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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Collaboration Quiz Essay

What are the advantages of having diversity in a collaborative learning environment? Having diversity in a collaborative learning environment opens up more possibilities of learning, you will have more ideas and different views on the situation. The advantages on diversity are the different backgrounds of the group members. Because of this they’ll all have a different way of thinking about the subject at hand. With different attitudes, learning styles, and work ethics it really makes a difference in a collaboration learning environment. One of these advantages is they we all have stories of what we know and or been through. So having information on something you have learned on been through in the past is a valuable input. How might factors such as diversity, attitude, learning, and work styles affect collaboration? The factors of diversity, attitude, learning, and work styles affect collaboration by setting a different mood of the situation. All of these combusts can either be a good thing or a bad thing. Since we all are very different in every way one person may feel as their answer is right and don’t deserve to be changed. The different work styles also affect collaboration for example some people are faster workers than others and are very impatient while others like to take their time and double check their work for error. But this may also be a good thing; since there are so many inputs onto the situation their way or thinking may change and will come to a conclusion on the best answer. How does personal responsibility influence the work and success of a group? I think personal responsibility has a strong influence on the work and success of a group, because a lot of people have families and jobs to take care of and at the end of the day they are very tired and feel to rest. There are a lot of things that can happen unexpectedly that no one can predict that’ll cost you to take time off from classes. This can affect the success of the group because if you do not post in the chat how will anyone know if you have your work of the assignment that needs to be turn in?

Basic Economics.Which economic system is best suited for handling a crisis of epic proportions? Essay

Basic Economics Introduction Which economic system is best suited for handling a crisis of epic proportions?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     In the incidence of hazards, disasters, threats   as well as handling crisis’s of epic proportions   such as hurricanes, fires, blizzards and floods among others, employment of the Socialist system helps managements at all levels handle and manage such incidences . The system is systematic, proactive and guides departments at all levels of the government administration, NGOs, as well as the private sector to work as a team and handle such crisis regardless of the size, the intricacy, the source and the location (Kornai & Oxford University Press, 1992). Additionally, it provides a combination of assistance from different sectors.   In this case, the system helps reduce and sometimes prevent loss of life, the loss of property and environmental destructions from incidences of any level. Essentially, it provides a common approach in managing incidences. In this case, the socialism system plays a major role in offering solution s as the government pays everyone who works within the environments. As most disasters are local, the immediate community, the groups within the locality and the individuals within act as the first responders to a calamity hence application of the socialist system serves the best. This motivates individuals to assist and help the people in need. Most importantly, the socialist system is the most effective system in managing crisis as it teaches people within the society the importance of living together, sharing belongings and helping each other during the times of need. Why a socialist system might be the best in responding to the needs of people struck by an emergency like the earthquake that occurred in Haiti in January 2010? Socialist societies provide immediate solutions to offer urgent and controlled solutions to emergencies and more so disasters of epic proportions as the one suffered in Haiti in 2010. This is because the system has the ability to call for help on a larger scale since it strategizes on the mix of public, private and government owned operations(Marangos & Palgrave Connect (Online service), 2013).   The incidence of the earthquake that occurred in Haiti was so catastrophic such that it led to collapse of buildings that caused the deaths of thousands of people and left many injured without food and basic commodities(Marangos & Palgrave Connect (Online service), 2013) . Although the US government and the UN provided basic support and help in rescue and provision of basic commodities, the socialist system could have worked better. Socialist communities use the system to ensure a common base for the good of the nation and human needs and provide a common approach in providing a solution. The system enlightens the public to take the necessary measures as well as avoiding waiting the government to bring a solution by recognizing that each person has a role to play. It works well because it basis its endeavors in immediate regrouping and reorganization of efforts. Why it costs more to heat our homes in the winter?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the laws of supply and demand, when the demand of products goes up, the price of the products typically goes up. In the event of the augmented costs of heating up our homes during the winter, the same law applies. For instance, since everyone in the market strives to purchase products for heating their homes, the demand shoots up hence the prices profoundly increase. Therefore, if demand increases and the supply remain unchanged, a shortage is established hence a higher equilibrium costs (Gottheil, 1998). In winter, the same applies as the energy supplies remains the same as the demand augments overwhelmingly an aspect that translates to elevated bills for customers. For instance, change in weather conditions serves as the major factor as to why clients pay more in terms of energy used during the winter. References Marangos, J., & Palgrave Connect (Online service). (2013). Consistency and viability of socialist    economic systems. New York NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Gottheil, F. M. (1998). Principles of economics. South-Western college publishing. Kornai, J., & Oxford University Press. (1992). The Socialist system: The political economy of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   communism. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Fairness Principle

Compare and contrast the guiding principles of the Global Business Standards Codex and the Mixed Framework principles. Global business standards codex captures eight major underlying principles in which ethical behavior can be interpreted and evaluated. The eight ethical principles are fiduciary, property, reliability, transparency, dignity. fairness, citizenship and responsiveness. Fiduciary Principle. As part of the legal structure of a business organization, each officer and director of a company has a legal fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the stakeholders and other employees within the firm.Furthermore, there is also an implied fiduciary duty for every employee within the organization to also act in a way that generates positive benefits for the firm. Property Principle. The property principle is based on the belief that every employee should respect property as well as the rights of the owners of the property. This principle has been expanded to intangible property and now also includes the misappropriation of intellectual property or other types of information.It expected that an employee would protect the tangible and intangible assets of the firm and the employee should be a good steward to the resources the employee has access to. Reliability Principle. It is based on the belief that it is the employee’s responsibility to honor the commitments he or she has made to the firm. It is expected that the employees will follow through with the promises and commitments that have been made between the employees and the firm. Transparency Principle. It is based on the belief that every employee should conduct business in a truthful and open manner.It is expected that the employees will not make decisions based on a personal agenda and not to act in a descriptive manner and to keep accurate and current records of all the business obligations that are currently the responsibility of the employee. Dignity Principle. It is based on the belief th at each employee needs to respect the dignity of all individuals. It encourages the enhancement of human development not only within the company and marketplace, but also in the society at large. Therefore, any type of humiliation coercion, or other type of human offenses is in direct violation of the dignity principle. Fairness Principle. It is based on the belief that stakeholders who have a vested interest in the firm should be treated fairly. There are four types of fairness: reciprocal fairness, distributive fairness, fair competition and procedural fairness. Reciprocal fairness addresses the issues of treating another party fairly and having the other party treat the firm fairly. Distributive fairness is based on the assumption that the allocation of finite resources within the firm will be distributed fairly based on maximizing the benefits of those allocations.Fair competition focuses on the fair treatment given by the firm as it interacts with its existing and potential competitors, Procedural fairness deals with ensuring that parties that interact with the firm are treated fairly from a due process perspective. Citizenship Principle. It is based on the belief that every employee should act as a responsible citizen in the community. It is also expected that employees respect the laws of the community. Furthermore, it is expected that employees protect and preserve public goods or commons available to the community. It is also expected that employees should be cooperative with community officials.Responsiveness Principle. It is based on the belief that employees have a responsibility to respond to requests for information about the operations from the various stakeholders. As a result, employees must not only reply to stakeholders’ request for information, but also be responsive to ideas presented by the stakeholders to help improve the operations of the firm. A responsive firm is expected to react in a timely manner to resolve any outstanding issues that have been raised by the employees, interest groups, suppliers, the local community and any other stakeholders that has a vested interest in the company.Mixed Framework principles:a)Fidelity: an individual needs to keep explicit and implicit promises.b)Reparation: an individual must act an repairing the conseque nces for previous wrongful acts.c)Gratitude: an individual must be able to show gratitude for the kindnesses that others have given him or her.d)Justice: an individual should try to see that any goods are fairly distributed.e)Beneficence: an individual should focus on trying to improve the lives of others.f)Self-improvement: an individual should improve oneself by focusing on virtue and intelligence.g)Noninjury: an individual should not cause any harm to others.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Chozam - utilizing transportation software Essay

Chozam - utilizing transportation software - Essay Example TMWSuite is a highly configurable enterprise transportation management solution that provides an integrated suite of functions and services to help trucking companies operate efficiently and profitably. It performs following tasks: Manages end-to-end transportation processes - from order entry and dispatch through logistics management and settlement. Combines the power of a PC-based client/server system with the flexibility and familiarity of Microsoft Windows. Provides an infrastructure that links technologies, plus business processes and functions, allowing for high visibility within an organization. Reports "numbers-based" information, enabling decision makers to act on quantifiable facts and established procedures. TMWSuite's framework for logistics software was discussed in TMWSuite Brochure. It includes 3 layers: Executive Office, Asset Management and Back Office, as it is shown at Figure 1. Figure 1. Three layers of the TMWSuite's framework. (TMWSuite Brochure, 2005) TMWSuite is very efficient software solution, but it does not allow transport companies to cooperate their efforts. Nevertheless, it provides support of a full-cycle transport operations. Another product of TMW Systems, TL2000 is software that supports various types of transport operations (first group). TL2000 is a fleet management program that provides an integrated suite of functions and services to help transportation companies on AS/400 platforms to operate efficiently and profitably. It performs following tasks: Provides capability to easily track loads, control equipment and practice peak asset utilization. Integrated accounting system...With TMW trucking software, its customers (trucking companies from 50 to 5,000 trucks) are improving profitability through: Depending on business needs and the transportation software, there are a number of benefits from utilizing transportation software in business environment. Following benefits are cited at the website of Chozam Inc.: Also software exists that performs both of these tasks. I would refer to this group TMW Systems that is the world's premier developer of trucking software for dispatch and transportation solutions. (TMW Systems, Inc. 2005) TMWSuite is a highly configurable enterprise transportation management solution that provides an integrated suite of functions and services to help trucking companies operate efficiently and profitably. It performs following tasks: Another product of TMW Systems, TL2000 is software that supports various types of transport operations (first group). TL2000 is a fleet management program that provides an integrated suite of functions and services to help transportation companies on AS/400 platforms to operate efficiently and profitably. It performs following tasks: TL2000 is light and easy-to-use solution, but it also does not allow transport companies to cooperate their efforts.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

