In Harm’s Way

Persuasive Essay: In Harm’s Way The sinking of the USS Indianapolis was a horrible event, which killed hundreds of soldiers, and left hundreds floating adrift in the sea with swarms of sharks circling around them. Captain McVay, the captain of the Indianapolis, was charged with negligence. Truly, Captain McVay did his job with what he had, and should not be the scapegoat for the navy. Generals, Lieutenants, and Commodores are all partially responsible for the sinking due to negligence, miss communication, and important top-secret intelligence. Captain McVay did nothing wrong, and did a great job as Captain with the knowledge and information that he was aware of. Inconsistent communication and information that were out of McVay’s control are responsible for the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Captain McVay was an experienced captain and knew what needed to be done to run the ship and the procedures to travel safely during a period where Japanese subs were everywhere waiting to take down American ships. When the USS Indianapolis left San Francisco, McVay had a crew that was not experienced. Therefore, he requested to have his crew be trained and was promised that training would take place in Guam when they arrived. When they arrived to Guam the crew was not completely trained. If an emergency were to happen, the crew would not be trained properly, which would result in many deaths. McVay was not being negligent, he knew what needed to be done in advanced and the navy denied his request. With a crew that was not very experienced, McVay was about to sail from the Marianas Sea Frontier into the Philippine Sea Frontier, a passage that had a navy communication conflict between Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur. The political conflict between Nimitz and MacArthur was somewhat resolved because Nimitiz ended up getting control. However, there was still tension between them that caused information about ships and important facts to sometimes become lost. During this time, the passage was dangerous due to Japanese subs and with inconsistent communication, The USS Indianapolis could be in trouble and communication could get lost. The ship was not equipped with sonar because it wasn’t used for finding and hunting down subs. McVay was aware of this and how dangerous it was to cross to Leyte. Aware of the dangers, McVay requested an escort to assist with a safe sail to Leyte. Lieutenant Waldron, the convoy routing officer then called to request an escort â€Å"Waldron inquired of the officer on duty whether there was an escort leaving for Leyte, with whom the Indianapolis might tag along. Waldron was told that none was necessary†(Stanton 70). McVay did his duty by requesting the escort however; Captain Oliver Naquin was the one who denied it. As Captain, McVay had to rely on mainland communication and intelligence. â€Å"naval command assumed that she could travel safely in the backwater unescorted†(70). Even if McVay disagreed with their decision, he would still have to follow orders. With no escort, McVay follow protocol to steer the ship to decrease the risk of getting hit by a torpedo and requested an intelligence report for the whereabouts of enemy subs. McVay knew to travel in a zigzag direction, which made the ship harder to hit. He was to follow a zigzag course during daylight hours, and at night, at his discretion, during periods of good visibility†(71). McVay followed this order but when the Indianapolis was hit, it was at night when McVay was sleeping and not zigzagging. The Navy blamed McVay for not zigzagging when the ship was hit, Zigzagging was only required by the navy during daylight. Also, the naval command thought it was going to be a safe sail unescorted in which McVay would obviously have to trust and agree with. This ended up being false and making his trip more dangers than expected. McVay took action and requested an intelligence report to be aware of any enemy subs since he had no escort. When McVay received the intelligence report, the most crucial and important information was not given. â€Å"Three days earlier, the USS Underhill, a destroyer escort, had been sunk by a Japanese torpedo†(72). This message was kept a secret, neither McVay or anyone that he was communicating with was aware of this attack. However, this was crucial information for McVay, because the attacked happened in the same route as the USS Indianapolis. Commodore James Carter met with McVay at the CINCPAC headquarters and was aware of the attack but neglected to mention it to McVay. Communication was a big factor in the attack of the USS Indianapolis and even when the ship sank, successful SOS messages did not get communicated right resulting in a delayed rescued mission. Before the ship went down SOS and even the ships coordinates were sent out multiple times to multiple communication stations. One of the messages was received at Leyte and Commodore Gillette sent out tugboats out to the location of the sinking. After seven hours of the twenty-one hours initial trip, Gillette ordered the tugs to abort and come back to Leyte. McVay did the right procedures during the sinking; Gillette on the other hand was negligent and did not further investigate the reported sinking. Many of the other messages that were received were either ignored or thought to be fake distress calls from the Japanese. Throughout World War two, consistent communication was very difficult. Japan was intercepting America’s communication and getting leads throughout the war. This caused inconsistent communication and intelligences, which resulted in disasters such as the USS Indianapolis because information was not being provided correctly. The navy new of such crucial information that was very important to the USS Indianapolis such as, the sinking of a navy ship three days before the Indy. The Indianapolis was carrying atomic bombs making its delivery very important even though very few people knew about the bombs. The navy was negligent for doing this, and if McVay had known about the secret information, he would have changed his tactics to make sure he completed his mission. In Harm’s Way Persuasive Essay: In Harm’s Way The sinking of the USS Indianapolis was a horrible event, which killed hundreds of soldiers, and left hundreds floating adrift in the sea with swarms of sharks circling around them. Captain McVay, the captain of the Indianapolis, was charged with negligence. Truly, Captain McVay did his job with what he had, and should not be the scapegoat for the navy. Generals, Lieutenants, and Commodores are all partially responsible for the sinking due to negligence, miss communication, and important top-secret intelligence. Captain McVay did nothing wrong, and did a great job as Captain with the knowledge and information that he was aware of. Inconsistent communication and information that were out of McVay’s control are responsible for the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Captain McVay was an experienced captain and knew what needed to be done to run the ship and the procedures to travel safely during a period where Japanese subs were everywhere waiting to take down American ships. When the USS Indianapolis left San Francisco, McVay had a crew that was not experienced. Therefore, he requested to have his crew be trained and was promised that training would take place in Guam when they arrived. When they arrived to Guam the crew was not completely trained. If an emergency were to happen, the crew would not be trained properly, which would result in many deaths. McVay was not being negligent, he knew what needed to be done in advanced and the navy denied his request. With a crew that was not very experienced, McVay was about to sail from the Marianas Sea Frontier into the Philippine Sea Frontier, a passage that had a navy communication conflict between Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur. The political conflict between Nimitz and MacArthur was somewhat resolved because Nimitiz ended up getting control. However, there was still tension between them that caused information about ships and important facts to sometimes become lost. During this time, the passage was dangerous due to Japanese subs and with inconsistent communication, The USS Indianapolis could be in trouble and communication could get lost. The ship was not equipped with sonar because it wasn’t used for finding and hunting down subs. McVay was aware of this and how dangerous it was to cross to Leyte. Aware of the dangers, McVay requested an escort to assist with a safe sail to Leyte. Lieutenant Waldron, the convoy routing officer then called to request an escort â€Å"Waldron inquired of the officer on duty whether there was an escort leaving for Leyte, with whom the Indianapolis might tag along. Waldron was told that none was necessary†(Stanton 70). McVay did his duty by requesting the escort however; Captain Oliver Naquin was the one who denied it. As Captain, McVay had to rely on mainland communication and intelligence. â€Å"naval command assumed that she could travel safely in the backwater unescorted†(70). Even if McVay disagreed with their decision, he would still have to follow orders. With no escort, McVay follow protocol to steer the ship to decrease the risk of getting hit by a torpedo and requested an intelligence report for the whereabouts of enemy subs. McVay knew to travel in a zigzag direction, which made the ship harder to hit. He was to follow a zigzag course during daylight hours, and at night, at his discretion, during periods of good visibility†(71). McVay followed this order but when the Indianapolis was hit, it was at night when McVay was sleeping and not zigzagging. The Navy blamed McVay for not zigzagging when the ship was hit, Zigzagging was only required by the navy during daylight. Also, the naval command thought it was going to be a safe sail unescorted in which McVay would obviously have to trust and agree with. This ended up being false and making his trip more dangers than expected. McVay took action and requested an intelligence report to be aware of any enemy subs since he had no escort. When McVay received the intelligence report, the most crucial and important information was not given. â€Å"Three days earlier, the USS Underhill, a destroyer escort, had been sunk by a Japanese torpedo†(72). This message was kept a secret, neither McVay or anyone that he was communicating with was aware of this attack. However, this was crucial information for McVay, because the attacked happened in the same route as the USS Indianapolis. Commodore James Carter met with McVay at the CINCPAC headquarters and was aware of the attack but neglected to mention it to McVay. Communication was a big factor in the attack of the USS Indianapolis and even when the ship sank, successful SOS messages did not get communicated right resulting in a delayed rescued mission. Before the ship went down SOS and even the ships coordinates were sent out multiple times to multiple communication stations. One of the messages was received at Leyte and Commodore Gillette sent out tugboats out to the location of the sinking. After seven hours of the twenty-one hours initial trip, Gillette ordered the tugs to abort and come back to Leyte. McVay did the right procedures during the sinking; Gillette on the other hand was negligent and did not further investigate the reported sinking. Many of the other messages that were received were either ignored or thought to be fake distress calls from the Japanese. Throughout World War two, consistent communication was very difficult. Japan was intercepting America’s communication and getting leads throughout the war. This caused inconsistent communication and intelligences, which resulted in disasters such as the USS Indianapolis because information was not being provided correctly. The navy new of such crucial information that was very important to the USS Indianapolis such as, the sinking of a navy ship three days before the Indy. The Indianapolis was carrying atomic bombs making its delivery very important even though very few people knew about the bombs. The navy was negligent for doing this, and if McVay had known about the secret information, he would have changed his tactics to make sure he completed his mission.

