EBay Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

EBay - Case Study Example eBay’s fee structure is based on the principle of charging more for the initial amount and less for additional ones. It is therefore focused more on building big with bulk sales, which indeed exponentially increases on the sales graphs for an organization. The high volume sellers get attracted and even companies that have made it huge within the industry now bank on eBay for their inventory sale (Munir, 2010). As of today, eBay’s fee structure needs no tinkering because it takes care of both the buyers’ and sellers’ needs. Hence incremental improvements can always be brought about but no wholesale changes would as such be required at this stage. The next steps for eBay are to acquire renowned businesses that exist in the virtual world and build on the strategy to take over companies for its own betterment and in a desire to increase profits in the long run. The capabilities shall continue to expand in the times to come which would further the cause of eBay and enhance its vision to grow and expand across the board. It continues to grow when there is a need for both the buyers and sellers to get in touch through a collective mindset of growth and advancement whereby eBay benefits just about everyone who comes in contact with it (Reuer, 2009). This growth comes from a collective mesh of connecting with eBay which paves avenues for such participation which in the end increases on the profits for

CUSTOMER CARE AND ROLE OF THE OVERSEAS REPRESENTIVE Essay

CUSTOMER CARE AND ROLE OF THE OVERSEAS REPRESENTIVE - Essay Example Large organisations are observed to be expanding their businesses globally in order to maintain their competitive position amid their competitors by offering an assortment products based on the local needs and preferences (Blaxter & et. al., 2001). However, it has often been viewed that the aim of expanding is considered to be one of the major tasks which at times results in negligence in the way customer satisfaction should be taken care of. With the changing demand in the preference of goods amid people, it has become vital for every organisation to implement new steps that would help them to fulfil the rising demands of their customers. Today’s tourism industry is recognised as one of the growing global industries. It has been measured that today many students selects travel and tourism as their field of study and chose to select it as the way of earning their livelihood. Additionally, tourism industry is viewed to provide challenging and exciting working environment which is attracting more people towards it. Overseas representatives are essentially organisational members who represent themselves as an authorised person to act as an official delegate or agent. The role of overseas representatives in a tourism industry is essential as they are responsible to look after all the requirements of their customers, which in turn helps in building better customer relationship with the organisation. Although tourism is considered to be a growing industry, it has been viewed that minimum research has been conducted to study the importance of overseas representatives in tourism industry and their role to maintain good customer care. In this regard, organisations or people who mainly aim to study the role of overseas representatives in tourism industry and their role in maintaining good customer care level would be attracted towards this research as it would aid them to understand the various factors associated with the job role and the importance of overseas re presentatives in tourism industry (Dale & Oliver, 2005). The Research Questions Based on the selected research topic, the two research questions that would be addressed in the proposed study are â€Å"what are the roles of overseas representative to establish better customer car

The Advertisements Of Business And Politics In An Semiotic Analysis Advertising Essay

The Advertisements Of Business And Politics In An Semiotic Analysis Advertising Essay Every day when we wake up in the morning, we hear or see an advertisement almost anywhere and anytime; at home, on way to school or work and even we can find an advertisement when we are standing in bathroom queue in cinema. Advertisements come in different forms and shapes but all of them have the same purpose and that is to convince their audience to buy a product or to use a service that the company has to offer. Nevertheless, the key to a successful advertisement lies within the Semiotics which in simpler words means the study of signs (Chandler 2008: 2). The goal of this paper is to provide a semiotic analysis of advertisements in the fields of business and politics. In the business section, logos of famous companies such as Adidas and Dior will be discussed. Then, in the political section, we will take a look at the recent presidential election in Iran and parliament election in Sweden. Beasley and Danesi defined advertisement as: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ any type or form of public announcement intended to direct peoples attention to the availability, qualities, and/or cost of specific commodities or services. (Beasley Danesi 2002: 1). The most common types of advertising come in forms of print (newspaper, magazines, brochures, fliers), outdoor (billboard, kiosks) and broadcast (TV, radio) which you see them every day and to some extent they have become a part of our daily life. Advertisers use different kinds of codes to draw attention of audience to their products, but mainly they focus on social codes more than the other ones. Another important factor in advertising is to present things according to the gender and age of their target group, because a 5 year old child will not respond to an advertisement the same as a 30 year old man. Maybe now you can see that why people call it Advertising Industry, because it takes more than one man or woman to do the whole job. A grou p of experts in different fields come together and essence of their ideas will become an advertisement which either will succeed or fail. Examples All the big companies try to pick logos and mottos which represent their companys field of work and at the same time they (advertisers) try to make it simple and understandable for almost everyone. There are always different signifiers in logos and other types of advertising. For instance, the German company of Adidas Group which is famous for its sports and clothing goods has a simple, but at the same time meaningful logo and motto. It is also worth to mention that Adidas was picked after Adolf Dassler nickname (Adi Dassler). The companys logo can be discussed in three different aspects; shape, color and font. First, the Three-Stripe brand mark became the Adidas worldwide logo in 1996. Before that the logo looked like a Trefoil which its three leaves symbolized the Olympic spirit. However, one can still find a resemblance between old and new logos. The Three-Stripe logo is also associated with a mountain-like figure especially for those who are living in Alps areas. The spaces between the lines could be assumed as the steps that one should take to reach the top and achieve greatness. Nowadays, the trefoil logo is associated with Adidas classic designs, so we can see that time has changed the association between the logo and its meaning among people. Second, the color black has good and bad connotations but among athletes and especially young ones. Black color suggests the idea of being serious, elegant and sophisticated and it is an inspirational motif for them. Finally, the font in the logo is designed by ITC Avant Garde which is both a pioneer and a well-known company in its own field. The Adidas font like the rest of other fonts designed by company is simple and also formal which gives a special simplicity to the logo. The Adidas Company like its logo has always tried to design simple but catchy goods and we must say that they were successful. It has always been said: the simpler, the better. Another interesting aspect of advertising by the Adidas Company is their motto impossible is nothing. Stanley Fish believed that it is impossible to mean the same thing in two (or more) different ways (Chandler 2008: 123), this quote gives us the reason why Adidas did not chose a different word order for their motto. Instead of impossible is nothing they could have said everything is possible or nothing is impossible, but would it have the same effect? The answer is simply NO. Using double negative in the motto intensifies the meaning; you can do whatever you want if you have the right equipment, which is Adidas. In addition, according to markedness theory, one can say that impossible is nothing is more marked than the other forms, but we should keep in mind that they are different phrases according to their word order and will not have the same meaning or effect. Next advertisement that is going to be analyzed is Jadore perfume from the Dior Company. In this advertisement film, which Charlize Theron stars in it, variety of signifiers and codes have been used to illustrate prestige and excellence of the Diors products. The clip starts by Charlize Theron walking from a room to another one, which from the settings you can guess it is happening in a castle or a very luxurious house. She is wearing a beautiful night gown which goes well with her setting and we would say that she belongs to upper social class. Then, she starts taking hear jewelries off and after that she takes her night gown off. And, while she is taking her jewelries and clothes off there is light music in the background and she says: Gold is cold, diamonds are dead, limousine isnt a car, dont pretend, feel whats real, Jadore, Dior And, the clip ends by a back naked shot of Charlize Theron in a way that looks like the bottle of the perfume. The advertiser has used power of images and words together and made a powerful combination in which lack of any of them would have changed the message that wanted to be conveyed. There are lots of connotations in what Charlize Theron says during the advertisement clip. The denotation meaning of Gold is: a yellow malleable ductile metallic element that occurs chiefly free or in a few minerals and is used especially in coins, jewelry, and dentures (Merriam-Webster Dictionary), but connotation meaning is something valued and fine in its own kind. And, the same thing is true for connotation meaning f diamond; something which is exotic and scarce or Limousine, something which is luxurious and fancy. Advertiser is using both connotation and denotation meanings to say that if you wear Jadore perfume then you are valuable, exotic and luxurious. Also, the advertisement wants to say, maybe you do not have gold, diamonds or limousine car but they things which are not real and they are just for showing off but if you want to stand out and be unique use Jadore. No doubt, Charlize Therons appearance in this advertisement plays an important role. First of all, she is a famous actress who is known for her beauty and she is said to be an icon in her career, therefore, one would quickly assume that this advertisement has something to do with women. This assumption happens because of mass media codes; it is not common that a woman advertises men products especially when the advertisement is about colognes or perfumes. Additionally, Therone is living in the USA but she is originally from South Africa which is a symbol of an exotic land and precious stones such as diamonds. Also, Charilze Theron age might be related to the idea that this kind of perfume suits women not girls, experts in perfume industry also suggest that ideal age for this perfume is between 30 and 45 years old. Lastly, the bottle of perfume represents all the aspects that were mentioned above. The bottle looks like a woman and also you can find the gold and white colors which are related to what Throne says during the advertisement. After discussing about advertising in the business field now it is time to focus on all time controversial subject of politics, and the strategies politicians and their campaign teams use in their advertisements to gain more vote in order find their way to a position in their government system. Advertising plays an important role for political candidates, especially presidential candidates, because advertisement come in different forms and people can have access to them easily anywhere and anytime. The more candidates give information about them and present transparent and precise programs for future the voters are willing more to vote for them. The candidates are aware of this fact and they use a very powerful tool called advertisement to reach their goal. In Irans recent so called fraud-free presidential election a new school of thought was born which is called Green Movement. The leader of this movement, Mir-Hossein Mosavi, chose the green color as a symbol for his campaign which mostly won the attention of the younger generation in Iran. Choosing the green color shows the intelligence and intention of those people who were in charge of Mosavis advertising campaigns, they had a bigger thought in their mind rather than just simply choosing a color for the party; in Iran the green color is a symbol of different things such as a new life, being religious and holy and being fresh, so it gives the idea that they must be different from the other ones. Also, the Green Movement was able to unify its supporters successfully by this simple act. However, when election result was revealed and Ahmadinejad was announced as the president for second time green color found a new meaning among Iranians. The green color now has become of a symbol of freedom and resistance among Iranians and they try to send this message to other parts of the world to show that they are not like Ahmadinejad and his supporters who have been running the country for a long time. Nowadays, their supporters by only spraying a big green V on the walls of the city show that they are still out there even though the government has been suppressing them in violent ways. Green color now has new meanings among Iranian people one of which might be a civil disobedience. So, clearly we can see that first there was an intention behind all these matters and now they way Iranians interpret the green color is different from the way it meant to Iranians before presidential election. The final advertisement that I want to talk about is the ad which was made by Sverigedemokraterna (far right party) in Sweden during their recent parliament election which was controversial in its own kind. Sverigedemokraterna is known as a fascist party and they are strongly against immigration. They presented their views clearly in their ads using lots of codes and symbols which can be found all over the clip. In this particular ad, it has been shown that a man and a woman are sitting behind their desk while counting the money using the machine. On one side of the table where there is more money it is written immigration officer and on the other side which there is no money it is written pensions officer. Then, the alarm goes off and two red handles are hung from the ceiling, on one of them it is written immigration and the other one pensions. After that there is an old lady who is using a walker in doing her best to get to the handle, while a group of women wearing black veil and borqa are running faster than her to get to the other handle. The first thing that draws attention to itself in this ad is the dark setting that is symbol of bad situation in Sweden. And, the red handles along with the siren sound means that there is emergency situation and something had to be done immediately. Women who are wearing veil and borqa symbolize all the immigrants in Sweden, particularly Muslims. The old lady in the clip symbolizes the hard working Swedes who have paid their taxes and when they want to get their pension now they fall behind because of the immigrants. In this ad the advertiser focused more on social codes (bodily codes and commodity codes) which exist in Sweden. Nevertheless, the discrimination factor is very vivid the distance between the handles and the space between the old Swedish woman and the women who are dressed in black. The general message of this ad is to say, stop immigration or it will be at the expense of the real Swedes. Conclusion To sum up, we are living in a world full of signs and codes. People use them for different purposes, whether they are good or bad. By using your mind, you can find all signs and decipher all codes and make a right decision.

