The Effects of Social Networks on Firm Performance Research Paper

The Effects of Social Networks on Firm Performance - Research Paper Example The paper tells that in the field of product development the inter organization networks can be very effective for the joint discussion about the product. Many new and small firms have lack of resources for the development, mainly due to inexperience and a lack of goodwill. Thus as a way of competing and grabbing a foothold in such a scenario involves bootstrapping, which involves activities for securing funds and resources. By using social networks such companies can gather finances, by building up strong ties in the initial stages and later on weak ties as they grow big. CEO’s of different firms have been known to have taken advice from outside through social networking. In this way they seek to get an outside opinion and an altogether different perspective regarding certain strategic issues. These enhance the performance of the firms. Another important aspect which is emerging slowly is the concept of a local social capital where an individual who values more of his local c ontacts, even though he has global contacts. This is relevant mainly in case of local entrepreneurs. Thus according to scientists, people with more and better social capital will be able to realize their goals. Ranging from contracts to building goodwill and securing finances, social capital is the priority in all types of endeavors around the globe. Social ties have been found to regulate exchanges through an informal and interpersonal way and they help to push back the limitations of a weak infrastructure, especially in the case of a financial crisis. (Sheng et al, 2011, p. 1). The study is to provide several facts and discussions in relation to social networks and social capital and their effect on firm performance based on the following

A Probe into Literary Symbolism Essay Example for Free

A Probe into Literary Symbolism Essay â€Å"â€Å"This here is my name, to begin with,† he said. ARNOLD FRIEND was written in tarlike black letters on the side†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Oates, 33). This self-introduction of Arnold Friend in Joyce Carol Oates’ Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? sums up the allegorical irony which is also to be found in Good Country People by Flannery O’Connor. Both the short stories are replete with a profusion of symbolisms acting as a set of literary devices. This essay is going to probe into literary symbolisms and their influence on the overall development of the two short stories. Especial emphasis will be given to two symbolic literary devices that have helped establish the thematic constructs. Three main themes are addressed in Good Country People: good versus evil; the likelihood of salvation after experience with violence and the exposing of intellectual falsifications. (enotes, 2009) The protagonist Joy, who later changes her name to Hulga, becomes aware of the evil through her bitter encounter with Manley Pointer, a Bible salesman. Even though she used to take pride in her being different from other country people courtesy of education, it occurs to her in the course of her life that ‘Nothing’ is the only substantial faith she can cling onto. So the knowledge of evil she gains can be attributed to her experience with nothingness. This hefty irony is masterfully explained through the symbolic usage of character names. The plot lacks in motion as far as external flow of action is concerned. Instead, the author concentrates on the internal world of her characters to study their psychological traits. Born as Joy, the protagonist changes her name to Hulga because she thinks she is too ugly to be called by a happy name such as Joy. She deliberately misleads her family in order to find peace in isolation. Her mother Mrs. Hopewell’s name bears another striking irony in the sense that their family, once struck with misery and economic struggle, is stripped off both hope and wellness. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman belong to the social status of tenant farmers and hence they are not free. But the most subtle irony is demonstrated in the naming of the Bible salesman Manley Pointer. There is a phallic allusion to the first name, suggestive of a male dominance. (Associated Content, 2007) In addition to this, his subsequent escapades with Hulga are hardly in sync with the profession he is in. Inspired by the infamous Tucson killing of several girls by a young man in the early 1960s, Joyce Carol Oats wrote the short story Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? which was published in her short story collection The Wheel of Love in 1970. From thematic perspectives, the story fundamentally deals with teenage problems of sensible perspectives. Connie, a typical teenage uptown girl, is preoccupied with material thoughts and concerns. Her actions are grossly impulsive without much forethought into consequences. Connie’s flirtatious demeanor lands her in serious trouble once she comes in contact with Arnold Friend. So the story can be regarded as a contemporary documentation of the American society in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the adolescent perils. As far as literary device is concerned, the character of Arnold Friend is thematically antonymous to his name. His manipulative use of language exerts psychological pressures on Connie. Friend’s strange physical appearance makes for the unique interpretation that he is a manifestation of the devil: â€Å"One of his boots was at a strange angle, as if his foot wasnt in it. It pointed out to the left, bent at the ankle. † (Celestial Timepiece, 2007) Furthermore, the referral to the possibility of Friend’s wooden leg can be compared with Hulga’s wooden leg in Good Country People. Now as Hulga undergoes a transformation of sorts in the end of the story, Oats keeps her readers guessing about the fate of Connie. There is ample evidence to suggest that just like Hulga, Connie also heads for a bleak destiny after she confronts devil in the form of Friend. This subtle but expressive use of symbolism accounts for a potent literary device in both the short stories. A thorough character analysis of the two protagonists leads to the finding of more resemblances than differences. Both have been given their fair share of intellectual sophistication in the beginning before the thematic construct of isolation is built around them. Hulga’s didactic but hollow conversation with Manley only reveals her intense urge to be seen by others as socially superior. Similarly, Connie’s careless disposition in the way she wishes to draw the attention of older high school boys is just too pretentious to pass for honest and sensible behavior. Although Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? has significantly lesser number of characters compared to Good Country People, it is evident from the reading that the fate of nearly all the characters in both stories hinges on the actions of the main protagonists. If this minimalist factor, particularly in case of the second story, is taken into consideration as a parameter for symbolic interpretation of the texts, both authors leave plenty of scope for the readers to assess the thematic progressions. Bibliography Associated Content. (2007, May 7). An Analysis of Flannery O’Connor’s Good Country People.Retrieved March 12, 2009, from http://www. associatedcontent. com/article/235649/an_analysis_of_flannery_oconnors_good_pg2. html? cat=4 Celestial Timepiece. (2007). Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?. Retrieved March 12, 2009, from http://jco. usfca. edu/works/wgoing/text. html enotes. (2009). Good Country People Overview. Retrieved March 12, 2009, from http://www. enotes. com/good-country-people Oates, Joyce Carol. , and Showalter, Elaine. â€Å"Where are you going, where have you been? †. Piscataway: Rutgers University Press, 1994.

The Myth Of Mental Illness Philosophy Essay

The Myth Of Mental Illness Philosophy Essay Has Psychiatry got it that wrong or is Thomas Szazs deluded. This question begs to be answered throughout the pages of the The Myth of Mental Illness. Thomas Szazs boldly lays bare psychiatric fallacies in about 263 pages, with ambitious agenda, which has had a significant imprint on Psychiatric history irrespective of all attempts to relegate it to the annals of history (Buchanan-Barker and Barker, 2009). Szazs whose work is used freely by psychiatric academics is often referred to as Psychiatric Philosopher (Hoeller, 1997 and Breeding, 2011). The main argument of this book is that mental illness is a social construct and what psychiatrists label as mental illness is in fact deviant behaviour (Szazs, 2010). Furthermore, Szasz believes that in the absence of empirically observable biological pathology, certain mental illnesses such as schizophrenia should not be termed an illness. Mental illness has no scientific or medical basis and therefore cannot be called a disease. This hypothesis is based on the premise that unlike pneumonia which presents recognisable symptoms all over the world, mental illness does not. Hallucination is classified as a disorder in the western world but highly valued in other parts of the world (Szazs, 2010). The book is academic, aimed at challenging the foundations of American Psychiatry and perhaps the words of Benjamin Rush who declared in the 18th Century that mental illness has hitherto been shrouded in mystery and his intension to make mental illness like any disease of the human body (Szasz, 2005). Part one, The Myth of Mental Illness is an analysis of the background of 1950 psychiatric theory and practice. Part two, Foundations of a Theory of Personal Conduct proffers an alternative stance on mental illness and how to eloquently express views about it. Szazs firmly believes that mental illness does not exist and that the notion of illness only applies to bodily abnormalities that can be proved by physical and chemical methods (Szasz, 2010). In Mental illness the brain when dissected does not reveal an ailing part. Therefore, internal or neurological illness should not be suggested even if the mental illness resembles physical illness because in such a case mental illness should be viewed as a metaphor (Pickering, 2006). Farrell (1979) however vies this strand of argument positing that Szazs point disintegrates when it is acknowledged that mental illness can refer to psychological defects. Szasz further argues that until recently, illness was defined as a physical disorder and had to be physically and chemically proven in the structure of a body. New diseases have conformed to this criteria and therefore Psychiatry should not be an exception (Pickard, 2009). Szasz marries structural and functional aberrations consequently combining function and behaviour. The function of the brain, for example or the brain systems are placed in the same category as the behaviour of a person and compared to physical and chemical changes. In todays scientific world this view is difficult to digest. Szasz propounds that somatic symptoms should not be attributed to physio-chemical defects in the body as this disorder is learned. This argument casts a shadow on all other mental illnesses and subsequently renders all Psychiatric terminology, diagnosis and treatment needless. Psychiatry is not medical intervention but a social and moral service which should not be forced on anyone (Szasz, 2010). The other premise of Szaszs argument is that medical diagnosis is subject to a physician judgement. This judgement usually correlates with the demonstration of a corresponding physiochemical disorder which cannot be applied in mental health. Psychiatrists therefore make diagnosis which cannot be verified. This gives the psychiatrist power over the patient as the psychiatrist is the only one who can verify this illness. Mental illness in the eyes of Szasz is not discovered as with other natural illnesses but invented by psychiatrist from peoples behaviours (Szazs, 2010). Szazs proffers that whereas mentally ill people were classified as malingerers some years back they are now seen as patients entitled to privileges and welfare benefits. This is not necessarily an improvement but a ploy that negatively affects the value of life which in effect revert mentally ill people social status to malingerers of the 21st century. Such a label induces stigma, discrimination, lame excuses for failure and bad behaviour. Some of these views are not akin to only Szasz. Bracken and Thomas (2010) elucidates how Michael Foucault a French philosopher and Szasz have challenged leading views on psychiatry. Foucault like Szazs asserts that mentally ill people are institutionalised because of moral and economic factors. Furthermore, he challenges deep-seated opinions of mental illness, reason and questions why leper houses were replaced with institutions for mentally ill people (Foucault, 2006). Influenced by post philosophers such as Michael Heidegger, Foucaults transformative practice, knowledge that contravenes dominating games of truth, power relations and shades of partiality is closely knitted to the philosophy of Heidegger (Rayner, 2007). However, Ratcliffe (2010) challenges Bracken and Thomass critique of arguments between Foucault and Szazs stating that they are worlds apart. Gijswijt-Hofstra and Porter (1998) asserts that even though there are other critics of psychiatry their views are often ambiguous. Critics such as Ronald Laing, a Scottish psychiatrist decisively wrote about mental illness subscribing to the view that madness was a natural way of ridding oneself from infuriating situations. Therefore, psychotic episodes should be allowed to run its natural courses rather than people being degraded by being arrested, curbed, confined and forcibly medicated in hospitals (Laing, 1986). Scott (2011) decries Gijswijt-Hofstra and Porters point by indicating that Laings views for example about mental healthcare and choice is not out of date or insignificant. Thomas Szazs, Michel Foucault, David Cooper and Ronald Laing may have contributed enormously to intellectual debates on mental patient care and choice but I beg to differ because of inequality in societies and the lack of resources to support and protect the dignity and life of the mentally ill and the community they live in. Where lies dignity when the mentally ill become dishevelled, vagrant and walk about stark naked in places like Africa? Regardless of the above, the strengths of this book although ambiguous at times outweigh its weaknesses. The hardnosed attitude towards patient care and choice makes a must reading for every psychiatric student as it brings to the fore challenging questions about diagnosis and the expansion of the Diagnostic and Statisical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Police Brutality - Racism, Racial Profiling, Prejudice :: racism, prejudice, racial profiling

