INTB

A consumer's utility function is = XSL/eye/4, where x is the quantity of good x consumed and y is the quantity of good y consumed. The prices of the two goods are pix and pay, and the marginal utilities of the goods are Mix = (1 /4)x-3/eye/4 and MI-Jay = (3/4)xx/ay-1 ‘4. A) Derive the consumers demand for good x. B) Discuss the concept of elasticity, with reference to the demand you derived in (a), and contrasting linear and constant elasticity demands. 4. You have been asked to analyze the market for steel.From public sources, you are able to find that last years price for steel was $20 per ton. At this price, 100 million tons were sold on the world market. From trade association data, you are able to obtain estimates for the own price elasticity of demand and supply on the world market as 0. 5 for supply and -0. 25 for demand, respectively. Suppose you know that demand and supply equations in the market are linear. Solve for the equations of demand and supply in this market. INTO 334 By arrival luxuries (L).The consumer's tastes are represented by the utility function IS=FL. Food 2. Let income be I = 80, Pix=4, Pay= 1, and utility U = xx (with marginal utility MIX = y and MI-Jay = x). B) Now, let the price of x fall to 1 and the income fall to 50. Otherwise, there is no utility function is IS(x,y) = XSL /eye/4, where x is the quantity of good x consumed and y the marginal utilities of the goods are MIX = (1 /4)x-3/eye/4 and MI-Jay = (3/4)xx/ay-114. A) Derive the consumer's demand for good x. Able to find that last year's price for steel was $20 per ton. At this price, 100 million

Exercise Promotes Healthy Lifestyle Essay

A good diet and sufficient rest are important to sustain a healthy lifestyle but are not the only things to consider. When performed properly, exercising provides countless benefits that can further improve your quality of life. Regular exercise is an essential part of efficient weight loss and weight management. Exercising can also help thwart several diseases and improve a person’s overall well being. Whether it is a sport activity, a workout regimen, chores around the house, or yard work, all these types of physical activity are beneficial. Adapting an active lifestyle through exercising can be enjoyable and rewarding. Physical activity requires an individual to increase their level of exercising. According to Mayo Clinic staff, adults seeking a healthy lifestyle should include aerobic exercise and strength training in their fitness plans, specifically (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2013): * At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity — or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity — a week * Strength training exercises at least twice a week Every person’s level, whether new to exercising or a seasoned trainer, will be different therefore tailoring a workout program is an open venue for each person to explore. Different stages of exercise intensity can be researched to identify which stage a person can start. For beginners who are unsure about overexerting themselves, a moderate intensity, aerobic activity such as brisk walking is generally safe for most people. Some critics mention that physical activity may lead to a number of injuries. Exercising that involves moderate to high impact puts stress on the body. Even though this helps to build bone density, an individual who already has frail bones can damage a bone under the smallest amount of stress or impact (Tesch, 2011). This may hold true, however when performed correctly as well as starting at the appropriate intensity, these injuries are greatly minimized. That’s why it’s key to start slowly and to gradually increase the progression of intensity. Undesirable circumstances, such as a heart attack, are likely not to occur during exercise sessions. Daily exercising should be implemented in the everyday routine, no matter the age or fitness level. Physical activity tones the body, increases muscle strength, maintains strong bones, and promotes healthier skin. Other benefits of exercising result in better sleep and increased relaxation, a more positive mental state, and an enhanced immune system. Numerous researches show that incorporating an active lifestyle, through the use of an established workout program, have positive outcomes for all areas of health, including mental, emotional, intellectual, and even social well-being, not just for physical health. Exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria. (Breene, 2013). Physical activity has been known to enhance mental clarity and efficiency. It is also linked with better thinking, learning, and judgment. Inquiries have revealed that exercise improves symptoms amid the clinically depressed. This is why physicians suggest, individuals suffering from melancholy or apprehension, should employ exercise in their daily lives. It has been proven, in a number of cases that proper exercise is as helpful as anti-depressant medication. The enhancement of a general mood can be achieved; by just working out for thirty minutes per session, a couple times a week. If time does not permit the utilization of the gym, a workout video can be very helpful. These videos are fun, easy to follow, and they are accompanied with great music. Because of the vast amount of videos, there are options of category and stage of health. If planning to develop a workout regimen in the near future; here are some examples of the type of videos that are available. Selections such as beginning aerobics, weight lifting, running; and even exercise for parents in the company of their kids. Options to participate in physical activity are infinite. Decide on the one that is most interesting to you, regardless if it is jogging, swimming, walking, and roller skating, or jumping rope. The most important point is to be physically active. In a brief amount of time, positive results will be achieved.

Daisy Miller a Hero Essay

A hero is a person, whom no matter what the situation is, always seems to be able to approach situation with a fearless and courageous attitude, and can is often admired by many. The novel Daisy Miller by Henry James is a fictional story about the life of an American girl in Europe and the situations that she experiences. Daisy reacts to these situations with a fearless and courageous approach. Her actions seem to affect every character in the story and are misperceived by many. Daisy consistently had the courage to stand up to the other Americans, the characters who adapted to the European culture, even though they continued to pressure her, and prevailed by not conforming to European society. Daisy is a hero in this story because of the way she approached and handled situations. A major conflict in the story is the clash of American culture and European culture. Daisy is constantly thrown into situations where she is pressured to conform to some traditional European way of doing things. Daisy does not let this pressure get to her. She instead continues to act without fear of what might happen to her. The text shows many examples of this. A major cultural conflict that happened in the novel is when Daisy is walking around the Pinchio with Mr. Winterbourne and Mr. Giovanelli. Mrs. Walker comes up in her carriage and begs Daisy to get in because of what her reputation might become since she was walking around with two men ( ). After Daisy refuses, Mrs. Walker says â€Å"should you prefer being thought a very reckless girls? and even gets Mr Winterbourne involved by having him give his opinion which lined up with Mrs. Walker’s( ). After examining the text, the reader sees that Daisy responds with a very fearless and courageous way, which in a way can also be compared to a quote from Emerson’s Self Reliance, â€Å"to be great, is to be misunderstood. † â€Å"â€Å"If this is improper, Mrs Walker,† she persued, â€Å"then I am all improper, and you must give me up†Ã¢â‚¬  is a quote that beautifully illustrates Daisy’s heroic personally by not being intimidated from the pressures of society. Another conflict in the novel was that at certain places at certain times, the chances of getting malaria were very high. While many of the locals decided to stay away from these areas, Daisy chose to not live fear. This fearlessness that Daisy displayed, led to Mr. Winterbourne confronting her and Mr. Giovanelli at the coliseum late at night about her catching the Roman fever (). Giovanelli responded to Winterbourne by saying he informed Daisy it was a â€Å"grave indiscretion† which Daisy responded with prudence (). Even now that Daisy was severely warned about the disease she still showed no fear and showed how she could be an inspiration to other women by saying she had a lovely time seeing the coliseum by moonlight and if she felt any danger she would take some pills (). â€Å"I don’t care,† said Daisy in a little strange tone, â€Å"whether I have Roman fever or not† shows how Daisy would not let fear dictate her life( ). Daisy Miller was a hero because of the fearless qualities that she displayed in the novel Daisy Miller. She may not display the common stereotypes of other fictionalized heroes such as flying or x-ray vision, but she does have influence on people, especially women, on how they can act regardless of what culture they are from. This view on life is very important because it shows young women, that they are empowered to handle situations anyway they like. Even when she died, many people showed up to her funeral and admired her. Giovanelli even stated at her funeral that out of all the women she was the â€Å"most innocent † ( ).

Criminal Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 9

Criminal Justice - Essay Example Nevertheless there are those who feel violated once their rights are ignored, including in safety situations (Barnett, 54). The main objective of the public order advocates is to protect the law abiding citizen in the society from harm. Such individuals believe that under certain conditions that involve a criminal threat to public order, the society’s interest ought to take precedence over the individual rights (Barnett, 54). In my opinion, individual rights are important as one can have their individual rights and still keep safety in a society. Individual rights are constitutional and are assured to the citizens under the constitution. Constitutional rights are taken to be basic rights but, not as absolute rights. For instance, one has his freedom of religion unless his religious belief is infringing on the rights of other citizens. For instance, if ones religious beliefs allow him to kill someone as a sacrifice to his God, then his freedom of religion can be restricted (Barnett, 59). Ever since 11 September 2001 there has been a lot of questions on individual rights versus public safety. The Patriot Act has an effect on foreign travelers more than anybody else as it denies due process to the foreigner visitor. This act is not constitutional since the American Government is supposed to give due process to everybody. Law enforcement bodies have to still get a warrant to conduct searches but probable cause is more lenient than before (Barnett, 59). Majority of the people have a belief that individual rights ought to be sacrificed for the safety of the public. However, this is a dangerous move since it insinuates that the government is not supposed to abide by the procedures and policies that are set by the constitution. The import of this is that the government can then become corrupt. The rights of an individual will trump public safety but a peaceful society can still be sustained with no denial of

