Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Mark Twains Belief that the Real Descent of Human...

Mark Twain theorizes that man is in fact the so called â€Å"lower animal† and has descended from a single atom to insect to animal from a long line of innocence. The lowest stage would be reached and would become known as the human being. Twain counter argues the popular theory of Darwinism which could be considered controversial. However, he conducted experiments using the scientific method to provide evidence to his claim: the principle of human morality, as disputed in â€Å"The Damned Human Race†, has seemingly not evolved to the same extent of the morals of what he believes to be the â€Å"higher animals†. Moral sense as defined by Twain is the quality that enables wrong doing. Without this this â€Å"sense† man would not be capable of doing wrong.†¦show more content†¦Man is once again viewed as cruel. His morals are inhumane in the way that the infliction of pain is for pleasure. Twain’s â€Å"higher animals† are unaware of others suffering. The cat for example; she plays with the mouse before making it her meal. She is oblivious that the mouse is frightened. Although she plans to eat it, she does not torture it in the manner than man would. Her unconsciousness to the morality of killing makes her innocent. Man is not innocent. Despite popular belief, Twain’s use of experimentation and observation proves that man is ultimately not a reasoning animal (Twain, 674). Throughout history religion has caused controversy among many due to its diversity. The difference in opinions of man occasionally leads to death. As Twain puts it, â€Å"He [man] is the only animal that loves his neighbor as himself, and cuts his throat if his theology isn’t straight.†(674). Religion has also been known to go hand in hand with morality; a generalization that without a belief in a god, come no morals. A cat and a dog were put in a cage and within an hour they had gotten past their differences and were capa ble of coexistence. Within the next hour, a rabbit was added to the cage with no problem. As two days come to pass, the variety of small animals were able to peacefully cohabit: including a fox, a squirrel, doves, a goose, and even a monkey. In a next cage, nine men were confined. Each man retained a different background than the next. AsShow MoreRelatedA Mirror For A Flawed Society2115 Words   |  9 Pagesa mirror as a method of inspiring self-change. And the creative minds of today take a page from Mark Twain, one of the best and most prolific users of satire in his many published works. In Twain’s post-Civil War American novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, he purposely creates characters with disillusions order to satirize human nature as man often fails to reflect on his everyday flaws, beliefs, and behaviors. Romanticism An attraction to Romanticism causes a person to act—and therefore appear—

Monday, December 16, 2019

Air and Sea Travel Case Study Free Essays

Air Sea Travel Inc. Case study Air Sea Travel Inc. a travel agency began operations on April 1, 20X6. We will write a custom essay sample on Air and Sea Travel Case Study or any similar topic only for you Order Now During April, the business provided travel services for clients. It is now April 30, and investors wonder how well Air Sea Travel performed during its first month. They also want to know the company’s financial position at the end of April and its cash flows during the month. The following data is listed in alphabetical order. Prepare the Air Sea Travel financial statements at end of April 20X6. Accounts payable |$100 |Land |$18,000 | |Accounts receivable |2,000 |Office supplies |500 | |Adjustments to reconcile net | |Payments of cash: | | | income to net cash provided | | Acquisition of land |40,000 | | by operating activities |(2,400) | Dividends |2,100 | |Cash balance at the beginning of April |0 |Rent expense |1,100 | |Cash balance at the end of April |33,300 |Retained earnings at the beginning of April | | | | | |0 | |Cash receipts: | |Retained earnings at the end of April |? | | Issuance stock |50,000 |Salary expense | 1200 | | Sale of land |22,000 |Service revenu e |8,500 | |Common stock |50,000 |Utilities xpense |400 | |Dividends |2,100 | | | 1. Prepare the income statement, the statement of retained earnings, the statement of cash flows for the month ended April 30, 20X6, and the balance sheet at April 30, 20X6. 2. Answer the following questions: a. How well did Air Sea Travel perform during its first month of operations? b. Where does Air Sea Travel stand financially at the end of April? ASSETSLIABILITIES Cash33,300Account payable100 Account receivable2,000Land 18,000 Insurance stock50,000Office supplies500 Sale of land 22,000Payment of cash Common stock50,000 Acquisition of land40,000 Dividends2,100 Dividends2,100 Service revenue8,500Rent expense1,100 Salary expense1,200 Utilities expense400 Adjustment to reconcile 2,400 net income to net cash provided by operating activities 1. |Air Sea Travel Inc. | |Income Statement | |April 30, 20X6 | |Revenues |8,500 | |Expenses |2,700 | |Rent expense 1,100 | |Salary expense |1200 | |Utilities expense |400 | |Net income |5,800 | |Air Sea Travel Inc. | |Statement of Retained Earnings | |April 30, 20X6 | | | | |Beginning of Retained Earnings |0 | |Net income |5,800 | |Cash dividends |(2,100) | |Ending Retained Earnings |3,700 | |Air Sea Travel Inc. |Balance Sheet | |April 30, 20X6 | | | | |Assets | | |Cash |33,300 | |All other assets |20,500 | |Land |18,000 | |Office supplies |500 | |Account receivable |2,000 | |Total assets |53,800 | |Liabilities | | |Acount Payable |100 | |Total liabilities |100 | |Stockholder’s equity | | |Common stock |50,000 | |Retained earnings |3,700 | |All other equity |0 | |Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity |53,800 | |Air Sea Travel Inc. |Statement of Cash Flows | |April 30, 20X6 | |Net cash provided by operating activities | |3,400 | |Net income |5,800 | | |Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities |(2,400) | | |Net cash used for investing activities | |(18,000) | | Sale of land |22,000 | | |Acquisition of land |(40,000) | | |Net cash provided by financing activities | |47,900 | |Issuance stock |50,000 | | |Dividends |(2,100) | | |Net change in cash | | 33,300 | |Beginning cash balance | |0 | |Ending cash balance | | 33,300 | 2. a) They performed very well, since they got profit in the end of the month. They do not pay too much salary and they don’t have too many depts. To be a financially well-managed company, it must generate profit, meaning there is more money coming in than going out. This looks to be well managed company since there is a lot of profit in the end of the month. Income Statement, Statement of Retained Earnings, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows are all on the plus side. Nothing seems to be out of order. b) They have 33,300 retained earnings at the end of April, which means a good profit. How to cite Air and Sea Travel Case Study, Free Case study samples

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Introduction to Digital Media Samples for Students-Myassignment

Question: Discuss about the Digital Media. Answer: Introduction In this fast paced world, everything needs to be fast to match the flow. The invention of digital media has really done wonders in the field of technology. The advanced technology has supplied the humanity with such new innovative products that have really helped the people to get in closer with one another in spite of having physical distances. Various modes of digital media have developed in the recent times that can be accessed through digital electronic devices. Digital media includes various platforms like playing games, social media activities and many others. One needs a thorough research on this phenomenon. Research Areas and Theories The invention of digital media has surely changed the lifestyle of the modern era people (SULLIVAN, 2017) The research areas on this subject needs to focus on the various working prospects that are very closely related with its effect on human life. The invention of digital media and its expanse has definitely some connections with digital media marketing. The marketing of digital media needs to be proper so that the tools and techniques can be accessed properly. Some relevant research theories are associated with this (Couldry, 2012). The specific topic for discussion in this assignment focuses on computers as an effective source of digital media and its effects on the social context. Game Theory Game theory is one of the theories related to digital media marketing ("Social media: Marketing in a digital age", 2017) It is a kind of mathematical process to analyze the interactions made between the individuals and the agents, The practical application of this theory is the process of Gameification. Often times the behaviors of the agents change and the game is played in a new different way. It gives some hints on the reaction of the customers on the various products of the makers. The changing behavior of the agents resulted due to the conflicts among them on various issues. Network Theory Network theory focuses on the relationship between all sorts of creatures through the social or digital media networks. Social media is actually a part of the digital media. The impacts of different things happening in social media definitely have a larger impact on digital media. Digital media marketing theories impact on the social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram to name a few. Computers are big platforms that help to access many of the websites and other important articles to improve the communication between the users and the network providers. Collective Intelligence Collective intelligence is an important part of the relevant theories related to digital and social marketing. An important part of digital media is playing online games on computer and other platforms like play station, tablets and other available electronic devices. Online games are such things for which the new generation is crazy. Some video games really need a good level of intelligence. Some media platforms also use collective intelligence to promote new brands of various products. Generational Theory Generational theory focuses its attention on the fact the users or the customers belong to almost a same age group. This helps to have same viewpoints on many subjects and common attitudes to many situations. This theory also focuses in the fact of the communication process of the young generation and the probable ways of reaching them to sell the commodities. The more use of smart phones and tablets is a very common practice among the younger generation. The service providers and the marketers try to reach their customers through this medium as direct communication is possible between them. Literature Review The following literature review tends to focus on the impact of digital media (Ryan, Emerson, Robertson, 2014) It has manifold effects on the lives of modern people. Since, the confinements of modern era are not within the radio or television or newspapers anymore, the role of web media is slowly occupying the markets. The digital media ranges from audio visual modes of operations to e-commerce products and many other things (Vernallis, Herzog, Richardson, 2015) Different online marketing websites are dominating the market. Students nowadays rely on e-books than reading traditional books. E-books are very easy to download and read (Embong, 2012). The development of new software applications has revolutionized the modern era. People can download favorite movies and watch them anywhere, anytime. A huge increase of depending on YouTube has made people dependent on electronic devices in much higher proportions than before. The use of digital media can be done more efficiently on a comp uter or a laptop. YouTube is also easier to access on computers. There are some advantages of using computers for getting information using digital media. Computers have a bigger screen than other devices. It can provide all sorts of benefits and internet connections by using both LAN and Wi-Fi connections (ElShafee Hamed, 2012). The storage memory of computers is very high. All kinds of files and systems can be run on a computer. Pen drives can be used to store data with high storage memory and data can also be transmitted very easily and faster. These are the reasons digital media is very effective if it is handled on computers. These uses of digital media on computer are the pros and there are some cons as well. Excessive use of computers can harm the eyesight and it also can cause other physical problems as the users have to sit still for long hours (Greenfield, 2014). People using digital media and social media excessively lose rationality and the ability to think on their own. Their level of creativity decreases in good amount. Conclusion After a thorough discussion on the effects of digital media and use of computers, it can be concluded that computers are the best friends of human in the recent times. People of the learned society cannot live without computers and the use of digital media is one integral part of the process. Computer and digital media have become synonymous with each other. Excessive use of digital media has consequences of physical and mental health. Though computer is a very useful device for medium communication, some limitations should be maintained. It is extremely essential for the progress of the world. References Couldry, N. (2012).Media, society, world: Social theory and digital media practice. Polity. ElShafee, A., Hamed, K. A. (2012). Design and implementation of a WIFI based home automation system.World academy of science, engineering and technology,68, 2177-2180. Embong, A. M., Noor, A. M., Hashim, H. M., Ali, R. M., Shaari, Z. H. (2012). E-Books as Textbooks in the Classroom.Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences,47, 1802-1809. Greenfield, P. M. (2014).Mind and media: The effects of television, video games, and computers. Psychology Press. Ryan, M., Emerson, L., Robertson, B. (2014). The Johns Hopkins guide to digital media (1st ed.). Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Social media: Marketing in a digital age. (2017). palmbeachpost. Retrieved 12 April 2017, from https://www.palmbeachpost.com/marketing/social-media-marketing-digital-age/X0MdWSusiByR1zwuttjnPK/ SULLIVAN, K. (2017). Chariho to host impacts of digital media discussion. RICentral.com. Retrieved 12 April 2017, from https://www.ricentral.com/chariho_times/news/local_news/chariho-to-host-impacts-of-digital-media-discussion/article_90db9b58-1ae2-11e7-b37b-d3a9a3f58582.html Vernallis, C., Herzog, A., Richardson, J. (2015). The Oxford handbook of sound and image in digital media (1st ed.). Oxford [etc.]: Oxford University Press.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Listen to Your Parents Speech free essay sample