Over the years, this country has witnessed many cases of police brutality. It has become a controversial topic among communities that have seen police brutality take place in front of their homes. Officers are faced with many threatening situations everyday forcing them to make split second decisions and to expect the worst and hope for the best. Police officers are given the power to take any citizens rights away and even their lives. With that kind of power comes responsibility, that’s one major concern with the amount of discretion officers have is when to use force or when to use lethal force. The use of excessive force may or not be a large predicament but should be viewed by both the police and the community. Police brutality is hypocrisy; as the police are meant to protect society from harm, not cause further damage and stress. Police should be trained properly so they do not resort to violence and abuse of power. Many cases of police brutality and not sanctioned and are undertaken by a group of police as a form of "mob mentality". Police are placed on a pedestal of authority and respect by the rest of society. To maintain this image, rules and codes of ethics within the police force should be maintained at all possible times. If police are using brutality to resolve issues, it doesn't set much of an example of dispute resolution between individuals. Over the past decade police abuse remains one of the most serious human rights violation in the United States. Police officers are trusted and expected to respect society as a whole and enforce the law. There is a time a place for aggressive force if needed, apprehending a suspect, however the environment and situation might influence the mo ment thus resulting in the brutal and barbaric behavior from the cop. The important thing to do is to understand the circumstances when excessive force can be used and times where the use of force has to be abstained. Police officers follow a strict guideline in how to handle encounters from escalating into something much more serious. The use of excessive force, in this case police brutality brings liabilities that cannot be taken lightly with the department and the community. Usually the high crime rates tend to revolve around low-income minority areas and officers tend to assume that minorities living in the areas are guilty. Police brutality that does exist is most likely result of emotional exhaustion.

Global Warming Debate Essay

Many  people think that our concern about carbon dioxide and global warming is a modern preoccupation driven by the attention of high-profile personalities, politicians and green activists. But Al Gore did not discover global warming. Nor did Tim Flannery, Peter Garrett, Greenpeace or Malcolm Turnbull. Scientific concern about global warming is not new. A single scientific paper, published more than three decades ago, can place the discussions about climate change into historical perspective. Tomorrow it will be 35 years since the leading science journal Nature published a review paper entitled â€Å"Man-made carbon dioxide and the ‘greenhouse’ effect†, by the eminent atmospheric scientist J. S. Sawyer, director of research at the United Kingdom Meteorological Office. In four pages, Sawyer summarised what was known about the role of carbon dioxide in enhancing the natural greenhouse effect leading to warming at the earth’s surface, and made a remarkable 28-year prediction of the warming expected to the end of the 20th century. His prediction can now be compared with what has been observed. We can also compare his review of the science in the early 1970s with that in the latest (2007) assessment from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. After summarising recent calculations of the likely impact of increasing carbon dioxide concentrations on global surface temperature, Sawyer concluded that the â€Å"increase of 25 per cent in carbon dioxide expected by the end of the century therefore corresponds to an increase of 0. degrees in world temperature – an amount somewhat greater than the climatic variations of recent centuries†. Examination of the global surface temperature over the latter part of the 20th century shows that in fact the temperature rose about 0. 5 degrees between the early 1970s and 2000. Considering that global temperatures had, if anything, been falling in the decades leading up to the early 1970s, Sawyer’s accurate prediction of the reversal of this trend, and of the magnitude of the subsequent warming, is perhaps the most remarkable long-range forecast ever made. Sawyer’s succinct summary of the climate change science understood at that time can be compared with the four volumes of the IPCC Fourth Assessment on Climate Change being released through 2007. The IPCC assessment involves more than 400 authors, about 2500 reviewers, and runs to several thousand pages with many thousands of references. Such a comparison shows that much has been done to address the concerns and uncertainties expressed by Sawyer at the time. He was concerned that the rudimentary understanding of cloud processes and other climate system feedback resulted in uncertainties regarding predictions of warming. At the time, climate models were in their infancy, but Sawyer saw them as the best way to examine this feedback and reduce the uncertainties in climate change predictions. Since then, models have improved substantially and now include many more processes in more detail than was possible in the early 1970s, and the various climate processes that may enhance or offset the effects of carbon dioxide have been studied in detail. Despite these advances, our best estimate of the warming to be expected from a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration has changed little from Sawyer’s time. Our best estimate of the temperature increase that would result from a 25 per cent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations is still around 0. 6 degrees. The scientific consensus of Sawyer’s time was very similar to the scientific consensus in 2007. Of course, better climate models and improved data and analyses have allowed the IPCC to discuss and even project possible changes in many other meteorological variables than could Sawyer, including extreme weather of various kinds as well as sea-level. The IPCC now also looks in detail at regional aspects of climate change – a subject not even considered by Sawyer. Perhaps the greatest difference, however, is the emphasis on the impacts of climate change. While the IPCC assessment devotes a volume to this subject, Sawyer could only conclude, after conceding that climate variations of only a fraction of a degree can have â€Å"considerable economic importance† that â€Å"although there may be no immediate cause for alarm about the consequences of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, there is certainly need for further study†. Perusal of the IPCC volume devoted to the impacts of climate change on natural and human systems leaves one feeling far less sanguine than Sawyer was 35 years ago. The anniversary of Sawyer’s paper reminds us that the understanding of the effects of carbon dioxide on the global climate was sufficiently advanced 35 years ago to allow an accurate 28-year prediction of warming. Despite claims to the contrary, our understanding of the greenhouse effect and global warming is not reliant on modern climate models and nor is it a modern preoccupation. Nor is it correct to claim that in the 1970s climate scientists were predicting global cooling – Sawyer’s paper accurately predicted exactly the opposite, based on the best science available. Other scientific papers around that time also drew attention to the warming expected from the anthropogenic increases in greenhouse gas emissions.