Shame Is Worth a Try

Dan M. Kahan argues in his article â€Å"Shame Is Worth a Try† that people who understand the potential of shaming know that it is â€Å"cheap, efficient, and an appropriate alternative to short jail sentences† (571). Any crime that is committed must have a punishment linked to it to avoid a repeat of the offense. Serious crimes, for example, those that involve a murder obviously need the jail sentence that comes along with them. Nonviolent crimes, such as theft or littering could receive cheap and personal punishments with the implementation of shaming. Those against shaming are mostly those that view it as a worse and demeaning punishment compared to imprisonment. They would typically support a punishment that would seem more discrete to those the offender knows but shaming is a more personal punishment. Instead of a short sentence in custody, the offender would be required to announce their crime to the public in some manner. Shaming in some cases â€Å"doesn’t seem to hurt as much as imprisonment† (573); imprisonment not only makes the offender feel the shame of the crime they committed, but it also takes away their ability to continue supporting their family. Living in a prison cell won’t allow the offender to continue on in their life. With a jail sentence, a criminal must change their entire life. They must find someone willing to pay their bills, and take care of their children while they are locked up. This not only hurts the offender but it makes it very difficult to continue their life afterwards. Shaming, like any other punishment, is just as susceptible to overuse in some cases. Using shaming in a way that is outrageous as in public flogging or putting an offender in stocks does not help the offender at all. This only hurts the individual and does not provide any shame for the crime. Also, using shaming alongside a jail sentence is not only more harmful to the offender but it also decreases the cost efficiency of the punishment. In â€Å"Shame Is Worth a Try†, Dan M. Kahan provides well executed examples of how using shame instead of a short prison sentence is cheaper and just as efficient but not the views of the opposition. Kahan first shows how shaming is currently used in the American judiciary system. Kahan’s first example is from Wisconsin, where a person caught stealing from their employer will be required to wear a sign around them stating their offense (571). Another example Kahan uses is the fact that drunk drivers in both Texas and Florida and required to place a bumper stick on their car, for a period of time, stating their DUI to the public (571). And finally Kahan states, â€Å"Refusing to pay child-support in Virginia will get you a boot on your car, pink for an abandoned girl and blue for a boy† (572). The examples show just how shaming is picking up in some states in America. Kahan also addresses the violent crimes and their punishments. He reassures the reader that all violent crimes will continue with the same long term imprisonment as they do now. Kahan, along with the examples of shaming, provides statistics that support his cause. Studies performed at the University of Oklahoma state that shaming provides a greater pressure for the general public to comply with the law (573). The threat that one’s neighbors would find out of his or hers offense will keep most offenders from committing the act they planned to do. On the negative side, Kahan seems to be fairly one sided with his examples in this article. He only provides the fact that shaming can be overdone if used alongside imprisonment. I also believe that he could have shown more examples of the â€Å"pointlessly degrading† tactics that could have been used as a shaming device (573). Even though Kahan’s article is very one sided, I would still recommend this article to other college students. I wouldn’t recommend it as a source for alternatives to imprisonment but I might offer it as an example of how to prove one’s point with limited examples. This article is a prime model of how an author can use examples to prove one’s point and persuade their reader. Again, it lacks the full view of the opposition but it is still very convincing.

Can Human-Animal Chimeras Aid Medical Researches

Can Human-Animal Chimeras Aid Medical Researches Chapter 1 The Science behind the Biotechnology Chimeras rely on stem cells and their ability to differentiate into the necessary cells needed by the body. It is this feature of stem cells that allow scientist to culture tissue samples and eventually produce transplantable organs. The procuration of stem cells is the subject of a controversial argument as the methodologies of some variations raises several moral and ethical issues. Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) As the name suggests, this form of stem cells are derived from human embryos. Contrary to popular belief, these cells are not obtained from eggs fertilised inside a womans body; the embryos are usually donated for research purposes by In Vitro Fertilisation Clinics, with the consent of the donors. The embryos are then suspended in a culture medium ,mirroring similar conditions to that of a mothers womb, allowing the embryo to divide into a mass of cells known as the blastocyst. The cells within the blastocyst are usually referred to as totipotent stem cells. It is here that the first ethical issue arises. The beginning of life is said to be conception or fertilisation therefore this method of obtaining stem cells can be considered as taking a life without its consent. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016) Another limitation of hESCs includes carcinogenic risk when the culture medium is altered in order to induce differentiation of stem cells to form specialised cells such as: heart cells, lungs cells, liver cells and nerve cells. If the wrong mix of proteins or hormones are added to the stem cells theres a potential risk of mutation of DNA resulting in the production of cancerous or faulty cells. Conversely, hESCs are more accepted in the scientific community as the production of it can be done at lower cost with much more efficient differentiation and the cells produced are within a suitable HLA spectrum. [1] (Pappas, 2008) Parthenote Stem Cells It is possible however to bypass the ethical and moral issues that hESCs present, as these issues only arise if the cell is post-fertilisation. Therefore, if stem cells are extracted from an unfertilised egg, then arguably life which begins at conception or fertilisation, has not yet begun, making the use of the stem cells less controversial. However, the ethical implications have not been bypassed altogether, as it can still be argued that stem cells from unfertilised eggs do still have the potential to make a living individual. Parthenogenesis[2] allows for the egg cell to be activated without the need for a sperm. Parthenogenetic embryos will develop to the blastocyst stage and so can serve as a source of embryonic stem cells. Parthenogenetic Embryonic Stem Cells (pESCs) have been shown to have the properties of self-renewal and the capacity to generate cell derivatives from the three germ layers, confirmed by contributions to chimeric animals (Department of Animal Science, Michig an State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA, 2006) Induced Pluripotent stem cells The process behind iPSCs was a big medical breakthrough as it allowed somatic (body) cells to be reprogrammed into regenerative cells. The formation of iPSCs require the donor to undergo shave or punch biopsies, this procedure can be done under local anesthetic and is minimally invasive so the procuration of the adult cells poses no moral or ethical predicaments. The induction of pluripotency in adult somatic cells via proteins, will produce genetical and immune-histocompatibility matches thus, lowering the chance of rejection (if used for transplantation), this also reduces the need for the patient to take immunosuppressant which can result in a compromised immune response. But this form of stem cells comes with its disadvantages, as it is a new concept the cost of production is high. Therefore this process in its current state of development is economically viable for a large population size. Furthermore, the mechanisms behind how the reprogramming factors work are unknown, this pr esents the chances of mutagenesis[3], oncogene activation risk[4], and retroviral gene delivery[5] (Pappas, 2008) Chapter 2 Potential Uses of Animal-Human Chimeras in Therapeutics Vaccinations As of 2015, there are 36.7 million people living with HIV as per WHO and UNAIDS. (WHO, 2016). The field of vaccines for diseases such as Hepatitis-B and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) have taken a heavy toll in developing countries and have faced major failures. In the hopes of improving the current situation. Human-animal chimeras, developed with a humanized immune system could be useful to study infectious diseases, including many neglected diseases. These would also serve as an important tool for the efficient testing of new vaccine candidates to streamline promising candidates for further trials in humans. (Bhan, et al., 2010). Human hematopoietic stem cells, or in laymans terms, bone marrow cells, have the unique capacity of engrafting, greatly expanding, and repopulating immunodeficient mice, with virtually all different types of human immune cells; as shown by the image above. Humanized mouse models are produced via transplantation of CD34+ stem cells and/or implantation of human tissue into immunodeficient mice. Depending on whether tissue or CD34+ cells are used and the strain of mouse, this results in mice which have a part or a complete human immune system. (Garcia, 2016) This xenografted[6] mouse is then used as a disease model[7]. This allows scientists to better understand the mechanisms behind the disease, which results in a more efficient treatment plan for those who suffer from. Hepatitis-B. Another disease model being used are primates, these are considered to be the most accurate as we share a common ancestor. Additionally, primates have the closest metabolic conditions to humans. When this model was injected with HIV-1 (via IV), HIV-2 (via vagina) and SIV (via rectum) the results were advantageous as they provided useful information for vaccine and therapeutic studies. However, the cost of producing this model is very high and raises many moral and ethical concerns; furthermore, despite having some genetic similarities, primates do have different cellular and molecular markers and the time and course of infection could vary. Chimeras are also benefiting the treatment of Japanese encephalitis. This disease is a type of viral brain infection thats spread through mosquito bites, commonly found in South-East Asia. Although theres no cure for Japanese encephalitis, it can be prevented through vaccination, which is usually only available privately (NHS, 2016). A recently developed vaccine, which is an animal-human chimera which is a mouse brain-derived, inactivated JE vaccine (MBV). In order to evaluate its efficacy case controlled studies were carried out. A randomized double-blinded study conducted in northern Thailand, using JE MBV produced in Thailand, yielded an overall effectiveness of 91%. Another trial in Taiwan revealed an effectiveness of approximately 85% when two or more doses were administered. The effectiveness of the JE vaccine in Northern Vietnam was 92.9% efficacious. (Marks, et al., 2012). Control disease progression Another therapeutic use of animal-human chimeras is the development of drugs to aid in the treatment of known diseases.The drug called Rituximab, is a chimeric antibody which means it contains portions of both human and mouse antibodies mixed together. The drug was licensed in 1997 for the treatment of NHL (Non-Hodgkins lymphoma)-a form of cancer which causes B-cells to mutate and divide abnormally. The drug targets the CD20 receptor on B-cells as this receptor is located on the surface of the cell and it doesnt mutate, move inside the cell or fall off in the life cycle of the B-cell. The drug contains the variable domain of the mouse antibody, the portion that specifically binds CD20, along with the constant domain of human antibody, the portion that recruits other components of the immune system to the target-the B-cells and so after it is administered, and a large number of tumour cells are immediately destroyed and eliminated from the body. Rituximab is also used to treat advanced rheumatoid arthritis and it has also been part of anti-rejection treatments for kidney transplants (both involve B cells). The disadvantage only that the mouse antibody was unsuitable for direct use in humans and clinical trial results varied, likely due to the differing sizes of tumors between the patients, (Speaking of Research, 2017) Chapter 3 Potential Uses of Animal-Human Chimeras in Surgery The demand for organ transplantation has rapidly increased all over the world due to the increased incidence of vital organ failure. However, the unavailability of adequate organs for transplantation procedures to meet this growing demand has resulted in a major organ crisis. In 2014, 429 patients died while on the waiting list for an organ transplant- thats up to 3 patients a day. (Knapton, 2015). Currently, the government plan on changing the organ donation system to an opt out system, which hopes to promote organ donation and increase the availability of organs. The opt-out system presumes the donors consent unless the individual expresses a refusal to become a potential donor- allowing the donor to make a free choice (Abouna, 2008). As well as increasing obtainability of organs, it also increases the likelihood of more organs found within a suitable HLA spectrum. (Department of Health and Social Care and Cabinet Office, 2017). But it can be argued that this system of obtaining organs is seen as unfair as majority of organ donors must be recently deceased (excluding kidney donors) therefore the longevity of one persons life is at the cause of anothers death. (World Health Organisation, 2005) To prevent this choice being made, alternative solutions are being developed in order to aid the organ crisis-one of them being animal-human chimeras. Current research on stem cells have shown that they can differentiate into different cell types but cannot effectively produce usable tissues and organs as a culture medium cannot replicate the growth of an organ in a body. A recent breakthrough by the (Salk Institute of Biological Research, 2017) shows a pig-human chimera, which would be capable of making human organs. The research began by creating an interspecies chimera[8] consisting of a rat and mouse. They used a gene editing technology known as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) to turn off the gene that makes the pancreas. They then inserted rat iPSCs which contained a pancreas gene into the mouse embryo. The result, when implanted into surrogate mouse mothers, was a fully developed mouse with a growing rat pancreas. This concept was then mirrored using pigs embryos and human stem cells; as pigs have similar organ sizes and developmental timescales as humans. Although this experiment had to be halted at 4 weeks of development due to ethical issues and the lack of consent- as the experiment was designed to prove it was possible, not to produce a human organ-we can safely assume that, if the development of the pig was allowed to continue, the pig would have a whole human organ inside it. Theoretically, this concept can then be implemented, producing specific human organs, eliminating the wait for a human donor and reducing the risk of organ rejection. Chapter 4 Potential Uses of Animal-Human Chimeras in Disease Modelling Scientific research is not always accepted as they require the use of controversial methods to obtain the necessary results. The methodologies behind creating chimeras have ethical and moral dilemmas primarily due to the use of animals. There is a large emphasis on animal welfare, although the use of animals as chimeras or in general medical research is considered very valuable as they help the medical community to better under the effects of treatments (drugs or otherwise) on living organisms. The matter still finds itself to be the subject of a very heated debate; as those opposing the use of animals animal rights extremists and anti-vivisectionist groups-believe that animal experimentation is unnecessary and cruel regardless of its benefits ergo the opposition want total abolition of animal research and if the majority supports this view then there will be severe consequences for scientific research. (Festing Wilkinson, 2007) On the other hand, the UK has gone further than most countries in regards to the ethical framework by introducing the Animals (Scientific Procedure) Act 1986 which regulates the use of animal research. Along with this, there is more and more public awareness as polls run by Ipsos MORI state that in 2005 64% of the population agreed with the use of animals in research if the research objectives are important and the animals experience minimal suffering and all alternatives are considered. (Department for Business Freeman, 2014) Another bioethical view that must be considered is `whether we treat the chimeras as animals or human? this arises as some chimeras require the altering of cognitive capacities. The chimeras are to be used to develop a better understanding of diseases such as Parkinsons and Dementia which affect 850 000 people every year (Anon., 2014) Unfortunately, the research is very slow due to moral views as some people regard this form experimentation a violation of human dignity and the order of nature as well as, the initial disagreement of using chimeras in the first place. (Hermern, 2015) Opportunely, there is some support for the use of animal-human chimeras as previous medical techniques that are widely accepted today allow the use of porcine, bovine and equine biological heart valves are implanted in those with cardiac valve dysfunction. Moreover, insulin extracted from porcine pancreas is routinely used with those with diabetes. And so, the prospect of a pig carrying a pancreas or liver of human origin should be justifiable. (Bourret, et al., 2016) Alternatives A lesser conventional view is the alternatives to chimeras, these methods do not require the use of animals to carry out medical research, which hopefully, should eliminate bioethical arguments. The issue that arises with this is the efficiency and viability of the results. The alternatives to chimeras include cell cultures, human tissues and computer models. Almost all cell types can be recreated in laboratory conditions and these can be coaxed to grow into 3D structures- miniature organs. Cell cultures have also been used to create `organs-on-chips which can be used to study disease mechanisms, as well as, drug metabolism. This form biotechnology has already managed to mimic the heart, lungs and kidneys. The goal is to be able to this for all organ systems. The idea is already aided in the development in the production of vaccines, and drug testing on top of aided research in the study of cancers, sepsis and AIDS. Human tissues can be donated by both healthy and diseased volunteers through surgeries such as biopsies, cosmetic surgery and transplants or via post mortem- such as brain tissue from a patient with Multiple Sclerosis to help better understand a large variety of diseases furthermore the tissues can make more effective models than through chimeras as they will contain only human DNA thus providing a more relevant way of studying human biology. Finally, computer models can be used to create virtual experiments based on existing information. Models of the musculoskeletal systems, heart, lungs etc. already exist. Inopportunely, this method isnt as effective as testing in vivo as the concept is very theoretical. (Anon., n.d.)

