Monday, September 30, 2019

Overfishing and it Effects to the Environment Essay

For the last 10 years, the world had been aware of the various changes which had been occurring within our environment. It is known to us that the actions which our ancestors had done in the past have now caused us many problems such as global disasters that could truly ruin the future of the next generation. In the event of the problem of climate change (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005), various things had come up such as pollution of the air and various water resources. Due to this, different aspect of the environment is deeply affected and sometimes devastated because of the scenarios present. For many people who live in a place where in fishing is their main industry, it is immediately declared that their primary source of income is directly affected by the harsh conditions of the changing weather brought by climate change. Although it is true the climate change is affecting the waters which is one of the main source of our resources, it could not be hidden that the individuals who are directly involved in the industry are also to be blamed to the catastrophe in the water industry. In the waters, one of the main problems which are faced by the industries is the lessening of the fishes in the see. One of the main culprits of this issue is the over fishing of various fishermen who are connected to the huge companies. Over fishing had been a main concern for various non-governmental organizations such that of the Green Peace. It was said by the respectful environmental group that â€Å"over-exploitation and mismanagement of fisheries has already led to some spectacular fisheries collapses. The cod fishery off Newfoundland, Canada collapsed in 1992, leading to the loss of some 40,000 jobs in the industry. The cod stocks in the North Sea and Baltic Sea are now heading the same way and are close to complete collapse† (Green Peace, 2008). Even before human beings have discovered new technologies, it is known that fishes are the main source of food for many. Based on various historical books such as the Bible, fish was the main commodity for the people in order for them to eat. As years gone by, more and more people are inclined to get more fish in order for them to gain income to provide their families. Various innovations and technological advancements were also used to increase the number of catch due to the increasing number of demand for fish. Based on the studies made by the Green Peace and their team of scientists it was stated that overfishing truly is causing a grave danger for the marine life and diversity of our oceans. Most of the fishermen who have the capacity to catch enough fish are those that utilize nets which are not suited to legally catch fish. Many of the fishermen use nets which has smaller holes which do not allow the smaller fishes to escape. This type of scenario happens most of the time, therefore the young fishes were not given a chance to grow and be mature enough to be caught. Through the Young People’s Trust for the Environment, types of events happen due to commercial fishing. There are various techniques that are done by fishermen in order for them to capture various kinds of fishes. There are fishes which are called â€Å"pelagic† meaning they live within the upper parts of the water making them the most accessible fishes to be caught by fishing nets which are connected to the gigantic ships that fishermen use. It is stated that, â€Å"net suspended from floats is stretched between two boats so that fish swim into it. Fish are unable to swim backwards, so once they are caught in the net, there is no escape unless they are small enough to fit through the net’s mesh† (Young People’s Trust for the Environment, 2008). Other fishes that are in the deeper level of the sea are caught differently. There is also a big net placed under the boat which then gets everything that it captures along the way. The marine resources that I catch were not only fish but also the coral reefs, the schools and other organisms which are not supposed to be captured during the act of fishing. Such action is not only disastrous for the young fishes but also the organisms within the environment because they are also being displaced and even killed when there are commercial ships around. (n. p. ) In order to mitigate the problem of over fishing different agencies have created ways in order for them to fully destabilize the problem which is being caused by over fishing. One of the main agencies are the United Nations in which launched various types of programs and amendments to protect the marine resources all over the world as well as protect the marine resources that our world currently have. In 1995, an article was written about the treaty in which was proposed under the United Nations which addresses the problem in over fishing. It states that the treaty should be approved by 185 countries which then be ratified by 30 countries in order for the treaty to be fully taken into place. In addition, another program which had been under the United Nations is the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (Government of Canada, 2006). However, Green Peace and World Wildlife Fund had expressed that this treaty would not directly answer the problems of over fishing. In fact, Matthew Gianni had stated that there is a great possibility that yearly there will be new innovations of boats which will be able to detect fish which then result to much more damage to our marine resources (Crossette, 1995). With such article, it directly states that these international organizations does not trust that a plain agreement with various countries thus they suggests more than just an agreement but a full arrangement and limitation of the types of vessels which should be reasonable to be able to catch enough fish. In addition, fishes which will be caught will be enough in size and maturity which will then leave the small fishes to be fully grown and create another generation of fishes. The World Wildlife Fund have done their own actions in order for help create a sustainable fishing for the future generation. They have noted various types of steps in which they called: Fisheries Partnership Agreements which listed these various general actions to fully attain sustainable fishing: †¢ respect sustainable fishing levels account for environmental costs †¢ protect local fishers †¢ include compliance with flag state laws †¢ are based on best practice fisheries management †¢ include cooperation on research and monitoring †¢ ensure adequate monitoring and enforcement capacity †¢ ensure fairer sharing of economic benefits between producer and extractor nations (World Wildlife Fund, 2008) In conclusion, many of our world’s resources had now been gone and are still being abused by various types of industries due to the demand of resources the global economy has. But then, we should remember that we must learn how to conserve our natural resources so that there would not be scarce resources for the future. Like the World Wildlife Fund and the Green Peace have stated, it is not enough the there will be treaties and agreements under these types of issues. It is still important that the mitigation process should be continuously checked in order to incur changes for the environment, the amount of resources as well as to secure the lives of the future generation. The continuous efforts of the international community, through the help of various countries as well as the international organization will lead to a prosperous and much more peaceful fellowship with one another. On the other hand, the issue of climate change must also be resolved for the reason that it also affects the issue regarding overfishing and lessening of the resources available for various marine industries. Although there are issues like this, it should be taken into mind that the responsibility is not only through organizations but also through an individualistic perspective.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Swot Analysis: Pepsi

