly after a girl begins having menstrual cycles. However studies have shown that one half of adolescent

Family Having a Child with Life-Limiting Illness Thesis

Family Having a Child with Life-Limiting Illness - Thesis Example Consequently, the number of children with terminal diseases continues increasing, raising the cost of their care at family and national levels. Many research studies have been conducted to investigate the financial impact of life-limiting disabilities on medical care budgets of various countries, especially in the developed world. A study conducted by Michelson and Steinhorn (2007) in England investigated the palliative costs of managing various types of life-limiting disabilities on children. Though the study focused on particular standards needed to cater for patients suffering from a particular life-limiting disorder, it gave insights of financial costs that such life-limiting disorders have on families. Majority of all life-limiting conditions require palliative care and in children, such care is concerned with controlling the symptoms and maintaining the good quality of life of the child for the uncertain period before the child dies (Michelson & Steinhorn 2007). Though the deat h of children with the life-limiting condition is usually expected, it is difficult to determine when and how such children will die. Therefore, caregivers of people with such conditions are faced with financial challenges of preparing the patients until death. EAPC (2007) noted that though children’s palliative care at national level supports children and young persons diagnosed with life-limiting conditions, the inclusion of children with other types of disabilities often puts an extra strain on the care of such patients. According to Chochinov (2005) majority of children, hospices depend on charitable organizations for funding which in most cases is short-term and inconsistent. Others rely on short-term grants and statutory funds that are similarly unreliable and as a result, most parents use vast resources to add life to the child is remaining years to supplement the funding for their children’s care. There are different categories of life-limiting disorders most o f which are rare with unique symptoms. Consequently, it is difficult to determine the needs and care of children with life-limiting disorders. According to Dangel (2005), a strong relationship exists between the requirements of children in need of palliative care and those with other disabilities requiring complex care. However, those in need of palliative care are usually in an unstable state, requiring a different type of care according to their state of health at any given time. This is in contrast with other types of disabilities, which are generally in a constant state, making it easy to manage and plan for their needs. The unpredictable nature of life-limiting disorders makes it more expensive to manage, plan and take care of the sufferer than in children with other disabilities (Dangel, 2005).

Final Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Final - Essay Example the operational command of the Allied forces, which included the US forces under the directive of the Supreme Commanders for the South East Asia (Charles, 42) The Truman doctrine stated that the US would provide aid to people anywhere in the globe who fall victims of attempted subjugation by armed minorities of external pressures, however, the Berlin Blockade that saw the Soviet Union cut off the rails and highways delayed the implementation process. The US started airlifting aid up to 1949, when the USSR lifted the blockade. This followed that, the western powers pulled out of Germany and allowed the creation of the West Germany and the USSR reciprocated by allowing the creation of the East Germany. This trend hampered the Truman doctrine (Charles, 51). The Bay of Pigs, Laos, Berlin, the Cuban missile crisis and war at Vietnam formed the flexible response. The test of flexible response on Vietnam was applied by force. There was not strategic planning and implementation and this led to the defeat and humiliation of the US forces (Charles,

LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL, the trial and death of socrates book Essay - 1

LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL, the trial and death of socrates book - Essay Example He knows that his own death comes with the morning and he doesn’t really want to die, but he continues to reject his friends’ attempts to save him by helping him escape. Socrates feels that a virtuous man is a man who stands up for what he believes in even when this is not the common practice of his countrymen or when it means hardship for himself. For his defense, Socrates relies on logic and reasoning to present his case to the people of Athens, clearly summarizing his actions and demonstrating them to be neither harmful nor malicious toward the state. His friends try to convince him to adopt a different approach in his defense by turning to the cultural norms of working on pity and family need, but Socrates felt it more important to uphold the ideals of logic, truth and justice. However, Socrates has wisely already calculated his chances to escape death and chooses instead to be judged by history based upon his own merits rather than attempt to win over a group of individuals who are already disposed against him. In his example, Socrates reveals that the virtuous man does not worry so much about things like danger or fear of death because as long as he is standing up for truth, his spirit cannot be long overcome. According to Socrates, a man can know whether his decisions are virtuous or not based on his feelings of shame, which is an emotion that signals wrong action. It arises from feelings of guilt and remorse when one breaks contracts made both with himself and with others and can only be avoided when one acts in perfect acco rdance with what he knows is right without fear or pursuit merely of self-interest. In drinking the hemlock, Socrates is able to prove to history, if not to the jurors, that he has consistently acted in ways that he deems to be in the right, in support of the laws and in the best interests of the people. Finally, in accepting his punishment, he is able to prove the depth of his convictions and continue

IMac Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

IMac - Assignment Example The system was also not able to fully accept the modules of programming that had used other Microsoft compatible software packages. The failure of highly expensive iMac to run Ronny’s software adversely impacted his confidence level. Ronny’s computer skills were much recognized because he had developed a very interesting geography puzzle for his classmates. He had also been secretly working on the development of a new video game, designed especially to increase the mental reflexes of youngsters. He needed to run the program on the latest machine so he could test the various creative ideas using multimedia and rectify the bugs, if any. The failure of the machines greatly distressed him. The frequent trips to repair shop also made him lose precious time as he wanted to send his video game to the online competition organized by the IBM. Development of video games requires highly sophisticated machines that can run complicated computer programs using multimedia. The testing of software is important part of software development and successful run of each module boosts the confidence of the developer. The failure of iMac to completely accept the program modules that needed other Microsoft compatible software, turned out to be the biggest setback to Ronny’s desire to take part in the competition. iMac is supposed to be the most sophisticated computer that could perform huge number of functions at high speed. But the weakness in the machine to run the important features of Ronny’s programs significantly jolted his confidence in the Apple’s products. Ronny’s father was also not able to buy another computer for him because of the huge amount of money already spent on the expensive iMac. The father was highly proud of his son and knew that advanced computer like iMac would greatly facilitate his son in improving his skills. He had also realized that the latest computer would help his genius son in exploiting his vast potential. His

