Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Why True Innovators Must Behave Like Entrepreneurs

According to the author, personal entrepreneurship is the ability of a person to trade in goods and services for the purposes of creating wealth for the individual, while personal innovation is the ability to generate new ideas for the purpose of creating new or improved products or services.The author further argued that organizational entrepreneurship is the knack of the registered business to exchange its goods and services for the purpose of generating profits, while organizational innovation is the knack of a registered many to come up with new products and services for improved delivery of products and services to its customers. The two complement each other and can never be separated if the business is to thrive as well as remaining competitively advantage.You can have business ideas but if you cannot improve on them sooner or later you will find yourselves beaten down and out of business while it is good to have new and brilliant ideas but if you cannot trade them then you ar e also out of business. In his research Hunter. (2012) argued that the concept of â€Å"locus of control† has some level of influence with people who are entrepreneurs in that, people with the internal locus of control will take charge and believe they can turn around the environment while people with external locus of control don't take charge and believe they do not have the ability to turn around the environment around them.Hunter. (2012) further argued that entrepreneurs belong to the group of people with internal locus of control. According to the study done by the Harvard business review titled â€Å"Can startups help turn the tide? † When times are very difficult with very few jobs, people are forced to become innovative and entrepreneurs. The article revealed that successful businesses such as IBM, Disney and Microsoft where birthed during world economic meltdown. It was during these hard times when entrepreneurs and innovators like Bill Gates took up the chall enge to start up their businesses.Implications of the Relationship for Individuals and Organizations From the Leadership perspective the author' evaluation of his leadership style and capabilities showed that he is able to provide direction for his team effectively of which an entrepreneur or somebody leading a business requires in order o take the organization forward. The author's score on â€Å"fostering teamwork† was low an indication which poses danger to the business because entrepreneurship and innovation flourish so much on the efforts which are generated by teams.This means that the author will not be able to embrace and nurture the input and innovative ideas which will come from the team members hence affecting the organization at large. According to the top boss for Amazon. Com Bozos, there is a strong link between individuals and the growth of their organizations in that the success is dependent on the big stakes the employees make which is the driver to overcome the hurdles (Dyer. , Greenest. , & Christensen 2009).The author's leadership assessment score on â€Å"Acting with Integrity† was impressive. Impact on Personal Approach to Risk Taking According to marketing week article entitled â€Å"Why true innovators must behave like entrepreneurs Having a belief in your ability to make a difference is a crucial step towards leaving an indelible mark on your business†. The author' score under â€Å"leading courageously' was fairly good an indication which demonstrate that he is capable of making tough decisions even when times are hard in business.An entrepreneur must be ready to take a risk by embracing innovative ideas and be ready to take on new products in the face of competition on the market. In their study Dyer. , Greenest. , & Christensen. (2009) discovered that great innovators of our time Apple's Steve Jobs, Amazon's Jeff Bozo and Keep expounder Nikolas Sonnets ¶m are enthusiastically willing to make a difference from the way things and frequently â€Å"take risks† to create change.Further the results under â€Å"championing change† was also not good enough meaning that the author has an element of resistance to change which is a recipe for failure in cuisines because an entrepreneur must be ready to embrace and deal with changes on the market due to innovation which brings about new and sophisticated products on the market thereby threatening the existence of the business if the business leader is unable to champion the change. Reflection of Personal Strength on Relationship between Innovation and Entrepreneurship Dyer, Greenest, & Christensen. 2009) argued that â€Å"Innovators rely on their courage to innovate, an active bias against the status quo and an unflinching willingness to take risks to transform ideas into rueful impact†. It was interesting enough to see the author's high score in â€Å"coaching and developing people† a personal strength which builds rela tionships and an ingredient which fosters trust and growth in business because when you invest in people, they become engaged in innovation and entrepreneurship as well as identifying themselves with the organization.According to Core, & Chokes. (2012) fear has been the major reason why many people have not been able to demonstrate their inner strengths because they feel it is not possible for them to succeed. The author argues hat fear has direct influence on the personal strength in relation to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Homosexuality in School Essay