IMC Proposal London Zoo Marketing Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

IMC Proposal London Zoo Marketing - Dissertation Example As part of the IMC dissertation proposal for ZSL London Zoo, this report will give the readers an overview of the market competitive framework. In line with this, the market structure of London Zoo will first be tackled followed by comparing the profile and marketing activities of ZSL’s major competitors and discussing the importance of continuously promoting the central brand. Based on the product life cycle analysis, the current distribution policy and pricing policy will be tackled in details. Chapter II – Literature Review Overview of the Market Competitive Framework Although there are more than 100 zoos throughout the United Kingdom, the only 3 zoos that are currently operational in London include the Battersea Park Children’s zoo, the Sea Life London Aquarium, and the London Zoo (Zoo Keepers, 2009). Among these four zoos that are currently operational in this area, only the London Zoo is classified as the major zoo throughout the United Kingdom. (See Append ix I – Major Zoo Operators in London on page 7) Given that there are only three zoos being operational in London, its market structure is classified as oligopoly. In line with this, Arnold (2010, p. ... Aside from publicly announcing the arrival of a new animal, the marketing strategies used by the Battersea Park Children’s zoo, the Sea Life London Aquarium, and the London Zoo are similar in the sense that these operators are focused on providing discounts on group tours, accepting parties and school visits (Sea Life London Aquarium, 2011; Battersea Park Children's Zoo, 2011; ZSL, 2011). Specifically Battersea Park Children’s Zoo (2011) offers the public the option to adopt an animal for either 6 months or 1 year programme. Aside from entering into joint business partnership with University of Cambridge, ZSL London Zoo is more focused on promoting its forthcoming science and conservation events and offering children with more options to enjoy their stay at the zoo (ZSL, 2011). Importance of Promoting the Central Brand According to Aaker (1991), brand equity is a multi-dimensional concept which is strongly related to the development of strong brand loyalty, creation of brand awareness, perceived service quality, and brand association. Being more than just choosing a corporate name, King (2010) explained that branding is crucial behind the success of the ZSL London Zoo because a strong brand could develop familiarity and loyalty on the part of its prospective zoo visitors. Because of the importance of continuously promoting the central brand, the managers of ZSL should take it as a challenge in making the general public feel special when being associated with a brand. By considering its product life cycle analysis, ZSL can implement marketing strategies that will strengthen its brand and keep its existing customers loyal to the zoo. Product

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Research Methodology for User Evaluation Dissertation

Research Methodology for User Evaluation - Dissertation Example Scenario 4: Fourth scenario involves making changes in the personal settings of the user to protect his personal infroamtion and to enhance the level of privacy from any undesired source. Changes may also be made to alter the settings for font type, color schemes, languages etc. Scenario 5: This scenario involves the usage of the system on an alternate technology and platform to analyze the level of compatibility with multiple environments. A video has been designed to provide a means for visual recollection of all the processes and functions of the system. It is common for people to understand computer operations in a better manner if visual step-by-step tutorials are available. The video shall be made available in both Arabic and English languages. 9.1.1 Profiling of exemplar UbIAMS The preceding chapter explains the models that form the basis of the development of UbIAMS. The addition of the word ‘ubiquitous’ has transformed the conventional concept of being constrain ed at one place to being available in different spaces; this introduction enhances the application to physical, as well as virtual spaces. UbIAMS has been designed on the basis of multiple models, including, architectural model, behavioural model, interaction diagram, collaboration diagram, sequence diagram and state machine diagram. The three criteria, security and identity, accessibility and acceptability, usability and user experience have been highlighted in the architectural model to ensure the inclusion of a diverse range of properties in the end product. The behavioural model has been developed for UbIAMS to highlight the basic operation of the system. Collaboration and interaction diagram can help the user evaluate the complexity and usefulness of the operations. State machine and... Research Methodology for User Evaluation The formulation of the considerations for the development of the prototype has been discussed in this chapter, alongside the scenarios that shall prove to facilitate the functionality of the system for the users. The scenarios also provide a full insight into the system and the scope of its functions before even operating it. This chapter also described the process and design of the survey which is an important step in the acquisition of feedback from the users. Different age groups and types of users (varying levels of experiences and diverse degrees of disabilities) have been chosen to ensure that the end product proves to be flexible for all ages and user groups. Developers often develop systems without considering the probable elementary computer skills of users therefore this factors has been given careful consideration in the designing of this system. This chapter also highlights the ethical considerations that have been undertaken in the processes of acquiriung feedback from the users. Their willingness to participate in the study and eagerness to protect their information have been kept as top priorities. The users that have been chosen for the research study have been limited to the land of Saudi Arab to reflect a true image of the level of acceptance that can be expected from the region after its eventual launch. The next chapter shall include details regarding â€Å"Statistical Tools and Data Analysis Approaches†.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Corporate Restructuring of RBS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Corporate Restructuring of RBS - Essay Example Many organizations these days are practicing corporate restructuring to make the optimal use of their resource. Some organizations have found that corporate restructuring is necessary for enhancing the business profitability, while other businesses have not been very successful in restructuring. This has resulted in debates over whether the corporate restructuring is really beneficial or whether it is only a myth. This paper is going to look at the both sides of corporate restructuring and will conclude with the final word on the impact of Corporate Restructuring on the financial position of an organization. The major objective behind any restructuring program is to achieve the organizational efficiency. Corporate Restructuring schemes are designed keeping in mind the enhancement in productivity of the workers, cost control elements and any other objectives that are going to maximize the shareholder’s wealth. Conventionally it was thought that corporate restructuring improves the performance of a company’s shares on the stock market. This hypothesis was rejected by a recent study. It was revealed that announcements relating to Corporate Restructuring of an organization did not yield abnormal returns for the stockholders. Hence, Corporate Restructuring does not change market sentiments about the organization immediately. The change in financial performance only occurs if it is found that the corporate restructuring has enhanced the organization’s use of resources and there has been an increase in the profitability of the firm. (Bowman & Singh, 1993) Another study done on the group of hospitals revealed that Corporate Restructuring is not positively correlated with increase in financial position and performance of an organization. Other factors such as size of the organization, number of employees and target market are more likely to be the main difference between financially strong and a financially weak organization. The results of this stu dy may lack reliability because it was cross-sectional research containing data of only one year. In the long-run Corporate Restructuring forces might be more efficient and have an impact on profitability of the organization. But to be on the safe side we can say that Corporate Restructuring is not correlated with the profitability of the organization in the short-run at least. (Clement, A'unno, & Poyzer, 1993) The paper is going to examine the impact of Corporate Restructuring on the market of an organization. The results of the studies indicated that the smaller and more centrally concentrated organizations are better in strategic decision making. In the period of 1990s, many organizations with diffused investment subsidiaries and stakes lacked any attention from the investors and hence there was a lot of focus on downsizing strategies during that period. The study also focused that blockholder investment is necessary for the stability of organization and firms with blockholder in vestment are efficiently configured. Hence, it is better for the organizations to downsize and try to maintain blockholder organizational structure in order to safeguard against uncertainty. Many organizations are downsizing because over-diversification is doing more harm than good and investors have realized that the correct way of making money is by investing large sums in a single organization to achieve growth. (Bethel & Liebieskind, 1993) A

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Principles of Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Principles of Finance - Essay Example When tax is reduced by some percentage it increases companys income by certain multiplier effect since tax is a leakage on income. When tax is reduced to 18%, the taxation will be 90.16pounds (Adams & Von, 2007). b) The assumption is subject to discussion in such a way that each of these methods has their strengths and weaknesses. Taking a case of dividend growth rate, empirical evidence shows that a company, which pays more dividends, has low growth rate. The main reason behind this is that most of its profits go to individual shareholders instead of being ploughed back to the business. This is practical evidence. However, most of the methods are theoretical and lack practicality (Halsey, R. F, 2012). Considering the case of net asset valuation, the method does not consider the future prospects of the company. In fact, these valuation methods depend on historical data, but in a business environment, different environmental factors lead to different outcomes. This is a limitation that begs the question whether the methods are practical because the business environment changes every day and cannot rely on historical data (Halsey, 2000). The book value approach in asset based method is practically unrealistic because the values of the fixed assets depend on sunk costs and relative depreciation. These values are of no relevance to any purchaser or seller (Von, et al., 2004). In considering replacement value, it is also of no practicality. This shows what it might cost to start a business, but this could be lower than the true value for successful business unless the estimation is also made for the value of goodwill and other current assets. In considering the P/E approach, it is not somehow practical. When you are buying a company it is for the entitlement of its future earnings not past earnings. This approach does not take into account turbulent economic times which make them very