Blood Brothers Superstition Essays

Blood Brothers Superstition Essays Blood Brothers Superstition Essay Blood Brothers Superstition Essay Essay Topic: Play Over the past term, me and my fellow classmates have studied the play Blood Brothers by Willy Russell. The hit West-End show follows the story of two twins, separated at birth and brought up in two very different social backgrounds; one growing up in a rich family, while the other remains with his real mother in a poor family, living in the slums of Liverpool. The play explores many themes, ranging from the problems of society, to the possibility of superstition playing a massive part on life. After we watched Blood Brothers, we acted out certain scenes from the script and attempted to use various techniques to portray the story in many different ways. Blood Brothers tells the tale of Mickey and Eddie, two twins separated at birth due to a number of reasons. The first act introduces the story, and examines the events leading up to the birth. It also witnesses their first meetings as children. This part of the play is very comedic, however the frequent use of the narrator (who plays a paramount role throughout the play) quickly shifts what appears to be a funny scene into a dark and eerie one. The second act sees the reunion of the brothers, now hit with puberty, and an increasing sense of competition. Although initially positive, the story takes a turn for the worse when Mickey is badly affected by the poor economy of the 80s, and turns to crime as a source of income. He is then arrested, and falls into a deep sense of depression, despite being recently married to his teenage love, Linda (whom Eddie also shares a love of). The play comes to a climactic ending, where both brothers are killed following Mickeys mental breakdown. The play discusses (in a slightly left-wing fashion) the problems of a class system in society, and how this can tear families apart, and ruin lives. It also investigates whether superstition plays a role on life, with the narrator constantly supporting this idea. Mickey, is one of the brothers who still lives with his real mother, while Eddie grows up in a more upper-class background. The pair are very friendly to each other to start with, and their friendship grows, but then collapses towards the end. Mrs Johnstone is the real mother who was left by her husband a few years before. Mrs Lyons is the woman who Eddie is brought up to know as Mother, who like Mickey suffers a mental breakdown. These two, unlike their sons despise each other a little way into the plot. When we read the script, the very first scene we performed was opening of the play in Act One. This scene studies the events leading up to the birth of the twins, and how Mrs Johnstone could be convinced to give up one of her sons. The main reason for her seemingly cruel decision was to still be able to look after her family financially. She claims that had she only one child, she could provide enough food for everyone, however with any more it was impossible. To make this scene interesting, we used a range of different techniques. The first and most obvious was role-play, a drama medium (various ways to communicate dramatically to the audience). We did this by attempting Liverpudlean accents, doing different gestures, and moving in unique ways that we believed the characters would in real life. In this scene, I played the milkman and gynaecologist. The milkman had a very stereotypical Liverpudlean voice, and a slightly lazy posture to illustrate his boredom of delivering milk day in and day out. The gynaecologist however, was quite the opposite. He was well-spoken, and took a rather positive view on life. His movements were quick and small. The milkman, like Mrs Johnstone was fed up with life, and was feeling the hardships of life more than others. The doctor was happier, partly because of his social status. The small choice of changing some attributes contributed to showing how much class played a part on life. Another technique we used was props. We had to bring in an object that would help portray the character. I brought in an empty glass bottle that helped show the characters profession. This scene was important to the play as it laid out the path for the story to continue. One of the other groups performed the scene where Eddie becomes very angry with his mother for not allowing him to play with Mickey. They used still image to mark a specific moment. This made the scene memorable, and that point stand out. In the second act, we performed the scene where Mickey argues with Linda over why he needs his pills. The scene is very depressing, and shows how hard Mickeys life is. I played Mickey, and once again used role-play. His movements were a lot slower than in the first act, and he was much quieter. However a technique that I felt made the scene more interesting was mime. As another part of the scene was going on, I acted out silently in the background Mickey at work, trying to stop the urge to take his anti-depressants. We utilised staging, an explorative strategy to make the scene more interesting for the viewer, while still understandable. As the scene went on, we also dimmed the lights to show Mickeys mental state getting more and more disturbed and unpredictable, this is an example of an element of drama we used. This scene was one of the last parts in the play where Mickey is sane, and shows what may have led him to go mad, and kill his former best friend. One group did the final scene, where both die. This scene is ultimately tragic, but also shows the consequences certain actions can have in the future. When Mickey shoots Eddie, they used slow motion (an explorative strategy) to show the importance of that scene. Overall, the work we have done so far has greatly improved my understanding of how to perform a scripted play to the audience by also using interesting techniques to portray a certain message. The work of other groups worked impeccably well at portraying the story behind the play, as did the work of ours. The range of techniques used created memorable and believable scenes that kept the audience captivated, and wanting more. The work this term has contributed greatly to my understanding of drama, and how to appreciate as well as enjoy other pieces of work that utilise these techniques.

Arbor Day Calendar by State and Date

Arbor Day Calendar by State and Date Each states Arbor Day celebration starts with the signing of an Arbor Day proclamation by local officials and Arbor Day activities related to trees and tree planting. Celebrations are held as early as January and February in some southern states and as late as May in northern locations. National Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday in April. These dates were promulgated using a variety of special criteria. Politicians have grabbed dates out of thin air; a states tree deemed to be of significant import use their date of legal canonization, but most U.S. states opted for a reasonable date in spring. April was the choice for most as Arbor Day and May in colder latitudes. National Arbor Day is on the last Friday of April and celebrated at the same time by 28 other states. You can find out when your states Arbor Day is celebrated by reviewing the following calendar: January Arbor Day Celebrations Floridas Arbor Day - Third Friday in January (State Tree: Cabbage Palmetto)Louisianas Arbor Day - Third Friday in January (State Tree: Baldcypress) February Alabamas Arbor Day - Last full week in February (State Tree: Longleaf Pine)Georgias Arbor Day - Third Friday in February (State Tree: Live Oak)Mississippis Arbor Day - Second Friday in February (State Tree: Southern Magnolia) March Arkansas Arbor Day - Third Monday in March (State Tree: Pine)Californias Arbor Day - March 7-14 (State Tree: California Redwood)New Mexicos Arbor Day - Second Friday in March (State Tree: Pià ±on)North Carolinas Arbor Day - The Friday after March 15 (State Tree: Pine)Oklahomas Arbor Day - Last full week in March (State Tree: Eastern Redbud)Tennessees Arbor Day - First Friday in March (State Tree: Yellow Poplar) April Arizonas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Paloverde)Colorados Arbor Day - Third Friday in April (State Tree: Blue Spruce)Connecticuts Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: White Oak)Delawares Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: American Holly)District of Columbias Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (District Tree: Scarlet Oak)Idahos Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Western White Pine)Illinois Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: White Oak)Indianas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Tuliptree)Iowas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Oak)Kansas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Cottonwood)Kentuckys Arbor Day - First Friday in April (State Tree: Tulip Poplar)Marylands Arbor Day - First Wednesday in April (State Tree: White Oak)Massachusetts Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: American Elm)Michigans Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Eastern White Pine)Minnesotas Arbor Day - Last Fri day in April (State Tree: Red Pine) Missouris Arbor Day - First Friday in April (State Tree: Flowering Dogwood)Montanas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Ponderosa Pine)Nebraskas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Cottonwood)Nevadas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Trees: Singleleaf Pinyon and Bristlecone Pine)New Hampshires Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Paper Birch)New Jerseys Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Northern Red Oak)New Yorks Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Sugar Maple)Ohios Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Ohio Buckeye)Oregons Arbor Day - First full week in April (State Tree: Douglas Fir)Pennsylvanias Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Eastern Hemlock)Rhode Islands Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Red Maple)South Dakotas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: White Spruce)Texas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Pecan)Utahs Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Blue Spruce) Virginias Arbor Day - Second Friday in April (State Tree: Flowering Dogwood)Washingtons Arbor Day - Second Wednesday in April (State Tree: Western Hemlock)West Virginias Arbor Day - Second Friday in April (State Tree: Sugar Maple)Wisconsins Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Sugar Maple)Wyomings Arbor Day - Last Monday in April (State Tree: Cottonwood May Alaskas Arbor Day - Third Monday in May (State Tree: Sitka Spruce)Maines Arbor Day - Third full week in May (State Tree: Eastern White Pine)North Dakotas Arbor Day - First Friday in May (State Tree: American Elm)Vermonts Arbor Day - First Friday in May (State Tree: Sugar Maple) September Virgin Islands Arbor Day - Last Friday in September November Guams Arbor Day - First Friday in NovemberHawaiis Arbor Day - First Friday in November (State Tree: Kukui) December South Carolinas Arbor Day - First Friday in December (State Tree: Cabbage Palmetto)

Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas essays

Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas essays On May 17, 1954 the Supreme Court had made its decision on the Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas case. The Supreme Court declared unanimously separate facilities are inherently unequal. If facilities are separate they are essentially not the same. This point is shown in a recent case, which shows similar concern over equal opportunity as that rose in Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. The Supreme Court case of United States vs. Virginia illustrated discrimination against women. It started when a young African American student in Topeka, Linda Brown, requested to attend a local all-white school in her neighborhood rather then an all-black school that was further away. The case began in 1951 when Oliver Brown, her father, sued the Topeka, Kansas Board of Education. He was suing to allow his 8-year-old daughter Linda to attend a school that only white children were allowed to attend. After numerous appeals, the case reached the Supreme Court. There a lawyer named Thurgood Marshall argued on behalf of Brown and against segregation in Americas schools. The landmark Plessy vs. Ferguson verdict of 1896 had held that separate but equal public facilities for white and blacks were legal. Schools were public conveniences, and Brown, therefore, was rejected. Afterward the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) became a part of the case and appealed it all the way to the Supreme Court. It was then, on May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court had made its most significant ruling. By overturning Plessy vs. Ferguson, the certain Supreme Court declared that in the area of public schooling the doctrine of separate but equal had no place. The case ruled that segregation was unconstitutional because it violated the Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court ordered that school integration go forward with all deliberate speed. The case took apart...