The Witches in MacBeth Essay examples -- Macbeth essays

The Witches in MacBeth      Ã‚   Shakespeare utilized many sources of information when writing his plays.   One of his sources for the witches in MacBeth was almost certainly Reginald Scot's The Discoverie of Witchcraft, published in 1584.   In his book, Scot refuted many of the common notions regarding witches and their powers; nevertheless, the book created a basic outline for the typical witch, including physical descriptions and abilities.   The witches in MacBeth are representations of those described in Scot's book.   In the play, Shakespeare describes authentic witches in their physical appearance and behavior and MacBeth's character is made more villainous through his association with these terrifying figures.    Scot describes witches as being "women which be commonly old, lame, blearie-eied, pale, fowle, and full of wrinkles...They are leane and deformed, shewing melancholie in their faces, to the horror of all that see them" (Scot 4).   Basically, witches were thought to be poor old women with hideous appearances.   Shakespeare obviously picks up on this notion, as the witches in the play are described as ugly old hags.   During their first encounter with MacBeth and Banquo, Banquo is clearly appalled by their appearance and questions whether they are human: "What are these, / So withered, and so wild in their attire, / That look not like th' inhabitants o' th' earth" (1.3.40-42).   From Banquo's description, it seems they are poor, as evidenced by their clothing, and old and unattractive because of their vile and wrinkled appearance.   MacBeth later addresses them as "secret, black, and midnight hags" (4.1.48).   This phrase also suggests that they are old and ugl y women.   Thus, these women fit th... ...ers.   MacBeth is the only character to become closely associated with the witches.   He acts on their revelations of the future, whereas Banquo does not.   In allying MacBeth with the witches, Shakespeare makes MacBeth seem even more evil.   After all, the witches are the devil's servants, and by associating with the witches, he is indirectly associated with Satan.   Therefore, it would have been very easy for Shakespeare's audience to find him just as appalling as the witches themselves.   Thus, one of the reasons for writing the witches into the play was to make MacBeth a more despicable villain.    Works Cited Scot, Reginald. The Discoverie of Witchcraft. Montague Summers Ed. Dover Publications: New York,   Ã‚  Ã‚   1972. Shakespeare, William. MacBeth. Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine Ed. Washington Square Press: New   Ã‚  Ã‚   York, 1992.

Plastic bags Essay

Plastic can be defined as: any group of synthetic or natural organic materials that may be shaped when soft, which will later harden. Plastic has been around for more than 150 years. In 1839 Charles Goodyear accidently discovered the process of vulcanization, the process of making rubber more durable, which evolved into the creation of plastics later on. In 1846, Swiss chemist Charles Schonbein discovered how to produce the plastic polymer known as celluloid. In 1909, chemist Leo Baekeland created Bakelite, the first true synthetic polymer that could be molded and shaped into a solid object. Due to the scientific discoveries of these men, one of the most used materials in the world to this day was created. In the United States plastic materials are used in both industrial and commercial life. It is a material that is largely integrated into today’s common lifestyle, and can be used in many product areas. The creation of plastic was scientifically ground breaking, however there are consequences to using this moldable material. New York is a city that generates a lot of revenue for the state. With many stores, businesses, and busy people the use of plastic materials is a luxury. Without even realizing it, the people of New York City use plastic materials more than they think they do. Such as, the early morning business man who commutes to Wall Street to go to work. He takes the subway within the city, using a metro card. He then sits on the plastic seats inside the train, then gets a coffee in a plastic cup at a nearby cafà ©. He goes into the office and then sits on his office chair which can be made up of plastic material. Since plastic materials are used frequently in our daily lives, I believe it should be banned as a good first step in reducing the use of plast ic materials. New Yorkers should strive to lessen the use of plastic by replacing plastic bags with other material alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable bags. Plastic bags are very popular with both retailers and consumers because they are inexpensive, sturdy, lightweight, functional, and hygienic in means of carrying food as well as other goods. Even though they are modern conveniences that make our lives easier, they are responsible for causing pollution, killing wildlife, and using up the precious resources of the earth. Americans use up to a billion plastic bags per year. However, we do not realize the harm that plastic bags emit. For instance, plastic bags are among the items that are non-biodegradable. It can take up to thousands of years for plastic to decay  into small pieces. This is because decomposing bacteria cannot feed on plastic. Companies that produce plastic bags deplete Earth of its natural resources. Most common plastic bags are made from polyethylene. This material is made from crude oil and natural gas. These resources need to be conserved and the production of plastic bags does the opposite, thus lessening the already limited amount of natural resources. Plastic bags are difficult and costly to recycle and most of the time ends up on landfill sites where they take a long period of time to decay. They b reak down into toxic particles that contaminate the soil, they also impact the waterways by clogging up gutters and drains causing water and sewage to overflow and become the breeding grounds of germs and bacteria that cause diseases. It is also easy for plastic bags to enter the food chain when animals accidentally consume them. Plastic bags are amongst the top items of debris most often to be found along coastlines. Animals and sea creatures are hurt and killed by discarded plastic bags because they mistake plastic bags for food. Plastic clogs their intestines and leads to slow starvation. Others can become entangled in plastic bags and drown. These are all-important factors that have a profound effect on our environment and the organisms we share our planet with. We should not put our own selfish needs before the needs of everything around us, and the lives of future generations. Society’s involvement with plastic bags is harmful to humans and the environment. This can be looked at as a chain effect because eventually if one factor of an environment becomes greatly affected then it will affect many other factors, all leading up to catastrophic effects. Such as, if plastic bags are overused in the future, there is a chance of reduction of the fish and wildlife population. This can contribute to the v arious diets that humans have. Also, if plastic bags are continued to be overly manufactured and take up a lot of natural resources, it will take thousands of years for Earth to naturally replenish these natural resources. Thus, society will have a decrease in the use of natural gas. For example in New York, some city buses are run on natural gas. This is why plastic bag banning should be a public concern. If New York can reduce the amount of plastic material it uses, then why not? However, one might say that no one has the right to tell New Yorkers that they cannot use a plastic bag. There is a misconception about plastic bag ban regulations. Some feel that a plastic bag ban imposes on  individual rights. However, they do not take away individual rights. Instead, a plastic bag ban regulation ensures individual rights. Individual rights can be defined as the rights held by individual people. Being able to choose and have choices in certain situations fall under having individual rights. The plastic bag ban regulations ensure individual rights because a bag ban forces the retailer to give a choice. The laws prohibit retailers from giving you a plastic bag. By prohibiting retailers from giving away pla stic bags, society then must figure out another way to get their goods home. As an individual you can go buy all the plastic bags that you want. No law prohibits you from doing this. However, you will pay for those plastic bags. Society has been given plastic bags by the merchant when we purchase their goods. It has become a convenience. However, in reality, we have always paid for those bags. The merchant has to figure the cost of the bags into the stores budget. They add a few cents to the goods to pay for the bags. For example, if the cost of milk is $3.26 the retail merchant will increase the price by a couple of cents to pay for his profit for the plastic bags. The retail merchant has to pay a cost when they buy the plastic bags from the factories that produce them. In fact, one statistic says you pay around $50 per year for those â€Å"free† plastic bags. With a plastic bag ban, everyone has a choice. Without a ban, everyone pays. If you want a bag, then you pay for it. That is what makes it a choice. Dozens of countries and cities around the world, including 47 towns in California alone, have adopted laws for banning plastic bags. The factors that convinced them to ban the plastic bags were that cities must spend a lot of money to clean up the bags and the damages caused by them. This is money that would be better spent elsewhere. Also, plastic bags are a threat to the environment, polluting waterways and other natural areas and killing off animals. Many activists say that banning plastic bags will redirect funds to come up with alternatives to plastic. In San Jose, California, it costs about $1 million a year to repair recycling equipment jammed with plastic bags. San Francisco estimates that to clean up, and recycle landfill plastic bags costs 17 cents a bag, or approximately $8.5 million a year. A ban would save approximately $18 to $30 per person annually. Bans are often considered a government attack on private business. With plastic bags  it is a product that is naturally flawed. The bags are lightweight, aerodynamic, indestructible, and made specifically to be easily discarded. Hence the reason why they can easily be found floating in the streets. The universal plastic bag serves many purposes, but it is not irreplaceable. With a ban on disposable plastic bags, consumer demand will shift toward alternatives, such as biodegradable bags, this will lead to opportunities for entrepreneurs. Companies that manufacture reusable bags will continue to grow and expand their product lines, and will create environmentally friendly jobs. The sale of reusable bags will also generate sales tax income, unlike the disposable bags, which are given away. It is time New York City joins the banning of plastic bags, and uses its money on education, roads and firefighters and not cleaning up the plastic industry’s mess. Many people who feel strong about the banning of plastic bags are able to influence others and show them the harm that the innocent looking plastic bag produces. Special interest groups such as Ban the Bag, established in Portland, Oregon has such a powerful message for getting rid of plastic bags that it was able to make huge strides in the cutting down of plastic usage. These types of organizations give a positive outlook for advancement in the reduction of using plastic products. Not only do these interest groups bring awareness to people, they help influence certain debates persuading why plastic bags should be banned. They also bring success stories. In the United States, attempts by legislators to ban or restrict the use of plastic bags have been derailed several times in recent years by the lobbying efforts of the plastic manufacturers. But recently, as of October 15, 2011, the City of Portland has banned single-use plastic bags at major grocery outlets. A similar ban has gone into effect in cities such as San Francisco and Washington, D.C. In Washington D.C., as of January of 2010 a five-cent fee went into effect, the result was seen in only five months with a 60 percent reduction in plastic bag litter in the Anacostia River. The more people know about the effects of plastic bags through interest groups the faster we can get New York City to ban them, and add New York City to the list of success stories for banning plastic bags. Plastics are one of the world’s most commonly used materials. Everyone has seen, touched, smelled, and used plastics. It is so commonly used that many don’t think about what life would be like without plastics. Since plastic is so heavily produced it makes sense to reduce the production of it. New York has to take the first step for the benefit of people, animals, the environment and the future and ban plastic bags.

