Saturday, August 31, 2019

Hotel paper Essay

As a business entrepreneur my investments have focused into the hotel industry. One of my biggest goals is to build and open my own hotel to start my own business. I have done some research and I find myself well suited to be able to operate a franchised brand hotel. I have a well thought out strategy that will help me become successful in the lodging industry. Within this paper I will allow myself to guide you through the steps I will take to follow and accomplish this goal of mine. A franchise is a right granted to an individual or group to market a company’s goods or services within a certain territory or location. The franchisor sells the rights to the franchisee and then typically receives a fee for ongoing support, therefore having a vested interest in the success of each franchise. I chose to go the franchise way because I feel that I would have more support and profit coming in from franchising due to the fact of my lack of hotel business experience. I love to take risks but if I started from scratch in the lodging industry it would be an epic fail. Also from my search I have came across great reasons of why franchising would work for me. Some of the advantages are there is a higher likelihood of success since a proven business formula is in place. The products, services, and business operations have already been established. Bankers usually look at successful franchise chains as having a lower risk of repayment default and are more likely to loan money based on that premise. The corporate image and brand awareness is already recognized. Consumers are generally more comfortable purchasing items they are familiar with and working with companies they know and trust. Franchise companies usually provide extensive training and support to their franchisees in effort to help them succeed. Many times products and services are advertised at a local and national level by the main franchise companies. This practice helps boost sales for all franchisees, but individual franchisees don’t absorb the cost. (businessmart.com,2012) As I came across of many franchise hotels I have decided to go with Country Inn and Suites. From the franchise opportunities they give to their well-established business I think it would be a great opportunity for me. Country Inns & Suites by Carlson’s brand beyond 500-plus locations -including adding more to their nearly 30 international locations on the map. Their marketing logos and techniques have inspired me to open up one their franchise locations where I feel business will come blooming. Country Inns & Suites by Carlson is a leading mid-market brand known for providing a caring, consistent and comfortable hospitality experience delivered with a touch of home. The brand currently operates 483 hotels throughout the world and has 43 properties currently contracted and under development. This homegrown brand will expand by an additional 250 hotels globally by 2015 primarily in the U.S., Canada, India and Mexico. (Carlson Rezidor hotel group, 2012) From my research I’ve done the Carlson hotels give great opportunities to business people who want to franchise and assist them with building their business up. From the way they have expanded since 2012 until now gives me an opportunity to grow within the brand. And from my learning’s they are continuing to grow as a big nation so why not join and help build a future within the franchise. I find franchising with them a benefit because they are also successful with other hotel brands they also market the Radisson Hotels, Park Plaza, and Missoni Hotels. Like I’ve stated before they are a midsized hotel brand and I feel that I would be able to handle this type of environment than jumping into a bigger sized hotel franchise. What markets the Country Inn and Suites: Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM treats guests like family. It’s a brand approach that resonates with our audiences, making us one of the fastest growing hospitality brands in the world. We believe that by managing our business in a responsible manner, we build trust, build relationships and achieve great hospitality. And when we operate in a way that is respectful of human rights, socially equitable and environmentally sustainable, we can better meet our social and economic responsibilities. Their responsible business strategy includes taking responsibility for diversity, inclusion, and the health and safety of our employees and guests; showing leadership in social and ethical responsibility issues in the company as well as in the community; and reducing our negative impact on the environment. (Carlson website, 2012)Having this kind of mentality in a business brings great success and satisfaction. Although they have been a successful lodging business they have had their down falls from the beginning. My business will hold around 110 rooms giving a wide variety of rooms for guest to come in. The design and interior dà ©cor is based off the eligible choices the franchise brand offers. From the marketing to the building the franchise offers new business franchisee opportunities to help them build a secure business while using their label. At my hotel management I would like for my management team to always work as a team and always be cordial with the guest. My hotel will have also a housekeeping department such as a marketing department and management department. As I build my hotel I am highly securing the hotel by placing securities systems and adding set rules for after hours for our guest security. To keep the hotel secure I would integrate both technological security and security staff on site, also fire safety security and alarms for local services when needed. My target market would be based on middle and upper class target market because the way the hotel is set up gives the middle class and upper market a feel like they are at home although this doesn’t mean I am not open to advertising to get any type of business. I believe that having an open business that directs to all ages will bring in more guests and they will leave satisfied. Our beautiful amenities have something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Some of my marketing strategies are revenue management, simple advertising such as (internet, radio, and television). Also for great marketing techniques I believe in allowing the guest to give feedback on our staff and location to allow us to update and change things if we have to. One important marketing strategy is to keep marketing deals for guests who have to budget their vacations and stay with us instead of other hotels. Also by having a strong marketing team who just focuses on marketing the hotel will keep the business flowing. I would hire potential candidates for this department because I find it to be the heart of the hotel. Marketing would be a very important area for the beginning of my hotel. The marketing team has to strategize to know how to target all ranges of market by showing off the image and location of the hotel because it is important for guest to feel that they are at a safe location and environment. One main key point is that the customer tends to make decisions on buying a product or a service based on their perception of the value and satisfaction that the product or service delivers. From the company’s point of view the goal of marketing is to first build and then manage profitable customer relationships. As part of my marketing technique I have also thought about having a SWOT analysis made for my business to have an idea on where I am putting myself at in the business. As the years have gone by the brand Country Inn became more of a competition out in the market world. They have changed up the style and input many more things as part of their services that have made them a stronger brand. As for competition I know that there are many more hotels with higher standings and bookings that this franchise and would be a 50/50 chance in making it. A lot of other competitors seek the same target market and sales that I would but I am highly secure the team and hotel I build will be successful. Some of the hotels targeting the same target market are Four Seasons Hotels, Hilton, and Radisson Hotels. Some of the strengths are Top notch service and excellent customer service, Globally in over 75 countries, Goodwill from Employees and customers, they offer really go deals and promotional offers hence attracting more customers, Parent group adds to brand value and, High Brand Recall. Their weaknesses are The brand name comes with a perception of being expensive, Current economic status is bound to take a toll on spending power and, Still trying to establish itself in the emerging economies. Throughout this research I have come across many different types of competition sources. The variety of the amenities they offer is part of the competition also the service they offer and the guest satisfaction rating is important. The way they are dedicated to keeping their business they are dedicated to their design and comfy look. Product & Services: Exterior Color Palette Be Our Guest Service Exterior Signage Key Cards & Jackets Do Not Disturb Signs The Living Room Brand Flag Country Bed Guest Service The Servery Country Bath Free High-Speed Internet Breakfast Room Read It & Return Notepads & Pens Iconic Fireplace Employee Uniforms Business Cards Flat-Screen TVs Swimming PoolB Bath Amenity Program Sales Kit Folders Fitness Center Business Center The Veranda Standard Interior Design Package Wide open spaces, unique destinations, comforts of home, distinctive design, amenities and welcoming hospitality make Country Inns & Suites one of the most successful midscale brands in the world and one of the most attractive business opportunities in the hotel industry. At Country Inns & Suites, our approach to providing the best service in their segment is a little different than what you would typically expect. The amenities they over are great, simple and enjoyable to everyone and anyone. Guest is a service philosophy that encourages employees to serve guests with the same kind and caring spirit given to friends when they’re being hosted at home. The brand’s employee training program has generated tremendous employee engagement scores and high overall guest satisfaction. The service they offer makes you feel that you are welcomed and at home safely. I myself has experienced a stay at this brand hotel I loved it. From the guest service they offered to the design of the guest room was great. Country Inns & Suites features traditional architecture and a transitional, residential interior design with the brand’s signature, plank lobby flooring and welcoming fireplace. Each hotel offers free high-speed Internet access, a fitness center, a business center and attractive, comfortable furnishings that blend rich woods and natural earth tones. Additional distinctive amenities include: Be Our Guest Breakfast a newly expanded complimentary breakfast buffet that features hot and fresh options such as waffles, build-your-own breakfast burritos and omelets. And it’s now served on classic dining ware instead of disposable dishes. For those on the run, a new grab-and-go bar allows guests to pick up a hot beverage along with fruit and a granola bar as they head out the door. In conclusion this is a broad plan that I would follow to succeed in the industry when building my own hotel. Like I previously stated I would receive more help within the brand itself to know more in depth of how to follow the right steps to build up the business. Within the first five years I plan on turning profit by keeping up my marketing team on task to build a secure clientele and also being aware of what the guest are asking for to keep them satisfied. For a hotel I believe that keeping the guest happy and secure is a great motivation to keep a business flowing although some guest aren’t always right majority of business comes from people who pay for what they deserve without hesitation. Resources: http://www.franchiseexpo.com/franchises/country-inns-suites-by-carlson#sthash.nGoiQkry.dpuf http://franchises.businessmart.com/advantages-disadvantages-of-owning-a-franchise.php http://www.carlson.com/opportunities/country-inns-and-suites.do http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/swot.asp http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/swot_analysis.html http://www.countryinns.com/?se.bng.cis_cmp37=