The Internet Bubble Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Internet Bubble - Research Paper Example During this period, investors believed that a new era had begun with the internet sector seeing a 1000% growth in only two years, which equaled nearly 6% of the US’ market capitalization and more than 20% of equity volume traded publicly in the US. The bubble hit its peak in early 2000 with a score of 5,048.62 on NASDAQ (Kraay & Ventura, 2011). During this period, the sector saw increased establishment of internet companies that were referred to as Dotcom companies, taken from the suffix at the end of their URL. This bubble burst between the years 2000 and 2002 as NASDAQ saw a loss in value of over 80% with companies, for instance Pets.com, failing completely with more than $7 trillion destroyed in market value (Kraay & Ventura, 2011). This paper seeks to detail what happened during this period, why it transpired, the way it could have been prevented, as well as the main players in the internet bubble.The internet was responsible for creating a euphoric attitude in the 90s, in spiring hopes for the internet as online commerce’s future. This led to the formation of many dotcom companies hoping that they would be worth millions. However, most of these companies were not very successful as those that were overvalued (Perkins & Perkins, 2009). This resulted in these companies crashing, leaving significant losses to be handled by the investors. The collapse, in fact, precipitated the stock market crash of 2001 more than 9/11 did, costing investors $5 trillion. The mid to late 90s saw unrealistic expectations from the public regarding what the internet had to offer. Internet entrepreneurs invested in the hope of becoming internet billionaires, inspiring companies like Kozmo, eBay, and Amazon. However, for every internet company that became a success, hundreds of others collapsed. Most investors ignored fundamental rules of the stock market such as the analysis of P/E ratio, reviewing business plans, and the study of market plans (Perkins & Perkins, 2009) . They, instead, became pre-occupied with ideas that had no proven potential in the market. Factors that Led to the Internet Bubble Burst Two basic factors contributed to this phenomenon. The first was the utilization of metrics that were ignorant of cash flow. Most analysts laid emphasis on aspects of individual entrepreneurship that were not concerned with how to generate cash flow or revenue. One theory contends that the bubble burst due to the investors’ pre-occupation with what was referred to as the network theory, which stated that a network’s value increased exponentially. In addition, the number of nodes increased (Adams, 2009). While this made sense, it neglected the company’s ability utilizing the network for cash generation and making the investors a profit. Secondly, most of the internet company stocks were overvalued. On top of focusing metrics that were unnecessary, analysts made use of high multipliers in formulas and models in the valuation of t he companies, resulting in overly optimistic and unrealistic values (Adams, 2009). While the conservative analysts were not in agreement, the recommendations they made were

Use of Landmarks in Skull of Dog (Canis familiaris) for Article

Use of Landmarks in Skull of Dog (Canis familiaris) for Neuronavigation - Article Example The technique is quite common with human patients undergoing intricate neurosurgery but this paper investigates how it may be utilised in canid ones, specifically dogs (Canis familiaris). Image-guided neuronavigation functions on the basis of stereotaxy. The brain is conceived as a geometric entity that can be trisected by three spatial planes orthogonal to each other. These planes are the horizontal, frontal and sagittal ones based on the Cartesian co-ordinate system (Ganslandt, O., et al, 2002). Precise surgical guidance is available by referencing objects within this three-dimensional system in the brain with three-dimensional images aligned along parallel co-ordinate axes displayed on the console of a computer-workstation providing the surgeon with point-to-point imagery of the actual locations in the brain. This allows maximum accuracy of operation (Ganslandt, O., et al, 2002). This spatial accuracy afforded by functional imaging systems such as, primarily, magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), when incorporated within the neuronavigation process, allows precise surgery near eloquent are as of the brain with minimum morbidity (Ganslandt, O., et al, 2002).... Attempts to apply congruency in both morphological and behavioural characteristics of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) immediately runs in several problems because there are innumerable breeds all over the world and the variety is so diverse that it is bewildering. Nevertheless, it is generally agreed that the domestic breed diverged from gray wolves (Canis lupus) 3,25,000 to 1 million years ago. The domestic dog is a very close relative of the wild gray wolf with only about 0.2% divergence in mitochrondrial DNA sequence (Jordana, J., et al, 1999). It is also acknowledged that the gray wolf is a breed that is found both in the New World and the Old and dogs probably originated from the Old World breed and crossed over with humans to the New World to form the special breeds found there today (Olori, J., 2005). This is even though the fond belief of dog-breeders in the New World is that their breeds are exclusively diverged from gray wolves there. At least, the early dog breeds in t he New World were so while more recent breeds may have been bred down from the northern gray wolves that are large-bodied (Jordana, J., et al, 1999). There is also evidence to suggest that there are four distinct lineages that descended independently from gray wolves. Each lineage is called a clade (Olori, J., 2005). The comparative study conducted on 25 different breeds from different parts of the world on the morphological, though Canis familiaris is probably the most morphologically diverse species on earth, and behavioural traits of the domestic dog revealed that morphological data was more congruent than behavioural ones (Jordana, J., et al, 1999). In the context of the purpose of the paper it was found that the cranial profile varied from medium to large to small dogs in

Exploring Services Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Exploring Services Management - Assignment Example By 2005, the organization had more than 400 Subway stores all within the UK and the company was expanding and aims at attaining 800 stores within the next two years. Within an extensively competitive market, qualitative study indicated that Subway was misinterpret and went to being harassed by non-users. Further to the present  £1.99 ‘Daily Special’, sandwich offer, required to boost tryout and develop frequency, was decaying. Marketing was required to propel modern clients and develop trust (Milford, 2011). The transition that was implemented within the organization, nonetheless, changed and brought tremendous success to the organization that was at the edge of collapsing. A local text turned into a national awareness, offering phenomenal numbers and move forward to international proposition. The real product traded by the firm did not change – rather it was re-branded repositioned, and re-launched. Within the initial local examination, a venture of  £400,000 within 11 weeks produced a boost up of similar store sales of 12% yearly and 12% return on investment. For three consecutive flying and a year later, the trial region income rose to 30% (Liutu, 2010). Such successes are attributed to the Subway chain owner Fred Deluca who opened the initial store in 1965. He went ahead to built a multi-billion dollar franchisee business. Varied with its main competitor McDonald, there are no â€Å"firm possessed stores.† The notion of modernly produced Subs drove the chain to its grade as a real market leader within the largely competitive US market mainly on fast-food industry. In 2006, the company had more than 25,000 stores and the sole proprietor Fred was on a list and positioned 242 out of the 400 richest Americans. The initial store in UK was introduced in 1996, and by 2004, a mean of fifteen fresh stores were launch monthly and existence along Top Street was planned to double within the next two years. Regardless of

Cross Cultural Management Issues of UK, China, Spain, and Finland Essay

Cross Cultural Management Issues of UK, China, Spain, and Finland - Essay Example This paper will assess the management issues which could arise in an international team consisting of English, Chinese, Spanish and Finnish members. It will then seek to propose methods for addressing these issues and dealing with them effectively. Cross-Cultural Concepts and Issues Which Could Arise There exist many differing theories as to the way in which cultures differ considerably on several levels. One pertinent theory put forth by Maletzke (1996) categorises cultural differences into 9 groups. Although these will be briefly stated, they are relevant in assessing which problems could arise for a manager of an international group. Maletzke states that cultural differences can consist in many different categories (1996). The national character of a culture consists in the shared basic behavioural patterns and personality traits of the people in the culture. In the business arena this can be an issue if one culture, being inherently different to another, finds it difficult to und erstand, or co-operate with the other. For example, the Spanish culture is open, loud and friendly whereas the Finnish culture is formal, softly spoken and favours courteousness. This may cause the Finnish person to be offended or overwhelmed by the playful, less formal characteristics of the Spanish person. The Spanish may also overwhelm the Chinese person as Chinese tend to be more softly spoken and less verbal. Another important element of culture is time concept, which has the potential to differ greatly between cultures and cause problems when co-ordinating meetings and planning schedules. Here there exists the potential for the Chinese and the English person to conflict in that the former is less prompt for meetings, and often has no fixed start or end time whereas the English person desires a more specified form of time management. This also applies to the Spanish who may stand alone in his lack of planning, relaxed perception of time and lack of willingness to restrict his d ay to particularly planned schedules and meeting times. The space concept of culture can cause problems in that the Finnish, English and Chinese may conflict with the Spanish concept of space. The Mediterranean culture of the Spanish places little importance on private space, and may even adopt constant forms of physical contact in order to communicate and express himself. This may cause discomfort, particularly for the Finnish culture which is likely to see physical contact between mere business associates as inappropriate and even offensive. For example, the Finnish method of greeting is a simple handshake with a smile, as is the English method. The Spanish is more likely to shake hands, yet place a hand on the back of the person he greets, or even kiss the cheek of the person he greets. The two methods are rather different and have the potential to cause issues in the business arena. Perception as a facet of culture also has the potential to be an issue, in that it could represen ts which each culture defines as important and non-important. Perhaps the largest potential of raising issues is the language and non-verbal communication of each culture. Of course, different languages are a major problem, though more importantly, even if