Women's rights in Iraq Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Women's rights in Iraq - Essay Example Girl’s school initiated a series of modifications and deep-seated progress in the lifestyle of literate urban Jewish women throughout the earlier part of the twentieth century. These encouraging changes integrated Jewish women, primarily in the central urban cities; nevertheless, they did not revolutionize the social status of Jewish women as a self-aware, united, and completely formed group (Sehayek, 2004). Moreover, these women fell short to interpret their personal accomplishments into a well worked out and important social occurrence, nor could they change the standpoint of male society surrounding them, or gain acknowledgment as an independent and equal social entity (ibid). The modifications in the life of Babylonian Jewish women should be investigated against the perspective of the subordinate and restricted status of their Muslim, or non-Jewish counterparts. One must take into account the factors that affected their lives and formed their self-identity, namely the domestic tradition and customs and social conditions of the Jewish and non-Jewish context (Reinhart, 2004). There is a dearth in literature discussing about the lives of Iraqi Jewish women. This was because of their imprisonment to domestic responsibilities or household chores, and to insufficient familiarization to the outside world. Travel brochures and journals relate extremely insignificant information about the rights and status of women in the Middle East, and even less about Jewish women. By bringing together information that rests scattered in books, several newspapers and key documents, one must attempt to structure the social and cultural development undertaken by the Jewish female groups in Iraq (ibid). Since the beginning of the history of the people of Israel, the representation of Jewish women was formed in harmony with holy laws, and a

Arab Societies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Arab Societies - Essay Example l-Ziyy Al-Islami or Islamic dress is something that distinguishes them from others because such dress should reflect the cornerstones of the Islamic belief system of privacy, humility, piety and moderation. Such simplicity of dress reminds them that luxury and leisure await them in the next world. Thus, embellishment of one’s dress or body is not seen positively unlike in other cultures. The qur’an, it says that the Prophet Muhammad admonished men’s clothing should be modest especially during worship and women’s clothing, not attracting any attention and men’s lustful desire to themselves. The Qur’an gives specific rules as to socio-moral behaviour of Islamic believers. It tells men and women to â€Å"lower their gaze and cover their genitals† when they interact so that any sexual tension will not build up. Islam accepts sexuality as normal for humans but it restricts it to matrimony. Outside marriage, behaviour between men and women in interaction should be desexualized. There should be control and regulation body and interactive space and all interactions should be in public. The Islamic dress is one kind of desexualizing control. In more contemporary times, the Islamic dress code for men and women were full-length opaque and austere-colored gallabiyyas which are loose-fitting clothes that conceal the body. In addition, men wore trousers and sandals and grew beards and women wore al-khimars, headcovers which cover the hair and extends low to the forehead, goes under the chin to conceal the neck and falls down over the chest and back. In some Arabic societies, wearing of such traditional garb has become quite controversial. The government has discouraged the wearing of such clothes in an effort to westernize their culture. However, some Islamic revolutionists want to keep the tradition going and insist on wearing it. It came to a point where the wearing of â€Å"the veil† which represents Islamic dress was seen to be a rebellious action. It

The Effects of Antidepressant Treatment in Prenatally Stressed Rats Literature review

The Effects of Antidepressant Treatment in Prenatally Stressed Rats - Literature review Example Prior studies suggest that abnormalities in the transmission of hippocampal glutamate play a vital role in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety ailments. Apparently, many of the studies borrowed greatly from prior studies on the same line, but other studies present actual studies to provide empirical evidence on the same (Marrocco et al., 2014). Alternatively, there is empirical evidence in regards to a model of depression and anxiety, which is central to the hypo-function hippocampus, and many of the studies utilize female rats because of their high incidence of major depression in women (Van et al., 2011). Exposure to chronic stress in adulthood leads to the improvement of production of glutamate in the hippocampus. In this regard, there are other treatments for anxiety noted from the cited articles. The evidence asserts that a portion of the hippocampus, which specifically encodes memories of stress, emotions, and anxiety, is in line with the postulated hypothesis of stress-rel ated disorders (Marrocco et al., 2014). In addition, chronic stress can result in long-term physiological and behavioral disorders such as low birth weight, infant morbidity, anxiety, and lack of sleep and cognition retardation (Maccari et al., 2003). Other scholars have aimed to establish a link between PRS exposure, and alcohol consumption (Richardson et al., 2008). In this perspective, there is a variance between male and female consumption of alcohol, and research suggests that males show reduced activation of acute alcohol administration (Richardson et al., 2008). Recently, evidence has come up showing that PRS has can prevent the reduction in the consumption of alcohol-induced by chronic stress in adult alcohol-preferring female rats (Darnaudery et al., 2007). Many of the scholars have utilized rats, as subjects, in their studies, to show how mood disorders can be stable throughout the life of a human being (Vallee et al., 1999). This is because it is possible to notice the ai lments early and later as they develop (Henry et al., 994).The methods utilized by many of the studies follow an evidence-based approach, whereby the aim was to test the evidence (Darnaudery et. al., 2007). In scientific research, the objective is to achieve empirical evidence and because most of the studies identified followed experimental approaches (Nestle and Hyman, 2010). This approach is effective, and it utilizes randomized trials, including a control group and experimental group. The two groups help investigators to compare results, or findings appropriately (Richardson et al., 2008). In other cases, the investigators further, classify the control and experimental groups in terms of sex, age to find out the variations in the provided context. The most important advantage of this approach is to increase internal validity (Henry et al., 994). This means that in the event of subsequent studies on the same subject will amount to similar findings (Morley-Fletcher et al., 2003). C hronic treatment of the PRS rats using antidepressants had a positive outcome, in that it resulted in normal levels of synaptic vesicle-associated proteins in rats (Maccari et al., 2003). In this context, the use of anxiolytics and tranquilizers escalate the rigidity in the animal models of depression (Moley-Fletcher et al., 2003). Alternatively, depolarization-evoked the production of glutamate was in high PRS rats.

Summary Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary Strategic Management - Essay Example Good product design and ease of use created an emotional connection with users, while technological innovation that encrypted songs and prevented these from being shared for free in violation of copyright laws created a mutually beneficial link with suppliers, the record companies that are losing revenues to piracy. Although Apple was not the first MP3 player in the market, it dominated the business because its products looked better and were easy to use. The decision to work with record companies was a strategic move that also resulted in cost leadership as it cut off distributors and retailers and their high mark-ups from the value chain (see Exhibit 3 of the case study). After the success of Apple, other companies are competing by copying what Apple did: good design, diversity of products such as including them in mobile phones, and lower prices for the music players and song downloads. However, Apple has two advantages difficult to imitate and are therefore sources of competitive advantage. The first is its brand name, which is always associated with products that are well-designed, easy to use, and that easily develops an emotional attachment to a growing base of loyal customers. The second is its track record at innovation, which gives the company a first-mover advantage that allows it to charge high prices for new products, recover the investment fast from profits, and as competitors move into the market, to launch a price war that continues earning profits that could be invested in developing the next product. Given these resources, should Apple develop a product combining a mobile phone and an iPod? (Yes, it did.) The strategic management issue facing Wal-Mart is how it can grow in the face of slow domestic (U.S.) growth, fierce domestic (Costco) and international (Tesco, etc.) competition, lack of experience in international markets, and growing

(a) How successful have the American Government and the U.S. Federal Essay - 1

(a) How successful have the American Government and the U.S. Federal Reserve been in running the American economy over the last - Essay Example Two years later, the economy is improving but remains volatile (Anderson, 2008). This paper identifies self correcting mechanism within the economy that could help stabilize the economy. Moreover, this paper describes fiscal policy that can be used by the government to help mitigate the impact of the recession. The middle class continues to shrink as the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. These are all signs of a recessive gap in the economy (Anderson, 2008). Although the U.S. economy has bounced back, it has yet to reach equilibrium and still runs on a large budget deficit. This paper will analyze key market indicators before identifying if the response by the American Government and the Federal Reserve was sufficient. The first key indicator of the economy is the consumer price index. The CPI is a measure in the changes of price levels of consumer goods and services purchased per capita (Zeleny, 2011). The CPI measure the prices of the market basket of goods that are most sold and utilized by consumers. The graph below is an illustration of the 2011 Consumer Price index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On average, this graph indicates that prices rose across the board. This could be an indicator of increasing interest rates. When the dollar is devalued, businesses tend to increase their prices. This graph specifically focuses on the major foods and beverages which are a part of the primary market basket items. While prices have risen for the most part, the efforts taken by the government and the Federal Reserve have softened the impact of the recession (Anderson, 2008). In terms of the economy, Adam Smith proposed the theory of the â€Å"invisible hand in his work entitled â€Å"The Wealth of Nations†. In this book, Smith proposed that a capitalist economy is guided by an invisible hand that self corrects for both inflationary and recessionary gaps (Hodgson, 2007). Specifically, a recessionary gap indicates that all available re sources are not being utilized. That is to say that the economy is operating below its most optimal level and is consequentially inefficient. In order to correct for this, the short-term aggregate supply curve must move to the right gradually towards equilibrium because of the underutilization of labor. This means that unemployment rates are higher than the actual percentage. The consequence of this is that the cost of labor is driven down, which increases access to employment. If the government deems it necessary to intervene in the economy then they are likely to utilize fiscal policy to correct recessionary gaps. Fiscal policy is primarily accessed through the use of taxation and government spending. The government can increase the amount of disposable income for individuals by decreasing taxes. This in turn increases consumer spending which is a factor in calculating the GDP. If consumers are able to consume more, that means that producers are able to sell more goods which could in turn lead to the creation of more jobs. Another action the government can take is the increase of transfer payments. Individuals receiving transfer payments will have more disposable income which means they will consume more goods (Hodgson, 2007). Business confidence is another factor indicating that the economy is showing signs of survival. A program that was recently implement was Cash for