Gucci Handbags Essay Example for Free

Gucci Handbags Essay Gucci handbags are some of the most desired and most attractive handbags available in the market. Synonymous with elegance and quality, the price of Gucci handbags, from the bamboo-handled handbag which catapulted the Gucci brand into international fame in the 1940s (and still used today) to the sleek new collection for 2005, varies from an affordable $100.00 to as high as $3,000.00. The newest line of Gucci Handbags was launched in the latter part of 2004 and the full product list can be viewed through the official Gucci site. The 2004 line of Gucci handbags are still available for purchase. Some handbags from past seasons may still be available, with the more popular designs often priced at higher levels. Gucci History Guccio Gucci, founder of the Gucci brand, was the son of an Italian merchant from Italy’s northern manufacturing region. In his youth, Gucci rebelled against joining his family’s straw hat making business by running away to London where he worked at the opulent and upscale Savoy Hotel. He spent much of his time paying much attention to the baggage of the hotel’s wealthy guests and this was where he gained an understanding of â€Å"cosmopolitan culture, sophistication and aesthetics†. When 39 year old Guccio Gucci returned to Florence in 1921, he set up his own shop, the House of Gucci, at 7 via della Vigna Nuova where he started by selling luggage and horse saddles. He hired the finest craftsmen in the area to work in his atelier, and he personally designed many of the Gucci products sold. His venture turned out to be a success and in 1938, he opened another store in the eternal city of Rome. The Gucci name continued to grow, and in 1947 the company reached even greater heights when they introduced the bamboo-handle handbag, an item that is still used by the company today. Further developments included the red striped webbing, which was derived from the saddle girth. This was incorporated into Gucci products in the 1950s. In 1953, Guccio Gucci passed away and his four sons took over running the company. It was after Guccio Gucci’s death that the House of Gucci broke the international market. Through the leadership of Aldo Gucci, the company opened satellite boutiques in London, Paris and New York. In the late 1960s, the House of Gucci (or Gucci) was able to penetrate the Asian market when they opened stores in Hong Kong and Tokyo. It was during this period that the famous GG logo (Guccio Gucci’s initials) was developed. The 60s also ushered in the Flora silk scarf, often worn by actress Grace Kelly; and the Jackie O shoulder bag, which was made famous by the late Jackie Kennedy, wife of former US. President John F. Kennedy. In the late 1970s, the Gucci Accessories Collection (GAC), composed of small items including make up bags, lighters, and pens were developed to increase the sales of the Gucci Parfums sector. These items, considerably more reasonably priced than the other items in their collection, were well received. Soon, the Accessories division outsold the Parfums division and brought the exclusive Gucci brand to thousands of stores in the United States. Because the Gucci name became more accessible to ordinary people, the brand suddenly lost its exclusive appeal. The name was further damaged by the proliferation of cheap fakes and replicas. In 1989, a third generation Gucci came to the helm of the Gucci Company. Maurizio Gucci, son of Rodolfo Gucci inherited the Company from his father and immediately stated that he wanted to incorporate numerous changes in the company. He invited the celebrated Dawn Mellow to join the business as a creative director. In Gucci America, Domenico de Sole was appointed to take charge. Although designers Geoffrey Beene and Calvin Klein were already part of Gucci’s roster of designers, Dawn Mello, through the urging of his partner Richard Buckley, took in a young designer named Tom Ford. This young designer would make Gucci a byword in the fashion industry once again. In the early 1990s, Gucci went through the poorest time in the company’s history. Due to several wrong decisions, the company experienced heavy losses and, once again, almost went bankrupt. Although Maurizio Gucci loved the family’s business dearly and had noble intentions, he was clearly incapable of leading the company. In 1993, he was forced to sell his shares to Investcorp. Dawn Mellow left a year after Maurizio Gucci’s departure and the position of creative director went to 32 year old Tom Ford. Ford took Gucci’s image towards a new direction. If he was unable to do that under the direction of Maurizio Gucci and Mellow, Forf was finally given the free rein under the supervision of De Sole. De Sole, now CEO of Gucci, realized that Gucci needed a new image if it were to become a profitable company once again. Thus, in 1995 the world saw a new Gucci. With a hip, trendy and bold new image, Gucci products were once again donned by the rich and famous such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. It was also in this year that Gucci Group became a publicly traded company, with listings on the New York and Amsterdam stock exchanges. Since then, Gucci has continued to prosper as an influential element in the fashion industry and a highly profitable business operation. The European Business Press Federation named The Gucci brand as the â€Å"European company of the Year 1998† for its economic and financial performance, strategic vision and management quality. Tom Ford left Gucci in 2004, together with De Sole. After much shuffling, the company is now headed by Frida Giannini and John Ray. Purchasing Gucci Gucci handbags are sold exclusively at Gucci directly operated stores or at authorized franchises and points of sales in select department stores, specialty shops and duty free counters. Authentic Gucci products are not sold through through internet auction sites such as Ebay. The company has forbidden their dealers to advertise or sell on Ebay. However, there are certified dealers of Gucci who have websites where you can purchase the latest lines of Gucci, such www.forzieri.com and www.ashford.com. In such websites, you are 100% assured that you will be buying the â€Å"real thing†. As of the end of 2004, Gucci operates 398 directly operated stores including 198 with Gucci, 60 with Yves Saint Laurent, 65 with Bottega Veneta and the rest with the Group’s other brands. Gucci is presently not seeking to expand its network of distribution. Authentic Gucci Guarantee All Gucci handbags are manufactured in Italy and made with the highest quality materials. Original Gucci products always come with a Gucci authenticity card. To ensure that you get an authentic Gucci handbag, buy only from authorized Gucci dealers or outlets. For a full listing of authorized dealers near your area, visit www.gucci.com

Etanercept Essay Example for Free

Etanercept Essay Although it is known that etanercept is a recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF? ) receptor fusion protein that decreases its role in disorders that involves excess inflammation in animals, mainly in humans, including autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, hepatitis C, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, it obviously shows that the effect of this fusion protein depends on the genes of the patient relative to his or her reaction to this protein. Citing the 60 year old male patient who was involved of being treated with etanercept, again, it manifests that there are different cases for different sets of specimens. Presumably, it is not wise to jump to conclusions that etanercept is not that beneficial in treating psoriasis or hepatitis C or both. One must take into consideration the genial pattern of the patient. Furthermore, etanercept is protein, which as we all know, comprises the basic genial structure of each cell of the body. In order for such protein to react or perform smoothly and beneficially, the subject should be focused more on protein â€Å"match-up† rather than citing several cases from the past or other occurrences involving etanercept.