Innovation through the next generation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Innovation through the next generation - Essay Example Initially their prices were not set or developed for the normal mobile phone user. Blackberry 8900 is still mainly targeted to the business class (BlackBerry Torch 9800 & 9810, 2011). The cell phone offers preloaded with the trial version of Microsoft Office and now provides the ability to edit, format and save the documents directly on mobile phone. The blackberry also focuses the elite business class with wireless connectivity option for faster, speedy paced Internet connections when the subscriber needs it the most. Blackberry has now been stimulated with the young generation capturing style and fashion. Along with multimedia, and camera, Blackberry has preloaded a series of applications and games such as facebook, twitter which is targeted directly to the youth and social networking groups. RIM has also offered a new software store namely Blackberry App World with thousands of applications that cater many kinds of audience. Impact of the Blackberry Billboard In the given photo, i t looks as if a dark side of a cell phone is displayed. This point is not understandable as why the theme of the advertisement of Blackberry is kept to be too much on the gloomy side. Reappearance and repetition of the work â€Å"Blackberry† poses a negative impact of dragging the potential customer on boredom and irritating side rather than programming and scripting the core features of Blackberry. â€Å"Blackberry app world† is advertised in a very small typeface size and at a top left corner where the possibility of being overlooked may arise. Viewer of this advertisement may not pay any attention to such an ignored piece of information (Mobile Phone Archive – Banana Kuwait Blog). Regardless of the age group, the overall theme of World of Innovation does not make any sense as the so called innovative features displayed in the advertise, are also offered by other cell phone manufacturers including Nokia, Apple etc. So what is innovative in this advertisement b illboard is just a matter of misleading the potential customer, as all the innovative features offered, are already in the knowledge of the potential customer. Since the younger generation is moving ahead of these upcoming features in the cellular phones, therefore by showing them facebook, twitter, gmail cannot attract them in a great deal. Whereas the elder class has distinct dispositions regarding the type of cell phones that they use. Elite business class prefer those cell phones which have the options of emails, documentations, spreadsheets and contact data bases etc, unfortunately, none of these features are marketed in this particular billboard advertisement. Rest of the elder class prefers to use simple, durable, reliable and economic cell phones but, yet here again, this Blackberry advertisement fails to fulfill their expectations. Impact of Colors in Blackberry Billboard Colors have a substantial emotional and psychological impact in advertising any brand or product. The p redominant colors used in the subject that I chose are strong and dark colors, comprising of black, navy blue and deep red colors. Deep and dark colors generally portray sentiments of power, evil, mystery and death. On the other hand, Black also gives a sentiment of elegancy, depth and feeling of perspective. According to Color Wheel Pro, black serves in gathering attention towards the advertisement. In my opinion, Black and other dark colors have been used in this advertise

Impact of Religion, Faith, or the Dominant Ethical System on Politics Essay - 1

Impact of Religion, Faith, or the Dominant Ethical System on Politics - Essay Example Statistics of the breakdown in religious affiliations of the faithful in the Philippines reveal that â€Å"the main religious group in the Philippines is Roman Catholics who account for 83% of the population. Other religions include Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%.† (NationMaster, 1) In view of the predominance of Roman Catholics in the Philippines, the majority’s religious beliefs have a strong effect on the view towards politics and the existing governmental structure. The long history of colonization from Spain brought great changes in the political, economic and cultural life of the Filipinos. Christianity was introduced to replace the old religion based on spirit worship and a centralized government was established over the ruins of the barangays. (Leuterio, 223) Dolan proffered that â€Å"with the advent of United States control, the Catholic Church relinquished its great estates. Church and state officially were separated, although the church, counting more than 80 percent of the population as members, continued to have influence when it wanted to exert it.† (Dolan, Church-State Relations, 1) Further, Dolan clearly distinguished Catholics falling into three groups: â€Å"conservatives who were suspicious of social action and held that Christian love could best be expressed through existing structures; moderates, probably the largest group, in favor of social action but inclined to cooperate with government programs; and progressives, who did not trust the government programs, were critical both of Philippine business and of American influence.

Cross Cultural Management Issues of UK, China, Spain, and Finland Essay

Cross Cultural Management Issues of UK, China, Spain, and Finland - Essay Example This paper will assess the management issues which could arise in an international team consisting of English, Chinese, Spanish and Finnish members. It will then seek to propose methods for addressing these issues and dealing with them effectively. Cross-Cultural Concepts and Issues Which Could Arise There exist many differing theories as to the way in which cultures differ considerably on several levels. One pertinent theory put forth by Maletzke (1996) categorises cultural differences into 9 groups. Although these will be briefly stated, they are relevant in assessing which problems could arise for a manager of an international group. Maletzke states that cultural differences can consist in many different categories (1996). The national character of a culture consists in the shared basic behavioural patterns and personality traits of the people in the culture. In the business arena this can be an issue if one culture, being inherently different to another, finds it difficult to und erstand, or co-operate with the other. For example, the Spanish culture is open, loud and friendly whereas the Finnish culture is formal, softly spoken and favours courteousness. This may cause the Finnish person to be offended or overwhelmed by the playful, less formal characteristics of the Spanish person. The Spanish may also overwhelm the Chinese person as Chinese tend to be more softly spoken and less verbal. Another important element of culture is time concept, which has the potential to differ greatly between cultures and cause problems when co-ordinating meetings and planning schedules. Here there exists the potential for the Chinese and the English person to conflict in that the former is less prompt for meetings, and often has no fixed start or end time whereas the English person desires a more specified form of time management. This also applies to the Spanish who may stand alone in his lack of planning, relaxed perception of time and lack of willingness to restrict his d ay to particularly planned schedules and meeting times. The space concept of culture can cause problems in that the Finnish, English and Chinese may conflict with the Spanish concept of space. The Mediterranean culture of the Spanish places little importance on private space, and may even adopt constant forms of physical contact in order to communicate and express himself. This may cause discomfort, particularly for the Finnish culture which is likely to see physical contact between mere business associates as inappropriate and even offensive. For example, the Finnish method of greeting is a simple handshake with a smile, as is the English method. The Spanish is more likely to shake hands, yet place a hand on the back of the person he greets, or even kiss the cheek of the person he greets. The two methods are rather different and have the potential to cause issues in the business arena. Perception as a facet of culture also has the potential to be an issue, in that it could represen ts which each culture defines as important and non-important. Perhaps the largest potential of raising issues is the language and non-verbal communication of each culture. Of course, different languages are a major problem, though more importantly, even if

Impact of Religion, Faith, or the Dominant Ethical System on Politics Essay - 1

Impact of Religion, Faith, or the Dominant Ethical System on Politics - Essay Example Statistics of the breakdown in religious affiliations of the faithful in the Philippines reveal that â€Å"the main religious group in the Philippines is Roman Catholics who account for 83% of the population. Other religions include Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%.† (NationMaster, 1) In view of the predominance of Roman Catholics in the Philippines, the majority’s religious beliefs have a strong effect on the view towards politics and the existing governmental structure. The long history of colonization from Spain brought great changes in the political, economic and cultural life of the Filipinos. Christianity was introduced to replace the old religion based on spirit worship and a centralized government was established over the ruins of the barangays. (Leuterio, 223) Dolan proffered that â€Å"with the advent of United States control, the Catholic Church relinquished its great estates. Church and state officially were separated, although the church, counting more than 80 percent of the population as members, continued to have influence when it wanted to exert it.† (Dolan, Church-State Relations, 1) Further, Dolan clearly distinguished Catholics falling into three groups: â€Å"conservatives who were suspicious of social action and held that Christian love could best be expressed through existing structures; moderates, probably the largest group, in favor of social action but inclined to cooperate with government programs; and progressives, who did not trust the government programs, were critical both of Philippine business and of American influence.

Learning Strategies Essay Example for Free

Learning Strategies Essay In the poem â€Å"Students† by Tom Wayman, it reviews four theories with context on different learning methods. The first theory is the Vaccination Theory of Education†, detailing how once you have learned a subject, you never have to review or touch on the topic again for it is lodged in ones brain for all eternity. However, such a learning technique seems foolish because as time goes on, materials tend to fade in ones brain unless occasionally reviewed. With this in mind, material previously learned would venture from one’s memory and would leave them lacking of knowledge on the subject. For the best learning, many people including myself would prefer the knowledge once learned to be forever held by the beholder, to use in future situations. The next theory is â€Å"The Dipstick Theory of Education. † This theory relates learning to that of a car engine; only needing oil to a certain line, therefore only needing to learn to a certain degree. This again seems unrealistic to the many dreamers out there, who are constantly trying to extend the limits, the ones who do not want to be blocked by barricades. Countless material is available for the public’s access, which means the learning a person can achieve is limitless. This theory seems adequate for those individuals who only want to get by in life. However, the majority of the population who want to succeed and be proud of their success are going to want to stray away from this theory, for it will only prevent you from following the path you truly want to go down. The â€Å"Adopt the Kung Fu Theory of Education†, is the theory that follows next in the poem. It reviews the idea that one can use knowledge as a self defense mechanism. This theory makes complete sense to me. How else would a person be able to back up their statements, ideas and opinions better, than with knowledge? Not only does the knowledge help in that area, it can help a person grasp a better understanding of the world around them, as well as it can improve their common sense. Use knowledge as a supporter, to smooth the bumps in the road before you, so you can travel on a trouble free path. The last theory is â€Å"The Easy Listening Theory of Learning. † It proposes that if a person sits back and observes their environment, they can achieve optimal learning. This type of learning seems only achievable for those who learn best through visual or auditory aids; in settings where they learn most efficiently by viewing or hearing material. However, for those individuals who learn best through hands on tasks, â€Å"The Easy Listening Theory of Learning†, would not be in their favor. It would put them at a disadvantage, and make them fall behind the rest. This theory does not accommodate everyone with learning in the same fashion; therefore, it cannot be used as a universal learning technique for optimal learning in everyone. My own theory however, differs greatly from any of the learning theories displayed in the poem â€Å"Students. † My theory to insure my learning exceeds my own goals is I put in a maximum effort. The goals I set myself are extremely high and almost seem unrealistic. Nonetheless, this is what give me the motivation and strive I need to put in a great deal of effort. Postponing undesirable activities is what I seem to be a natural at, cramming to get them completed when time is limited. It is in that rushed state that I feel my mind works most efficiently. However, we all know this is a poor work method and that is why I set such high goals to make it seem unrealistic. By doing that, I insure I start the activity at a sooner time because it feels as if I have more to complete than actually necessary. That way, I can keep my eye on the target at all times because it makes me feel as if I have much work to do to achieve it still. In reference to this course, the date I began was much later than any applicants should have started. By doing that, it has given me very limited time to get this course completed. It is now that I can truly test out my theory for all that it is worth, because it is now that I feel the completed course expectations are very unrealistic based on the vast material I have to cover by a certain date. However, I plan to be vigilant to get through this course so I can walk the graduation stage at the end of the year. When that dream of mine comes true based on my goals of completing this course, it is then that my theory has once again proved me right in its successfulness.