Importance of Mathematics and statistics to Economics Essay

INTRODUCTION Statistics and mathematics are everything to economics. infact statistics and Mathematics, the economic field wouldn’t even exist. Economist need statistics to represent data, to track and store information, to identify trends, to attribute value and mathematics to calculate those figures.The way to look at the relationship between statistics and economics is that economics is essentially the study of human decisions and trends, and how these have a financial impact. Economists rely on information to form analyses, understanding and opinion on the human activity that they are scrutinizing. This information comes in the form of statistical data. Statistics is the core around which economic deductions are built. It highlights the relationship between figures that would otherwise be meaningless, and is key to economic analysis. An example of this would be an economist trying to analyze the performance of a car manufacturer over the period of a year. Figures that show the car manufacturer’s sales, profits, costs, and other important economic information would be relayed through the use of statistics. Although people would be right to argue that economics requires more than just statistics (for example, it also relies heavily on understanding and monitoring of sociological factors), it’s undeniable that statistics form an integral part of what economics is all about. Infact the Role of mathematics and Statistics to the field of Economics cannot be over emphasized as we look at the below outlines IMORTANCE OF STATISTICS Statistics is the area of mathematics we use to explore and try to explain the uncertain world in which we live. You may be familiar with the use of statistics in opinion polls and market research, but it is also central to the manufacture and testing of many products, and, in particular, showing that modern drugs used in the treatment of disease in humans and animals are effective and safe. USE FOR PREPARING ACCOUNT Statistical methods are used for preparation of these accounts. In economics  research statistical methods are used for collecting and analysis the data and testing hypothesis. The relationship between supply and demands is studies by statistical methods, the imports and exports, the inflation rate, the per capita income are the problems which require good knowledge of statistics.Statistics are everything to economists. Without statistics, the economic field wouldn’t even exist.

Exemplification Essays

Exemplification Essays Exemplification Essay Exemplification Essay As time continued American has shown often that they are willing to stand together and act as one. They have fought in wars for their freedom all the way back to the American Revolutionary War in 1783 where Americans fought for their independence to the current War in Iraq which is protecting our country from another attack from AAA Qaeda. In times where this country has been brought down like 9/1 1 or Pearl Harbor as a country they pulled together and supported the people effected by the tragedy. There are several other forms of patriotism: the National Anthem, the flag, Liberty Bell, the Pledge of Allegiance and several other symbols. Americans are strong willed in the fact that they will do anything to protect their rights and their country. Everyday people enlist in the military to serve their country, keeping it safe from any empowerment of other countries and keeping piece in not only their country but other countries through out the world. The first instance where Americans had shown that they were strong willed was in the American Revolutionary War where they fought for their independence from Great Britain. Another instance where the Americans show that they are strong willed was during World War I and World War II. We entered both wars because we were threatened by other countries that they were going to overpower us and take control of our government. We stepped up in both wars and ended up with a victory in both wars. America as a country has not lost a war they have been in since they gained their independence in 1783. Strong will is a very important part of American life. Many people believe that Americans are lazy or materialistic throughout the world. They may believe this because we are over weight as a country. People also believe that Americans are over powering when it comes to them involving themselves in wars. American people are considered materialistic because it could be that they make their personal possessions more prominent than their family lifes and the basic needs of humans. People have many reason for their negativity towards American people for several different reasons. l am an American; free born and free bred, where I acknowledge no man as my superior, except for his own worth, or as my inferior, except for his own demerit. (Theodore Roosevelt). Exemplification Essay By enhancements

Worlds Biggest Smoke Bomb

Worlds Biggest Smoke Bomb Have you ever wondered just how big the worlds biggest smoke bomb would be or how it could be constructed? We built a 15-pound smoke bomb to apply for the Guinness World Record for Worlds Biggest Smoke Bomb. Heres how the worlds biggest smoke bomb was made. Why explain how to do it? Well, one of the requirements for a Guinness World Record is that it be breakable. Im hoping explaining how it was done will inspire you to make your own smoke bomb and experiment with the possibilities. Its what science and invention are all about! In addition to this written description, theres also a video, showing the final result. Smoke Bomb Recipe There are several ways to produce smoke, but for a device to be a smoke bomb, it needs to produce a lot of smoke. Dry ice and liquid nitrogen produce fog, but thats something different from smoke. If you want real smoke, you can prepare a powdered smoke mixture or make a solid smoke bomb. To make the worlds biggest smoke bomb, we went with the traditional saltpeter and sugar mixture. You can get smoke at different ratios of ingredients. We made the smoke bomb using: 3 parts saltpeter or potassium nitrate (Spectracide Stump Remover)2 parts sucrose (granulated white sugar) Its possible to make a smoke bomb by dampening these ingredients, mixing them and allowing the formula to dry, but that can take a really long time, plus it doesnt burn as well as the cooked mixture. We cooked the smoke bomb in relatively small batches on a kitchen stove, pouring each batch into a large cardboard mortar. Preparing the Smoke Bomb This smoke bomb formula also is used for model rockets because it produces a lot of pressure as gases are released during combustion. This is great for a rocket, but not desirable for a smoke bomb, so the design needed to prevent the smoke bomb from launching itself. To accomplish this, holes were drilled into the cardboard mortar so gases would escape in all directions. The completed smoke bomb was placed in a hole and lit from the top so that it would push down into the ground. Lessons Learned The design of the smoke bomb worked exactly as planned, but it would have been better if the smoke bomb had burned a little more slowly and with less flame. How can this be achieved? There are two easy fixes. One solution would be to change the ratio of potassium nitrate to sugar. A 1:1 ratio is harder to light, but burns more slowly and produces more smoke. Another solution is to add a small amount of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to the mixture to moderate the rate of the reaction. For example, if we do this, a typical amount is 1 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate per 60 grams potassium nitrate and 40 grams sugar. Safety Notes   If you want to make a smoke bomb of your own or potentially break this record, its best to start small. First, make sure its legal to make and light smoke bombs where you live. Since they dont explode, smoke bombs are legal in many places that disallow other fireworks, but its best to know the law before you get started. Also, use common sense. Dont light smoke bombs anywhere you cant manage a fire, should one start. Smoke bombs should only be made and lit under adult supervision. Start out with the non-cook smoke bomb and then try some of my other recipes. Feel free to write me if you have any questions. Have fun! Disclaimer: Please be advised that the content provided by our website is for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Fireworks and the chemicals contained within them are dangerous and should always be handled with care and used with common sense. By using this website you acknowledge that ThoughtCo., its parent About, Inc. (a/k/a Dotdash), and IAC/InterActive Corp. shall have no liability for any damages, injuries, or other legal matters caused by your use of fireworks or the knowledge or application of the information on this website. The providers of this content specifically do not condone using fireworks for disruptive, unsafe, illegal, or destructive purposes. You are responsible for following all applicable laws before using or applying the information provided on this website.