Problem Solving and Decision Making Strategies

Problem Solving and Decision Making Strategies Background Problem solving and decision-making are important skills for business and life. Problem solving often involves decision-making, and decision-making is especially important for management and leadership. There are processes and techniques to improve decision-making and the quality of decisions. Decision-making is more natural to certain personalities, so these people should focus more on improving the quality of their decisions. People that are less natural decision-makers are often able to make quality assessments, but then need to be more decisive in acting upon the assessments made. Problem solving and decision-making are closely linked, and each requires creativity in identifying and developing options, for which the brainstorming technique, as this thesis is particularly useful. Collection of data and findings of RH cars There are two types of data collection methods; they are primary data collection and secondary data collection. Primary Data Collection: Primary data collection can be deemed as bespoke and therefore time consuming and costly. Secondary Collection Data: Secondary data include general reports supplied to an enterprise by various data services. Such reports might concern market share, retail inventory levels and consumer buying behaviour. The data collection for any car manufacturer can be used questionnaires to collect data in conjunction with published sources such as annual reports, price lists, and actual sales records. For cost reasons it could not conduct observations of on the-job application, interviews, or focus groups. Instead, rather ascertained the key metrics that would drive business impact (number of units sold and margin per unit realized) from the questionnaire and then validated the metrics with actual figures confirmed by the client. One key survey is the monthly Customer Satisfaction Index, tracked by RH Financial, which directly measures end customer satisfaction regarding the financial services obtained in the dealership. These provide the management team with data. The actions that need to be taken to drive these metrics the right way are sometimes more elusive in an industry that has very little customer contact once an account is set up. Survey methodology and frame used A systematic method for gathering information from (a sample of) individuals for the purposes of describing the attributes of the larger population of which the individuals are members. The attributes attempt to describe basic characteristics or experiences of large and small populations in our world. RH survey features Information is gathered by asking customer questions. Information is collected either by having interviewers ask questions and record answers or by having people read or hear questions and record their answers. Information is collected from only a subset of the population to be described (a sample)rather than from all members. Surveys are used extensively in car manufacturer industry to assess attitudes and characteristics of a wide range of cars and also new models. When information is obtained, or data is measured, the method, or process used to gather information, greatly affects the results. The extreme complaints might not represent the attitudes of the whole group. Similarly, measuring or counting data depends on the instrument or method used. The basing judgments on customer complaints alone ignored the general population of other opinions, which should be judged together, such as in a statistical sample of the whole statistics. A questionnaire for a particular purpose Please select which best represents your views. 1. Overall satisfaction All things considered, please rate your overall satisfaction withà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 1a RH Credit Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 1b Your selling dealership Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 1c Your vehicle Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 2. About your finance/lease contract Please rate your satisfaction with 2a Finance/Lease transaction overall Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 2b Ease of obtaining financing Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 2c Speed of approval for financing Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 2d Explanation of financing terms and conditions at the dealership Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 2e Ease of understanding the content of your finance contract Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 2f Timeliness of receiving your Welcome Pack/your contract Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 2g Accuracy of documents we sent Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 3. Contact with RH Credit 3a Have you contacted RHCredit with a question or problem related to your contract Yes No 3b Your contact experience with RHCredit Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Thinking about the representative you dealt with, how satisfied are you with theà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 3c Ease of making contact with the right person/employee to answer your question or resolve your problem Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 3d Courtesy of the representative Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 3e Responsiveness of the representative Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 3f Representatives ability to answer your question completely and accurately3h Representatives follow-through on promised actions Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Thinking about your most recent contactà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 3g How many times did you contact RHCredit before your question or problem was resolved Completely Satisfied Very Satisfied Fairly Satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 4. Future intentions Based on your experience, would youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 4a Recommend RHCredit to a friend or family member Definitely Would Probably Would Might or might not Probably would not Definitely would not 4b Recommend your selling dealership Definitely Would Probably Would Might or might not Probably would not Definitely would not 4c Recommend your make/model of vehicle Definitely Would Probably Would Might or might not Probably would not Definitely would not Summarizing data using representative values, and use the results to draw valid and useful conclusions for RH Cars. The root-cause analysis helped RH to identify key factors that tend to lengthen decision cycles. They included inadequate training in the clear communications of alternatives, absence of a good model of teamwork, and a control-oriented management philosophy. Decision-making increasingly happens at all levels of a business. The Board of Directors may make the grand strategic decisions about investment and direction of future growth, and managers may make the more tactical decisions about how their own department may contribute most effectively to the overall business objectives. But quite ordinary employees are increasingly expected to make decisions about the conduct of their own tasks, responses to customers and improvements to business practice. This needs careful recruitment and selection, good training, and enlightened management. Types of Business Decisions Programmed Decisions can be written down into a series of fixed steps which anyone can follow. They could even be written as computer program Non-Programmed Decisions. These are non-standard and non-routine. Each decision is not quite the same as any previous decision. Strategic Decisions. These affect whether to take over Company A or Company B Tactical Decisions. These are medium-term decisions about what kind of marketing to have, or how many extra staff to recruit Operational Decisions. These are short-term decisions, about which firm to use to make deliveries. Analyse data using measures of dispersion, and use to inform RH cars. A proper description of a set of data should include both of these characteristics. There are various methods that can be used to measure the dispersion of a dataset, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. These statistics describe how the data varies or is dispersed (spread out). The two most commonly used measures of dispersion are the range and the standard deviation. Rather than showing how data are similar, they show how data differs (its variation, spread, or dispersion). The study of dispersion is very important in statistical data. If in a certain car Manufacturer Company like RH there is consistence in the wages of workers, the workers will be satisfied. But if some workers have high wages and some have low wages, there will be unrest among the low paid workers and they might go on strikes and arrange demonstrations. It is reasonable to expect greater dispersion of wage increases to be associated with higher monetary incentives, but also with increased percep tions of unfairness. The authors analysis of linked employer-employee data from Denmark for the years 1992-97 shows that the dispersion of wage growth within firms generally had a negative association with firm performance. The results are robust across industries and categories of firm size, but are mainly driven by white-collar rather than blue-collar workers. Quartiles, percentiles, correlation coefficient Quartiles: One of the three numbers (values) that divide a range of data into four equal parts. The first quartile (also called lower quartile) is the number below which lies the 25 percent of the bottom data. The second quartile (the median) divides the range in the middle and has 50 percent of the data below it. The third quartile (also called upper quartile) has 75 percent of the data below it and the top 25 percent of the data above it. See also interquartile range and percentile. Percentile: A score equal to or greater than 97 percent of those attained on an examination is said to be in the 97th percentile. Percentiles are values that divide a set of observations into 100 equal parts. The percentile rank is the proportion of values in a distribution that a specific value is greater than or equal to. For example, if an individual received a mark of 95% on a math test and that mark was greater than or equal to the marks of 88% of students then that mark would place that individual in the 88th percentile. Correlation coefficient: A measure that determines the degree to which two variables movements are associated. Statistical measure of the degree to which the movements of two variables are related. n statistics, a measurement of the degree to which two things vary together. The maximum value for a correlation coefficient is 1.00, which occurs when two variables have a perfect positive correlation. A negative correlation coefficient indicates two variables that have an indirect relationship. 3.1 A range of graphs using spreadsheets line, pie, bar charts The following figure shows the auto sales in July 2009: Car cost can be divided into following major factors: Below is a graph of about lease is probably the way to go at cars. Get in for a couple or three years while the car is new (i.e. is at the most reliable part of its lifespan), then get out. Problems of cars on the road is given below: 3.2 Spreadsheet graphs to assist in forecasting for specified business information Half of the respondents in a European survey listed fuel consumption as a priority when buying a new car. The survey was performed in March and April 2007 and included respondents from twelve European countries. Safety, price and reliability were named by more than half of the respondents as a priority. Priorities when buying a new car Q: Which are your priorities when buying a new car?    Share of European Respondents Safety 73.1% Price 63.7% Reliability 57.8% Fuel Consumption 49.7% Comfort 36.9% Design 18.3% Size 17.9% Exhaust Gas 15.6% Color 3.4% . Surveys are constructed also to find out the target audience needs of the car such as luggage space, passenger seats, also size of the car. These are some interesting things that I picked up during the people study done through interviews and surveys: The highest priority of people is Cost and Efficiency. This is shown in the graph I generated according to the results of the surveys. 30.44% of the answers I received out of the 40 people who filled the surveys are related to cost and efficiency. 13.77% of the answers are actually stating the customers are happy with their cars efficiency. However on the other hand, 16.67% of the answers state the opposite. The main complaints of people who have cost issues with their cars are: The petrol is costing too much. The car requires servicing quite often and the cost of the service is expensive. The car parts are expensive when you need to replace them. On top of all those costs, they still need to pay for car insurance and registration. The second highest priority is the Exterior of the car. The answers shown in the survey reach to a conclusion that: More people are moving to small and more compact vehicles and they actually like the fact that their cars are compact. A few people actually want small cars because of the fact that they are easier to drive and park. This is a very interesting point because not only small cars are easier to drive and park but they also reduce congestion on the road. Less congestion means less traffic and also more parking space. Some people are happy with how their car looks but they do not really like the fact that the car gets dirty. This shows that quite a lot of people do not enjoy washing their cars and this could mean two things. First, the people actually do not see the interaction with their cars as an enjoyable activity and they see their cars just as a utility to take them from A to B. Second, It could also mean that they enjoy the interaction but they do not have the time to do the car washing due to their other priorities. Whichever reason, the interaction of people and cars should be more enjoyable to make more people want to buy a certain car. Preparing a formal business report RH has instituted a number of business practices with suppliers designed to increase collaboration, provide for data transparency and expand the volume of business with select suppliers, while building a more sustainable business model. They have also been able to reduce the total number of production suppliers eligible for major sourcing from RH from 3,300 to approximately 1,600 suppliers today, with a further reduction to 750 suppliers planned. We have paid specific attention to strengthening their minority and women suppliers which currently account for about $4 billion of their annual $35 billion of purchases from U.S. supplier locations. Our consolidation efforts have resulted, and will result, in more business for our major suppliers, which will increase their financial strength. Moreover, as RH moves