Contemporary issues in management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 4

Contemporary issues in management - Essay Example Business enterprises are primarily responsible for generating profit and creating wealth but being a social entity, it has certain responsibility towards the society. The societal responsibilities that are pursued by companies comprise development of social equity and taking measures for environment safety and sustainability. Another contribution of business towards the society is developing better quality of life and standard of living for people. However, in this regard, mass scale debate has been observed between social and economic benefits of a business (Weber, 2008). The paper discusses convergence of social and economic benefits with respect to various CSR theories. Alongside, the implication of CSR has been evaluated in organisational framework of Sainsbury. In the critical discussion, the social, ethical and environmental contribution of the company will be analysed and also the concept of ‘greenwashing’ will be explored and examined in perspective of Sainsbury. Sainsbury PLC is one of the leading retailers in the United Kingdom food industry and over the time, the company has diversified in other non-food sector such as banking and financial services as well. Sainsbury is presently a world renowned brand having more than 1200 stores. The company operates by means of its convenience stores, online stores and the UK based supermarkets. The food business of Sainsbury has been diversified to accommodate other offerings such as clothing and general merchandise. The company also operate in property development sector by means of joint ventures (Sainsbury, 2014a). Sainsbury is a renowned brand in the UK and conducts its operation through 592 supermarkets and 611 local convenience stores. It was determined that the corporation generates more than  £1 billion revenue from its online sales. The company operates with more than 2100 food suppliers and 1300 non-food suppliers for serving consumers with large variety of

Critically analyse the situation facing Lucky MT, drawing on your Essay

Critically analyse the situation facing Lucky MT, drawing on your learning across the entire module. What recommendations would - Essay Example At the same time, one of the owner partners is not comfortable with the joint venture while the other is very comfortable. These issues may be related to the formation of the joint venture and the subsequent launch. It seems that a lot of issues were not looked at well including Lack of proper organization, lack of good launch and operation strategy, lack of a good exit strategy, diverging interests in the joint venture and the increasing competition from other companies in the same field and in other regions. Lucky MT needs to revise its strategy and come up with a better organizational structure, improved outsourcing strategies, international cultural management skills and drafting policies and regulations to be followed by the partner companies, the management of the joint venture and the employees. Addressing these issues can assist in encouraging common goals between the partners which is critical in withstanding the current storm of issues and to get more customers to increase profitability and encourage better growth. This information also provides knowledge to other companies that may be thinking on the lines of establishing joint ventures in the future. Lucky MT overlooked many things which are discussed below and recommendations provided. Nature of Joint Venture Business While Lucky MT found it necessary to form joint venture, which is beneficial to the company in sharing capital expenditures and risks, the company did not do well in this department. Looking at the company, it was initially founded by two companies. Later, the two companies decided that the joint venture, Lucky MT gets to a joint venture with another company in Singapore to participate in the international market better and more easily while getting a competitive edge. However, the partners in the joint venture overlooked the consequences of getting into joint ventures with international companies. As the partners confirm, the involvement in many joint ventures decreased the profit sh are of each partner involved (Lucky MT document Pages 3). When looking to get into joint ventures, the partners should look for businesses that can generate enough profits for all the partners involved. However, this was not the case for the Lucky MT. The partners chose the Electronic Manufacturing Industry which is quite profitable. However, this industry is capital intensive and also very expensive to maintain. Basing on that the company is relatively small; it would be a challenge to maintain the business. At the same time, the returns from the industry were quite small compared with the investment made in the Joint Venture in Singapore. The returns of the company were 2.5 million dollars in the year 2000. Being an international joint venture with several partners, this is little profit and each of the partners gets a little share of the profit. An international venture would be expected to generate good profits for each partner to get good profits. However, a joint venture gener ating good profits has been just a pipe dream. According to Dennis Campbell and Antonida Netzer (2009), joint ventures take a long time before they become profitable. In addition, they also take longer to break even which may be a challenge to the partners of the venture. Top of Form Bottom of Form This discourages many of the joint venture partners as they expect profits when they get involved in the ventures. It is no wonder that Dennis