Argos Donaldson Case International Management

The key players or main actors of this case are: The CEO and chairman of this holdings company, Bill Loun; Bert Donaldson, who was a rising corporate star in Detroit who was supposed to be perfect person to help facilitate communication between recently acquired divisions in Europe; Frank Waterhouse, the CEO of Argos Diesel Europe ; Ursula Lindt , Waterhouse’s executive assistant and Bettina Schweri, Ursula Lindt’s childhood friend, and responsible for organizing Donaldson’s programs. The CEO of Argos, Bill Loun believed that he had found someone in Detroit (Bert Donaldson) that would be the perfect person to help facilitate communication between recently acquired divisions in Europe. Bert Donaldson’s resume was impressive. He was a professor of American Studies in Cairo, Egypt for 5 years and while in the United States, Bert made major improvements to the organizational structure by implementing cross-functional teams, achieved considerable cost reductions, and much more. In addition, Bert was charismatic, a hard worker, and very sharp, a proven leader within the U.  S. organization. Loun recognized that they really needed someone just like Donaldson in Zurich. At the same time, Frank Waterhouse really believed that with Donaldson’s arrival in Europe, both of them could climb the corporate ladder and achieve all the goals that Waterhouse had worked so hard to acquire The problem started when just the opposite occurred, with Bert Donaldson’s arrival, the corporate environment became tense and dysfunctional, and there was obvious friction between Bert, the expatriate, and the local, European divisional leadership. Bert recognized the problem, but didn’t have an immediate solution. Many people from the European staff members attempted to inform Waterhouse about Donaldson’s cross-cultural unawareness like Ursula Lindt who tried to inform Waterhouse of the large number of complaints she had received regarding Donaldson’s inability to adapt or recognize the need to adapt to local culture. Although direct attempts to converse with Waterhouse failed, Waterhouse did finally recognize Donaldson’s failure to culturally adapt. Waterhouse sent a letter back to CEO Bill Loun in the United States questioning Donaldson’s ability to successfully adapt and manage, but Loun simply replied by saying him that he just couldn’t send him back and that it was his bottom line responsibility. On the other side, Schweri, who spoke five different languages and was extremely familiar with local culture was not taking in real account by Donaldson who just saw her like a â€Å"secretary† instead of taking advantage of her knowledge.  We consider that Donaldson failed to recognize the need for cultural adaptation, training, and awareness and the importance of utilizing local resources to assist with cultural issues. We consider that here are 3 major issues at the heart of the problems of the company. These are culture, communication and leadership and motivation, but first of all we could say that one of the main mistakes in the case is that the CEO of Argos International, Loun assigned Donaldson as the guy that Europe needed ,without any formal cross-cultural training on the assumption that his Cairo experience was â€Å"international†. The cultural issues began since the arrival of Donaldson who has struggled to come to terms with European culture. He is unable to adjust and as such he has not been as successful in transforming the European subsidiary like he had in Detroit. It is clear that Donaldson has a lack of cultural understanding and sensitivity , for us this means, he is unaware â€Å"of the cultural variables that can affect management decisions and he is not realizing how much he is affecting Waterhouse projects, the company itself, other individual culture and his leadership is also tainted and a number of sub-issues become evident. At the same time Donaldson never remember or realized that in every culture ( in this case the European) there are different sub- cultures and each one has different morals, goals, traditions, beliefs as well as different ways of doing business and its expectations and they just conform only in varying degrees the national culture. The communication problems caused for the context of the communication were also very important, because the European staff from Argos was formed by people from different European countries and in some of them it is considered to have the lowest ranking communication context, closely followed by other European countries, this means that nothing is implied from the message, as everything will be clearly detailed. So the higher up the context ranking you go the more information becomes implicit and if Donaldson would have consider that the multiple-choice survey wouldn’t have been inappropriate and Donaldson could have all the required info. Communication is also an issue because it is clear that there is a lack of it between the Detroit head office and the European office, so the communication problems are projected at many levels which show the severity of the problem. We can assume that Bill Loun would like the Zurich office to be as efficient and effective as the office in the United States, if they would have a more frequent communication with the parent company, communication the more likely it is that affiliate executives will be influenced by the parent’s practices Another one is that Donaldson does not have the ability to speak to write in any European language, yet his Personal Assistant does. Leadership and motivation is the final issue because we feel that Donaldson was an effective leader in the US where his reform was successful. However his approach has been far from successful in Europe and he has not been able to motivate the European workers at all. The company really failed to realise the effect of a major relocation for Donaldson’s family, because he never adjust to the culture and even his family was suffering the consequences which also disturb Donaldson’s job performance Furthermore we also consider that the fat that the company’s International staffing policies are Ethnocentric, is the â€Å"ethnocentrism† a key sensitivity problem for Donaldson. By adopting an ethnocentric approach to management, Donaldson assumes the way he has been taught to perform a task is the best way of performing that task and is averse to listening to other ways of achieving results. It is important to say that Donaldson was not the only one who was failing in the company because if we ask ourselves who was supposed to keep an eye on him, we would say that it was Waterhouse but instead he was also adding troubles to the company. Why we think this? Because he was behaving in such an individualistic way (maybe because he came from a highly individualistic country USA, where people typically look out for themselves), and he was just being selfish by just concerning in how Donaldson could help him to reach the top or how Donaldson’s problems would reflect on him and his career. Finally it’s clear that Bill Loun also made a mistake, and Donaldson is not the only reason of troubles. We think that Bill Loun, entered the global marketplace with a misunderstanding of what it means to be international due to the fact that selected a manager (Donaldson) with extensive successes in the United States and only superficial international experience. Argos Donaldson Case International Management The key players or main actors of this case are: The CEO and chairman of this holdings company, Bill Loun; Bert Donaldson, who was a rising corporate star in Detroit who was supposed to be perfect person to help facilitate communication between recently acquired divisions in Europe; Frank Waterhouse, the CEO of Argos Diesel Europe ; Ursula Lindt , Waterhouse’s executive assistant and Bettina Schweri, Ursula Lindt’s childhood friend, and responsible for organizing Donaldson’s programs. The CEO of Argos, Bill Loun believed that he had found someone in Detroit (Bert Donaldson) that would be the perfect person to help facilitate communication between recently acquired divisions in Europe. Bert Donaldson’s resume was impressive. He was a professor of American Studies in Cairo, Egypt for 5 years and while in the United States, Bert made major improvements to the organizational structure by implementing cross-functional teams, achieved considerable cost reductions, and much more. In addition, Bert was charismatic, a hard worker, and very sharp, a proven leader within the U.  S. organization. Loun recognized that they really needed someone just like Donaldson in Zurich. At the same time, Frank Waterhouse really believed that with Donaldson’s arrival in Europe, both of them could climb the corporate ladder and achieve all the goals that Waterhouse had worked so hard to acquire The problem started when just the opposite occurred, with Bert Donaldson’s arrival, the corporate environment became tense and dysfunctional, and there was obvious friction between Bert, the expatriate, and the local, European divisional leadership. Bert recognized the problem, but didn’t have an immediate solution. Many people from the European staff members attempted to inform Waterhouse about Donaldson’s cross-cultural unawareness like Ursula Lindt who tried to inform Waterhouse of the large number of complaints she had received regarding Donaldson’s inability to adapt or recognize the need to adapt to local culture. Although direct attempts to converse with Waterhouse failed, Waterhouse did finally recognize Donaldson’s failure to culturally adapt. Waterhouse sent a letter back to CEO Bill Loun in the United States questioning Donaldson’s ability to successfully adapt and manage, but Loun simply replied by saying him that he just couldn’t send him back and that it was his bottom line responsibility. On the other side, Schweri, who spoke five different languages and was extremely familiar with local culture was not taking in real account by Donaldson who just saw her like a â€Å"secretary† instead of taking advantage of her knowledge.  We consider that Donaldson failed to recognize the need for cultural adaptation, training, and awareness and the importance of utilizing local resources to assist with cultural issues. We consider that here are 3 major issues at the heart of the problems of the company. These are culture, communication and leadership and motivation, but first of all we could say that one of the main mistakes in the case is that the CEO of Argos International, Loun assigned Donaldson as the guy that Europe needed ,without any formal cross-cultural training on the assumption that his Cairo experience was â€Å"international†. The cultural issues began since the arrival of Donaldson who has struggled to come to terms with European culture. He is unable to adjust and as such he has not been as successful in transforming the European subsidiary like he had in Detroit. It is clear that Donaldson has a lack of cultural understanding and sensitivity , for us this means, he is unaware â€Å"of the cultural variables that can affect management decisions and he is not realizing how much he is affecting Waterhouse projects, the company itself, other individual culture and his leadership is also tainted and a number of sub-issues become evident. At the same time Donaldson never remember or realized that in every culture ( in this case the European) there are different sub- cultures and each one has different morals, goals, traditions, beliefs as well as different ways of doing business and its expectations and they just conform only in varying degrees the national culture. The communication problems caused for the context of the communication were also very important, because the European staff from Argos was formed by people from different European countries and in some of them it is considered to have the lowest ranking communication context, closely followed by other European countries, this means that nothing is implied from the message, as everything will be clearly detailed. So the higher up the context ranking you go the more information becomes implicit and if Donaldson would have consider that the multiple-choice survey wouldn’t have been inappropriate and Donaldson could have all the required info. Communication is also an issue because it is clear that there is a lack of it between the Detroit head office and the European office, so the communication problems are projected at many levels which show the severity of the problem. We can assume that Bill Loun would like the Zurich office to be as efficient and effective as the office in the United States, if they would have a more frequent communication with the parent company, communication the more likely it is that affiliate executives will be influenced by the parent’s practices Another one is that Donaldson does not have the ability to speak to write in any European language, yet his Personal Assistant does. Leadership and motivation is the final issue because we feel that Donaldson was an effective leader in the US where his reform was successful. However his approach has been far from successful in Europe and he has not been able to motivate the European workers at all. The company really failed to realise the effect of a major relocation for Donaldson’s family, because he never adjust to the culture and even his family was suffering the consequences which also disturb Donaldson’s job performance Furthermore we also consider that the fat that the company’s International staffing policies are Ethnocentric, is the â€Å"ethnocentrism† a key sensitivity problem for Donaldson. By adopting an ethnocentric approach to management, Donaldson assumes the way he has been taught to perform a task is the best way of performing that task and is averse to listening to other ways of achieving results. It is important to say that Donaldson was not the only one who was failing in the company because if we ask ourselves who was supposed to keep an eye on him, we would say that it was Waterhouse but instead he was also adding troubles to the company. Why we think this? Because he was behaving in such an individualistic way (maybe because he came from a highly individualistic country USA, where people typically look out for themselves), and he was just being selfish by just concerning in how Donaldson could help him to reach the top or how Donaldson’s problems would reflect on him and his career. Finally it’s clear that Bill Loun also made a mistake, and Donaldson is not the only reason of troubles. We think that Bill Loun, entered the global marketplace with a misunderstanding of what it means to be international due to the fact that selected a manager (Donaldson) with extensive successes in the United States and only superficial international experience.