Project management performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Project management performance - Essay Example These shortcomings increase the confounding effects of the productivity variables measured and analyzed. The figures calculated for each of the variables of productivity (factor productivity ratios) over a period of time can be systematically plotted to identify and predict a trend that shows change in productivity. The figures for each variable can be monitored individually or collectively with other variables. To monitor productivity over a period of one year productivity metrics for each month have to be calculated. The change in productivity (trend) between one month and another or across the 12 months can be identified by simply calculating the difference in the productivity metrics. The trend can be graphically represented by plotting the productivity metric over a period of year. Fig 1 shows a trend for multifactor (labor and capital) productivity ratio calculated for the months of January is 0.560, February 0.585, March 0.615, April 0.616, May 0.610, June 0.623, July 0.623, August 0.634, September 0.598, October 0.590, November 0.589 and December 0.590. Also for the trend ident ified to be more meaningful, the variable(s) plotted must be compared with productivity of other firms with factors similar to the one in question. This can be done by comparing the productivity metrics with external benchmarks. The last bar in Fig 1 represents the benchmark for similar (small catering/restaurants service). The operation manager of the food service unit can therefore comparatively monitor performance of the unit. The work of the operation manager can be made simpler if s/he uses Microsoft Project application to measure and monitor schedule performance of staff and inputs (monetized resources). This application will allow the manager to handle large variety of data and to (intra) extrapolate outcomes. The operation managers can use the information (factor

Dollar General Corporation Essay Example for Free

Dollar General Corporation Essay Abstract Dollar General Corporation is United States largest small-box discount retailer headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee [1]. Dollar General offers both name brand products and generic merchandise [2]. Its competitors include Family Dollar, Dollar Tree which also operate in deep discount segment of US retailing. The following case study discusses about the various political, economic, social and technological forces that Dollar General have faced and their impact on the company. The report also talks about the critical success factors of Dollar General. The report is concluded by summary of key learning’s from the case study. PEST Analysis for Dollar General Political: In the year of 2006, Janet Calvert, a former store manager, filed a complaint that she was paid less than the male storage managers because of her gender, in violation of the Equal Pay Act and title VII of Civil Rights act of 1964. There were other plaintiffs which were added to this case. This case resulted in Dollar General reaching a settlement in principle, by which it would pay $15.5 million to the plaintiffs and their legal charges costing around $3.25 million. The company was expected to receive reimbursement of $15.9 million from its Employment Practices Liability Insurance if these payments were approved by the court. This case did impact Dollar General Approach towards pay setting policies and procedures for new store managers [3]. Economic: During the recession period from 2007-2009, the customers of Dollar stores suffered from unemployment and lower purchasing power. And even the people from higher income brackets started purchasing the dollar store products fo r seeking larger bargains. This led to the increase in the customer traffic and larger sales for Dollar stores. Dollar general  captivated upon this scenario and continually reviewed its merchandise mix, and adjusted it accordingly. It expanded its offerings of consumable goods to serve customers’ needs and increased its sales [3]. Dollar General captured trade-down shoppers who came from middle and higher level of incomes (who generally had not shopped at dollar stores for all these years, but came during the recession to find bargains). Over the time the company adjusted its pricing strategy for items by pricing it from $1 to no more than $10. And managers of this company also believed that the company’s ability to attract customers of varying economic status depends on offering both national and store brands [3]. This way Dollar General was able to satisfy the customers of varying economic status, which resulted in more sales and profit for the company. Social: Consumer psychology during the recession period was to get the products at a lower price and the store to be available at a convenient distance (not too far). During this time Dollar General varied its price from $1 to no more than $10 and offered consumable goods at a very reasonable price. And it has also opened new stores within the reach of 3 to 5 miles, so that every customer is able to get easy access to their neighbourhood store [3]. This resulted in satisfying customer’s need as well as increasing company’s sales. Technology: During the year 2008 when the cost of the fuel increased, the Dollar General’s distribution costs went up and the company’s gross profit was affected. In order to mitigate this problem, the company completed the installation of a voice pick system by the year 2010 in all the distribution centres, so that the employees in the distribution centres can communicate with warehouse software systems by speech recognition [3]. This was a good strategic move by the company as its use is expected to increase rapidly over the next few years with evolving technological advancements. The company also installed new analytical and monitoring tools to assist with inventory shrinkage reduction efforts [3], which was a major part of company’s effort to increase gross margin. CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS’s for Dollar General In this case for instance, good leadership and management was a CSF for Dollar General. As we can see that, there was major expansion of business activities and stores with the entry of David Perdue (the company’s new  general manager) in the year 2003. In addition, the company through his leadership also initiated Project Alpha, which was based on extensive analysis of performance of each store and the company’s inventory management model. Few of the structural changes that company undergone during this project include shutting down over 400 underperforming stores and writing off old inventory. These strategic alignments have been the major part of company’s CSF, as it was able to focus more on most viable stores and new inventories which have led the company into high effectiveness in their business activities [4]. Moreover, the company specialized in low, middle and fixed income families as their major customers. This has been used as the company’s CS F, as this group forms the largest proportion in the market. Even though the purchasing power of this category is low when compared to the higher segments in U.S. but their huge population is a contributory factor for success of the company [4]. Dollar General Social responsibility Rick Dreiling, Chairman and CEO of Dollar General, explained the company’s commitment towards literacy through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation program. The company actively engages customers in a way: â€Å"At each and every cash register of a Dollar General store, customers get to learn about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation program through brochures with a postage-paid reply card that can be mailed in for a referral to a local organization that offers exclusively free literacy services. Further, they also have the opportunity to donate money to this worthy cause. In 2012, Dollar General Customers donated more than $10 million to directly benefit the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s efforts in helping people learn how to read, speak English or get their General Education Diploma (GED) [5].† Key learning’s from the case From this case one can clearly understand that Dollar General played its cards right. When there was recession, the company retained its regular customers and attracted new customers by adjusting sales mix in order to drive more customer traffic and larger purchases. It expanded its stores by taking the advantage of weak real estate market to lower its operating costs for future years. Careful management of merchandise categories had allowed  Dollar General to increase its same-store sales. Private label brands during recession helped increase the growth of the company. These all strategic moves which were made under efficient leadership and management transformed the company into a leader in the dollar store retail sector with sales of more than $13 billion by 2011 [3]. References [1] Dollar General, Retrieved October 11 2014, http://www2.dollargeneral.com/About-Us/pages/Index.aspx [2] Dollar General, Retrieved October 11 2014, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollar_General [3] Parnell, John A. (2014). Strategic Management: Theory and Practice. 4th edition. SAGE Publications. [4] Dollar General Case Memo Marketing Essay, Retrieved October 11 2014, http://www.ukessays.com/essays/marketing/dollar-general-case-memo-marketing-essay.php [5] Amway, GM, and Dollar General among corporations making ‘Good’ A Goal, Retrieved October 10 2014, http://www.forbes.com/sites/devinthorpe/2013/08/29/amway-gm-and-dollar-general-among-corporations-making-good-a-goal/2/

Miranda Lambert Essay Example for Free

Miranda Lambert Essay Although most will probably say someone close to them is inspiring, like their mother, grandmother, sister. In my opinion, they are your family, and you will always love and be inspired by them. Therefore I decided to write this on how a singer is inspiring to me. Her name is Miranda Lambert. Almost none of my friends have even heard of her. I guess because maybe she’s a country singer and they don’t really like country music? Who knows, but she is quite an amazing person. She grew up in a small town in Texas. â€Å"Not having money toughened me up a bit, but Ill always be grateful. Texas people are really strong in their roots. I started writing and playing guitar at 17. Ive always loved music, and my dad is a singer-songwriter. † Miranda once said. She was influenced personally by her father to take an interest in music. Her music is wonderful, and she has a beautiful voice. She writes almost all of her own songs, and they are full of meaning. For example a hit song of hers, ‘Gunpowder and Lead’, is about women and how they should not take any shit from any one, let alone a man who hits them. I’m even sitting here writing this, listening to her music. I mean not all of her songs have such a deep meaning, but they all are certainly songs you can just sit back, and rock out too. I’m in love with it, and such a huge fan. In my eyes, Miranda is unlike any star. She isn’t a skinny, overrated, prissy little bitch who is only popular for one song, or how pretty they are. Miranda isn’t even that main-stream, but still does what she loves. When she was a teen, she was on a show kind of like American Idol that got her career started. She went to Nashville, and came back to Texas almost immediately because she hated the â€Å"pop† sound of music, and wanted to stay original, and straight up country. She’s a country-rock girl, with meat on her bones, a strong head on her shoulders, and doesn’t take shit from anyone, and will speak up if she has too. I mean, I don’t know the woman personally, but she sure comes off as this way, and it rocks! Oh and who wouldn’t be inspired by her! She is only engaged in my opinon, to the best man in country music, Blake Shelton! Ha Ha. Well, anyways, I saw her in concert a few months ago, and it was outstanding. I was so close, and as crazy as it seems, I think she made eye contact with me at one point! I sound so cheesy, but she is a real role model for me. She is so successful in life, and just acts herself at all times. â€Å"There are a million blonde chicks who can sing. Ive always wanted to be different. This quote, straight from Miranda’s mouth, has inspired me a lot. I know I cannot sing what so ever, and I’m not blonde, but I want to be different, and for the most part I am. I am my own person, and I hope I can continue to be true to myself, and not let anyone tell me otherwise. I’m not here to please anyone, or do what they want, I’m here to please myself, and do what I like, and what makes me happy. And Miranda is a great example of this. This is why Country Singer, Miranda Lambert inspires me.