Why should you listen to your parents? It seemed that such a simple question should not cause controversy. However, insisting on unquestioning obedience, parents can get the wrong kind of love of their children, which they count on. What should be the basis of the relationship between parents and children? Naughty Children and Styles of Upbringing Why did disobedient children not please their parents? Adults have to make efforts: to restrain, control, repeat, refuse, punish and prevent in order to make such children behaving normally. They do not want to strain themselves in making children listen to your parents. It would be more convenient for the child to be controlled, like a toy with a remote control.Nevertheless, development specialists are not inclined to sympathize with the parents of disobedient children they, on the contrary, are alarmed by obedient children dependent on parental will. In difficult or unusual situations, instead of mobilizing, they lose and pass. We will write a custom essay sample on Listen to Your Parents Speech or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In the family circle, this is not visible. But coming to life, they show a very low level of adaptability and survive only in closed, strictly organized disciplines communities or in conditions of complete stagnation, when one day looks like another.Obedience often means the absence of negative emotions in children: good boys and girls never get angry, they obediently react even to parental aggression. They are taught not to disturb parents and other important people, not to create problems, not to be angry, and so on. Growing up in conditions of hard taboos, together with bad emotions they suppress the positive. They do not know how to rejoice, and they feel uncomfortable even on their birthday. The style of parenting models the overall orientation of the childs personality and its degree of obedience. The authoritarian style is the active suppression of the will of the child, and today not only the fathers but also mothers gravitate to it. At first, the children are literally trained, that is, they force them to repeat the commands many times until the performance reaches a high speed so that there was no time to think. The task of education is solved in the same way: do not argue that it is interesting and what is not, learn everything by heart, if you do not understand. On the contrary, democratic style implies the right to vote and the childs involvement in activities. And although some things are not discussed, because they do not fall within the responsibility of the child, the basic format of communication between the parent and the child are not orders, but an agreement. Children brought up in this vein do not ask the question should you always listen to your parents, because they know that parents are not dictators, but advisers. There is also a mixed style, in which parents sometimes tighten the nuts, and sometimes weaken. Children adapt to it, living their carefree life from flogging to flogging. Two Main Consequences Parents experience excessive happiness if the child is obedient. In fact, duplicity and indifference are the two main consequences of this behavior. Double-dealing Keeping a double life, one for the parents and the other for oneself becomes the usual behavior for the child. Normal relationships with peers, minor pranks, reckless entertainment are hidden from the parental eye. Its convenient for him: the adults are calm and do not yell at seizures, and he enjoys life. And often you can observe the parents sincere surprise when they learn about the true behavior of the child, for example, from the teacher in the school. Keeping a double life is a defense against uncomprehending parents, but the manifestation of apathy is more dangerous. There is complete indifference to the surrounding world and the most terrible to yourself. There is no own opinion, there is an eternal alarm, how will parents react to a specific action. Indifference In the child, a feeling of own impotence and uselessness arises, and the realization of this comes with age. Meanwhile, adults are immensely happy with their obedient child. Such behavior, in their opinion, is worthy of praise. Apathy, indifference, lack of social activity are the main consequences of wonderful obedience for the joy of parents. As a result, unfortunate citizens grow up creating the gray mass of their country.By obeying adults, the child loses his personal desires and aspirations. Becoming a slave and obedient, he will be uninteresting to other people. For the first time such problems emerge in the school, they become more serious in the institute, especially if the child, after listening to his parents, went to a different university than he wanted. And all this is achieved by parents who want good. This is the same situation when the question when should you not listen to your parents has a direct answer. Conclusion But how to live with children, if they are not required obeying? The answer is obvious. Mutual relations of parents with children should be built on respect, as, for example, with friends, co-workers, neighbors. Ask the child to do something, but do not order. Try to negotiate, discuss the problem. Consider the childs arguments if he stubbornly refuses something. Children should help when they themselves want it, and forced help is more like bondage. Accustoming to work forcibly can lead to a complete aversion to it. Love for children is inherent in nature, and respect is not. Respect for children will lead to the most fruitful results. At the first stages of growing up it will be difficult to accept delusional childrens thoughts, but eventually, the child will also change, knowing that his parents are on equal terms with him.Sincere, conscious obedience is possible only in a relationship of trust when the child recognizes that the parent is still coping better with the problems. Unlike strict, unconditional subordination in confidential relations, a child can ask questions that interest him, without fear of incurring the wrath of the parent. Parents should often ask questions to the child, making it clear that the problem may have several solutions and now you are thinking about which option to prefer. How do you think its best to do it? Can I count on your help? Can I ask you to do this?. Only an approach based on trust and respect can help to grow a self-confident personality, and even the question do you have to listen to your parents when your 18 will not arise in such situation.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Top Down Approach Of Policy Implementation Social Work Essay Essay Example