aggressively to global vehicle platforms, sourcing to common suppliers for the total global volume of a vehicles components is dramatically increasing, meaning that a smaller number of suppliers will receive a greater volume of the purchases made by RH to support our global vehicle platform. RHs dealers are a source of strength, especially our rural/small town dealers, who represent the face of RH in communities across the U.S. and provide employment, tax support, community leadership and customer service. At their current and expected future market share, they clearly have too many dealers and therefore have made it increasingly difficult to sustain a healthy and profitable dealer network. To address this overcapacity, RH is partnering with our dealers and are downsizing and restructuring the RH, Lincoln and Mercury network in our largest 130 metropolitan market areas to provide targeted average-year sales for RH dealers at 1,500+ units and Lincoln Mercury deal ers at 600+ units, resulting in sustainable profits in both good and bad years. We are doing this while maintaining customer convenience factors such as driving distance, location, and appealing facilities. We have joined with our dealers to fund these consolidation actions jointly to protect our representation in the marketplace. To further reduce costs, RH recently made several significant changes to our Compensation and Benefit plans, including: (i) eliminating merit increases and bonuses due to be paid in 2009; (ii) suspending the Companys 401(k) matching contribution, and Company-paid tuition assistance and dependent scholarships; (iii) capping retiree life insurance at $25,000; and (iv) improving the costeffectiveness of benefit programs through more efficient plan offerings and increased employee cost sharing. With respect to the hourly work force in the United States, RH and the UAW agreed to a transformational labor agreement in 2007, the benefits of which are only beginning to be realized. Under this agreement, our hourly labor cost disadvantage compared to the transplants will be substantially reduced, although not completely eliminated. These labor costs savings should begin to materialize as they have the opportunity to bring workers into the workforce at the new wage levels Product excellence through leadership in fuel economy, innovation, quality, safety, and leading edge comfort and convenience technology; Substantial and continuous improvement in engineering and investment efficiency facilitated by leveraging the global assets of One RH and a reduction in the number of vehicle platforms, engines, transmissions, and customer offered complexity; and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Significant improvement in the profitability of small cars. Balanced Portfolio. They are leveraging our global product strengths to deliver six new world-class small and medium sized vehicles to the United States over the next four years. This will enable our car and crossover product segment mix to increase from 48% to 60% and result in volume and share growth. They are targeting sales leadership in people movers and crossovers through addition of new vehicles (such as the RH Flex) and redefining existing vehicles (such as the RH Explorer). Management information systems and information processing tools for operational, tactical and strategic levels of the organization The Concept of management information systems originated in the 1960s and become the byword of almost all attempts to relate computer technology and systems to data processing in business. During the early 1960s, it became evident that the computer was being applied to the solution of business problem in a piecemeal fashion, focusing almost entirely on the computerization of clerical and record keeping tasks. The concepts of management information systems were developed to counteract such in efficient development and in effective use of the computer. An organization must control the operations in the light of the plans and targets developed in the planning process. The car manufacturer must know if manufacturing operations are in line with the targets and if not, he must make decisions to correct the deviation or revise his plans. Similarly the wholesaler will want to know the impacts that his commissions have had on sales and make decisions to correct adverse trends. The municipal corporation will need to control the tendering process and contractors who will execute the pumping station plans. Generally, MIS is concerned with planning and control. Often there are elaborate systems for information that assists operations. For example, the car manufacturer will have a system for providing information to the workers on the shop floor about the job that needs to be done on a particular batch of material. There may be route sheets, which accompany the rate materials and components in their movement through various machines. This system per se provides only information to support operation. It has no managerial decision-making significance. Generally MIS has all the ingredients that are employed in providing information support to manager to making planning and control decisions. Managers often use historical data on an organizations activities as well as current status data make planning and control decisions. Such data comes from a database, which is contained in files maintained by the organization. This database is an essential component of an MIS. Manual procedures that are used to collect and process information and computer hardware are obvious ingredients of an MIS. These also form part of the MIS. In summary, when we say that an MIS is an integrated man machine systems that provided information to supports the planning and control function of managers in an origination. It does the following function. Sub serves managerial function Collects stores, evaluates information systematically and routinely Supports planning and control decisions Includes files, hardware, software, software and operations research models. Effective management information systems are needed by all business organization because of the increased complexity and rate of change of todays business environment. For Example, Marketing manager need information about sales performance and trends, financial manger returns, production managers needs information analysing resources requirement and worker productivity and personnel manager require information concerning employee compensation and professional development. Thus, effective management information systems must be developed to provide modern managers with the specific marketing, financial, production and personnel information products they required to support their decision making responsibilities. Iinventory control systems in Organisation An inventory control system is a set of hardware and software based tools that automate the process of tracking inventory. The kinds of inventory tracked with an inventory control system can include almost any type of quantifiable good, including food, clothing, books, equipment, and any other item that consumers, retailers, or wholesalers may purchase. Modern inventory control systems are almost exclusively based on barcode technology. Though barcodes were initially developed to automate the process of grocery store checkout, their ability to encode a wide variety of alphabetic and numeric symbols makes them ideal for encoding merchandise for inventory applications. Inventory control systems work in real-time using wireless technology to transmit information to a central computer system as transactions occur. Inventory control systems are employed in a wide variety of applications, but they all revolve around tracking delivery of goods to customers. Inventory control is crucial in retail stores, especially those with a large number or variety of merchandise items for sale. Inventory control is also used in warehouses to track orders and shipments, and for automated order processing. Other important applications of inventory control systems are in manufacturing, shipping, and receiving. Inventory control is important to ensure quality control in businesses that handle transactions revolving around consumer goods. Without proper inventory control, a large retail store may run out of stock on an important item. A good inventory control system will alert the retailer when it is time to reorder. Inventory control is also an important means of automatically tracking large shipments. For example, if a business orders ten pairs of socks for retail resale, but only receives nine pairs, this will be obvious upon inspecting the contents of the package, and error is not likely. On the other hand, say a wholesaler orders 100,000 pairs of socks and 10,000 are missing. Manually counting each pair of socks is likely to result in error. An automated inventory control system helps to minimize the risk of error. In retail stores, an inventory control system also helps track theft of retail merchandise, providing valuable information about store profits and the need for theft-preventi on systems. Automated inventory control systems work by scanning a barcode either on the item. A scanner is used to read the barcode, and the machine reads the information encoded by the barcode. This information is then tracked by a central computer system. For example, a purchase order may contain a list of items to be pulled for packing and shipping. The inventory control system can serve a variety of functions in this case. It can help a worker locate the items on the order list in the warehouse, it can encode shipping information like tracking numbers and delivery addresses, and it can remove these purchased items from the inventory tally to keep an accurate count of in-stock items. All of this data works in tandem to provide businesses with real-time inventory tracking information. Inventory control systems make it simple to locate and analyze inventory information in real-time with a simple database search. Future planning for RH basis of the secondary data collected through presenting collected With the global economic crisis petering out, markets seem to be recovering faster than previously assumed, said Norbert Reithofer, BMWs chief executive. Across the car industry, luxury producers are reporting strong growth in new markets and a revival in company car sales in the US and Europe, where the segment did not benefit from last years scrapping incentives that skewed demand towards smaller cars. JD Power, the auto consultancy, estimates that global sales of premium and superpremium cars, which fell by 12 per cent in 2009 compared with the markets overall 2.5 per cent drop will rebound by 10 per cent this year, more than double the 4 per cent growth it projects for the overall market. BMWs sales rose 13.8 per cent to 315,614 cars in the quarter, mostly driven by more than doubled sales in China. Demand in China has influenced our performance . . . significantly, said Friedrich Eichiner, chief financial officer. BMW, which now sells one in five of its cars in Asia, became on e of several carmakers to announce further expansion in China this year when it unveiled plans to spend à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬560m on a second plant in Shenyang. BMWs arch-rival Daimler doubled its Chinese sales in the first quarter, which helped it to swing from a loss of  £1.4bn a year ago to an operating profit of  £1.2bn.China is now Daimlers third-largest market and one of its fastest growing.Mr Reithofer said the Munich-based carmaker had received an outstanding order income for its new 5 Series model.BMW said a refreshed model line-up also helped it cut back on incentives for car buyers.Arndt Ellinghorst, analyst at Credit Suisse, said: BMW is in the fortunate position that its product momentum coincides with the market recovery.BMW, which also produces Minis and Rolls-Royces, reiterated its target of an operating margin of 8-10 per cent in its automotive business by 2012 a goal described by analysts as ambitious.Lane sharing, Page 22 Car industry executives, when they gather at the Geneva auto show next week, can congratulate themselves on having weathered their sharpest crisis in decades without suffering the collapse they warned would jeopardise millions of jobs.The perennial sick man of manufacturing has survived the worst of the downturn, which began in 2008, thanks to tens of billions of dollars shovelled into the sector in the form of financial bail-outs, cash for clunkers consumer subsidies, and soft government loans.In one sign that the market is turning, US car sales after hitting a 27-year-low of 10.4m last year are now growing again.But the mood in Geneva will hardly be ebullient amid forecasts of a hollow recovery for a sector that has not cured itself of its chronic problems. Even as the US market revives, demand for cars in Europe is due to drop this year as cash for clunkers scrappage programmes come to an end.Dieter Zetsche, Daimlers boss, who heads the European industry group Acea, this week sp oke of a stoney road ahead for the industry in 2010. Analysts predict car sales in mature markets Europe, North America, and Japan will not return to their pre-crisis levels before 2013. If you look globally, the industry is very much out of intensive care but it still requires a lot of monitoring going forwards, says Calum MacRae, lead auto analyst with PwC.Worse, warn experts, European governments interventions in particular kept carmakers afloat without forcing them to address the overcapacity that always was and remains a leading source of their ills.On the contrary: France, Italy, Germany and the UK all overtly linked their aid to carmakers to the future of their plants.US carmakers, in deeper financial distress than their European or Asian competitors before the crisis started, cut capacity by 3.5m units in 2007-09, according to PwC. The US government forced GM and Chrysler to close plants as the price for their more than $60bn of bailout loans.In Europe, where most carmaker s cut shifts or put workers on shorter hours rather than shutting plants, just 1.2m units of capacity were cut, says PwC.Only two plant closures have been announced since the crisis began: of Fiats plant in Termini Imerese, Sicily, and Opels in Antwerp, Belgium. Jaguar Land Rover also said it would close one of its three UK plants this decade. The industrys structural problems mean carmakers will face intense competitive pressure even as scrappage subsidies are withdrawn. It looks like were past the worst but a slow recovery is almost a given, says Robert Schulz, analyst with Standard Poors.Frances PSA Peugeot Citroà «n, reporting earnings this month, said it expected Europes car market to contract by 10 per cent this year; its rival Renault said it would shrink by 9 per cent. Fiats shares have slumped this month after Italys government declined to extend the scrapping subsidies that fuelled demand for its cars last year.The ending of Germanys scrappage scheme alone is due to slas h tota