Chlorhexidine-Alcohol versus Povidone-Iodine

Chlorhexidine-Alcohol versus Povidone-Iodine Although it is intentioned that surgical procedures remain sterile around 5% result in infection; infected surgical sites are the leading cause of iatrogenic infection among surgical patients (Kalb, Lefevre, Dididze, Levi, 2013). Current practice aiming to reduce infection is comprised of cleansing the skin with a prepping agent and covering the patient with sterilized drapes and towels. Surgical site infection results in harm to the patient, delay in patients returning to previous function, strain on staff, and negatively affects a hospitals ability to be financially compensated. As infections can be caused by microbiota on the skin, cleansing the site prior to incision is an imperative step in infection prevention. There are various cleansing agents used in existing practice; however, many hospitals, including the authors, do not have a standard practice in choosing a prepping agent. The myriad of sterile preparation solutions at this institution are betadine (10% povidone iodine) , hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate), and chlorhexidine alcohol. Current pre-operative skin preparation with one of these solutions is largely dictated by what is available, in close proximity, or surgeon preference. The 1999 Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for surgical site infection prevention contains the use of antiseptic solution (Jarral, McCormack, Ibrahim, Shipolini, 2011); moreover, no solution has been identified as preferred. Despite the hospitals compliance with the CDC, standardizing practice may result in better patient outcomes and reduced cost. Review of literature suggests some solutions may have benefits over others regarding infection prevention. Bazzi et al. (2016) found patients that receive alcohol based chlorhexidine solution were 30% less likely to suffer from a surgical site infection (SSI) when compared to povidone iodine. Post application chlorhexidine has also been shown to have a sustained release action in its antiseptic properties, and, in 2002, the CDC urged hospitals to consider it first line. It is worth noting that solutions should not be used in conjunction as chlorhexidine can be inactivated by iodine and that iodine does not have the sustained antiseptic properties and is harmful to open wounds. Solutions may be contraindicated in the event of an allergy or high risk of harm such as burning, neuro-, or ototoxicity; neonates are at high risk of adverse event when using chlorhexidine. The AORN (2016) suggests all female surgical candidates provide a urine hgc pregnancy test to mitigate possibilities of h arm to a fetus. Hospitals that utilize solutions that come in a multiple use option are often at higher risk for error; this risk for error can be attributed to the human component as there may be a lack of training and differences in technique. This risk is further complicated by solutions often needing to be mixed, mixing a solution under poor or varied technique can lead to improper concentration and, thus, more infection. This risk associated with human error can be mitigated by implementing the use of one time use measured applicators. The single use system has an additional benefit of delivering solution deeper in the epidermis with application and removes direct patient touch reducing possible cross contamination. The multi-use option does provide an economic incentive on the front end; however, a possible increase in preventable SSIs would end up costing more money. As such, transitioning to a single-use applicator system both decreases risk of infection by removing potential human error and is a financially savvy option. STAKEHOLDER When undergoing a potential practice change involving both policy and product change a team of stakeholders need be gathered to address effectiveness, patient outcomes, and financial burden. Stakeholders will work as a team to acquire necessary information, pilot, and implement change. The stakeholder task force for the proposed change will include representation from the surgery teams, hospital board, and infection control. Infection control and surgery teams will work together to pilot a practice change regarding single use chlorhexidine; infection control is necessary because they are responsible for helping reduce risk of infection including SSIs, the surgery team (nurses, surgeons, techs, etc.) are needed as they implement and practice change. This pilot phase will aim to reduce SSIs and homogenize application technique. After the pilot phase is completed, and if it has shown to decrease SSI in piloted areas findings will be presented to hospital administration to analyze and ma ke a final decision on practice and product change and possibly implementing system wide. EVIDENCE BASED SUMMARY This topic was chosen as standardized practice often leads to better patient outcomes. The author works on an inpatient transplant surgical unit. Transplant recipients are pharmacologically immunosuppressed placing them at higher risk for infection. Having a great practice model and ideal equipment is paramount in reduction of this risk. Title #1: Chlorhexidine-Alcohol versus Povidone-Iodine for Surgical Site Antisepsis. This article provided by the New England Journal of Medicine gave a study of surgeries and related surgical site complications with Chlorhexidine-Alcohol versus Povidone-Iodine. The article provided both pros and cons to each used and the findings consistent with using the chlorhexidine-alcohol prep for surgical cases. Title #2: Comments on review of preoperative skin prep study. This article is from the AORN and is information from surgeons and surgical nurses opinions and finding or results on preferred surgical site prep solutions. Title #3: Pre-Application Evaporation of Surgical Preparation Solutions: Does It Matter?This study was to confirm that surgical prep solutions that contain alcohol were better at eliminating microorganisms. The CDC does not have any antisepsis guidelines regarding how long surgical prep solutions can be left out in open air prior to surgery. Samples in the study were ta ken at an initial set up time, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes of the time the solution was set out in open air. The Alcohol Iodine solution showed a large decrease in the amount of alcohol content of the solution in only 30 minutes. The Alcohol Chlorhexidine solution had only a marginal drop over the 120 minute interval. The end conclusion of this study was that it had a recommendation for surgical prep solution to be used immediately after pouring and that alcohol chlorhexidine did not have a significant loss of alcohol concentration if it was set out prior to the surgical case. Title #4 Should Surgeons Scrub with Chlorhexidine or Iodine Prior to Surgery?This study is a meta-analysis study that questioned whether chlorhexidine was equal to or a better surgical hand scrub than povidone iodine. The study researched 593 papers. The study was found to reveal that even though both solutions reduce that bacterial count post scrubbing, the chlorhexidine was in fact better to use and longer lasting. In order to determine this, the studies determined how many colonies of bacteria were reduced after the use of each different hand scrub. The studies also measured bacterial colony counts for a number of days post-surgery. The clinical bottom line was that chlorhexidine and povidone iodine both had a reduction in bacterial counts immediately after scrubbing but the chlorhexidine had a greater reduction. Povidone iodine showed a lack of residual activity when compared to the chlorhexidine. Title #5: The use of Anti-Septic Solutions in the Prevention of Neurosurgical Site Infections. This is a cohort study that sampled recent meta-analysis to evaluate the different methods of surgical pre solutions used at different institutions across the US. The solutions being evaluated were betadine, Dura prep, chloraprep, and the possible combination of the three. The study used 128 surgical departments and the departments were to provide surgical site infection percentages. I t was the conclusion of this study that even though research literature supported the use of chloraprep over betadine and Dura prep, the majority of the surgical institutions continued to use the betadine solution. RECOMMENDATION The goal for any type of surgical cleanse solution will be to reduce any instance of surgical infections in a safe, cost effective, and complete manner. The hospital will choose the right product that is cutting costs, being most effective, saving surgical time, and has the safest results for the patient. The cost by the initial purchase of the prefilled solution applicators might be slightly more than multi use bottles, but the money will be saved by providing a prep that is less messy, applied quicker, more efficient, and improves drape adhesion. These are all benefits that will prevent the sterility of the patients surface from being compromised (Parson, 2003). As the hospital develops a standardized protocol for a surgical cleanse solution, the cost saving measures can be visualized through buying the one cleanse in bulk and the patient safety numbers for a reduction in infection rate. Based on the reviewed literature, it is recommended that the hospital change to a standardized chlorhexidine solution and use a povidone iodine solution in those cases where a patient could be allergic to chlorhexidine or if chlorhexidine is contraindicated in a particular surgery. The surgery department will also set new standards on preparation of the chlorhexidine and iodine solutions based on the research completed. Both of the prep solutions will not be prepared by the OR tech until the patient is on the operating table. The solution used will be used from unopened containers and any excess in the bottles will be discarded as waste to ensure adequate alcohol concentrations of the solution. PRACTICE CHANGE MODEL The facility with use the Eight Step change model proposed by Kotter; the desired outcome is successful implementation of the practice change with few delays. The initial step creates urgency and necessity for change; infection control and surgical departments will collect data on current infection rates. Subsequently, stakeholders will find staff that agrees with the change and has a desire to carry the change forward. Unit councils and word of mouth from employees to their peers will show change is need and there is general support for the practice change. During the third step a formalized vision and strategy for change will begin to circulate. The strategy will involve emails, flyers in staff viewing areas, and discussion at every staff meeting. The vision will circulate on all surgical units simultaneously to encourage organic support. After the vision is clearly established then communication from management, administration, and perceived staff leaders will relay the importance of the practice change. Kotters fifth step will include destruction of potential kickback and barriers to change. Kickback can include resistance to change, old materials still available, and old policies still accessible. These barriers can be undermined by updating policy and removing any supply that is out of compliance with the practice change. Conversely, the next step includes positive reinforcement and reward for short term achievable goals. This includes a stepped approach at compliance and acknowledging staff for their work and desire to do what is best for the patient. Step seven builds on step six, but cautions too much reward to early; rewards should not be used as motivation or signal completeness. Rewards a necessary; however, they are to be used as progress markers. Anchoring the practice change as the stauts quo is the final step in implementation. The change must have support of staff and administration and become the only standard of care. (Schmidt Brown, 2012).F 1 and F2All operating rooms must be meticulously sterile and safely maintained; this attention to detail is essential for hospitals wishing to provide quality care and prevent possible infection. Infections at the surgical sire are dangerous for patients and damaging to hospitals. The dangers to patients include delayed healing and readmission; hospitals suffer a financial loss. In addition to financial loss, the institutions reputation cn be affected potentially leading to fewer people seeking out care at the facility resulting in increased strain on other hospitals and delay of patient care. Education leaders at the facility till set up in-service opportunities to provide staff with appropriate knowledge and procedures for implementing change. The hospital will set new SSI goal rate, information about the new solution, and stressing the importance of wasting opened unused solution and materials. Elsewaisy, Ameen, Sydenham, (2012) suggests using professional resources from the man ufacture to provide proper education. During the first week of the implementation of the new solution, there will be extra staff in the operating rooms in assisting with proper application for prepping the surgical patients. Data will be collected at intervals of change week, at two weeks post change, one month post change, three months post changes, and six months post change. This data will be measured to determine if the goal of decreasing surgical site infection rate was achieved. BARRIERS Research, evidence-based practice, and practice change invariably meet resistance when challenging the status quo. As the proposed project change will rely heavily on staff nurses, it is necessary to both involve staff in the development stage and provide succinct easily digested rationale to encourage ownership of the practice change. Various reasons can prevent bedside nurses from becoming vested in a practice change from lack of knowledge or training in interpreting and applying research to being focused on their respective daily tasks and care of the patient. The administration and stakeholders must make the practice changes goals attainable and show the end-user (nurses) the benefits both to their workflow and the safety of the patient. To combat potential resistance administration should support and encourage the nursing staff to ask questions and provide insight into how practice change will flow smoothly; presenting the practice change as an opportunity to grow and provide be tter care with encourage many staff nurses to get on board with the change. The hospital discussed provides several resources for nurses and other staff to perform their own research. As the change is relatively simple and straightforward after initial resistance is discussed many barriers dissipate; making the practice change the new normal makes training easier as new staff will only be trained in one method contributing to a paradigm shift in groupthink. Remaining barriers include cost and vendor problems. As previously discussed the upfront cost is greater than current practice; however, successful implementation will decrease SSIs, thus decreasing costs and justifying upfront expenses. Vendor problems and supply chain interruption could hinder implementation in the future; moreover, these are problems outside of the organizations control. Before change a starting point to be used as a frame of reference is imperative to determine the gap from current to desired practice. This reference point can be used to identify any other barriers that could arise, and will signal stakeholders the appropriate amount of education and time to prepare for full practice change. This can be done with focus groups, online questionnaires, and staff observation. Assessing and listening to the concerns and needs of the staff will mitigate any barriers the organization will face in its practice change. ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS The range of possible ethical implications in this proposed practice change is veritably limited. One could stretch a line of thinking proposing that key drivers in the practice change also have financial ties to companies that could possibly receive contracts due to these practice changes; however, such speculation is fanciful and out of line. Utilizing a cost benefit analysis, one could argue that it might be unethical to not move forward with a practice change, as the practice change suggests lower rates of SSI and therefore potentially decreases overall cost. As the practice change involves a trial period, all patients will be informed and asked to give consent before partaking in the trial phase. Because the proposed change does not single-out any specific group of patients complies with HIPAA regulations minimally ethical considerations will surround patient privacy. It appears the only concern for unethical outcomes related to this practice change would be gross negligence or intentional violation of the law. References Bazzi, A., Harris, J., Morgan, D., Pearlman, M., Reynolds, R., Campbell, D., Uppal, S. (2016). 15: Chlorhexidine-alcohol compared with povidone-iodine for surgical-site antisepsis after abdominal hysterectomy. American Journal Of Obstetrics Gynecology, 214S463. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2016.01.024 Elsewaisy, O., Ameen, Y., Sydenham, D. (2012, March 2, 2012). Pre-Application Evaporation of Surgical Preparation Solutions: Does It Matter? Surgical Science. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ss.2012.34035 Jarral, O. A., McCormack, D. J., Ibrahim, S., Shipolini, A. R. (2011, February 14, 2011). Should Surgeons Scrub with Chlorhexidine or Iodine Prior to Surgery. Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, 12, 1017-1021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1510/icvts.2010.259796 Kalb, S., Lefevre, R. D., Dididze, M., Levi, A. D. (2013, August 4, 2013). The Use of Anti-Septic Solutions in the Prevention of Neurosurgical Site Infections. Clinical Microbiology. http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2327-5073.1000124Schmidt, N. A., Brown, J. M. (2012). Evidence-based practice for nurses: Appraisal and application of research. Sudbury, MN: Jones and Bartlett Learning. The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses. (2016). Recommended practices for skin preparation of patients. AORN Journal.