Top Down Approach Of Policy Implementation Social Work Essay Essay Example Top Down Approach Of Policy Implementation Social Work Essay Essay Top Down Approach Of Policy Implementation Social Work Essay Essay Analyzing the mental wellness policy in China through the position of policy execution, it is clear that it is runing under a top-down attack. Quantitatively, using the World Health Organization Mental Health Policy and Plan Checklist and the World Health Organization Mental Health Legislation Checklist to analyse the content of mental wellness policy and statute law in the PRC, we can happen that quite a batch of insufficiencies and defects. The WHO ( 2007 ) suggests the demand to develop a national advisory organic structure to authorities on the execution of mental wellness policies and services. Such a group could play a function in reexamining, monitoring and measuring mental wellness policies and programmes. The commission could besides join forces with other sectors such as the Ministries of Education, Ministries of Justice, Ministries of Local Government, Ministries of Social Welfare, and development bureaus and givers to raise consciousness of the impact of mental upsets every bit good as the demand to see mental wellness when developing their ain policies and programmes, in order to vouch more successful mental wellness policy execution. However, the mental wellness policy preparation and execution in PRC has tended to follow a top-down attack. There has been small audience in both the development and execution of current mental wellness. This survey shows that adequate and dependable informations for the development of evidence-based mental wellness policy is rarely available. However, dependable, comprehensive and accurate informations on the incidence of mental upsets, the Numberss of people go toing both specialist intervention, and the impact of mental upsets on the person and household, can all pave a sound footing for reasoning an increasing committedness and resources for mental wellness, and more effectual mental wellness attention bringing ( WHO, 2005 ) . Strengthening the grounds base through research in mental wellness and the development of an efficient and comprehensive mental wellness information system is hence an of import measure for the People s Republic of China in developing mental wellness policies which address those countries most in demand. Although there has been widespread support among citizens, head-shrinkers, attorneies, and media for the Mental Health Law. The passing of the statute law, which praised for stand foring best pattern in such countries as the extent of audience and in protecting human rights, was merely happened in Oct. 26, 2012, and will be officially enacted in May, 2013. This Law is an indispensable first measure towards set uping mental wellness statute law, and would show a political committedness towards the betterment of mental wellness attention in the PRC. However, contrasting with the other several Torahs specialising in economic system, national defence, or even political reform, the Mental Health Law is comparatively lagged buttocks, and it did non mention the proviso of more support, which is critical for effectual execution. Therefore, under this top-down attack, farther mental wellness services betterment of quality and enlargement of measure for mental illness individuals are hard. 4.1 Recovering and Rehabilitation from the Destruction Reopen to the Country and World After Mao s decease and the ruin of the Gang of Four in 1976, the mental wellness policy in the PRC has been bit by bit redeveloping and retrieving from the old catastrophe from 1977 to 1980. At first, there was important growing of enthusiasm by the policy shapers and psychiatric professionals to derive the rehabilitative consequence. On one manus, they began to acknowledge and analyze jobs and insufficiencies in mental wellness service in mental wellness cognition and services in China. They realized the misinterpretations caused by the political coercion, citing Dr Young Derson: We do non believe that you can acquire a disease from a incorrect thought nor will a correct thought remedy a patient. We try to learn the significance of unwellness, based on scientific cognition ( Achtenberg, 1983 ) . Therefore, more head-shrinkers began to see non-biological accounts for mental unwellnesss and experimented with more originative methods of psychological rehabilitation service bringin g ( Ran, 2005 ) . On the other manus, while many old interventions like utilizing Mao s plants to sublimate the patients value system faded off ( Achtenberg, 1983 ; Bloomingdale, 1980 ; Masserman, 1980 ) , communications with professionals from Western states flourished ( Li A ; Chan, 2003 ) . Hence, comparing with the socialist system of Chinese psychopathology mentioned a great figure of Western head-shrinkers when they came and observed the political manner in naming and handling mental wellness, the Western publications after the Cultural Revolution fell aggressively. This was non merely because the intensive willingness of Chinese head-shrinkers to get down researching in mental wellness, but besides due to the increasing publication in English about the state of affairs of PRC by the Chinese head-shrinkers ( Pearson, 1995 ) . However, these verves were so tempered disappointingly by two obstructions, at least in the initial phase. First and most significantly, the restraints from the uncertainness of political air currents and the authorities s attitude to the outside exchange. Second, after being insulated for more than three decennaries, they were shocked by their sudden exposure to the unfamiliar universe, perpetrating a great trade of corruptions against their deep-seated political, professional, and cultural thoughts ( Pearson, 1995 ) . As clip moved on, they gained a certain grade of assurance in acquisition and pass oning with the Western engineering and this was further aided by the new policy prefering the betterment on professions and intellectuals ( Sidel A ; Sidel, 1982 ) . 4.2 Reorganizing and Reconstruction of Mental Health Policy Centralized Approach Stimulated by the inhibitory enthusiasm of researches during the Cultural Revolution, in 1982, the first nation-wide epidemiological survey was done by head-shrinkers and bookmans in seven parts in People s Republic of China, ended with a warning consequence: the prevalence of mental unwellness was estimated to be 11.8 % ( Zhang, Shen, A ; Li, 1998 ) , and it was reported that there seemed to be an addition in the per centum of schizophrenic patients in mental infirmaries, from 70 % in the 1970s to 80 % in 1980 ( Yang, 1994 ) . Obviously, this signified a great demand of mental wellness services within the society and more effectual mental wellness policy was peremptorily required by the dominate Party and authorities. In Article 45 of the 1982 Constitution of the People s Republic of China that still patterns till now, it clearly stated the province s willingness for offering the public assistance and support to guarantee the wellness of people: Citizens of the People s Republic of China have the right to material aid from the province and society when they are old, ill or disenable. The province develops the societal insurance, societal alleviation and medical and wellness services that are required to enable citizens to bask this right. The province and society guarantee the support of handicapped members of the armed forces, provide pensions to the households of sufferer and give discriminatory intervention to the households of military forces. The province and society help do agreements for the work, support and instruction of the blind, deaf-and-dumb and other handicapped citizens. ( National People s Congress ( NPC ) of the People s Republic of China, 1982 ) However, while using the construct of welfare mix , which developed to analyse the assorted beginnings of public assistance including wellness constabularies in most provinces and societies ( Higgins, 1981 ; Pinker, 1985 ; Rose A ; Shiratori, 1986 ) , the PRC has to imagine and acknowledge the comparatively fringy function that the province dramas, as in the three-concentric circle model of welfare mix in this Party-dominated province, the household locates at the Centre, the collective ( by danwei or by the vicinity ) situates the following, and the province displacements to the outer ring ( Wong, 1992 ) . However, there have still been comparatively uninterrupted reforms and attempts the People s Republic of China has been lending to since the 1980s ( Wong, 1992 ) . In 1986, the Second National Conference on Mental Health Work was held in Shanghai, 28 old ages after the first 1 in Nanjing in 1958. After the treatment, an of import functionary papers named Some Opinions about Strengthening Mental Health Work ( e?†ºc†YeaˆÂ °Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ?†?eaˆ?a†¦Ã‚ ¬a ®Ã¢â‚¬ °ee--?aS a? ·cc?ze?†ºc†Ya ·?acs„?„?e ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¹ ) was issued and a cardinal policy was formulated together with three governmental setups: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Civil Affairs, and Ministry of Public Security ( 1987 ) . In this papers, several troubles and insufficiencies in the 1980s were emphasized, including the fact that there was merely 50 % of the support for the general infirmaries of the same class went to psychiatric infirmaries, and about 80 % of the people with mental unwellness or upsets received no intervention, with reasonably 5 % of them could be admitted to a infirmary and so on ( Pearson, 1996 ) . Consequently, si x recommendations or waies were offered: ( 1 ) Practically, strengthen the overall coordination of mental wellness services by three governmental ministries ( Ministry of Health, Ministry of Civil Affairs, and Ministry of Public Security ) , specifically in support, staffing, preparation and educating. ( 2 ) Ideologically, include mental wellness policy ends and works into the route to Chinese Socialism Construction Spiritual Culture in People s Republic of China. Hence, local and regional governments from all degrees should necessarily back up it. ( 3 ) Increasingly, outline the programs and undertakings to set up multi-level staffing, preparation, and advancing the mental wellness workers so that more professional services will be provided. ( 4 ) Legally, develop national mental wellness jurisprudence and proper processs in forensic direction of admittance, detainment, and intervention of mental wellness intervention of mental patients, in peculiarly those with condemnable records, violent injuries or possible injuries to the others. ( 5 ) Locally, facilitate related public assistance services and community support such as vocational rehabilitation, adjustment, and employment for dismissed mental patients so that they can be decently integrated into the community. Related parties and organisations should besides collaborate into the bar of mental unwellness. ( 6 ) Broadly, increase the measure and quality of mental wellness instruction to the populace, so that everyone in the society shall take serious about his or her mental wellness conditions can make a stable society. ( Ministry of Health et al. , 1987 ) Probably, this was the most honorable and realistic functionary statement available about the status of psychiatric services boulder clay so. And it was clear that those jobs support, preparation, staffing, stigmatisation, and acknowledgment of mental wellness were rather similar to those experienced elsewhere. However, the difference, possibly the most destructive, was that there was no other state faced the sheer outrageousness of coordinating and providing services for, as the papers mentioned, ten million psychiatric patients. And this necessarily warned and convinced the policy shapers of possible mental unwellness to acknowledge the negative consequence on the wellness of the multitudes and that covering with it should be approached with the same sum of energy as devoted to undertaking bilharzia or malaria that were prevailed at that clip ( Pearson, 1995 ) . However, there were several insufficiencies and ambiguities in the 1987 papers committed if it would be referred as a guideline that burdened great outlooks. First of wholly, the recommendations were more like a wish list with small matter-of-fact suggestions or operational programs to sketch the indispensable or even necessary stairss to be taken, the stakeholders to be influenced and concrete ends to be achieved. Besides, there were no specific guidelines as to calculate out to what figure of hospital beds, out-patient installations, and so on there should be per caput of population. Second, it was obvious that there lacked a elaborate considerations for resource deductions of where the support comes from and how will it be shared within national, provincial, and local organisations. Last but non least, after analyzing the tones and concerns of the text, there lefts an feeling that people involved in outlining this papers were from the urban-based category, so that few efforts wer e to turn to the most serious job in service bringing, or how to run into the demand for the 75 % rural patients ; nor the prognosis for drug direction in infirmaries located in the undeveloped countries so that they may non pin down in the deficit of interrupted supplies.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Using the French Expression Bien Sûr

Using the French Expression Bien Sà »r Bien sà »r,  pronounced  byeh(n) soor, is an adverb that means literally very sure, but in everyday use, this French phrase  has come to mean of course and certainly. It is one of the most common idiomatic expressions in the French language, and other European speakers have informally adopted it as well. There are also more colloquial translations of  bien sà »r  that reveal its  versatility. These include: Oh yes  Sure I will  Of course, we do  Sure  Sure thing  By all meansYes indeed  I sure will Bien Sà »r as a Response The French expression bien sà »r  is most often used as a stand-alone response to a question or statement: Est-ce que tu viens la fà ªte ?   Are you coming to the party?Bien sà »r !   Of course! Un moment, sil vous plaà ®t.   Just a moment, please.Bien sà »r.   Of course. Tu me donnes mon stylo ?   Can you give me my pen?Bien  sà »r, voici.   Sure, here it is. Bien Sà »r as a Link ​Bien sà »r can link clauses and ideas: Jai besoin de ton assistance, et bien sà »r je te payerai.   I need your help, and of course Ill pay you. Nous allons visiter le monument franà §ais le plus cà ©là ¨bre, je parle bien sà »r de la tour Eiffel.   Were going to visit the most famous French monument; Im speaking of course about the Eiffel Tower. The Ironic Bien Sà »r The phrase can also be used ironically: Je meurs de faim, et bien sà »r jai oublià © mon portefeuille.   Im starving  and of course I forgot my wallet. Nous sommes pressà ©s, et Lise est en retard, bien sà »r.   We in a hurry, and Lise, of course, is running late. Bien Sà »r Que Oui / Bien Sà »r Que Non Bien sà »r can be followed by que oui to be even more emphatic (of course yes)  or que non  (of course not): Tu le veux ?   Do you want it?Bien sà »r que oui.   I certainly do. / Of course I do. Ne vas-tu pas y aller ? Arent you going to go?Bien sà »r que non.   Of course not. The Conjunctive  Bien Sà »r Que Bien sà »r can also be followed by que plus a subordinate clause.  Bien  sà »r  que  functions as a conjunction: Bien sà »r quil va luniversità ©.   Of course hes going to college. Bien sà »r que nous mangerons ensemble.   Of course well eat together. Bien sà »r quelle navait rien compris  !   Of course, she hadnt understood a thing! Synonyms of Bien Sà »r bien entendu  Ã‚  of course, certainlymais oui, bien sà »r   yes, of coursecertainement  Ã‚  certainlycertes  Ã‚  certainly, admittedly, of courseà ©videmment  Ã‚  obviouslyforcà ©ment  Ã‚  necessarily, inevitablynaturellement  Ã‚  naturally, of course

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Pensions as an important financial instruments Essay

