Lawn Tennis

Lawn Tennis A Research Paper Presented to Mrs. Nora May H. Cubal Mati School of Art and Trades City of Mati Davao Oriental SY:2011-2012 In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirement in English IV Presented by Junave N. ceballos IV-Quezon I-Introduction Thanks to the wide coverage that television and other media gives to the game, tennis is now one of the most popular sports. How does one define the game? It is a game played with racquets and a light ball between two players. The players stand on opposite sides of a net placed in the center on a rectangular court that may be made of grass, clay or asphalt. It can also be played between two teams of two players. Racquetball, a variation of the game, is played in an indoor court with a specially marked floor and high walls off which the ball must be played. Tennis has a long history, and according to records available, its establishment can be traced to two separate incidents. In 1859, Major Thomas Henry Gem, a solicitor, and his friend Batista Pereira, a Spanish merchant, were living in Birmingham, England, and played a game that they termed â€Å"pelota† after a Spanish ball game. It was played on a lawn. This later came to be known as tennis, and in 1874 they formed the Leamington Tennis Club, which laid out the rules of the game. It was on 23 July 1884 that the first tennis tournament was held on the grounds of Shrubland Hall. Meanwhile, in December 1873, Major Walter Clopton Wingfield devised a similar game to entertain his guests at a party on his estate in Wales. It is believed that his version was adapted from an older sport of indoor tennis or royal tennis that had been invented in 12th century France. The world tennis comes from the French word â€Å"tenez,† an imperative form of the verb â€Å"tenir† which means â€Å"to hold. † This, apparently, was a cry used by the player who was about to serve the ball. The players or the teams, depending on whether it is a â€Å"singles† or a â€Å"doubles† match, stand on opposite sides of the net. One player is the server and the opposing player is the receiver. The server serves the ball, which is returned by the receiver. The ball has to go over the net into the service court opposite the server's. If the ball hits the net but lands in the service court, it is a void service. The server then gets a second chance. A proper service starts a rally in which the players alternate hitting the ball across the net. The first player or team that fails to return the ball loses the point. -1- II-Definition of Terms 1. action: Synonym for spin. 2. ad court: Left side of the court of each player, so called because the â€Å"ad† (â€Å"advantage†) point immediately following a deuce is always served from this side of the court. 3. advantage: When one player wins the first point from a deuce and needs one more point to win the game; not applicable when using deciding points. . advantage set: Set won by a player/team having won at least six games with a two-game advantage over the opponent(s). Final sets in the singles draws of the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the tennis Olympic event, as well as the Davis Cup, are all advantage sets. 5. all: Used by the chair umpire to announce scores when both players have the same number of points or the same number of games: 30–all (30–30), 15–all (15–15), two games all, four games all, etc. When both players are at 40, the preferred term is deuce. 6. ll-court: Style of play that is a composite of all the different playing styles, which includes baseline, transition, and serve and volley styles. 7. backhand: Stroke in which the ball is hit with the back of the racquet hand facing the ball at the moment of contact. A backhand is often hit by a right-handed player when the ball is on the left side of the court, and vice versa. 8. backspin: Shot that rotates the ball backwards after it is hit; also known as slice or underspin. The trajectory of the shot is affected by an upward force that lifts the ball. See Magnus effect. 9. ackswing: Portion of a swing where the racquet is swung backwards in preparation for the forward motion to hit the ball. 10 bagel: Winning (or losing) a set 6–0 (the shape of the zero being reminiscent of the round shape of a bagel). See also breadstick. -2- III-Discussion A. Tennis Courts The NTC has 120 acrylic hard courts (50 indoor, 50 outdoor), 6 clay courts, and 14 grass courts. B. Hard Courts: The NTC's 120 acrylic courts are a GreenSet Grand Prix Acrylic surface. The indoor courts have a sprung timber sub-frame, while the outdoor courts are laid directly on asphalt. This GreenSet surface is used at many international tournaments including Davis Cup, Fed Cup, WTA and ATP Masters Series events. C. Clay Courts: The National Tennis Centre boasts two different types of outdoor clay courts which have been designed to brave the elements of the UK climate and allow for the longest possible clay court playing season and maximum use. 4 Northern European Clay Courts (These are identical to the courts used at the Bastad ATP Tennis Event in Sweden) and 2 FRENCH-COURT ® synthetic clay courts. D. Grass Courts The LTA consulted All England Lawn Tennis Club head groundsman Eddie Seaward to advise on the installation of its four outdoor grass courts. The quality and playing characteristics replicate those found at the Wimbledon Championships. E. High Performance Training Facilities Along with its 22 tennis courts, the NTC is equipped with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, outdoor sprint track and hydrotherapy and plunge pools. The NTC has overnight accommodation for up to 54 people, along with a player lounge and recreation room to be fully equipped to host high performance players from out of town. -3- F. Sports Science Centre The NTC provides highly professional services in Performance analysis, fitness, psychology, physiotherapy and rehab, strength and conditioning, medical support and nutrition, led by Head of Player Support – Simon Jones Simon ensures that his team of highly qualified specialists, work in an Interdisciplinary way bringing an applied, player centered support service to Britain’s top players and coaches The Sports Medicine and Science Centre at the National Tennis Centre offers Britain’s elite players: * Physical therapies – physiotherapy, osteopathy and massage * Tennis Functional Movement Screening Sports medicine – general practice, sports medicine and specialist review * Sports nutrition * Sports psychology * Exercise physiology – Physical testing * Monitoring of training loads * Daily monitoring of hydration and physical readiness * Cardiac screening * Educational advisory service including Anti Doping * Performance analysis including fixed on court camera IV-Suggestion/Recommendation With over one million titles in the database, it isn't feasible to handpick recommendations for every film. That's why we came up with a complex formula to suggest titles that fit along with the selected one. The formula uses factors such as user votes, genre, title, and keywords to generate an automatic response. The system produces excellent results most of the time but since recommended titles are not manually chosen, occasionally they may include less than perfect matches, particularly on films where we don't have a lot of data/credits. -4- If you disagree with a recommendation for a given title and know of a better one, we encourage you to help us improve the results. While you can't modify the recommendations directly, updating the keywords will have the biggest impact on their selection. Look for the â€Å"Update† button at the bottom of the main title page and add more relevant (or just plain more) keywords and help make our Recommends feature more useful, more appropriate, and more fun. V-Summary Lawn tennis is a comparatively modern modification of the ancient game of court tennis. Maj. Walter Clopton Wingfield thought that something like court tennis might be played outdoors on lawns, and in Dec. 873, at Nantclwyd, Wales, he introduced his new game under the name of Sphairistike at a lawn party. The game was a success and spread rapidly, but the name was a total failure and almost immediately disappeared when all the players and spectators began to refer to the new game as lawn tennis. In the early part of 1874, a young lady named Mary Ewing Outerbridge returned from Bermuda to New York, bringing with her the implements and necessary equipment of the new game, which she had obtained from a British Army supply store in Bermuda. Miss Outerbridge and friends played the first game of lawn tennis in the United States on the grounds of the Staten Island Cricket and Baseball Club in the spring of 1874. For a few years, the new game went along in haphazard fashion until about 1880, when standard measurements for the court and standard equipment within definite limits became the rule. In 1881, the U. S. Lawn Tennis Association (whose name was changed in 1975 to the U. S. Tennis Association) was formed and conducted the first national championship at Newport, R. I. The international matches for the Davis Cup began with a series between the British and U. S. players on the courts of the Longwood Cricket Club, Chestnut Hill, Mass. , in 1900, with the home players winning. Professional tennis, which got its start in 1926 when the French star Suzanne Lenglen was paid $50,000 for a tour, received full recognition in 1968. Staid old Wimbledon, the London home of what are considered the world championships, let the pros compete. This decision ended a long controversy over open tennis and changed the format of the competition. -5- VI-Bibliography http://www. infoplease. om/ipsa/A0112966. html Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia www. hallamgrange. org. uk/  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ www. proline. com. sg -6- Table of Content I-Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦1 II-Definition of Terms†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦2 III-Discussion†¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3-4 A. Tennis Courts†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3 B. Hard Courts:†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 C. Clay Courts:†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3 D. Grass Courts†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3 E. High Performance Training Facilities†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3-4 IV-Suggestion/Recommendation†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4-5 V-Summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 5 VI-Bibliography†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 6