Maya Angelou and M.F.K. Fisher :: essays research papers

When reading two passages, one by M.F.K. Fisher on the French port of Marseilles and the other by Maya Angelou on the small town of Stamps, I noticed that the passages had some similarities but where entirely different in their effect and the handling of language resources. While Angelou and Fisher organized and constructed their passages similarly, the persona and rhetoric of the authors are opposite.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Angelou and Fisher’s styles differ greatly, however, they both used very similar plot structure in which they introduced the common stereotypes of the places they were speaking of, and they shot it down with reality. Angelou speaks of â€Å"harmonious black music drift[ing] like perfume through this precious air† (Angelou, 3) but later on crushes that fantasy with the true â€Å"flesh-real and swollen-belly poor† (Angelou, 5) of the South. In the same manner, Fisher speaks of Marseilles â€Å"reputation as world capital for dope, whores and street violence† (Fisher 6) but later in the passage her states that â€Å"a trip through old Marseilles/ cannot fail to thrill† (Fisher 21, 22). Thus, Fisher and Angelou organized their plot structures in order to have the same effect on the audience.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While the authors’ plot structure may have been similar, their rhetorical structure is far from comparable. Fisher uses more of a discursive structure, in which she is very frank and sarcastic. She casually speaks of â€Å"undesirables throng[ing] the narrow alleys, and sisters of scarlet sit[ting] in the doorways† (Fisher 23) which gives her passage the effect of being an overly sarcastic fabliau which can be found in any editorial page of a newspaper.

A Comparison of Self-Acceptance in Beloved, Secrets and Lies, and Cuckoos Nest :: comparison compare contrast essays

Self-Acceptance in Beloved, Secrets and Lies, and the Cuckoo's Nest  Ã‚      â€Å"Self†-one of the words most commonly used, yet hardly ever defined. According to the Random House Dictionary of the English Language, the term self refers to a) a person’s nature, character, etc. in the sense of â€Å"his/her better self†, or b) a person or thing referred to with respect to complete individuality, e.g. one’s own self. To clarify the term self in regard to how an individual perceives himself/herself, I would like to make a distinction between the term â€Å"ego† and self.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Generally, ego is defined as â€Å"the part of the psychic apparatus that experiences the outside world and thus mediates between the primitive drives of the id and the demands of the social and physical environment† (1). I believe that the term ego has been slightly modified throughout the past few decades and now also functions as a synonym for self-importance. The ego is reflected within the capital spelling of the word I, referring to myself, as a separation from aspects of the human psyche that we do not include into our identification of ourselves. It is the ego that makes us feel connected to our name, to our families, and to our accomplishments in life, especially if they have provided us with social respect (and even disrespect, as I will explain later throughout my essay). In pressurizing situations, it is the ego that makes sure that we have the self-esteem to continue, confirming us that we are different from anybody else and that we have the individua l qualities and abilities to do anything we choose.   Ã‚  Ã‚   The self, on the other hand, is in my opinion what we really are, our nature/ character, not necessarily who we perceive ourselves to be. The self is based on a sense of understanding that every individual is on a journey; a lifelong experience. I believe that the self allows ourselves to feel compassion with ourselves no matter what we are going through in life, because we do not need to prove or accomplish something to be entitled to live. Connecting this with the definition given in the Random House Dictionary, stating that self describes a person’s nature, I believe that a strong sense of self is based on acceptance. This implies acceptance of ourselves at any given moment, and acceptance of the fact that all of our past experiences were necessary to bring us where we are right now.

Hamlet: A Tragic Hero Essay -- Hamlet, Shakespeare

â€Å"A tragic flaw is an error or defect in the tragic hero that leads to his downfall.† (http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/literature/bedlit/glossary_t.htm) In the history of literature, if the question of who was the most indecisive character was brought up, Hamlet would be a prime candidate. Hamlet had numerous chances to reap revenge for his father’s death but was only able to follow through after the accidental murder of his mother. Hamlet’s inability to make a decision ultimately leads to his demise, and for that is his tragic flaw. What makes a tragic hero? Dr. Peter Smith, Associate Professor of English at Kentucky State University, broke the archetypical characteristics of a tragic hero down into six groups. Of the six, four will be discussed, the first being â€Å"noble stature.† (http://www.kysu.edu/artsscience/ENG411/tragic%20hero.htm) Smith said that the fall of one with noble stature will not only affect their life but also the lives of the people who look to them for support. Hamlet is the prince of Denmark; the people of Denmark rely on a strong royal family to rule and support the country. Next, Smith discussed the â€Å"tragic flaw† (http://www.kysu.edu/artsscience/ENG411/tragic%20hero.htm) which leads to the decline of the hero. Hamlet’s inability to make a decision lead to his death, which will be discussed in more detail further on. Thirdly, Smith says that one must have â€Å"free choice. The tragic hero falls because he chooses one course of action over another.† (htt p://www.kysu.edu/artsscience/ENG411/tragic%20hero.htm) Hamlet is not forced to kill but makes the decision on his own. Finally, Smith says, â€Å"the punishment must exceed the crime.† (http://www.kysu.edu/artsscience/ENG411/tragic%20hero.htm) The audience cannot f... ... the one behind the curtain and kills Polonius by mistake without a second thought. Hamlet is a tragic hero because he follows the guidelines set by Dr. Smith; he has noble stature, he has a tragic flaw, he has free choice, and finally, he has unjust punishment. (http://www.kysu.edu/artsscience/ENG411/tragic%20hero.htm) His downfall was his inability to make a decision. He vowed revenge for his father’s death only to stall time and time again until he finally goes through with it only to die himself. Work Cited Clark, William George, and Wright, William Aldis. The Unabridged William Shakespeare. Philadelphia: Courage Books, 1997. â€Å"Glossary of Literary Terms.† The Meyer Literature Site. February 7, 2002. Smith, Peter. â€Å"The Characteristics of an "Archetypal" Tragic Hero†. Characteristics of a Tragic Hero. 2002. Kentucky University. February 7, 2002.