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Reliability and Fault Tolerance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Reliability and Fault Tolerance - Essay Example Report also indicates that several patients suffered serious injuries during the accident. In fact, the Therac-25 accident has been described as the worst ever series of radiation accidents in more than three decades of accelerator medical history (Leveson 1995, p. 18). This paper seeks to present a detailed analysis of the Therac-25 radiation overdose accident in light of technologies and equipments involved, what caused the accident and its consequences. The essay will also explore measures that ought to have been taken to prevent the accident. The Therac-25 radiation overdose accident of between June 1985 and January 1987 has been described as the worst ever radiation accident in the history of medical accelerators. The accidents resulted from the radiation overdose caused by the Therac-25 therapy machine. Report indicates that at least six patients were overdosed in a span of about 2 years due to faults of the machine. Report indicates that the radiation overdose was several time s the normal therapeutic dose resulting in severe burns and death, in some cases (Leveson 1995, p. 18). The first complaint of an accident was reported on June 3, 1985, when a female patient was placed on a 10-MeV electron treatment to clavicle area. However, few minutes after turning on of the Therac-25 machine, the patient complained of extreme force of heat on the body. It is then that the patient complained of having been burned by the machine. ... Nevertheless, the company still failed to investigate whether Therac-25 burned the patients or not. Shortly afterwards, the patient developed reddening and swelling at the area treated by the machine. The pain increased to a level that shoulder began freezing as spasms continued to appear. The patient’s condition continued to worsen, clearly indicating that the patient had suffered from radiation (Nancy and Clark 1993, p.19). A second series of the accident occurred at Ontario Cancer Foundation in 1985 just a week after the first patient had been overdosed at Kennestone. Report indicates that the Therac-25 at the Hamilton clinic had been in use for about six months (Leveson, Turner and Sarin 1993). However, on July 26, 1985, a patient aged 40 years old visited the hospital for the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix. Leveson, Turner, and Sarin (1993) indicate that the Therac-25 machine shut down barely five minutes after activation. This time around, the machine indicated an â€Å"H-tilt† error message. It also displayed a â€Å"no dose† and ‘treatment pause† (Nancy and Clark 1993, p.19). Despite these warnings, the operator went ahead to press the proceed button expecting the Therac-25 machine to deliver the right does this time around. Despite this being, a normal procedure since the machine had shown such faults before the machine still failed to operate. The procedure was repeated several time, but the machine showed suspend. The operator continued with the treatment after which the patient began complaining of a burning sensation on the treatment area, which she described as an â€Å"electric tingling shock† (Leveson, Turner and Sarin 1993). Other patients were successfully treated that day without accidents. The

Friday, August 23, 2019

Managing and leading people across cultural borders Essay

Managing and leading people across cultural borders - Essay Example Globalisation has brought the entire world on one platform.Most of the countries of the globe are interacting on a regular basis in order to compete in the world markets.The managers are thus under a lot of pressure in these organisations for the purpose of the development of the long term goals and in order to conduct business To manage the global economy cross cultural communication has become essential. This is mainly because of the fact that a company in order to be multinational have to cross the national borders of the headquarters and has to make its presence in the different parts of the world in order to have a wider access to the world markets. The success of a company depends on the multicultural competence it possesses. This means that the company should be able to accommodate all the types of cultures in a particular location so that there are fewer problems to combat the global competition. Theoretical Background of Cross Cultural Communication Significant numbers of sc holars have contributed to the issues of cross-cultural communication. One of the main proponents who have contributed to the issue is Geert Hofstede. According to Hofstede, the variety of skills of management would vary across organisations. This means that for a company that is located in one particular country would have a distinct culture which would not match will the culture of an organisation that is located in a different continent. Thus natural cultures are unique. People are the most important part of an organisation. Since the humans build the companies it is imperative that the culture and the backgrounds in which the people are based would also mould the culture of the organisation which is being built. Thus the type of Management that is practised by the so called Western Countries like the United States would be different from that of Germany or Netherlands. Again the Western culture would be different from that of the Asian countries or the Middle Eastern countries w here a more conservative type of organisation culture prevails (Hofstede, 1984, pp. 81-99). According to Hofstede in the process of management the employees in the organisation would make use of the technical as well as economic resources in order to attain the desired outcomes. Thus the societies of the world are characterised by different set of cultures. Hofstede had shared his experience of working in IBM in the later phases of his life. There are various aspects of the theory of Hofstede. He explained the concept of power distance in the context of the organisation. In most of the organisation the control of the decision making would lie in the hands of the senior management and the employees across all hierarchy generally accept this unequal distribution of the power. The concepts of Collectivism as well as Individualism are other important aspects of the theory put forward by Hofstede. Most of the organisations have factions in the internal environment and the people involved form either a part of the group or may stand for themselves in the entire decision making process (Schein, 1992, pp. 45-64). The organisations may also have varying tolerance level for uncertainty as well as avoidance. Some of the conservative organisations prefer to remain safe by taking the more certain pathways as they are risk averse. On the other hand many other organisations may be willing to accept this kind of situations and take up risky ventures. The studies conducted by Hofstede also reveal that the organisations may be either masculine or feminine depending upon the kind of culture that it exhibits. While the masculine organisations would display the features like ambition, competitiveness, power as well as assertiveness, the feminine organisations would rely more on the proper management of the relationships

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Self Development Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Self Development Plan - Assignment Example Before this, I did not need to think or consider because I met people from the same religious background since birth. Of course, people did come from varied cultures even in Madinah, the city in Saudi Arabia that I hail from, but having the same religious background, we had something in common. Interacting with them was never an issue. I did realize the difference when I arrived in Toronto. I come from a decent family and hence the luxury of Canada was not a shock. I had been exposed to comforts and convenience and hence adjusting to Canadian lifestyle was not a problem. Being an Arabic Muslim male in mid-twenties, leaving home was exciting because little did I know what I would encounter. With a desire to be at par with people in the western world, with a desire to compete for jobs at an equal level, I decided to undertake Masters Studies in Canada. I did realize that one has to come out of the shell, one has to explore the world to equip oneself and to gain competency. This gave me the courage to leave the comfort zone and arrive in Canada. I lived in Toronto for 18 months before enrolling for Masters and moving on to Saint John City, New Brunswick. I soon realized that it is not enough to have academic competency; one also requires cross-cultural competency. I guess this thought came to my mind because I identify myself as a Muslim and not as another human being coming from a different background. I became conscious of my culture when I encountered people from an entirely background. Canada and Saudi Arabia differ vastly in their cultural background. I did face problems in the beginning simply because the exposure back home was limited. However, since there were a few people from my region already domiciled in Canada, I received some guidance from them and learnt the rest as I lived. Fortunately I did not avoid cultural difference; I accepted its importance, which according to Bennett (2004) is ethnorelativism. My exposure to diverse cultures helped me accep t an entirely different culture with ease. I also realized that the cultural values norms and beliefs that I had unconsciously imbibed were relevant to that region. Here I would need to adapt to different cultural nuances. This implies that acceptance has set it as one recognizes that one’s own culture is one of the different cultures prevailing in the world. In fact I found that Canadians too, were receptive and accepted Islamic culture as they had been exposed to many from the Arabic countries. Toronto was a multicultural city and I encountered people from diverse cultures such as China, India and Africa. I used to be taken aback at the way children, once they finished education, moved out their parents’ house. I obviously was trying to compare with the situation back home. At the same time I was stared at, and none ventured to stretch their hand in friendship. Gradually, I smiled and they smiled back. I was relieved to some extent and it also gave me the feeling tha t with time, things would be different. As acceptance set in, tolerance also crept in. Knowledge of other Cultures I realized that exploring your own cultural identity can be the hardest thing to do. Our own culture is so deeply ingrained in us but unless we understand our own rules and norms we shall not understand other cultures. I was quick to adapt to a new culture because prior to arriving in Canada I had done some reading on this culture which helped me develop a positive attitude towards it although I lacked

Book Report Format Essay Example for Free

Book Report Format Essay Topic Format: I.Introduction a.Answer the following questions about the story: i.What is the books plot? (provide a short summary) ii.What is the authors name and personal background? iii.Which other books or stories have they written or co-written? iv.Why did you choose this book? v.Upon finishing it, did the book meet your expectations? II.Body a.Explain the following parts of the story: i.Exposition oWhat are the setting, location, and time period of the story? oWho are the main characters of the book? oWhat is the initial mood of the story? ii.Conflict oWhat is the main problem(s) facing the main characters? oHow does the initial problem(s) increase over time? iii.Climax oWhat event(s) is the highest dramatic point of the story? oWhat is the significance of this event(s)? iv.Resolution oHow are the main characters affected by the climax? oHow does this aftermath propel the story towards its conclusion? v.Conclusion oWhat is the fate of the main characters? oHas the main problem been fully resolved? oAre there any lingering issues left behind (loose ends)? III.Conclusion a.Present your final thoughts about the story: i.What did you like best about the book? ii.What did you like least about the book? iii.What is your favorite scene from the book? iv.What is your overall opinion of the book? v.Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? Deductions: oNot typed / -5 pts oNo title page / -5 pts oNo standard / -5 pts oSeveral spelling or grammar errors / -5 pts oNumerous spelling or grammar errors / -10 pts oNot in MLA format / -5 pts oNot in proper topic format / -10 pts oMissing a topic section / -10pts oIncomplete papers / no grade