Friday, August 30, 2019

Equality of opportunity Essay

This essay deals with the topic equality of opportunity by analysing Tom McAfee’s short story This is My Living Room and the historical source Traditional American Values and Beliefs. This is My Living Room is analysed with a focus upon the â€Å"I† character and Traditional American Values and Beliefs is related to this analysis by supporting these conclusions with historical facts. This is My Living Room is about a redneck living in Pine Springs, Alabama, who is telling about his life and his family. The â€Å"I† character is a stereotypical redneck; he is Christian, he does not trust the law, he is independent, he love his guns etc. He might be intelligent, but he is very one-sided, his way is the only right way, so he does not let it show. He is very determined on his way of living and has a disturbed way of thinking. He is driven by a fearless and at times illogical view of his surroundings, which makes his determined character seem arrogant and violent. He only trusts himself, which makes his relationship towards his family peculiar: â€Å"your own flesh and blood, will try to run over you, stomp you, steal from you, kill you if they can† (This is My Living Room, paragraph 29). He is dominant and the only thing he cares about is his store. He is uneducated, but still he has managed to make a living for himself. The American value of equality of opportunity is basically an ethical rule; it is about fair play and giving everybody a chance. It is not in the meaning that everybody should be equal but more like a race. Everyone has an equal chance to enter and win. You do not have a better chance because your parents are rich and you do not have a lower chance because of your race or religion. The concept of fair play is a very important aspect for the Americans. This belief was also expressed by the president Abraham Lincoln march 6, 1860 at New Haven, Connecticut: â€Å"We †¦ wish to allow the humblest man an equal chance to get rich with everybody else. When one starts poor, as most do in the race of life, free society is such that he knows he can better his conditions; he knows that there is no fixed conditions of labor for his whole life.† In the short story this aspect of fair play is shown in relation to his lack of education, but as he says: â€Å"I †¦ make more profità ‚  than some people I know of† (This is My Living Room, paragraph 19). The price you pay for this equality of opportunity is completion which is a vital part of the American dream. So in order to win the race to success you must compete with others. Therefore many Americans think that it is every person’s duty to try to succeed. In the short story we see this competition, when the â€Å"I† narrator tells Ezmo: â€Å"I give you the best prices in town† (This is My Living Room, paragraph 37). But competition also leads to bad things; in the story the redneck mentions that people are jealous of him. He has gained success: â€Å"I’ve got as much business as I need† (This is My Living Room, paragraph 19), and that without an education or money. However this idea of equality of opportunity is just not possible. There will always be those with more money who gets an advantage, or those who find people of a different race worth less. This aspect is also shown in the text: â€Å"Maybe they’ve got better houses and ride in finer cars, but maybe they didn’t make all their money like I did. Honest. I ain’t earned a cent crooked. I didn’t inherit my money. I worked for it.† (This is My Living Room, paragraph 19).ained succese redneck mentions that people are jealous of him. h that he knows he can better his conditions; he knows that But it is not only equality of opportunity and competition that is shown in the text, material wealth, hard work, individual freedom and self-reliance is also seen. The American values are often connected and by gaining one of them, you often gain all six. It is what holds America together: â€Å"we all share a common set of values that make us American†¦. We are defined by the rights we have†¦. Our rights are our history, why the first European settlers came here and why millions more have come here since†.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Midterm Learning Reflection Essay

Introduction. You should print this out, although you may also use it as a template to type over. You will be writing two reflections this term: a midterm reflection and a final reflection. The final reflection is the one you want to have ultimately on your portfolio. Both your midterm and final learning reflections must be 700 to 1000 words, which is approximately two to three MLA-formatted pages. You can check your word count by going to Tools/Word Count on the menu bar. Style and Format. The writing style of the learning reflection is primarily expressive, but will also contain narrative elements. You do not need a Works Cited page unless you cite something. So, if, for example, you cite song lyrics, one of our texts, a poem, or even a work of art, then you need a Works Cited page. I’ve included one here to serve you for formatting purposes. File formats. We are going to be learning how to convert Word documents to pdf format so that they load more easily in a browser window. If you can, please practice with one or both of the following two methods, which are what I use (they are free). 1. Install a free pdf converter. These are not truly â€Å"free† in that they either force you to look at some advertising or they add a line on each page advertising the manufacturer of the software. I don’t have a problem with either of these and gladly suffer through the free advertising every time I convert a file to pdf, which I do all the time. The one I use to create all the pdf files for my classes is at http://www.pdf995.com/download.html. Download both the Pdf995 Printer Driver and the Free Converter (they are both free; they are required to work together, but for some reason, they are two separate downloads). After you go through the download and installation process, every time you want to create a pdf file from Word, all you need to do is select File/Print and then chose PDF995, which will show up as a â€Å"printer.† When you initiate this process of creating a pdf file, you will be prompted for a place to save the file, as well as a file name. Be careful to save the file to your H: drive or, if to your C: drive, to ftp (transfer) it over to your H: drive later. You will notice that some advertisements come up as the conversion process occurs. That’s the â€Å"price† you pay for the free conversion software. 2. The other pdf-conversion method I like is to use the free OpenOffice word processing software. This software should be in our labs. You can also download it for free on your own computer, from http://www.openoffice.org/. This is basically an open-source version of Microsoft Office. Once you’ve installed it (it’s large and takes a while to install), you can open any Word document with the OpenOffice word processing program (Open Document). Some of the original Word formatting may be lost – especially the header information with your last name and page number. You will need to add that back in; be sure you do it correctly. When you’re satisfied with the format, there is a little pdf icon on the toolbar that you can click, and that will automatically convert the document to pdf format. Learning Reflection Content. What should you discuss in your reflection? In general, you discuss what you’ve learned, what you’ve done especially well, what you’ve enjoyed – and the challenges you’ve encountered and how you might make changes in the future. Here are some suggestions for what to write about: †¢ Your experience transitioning from high school (or wherever you were previously) to a freshman in college, focusing on how you have grown as an individual and an independent student. †¢ Your experience in this particular course – your year-long freshman inquiry. In this regard, you should probably focus on the University Studies goals and the ways in which you have grown and developed with respect to those goals. I would expect that other courses have also contributed to the goal areas, so you might want to highlight any that have been particularly useful in that regard. †¢ Other experiences as a student here at Portland State. Portland State University’s mission is â€Å"Let Knowledge Serve the City,† which reflects the fact that we are an urban university. What have you learned with respect to community, diversity, and the connection between a learning community (the university) and the city in which it is located? Keep in mind that you may have acquired valuable experiences outside of the classroom, but still connected to your identity as a student. o Perhaps you have learned important lessons about discipline and time management as a student athlete, which may serve you well when you enter the workforce. o Maybe your involvement in activities with other students – such as taking dance classes or playing in the band or spending hours in an art studio or toughing out chemistry and physics labs – has improved your personal skills and brought to light new areas of interest, which you’ve pursued in your free time. o Or perhaps you’ve found out that you are a loner, that you haven’t connected very well with a lot of the people in your classes. As you reflect on this (or any other conclusions that some – maybe you – might consider, well, depressing), think of this is an opportunity to think of ways to make some changes in the future. †¢ A reflection, in other words, should include a self-assessment element as well as thinking along the lines of â€Å"What could I do better or differently in the future?† Consider the challenges you’ve faced, how you’ve overcome them, or how you’d like to overcome them in the future. Conclusion. Your reflection should end in a way that gives the reader the sense that you are closing up a chapter in your life and ready to move on, with some ideas in mind of what you might do differently. My suggestion is that you do not spend a lot of time critiquing the world around you; after all, you can’t change that very much. Confine your reflection to you and what you have learned and experienced. Dwelling on what you don’t like about a given course or program is not a reflection about you, but about something else. Works Cited Eakin, Paul John. How Our Lives Become Stories: Making Selves. Ithaca and London: Cornell UP, 1999. Fiske, John. â€Å"Popular Culture.† Critical Terms for Literary Study. Ed. Frank Lentricchia and Thomas McLaughlin. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995. 321 – 335. Harrison, Claire. â€Å"Hypertext Links: Whither Thou Goest, and Why.† First Monday. 7 Oct. 2002. 10 Feb. 2004 .

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Choose one or two artists that we've discussed in class and discuss Essay

Choose one or two artists that we've discussed in class and discuss those artists' work in relationship to the main concepts - Essay Example This radical evolution of art gaining evolutionary-revolutionary power over humankind has shaken the society. Art as an expression reflects what is happening in a certain society and culture. If art is a work output, then it must come from inside of the artist. The freedom of every individual lets him explore the vastness of his creativity exploding into varied concepts of supreme work of art and achievements. The dynamic relationship of the artist with the environment creates significant thoughts within him. With all his intellect, emotions, and religious beliefs, he freely cast out what he infers from his system. This symbiotic human cycle produces a total artwork that is directed into shaping the world creating history and directing the course of the future. The axiom that art has been devised by modern people as the tool to voice out socio-political concerns is highly evident in the many various forms of arts now produced. In fact, many art shows conceptualized with a certain the me has been made all over the world. Artists, their supporters and critics flock like vultures at these events creating both ingrates and malcontents alike. The immersion and integration of various works of arts revolving around a single theme or idea echo with a bang to the public. The message is sent out clear and loud. In fact, louder than expected since a lot of people react differently to them. Hence, it creates so much controversy that can not taken for granted. They are called in various names: Artist as Victim, Artist as Star, Victim’s representative or whatever. There is a raw exposure of the various artist feelings of marginalization and exclusion according to what they perceive from the present outside world. This creates a big fiesta of whining with loud utterances of hidden parody made for women, lesbians, gays, blacks, the poor and deprived (Hughes, 1993). Barbara Kruger is one artist of the modern times that creates a voice heard instantly by those who perceive her works. Many of her works provoke issues and create lasting consciousness to the passive public. Feminism is greatly conveyed by most of her works. Generally, her masterpieces, maybe, a collage, photo shoot, or a canvass of massive blots with various hues is centralized with what is deep inside of her. The colors with captions chants with loud and piercing sonata as they are mass produced in various mediums such as T-shirts, cups, streamers, billboards, and etc. Some may consider them as commercialism strategy, but still, the existence of sharp concerto through the soundless voice in the message of her works has indeed reach the ears even to the society dozed in somber aloofness. Kruger’s stylistic works can come from a magazine image, black and white pictures, enlarged image skewed to monumental proportions, photos from real life events, incorporation of various clippings, and collages. Most of her works are known for captions and text message embezzled on the image. She is quite vocal in addressing her thoughts in her works regardless of medium. She incorporates language and pictures quite powerfully. Some of her works, â€Å"We won’t play nature to your culture† and â€Å"Perfect† are great masterpieces that echoes feministic ideas. The former shows a picture of a woman’s countenance with eyes covered with leaves. Thousand words can be used to describe the supposed to be