SWOT Analysis: PepsiCo Diversification Strategy in 2008 Name Course Instructor Name Date PepsiCo Diversification Strategy in 2008 PepsiCo History †¢ PepsiCo is the second largest snack and beverage company in the world. Established in 1965 when Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay shareholders merged their salty snack icon and soft drink giant. With revenues of $500 million with popular brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Fritos, Lay’s, Cheetos, and Ruffles, they have achieved growth and long-term value in its operational activities by creating competitive advantages through new product innovation and acquisitions. Its portfolio has grown year after year with its acquisition of Tropicana in 1998, two largest bottlers (Pepsi Bottling Group/PepsiAmericas) in 2010 and Wimm-Bill-Dann (dairy products) in 2011, and the merger with Quaker Oats in 2001. Profits generating $39. 5 billion in net revenues in 2007 leading to 19 products each generating $1 billion in worldwide retail revenues in 2010. Some of the most popular inclusions have been Quaker Oats, Gatorade G2, Tiger Woods signature sports drinks, Cap’n Crunch cereal, Aquafina, and Aunt Jamima pancake mix. In keeping up with consumer health and wellness concerns of reducing saturated fats, cholesterol, trans fats, and simple carbohydrates, PepsiCo created better-for-you and good-for-you products under the Power of One alliance strategy which focused on increasing customers tendency to purchase more than one PepsiCo product during each visit. A quite ingenious innovation! †¢ †¢ SWOT Analysis Strengths Branding Diversification Distribution Weaknesses Overdependence on Snacks & Non-carbonated drinks Large Size Low Productivity Opportunities Broadening of Product Base International Expansion Growing Snacks of new flavors and Bottled Water market in U. S. Threats Decline in Carbonated Drink Sales Potential Negative Impact of Government Regulations Intense Competition Potential Disruption Strengths Branding †¢ PepsiCo’s top brand is its most recognized brand in the world, Pepsi, followed by its 155 varieties of Frito-Lay, PepsiCo beverages, Tropicana, Gatorade, and Quaker Oats brands. Most PepsiCo brands reached number one or two positions in their respective categories and has â€Å"24 other global and local brands with annual retail sales ranging from $250 million to $1 billion, including Sobe, Naked, AMP Energy, Propel Zero, Sabritas, Gamesa, Lebedyansky, Aunt Jemima and Rice? A? Roni . † (PepsiCo website) In2008, Frito-Lay was the top selling chip brand in the U. S. and Propel Fitness Water was the leading brand of functional water; In 2007 it was Gatorade, propel, and Aquafina with a 76 percent market share. Three initiatives leading the industry were â€Å"convenience, a growing awareness of nutritional content of snack foods, and indulgent snacking. † (Gamble & Thompson, 2012, pg. 426) The strength of these brands is evident in PepsiCo’s presence in 200 countries and proven in it’s 2007 net revenues of $39. 5 billion globally and annualized revenues of $60 billion in 2010. (PepsiCo website) The company has the largest market share in the US beverage at 39%, and snack food market at 25%. Such brand dominance insures loyalty and repetitive sales. †¢ Diversification †¢ PepsiCo’s diversification not only integrates snacks (chips), ready-to-drink teas, juice drinks, flavored/bottled water, as well as breakfast cereals, cakes and cake mixes, but its brands are catered to its international franchise such Crujitos corn snacks, Fruko beverages, and Crueslic cereal sold in the UK, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa. All the various products plus a multi-channel distribution system, and its 300,000 team of professionals that thrive on collaboration and respect were led by three CEOs (Enrico, Reinemund, Nooyi); all of which served to insulate PepsiCo position as the â€Å"world’s second largest food and beverage business†. (PepsiCo website) Distribution †¢ The company delivers its products through direct-store-delivery (DSD) from manufacturing plants and warehouses to customer warehouses and foodservice and vending distribution networks to retail stores. PepsiCo website) These delivery options allow maximum visibility and appeal (DSD), costs savings for fragile/perishables with lower turnover (customer warehouse), and the use of third party distribution services (foodservice/vending) to schools, stadiums and restaurants reducing stock-outs. All are based on â€Å"customer needs, product characteristics, and local trade practices†. (PepsiCo website) Weaknesses Overdependence on Snacks and Non-carbonated drinks †¢ PepsiCo failed to focus on its main brand, Pepsi. Although sales of carbonated drinks was considerable his, it was carried by it’s non-carbonated which increased revenues 5 percent; consequently, carbonated revenues dropped 3 percent the same year, 2007. †¢ The company focused on more healthy products by trying to develop new sweeteners and acquiring Izze lightly carbonated sparkling fruit drinks in 2007. It failed to strengthen its position in the U. S. to out beat Coca-Cola and lagged 10 percent in 2007; bumping PepsiCo to the number two position of nonalcoholic beverage producer. (Gamble & Thompson, 2012, pg. 430) Large Size †¢ Despite its international presence, 48 percent of its revenues originate in the US. (Gamble & Thompson, 2012, pg. 431) This leaves PepsiCo vulnerable to the impact of changing economic conditions. Large US customers could exploit PepsiCo’s lack of bargaining power and negatively impact revenues. Acquisition of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC initially proved beneficial but continued growth in snack food and beverage acquisitions deemed its strategic-fit benefits existing between restaurants and its core beverage and snacks were difficult to capture. Benefits were offset by fast-food industries fierce price competition and low profit margins. (Gamble & Thompson, 2012, pg. 423) †¢ â€Å"Its value chain consists of 230 plants, 3,600 distribution systems, and 120,000 service routes around the world. (Gamble & Thompson, 2012, pg. 436) Low Productivity †¢ Low profit margins on PepsiCo’s international business demanded the need for a new organizational structure leading to the 2008 realignment creating a three division structure under one roof with six reporting segments: Frito-Lay North America, Quaker Foods North America, Latin American Foods, PepsiCo Americas Beverages, United Kingdom & Europe, and Middle East, Africa & Asia. (Gamble & Thompson, 2012, pg. 36) In an article from the Dow Jones & Company, dated 21 November 2012, it reports a disappointing year for Pepsi and the speculation that PepsiCo may be reconsidering its refusal to create separate global snacks and beverage companies. † (Proquest) Opportunities Broadening of Product Base †¢ PepsiCo seized opportunity of potential weaknesses by acquiring Mexico’s largest Pepsi bottler, Pepsi-Gemex SA de CV, for $1. 26 billion capitalizing Mexico’s number one producer of purified wa ter. (Gamble & Thompson, 2012, pg. 34) In addition, the two largest bottlers (Pepsi Bottling Group/PepsiAmericas) in 2010 and Wimm-Bill-Dann (dairy products) in 2011, and the merger with Quaker Oats in 2001. †¢ It continues to broaden its product base by introducing what consumers want most: Healthier snacks and drinks, convenient snack size portions, and introducing multiple flavors to the needs of various cultures. These initiatives will enable PepsiCo to adjust to the changing lifestyles of its consumers and appeal to its international customer base. International Expansion †¢ PepsiCo is focused on expanding Gatorade into 15 additional countries, Tropicana into 20 new markets, and Lipton into five international markets in 2012. (Gamble & Thompson, 2012, pg. 434) Its expansion into international markets and a lessening its dependence on US sales in addition to the company plans on major capital initiatives in China will increase their global customer base. Growing Snacks of new flavors and Bottled Water market in US †¢ Products such as Aquafina, and Propel are well established products and in a position to ride the upward crest. PepsiCo products such as, Doritos tortilla chips, Cheetos cheese flavored snacks, Tostitos tortilla chips, Ruffles potato chips, Sun Chips multigrain snacks, Rold Gold pretzels, benefit from a growing savory snack markets.. Threats Decline in Carbonated Drink Sales †¢ Soft drink sales have decline by as much as 2 percent from 2005 to 2007 due to a health conscience society. Fruit beverages went down slightly and others stayed relatively the same. The future state of the economy and additional emphasis on health could drive these numbers in the negative direction. Potential Negative Impact of Government Regulations †¢ Manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of food products may be altered as a result of state, federal or local dictates. In 2000, PepsiCo experienced FTC setbacks due to concerns over the merger of Gatorade and that it might give the company too much leverage in negotiations with convenience stores. The FTC stipulated that PepsiCo could not jointly distribute Gatorade with soft drinks for 10 years. (Gamble & Thompson, 2012, pg. 423) This could have set them so far ahead of their number one competitor to stay number one. There’s also been talk about the ingredient, acryl amide, suggesting it could cause cancer if consumed in significant amounts in rats. If the company has to comply with a related regulation or add warning labels, it could have negative impacts. Intense Competition †¢ The Coca-Cola Company is PepsiCo’s primary competitors. Intense competition may influence pricing, advertising, sales promotion initiatives undertaken by PepsiCo. Potential Disruption †¢ The economy is unstable and people are cutting back on spending. Although people want to eat and drink healthier products, the costs to eat healthier is more expensive so the changes to make healthier snacks need to stay reasonable. Another potential threat are the generic brands most stores sell that appeal to the penny pincher during hard times. Alternatives Smaller packaging †¢ PepsiCo could expound on making smaller portions to all their products that have high sale rates. Selling in bulk at cheaper prices is another option for the residential and business arena. Advertisements †¢ Promote their products through effective marketing strategies. Utilize internet, facebook and other resources that hit thousands at one time but isn’t expensive. Do funny advertisements like the Super Bowl ones more often. These are things people remember and talk about for long periods. Intense Competition †¢ The Coca-Cola Company is PepsiCo’s primary competitors. Intense competition may influence pricing, advertising, sales promotion initiatives undertaken by PepsiCo. The economy is unstable and people are cutting back on spending. Although people want to eat and drink healthier products, the costs to eat healthier is more expensive so the changes to make healthier snacks need to stay reasonable. Another potential threat are the generic brands most stores sell that appeal to the penny pincher during hard times Potential Disruption Due to Labor Unrest – †¢ Outsource jobs to other countries to benefit their needs but provide job opportunities to people in the U. S. This provides added growth at home and abroad while not jeopardizing at home support. Assessment †¢ PepsiCo has held their own for decades and have grown into the global market becoming diverse in the snack industry, carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, and incorporating new seasonings and spices to appeal to the local nationals. Pepsi has a large loyal group of customers that they need to stay attuned to and ensure they offer incentives for being so loyal. Offering discounts is a great way to not only keep customers, but it helps gain new customers. Overall, Pepsi has achieved success and stayed in the running. Although they were bumped down to number two, it seems as though the take great care in addressing lessons learned and are not fast to make a rash decision as they Dow recently reported that I mentioned above. They have cross-communication and rotate managers to keep them fresh on new initiatives and this puts fresh eyes on the situation to better capture new ideas and identify potential shortfalls. PepsiCo commitment is to deliver sustained growth. They offer a wide variety to meet the needs and preferences to satisfy fun to contributing to healthier lifestyles. It has a solid foundation and is only going to progress back to the number one position in the future. I think it needs to continue what it’s doing but not over extend themselves to where they lose focus on what started them in the first place, their number one product, the Pepsi. Which happens to be my favorite soda! †¢ †¢ †¢ References PepsiCo, (n. d. ). PepsiCo. Retrieved from http://www. pepsico. com/ on December 12, 2012 PepsiCo, (n. d. ). PepsiCo. Retrieved from http://www. pepsico. om/Download/PepsiCo_Quick_Facts. pdf on December 12, 2012 Bary, A. , (2011). Don't Rule Out a Pepsi Breakup Yet. Barron's, 91(47), 20. Retrieved from http://proquest. umi. com/pqdweb? index=0&did=2526832001&SrchMode=1&sid=9&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD& RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1323732097&clientId=74379 on December 12, 2011, (Proquest Document ID: 2526832001). Gamble, J. E. , & Thompson, A. A. , (2011). Essentials of Strategic Management: The Quest for Competitive Advantage. (2nd ed. ). New York: McGraw-Hill