Analysis of Barclays Bank Essay

Introduction The process of restructuring the telecommunication sector truly got under way in Cameroon in June 1995, when the authorities decided thoroughly to reform network industry sectors such as water, electricity and telecommunications with a view to creating a favourable environment in which to develop their infrastructure and services and thus to satisfy increasingly exigent demand. The process took the form of liberalization, State withdrawal from the sectors concerned and the establishment of a  market structure enabling Cameroon to remain in step with the especially rapid global developments in the telecommunication sector; indeed, in spite of the investments made, the coverage rate and quality of service offered had remained largely inadequate. The process was carried out not only by defining the conditions and mechanisms liable to guarantee the sector’s opening to private initiative, but also by enacting regulations and taking measures intended to enable the sector to play t he decisive role incumbent on it in Cameroon’s economic development. Telecommunication sector reform in Cameroon is not limited to the establishment of new regulations and legislation, to the revision of the institutional framework and the establishment of an interconnection regime or to the introduction of competition. It should also comprise bringing behaviour in line with the times. One of our chief concerns is therefore also effective application of the regulations with a view to fulfilling the universal service obligation, ensuring consumer protection and providing for effective and appropriate regulation of true competition. The acquisition of the required know-how is the biggest challenge we face. The institutional players on Cameroon’s telecommunications scene are, as in many other African countries, of the opinion that any society that delays in jumping on the NTIC train will remain mired in a state of underdevelopment. Observations Background Before 1990, as in most African countries, telecommunication services were managed by a national publicly-owned monopoly. The administration in charge of telecommunications set the rules, ensured they were applied and was itself an operator. The results did not always live up to expectations. In June 1990, the President of the Republic signed the order on the programme to privatize public and semi-public enterprises. The telecommunication sector was added to the programme in June 1995. In July 1998, law 98/014 governing telecommunications in Cameroon (the Telecommunications Act) was promulgated. It established the Telecommunication Regulatory Agency and attributed sector responsibilities to a variety of players: the operation of  telecommunication networks to operators, regulatory matters, i.e. application of the rules and supervision of operators, to a regulatory body, the definition of sector policy and the enactment of market regulations to the telecommunication administration. In September of the same year, two public enterprises, CAMTEL for the fixed telephone service and CAMTEL MOBILE for the mobile telephone service, were set up to take over the telecommunication activities of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and of the public enterprise INTELCAM, which was in charge of operating and developing international telecommunication installations. The Telecommunication Regulatory Agency was set up at the  same time. Immediately after, the sale of a mobile telephone licence and the process of privatizing CAMTEL and CAMTEL MOBILE got under way. In June 1999, a mobile telephone licence was granted to a private enterprise. The privatization of CAMTEL MOBILE was completed in February 2000. The privatization of CAMTEL is not yet complete. A third mobile telephone licence is to be issued. In less than two years, the sector has undergone sweeping change. Suffice it to mention one indicator: in January 2000 there was one mobile telephone operator with about 5 000 subscribers; on 31 March 2001 there were two operators with over 140 000 subscribers. This rapid and in-depth transformation is taking place within a constantly improving legal framework. II A liberal legal framework The development of new technologies and liberalization have permitted access to new telecommunication services which, depending on their specific natures, require appropriate regulation. The Telecommunications Act sets forth a new regulatory framework, opening the telecommunication sector to competition. The framework, which distinguishes between public and private networks, provides for three legal arrangements: concessions, authorizations  and declarations. 1 Concessions The State can grant one or several public or private corporate bodies all or part of its rights to establish and/or operate telecommunication networks. The concession is subject to strict compliance with the requirements set forth in a list of terms and conditions. This arrangement allows the State not only to keep a watchful eye on the harmonious development of modern telecommunication infrastructure, but also and above all to heighten its control over the development and supply of the basic services and facilities us ually demanded by the majority of users. 2 Authorizations The arrangement of prior authorization applies to the establishment and/or operation of telecommunication networks by physical persons or corporate bodies with a view to providing the public with a basic telecommunication service, a value-added service, a bearer service or any other service by using one or several radio frequencies. A list of terms and conditions containing the requirements to be met is attached to the licence issued to the bearer of a prior authorization. The authorization is issued for a fixed period and can be withdrawn under certain circumstances. 3 Declarations Declarations apply to the establishment of private internal networks, low-range and low-capacity private independent networks (that are not radio networks), low-range and low-capacity radio installations (to be determined  by the Administration), and the provision to the public of telecommunication services other than those subject to the arrangements of concession and authorization. Telecommunication terminal equipment is either freely provided or subject to type-approval. Certain provisions of the Telecommunications Act are detailed in decrees and implementing legislation. We shall not examine all of them here; indeed, some of them are still being drafted. The reform in Cameroon established the separation between the regulatory and operating functions. It works in favour of operators being entities controlled by private capital. The general framework for competition is governed by legislation on competition. The legal framework is supplemented by institutions. III 1 A revised institutional framework The telecommunication administration Spectrum management and the legislation and regulations relating to telecommunications are the exclusive domain of the State. The telecommunication administration has been invested, on behalf of the government, with general jurisdiction over the sector. It sets the general regulatory framework. It therefore establishes and implements telecommunication sector policy, whose aim must be to safeguard the missions of public service, to promote harmonious network development throughout the national territory and effective private sector participation in the sector’s wealth and employment-generating activities, and to ensure compliance by all operators with the applicable treaties, laws and regulations. In addition, the administration supervises the telecommunication sector, oversees public telecommunication enterprises, represents the State at international telecommunication-related organizations and events, and manages the radio spectrum on behalf of the State. The Telecommunication Regulatory Agency, which technically answers to the telecommunication administration, is the specialized body in charge of  facilitating actual application of the regulations issued. 2 The Telecommunication Regulatory Agency The organization of the Telecommunication Regulatory Agency established by the Telecommunications Act is set forth in decree No. 98/197 of 8 September 1998. The Agency has three main duties: – to ensure the regulations are implemented; – to guarantee respect for the regulations and the exercise of competition; – to settle certain disputes between operators. The Agency’s regulatory authority is subject to performance of the following activities: – definition of the principles governing tariffs for services; – examination of requests for authorization and declaration and of type-approval files for terminal equipment to be connected to public networks; – establishment of principles for calculating interconnection costs; – establishment and management of numbering plans; – management of the frequencies attributed to telecommunications; – submission to the government of proposals aimed at developing and modernizing the sector; – opinions on draft legislative and regulatory texts concerning telecommunications; – control and penalties for infractions. The Agency is specifically competent to settle disputes concerning interconnection, access to a public network, numbering, cases of harmful interference, and sharing of infrastructure. The Telecommunications Act provides the Agency with a quasi-judicial body and an arbitration procedure can be set in motion should one or the other of the parties be opposed. The parties remain free to bring their case before the competent court. IV Human resources Human resources are the key to management and progress, for they have knowledge, that rarest of economic commodities in the 21st century. The current transition from a monopoly environment to that of controlled competition has given rise to new demands in terms of basic knowledge and know- how in telecommunication regulation. Telecommunication leaders and staff in Cameroon were still dealing with the transition from analogue to digital when circuit switching was suddenly replaced by packet switching. This recent change has reshaped the concept and definition of telecommunication networks and services. Everything must therefore be done to make sure the human resources acquire the skills they need for their own development and that of companies, which create wealth for the well-being of peoples. The Ecole Nationale Supà ©rieure des Postes et Tà ©là ©communications, an independent facility run by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, provides basic instruction in telecommunications and ICT to technicians (technical and operating staff), supervising technicians (operating technicians and supervisors) and senior technical managers (works engineers and operating inspectors). It plans to organize standing professional certification for the staff of public and private enterprises and of the public administrations in charge of telecommunications and ICT. V International cooperation Cameroon has always been present and active in regional and international telecommunication organizations. It is a member of the Administrative Councils of both the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It has had very few bilateral exchanges of experience and information with other African countries. The ineffectiveness of regional (ATU) and subregional organizations (CAPTAC) has precluded the launch at subregional level of cooperation activities aimed at developing telecommunications in Cameroon. At the international level, ITU  has not been closely involved in telecommunication sector reform. In the past eight years, it has provided some technical assistance but otherwise almost no support for telecommunication development projects in Cameroon, possibly because the Area Office in Yaoundà © is not functioning. The capacities of the Area Office in Yaoundà © should be reinforced. Its main duties should be: – To disseminate ITU documents and information in the area. For this, it should have the means required to provide the documentation centres of the main players in each of the area’s countries with the documents and books needed to acquire knowledge in telecommunications and ICT, for most of the sector’s African managers will have to teach themselves. In this respect, hard as opposed to electronic copies remain invaluable in Africa.

Brand Identity Prism Kapferer For Nike Running Shoes Marketing Essay

Brand Identity Prism Kapferer For Nike Running Shoes Marketing Essay According to Kapferer’s model, the brand identity prism for Nike running shoes has six dimensions which are physique, relationship, reflection, personality, culture and self-image. First, physique is the physical aspects and the main purpose of the brand; tell consumers what the product is, what the product actually does and what the product carries value in the eye of customers (Krishnamurthi 2007). The physique of Nike running shoes is â€Å"sport- running† because that is what the running shoes being made for. It includes all the tangible things of Nike running shoes including Nike running shoes feature, look, color, design and quality which these add values to buyers as it wears for running. The second dimension is relationship. Customers can have a relationship with the brand because the brand often involve with transaction and exchange between people, particularly in the service and retail sector (Garg 2008). According Kapferer (2008), brands exist in the market because of communication, such as advertising and direct consumer’s communication. For our Nike running shoes prism, Nike maintains a good relationship with customers by creating memorable award-winning campaign such as Nike running marathon. Furthermore, Nike sponsors the athletes (focusing on individual athlete and their success) as well as sponsors the game, such as the Olympic game. The third dimension is reflection which means how the individual in the intended group of customers identify himself as a person in relation to the brand (Kochhar 2007). Therefore, every brand tries to design the product to meet the need for the targeted customer group as customer reflection is a good factor for being a strong brand image, so brands should control their customer reflection (Kapferer 2008). In this case, customers will be reflected Nike running shoes for dynamic lifestyle, for winning with cool fashion. Over time, Nike will use advertising to continue address our customer refle ction, so as a result of buying Nike running shoes, customers will perceive their own identity to be dynamic and fashionable and certainly to win. The fourth dimension is personality which refers to when brands talks about its product and what kind of person it would be if it were a human being (Krishnamurthi 2007). Brand personality is described by using the features of customer personality which are directly related to the brand and is closely linked with self-image (Slideshare 2009). For our Nike prism, Nike brand personality may be that of confident, arrogant, aggressive and energetic. Examples of person it could be are Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer since these two tennis players have the personality of confident, arrogant, aggressive and energetic which these character can represent the Nike brand. Nike gives the attention to a specific sport, such as tennis, basketball and golf (Slideshare 2009). The fifth dimension is culture which is a set of values that the brand is ins pired or originated from (Kapferer 2008). It can be said that brand is representative of its culture, including communication (Krishnamurthi 2007). For our Nike prism, Nike takes its culture from the American culture. Nike is a global brand that reveals its culture by which symbolizes the American way which is being individual and aggressive like Michael Jordan (Garg 2008). Nike has aggressive winner attitude that can be related to the American sport attitude. This culture will help Nike in the way to differentiate Nike from other competing brands, such as Adidas, as the brand culture indicates what values are included in the Nike products and services. In addition, Nike communicates with their people by relating it with cultural values by creating a provocative attitude by encouraging them to let loose (â€Å"Just do it†) (Slideshare 2009).

Accounting for Strategy and Management Control Essay

Accounting for Strategy and Management Control - Essay Example 888). In this paper, though, the context of â€Å"winner’s curse† is in the nature of cost underestimation leading to bids below actual costs in auctions for business contracts, such as construction projects. Winner’s curse refers to the loss incurred in winning a project in an auction, on a bid below actual cost. The chosen article is a well-written piece and has been published in at least one peer-reviewed academic journal. As with every study, however, there are aspects in which it may be improved upon, as well as those in which it excels. These points shall be discussed here, section by section. The introduction provides an overview of the organization of the paper, which is helpful to the reader. But the introduction is written like an abstract that immediately jumps to the conclusion, and does not elaborate on the contextual basis of the study. The reader has to peruse this section repeatedly to get an idea of the perspective of the research, something which the authors could have addressed by developing a comprehensive background to the problem that describes real world situations that the study finds application in. By allowing the reader to familiarize himself with the topic from the basis of past experiences or commonly encountered situations, the introduction would have provided the reader a better comprehension of the full implications of the study. The introduction also makes use of many terms which, while not entirely specialized or complicated, admits of specialized operational meanings as they are used in the study. For instance, the very use of â€Å"winner’s curse† is in the sense of sellers of goods and services in the auction and award of projects, not in the more general and commonplace sense as described in the Encyclopaedia of Operations Research & Management Science (see opening paragraph). While the

Laws on Property Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Laws on Property - Essay Example The Supreme Court in a divided decision held that the City's purpose of expropriation, which is to give the property to a private entity for development, falls under the term, for "public use." The Court held that the City as a whole would benefit because the development would bring much-needed capital, investments and work to the City of New London which is in dire need of an economic uplift. Thus, despite the fact that the City would expropriate the property and give it to a private entity, it would still be for "public use" Real property is protected by the registration through the Torrens System of Land Registration, which is popularly used all over the world. This system was invented by Australian Sir Robert Richard Torrens, as a means of simplifying how we transfer ownership of real property. As an owner of the land, I would have it registered and have to follow the requirements set by law, and upon registration, I am issued a Torrens Title, which is my evidence or proof of ownership of the land. The great characteristics of the system are that upon registration, the Title binds and protects my ownership of the land forever to the whole world unless I decide to transfer it or sell it, which should be registered as well. The essential idea [] is simple: Artists and creators should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor for a specified time period, after which the material becomes available for public use. Society benefits because this incentive to create will yield a rich and varied cultural menu for its citizens. (On-line) Therefore, it is clear that laws are created to protect an individual's intellectual property, and gives him ample time to benefit from his creations, and upon the expiration of the time given, the protection is lifted, and the public may benefit. Another case I briefed is on the topic of protection of intellectual property, entitled Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. vs. Samara Brothers Inc., (2000). In this case, the defendant Samara Brothers, Inc. is a company that designs and manufactures children's clothes. Samara filed a case against Wal-Mart Stores because it found out that Wal-Mart Stores had entered into a contract with Judy-Philippine, Inc. to manufacture children's outfits based on pictures of clothes made by Samara and would be sold under a Wal-Mart label, "Small Steps." The case was on the charge of infringement of unregistered trade dress on the legal basis of section 43(a) of the Trademark Act of 1946. Upon reaching the Supreme Court on Certiorari, the Court held that the designs of Samara did not constitute the legal definition of an unregistered trade dress that would warrant protection under the law. This reasoning came about due to the fact that the product's designs are not distinctive enough to constitutional protection under Section 43(a). Just because a product's design almost always identifies the product to the manufacturer, Samara's designs do not make them so distinctive as to cause confusion on the consumers.  