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Final Exam American Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Final Exam American Government - Essay Example ing abortion, and his wanting to rescind job protection for medical professionals refusing to take part in abortions, may be the driving force pushing more people to the right side of this debate. Explain the â€Å"filibuster† and â€Å"cloture† as used in the United States Senate. What problems do these two practices create? Provide some recent examples. (American Government and Politics, 2009/2010) Filibuster or the use of unlimited debate as a blocking tactic has been around since 1790. Senate rule 22 invoked Cloture which shuts off discussion on a bill. In 1979 it was refined to state that a final vote must take place within 100 hours after cloture has been invoked. The problem these two practices create are prolonged debates ending in forced decision making. I am guessing that our deficit issue, with a deadline of August 2nd, is undergoing these very same practices and I can’t help but wonder if the result will be good for the American people. Gerrymandering was named for Governor of Mass. Elbridge Gerry back in 1812. It refers to the practice of reshaping a district in order to benefit a particular candidate. The original area reshaped was Essex County and when it was done, it looked like a dragon on paper. Painter G. Stuart thought it looked like a dragon and said something about being fit for a salamander and B. Russell, an editor said, â€Å"Better say a Gerrymander†, for E. Gerry the Governor. (American Government and Politics, 2009/2010) I think that the biggest consequence of â€Å"gerrymandering† would be the manipulation of our voting public. It isn’t fair or ethical to be able to hedge your boundaries one way or another to suit your needs and secure a victory. Not that politics is particularly fair or ethical, but it is suppose to be. Isn’t it? Social conservatives fight for the preservation of tradition values. They believe that the federal government should have limited involvement in the affairs of citizens and that the states and local

Apple SWOT analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Apple SWOT analysis - Essay Example Apple Incorporated is also known to produce highly differentiated product offerings. Aside from this company’s brands, the unique technology that Apple promotes to its target segments resulting to the production of differentiated offerings is a remarkable strength, because it stands out in the market. This is further supplemented by the ability of the company to establish patents for all of its product outputs, which means exclusive ownership and trademark for future advantage. Apple Incorporated is also known in the market as a firm with a high quality trademark. With its ability to promote not only innovation, but standardization of its technology, Apple is known as a company that will never settle for less. It has undergone a management standard which eventually helps boost its capacity strength to increase the quality of its offered products. As already stated, Apple is known to lead in the product innovation. This sets Apple to produce a remarkable trend in its industry, making it a market leader in this aspect. The kind of technology that Apple employs is a cutting-edge, to the extent that it has become a renowned benchmark in its industry. The development of smartphones and other potential progress in the future when it comes to the related technologies of these product offerings have become the turning point for Apple to be highly recognized not only by its competitors, but its potential target market segment. The above are just some of the potential strengths that one can possibly see in Apple, but these do not hinder the fact that the company also possesses some weaknesses. One weakness of Apple that others might consider as such is the change of management. Many speculations at this moment especially on the part of the investors that Apple will never be the same again and that Steve Jobs must have provided the best ingredient for the company to succeed. This means that the present management is in great danger to be compared with the previous management. This is a weakness because this is something that possesses negative advantage right directly at the internal level of the organization. This strongly connects to Apple’s changing business model that may also have potential implication on the shareholders (Lazonick, Mazzucato & Tulum, 2013, p.249). Another weakness of Apple is its creation of products that may be similar to those that will only cost less. This is evident from the products that companies from China and in other parts of the world have produced. One can avail of them at a lesser cost, but significantly provides the same level of functionality. Although Apple can brag of

Monday, August 26, 2019

The resurrection of the Democratic party in Texas Research Paper

The resurrection of the Democratic party in Texas - Research Paper Example They were inclined to get involved in factional strife. Democrats have always been protective of the existing state of affairs. They are known to be quiet resistant to change. The political culture of Texans has been remarkably stable despite historic changes. The existence of the Democratic Party since it started in Texas can be categorized into two main periods. The first period from 1836, their independence, to 1952 when there was a presidential election. During this period, the Democratic Party was the only feasible party and dominated all levels of politics (Texas Politics Website). The second period from 1952 in which the Democratic Party faced numerous challenges from the previously ineffective Republican Party in the control of state affairs. Due to the lack of organization in the political parties before 1848, personalities dominated the political force. Contests eventually evolved to a more definite stage of competition after the Democratic Party formally became part of the electoral process in 1848 during the presidential campaign. However, it is important to note that it took sometime before the Texan democrats could adopt a statewide network and organize conventions. Nevertheless, partisanship developed steadily between annexation and 1861. Democrats started facing opposition at different sources. Initially it was the Whig party, followed by the American party and finally the Constitutional Union party. In the mid 1850s there was rapid growth in the mechanism of party discipline. In 1854, the party was influenced by the upheaval in national politics. This made the Texans move from Jacksonian nationalism and associate themselves closely with rights of state of the lower south. The governor elections in 1895 demonstrated that there... In 1854, the party was influenced by the upheaval in national politics. This made the Texans move from Jacksonian nationalism and associate themselves closely with rights of state of the lower south. The governor elections in 1895 demonstrated that there was division in the Texas’ political structure. During the civil war, democrats in Texas brought partisan activity to a stop after they became closely associated with extreme pro-slavery side that the Democratic Party supported in the Confederation (Texas Politics Website).  Ã‚  In February 1861 when Texas seceded from the Union, democrats had the highest number of officer holders (Worth). Moreover, most of those elected in the state government and those appointed in high military positions were also democrats. After the civil war, the U.S. Congress stopped senior Confederate military and political officials from holding offices or voting. The Republican Party dominated the politics in Texas between 1865, the end of the war, and the end of Reconstruction ten years later. In the early 1870s Confederates who had formerly stopped holding office were allowed back into the electorate and the resumed control of Texas state politics.  After the civil war, there was another split between the Secessionist and the Unionist democrats which was an immediate aftermath. Since the strongest Unionist had moved north and left the political scene, the remaining active members supported the Confederacy.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

WLAN Throughput Performance Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

WLAN Throughput Performance - Research Paper Example   When there are multiple simultaneously active users transmitting data on the WLAN radio channel, the throughput decreases. This is because the users experience a collision. These colliding parties must wait for a defined back off period before retransmitting. This results in loss of air time thus affecting the system’s throughput.†¢ InterferenceRadio based WLAN are unregulated. Other products transmitting energy in the same frequency spectrum results in interference. For instance, microwave ovens can be a source of interference to a WLAN system. Most WLAN manufacturers design their products to account for this interference. Interference mostly arises from other access points (AP) on the same and adjacent radio channels. It can be mutual and harmful. In minimizing interference, different radio channels are used. Frequency hopping and other frequency optimization techniques are developing to help manage interference.†¢ Interoperability of wireless devices  WLAN s ystems from different vendors may not be interoperable. This is because different technologies will not interoperate. For instance, a system based on spread spectrum frequency hopping technology will not communicate with another system based on spread spectrum direct sequence technology. Moreover, systems using direct frequency bands will not interoperate even if they employ the same technology. In addition to that, systems from different vendors may not interoperate even if they both employ the same technology.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Outcomes Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Outcomes Evaluation - Essay Example Healthy foods like fruits and vegetables are not easy to preserve or prepare and this is likely to significantly increase the cost of meals; a factor that the plan does not account for. The healthy food might also be unpopular prompting students to bring in packed food and making the program a failure (Power, Bindler, Goetz & Daratha, 2010) It is true that a universal healthcare system â€Å"will provide health care coverage for all† but the repercussions of switching the healthcare system to a non-profit one are far-reaching. The most immediate effect will be the dwindling of profits in the healthcare industry and this is in contravention to the wider goals of the federal government and Federal Reserve to boost the economy. This fact presents a big hurdle in changing the current healthcare system (American College of Physicians, 2012). American College of Physicians. (2012). Achieving a high-performance health care system with universal access: What the United States can learn from other countries. Retrieved on 6/9/2012 from

Friday, August 23, 2019

Three questions of Hillel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Three questions of Hillel - Essay Example These are inspirational words for me as they motivate me in working for the best interest for myself and the people around me. After being advised with these sayings, I felt that if I have to achieve something in life and make my life good, I will have to work towards it myself and when ill work hard to achieve my aims and objectives, I will be helped by God in achieving those aims and objectives. These sayings even helped me learn that I should not only focus upon my own self interest and should even take into consideration the interest of others while conducting any activity and this behavior of mine will be liked by God. The end of the saying which states that individuals should act instantly in the right manner and not wait for the right time as the right time is not in the future, instead it is right now. I gained this advice at a very early age and I learned that I should act in the right manner and in a virtuous manner during my youth and should not wait for my adult ages to d ecide about my action plan. These sayings were put in the form of questions by Hillel because he wanted individuals to ask these questions from themselves when ever they are under the situation of making a decision. These sayings have always been the guidance of all the decisions I have ever taken. While taking any decision that might result in effecting me along with others around me, I have scrutinized options in accordance to these sayings. These sayings have provided me a step by step guide to solve any problem. When ever I face a decision making situation, I first analyze what are my interests and how can I safeguard my interest. While pursuing my personal interest, I ensure that the interest of the others is not compromised and once I select an option that is viable for my self interest as well as the self interest of others, I take actions.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Psychological Testing Essay Example for Free