Quality Management Concept

Quality Management Concept This report mainly discusses quality management. The concept of quality management and its four different quality management schemes adopt in commercial operations. And briefly discuss about quality controls and their benefits to the customers by Adidas Company which engaged in London Olympics 2012 as official partner. Through out the first question discussed about the quality management concept and features which use to identify quality. And quality in terms of business and services perspective and how quality can be define with customer satisfaction. Also how quality management can be measured. As second step briefly discussed about four different quality management schemes adapt to commercial operations and the similarities and differences of each quality management schema. And discuss its importance of communication and record keeping within the organization. Select an organization which engaged in London Olympics 2012 and did quality audit and gave recommendations to do the modifications. I have selected Adidas Company which provides equipments, shoes, clothes and accessories to London Olympics 2012. As third part of the report briefly discussed about the information made available to customers and importance of effective marketing. Importance of user and nonuser surveys when determining customer needs. And what are the consultation methods used by the represented groups to encourage the participation for London Olympics 2012. Finally evaluate the value of complaints procedure and quality improvements. As fourth question of the report analyse the role of self assessment of own quality management system. And discussed about the staff consultation to implement effective quality scheme and I have proposed new modifications and ideas to improve the existing quality management schema. Question One: Concept of Quality Management Quality is the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. Quality programs include Fitness for use. (Is the product or service capable of being used?) Fitness for purpose. (Does the product or service meet its intended purpose?) Customer satisfaction. (Does the product or service meet the customers expectations?) Conformance to the requirements. (Does the product or service conform to the requirements?) Define quality in terms of business and service provision The business and service organization is profited by selling their products and services. To keep the quality of the products and services these companies must practice the quality management. The quality must be including in all steps of production process of product or service. The best quality is key concept to improve sales as well as marketing tool. The quality is key element of Competition in the market. The organization is manufacturing products. The product must be capable to fit for use, confirm the manufactures requirements. And also meet its intended purpose as planned by the business organization. As same as the organization is service provided one, then the service must be fit to the requirements of the company, it must meet the intended purpose of a particular service of the company and confirm its requirements. Define quality in terms of customer satisfaction The customer is the most important person of the business and service organizations. These organizations manufacturing goods and services to full fill the requirements of the customers. The organizations existence is depends on the customer satisfaction. The products and services must be able to meet the customers expectations by the product and service. The product and the service must be value its price paid by the customer. The customers are attracted to the best quality products and services. After consuming product or service the customer is satisfied and, the customer thinks to buy the same product or service again, then product or service represents best quality. Then the customer has confidents to buy other new arrivals. Due to best quality some trade marks are more popular. These products and services satisfy the customers in higher level. How quality management can be measured Quality management can be measured in different ways. Number of scraped goods, reworks done for produce goods, additional material or inventory which do not use for particular production, warranty repairs or service done for sold goods, customer complaints made for sold goods and services, liability judgement made for goods and services, product recalls and product corrective actions taken to products. The above mentioned measurements are considerably high the products or services are not in a bests quality. Question Two: Four different Quality Management schemes appropriate to commercial operations The Quality Management Systems (QMS) scheme helps organisations to meet customers quality requirements and relevant regulatory requirements, while also enhancing customer satisfaction and achieving continual improvement of its performance. Describe the rationale underpinning four quality schemes commonly adopted by commercial operations Quality Planning Quality planning is the process of identifying the quality standards according to the products and services which produce in the organization and determining how to satisfy the particular quality standards. Identify the particular quality policy, scope statement, product description, quality standards and regulations as products and services. Then use cost benefit analysis, benchmarking, flowcharts and design experiment methods to determine the current quality levels and identify the gap between the identified quality standards and current position. Then determine quality management plan, checklists and input to other processes, as the final stage. The above mentioned quality planning methods represents the quality position of the organization and produce best quality products and services. The quality planning is also carrying out as quality management scheme. Quality Assurance Quality Assurance is the process of evaluating overall production performance on a regular basis and assures the productions satisfaction in terms of quality standards. Evaluate quality management plan, evaluate results of quality control measurements and operational definitions. And use quality planning tools, techniques and quality audits for evaluate overall production performance. Then give confidents of production satisfaction in terms of quality standards. So quality assurance is also a quality management scheme. Quality Control Monitoring products and services to determine if they comply with relevant quality standards and identifying ways to eliminate the poor performance of the production process. Monitoring work results, quality management plan, operational definitions and checklists in the production processes of product or service. Then use quality control methods of inspections, control charts, pareto diagrams, statistical sampling, flowcharting and trend analysis to identify lower performance of the production process. Then do quality improvements, change acceptance decisions, do rework, completed checklists and do process adjustment as quality improve decisions of quality control scheme. Total Quality Management Implementing quality improvement programmes within the organization to maintain the particular quality standards. Maintaining quality programmes in all stages of production process (planning, training and induction, process control, field testing, product design validation, process validation, test and evaluations, quality audits, maintain and calibration) and among the staff(senior manager, production manager and production staff) who are working in the organization. Identify main similarities and differences between quality schemes Similarities All these quality schemes are based on particular quality standards of the product or service. Quality control and quality planning schemes take corrective actions to minimize the poor performance of the production process. Quality assurance and quality control evaluates the current quality levels of the organization and come up to a decision. Total quality management and quality control change the quality practice continuously. Differences In quality planning schema based only on the previously planned quality levels. Quality assurance schema consider only about the level of quality assurance. Quality control schema continually improves the performance of the quality practice. Total quality management implementing quality programmes, if usable or non usable as stage of the production process. Explain importance of communication and record keeping in quality schemes By communicating quality schemas give the new ideas to develop the quality practices within the organization. Communication identifies the purpose for the weak points of the low quality production steps. And also identifies the best schema to carry out in the quality management system. Record keeping compare the past results and identify the weak points within the production process of goods and services. Can be used to draw statistical diagrams and identify the major defects and improve the particular stages of the process and for analysis purposes. Record keeping makes easy, the benchmarking processes with other organizations. Question Three: Quality Controls and their benefits to the customers Adidas Company is one official partner of the London Olympic 2012. That provides shoes, clothes, accessories and equipment for London Olympic 2012. Assess the information made available to customers and the importance given to effective marketing Information is available through internet, television and other media. They are highly use internet to send information to the customers. Because they can take the customer feed back through internet faster than other mediums. Information availability improves higher buyer in, improves market presents through easy access using internet, feed back is high therefore significantly can be improve customer satisfaction, faster transaction times, more efficient order processing and due to less manual work the fewer errors. Can be able to keep existing customers introducing new styles, attract new customers using different prices and styles, can be able to make a trend in the market using marketing and increase market share, taking feedback from customers and improve the quality and new arrivals to the market. Evaluate the benefit of user and non user surveys in determining customer needs User surveys Users are the existing customers. To keep them the new products and style must be introduce for that their customer satisfaction is more important. By doing user surveys can be able to identify their needs, expectations, and the trend in the market. And also can be able to identify limitations. The user surveys can be easily done from the audience of London Olympics 2012. Non user surveys Non users are also customers. They were non users may be due to unaffordable prices or dislike to the products. From these surveys the Adidas can identify the reason and can be able to produce products for their desire while keeping the standards of the company. Olympics is in 2012 from these surveys helps introduce new fashions. Examine the methods of consultation employed to encourage participation by under represented groups Publish the growth undertaken after joining as a partner of London Olympics 2012; Show the sales improvements within that period through media discussion and press conference. The new arrivals can be market through the Olympic 2012 through internet and television. Release newspaper articles about, the benefits gain by participating London Olympics2012. Investigate the value of complaints procedure and analyse how each is used to improve quality Identify weaknesses The customers identify weakness points of the products. That can be size requirements, colour requirements and etc. Then the Adidas can change the products as customer perception. Identify low quality points Some products can be broken only in one place, all the times (must be continuous customer) If they received considerable number of complaints about a particular cloth or shoes or etc. then Adidas can identify this low quality point and will be able to improve quality. Complaints about after sales services Can be complaint about the staff who provided after sales services. Then the Adidas can improve the quality of the employees who are employing in their company. Question Four: Principles of Quality Management Role of self assessment in order to determine an Organizations quality management The quality policy must develop as first step by the Management team. The quality improvement team must establish representing all the departments of the company. Quality must be measures continuously to reduce quality awareness errors. The corrective actions must be taken for quality issues and zero defects planning must be done to the future productions. The identified errors can be removal through daily quality checking and reduces the error making purposes. Then critically recognise the particular point will help to improve the quality. Employees must be educating about the quality standards and issues and the importance of quality work and quality council must work daily basis and planned a zero defects day. Explain the stages of staff consultation necessary for effective implementation of a quality scheme Staffs are responsible for the production. Quality of the product or service is depending on the quality work done by the staff. During the planning stage to after sales services stage, the staff must do the quality work. The surveys can be done through the staff about quality scheme of the company. The documents are also filled according to the quality standards. The workforce planning is also should be change for effective implementation of quality scheme. The time management and material management must be quality for the effective implementation. Train the new staff for the particular positions then the errors will reduce and improve the quality scheme. Propose new systems or modifications to existing systems that could improve service quality The quality standard and policies must be change according to new trends and customer perceptions. Continues improvement is more practical because it is not cost very much.