Human Genome Project Essay -- Science Genetics Papers

Human Genome Project Essay The Human Genome Initiative is a worldwide research effort that has the goal of analyzing the sequence of human DNA and determining the location of all human genes. Begun in 1990, the U.S. Human Genome project was originally planned to last 15 years but now is projected to be complete in 13 years. This project was started to find the 80,000 - 100,000 human genes and to determine the sequence of the 3 - billion chemical bases that make up human DNA. The information generated by the human genome project is expected to be the source book for biomedical fields, including those such as developmental biology and neurobiology, where scientists are just beginning to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. The human genome project is expected to immensely benefit medical science. It will help us to understand and eventually treat many of the more than 4000 genetic diseases that afflict mankind, as well as the many multifunctional diseases in which genetic predisposition plays an impor tant role. New technologies emanating from the genome project will also find application in other fields such as agriculture and the environmental sciences. The human genome consists of 50,000 to 100,000 genes located on 23 pairs of chromosomes. One chromosome in each pair is inherited from the mother, and the other from the father. Each chromosome contains a long molecule of DNA, the molecule of which genes are made. The order of the four bases on the DNA strand determines the information content of a particular gene or piece of DNA. Mapping is the process of determining the position and spacing of genes, or other genetic landmarks, on the chromosomes relative to one another. The possibility of initiating such a maj... ...From Maps to Medicine: Hereditary Colon Cancer. "Hereditary Colon Cancer", Obtained from WWW 10/20/99: http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/Policy_and_public_affairs/Communications/Publications/Maps_to_medicine/colon.html. U.S. Dept. of Energy. Human Genome Project Information. "HGP Announce Accelerated Completion Date of Working Draft", Obtained from WWW 10/19/99:5/28/99: http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/project/update.html. U.S. Dept. of Energy. Human Genome Project Information. "Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) of the Human Genome Project", Obtained from WWW 10/19/99:9/7/99: http://www.ornl.gov/TechResources/Human_Genome/resource/elsi.html. U.S. Dept. of Energy. Understanding our Genetic Inheritance the U.S. Human Genome Project. "The first Five Years: Fiscal Years 1991-1995", Obtained from WWW 10/19/99:1/13/99: http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/project/5yrplan/intro.html.

Constructing and Reconstructing Essay -- Constitution, Founding Father

1. Woody Holton reveals the motives of the Founding Fathers depend widely on individual judgment of the terms under the Articles of Confederation. Holton claims that historians excessively rely on sources by the Federalist which reveals a prejudiced Federalist view (Hollitz, 110). Woody Holton uses the writings of James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to expose the Founding Fathers deeper motives in writing the Constitution. The Founding Fathers were frustrated because state legislatures had been given in to popular demands to reduce taxes and increase the money supply (for relief from the recession). While citizens were behind on their taxes; states were unable to pay interest on bonds, which crippled the government operations (Hollitz, 91). The idea of Hamilton claiming that states suffered from an â€Å"extreme democracy†, the Founding Fathers establish a central government that was less responsive to the will of the popular support (Hollitz, 94). The Founding Fathers , Holton says, mistrusted the abilities of average citizens who made up much of America’s voting population, and believed that power should be left to the elites (Hollitz, 94). However, the â€Å"framers† also recognized that the Constitution did not address ordinary citizen’s concern, and it would need to be ratified by the 13 states. As Woody Holton explains, the Founding Fathers felt that the uneducated citizens had â€Å"driven the country toward economic recession†, proving that they do not â€Å"possessed the ability to govern themselves† (Hollitz, 94). Also, the Confederation demonstrates the dangers of democracy showing that common people should not have control over their government. 2. From Federalist No. 10, James Madison explains that a republic is a government i... ...litz, 306). African Americans found themselves separated from white society and segregated by class. Blacks were often educated in segregated schools and churches, punished in segregated prisons, nursed in segregated hospitals, and buried in segregated cemeteries (Hollitz, 306). African Americans were segregated and treated with inequality especially in their public life. African Americans in free states faced barriers with job opportunities and were limited to the protection of life, liberty, and property (Hollitz, 306). Republican Party refused to address social equality for African Americans and claims to be â€Å"white man’s party† and do not accept black equality. Woodward and Foner conclude Reconstruction laws proved the failure in American race policy for earlier generations and betrayed the hopes that African Americans had invested in the new governments.

Combining Fact and Fiction in the Writing of Frederick Douglass’ The He

Combining Fact and Fiction in the Writing of Frederick Douglass’ The Heroic Slave After the successful publication of his autobiography, escaped slave Frederick Douglass decided to tell the story of a fellow ex-slave, Madison Washington, and his rebellion aboard the Creole slave ship. Rather than writing a purely historical account of the events, Douglass chose to embellish and alter the truth, creating The Heroic Slave, one of the first historical novellas and the first known piece of African-American fictional literature (Andrews 11). Douglass' choice to write the story as a fiction made the novella easier for readers to relate to and, therefore, more appealing to their sympathies. The Heroic Slave is based on the historical 1841 slave rebellion led by Madison Washington aboard the New Orleans-bound slave ship, the Creole. In his telling of the story, Douglass includes embellishments on, alterations to, and omissions of certain historical facts. By comparing his novella to other documents citing the actual occurrences, we can analyze the changes Douglass' made t o the story and why he chose to make them. Douglass' does not immediately discuss the Creole slave ship rebellion. Instead, the first three parts of The Heroic Slave concern the life of Madison Washington, the slave who would eventually become leader of that rebellion. In Part I, Douglass introduces us readers and Mr. Listwell, a white traveler, to Madison Washington. We overhear his soliloquy on the suffering he must endure as a slave. In this speech we are given the reason for his upcoming flight from slavery: "I am galled with irons; but even these are more tolerable than the consciousness, the galling consciousness of cowardice and indecision. Can it be that I... ...dom to make many authorial choices that made the story of Madison Washington's rebellion aboard the Creole a more effective case for the abolitionist cause. Through embellishments, alterations, and omissions, Douglass molded the history of the revolt to better serve his purposes. A simple, utterly accurate telling of the story would not have been nearly as powerful to the abolitionist movement. Works Cited Andrews, William L. Introduction. Three Classic African-American Novels. Ed. William L. Andrews. New York, Penguin Books, 2003. 7-21. Douglass, Frederick. The Heroic Slave. New York, Penguin Books, 2003. Jones, Howard. "The Peculiar Institution and National Honor: The Case of the Creole Slave Revolt." Civil War History. Volume 21. Mar. 1975. 20-50. MacDonald, Robin. "'The Heroic Slave': Frederick Douglass' Revolutionary Revision." 1996. 20 Apr 2004.