Obesity and hormonal imbalance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Obesity and hormonal imbalance - Essay Example Heredity and age-related changes are among them, but, perhaps, hormonal violations are at the top of this list (Bray &York, 1997). Hormonal failure is the manifestation of the hormonal violations, which are available in an organism and can be caused by various reasons. Thus, hormonal failure influences not only the state of reproductive system of a woman, but also can cause deterioration of her physical and emotional health. Hormonal failure can be expressed as violation of a menstrual cycle or manifestation of a climacteric syndrome. Violation of hormonal balance can affect the course of pregnancy and childbirth causing serious problems in certain cases â€Å"Obesity is associated with multiple alterations in the endocrine system, including abnormal circulating blood hormone concentrations, which can be due to changes in the pattern of their secretion and/or metabolism, altered hormone transport and/or action at the level of target tissues. In recent years a great stimulus in both basic and clinical research has, on one hand, produced a great deal of knowledge on the pathophysiology of obesity, and, on the ot her, led to the discovery of new hormones† (Pasquali and Vicennati, 2001, p. 225). Physicians have studied this question for long and came to the conclusion that fluctuations of level of some hormones in an organism directly influence weight. Hormones are biologically active agents, which participate in many vital processes, including development, growth and metabolism. â€Å"No matter how an imbalance manifests on the outside, the internal reality remains the same—any and all hormonal imbalance leads to difficulty losing weight and increased risk of obesity. Unfortunately, the most common imbalances cannot be solved by dieting alone. In fact, they can prevent successful fat loss, even when great diet and exercise plans are in place† (Turner, 2015). The thyroid gland, liver, adrenal glands and other bodies are responsible for their development and

Psychology Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Psychology - Personal Statement Example Explaining this fact we see that, on the one hand, it was ethical because it followed the guidelines of a special Stanford ethics committee that allowed and approved it. Experiment’s participants were told that they would be assigned either the role of the guard, or the role of the prisoner in a completely random manner, and they all volunteered to play any of these roles for $ 15 a day for a period not exceeding two weeks. They signed a contract guaranteeing them a minimally adequate diet, clothing, shelter and medical care, as well as monetary rewards, and instead signed an ‘intention’ to perform an interim role during the whole experiment. On the other hand, it was unethical because the participants-prisoners were forced to stay in a simulated prison for the whole day during the study period and they were suffered, being humiliated by their fellows over the period of the experiment. Continuing the discussion of this ethical question we can mention that it was n ot right to trade ‘sufferings’ experienced by participants for the knowledge gained by the research, and understanding this fact the experiment was stopped mush earlier.

Recycling in the hospitality Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Recycling in the hospitality - Case Study Example This is done by a mutual exchange and fulfilment 'f promises." [1] There has been a very notable change in the concept 'f using traditional transactional marketing to building and maintaining relationships. This assignment talks about relationship and direct marketing and how it is used in today's world. To make things comprehensible, a company was chosen and the focus was made on this company and their dealings. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the founder 'f the Tata Group, incorporated the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) on April 1, 1902, for the ownership and operation 'f the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai. The Taj Group's first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai was opened on December 16, 1903. The Taj has had momentous innings spanning the last three decades both in India and overseas and has established itself as the premier hospitality body in this country. Indian Hotels' presence spans the entire gamut 'f the market, across different brands and price segments. It is renowned for providing world-class, personalized service to guests, even as it retains an old-world charm by upholding the traditions and heritage 'f India. Today the Taj brand is synonymous with luxury and service, in India and abroad. The Taj brand is divided into 3 categories, namely business, leisure and luxury. This is done to make things easier and more approachable for a customer. All these hotels use product differentiation. This is made evident and clear through their marketing activities. However, the services offered here are the same. Each type 'f category uses a set 'f procedures and policies to maintain relationship marketing. The focus at IHCL is on customer valuation, which then leads to attracting new customers and customer retention. The Taj believes in maintaining customer relationships. As shown in the value chain earlier, Taj has two main customers. This is her guest and the Travel agencies that she deals with. A customer is valued and identified by market research. He is then attracted with schemes and programs. Once a customer is attracted and starts using Taj services, a focus is made on building a strong and special relationship with him. Taj has an alliance with Thomas Cook. This is the main travel agency, which promotes Taj. Besides Thomas cook, there are hundreds 'f travel agencies which deal with Taj. These range from the biggest agencies in India like the travel corporation 'f India and Sita Travels to the smaller agencies all over the country. Taj has won international acclaim by winning various international awards. Recently, at the 2000 Selling Long-Haul magazine Travel Industry Awards, UK and Irish travel agents have awarded Taj Hotels as the Best Individual Hotel/Hotel Group in India/Indian Ocean. The travel agencies are offered discounts, schemes, promotions and packages, which they can further sell, to the customers. It also has alliances with a few

Listening the mp3 file Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Listening the mp3 file - Essay Example This formed the basis of civilization of the Indus Valley. 1500 BC marks the last known evidence of this cultural development. The regionalization era is a period in which regional differences can be recognized while the integration era unites all these differences. Uniformity was a very strong feature of the whole of the Indus Valley. Everything was same all across the Valley ranging from pottery to architecture. This indicates a highly centralized administration. The final stage of the Indus Valley civilization developed at a very inconsistent speed. The only evidence we have today to study the Indus Valley is the material evidence. Mohenjodaro and Harappa are two of the most well studied cities in the Indus Valley civilization, and are thus the most important. Food in the Indus Valley was largely produced from barley and wheat. Foods include chicken, fish, chickpeas, sesame, and grapes, juju and dates. Mud-bricks and fire-bricks were used in architecture. Use of mud-brick was gen eral while that of fire-brick was particular. Indus Valley civilization was very strong at water management. Large water-holding tanks can be seen in the settlements. The train systems are particular characteristics of their landscapes. Highly stylized figurines made in soft clay and beadwork is particular skills of the Indus Valley civilization. Soft stone, lattice and turquoise are important in terms of stone work. Markets existed and commerce took place at the entrance to big urban centers of the Indus Valley. The Indus Valley had unique weight standards. Metal, typically copper and bronze became very common in the later stages of the civilization. Very little is known about the religion of people of the Indus Valley civilization. Developments in regional locations started in 4000 BC which was when the regionalization era commenced. Of all the different cities, Mehrgarh was the center of technological advancement in the Indus

Managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Managment - Essay Example In simple words, sustainability aims to combat with the latest challenges by allocating the resources and energies for the short term period without putting the future developments into jeopardy. Thus, sustainability is basically seen by neoclassical economists as a problem of managing a nation’s portfolio of capital to maintain it at a constant level, either in toto or per capita. It includes natural capital, in principle, but it also allows for virtually unlimited substitution between man-made and natural capital (Pearce et al., 1990: quoted in Ayers 2000 2). Hence, sustainability looks into the canvas of business environment with a larger and long term perspective. However, it does not mean that it absolutely nullifies the long-term planning. On the contrary, it works out on current corporate scenario in such a dedicated way, by exercising best of skills and proficiencies that it indirectly creates long-term shareholder value by increasing opportunities and minimizing risk factors for the future years to come. Sustainability is essentially the continuity of the satisfaction regarding the fulfillment of basic needs; the same can be witnessed by elaborating the concept within corporate point of view, where it is actually the strategy devised and articulated to keep the ball of commercial activities rolling. The analysts divide sustainability into two different levels, which include weak and strong sustainability. Weak sustainability is the idea that natural capital can be used up as long as it is converted into manufactured capital of equal value. On the other hand, strong sustainability is the idea that there are certain functions that the environment performs that cannot be duplicated by humans.(Hart, Maureen 1998 3) In other words, the theorists argue that different forms of capital can be utilized by converting it from natural form into manufactured capital form. Consequently, weak sustainability measures the value of natural objects, beauties and c apital within a monetary perspective without taking into account its worthwhile status as the pure object of nature. For instance, mountains offer countless beauties and finances are generated from the tourists and visitors. Additionally, there are countless natural products that could be obtained from mountains and hills. However, the weak sustainability mere calculates the gains that could be generated by turning the hilly areas into plains. Thus, the narrow-sightedness of the notion appears to be unable to provide an in-depth analysis of the objects of nature and mistakenly regard them as the wastage of resources out of which huge money could be generated. Similarly, a forest full of trees contains the worth quite different from the estimation made by an entrepreneur. A value can be calculated if you assume that all the trees are cut down and turned into furniture or paper. However, the forest provides a home for wildlife that provides food for hunters. It also provides a place f or hikers to enjoy the natural environment. (Hart, Maureen 1998 5) On the other hand, strong sustainability refutes the very idea that natural capital are substitute to one another and hence can be estimated in terms of materialistic and

Study guide for mid term exam Child , family and community Essay Example for Free