Write a reports Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Write a reports - Essay Example The characters in this play really seemed to have a good time playing their part. The audience reaction was generally a laugh-out-loud or â€Å"Did they really just say or do that?† kind of response. The atmosphere was just as fun as the performance because it was mostly filled with women and a lot of them were laughing so hard that they had tears coming out of their eyes which made it that much more funny. There were some good laughs but I kind of thought that there were parts of it that were more vulgar than funny. I was surprised, however, at how many people left. I guess it is hard for some people to watch that kind of live performance. I just really like comedy and thought that this would be a good live performance to go see just for a laugh. It was an entertaining piece. Sometimes, though, I felt bad for the actors because some of their lines were so raunchy. I think that some of the performance had material in it that made people very uncomfortable. At $35 per ticket, it was kind of expensive to sit through and watch. However, many of the audience members, myself included, found that the characters engaged with us. That is what made it livelier. Parodies are generally intended to poke fun at something. They are also kind of dumb but are sometimes a bit laughable. The Spank! performance was nothing short of what to expect of a parody. I just thought it was really interesting how they took a story line like that and somehow turned it into a musical. Of the people who were around me had read the book, I could tell that there were some parts that I did not get because I had not read it and did not understand the references that the live performance had made. I did realize that it had become one of the world’s top theatrical parodies because so many people had gone and enjoyed it. I guess what made it most entertaining for me is that I do not typically visit the theater

Presentation and written submission Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Presentation and written submission - Essay Example Those trades that took place were carried out at substantial discounts. These disruptions in market activity had a fundamental role in the transmission and amplification of the US financial market. The global financial crisis of 2007 - 2009 led to uncertainty in the US financial market causing the problem of adverse selection. Adverse selection is a situation where only one party to a financial contract has better information as compared to the other leading to only low-quality products being available in the market. The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of adverse selection in causing reduced lending, investment and economic activity as a result of little willingness to lend among US lender. Adverse Selection Adverse selection refers to an asymmetric information problem which takes place before a transaction is carried out. It is when possible bad credit risks are the most active in seeking out loans. This therefore leads to the likelihood of those that are most likely to cre ate an undesirable/adverse result being selected (Philippon & Skreta, 2010, p. 22). For instance, those that seek to carry on big risks are more likely to be the most keen to take loans since they know they aren’t likely to pay it back. ... An asset’s market price will manifest the quality expected based on the quality of all assets that are for sale in the market if buyers can’t be able to assess its quality. Adverse selection can arise from this asymmetric information between buyers and sellers. Sellers of high quality assets will pull back from the market as prices fall hence leaving assets that are of only low-quality (lemons) for sale. The result may be the reduction or halt in the trade of the asset since buyers are wary they will be left with an asset that is overpriced (lemon) if they transact. Moreover, this leads to the credit crunch since such assets can no longer act as collateral for other transactions. In both post-crisis episodes and the global financial crisis of 2007–09, adverse selection played a key role (Coval, Jurek & Stafford, 2009, p. 19). Increases in Uncertainty It gets more difficult for lenders to screen out good credits from the bad ones whenever there is a striking incre ase in uncertainty in financial markets. A reduction in investment, lending and aggregate activity is caused by lenders becoming less willing to lend due to their inability to solve adverse selection. The increase in uncertainty can grow out of a recession or failure of large financial or nonfinancial institution. However, uncertainty regarding interest rate dynamics and government policies seem to have in recent times of financial instability in developed market countries played a major role in reduction of investment, lending and aggregate economic activity (Caballero & Krishnamurthy, 2009, p. 86 - 88). Data A table of USA’s financial and economic data from the year 2003 to 2011 Year Lending

Organizational Planning Worksheet Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational Planning Worksheet - Assignment Example Fortune 500 Company name National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) 2. The company’s internal and external stakeholders Internal stakeholder’s External stakeholder’s Employees Customers Managers Suppliers Executive directors Government Non-executive directorsSociety ShareholdersCreditors 3. Company’s mission and vision Company’s mission To serve as the best economical and safe operation national passenger railway system in the region. Company’s vision To equip the country with a transit option that is reliable, safe and affordable connecting all the major population centers. 4. Company goals At least one company goal that can be accomplished through a strategic plan To increase the company’s markets share in the region. To increase the size of the company by maximizing its wealth. At least one company goal that can be accomplished through an operational plan To be a more efficient transit option to the general public. To increase the safety procedures in the rail system company. 5. SWOT analysis Strengths Weaknesses The company is dominant in the market. Availability of financial limitations. The company offers unique services to the customers. The challenge of target market segmentation. The company operates in convenient locations and has local stops. The company has inadequate structure. Opportunities Threats The company has unique selling propositions such as having more destinations and affordable rates. The presence of discount airlines. The company has good pricing strategies such as the having steep discounts that targeting of niche markets. Private train firms provide stiff competition. The company gets federal funding by way of privatization. The presence of poor economic conditions.

Business strategy case analysis Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business strategy analysis - Case Study Example A BETA format video recorder was manufactured and produced by many companies like Sanyo, Toshiba etc. But this technology was going to meet a violent end. It was a hit in its introducing year since Sony went ahead to produce a Beta format home video system and Sanyo was producing the top selling beta format video recorder. Beta grabbed one-third of the UK market in 1975. Sony was in an agreement with JVC and the two companies had signed a deal formerly, to produce U-Mat technology and this deal was known as the U-Matic deal. Sony had taken one wrong step during this deal since they were too arrogant and aggressive enough to take most of the credit for the technology in the market. Thus, JVC had a grudge against Sony for this unfair treatment. When Sony produced Betamax they were still in a deal with JVC and once again Sony made the mistake of not accepting JVC's advice on replacing Betamax with JVC's new find which was better in all aspects, "Video Home System" (VHS) technology. Sony was once again to arrogant to accept the advice from JVC and they paid a price for it. JVC launched VHS in 1976 and this format swarmed the market. By 1980, VHS had a 70% market share in North America. By 1984, all strategic companies started to produce VHS format video recorders. Everyone adopted this new and better technology. But there are specific reasons to why Betamax failed due to Sony's bad strategy management. (SJ. Liebowitz, Stephen E. Margolis; 1996) Sony's strategy had flaws and the major flaw was that they had not conducted a proper market research about what the customer really wants. Sony had a wrong perception about what the customers really wanted. They believed the customers would go for the high quality of recording and not the length of the recording. VHS could record up to 4hrs of video whereas; Beta could record up to 3hrs and 35minutes. Customers wanted greater length and not quality of the video. So, VHS sold more and became a HIT! Beta was a high quality video format so the costs involved were high compared to VHS; therefore, the retail price for Beta was higher than that of VHS. This market is price sensitive and Sony took another wrong decision. Sony should have taken informed decisions in the market to avoid the embarrassment and the failure of their baby product that died in its infant stages. Sony could have both gracefully let go of Beta and taken JVC's advice to adopt VHS technology. But the company should have had conducted a market research to know the consumer demands. This would have saved them from making uninformed decisions that were a fatal risk and ended in a failure. Otherwise Sony could have marketed Beta with a different approach by targeting the right market. They could have targeted their product to a niche market that preferred quality over quantity. This way VHS and Beta would be competing in two different markets since VHS was mass marketed. BLU-RAY and HD-DVD BLU-RAY and HD-DVD (High Definition) are the latest buzz in the video format market but history is repeating itself since once again the two formats are in a war to gain the highest market share. BLU-RAY is considered to be more superior to HD-DVD because RAY can record two hours of digital HD (high definition) video and thirteen hours of SD video. HD-DVD has 40% less storage capacity comparatively. Sony's BLU-RAY or Toshiba's HD-DVD need

Postwar Australian Art & Film Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Postwar Australian Art & Film - Coursework Example Both artifacts depict a battle zone but they have a different approach. Both Mad Max and Sidney Nolan, portrays a war environment but with different tactics and approach. In addition, both images portray a sense of victory whereby a lone solider stands against an army. The images portray the conquering spirit of the European and how they managed to take over Australia from its natives. The two images are quite different in their stylistic and thematic presentation. Mad Max portrays a traditional type of wars that was fought from horsebacks. Moreover, the image’s background shows a vast open land, which portrays the untamed continent of Australia. On the other hand, Mad Max advertising photo for the Australian post-apocalyptic action thriller film. It depicts a hero who people look up to after a war. The photo brings out a superhero who stands out for the oppressed at a time when the streets are not safe. The man in the photo holds a gun and is the person people look up to for hope and inspiration. The photograph is rather sophisticated and it depicts transformation in modern warfare. Moreover, the photo depicts modern Australia whereby rural areas have been opened up by transport and communication infrastructures. 2 After the war was over, there were more issues to be solved. Before the war, everyone seems to have been satisfied with the ways things were done. Certainly, no one cared about the environment since no one had the responsibility. However, after the war, things turned around and people started to care about the environment as equally as they cared about their bodies. The extent to which we can neglect or care about our environment is portrayed in the Peter Dombrovskis, Morning mist, Rock Island Bend and Christo and Jeanne-Claude, photograph of Wrapped Coast. The photographs portray the natural beauty of the Australian wild. More importantly, the photos depict the untamed continent and its perfection. However, this changes as soon as immigrants arrived in the country. The main difference between the two is that one shows a neglected environment while the other shows environmental conservation efforts. Wrapped Coast, Little Bay depicts a massive environmental conservation effort to reduce erosion. On the other hand, Peter Dombrovskis, Morning mist depicts a neglected environment that is in need of our protection. 3 Badtjala woman images seem to be based on historical injustices and redemptions. The artist inserts her own images within a pictorial frame just as the country caves its own destiny after the war. The image itemizes the shell and reed necklaces, ‘collecting bag’, and ‘crossed string’ that adorn her naked upper torso. Foley seems to be replicating the ways of the 19th century photographs of the images of the Badtjala people. In such photographs there is an unequal power relationship inherent. The photography does not bring out pornography due to the use of a naked indigenous female as op posed to a ‘white’ female. Bishop’s image is an icon of the lands rights movement in the Australian political photography (McCloskey, 2005). The bright blue sky and red earth gives an immediate sense of place. The red earth is seen to symbolize blood that was shed during the war. Years of struggle are engraved on the face of Lingiari. Lingiari slightly bends back whereas Whitlam stands upright confident and optimistic. Words and white papers are meaningless when