Designing a Manufacturing Process Toshiba´s Notebook Computer Assembly Line Essay

Whenever a new model is introduced at Toshiba, management attempts to improve the assembling process in terms of increasing productivity and decreasing costs. Attentiveness is directed towards reducing the amount of components and simplifying production and assembly. Manufacturing engineering manager Toshihiro Nakamura introduced a prototype assembly sheet concerning the new notebook model. The following precedence graph examines the process sheet. Task numbers: 1-17; task time in seconds (in brackets). The assembly line consists out of 6 workstations. Labour time (in seconds) for each workstation is indicated in brackets. Workstation 1, task 1 (75). Workstation 2, tasks 2 and 3 (85). Workstation 3, tasks 4, 5 and 6 (97). Workstation 4, tasks 7, 8 and 9 (105). Workstation 5, tasks 10-15 (101). (Workstations 6, 7 and 8 are operating the software load). The final workstation 9 handles tasks 16 and 17 (120). The sum of task time therefore equals 583 seconds. The assembly line is designed assuming that one notebook would be assembled every 2 minutes by six workers. Therefore, daily capacity of the assembly line would be 225 units (450 minutes operating time per day), assuming that on each one of the six workstations a computer is positioned at the beginning of the day. Initial production for the new model is 150 units per day, increasing to 250 the following week and eventually up to 300 units, depending on process success. The bottleneck in this assembly  line is located between workstation 4 and 5. Workstation 4 completes its tasks (7, 8, and 9) within 105 seconds whereas workstation 5 finishes after 101 seconds. This results in a slack of 4 seconds per unit at workstation 5. A potential solution to this problem might be assigning higher skilled staff to workstation 4 in order to push on assembly time. More detailed recommendations will follow. This bottleneck constitutes the major issue within this production process and will be examined in more detail in the following. Analysing the major issues concerns calculating potential slack times at workstation 5 regarding different amounts of units being produced. With the initial production of 150 units per day, a slack of 600 seconds (10 minutes) at workstation 5 would appear per day. It takes 3 minutes to finish one unit, assuming that 150 units are produced per day with an operating time of 7.5 hours. Producing 250 units per day means that one unit is assumed to be finished after 1.8 minutes or 108 seconds. When production increases up to 300 units per day, operating time per unit would be 1.5 minutes or 90 seconds. Hence, increasing production results in increased slack times at workstation 5. With a production of 250 units per day, slack time would be 1000 seconds or 16.67 minutes. Within those 16.7 minutes of slack time, 9.3 units could have been produced. With a production of 300 units per day, slack time would even increase up to 20 minutes in which 13.3 units could have been produced. These calculations clearly illustrate inefficiency at workstation 4 which results in major costs due to relatively high idle times. Extrapolating these numbers up to a working week, assuming that 5 days à ¡ 7.5 hours the assembly line is in operation, significantly high slack times and therefore unnecessary costs arise. Assuming a production of 250 units per day, slack time at station 5 per week would be 83.5 minutes in which an additional 46 units could have been produced. Efficiency of the assembly line will be calculated in the following with regard on different amounts of units being produced. Eventually the optimal number of units to reach an efficiency of 100% will be calculated. With 250 units produced per day, a cycle time of 108 seconds per unit results. Hence, using the formula for calculating the line ´s efficiency, (sum of task times = 583 seconds/6 workstations x 108 seconds cycle time) results in an efficiency rate of m89.97% (~ 90%). Running at a maximum capacity of 300 units per day (583/6Ãâ€"90), line efficiency would be 107.96% which is not close to reality. Relative to its use of labour, an efficiency of ~ 108% producing at maximum capacity is not achievable. More workers would be needed and staff would have to work on one task simultaneously. An efficiency of 100% can be reached with a daily production of 277 units per day assuming that the assembly line maintains its initial set up of 6 workstations with the same labour time. The actual efficiency rate (with 277 units produced per day) constitutes 99.66% which is the maximum that can be reached. In order to dispense the previously discussed issue of inefficiency at workstation 4, several recommendations will be highlighted. Firstly, the easiest solution in relation to not changing the assembly set up would be to assign more skilled workers to station 4 in order to speed up the assembling process. Going hand in hand with this assumption is that the supporter might help staff at workstation 4. The problem is though, that the supporter ´s task certainly is to help out the assembly workers where help is needed but his/her task is not to stay in one spot at all times. Moreover, redesigning the assembly set up might benefit workstation 4. The redesign is concerned with the optimal placement of staff. In the case of Toshiba ´s assembly line it might be helpful to expand the section of workstation 4 in order to place one or two additional workers. Another possible solution might be to place additional staff not just on one side of the conveyer belt but on the other one as well. Especially in the section of workstation 4 additional help from across might be a solution. The assembly line has space for a total of 12 positions. Not all are being used. Another potential determination might be to split up workstation 4 into two and place the new one in a free spot. Regarding the calculations of slack times and efficiency with different amounts of units being produced, one can conclude that Toshiba ´s assembly line is relatively efficient but has space to improve. Workstation 4 represents the main problem of this case but several potential solutions were presented. Overall efficiency of this assembly line is quite high and appropriate. (All calculations were made without considering any break times)

Microsoft vs Red Hat Linux Essay

As a customer, I’d prefer the system of Red Hat (despite how the program look and operate) because obviously, it’s free of charge. Also because it releases the updated version every 4-6 months as the article mentioned. However, in my opinion, in term of business model, Microsoft, the monopoly, has a more sustainable business plan. The traditional way of employing high skilled programmers is certainly ensure the persistent development of the company. Moreover, from the customer’s point of view, even though, they have to pay a fixed software package in the beginning, but there’re no other expenses such as consulting like Red Hat. Moreover, the free technical support also make Microsoft has a higher position in the market. In addition, statistically, Microsoft has outstanding profit-making revenue for the past years. Linux, on the other hand, has a possibility of getting bigger in terms of revenue. Still, as I have said, volunteer programmers are not very reliable. Not only the success is terms of revenue, Microsoft has a better brand image because it has been in the market for so long and has so many loyal customers globally. Even though, Red Hat is trying to differentiate by focusing more on the small business, but Microsoft’s strategy is still ahead of it because it provided its service/product to a larger based customers. I’m sure that Red Hat isn’t the first competitor Microsoft has ever had, but it has overcome all of them. Because of all the reason mentioned above, Microsoft will remain the Monopoly in the market for still quite a long while. Michael E. Porter Michael E. Porter is a leading strategist who has a comprehensive understanding about economy and economic development of a nation. He invented the Competitive Strategy called â€Å"Porter’s Five Forces Model†. He is now currently the Bishop William Lawrence University Professor, based at Harvard Business School. Professor Porter is generally known as the father of modern strategy field, and also identified as the world’s most influential thinker on management and competitiveness. His works included 18 books and over 125 articles published in leading newspaper and business magazine. Professor Porter was actually graduated with high honors in aerospace and mechanical engineering from Princeton University, and continued with M. B. A with George F. Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School, also a Ph. D. in Business Economics from Harvard University as well. Porter’s Five Forces Model As I have mentioned, it’s a model about the competitiveness of a company by Michael E. Porter. It is a very well-known model in order to find the environment of a firm and also factors that influence the uncertainty. It states not only to win over your competitors but also to unite and work together between firms in term of partnership. One of the reasons why this model is well recognized is that it works from small to large company. The Five Forces in the model are Rivalry among current competitors, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of customers, threat of substitute products or services, and threat of new entrants.

Bus210 Appendix G

Appendix G Week 2. Checkpoint Business Organizations Resources:| Resource: Ch. 2 of Introduction to Business| Task: | Write a 200- to 300-word description of a business scenario, either real or fictional, that depicts each of the following forms of business organization:| Joint Stock Company| As a Joint Stock Company I have Chosen The British East India Company. It was granted a royal charter in 1600 with the intention of securing trade with India for England by Elizabeth I. A Joint Stock company has two or more individuals own all the shares of a company. Shares of stock are given in return for each financial contribution and the shareholders are free to transfer their ownership at any time by selling their shares to other share holders. These are known as private companies and the shares are not open to public sale or trading. Any corporate losses have to be paid by the shareholders so there is unlimited liability. Encyclopedia Britannica)| Limited Liability Company| Basically a limited liability corporation means if the company goes belly up, the wealth, and possessions of the owners cannot be taken to repay any debts of the business, only assets in the name of the business can be used to pay off the debt. To my amazement I found that McDonalds is a Limited Liability Corporation. (McDonalds, LLC Corporate home)| Partnership| A partnership is just as it sounds two, or more, people own a business equally. They share all responsibility for the business between them. An example of a Partnership could be the original Johnson and Johnson Company. Now it is a LLC and sells stock, but originally it was a very small company started by 3 brothers in 1886 making surgical dressings. When originally started this was a partnership. (Johnson &Johnson )| Sole Proprietorship| A sole proprietorship is a one man show. Owned, operated, and responsible for all debts by one person. This does not mean they might not have employees, but all the operations of the business are the responsibility of the owner. A good example of this that we might know of is The Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones owns the stadium, the team, and the contracts with the players, and all the rights to the team and the name including the cheerleaders’ name. (NFL 2011)| National Football League Dallas Cowboys. com Johnson and Johnson Corporation McDonalds USA Encyclopedia Britannica inc. copyright 2011