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) of Sainsburys

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) of Sainsburys Importance of Strategic Human Management in Sainsbury: Strategic human resource management (SHRM) is a proactive approach of identifying better support for employees in order to accelerate the performance or the actions they provide in accordance with Human resource management (cipd.co.uk). The responsibility of Human resource manager is recruitment to retirement process of the employees and two types of functions are Managerial and Operational. Managerial function includes Planning, Organising, Staffing, Budgeting, Coordinating, Controlling, and Implementing. And the operational function includes Planning, Recruitment, Selection Induction, Training, Performance Appraisal, Compensations, Promotions, Welfare to employees, Recreations to employees, retirement (allinterview.com). The role has intended to identify the potential skills on employees and to focus the performance they supply into development. The importance of performance management is to provide more effective personnel who will be able to increase product market competition, provide the opportunities to share organisations vision and that way they realize the vision, the opportunities for the line manager for the acceptance of accountability to make such decision. Able to understand the key decision which is down to the line manager and the supervision (Millmore, et,al 2007). The policies and practices of Human Resource Management must meet with strategy in order to adapt integrated competitive environment and with the immediate business conditions that meet in an organisation. The integrated strategic has three dimension approach to apply. which is means the relationship between Human resources management policies and practices with strategic management, importance of internalization of HRM on the part of line manager and the workforce into an organisation to foster commitment or an identity of interest with the strategic target (Beer at el., 1984). The importance, purpose and contribution of strategic HRM in an organisation or to the achievement of the organisational objectives are discussed hereafter. As a Human resource manager in Sainsbury I am defining my role in Strategic Human resource management. AC 1.2: Activities of Strategic Human Resource management in Sainsbury: Sainsbury as one of the biggest supermarket in the UK has its strategic human resource extended widely. It has very good policy of STRM. The processes of SHRM in Sainsbury are 1.2.1. Strategic recruitment application process: Sainsbury as big supermarket has its recruiting process online for reducing time frame. The recruitment and selection includes the application process of applicants name, address, postcode, date of birth with marital status, two references and their contact information, national insurance number, employment history, qualifications and cv. After the application process they use e-mail or telephone to contact the applicant about the process. Consider alternative position may be applicable for applicant. Sainsbury keep the information for the internal record. Fulfil the legal obligations. If the application becomes successful Sainsbury make a personal record for the applicant and contact the referees are provided by the applicant (Sainsbury.co.uk). 1.2.2. Training and development programme: Sainsbury has design its training and development programme very constructive way. They have segmented the programme in different steps. Step1. Induction training: The induction training programme is compulsory for everyone. It takes place during first two days. A basic introduction to Sainsbury about its value, legal and compliance rules includes health and safety and food safety. Step2. Foundation and training: It is compulsory for all colleagues to be skill at this. It takes place during first 12 weeks. An introduction to job roles description that includes all the basic is required to know how productively and safely the work is done in individual department. Step3. Intermediate training: The intermediate training is fundamental for everyone. It takes place once foundation level is signed off. It includes the timescales depend on the hours but it takes place during first 12 month. This is the stage of develop the job role and deliver the required performance standard. Step4. Advanced training: Advanced and training is for management and team leaders, the job experts who want to develop the next stage of the job. It takes place once intermediate level is signed off. This includes how to manage and supervise the role. It also signed off of the legal and compliance of the job in the first 12 weeks (sainsburys.co.uk). 1.2.3. Employment career programme: Sainsbury has designed and develop a standard employment and development programme very constructively for their staff according to the needs. Career and development programme includes Colleague discount card, Annual bonus scheme, Family friendly policies, Parental leave, childcare vouchers, Pensions, Life insurance, Save as you earn, Sainsbury share purchase plan, Career breaks, Sainsbury social association programme Award for long service (Sainsbury.co.uk) 1.2.4. Loyalty of employee: Loyalty of employee which is called a great place to work. Sainsburys Training and development and reward programme has made its employees to be loyal in the organisation. By performing the best of human resource, Sainsbury won CBI Human Capital Award on 12th of October in 2009. It has over  £80 million bonus payments for 127,000 colleagues to encourage and earn their loyalty (J Sainsbury plc.co.uk). 1.3. Contribution of strategic human resource management in Sainsbury: The contribution of SHRM in Sainsbury is very rich. Sainsbury as a developed supermarket has identified its Human resource management policy according to the objectives. Contribution of SHRM is mainly focuses the performance of Human resource management in Sainsbury. The contribution of Strategic Human resource includes 1.3.1. Company growth: Sainsbury has gradual opportunities to grow supermarket space. It has currently 16.1 percent market share in the UK as a whole. According to the developing plan, Sainsbury introduced 10 minutes drive to Sainsbury of 40 percent UK population by opening 38 new supermarket which almost three quarters are in the areas where they currently under performed(J Sainsbury plc.co.uk). 1.3.2. Increase of revenue: Sainsbury has its total sales (including vat, including fuel) up 5.1 percent to  £21421 million (2008/09:  £20383 million). Total sales(including vat, excluding fuel) up 6.7 percent. Underlying operating profit up 8.9 percent to  £671million (2008/09:  £616 million).J Sainsbury plc.co.uk 1.3.3. Satisfaction to the shareholders: Sainsbury has been able to focus on the perspective of its stakeholder interest. According to the integrity of stake holder involvement it has very successful achievement of stakeholder satisfaction. The achieve includes world leaders in Fairtrade (value of  £218 million), we are Green to the core, largest retailer of freedom food, Leader in HR and people management, Official partner of London 2012 Olympic games, Making a positive deference to our community ( £86 million for schools and clubs).J Sainsbury.co.uk Task 2 Task 2: Human Resource Planning in HSBC Bank 2.1: Analyse the business factors that underpin Human Resource planning in HSBC Bank Strategic HRM Strengths: The strength of strategic HRM in the HSBC bank is to identify the right people in the right place. Strategic HRM is to focus HR activities that HSBC practise in order to develop the organisation. The strengths of Strategic HRM is to apply in HSBC bank with great effort in order to bring the outcome satisfactory and make the company develop in HR practice. HSBC as world local bank has various factors that strength the Human Resource planning. Particularly in the economic down town HSBC has come with successful business factors which made it able to identify the sectors they were need to develop. As a Human resource Manager following the Business factors that I have underpin the Human resource plan is 2.1.1. Business Growth: The impact of Strategic HRM in the World giant bank of business growth is to practise the Strategic HR activities properly by the Managers, individual bankers, cahiers and by the customer service assistant. HSBC as world giant bank has newly opened a retail branch in Glasgow by spending  £2.1 million and creating 18 jobs across Scotland. HSBC regulatory committee has authorised a further investment of opening a new HSBC premium branch to open in Thailand in 2011(Enterprising news, 2011). 2.1.2. Locations of operation: HSBC as one of the giant local bank in the world has its Headquarter in London and it is appearing in 8000 locations in 80 countries and the territories are across Europe, North, Central and South America, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa. Particularly HSBC has 1500 branches across UK (HSBC, 2011). 2.1.3. Business change: HSBC as one of the world giant bank has gone through a radical business change by adapting online Banking system. Where consumer can do their business activities after the banking hours close. The online banking system has identified to make flexible and conducive service for customer. In online banking customer can easily transfer the money, apply for credit card, apply for loan, apply for mortgage and also can apply for job as well (HSBC, 2011). 2.2: Assessment of Human resource Requirements in given situation: HSBC bank has bought the Indian retail and commercial businesses of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L) as the part nationalised UK bank it retreat from overseas markets. According to HSBC it would pay a premium of up to $95 million over the tangible net asset value(TNAV) of the business after the deal has completed probably in the fast half of the next (2011) year (reuters.com) 2.2.1. Government policy (Regional): Human resource management policies of HSBC bank in fact, Government polices about the employees of RBS in India over the Acquisitions has remained unchanged as the Royal bank of Scotland in India 83% is owned by the British Government (reuters.com) 2.2.3. Government policy (Education): To make more skilled and more productive employee in the organisation HSBC Strategic Human resource programme has started running online academies by what allows the personnel to make their personal development programme. The online academy provide self-assessment programme, exams to the users who will find out where the position of the employees in the organisation and match this against the skills of what position they can look for (personeltoday.com). 2.3: Develop a Human resource Plan for HSBC Bank: HSBC as one of the biggest Bank in the world has its Human Resource management is very rich. It has to develop a human resource plan for its Human resource performance. Here I am as a Human resource manager of HSBC bank creating a Human Resource plan. 2.3.1. Organisational Objectives: HSBC as world local bank its plan must be based on SMART (Specific, Achievable, Measurable, Realistic and Time based). In terms of supplying best service all staff must be concern with objectives. 2.3.2. Selection and Recruitment: Selection is the initial stage of identifying the right people need for the organisation. After the selection process recruitment process must be based on the organizational structure to avoid the unwanted position. 2.3.3. Employee Development: Employee development plays a major role in the organisation. In HSBC bank there is a need for regularly revising Training programme. In average HSBC spends  £600 per employee on training programme delivered in 16 training centre worldwide. Here in the United Kingdom about 173,000 learning days so far recorded with around 33,000 employees attending face to face training (Thinking made easy, 2009). 2.3.4. Retention: Retention planning gives the chance to keep the skilled personnel in the organisation for long period. Developing a promotion and career plan aspect must be taken in order to avoid potential recruitment in the organisation. 2.4: Critically evaluate how human resource plan can contribute to meet HSBC bank objectives: The contribution of Strategic Human resource plan is to increase human resource activities performance in the organisation. It plays a vital role of providing the effectiveness in its action in order to improve the business performance. It attempts the link between personnel management practices and such as hard outcomes as profit (Millmore et,al 2007). The stages of contribution kept by human resource plan are defined below. 2.4.1. Improve performance: The contribution of Human Resource Management in the HSBC bank is to improve HR activities in the organisation. It is to identify in what are need to be develop or need to improve in order to provide extreme performance. 2.4.2. Business case (cost): The contribution of strategic human resource management is to reducing the cost of unwanted expense in HR practice. Minimising the cost is one of the key element of practising extreme human resource activities in HSBC bank. 2.4.3. Succession planning: HSBC has one of the key objective of Managing Growth is a strategic plan of implement formal and friendly behave between staffs. By what they understand that they can have skilful and perspective people in the organisation (Thinking made easy, 2009). 3.1. Explain the purpose of Human resource management in HSBC Bank: The purpose of human resource management in HSBC bank is in very wide perspective. It has mainly to identify and reserve the Human Resource activities in the organisation. The policies of HR in HSBC bank are 3.1.1. Health and Safety: HSBC bank put great importance on Health and safety to make sure that a safe environment is exist in the organization the measure of risk may arise from possible terrorist attack, the environmental disaster to fire, accident and diseases.. HSBC has encouraged its employees to take health and safety as a part of their own responsibility (Thinking made easy, 2009). 3.1.2. Equity and diversity: In HSBC bank Equity and Diversity programme is practised with lots of integrity. To develop the best diversity practice HSBC introduced locally the strategy of diversity Toolkit programme in 2004 in Hong Kong. To enhance the consciousness of the issue and develop a database of cultural and business etiquette HSBC introduced an interactive diversity competition on the employees intranet in Hong Kong (Thinking made easy, 2009). 3.1.3. Bullying and Harassment: HSBC as the world local bank has put the individual specific employee policies are imposed by the legislation and the regional cultural norms. All personnel are accountable for behaving colleagues with respect and dignity for creating the atmosphere free from Discriminations, Harassments and Victimisations. Unable to be abided by the policy may be subject to disciplinary procedures (Thinking made easy, 2009). 3.1.4. Working time and time off: HSBC bank has statutory requirement working hours and leave. Most of the staffs are required to work maximum 48 hours average in the working week. Any agreements must be writing and signed by worker. The bank has made detailed regulation on maximum rest period. The employees are entitled to take maximum of 5.6 weeks paid leave a year. The employees are also entitled to take, paternity leave, maternity leave, parental leave, abortion leave and the leave for family reason (hsbc.co.uk). 3.2. Analyse the impact of regulatory requirements on Human Resource policies in HSBC bank: The impact of regulatory requirements on Human Resource policies in HSBC bank is very important and essential for proper practice of regulatory policies and abides by the rules. It has emphasised on exercising Employment legislation and legal and regulatory requirements including pay, discrimination, equality employment right and responsibilities. The impact of regulatory requirements policies in HSBC bank are discussed below. 3.2.1 Sex discrimination act: Under the sex discrimination act 1995/1997 it is illegal to discriminate against someone o grounds of their sex (including gender re-assignment) or marital status (including civil partnerships) or on grounds of their actual and perceived sexual orientation. No one can discriminate because of the pregnancy or maternity (hsbc.co.uk). Race relation act: Under the race relation act 1992 it is illegal to discriminate against someone on grounds of Race, Colour, Nationality or Ethnic minority origins or on the grounds of their religion or philosophical beliefs. Anyone become failure to be abided by the rules would be faced proper action of termination (hsbc.co.uk). Employment act: under the employment act 2008 HSBC has introduced the basic employment law to the staff. The recruitment law cover the discrimination on number of grounds is illegal for instance, race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation. Part time employees have the right to be treated with full respect as the full-timers have. Employees must deduct for NI and tax contribution from their wages, and pay them to Customs HM revenue under pay as you earn. Dismissing someone is automatically unfair and discriminatory if the dismissal is due to pregnancy or any reason to do with the childbirth (hsbc.co.uk). Task 3 Task 3: Review Human Resource Management in British Airways 4.1. Analyse the impact of organisational structure on the management of Human Resources According to Mintzberg (1979; Mintzberg et al 1998) there are two basic approaches to the formation of organisational structure, the contingency approach and configuration approach. The contingency approach of the structure of an organisation will depend on factors like the nature of the business and its strategy, its size, the geographical span of its activities, its age and history and the nature of the environment. He argues that rather than adapting the contingency approach it is sometimes better to base structure on configuration approach, factors like span of control, the need for formalization centralization and decentralization and planning system should be logically configured into internally consistent grouping (Stonehouse Campbell, 2004). Organisational structure is form of model which indicates the segmented management level and the imposed responsibilities belong to individuals. Impact of strategic HRM on the British Airways organisational structure is to set up a frame work in the favour of reducing unwanted vacancies, make positive and constructive formation in the organisation. Organisational structure of British Airways has given below. Geographical Impact: British airways as one of the biggest airline company in the world have great impact of its operation in all over the world. The organisational structure has big influence on running the Human resource in the company. Strategic HR and its function are involved with the company in order to make proper recruitment process to the promotion in that organisation and employ the right people in the right place. In terms of reducing the unprofitable routes and make the productive practice of Strategic Human Resource. Centralization impact: Centralization of British Airways organisational structure can put huge impact on its operation. British Airways business which is value adding activities can be highly impacted and effective by practising centralization of its organisational structure. The decision making process of centralized structural activities can produce the competitive market for British Airways. British Airways Organizational Structure (the official.com) 4.2 Analyse the impact of British airways organisational Culture on the management of human resources: Organisational culture: Organisation culture is the key element of management practice. In the aspect of organisational life culture keep a central and dimensional location in the organisation. Organisational culture sometimes perceived an explicit attention by how people think about the company, the value and the ideas how guided by the meaning and the belief of a cultural nature. Managing the organisational culture is important and the perception of it understand by the corporate world can develop the cultural practice and the performance (Alvesson, 2002). Organisational culture is the form of cognition and ideas, ideologies and the value of the organisation internal behaviour. This is kept in people mind when they work for British airways. Nurture the aspect of organisational culture in mind practise the responsibly is the progressive way of developing human resource in British airways. The relationship between culture and HRM functions: The relationship between culture and HRM function is very common and internally linked. HRM function includes Resourcing, Development, performance management, pay and conditions and employees relationship has the contingency approach to each others. The functions of HRM and the culture are practised at the same time to develop and exercise the Strategic Human resource management in the organisation. British airways can be idealised with this practice of cultural HRM functions to make en effective Human resource in the organisation. 4.3. Examining how the effectiveness of Human Resource management in British Airways: The effectiveness of Human resource management is to improve the existing business in BA. Human resource management strategy, human resource policies and Human resource operation is to provide the competitive advantages in the organisation. The contribution of HRM is to provide the achievement for organisation, help to acquire BA goals, reducing the cost, and increase the benefit by practising it. Organisational goal: Strategic human resource has identified the several field of effectiveness in BA. BA has the goal to develop customer focused and the performance of HRM that offer rewards for individual performance but also the recognition of different employee in the business has different demand in terms of benefit, Training and development (2009/2010 annual report) Human resources efficiency: Human resource efficiency means the activeness of the operation is provided by those people who are working for BA. British Airways has total manpower of 36832 across the operation which is the reduction of 3800 staff in the previous year (2009) all on voluntary terms. To improve the business BA has finished restructuring of the management in order to increase accountability of the business. It is now exploring the new way of boost the efficiency in staff to get better value for consumer by focusing the improvement of employees engagement (2009/2010 annual report). Performance Indicator: Performance indicator is a process of identifying the individual employees activity measurements. BA have the right Human resource leader of right support with motivation to create high performance HR culture, that means the managers may involve with the employees to get high class productivity. To measure the individual performance the surveys report will be introduced quarterly and include the engagement index by what managers can track and take the action (2009/2010 annual report). 4.4. Make justified recommendations to improve the effectiveness of Human Resource management in British Airways: British Airways is the UKs high profile and largest international scheduled airline. It flies the consumer at convenient times to the best located Airport around the globe. British Airways is the world leading global premium Airline with 144 Boeing, 84 Airbuses, 3 Avros and 7 Embraer E-jets. It has one of the world biggest structural and multicultural infrastructures around the world. Proper implementation of Human Resource practice can bring the effectiveness and the outstanding productivity in that organisation. This can help BA to achieve its target market and expected goals. Justified Recommendation: The effectiveness of strategic Human Resource management in BA is to perform the organisational performance of combination with strategic structure and the strategic cultural programme in order o provide better service to the customer. The effectiveness of the theory to adapt and implement existent structural and cultural exercises by utilising the resources it has to bring the improvement in the practice of human resource in the organisation. Regular monitoring programme, Reporting and Meetings could be very effective way to justify the performance of Human resource in British Airways in terms of improving the effectiveness. Benchmarking HR performance: Internal performance programme standard can be the effective way by looking at the comparative HR performance of others Airline Company of the same categorical or the look at the similar Airline Company that is providing the same service in the industry. British Airways can have in effect, the existence strategic HR groups by benchmarking against similar Airline Company rather than the individual. BA may be performing badly and loosing the competitiveness against others Airline organisations that can justify customers needs in different way.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Isolation of Protein by Ammonium Sulphate Precipitation