Sales Strategies Essay Example for Free

Sales Strategies Essay EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The supermarkets in the UK is expanding with retail food products being sensitive to cross-price elasticity in that supermarkets are encouraged to be inventive, which will accomplish an advantage, matched to its discounter competitors (Emerald Group Publishing Limited , 2014). This report will explain the types of sales strategies that Aldi may develop in order to compete with other supermarkets within the same market. Aldi have to be considered as a competitor as society is searching for value and that customer behaviour is a major influence in sales strategies and that Aldi will be successful in future years with their overall strategy. BACKGROUND Aldi opened its first store in the United Kingdom (UK) in the 90’s, currently supporting more than 500 stores in the UK, originally established in Germany.   The challenges that face Aldi are primary in attracting customers. As well as attracting customers, Aldi will have to consider its competitors within the market. There are a number of considerations that would influence customer’s behaviour which impacts on the retail market. Society has a wide range of needs and wants which can be varied and impacts customer’s decisions on a daily basis. The decision that is made is key to the decision making behaviour which results in individuals adapting from situation to situation which would have an impact on all supermarkets (Dibb, 2012). The leading retailer’s share of grocers’ for 2011 and 2012 explains that Aldi versus Morrison’s posted surging returns with Morrison’s showing as losers. Diagram one: Share Market Mintel Report An article (sky news, 2012) reports the company Aldi, has seen profits exceeded over 200% in 2011 to  £57.8m, suggesting customer confidence is low and that customer spending brought on by higher inflation and weaker growth has influenced Aldi success with 40 new stores planned to be developed and open by the end of 2013 generating up to 4,500 jobs. Aldi has now introduced 500 new stores in the United Kingdom (UK) and plans to open new stores in higher more upmarket locations and offer a wide range of products attracting higher-earning customer (Aldi, 2013). This strategy is supported by (Harvey,2000, p. 17) who suggests that in a society, a range of low and high income customers can be brought together by retailers creating an internal niche market, with their own discounted products or with higher branded products, integrating separate ‘segments of customer demand’. As Aldi continue to improve on already continued growth, Morrison’s have to act to attempt to maintain and improve within the retail market competition. This is demonstrated by an article (mail online, 2013) Morrison’s attempt to struggle back, which Morrison’s bosses trust only a reduction of prices  on products will sustain Morrison’s future. chief executive Dalton Philips of Morrison’s confirmed â€Å"The economic backdrop remains difficult for the customer†, as stated (BBC, 2013) Morrison’s report Pre-tax profit fell to  £344m for the first half of the year, compared to the same period last year (2012) with profits reaching  £440m. Diagram Two: Share Market Sky News Comparing Diagram one and Diagram two of the market Share, Aldi demonstrate they have a major influence in the market. Aldi in 2011 had a market share of 2.2% increasing to 4.7% ending May 2014. On the back of Aldi success, Morrison’s market share commenced at 10.4% in 2011 with the figures staying static the following year, followed by a slight increase reaching 10.9% by May 2014. The slight increase in performance may be due to Morrison’s raising a price war with Aldi by reducing its prices on 135 products with expectation that more reductions will follow, estimating  £1bn over a three year period which will be permanent reductions rather than promotions, quoted by chief executive Dalton Philips in an article (The Guardian, 2014). It remains to be seen if this will revive the growth of Morrison’s in the future. OBJECTIVES Outline the background information of customer goods and Supermarkets. Outline the background of Marketing Segmentation. Apply the theory of Market Segmentation used by supermarkets. Detail the tool used for Sales strategy and by key brands to provide competitor advantage. METHODOLOGY In order for the company to identify sales strategies in the market, will carry out what is called â€Å"Market Research†. This process is to furnish the retail company to meet the customers’ needs. (Lescher, 1995) defines market research as â€Å"gathering and evaluation of data regarding customer’s  preference for products and services.† On attempting to interview Robert McDonald the Assistant Store Manager of the Aldi Paisley, but was unavailable for comment on a visit to the store on 29/06/2014. On the back of the store visit, made contact with Aldi Head Office in Bathgate and through social business network LinkedIn but unfortunately Aldi were unable to comment on their sales strategy. SUPERMARKETS IN THE MARKET Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD UK) reported that the United Kingdom market is estimated at  £174.5 billion in April this year (2014), demonstrated 2.8% increase from 2013. IGD forecasts that in the UK, the grocery market value will reach the figures of  £203.0 billion by 2019 potentially an increase of 16.3% from 2014. Today’s market the UK grocery market is made up 6 sections, making the retail market competitive. Based on the pie chart, Hypermarkets and superstores have the market monopoly demonstrating  £73.7bn Sales with Convenience Stores next  £37.4bn and Small Supermarkets the next contender with  £35.5bn. As Aldi come under the â€Å"Discounters† with  £10.8bn, with a continued strong presence within the retail market, this figure can only increase and could be a potential big player in years to come, if the organisation continues to grow as previous years and challenge others. AIDA(R) Module Aldi can use a number of channels and methods to increase promotional activity by using the AIDA module. The module can be used for the following; Awareness: Creating brand awareness to its existing and new customers. Interest: Sufficient customer interest to encourage the buyer to start researching further. Desire: Simply the desire from liking it, to wanting it. Action: Attracting the customer to visit store, signing up for newsletter. Once the organisation has captured the buyer, it must consider the retention of the buyer using â€Å"Retention† methods. The methods can be Social Media, TV  adverts, Newsletters. If buyers are satisfied with your product, a vote of confidence can attract new buyers (customers) to the company brand, rather than its competitors (business case studies, 2014) MODEL OF MARKET SEGMENTATION The process for Market Segmentation is to identify the whole of the market and divide the market into each segment, which allows companies to maximise their own opportunity to generate success. (Dibb et al, 2012) defines Market segmentation â€Å"the process of grouping customers in markets with some heterogeneity into smaller, more similar or homogenous markets.† Without market segmentation, the market would assume that customers would share similar needs and that companies can provide one product to the market (Dibb et al, 2012). Therefore this assumption is not correct and as supported by (Dibb et al, 2012) having a Heterogeneous market describes that customers have different needs and wants. PROCESS OF MARKET SEGMENTATION Dividing the market into segments is called STP. STP consists of three key areas which are Segmentation, Targeting and positioning. Segmentation Segmentation can identify potential opportunities within a market. When designing a market strategy, the organisation can take advantage of the marketing mix approach. The marketing mix includes the four P’s which consists of product, promotion, price and place (Hooley, 2012). Aldi can use this method to take advantage of existing customers as well as attracting new customers. Aldi use the four P’s which can create a process were the right product is sold at the right price, at the right place demonstrating the best possible methods of promotion. Targeting Companies can use targeting as a business tool, making a decision on what key areas of the business within the organisation requires attention. This process is intended to be implemented in key areas such as sales as described (Dibb et al, 2012). Positioning Diagram Three: Company positioning by Customer perception Diagram three is a perceptual mapping of the UK supermarkets based on customer perception. The map illustrates that Aldi have built up a customer following, which shows a change in customer demand and behaviour. Aldi have progressed and competing with Asda and Morrison’s, illustrating that all companies have to be competitive to ensure the individual company has an advantage over its competitors. As customers are more economically aware and seeking value for money, this can be used to target a certain area in the market .i.e. low quality, high quality, low cost, high cost depending on the current times. Customers may wish to purchase lower quality brands over high quality brands as it may be better value with the end result getting more for your money. An example of customers getting more for their money, took a challenge to purchase one item from each store and taste it to see if the difference could be spotted with Aldi and Morrison’s products. Purchasing Aldi own brand of Jaffa Cakes which demonstrated similar packaging to the McVitie’s brand with 24 segments at a cost of  £0.95 a packet, roughly working out 4 Pence a biscuit. Morrison’s selling the main brand of McVitie’s Jaffa cakes also offering 24 segments at a cost of  £2.19 a packet working out 9 Pence a biscuit. Tasting the two brands without knowing which one was from Aldi and Morrison’s, concluded that it was hard