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Geothermal Energy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Geothermal Energy - Research Paper Example The researcher states that the heat from the Earth is called geothermal energy and have many advantages as it is renewable and does not spoil the environment. It is renewable because the heat emanating from the earth's interiors is virtually limitless. There are many countries worldwide including U.S that produce geothermal energy in a considerable amount. This paper focuses on the origin of the geothermal energy, scientific principles on which it is based and how it is being harnessed safeguarding our environment. The paper also looks into the cost of production of geothermal energy and other cost economics when compared with the energy produced from fossil fuels. According to the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act of 1980 and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992, geothermal energy is a renewable resource. The reason being rainwater continue to feed the underground aquifers. The Earth's heat is an inexhaustible and continuous source of energy. It is an established fact, mentioned by the researcher that geothermal energy has a promising future due to its environmentally friendly nature and being a renewable type. The cost economics tilt hugely in favor of this renewable source of energy and recent advances in drilling and exploration technology will make it more lucrative in coming years. Global warming and ecological disturbances throughout the world necessitates the use of natural and clean energy resource replacing the fossil fuel based energy as much as possible.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Inflation, Disinflation and Deflation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Inflation, Disinflation and Deflation - Essay Example It is usually seen when the prices of products within the economy deep from their current levels to much lower levels over time. Disinflation occurs within the economy only for a short time, and it takes place especially when an economy is undergoing a recession. Deflation is the decrease which takes place in the cost of products, when the rate of inflation goes below zero percent. Its greatest effect is that, over time, it increases the value of the currency being used within the economy. This ensures that one is able to buy more products with the same amount of money which they had when inflation was taking place. These three aspects of the economy are extremely powerful in determining how it is working, whether it is doing well or not. Furthermore, the central banks use the measurements of these aspects in order to determine what their fiscal policies are going to be. Inflation can be termed as the gradual rise, over a certain period, of the cost of products in a financial system (Hartwig 23). In addition, when inflation takes place, it is always found that the value of the currency used in a particular economy also decreases. This is because the money available in the economy is able to purchase a limited number of products when compared to the previous period. All the countries in the world whose economies are connected to money have a way of finding out the inflation rate of their currency. Every year, the percentage of inflation is calculated and the result is often used in the planning of the budget for the forthcoming year. Inflation has a massive effect on how the economy works, and this effect is sometimes positive, or negative, depending on the situation. One of the negative effects of inflation is that it becomes extremely risky to hold onto large sums of the currency, which is undergoing inflation, because one does not

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Sports Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sports Science - Essay Example Though it not a new theory, yet it should be recognized that majority of research is based on experience from dealing with sporting activities, which have been practiced to underpin physical education for many years. The remarkable theory about LTAD is that it brings the variety of theories practiced by different bodies under one umbrella with codified structures and systems. LTAD has 'packaged' the theories for mass understanding and has adopted more effective mechanism for applying the theories to integrate whole sports system which includes coaching, training, playing and competition. The basic principles on which LTAD is based are: It is necessary to devote 8-12 years of consistent practice in order to achieve the level of an expert in that field. Research confirms that this is true about developing any skill, such as learning to play musical instrument or playing sport. This is also referred to as '10,000 hour rule' which relates to practice of 3hours a day for ten years. This requires focused and consistent commitment, and not most players would achieve it. The objective is to encourage and enable all young people to develop confidence in their basic movement skill which are fundamental. Expose young children to wide variety of sports at an early age, which prepares them with better attitude for lifelong participation in sport, because their self-perception of their sporting ability is positive. It also better prepares them to achieve their full potential. The objective is to identify those stages during child's physical and psychological development that offer optimum opportunities to develop movement skill-agility, balance, co-ordination; basic sport skills like running, jumping, throwing and striking; which are necessary attribute for sports related activities. Missing these optimum stages can have impact on reaching their highest potential. LTAD is systematic training in childhood and adolescence which opens the window of opportunity for future success as an athlete. "A specific and well-planned practice, training, competition and recovery regime will ensure optimum development throughout an athlete's career" http://www.sportdevelopment.org.uk/html/balyi2004.html The ultimate objective to ensure sustained success which comes from training and performing well over long term rather than winning in short term. Athletic preparation is serious commitment and there is no escape from hard and consistent practice. There is no short cut to Athlete training. LTAD is a sports science which is based on training, competition, and recovery plan which is based on the developmental age which is the maturation level of the child rather than the chronological age. "The program is athlete centred, coach driven, and administration, sport science, and sponsor supported. Athletes who progress through LTAD experience training and competition in programs that consider their biological and training ages in creating periodized plans specific to their development needs" http://www.ltad.ca/content/home.asp LTAD has developed two specialization models: Early specialization model focuses on these areas; Training to train stage Training to compete stage Training to win stage Retirement/ retainment Late specialization model, focuses on these areas; Fundamental stage Learning to train stage

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Trangenic Animals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Trangenic Animals - Essay Example By transferring foreign DNA into animal cells, new genes can be inserted or functioning genes can be switched off. In some cases, new genes can be transmitted to the next generation. The precondition for the elimination or insertion of genes is that is possible to transfer into the cell recombinant DNA that integrates itself firmly into the DNA of the mammal. (EIBE, 1998) 2.2 Techniques for Transgenesis The most direct way of integrating a new gene into a cell is to inject a piece of DNA into the nucleus in the hope that it will become integrated into the genome> This technique is called microinjection. Microinjection is the most frequently used method of inserting a foreign gene into the genome of the mouse in order to develop a model for investigations into hereditary diseases. With each microinjection, 50-500 copies of the modified DNA fragments are inserted into the pre-nucleus. Until recently, pronuclear microinjection of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was the standard method for producing transgenic animals. This technique is now being replaced by more efficient protocols based on somatic nuclear transfer that also permit targeted genetic modifications. Lentiviral vectors and small interfering ribonucleic acid technology are also becoming important tools for transgenesis.(Prosperi, 2000) 3. Transgenic Mice and Cancer 3.1 Underlying Principle What triggers cell to abandon their normal behavior and to divide out of control to produce a tumor Why do cancer cells move to other parts of the body to produce tumor there as well Is the change from a normal cell a consequence of genetic change, external factors, disturbance of the immune system or is cancer only a result of growing old The following questions may be answered by testing known... This report stresses that transgenesis is a radically new technology for altering the characteristics of the animals by directly changing the genetic material. Since DNA contains a universal genetic code for living organisms, it can in principle, be transferred between completely unrelated organisms to produce organisms with useful characteristics that would not be available. Many different genes have now been characterized. This knowledge opens up the possibility of looking for methods of changing genes in ways that are useful. By transferring foreign DNA into animal cells, new genes can be inserted or functioning genes can be switched off. In some cases, new genes can be transmitted to the next generation. The precondition for the elimination or insertion of genes is that is possible to transfer into the cell recombinant DNA that integrates itself firmly into the DNA of the mammal. This essay makes a conclusion that the use of transgenic mice in cancer research is very prevalent. Its use enables us humans to understand cancer better and come up with solutions. The problem, however, is that many scientists are contesting the appropriateness of relating results from transgenic mice to humans. Many animals are far more genotypically closer to humans. There have been developments lately that humans can be used for clinical tests without wasting lives. Although this remains to be seen, the use of transgenic mouse model can serve as a good source of insights for us humans to understand the malignance that is happening to our body.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Reflection of your leadership style Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reflection of your leadership style - Essay Example With this form of leadership, I am not interested in power, excess money or selfish prestige. I am guided equally by my heart and mind. I lead a multitude with zeal of passion and compassion as I think greatly while engaging my mind (George, Peter, Andrew, &Diana 2-3). Authentic leaders lead with purpose, meanings and values giving them with a very strong sense of people relationship. This makes people follow them as they can be relied upon, they are strong and quite consistent. An authentic leader will never bend their beliefs for the sake of another person’s interest; furthermore, they will never compromise any situation or case for anything. I believe that becoming a leader takes a lifetime therefore; I am dedicated to personal growth and learning. Relation to the course content The course content has enabled me realize the form of leadership characteristic that I exhibit. This is because I have lifted myself to the position that I am able to interact with the people and pi ck out of our interaction the pieces which will make a lot of sense to me. I develop my own model in the community by finding a group which belives in the same things that I do believe in. through becoming self directed and independence of mind, I am able to stay consistent with my personality and my values. This has gone to the extent that when O try paying attention to what everyone else wants me to be, I develop a feeling like my head is spinning in my shoulders and my feet wanting to from under me. I therefore find myself in a situation where I am comfortable always standing alone and this has developed to be one of my strengths. The leadership style is one which enables an individual form relationship building skills hence ability to work with various people in different environments or situations. I highly appreciate the fact that this form of leadership skill has enabled me be in the position where I am able to embrace my weaknesses and use my strength (George, Peter, Andrew, &Diana 5). The only setback is the peoples complaint that I intimidate then given they are not confident with their abilities. I make decisions fast and move as fast hence get disgusted when other people cannot make decisions faster. This impatience has been polished by me paying attention to people and their feelings hence making them feel they have been heard and therefore fully engaged. Strengths and weaknesses Form the studies I have come to realize that my strengths are vast. They start from my ability to listen to others compassionately and assist people as they wish. I am also quite patient when it comes to listening to a group and acting upon their grievances even before I act on my own. I have also come to learn that one must not only be born a leader to be one, you can as well endure for some time and become a very great leader (George, Peter, Andrew, &Diana 6-7). The weaknesses than I need to rectify are not much but a few. That is the ability to bring people from divers e backgrounds together and make them believe in the same shared thoughts. It is worth noting that leadership is in us, whether in business, government or a volunteer organization, whatever we need to work on is the ability to understanding ourselves and discovers where we can use our leadership gift to serve others. In doing so we will adequately discover ourselves and the purpose of our

Monday, September 23, 2019

Nurses in Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Nurses in Politics - Essay Example It costs the health care system approximately $400 million every year. In connection with these reasons, CMS argued that â€Å"patients often have a urinary catheter longer than necessary,† making majority of them developing urinary tract infection that was not meant to happen (Fox, Kaye & Urman, 2012). As introduced above, UTI is one of the facilities that are highly used in hospitals. There are other many other facilities in health care system that when not used appropriately may result in patients acquiring preventable conditions from hospitals. As a result of the cost associated with the hospital facilities such as UTIs as well as hospital infections such as the urinary infections that result from having the urinary catheter for many days, CMS recommended the evaluation of patients in every shift so as to determine whether a particular facility is of necessity to the patient (Vincent,