Ethical and Legal Aspects of Healthcare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethical and Legal Aspects of Healthcare - Essay Example Additionally, the procedure, if widely available, would lessen the urgency to make available new medicines designed to extend life. Those who are against the procedure on religious grounds contend that it is ‘playing God’ consequently sinful. Health care professionals refer to the Hippocratic Oath which prohibits them from performing this procedure. This discussion will examine the moral and legal concerns surrounding euthanasia, explain the meaning of the term, give arguments for the practice and end with a recommendation to solve the issue. Euthanasia describes a circumstance in which an incurably ill patient is given a mortal dose of medication, is detached from a life-support system or is basically allowed to die without active involvement for example by resuscitation. A physician’s involvement in the procedure could be to either intravenously insert a needle into the terminal patient who themselves activate a switch that delivers the fatal dose or to order a lethal dose of drugs with the express intention of ending a life. (Naji et al, 2005). Euthanasia by doctors as well as non-physicians has been lawful in Switzerland since WWII. Additionally, three organizations within the nation have been formed to help terminally ill patients. They supply patient counseling in addition to the medications for use in the procedure. Lethal injections, however, are not permissible. The atypical situation in Switzerland holds that euthanasia is allowed as long as a doctor is not involved in the process (Hurst & Mauron, 2003). Euthanasia has been legally permissible in Belgium since 2002. Each circumstance must be reviewed by two doctors prior to the procedure being performed by either injection or ingestion. In The Netherlands, euthanasia has been legal for seven years but has been tolerated for a quarter century. The directive for physicians stipulated by the government include; â€Å"the patient must be suffering unbearably and have no hope of improv ement, must ask to die and the patient must clearly understand the condition and prognosis (and) a second doctor must agree with the decision to help the patient die† (â€Å"The Fight†, 2004). Advocates of euthanasia are concerned with people suffering. Many diseases such as cancer often result in a protracted and excruciatingly agonizing death. Witnessing a loved one as they slowly wither away from the malady eating away at their bodily organs is rough enough for their family members, but to see them in severe pain even when drugs are given is unbearable not to mention the agony the patient must endure. This physically and emotionally torturous circumstance occurs in every hospital, every day of the year yet serves no good purpose. To many people, it is unthinkable to allow anyone, for instance, a sweet grandmother who has spent her entire adult life caring for other people, to spend the last months of their life suffering from continuous pain, incapable of controlling bodily functions, coughing, vomiting, convulsing, etc. The emotional pain for both the patient and family is unimaginably horrendous as well. If grandma were an animal most all regardless of ideology would agree that the only compassionate choice would be to ‘put her to sleep.’ American citizens are guaranteed certain inalienable rights but not the right to ‘

Employee Relations And Customer Satisfaction Case Study

Employee Relations And Customer Satisfaction - Case Study Example It is the classification of a society according to the values, interests, and behaviors. It is determined by the social categories’ income, education, wealth among other factors. The higher the classification of a people in society, the greater their ability to afford a better lifestyle. The society is mostly categorized in divisions of high class, the middle class, the working class and the low-class citizens. A higher class of people will desire the banking services of a higher class and vice versa (Beryl, 1996). Subculture, yet another characteristic refers to who share certain values, based on their similar experiences in life and exposure to similar situations. These groups of a society exhibit similar buying characteristics since their taste and preferences in purchasing products and services are influenced by similarity is situations and experiences. These are the characteristics that play a major role in determining the tastes and preferences of individuals or groups of people in the society that also influences the banking services and facilities they seek (Jefferson, 2011). The buyer makes a decision to purchase goods and services by following a process well defined. The buyer first recognizes the needs and wants that they have, which needs to be fulfilled. Information search follows, where the buyer seeks to understand the ranges of products and services that can meet their identified needs. The buyer then embarks on analyzing the alternatives provided to him, based on the potential range of products and services that can meet their needs (Heskett, 2008). The buyer then settles on the product or service to buy. Once he has made the decision on what to purchase, he then goes on and purchases the product, and applies it to fulfill the needs and wants that he had. The last stage of the process is a post-purchase evaluation, where the buyer assesses the products or services he purchased for their suitability to meet his needs.

Workshop report 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Workshop report 3 - Essay Example ining information from the collected is the science and art of statistics, empirical research is statistical reasoning, for this reasons, researchers from different fields are trained in for the application, confidence intervals, significance probabilities, hypothesis tests, or posterior probability distributions. Some ethical considerations were also discussed while conducting surveys. Solution to the problem is of statistical methods in research. The present study is based on the scientific survey of sampling method and the sampling type is random sampling widely used for population sampling studies (2,8). In the present study methodology that was adopted for the experiment and the ethical considerations for surveying were discussed. The methodology comprises collecting the data, analysing the data, and obtaining results and conclusions from the data. In the surveys where random sampling method is adopted, a particular criteria is adopted for selection, under this criteria different groups are selected for the same parameter, and by lottery procedure, a member is selected from each group for testing. This is the probability sampling method where the controversy on the selection procedure is less, the balance between the sampling frame and the population will be good by this procedure (3), (4). (5) A good designed experiment gives an idea of how, one variable responds to the changes in other variable in the controlled conditions of the experiment. While investigating the possibility of cause and effect relationship, the variable that is responsible for the effect is termed as ‘Dependant variable’ because this variable depends upon the causes, variables that represent causes are ‘Independent variables’. Confounding variable is a variable that correlates with the independent and dependent variable, thus it is not possible to determine whether the changes in the independent variable causes changes in the dependent variable or confounding variable, if the

Trade and investment issues between China and other econmies Essay

Trade and investment issues between China and other econmies - Essay Example However, after 1978, the country has experienced actual growth of more than 9 percent annually. In the topmost years, Chinas economy grew more than 13 percent. For the last 15 years, the nation has increased its per capita income (Zhuli and Mohsin, par. 1). Furthermore, some experts are even predicting that in about 20 years, the economy of China will be larger than US. An IMF research team that recently examined the sources of Chinas growth reached a surprising conclusion. The constant productivity increase was the driving force behind Chinas economic boom. According to Zhulu and Mohsin (par. 5), productivity gains in the years 1979 to 1994 accounted for more than 42% of the growth of China. By the early 1990s, it had overtaken the capital as the most important source of that growth. A traditional development view in which capital investment takes the lead is marked from this. The productivity jump originated in the reforms of the economy begun in the year 1978. Additionally, the much earlier study on the development of the economy have suggested an important role of capital investment in the growth of the economy. It has also proposed a sizable portion of the recent growth of the country is in fact accredited to capital investment that has made China more productive. The meaning of this is that better technology, new machinery, and more infrastructure investment has helped China to raise its output. Higher productivity has performed the most recent economic miracle in China, Zhuli and Mohsin (par. 10) state. The countys productivity increased at a yearly rate of 3.9 percent during 1979 to 1994, compared with 1953-1978s 1.1 percent. Output growth productivity share exceeded 50 percent. Such explosive growth is outstanding. Chinas economic growth rate of almost 4 percent puts the country in a class by itself (Zhuli and Mohsin, par. 10). Pre and post-1978 China experts indicate that market-oriented reforms embarked on