Psychological Testing Essay This paper is all about the uses and varieties of personality and projective tests. It aims to determine which tool is more reliable and valid to use in measuring and predicting the behavior of an individual. Furthermore, this paper discusses the uniformity of two different texts used containing the same stance that personality tests exceed the projective terms in terms of convenience to use, reliability, and validity. Personality and Projective Tests Introduction Personality and projective tests are psychological tests used to measure and evaluate the behavior of individuals in the school, community, and even workplace setting. The tests function to determine the difference of personalities among different individuals (examinees) taking the same test. Upon taking the test, interpretation of examinees’ scores would depend on their respective test results. However, in this paper, researchers of different psychological tests suggest that personality tests are more reliable and valid compared to projective tests. Personality and Projective Tests Albert Hood Richard Johnson (2008), a member of the American Counseling Association, collaborated to come up with Assessment in Counseling (2008), a book which discusses the different types of personality and projective tests. In the text, samples of personality tests include the following: the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory/MMPI2, Jackson’s Personality Research Form (PRF), Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), California Psychological Inventory (CPI), and the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R). Further, CPI scale where 16 PF is adapted is recommended to be used for marriage and career counseling, job performance appraisals, and evaluation of management skills in the workplace. On the other hand, the different projective tests include the following: the Rorschach Ink Blot Test, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), House-Tree-Person (HTP), Roter Incomplete Sentences Blank, and Early Recollection. However, the Rorschach Inkblot Test was found to be the most commonly used projective technique to make inference of an individual’s behavior. In addition, Anne Anastasi (Dept. of Psychology in Fodrham University) and Susana Urbina (Dept. of Psychology in University of Florida) (2002), in their book Psychological Testing, suggest that personality tests are far better to use than projective tests since the latter is more complicated to execute and is more prone to erroneous interpretation regardless of the examiner’s years of experience in handling the test. Scope of the Literature Problem and Significance of the Problem The significance of the problem is to answer the question: â€Å"Which is a better tool to predict the behavior of an individual, is it the personality or the projective tests? † Research problem(s) Explored in the Study The two articles reviewed focus on the problem whether personality tests, observation, and inventories are more reliable, predictive tool in measuring the behavior of an individual rather than the projective tests. Hypothesis in the study Hypothesis of this study suggests that using personality inventories or psychological tests are better than using projective tests to assess a person’s behavior. Research Design and Methodology Research design to be used is descriptive correlational. The approach or tool to be used is the Pearson (r) correlation to determine the relationship between the two variables. Conclusion Psychological tests are tools to measure and predict the behavior of an individual. Depending on its purpose, personality tests and projective tests aim to assess personalities in different settings such as school, workplace, and community. In school, the tests serve the college students’ need to be counseled for the career that suits their personality; at work, the tests are used to evaluate which candidate is more fit for the job; and in the community, the tests determine who are mentally healthy and who are not for providing welfare. References Anastasi, A. Urbina S. (2002). Psychological Testing. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc. Hood, A. B. Johnson R. (2008). Assessment in Counseling: A Guide to Psychological Assessment Procedures. Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria: American Counseling Association.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The Color Purple Essay Example for Free

The Color Purple Essay Alice Walker’s epistolary novel The Color Purple demonstrates how the mistreatment of a woman cannot prevent her from fulfilling her destiny. The protagonist and narrator of the novel, Celie, is a young, uneducated black girl who is verbally and sexually abused by her supposed father, Alphonso. He fathers two children with her, kidnapping both and presumably killing one, if not both. Because of the unwarranted trauma, she struggles for the rest of her life to recover from his abuse and establish her own power. Celie has a much smarter and prettier younger sister Nettie, whom she loves, and of whom she is very protective. Celie saves Nettie from marriage to a suitor referred to only as Mr. when their father forces her to marry him instead. Celie’s stepson Harpo, weds a strong-minded woman, Sofia, who is the complete opposite of Celie. Sofia’s refusal to be abused by anyone, man or woman sparks a curiosity that makes Celie take a closer look at herself. The catalyst of the story is Mr. ’s lover, Shug Avery. Although Celie realizes Shug is her husband’s lover, she does not resent Shug; in fact, Shug becomes Celie’s best friend, lover and even mentor. These influential women, each trying to find their own happiness, fighting their own personal demons, tremendously impact Celie’s life. The women help to educate Celie, whose natural intelligence and talents have been stunted by years of constant humiliation and abuse by her father and husband. It is through each character’s definition of life and struggle within The Color Purple that Alice Walker is able to tell the story of victorious transformation. Walker’s narrative symbolically illustrates a woman’s psychological journey rising from the mentality of an abused victim of poverty to become a strong, independent and confident woman who establishes her own place within her society. The sexual abuse Celie endures at a very early age leaves her powerless with nowhere to turn. Alphonso’s (Pa) sexual abuse is taken a step further when he gives Celie’s two children away to a family. Celie’s ignorance, due to her age and poor education, prevents her from understanding why the children were taken from her, but she does not believe they are dead. Alphonso entices Mr. , a widower with four children, to take Celie instead of Nettie, so he will not have to care for her anymore, by throwing in a cow with the deal. Walid El Hamamsy characterizes the combination package of Celie and the cow as further â€Å"patriarchal oppression† and a way to continue to â€Å"dehumanize† her. Her brutality is continued in her loveless marriage to Mr. , who beats and uses her for sexual convenience. One way to endure the torture is to tell herself â€Å"Celie, you a tree† (23). The other way she is able to tolerate her plight of isolation and despair is through writing letters to God. The letters affords her a voice which otherwise she does not have. Celie’s relationship with her sister Nettie goes beyond just a sisterly bond. Nettie turns out to be the first person to show Celie true unconditional love. With Celie’s children being taken away from her, Nettie fills her void of motherly obligation. Celie wants to guarantee Nettie’s well-being and puts Nettie first for everything. Celie’s view of Nettie as someone filled with potential is in direct contradiction to how Celie sees herself; however, it never stops Nettie from trying to teach Celie so she can open her mind to what is going on in the world around her. When Celie’s husband tells her Nettie has to leave, it is like a ton of bricks lands on Celie. Nettie is the only person from whom Celie ever felt love. When Nettie leaves, she encourages Celie â€Å"to fight,† but Celie is so broken she says she only knows how to â€Å"stay alive† (18). Celie’s mental state is still that of an abused victim: she is encapsulated in a world of deep despair, but Nettie has planted a seed that will grow and eventually take her to a place of confidence. Alice Walker introduces Sofia, a bold, headstrong woman that illustrates assertiveness and self-dignity. Mr. ’s son, Harpo, marries Sofia because he loves her, but later tries to make her succumb to him through brutal force. Harpo has grown up seeing his father physically abuse Celie in order to get his way and when he asks Celie what he should do to get his headstrong wife to submit to him, Celie tells him he should beat her. Celie sees little or no value in herself. She survives victimization by accepting that fighting back will only cause more harm than good. Anyone can do or say anything they want to Celie since she has accepted her place and submits to the violence. With telling Harpo to beat his wife, Celie is once again showing her abused mentality: she truly believes that physical oppression by husbands is normal. Critic Stacie Lynn Hankinson contends Celie portrays â€Å"a survival-of-the-fittest perspective, which pitted her against, rather than aligning her with, other women. † After Sofia learns of the betrayal of Celie, she boldly confronts her only to figure out Celie is actually on her side. Sofia tells Celie â€Å"All my life I had to fight† (40). Sofia embodies something that would not allow her to be a victim, no matter who she has to fight. Celie professes her jealousy of Sofia because she unfortunately did not have the strength to fight and was continuously a victim. Sofia offers something to Celie she never had before; moral support. Sofia’s constant retaliation against Harpo assists Celie to understand that rebellion, fighting, is a way to escape victimization. Celie’s lack of confidence resides in her fear of not being loved. When Shug Avery, a Blues singer and her husband’s lover, enters Celie’s life, Celie become conscious of an intimate, trusting love, which empowers Celie to assert herself. Shug enables Celie to freely express herself and talk about all the unfortunate things that have happened to her over the years. Shug also helps Celie find her voice and change how she views herself. After Shug tells Celie â€Å"you still a virgin† Celie starts to look at herself less as a victim and gradually lessens her acceptance of ill treatment and stands up for herself (78). Shug shows Celie how having a powerful voice can be pivotal in changing their life. Walker uses the relationship between Shug and Celie as a way to emphasize consistency and a strong bond. Shug is not only Celie’s confidant but there is a role reversal and Celie becomes Shug’s confidant. Their conversations bring up points not only do they think about, but the reader might as well. â€Å"I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it† (197). After her conversations with Shug Celie realizes she must strip her mind of the impression of God that her male-dominated society has placed on her and replace it with a holistic one. Celie’s recognition of God as a Creator allows her to establish a place in her society and finally love herself, just as she is. Marc A. Cristophe agrees as he writes in his essay The Color Purple: An Existential Novel, â€Å"she has rejoined the community of men and women; she has found herself, her own place †¦and is able to marvel at the creation, at life itself. †