Isolation of Protein by Ammonium Sulphate Precipitation Hypothesis Rubisco is a negatively charged protein that weighs 55,000 kDa and is also very soluble. When we add ammonium sulfate to reach a saturation of 50%, Rubisco can be isolated using ion exchange chromatography and protein electrophoresis. Materials and Methods Isolation of Protein by Ammonium Sulfate Precipitation Approximately 300g of fresh spinach leaves were de-ribbed and dried, then homogenized for 1 minute in 200mL of buffer. From the homogenized solution, approximately 50ml was placed into a beaker, which was stirred on a stir plate while 10.90g of solid ammonium sulfate was slowly added to reach 37% saturation. The solution was stirred for an additional 10 minutes and then centrifuged at 9,000-xg for 15 minutes. The pellet (Pellet I) was resuspended in 4mL of water and transferred into a dialysis bag for dialysis against distilled water. The supernatant was poured into a beaker and stirred on a stir plate while about 3g of ammonium sulfate was slowly added to reach 50% saturation. After about 15 minutes of stirring, the supernatant was centrifuged for 15 minutes at 7,000-xg. Following centrifugation, the pellet (Pellet II) was resuspended in 4mL of water and transferred into a dialysis bag for dialysis. Ion Exchange Column Chromatography The column was equilibrated by running 30mL of Buffer A (10mM Tris pH 8.0, 3mM EDTA) through. Afterwards, a centrifuge was used to pellet down any solid precipitate out of the dialyzed samples. 1mL of each sample (Pellet I and II) was transferred into labeled Eppendorf tubes and frozen for later use in the SDS-PAGE. Pellet I was diluted a 100-fold and about 4mL of diluted Pellet I and undiluted Pellet II were loaded into separate columns and the samples were allowed to flow through. The flow-through was discarded. 10mL of the low salt buffer (Buffer A + 50mM NaCl) was loaded onto the column and fractions of approximately 2mL were collected in separate cuvettes and labeled in order. After blanking the spectrophotometer at 280nm with low salt buffer, the OD readings of each fraction was measured. This process was repeated using the medium salt buffer (Buffer A + 200mM NaCl) and high salt buffer (Buffer A + 500mM NaCl). The spectrophotometer was blanked with each buffer before the readings of its corresponding fractions were obtained. The fractions with the highest OD reading at 280nm was collected in an Eppendorf tube, labeled, and placed on ice. The column was then washed with 10mL resin cleaning buffer which was discarded in a wash beaker. Protein Electrophoresis 30uL of 3X Sample Buffer (bromophenol blue, glycerol, dithiothreitol, and SDS) was added to 60ul of each of the 9 samples (standard, homogenate, Pellet I, Pellet I low, medium and high salt buffers, Pellet II low, medium and high salt buffers). The 9 tubes were heated in a water bath for 4 minutes. Into a prepared buffer chamber, approximately 20uL of each sample were loaded into separate wells using thin-barrel pipette tips. The gel was run at 180 Volts for approximately 50 minutes. The gel was removed from the glass plate sandwich and stained in Staining/Fixing Solution for 30 minutes. The gel was destained overnight in Destaining Solution and then dried ona vacuum gel dryer for one hour. Results Table 1: ODwavelength Readings of Protein Fractions for Pellet I OD Reading (280nm) Tube Low Salt Medium Salt High Salt 1 0.202 -0.077 0.020 2 0.162 0.022 -0.083 3 -0.015 -0.077 -0.059 4 0.246 0.003 -0.068 5 0.002 0.020 0.052 OD readings (280nm) for the fractions were measured using a spectrophotometer after they eluted from the ion exchange column. Table 2: OD Readings of Protein Fractions for Pellet II OD Reading (280nm) Tube Low Salt Medium Salt High Salt 1 HI 0.121 -0.069 2 HI 0.687 -0.059 3 1.442 -0.017 -0.095 4 0.963 0.025 0.200 5 0.229 -0.049 0.320 OD readings (280nm) for the fractions were measured using a spectrophotometer after they eluted from the ion exchange column. Table 3: Known Protein Standards, Relative Molecular Weights and Distance Traveled on Gel Proteins Distance Traveled (mm) Molecular Weight (Daltons) Phosphorylase b 80 97,000 Albumin 130 66,000 Ovalbumin 200 45,000 Carbonic anhydrase 260 30,000 Trypsin Indicator 20,100 Lactalbumin 14,400 The molecular weights of the proteins are known and the distance traveled was gotten by measuring with a ruler from the top of the well to the band of each band. Weight (kDa) Solutions of proteins with known weights were loaded and run in SDS-PAGE and the distance was measured from the top of the well to the bottom of the band. Table 4: title Sample # Sample No. of bands Migration distance (cm) Molecular Weight (kDa) 1 Pellet I Low salt 2 PI Medium salt 3 PI High salt 4 PI 1 2.7 28 5 Pellet II Low salt 1 2.8 26 6 PII Medium salt 7 PII High salt 8 Standard 1 2 3 4 0.8 1.3 2 2.6 97 66 45 30 9 Homogenate 1 2 3 1.8 2.3 2.6 50.3 36 30 The number of bands were tallied, then the molecular weight was collected as well as the migration distance. The migration was found by measuring from the top of the well to the bottom of the band. Four bands showed in the lane where the standard was loaded instead six, because there were six proteins present in the sample this does not make sense to me. Three bands give sizes appeared in the homogenate and one band in Pellet I and Pellet II low salt. Discussion Rubisco weighs 55,000 kDa according to literature and gel bands that correlate with it that size did not appear in either of the samples. It was predicted Rubisco is very negatively charged and very soluble, therefore it should elute the column at a high salt concentration because a large concentration of salt should be needed to disrupt the bonds created between the negatively charged ion of Rubisco and the positively charged resin, but the high salt buffer fractions had some of the lowest OD readings which is conflicting with our prediction. Instead, the OD readings were highest with the low salt buffer concentration. This could mean that Rubisco is not as negatively charged and soluble as we predicted. I cannot clearly conclude if Rubisco was isolated or not because the gel ripped and a big chunk of it was missing due to mishandling. Also, Rubisco might have been lost due to contamination because they were no bands that correlated with its molecular weight. Good! The quality of the experiment could be improved by some additional methods to identify Rubisco since it fixes carbon dioxide. Therefore they could be a test to show that the protein that was isolated can actually fix carbon dioxide.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Act One of Romeo and Juliet Essay -- English Literature