Study guide for mid term exam Child , family and community Essay 1.What is the name given a child that exhibits ‘’good developmental outcomes despite high-risk status, sustained competence under stress, and recovery from trauma’’ Resilient Children 2 Carter and McGoldrick emphasized the importance of the family life cycle in order to best understand families. According to their theory which stage is called ‘’ Pressure cooker’’? Families with young children 3.For Vygotsky, the ZPD is the mechanism by which development occurs. ZPD Means: Zone of proximal development According to Vigotsky the mechanism by which human Development occurs. 4 .Which are the three elements of the child care trilemma? Compensate caregivers, fairly Quality child care, Care affordable for families. 5. Which organization has developed a code of ethical conduct for early childhood professionals? National Association for the Education of Young Children 6According to Bronfenbrenner Biological Theory there are five systems? : Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, Chonosystem 7. Grandparents styles? Formal Fun Seeker Surrogate Parent. Reservoir of family Wisdom Distant 8. What is the definition of cohesion’’? How close they are the member of family (as well as the amount and kind of time they spend together. 9. What is the definition of ‘’flexibility? This refers to the ability of family members to change roles 10. What is the most important roles a person can perform? Mother Father Parenting. 11. TANF means: Temporary Assistance for Needy families. 12. It is expected that parenting skills will come: Naturally 13. Which parenting style avoid confrontation, more responsive than demanding, lenient, do not require mature behavior. Indulgent Parents 14. Spiritually, in its various forms, is seem as the responsibility of parents 15.-Children whose parents use this parenting style , are anxious, have poor communication skills, fail to initiate activities and some over aggressive. Authoritarian Parents 16.-Wha factors support family strengths? 1. Loving nurturing relationships Financial stability Positive connections to people and organizations in communities 17. Parents with this parenting style, have low in both control and warmth; little time or energy given to parenting; low commitment to children. Uninvolved Parents 18.-Diana Baumrind has established four types of parenting: Authoritarian Authoritative Indulgent Uninvolved 19.-Two examples of the concept that cultures borrow and share rules are: Wedding rituals and food and music. 20.-Effective communication between teachers Parents is: Imperative in the provision of quality care and education for youngest children. 21.-Which factors determine how involved fathers are in their children’s lives? Fathers relationships with their own parents Fathers belief systems about the roles of mothers and fathers Attitudes of the mother Marital relationships Timing of fatherhood Family employment patterns Work quality 22.-Inclusiveness, in early childhood educations means: An educational approach that is welcoming to all children and families 23. Define vertical stressors and give two examples: is the events we can changes like Family patterns, authoritarian parent and secrets like don tell. Is the stressors we can change like family patterns authoritarian and secrets like don tell 24. Write five different ways to became parents besides sexual intercourse: Donor insemination, Egg donation, Blended families, Adoption, Foster parents, 25. Define horizontal stressors and give two examples: is the stressor we can not change The nature of these stressor make more difficult to cope with them and to resolve Unemployment Chronic Illness Death 26.-Write three different ways in which families are different: Language, Gender roles ethnicity culture 27. What NAEYC means: National Association for the education of young children 28.-Two examples of the concept that culture is learned. Is not biological Table manners, and ways they demonstrating respect. 29.-There are other variables more important for children’s welfare than whether or not the mother is working outside the home, these variables are: Variations in home life, effects from the specific work environment, and the availability of quality child care. 30.-Nuclear family; extended family, family of orientation; family of procreation. Nuclear family: Any 2 or more persons of the same or adjoining generation related by blood marriage or adoption sharing common residence. Extended family: A family in which 2 or more generations of the same kin living together (extension beyond the nuclear family). Family of orientation: The nuclear family into which one was born and reared (consists of self, siblings, and parents) Family of procreation: The nuclear family formed by marriage (consists of self, spouse, and children.

Huckleberry Finn Analysis Essay Example for Free

Huckleberry Finn Analysis Essay Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been regarded as one of the greatest novels in American regionalism. So many Americans have read it, and many have enjoyed it and many believe that it is worthy of the highest praise, and deserves to be included in the canon of Great American literature. As a piece of regionalist literature, the novel shines out amongst other novels. Twain vividly describes the Mississippi river and surrounding area of Missouri with detail unrivaled. His characters’ dialogue accurately depicts the dialogue of the area, and their attitudes, especially towards African Americans, are also historically accurate. However, as Huck and Jim move farther south down the river, Twain loses touch with his style of writing. The regionalist aspect suddenly crumbles, and his plot line gets outrageously unbelievable. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is not deserving of inclusion in the canon of Great American literature. As Jane Smiley said in her essay Say It Ain’t So, Huck, â€Å"There is more to be learned about the American character from its canonization than through its canonization(Smiley 61). If Twain had kept the story line in his territory of familiarity the outcome may be different, but as his setting moves south, his writing moves right along with it. To clearly see how Twain’s writing deteriorates as the novel progresses one must compare quotes from when the novel is set in Missouri to when the novel is set farther south. Here is a quote from the beginning of the novel, describing the area around Jackson Island, â€Å"†¦but mostly it was big trees all about, and gloomy in there amongst them. There was freckled Boyer 2 freckled places on the ground where the light sifted down through the leaves, and the freckled places swapped about a little, showing there was a little breeze up there†(Twain, 51). The way he describes nature in this excerpt shows his true talent. The personification of the ground and the light, giving it the human-like characteristics of freckles gives the passage a personal touch. His diction and prose make the reader feel like they are watching the golden beams of light dance before their eyes. This is why Mark Twain and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are recognized across America. However, in Chapter 31, when Jim ends up on the Phelps’ plantation, and the Phelps end up being Tom Sawyer’s family, and the Phelps mistake Huck for Tom and Tom for Sid, Twain is really pushing the believability of his novel, and from this excerpt we can see that the beauty of his prose is gone, as though he’s lost touch with the regionalist touch that makes his writing great, â€Å"‘Phelps’s was one of these little one-horse cotton plantations, and they all look alike. A rail fence round a two-acre yard; a stile made out of logs sawed off and up-ended in steps, like barrels of different length†¦(Twain, 273)† and on and on about the buildings of the plantation. There is nothing here that even remotely sounds like it came from someone who knows the area. Twain even says, â€Å"†¦and they all look alike† in the passage. He really lost his essence and creativity. He wrote out of his sphere of knowledge, and his novel suffers for it. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a wonderful piece of literature. Twain captures the true essence of being a teenage boy on a big adventure on the lazy Mississippi river. However, the end of his novel switches settings from Missouri, to further south, on a plantation coincidentally owned by Tow Sawyer’s family, and the reader can clearly see that Twain was out of his element, and he lost the wonderful sense of regionalism that made his Boyer 3 his works, and his era, influential in American literature, mainly because he wasn’t writing about the region he knew, grew up in, and loved. This is why Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is not deserving of inclusion into the great canon of American literature.

Qantas worlds leading long distance airways

Qantas worlds leading long distance airways The Business Case Analysis: Qantas Airways Qantas is recognized as the worlds leading long distance airways which was established in Queensland in 1920, being the second oldest airlines of the world. Today, the airways provide flight services across a network of 173 destinations in 42 countries covering all over the world with approximately 35,000 employees. The Qantas group also offers subsidiary businesses such as budget airlines, Jetstar, and other businesses in specialist services: Qantas Catering and Qantas Holidays (Qantas, 2010). To analyze the changes and challenges that Qantas confronts in the marketing today, we should identify the range of products and services available by using Marketing Mix concept. Then, we will analyze the opportunities that may be available over the next 5 to 10 year by using SWOT Analysis. Lake (n.d) indicated that the marketing mix, or called as 4 Ps, is the combination of marketing elements that are used to serve customers and company goal. The company offers are controlled by the following variables in marketing: Product, Price, Place (Distribution) and Promotion. For Qantas Airways case, their marketing mix can conclude as follow: Product Qantas offers a wide range of products and services including premium brand, Qantas, and low cost brand, Jetstar. Qantas has divided in to international and domestic flight. In term of international flights, Qantas offers first, business, premium economy and economic class, which passengers receive different services of seat, dining, and amenity collections as they paid. In case of Domestic flight, Qantas offers two travel classes: Business and Economy. Domestic inflight services include meals, snacks and audio-visual entertainment. Qantas Cityflyer provides passengers travelling between Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney added more flights and seats than other airways with extra services such as complimentary newspapers on morning and complimentary wine and beer after 4pm weekdays. Jetstar is a low cost airline in Asia-Pacific and Australia. In Australia, its operation is entirely owned by Qantas Group. In Asia, the Qantas Group has extended the brand with their investments in Jetstar Asia (based in Singapore) and Jetstar Pacific (Vietnam). As a result, Jetstars operations have covered 50 destinations across South East Asia and Asia Pacific. Moreover, Qantas also offer non-flying businesses, which are and Qantas holiday and Qantas catering, making perfect products and services for traveling customers and other airlines businesses. Price The prices of flights are different according to the distance of destinations and the class of seat customers selected. Especially, for Jetstar, its prices are competitive with other low-cost airlines that make enormous profits to the company. As its prices are versatile, customers can make a decision based on the services Airlines offered. In addition, for Qantas holiday, it also offers ‘Price Promise program that customers can get guaranteed low prices on transfers, car hire, hotel or activities when they book on Qantas.com. Qantas will match price rate and give 1000 extra points to customers who find another website which provide better rate than Qantas. Place or Distribution channel Customers can book their flights via various different channels which are Qantas.com, Telephone sales, Qantas travel Centers, Qantas airport locations and other travel agencies. Customers also can manage their flight via the website and their mobile phone. Promotion There are many kinds of promotions to encourage sales such as discount air fare, buy one ticket get one free tickets, upgrading seat and loyalty program: Frequent Flyer member. Frequent Flyer program is very popular in airlines industry. Qantas offers three levels of memberships which are Silver, Gold and platinum, excluding Bronze entry level. Each membership has different privileges: Qantas Club and business/First counters, additional kilograms for baggage allowance, point bonus, priority check in and so on. The higher membership level the better privileges members can receive and earn awards. After we identified 4 Ps for Qantas, we will analyze the SWOT analysis to better understanding the organization. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths and Weaknesses are internal factors that the company can control, while Opportunities and Threats are external possibilities which need more company efforts: support opportunities, or prevent and reduce threats. Strengths Strong corporate image Qantas is the leader airways in Australia domestic and international and renowned as the second oldest airways. Moreover, the company is outstanding in strategic markets which are Asia-pacific and Western Europe. Frequent Flyer Program Qantas Frequent Flyer program, the most popular and largest airways loyalty program in Southern part of the world, possess approximately 6.8 million customers with more than 400 partners. This is an important marketing strategy to retain customers and crate brand loyalty to new passengers. Excellent customer service Qantas is devoted to offer passenger with a wide-range of outstanding services. It employs more than 700 international customer service managers and supervisors. Over 1,600 First and Business flight attendants were selected by their product knowledge and extensive service experience and trained to offer a premium service to passengers. Also, many flight attendants are multi-lingual. They can speak a number of languages such as French, Italian, German, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and so on. Furthermore, Qantas also has recognition for using inflight defibrillators and also on-board airplanes provide physician kits which include medication and medication. Corporate social responsibility Qantas are worried about the concern of environment changing and are dedicated to manage its operations and development in an environmentally sustainable approach. They have launched the program ‘Fly Carbon Neutral program to evoke people concerning on reducing carbon emissions that passengers can contribute small amount of money to offset their flight emissions. The Qantas group established the Qantas Environment and Fuel Conservation group to responsible for environment issues. They have decreased aircraft noise around airports, provided suggestion on acquisition assessment of new aircraft and new businesses, applied environmentally practices and performance, and to name but few. In addition, the company also donated to support various ‘not-for-profit programs or organizations such as Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Flora and Fauna International, Clean up Australia Day, and so on. Versatile businesses Apart from its main business, Flying Activity, Qantas also has invested in non-flying activities which are food catering, travel agency, airport and aircraft engineering that enable them to increase the companys profits and represent new opportunities to its present business. A lot of flight and routes There are many routes covering worldwide provided by Qantas. Qantas group operate approximately 5300 flight a week including nearly 60 cities domestically and over 900 fights per week in 173 destinations in 42 countries. This help the Airways is recognized in many countries and expand its market share. Dual brand strategy Qantas Group can cover a wide group of customers because it offers premium brand, Qantas, and low-cost brand, Jetstar. This creativity allowed Qantas to take advantage of target budget passenger and premium travelers to boost its profits and fulfill level of operation. Weaknesses Employees relationship Qantas had conflicts with its engineers in reaching an agreement on a wage dispute earlier in 2008. However, compromise was finally completed with a predictable annual wage raised between4 to 5.8 %(Brigden, 2009). This is an important issue if it occurs again; employees will have negative trust to the company that brings negative effects to overall operations. Dependence on single market In spite of expanding to international region, Qantas still depends on the domestic market for its main revenues. This over-dependence on single market leaves the Airways vulnerable to any politics situation or economic depression and in Australia. Spiraling costs Although in 2008 Qantas group has provided strategies to reduce the impact of increasing fuel costs, it was forced to cut down other operations cost such as jobs and flight capacity to continue competitive position in the market. Opportunities Open Skies Agreement There were many efforts between Australia and other nations such as the US, New Zealand, and so on to approve an open skies agreement. As a result, it has created new opportunities to operate unrestricted capacity over any routing they choose and with as many flights as they desire in beyond markets. Asia-Pacific potential market According to Datamonitor (2009), The Asia-pacific airlines industry had been growing at a healthy rate over 2005-2008, but showed a decline in 2009. This will increase once again in 2010Experts also predicted that the industrys volume is likely to increase to 794.3 million passengers by the end of 2013, showing a compound annual growth rate of8.6% for 2008-2013 period. Therefore, there will be enormous opportunities to increase company revenues and profits. Utilization new technology Technology is improving nowadays. The Airways can utilize it in many ways including increasing the service to customers and improving aircrafts design. In November 2009, Qantas reveal the project, which will begin in the mid-2010, to renovate domestic airport check-in times for passengers at Cityflyer ports across Australia. The membership cards including intelligent chip that can transform the data inside into personal boarding passes linked to the bag tags, and allow passengers to swipe their card on a reader and pass to an easy baggage drop. Non-frequent flyers will also satisfy with major upgrades to their check-in by using hosted kiosks and rapid bag drop. Strategic Alliance The growth of strategic alliances is expected to bring about several returns including an extended route network, more frequent flights and Frequent Flyer passengers and cost and efficiency benefits. Threats Excessive competition Low-cost airlines have become the main competitor of Qantas. Craigie and Bekiaris (2010) stated that Air Asia commenced flight between the Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, and Kuala Lumpur. In addition, Tony Fernandes, Air Asia CEO, said that Air Asia is going to start flying into Sydney by midyear of 2010. Besides, Air Asia X also provides cheap flight to London from Kuala Lumpur. This enhanced on the whole competition in Asia-pacific and Europe region. The competitors of Qantas are not limited only Air Asia, the other low-cost airlines such as Tiger Airlines and Virgin Blue also have offered the same routes as Qantas or Jetstar. Aviation Security issue According to the event of 11 September 2001, it decreased the demand for air travel because of the raised concerns about safety issue. Then, the cost of travel was raised as a result of the requirement of arriving earlier for departure, the increased rate of delays follow-on security breaches, and new protection surcharge (Coughlin, C.C. et al, 2002). Qantas also has flights service between Australia and the US, so the airways have been affected directly by the increasing in security cost. Shortage of pilots and staff Pearson (2008) indicated that approximately 19,000 pilots will need to be trained yearly until 2026 to meet estimated demand as airways grow agreeing to International Air Transport Association (IATA). As a result, it is important to note airways regulators will confront the challenge of training pilots better and faster which need more cost to absorb. Congestion and Airport capacity issue Because the industry developed rapidly, a problem of airport capacity is possible, limiting the total number of airplanes flying to Australia as occurred in other parts of the world. All things considered, after studied both marketing mix and SWOT analysis, I would like to recommend the company to improve its operations as follows: Focus on both domestic and international markets to diversify the risk of domestic economic, politics, social situations. Offer new promotions to passengers. For example, when it nearly reaches the date the flight taken place, company should discount air fare if those flights have remained too many seats to offset the cost of operations per flights. Consider about employees relationship, providing proper training, wages or benefits and number of working hours. Use new technology and well-trained employees for improving airlines services. Find new alliances and retain the relationship of current alliances that can share benefits to the airlines. Continue ‘company social responsibility and ‘Saving Environments projects to maintain good company image. Reference List Brigden, Cathy. (2009). Journal of Industrial Relations. Unions and collective bargaining in 2008, 51(3), 365-378. Coughlin, Cletus C. et. Al. (2002). Review. Aviation Security and Terrorism: A Review of the Economic Issues, 84(5), 9-16. Craigie, J. Bekiaris, M. (2010). Money. Qantas gets cosy with AirAsia, 2(120), 16-16. Datamonitor. (2009). Airline Industry Profile: Asia-Pacific. Airline Industry Profile: Asia-Pacific, 1-32. Lake, Laura. (n.d). Developing Your Marketing-4Ps of Marketing. [Online] Available from: http://marketing.about.com/od/marketingplanandstrategy/a/marketingmix.htm [Accessed 5 May 2010]. Pearson, David. (2008). Wall Street Journal-Eastern Edition. Airlines Face Shortage of Pilots, 251(95), p. B11A. Qantas. (2010). Qantas Fact file. [Online] Available from: http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/about/FactFiles.pdf [Accessed 5 May 2010].