Pensions as an important financial instruments - Essay Example Center of discussion in this paper are pensions as an important financial instruments that provide economic security to employees once they retire. A pension is a fixed payment that the beneficiary receives on a monthly basis once they reach retirement age. The use of pension plans by corporations became a mainstream practice in corporate America after World War II. In the United States pension plans have become more important than ever particularly for younger people due to the fact that the social security system is not going to be able to help younger adults. The most likely outcome is that generation X will not receive a social security check 30 years from now. Defined contribution plans must be disclosed in the financial statements of an organization. The things that must be reported in the financial statements in regards to pensions include the existence of the plan, the employee groups covered, the basis for determining contributions, and any significant matters affecting comp arability from period to period. The accounting treatment for defined benefit plans is a bit more complex. It is imperative that corporations make pension contributions that are sufficient to cover the benefits that are promised by the plan. Due to the fluctuating nature of the stock market, which is an investment mechanism used by pension managers to obtain a greater return for the beneficiaries, on many occasions pension funds are underfunded. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 stipulated that all corporate pension funds must be fully funded by the year 2013. Pension fund accounting requires the use of actuarial tools to estimate the future value of pension benefits. Two benefit approaches that can be used by accountants are accumulated benefits approach and years of service approach. The difference between the two methods is that one estimates annual pension cost and liability based on existing salary levels, while the other is based on the estimated final pay at retirement. The liability for pension benefits under the accumulated benefits approach is called accumulated benefits obligation, while the liability computed under the benefits/years of service approach is called projected benefit obligation (Clark & Cathey, 2011). The proliferation of the use of pension plans occurred after World War II. The accounting profession immediately took notice of the tendency. In 1956 the Committee on Accounting Procedures released Accounting Bulleting No. 47, Accounting for Costs of Pension Plans. ARB-47 required disclosure of unfunded vested benefits on the balance sheet (Duangplov & Pence, 2007). Pension funds were considered a legal liability after the inception of APB No. 8 in 1966. APB No. 8 also discusses the different components of pension costs. The three components of pension costs are normal costs, past service costs, and prior service costs. The underfunded pension cost became a liability in the balance

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Macro Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Macro Economics - Essay Example The focus shifts from expenditure to save more of the current income for future spending. Thus in reacting to this less expenditure on the part of the consumers and the investors the firm will lower their production resulting in less output. Reduction in the wage rate of the workers in this circumstance will not contribute to the elimination of the huge unemployment rate prevailing in the economy. Simultaneous decrease in the interest rates in the economy will also not succeed in returning the economy back in the original track (Gwartney, Stroup, Sobel and MacPherson, 228). Wages and interest rates are considered fixed in the Keynesian theory. According to the theory even if there is a decline in the wage rate a negative impact will be exerted on the economy through the reduction in income and hence reduction in aggregate demand. Keynesian theory rejects the view of the classical economists that market forces will bring back the system of full employment in the economy. Equilibrium i n the economy will be reached when the total spending in the economy will be equal to the total output. Changes in output may drive the economy to a certain extent towards the equilibrium as opposed to price changes as suggested by the other stream of economists.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

K-Pop Research Essay Example for Free

K-Pop Research Essay K-Pop ê °â‚¬Ã¬Å¡â€ (an abbreviation of Korean pop or Korean popular music): is a musical genre consisting of dance, electronic, electropop, hip hop,[2] and RB music originating in South Korea.[1] In addition to music, K-pop has grown into a popular subculture among teenagers and young adults around the world.[3] Although in a bigger scope K-pop may include other genres of popular music within South Korea, outside of the country the term is more commonly used for songs sung by Korean teen idols, which covers mostly dance, electronic, rap, hip-hop, and RB genres. [4] Starting in 1992, dance and rap music became popular due to Seo Tai-ji Boys, which is seen by many as the beginning of modern K-pop.[4] Genres such as ballad and rock are still popular today; however, the term can be debatable. With the rise of social media networks during the mid 2000s, the ability of K-pop to reach a previously inaccessible audience via the Internet is driving a shift in the exposure and popularity of the genre.[5] The Korean Wave has spread K-Pop to the Pacific Rim, the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. As an important part of the Korean Wave, K-pop has come from humble beginnings to gain a huge fan base not just in Asia but also other parts of the world. As South Korea continues to develop its IT infrastructure, K-Pop music is being shared over the internet and through mobile devices more rapidly than ever.[6] According to The New York Times, attempts by K-pop stars to break into Western markets had largely failed prior to the proliferation of global social networks. However, K-pop artists are now gaining more international exposure through social media networks such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, making it easier for K-pop artists to reach a wider audience.[7] Fans come from all around the world[8] and K-Pop is considered by some to be South Korea’s greatest export because of its popularity and growing influence.[9] Kpop bands as highly produced, sugary boy- and girl-bands with slick dance routines and catchy tunes.[10] Many K-Pop music videos have colourful visuals and a catchy beat.[11] K-Pop multiple vocal genres, especially hip-hop and rap, emphasize performances and strong visuals.[12] Dance is an integral part of K-pop. When combining multiple singers, the singers often switch their positions while singing and dancing by making prompt movements in synchrony. K-Pop is also recognized for pretty-boys and girl groups[13] that are young and considered attractive. I couldn’t stop humming the beat; it had been cemented in my head. At first it was just a mere song that I would play to make fun of, but I couldn’t help it. Over and over again, I played it. There was something intriguing about, something different. It pulled me in and drew my brain. My ears craved the tune again. I did my best to resist the urges, afraid that I’d be swept into its trance and be associated with those who would listen to it. I eventually went back to listen to it, disgusted with myself for enjoying listening to the repetitive track. The chorus was ridiculous, the Engrish was unbearable, yet I was still called for by it. It was different than most of the type of music I had indulged in. K-Pop. I was herded into the world of delusional fandoms that couldn’t bear insults towards their oppas. The world where Engrish is a normal thing you would sing along with. Besides the occasional fan wars and drama (not the K-Dramas, but actual drama), I felt like I had a family within my own fandoms. It was simple; we were all interested in that particular group, and we all respected each for that. It gave us common grounds. But it’s even more than that, we all still shared the general idea: We all liked K-Pop. Most people who are used to western music made fun of this genre. This is probably the biggest thing that binds us together. Most of us non-Korean listeners have probably dealt with being made fun of for liking K-Pop, and this makes us even closer.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Charlemagne Essay examples -- essays papers

Charlemagne The two lives of Charlemagne as told by Einhard and Notker the Stammerer are very different accounts of the life of the great Emperor. Einhard gives us a historical overview of the life of Charlemagne who lived from 742 to 814 A.D. Charlemagne was also known as Charles the Great and the King of the Franks.Charles was one of four children born to Pepin the Short, A Mayor of the Palace of the Carolingian Empire. He had one brother, Carloman and two sisters, Gisela and Pepin.Since women at the time didn’t inherit power, when Pepin the Short died, the kingship of the Carolingian Empire was divided and shared by Charlemagne and his brother, Carloman. Unfortunately, Carloman died early and unexpectedly as a young man and the entire land of the Franks was given to Charlemagne. This kingdom was vast and covers what would today include parts of the countries of Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and France. Charlemagne took very good care of his mother who lived with him at the palace and died at a ripe old age. His brother Pepin died as a child and his sister Gisela spent her entire life as a religious in a nunnery. Charlemagne had four wives and four concubines. From these relationships he had fourteen children. He insisted on educating all of his children both the boys and the girls. The boys leaned how to hunt and use arms while the girls learned womanly things like weaving. Charlemagne was a devoted father and when he wasn’t fighting a war and was at home, he insisted on eating dinner with his children and also took them with him on many of his journeys. He was so attached to his daughters that he refused to give them away in marriage with the result that two of them ended up having illegitimate... ...ut who lost heart at the last moment and succeeded only in slashing him across the eyes. The pope summoned Charlemagne to Rome and bestowed the crown of Emperor and Augustus upon him. The Pope’s attackers fled when they heard that Charlemagne was coming but they were found and punished some were imprisoned and other condemned to death. The Charlemagne of Einhard is a man of many notable characteristics and accomplishments. Einhard gives a sense of what the important events and people in Charlemagne’ s life were. Einhard gives a more detailed and colorful background to many of the events even if some of his descriptions and stories are not believable. In Einhard, we learn the facts. In Notker, we see Charlemagne’s sense of humor, and his compassion; his forgiveness; his sense of equality and fairness. In the many anecdotes Of Notker, Charlemagne comes alive. Charlemagne Essay examples -- essays papers Charlemagne The two lives of Charlemagne as told by Einhard and Notker the Stammerer are very different accounts of the life of the great Emperor. Einhard gives us a historical overview of the life of Charlemagne who lived from 742 to 814 A.D. Charlemagne was also known as Charles the Great and the King of the Franks.Charles was one of four children born to Pepin the Short, A Mayor of the Palace of the Carolingian Empire. He had one brother, Carloman and two sisters, Gisela and Pepin.Since women at the time didn’t inherit power, when Pepin the Short died, the kingship of the Carolingian Empire was divided and shared by Charlemagne and his brother, Carloman. Unfortunately, Carloman died early and unexpectedly as a young man and the entire land of the Franks was given to Charlemagne. This kingdom was vast and covers what would today include parts of the countries of Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and France. Charlemagne took very good care of his mother who lived with him at the palace and died at a ripe old age. His brother Pepin died as a child and his sister Gisela spent her entire life as a religious in a nunnery. Charlemagne had four wives and four concubines. From these relationships he had fourteen children. He insisted on educating all of his children both the boys and the girls. The boys leaned how to hunt and use arms while the girls learned womanly things like weaving. Charlemagne was a devoted father and when he wasn’t fighting a war and was at home, he insisted on eating dinner with his children and also took them with him on many of his journeys. He was so attached to his daughters that he refused to give them away in marriage with the result that two of them ended up having illegitimate... ...ut who lost heart at the last moment and succeeded only in slashing him across the eyes. The pope summoned Charlemagne to Rome and bestowed the crown of Emperor and Augustus upon him. The Pope’s attackers fled when they heard that Charlemagne was coming but they were found and punished some were imprisoned and other condemned to death. The Charlemagne of Einhard is a man of many notable characteristics and accomplishments. Einhard gives a sense of what the important events and people in Charlemagne’ s life were. Einhard gives a more detailed and colorful background to many of the events even if some of his descriptions and stories are not believable. In Einhard, we learn the facts. In Notker, we see Charlemagne’s sense of humor, and his compassion; his forgiveness; his sense of equality and fairness. In the many anecdotes Of Notker, Charlemagne comes alive.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Joe’s Fly-By-Night Oil Company Essay