Act One immediately engages the audience. Do you agree with this statement? How does Shakespeare achieve this? Act One of 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare does indeed immediately engage the audience. Shakespeare does this by using several language techniques to create an interesting opening scene. Shakespeare uses humour, action and romance all in Act One and it is this variation that keeps the audience's attention. The play begins with a prologue that is written in the form of a sonnet. The Prologue gives a summary of the play but does not give away too much of the plot, in order to keep the suspense. Shakespeare tells of the great tragedy that will follow. The sonnet form is used because it is more interesting when performed on stage than simple prose. Shakespeare uses clever language in the Prologue to build suspense. For example, on line four he writes, 'From ancient grudge break new mutiny.' 'Ancient grudge' suggests that the disagreement between the Montague and Capulet families has been going on for a very long time and the mutual hatred between them has grown stronger and stronger. The word 'mutiny' is used to mean a sudden outburst of violence, which suggests there will be an exciting, action-packed scene somewhere in the play. Then, on lines six and seven, Shakespeare writes about the 'misadventured piteous overthrows' of the 'pair of star-crossed lovers'. He uses this to suggest there will be several unfortunate tragic accidents involving Romeo and Juliet throughout the play. Furthermore, on line twelve of the sonnet, Shakespeare writes that the play will be 'the two hours' traffic of our stage', meaning that the play will last two hours which will not be long enough to bore the au... ...says. Then finally, they ask each other if they should kiss. They kiss twice but are then interrupted by the Nurse. It is at this point that the couple find out that they come from different sides of the rift between the two households and the audience realise the problem the two lovers face. Act One does immediately engage the audience due to the variety that it contains. Shakespeare uses humour, in particular sexual innuendo, to great effect. The act full of exciting speeches, especially Mercutio's entertaining explanation of 'Queen Mab'. Also, he uses fight scenes for moments of action. There is also lots of emotion displayed by the characters, like Romeo's depression and love-sickness while pining for Rosaline in the opening scene. Shakespeare creates an intriguing opening act that grabs the audience's attention and keeps it well into the next acts.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Robert Louis Stevenson :: essays research papers

When one reads the nonfiction work of Robert Louis Stevenson along with the novels and short stories, a more complete portrait emerges of the author than that of the romantic vagabond one usually associates with his best-known fiction. The Stevenson of the nonfiction prose is a writer involved in the issues of his craft, his milieu, and his soul. Moreover, one can see the record of his maturation in critical essays, political tracts, biographies, and letters to family and friends. What Stevenson lacks, especially for the tastes of this age, is specificity and expertise: he has not the depth of such writers as John Ruskin, Walter Pater, or William Morris. But he was a shrewd observer of humankind, and his essays reveal his lively and perspicacious mind. Though he lacked originality, he created a rapport with the reader, who senses his enthusiastic embrace of life and art. If Stevenson at first wrote like one who only skimmed the surface of experience, by the end of his life he was pa ssionately committed to his adopted land of Samoa, to his own history, and to the creation of his fiction. Robert Louis Stevenson was born to Thomas and Margaret Isabella Balfour Stevenson in Edinburgh on 13 November 1850. From the beginning he was sickly. Through much of his childhood he was attended by his faithful nurse, Alison Cunningham, known as Cummy in the family circle. She told him morbid stories about the Covenanters (the Scots Presbyterian martyrs), read aloud to him Victorian penny-serial novels, Bible stories, and the Psalms, and drilled the catechism into him, all with his parents' approval. Thomas Stevenson was quite a storyteller himself, and his wife doted on their only child, sitting in admiration while her precocious son expounded on religious dogma. Stevenson inevitably reacted to the morbidity of his religious education and to the stiffness of his family's middle-class values, but that rebellion would come only after he entered Edinburgh University. The juvenilia that survives from his childhood shows an observer who was already sensitive to religious issues and Scottish history. Not surprisingly, the boy who listened to Cummy's religious tales first tried his hand at retelling Bible stories: "A History of Moses" was followed by "The Book of Joseph." When Stevenson was sixteen his family published a pamphlet he had written entitled The Pentland Rising, a recounting of the murder of Nonconformist Scots Presbyterians who rebelled against their royalist persecutors.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