to identify which product was from each store. Thus changing to purchase the Aldi brand rather than the main brand (McVitie’s) saving a whopping  £1.24. This experiment can be supported in means of description and cost by visiting www.mysupermarket.co.uk. Aldi:  £0.95 Morrison:  £2.19 Aldi have acknowledged that competitive pricing is a major influence to bring attention and awareness amongst customers with Aldi being able to support quality products at a cheaper cost than its competitors by purchasing products in bulk from its suppliers. Aldi also agree the best possible price from suppliers allowing them to pass the savings on to the customer. To support that Aldi can offer main brands at a cheaper alternative without affecting quality, the cost of a Warburton’s Bread from Morrison’s is  costing  £1.45 with Aldi offering the same product at a cheaper cost of  £0.99 pence (mysupermarket, 2014). Aldi:  £0.99 Morrison’s:  £1.45 POTENTIAL SALES STRATEGIES When looking at Aldi products and comparing them to other competitors within the retail market, it was evident that Aldi are demonstrating three broad sales strategies to maximise profit from new and existing customers by using targeting strategy, pricing strategy and customer retention strategy. Using the current economic times, targeting the customer’s that are looking to save pounds, Aldi are using a sales strategy by offering cheaper alternatives which result in retaining the customer overall leading to company profit (Business case studies, 2014) Aldi introduced a marketing campaign in 2011 using the slogan â€Å"Like Brands, Only Cheaper† using straight forward, no nonsense, simple adverts to advertise their own products. The advert using an old fisherman saying â€Å"Well, there you go then: a fine pair of â€Å"Pollock’s† demonstrating Aldi own product against the main product that it’s the same but cheaper. An advert that won most popular TV advert of 2011 featuring a wife talking about her husband’s penchant for a cup of char before declaring: â€Å"I don’t like tea. I like gin†. Aldi Marketing Campaign 2011. Aldi marketing stragety is to encourage customers to purchase their own brands over the more costly options that are on offer. This campaign suggests its working by the profits the Organisation has seen in recent years as discussed within this report. To this date, the same marketing campaign is still being used (The guardian, 2014) Strong Selling Strategy The retail market is competitive environment with companies expanding and growing availability in the United Kingdom (UK) providing customers more choice. As customers have disposable income to spend, supermarkets are always looking to act on customers emotions. One key observation is displaying the discount price along with the original retail price to influence the customer’s decision on making them realize what a fantastic bargain they are receiving. Aldi.co.uk Supermarkets are always looking to take advantage of an area in the market and Aldi are no different. As reported (Guardian, 2014) Aldi are introducing school uniforms taking advantage of other competitors by offering cheaper alternitvate to other supermarkets and offering parents the opportunity to get their childrens clothing for the coming term in September costing less than the cost of a McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets sharebox. The package by Aldi offers four school essentials at a cost of  £4 when other competitors, Sainsbury’s package is costing  £7.33, Tesco  £6.75 and Asda  £7.50. Managing director, Tony Baines was quoted â€Å"The run-up to the new term can be a stressful time for families. As a result, we were keen to offer parents the opportunity to stock up on superior school uniforms and accessories ahead of the new term with breaking the bank† (Guardian, 2014). As a result of Aldi decision to introduce clothing into the mix, this may see a new price war with other supermarkets trying to compete against Aldi, it still to be seen how this will impact on the other supermarkets and how they will react to the new offering by Aldi. Aldi.co.uk CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Aldi consider the â€Å"Just in Time† (JIT) approach to store management by holding the required stock that the store only requires. As stock is costly with Aldi purchasing stock when required, when stocks are reduced, the companies’ capital improves, allowing Aldi to purchase more stock when required (Jobber, et al, 2006) Aldi.co.uk As Aldi core purpose is to â€Å"provide value and quality to customers† working efficiently and reducing costs allows reinvesting profits back into the organisation. Lean thinking and continuous improvement is fundamental to meet its business goals for growth allowing new properties, suppliers and more savings for customers and offering benefits to employees. An example of Aldi success, a planning application for 46,200 sq. m regional  distribution in Wales has been submitted, according to (IGD, 2014) As Aldi demonstrate continued growth in the UK as the organisation attracts more shoppers that wish to save money on their shop. Aldi have revealed further plans to increase their stores to a minimum of 1,000 stores by the end of 2021 (IGD, 2014). The established German company will support further investment in the UK with 60 new stores to open by 2015, while existing shops will benefit from major refurbishment. On the other side of the bridge, Tesco’s CEO, Philip Clarke became replaceable after 40 years at the supermarket by the head of Unilever’s personal care business Dave Lewis. The news came after Philip Clarke failed to produce the results, the company was looking for after a decline in sales and profit alongside a renewed profit warning (Guardian, 2014). Aldi have taken a percentage of the market, which has impacted on others within, with Tesco and Morrison’s having to invest Millions into the price war to try and stay competitive (Mail online, 2014). As Morrison’s and Tesco have recently issued profit warnings, it suggests that Aldi are winning the price war and making others take notice. CONCLUSION Aldi determined the market using the STP (Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning) process. Using this method identifies what type of market Aldi are targeting. Aldi demonstrated using the four P’s, product, promotion, price and place to take advantage of competition and gain more customers. The change in economy has seen a change in customer spending with behaviour changing by searching for alternative and main brands at a cheaper value. It’s worth noting that other supermarkets are feeling the pressure from Aldi and to sustain such a market position and complete with Aldi, it’s worth consideration the reduction of products to match Aldi which was highlighted by Morrison’s chief executive Dalton Philip. Aldi are fulfilling its potential by taking advantage of the market by working efficiently which allows to keep cost at a minimum and enable the company to expand within the UK. The companies campaigns â€Å"Like Brands, Only  Cheaper† have increased the presence of the company’s profile, with continued relationship building with its customers through a number a channels, creating loyal customers. Morrison’s have found it difficult to maintain their position within the market, feeling pressure from Aldi and resulted in a â€Å"profit warning† being issued. It’s therefore clear that Morrison’s have taken the eye of the customer and market, which has shown customer decline and profits dropping due to lack of promotions and low costing products. Unless Morrison’s change their way of thinking, a change in the competition may come in the near future for them. Whether they are able to survive remains to be seen while Aldi continue to be competitive. BIBLOGRAPHY aldi.co.uk. (2014). aldi.co.uk. Retrieved June 16, 2014, from https://www.aldi.co.uk/ Dibb et al (2012). Marketing Concepts Strategies. 6th ed. Hampshire: Cengage Learning EMEA. Emerald Group Publishing Limited , 2014. Emerald insight.[Online] Available at: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=870441 [Accessed 3 June 2014]. Hooley, G (2012). Marketing strategy competitive positioning. 5th ed. London: Financial Times Prentice Hall Mintel Group Ltd, 2014. Mintel. [Online] Available at: http://academic.mintel.com/display/638369/ [Accessed 4 June 2014]. Sky News, 2012. Sky News. [Online] Available at: http://news.sky.com/story/991623/discount-chain-aldi-profits-soar-200-percent [Accessed 3 june 2014]. BBC, 2013. BBC Business News. [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24059641 [Accessed 2 June 2014]. Rankin, J., 2013. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/mar/08/morrisons-online-grocery-shopping [Accessed 2 July 2014]. Lescher (1995). Online Market Research. Canada: Addison-Wesley. 4. IGD, 2014, IGD. [Online] Available at http://www.igd.com/our-expertise/Retail/retail-outlook/3371/UK-Grocery-Retailing/ [Accessed 7 July 2014] Business case studies, 2014. Business case studies [Online] Available at: http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/aldi/creating-value-through-the-marketing-mix/introduction.html#axzz39B1JV1tj [Accessed 12 July 2014]. Smithers, R., 2014. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jul/16/cheap-school-uniform-discount-wars-aldi-mumsnet [Accessed 18 July 2014] Wearden, G.,2014. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jun/23/morrisons-cut-price-135-items [Accessed 19 July 2014] Plunkett, J,. 2011. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/dec/28/gin-loving-pensioner-top-tv-ad-2011 [Accessed 19 July 2014] Rankin, J,. 2014. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jul/21/tesco-boss-philip-clarke-quits-profits-warning [Accessed 23 July 2014] Steiner, R,.2014. This is money [Online] Available at: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-2692087/CITY-FOCUS-How-big-grocers-tough-time-Mail-mans-exclusive-look-Aldi-UK.html [Accessed 19 July