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

International Human Resource Theories: Coca Cola Case Study

International Human Resource Theories: Coca Cola Case Study IHRM concepts in Coca Colas practices and reasons to transfer employees to the host countries 6 Selecting staff for global assignments in Coca Cola 7 The disadvantages of traditional selection in Coca Cola 8 Abstract This research project explains how the International Human Resource theories are used in Coca Cola as a multinational organization. More over it clarifies the IHRM theoretical side and how the company uses it in its practices. Also it explains both of the strength and weak points of the practical methods. Coca cola is an example of Multinational enterprises (MNEs) as it operates its business in more than 200 countries. Introduction Local Human Resource Management practices are different of international Human Resource Practices, because the core different in the organizational structure. The structure of a Multinational organization as Coca Cola should be different of another American local organization. These differences come from the significant role and senior strategies of the company. This should cause some significant change in the HR practices and functions. Since Coca Cola is a company operates its business around a huge number of countries around the world it began to respond to both of local and international needs. Environment, culture and political differences exist from a region to another. Globalization is the most important factor of the multinational enterprises phenomenon. Coca Cola one of the American companies became a multinational company to take the benefits of new markets and to minimize the labour costs. Haile (2002) mentioned that Bernadin and Russell (1998) and Robbins (1997) all stated that Coca-Cola and Pepsi receive more than half of their revenues from operations outside the United States. These reasons and more encourage the company to operate its business outside the boundaries. While the company started its operations outside USA it considered the environmental, cultural and political change. Also it considered the differences among the multinational employees. Therefore it started to find the methods and the practices which help to avoid any obstacles since the IHRM has new concepts were developed internationally. As a core point, the international human resource practices should be aligned with the predefined strategic business goals. Companys background Coca Cola was invested in May 1886 by Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, its operations are in more than 200 countries, and with diverse work force of approximately 55,000 employees. The local and global strategy The strategic vision of the company is to achieve five strategic goals: Profit, people, value, partners and planet. One of the above strategic is people, which is the most important element in Coca Cola as people are the workforce which operates the whole work. Moreover the company gives its attention to the HRM to control the human functions and roles and to be aligning with the companys senior strategy. In line with the higher objectives of the company, human resources management seriously seeking to get the best management achieve the objectives of the company. For these reasons, IHRM should define know the structure of the company as a global. (The Times Newspaper, 2005, P. 2) The companys structure The home country of Coca Cola is USA it controls both of centralization and localizations functions. Senior decisions at The Coca Cola Company are made by an Executive Committee of 12 company Officers. This committee helped to shape the strategic priorities. The chair of the executive committee acts as a head for the company and chairs the board meetings. He is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and as such he is the senior decision maker. Other executives are responsible either for the major regions (e.g. Africa) or have an important business specialization for example the Chief Financial Officer. (The Times Newspaper, 2005, P. 3) There are seven main regions where Coca Cola operates in as the following: North America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Eurasia, Middle East, Latin America. Each region has divided into countries and each country has its own structure the following figure explains the structure of Coca Cola in Great Britain. (The Times Newspaper, 2005, P. 3) IHRM concepts in Coca Colas practices and reasons to transfer employees to the host countries Staff selection, international assignments, international training and development, international compensation, and IHRM in the host Country context are some key concepts of the international practices which Coca Colas HRM is responsible to deal with. And it is important to know the reason of transferring people from a region to another among Coca Cola parent company, host countries and subsidiaries. The reason of sending staff for international assignment in Coca Cola is to achieve three major goals within short and long terms: to fill positions, develop the management and to fulfil Coca Colas development. (Hartono 2009) The following table shows the reasons of transferring staff from the parent country of Coca Cola to the host countries (e.g. china). Why does Coca Cola transfer staff from the parent country (USA) to the host countries Transfer of technical or Managerial knowledge, training of subsidiary managers, or lack of qualified local personal (Position Filling) Level of education in host country is low Subsidiary is young Subsidiary is Greenfield establishment Gain international experience develop global awareness (Management Development) MNC is more internationalized MNC is large Control and coordination of subsidiary operations (Organizational Development) Uncertainly avoidance in home country is high Level of cultural distance between home country and host country is high Level of political risk in host country is high Subsidiary is large Subsidiary is majority-owned Subsidiary is higher in corporate reporting chain Subsidiary is young Subsidiary is under-performing improvement of communication channels between head quarter and subsidiary (Organizational Development) Level of cultural distance between home and host country is high Level of political risk in host country is high Subsidiary is young Selecting staff for global assignments in Coca Cola Hartono (2009) argued that studies explained that selecting employees for global tasks to achieve international specific jobs is difficult. Also wrong selection may lead to significant problems. Therefore Coca Cola developed its own system for careful selecting employees, in this system the company determines carefully the appropriate persons for each assignment. (Slavenski 2003) In Coca Cola they always give enough time to assess employees they wish to go for an international assignment. First step is to receive applications from the employees who find that he is qualified for the task. Then conduct five hours assessment for all the applicants to identify the following nine skills: 1. Organizing and planning 2. Perception and analysis 3. Decision making 4. Oral communication 5. Decisiveness 6. Adaptability 7. Interpersonal skills 8. Written communication 9. Perseverance Second step is to determine the best applicants who have succeed in the first assessment and ask them to return next day for the organizational orientation, also there is three days of training for the line managers who are responsible for this selection. In Coca Cola usually the third step is an interview to select one of three applicants to do the international assignment. Comparing with the old approach of selecting staff to do a global task there are a significant change in the way and technique used currently in Coca Cola. According to Slavenski (2003) he stated that These results indicate that the new method of interviewing is more effective than traditional interviewing. Hence, the assessment/hiring ratio was lowered from 3: 1 to 2:1. T hat is, for every two people assessed in the center, one could be selected. The cost savings amounted to about $48,000 per center or $4,000 per candidate. The disadvantages of traditional selection in Coca Cola Selecting people who have equivalent skills, information, and organizational expectations is more complex than it earliest appears. Someone who has been successful somewhere else in a related position may not always be a good selection. Old selection in most organizations is not as useful as it could be because it is not based on an analysis of job necessities, rather than being prepared and logical, it is unofficial and incompatible, making it hard to compare and assess candidates, it may involve unrelated, and sometimes unlawful, it allows the candidates small chance to express actual job skills and it is based on poor inspection and records and generally relies on the interviewers ability to bring to mind complex information about number of candidates. Lxr- ÃŽ ±: Molecular Link in Epidermal Microenvironment Lxr- ÃŽ ±: Molecular Link in Epidermal Microenvironment ABSTARCT The nuclear receptor LXR-ÃŽ ± is a transcriptional regulator involved in numerousepidermal processes including proliferation, differentiation, permeability barrierformation, inflammatory responses, skin development and homeostasis. Owing to itscrucial for multiple cell types in the skin, its activation in one skin cell type mayinfluence its expression and activation in other, thereby having a functional impact. Inthis study we investigated the effects that LXR-ÃŽ ± activation in keratinocytes would exerton LXR-ÃŽ ± expression in melanocytes. For this, we cultured melanocytes from theclinically healthy subjects and them nurtured with the media from the LXR-ÃŽ ± activated (by both Ascorbic acid and Atorvastatin along with 22-R hydroxycholestrol) keratinocyte. The DOPA staining verified the growth of melanocytes and the validationfor viability was done by flow cytometry. The results so obtained supported ourspeculation that LXR-ÃŽ ± activation in the normal healthy melanocytes may lead to theirapoptosis. Therefore, LXR-ÃŽ ± may be a critical player in keratinocyte and melanocytebiology and could be a potential target for skin disease management. INTRODUCTION Epidermal melanocytes form a functional and structural unit with neighboring keratinocyte. There is apparently a close relationship between melanocytes and keratinocytes that is important for melanocyte survival and differentiation. and that may involve keratinocyte-mediated cytokines [1]. Growth factors produced by adjacent keratinocytes regulate the proliferation and differentiation of melanocytes [2-5]. Therefore, changes in keratinocytes function might have a significant effect on melanocyte survival [6, 7]. The LXRs in skin physiology and pathology have evolved rapidly in recent years as they modulate epidermal proliferation, carcinogenesis, differentiation and permeability barrier function, which identifies them as promising drug targets for the treatment of skin diseases. The nuclear receptors LXR-ÃŽ ± and LXR-ÃŽ ² are expressed in murine and human keratinocytes [8, 9]. LXR activation also stimulates epidermal lipid synthesis, lamellar body secretion and lipid processing in th e stratum corneum [10]. LXR-ÃŽ ±activators stimulate keratinocyte differentiation and also promote epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis [10]. Activation of LXR-ÃŽ ±by oxysterols stimulates keratinocyte differentiation, thereby, making LXR-ÃŽ ±important in keratinocytes differentiation as well [11, 12]. LXR-ÃŽ ±is also known to play a key role as metabolic checkpoint that modulates cell proliferation in skin. At proper dosage, synthetic LXR agonists are safe on endothelial cells and may even transrepress inflammatory reactions [13].It has also been found that LXR-ÃŽ ± might be playing an important role in pathogenesis of pigmentary disorders like psoriasis [14, 15]and vitiligo [16]. Changes in the expression of this receptor in various diseased conditions of skin make it a candidate gene worth investigation, as it may be critical players in keratinocyte and melanocyte biology and homeostasis [17]. In this article we characterize the effect of alteration in expression of LXR-ÃŽ ± in the keratinocytes influence the survival of the melanocytes. In our previous studies we have already explored the effects of agonists and activators of LXR-ÃŽ ± on its own gene expression in keratinocytes. We here report the effect of melanocytes viability following LXR-ÃŽ ± activation with Atorvastatin+22R hydroxycholestrol and Ascorbic acid +22R hydroxycholestrolin cultured keratinocytes, with both the cell types derived from of the same the skin biopsy METHODS Selection of the subjects and clinical evaluation This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. A total number of 6 controls were enrolled, after their informed consent. The age range was 18–40 years. Skin grafts were collected in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and immediately transported to the laboratory in ice. Cellular models employed Fresh biopsy specimens were obtained under aseptic conditions in phosphate buffer saline with antibiotics (penicillin and streptomycin). Keratinocyte Cultures: Culturing of keratinocytes derived from skin biopsies of clinically healthy subjects were carried out in Keratinocytes Specific Media containing no antibiotics. The treatment with Atorvastatin+22R hydroxycholestrol and Ascorbic acid +22R hydroxycholestrol was performed. Cells in one of the wells were incubated with 30Â µM Atorvastatin and the other well was treated with 0.2mg/ml Ascorbic acid or 12 hours [18]. Then 10 Â µM 22R hydroxycholestrol was added to both the wells and cells were then incubated for 48 hours. Melanocyte Cultures: Culturing of melanocytes derived from skin biopsies of same clinically healthy subjects was carried out in Melanocyte Media Promocell containing no antibiotics. Then the media from the above mentioned treated keratinocytes was transferred to the respective melanocytes cultures for consecutive three days. Cell identification Keratinocytes: To verify that the cells cultured from the skin biopsies exhibited the characteristic signatures of keratinocytes, Melanocytes :DOPA staining To verify that the cells cultured from the skin biopsies exhibited the characteristic signatures of melanocytes, DOPA staining was performed following a modified method previously described [19]. RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis Total RNA was isolated using the Tri Reagent kit (Ambion, Austin, TX, USA), and cDNA was synthesized using the First-Strand cDNA Synthesis kit (Fermentas, St. Leon-Rot, Germany) following the manufacturers’ protocols. Semiquantitative RT-PCR Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the gene tran- scriptional expression. PCR amplification was performed using the GeneAmp PCR System 9700 (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). All primers were synthesized by Sigma (St. Louis, MO, USA). The primer sequences used are given in Table S2. PCR amplification of cDNA was performed in a reaction mixture containing 10X polymerase, 2 ll cDNA template and sterile RNAse-free water added to a total volume of 25 ll. All PCR reagents were from Fermentas. We first amplified a housekeeping gene encoding b-actin, to monitor RNA quality and cDNA synthesis and to ensure that equivalent amounts of cDNA were used in all PCR amplifications. All PCR products were analysed by separation on a 2% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. Annexin V staining Cultured melanocytes after culturing in conditioned media were were processed as previously mentioned [20] before being used for Annexin V staining (Roche, Mannheim, Germany), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. RESULTS Identifications of melanocytes Melanocytes were cultured with conditioned media from treated keratinocytes (both cell types derived from from skin biopsies of the same patient). After getting pure cultures, these cells were characterized by DOPA staining (Figure 1). LXR-ÃŽ ± mRNA expression We checked the expression profile of LXR-ÃŽ ± gene in melanocytes cultured in the conditioned media was compared to the controls (Figure.2). The aim was to detect any change in gene expression of LXR-ÃŽ ± and its effector genes . Results revealed the higher presence of LXR-ÃŽ ± mRNA expression in melanocytes cultured in bot the treated conditioned media compared to controls. Effect on the apoptosis Experiments were performed and it was interesting to find that there was an increase in the apoptosis of melanocytes nurtured with the media transferred from the keratinocytes treated Ascorbic acid + 22-R hydroxycholestrol i.e. 26% compared to 17.6% in the melanocytes nurtured with the media transferred from the keratinocytes treated Atorvastatin + 22-R hydroxycholestrol whereas the control non- treated melanocytes showed 10% apoptotic cell population (Figure 3). DISCUSSION The role multivalent LXR-ÃŽ ± has recently been described in many skin diseases. A marked expression of LXR-ÃŽ ± has been observed in cells adjacent to dermal papilla, speculating that it may correlate with site of hair melanocytes [21]. Important genes involved in regulation of both keratinocytes and melanocytes are target genes of LXR-ÃŽ ±; it can be speculated that LXR-ÃŽ ± might be playing the important role in pathogenesis of varied skin disorders and homeostasis [17]. Studies have previously shown that chronic activation of LXR-ÃŽ ± in pancreatic ÃŽ ²-cell provoked lipid dysregulation and concomitant apoptosis. To verify the speculation, the cultured melanocytes from the clinically healthy subjects were nurtured with the media from the LXR-ÃŽ ± activated (by both Vitamin C and Atorvastatin alongwith 22-R hydroxycholestrol) keratinocyte media. The DOPA staining in Figure 1 shows the viable melanocytes which were further validated by FACS and the results so obtained supported our speculation that LXR-ÃŽ ± activation in the normal healthy melanocytes may lead to their apoptosis, as LXR-ÃŽ ± is known to inhibit cell proliferation and enhance apoptosis (Figure 3). We have already reported that the LXR-ÃŽ ± expression was present in human melanocytes and keratinocytes [15, 16]. In this study, we compared the expression of LXR-ÃŽ ± in conditioned media from keratinocytes treated with Ascorbic acid + 22-R hydroxycholestrol and Atorvastatin + 22-R hydroxyc holestrol compared to the control and found that mRNA expression of LXR-ÃŽ ± was significantly higher in both the treated groups as compared to the control.So, it can be said that there is an LXR-ÃŽ ± imbalance in the genesis of skin disorders. Although future studies will reveal whether LXR-ÃŽ ± dysregulation in skin cells contributes to the diseased state in vivo, the data presented here suggest a potential target for the development of a successful method of regulating the diseased skin conditions. Not only LXR-ÃŽ ± has a robust anti-inflammatory activity in skin, but they also modulate epidermal proliferation, differentiation and permeability barrier function. The abnormal increase in LXR-ÃŽ ±expression in the pancreatic islets of obese and diabetic animal models and the ability of LXR-ÃŽ ±ligands to induce cell dysfunction suggest the involvement of chronic LXR-ÃŽ ±in cell apoptosis [22] . Keeping in view, the findings reported here coupled with earlier reported findings, it is not unlikely that LXR-ÃŽ ± transcriptome may be of crucial importance, not only in understanding of genomic basis of skin disorders it could be useful in designing futuristic therapy for these skin disorders.