Vanitas :: essays research papers

Vanitas Vanitas, found in many recent pieces, is a style of painting begun in the 17th Century by Dutch artists. Artists involved in this movement include Pieter Claesz, Domenico Fetti and Bernardo Strozzi . Using still-life as their milieu, those artists and others like them provide the viewer with ideas regarding the brevity of life. The artists are giving us a taste of the swiftness with which life can fade and death overtakes us all. Some late 20th Century examples were shown recently at the Virginia Museum of Art in Richmond, Virginia. Among the artists represented in this show were Miroslaw Balka (Polish, b. 1958), Christian Boltanski (French, b. 1944), Leonardo Drew (American, b. 1961), Felix Gonzalez-Torres (American, b. Cuba, 1957- 1996), Jim Hodges (American, b. 1957), Anish Kapoor (British, b. India, 1954), and Jac Leirner (Brazilian, b. 1961). In the poem Vanitas Vanitatum by John Webster, we are given a clear view of this movement in the art world. â€Å"ALL the flowers of the spring Meet to perfume our burying† is a beautiful juxtaposition of the beauty of life and the sorrow of passing away. Actually, any definition of this term would be overshadowed by this poem, it so clearly sums up the meaning and importance behind the word Vanitas. "Vanitas still life with portrait of a young painter " by David Bailly includes such objects as dying flowers, a skull, a painting of musician, musical instruments (recorder, conductor’s baton), statuary of a young, virile man and a young child, a portrait of another young man, and a clean palette hanging on the wall. The meaning behind these articles can be manifold, depending upon one’s point of view, but I think they are all important symbols of the passing nature of vitality and life itself. The flowers, once brilliant and lovely, are now withering in their vase. Music, represented by a man playing a lute in a portrait on the wall and by numerous music related items (a recorder, a conductor’s baton) is itself transient and elusive. Obviously a skull can represent death, but it can just as easily be a reminder of what remains behind. The clean palette hanging on the wall is evocative of a clear start, a new beginning, the option available to us all t o begin again, before it’s too late! In â€Å"Wheel of Fortune†, by Audrey Flack, many objects illustrate the transient nature of this fragile life.

Light vs. Dark in Heart of Darkness Essay -- Heart Darkness Conrad Ess

Light vs. Dark in Heart of Darkness The realism movement of the late nineteenth century produced works in literature that were marked by reduced sentimentality and increased objectivity. The goal was to let details tell the story, and remove noticeable bias of the author through scientific and detailed descriptions. While this form of storytelling undoubtedly is most accurate, it creates difficulties for authors to incorporate their themes into the story. This resulted in an increase in symbolism in realist works. The objects and descriptions within the story are the author’s vehicle for displaying the values and themes of the work. Light and darkness are symbols commonly used in literature, and have held specific symbolic meanings for hundreds of years. Simply stated, light commonly symbolizes good, while darkness symbolizes its antithesis - evil. (Cooper) For centuries light vs. dark has been quite possibly the most common symbol in all literature. In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad uses detail to crea te a feeling that transcends the literal text - most notably through his use of light and dark and the inversion of their traditional meanings. The end goal of this inversion is the establishment of the theme that not everything is as it seems. More specifically, Conrad uses detailed imagery of light and dark to show often times white men can be more savage than the natives. The use of darkness in the title of Conrad’s work immediately alludes to it’s relevance to the story, but in an unexpected way. While the contrast of light and dark, white and black, and good and evil is a common theme in his novella, Conrad essentially reverses the meanings of the two. Conrad’s story is about the penetration of a corru... ...Conrad removes Marlow’s bias, but through the inclusion of careful details he is able to establish his themes. The cruelty of white man to the natives, appearances being deceiving, the nobility of the Africans – all are clear messages of this text that come across not from Marlow’s opinion, but rather the careful inclusion of details and symbolism. No bigger symbol helps Conrad reinforce his theme than the continuous battle of light and dark, and his use of the two is the cornerstone from which he builds meaning from symbolism. Works Cited Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch, New York: Pearson. Copyright 2004. (pp. 948-1001) Cooper, J.C. An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Traditional Symbols. London: Thames and Hudson. Copyright 1987.

Adam Smith :: Biography

Adam Smith The accumulation of capital and the division of labor are what Adam Smith believed to be the driving forces of economic growth in any nation. Smith found that when the division of labor had broken down the production of almost any commodity into a series of simple operations it was more natural for tools and machinery to be invented that replace hand labor and expedite the entire production process, thereby increasing worker productivity. This increased productivity combines with the growing capital stock to increse national output which enables society enjoy higher levels of consumption, constituting a genuine rise in the wealth of the nation according to Smith. Smith’s theory of economic growth can be formulated in a simple algerbraic equation. Where G equals the growth rate, K equals the ratio of productive to unproductive labor, P equals the productivity rate and W equals the real wage: G= KPW From this equation it becomes clear that for growth to occur, the product of the ratio of productive to unproductive labor and the productivity rate must increase more than the real wage. It would seem obvious that an easy way to do this would be to avoid any increase in the real wage, and indeed this view was accepted by many later classical economists who assumed that the nation had nothing to gain from an increase in wages. This was not Smith’s view at all. If an increase in capital enlarges the wages fund from which workers workers are paid, and if this increase is greater than the increase in the number of laborers, than it is only natural for the real wage to increase. On top of that Smith was a believer in what modern economists call the efficiency wage theories which hold that higher wages both enhance the vitality of the workers and reduce employee slacking and labor turnover, the latter two of which lower productivity and profitability. In the equation above it the product of K and P that is responsible for economic growth. It would appear then that K, the ratio of productive to unproductive labor, and P, the productivity rate are equally important factors in this determinance. However, Smith says that this is not so. The ratio of productive to unproductive labor does not change much over time, says Smith.