†¢ Prepare a ratio analysis for the fiscal year ended Dec 31, 2012. Organize your analysis per the following outline: (1) Liquidity – Current ratio: 25,000/17,000=1.47% Quick ratio: 25,000-17,000/17,000=25,000 Comments on liquidity- The results cant really determine how well or bad the company is doing until you compare it to another company. This ratio helps show the ability to pay off short term obligations as they are due. (2) Asset management – Total Asset turnover: 10,000/40,000=.25 Average collection period (ACP): 10,000/365=27 3,000/27=111 days Comments on asset management- Each $1 of asset is producing .25 in sales. Using assest utilization shows why one firm turns over assests more rapied than another. Average collection period states that it’s taking the customer around 111days to pay off their bills. This indicates how long sales stay on companys books. (3) Debt management – Debt ratio: 20,000/40,000=50% Times interest earned: 3,000/200=15 times Comments on debt management- Times interest earned shows the number of times that income before interest and taxes covers the interest obligation . The higher the ration the stronger the interest paying ability of the firm . (4) Profitability – Net profit margin:1800/10,000= 18% -Return on Assets (ROA): 1800/40,000= 4.5% -Return on Equity (ROE): 1800/20,000= 9.0% Extended Du Pont equation: .25x.18-0.045(4.5%) Comments on profitability to include your comments on the sources of ROE revealed by the Du Pont equation These types of ratios indicate if the firm is making any money, and how much in relation to whats invested. They also give you an indication of how the firm is doing in controlling its costs. Net profit margin sales minus all expenses, including interest and taxes . So the net profit margin ratio measures the proportion of each sale dollar that remains after all expenses are paid for . Joes is at 18% . The ROA should be compared to past years ROA to determine wheather it is good or bad. The ROE is the bottome line which can be compared to other investments and see where they are. It evaluates the return the firm produces. The Du Point equation allows you to understand the source of return but it need to be compared to a similar industry to see truly where the company is. (5) Market value ratios – PE ratio: Market price of company stock /earnings per share of stock 50.00/1.80=27.7 – Market to book ratio: Share price of stock/book value per share To get the book value per share you take total equity /common shares outstanding 20,000/1,000=20 then you take share price /book value per share 1.80/20=.09 Comments on the market value ratios The M/B ratio gives you an indication of the value of a firm’s intangible non-listed assests. These numbers help you get an idea what it will cost you to get $1 of the firms assets. Stock’s market price represents how much investors are willing to pay today for that claim. I the M/B ratio is higher than 1.0 therefore , you can say that the value of the equity claim has gone up. If you look at the M/B ratio for Joe’s the equity claim has gone up since its at 27.2. For the purposes of this exercise, assume the following data for Joe’s Fly-By-Night Oil: Stock price on Dec 31, 2012†¦$50.00 Number of common shares outstanding on Dec 31, 2012†¦1,000

Saturday, November 9, 2019

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Compare and Contrast

Night and Boy in the Striped Pajamas Comparison Night by Elie Wiesel and the movie The Boy in the Striped Pajamas show two extremely interesting perspectives towards the Holocaust. Night was a non-fiction novel written by a Jewish boy who was in an actual concentration camp. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas was a movie based off of a fiction novel written by John Boyne that tells the story of a Nazi soldier’s son named Bruno that befriends a Jewish boy he meets at a nearby concentration camp.Within the two stories, there were differences in perspective, mood, and overall message. Because Elie and Bruno come from very different origins, their perspective in the stories are very different. Being taken out of his home and put through the terrors of a concentration camp, Elie and the other Jews involved saw Nazis as extremely horrid people. The Nazi soldiers were the antagonists in Night. However, in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Bruno and the rest of his family were Germans, even his father was a Nazi soldier.Bruno and his family throughout most of the story had no idea what the Nazis were doing to the Jews; they saw the Nazis as people helping their country. Not until the end of the movie did the family realize the terrible things the Nazis were doing to the Jews. Movies provide things like mood and tone that words in a book just can’t provide. In Night, Elie attempts to present his voice through his writing. But, when you don’t have the senses of sight and sound, it is difficult to understand the mood the writer is trying to portray.In the Boy in the Striped Pajamas, through the cinematography, music, and tone of the actors’ voices, you can easily distinct what the mood was. I believe that Night and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas each had their own message to share, and their messages had both similarities and differences. Elie Wiesel wrote the book to tell people about the terrifying and horrific events that took place in his life an d to try to prevent anything like the Holocaust from happening again.The Boy in the Striped Pajamas showed the importance of friendship and it provided a perspective that many people hadn’t thought about before. Viewers were exposed to what many Germans went through in finding out what happened to the Jews. Night and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas show two extremely interesting perspectives towards the Holocaust when it came to perspective, mood, and final message. Even though they have their differences, they still provided a story that teach people about the tragedy that happened during the Holocaust and humbles those people.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Sociology and Consumer Society Essay

Sociology and Consumer Society Essay Sociology and Consumer Society Essay Write an essay that outlines the view that a consumer society is a divided society. A consumer society is a society in which rests upon the consumption of material goods as a paramount feature of its existence. This can cause a very evident divide in society, as not everybody is able to consume equally. This essay will draw upon how the consumer society was founded, an explanation of the three theorists: Bauman, Veblen and Susman, the monopoly power well established supermarkets have over the smaller local businesses and the further divide this implication can cause. Consumer society was born after the industrial society or revolution. It was the starting point in which the consumer society came about. It was much easier to purchase material items as material goods were mass produced meaning there was more to go around therefore more goods to be consumed. The way individuals made a living changed. Anybody who had a role in the industrial revolution was part of a vast organisation and was therefore guaranteed a wage. Often times these wages were far greater than people actually needed, this is where the consumer society arrived. No longer were people scrapping the barrel to buy life’s necessities but now individuals could afford the extras ‘luxuries’ like expensive jewellery and antiques. ‘Luxury items and the trappings of wealth were an important means of displaying character and status at that time.’ (Hetherington, 2009, p. 32). In chapter 1, Hetherington discusses consumption and attempts to break down what exactly the British nation spends their wages on. Hetherington then goes on to explore three key theorists, Bauman, Veblen and Susman and studies their views on why some people feel the need to consume rapidly. Firstly he mentions the first ‘influential’ (Hetherington, 2009, p. 25) social scientist Zygmunt Bauman (1988) who believed individuals were characterised into two categories ’The seduced an the repressed’ (Hetherington, 2009, pg. 25). The seduced being able to buy into the enticing deals of a consumer society because they could or had the money to do so to feel a sense of belonging and partnership ‘they are included as members with a positive identity.’ (Hetherington, 2009, pg. 27). The seduced having the access and resources to engage in the consumption of goods and services that they never always needed. On the other hand the repressed suggests one who ca nnot buy into consuming excessively maybe not because one is not financially unable, but perhaps they feel life necessities are sufficient and the extra indulgence is not needed. Another major reason one might be classified as ‘repressed’ is if one is disabled using a wheel chair perhaps and in able to take part in consumption he/she needs to use their means of mobility, but if the place of consumption does not support/meet the needs of an immobile person then the disabled individual is unable to consume, meaning he/she is repressed. Leading to an exclusion from society. Resulting in a division in society. Moving on to the second theorist, Thorstein Veblen who had a different outlook and opinion on consuming. Veblen believed people took part in consumption to demonstrate their wealth to others. His views were that people were more interested in status and hierarchy then to actually consume to please themselves but to impress others. He came up with a term known as ‘conspicuous consumption’ (Hetherington, 2009, pg. 31

Monday, November 4, 2019

Agricultural mechanics

Agricultural mechanics â€Å"Agricultural mechanics are responsible for fixing tractors, combines and other farming implements. Often, mechanics use specialized skills and experience to locate and diagnose the machine’s problem and then generate a cost-effective solution. In this endeavor, agricultural mechanics may use computer-aided systems to help troubleshoot and even repair the faulty part or parts. This position might include tasks ranging from working on an engine’s electrical system or carburetor to welding cracked pipe fittings. Job Duties These types of mechanics are responsible for a variety of tasks associated with the repair and maintenance of farming equipment.Generally, agriculture mechanics use tools to diagnose and then fix problems in a machine’s systems. This step-by-step process may involve replacement of parts or upgrading of outdated components. In some instances, only a calibration or installation is required, such as equipping a chain to a chainsaw or calibrating a fertilizer dispensing system. Job Requirements Education There are a few requirements for prospective agricultural mechanics entering the industry. Educationally, only a high school diploma is required for the majority of positions. Students should take physics, mathematics, and car repair courses while in high school to help facilitate transitioning into a job environment. Some high schools even offer cooperative education courses for gaining on-the-job experience.A few positions that work with heavy machinery, such as tractors and combines, may require completion of a college program. These technical programs vary depending on what type of machine or component is involved. Automotive courses in diesel engine repair and heavy equipment systems are possible appropriate post-secondary paths for agricultural mechanics. Work Experience Some employers require a mechanic to have some repair experience under their belt before applying. Some high schools and technical colleges provide hands-on work experience for inexperienced students. In other instances, employers hire unskilled mechanics and make them work on menial tasks at first, then gradually move them into to more labor-intensive positions. Salary Info and Job Outlook According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of farm equipment mechanics and service technicians is expected to grow by 7% from 2014-2024, which is about average for all occupations. The BLS also reported the median annual salary for this career field as $37,050 in May 2015. Agricultural maintenance technicians need to have an understanding of mechanics and heavy machinery in order to perform their duties. A high school diploma is sufficient for employment in most cases; however, jobs that involve work with heavy machinery might only be open to applicants who’ve completed a formal college training program. On-the-job training is the most common form of technical training agricultural maintenance technicians receive.†