The Most Significant Aspect of Roosevelt’s Presidency and New Deal up t

The Most Significant Aspect of Roosevelt’s Presidency and New Deal up to 1941 In this essay I am going to be assessing which was the most significant aspect of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Presidency, by looking at four different aspects of it, and then applying tests to each aspect. I will be looking into Roosevelt’s Economic Policies, Economic Ideas, Role of the Presidency and the Electoral performance of the Democratic party – and then, applying the following tests to them: Firstly, the ‘Amount of change,’ then the ‘Immediate effects,’ then the ‘Long term effects,’ and finally the ‘Effect of one aspect on another.’ Roosevelt’s economic ideas were clearly different to those of the Republicans and also the Electoral Position of the Democratic Party also changed a lot from the 1920’s. However it was the modifications to the role of the President and Roosevelt’s new economic policies that produced the biggest changes from the Republicans presidency in the 20s. Before Roosevelt became President, the rules of the constitution were followed very strictly: The Legislature role (congress) was to make the laws, the Executive’s (the president) was to carry those laws out and the Judiciary (Supreme Court Judges) to judge the laws. Each having their own authority and weaknesses to form a ‘balance’, ensuring that power and control was split equally between the three branches. When Roosevelt became President in 1933, he made three major changes to the role of the Presidency. Firstly, he changed the relationship between the Presidency and congress. While it was still the responsibility of the Congress to make laws, Roosevel... ... I found that only really the Role of the Presidency had a major long term effect after Roosevelt, there are aspects of Roosevelt’s presidency that are still largely apparent in the United States of America today – because the USA has such a polar economy, there is a big divide between the rich and poor, and although there are still a lot of poor people in America, who receive limited aid, there is a larger majority that are extremely wealthy and the USA is the richest country in the world today. And Roosevelt does have some part to play in this; because of everything he did (long and short term) he managed to succeed in largely curing the depression and getting America back on its feet. Without this, we don’t know where America would be today and so this is what I believe to be the best way of measuring significance. The Most Significant Aspect of Roosevelt’s Presidency and New Deal up t The Most Significant Aspect of Roosevelt’s Presidency and New Deal up to 1941 In this essay I am going to be assessing which was the most significant aspect of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Presidency, by looking at four different aspects of it, and then applying tests to each aspect. I will be looking into Roosevelt’s Economic Policies, Economic Ideas, Role of the Presidency and the Electoral performance of the Democratic party – and then, applying the following tests to them: Firstly, the ‘Amount of change,’ then the ‘Immediate effects,’ then the ‘Long term effects,’ and finally the ‘Effect of one aspect on another.’ Roosevelt’s economic ideas were clearly different to those of the Republicans and also the Electoral Position of the Democratic Party also changed a lot from the 1920’s. However it was the modifications to the role of the President and Roosevelt’s new economic policies that produced the biggest changes from the Republicans presidency in the 20s. Before Roosevelt became President, the rules of the constitution were followed very strictly: The Legislature role (congress) was to make the laws, the Executive’s (the president) was to carry those laws out and the Judiciary (Supreme Court Judges) to judge the laws. Each having their own authority and weaknesses to form a ‘balance’, ensuring that power and control was split equally between the three branches. When Roosevelt became President in 1933, he made three major changes to the role of the Presidency. Firstly, he changed the relationship between the Presidency and congress. While it was still the responsibility of the Congress to make laws, Roosevel... ... I found that only really the Role of the Presidency had a major long term effect after Roosevelt, there are aspects of Roosevelt’s presidency that are still largely apparent in the United States of America today – because the USA has such a polar economy, there is a big divide between the rich and poor, and although there are still a lot of poor people in America, who receive limited aid, there is a larger majority that are extremely wealthy and the USA is the richest country in the world today. And Roosevelt does have some part to play in this; because of everything he did (long and short term) he managed to succeed in largely curing the depression and getting America back on its feet. Without this, we don’t know where America would be today and so this is what I believe to be the best way of measuring significance.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Mans best friend Essay -- essays research papers fc