Business Strategies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business Strategies - Assignment Example The target market of a company is women aged from 25 to 54 who have children and a sufficient income to spend on their products. The company strategic approach is built around the convenience and price suitable for its customers. Under this strategy, company has built its stores in a boxlike structure where shoppers can use carts to browse throughout the stores. Strategic management strategy of Kohl’s Corporation plays a vital role in maintaining the company’s profitability even in adverse situations. The customer’s taste and preferences are changing regularly, which can directly affect the business. To avoid certain situation, it is necessary to review the external trends of the market regularly in order to take strategic actions on time. For this purpose, the strategic manager needs to review the internal and external environment of the company. It involves the process of job scanning, addressing external environment and trends, and identification of opportunit ies and threats. External trends for Kohl’s Corporation The manager at Kohl’s Corporation has to face various external trends that mainly concern external business environment. The profitability of the company is based upon these internal and external factors existing in the business environment. ... Economic factors. In the past few years, there has been a decline in general economic condition of the country that leads to reduce the customer demand for merchandise. It also leads to reduce the sales and gross profit margins of the company. According to the case, the company’s present economic condition is quite well, and it is able to compete with its competitors, but for future prospective, company must keep track of functional and technological changes in the retail industry so that managers can take decisions on time (Jeffs, 44). Technological trends. At present, there are various technological trends entering the retail and departmental store industry that can affect the consumer taste and preferences such as shopping malls, where various brands can open their store under one roof. According to Kohl’s business strategy, they operate their stores in three settings: the stand alone buildings, the big box mall and the lifestyle center. These three kinds of stores a re able to create an environment that is convenient, friendly and exciting for their customers. It gives a unique feature to its business strategy. Governmental factors. What concerns the political situation, governmental policies and political system of the country are extremely uncontrollable, and it can adversely affect the consumer confidence. The outbreak or escalation of war, the occurrence of terrorist’s acts and the other hostilities of the political system can lead to a decrease in spending by consumers. Socio-cultural factors. Socio-cultural factors include the knowledge, art, beliefs, morals, laws and customs of the society. The choices and purchasing habits of the customers are largely influenced by the socio-cultural factors, and it changes over time. Kohl’s Corporation

Workshop report 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Workshop report 3 - Essay Example ining information from the collected is the science and art of statistics, empirical research is statistical reasoning, for this reasons, researchers from different fields are trained in for the application, confidence intervals, significance probabilities, hypothesis tests, or posterior probability distributions. Some ethical considerations were also discussed while conducting surveys. Solution to the problem is of statistical methods in research. The present study is based on the scientific survey of sampling method and the sampling type is random sampling widely used for population sampling studies (2,8). In the present study methodology that was adopted for the experiment and the ethical considerations for surveying were discussed. The methodology comprises collecting the data, analysing the data, and obtaining results and conclusions from the data. In the surveys where random sampling method is adopted, a particular criteria is adopted for selection, under this criteria different groups are selected for the same parameter, and by lottery procedure, a member is selected from each group for testing. This is the probability sampling method where the controversy on the selection procedure is less, the balance between the sampling frame and the population will be good by this procedure (3), (4). (5) A good designed experiment gives an idea of how, one variable responds to the changes in other variable in the controlled conditions of the experiment. While investigating the possibility of cause and effect relationship, the variable that is responsible for the effect is termed as ‘Dependant variable’ because this variable depends upon the causes, variables that represent causes are ‘Independent variables’. Confounding variable is a variable that correlates with the independent and dependent variable, thus it is not possible to determine whether the changes in the independent variable causes changes in the dependent variable or confounding variable, if the

Business Strategies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business Strategies - Assignment Example The target market of a company is women aged from 25 to 54 who have children and a sufficient income to spend on their products. The company strategic approach is built around the convenience and price suitable for its customers. Under this strategy, company has built its stores in a boxlike structure where shoppers can use carts to browse throughout the stores. Strategic management strategy of Kohl’s Corporation plays a vital role in maintaining the company’s profitability even in adverse situations. The customer’s taste and preferences are changing regularly, which can directly affect the business. To avoid certain situation, it is necessary to review the external trends of the market regularly in order to take strategic actions on time. For this purpose, the strategic manager needs to review the internal and external environment of the company. It involves the process of job scanning, addressing external environment and trends, and identification of opportunit ies and threats. External trends for Kohl’s Corporation The manager at Kohl’s Corporation has to face various external trends that mainly concern external business environment. The profitability of the company is based upon these internal and external factors existing in the business environment. ... Economic factors. In the past few years, there has been a decline in general economic condition of the country that leads to reduce the customer demand for merchandise. It also leads to reduce the sales and gross profit margins of the company. According to the case, the company’s present economic condition is quite well, and it is able to compete with its competitors, but for future prospective, company must keep track of functional and technological changes in the retail industry so that managers can take decisions on time (Jeffs, 44). Technological trends. At present, there are various technological trends entering the retail and departmental store industry that can affect the consumer taste and preferences such as shopping malls, where various brands can open their store under one roof. According to Kohl’s business strategy, they operate their stores in three settings: the stand alone buildings, the big box mall and the lifestyle center. These three kinds of stores a re able to create an environment that is convenient, friendly and exciting for their customers. It gives a unique feature to its business strategy. Governmental factors. What concerns the political situation, governmental policies and political system of the country are extremely uncontrollable, and it can adversely affect the consumer confidence. The outbreak or escalation of war, the occurrence of terrorist’s acts and the other hostilities of the political system can lead to a decrease in spending by consumers. Socio-cultural factors. Socio-cultural factors include the knowledge, art, beliefs, morals, laws and customs of the society. The choices and purchasing habits of the customers are largely influenced by the socio-cultural factors, and it changes over time. Kohl’s Corporation

How war dehumanizes people Essay Example for Free

How war dehumanizes people Essay During the war people were deprived of their everyday necessities and also their living conditions, They never got the luxury of sleeping in big warm clean beds or even clean clothes therefore changing the way they act and the way look at things such as murder. During the war you go through the trenches and fields watching people die, and even killing people themselves. Everyday people would not be able to just sit there and watch someone as they slowly die. The narrator of this novel, Charles Yale Harrison was enlisted in the war. Charles explained everything that went on during is outings, some of which were pretty harsh and intense I could only imagine some of the things that he probably was not allowed saying. Charles had a few main buddies whom stuck by his side and fought with him. In this novel he tells us the things he saw some of the things he explained were pretty gory, for example he watched people as their flesh tore off and blood gushed everywhere. War definitely dehumanizes people for the most part. Soldiers don’t have as much sympathy for the people who are dying it’s almost as if they really don’t care but being that must be kind of necessary for a soldier because you can’t really sit there and cry over a friend who is dying while your enemies were slowly creeping up on your base. During war you do things you never thought you could ever do in your lifetime such as stabbing someone in the stomach or shooting a man in the face. â€Å"I lunge forward aiming at his stomach. It is a lightning instinctive moment. The thrust jerks my body; something heavy collides with the point of my weapon.† Charles says. I doubt Charles would have ever been able to do this without spending months in war, with the same platoon and even watching them all slowly die.