Place of Business I would like to work upon graduation Essay Example for Free

Place of Business I would like to work upon graduation Essay The contemporary state of affairs in relation to the crisis facing the pharmacy and hospital in general is both compelling and confounding. The decisions based on the recruitment hiring, retention and staffing makes the crisis very compelling as they are usually given the first priority for a majority of managers in the pharmacy departments in hospitals. Similarly the problem is confounding as a majority of the pharmacy departments appear to be facing a worsening situation for these crises and there is no tangible solution and at times the least elusive and frustrating for the people involved.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many hospitals have increased salaries for their pharmacists to be in line with the market demand, but the problem gets more complex when the managers find out that the profit drug stores chains have double or at least increased their salaries and wages for the qualified pharmacists at a faster rate than theirs. The profession has tried to create an increasing demand for its expertise; but apparently the limited number of pharmacists characterizing the low staffing in the hospitals seems to be undermining these efforts. The safety initiatives on the part of medication have enhanced the demand for the pharmacists. (Diane A, 2001)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the most glaring statements that are normally made by most medical staff is that they need pharmacists doing the rounds like physicians, nurses in order to monitor and at the same time improve medication quality in the hospitals. Often, the question asked by most people is why the lack of pharmacists if patients, nurses, physicians are already present. If all these medical staff are able to be present everyday and doing the rounds why then can’t pharmacists also be there every day. By restructuring what the pharmacists and hospitals do and how they do them then the response to the patient health care can it be greatly possible to achieve this.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The curriculum provided for by the all pharm D has effectively reduce the supply of pharmacists in the recent past in spite of the increased number of new colleges offering pharmacy as a course. Thus the agony facing most hospital managers has been that of who will be around during the night shifts like other medical practitioners and at other odd times other than the weekdays. For a majority of pharmacy departments, technology which has seen the advent of automation has contributed very little to alleviate these problems. Most of the hospitals including those with the state- of- the art physician order entry systems have equally been faced with the situation of having to look for pharmacists to enter the orders of medication in the pharmacy records. Even though there have been attempts to address this issue with some technicians assuming the role of pharmacist and other duties that they do perform; the demand for pharmacists has by far outdone the place with which the technicians do get assimilated in to the system. In addition, the rate as well as the number with which new drugs are being approved by FDA, together with the complexity of application of the said drugs, has compounded the problems facing the institutions and the practice.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are not so many pharmacists who can effectively command a great sense of knowledge on the entire inventory of drugs found in this institution’s formularies. The effect brought about by this is that of pharmacists having the desire and ready to specialize which complicates the problem of recruitment of qualified personnel even further. Ideally these are the issues that Norfow hospital and many other hospital institutions have to grapple with. (Frederick J. 2002)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The increasing number in new colleges of pharmacy will not solve the staffing problem in the short term. What this step is brand to offer little or no solution in the short term. The solution that is offered by such a measure is only in the long- term at some intermediate point and as such has to be factored within context of financial constraints. With this various questions like, can the existing colleges find the appropriate faculty as well as clinical rotations so as to expand class sizes in a significant proportion. Is it possible for organized pharmacy to have a union that is able to speak in one voice when faced with the issue of different constituencies that are within the profession having various needs as well as incentives. The glaring dichotomy that exists between the health care system and chair during store pharmacy practice has often made it very difficult to offer training to pharmacists to become generalists in the profession with the ability to successfully practice in these two direct working environment. Thus when the shift plus is shifted to other profession to offer guidance or direction might not be much of a better solution. (Frederick J. 2002)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most pharmacists often wonder whether the shrinking gap that exists between the wages and salaries of physicians and pharmacists makes the prospect of pursuing pharmacy practice. The pharmacy department may face staffing problems where acute shortages of staff may affect the way prescriptions are handled .Staff in the pharmacy department are needed to handle the screening, packaging , keying in and dispensing to patients. Patients tend to take longer periods of time waiting to be served due to the low or inadequate staffing levels. Staff shortages create room for other complex problems like inefficient record management which could lead to inadequate drug supply control. At times drugs could run out of stock causing inconveniences to patients. Appropriate measures like adequate staffing management would ensure effective record management and replenishment or reorder levels could be done to ensure that drugs do not run completely out of stock. This will be a step forward to ensure patient satisfaction levels are higher. This would translate to more trust on the pharmacy department as well as on the entire hospital at large. Less staffing would make pharmacists to be overworked as they would be extremely busy. This would see them fatigued. Staffing problems in hospitals occurs in the technical department. Limited numbers of qualified pharmacists may be due to lesser people pursuing pharmacy. Again others claim that the remuneration in hospitals is poor and hence shy off venturing into it. Retaining the staff already working is a difficult task but it is very critical and pharmacy managers should be keen to consider it. (http://www.careerpharm.com/employer/resources/Parker.pdf)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     High turnover rates in pharmacy could be attributed to increased workload as well as stress associated with pharmacy. Hospitals ought to recruit more staff both technicians and support staff to reduce the workload pharmacists have.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Turns over rates are influenced by the working environment, training, stress and skill mix. Managers should ensure that the working environment is conducive for the pharmacists as well as their support staff. Roles should be clearly defined so that each staff understands their duties and responsibilities. Conflicting roles would work to demoralize the employees who may seek other opportunities. Clearly defined duties work to enhance the efficiency of any organization and pharmacy managers should ensure role clarity and well defined responsibilities. Effective training works to increase employees and consequently their retention will be attained .The pharmacy department should be well structured and it should allow for progression of pharmacists by effective training. The hospital should allow for professional growth if its goals are to be achieved. This is because employees seek to stick to jobs that offer them professional growth. Training could be done through research opportunities and through conference attendance where people learn of new experiences from experts. Encouraging continued professional development for instance by offering loans to those interested in furthering their studies would work as an incentive to work. It would increase motivation of the staff members and consequently their retention. Provision of an effective or appropriate technical and administrative support would reduce the work load that pharmacists have. Managers ought to be very cautious to hire multi skilled technicians who can multitask thus saving time for the pharmacists. (Cooke M and Pharm M, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Utilizing locum pharmacists is also an appropriate measure in solving the workload problem. Locum pharmacists who are mostly from abroad can be utilized. They offer appropriate services as they have the appropriate training. Quality of work done is therefore not jeopardized. The hospital can utilize part time workers who can be sought during when need arises for instance when absenteeism occurs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Efficiency can be improved and workload deceased if positive changes are incorporated. Effective labeling of drugs would save time taken searching for them. To retain the staff in pharmacy one can use the joint approach method whereby hospitals can embrace staff working in other areas for instance in the community or with the general practitioner GP. Care should however be taken to ensure that the timing does not clash and that they still retain their roles. Their hiring should not staff adversely affect the links between the hospital and the outside community. Pharmacy managers should ensure that the system allows staff to move upwards as long as they acquire the appropriate skill. As long as they acquire the appropriate skills pharmacists should rise up the social ladder and their salaries should increase with time. Encouraging staff members to advance their skill acquisition would work to benefit both the staff and the hospital at large. Pharmacists and other support staff should not be paid below what the market dictates as that would act as a disincentive for them to work. It would only lead to increased job turn over rates.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Inadequate staffing means that the prescription levels are high and patient have to delay before being served. Adopting appropriate technology and re-engineering the administrative procedures would work to increase effectiveness and efficiency in pharmacies. (http://www.careerpharm.com/employer/resources/Parker.pdf)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Pharmacy educators have a role to play in ensuring that the declining numbers of enrollments are stopped. People opt for other careers due to the workload and decreased job satisfaction perceived to be associated with pharmacy. Increased educational time period to acquire pharmacy licensing has also decreased the number of enrollments in pharmacy. It discourages potential pharmacists who opt for other careers which can be pursued at shorter durations or periods.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Staff shortages precipitate temporary cutbacks in the operational hours of pharmacies. Better technology would result to automation which can reduce the workload on the existing staff thus reducing their turnover. Attractive packages like good salaries and other benefits like offering a company car would work to attract new staff. New and improved workflow enhancements can make the processing of prescription very efficient. Use of administrative software s like TechRX and Script Pro can help in increasing the efficiency in pharmacies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Additional training on technicians would equip them with appropriate skills to handle questions from patients, administering claims as well as checking for errors. Introduction of more education, training and competency exams would work to increase the quality and quantity of work produced by technicians. The move to encourage pharmacy students by offering financial aid to students and schools of pharmacy also works to increase the number of qualified staff in pharmacy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Retaining good pharmacists will entail recruiting the appropriate person, offering satisfactory work, creating an empowered environment that focuses on development excellence as well as being involved in professional organization. Hiring pharmacists should be after effective consideration whether a hospital is willing and capable to invest in training a recent graduate or is looking for one with a wealth of experience. Satisfactory work optimizes the workers satisfaction levels and consequently their motivation and retention. Developmental excellence is about ensuring sustainable and continuous quality improvement through training. (Brannick J. and Harris J, 1999).   Internal pathway to for growth entails enrollment of pharmacists to degree programs as well as technician enrollment in pharmacy schools. Encouraging staff members to be active in professional organizations where they can gain collective benefits acts as an incentive for them. Pharmacy staff can be encouraged to participate in pharmacy school activities where they can act as mentors to the student. Such a move may increase the pharmacists’ retention as it could increase their job satisfaction levels. (Cooke M and Pharm M, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Retired pharmacists can return to their jobs to cover for the junior staff who seeks advancement in pharmacy practice. Hospitals ought to be willing to accommodate such staff. Both parties would benefit from such an arrangement. The hospital would gain from the experience and skills as the retired staff gets a chance to earn extra income without the pressure of working on full time basis. Since such staffs are very experienced they can be consulted for advice by the inexperienced staff. Again they help in reducing the workload that is brought about by reduced staff and increased patients seeking to be served. With staff shortages hospital pharmacies are unable to handle or meet the demands posed by patients. The staff shortages are caused by some staff seeking jobs in other places offering better packages, those on maternity leave or those opting for locum which is not as demanding as full time pharmacy practice. This is worsened by reduced numbers of pharmacy graduates.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Placing the staff in positions that they are most appropriate based on their experience; interests as well as their training would ensure that staff retention is realized as they are motivated. Incentives like occasional paid for trips, movie tickets or dinners can work as incentives for employees and would work to increase their motivation. Good communication is very vital as the staff members can effectively air their views or grievances and the hospital management can respond effectively. The overall effect of this would be increased satisfaction levels and the staff turnover would be minimal. (Cooke M and Pharm M, 2000). References: Cooke M and Pharm M. 2000. What pharmacy managers can do to retain staff. Hospital Pharmacist. Vol 7. No 1 p2. James Frederick. 2002. Staff shortage acute and still growing. Pharmacist Shortage, pharmacies, statistics Drug Store News. Patrick E. Parker, M.S.P.2002. Recruiting and Retaining Staff: A Midsize Hospital Experience. Retrieved on 28th November 2007 from: http://www.careerpharm.com/employer/resources/Parker.pdf Arthur Diane. 2001. The employee recruitment and retention handbook. Amacom Books. Brannick J. and Harris J. 1999. Finding and Keeping Great Employees. Amacom Forrest