Man’s Best Friend   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Who do you consider your best friend? Is it the person you grew up with? Is it your husband or wife? For many it is someone that is always they’re for them when sad or lonely, or when one needs to talk, cry, or laugh. However, thousands of Americans are turning to their dogs for a favorite companion. This paper will explore the enduring phrase â€Å"Man’s Best Friend† and the loyalty, faithfulness, intelligence, and companionship shared by dogs and masters that make this statement true.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some might ask, why would anyone consider a dog their best friend? For many dog owners the answer would be loyalty. In a story from the Christian Science Monitor author William H. Carlile wrote, â€Å"There is a hero on West Eunice Street just outside the suburb of Tucson: a two-year-old female English Springer Spaniel named Brandy. She is credited by law-enforcement officials with attacking and chasing off an intruder last year at the home of her owners, Jerry and Kendal Plank, despite having been shot five times by a 9mm semiautomatic machine gun.†(11) This story is an excellent example of the loyalty a dog can acquire towards its masters, to be able to protect and even save lives. Loyalty is a very common trait given to dogs by their owners. Many of those who talk of the loyalty their dogs have for them will also have an incredible story to back up their beliefs. In an article in The Australian, an experienced hunter fell into a ravine and was unable to get out. He was there for five days before rescuers found him; they reported that temperatures fell below freezing at night and it rained three of the five night’s (007). His dog Bee, was able to get out of the ravine but decided to stay with his masters. Searcher Brent Keightley said, â€Å"If it wasn’t for the dog, Des wouldn’t have survived.† The article tells of how the dog slept with him to keep him warm during the freezing nights (007). This story not only demonstrates loyalty but also the faithfulness that a dog and master often share.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Man’s Best Friend† is often considered a household phrase. Many people think of the loyalty of a dog when they here this saying, but for some it is also the loyalty of the owner and the friendship that builds between them. For an old baseball coach of mine it is not only a household s... ... seem to provide pure enjoyment and entertainment through their intelligence and friendliness. This statement, â€Å"Man’s Best Friend†, will continue to prove itself true for years to come, with new exciting and fun stories for everyone to enjoy. Works Cited Bankston, John. â€Å"Augusta, Ga., Bakery Caters to Man’s Best Friend.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Augusta Chronicle 23 Nov. 2001 Carlile, William H. â€Å"’Man’s Best Friend’ is also Lifesaving Hero and Protector.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Christian Science Monitor 23 Oct. 1997, Vol. 89 Issue 230, p11, 1c Hadnot, Ira J. â€Å"Man’s Best Friend Understands Us Better than We Think, Researcher   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Suggests.† Dallas Morning News 8 Sep. 2000 Mosley, Ray. â€Å"For Our Best Friends, a New French Perfume That Smells Like Puppies.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Chicago Tribune 22 Dec. 2000 N. A. â€Å"Courtroom ‘Eulogy for a Dog’ was Phrase’s Origin, Exhibit says With FEA-   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Man’s Best Friend-Eulogy.† AP Worldstream 15 May. 2001 N.A. â€Å"This Man’s Best Friend Kept Him Alive for Five Days.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Australian 15 Aug. 2001 ed.: 1. Section: World, pg. 007

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Much Ado About Nothing Essay: Love Found and Conflict Resolved

Love Found and Conflict Resolved in Much Ado About Nothing      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Much Ado About Nothing is a lighthearted play that Shakespeare wrote between 1598 and 1600. It has been described as one of his "more mature romantic comedies" (Bevington, 216). This play focuses on two different relationships, formed by two pairs of lovers. The comparison between how people went about getting married back then and how they do it now is similar in some ways. Much Ado About Nothing portrays the manner in which people fall in love, the way they interact with each other and how they manage to get through the rough times without changing their love for one another. The two couples include the young ladies, who are cousins, Beatrice and Hero, and the gentlemen, Claudio and Benedick. There is a lot of obvious love between Hero and Claudio and he has come to claim her as his own. However, there is some bad blood that runs between Benedick and his Beatrice. Little do they know that they are made for each other.    Messina, Italy, a small province facing the Straits of Messina, in northeastern Sicily, at the estate of the governor of Messina, Leonato is where this play is set. "Don Pedro of Aragon and his men are returning from a series of wars; stopping to visit Leonato, where they make plans to spend the next month. Among the group are Don John (Don Pedro's bastard brother who once led an unsuccessful revolt against him), young Claudio, and Benedick. The young men are reacquainted with Leonato's beautiful daughter Hero, and his spirited niece Beatrice...and once again, the verbal sparks fly between Beatrice and Benedick. Yet Claudio's fascination with Hero is born out of love, not scorn" (http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/1743/ado.html)... ...d Beatrice decide to get married at the same time as Claudio and Hero. In the end, everyone is happy, as expected. Hero and Claudio get what they want, and so do the other two lovers. This is one of the more light-hearted of Shakespeare's plays. It has all the elements of fun, family responsibility, and love. The main problem, the conflict between Beatrice and Benedick, is resolved.    Works Cited Bevington, David. The Complete Works of Shakespeare. 4th ed. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1992. Halliday, F.E. A Shakespeare Comparison. New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1952. "An Analysis of Much Ado About Nothing." http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~babydoll/coursematerial/fall96/fallstudentwork/jbpublic_html/maana.html (16 April 2000). "Ye Olde Plot Summary: Much Ado About Nothing." http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/1743/ado.html (16 April 2000).

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Volumetric Analysis: Lab Report

Floyd Askew 3/19/13 CHEM 1211L Lab Report Introduction The purpose of this lab is to use volumetric analysis to determine the concentration of unknown substances. A sodium hydroxide solution is standardized to assist in finding the concentration of an acetic acid. An indicator must be used to pin point the equivalence point, the point in which 1 mole of a substance is equal to 1 mole of another. When that is found, we can determine the concentration. HC2H3O2 (aq) + NaOH (aq) H2O (l) + NaC2H3O2 (aq) The above equation is used to neutralize the acetic acid.The acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt. Because there’s a 1:1 ratio, the moles of the acid must equal the moles of the base in order to reach the equivalence point. As far as the indicators go, an acid-base indicator will be used to show when we are close to the end point. For example, when HIn is dissociated In – is produced and it is pink. (See equation below) HIn + H2O H3O + +In – Procedure St andardization of NaOH Solution 1. A known amount of KHP is transferred to an Erlenmeyer flask and an accurately measured amount of water is added to make up a solution. . NaOH solution is carefully added to the KHP solution from a buret until we reach the equivalence point. At the equivalence point, all the KHP present has been neutralized by the added NaOH and the solution is still colorless. However, if we add just one more drop of NaOH solution from the buret, the solution will immediately turn pink because the solution is now basic. Titration of an unknown 1. A measured amount of an acid of unknown concentration is added to a flask using a buret. An appropriate indicator such as phenolphthalein is added to the solution. The indicator will indicate, by a color change, when the acid and base has been neutralized). 2. Base (standard solution) is slowly added to the acid. 3. The process is continued until the indicator shows that neutralization has occurred. This is called the END P OINT. The end point is usually signaled by a sharp change in the color of the indicator in the acid solution. In acid-base titrations, indicators are substances that have distinct different colors in acid and base (Phenolphthalein pink in base, colorless in acid). 4. At the equivalence point, both acid and base have been completely neutralized and the solution is still colorless.However, if we add just one more drop of NaOH solution from the buret, the solution will immediately turn pink because the solution is now basic. This slight excess of NaOH is not much beyond the end point. The volume of the base is recorded and used to determine the molarity of the acetic acid solution. Experimental Data Standardization of NaOH solution | Trial 1| Trial 2| Trial 3| Mass of KHP| 0. 297 g| 0. 325 g| 0. 309 g| Initial buret reading, NaOH| 0. 00 mL| 0. 50 mL| 7. 70 mL| Final buret reading, NaOH| 32. 0 mL| 34. 0 mL| 38. 7 mL| Volume used, NaOH| 32. 0 mL| 33. mL| 31. 0 mL| Molarity of NaOH soluti on| 0. 0454 M| 0. 0475 M| 0. 0488 M| Average molarity of NaOH| 0. 0472 M| Titration of unknown | Trial 1| Trial 2| Trial 3| Initial buret reading, NaOH| 2. 70 mL| 19. 9 mL| 0. 00 mL| Final buret reading, NaOH| 19. 9 mL| 36. 2 mL| 19. 8 mL| Volume used, NaOH| 17. 2 mL| 16. 3 mL| 19. 8 mL| Molarity of acetic acid solution| 0. 0780 M| 0. 0769 M| 0. 0935 M| Average molarity of acetic acid solution| 0. 0828 M| Sample Calculations The following calculations were used for each Trial, but only inputs for Trial 1 will be shown below.Volume = Final buret reading – Initial buret reading i. Volume of NaOH = Final buret reading of NaOH – Initial buret reading of NaOH ii. Volume of NaOH = 32. 0 mL NaOH – 0. 00 mL NaOH iii. Volume of NaOH = 32. 0 mL Molarity = Moles/Liters i. Molarity of NaOH solution = (mass of KHP/molar mass of KHP) / Volume of NaOH ii. Molarity of NaOH solution = (0. 2966 g/204. 22 g)/0. 032 L iii. Molarity of NaOH solution = 0. 0454 M Molarity of acetic ac id = (Molarity NaOH * Volume NaOH) / Volume Acetic Acid i. Molarity of acetic acid = (0. 0472 M * 0. 0172 L)/ 0. 1 L ii. Molarity of acetic acid = 0. 0780 M Percent Error = Experimenal value-Accepted valueAccepted value*100 i. Percent Error of Molarity of NaOH = 0. 0472 M-0. 05 M0. 05 M*100 ii. Percent Error of Molarity of NaOH = 5. 6% i. Percent Error of Molarity of acetic acid = 0. 078 M-0. 080 M0. 080 M*100 ii. Percent Error of Molaarity of acetic acid = 2. 5% Discussion The results obtained from the experiment proved to the principle that using the indictor we can find the end point, which is very close to the equivalence point of an acidic solution.Then using that point we were able to calculate the unknown molarity which was one of the goals of the experiment. The calculations also verify Boyle’s Theory. When we calculated the molarity of the acetic solution, an average value of 0. 078 M was obtained. The true value of the molarity of the acetic acid solution was 0. 08 M. Although it isn’t right on, it is very close to the true value which leads me into discussing the percent error. We found the percent error of the molarity of NaOH to be 5. 6%, and the percent error of the molarity of acetic acid to be 2. 5%, which are both pretty small.The error may have occurred when adding NaOH solution. Occasionally slightly more pressure was put on tilts of the piece on the buret to allow the solution to flow through. This means that more of the solution may have been used than needed. Overall, experiment agrees with the formulated hypothesis. Pre-Lab and Post Lab Questions Pre-Lab 1. Molarity of NaOH solution = (mass of KHP/molar mass of KHP) / Volume of NaOH a. Molarity = (0. 2816 g/204. 22 g)/29. 68 mL Molarity = 4. 64*10-5 M 2. Molarity of acetic acid = (Molarity NaOH * Volume NaOH) / Volume Acetic Acid b.Molarity = ((4. 64*10-5 M)*20. 22 mL)/10. 06 mL Molarity = 9. 34*10-5 M Post Lab 1. A. TD B. TD 2. A graduated cylinder with calibration type TD could be used to deliver a certain amount of a liquid into another container. A graduated cylinder marked TC could be used to contain an accurate volume of a liquid that is to be mixed with another solution, where the experiment is to be done inside of that graduated cylinder. 3. 50g * 1mol /49. 997g = 1 mol 100g * 1mL / 1. 53g = 1L / 15. 3 1mol / (1L / 1. 53) = 1mol* 1. 53 / 1L = 15. 3 mol/L= 15. 3 M