The Return: Shadow Souls Chapter 42

By now Matt and Mrs. Flowers couldn't ignore the blinding lights anymore. They had to go outside. But just as Matt opened the door there was – well, Matt didn't know what it was. Something blasted straight out of the ground and into the sky, where it got smaller and smaller, became a star, and disappeared. A meteor that had gone through the Earth? But wouldn't that mean tsunamis and earthquakes and shockwaves and forest fires and maybe even the Earth ripping apart? If one meteor that hit the surface could kill off all the dinosaurs†¦ The light that had been shining upward had faded slightly. â€Å"Well, bless my soul,† said Mrs. Flowers in a small, shaken voice. â€Å"Matt, dear, are you all right?† â€Å"Yes, ma'am. But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Matt's vocabulary couldn't stand the strain. â€Å"What the hell was it?† And to his slight surprise, Mrs. Flowers said, â€Å"My sentiments exactly!† â€Å"Wait – there's something moving. Get back!† â€Å"Dear Matt, be careful with that gun†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It's people! Oh, my God! It's Elena.† Matt abruptly sat down on the ground. He could only whisper now. † Elena. She's alive. She's alive!† From what Matt could see, there were a group of people climbing and helping others climb out of a perfectly rectangular hole, perhaps five feet deep, in Mrs. Flowers's angelica patch. They could hear voices. â€Å"All right,† Elena was saying, as she bent down. â€Å"Now grab my hands.† But the way she was dressed! A scrap of scarlet that showed all sorts of scratches and cuts on her legs. On top – well, the remains of the gown covered about what a bikini would. And she was wearing the largest, most sparkly costume jewelry that Matt had ever seen. More voices, going on through Matt's shock. â€Å"Be careful, yes? I will lift him to you – â€Å" â€Å"I can climb out my own.† – surely that was Stefan! â€Å"You see?† Elena rejoiced. â€Å"He says he can climb out his own!† â€Å"Oui, but perhaps one small lift – â€Å" â€Å"This is hardly the time for machismo, little brother.† And that, Matt thought, fingering the revolver, was Damon. Blessed bullets†¦ â€Å"No, I want – to do it myself – okay – got it. There.† â€Å"There! You see! He's better every second!† Elena caroled. â€Å"Where's the diamond? Damon?† Stefan sounded anxious. â€Å"I have it safe. Relax.† â€Å"I want to hold it. Please.† â€Å"More than you want to hold me?† Elena asked. There was a blur and then Stefan was lying back in her arms, while she said, â€Å"Easy, easy.† Matt stared. Damon was right behind them, almost as if he belonged there. â€Å"I'll watch the diamond,† he said flatly. â€Å"You watch your girl.† â€Å"Excuse me – I'm sorry, but†¦could somebody please lift me out?† And that was Bonnie! Bonnie, sounding plaintive but not afraid or unhappy. Bonnie giggling! â€Å"Have we got all the sacks of star balls?† â€Å"We've got all the ones from that house we found.† And that was Meredith. Thank God. They'd all made it out. But despite his thoughts, his eyes were drawn again to one figure – the one who seemed to be supervising things – the one with golden hair. â€Å"We need the star balls because any one of them might be – † she was beginning, when Bonnie cried out â€Å"Oh, look! Look! It's Mrs. Flowers and Matt!† â€Å"Now, Bonnie, they'd hardly be waiting for us,† Meredith put in. â€Å"Where? Bonnie, where?† Elena demanded. â€Å"If it's Shinichi and Misao in disguise I'm going to – hey, Matt!† â€Å"Will someone please tell me where?† â€Å"Right there, Meredith!† â€Å"Oh! Mrs. Flowers! Um†¦I hope we didn't wake you.† â€Å"I have never had a happier awakening,† Mrs. Flowers said solemnly. â€Å"I can see what you have been through in the Dark Place. Your – er – lack of sufficient clothing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  A sudden silence. Meredith glanced at Bonnie. Bonnie glanced at Meredith. â€Å"I know these clothes and gems may seem a little too much†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Matt found his voice. â€Å"Those jewels? They're real?† â€Å"Oh, they're nothing. And we're all dirty†¦.† â€Å"Forgive me. We stink – which is my fault – † Stefan began, only to have Elena cut in. â€Å"Mrs. Flowers, Matt: Stefan's been a prisoner! All this time! Starved and tortured – oh, God!† â€Å"Elena. Shhh. You got me back.† â€Å"We got you back. Now, I'll never let you go. Ever, ever.† â€Å"Easy, love. I really need a bath and – † Stefan stopped suddenly. â€Å"There're no iron bars! Nothing to shut off my Powers! I can†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stepped away from Elena, who clung with one hand. There was a soft, silvery flash of light, like a full moon appearing and disappearing in their midst. â€Å"Over here!† he said. â€Å"Anyone who doesn't want little beastly parasites, I can take care of you.† â€Å"I'm your girl,† said Meredith. â€Å"I have a phobia about fleas, and Damon never even got me any flea powder. What a master!† There was laughter at this, laughter Matt didn't understand. Meredith was wearing – well, it had to be costume jewelry – but still it looked like about a few million dollars' worth of sapphires. Stefan took Meredith's hand. There was the same soft flash of light. And then Meredith stepped back saying, â€Å"Thanks.† Stefan's low response was, â€Å"Thank you, Meredith.† Meredith's blue dress was at least in one piece, Matt observed. Bonnie – whose dress had been slashed into starlight-colored ribbons – was raising a hand. â€Å"Me, too, please!† Stefan took her hand, and it happened all over again. â€Å"Thank you, Stefan! Oooh! I feel so much better! I hated itching!† â€Å"Thank you, Bonnie. I hated to think I was dying alone.† â€Å"Other vampires, take care of yourselves!† Elena said, as if she had a clipboard and were checking items off. â€Å"And, Stefan, please – † She held out her hands to him. He knelt in front of her, kissed both her hands, then enshrouded them in the soft white light. â€Å"But I'd still like a bath†¦Ã¢â‚¬  said Bonnie pleadingly, as the new vampire – the tall fit one – and Damon had each sparked a moonlight glow around themselves. Mrs. Flowers spoke up. â€Å"There are four working bathtubs in that house: in Stefan's room, in my room, in the rooms on either side of Stefan's. Be my guest. I'll put some bath salts in each right now.† And then she added, holding her arms out to the whole ragged, bleeding, dirty bunch of them: â€Å"My house is yours, my dears.† There was a chorus of passionate â€Å"thank yous.† â€Å"I'll arrange a rota. For feeding Stefan, I mean. If you girls are willing,† Elena added quickly, looking at Bonnie and Meredith. â€Å"He doesn't need much, just a little every hour until morning.† Elena still seemed very shy of Matt. Matt was very shy of her. But he stepped forward, empty hands held up to show that he was harmless. â€Å"Is it a rule that it's only girls? Because I've got blood, too, and I'm healthy as a horse.† Stefan quickly looked at him. â€Å"No rule about only girls. But you don't have to – â€Å" â€Å"I want to help you.† â€Å"Okay, then. Thank you, Matt.† The proper response seemed to be â€Å"Thank you, Stefan,† but Matt couldn't think of anything until, â€Å"Thanks for taking care of Elena.† Stefan smiled. â€Å"Thank Damon for that. He and the others all helped me – and each other.† â€Å"We Also Walk Dogs – at least Sage does,† Damon said slyly. â€Å"Oh – that reminds me. I should use that de-parasiting trick on my two friends. Saber! Talon! Heel!† He added a whistle that Matt could never have imitated. In any case, Matt was operating in a dream. A huge dog, almost as big as a pony, seemingly, and a falcon came out of the darkness. â€Å"Now,† the fit vampire said, and once again the soft light shone. And then: â€Å"There. If you don't mind; I prefer to sleep out-of-doors with my friends. I am grateful for all your kindnesses, Madame, and my name is Sage. The hawk is Talon; the dog, Saber.† Elena said, â€Å"Dibs on Stefan's bath for Stefan and me, and Mrs. Flowers's bath for the girls. You boys can work things out on your own.† â€Å"I,† Mrs. Flowers said gravely, â€Å"will be in the kitchen, making sandwiches.† She turned to go. That was when Shinichi arose from the earth above them. Or rather when his face arose. It was clearly an illusion, but a terrifying and marvelous one. Shinichi actually seemed to be there, a giant, perhaps supporting the world on his shoulders. The black part of his hair blended in with the night, but the scarlet tips made a flaming halo around his face. Having come from a land that was dominated by a giant red sun, night and day, it was an odd sight. Shinichi's eyes were red as well, like two small moons in the sky, and they focused on the group by Mrs. Flowers's house. â€Å"Hello,† he said. â€Å"What, you look so surprised? You shouldn't be. I really couldn't let you come back without popping up to say ‘hello.' After all, it's been a long time – for some of you,† the giant face said, grinning. â€Å"Also, of course, to share in the festivities – we've saved little Stefan, and, my, we even fought an oversized chicken to do it.† â€Å"I'd like to see you take Bloddeuwedd on, one on one, and get a secret key out of her nest, at the same time,† Bonnie began indignantly, but stopped when Meredith squeezed her arm. Sage, meanwhile was murmuring something about what his own â€Å"oversized chicken,† Talon, would do if Shinichi were brave enough to show up in person. Shinichi ignored all this. â€Å"Oh, yes, and the mental calisthenics you had to go through. Truly formidable. Well, never again will we mistake you for blunder-headed idiots who never really asked why my sister would give you any clues in the first place, much less clues that Outsiders could understand. I mean† – he leered – â€Å"why not just go and swallow the key in the first place, hmm?† â€Å"You're bluffing,† Meredith said flatly. â€Å"You underestimated us, plain and simple.† â€Å"Maybe,† said Shinichi. â€Å"Or maybe it was something else entirely.† â€Å"You lost,† said Damon. â€Å"I realize that may be an entirely new concept for you, but it's true. Elena has gained much more control over her Powers.† â€Å"But will they work here?† Shinichi smiled eerily. â€Å"Or will they suddenly disappear in the light of a pale yellow sun? Or in the depths of true darkness?† â€Å"Don't let him bait you, Madame,† Sage shouted. â€Å"Your Powers come from a place he cannot enter!† â€Å"Oh, yes, and the renegade. The Rebel's rebel son. I wonder†¦what are you calling yourself this time? Cage? Rage? I wonder what these children will think when they learn who you really are?† â€Å"It won't matter who he is,† Bonnie cried. â€Å"We know that. We know that he's a vampire, but that he can be gentle and kind and he's saved us over and over again.† She shut her eyes, but held her ground against the gale of Shinichi's laughter. â€Å"So ‘Madame,'† Shinichi mocked, â€Å"you think you have gained ‘Sage.' But I wonder if you know what in chess we call a ‘gambit' is? No? Well, I'm sure your intellectual friend will be glad to inform you.