Marginal and Absorption Costing for Financial Statements

Marginal and Absorption Costing for Financial Statements This paper aims at looking at how income statements are prepared using marginal and absorption costing. The absorption costing method charges all direct costs to the product costs as well as a share of indirect costs. The indirect costs are charged to products using a single overhead absorption rate which is calculated by dividing the total cost centre overhead to the total volume of budgeted production. (ACCA, 2006; Drury, 2006; Blocker et al., 2005). On the other hand under marginal costing, only variable costs are charged to cost units. Fixed costs are written off the profit and loss account as period costs. (Drury, 2006; Blocker et al., 2005). Sections a) and b) below show the marginal and absorption costing income statements respectively for H Ltd that manufactures and sells a single product during the years ending 2006 and 2007. It is assumed that the company uses the first-in-first-out (FIFO) method for valuing inventories. In addition it is assumed that the company employs a single overhead absorption rate each year based on budgeted units and actual units exactly equalled budgeted units for both years. Workings are shown the attached excel file. Marginal Costing Absorption costing. Reconciliation of net income under absorption and Marginal Costing. Under marginal costing inventory of finished goods as well as work in progress is valued at variable costs only. On the contrary, absorption costing values stocks of inventory of finished goods and work in progress at both variable costs and an absorbed amount for fixed production overheads. (ACCA, 2006; Lucy, 2002). In the case of H Ltd, under marginal costing, only variable costs are included in the ending inventory figure. This results in a profit figure of  £400,000. On the other hand absorption costing includes additional  £200,000 as fixed overhead in the ending inventory for 2006. As a result absorption operating profit is overstated by  £200,000 in 2006. In like manner, the absorption profit under absorption costing is overstated by  £140,000 due to an inclusion of  £140,000 of fixed overhead cost in the ending inventory figure for 2007. To reconcile the profit under absorption costing and marginal costing, we may either subtract the fixed overhead included in endin g inventory from the absorption cost operating profit to arrive at the marginal cost operating profit or add the fixed overhead costs in ending inventory to the marginal cost operating profit to arrive at the absorption cost operating profit. Stock Build-ups Stock build-ups may result from using absorption costing for performance measurement purposes because inventory is valued at both fixed and variable costs. Firstly, profit is overstated. In fact absorption costing enables income manipulation because when inventory increases fixed costs in the current year can be deferred to latter years and as such current net income is overstated which in effect results in financial statements that do not present fairly and as such affect users’ decisions on the financial statements. Secondly, maintaining high levels of inventory may result in obsolescence and as such declines in future profitability resulting from the loss in value of the inventory. (Blocher et al., 2005; Storey, 2002). Advantages of Absorption Costing and Marginal Costing According to ACCA (2006) the following arguments have been advanced for using absorption costing: It is necessary to include fixed overhead in stock values for financial statements. This is because routine cost accounting using absorption costing produces stock values which include a share of fixed overhead. Based on this argument, financial statements prepared using absorption costing present a true and faithful representation of the actual results of operation of the company. For a small jobbing business, overhead allotment is the only practicable way of obtaining job costs for estimating and profit analysis. Analysis of under/over-absorbed overhead is useful to identify inefficient utilisation of production resources. ACCA (2006) also identifies a number of arguments in favour of marginal costing. Preparation of routine cost accounting statements using marginal costing is considered more informative to management for the following reasons: Contribution per unit represents a direct measure of how profit and volume relate. Profit per unit is a misleading figure. Build-up or run-down of stocks of finished goods will distort comparison of operating profit statements. In the case of closing inventory, the inventory is valued only at the variable cost per unit. This makes the profit under a situation where there is closing inventory to be the same as the case when there is no closing inventory thereby enabling the comparison of operating profit statements over time. Unlike under absorption costing, marginal costing avoids the arbitrary apportionment of fixed costs, which in turn result in misleading product cost comparisons. Bibliography ACCA (2006). Paper 2.4 Financial Management and Control: Study Text 2006/2007. www.kaplanfoulslynch.com Blocher, E., Chen, K., Cokins, G., Lin, T. (2005). Cost Management A Strategic Emphasis. 3rd Edition McGraw Hill. Drury, C. (2004). Management and Cost Accounting. 6th Edition. Thomson Learning, London. Lucy, T (2002), Costing, 6th ed., Continuum. Storey, P (2002), Introduction to Cost and Management Accounting, Palgrave Macmillan

science fiction and fantasy :: essays research papers

The question is whether it is possible to distinguish between fantasy and true science fiction. I am reminded of the analogy, attributable I believe, to Theodore Sturgeon, of the elf ascending vertically the side of a brick wall. In a science fiction story the knees of the elf would be bent, his center of gravity thrown forward, his stocking cap hanging down his neck, with his feet quite possibly equipped with some form of suction cups. In a fantasy, on the other hand, the elf would simply stride up the wall in a normal walking posture, with his stocking cap standing straight out from his brow. What is the difference between these scenarios? The typical answer is that the science fiction story must play by the implicit rules of the universe; in this instance, gravitation. Fantasy, however, need not "tip its hat" to the Law of Universal Gravitation the story can bend the rules in which gives it the fantasy genre. But what if, for some specified reason, in the local vicinity of the elf on the wall, the vector of gravitational force just happens to be perpendicular to the side of the wall rather than parallel to it? In this case the behavior of the elf in the fantasy would be in perfect accord with physical law. One might then say that the fantasy is actually science fiction since we have posited a "scientific" explanation for the behavior of the elf. Both science fiction and mainstream fiction explore the political and social implications of religion. The chief difference is one of setting. Science fiction considers what religion may become under vastly altered circumstances. Leigh Brackett The Long Tomorrow (1955) suggests the possibility that one religion might better prepare its followers for post-holocaust existence than others do. Kate Wilhelm Let the Fire Fall (1969) takes place in a future United States swept by millennial fanaticism. Frank Herbert Dune stories examine in some depth the effects of political rule by characters that are regarded as divine (Martin 1981). Certainly this is not a complete list of the ways science fiction writers treat the theme of religion. But it is suggestive of a much deeper and wider interest in the theme than many has been willing to recognize. So far, literary criticism has not adequately dealt with this fact. In light of the cultural influences already mentioned, these essays, by and large, take a generally Christian and theological approach to the topic.

An Analysis of the Market Structure of the Tourist Parking Lots in Noga

An Analysis of the Market Structure of the Tourist Parking Lots in Nogales, Arizona Introduction This paper focuses on the market for daily parking in a one mile radius of the Nogales, Arizona/Nogales, Mexico border. Traveling to a foreign country often requires numerous preparations, and months of planning; paying and waiting for a passport, booking a hotel, and airfare. Yet for the average United States citizen, the proximity to Mexico provides a convenient and cost-effective opportunity for international travel by car. According to the World Tourism Organization, some 11.7 million tourists traveled by road to visit Mexico in 2004. While this number cannot be attributed to United States citizens in its entirety, approximately 94% of total tourism in Mexico is comprised of United States citizens (World Tourism Organization). Out of this number, approximately 72,139 tourists were considered â€Å"day visitors†. It is this high popularity of traveling to Mexico by car coupled with United States’ policy (to be discussed in detail) that has led to the construction of the border parking lots. Background During the 1970s the Nixon administration began an anti-drug campaign that came to be known as the "war on drug abuse" era. The crackdown of the importation of illegal substances into the United States gave birth to the creation of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA enabled more efficient searches to take place especially along the border of Mexico and the United States. It was during this time that the Canine Enforcement Training Center was established in Washington D.C. (U.S. Customs Today) and the use of the canine came into play as officers came to rely on skilled dogs and their handlers to detect ... ...quirements and Beefed-Up Border.† 1 May 2005. . Keel, Robert. â€Å"Schaffer Library of Drug Policy.† . Mintz, John. â€Å"U.S. Will Tighten Passport Rules.† 6 April 2005 . â€Å"New Passport Initiative Announced To Better Secure America’s Borders.† 5 April 2005. . â€Å"Press Release: Western Hemisphere Initiative Formally Submitted for Public Comment† . â€Å"U.S. Customs Today.† February 2003. . â€Å"World Trade Organization- Mexico Tourism Indicators.† .

The Challange of Non-theme Writing :: Teaching Writing Education Essays

The Challange of Non-theme Writing "Practice makes perfect". Those are words to remember when attempting to do something new, something beyond your normal routine whether it be playing a sport, singing a song, or even writing in a different form. This thought occurred to me by accident as I grew frustrated with myself for not figuring out what would or would not be acceptable for this writing assignment. I put some music on to clear my head and perhaps stimulate a small portion of my brain that wasn't pulling its fair share in considering how to put this assignment together, and the third song I heard happened to be a song that a friend and I attempted to perform one year at a high school talent show. The song took me back to that performance. I was almost sorry it did until the words "practice makes perfect" suddenly appeared in my mind. Of course, at the time, I was thinking how things could have been different with that performance, but the thought remained in my head long enough to toy with the idea a little. I w as able to put this paper together after I remembered Laib's quote: "an essay is a performance or process, not a display." I'm still not positive how to apply it, but it has me thinking, and that's the first step. Just to set the record straight, the "practice makes perfect" was not directed at my guitar playing during the song, honestly, but rather at my friend's singing, which did enough damage for the both of us. When my friend Leo and I decided to perform, I started having visions of the wild cheering and applause we'd receive when we finished. Yes, I had great expectations, and I wasn't stupid enough to think that I wouldn't have to work for that applause either. I practiced night and day, or at least as much as I could between school, work, and homework. When the night of the show arrived, I knew I hadn't perfected the song, but I was more than competent playing it and was confident I wouldn't have any trouble performing it. Unfortunately, conflicting schedules had prevented Leo and me from practicing together more than a couple times right after we signed up for the show. I wasn't worried though because he'd assured me that he'd been practicing on his own too.