History 53 Judaism

HISTORY 53 FINAL 1 Id-According to the Old Testament, what massacre took place shortly after Moses received the 10 Commandments and why did it take place? Briefly list the main events in Moses’ life according to the Old Testament. Do any Egyptian sources confirm the events narrated in the Old Testament? 2 Id- When was the kingdom of Judah conquered by the Babylonians? Who destroyed the northern kingdom (Israel) and when? Who were the Prophets within Judaism and what was the focus of their message? How what they did and said can be compared to what Jesus did and said?When did Jewish people transition from pastoralism to agriculture and from being nomadic to sedentary? 3 Id-Where and when did Zoroastrianism originate? How did it influence Judaism in terms of the figure of the devil and the idea of afterlife? List 4 ways in which it influenced all Western religions and explain why some people argue that Zoroastrianism provides the foundation for much of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. 4 Id- When and why was the Temple in Jerusalem destroyed for the last time? Explain the differences between Sadducees, Zealots and Essenes. What was the Maccabean Revolt?What festivity celebrates this event? In terms of the 6 Ways, how did Judaism change after the destruction of the temple? 5 Id-What are the similarities and differences between Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist Judaism? In term of the 6 ways, what is the difference between the Kabbalah and Hasidic mysticism? 6 E-When was the modern State of Israel established? How long had it been since the last time that an independent Jewish state existed? Why is the state of Israel opposed by many Muslim states in the region? Which religions consider Jerusalem a sacred city? What does the term Zionism mean?How did the Enlightenment improve the condition of Jewish peoples in Europe? List 3 examples of European antisemitism. What kind of rationale did Christianity provide for antisemitism? Were Jewish peop le in Spain treated better under Islamic or Christian rule? When did the Holocaust take place? Approximately how many Jews died because of it? 7 E-Who was Mithra? List 3 similarities between Mithra’s and Jesus’ story? Why did Mithraism disappear? Approximately, how many people follow one of the forms of Christianity? Do we have any independent sources about Jesus written during his lifetime? What are the Gospels?Approximately when were they written? Roughly how many Gospels were written? When were the 4 Gospels canonized? Why is the information you provided so far problematic? What is the Gospel of Thomas? Is it part of the Bible? List at least 2 instances in which the Gospels contradict each other. 8 Id-What is the Resurrection? Which other gods in the Greco-Roman world were said to have been resurrected? What do the Gospels tell us about Jesus childhood, adolescence and early adulthood? Why was Jesus crucified? What was the relationship between Jesus and the Judaism of his times (similarities and differences)? Id- What religion did Jesus practice? What was Jesus’ position on judging others, on accumulation of wealth, on patriotism, and on separation of state and religion? How is this similar and/or different from the positions later taken by mainstream Christianity? 10 Id-Who was John the Baptist? What did Jesus do for 40 days in the desert? What was the political situation during Jesus’ life in his own homeland? Who were the Magi? 11 Id-Who were St. Paul and St. Augustine? When did they live? Why do some people suggest that they may be more important in the history of Christianity than Jesus himself?How did the idea of the end of the world shape Paul’s message? How did the position of Christianity within the empire change by Augustine’s time and how was his message influenced by this new context? 12 Id-What did the Edict of Theodosius in 395 say? Who was Constantine and why is he important in Christian history? The Roman empire was usually tolerant of many religions, so why did they persecute Christians? 13 E-How long did the Inquisition exist for? What was it? What was the Witch Hunt? How was confession obtained? Why were midwives often victims of the Witch Hunt? What is the idea of Manifest Destiny?How can it be justified religiously? How was Christianity used to justify the colonization of the Americas? When did the Crusades take place and what were they? How did St. Augustine lay the theoretical groundwork for the forced conversions of millions of people throughout the world? 14 Id-Who was John Calvin? How did Protestantism contribute to the development of capitalism? Does capitalism seem to fit with Jesus’ message about wealth? What major changes did Martin Luther advocate? What was Martin Luther’s approach on priestly celibacy? Who was St. Francs of Assisi and why was he criticized by Martin Luther?What was Martin Luther’s attitude toward Jewish people? 15 E-Did the creation of Protestantism occur peacefully? Why were many rulers attracted by Martin Luther’s message? In terms of the 6 Ways, how did Protestantism switch the emphasis within Christianity? When did the Council of Trent take place and how did it change Catholicism? Why was the â€Å"discovery† of the Americas troublesome for the Church? Why were the astronomical discoveries of Copernicus and Galileo opposed by the Church? What kind of changes took place during the 1962 Second Vatican Council? 16 Id-What are the 7 sacraments of Catholicism?Would it be fair to say that women had a subordinate role in Christianity until Martin Luther pushed for their rights? Why or why not? What factors contributed to the current decline of Christianity in Europe? What are the 3 major subdivisions of Christianity? 17 Id-When and where did Muhammad live? Why is it incorrect to refer to Islam as â€Å"Muhammadism†? How did Muhammad see his message in relation to Judaism and Christian ity? Why was Muhammad opposed by the Meccan elite? What does Islam mean? Approximately how many followers does Islam have worldwide? 18 E-What are the 5 Pillars of Islam?What are the two main subdivisions within Islam? What do they differ on? Which one is more popular (numerically speaking)? What is Sufism? Which one of the 6 Ways of Being Religious fits Sufism? Why has it sometimes being persecuted by some orthodox Muslims? What is the Hadith? Is there one or multiple versions of the Hadith? What is the Shari’a? Why is the Shari’a followed by some Islamic governments but not by others? When was the role of Caliph abolished? What terminated the Abbasid dynasty? 19 Id-At various times, Muslim governments have persecuted Jewish and Christian peoples or have allowed them to retain their religion.What was the most typical policy? How did most Muslims governments in the past approach the issue of freedom of religion for people who did not follow Judaism, Christianity, or Is lam? 20 Id-How did the Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad differ from orthodox Islam? How did the war in Afghanistan contribute to the growth of Islamic fundamentalism? Which 1979 revolution has been heralded as a model for Islamic fundamentalism? What does the Koran say about righteous warfare? How was 9/11 justified by Islamic extremists? 21 Id-List 4 similarities between Christianity, Judaism and Islam.List 2 differences between Judaism and Islam, 2 between Judaism and Christianity, 2 between Islam and Christianity. 22 Id-What difference do you see between the view of sexuality held by Islam and Judaism and the one held by early Christianity? What is Tantrism? Is it part of which religions? What is the Taoist approach to sex? Is asceticism important in most Animistic cultures? What is the Song of Songs (aka Song of Solomon)? 23 E-What is Stannard’s argument about the connection between the genocide of American Indian peoples and Christian teachings about sexuality and à ¢â‚¬Å"Holy† War?List 2 examples of how Christian teachings about sexuality affect modern American culture. Which one of the subdivisions of Christianity is still officially against contraception? List 3 religions that have strong sanctions against homosexuality. According to St. Augustine when is sex not sinful? According to St. Paul what is the ideal behavior in terms of sexuality? According to the Gospels, what was Jesus’ position on divorce and on sexual fantasies? 24 Id-List 3 examples of religious traditions using mind-altering substances. What is Amanita Muscaria? According to Gordon Wasson, which religious tradition was influenced by it?The use of mind-altering substances may fit best with which 2 of the 6 Ways of Being Religious described in class? 25 E-When did the Native American Church gain popularity among the tribes of North America? What 3 sources do various chapters of the Native American Church borrow from? Why have members of the Native American Church been arrested for much of the 20th century? Why were they denied freedom of religion by the U. S. Supreme Court in the early 1990s? What did Justice Anthony Scalia mean when he said that religious diversity is a luxury that the United States cannot afford?What is their legal status today? 26 Id-Where and when was the Baha’i religion created? What is its position toward other religions? Why was it (and still is) persecuted? What is its view of women, nationalism, relationship between religion and science, and concepts such as heaven and hell and the figure of the devil? 27 Id-In class we said that the modern world is seen the growth of both universalism and fundamentalism. What are they and what do they argue? What are their attitudes toward globalization? Why is the division of church and state problematic? Why is it necessary? 8 E-In what year was â€Å"The Age of Reason† published? What is the religious view embraced by Thomas Paine? How does Thomas Paine view Jesus? What is the essence of Paine’s argument? List at least 3 reasons why Paine holds a negative view of the Bible. Why does he believe Christianity to be hostile to science? What relationship—in Paine’s mind—should exist between religion and science? 29 Id-What role does nature play in Paine’s worldview? What does he say about the doctrine of Redemption? What does he say about miracles? What is his opinion of the Book of Ruth? What is Paine’s opinion of St. Paul?