Economic Growth In Malaysia

Economic Growth In Malaysia Abstract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) supports the national economic when it facing the lack of internal investment resources and it can cover the gap of investment resources and national investment. In this way, Foreign Direct Investment can affect the economic development and increase the speed of economic development. In this regards, among other countries, especially developing countries, that coped with the lack of internal financial resources have more interest to use Foreign Direct Investment. Since 1970 until now, the Foreign Direct Investment has been strongly growth and it outstrips from the trade growth and its causes to double exports of goods and services. In other words, the Foreign investment in the developed worlds economy is development of transnational companies for improving competitiveness, higher profit, accessing to cheaper labor market and reaching a broader consumer market. Providing sufficient capital to finance investment is as one of the important factors in economic growth. In this regards, developing countries have tried to accumulation of capital through internal resources or by foreign direct investment to complete the deal. Also, foreign direct investment has a significant role in developing process in many countries. Gross domestic product in Malaysia has the maximum growth rate comparing the other Association of Southeast Asian Nations and one of the remarkable strategies of the administration to encourage its growth is by create a center of attention to foreign direct investment. Malaysia is one of those developing countries that promote Foreign Direct Investment in order to increase speed growth and development. Foreign Direct Investment has cooperated a significant role in capital formation in Malaysia and the developing economy that has enhanced quickly. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Introduction Malaysia is one of the fastest country in growing economy in the Asia area with GNP growth of around eight plus percent per year. The Malaysian economy has shifted from agriculturally to further differentiate and also export oriented one after its independence in 1957. It is identified the Malaysian market is openly oriented with almost non existent non tariff blockade and averaging just about 50 percent and foreign exchange organize. Malaysian open trade is sustained by the two way trade approximately to 120 percent of Gross National Product (GNP). It has been demonstrated that from the established political environment, enhancing capita revenue, and the prospective for local integration all over the ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH EAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN), Malaysia is a gorgeous view for FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) (see Graph 1.1). Foreign direct investment in Malaysia is a significant catalytic parameter, enhancing exports, awareness and offers an economic tool in the direction of the Malaysia 2020 vision. Some empirical researches show that the economic growth has been established in the past 6 years at the above seven percent per year. In this regards the inflation rate has been remained below four percent, decreasing the unemployment rate, balancing the payments. Echange rate is as a significant factor in the Malaysian Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the general economy. Malaysian Bank Negara does not formally peg the Ringit (RM) to definite currencies and currency floats. In fact, Malaysian Bank Negara has been charged of depreciating the cost of the Ringit (RM) in order to encourage exports. On the other hand, Malaysias focus on Foreign direct investment, increasing exports, has provided it well and supplied to its 8 years of over 8 percent growth. Foreign Direct investment (FDI) Several definitions have been proposed for Foreign direct investment. The international monetary fund defines Foreign direct investment following: Foreign direct investment is a type of investment that to achieve sustainable benefits in the country except for the home country of investor and the investors objective is as an important role in the management of the organization (Bengoa and Blanca 2003). Foreign direct investment is considered dependable for enhanced well-being in the host country due to the benefits related to introduction of new innovations and technologies, improvement of extra abilities, enhances capital, improving work stations in host countries (Fizari, Asari et al. 2011). A study by Bengoa and Sanchez-Robles (2003), it is defined that Foreign direct investment is the most important contributor to the economic growth in the country. Foreign direct investment is considered as a significant resource of inflows in numerous countries, especially in emerging developing economies. In fact, Foreign direct investment is evidenced in the capital account of balance of payment (Chaudhary, Shah et al. 2012). Foreign direct investment or FDI is the net inflows of venture to acquire a lasting management interest in an activity operating in an economy other than that of the investor. It is the sum of equity resources, other long term resources, short term resources and reinvestment of earning as illustrated in the balance of payments. Foreign direct investment in Malaysia is put on following the investment of at least 10 percent of the whole equity in a resident firm by a non-resident investor (Greenway 2004). Economic Growth Economic growth is the enhance in the quantity of the services and goods manufactured by an economy over time. It is calculated as the percent rate of enhance in actual GDP (gross domestic product). Foreign direct investment has been a significant resource of economic growth in Malaysia, transporting in capital investment, management and technology knowledge necessitated for economic growth (Mun, Lin et al. 2008). In developing countries such as Malaysia, Foreign direct investment has a positive effect on economic growth and it also depend on some the other key factors, like: human capital base in host countries, the degree of openness in the economy (Lean 2008). Carkovic and Levine (2002) found the positive effect of foreign direct investment in economic growth. Their finding showed that a countrys power to take benefit of Foreign direct asset externalities may be limited by local situation, like: the level of education in the country, the improvement of the local financial markets. Studies by (Durham 2004); (Hermes and Lensink 2003); (Alfaro, Chanda et al. 2004) presented support that just countries with well developed financial markets grow importantly from foreign direct investment in conditions of their growth rate. Wan (2010) argued that foreign direct investment can play a significant role in modernizing a national economy and encouraging economic growth. On the other hand, the association among the exchange rate and economic growth is a significant issue, from the both a positive such as: descriptive and normative such as: policy prescription view (Ito, Isard et al. 1999). There are some countries that include explicitly or implicitly fixed their exchange rate to the currency of the other country such as: U.S. dollar and whose inflation rate are upper than that of the foreign country (U. S.) frequently practices persistent recent account deficits and eventual depressions of their currencies (Ito, Isard et al. 1999). 1.3. The role of Foreign direct investment and economic growth Malaysia is one of the mainly open in the emerging world to foreign investment and it also distinguish the significant role that FDI can play in well placed for attracting investment in Malaysia (Kogid, Lily et al. 2010). Foreign direct investment is as a significant driver fundamental in the Malaysian powerful performance and also economic growth. There are numerous research that investigate the relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth (Kogid, Lily et al. 2010). There is an extensive view that the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth is unclear (Greenway 2004; Azman-Saini, Law et al. 2010). One possible reason for this finding is picked up from the failure of model contingency achieves in the relationship between foreign direct investment and Growth. From the traditionally studies, the exchange rate had not composed a significant factor in the analysis of economic growth (Omankhanlen 2011). Alfaro, Chanda et al. (2003) explored that countries with enhanced financial schemes can utilize foreign direct investment more efficiently and also foreign direct investment alone have an ambiguous role in causal to economic growth. Carkovic and Levine (2002) presented the positive role of foreign direct investment in generating economic growth, mainly in exacting environments. For instance, Borensztein, Gregorio et al. (1998) show that foreign direct investment has a positive growth outcome when the country has s extremely educated workforce that permits it to utilize foreign direct investment spillovers. Exchange rate and inflation rate There are various studies have seemed to the effect of exchange rate or inflation on direct investment (AHN, ADJI et al. 1998). Naturally, it identifies the negative effect of inflation by itself on direct investment. Exchange rate movements can affect foreign direct investment by affecting the current cost of gaining overseas (Froot and Stein 1991). For instance, a reduction in domestic currency value against foreign currency value of the domestic exchange rate will create it fewer expensive for foreign investor. In this regards, depreciation of the exchange rate will create inflows of foreign direct investment in that country rise (Erdal and Tatoglu 2002; Tsen 2006). There are some ways for controlling exchange rate, but it is so expensive. When the rate of interest is high, it avoids capital outflows obstruct growth of the economy and so it will hurt the countrys economy (Solnik 2000). According to Khalwaty (2000) There are some parameters that cause the exchange rate changes. Tho se parameters embrace: payments balance problems, changes in foreign exchange demand and supply, public revenue, changes the expectation, et al. Therefore, this study will explore the impact of inflation and exchange rate on foreign direct investment and economic growth. Problem statement Malaysia has a growing open economy. Malaysia had 29th level as the largest economy with GDP $357.9 billion in 2007 (Bank 2007). It is identified that foreign direct investment has been observed as a major driver underlying the strong growth performance occurrence by the Malaysian economy. Malaysia has got a substantial quantity of foreign direct investment in its industry over the past decades. Despite the significance of foreign direct investment (FDI) to the Malasia, there has been a little study the determinants of the foreign direct investment such as inflation and exchange rate. Most of the earlier researches use cross-sectional or panel data to find the determinants of foreign direct investment. This study will examine two macroeconomic parameters, explicitly exchange rate and inflation, that effect on foreign direct investment and economic growth in Malaysia over a period from 1995 to 2009. Since the economic growth is one of the key determinants accountable for advanced foreign direct investment inflow (Fedderke and Romm 2006; Kiat 2008), this study want to examine foreign direct investment and its relation to economic growth. The aim of this study is to test whether any relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth regarding its inflation and exchange rate. The relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth is not clear in Malaysia. So, there is a need to carry out extra research on this relationship. 1.6. Research questions On the basis of the above mentioned problem statement, the following research questions are suggested: RQ1: what is the effect of inflation on FDI and economic growth? RQ2: what is the effect of exchange rate on FDI and economic growth? RQ3: what is the effect of FDI on economic growth? 1.7. Research objectives The objective of this thesis is to study the effect of inflation and exchange rate on FDI and its relation to economic growth in Malaysia from 1995 to 2009. The objectives of this study are: RO1: To evaluate the effect of inflation on FDI and economic growth. RO2: To evaluate the effect of exchange rate on FDI and economic growth. RO3: To evaluate the effect of foreign direct investment on economic growth. 1.8. Theoretical framework On the basis of the above mentioned literature, a research model is developed to examine the effect of the effect of inflation and exchange rate on FDI and its relation to economic growth in Malaysia (see Figure 1.1). 1.9. Scope of study The study will focus on the influence of inflation and exchange rate on FDI in Malaysia. Malaysia is one of those developing countries that promote Foreign Direct Investment in order to increase speed growth and development. On the other hand, since, Foreign direct investment in Malaysia is a significant catalytic parameter, enhancing exports, awareness, thus it has a significant role in the economic growth of the country. And Malaysia has been encouraging FDI in its economic contribution. 1.10. Significant of study Foreign direct investment has played a significant role in the capital formation and the economic development that has enhanced rapidly. Foreign direct investment offers a significant view in the course of which organizations can keep away from high production costs at home and discover gorgeous marketplace abroad (Demekas, Horvath et al. 2005; Utami and Inanga 2009; Yol and Teng 2009). On the other hand Malaysia has been one of the majority successful Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in being a focus for FDI. In this regards, it is important to find a relationship between inflation, exchange rate and Foreign direct investment in Malaysia.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Essay -- Reserach OSHA W

Occupational Safety and Health Administration PAST The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA is a part of the US Department of Labor, and was started in 1970 as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Its mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths by issuing and enforcing rules (called standards) for workplace safety and health. Since it’s inception it has helped to cut the incidents of workplace fatalities by sixty percent, and occupational injury and illness rates by forty percent. This presentation will present what OSHA has accomplished in the past, present and what it hopes to accomplish in the future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many reasons for the introduction of an organization like OSHA. In the 18th century workers, during the English Industrial revolution, People worked in the coal mines naked, because there was no governmental regulation. At the onset of the Industrial revolution in America there wasn’t much in the way of protecting it’s workforce either, from abuse by their employers. Unsafe working conditions and child labor was prevalent in industry. In 1884 the first agency designed to address labor issues was called the Bureau of Labor. At this time it was a part of the Department of the Interior, as there was no Department of Labor. The department of Labor was established as a cabinet level agency in 1913.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some of the major changes to industrial safety since OSHA was established, are as follows. In 1970 they established the use of guards on all moving parts to prevent contact with moving machinery. Permissible exposure limits on air borne chemicals and dust particles. Also the emphasis on personal protective equipment in the work place. In the 1980’s OSHA started the Lockout Tagout program where businesses are required to put locks and tags on equipment that is in the off or deenergized state, while maintenance or repair work is being performed. In 1990 they instituted the confined space program to cut down on the number of deaths and injuries due to workers entering manholes, pits, bins and other confined spaces. They also instituted the Hazard communication process, or â€Å"Right to know†. This is a system of information readily available to workers on the chemicals used in the work place. PRESENT OSHA currently has 2,200 emplo... ...am will be tailored to suit the needs of the particular employer or workplace. To ensure success with these programs OSHA plans to improve collection, tracking and analysis of information. Then based on the analysis of the information OSHA plans to target new areas, and develop new training.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order to meet the needs for additional training and implementing new plans OSHA must strengthen their infrastructure and capabilities. One part of this effort, which differs from past OSHA efforts, is using customer communication as an information source. Another major task to improve capabilities will be to conduct a comprehensive workforce skills assessment and enhance future technical competency. Another key element to future growth, is OSHA’s commitment to maintain Information Technology (IT) for a mobile workforce. This enables OSHA to deploy a mobile staff that maintains real-time communication with the central organization.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, OSHA has its hands full trying to keep up with technology and manufacturing processes. Wireless communications as well as computing have enabled the manufacturing industry to rapidly advance and it’s up to OSHA to do the same.