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Drugs in the world today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Drugs in the world today - Essay Example Economic constraints on countries and regions, following unfavorable world economic situations, are among the escalators of cocaine sales in certain parts of the world. The emergence of the growth of the illegal opium in Asia contributed, considerably, to the global spread of cocaine that has occurred over a century. There were trade restrictions on the Chinese empire, by Britain in the 1850s, as part of strategies to end the production and spread of opium. Instead of achieving its goals, the restriction triggered a massive production of illicit opium in the Chinese Empire. The British had placed economic barriers on the Chinese Empire, a move that saw the empire resort to the production of the unwanted opium and subsequently the formation of the Golden Triangle. In the 1910s, there was an increase in the production of illegal opium in China. Restrictions, on trade and other economic acidities, placed on countries producing opium is among the triggers of its production of illegal opi um. Afghanistan produced an estimated ninety tones of opium in 1971, for instance. With intensive restrictions coming from other trade partners of the country because of the production of opium, Afghanistan resorted to dependence on the drug economy. This triggered production to an estimated five hundred tones of opium in 1978 (Chouvy, 2010). Unstable global economic conditions have close relationship with political instability. The drug economy has played a great role in financing the operations of warlords during notable wars of international and local interests. The economic reasons for the rejuvenated growth of the illicit opium were to fund the operations of the warlords on China, which experienced political instability in the 1910s. ... The demand for funds by warlords in the Cold War also triggered an increase in the production of the illegal opium to for financial support of operations of the war. Central America and the Northern Andes are among the most notable areas where the illicit substance trafficking is a serious business and remains an intimidation to the strategies to end illegal drugs (Marcy, 2010). In the Latin America, for instance, narcotics play a great economic role that renders it a challenge to wage war on drugs. The world economy has serious influence in the high spread of narcotic drugs sales in countries as Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. The 1979 change in the cost of oil, globally, triggered the three countries to depend on the sales of narcotics, for instance. The sales of coca and cocaine remained one of the activities that would support the countries because of the reduced income from other sources as export of agricultural products. Because of the significant reduction of the cost of exports of these countries, there was an escalation in their foreign debt amount. To compensate, the countries resorted to sale of narcotics. This elaborates the role of the world economy in triggering the spread of cocaine and posing a challenge to the various anti-drug policies. Question two Cocaine and heroin are the top most addictive drug substances. However, the two drugs display certain extent of pharmacological differences as well as distinctions in their social effects. They have different tastes with cocaine containing a rather unique flavor when consumed while heroin has high level of bitterness upon consumption. The effects of cocaine have no antidotes for suppressions, as

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Data Manipulation Essay Example for Free

Data Manipulation Essay The tables required in the system will be Customer, Products, Staff and salary. The individual fields in each table will be as follows: CUSTOMER (CustomerID, Surname, FirstName and customer address) PRODUCTS (ProductID, Title, Description, Type and Amount) STAFF (StaffID, Name, address and contact number) STAFF SALARY (wages per hour, hours per day and days per week) There will be two reports produced. To produce a report for the products purchased; a query will be run to combine the data from the customer table and the product table. The user will be able to specify the products bought by a customer with the entire amount calculated to give the customer benefits of getting more offers. The second report will print the amount of salary each staff earns per hour, hours/day and days/week. The user is asked to enter the StaffID and name to enter its database. Output The two reports should be able to be viewed on screen with an option of printing it as well. The product purchased report should be printed so that they can give some discounts on particular customers who shop a lot at the store. The staff salary report should also be printed before any meetings so that they can decide on who to get paid more and who shouldnt. Backup / Security Strategy The main computer that has all the data needed should be backed up on a CD every week or even when a large amount of data has been input to the system. This CD should be kept away the main computer incase of a fire, theft or flood. There should be password security on the system so that people cannot hack into it. Access has a password protection before entering the data so that no one can hack into it. Part Three Initial Designs Form Design There will be 4 forms for the data entry. Frm Customer This form will be used for entering customer details. My initial design is shown below Frm Product This form is used to enter all the products available at the store and the prices of each product. Frm Staff This form will be used to enter the staff details. Frm Salary This form will be used to enter the salary of each staff working in the store. Report Design There will be 2 reports. These can be either printed or viewed on screen. Report customer list This report will come from a query, which combines data the customer table and the product table. The user will be able to enter the Customer name to enter the report for the customer report This initial design is shown below Report Staff Salary This report will show how a staff details and how much they earn and how are they rated between 1 to 5 stars for working. Mr. Smith can rate this every week. Menu Design The menu structure for this system will look like this: User Feedback on Initial designs The initial designs were shown to the manager of the store for his feedback and approval. Mr. Smith had the following comments and suggestions: I have looked at your designs very carefully and they appear to be useful for me and I did however think of 1 or 2 changes that could perhaps change 1) The product types should include which category it is in such as racing, shooting. It would also be easier and helpful if everytime you dont have to type in what category it is in. 2) Can the 2 reports be printed all together with a click of a button because it can be time consuming 3) Can you also do something that can calculate the amount of the products and salary for the staff Final Design Table design Four tables are required in this system. They are related as follows: The tables are defined as follows: Form Design The form designs were amended in accordance with Mr. Smiths suggestions and final designs are shown below. There is a combo box added for the category of the product, which can be easier to select the category instead typing it all the time. Query Design I will need to create 2 different queries. These will form the sources for my reports. QryCustomerlist This query will combine data from 2 tables. Using the customer table and product table. It will ask the user to give the customer name. This will then be asked to find out the customer details or the product details. For e.g. [Enter Customer name: ] QryStaffSalary This query will combine from the two tables, which are the staff table and the salary table. It will ask the user to enter the staff name to see the list of that particular staff detail For example: [enter staff name: ] Implementation We will be using Ms Access to make the system needed. I will show in steps how to create this type of a system. First open Ms Access then you will see Now the same way I need to enter 30 customer list Now we can type the detail of 30 customers without entering the product ID With the same way I also need to create the product table. After creating it the design looks like this Now I need to enter the details of the products Now we know the product ID so then I will need to add them in the customer table which does not need to be in an order because a customer may want something else. Now we need to create the relationship between these two table. Like these tables I created I will need to create another 2 more. After creating the table page will look like this After creating the staff tables I now need to create the details of them. Now for the staff salary table I need to enter the details Now I need to create the relationship between the Staff and the Staff Salary the same way as I did for Customer an Product. So open the relationship window Now as I have created the relationship between the staff and staff salary when I will open their table it will show After creating the tables I now need to create 2 query. Now I need to create a formula for which the system can calculate the total amount of the product from the quantity bought Now for calculating the VAT on these products I will do: Now I need to calculate the bill amount, which is, Amount adds the VAT. To check if these formulas work I will now test the system After seeing the amount formula working I will now need to save the work and so I will: This is how it will look like when it closes the query For the same way I need to create another query, which relates with staff salary and after it has been done it will look like this Now that Tables and Querys are finished I now need to create forms. Now need to align these in order Now I need to create title for the form . so I need to open the toolbox. It will look like this when I open the toolbox then where it says Aa click on it and make a box on the form Now I need to type in the title name. Now I have to organize the font and the font size Now I need to create command buttons for the system. After creating the commands I now need to create a the background colour now I need to save this form For the same way I will create another 4 forms and after I created it, it looks like Now I need to create reports Now finally I need to create a Main Menu, which indicate the user to use the system easily. Main Menu will also be create in the Form