Marketing strategies Essay

The word â€Å"strategy† is derived from the Greek word â€Å"stratà §gos†; stratus (meaning army) and â€Å"ago† (meaning leading/moving). Strategy is an action that managers take to attain one or more of the organization’s goals. Strategy can also be defined as â€Å"A general direction set for the company and its various components to achieve a desired state in the future. Strategy results from the detailed strategic planning process†. A strategy is all about integrating organizational activities and utilizing and allocating the scarce resources within the organizational environment so as to meet the present objectives. While planning a strategy it is essential to consider that decisions are not taken in a vaccum and that any act taken by a firm is likely to be met by a reaction from those affected, competitors, customers, employees or suppliers. Strategy can also be defined as knowledge of the goals, the uncertainty of events and the need to take into consideration the likely or actual behavior of others. Strategy is the blueprint of decisions in an organization that shows its objectives and goals, reduces the key policies, and plans for achieving these goals, and defines the business the company is to carry on, the type of economic and human organization it wants to be, and the contribution it plans to make to its shareholders, customers and society at large. Features of strategic management Strategy relates the firm to its environment, particularly the external environ-ment in all actions whether objective setting, or actions and resources required for its achievement. This definition emphasizes on the systems approach of management and treats an organization as part of the society consequently affected by it. Strategy is the right combination of factors both external and internal. In relating an organization to its environment, the management must also consider the internal factors too, particularly its strengths and weaknesses, to take various courses of action. Strategy is relative combination of actions. The combination is to meet a particu-lar condition, to solve certain problems, or to attain a desirable objective. It may take any form; for every situation varies and, therefore, requires a somewhat different approach. Strategy may even involve contradictory action. Since strategic action depends on environmental variables, a manager may take an action today and revise or reverse his steps tomorrow depending on the situations. Strategy is forward looking. It has orientation towards the future. Strategic ac-tion is required in a new situation. Nothing-new requiring solutions can exist in the past, and so strategy is relevant only to the future. Process The strategic management process is more than just a set of rules to follow. It is a philosophical approach to business. Upper management must think strategically first, then apply that thought to a process. The strategic management process is best implemented when everyone within the business understands the strategy. The five stages of the process are goal-setting, analysis, strategy formation, strategy implementation and strategy monitoring. 1. Goal-Setting The purpose of goal-setting is to clarify the vision for your business. This stage consists of identifying three key facets: First, define both short- and long-term objectives. Second, identify the process of how to accomplish your objective. Finally, customize the process for your staff, give each person a task with which he can succeed. Keep in mind during this process your goals to be detailed, realistic and match the values of your vision. Typically, the final step in this stage is to write a mission statement that succinctly communicates your goals to both your shareholders and your staff. 2. Analysis Analysis is a key stage because the information gained in this stage will shape the next two stages. In this stage, gather as much information and data relevant to accomplishing your vision. The focus of the analysis should be on understanding the needs of the business as a sustainable entity, its strategic direction and identifying initiatives that will help your business grow. Examine any external or internal issues that can affect your goals and objectives. Make sure to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of your organization as well as any threats and opportunities that may arise along the path. 3. Strategy Formulation The first step in forming a strategy is to review the information gleaned from completing the analysis. Determine what resources the business currently has that can help reach the defined goals and objectives. Identify any areas of which the business must seek external resources. The issues facing the company should be prioritized by their importance to your success. Once prioritized, begin formulating the strategy. Because business and economic situations are fluid, it is critical in this stage to develop alternative approaches that target each step of the plan. 4. Strategy Implementation Successful strategy implementation is critical to the success of the business venture. This is the action stage of the strategic management process. If the overall strategy does not work with the business’ current structure, a new structure should be installed at the beginning of this stage. Everyone within the organization must be made clear of their responsibilities and duties, and how that fits in with the overall goal. Additionally, any resources or funding for the venture must be secured at this point. Once the funding is in place and the employees are ready, execute the plan. 5. Evaluation and Control Strategy evaluation and control actions include performance measurements, consistent review of internal and external issues and making corrective actions when necessary. Any successful evaluation of the strategy begins with defining the parameters to be measured. These parameters should mirror the goals set in Stage Types of strategic management 1. Functional strategies Functional strategy- selection of decision rules in each functional area. Thus, functional strategies in any organization, some (e.g., marketing strategy, financial strategy, etc.). It is desirable that they have been fixed in writing. In particular, functional strategies are as follows: Production strategy( â€Å"make or buy†) – defines what the company produces itself, and that purchases from suppliers or partners, that is, how far worked out the production chain. Financial Strategy- to select the main source of funding: the development of their own funds (depreciation, profit, the issue of shares, etc.) or through debt financing (bank loans, bonds, commodity suppliers’ credits, etc.). Organizational strategy- decision on the organization of the staff (choose the type of organizational structure, compensation system, etc.). May be allocated and other functional strategies, for example, the strategy for research and experimental development (R & D), investment strategy, etc. In addition, each of the functional strategies can be divided into components. For example, organizational strategy can be divided into three components: strategy of building organizations – to select the type of structure (divisional, functional, project, etc.); strategy to work with the staff – a way of training (mainly administrative staff), training of staff (in a business or educational institutions), career planning, etc.; Strategy wages (in the broader sense – rewards and penalties) – in particular, the approach to the compensation of senior managers (salary, bonuses, profit sharing, etc.). Organization for the implementation of the strategy at the functional area responsible senior specialist (Ch. Engineer, Director of Finance), at the enterprise level – the general director or director of the department, at the level of groups of companies – a collegiate body (management, board of directors). 2. Human resources Role in Strategy Formulation: HRM is in a unique position to supply competitive intelligence that may be useful in strategy formulation. Details regarding advanced incentive plans used by competitors, opinion survey data from employees, elicit information about customer complaints, information about pending legislation etc. can be provided by HRM. Unique HR capabilities serve as a driving force in strategy formulation. 3. Marketing strategies Marketing management is a business discipline which is focused on the practical application of marketing techniques and the management of a firm’s marketing resources and activities. Globalization has led firms to market beyond the borders of their home countries, making international marketinghighly significant and an integral part of a firm’s marketing strategy. Marketing managers are often responsible for influencing the level, timing, and composition of customer demand accepted definition of the term. In part, this is because the role of a marketing manager can vary significantly based on a business’s size, corporate culture, and industry context. For example, in a large consumer products company, the marketing manager may act as the overall general manager of his or her assigned product. To create an effective, cost-efficient marketing management strategy, firms must possess a detailed, objective understanding of their own business and the market in which they operate. In analyzing these issues, the discipline of marketing management often overlaps with the related discipline of strategic planning. To achieve the desired objectives, marketers typically identify one or more target customer segments which they intend to pursue. Customer segments are often selected as targets because they score highly on two dimensions: 1) The segment is attractive to serve because it is large, growing, makes frequent purchases, is not price sensitive (i.e. is willing to pay high prices), or other factors; and 2) The company has the resources and capabilities to compete for the segment’s business, can meet their needs better than the competition, and can do so profitably. [3] In fact, a commonly cited definition of marketing is simply â€Å"meeting needs profitably.