Friday, August 16, 2019

Mr. Lake

Arvo Lake, a retired 71-year-old man, bought an air conditioner in May. The unit was installed and operated according to the manufacturer's specifications. Unbeknownst to Lake, the unit contained a hole in the refrigeration system that allowed Freon, the coolant, to escape from the unit. By August, the unit had ceased cooling, and Lake's residence reached a temperature of at least 96 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat caused Lake to suffer from hyperthermia, which caused circulatory failure and then death. The executor of Lake's estate sued the manufacturer of the air conditioner for damages resulting from breach of warranty. Is the manufacturer (or anyone else) liable for Lake's death under either a negligence or a strict liability cause of action? What is the difference between these two claims, and how do they differ from a breach of warranty claim? Try and be as specific as possible, preferably running through the elements using the facts from the Lake case. â€Å"Research from the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that defective or unsafe products cause 29. 4 million injuries and 21,400 deaths each year. You or your child may be injured by something seemingly harmless or something you use everyday, such as a hair dryer, toaster, baby chair, toy, iron, coffee maker, air conditioner, car, hand tool or even your clothing. Product liability law gives consumers the ability to sue for and recover damages from manufacturers, distributors and vendors for injuries resulting from accidents caused by products. Strict liability is the term used to describe situations in which a person can be held liable for damages caused to another person even without negligence or other fault. Strict liability means â€Å"liability without fault,† therefore a person is liable whether or not they were negligent and whether or not they intended to do any harm. The law imposes strict liability on inherently or abnormally dangerous activities, or activities that are likely to cause particular kinds of harm. Strict liability is also often imposed on manufactured products, under the law of product liability. Strict liability claims do not involve proof of whether or not someone acted reasonably or used appropriate care in manufacturing a certain product. The manufacturer of the air conditioner could be found liable for the death of Mr. Lake if it is found that the air conditioner was defective, regardless of whether the manufacturer or supplier exercised great care when designing and manufacturing it. Mr. Lake’s family does not have to demonstrate that the manufacturer or vendor was negligent or careless, only that a defect in the product caused Mr. Lake’s death. In a negligence claim, Mr. Lake’s family must show that a manufacturer or retailer had a duty to exercise reasonable care in the process of manufacturing or selling a product and failed to fulfill that duty, resulting in his death. Negligence consists of doing something that a person of ordinary prudence would not do under the same or similar circumstances; or failing to do something that a person of ordinary prudence would do under the same or similar circumstances. A breach of warranty claim arises under the law of contracts, where the law imposes certain â€Å"implied warranties† on the sale of goods. Such warranties include the warranty of merchantability (that the goods are in proper condition for use and free of defects), and the warranty of fitness for a particular purpose (e. g. , air conditioner must be able to keep a room or house cool. ) A breach of warranty is often referred to as an implied warranty because the law assumes that they apply even if they are not expressly stated. If a product does not meet these standards, the purchaser may have the right to return it and get back the purchase price, or sometimes to receive monetary damages. The law of contracts covers economic loss caused by the breach of warranties in the sale of goods. The Uniform Commercial Code, Article 2, also deals with the sales of goods and the implied and express warranties of merchantability in the sales of goods  §Ã‚ § 2-314 and 2-315. Question 2 we conclude that the district court correctly decided that it did not have jurisdiction to consider the Reardons' statutory claims, but we find that the CERCLA lien provisions do violate the fifth amendment due process clause

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Changmai Corporation Essay

1. What reasoning should McLeod apply to try and handle the dilemmas he is facing? Due to McLeod is a highly qualified engineer and had a wide experience gained in some of the most sophisticated pulp mills in the world, he believed that using Western standards is always only correct way. However, it seems not suitable in every country. The based ask from McLeod is to protect safety for employees, which is good, but by announced human right and ensured into contract don’t work in this area. People working in Asia are more respect strong sense of family not individual right. Based on this culture sense, McLeod could start on building relationship and imposing how important to execute safety process such as employees are property, if they get hurt, the construction will be delay. According to cultural difference, word by word in contract is not good way to enforce Asia contractors to follow. McLeod should be flexible about how to balance western standards and eastern standards. 2. How do you think Bailey’s CEO, Mr. Hartford, should respond to Bailey’s predicament? Since American is obviously not allow bribe and corruption and Mr. Hartford has always been in the press about the decline of moral values in business, he might reply Bailey it is unaccepted for special budget. However, when you work in different country, it is possible to follow their standards. In this case, if Bailey wants to make sure it is not behind schedule and the mill can be finished as soon as possible, this special reliable service tax should be paid. This is a challenge for multinational corporations to keep their own standard value or adjust to host country’s standard value. 3. What is your reaction to the debate presented in the final paragraphs? I totally agree with the Frenchman, Thierry Dupont, said that â€Å"With 13 per cent unemployment in France, anyone who creates jobs is a hero.† Corruption is everywhere but present in different form and meaning. There is no one standard for every country. Western people are announced human right and they do what they want. It spreads social problems such as dug and violence. Eastern people are hierarchical oriented and they value relationship with group not individual performance. On the other hand, their corruption and pressure from good relationship around are more than western. Everything has two sides; I would like to say it is all right for each country’s standards.

Education and Humanity Promotion Essay

I have been thinking of the ideas which I would choose to make the world a better place to live. One would be to get rid of racism; without racism, the world would certainly be the better place. Donation basic essentials, volunteering time to share concerns and encouraging embrace toward people with disadvantage backgrounds are other ways to build a better world. The last but not least is ending wars. Besides wasting money and human power wars destroyed cultural and moral values in the most drastic ways. Being treated fairly and respectfully no matter of race, age, religion and disabilities is one of the most ideal wish for every one of us. These are always the ideal wishes from of all of us, that we carry deep in our hearts, and have been wishing them to become true since the beginning of time. In fact, those ideas seem to be part of human nature, but wars, on the other hand also seem to be part of human nature. Many solutions were suggested, but it seemed very little of them would be applied in the reality. Perhaps the idea called â€Å"Humanity Education† could get to the root of the problems; and that would be One Thing I Would Strongly Wish to Implement to Make the World a Better Place. Recently, I listened to a speaker at an event sponsored by the National Society of Leadership and Success program. The presenter was Blake Mycoskie, who established the TOMS shoes brand. He shared with the audience about how his current business was started and how it is doing. At first no one could imagine how simple his goals were. Back in 2006, he and his commission group visited Argentina trying to help poor people, especially kids to go to school. The image of kids going to school with bare feet or with worn out shoes immediately changed his views about the real lives out there. Then, to accomplish his mission to help people, he went back to America and started his non-profit business that is TOMS (Tomorrow) now, Shoes for Tomorrow. The goal of TOMS over time is still â€Å"You buy a pair today, we give a pair away tomorrow,† and his speech that night blew the audience’s minds with his way of making a better world. How a much better this world could be if we had mo re TOMS!

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Amis Icy Creams

Describe the service organization culture at Amy’s Ice Cream. Amy’s Ice Cream culture is rather laid back. The atmosphere in the parlor is cheery and everyone exhorts a friendly and happy attitude. Amy encourages employee empowerment by allowing the employees to dress as they wish and to interact with customers in a way that is more suitable to their personality. The customers’ attitude is very important to the management as well as the employees so they make sure that customers are always satisfied and receives a high quality consistent product. The store service is conducted in a highly autonomous manner and so far it appears to be not only successful but efficient as Amy’s ice cream has been in existence for a number of years. 2. What are the personalities attributes of the employees who are sought by Amy’s Ice Cream? Amy’s Ice cream has a few specific criteria which future employees must fit. These criteria are not however rigid. Employees should possess a personality that is suitable to a service industry that interacts with customers on a daily basis. They must also feel comfortable expressing themselves with confidence and finesse. One of the most important attributes is the ability to recognize the different types of customers that come into the store and how to deal with them. 3. Design a personnel selection procedure for Amy’s Ice Cream using abstract questioning, a situational vignette, and/or role playing? * Abstract questioning: * Which flavor of Ice Cream best describes your personality? * What kind of customers would you find annoyed? How you would handle it? * What do you know about Ice Cream? * How your past job’s experiences can influence you? * A situational vignette: * How would you face a situation where a customer faint while being serviced? What would you do if the store is being robbed * What would you do if the customer doesn’t have money? (i. e. forgot his/her wallet) * A customer complaining about a hair in the purchased Ice Cream after it’s finished * Role playing: * A particular customer has the habit of always showing up about two minutes before closing and staying late. Often this occurs on the night when weekly store meeting are held after closing time. This delays starting the meeting and furthermore employees are on the clock waiting for the customer to leave. What would you do?