Friday, September 20, 2019

How Information Systems Can Influence Commerce Essay

How Information Systems Can Influence Commerce Essay In this paper I will focus on how Information Systems can influence each of Porters Five Forces of Competitive Position differently .Firstly I will provide a brief description of Information Systems, then I will look at Porters 5 forces model and how Information Systems can influence each of those five Forces of Competitive. The five competitive forces arises out of Michael E. Porters work Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors(1980). This model has now become a tool which is commonly used for analysing a companys structure and its strategic processes. An information system (IS) includes information technology (IT) and peoples activities to assist in operational management and decision making. Information technology refers to the relation between people processes, data and technology. This definition, not only apply to the information and communication technology (ICT) used within the organisation, but also to the way in which people interact with this technology to support the business processes. Some writers distinguish between information systems, computer systems, and business processes. Information systems typically include an ICT component but are not purely concerned with ICT, focusing instead on the end use of information technology. Information systems are also different from business processes. Information systems help to control the performance of business processes. As such, information systems inter-relate with data systems on the one hand and activity systems on the other. An information system is a form of communication system in which data represent and are processed as a form of social memory. An information system can also be considered a semi-formal language which supports human decision making and action. An Information System consists of five basic resources, namely: People, which consists of IT specialists (such as a Database Administrator or Network Engineer) and end-users (such as Data Capture Clerks). Hardware, which consists of all the physical aspects of an information system, ranging from peripherals to computer parts and servers. Software, which consists of System Software, Application Software and Utility Software. Data, which consists of all the knowledge and databases in the IS. Networks, which consists of communication media and network support. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_system An information system is made up of all the elements which collect, manipulate, and disseminate data or information. Usually this includes hardware, software, people, communications facilities like telephone lines, and the data itself. This will entail inputting data, processing of data into information, storage of data and information, and delivering outputs ,for example management reports. http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Information_Systems In short information system Information system consists of five basic resources which are people, hardware, software, data and networks so as to facilitate planning, control, coordination, and decision making in an organization. According to Porter there are five competitive forces that shape every single industry and market. These five forces consist of, the threat of new entrants, the bargaining power of customers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the threat of substitute products or services, and the level of competition among current competitors within the market. Such forces help to carry out an analysis of the organisations current position ranging from the level of competition it faces, its profitability and attractiveness. We deal with these 5 forces on a daily basis. The relationship between the different competitive forces is illustrated below. http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/wp-content/porters-5-forces-analysis.jpg http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/wp-content/porters-5-forces-analysis.jpg Bargaining Power of Suppliers -The term suppliers comprises all sources for inputs that are needed in order to provide goods or services. http://www.themanager.org/Models/p5f.htm Suppliers are more likely to be in a good bargaining position when, a few large suppliers rather than a fragmented source of supply have command of the market, for example, companies like Microsoft and Intel, which control the highly-fragmented PC industry. In such instances suppliers of these major components are in a dominant position which can affect price, terms, and quantities of operating systems and CPUs. This will create a PC industry which is far less profitable than the suppliers of vital parts components like Microsoft and Intel, as there are no substitute, or few for a component, for example, CPUs. Such customers are isolated rendering their bargaining power weak. There are high costs involved when switching from one supplier to another. Suppliers may integrate forward to find higher prices and margins. This threat increases when, buyers profitability increases as compared to than the supply industry. The buying industry can prevent suppliers from developing, such as, the reluctance in accepting new products release. The buying industry has low obstacles for entry and frequently they are subjected to high pressure on suppliers margins in such conditions. Being associated with powerful suppliers can initially diminish organisations strategic options. Bargaining Power of Buyers Equally, the bargaining power of buyers will dictate what level of pressure can be applied to margins and volumes. Customers are in a strong bargaining position when there is less of them or when buying in large volumes. When the product is undifferentiated and can be substituted, buyers can switch to an alternative product easily and would not incur high costs. When a buyer purchases in large volumes from a supplier, this accounts for a high amount in the suppliers revenue, giving buyers an upper hand in such transactions. Buyers power also increase when the product does not have strategical importance for them. Porter argues that internet technology provides buyers with easier access to information about products and suppliers, thus strengthening buyers bargaining power. Due to the advent of IT potential buyers for products and services has increased , thus eroding their individual power as individual buyers and increasing the power of the sellers. For example, auction sites such a s e-Bay encourages competition amongst buyers and therefore increase the price of goods and increases the sellers profits. Threat of New Entrants Competition in an industry will increase, when it is easier for other companies to enter this industry. New entrants within the industry may change vital elements of the market environment, such as, market shares, prices, customer loyalty. This will pressurise existing players in this industry to react and to make adjustments. The threat of new entries will depend on the extent to which there are barriers to entry. Porter distinguishes six major barriers to entry.Barriers to entry include the following :- Customers brand loyalty ,buyers will incur high switching costs , initially there are high investments and fixed costs , existing businesses have good customer relations, such as, from long-term service contracts ,Protected intellectual property like patents, licenses etc and Legislation and government action in place. Threat of Substitutes This arises when there are alternative products offered at lower prices serving the same purpose. Products can be substituted wholly or partially. In such cases potentially this would attract a major proportion of market volume, therefore decreasing the potential sales for existing companies. This class is applicable to complementary products as well. The use of Information technology in businesses can bring about substitute products or services and also protect against them. The former occurs when different manufacturers fulfil exactly the same purpose and partial substitution of products occurs when only partially substitute by each other. There are also substitute sources, where the exactly the same product is sourced by two or more distributors. The threat of substitutes is also determined by factors which have an impact on the threat of new entrants, such as, brand loyalty of customers, good customer relations, high switching costs which customers will incur, the current price of substitutes and current market trends. In the field of communication, the economy, functions within a broad range of telecommunications and transportation technologies, therefore encourages substitute products and services which would be threats to businesses in many industries. For example on-line health and medical sites can be substitutes for contacting doctors. Competitive Rivalry between Existing Players This force deals with the level of competition in existing companies within the industry. If there is a high competitive pressure this will bring prices and margins down, thus affecting companys profits within the industry. Existing businesses are likely to face increased competition when there is a high amount of competitors with equivalent size, power and having similar strategies. If there is little differentiation between competitors and their products, this gives rise to a price competition. Market growth rates will be low, as a particular companys growth is possible only at the detriment of a competitor, for example with airlines, heavy equipments.There are high barriers to exit, for example, expensive and highly specialized equipment. The 5-Forces model assists businesses to identify weakness, e.g. those areas where it is unprepared or weak. Helps to analyse what competitive challenges are impacting the business, from suppliers, customers, etc. Such analysis helps businesses to create systems to effectively respond to those challenges and constraints. Porters model is based on the view that a corporate strategy should meet the opportunities and threats which organizations face in its external environment. The effect of Porters five forces varies among industries. However, whatever the industry type, the five forces influence profitability as they affect the prices, the costs, and the capital investment which are vital for survival and to compete within the industry. This model also helps when making strategic decisions and used by management to determine the industrys competitive structure. The Five Forces Model offers us a perspective as to how information resources can bring about competitive advantages. Porters Model, can assist Management in areas such as,(a)to envisage key sources of competition that they could encounter,(b)analyse the uses of information resources so as to improve their competitive position when facing threats from competitors and (c) to consider likely changes in competitive threats in the future. The 5 forces model offers a simple way to understand where the industry is moving to not just within. Over recent years due to the rapid growth in Information Technology, the WEB has changed the nature of competition. Porter [2001] argues that the main impact of the Web is to increase competition, which would more likely decrease an organisations profit. It can be argued that some businesses are more prosperous than others because, they have either better resources that others do, or they can utilise commonly available resources more efficiently. This could be due to superior knowledge and information assets. Compared to their competitors they do better in areas such as, revenue growth, profitability, or productivity growth, thus increasing their stock market valuations. A companys performance in competitive markets is based on its competitive advantage, above average performance in the long term can arise by creating a realistic competitive advantage. Porters opinion on competitive advantage can be used to look at how Information Systems affect the organisations performance by changing the link within the five forces model which forms its competitive environment. Porter argues that the main element to create an above average performance in the long term is to be able to maintain a competitive advantage. A competitive advantage is an advantage over competitors gained by offering consumers greater value, either by means of lower prices or by providing greater benefits and service that justifies higher prices. http://www.tutor2u.net/business/strategy/competitive_advantage.htm Without such advantage, a company can only reap the windfall, that is, make the largest profits it can whilst it is able to do so. He provides two basic types of competitive advantages, cost leadership and product differentiation. Porter provides four generic business strategies that could be used so as to obtain a competitive advantage. The strategies relate to the extent to which the scope of a business activities are narrow and broad and the extent to which a business seeks to differentiate its products. Organisations can follow four competitive strategies which are facilitated by the use of information systems in gaining a competitive advantage in their markets. These can mainly be achieved through the use of information technology and systems which include the following:- Low-cost leadership: This strategy aim is to offer the lowest operational costs and lowest prices. The organisation aims to become the lowest cost producer in its specific industry. A strategy of cost leadership requires more than just moving down the learning curve, it must find and exploit every source to its potential cost advantage. Normally, cost leaders sell a basic product or commodity and concentrate in pursuing economies of scale and absolute cost advantages. The company must ensure compliance with the industrys norms, that is, the product or service offered must be seen as acceptable and comparable to its competitors. To be the lowest cost producer the company has to ensure that it makes effective use of technology in the production process. 2. Product differentiation, where an organisations aim is to differentiate with one of a small number of market segments. The company must ensure that its competitors do not already have such products to satisfy the needs of those special customers. The product or service must be something that most of its customers see as important, and the company must position itself in a unique position so as to meet those needs. Being placed in such privileged position the company will be rewarded and a premium is paid for its uniqueness for the product or service .However the company must try to keep similar costs levels as its competitors so that the cost of uniqueness does not exceed the premium that the customer is prepared to pay. Unlike cost leadership, several firms can follow successful differentiation strategies in the same industrial sector, if the need arises. 3. Focus on market niche This strategy does not select the desired features of a products or services within an industry but concentrates in a specific segment or group, within the whole of the targeted industry, that is, the company seeks to take advantage of a niche market. A company whose strategic advantage is based on having a focus strategy will select its niche and, once this is done it will draw its strategy to provide essentially for the needs of that particular client group and will try to do better than its competitors. The organisation looks for competitive advantage in its own segment, though it does not need an overall competitive advantage. To be successful the company must exploit the under-performance of its competitors in that niche based either on cost or on differentiation. 4. Strengthen customer and supplier intimacies: Information systems facilitate direct access from suppliers to information within the company. Increase switching costs and loyalty to the company, such as, IBM, Amazon.com. Customer and supplier intimacy strategy, use information systems so as, to improve their relationships and loyalty with customers and suppliers as they are both vital to organisations. Improving customer and supplier intimacy is an effective strategy in itself. By making transactions and conditions easier and more user friendly for both customers and suppliers, this will increase the intimacy of the firm vis a vis the customer and supplier. This will offer great incentive to the customer and supplier so as to carry on with in business with the firm. Customer intimacy is a marketing term, which describes the ability of a supplier to become accepted and known as the regular partner with its customer. http://dewiindrianaaaa.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/strengthen-customer-and-supplier.html In the integration of their operations, suppliers are not only being useful, but they reinforces the Customer and Supplier Intimacy, using information systems to create long-term relationship and create brand loyalty with customers and suppliers, including increasing switching costs. Also, there is fierce competition due to similar strategies which also encourages new entrants in the industry. However, the companies gain opportunities for brand building and creating loyal customer base. For example, Thai Airways and Emirates increased customers switching costs and started the collection of airline miles to increase the size of its loyal customers. Each strategy contains a different approach in creating and sustaining a competitive advantage. Therefore, each company has to make a choice about which strategy it will employ. However, a company would not normally be able to utilise differentiation and cost leadership strategies simultaneously. For example, it would be hard to be a cost leader while adopting a differentiation strategy as differentiation costs money. Though by only reducing costs may not adversely affect differentiation, a cost leader will eventually reach a stage when following a cost advantage will eventually result in sacrificing an aim. For Porter, technology is one of the principal driving forces of competition as it plays a significant role in making structural changes to existing industries and also contributes to the creation of new industries. Technological change has had a positive impact on competition, creating new opportunities for competition and plays a vital role in the existing competitive strategy. He further argues that Information Technology and Information Systems are essential as each task creates and uses information. He points out that modern information system technology plays a particularly crucial role, such as in scheduling, controlling, optimizing, measuring and co-ordinating different activities. He also noted that office or administrative technologies, which are often neglected or come under the term of information systems, also play an important role as: Due to the advancement of technology, for many organisations there has been a significant changes in how the office functions, however not many are devoting substantial resources to it. ( Porter, 1985,) A vast amount of Research has been carried out to find out whether money invested by organisations in Information Technology, has helped organisations in achieving their objectives and goals. This type of research is referred to as aligning IT with the corporate objectives. Chan Huff (1983) argue that organisations achieve IT alignment with their corporate objectives through 3 levels of alignment, (1) Awareness (2) Integration and (3) alignment. In a latter study Chan (2001) describes the 3 levels of alignment as strategic alignment viewed as the degree of congruence between Information systems and strategic orientation or strategy. Strategic alignment has two major principles. Firstly, IT strategy should concentrate on external competitiveness instead of internal operations. Secondly, IT influences competitive advantages as it changes the direction or strength of one or more of the forces within Porters model. New technologies and their use change the competitive dynamics of industries which changes the buyers power, suppliers, new entrants, substitute products and existing rivals (Sasidharan et. al., 2006). IT must be aligned in line with the organisations corporate objectives. Most organisations rely heavily on IT to operate their business. Organisations must use IT to achieve their corporate objectives and especially to build, sustain, and extend competitive advantage [Boar 1994]. One of the main criticisms of the Five Forces Model is that it is rather static. Given that it describes the current state of an industry, therefore it would appear unsuitable for our dynamic, in an ever changing and uncertain world. Some economists argue that government is the sixth force in Porters model. The strength of each of those forces serves a separate purpose within the industry structure, which is defined by Porter as the underlying economic and technical characteristics of an industry. The information revolution has had an impact on managements view regarding the role of Information Systems in businesses. In the past it was considered to be only a part of the operating of a business, whereas, now information is highly valued. Information is also seen as a depreciating asset which is to be considered as a resource that the organization could or should use in its business. ( Robson, 1997) Worldwide the concept of doing businesses has undergone major changes, brought about by the use of Internet , for example ,businesses can now attract a significant percentage of potential buyers nationally and globally through social networks websites like Facebook. . By creating a digital market the Internet has linked buyers and sellers (Laudon Laudon, 2005).