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Civil Rights Movement in the US Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Civil Rights Movement in the US - Essay Example It lasted until national civil rights legislation was passed in the mid-1960s. African-Americans and other racial minorities rejected this regime. They resisted it and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in 1909. It struggled to end race discrimination through litigation, education, and lobbying efforts. Its crowning achievement was its legal victory in the Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education (1954) that rejected separate white and colored school systems and by implication overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson.Invigorated by the victory of Brown and frustrated by its lack of immediate practical effect, private citizens increasingly rejected gradualist, legalistic approaches as the primary tool to bring about desegregation. In defiance, they adopted a combined strategy of direct action with nonviolent resistance known as civil disobedience, giving rise to the African-American Civil R ights Movement of 1955-1968. Notable legislative achievements during this phase of the Civil Rights Movement were passage of Civil Rights Act of 1964, that banned discrimination in employment practices and public accommodations; the Voting Rights Act of 1965, that restored and protected voting rights; the Immigration and Nationality Services Act of 1965, that dramatically opened entry to the U.S. to immigrants other than traditional European groups; and the Civil Rights Act of 1968, that banned discrimination

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Marketing Management Consulting Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Marketing Management Consulting Report - Essay Example Weird Products is a slimming pills company, which provides an opportunity where people can positively improve their lives. The company will deal in producing healthy food supplements, which help provide people loose weight the healthy way. The tablets have been tested and are safe with a number of through studies to back up the effectiveness and the benefits of the food supplements. Weird Product slimming pills use simple and natural products to develop the slimming and beauty pills and these ingredients are mainly from unroasted coffee, which have been studied to be very effective for slimming. The ingredients of the products have been carefully thought out and the potential harms of coffee due to high consumption have bee reduced. The amounts of caffeine that are contained within the pills are less than a quarter cup of coffee, hence ensuring that the product is free of harmful ingredients like cafestol and kahweol (which could in a number of ways be dangerous for the human body). Weird Products at present is available only in the UK. The company has just been developed and the launched in the United Kingdoms and has developed an e- Commerce website. This website caters to mostly Europe. The company at present has a number of different strategies that are being used in terms of marketing. However, the main source of marketing for the company is online and via the web. Since Weird Products has most of its business online mostly, hence this is the best mode of marketing for the company at present. However the business does also sell the products to pharmacies across Europe. The various sources that are currently being used for the company is mainly, e Mail marketing, pay per clicks, banner ads and link building, all these along with a strong emphasis on search engine optimization as well (Jobber, 2004). These are the main marketing media that are being used by the company. The current marketing of the company

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Events of September 11 Attacks Research Paper

The Events of September 11 Attacks - Research Paper Example In Hamburg, most of the secondary planners and pilots became radical and better equipped to attack. In the morning of September 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked by 19 militants said to be mostly of the Saudi Arabia origin who subscribe to the ideals of Al Qaeda, undertook attacks targeting the US. They used four California-bound flights, taking control soon after their take-off. Some of the terrorists took charge of two commercial airliners and crashed them into the World Trade Center’s twin towers at about 8.45am. Another airliner was crashed into the Pentagon by another group of terrorists at 9.45am. Another group took charge of yet another commercial airliner that was headed to the White House, Washington DC but it crashed in Pennsylvania at 10.10am after the terrorists were overpowered by passengers. It is believed that the perpetrators were involved in a holy act aimed at killing as many westerners as possible considered to be enemies. The then President George W. Bush was shuttled around the country due to security concerns and was only back to the White House at about 7pm and addressed the nation and indeed the world at 9pm to restore confidence in America’s sovereignty. Operation Enduring Freedom was hatched to oust Taliban regime and destroy the terrorist network of Osama (Bodden, 2007). Arrival of first responders Immediately the World Trade Center, WTC was attacked, there was a concentrated response by emergency services. According to Flood (2011), over 100 emergency medical service, EMS units together with many dozens of private ambulances arrived at the site, setting up triage centers from where the injured would be ferried to hospitals. Over 2,000 Port Authority and NYPD police officers enforced security in the area, ransacked the twin towers and assisted in rescuing survivors. Being a five-alarm fire situation, 214 FDNY units, much more than the required 44 units responded to the emergency with 58 ladder trucks, 112 engines, seve n squad companies, five rescue companies, dozens of chiefs, four marine units and massive support, communication and command units. Unfortunately, many of these first responders were also killed in the process. Why the Attacks? The question of what caused the 9/11 attacks remains elusive but has been largely attributed to the failed foreign policy as was applied in the Middle East. According to Bodden (2007) and Seessel (2003), the US had attracted hostility due to its support for Israel, a Jewish state, to be established and sustained. The Palestinians had for over 60 years raised their plight of being homeless and brutalized but no one, not even the US paid attention to their woes. This support for Israel caused anger among Islamic nations thus causing the radical Islamists to call for the withdrawal of the US from the region. Other initiators of the attacks have been cited as the presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia and the economic sanctions that were imposed against Iraq in 19 90. Therefore, Islamic fundamentalists called on supporters of radical Islam to declare war against the government and citizens of the US.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Tata Steel Marketing Strategy