Julius Caesar Essay -- essays research papers

Julius Caesar In William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, the literary element of the tragic hero is evident. In general, a tragic hero must meet several important qualifications. He must come from a good background and have high social status, he must have a tragic flaw that leads to his downfall, and this flaw must be punished either by death or banishment. In this portrayal of the history of the Roman Empire, Shakespeare explores the lives of Julius Caesar and his acquaintances. Though all of the characters are very important to the plot of the play, none of them obtain the characteristics of a tragic hero as Caesar does.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A major characteristic of a tragic hero is that he must come from a good background and obtain high social status. Julius Caesar fits both of these qualities. Not only is he the supreme ruler of Rome, but he is also a very wealthy and well-respected man as well. The people of Rome respect Caesar for several reasons. They admire him because he cares for Rome, he governs Rome, and he has made it a great empire. Caesar is sometimes referred to as a dictator for life by the Roman people. His army is also an awesome military force and is very capable of defending Rome as it displayed Pompey early in the play. The people’s love and respect for Caesar is evident when Caesar asks Mark Antony to touch Calphurnia to rid her of her barren curse. Antony responds to Caesar’s request by saying, â€Å"I shall remember. / When Caesar says ‘do ...

Zen and the Transcendent Art Of Mowing Grass :: Example Personal Narratives

Zen and the Transcendent Art Of Mowing Grass As a youth, I hated to mow so much that one day I left our push-mower in the yard to rust and became an expatriated Texas writer. My first story was about an alien being who, in the end, turned out to be a lawnmower. By the time I came home again, I had spent so much time in the East that my Texas friends expected me to move into a highrise in downtown Dallas. But instead we settled sixteen miles to the south, in Cedar Hill. We surprised everyone by buying a place with an eight-acre yard. It was during the summer, and I had to start mowing immediately. "You just stay inside where it's cool," I told Norma, who is afraid of grass. "I'll take care of the yard." As I spoke, I was gazing out at more grass and weeds than I'd ever seen in my life, except at a cemetery. Now whenever anybody from Dallas comes out to see our spread for the first time, they remark on the seclusion, the spaciousness, the scenic beauty. Then they ask uneasily, "Do you MOW all this?" People don't like it when I say yes. They don't understand it. Old friends say I've changed, implying for the worst. But there is a difference between what I do today and the mowing of my youth. Mowing a little patch of front yard is typical outdoor city work: boring, undistinguished, pitiable, drone-like activity. But getting astride a John Deere tractor and spending twenty hours in two days tackling tough thistles, high Johnson grass, giant sticker weeds, and creeper so tough it copulates with barbed wire is the kind of intense activity that, if you survive it, eventually transcends itself. Like Zen or long-distance running, it becomes a path to wisdom. I've been at it three years now, and it's no accident that I don't write as I used to. All I really want to write about is mowing-and then for only an hour or so at a time between whole days on my tractor. The fact is, mowing and writing fill the same needs, only mowing does it better. Mowing eight acres every week would drive some kinds of people mad, but it has served to make me feel in harmony with the flux of the heaving earth as it hurtles through time.

Factors Affecting Nle Passing Rate

Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE This chapter presents concepts and studies that expounded the variables under the study. Conceptual Literature To become a registered nurse, graduates of Bachelor of Science in Nursing course must take their final test that’ll assess their knowledge, skills and competency to work in the profession. This test is called Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE). In Philippines NLE is a 500-item multiple choice exam to test basic nursing level competency which considers the objectives of the nursing curriculum, the broad areas of nursing and other related disciplines and competencies.NLE is held every June and December annually in various public schools throughout the Philippines. Takers are assigned in different schools and rooms to provide quality control and avoid overcrowding. Room assignment for the exams are posted outside the Professional Regulation Commission building at least three days before the exam. NLE results are released after 30 w orking days though it may vary depending on the number of takers and other factors. However, not all takers are fortunate enough to pass the exams and never have been any occurrence of 100% national passing rate throughout NLE’s history.Non passers may review and retake but some are faced with dilemmas that’ll make it even harder for them to cope up and pass the next time around. A total of 16,908 out of 49,066 passed the Nurse Licensure Examination given by the Board of Nursing last December 2012 which was held in 16 areas around the country. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is closely monitoring schools that offer BSN course to enforce the standards and for them to provide quality education to their students. Nursing schools are given three years to improve their passing rate.However if these aren’t met the schools may face possible closure of their nursing program. The quality of education the school provides is only one of the various issues that affect the success of takers. There are also other factors that depend largely on the students own capabilities. Others may come from low performing schools in relation to passing rates yet achieve a high score in the exams. Many studies have analyzed the factors behind the performance of students. Earlier studies have been carried out which focused on cognitive factors as predictors of academic success.Recently, there has been a growing interest on the non-cognitive factors. A number of researchers have examined the role of non-cognitive variables such as study skills (Fazal, S. et. al, 2012; Awang, G & Sinnadurai, S. K. , 2011; Demir et. al, 2012; Hassanbeigi et. al, 2011), study motivation (Tella, A. , 2007; Nonis and Hudson, 2008), study behavior (Yang Yang, 2011; Otto, 1978), study habits on academic achievement. Some argued that these factors have strong relationship with academic performance of students, while others concluded that it was the combination of the different fac tors that could explain students’ academic performance.In addition to that, Crede and Kuncel (2008) found that non-cognitive factors like study habit, skill and study motivation, among other attitudinal constructs, accounted for incremental variance in academic performance beyond standardized tests and previous grades. Moreover, a literature review by Nagaraju (2004) pointed out that for good academic success, good study habits and attitudes are important. Study habit is the pattern of behavior adopted by students in the pursuit of their studies that serves as the vehicle of learning.It is the degree to which the student engages in regular acts of studying that are characterized by appropriate studying routines (e. g. reviews of material, frequency of studying sessions, etc. ) occurring in an environment that is conducive to studying. Study attitudes, on the other hand, refers to a student’s positive attitude toward the specific act of studying and the student’s acceptance and approval of the broader goals of college education (Crede and Kuncel, 2008). In short, study habits and attitudes of students are determined through their time management ability, work methods, attitudes toward teachers and acceptance of education.Many problems encountered by the students are inter-related and should be regarded in a comprehensive manner. However the way they see their problem would be a lot different on how it is seen by others. So in the end, the probability of success depends on the student’s habits and activity during their 4 year education. Schools are not the only ones to be blamed for the students’ failures. This study aims to depict these factors affecting their failures in their point of view to allow us to fully understand them.

Joseph McCarthy Essay

Joseph McCarthy was born on November 14, 1909 in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. At fourteen he stopped schooling only to return six years later. What normally took four years of high school, he finished in one year. The years 1930 to 1935 were spent in Marquette University where got his law degree. In 1939 he became a circuit court judge in Wisconsin. He was a Marines lieutenant in World War II. He ran for and lost a Senate seat in 1944. In 1946, he tried again and won this time as junior senator from Wisconsin. The first years were lackluster for Senator McCarthy. In 1949 he found issues to ride on like the US Cold War and anti-Communists sentiments. He claimed to have a Communists List including employees of the State Department. While that was in February of 1950, he named the alleged communists in government service for a whole of five years. Due to the strong anti-communist climate, even without evidence to support his accusations, his claims had damaged the careers and ruined the lives of his victims. Winning yet in another election in 1952 he had used his position as chairman of the Permanent Investigations Subcommittee to put more government officials and agencies under investigation. He spared no one from his onslaught including President Eisenhower. While hating the senator in private, the President ignored him in public. McCarthy’s downfall came in 1954 when the Army charged him of giving political favors to a consultant, a former army draftee. The Army-McCarthy hearings were held in his own subcommittee. He was found to be irresponsible as well as dishonest by the subcommittee in televised hearings. Unrepentant to the end, he was censured by Senate in 1954. He died at age 47 from liver ailment. The site elaborated on the rise and fall of a man. It helped me understand the complexities in the life of a man whose humble beginnings propelled him to seek out his dreams and the trappings of power brought him down and away from those dreams. Reference CNN Interactive. Com. Knowledge Bank:Profiles. Retrieved April 17, 2008, from http://www. cnn. com/SPECIALS/cold. war/kbank/profiles/mccarthy/