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Essay

On April 20, 2010 a catastrophic explosion on the Deepwater Horizon off shore drilling platform caused the largest single release to the environment due to oil drilling. This explosion killed 11 workers and injured 17. This oil spill is very controversial because it can be questioned if this spill could have been prevented and what exactly went wrong. There is much debate on who is to blame, what could have been done to prevent it and who is going to pay for all the damage. Many are not happy with the settlement BP is signing that will keep them from further criminal prosecution if they agree to pay the settlement amount. Paying retribution is fine, but what about the future damaging effects that we have no way of even knowing about now. Who will take care of that? These are some of the basic questions people are asking about this case and my responses. What can this accident teach us? This accident should teach us all that there is a great responsibility taken on when you go into the earth and try to harvest chemical products that have potential for negative effects on human welfare and health. The government needs to be in charge of regulating these activities to preserve the future of our environment. Had you been in charge of granting permit for this, what measures would you have prescribed to prevent or mitigate the impacts of such an accident? Policies need to be in place that ensures that properly trained personnel are on site at all times to ensure the safety of the drilling process. Only experienced personnel could properly react to an emergency and possibly be able to mitigate further damage. Knowledge and experience are required to recognize potential hazards in time and prevent even bigger negative effects. BP engineers were supposedly aware of variations in the pressure prior to the explosion. These engineers probably did not have the authority to request work be stopped so further inspections could be made. Politics involved with the money at stake sometimes lead to dangerous decisions. If someone with the knowledge and authority to make an executive decision was there, this tragedy could possibly have been avoided. If you were in a policy making forum, what national or international policy measures would you recommend for reducing long term risk from off-shore drilling. I think the policies on long term risk from off-shore drilling accidents could be addressed by building some kind of boundary wall to contain the drill site, even if there was not a spill. Just the act of drilling is releasing some form of contamination and if that contamination could be contained before it gets incorporated into the entire different city/ country’s water supply it would be a great benefit to prevent long term effects of oil contamination. International policies need to be in effect that maintain the same standards across the board. If one country has low standards and takes in the contaminated water†¦ they will then be releasing it into the environment and the contamination will still affect neighboring countries/cities that may have stricter standards. If I was involved in any type of policymaking forum, I would try to get policy passed that had strict policies regarding quality control practices regarding the technology being used to drill for the oil and the equipment maintenance. Increased testing of drilling equipment during and between drilling process, not just at the start stage. Sometimes equipment fails during use and quality measures need to be in place to make frequent inspections. What changes would you require in terms of ethical conduct by regulators? Regulators need to not be financially involved with projects the are legislating. This is a huge ethical problem because kickbacks and donations often lead to favorable legislations in favor of the party standing to gain and not for the best interest of the public. To what degree may politics have clouded judgment and influenced decisions that where made? Relaxed government regulation was probably made because the government in efforts to promote business, made acquisitions that were dangerous and costly to the environment in the long run.

Blindness in Samson Agonistes

Blindness in Samson Agonistes In John Milton’s play Samson Agonistes, eyesight is a recurring motif and blindness used frequently as a metaphor to define the status of a character’s journey. Milton uses the presence or lack of clarity in vision, both physically and spiritually, to indicate characters’ direction. Although several characters experience blindness to differing degrees, Samson epitomizes the dynamic states and stages of blindness. All of these are necessary components of his pilgrimage of personal redemption, where his loss of physical eyesight becomes essential to mitigate the more serious condition of internal, spiritual blindness. Manoah’s paternal connection to his son hinders his ability to see that the blindness Samson must endure as a result of his failures is actually necessary to restore Samson’s inner eyes. Manoah attempts to convince Samson that his predicament can be reversed and that there is a way out: â€Å"But God who caus’d a fountain at thy prayer From the dry ground to spring, thy thirst to allay After the brunt of battel, can as easie Cause light again within thy eies to spring.† (581-84) Manoah’s eyes are indeed veiled from reality, for he is unable to analyze the situation apart from his disposition and concepts which persuade him to believe that Samson is, in fact, ascetical. Manoah has the full assurance that the retrieval and homeward return of his son would cause the present problems to dissipate. However, Samson realizes that his escaping will not assist him along his destined path and will not accomplish the purpose of his existence. Surely God did not intend for Samson to single-handedly liberate Israel, but as the tribe’s sole recipient of the divine instruction, Samson is regarded as the man who will free Israel and her people from captivity. The awe and wonder that his strength elicits became an obstruction in the eyes of the Hebrews and of their faith. It does not occur to them that perhaps they too, as a people, have a role in fulfilling God’s plan. Their eyes are so fixed on the idea that Samson will be their savior that in a sense their faith in God is lessened. Samson’s strength is a mere manifestation of God’s strengthening him from within; the Israelites, however, regard his gift of strength as his sole qualification for the mission’s assignment. By so doing, they deny any accountability themselves. The Israelites should have learned from Solomon’s mistakes after his fall and taken the initiative to fulfill the promise. Instead, like Samson, his people lose sight of their faith and its source. It becomes apparent that Samson has become an idol to his people, and they have lost God as their focus by fixing their collective sight upon Samson’s God-like figure, which his strength and pride afford. Therefore, Samson is not the only one who has lost sight of his calling, but the Hebrews have fallen to the point where they â€Å"love bondage more than liberty, / Bondage with ease than strenuous liberty† (270-1). Samson, as well as his people, initially fail to see that his strength lies not within the seven locks of unshaven hair, but that his hair is a mere symbol of his heritage and of his vow to God. A footnote in Numbers, explaining the significance of the Nazarite vow, says, â€Å"Not shaving the head signifies not rejecting but being absolutely subject to the headship of the Lord as well as to all deputy authorities appointed by God.† The Nazarite vow was not developed solely for Samson, but it was a voluntary time of consecration where the Israelites declared their separation unto God: â€Å"All the days of his vow of separation no razor shall pass over his head. He shall be holy until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself from Jehovah; he shall let the locks on his head grow long.† (Numbers 6:5) This general custom proves that, contrary to the belief of Samson and Dalila, that his hair is not the source of his super natural strength. Samson’s â€Å"heav’n- gifted strength† (36) is accompanied by a mission whose accomplishment relies entirely on his faithfulness to the vow. Gradually Samson becomes distracted by the fame and admiration that his strength elicits. A purpose that initially originated from a divinely assigned mission slowly digresses into a self-glorifying talent which makes Samson â€Å"fearless of danger, like made a petty God, walk’d about admir’d of all† (529-30). Samson himself admits that he had reached a point where he was â€Å"swollen with pride† and fell â€Å"into the snare† (532). As this egotistical outlook begins to take precedence in Samson’s life, he simultaneously begins to lose sight of the goals in and purpose of his life, leaving him inwardly blind, prior to the dramatic gouging out of his eyes. During the first three temptations of Dalila, Samson’s faith still remains true as he maintains his loyalty and covenant with God, just as he sustains the portion of his vow which requires him to abstain from â€Å"all delicious drinks†¦ [to] repress† (541-43). However, upon Dalila’s fourth attempt to trick her husband, â€Å"this high gift of strength†¦how easily [bereaves] [him], / Under the seal of Silence could not keep, / But weakly to a woman [does] reveal it† (47-50). Once Samson recognizes his weakness, despite his outward strength, he begins the journey of ascent towards self- reconstruction, where Samson comes to realize how he came to be in such a predicament: â€Å"God sent her to debase me, And aggravate my folly who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust Of secresie, my safety, and my life† (999-1002) Samson realizes too late that he was â€Å"impoten[t] of mind, in body strong!† (52). Before his upward journey, Samson is required to be completely broken, blinded and chained, â€Å"inferior to†¦ worm† (73-74). The man that was once admired and worshipped is now â€Å"dark in light expos’d / to daily fraud, contempt, abuse and wrong† (75-76), made powerless, in order for him to begin the long, dark journey into his self and back to his calling. Milton repeatedly utilizes the metaphor of blindness to take his characters on a progression from a point of darkness into light, to illustrate the growth and dynamic development of each character on their own, specific path to destiny. Milton’s entire tragedy depicts the treacherous journey of the hero whose â€Å"breeding [is] ordered and prescrib’d / As of a person separated to God† (30-31). In order for Samson’s purpose to be fulfilled and for God’s plan to be carried out, Samson’s physical strength has to be reduced to nothing. It is only possible in this moment of desperation following complete failure that the hero is able to prove his true strength, as he re-climbs from the heap of collapse. Not only does this journey entail the reconstruction of his strength, but Samson is forced to endure this journey in complete darkness in order to redefine his view of the world and to relinquish his confidence in his own ability, and to ultimatel y refine and strengthen his faith in God. The Hebrews, like Samson, are also in need of restoration of sight to see again who their God is. Their faith falters simultaneously with the breaking of Samson’s vow; not one of them takes any form of action in attempt to accomplish God’s plan. Their sole concern is the preservation of Samson’s sight and strength, for this is where their faith resides. Manoah also fails to see that the restoration of Samson’s sight is not of utmost importance, but that much more, his inward eyes would be reopened to realize his purpose, to see why God twice appeared to his parents to announce the importance of his birth. Samson is both weakened and inwardly blinded by his wife’s beauty and temptations, but it is not until his eyes are gouged out that he acknowledges that he has been â€Å"entangled with a poysnous bosom snake.† When Samson’s faith is lost, he is in â€Å"double darkness†, both outwardl y and inwardly blind. It is not until his final moments that his inward eyes are opened; he regains his lost faith, and truly realizes and accomplishes his purpose in his very last breath.