Tata Steel Marketing Strategy In this report, Tata Steel Group (Tata Steel) has been chosen as an organisation to analyze the strategic changes made over past five years including strategic positioning, strategic capability, SWOT and drivers behind these changes. Tata Steel currently is a major player in global steel industry. In year 2005 (Figure 1), Tata Steel operation was mainly focused in Indian subcontinent and revenue generated was close to US$ 5.0 billion only. However their initiative to expand their operations globally proved very successful over last five years. From being a mere local steel producer, they transformed themselves into a major global player in steel producers (Figure 2). They have been aggressively involved in capacity expansion by acquisitions and organic growth. Business Standard once commented that Tata Steel moved into its next target to become the worlds second largest steel company by 2012 with the help of its most expensive bet worth US$ 12.9 billion on Corus Group. Last two years has been very difficult period to global steel industry because of worldwide recession. The global crude steel production for year 2009 was 1220.0 mpta (million tonne per annum) as reported by World Steel Association lower by 8% against that of 2008. The decline in demand was due to deterioration in economy experienced by key steel end users. Table 1, shows the growth/decline in terms of crude steel production for the top ten steel producing nations. However, by acquisition of Corus and other assets, Tata Steel now ranks among worlds top ten (Table 2) largest steel producers with current steel production capacity of 32.0 mpta. After five years of its expansion programme, Tata Steel is now worlds second most geographically diversified steel producers. Mission Statement In its mission statement Tata Steel expresses that while honesty and integrity are the essential ingredient of a strong and stable enterprise, profitability provides the main spark for economic activity. Founded way back in 1907, Tata Steel stress on their core ideology in its vision statement by making emphasis on their people, supplier of choice, innovative approach and their conduct. Tata Steels vision statement is now became a tangible asset, which provide right direction to their managers and employees. Tata Steel has highly skilled employee asset of 81,000 spread over five continents. Tata Steel stress on creating differential value for their customer with help of continuous improvement in their business process and product technology. Value Chain Analysis The value chain is an economic tool used to determine the strategic resources available to a company. Basic principle of the Value Chain Analysis is that the basis for a competitive advantage of a firm lies primarily in the application of the bundle of valuable resources at the firms disposal. To transform a short-run competitive advantage into a sustained competitive advantage requires that these resources are heterogeneous in nature and not perfectly mobile (Barney, 1991, p105-106; Peteraf, 1993, p180). Effectively, this translates into valuable resources that are neither perfectly imitable nor substitutable without great effort (Barney, 1991, p117). Tata Steel has few major strategic capabilities which are valuable, unique and non-substitutable. Tata Steels Strategic Capabilities Tata Steels strategic capabilities are presented in Table 3, below. Table 3 ÂÂ   Resources Competences Threshold Capabilities Threshold Resources Threshold Competences Steel production plants at various geographical locations. Production and Sales management. Offices and buildings at various geographical locations. All other general management skills. Sufficient supply of raw materials for steel making. Sophisticated IT skills. Sufficient cash flow. Safety management. Pool of skilled personnel. Excellent customer service. IT System in place. Efficient management structure. Logistic, freight and shipment facilities. Effective employee welfare system. Capabilities for Competitive Advantage Unique Resources Unique Competences Varieties of products which caters to industries like Infrastructures, Automobiles, Aviation, Energy etc. Very competent sales team with high negotiation skills which create market for their products. Tata and Corus brands. Excellent use of IT systems for very effective use in sales process. Highly capable management team. Continuous developing and upgrading new products to serve different industry levels. Online portal Metal junction for buyers. Highly skilled managers and directors who improve and support the company success. A century experience in steel making. Integrated supplier and buyer management. Strong financial backing from group. Lowest cost steel producer in world. Very strong presence in India which is a big market for their products. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) to eliminate risk associated with various processes. First mover advantage through innovative products processes. Continuous Improvement Process (CIP). Excellent RD for cutting edge technology and products. Operational efficiency and excellent quality control. Many proprietary products such as Tata Tiscon etc. Long-term relationship with buyers and suppliers. Porters Five Forces Analysis Tata Steel has registered double digit growth in past few years except their European business. By applying Porters Five Forces analysis principal, we can evaluate the Tata Steels market competitiveness and its current and future strategy towards intense competition faced at various fronts. Threat of New Entrants: Low Threat to new entrants in any industry sector is a major challenge. However in steel industry entry barrier is high hence threat of new entrants are relatively low based on factors such as huge capital investment, economies of scale, government policies and product differentiations. Steel industry requires huge capital investment to set up an integrated steel production facility plant which is currently close to US$ one billion/mtpa as per Steel Manufacturers Associations recent estimate. This deters any new entrants entering in this field. By increasing their production capacity to 50mtpa and wide variety of products they can lower their cost, hence more profit, sustainability and these conditions are unfavourable to any new entrants. Raw material is a major issue with corruption related to mining allocation and land acquisition, it makes difficult to new entrants to come in this field. Various regulatory clearance and environmental issues also pose big barriers to new entrants. Entry barriers in terms of product differentiation are very low in steel industry. Competitive Rivalry: High The steel industry is truly global in terms of competition with large steel producing countries like China significantly influencing global prices through their aggressive exports. In steel industry, branding is not very common hence little differentiation exists between their competing products. Tata Steel faces stiff competition with their competitors such as Arcelor Mittal, POSCO etc. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: High Tata Steel enjoys greater autonomy in raw materials supply as they own mines for raw material supply. Tata Steels fully integrated supply chain system keeps abundant supply of raw material for their plants. However, other steel producers, who dont have their own mines, have to rely on raw material suppliers. On global level raw material market is dominated by the three mining giants BHP Billiton, CVRD and Rio Tinto. They make mineral market as oligopolistic and supply two-thirds of the processed iron ore to steel producers hence command very high bargaining power. Other steel producers, who dont have their own mining operations, must buy raw material at market prevailing price and pass that hike to consumers which makes them less competitive. Threat of Substitute Products: Low New materials may pose threat to viability of steel. Aluminium, plastics and other composite materials are being considered as substitute in sectors like auto, aviation etc. Concrete is another substitute material that may pose threat to use of steel in infrastructure and energy sectors. Some of the substitute materials such as aluminium itself are very costly, hence doesnt pose very big threat against steel producers. However the growth led by infrastructure sector, automobile sector, aviation sector and consumable goods will keep demand up for steel hence more growth for Tata Steel. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Average Bargaining power of buyers is very limited due to their fragmentation. Big players of the major steel consumers in sectors such as auto, aviation, energy etc may squeeze greater amount of bargain. On the other hand these bulk consumers may offer long term procurement offer to the company hence more revenue generated. However, small and retail consumers are scattered, though they consume significant amount of steel production, dont have the same bargaining powers as in case of big players. Tata Steel Group SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis of any firm provides knowledge about the challenges and opportunities faced by Tata Steel group in future. They are detailed below. (S)trengths Tata Steel has acquired vast mineral reserves which is a key to their operations. These reserves can cater their raw material demand for next three decades. Tata Steels mineral reserves are located at various strategic geographical locations such as India, Australia, Canada, Mozambique, Oman, Ivory Coast etc. Tata Steel has very capable, credible and reliable top management. Their successful global expansion plan in last five years proved this. Tata Steel has successfully acquired and integrated Corus Europe, NatSteel Indonesia and Millennium Steel Thailand. Tata Steel uses custom made state of art integrated information management system for their routine operation. Their advanced RD capability has improved further by acquiring Corus which is world renowned for its product innovation. Tata Steel uses Tata Groups strong distribution and retail network. Its Groups demand for steel is very high due to their presence in most of the sectors. Currently Tata Steel produces 32 mpta of steel and by completion of DPCL project its total capacity will reach to 50mpta which will make it second biggest steel producer in world. Tata Steel has structured risk management process in place in their operation known as Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). ERMs key function is to identify risk at every level and mitigate the same. Tata Steel mitigates very well the cyclicality situation which occurs in steel industry occasionally by its broad spectrum of its product portfolio. Tata Steel expansion plan has consolidated its position worldwide and by diversifying its portfolio and market is in process to become a pioneer in steel industry. Tata Steel has very strong brand value for its products. This has strengthened further by acquiring Corus which itself is a big brand. Their successful integration with Corus was a benchmark in corporate history. (W)eaknesses Tata Steels substantial debt burden of US$9.8 billion is a major weakness. Their debt equity ratio is currently 1.77, which reflects company finances are met by debt due to Corus acquisition. Its European business (Corus) has a high exposure to spot price and a high operational gearing thus creating very high risk of price volatility. Tata Steel relies for some raw material on international suppliers, which expose their profitability in case of steep rise in their prices. Tata Steels Indian operation is very much hampered by lack of infrastructure, shortage in power supply, lesser productivity, bureaucratic hurdle in export etc. Additional levies and tax imposed by local government put them in less profit making situation. The subsidies provided by some nations (China etc) will make their product less competitive in price hence reduce their demand. (O)pportunities Currently the emerging economies are undergoing huge infrastructural developments, which require significant amount of steel in all sectors. In India the scope for expansion of its steel products are enormous in every sector, which Tata Steel can exploit very well with its increased production capacity. As per World Steel Association estimate, the consumption of steel will be doubled in next two decades. By Acquiring Corus and improving its own RD activities, Tata Steel moved towards a better product differentiation and enhanced product portfolio which provide them new opportunities over its competitors. Their geographical locations with integrated operations and marketing strategy are a key factor in capturing market share and increasing their financial performance. They can implement Coruss advanced automation technology in their own plants to improve productivity, economies of scale, cost reduction, increased output and operational efficiency to achieve better performance. Following recent recession, various assets (minerals, plants facilities etc.) are available at a very low price due to their financial difficulty. Tata Steel, with strong backing from its parent group can secure future supplies of raw materials for steel making. With increased steel production capacity of 50 mpta, they will be the second largest steel manufacturer after Arcelor Mittal and most geographically diversified company with wide variety of product mix. (T)hreats Steel Industry is major source of greenhouse gas emission, which makes them very vulnerable against many litigation and legislation in future. The raw materials used in steel production are non-renewable and their source is depleting very fast. Due to rising cost of steel products, the end users are looking for substitutes of steel; which can be a major threat to Tata Steels business. Intense competition among international steel player and cheap steel available from China are another major threat to Tata Steels performance. Tata Steels huge debt is one of major threats against them. The rising interest will increase their debt burden. Future Outlook Following two years of worst global economic downturn, the world seems to be regaining some economic stability. There is moderate growth from developed world; however emerging economies are registering very strong and sustainable growth with robust domestic market. Before recession, the steel demand was very strong with over 6% growth during last decade; this is primarily driven by robust growth in BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), South East Asia and Middle East. By 2025, as per forecast BRICS countries will have 46% of global population and will consume 65% of the global production and will have three quarter of the global GDP. The raw materials for steel making are going at record due to high demand, higher freight rates and monopoly of three big natural resources companies. The effects of the above factors are reflected in higher steel price and decrease in profit margin of steel companies. However Tata Steels strategy adopted over last five years for securing long term contract for raw materials supply or acquiring new raw material mines at various geographical location has helped them to keep their prices competitive and making whole operation as viable. Tata Steels integration with Corus has completed successfully and producing better result than expected. Tata Steels strategic effort of capacity expansion and effort to secure raw materials source at various geographical locations yielding positive results. Tata Steels upstream integration process ambition will lead them to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in India and around 50% self-sufficiency in Europe in next 5 years. Tata Steel is investing heavily in RD to get breakthrough technologies and develop new products and services that reduce the production cost and environmental impact over the product lifecycle. To improve its processes, priority is given to energy conservation schemes; in technology break-through such as Ultra Low Carbon Steel making and in other innovative projects where the Group has proprietary technology. Conclusions It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, this famous quote meant a lot to Tata Steel. Five year back, just after starting of their ambitious global expansion plan, they were hit by worldwide financial tsunami which tested their resilience. Their well formulated and proved business strategy has shown resilience and ability to withstand the unprecedented highs and lows of a future that often comes unheralded. They have taken proactive initiative across all geographies to minimise aftermath shock of recession. Their strategy began to pay off towards the last quarter of year 2009, when they rebounded to profit after the turmoil of recession. Undeterred by the economic turbulence, the Company continued to place emphasis on working practices in health, safety and corporate citizenship, with specific initiatives taken in all these areas. In addition, a continued focus on engineering solutions for customers is helping it maintain its position of a product pioneer. Tata Steel believes in staying alert to future opportunities while never letting go of its core values. This is the philosophy that has underpinned its growth over the years and one that remains its key driving force. The strategy adopted by Tata Steel during last five years to become a global player paid off. They increased their revenue and production by six fold by capacity expansion or acquisition. They achieved raw material self-sufficiency of 50% by year 2010 and by year 2012 they aim to increase it to 60% by more investment in mines acquisition. In last five years Tata Steel became a global player from a local steel producer with currently global presence in 50 markets and manufacturing operations in 26 countries. Appendix A: Reference List Tata Steel Group Annual Report 2009-10 G Johnson, K Scholes R Whittington (2008), Exploring Corporate Strategy, 8th Edition Text Cases, Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall http://www.tatasteel.com Barney, J. 1991. Firm Resources and sustained competitive advantage, Journal of Management, 17 (1): pp99-120. Barney, J.1995. Looking inside for competitive advantage, Academy of Management Executive. 9(4). Pp49-61. Peteraf, M. A. (1993). The cornerstones of competitive advantage: A resource-based view, Strategic Management Journal, 14 (3), 179-191 Porter, M.E. (2008). The five competitive forces that shape strategy, Harvard Business Review, January, 78-93. Porter, M.E. (1996). What is Strategy? Harvard Business Review, Nov-Dec, 61-78.