The changing nature of competition within the global pharmaceutical Assignment

The changing nature of competition within the global pharmaceutical - Assignment Example The nature of the competition in this field has also been in a constant state of revolution along with its changing entities. While, in the 1960’s regulatory controls were held on a lighter end, due to rapid expansion of the industry along with the medical practitioners insensitive to the price entity; on the other hand, the industry demographics shifted in the 1970’s following a series of events, to constitute an environment that was ruled by strong regulatory bodies and increased patent protection. This is just the example of how industry shifted over a period of two decades alone. Over this period the competition started to get a boost through introduction of generic medicines competing on price. This entity of generics had a major impact on the level of competition in the pharmaceutical industry in terms of providing incentives and a race to market. In other words switching to generics is one of the most common and convenient ways to save cost. They are even being u sed as fist line treatment options with patent drugs used only once they fail. This also presents with it increased rivalry and competitiveness within the industry. Such challenges have been attempted by the organizations to counter using various strategic responses such as disease management initiatives or demonstrating added value offerings of the drugs in terms of various related entities. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis: Threat of Substitutes: When it comes to the pharmaceutical industry, the primary threat that the companies is faced with is of Generic Brand Medication. However, they may be countered through the factor of patents. Other than that, companies in the pharmaceutical industry can also be faced with threats from Complementary Alternative Medicine and alternative medicine which could serve as substitutes; with alternative medicine would serve as a substitute even more so based on the fact that it is not influenced by the pharmaceutical industry (What is CAM?). Th reat of New Entrants: The pharmaceutical industry is an industry that has exponentially high barriers to entry making the threat of new entrants as being relatively low. A few of such barriers are the great costs required to enter the industry, extremely high Research and Development investments, costly and time consuming production process, which combined with strict government regulations and patents makes it really hard for anyone to initiate an entity in this field be it even the big bees. Also, the established firms in this industry are strong enough and well differentiated along with having a loyal customer base making it extremely hard for anyone to develop a brand name and get it recognized (Pharma: Through Porter's Eyes, 2004). Bargaining Power of Suppliers: In terms of the supplier side of the pharmaceutical industry, we see that it constitutes of various entities such as raw material producer and suppliers, local- co-marketing partners, internal labour and even the patien ts for clinical trials etc. When it comes to the threat presented by the supplier side in terms of their bargaining power we see that though all the suppliers present with themselves varying degrees of threat, but it is no more bigger than the threat presented by any such suppliers in other industries either. So, we can say that though there is some extent of threat present, but it is not that exponentially high. Bargaining Power of Buyers: The biggest buyer of the pharmaceutical industry is the government sector and it is one that can impose pressures on the pharmaceutical companies to achieve their own purpose. In addition to that, big hospitals and drug stores can pressurize the company to lower its prices provided

The Role of Social Media in Business Research Paper

The Role of Social Media in Business - Research Paper Example In addition, the social media technology is the most excellent tool for the companies to promote their business, for example if a company is selling services, products or publishing ads, then social media is the most excellent method to make their website gainful in a minimum amount of time (Deepika, 2010). This paper will discuss some of the important aspects of social media and their influence on the current business industry. This paper will also outline some of the main advantages and disadvantages of the social media. The role of social media in business At the present, social media is playing a significant role in business sector. In the past it was frequently used for carrying out non-business activities. For instance, people used it to connect with their friends as well as for searching and making new friends. However, now it has become a basic need for most of the businesses since business people are making use of social media particularly Twitter and Facebook for performing market research, marketing their products and services and for supporting clients. To serve this purpose, a large number of social media related websites are available. All of them offer specific advantages and users need to follow their rules. In this regard, the graph given below demonstrates the rapid expansion for the job requirements in "social media". Additionally, this expansion rate has reached up to 1,750 percent. However, the basic cause of this expansion is very simple, since all the corporations require people skilled in creating Social Media API, particularly experts in building Twitter applications and Facebook tools (QualityPoint Technologies, 2011) and (Deepika, 2010). Figure 1Social Media Growth, Image Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBTUPHSaCA9qJqdn4vAhC37ErBteL2waDhrPyNyAUA41X0w8K2JutYA1qAajV0ttCVwF7PcJSG9w03nHQlGVOYWj_Bo8ohrRvZBt11Ke2dNn4dUbhQtfTFdTkktOC8_Yrl6pPVIYzNmCF/s1600/jobgraph.png Additionally, the social networking websites (such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Myspace and Facebook) present choices for companies to build and maintain their business prof iles and pages, through which they can promote their services and products. In addition, with the modern applications that enumerate likes and dislikes of users, Facebook now allows its users to join â€Å"groups† that facilitate companies in marketing their products or services. Thus, it has become a blessing for the businesses that these social networking websites have offered. Moreover, the latest movement of users, for instance joining business groups or adding support to business ads, will be listed on the users’ profile however it is acknowledged as â€Å"newsfeed†. As well, this newsfeed presents recent news regarding the tasks performed by the users on their home page (Cortez, 2011). Furthermore, for the majority of businesses this social networking based system (or more simply e-collaboration) has turned into a base of electronic marketing. In this scenario, Facebook facilitates business managers to interact with the masses what they are going to do, wh at proceedings are happening, what attainments or recognitions have been established by other businesses. In addition, articles published in recent newspapers and other media related to business industry are copied and pasted onto the corporate profile or added to their position. For instance,

Management and Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Management and Leadership - Essay Example Most organizations would only hire those individuals suitable for a particular position and the one they are mostly suited. Further, workers must be trained in their respective positions to ensure that there is improved productivity as well as personal career development. The training would be on how to perform the job and the best standards to be applied (Koestenbaun, 2002). Early Approach to Classical Administration The scientific approach to management focuses on the overall productivity of employees. However, classical administration approach to administration places much importance on the total organization. The most important aspect is on the development of good management practices rather than the development of work methods. In any organization, for effective management, there has to be effective flow of information from the top managers to the subordinates. Effective communication reduces the amount of time spent in unproductive duties. Communicating effectively ensures that employees are able to spend most of their time doing constructive and beneficial duties to the organization. Further, effective communication fosters unity between the management and the employees. This can eliminate problems of industrial actions that result due to lack of understanding between the management and the employees. In classical administration, most companies were managed on a personal family like basis. The employees in the organization were expected to be submissive to their managers rather than to the organization (Lussier & Achua, 2009). Tesco Management Model Tesco management model states that employees must be given a chance to meet their full potential. In carrying out their duties, they should not be discriminated against due to age, gender, disability, ethnicity or sexual operation. Due to these factors, Tesco has been able to rise from a small retail supermarket to the world’s fourth largest retail market. Good leaders and managers must ensure that the ir employees are given a chance to contribute to the wellbeing of the organization. This can only be achieved through effective communication. The diversity approach to management at Tesco ensures that all levels of the society are represented in the organization. Tesco aims at employing local people as well as developing them to become effective leaders in the development of the business. Further, Tesco does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin. Understanding among various ethnic groups is the basic priority of Tesco. This ensures that corporation among employees is ensures. Lloyds TSB's Management Model Lloyds TSB is major banking and insurance group in the UK with several other branches in more than 30 countries across the world. Their main aim is to be the best bank in the world. Measures of performance at Lloyds TSB are geared towards the faster completion of task completion. This is the best example of accompany that employs bureaucratic form of governance. Measureme nt of performance is not towards goal accomplishments but task completion, and the process revolved around the bureaucratic process of form filling. Most employees are required to sign up to some common agreed upon goals (Lloyds TSB,2012). The first goal is finance. Employees at the organization are expected to maximize income and optimize cost so as to bring about increased revenues. Secondly, employees must be able to maximize the number of new customers, products and services which are sold in the organizat

Planning Project of PepsiCo in the United Kingdom Assignment

Planning Project of PepsiCo in the United Kingdom - Assignment Example To achieve this purpose, the chosen company is PepsiCo. Inc. which manufactures and markets diverse brands. The origin of Pepsi Cola was traced from the talent of Caleb Bradham, a New Bern, North Carolina pharmacist more than 120 years ago. Together with Coca-Cola, these two soft drinks manufacturer has revolutionized the beverage industry through their concoction of carbonated soft drinks (CDS), defined by Canadean (2010) as beverages that include sweetened, non-alcoholic drinks containing carbon dioxide (par. 1). The British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) (2010) more comprehensively defined carbonates as â€Å"ready to drink including draught dispense; home dispense; regular including sparkling juice; low calorie and zero calorie; cola; lemon including lemonade; lemon-lime; mixers including tonic and bitter drinks; orange; shandy; others including other carbonated fruit flavours, energy drinks, sparkling flavoured water, health drinks and herbal drinks† (British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) 2010, 9). In the UK, PepsiCo. started operations in 1953 and the Pepsi Max brand was firs t marketed in 1993 (PepsiCo UK & Ireland 2011). believe we should be known not just for the financial results we generate but also for the imprint we leave on society as a whole† (PepsiCo UK & Ireland 2011). To achieve this purpose, the organization designed and implemented strategies that focus on healthier products, protecting the environment, and providing holistic support for personal and professional growth for their people. As such, PepsiCo UK aims to transform their core business into providing products with potential health benefits and ensure that they would be catalysts of change in UK’s food and beverage industry (PepsiCo UK & Ireland 2011). Accordingly, the future thrusts of the organization are to lead in the promotion of healthy products by producing and delivering balanced amounts of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain, fiber, and other positive nutrients and food groups  (PepsiCo UK & Ireland 2011).