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Pain of Growing Up Essay -- Personal Narrative, essay about myself

My family and I all stood in a circle on the second story of a parking garage, dreading the moment that was to come, but hiding our true feelings for the time. It was time for us to leave my brother by himself at college, and let him begin his individual adult life. We had known about this day for weeks. I often joked with my brother about it, telling him how great it would be to finally get him out of the house so I could take his room. Sometimes, we would start to grow sad about his leaving, but then reassure ourselves that we would still see plenty of each other, if not too much. That superficial thought had remained in my mind all the way until that tearful moment when it was finally time to say goodbye. As I stood in that cold parking lot, staring at my sibling, all my previous notions of college were smashed. I had always viewed it as a sort of extended summer camp. You go there for a while and you have fun doing whatever you do at college and when you come back at the end, it is great to see your family again, and you say goodbye to all your camp friends and h...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

The Narrative Structure of Wuthering Heights and Heart of Darkness Essa

The Narrative Structure of Wuthering Heights and Heart of Darkness      Ã‚  Ã‚   Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte was first published in 1847, during the Victorian Era. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad was first published as a complete novel in 1902, beginning what is referred to as the Modernist Era in literature. Each of these compelling stories is narrated by an uninvolved character who is quoting a story told to them by a character who actually participated in the story being told. There are both differences and similarities in these effective methods of narration that reflect the styles and expectations of those times.      In Bronte's Wuthering Heights, the character of Lockwood begins the tale, and then moves into recounting the oration of the history of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange as seen through the eyes of Nelly Dean. Lockwood's additions to the story are limited to the beginning of the novel and to the end, and to one occasion when he pleads with Nelly Dean, "Draw your knitting out of your pocket-that will do-now continue the history of Mr. Heathcliff, from where you left off, to the present day"(WH 70). Nelly Dean, who was an active participant in some of the episodes she tells of (but not all of them) tells the bulk of the story to the reader.    In Conrad's Heart of Darkness, an unnamed seaman is recounting a tale told to him by Captain Marlow. The unnamed narrator's appearance is interspersed throughout the story, reminding the reader that it is a story being told to a group of sailors. "I listened, I listened on the watch for the sentence, for the word, that would give me the clue to the faint uneasiness inspired by this narrative that seemed to shape itself without human lips in the he... ...the same type of narrative frame, each is indicative of the time when it was written.    Emily Bronte wrote Nelly Dean's narrative to fit with the times and the audience of 1847. Fifty-five years later Joseph Conrad began the Modernist Era with his narrative by Marlow, and captured the attention of a new audience. As things changed and time moved on, so did the audiences for British Literature.    Works Cited and Consulted Bressler, Charles E. Literary Criticism. New Jersey. Prentice Hall, 1999. Bronte, Emily.   Wuthering Heights.   W.W. Norton: New York, 1990. Conrad, Joseph. "Heart of Darkness" The Longman Anthology British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch. Longman. New York. 2000. 2190-2246. Damrosch, David, et al., ed.   The Longman Anthology of British Literature: Vol. B.   Compact ed.   New York: Longman - Addison Wesley Longman, 2000.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Characteristics of Orientalism Essay

There are several differences between the Arab and Muslim groups. The actuality is that Arabs are an ethnic group and Muslims are a religious group. A Muslim is a person who practices the Islam religion. In the world, most Muslims are not necessarily Arabs and most Arabs are not necessarily Muslims. â€Å"Orientalism is the simplistic view of the people and history of the Orient, with no recognition of change over time or the diversity within its many cultures† (Schaefer, 2006). This term is a misrepresentation of people from the East by those in the West. One characteristic is stereotyping the difference in religious expression. Discrimination and prejudice are other characteristics of orientalism. For example, the overemphasis of Arab and Muslim women wearing face veils in the media. This is seen as oppressing women but yet the history behind it is not being told. After the 9/11 attacks, the USA Patriot Act, which was passed in October 2001, had specific provisions that condemned discrimination against Arab and Muslim Americans. This act was revised because it had been accused of contributing to the fear within the Arab and Muslim communities. Unfortunately, all policies were not changed in a positive way. The U. S. Department of Justice required all foreign-born Muslim men to report to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. They have to be fingerprinted, photographed, and interviewed. There are several things that individuals can do to promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in their towns and cities. One way to achieve this is by treating everyone equally. Another way to reduce prejudice is by educating ourselves about a person’s culture. If we can gain an understanding of an individual’s cultural background, we are opening up our minds to realize that those that we consider â€Å"different† may have similar views.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Midterm