Biomedical Engineering Essay

Biomedical Engineers are highly trained scientists who use engineering and life science principles to research biological aspects of animal and human life (1). Some tasks of a biomedical engineer include, developing new theories, modifying, testing, and proving existing theories, and designing health care instruments and devices or apply engineering principles to the study of human systems. Biomedical engineering has been created by advancements in technology. It is an interdisciplinary field that brings together two respected professions, biology and engineering. The profession was developed primarily after 1945, as a new technology allowed for the application of engineering principles to biology (2). Employers for biomedical engineers include hospitals, industry, research facilities of educational and medical institutions, teaching, and government regulatory agencies (1). The jobs involve working closely with life scientists, members of the medical profession, and chemists. Most work revolves around the laboratory. In biomedical engineering design, medical instruments and devices are developed. Engineers work on artificial organs and surgical lasers, for example. Engineers design and build systems that will update hospital, laboratory, and clinical procedures. They also train health care personnel in the proper use of this new equipment. Within biomedical engineering, and individual may concentrate on a particular specialty area. Some of the well-established areas are bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, biomaterials, systems physiology, clinical engineering, and rehabilitation engineering (2). All of these areas depend on each other in order to be successful. Biomechanics is mechanics applies to biological or medical problems. Examples include the artificial heart or kidney. Bioinstrumentation is the application of electronics and measurement principles and techniques to develop devices used in diagnosis and treatment of disease (2). â€Å"Educational requirements include a strong commitment to learning and being scientifically inclined† (1). Being able to apply knowledge in problem  solving is a large part of biomedical engineering. Becoming a biomedical engineer requires long years of schooling because a biomedical engineer needs to be an expert in the fields of engineering and biology. Being familiar with chemical, material, and electrical engineering as well as physiology and computers is important (1). Most engineers have an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering or a related field and a Ph.D. in some facet of biomedical engineering. At least a bachelor’s degree is needed in engineering to become a biomedical engineer. It usually takes four or five years to earn this degree (3). The salary scale for biomedical engineering varies with the amount of education and experience. The federal government pay scale for holders of a bachelor’s degree starts at approximately $23,000. Biomedical engineers with a master’s degree could start at about $26,000,and those with a doctorate at around $28,000. The average salary for all engineers in the federal government is $38,000 a year. Instructors earn about $26,800 and professors earn about $63,000 (1). Earnings in the private sector generally run higher than those in government or education careers (2). In the 1990’s, there were more than four thousand biomedical engineers in the United States. They are employed in all parts of the country in hospitals, colleges and universities, medical and engineering schools, federal and state agencies, and private industry. â€Å"It is expected that there will be greater need for skilled biomedical engineers through the 1990’s† (2). Prospects look particularly good in the large health care industry, which will continue to grow rapidly, primarily because people are living longer (1). New jobs will become available to biomedical research in prosthetics, artificial internal organs, computer applications, instrumentation, and other medical systems. In addition, a demand will exist for teachers to train the biomedical engineers needed to fill these positions (1). Works Cited â€Å"Biomedical Engineers.† Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance. 10th ed. 1997. â€Å"Biomedical Engineers.† Careers in Engineering. Chicago: Ferguson Publishing Company, 1999. â€Å"Biomedical Engineering.† Career Information Center. Ed. Richard Lidz. 6th ed. 13 vols. New York : Simon & Schuster Macmillan, 1996.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Preserving the Sanctity of Marriage

Preserving the Sanctity of Marriage â€Å"They are preserving the sanctity of marriage, so that two gay men who've been together for twenty-five years can't get married, but a guy can still get drunk in Vegas and marry a hooker at the Elvis chapel! The sanctity of marriage is saved! † Lea DeLaria states her views on gay marriage. Some although, view this topic very differently, it is seen as a dirty abomination to many that heterosexual marriage is being corrupted by the possibility of homosexual marriage.The year is 2010, yet America has seemed to take a step back in giving everyone and anyone equal rights in today’s society, leading back when America thought it was not a good idea to give African Americans their rights. Is that situation so different from today’s argument of giving homosexuals their rights? Although heterosexual marriages are more acceptable in America today, homosexual relationships as well as marriages need to be respected, not restrained so homosexuals can live freely as they please. People who are against gay marriage often are very religious in the Christian sense.They can relate gay marriage back to the bible with quotes like â€Å"Marriage shall consist of a union between one man and one or more women† (Genesis 29:17-28; II Samuel 3:2-5). These kinds of people are the ones who stay in tradition; the union between a man and women has been the only way of a legal connection in a society of any kind. This tradition proves to be strong; in June of 1986 the U. S Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that adult gay members practicing a gay lifestyle were not protected by the constitution. This was the first ruling in the U.S that outright said that gay marriage would not be tolerated. Since 1986 not much has changed, a gay lifestyle is not widely accepted, as well as marriages between them. Being part of the gay community is not an easy task, especially when marriage is involved. Just because someone is gay does not mean that t his person should have different rights than a straight person. Both are human beings, both deserve the same rights. One does not choose to be a homosexual or heterosexual, it is how one is wired as one grows up, neither is wrong and therefore, why does one get to marry and not the other?This is a question still being answered today where through the ages homosexuality was considered a disease up until 1973, where it was finally taken off the DSM-II (official list of psychiatric disorders). Gays were also blamed for AIDS, the disease being called the â€Å"gay plague. † These things are absolutely horrendous; as this shows, some people are extremely ignorant about the gay culture. When people do not know what these people are like, they make assumptions and stereotypes that lead to the culture to not have the same rights as others because of the nasty things that are spread like wildfire throughout the world.In Africa, gays can legally be killed for just being themselves. It is exactly like the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. People accuse others in Africa of being gay and they can be imprisoned for life or killed simply for being accused. This is not what should be going on in a 21st century world. The same thing goes for being gay and trying to get married, they are denied time after time in the U. S. America is known for its free land and democratic values, yet America cannot handle the simple task of giving one group the full rights that everyone else has.I strongly believe that denying one’s rights because of their sexual orientation is beyond wrong, it is an abomination to what America stands for. It makes me angry to think that someone who loves another that just happens to be the same gender as they cannot legally marry. They deserve to be happy just like anyone else. Why would someone deny happiness to someone because they love the same gender as they? Is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness not part of America’s Declaration of Independence?I believe the U. S has lost sight of this in today’s religiously ridden society. The separation of church and state has been lost and blended together, creating a storm of hatred and racism toward the gay community. These people are some of the kindest I have ever met, and yet they get some of the cruelest comments I have ever witnessed in my life. These people deserve more, including an equal right in everything, especially marriage. It is time for America to move forward for the goal of equal gay rights.These people have seen enough turmoil throughout time, longer than any community to date. It is time for acceptance, love, and peace toward the gay community. I have too many friends who have so much love for everyone else and they are turned away by society, dumped in an area called disgusting, repulsive, and unacceptable. Even though in America homosexual marriages are beginning to be accepted, their relationships as well as marriages should be given the same right as everyone else anywhere in the world, to truly save the sanctity of marriage.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Cause of Global Warming

Causes of Global Warming There are many factors that contribute to causes of global warming nowadays. Through many years of investigation,scientist have discover that the prime factor are cause by the effect of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by humans. Mankind have distribute carbon dioxide in many ways:- 1. Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants:- * Human addiction to electricity from coal burning power plants releases enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 40% of U.S. CO2 emissions come from electricity production, and burning coal accounts for 93% of emissions from the electric utility industry. Every day, more electric gadgets flood the market, and without widespread alternative energy sources, we are highly dependent on burning coal for our personal and commercial electrical supply. 2. Carbon dioxide emissions from burning gasoline for transportation:- * Human modern car culture and appetite for globally sourced goods is responsible for about 33% of emissions in the U.S. With our population growing at an alarming rate, the demand for more cars and consumer goods means that we are increasing the use of fossil fuels for transportation and manufacturing. Our consumption is outpacing our discoveries of ways to mitigate the effects, with no end in sight to our massive consumer culture. 3. Methane emissions from animals, agriculture such as rice paddies, and from Arctic seabeds:- * Methane is another extremely potent greenhouse gas, ranking right behind CO2.When organic matter is broken down by bacteria under oxygen-starved conditions (anaerobic decomposition) as in rice paddies, methane is produced. The process also takes place in the intestines of herbivorous animals, and with the increase in the amount of concentrated livestock production, the levels of methane released into the atmosphere is increasing. Another source of methane is methane clathrate, a compound containing large amounts of methane trapped in the cryst al structure of ice. As methane escapes from the Arctic seabed, the rate of global warming will increase significantly. 4.Deforestation, especially tropical forests for wood, pulp, and farmland:- * The use of forests for fuel (both wood and for charcoal) is one cause of deforestation, but in the first world, our appetite for wood and paper products, our consumption of livestock grazed on former forest land, and the use of tropical forest lands for commodities like palm oil plantations contributes to the mass deforestation of our world. Forests remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and this deforestation releases large amounts of carbon, as well as reducing the amount of carbon capture on the planet. 5.Increase in usage of chemical fertilizers on croplands * In the last half of the 20th century, the use of chemical fertilizers (as opposed to the historical use of animal manure) has risen dramatically. The high rate of application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers has effect s on the heat storage of cropland (nitrogen oxides have 300 times more heat-trapping capacity per unit of volume than carbon dioxide) and the run-off of excess fertilizers creates ‘dead-zones’ in our oceans. In addition to these effects, high nitrate levels in groundwater due to over-fertilization are cause for concern for human health.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Cemex Case

d) What recommendations would you make to CEMEX regarding its globalization strategy going forward? In particular, on what kind of countries should it focus its future expansion? CEMEX expansion is a process where the company performs its due diligence and the aim of expanding into a country with a large population and high population growth. As the text stated CEMEX should continue to focus on developing Asian economies, Central America, the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa. CEMEX should keep its eye on China even though the cement was produced via obsolete kilns by authorities. However, China’s had tremendous growth and ever changing political environment. India is another tremendous area of growth and many competitors also recognize this. CEMEX should aim to get a foothold in this market as it will continue to grow and its restructuring process was more advanced than China’s. Even though there are some barriers to entry CEMEX should keep its eye on Brazil as well. Brazil’s population is nearly 191 million and even though the main language is Portuguese, Spanish is a major language which is also taught in the schools as this will help entry into the country. CEMEX should look at other emerging Latin American markets with growing with growing populations, especially since they speak Spanish. Lastly the Middle East, especially Dubai and the Arab Emirates should be on CEMEX’s radar due to the growth of these areas due to its oil riches and recent growth. However these areas should be carefully studied due to the political environment.