† 4. Financial strategy To get the most out of your financial resources and achieve sustainability you’ll need to successfully manage all your funding and financing sources in an overarching strategy for your organisation. Many organisations manage income from a number of different funding and finance sources – from donations, grants, contracts and income generated from trading. A financial strategy enables your organisation to assess your financial needs and the sources of support required to meet your objectives and fulfil the organisational mission, whilst also planning for continued growth to enable stability. You’re financial strategy will derive from your mission. So the first step is to clearly define why you exist and you plan to achieve your mission before preparing any budgets. Cadbury History Birmingham 1824 John Cadbury was one of ten children of Richard Tapper Cadbury, a prominent Quaker who had moved to Birmingham, England from the West Country in 1794. In 1824, 22-year-old John Cadbury opened his first shop at 93 Bull Street, next to his father’s drapery and silk business in the then fashionable part of Birmingham. Apart from selling tea and coffee, John Cadbury sold hops, mustard and a new sideline – cocoa and drinking chocolate, which he prepared using a mortar and pestle. Cocoa and drinking chocolate had been introduced into England in the 1650s but remained a luxury enjoyed by the elite of English society. Customers at John Cadbury’s shop were amongst the most prosperous Birmingham families, the only ones who could afford the delicacy. Cocoa beans were imported from South and Central America and the West Indies. Experimenting with his mortar and pestle, John Cadbury produced a range of cocoa and chocolate drinks, the latter with added sugar. The products were sold in blocks: customers scraped a little off into a cup or saucepan and added hot milk or water. John Cadbury had a considerable flair for advertising and promotion. â€Å"John Cadbury is desirous of introducing to particular notice ‘Cocoa Nibs’, prepared by himself, an article affording a most nutritious beverage for breakfast,† announced his first advertisement in the Birmingham Gazette in March 1824. He soon established himself as one of the leading cocoa and drinking chocolate traders in Birmingham. The popularity and growing sales of John Cadbury’s cocoa and drinking chocolate of ‘superior quality’ determined the future direction of the business. In 1831, John Cadbury rented a small factory in Crooked Lane not far from his shop. He became a manufacturer of drinking chocolate and cocoa, laying the foundation for the Cadbury chocolate business. These early cocoa and drinking chocolates were balanced with potato starch and sago flour to counter the high cocoa butter content, while other ingredients were added to give healthy properties. By 1842, John Cadbury was selling sixteen lines of drinking chocolate and cocoa in cake and powder forms. The Quaker Influence The Cadbury family were prominent members of the Society of Friends or Quakers, one of the many nonconformist religious groups formed in the 17th century. Their strong beliefs carried into campaigns aimed at ending poverty and deprivation and many prominent Quaker-run businesses were part of reforms of social and industrial society in Victorian Britain. John Cadbury’s lifelong involvement with the Temperance Society influenced the direction of his business enterprise. By providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate as an alternative to alcohol he felt he was helping to alleviate some of the alcolohol-related causes of poverty and deprivation amongst working people. He also incorporated some of these principles in his industrial relations philosophy. (See A Progressive Workplace) Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham John Cadbury As the enterprise prospered, in 1847 John Cadbury rented a larger factory in Bridge Street, off Broad Street, in the centre of Birmingham and went into partnership with his brother Benjamin – trading as Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham. The retail side of the business in Bull Street was passed to a nephew, Richard Cadbury Barrow in 1849. Barrow Stores, as it became, traded in Central Birmingham until the 1960s. A major turning point for the cocoa and chocolate industry came in the mid-1850s, when taxes on imported cocoa beans were reduced by Prime Minister William Gladstone. The previously prohibitive chocolate products were now within the reach of the wider population. Cadbury Brothers received their first Royal Warrant on February 4, 1854 as ‘manufacturers of cocoa and chocolate to Queen Victoria.’ The company continues to hold royal warrants of appointment. During the 1850s business began to decline. The partnership between the first Cadbury brothers was dissolved in 1860, a difficult time in the company’s history. John Cadbury’s sons Richard and George, who had joined the company in the 1850s, became the second Cadbury brothers to run the business when their father retired due to failing health in 1861. John Cadbury devoted the rest of his life to civic and social work in Birmingham until his death in 1889. Although they had worked in their father’s business for some years, the prospects for Richard. 25, and George, 21, were daunting. Their first five years were a period of unremitting toil with few customers, long hours and very frugal living. Both seriously considered taking up other vocations – Richard as a surveyor in England and George as a tea planter in India. George was focused on manufacturing, and Richard with sales, but in the early days both brothers went out and promoted their goods. Due to their dedication, sheer hard work and improvements in the quality of Cadbury cocoa products, the business survived and prospered. Technological Advancements Historic packaging Dissatisfied with the quality of cocoa products, including their own, the Cadbury brothers took a momentous step in 1866 that not only had a bearing on their business but revolutionised the whole of the British cocoa business. Until that time English cocoa had been heavily adulterated with starch substances like potato flour or sago to mask the excess cocoa butter. The cocoa drink, as described by George Cadbury himself, was a â€Å"comforting gruel†. Following a visit to the Van Houten factory in Holland to see their new cocoa press, the brothers introduced this new process to their Bridge Street factory. The press removed some of the cocoa butter from the beans, producing a less rich and more palatable cocoa essence – the forerunner of the cocoa we know today. There was no need to add flour and Cadbury’s new cocoa essence was advertised as ‘Absolutely pure†¦therefore Best’ At that time there was much concern in Parliament about the adulteration of food, including cocoa. The new unadulterated Cadbury’s cocoa essence was heralded as a major breakthrough and resulted in the passing of the Adulteration of Food Acts in 1872 and 1875. Cadbury received a remarkable amount of free publicity during this period and sales increased dramatically. The marketing of this cocoa essence helped turn a small business into a vast worldwide company. The introduction of cocoa essence was not the only innovation that improved the Cadbury Brothers’ trade. The plentiful supply of cocoa butter remaining after the cocoa was pressed made it possible to produce a wide variety of new kinds of ‘eating chocolate,’ leading to the development of the smooth creamy chocolate produced today. The quality of the chocolates made by the company following the introduction of the cocoa press was such that in the 1870s, Cadbury broke the monopoly which French producers had previously enjoyed in the British Market. Cadbury’s Chocolate Box A chocolate for eating had been produced at the Cadbury factory since 1849 but it was not, by today’s standards, a very palatable product. With the availability of cocoa butter a new chocolate recipe produced chocolate similar to that which we enjoy today. Refined plain chocolate was made for moulding into blocks or making bars and chocolate creams that with chocolate-covered fruit-flavoured centres. Cadbury’s â€Å"fancy chocolates†- or assortments as they are now called – were sold in decorated boxes, with small pictures that children could cut out to stick into scrapbooks. Richard Cadbury applied his considerable artistic talents to introduce more ambitious and attractive box designs from his own paintings, using his own children as models or depicting flowers and scenes from his travels. They were the first British-made fancy chocolate boxes and were very popular. Some of his original boxes still exist. Elaborate chocolate boxes were much prized as special gifts by the late Victorians as they could later be used as trinket or button boxes. Chocolate box designs ranged from superb velvet covered caskets with bevelled mirrors and silk lined jewel boxes to pretty boxes with pictures on the lid. The popularity of these splendid Cadbury boxes continued until their disappearance during the Second World War. Victorian and Edwardian chocolate boxes are now collector’s items. Cadbury Brothers Ltd The business became a private limited company – Cadbury Brothers Limited – in 1899 following Richard Cadbury’s sudden death at the age of 63. George Cadbury became chairman of the new board and his fellow directors were Barrow and William A. Cadbury, sons of Richard and two of his own sons, Edward and George Cadbury Junior. By 1899, the Bournville factory had trebled in size with more than 2,600 employees. With the formation of the limited company, Bournville entered a new era as the younger members of the Board introduced new ideas – analytical laboratories, advertising and cost offices, a sales department, works committee, medical department, pension funds, education and training for employees. The Bournville factory site became a series of factories within a factory, as everything needed for the business was produced on site, including tin box pressing plants, carton making units, a design studio and printing plant. This policy continued until well after the Second World War when the rationalisation of the business to mainstream activity – production and marketing of chocolate confectionery- led to the use of outside specialised suppliers for ancillary items. . Cadbury India began its operations in India in 1948 by importing chocolates. It now has manufacturing facilities in Thane, Induri (Pune) and Malanpur (Gwalior), Bangalore and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and sales offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The corporate head office is inMumbai. Since 1965 Cadbury has also pioneered the development of cocoa cultivation in India. For over two decades, Cadbury has worked with theKerala Agricultural University to undertake cocoa research. Cadbury was incorporated in India on 19 July 1948. Currently, Cadbury India operates in five categories – Chocolate confectionery, Beverages, Biscuits, Gum and Candy. Some of the key brands are Cadbury Dairy Milk, Bournvita, 5 Star, Perk, Bournville, Celebrations, Gems, Halls, Éclairs, Bubbaloo, Tang and Oreo. Its products include Cadbury Dairy Milk, Dairy Milk Silk, Bournville, 5-Star, Perk, Gems (a version of M&M’s), Eclairs,Bournvita, Celebrations, Bilkul Cadbury Dairy Milk Shots, Toblerone, Halls, Tang and Oreo. It is the market leader in the chocolate confectionery business with a market share of over 70%. Products Major chocolate brands produced by Cadbury include the bars Dairy Milk, Crunchie, Caramel, Wispa, Boost, Picnic, Flake, Curly Wurly, Chomp, and Fudge; chocolate Buttons; the boxed chocolate brand Milk Tray; and the twist-wrapped chocolates Heroes. As well as Cadbury’s chocolate, the company also owns Maynards and Halls, and is associated with several types of confectionery including former Trebor and Bassett’s brands or products such as Liquorice Allsorts, Jelly Babies, Flumps, Mints, Black Jack chews, Trident gum, and Softmints. Notable product introductions include: 1866: Cocoa Essence 1875: Easter Eggs 1897: Milk Chocolate and Fingers 1905: Dairy Milk 1908: Bournville 1914: Fry’s Turkish Delight 1915: Milk Tray 1920: Flake 1923: Creme Egg (launched as Fry’s) 1926: Cadbury Dairy Milk Fruit & Nut 1929: Crunchie (launched as Fry’s) 1938: Roses 1948: Fudge 1958: Picnic 1960: Dairy Milk Buttons 1968: Aztec 1970: Curly Wurly 1974: Snack 1976: Double Decker 1981: Wispa (relaunched 2007) 1985: Boost 1987: Twirl 1992: Time Out 1995: Wispa Gold (relaunched 2009 and 2011) 1996: Fuse 2001: Brunch Bar, Dream and Flake Snow 2009: Dairy Milk Silk 2010: Dairy Milk Bliss 2011: Big Race oreo 2012: Marvellous Creations and Crispello. Advertising controversy In May 2011 the model Naomi Campbell described the new advertisement for the Bliss bar as ‘insulting and hurtful’. Reacting to the advertisement, which had the tag line Move over Naomi – there is a new diva in town, Campbell said, â€Å"I am shocked. It’s upsetting to be described as chocolate, not just for me, but for all black women and black people. I do not find any humour in this.† A spokesperson for the company insisted that the campaign was â€Å"a light-hearted take on the social pretensions of Cadbury Dairy Milk Bliss†. The campaign was, he later added, â€Å"no longer in circulation†¦ we have no plans to repeat the campaign.† Reacting to Campbell’s outburst, comedian Reginald D. Hunter, on the BBC television comedy quiz Have I Got News For You, suggested that it was complimentary for black people to be compared to chocolate, and that enjoyment of the Bliss bar might even be enhanced by a love of black people. Health and safety 2006 Salmonella scare On 19 January 2006, Cadbury Schweppes detected a rare strain of the Salmonella bacteria, affecting seven of its products, said to have been caused by a leaking pipe. The leak occurred at itsMarlbrook plant, in Herefordshire, which produces chocolate crumb mixture; the mixture is then transported to factories at Bournville and formerly Somerdale to be turned into milk chocolate. It was not until around six months after the leak was detected that Cadbury Schweppes officially notified the Food Standards Agency, shortly after which it recalled more than a million chocolate bars. In December 2006, the company announced that the cost of dealing with the contamination would reach  £30 million. In April 2007, Birmingham City Council announced that it would be prosecuting Cadbury Schweppes in relation to three alleged offences of breaching food safety legislation. At that time, theHealth Protection Agency identified 31 people who had been infected with Salmonella Montevideo. One of the alleged victims had to be kept on a hospital isolation ward for five days after eating a Cadbury’s caramel bar. An investigation being carried out at that time by Herefordshire Council led to a further six charges being brought. The company pleaded guilty to all nine charges, and was fined one million pounds at Birmingham Crown Court—the sentencing of both cases was brought together.[70] Analysts have said the fine is not material to the group, with mitigating factors limiting the fine being that the company quickly admitted its guilt and said it had been mistaken that the infection did not pose a threat to health. Head office Cadbury’s head office is the Cadbury House in the Uxbridge Business Park in Uxbridge, London Borough of Hillingdon, England. The building occupies 84,000 square feet (7,800 m2) of space inside Building 3 of the business park. Cadbury, which leases space in the building it occupies, had relocated from central London to its current head office. Cadbury’s previous head office was in 25 Berkeley Square in Mayfair, City of Westminster. In 1992 the company leased the space for  £55 per 1 square foot (0.093 m2). In 2002 the company agreed to pay  £68.75 per square foot. The Daily Telegraph reported in 2007 that the rent was expected to increase to a â€Å"three-figure sum. † In 2007 Cadbury Schweppes had announced that it was moving to Uxbridge to cut costs. As of that year the head office had 200 employees. After the Kraft Foods acquisition of Cadbury, Kraft announced that the Cadbury head office would remain the â€Å"Cadbury House.† Mission statement of cadbury. Cadbury’s mission statement says simply: ‘Cadbury means quality’; this is our promise. Our reputation is built upon quality; our commitment to continuous improvement will ensure that our promise is delivered’ . Vision The Vision into action (VIA) plan embodies all aspects of our strategy. Our governing objective is to deliver superior shareowner returns by realizing our vision to be the world’s biggest and best confectionery company. At the heart of our plan is our financial scorecard, judiciously reinforced by our priorities, commitments and culture . Management information strategy. A management information system (MIS) provides information that organizations require to manage themselves efficiently and effectively.[1] Management information systems are typically computer systems used for managing five primary components: 1.) Hardware, 2.) Software, 3.) Data (information for decision making), 4.) Procedures (design,development and documentation), and 5.) People (individuals, groups, or organizations). Management information systems are distinct from other information systems, in that they are used to analyze and facilitate strategic and operational activities.[2] Academically, the term is commonly used to refer to the study of how individuals, groups, and organizations evaluate, design, implement, manage, and utilize systems to generate information to improve efficiency and effectiveness of decision making, including systems termed decision support systems, expert systems, and executive information systems.[2] Most business schools (or colleges of business administration within universities) have an MIS department, alongside departments of accounting, finance, management, marketing, and sometimes others, and grant degrees (at undergrad, masters, and PhD levels) in MIS. Characteristics of management information strategies Strategic information management is a salient feature in the world of information technology (IT). In a nutshell, strategic information management helps businesses and organizations categorize, store, process and transfer the information they create and receive. It also offers tools for helping companies apply metrics and analytical tools to their information repositories, allowing them to recognize opportunities for growth and pinpoint ways to improve operational efficiency. Automation IT professionals design strategic information management systems to automate the management of incoming and outgoing information to the greatest possible degree. While each company has its own unique IT needs, strategic information management systems typically include built-in controls that filter, sort, categorize and store information in easy-to-manage categories. Customization Strategic information management systems are typically customized to meet the unique needs of each individual company. Incoming and outgoing data can be sorted and cross-referenced according to a wide range of individually specified controls and parameters, which include the company’s business verticals and horizontals, individual clients, demographics, geographic location and business function. Strategic information management systems are extensively categorized, allowing for an optimal level of organization. Access controls can be as strict or as lax as the client wants, allowing for company-wide access to information databases or limiting information accessibility to key personnel. User-specific controls can also be set, in case employees need access to certain information but management wants to limit their access to sensitive data. Benefits The benefits of strategic information management can be felt from the executive level right down to the functional staff level. It can help businesses expand their operations into new areas, set goals, measure performance and improve overall productivity. Risks Some of the risks involved with strategic information management systems include implementation challenges, incompatibility with client databases and human error. As with other IT management techniques, data protection and information security is also an ongoing concern. Conclusion Cadbury is one of the best known brands in the world today. It is a brand which is associated with high levels of quality and customer satisfaction. The ongoing growth of Cafà © Cadbury provides a flagship that further helps to enhance the reputation of the Cadbury Masterbrand. At the same time, it provides customers with the opportunity to indulge themselves in the enjoyment of high quality products in a welcoming environment.