Friday, October 25, 2019

The King Must Die: Is Theseus To Perfect To Be A Human Being? Essay

The King Must Die: Is Theseus to Perfect to be a Human Being?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To be considered a human being one must be subject to or indicative of the weakness, imperfections, and fragility associated with human beings. This definition separates us from any lower being, or for this book's concern separates us from any higher being. Theseus had endured a life that during some times showed to be like that of any human. Yet, there were numerous occasions that proved Theseus to be not of human flesh and blood, but that of a god.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most compelling event of the book, in my mind, that would define Theseus to be more than a human being took place under the strength of the Isthmus' current between Athens and Troizen. Theseus was losing strength and falling deeper into his coffin. Theseus had not sooner lost the struggle against the angry current as Poseidon lifted his body, in an invisible form, and carried him to shore safely. Theseus had been looking for a sign from a god. He had been looking for one all his life. When he was old enough his mother told him that he could have been born of a Greek god. Voluntarily or not, his life would become a search for the truth. This sign proved him to be more than human.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A hard challenge was brought onto to a younger Theseus' shoulders when he worked under his grandfather at the tender age of eight. Theseus was to teach the inner workings of his job that was soon ...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

PepsiCo restaurants Essay

I. Introduction The key question is whether PepsiCo should expand its restaurant business by pursuing the purchase of CARTS OF COLORADO, a $7 million manufacturer and merchandiser of mobile food carts and kiosks, and CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, a $34 million restaurant chain in the casual dining segment. II. Analysis of the main problemPepsiCo has 3 main segments: soft drinks (35% of PepsiCo’s sales and 39% of its operating profits in 1991), snack foods (29% of PepsiCo’s sales and 35% of its operating profits) and restaurants (36% of PepsiCo’s sales and 26% of its operating profits). In the early 1990’s PepsiCo’s three restaurant chains (KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut) were the leaders in their respective segment. PepsiCo’s senior management believes its ability to move people within and across divisions gives PepsiCo a competitive advantage in the restaurant segment. PepsiCo believes their restaurants perform due to their strong management teams; which are developed within the corporation. PepsiCo would like to utilize their competitive advantage in running restaurants with PepsiCo managers by adding California Pizza Kitchen and CARTS OF COLORADO to the PepsiCo portfolio. Despite PepsiCo’s success with KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut it had difficulty expanding La Petite Boulangerie, a three-unit bakery chain it purchased in 1982. The large overhead for La Petite Boulangerie made the company unprofitable and Pepsi sold it in 1987 for a $13 million loss. The unsuccessful venture into La Petite Boulangerie suggested that although PepsiCo managers were gifted and could be easily moved across divisions; the moves would not always guarantees a successful business expansion. Therefore, the main problem for PepsiCo management is to decide whether it can successfully purchase and administer CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO. This is in light of the fact that PepsiCo believes it has a competitive advantage in the skillfulness of its managers that was not borne out in the unsuccessful La Petite Boulangerie bakery endeavor. III. Recommendations PepsiCo can be categorized as a related diversifier. Approximately 30% of its revenue is split between its 3 main industrial  categories. PepsiCo’s business units share common resources and skills. Historically companies that take a corporate strategy of related diversification perform the best (GBS_634M lecture notes). Therefore on the surface it would appear that diversification by acquiring CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO would be an excellent strategic decision. However, in arguments described below; the evidence does not support a recommendation for PepsiCo to purchase Carts of Colorado or CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN. IV. Justification for recommendations PepsiCo is a lucrative company and therefore does not need to diversify into CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO to maintain it profitability. From 1987-1991 PepsiCo’s sales doubled, income from continuing operations grew at a compound rate of more than 20%, and the company’s value on the stock market tripled (PepsiCo restaurant Case, pg. 4, and Exhibit 3). Eight key reasons NOT to diversify into CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO. It is poor rationale for PepsiCo to diversify into CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO simply to reduce risk. The restaurant business is cyclical. Some restaurants will be profitable, while some will not be profitable. PepsiCo’s shareholders can diversify risk by purchasing shares in CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO themselves. Furthermore, it is not an appropriate strategy for PepsiCo management to over-diversify to protect their personal wealth. Maintaining growth is not a good basis to diversify into CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO. Most shareholders would rather hold shares in a small profitable company, not a big unprofitable company. As a shareholder, there is only a benefit if PepsiCo makes a profit. Currently PepsiCo is making a profit. Although managers benefit from growth regardless of profit or loss , growth for the sake of growth is not an appropriate reason to diversify. Although PepsiCo can use CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO to balance cash flow by funneling cash from its large business units to the smaller CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO business units; this is not recommended. Even thought PepsiCo has the capability of doing this an individual shareholder can do this for himself. The counterargument would be that PepsiCo managers can do a better job balancing cash flow than shareholders because the corporation can be more tax efficient than the individual shareholder. But this alone is not a sufficient reason to diversify. The acquisition of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO will not create synergy within the PepsiCo corporate strategy. PepsiCo already has a Pizza segment (i.e. Pizza Hut) and does not have experience in the mobile food cart segment. Diversifying into these two market segments will not produce corporate synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. One good reason for PepsiCo to diversity into CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO is the sharing of infrastructure and to create economies of scope. PepsiCo is currently saving money because they are competing in several different industries (ie. Soft drinks, snack foods, and restaurants). These business units share the support structure and therefore the reduced costs. While Pepsi’s economy of scope can be used to distribute chips just as well as soft drinks it is not apparent that they can deliver well in the niche restaurant market like CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN (refer back to La Petite Boulangerie misfortune). If PepsiCo were to sell two or more different products simultaneously that would be beneficial by creating an economy of scope. For example, if PepsiCo could distribute Pepsi soft drinks and California Pizza from a cart they would have justification for the acquisition of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO because they would be sharing common infrastructure that would make them unique. The uniqueness would make it very difficult for competitors to imitate and would be a reason to diversify. But there are currently no mechanisms to sell California Pizza’s from a cart. Therefore at this time, sharing of  infrastructure is not a good justification for PepsiCo to diversify into these two markets. It is not apparent that PepsiCo will increase its market power if they acquire CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO. PepsiCo already has multiple business units that buy from the same set of suppliers and sell to same set of customers. They have used this to gain market power. It is not apparent that adding CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO to the fold will increase PepsiCo’s market share significantly. It could be argued that by acquiring CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO PepsiCo is exploiting core competence. Although this is generally a good reason to diversify by generating more revenue opportunity and competing in several markets; this is not a good initiative for PepsiCo in the situation with CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO. In order to exploit core competencies, PepsiCo’s business units must be related, so they share the same set of skills. In order for this strategy to be successful, the benefits to PepsiCo have to be unavailable to PepsiCo’s competitors. If PepsiCo’s competitors can gain the same advantage, then PepsiCo will not have a strategic benefit. Although the Colorado Carts are unique, they can be duplicated by the competition (e.g. California Carts, All-Star Carts, Creative Mobile systems). With regards to CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, other pizza restaurants can reproduce the unique flavors and styles of pizza. Therefore, PepsiCo will not be exploiting its core competence and should not diversify. If PepsiCo is contemplating CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO as good ‘turnaround projects’ then this is not a justification for diversification. CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN is a profitable company. CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN has increased both sales and net income from 1990 to 1991. CARTS OF COLORADO has also shown an increase in sales and operating income from 1985-1991. The management teams of both companies appear to be performing well. Therefore the ‘turnaround’ potential is not a good reason to diversify. CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO do not fit into the PepsiCo Corporate strategyWhere does PepsiCo compete?There may be a market opportunity for PepsiCo in the acquisition of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO, but that does not necessarily imply that PepsiCo should take the opportunity. The overall scope of PepsiCo is on convenient foods and beverages. The acquisition of CARTS OF COLORADO would certainly be in-line with PepsiCo’s focus of providing foods and beverages at well-situated locations. However, PepsiCo does not have experience in the placement of mobile food carts and therefore PepsiCo would be at a disadvantage to those more experienced in the mobile cart business. There is even less evidence for a distinctive market opportunity for PepsiCo with the acquisition of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN. PepsiCo already owns Pizza Hut and therefore has a place in the dine-in and take-out pizza business. Although CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN is suited for more upscale markets with unique flavors and tastes, Pizza Hut could introduce similar unique flavors and tastes. In addition Pizza Hut has stores across the United States and internationally, while CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN has a limited geographic scope. It currently operates only 25 restaurants in eight states (PepsiCo case, pg. 15). The offbeat pizzas may not sell well across the United States and internationally. For example, jerk-chicken pizza may sell very well in Beverly Hills, CA but not sell well in Peoria, Illinois or Duesseldorf, Germany. How does PepsiCo compete?PepsiCo’s corporate strategy allows for transfer of resources (i.e. managers) across their business units. PepsiCo’s philosophy is â€Å"We take eagles and teach them to fly in formation† (PepsiCo case, pg. 3). Therefore PepsiCo may have a strategic advantage by transferring managers from one of its current business units to CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO. For example, one manager could transfer her knowledge from a position at Pizza Hut to CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN relatively transparently; although it may be more difficult to transfer knowledge from Pizza Hut to the food carts and kiosks; the business of Colorado Carts. PepsiCo does transfers resources which fit well with the CARTS OF COLORADO  enterprise. PepsiCo can place a Cart outside a shopping mall on the street selling food. At some carts PepsiCo could offer KFC or Taco Bell while offering a Pepsi soft drink; maybe put forward some Frito lays chips. But this strategy does not fit well with the idea of the upscale CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN being directly near a KFC or Taco Bell in a mega-mall food court. How does PepsiCo execute?PepsiCo, although a very large corporate office, has an execution strategy in which they let the managers go at their own pace. They have a ‘decentralized organization’ (PepsiCo case pg. 4). PepsiCo managers are rewarded on a two-phase system; reporting performance first to direct managers then to upper level managers. In order to be promoted managers of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO would have to perform very well relative to all of the remaining PepsiCo restaurants. Because all of the other PepsiCo restaurants are at the top of their respective segments it will be a challenge for managers of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO to surpass other PepsiCo business units. Therefore the managers will not be incentivized as well managing CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO. Therefore, diversifying into California Pizza Kitchen and CARTS OF COLORADO is not copasetic with the PepsiCo corporate strategy. V. Summary. The acquisition of CARTS OF COLORADO and CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN will not lead toward the fulfillment of PepsiCo’s mission which is â€Å"To be the world’s premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages and seeks to produce healthy financial rewards to investors as they provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to their employees, their business partners and the communities in which they operate. And in everything they do, to strive for honesty, fairness and integrity.† (http://www.pepsico.com/PEP_Company/Overview/index.cfm)PepsiCo’s management should take the â€Å"guilty until proven innocent† approach and not diversify into these two business segments. As described in the preceding paragraphs  at this time there is not sufficient and convincing evidence to support the need for diversification into CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO. References: 1. http://www.pepsico.com/PEP_Company/Overview/index.cfm2. www.cpk.com3. PepsiCo restaurants. HBS 9-794-078