† There was a pause. Then Meredith said, with no expression at all, â€Å"A gambit is when a chess player sacrifices something – for instance, a pawn – deliberately – just to get something else. A position on the chessboard that they want, for instance.† â€Å"I knew you'd be able to tell them. What do you think of our first gambit?† Another silence, then Meredith said: â€Å"I presume you mean you've given us back Stefan to achieve something better.† â€Å"Oh, if you only had golden hair – as your friend Elena has so generously displayed.† There were various exclamations on the theme of â€Å"Huh?† – most of them directed at Shinichi, but some at Elena. Who promptly exploded. â€Å"You took Stefan's memories – ?† â€Å"Now, now, nothing so drastic, my dear. But a thirty-meld-a-session beautician – now, she was most cooperative.† Elena turned her gaze up at the giant face with a look of utter contempt. â€Å"You†¦cad.† â€Å"Oh, I'm stricken to the heart.† But the thing was, Shinichi's giant face did look stricken – angry and dangerous. â€Å"Between you, all such close friends: do you know how many secrets there are? Of course, Meredith is a mistress of secrecy, keeping her secrets from her friends all these years. You think you've already pumped her dry, but the best is yet to come. And then, of course, there is Damon's secret.† â€Å"Which if spoken of here and now will mean instant war,† Damon said. â€Å"And you know, it's strange, but I got the feeling that you came here tonight to negotiate.† This time Shinichi's laughter really was a gale, and Damon had to leap behind Meredith to prevent her being knocked into the hole the elevator had made. â€Å"Very gallant,† Shinichi boomed again, shattering glass somewhere on Mrs. Flowers's house. â€Å"But I really must be going. Shall I leave a synopsis of the prizes you still have to search for before your little company can look each other in the eye?† â€Å"I think we already have them. And you are no longer welcome around this home,† Mrs. Flowers said coolly. But Elena's mind was still working. Even standing here, knowing that Stefan needed her, she was searching for the reasons behind this: Shinichi's second gambit. Because she was sure that this was one. â€Å"Where are the pillowcases?† she said in a sharp voice that frightened and bewildered half the group, and simply frightened the rest. â€Å"I was holding one, but then I decided to hold on to Saber instead.† – Sage. â€Å"I had one, at the bottom of the hole, but I dropped it when somebody lifted me out.† – Bonnie. â€Å"I've still got one, although I don't understand what good – † Damon began. â€Å"Damon!† Elena whirled to him. â€Å"Trust me! We've got yours and Sage's safe – what's happening to Bonnie's in the hole?† The moment she had said â€Å"trust me† Damon had dumped his pillowcase on top of Sage's, and by the time she was finished, he had leaped into the hole, which was still so bright with leylight as to hurt any vampire's eyes. But Damon made no complaint. He said, â€Å"I have it safe now – no, wait! A root! A damned root is curled around one of the star balls! Someone toss me a knife, quick!† While everyone else was slapping their pockets for knives, Matt did something that Elena couldn't believe. First he glanced down into the six-foot-deep hole while pointing – a revolver, was it? Yes – she recognized it as the twin of Meredith's. Then without trying to let himself down easily, he simply jumped as Damon had, into the hole. â€Å"DON'T YOU WANT TO KNOW – † roared Shinichi, but no one was paying any attention to him. Matt's jump didn't end lightly as Damon's had. It ended with a gasp and a stifled curse. But Matt didn't waste time; still on his knees, he handed the gun up to Damon. â€Å"Blessed bullets – shoot it!† Damon moved very fast. He didn't even seem to aim. But he must have clicked the safety off and aimed immediately, for the root was now streaking for the soft wall of the hole, its end wrapped tightly around something round. Elena heard two shattering revolver shots; three. Then Damon stooped and picked up a vine-wrapped ball, medium-sized and crystal clear where its true surface could be seen. â€Å"PUT THAT DOWN!† Shinichi's rage was beyond all measure. The two burning red spots of his eyes were like flames – like moons of fire. He seemed to be trying to get them to comply by sheer volume. â€Å"I SAID, DON'T TOUCH THAT WITH YOUR FILTHY HUMAN HANDS!† â€Å"Oh, my God!† gasped Bonnie. Meredith said simply, â€Å"It's Misao's – it has to be. He'd gamble with his own; but not with hers. Damon, hand it up to me, along with the revolver. I bet it's not bulletproof.† She knelt, reaching into the hole. Damon, with a raised eyebrow, did as she said. â€Å"Oh, God,† Bonnie cried, from the edge of the hole. â€Å"Matt's sprained his ankle – at least.† â€Å"I TOLD YOU,† roared Shinichi. â€Å"YOU'LL BE SORRY – â€Å" â€Å"Here,† Damon said to Bonnie, taking not the slightest notice of Shinichi. Without any more ado, he picked up Matt and floated up out of the hole. He deposited the fair-haired boy beside Bonnie, who looked at him with the wide brown eyes of utter confusion. Matt, though, was a Virginian through and through. After swallowing only once, he got out a â€Å"Thank you, Damon.† â€Å"No problem, Matt,† Damon said, and then â€Å"What?† as someone gasped. â€Å"You remembered,† Bonnie cried, â€Å"You remembered his – Meredith!† she broke off, looking at the tall girl. â€Å"The grass!† Meredith, who had been examining the star ball with a strange expression, now tossed the revolver to Damon and tried with her free hand to tear away the grass that had twined around her feet and up her ankles already. But even as she did so, the grass seemed to leap upward and grab her hand, binding it to her feet. And now it was sprouting, growing, racing up her body toward the ball which she held high in the air. At the same time, it was tightening around her chest, forcing air out of her lungs. It all happened so fast that it was only when she gasped, â€Å"Somebody take th' ball,† that the others leaped to her aid. Bonnie was the first to get there, tearing with her fingernails at the greenery that was squeezing Meredith's chest. But each blade was like steel, and she couldn't rip away even one of them. Neither could Matt or Elena. Meanwhile, Sage was trying to lift Meredith bodily – to pluck her from the earth – and having no more success than the rest. Meredith's face, clearly visible in the light still shining from the hole, was going white. Damon snatched the star ball from her fingers just before the tangled greenery running up her arm could reach it. He then began moving literally faster than the human eye could track, never stopping in any one place long enough for any plant to grasp him. But still, the grass around Meredith was tightening. Now her face was turning blue. Her eyes were wide, her mouth open for a breath that would not come. â€Å"Stop it!† Elena screamed at Shinichi. â€Å"We'll give you the star ball! Just let go of her!† â€Å"LET GO OF HER?† Shinichi bellowed laughter. â€Å"MAYBE YOU'D BETTER LOOK TO YOUR OWN INTERESTS FIRST BEFORE ASKING ME A FAVOR.† Wildly, Elena looked around – and saw that grass had almost completely enveloped a kneeling Stefan, who had been too weak to move as quickly as the others had. And he had never made a sound to call attention to himself. â€Å"No!† Elena's desperate scream almost drowned out Shinichi's laughter. â€Å"Stefan! No!† Even knowing it was futile, she threw herself at him and tried to rip the grass away from his thin chest. Stefan simply gave her the faintest of smiles and shook his head sadly. That was when Damon came to a stop. He held the star ball up toward Shinichi's lowering visage. â€Å"Take it!† he shouted. â€Å"Take the ball, damn you, but let the two of them go!† This time the gale of Shinichi's laughter went on and on. A spiral of grass grew from a point beside Damon and an instant later had formed a hideous, shaggy green fist, which almost reached the star ball. But – â€Å"Not yet, my dears,† gasped Mrs. Flowers. She and Matt had come breathlessly from the boardinghouse storage room – Matt limping badly – and they both held what looked like Post-it notes in their hands. The next thing Elena knew, Damon was moving at ferocious speed again, away from the fist, and Matt was slapping a bit of paper on the grass covering Stefan, while Mrs. Flowers did the same to the greenery on Meredith. As Elena watched in disbelief, the grass seemed to melt, dying away into hay-colored blades that fell to the ground. The next moment she was holding Stefan. â€Å"Let's get inside, my dears,† Mrs. Flowers said. â€Å"It's safe in the storage room – the able help the wounded, of course.† Meredith and Stefan were taking great gasping breaths. But Shinichi had the last word. â€Å"Don't you worry,† he said, strangely calm as if he realized he'd lost – for now. â€Å"I'll get that sphere back soon enough. You don't know how to use that kind of Power anyway! And besides all that, I'm going to tell you what you've been hiding from your so-called friends. Just a few secrets, yes?† â€Å"The hell with your secrets,† shouted Bonnie. â€Å"Language, language! How about this: One of you has kept a secret all their life, and is doing so even now. One of you is a murderer – and I am not speaking of a vampire, or a mercy killing, or anything like that. And then there is the question of the true identity of Sage – good luck on your research there! One of you has already had their memory erased – and I don't mean Damon or Stefan. And what about the secret, stolen kiss? And then there is the question of what happened the night of the motel, that it seems that nobody but Elena can recall. You might ask her sometime about her theories about Camelot. And then – â€Å" That was when the sound as loud as Shinichi's giant-sized gales of laughter interrupted him. It tore through the face in the sky, leaving it drooping ridiculously. Then the face disappeared. â€Å"What was that – â€Å" â€Å"Who has the gun – ?† â€Å"What kind of gun could do that to him?† â€Å"One with blessed bullets,† Damon said coolly, showing them the revolver, pointed down. â€Å"You mean you did that?† â€Å"Good for Damon!† â€Å"Forget Shinichi!† â€Å"He is a liar when it suits him, that I can tell you.† â€Å"I think,† Mrs. Flowers said, â€Å"that we can retire to the boardinghouse now.† â€Å"Yeah, and let's go get our baths.† â€Å"Just one last thing.† Shinichi's voice, giant-sized seemed to come from everywhere around them; from the sky, from the earth. â€Å"You're really going to love what I have in mind next for you. If I were you, I'd start negotiating for that star ball right NOW.† But his laughter was off and the muffled feminine sound behind him was almost like crying, as if Misao couldn't help herself. â€Å"YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT!† Shinichi insisted in a roar.