Fundamentals And Applications Of Programmable Logic Controllers Research Paper

Fundamentals And Applications Of Programmable Logic Controllers - Research Paper Example The vast number of advantages offered by Programmable logic controllers in industrial automation has ensured their predominance over the last decades and some years to come. Programmable logic controllers are cost effective for the control of complex systems, flexible and can be easily reapplied to control other systems, simplified programming and reduced downtime given their troubleshooting aid, sophisticated control owing to their computational abilities and long-term operation capability without failure given their reliable components. (Evans, 2006) The central processing unit (CPU) is involved with the performance of logic and arithmetic functions of a PLC. It utilizes the program stored in memory to process the accepted input signal from the input modules into the desired output. It sends the desired output signal to the output modules which converts it into an appropriate actuator signal. In general, the CPU performs the functions of updating the input and output, logic and arithmetic functions and memory communication. The CPU is further divided into three major subsystems; Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) and the Registers. Instructions are fetched from a specified location and loaded into the registers then decoded by the Control Unit. The arithmetic and logic operations such as the subtraction, addition and basic logic operations such as OR/AND are done by the ALU. Control Unit directs the results into a special memory location for storage. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) is a logic gate collection with outputs, inputs and control bits for determining operation type.

ABSTRACT ASSIGNMENT Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ABSTRACT - Assignment Example 557). They want to know what mediation mode is used in LD relationships as intimacy is a complex idea as conceptualized in many ways. METHOD: Research asked 67 heterosexual dating couples to fill-up a one-week on-line survey independently of each other. This method relies on self-disclosure but is thought to be more detailed and accurate in natural context. Participants were made to answer a forced-choice query. SUMMARY: The study concluded the interpersonal process model of intimacy (IPMI) has some validity. Intimacy in LD relationships is enhanced depending on how partners used concurrent and cognitive processes imaginatively independently of different interpersonal media available. EVALUATION: The study found how close relationships can still develop in LD relationships based on just a few factors which are more adaptive self-disclosures and idealized perceptions of their relationships. Behavioral adaptation is a key on how it affects the two factors mentioned but this is dependent on cue multiplicity, synchronicity, and mobility of communication medium used by LD couples. An insight is people in LD relationships tend to strive more than others. PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to allow students to engage in practical use of knowledge in advertising by deconstructing an advertising campaign of a big multinational corporation so the lessons they learn such as use of persuasion in advertising today will be longer-lasting. METHOD: The method as stated in the article is a short term paper of 10-12 pages in which students are to analyze the elements utilized in a corporate advertising campaign. These elements are those by Aristotle (logos, ethos, and pathos) and also by Cicero (the canons used in rhetoric, namely invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery). The idea is an applied or practical nature of the assignment will help to synthesize and

Reasoning for Bible Allusions in the Bear Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reasoning for Bible Allusions in the Bear - Essay Example Also Sam Fathers painted Isaac's face with the deer of the blood after his first kill of a deer, a ritual that symbolizes sacrifices. The bear Old Ben, conversely, is a complex object of symbolism. Many scholars interpreted Old Ben as a symbol of strength and willingness of human nature. Some sees him as a symbol of freedom in wilderness. However, in Biblical allusion, Old Ben was compared to the Tree of Knowledge. Hunters are hunting down devotedly the old bear. Not because it was a threat to the nearby civilization, but because of the hunters' pride in the achievement of the wild bear's declination. The curiosity is intriguing and enticing to accomplish. The same goes with the Tree of Knowledge. The fruit of the three was forbidden to eat. Thus it became a center of curiosity for the first man and woman habituated the garden, its taste, its effect after eating it. The majestic figure of the bear fascinated the minds of the Southern Hunters. The rewarding hunters' pride to take down Old Ben was like a devil that tempted Eve to defy and eat the forbidden fruit. It is then tempting the mind towards viciousness of the southern people to go after the cruel reward awaiting. Canaan is obviously referring to the So... It was also directly describing the South where Faulkner himself explored with his early years as well as Isaac's during his early years, as Hebrew Bible illustrated Land of Canaan as extension southward from Gaza to the Brook of Egypt. The civilization in the second part of the story that Isaac gone to had came from the concept of Canaan. Faulkner used both Biblical places to emphasize the contrast between the wilderness and the civilization. From the Garden of Eden, Isaac fled to Canaan, and eventually learned that people in the civilization can be more uncivilized as creatures in the wilderness were, if not being paralleled. This in regards to the lifestyle he witnessed during in his relatives in the South, like McCaslin Edmonds, and Uncles Buddy and Buck. The practice of incest, the deception in the Buck and Buddy's old ledger of ownership, Cass' prejudices, all of these made Isaac to see that Old Ben is a symbol of untamed human willingness and at a same time of great independence of human spirit. The fascination to kill Old Ben was the curse that brought in people's lives towards their greed and viciousness. Now, in the last part of the story, Boon's madness could be the result of the curse in discovering the curiosity of killing Old Ben. The same goes when Adam and Eve have eaten the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, a curse bestowed to them along with the knowledge they suddenly acquired upon eating the fruit. Boon suddenly thinks he owns everything in the wilderness as he defeated the most regarded powerful creature in it. He acquired a thinking of replacing Old Ben's mightiness. Thus the impossible possession he had will make him madder eventually. A repeat to the excerpt of Faulkner's description "Arcadian Biblical vision of a world which

Contemporary International Trade is no longer explained by Factor Essay

Contemporary International Trade is no longer explained by Factor Proportions Theory - Essay Example While some countries were naturally rich in capital resources, other had a huge population which gave rise to an abundance of labor. The nations were said to possess competitive advantage in the factors of production which was readily available in their economies. It followed from common logic that countries having natural endowments of a specific factor would always engage in a production technology intensive in that particular factor. Therefore, a capital rich economy was always considered to engage in a capital-intensive technology for the production of commodities. The same case would apply for the labor abundant economy as well. However, in that case the countries ended up producing goods produced by only one factor-intensive type of production method. Therefore, they needed to engage in mutually beneficial exchange of goods to gain access to other types of products as well. However, the contemporary trends in international trade sometimes violate the tenets of the Factor Propor tions Theory. Homogenous countries being naturally endowed with the same pattern of factor endowments have been increasingly observed to have engaged in trading with each other. In such cases, only Factor Proportions Theory cannot explain the current trends in global trade. Consequently, specialists in trade have sought to explain the contemporary trading practices with the help of a number of alternative theories. This paper has attempted to evaluate these alternative theories and investigate their explanations about modern international trade. The Classical Theory of International Trade was the first acceptable explanation of international trading practices. About 150 years after this,the Swedish economists Eli Heckscher and Bertail Ohlin had proposed the factor proportions theory or the factor endowment theory of international trade. This theory is based on the concept of the comparative advantage (or disadvantage) of a country based on its relative abundance (or scarcity) of the factors of productionavailable within its economy.The factor proportions theory advocates that a country should be engaged in the production and export of commodities that is primarily based on a factor of production which is abundantly present in its economy.Considering the framework of a two-country, two-factor and two-commodity framework of international trade, the theory states that the different nations are endowed with different proportions of the factors of production like capital and labor. Some nations have an abundance of capital resources but are short on available labor. Such a country would be capable of producing commodities using a capital intensive mode of production at acomparatively low cost. Similarly, countries having an abundance of labor resources would produce labor intensive goods at a low cost. The first country would then be inclined to export its capital intensive goods to the second nation and import labor intensive commodities from the latter. Through i nternational trade, both countries would gain access to both the types of commodities at the least cost. However, the present international scenario presents a different picture of international trade. Current world trade is dominated by the exchange of goods between homogenous countries which are found to have an advantage in the same factor (factors) of production. In such cases, trading involves commodities which are generated by a similar

Using the topic, thesis statement, and supporting points from your DB Essay

Using the topic, thesis statement, and supporting points from your DB 1 posting, - Essay Example With this being said, many persons think that children need to stop playing at school so that they can get to the work of learning academics. Although it may appear that play is not important in terms of the academic achievement of early childhood students, in fact, play is vital to their future educational success Through play, young children learn social skills such as taking turns and sharing. They learn communication skills such as listening to others without interrupting and asking for help when necessary. They learn how to make and keep friends and how to compromise. During play, children also learn to lead and to follow. Some children naturally lead, while others naturally follow. Play gives them the opportunity to try out different roles and learn to lead and follow. Children also learn about rules as they play. They determine when rules are necessary and what those rules need to be. They learn when the rules are working for what they need and when the rules need to be revised. They learn to make rules and to follow rules. They may also learn the consequences for not following rules. Academics are also learned through play. As young children engage in play, they reinforce learned skills and are exposed to new skills. While playing store, they make lists, write numbers, add numbers, try out calculators, read store advertisements and get exposure to percents. They also sort and count money. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that young learners have the necessary and appropriate props and supplies to fully carry out a play scenario. Young students also have the opportunity to act as both teacher and learner during play. Academic skills are reinforced when students have the chance to teach the skills to others. Students also learn from one another. In conclusion, play gives students authentic opportunities to learn and practice.