Free Essay on Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter - Lasting Effect of Sin :: Scarlet Letter essays

Lasting Effect of Sin The Scarlet Letter Puritan society placed great importance upon a person's reputation. Without an honorable reputation a person is not worthy of respect from others in their society. Characters in this novel go through their lives struggling with themselves trying to cope with the guilt and shame associated with their actions. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, The Scarlet Letter, he shows the lasting effect that sin has on Hester and Dimmesdale. Hester Prynne's guilt is the result of her committing adultery, which has a profound effect on her life. Hester is publicly seen with the scarlet letter when she first emerges out of the cold dark prison. "It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity and enclosing her in a sphere by herself " (Hawthorne 49). The spell that is mentioned is the scarlet letter, "so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom" (Hawthorne 49). The scarlet letter is what isolates her from everyone else because it symbolizes sin. Hester is in her very own sphere, a world of her own where her sin effects her livelihood and has completely isolated her from the world. Her entrance into the sphere marks the beginning of her guilt, it occurs when she is "in the prison after her first exposure to the crowd-her "moral agony" reflected in the convolutions that have seized the child; her pride, her daring" (Bloom 34). The prison marks the beginning of a new life f or Hester, a life full of guilt and isolation. Her "moral agony" (Bloom 34), is her guilt that is slowly surfacing while she faces the crowd realizing that she has been stripped of her pride and everything that was important to her in the past. The lasting effect of Hester's sin is the guilt that she now embodies due to her commiting adultery. The guilt that is associated with Hester's sin remains with her as an everlasting reminder of her sinful actions (Bloom 34). Guilt is a consequence of sin that Hester has to endure throughout her life. Hester's guilt begins starts to have a profound effect on her life and thinking. Hester's guilt has become very influential in her life making her unable to express herself freely. "Hester Prynne might have repaid them all with a bitter and disdainful smile. But under the leaden infliction which it was her doom to endure, she felt at moments as if she must needs (to) shriek" (Hawthorne 52-53).

Life Before the Internet and After Essay

Life was much more difficult before people had the internet in the home to help them with studying, looking information up, working, and entertainment. Without the internet doing all of that was hard. Things then were slow, a really hard task now could take an hour by internet. Such as contacting Saudi Arabia from U.S take less than 5 minutes, on the other hand it could take a month back then. However, once the internet became available in 1980s. These dreaded tasks became much more manageable and even pleasant by comparison. Life has changed dramatically since the invention of the internet. Before the internet was invented, everything was slow and manual. First of all, how people used to contacting each other. They had to write massages with their own hand writing. Then you have to buy stamps, then go to the post office and leave it there, you have to wait for a replay. All of this fatigue and suffering in order to send a message. Second, reading the newspapers, which is really large to carry with you and exhausting to read with the really small tiny font, and to many pages to cover just to know what happening around the world of news. Third, before the internet if you want to talk to some buddy or see some buddy, you have to meet him because no another way. Fourth, to shop you have to go to the mall and search for what you need in every store ,even if you found it you might not find your size or the color you want. After the internet was invented, life became way easier. First of all, you can send whatever you want and it wouldn’t take even five minutes, and receiving as will and it can include pictures any many other features. Second, reading the news isn’t like how it was now you can surf the internet without any hardship every newspapers have their own website so you can discover the news through it. Third, after the internet was invented you can chat with any buddy worldwide and you can see each other no need to meet in reality and there are many applications and website that allows you to do that even for free!!. Fourth, no need to go shopping everything is available in the internet and no need to worry about sizes and colors, on the other hand some people still prefer to go shopping their selfs. However, internet not just allow you to shop from your country it allows you to shop from stores overseas as will, and if you didn’t like what on the unreal store you can customize whatever you want!. To sum up, life has greatly improved since the invention of the internet. Whereas in the past, people spent a great deal of time to do one off the Previous tasks. Today they can simply do whatever they want in the internet. I have heart that some people still use old fashion instead of using internet. Others, just value the † good old days ‘ and want to keep the tradition alive.

Middle School Absences Essay

1. Is there is a common reason for the absences? Explain. Absences only occurred for band class at Truman and Jackson Middle Schools. Absences must have been due to something occurring in both Truman and Jackson band courses on May 20th and 21st. (and only May 22nd for Truman) All other attendance is normal in all other classes and Middle Schools and are not suspicious. —see evidence and analysis of evidence for more information– 2. Come up with two testable, clear hypotheses about what you think is behind the absences. Be sure to base your hypotheses on the evidence you have obtained (e.g. , Health Department Restaurant Inspections) and be thorough in your explanation of who, what, why, when, and how to support your hypotheses. Hypothesis #1) The increase in Band absences at Truman middle school are due to a high intensity band event(test or otherwise) starting May 20th and lasting until May 22nd at both Truman and Jackson Middle Schools. Hypothesis #2) Truman and Jackson Band classes encountered the same illness at a location prior to May 20th. 3. Come up with six testable questions that you could ask to help further your investigation and support or disprove your hypotheses. (listed farther down on the page) 4. Is the following statement a suitable hypothesis: â€Å"The Brentwood Indians basketball team lost the state championship because there is bad stuff in the stars happening with Mars in Aquarius†? Explain why or why not. I do not find the hypothesis â€Å"The Brentwood Indians Basketball team lost the state championship because there is bad stuff in the stars happening with Mars in Aquarius† to be a suitable hypothesis, because a hypothesis must be testable. The term â€Å"bad stuff† in this hypothesis does not give the person testing any idea as to what to look for near Mars. Also, the ability to test the happening of Mars and any other place outside Earth for that matter, belongs solely to NASA and makes it unable to be tested again. Also, there would have to be some kind of testable event or correlation between the basketball team and the happenings of Mars in Aquarius. For example, if Mars is here, the team will win the championship, but there are so many other factors to cause the team to win or lose that again the hypothesis could not be tested. EVIDENCE Problem: Truman Middle School May 20th-1/3 absent Band Class Band attendance increased from 5/20-5/22. It began May 20th as 33. 3 percent then decreased to 23. 3 and 13. 3 absent, respectively. After the weekend during of this week, absences were back to an almost average 6. 7 percent. A very similar flux in absent percentage also occurred at Jackson Middle School. Jackson Middle School experienced an absent percentage of 25% on May 20th in band class. No other classes had abnormal absences on this day. May 21st had an absent percentage of 15. 6%. Attendance was back to normal for Jackson Middle Bank on May 22nd. Although Truman experienced just slightly higher absences for May 20th in P. E. (7. 3%) and 7th Grade (8. 6%), the real increase only occurred in Band Class at only Truman and Jackson Middle Schools. There was no affect on absences for this time at Kennedy or Roosevelt Middle Schools. Art classes had no out of the ordinary absent rates for these days. The absences in band slowly decreasing from May 20th-22nd seem to support the evidence of sickness, but since there is no increase in absence in Art, I doubt it was illness. A rise as in absences as much as 33% would most likely (although there are exceptions to everything) would spread beyond one particular class, or even grade level. There is no other abnormal fall in attendance at any of the four middle school or specific classes other than the May 20th-May 22nd time frame and so speculation is resting solely on the events or evidence of these days’ attendances and classes. Testable Questions Was there a Band competition, exam, or any other event during this time period that would encourage students to miss school, not involving health factors, at Jackson and Truman Middle Schools? Were Jackson and Truman band classes in contact with another around the date of May 20th? Did student of Jackson and Truman band classes attend an event prior to May 20th where students of Roosevelt and Kennedy were not present? Were the band teachers of Jackson and Truman Middle Schools present on the days of the increased absences? Is band class before or after lunch? Do the schools serve the same lunch menu? Is band class the last class of the day at Truman and Jackson? Analysis and Explanation of Evidence There may have been a test, competition, intense practice, or other event during May20th-May 22nd. The other option would be an isolated illness only in Truman and Jackson bands. Whatever happened for Band Class at Jackson Middle lasted one day less than what occurred for band class at Truman Middle. So the possible test or practice may have been finished more quickly at Jackson Middle. If Jackson and Truman band classes had come in contact with each other near May 20th, they could have gotten the same illness from one another, causing a decrease in attendance only at these two schools and only in band class, but this is highly unlikely since these students would have to associate with someone outside the band at some point to attend normal courses. If the band teachers were absent themselves on these days of high student absences, possible due to a band teacher conference or meeting for only Truman and Jackson Middle, then students would be more likely to willingly miss school than if the teachers were present. If band class occurs after lunch at both school locations, Truman and Jackson, then this could lead to the possibility of food poisoning causing students to miss only band class on may 20th and leaving a smaller percentage of band students still absent or unable to play instruments (due to using the mouth, etc) until May 21st or May 22nd. If band class is the last class of the day, this would explain students missing only band class on the above mentioned days in May. This is also a much more tempting time of the day for students to leave school early. There may have also been outside events for these particular groups of students found only in Truman and Jackson band classes occurring on these particular days and encouraging students to miss school and attend with band friends.