Description: Preferred language style: English(U.S.) Please double-space the exam, 12 font, and send it to me thru the Assignment Drop Box. There are 3 questions worth a total of 50 points (about 16.6 points a piece). The questions have multiple-parts. Answer all of the parts for each question. 2. CJ experts know that it is difficult to evaluate just how risky an offender`s future behavior might be. What are some of the problems associated with measuring risk? Explain why it is important to try to measure an offender`s risk. How does measuring risk help the CJ system operate more effectively? http://www.francistimko.com/Risk/RISK%20ASSESSMENT.htm#TOC2_4 3. What does it mean to classify probationers? Why do probation departments classify the offenders on their caseloads? Imagine yourself as a probation officer – which classification of probationers would you prefer to supervise and why? HINTS: Write well, edit. DO NOT discuss prisoners, prisons, jails, incarceration. You aren`t in that class. You are in a community corrections class. All of these questions require some reading from you textbook. Don`t try to answer any of the questions without reading the appropriate section of your text. I expect and want you to read yout textbook as you prepare the mid-term. Answer the questions I asked. Don`t answer questions I didn`t ask. Intermediate Sanctions:   Range of sentencing options that, â€Å"fall somewhere between outright imprisonment and simple probationary release back into the community. Michael J. Russel, former director of the NIJ says that â€Å"intermediate punishments are intended to provide prosecutors, judges, and corrections officials with sentencing options that permit them to apply appropriate punishments to convicted offenders while not being constrained   by the traditional choice between prison and probation.   Rather than substituting for prison or probation, however, these sanctions, which include †¦ bridge the gap between those options and provide innovative ways to ensure swift and certain punishment. – From the introduction to James Austin, Michael Jones, and Melissa Boylard, The Growing Use of Jail 1. Some people argue that intermediate sanctions are the best new approach to sentencing offenders in the community.   Define what experts mean by ‘intermediate sanctions’ and what they are designed to do BOTH for offenders and the CJ system.   How do experts justify the need for intermediate sanctions?   Intermediate sanctions are controversial.   Why? â€Å"Intermediate sanctions† is a term used for punishments that bridge the spectrum between prison and probation.   They include intensive supervision probation, work release, house arrest, day fines, asset forfeiture, restitution, community service, boot camp and, occasionally, substance abuse treatment programs. These programs are intended to provide swift and certain punishment while decreasing the economic burden of the prison system, and simultaneously helping society feel that criminals are punished with something more than a slap on the wrist. They are also intended to provide low risk offenders with the intervention and assistance that they need in the hopes of reducing recidivism.   Intermediate sanctions also theoretically decrease the risk that a low level offender will become â€Å"hardened† during incarceration. IS is controversial, for the most part, because research has shown that it does not accomplish the goals that have been set.   Random experiments involving the assignment of offenders to ISP or probation showed no statistical differences in rearrest, but significantly increased technical violations of parole among the offenders enrolled in the intensively supervised program. From that experiment, it is assumed that although ISP programs cost MORE to run, they are no more effective in reducing recidivism than traditional probation programs.   Forfeiture judgments, in which the government confiscates property obtained with illegal money, have been successfully challenged in court.   NIJ department studies of boot camp programs have shown that the programs generally do not last long enough to reduce recidivism.   When the programs did last long enough to have that impact, they offered no real cost benefits to traditional incarceration. 2. CJ experts know that it is difficult to evaluate just how risky an offender`s future behavior might be. What are some of the problems associated with measuring risk? Explain why it is important to try to measure an offender`s risk. How does measuring risk help the CJ system operate more effectively? Although many assessments exist to evaluate an offender’s future risk, all assessments contain some flaws – They assess different values (which may vary, depending on the community’s needs), every prediction instrument contains hidden policy and value decisions, and anyone using a standardized assessment has to pay yearly fees to the proprietary vendor.   For the above reasons, several societies have elected to develop their own assessments – but with this choice comes the problems associated with working the bugs out and making sure that the assessments are accurately measuring that which is intended. It is important to measure an offender’s risk of recidivism as well as his risk of escalating the violence of his attacks in order to adequately protect society while keeping the cost of the criminal justice system to its absolute minimum.   Measuring offender’s risk and adjusting the conditions of probation or intermediate sanctions accordingly theoretically decreases the likelihood of a repeat offense, which physically protects society and assists in keeping the operating costs of the system lower due to NOT having to re-house this particular offender. 3. What does it mean to classify probationers? Why do probation departments classify the offenders on their caseloads? Imagine yourself as a probation officer – which classification of probationers would you prefer to supervise and why? Probationers are classified by risk and need within the first thirty days hat they are assigned to a PO.   The risk is the total of the scores for address changes, employment, substance abuse, attitude, age at first conviction, prior offenses and prior assault offenses.   Each item is weighted and totaled, and the result is combined with the need score. Need scores are based on vocational skills, employment issues, financial stability, family stability, emotional and psychological issues, substance abuse, health, sexual behavior, and officer’s impression.   Probationers are the classified into high, medium, and low categories using predetermined values.   A higher risk assessment is considered to correlate to an increased risk of probation violations.   Probation officers use this risk assessment to determine how to most effectively allocate their resources of time and energy, while attempting to insure that each offender receives sufficient amounts of each to prevent violations of the probation agreement, and to catch any violations that do occur. Although it may seem irrational, I believe that if I were a PO I would prefer to supervise medium to high level risks, simply because the research indicates that – regardless of risk assessment – there is an inverse relationship between repeat violations and the level of supervision offenders receive.   It is my opinion that officers who are assigned low risk offenders may be less vigilant about catching offenses, or that the offenders may feel like they have sufficient opportunity to engage in criminal behavior, which results in a greater danger to potential victims of these crimes.   An officer supervising a released rapist, for example, may find it easier to attain needed resources than one supervising an identity thief, despite the fact that the identity thief is as likely to re-offend – simply because rape is an assault crime. Midterm

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Katrina Barcelo

â€Å"The characteristic of sound by which a shrill sound can be distinguished from a grave sound is known as PITCH.†Pitch of sound depends upon the frequency of sound. The greater the frequency, the higher is the pitch and vice versa. It is the pitch of sounds that enable us to distinguished b/w a sound of man and woman or man and dog. Etc. sound of a woman is shrill due to high pitch. Sound of a dog is grave due to low pitch and low frequency.QUALITY OR TIMBERâ€Å"The property of sound by virtue of which we can distinguish between two sounds of the same pitch and the loudness originating from two different musical instruments.† The sound produced by two different instruments is usually complex. It is a mixture of several tones. The tone of lowest frequency is called Fundamental frequency and other tones are known as OVERTONES OR HARMONICS. The loudness of sound depends upon the amplitude of vibration. And pitch determined by its fundamental frequency. Two or more sou nd may have the same loudness and the same pitch but that they may differ in number and relative intensities of overtones. The quality of sound depends upon the wave from of the resultants. Nature has such a great diversity that it is very rare to have some overtones of two persons exactly. So this difference is overtones makes it possible to recognize each sound. This characteristic of sound is called QUALITY. INTENSITY OF SOUNDâ€Å"The intensity of sound is defined as the amount of energy transmitted per second through unit area held perpendicularly in the direction of sound waves.† Intensity of sound = E/t.A OR I = E/t.A Pitch Pitch = frequency of soundFor example, middle C in equal temperament = 261.6 HzSounds may be generally characterized by pitch, loudness, and quality. The perceived pitch of a sound is just the ear's response to frequency, i.e., for most practical purposes the pitch is just the frequency. The pitch perception of the human ear is understood to operate basically by the place  theory, with some sharpening mechanism necessary to explain the remarkably high resolution of human pitch perception. The place theory and its refinements provide plausible models for the perception of the relative pitch of two tones, but do not explain the phenomenon of perfect pitch. The just noticeable difference in pitch is conveniently expressed in cents, and the standard figure for the human ear is 5 cents.Sound quality is typically an assessment of the accuracy, enjoyability, or intelligibility of audio output from an electronic device. Quality can be measured objectively, such as when tools are used to gauge the accuracy with which the device reproduces an original sound; or it can be measured subjectively, such as when human listeners respond to the sound or gauge its perceived similarity to another sound. The sound quality of a reproduction or recording depends on a number of factors, including the equipment used to make it, processing and master ing done to the recording, the equipment used to reproduce it, as well as the listening environment used to reproduce it.In some cases, processing such as equalization, dynamic range compression or stereo processing may be applied to a recording to create audio that is significantly different from the original but may be perceived as more agreeable to a listener. In other cases, the goal may be to reproduce audio as closely as possible to the original. When applied to specific electronic devices, such as loudspeakers, microphones, amplifiers or headphones sound quality usually refers to accuracy, with higher quality devices providing higher accuracy reproduction. When applied to processing steps such as mastering recordings, absolute accuracy may be secondary to artistic or aesthetic concerns. In still other situations, such as recording a live musical performance, audio quality may refer to proper placement of microphones around a room to optimally use room acoustics.