Problems on the Supermarket Area

1. INTRODUCTION One of the main earths interrogation into customer complaints is authoritative is be deliver of competition (Van Horne & Wachowicz, 2000). whole Hypermarkets be arrest highly competitive in terms of winning the customers. Hypermarkets which do non get feedback from their customers just ab come forward their do prevail the risk of losing them. In addition, if the Hypermarket does not escort into this atomic number 18a earnestly, the Hypermarket volition not suck in the knowledge to make the necessary changes to their serve up.To proceed the good reputation for the Hypermarket and the wishs between the supplier and the Hypermarket, in that respect is a need to divulge and solve the materialization of rum predilection in snappy bears sold in the Hypermarket in rescript to oppose much(prenominal) plaza from recovering again. Hence, this continue al first base for firstly describe the thin out that occurs in the Hypermarket, which is the wintry de arst produce amusing judgment after cooking.Then, the tell go forth discuss four come-at-able chores that put up to the view which be failure to accompany the criteria tending(p) for each ingathering delivered, beginning timberland intersection point, illicit prevailing when receiving the harvest-feast and miserable management of the tune memory board. Besides discussing about the possible chores this report also leave provide three solutions and recommendations to prevent this position from occuring again which are tidings, get off staves for readiness and courses in handling the take and service the investment trust entrepot. 2. 0 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMIn the unity-third week of September, 2011, the Hypermarket has graveld more(prenominal) than tail fin customers complaints regarding the rimed love sold in the Hypermarket. Most of the snappy contain produced unique audition after be cooked. As a result, the customers who bough t the crisp honey and ingest them complained that they suffered accept ache and diarrhea. Looking at these complaints, the Hypermarket feels that this make love should be looked at seriously as it mogul cause proscribe consequences to the Hypermarket such(prenominal) as loosing more customers and minify in sales.As such, the Hypermarket believes that in foresight investigation and staring(a) report should be given to the Branch Manager so that this situation would be prevented. 3. FACTORS THAT LEAD TO THE PROBLEM 1. trouble to Follow the Criteria Given for Every return Based on the customers complaints and give-and-take among the staffs, one of the possible computes that return to the unpaired druthers of the wintry dear is failure to comprise the criterias given by the Hypermarket. For each ordering made by the Hypermarket, on that point depart be a list of criterias that should be conform toed by the supplier.These criterias are significantly exclusively- important(a) and ought to be followed because it has considered all aspect when choosing a result (Rao, 1989). For instance, when the Hypermarket requests for glacial meat gayly frozen deliver, the supplier has been given several(prenominal) criterias that should be obeyed to. whatsoever of the criterias are the frozen deliver should be golosh to be cooked and unplowed in the loosezer, for example. This is to chequer that the frozen deliver are safe to be used, produce good taste speckle cooking, and depart not lead to puffy diseases such as diarrhea and raise ache.Since the complaints are focusing on the peculiar taste, this shows that the supplier has failed to meet the requirements needed. The frozen give birth has produced peculiar taste and resulted negative consequences to the customers. Basically, the Hypermarket believes that the chore aroused is due to the suppliers failure to ensure that the frozen dear has meet the requirements. Moreover, pastime these requirements are one of the major issues that has been centre when choosing the supplier.Thus, exigent actions and mendments should be made on this area, so that this issue would not happen in future. 2. Low Quality crop asunder from failure to follow the criterias given, other factor that cleverness contri providede to the problem is the low level of quality product. get together in to Deloof and Jeggers (1996), quality can be delineate a state of being free from defects, deficiencies and significant variations, brought about by the strict and consistent adherence to measurable and falsifiable standards to achieve uniformity of output that satisfies limited customer or user requirements.This path that having a good quality product provides a confirmation to customers that the product they barter for are swell measured, built and produced. It is important to have a good quality product this will retain customers on bribeing that particular product because they inst itutionalize the product. In relation with the problem confront byt the Hypermarket, the frozen lamb supplied by the furcate mogul be considered as low quality product as it produces peculiar taste. This might due to the condition of the lamb itself, and how it is being run by the staffs.Furthermore, the lamb might be received in unfresh condition, or it has been taken from unreliable sources. thitherfore, this report is to ensure that the break will valuate the supplier of the lamb, so that this situation could be prevented in future. Besides, having low quality product will increase company expenses, as customers will go along on returning(a) the product that they bought (Long, Malitz & Abraham, 1993). Consequently, in that location will be another bear upon of reevaluating the product which supplicate cost and time.This will any(prenominal)how decrease the sales of the product and increase the calculate for that particular product which in this case, the frozen lamb. H ence, a thorough evaluation on where the lamb is taken from should be make to ensure the good quality of the frozen lamb that being dis plant to the Hypermarket. 3. amiss(p) Product Checking when Receiving and Delivering The third possible factor that leads to the peculiar taste of the frozen lamb is untoward product checking during receiving and delivering. It is off preponderating importance for the sender and receiver to check on every product when they issue forth at the warehousing place.This stage is cognise as internal control where earlier we deliver the product to our branch or sell it in front of the customers, there is a need to check on every single product receive (Deloof & Jeggers, 1996). This is to ensure that every product is in their best condition. Sometimes the product might be over- looked from the outside. However, due to the delivery service the product might be discredited or having defects. Hence, it is very important to check on the product entirel y so that these possible situation would not happen.In continuative with the problem of hampering the frozen lamb, whatever of the issues regarding improper product checking are the branch and the hypermarket might not do proper checking when displace and receiving the frozen lamb. The branch should do thorough checking of the frozen lamb when receiving from the supplier out front the frozen lamb are sent to the Hypermarket. Many external factors should be looked at plot of ground delivering the frozen lamb to the Hypermarket because with out this period there are numerous possibilities for the lamb to be defected.For example, some of the frozen lambs might probably evanesce out of the computer memory in the lorry, and this has bear on the lamb as well as the taste of the lamb when cooking. Thus, whenever a product is received, there is a need to check from each one of the product condition, so that we could fend off any negative experiences with the customer. 4. Poor fo cal point of the Stock Storage The fourth possible factors that contribute to the problem occured in the Hypermarket would be poor management of the melodic line entrepot.Basically, There are five principles of dribble warehousing that should be followed which are labelling, position, gyration, humidity and temperature (Doyle, Beauchat & Montville, 1997). For each product that being kept in the shop, it must follow closely this principles base on what vitrine are they (Pitt & Hocking, 1997). For instance, the vulgar materials and ingredients stored in establishment shall be kept in distract conditions, as to prevent harmful deterioration and to protect them from pollution. In addition, items such as cleaning chemicals, other chemicals, and insect and rodent poisons in enlighten areas to sustenance and fare packaging.There are 2 types of storage which are ironic goods and chilled storage that could cater to frozen and dried products (Palmer, 1983). cognise these pr inciples of stock storage and the appropriate port of handling the storage, it shows that there could be some mishandling cases that lead to the peculiar taste of the frozen lamb. The staffs might not securely and entirely rambleped all the frozen lamb in refrigerators and freezers. In addition, the workers might not use accurate trays or containers while keeping the frozen lamb.Regenstein & Regenstein (1979) revealed that it is important to wrap all the frozen lambs in order to prevent cross-contamination and to obligate quality. Besides, the trays or containers should have enough space for liquid from defrosting items, or blood, from the lamb. Instead of the stock storage, the stock rotation of in the stock storage should be looked at as well. A suited system of stock rotation should be applied to make sure aged(a) foods are used first to stay off spoilage. This applies to chilled and frozen foods as well as other products (Regenstein & Regenstein, 2000).For example, foods with an discontinue use by come across, which you are returning to the supplier for credit, should be all the way mark to show they are not intended for sale or place them in a clearly marked container. In relation to the frozen lamb case in the Hypermarket, these principles might be overlooked and caused peculiar taste. The frozen lamb might be expired or not being kept securely in the chilled storage. As stock management is the utmost possible reason that leads to the peculiar teaste of the frozen lamb, strict actions should be given in this area so that this problem would not be hap again. . SOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM 1. Discussion Apart from seeking for the possible factors that lead to the peculiar taste of the frozen lamb, the purpose of this report is also to suggest slipway to improve and overcome this situation. The first strategy that should be taken to address the issue is by having a discussion between the supplier, the branch manager and th e store manager. The discussion is in force(p) to be conducted, as it involves a process of exchanging the ideas and opinions.The involved parties could brainstorm and become more awake(predicate) of the problem (Richard & Laughlin, 1980). Furthermore, it shows that with discussion allows every side to solve the problem and able to implement the strategies to overcome the problem. Besides, the discussion would be a form of verbal warning to the supplier and other branches that this situation should not happen again in future. In case it happens, everybody would be aware of the other consequences such as the cancellation of the deal where the Hypermarket could request to change to a unseasoned supplier. . Training and Courses for Staffs Secondly, after having in depth discussion in investigating the issue of the peculiar taste of the frozen lamb, there must be other follow up solutions that need to be through with(p) in order to prevent this situation from casualty again. It is important to ensure that every staff in this area are well informed about the lineage scope (Maher & Graves, 2007). Every staff ought to wait a cookery and courses before being employed. The training and courses are designed to put forward the quality of every staffs service.For example, every staff needs to extrapolate analytically on how to run ironic goods and frozen products. The staffs should be aware that the stocks that will be expired in a short time should be marked clearly. This is to avoid the products from being groomd and displayed in the shelves. Furthermore, the staffs should aware that expired or nearly expired product will cause negative consequences to the customer if they happen to buy them. In the case of frozen lamb in the Hypermarket, one of the possible reasons that lead to the problem is perhaps the lamb has reached the demise date.The selected staffs must know how to manage and arrange frozen foods such as lamb in order to retain the quality of fro zen lamb in the Hypermarket. This proves that through training and courses the management of the every product sold in the Hypermarket could be enhance tremendously. These types of training and courses are also semiprecious in maintaning the quality of every staffs service. Apart from merely acquire how to handle the product in practical, there is a strong need to provide sufficient theoretical input of it to every staff. Hence, it would be beneficial to conduct a test at the end of the training and courses.The purpose of the test is to set a standard (Hind, Moss & McKellan, 2007) before the Hypermarket employ somebody into the field. Therefore, every staff have to good-by the test and this will somehow maintain the quality service offered by the Hypermarket. Consequently, such situation a kindred(p) having frozen lamb with peculiar taste could be prevented from happening again. 3. Service the Stock Storage regularly Finally, one of the utmost important ways to solve the proble m regarding the peculiar taste of frozen lamb in the Hypermarket is overhaul the stock storage regularly.It is known that stock storage is a place where all the products are being kept (Palmer, 1983). The importance of having storage is to ensure the availability of the products. In the storage, all products are being storaged correspond to the type of food whether they are dry goods or chilled foods. In addition, the ledge vitality and date codes of items can be placed based on the correct storage conditions, including temperatures and labels (Doyle, Beauchat & Montville, 1997).For instance, food with a short shelf life in which food drunkenness organisms can grow such as frozen foods are labelled with a USE BY date (Pitt & Hocking, 1997). It is an offense to have on display, or sell, food after the use by date has expired, even if it appears to still be fit to eat. These are some of the rules that should be followed in the stock storage. To ensure that the storage is safe for every product to be kept therefore, regular run should be done.Regular servicing is to prevent defects and deficiencis of the products such as roofy bites at the edge of the packaging or for chilled food, there will be bacteria in the food due to incompatible temperature (Regeinstein & Regenstein, 2000). Doyle, Beauchat and Montville (1997) also suggested that the storage should be serviced at least once a month in order to maintain the cleanliness of the storage and safety of the products. Instead of servicing the storage as a whole, the place where we keep frozen foods is most important to be serviced monthly.This is due to the condition of the food like frozen foods tend to produce undue water and smell due to their type of food. For example, frozen lamb will unquestionably produce blood and water but in frozen condition. These excessive fuck up will stay in the storage even we have taken out the food from the place. So, to clean up the storage twice a month is appropriat e in order to avoid contamination from happening to the frozen food. Besides, packaging and cover materials and catering disposables to be used for food should also be kept in clean, dry, pest and contamination free stores (Pitt & Hocking, 1997).Thus, in relation to the frozen lamb in the Hypermarket, regardless of the supplier, the branch manager and the hypermarket, the stock storage in every place should be serviced regularly to prevent contamination. As a result, any incident like peculiar taste from the frozen lamb could be avoided from happening again in future. 5. CONCLUSION In summary, this report has elaborated three main areas that should be looked at in order to solve the issue of peculiar taste for the frozen lamb in the Hypermarket which are problem, factors and solutions.The report has determine that the peculiar taste produced by the frozen lamb result several consequences to the Hypermarket. Some of them are the customers suffer diarrhea and stomach ache after eat ing the lamb and several complaints about similar issue have received. The Hypermarket believes that this issue should be investigated in order to retain customers. There are four factors that have been identified which are failure to follow the criteria given for every product delivered, low quality product, improper checking when receiving the product and poor management of the stock storage.Thus, to solve this situation as well as address these factors, this report has come out with three solutions which are discussion, send staffs for training and courses in handling the stock and service the stock storage. It is hoped that this report will be beneficial to all parties curiously the Hypermarket in addressing the issue of peculiar taste produced by the frozen lamb. To ensure the mastery of a business, everybody should play a oversize role in making that happen. (2780 words)