Benefits of eating organic foods Essay

There are many benefits of eating organic foods and the main reasoning for this is because of the way these foods are grown. They are all grown on smaller farms and are cared more for. The farmers use natural soils, get rid of the weeds naturally without using sprays, and they use beneficially insects and birds to get rid of pests and diseases. Using natural resources to grow foods prevents us from eating chemical and in some cases added hormones. Organic foods have more zinc, iron and other vitamins than non-organic foods. They can help reduces your risk for cancer because weed, insect, and mold killers have been linked to the cause of some cancers. The ways these foods are grown also help our environment by creating less pollution. The prices for organic foods are more expensive than non-organic. Non-organic foods are generally more affordable and there are more varieties as well. Non-organic foods do not contain E coli because most organic soil that is animal manure and it can cause E coil in organic foods. Between organic and non-organic foods there are benefits to eating each of them. There are certain foods that you should buy organic over non-organic. These foods are the ones that are more nutritious and contain fewer pesticides. Apples are generally more contaminated with pesticides so buying them organically will reduce the risk of them. Celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, kale, and lettuce are all other foods that you should buy organically due to pesticides. There are some foods that are safe to buy non-organically and they will save you money. These foods are onions, corn, pineapple, avocado, asparagus, sweet peas, mangos, eggplant, cantaloupe, kiwi, cabbage, sweet potatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, and mushrooms. Some sources think that organic foods are healthier than non-organic foods and others believe there is no significant difference between the two. Organic foods are grown on smaller private farm and they do not release or consume any pesticides. Organic foods are also more nutritious because they do not contain any pesticides either. The sources I chose were all from the Internet and they were from either a print or web source. I found these sources to be helpful because they were all able to provide me with enough information that I needed. More than half my sources described what foods you should buy organically and what foods you shouldn’t buy organically. I found this information to helpful because the list of foods that you should buy organically is shorter than the ones you shouldn’t. Fruits are typically the ones that have to worry about having pesticides and that are why more fruits are recommended to buy organically. The pesticides that are used on foods kill the nutrients in foods but it still is able to hold some nutrients but not as much as organic fruits. Composting at the World’s Largest Natural Foods Supermarket Chain. (2004). Biocycle. 45(11). p27. Retrieved on 3-3-05 from Ebscohost. Federal or Government Sources Organic Foods 101: Basic Information about organic foods, national labeling standards and online organic foodsellers. (2002). Retrieved on 3-3-05 from http://www. nrdc. org. The National Organic Program . (USDA). (2002). Retrieved on 3-3-05 from http://ams. usda. gov. Trade Publications Organic Food Facts. (2003). Organic Trade Association. Retrieved on 3-3-05 from http://www. ota. com/organic/mt/food. html Industry Statistics and Projected Growth. (2003). Organic Trade Association. Retrieved on 3-3-05 from http://www.ota. com/organic/mt/business. html Organic foods are getting more popular among the world compare to the bigger consumption of conventional foods. There certain true organic foods may cost a bit more, but most of the people agree, taste and quality are well worth compare to conventional. In today`s supermarket, organic foods are everywhere. There are clearly many benefits to organic foods, but there are specific like: it is healthier, protect the environment, different taste. The organic farming and produce of organic foods has been prevalent from the time agriculture was first conceived. The natural way of growing crops started becoming unpopular and economically less feasible. More crop yields meant higher profits to the farmer and better utilization of the land. The farmers who used fertilizers started growing two crops during the same time-period. That was the begging of fast growing industry of conventional foods. Organic foods are healthier than conventional in many aspects. The nutrients present in organic foods that are not in commercial foods. â€Å"Organic food for mineral levels, the researchers also looked for the amount of the heavy metals aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury. Aluminum has been implicated for years in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s content in organic food averaged 40% less that in commercial foods. Lead toxicity, which has been in the new a lot lately, can adversely affect our children’s’ IQ. It averaged 29% lower in organic foods. Mercury, which can cause neurologic damage, averaged 25% lower in organic foods† (Crinnion, Walter). The organic meat is healthier compare the conventional gown, full with antibiotics and many other chemicals for fast growing, which goes to us. The healthier means saver way of leaving. People consume more conventional food which evokes more farmers to use pesticides and to double their crops. The pesticides are dangerous for environment and wild life. People should buy more organic foods and lower the production of the conventional. That`s one of the ways to protect and safe the environment and wildlife of the world. Used chemicals kill different insects which are part of our ecosystem. Chemicals go from soil to the water reservoir and again back to us. The organic foods are proven to taste better and different than conventional grown foods. The organic food not only taste better, but doesn`t contains preservatives. The conventional milk, has inspiration date around 2 months compare to the organic one it`s not more than two weeks. The smell and the taste of organically grown tomatoes are totally different. The organic farms will continue to grow and produce more quality foods around the world. The healthier and long lasting life is connected with the consumption of more organic foods, which taste better and than the conventional. The organic farms help to reduce chemicals that are used for produce their crops. That’s the way to save the environment and the wild life of the world. A disadvantage of organic food is the life of the product. Without the preservatives found in inorganic foods nearly all of these products must be refrigerated. Organic farming also yields fewer crops because insects, weeds, and fungi often damage a larger portion of organic crops than conventionally grown crops. Finally, only about half of the states regulate organic foods and little exists to stop organic farmers from labeling any food they wish as â€Å"organic†. There are numerous benefits of organic farming[->0] for the environment, as well. Without pesticide or chemical use, the water contamination and health risks that occur elsewhere are eliminated. Crops on organic farms are rotated constantly, which keeps the land fresher, healthier, and less worn out. They also help to avoid pest problems, erosion of the soil, and nutrient deprivation in the soil. Cover crops are planted prior to the main crop and bring helpful things to the land such as nitrogen and helpful insects (Roth, 2) [->0] – .. /essay_search/organic_farming. html.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Deere and Co. Swot Analysis

DeVry University Pomona, California Swot Analysis of John Deere Symbol on NYSE : DE By Eduardo Elizarraras 11307 Spy Glass Hill Road, Whittier, CA 90601 626-246-4747 [email  protected] com Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Course Requirements for Introduction to Business BUSN 115 Professor Tom Donini March 21, 2010 Company Profile John Deere (Deere & Company — NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing technologically advanced machinery for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, and all sorts of landscaping. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide.Deere & Company as it is known on the New York Stock Exchange manufactures and markets heavy machinery and engines used in heavy equipment. The company was founded by a blacksmith named John Deere. John Deere moved from Vermont to Illinois and immediately set up a blacksmith shop in 1837. John Deere developed a better plow for the tougher soil found in the Midwest and from there John Deere was es tablished. Today John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products through a network of more than 1,300 dealer locations worldwide.The company employs more than 50,000 people worldwide. John Deere’s Mission Statement as listed on their homepage website. It is listed as a Strategy Statement. We aspire to distinctively serve customers — those linked to the land — through a great business, a business as great as our products. To achieve this aspiration, our strategy is:   * Exceptional operating performance * Disciplined SVA growth * Aligned high-performance teamwork   Execution of this strategy creates the distinctive John  Deere Experience that ultimately propels a great business and, for all with a stake in our success, delivers†¦Performance That Endures   SWOT Analysis of John Deere Strengths * Highly recognized and respected brand * Market dominance for heavy e quipment and machinery| Weaknesses * High prices * Less profit in non agricultural products| Opportunities * John Deere Credit * Wind Technology Portfolio| Threats * Caterpillar * Weaker economies worldwide * Seasonal Business of agriculture| Company Strengths Highly recognized and respected brand John Deere has established itself as the leader in agricultural products worldwide since the 1960s.John Deere green has become a color. Easy to recognize and distinguish itself from the competition. Marketing slogan on television commercials effectively ties in the logo with the company, â€Å"Nothing runs like a Deere†. According to Encyclopedia Brittanica Online there was a surge in tractor sales in Ireland in 2006 and the sales leader was John Deere. This leadership in sales demonstrates the market dominance of the John Deere brand. Company Weaknesses High Prices/Less profit in non agricultural products John Deere tractors and other equipment are generally priced higher than othe r quipment. John Deere brand pressure washers at Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse costs 30 to 50 percent more than Troy Built brand pressure washers.Lawn tractors and lawnmowers also command a price premium over the competition. The brand has become more expensive only because it is John Deere. Similar performance and similar specifications for products with only difference being price has caused a lot of buyers to opt for the lower cost brand. Products that are not related to agriculture and can be substituted with a lower cost rand has lead to lower sales in those areas. If a customer really needs something and it does not have to match his green tractor then they will probably buy the lower cost item. This has led to less profit in non agricultural products. Opportunities John Deere Credit/ Wind Technology Offering clients loans directly through John Deere Credit has increased revenue for the company. Financing of expensive farm equipment contributes extra income to John Deere Credit. The tractors and combines that farmers buy are very expensive, a new combine can cost in excess of $200,00. 00.Customers who buy the machinery don’t have to go to their bank. They can usually get better finance rates through John Deere Credit. This eliminates third party financing and increases the bottom line for John Deere. According to cnn. com/money John Deere has hired Goldman Sachs Group this past month, February 25, 2010, to conduct a review of the wind farms that the company owns. A possible sale of the wind farm portfolio could earn John Deere about 1 Billion dollars. Threats Caterpillar/Weaker Economy/Seasonal Business Caterpillar manufactures heavy construction equipment.They do not build agricultural tractors but they do build a lot of bulldozers and backhoes that are used in general construction. Some heavy equipment that both John Deere and Caterpillar build for construction is similar in specifications. Some forestry machinery is also very similar . This could be seen as a threat to compete for limited budgets that would purchase heavy construction equipment if Caterpillar has lowers prices and offers rebates. Weaker economies not just in America but worldwide have slowed the purchases of heavy machinery.This has led to some consolidation and less sales. Another threat to John Deere is the seasonal nature of the agricultural business. Combines are not harvesting daily. They only work when the crops are ready to be harvested. Tractors only plow and seed in the beginning of the growing season. Conclusion John Deere, Deer and Company is the world leader in tractor sales. They have expanded into a lot of different countries. I think that by offering rebates when buying some of their products or when buying more than one product, they can turn their high price eakness to be more of a strength because they will not only sell more but sell more to the same customers. I believe that given the opportunity I would enjoy working at John Deere. The company has been around for almost two hundred years. The products that they manufacture can be seen as soon as one drives south, east, west or north of our urban living area. In some parts of our urban area they can be seen working in strawberry fields and lettuce patches. I personally have always enjoyed watching how these marvelous machines work and provide food for our enjoyment and survival.Reference Attou, Marti â€Å"American Innovator,Agricultural Icon† http://www. americanprofile. com/article/4689. html http://www. deere. com/en_US/compinfo/history/johndeerestory. html â€Å"John Deere† March 2010 http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/John_Deere Malone, Scott â€Å"Deere Considers sale of $1 bln wind portfolio† money. cnn. com February 25,2010 http://money. cnn. c om/news/newsfeeds/articles/reuters/MTFH66898_2010-02-25_16-12-43_N2598967. htm O’keefe, Matt â€Å"Irish Farmers Monthly† January 2007 http://www. britannica. com/bps/additi onalcontent/18/24655786/Best-year-ever-for-tractor-sales