Of the many emotions a gay man or woman feel, perhaps the most powerful pervasive is fear. The fear of being found out ir real enough, but the worry does not end there. There are the fears of being bullied by your peers, being make fun of and even been killed. For a lesbian and gay teenager, who lack experience and life skills to cope with them, such fears can be overwhelming. Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth face many problems as they realize they are homosexual. And they have to face all this problems at school where many teenagers are judgmental. Many of these teens cant handle the bullying and abused so they turned to homeschooling, running away from home and even suicide. It is unacceptable for young gay men and lesbians to experience levels of prejudice and discrimination that mar their developing years and their school experiences. They, just as much as anyone, should be able to look back warmly on their school days, without rembering bully, name calling, and exclusion. It is common for young people to use words associated with homosexuality as insults or, more generally, as negative adjectives. The prejudice can cause great distress for gay or lesbian pupils, who, gradually becoming aware of their sexuality, come to realize that they are a member of a despised group. This can affect self-stem badly and be a very upsetting time. As they grow older, gay pupils are faced with they very difficult decision of whether to come out and be openly gay at school, or whether to try to hide their sexual identity form their peers. Many homosexual teenager don’t know how to deal with this problems, so they often recurred to drugs in search for some outlet. Many start developing mental problems like depression and anxiety. Because fo the prejudice and the bullying in school that homosexual teens received they don’t get help, they don’t want to tell their teachers as they are afraid they will judge them. By not getting help many of them feel they don’t have another option than ending their life. According to pflagphoenix.org over 30% of all reported teen suicides each year are committed by gay and lesbian youth. Various sexual health issues, specifically HIV, for young gay men are disproportionally affect the lack of information there. They need to receive the information that eill enable them to identify risks, and to take action to protect themselves before they reach an age when they will become sexually active. An education system that falls in this regard is one that puts live at risk. Schools do not always do enough to address these problems, and in some cases, can even add to them. All too often, even if sexual health education does exist, it doesn’t even mention gay people. According to statistics by yotuhprideri.org a website made to inform about the problems that young homosexual faced. According to them 84% of homosexual students report being verbally harassed (name calling, threats, etc.) because of their sexual orientation. And 80% of gay and bisexual youth report severe problems with cognitive, social or emotional isolation. What is needed to help improve their situation? The school system exists to educate and prepare young people for place in adult society. If foes not provide gay pupils with the information they need to have safe sexual relationship, and allows other pupils to leave school with prejudice and a lack of understanding of gay issues, then the school system has failed some education providers have taken s steps to ensure young people receive sexual health education that contains a component for gay pupils. There are also an increasing number of schools that have specific policies for tackling homophobic bullying and discrimination. In such an environment, gay and lesbian teachers are more able to come out to students and staff, acting as vital role models for young people There are still problem for homosexual students in school, but we have to look at the things that are changing. For example media is becoming more aware and open to the problem and represented homosexuality in teenagers as a good thing. In many of the big cities they are being more opened to homosexuality, many school are even bringing more information about sexuality. More school are hiring homosexual teachers to show there more open minded state. These are small steps to achieve more freedom for homosexual teenagers in school and in society, but still remember that they are many who are suffering and we can not stop until this problem is ended.

Succubus Revealed Chapter 22

Flying from Seattle to San Francisco is easy, easier even than going to Las Vegas. It takes less than two hours, and tons of flights run each day. The whole trip should've been simple. I mean, there were days when I'd spent more time in traffic just trying to get from downtown Seattle to the suburbs. But I'd never flown on an airplane as a mortal. I was still determined to get to Seth, so there was no question that I was going to make this flight – only a lot of fear. I sat on the plane, waiting for takeoff, noticing things I'd never paid much attention to before. Were the engines usually that loud? Was that fuel I smelled? Was that a crack in the window, and if so, would the whole thing hold when we were airborne? I'd never done much more than politely watch the flight attendants' safety demo, but this time, I hung on to every detail. I had a lot on the line now – like, my life. An immortal could survive a plane crash. It wouldn't be pretty, but it was possible. Now? Now I faced all the risks the rest of the human world did. My fears were unfounded, of course. The flight was smooth and easy, just as fast as I'd expected. Flying really was the safest form of travel. That hadn't changed. Only my perceptions of the world had. I made the trip white-knuckled and breathed a deep sigh of relief when the plane landed. By the time I'd rented a car and was settled into my hotel room, I still had a couple hours before Seth's signing. My hotel was only a couple of blocks from his store – I'd planned it that way – and there was little for me to do except wait. Wait and obsess. A lot of that time was spent agonizing over my appearance. Even when I could shape-shift, I'd always prided myself on my ability to do my own styling. Of course, when Jerome had been summoned and I'd lost my succubus powers briefly, I'd discovered that I really wasn't quite as adept as I'd believed. I'd been cheating without realizing it all along, making small corrections with my powers. Stripped of them, I'd found all the little details I'd missed with blending eye shadow, straightening my hair, and myriad other grooming tasks. Now was no different. I would never have that guaranteed perfection again. There would always be flaws in my appearance. I was going to start aging. How long until that set in? Staring at myself in the hotel bathroom's mirror, I searched out all the little things I thought could be improved upon and then tried to fix them. When I was finished, I was so frustrated that I didn't know if I'd come close to my previous perfection or not. The only thing I was fairly certain of was that it probably didn't matter. Seth's decision to forgive me wasn't going to have anything to do with how my bangs fell or if my makeup brought out the gold flecks in my green eyes. I showed up ten minutes before Seth's event started, thought it was obvious people had been arriving for some time. A bit of nostalgia for Emerald City hit me as I gazed around and took in the efficient bookstore staff as they worked to accommodate the crowd. A podium had been set up in front of a large seating area, though no chairs were left empty. Staff shifted what furniture they could to improve the view for those of us who were standing, and I had to stop myself from offering to help. I ended up purposely staying near the back of the standing crowd. I could still see the podium and hoped my spot would keep me semiobscured. All around me, excited readers clutched copies of Seth's books, some even carrying huge stacks. Their excitement was electric, and I found myself getting caught up in it when Seth finally emerged to thunderous applause. My heart leaped. How long had it been since we'd last spoken? A week? It felt like an eternity, maybe because I'd pretty much lived one in the trial. He was wearing a Brady Bunch T-shirt, and though it looked like he'd brushed his hair, I could already see parts of it starting to go unruly in that way it had. He didn't appear to have shaved in a couple days, but the scruff looked adorable and added to his carefree writer appearance. I felt a smile spreading on my face as I watched him and was reminded of the first time we'd met, when he'd come to Emerald City for a signing and I hadn't recognized him. â€Å"Hey, everybody,† he said into the microphone, once the applause had quieted. â€Å"Thanks for coming out tonight.† Thinking about that first meeting with him also made me realize how much he had changed in the last year and a half. He would never be entirely comfortable in front of a crowd like this – especially since they kept getting bigger – but he was certainly more at ease than that first meeting. He grinned at their enthusiasm and made eye contact where he could, something he'd had trouble with in the past. There was confidence even in the way he stood and spoke. It made me love him that much more, something I hadn't believed possible. Sometimes he would open by reading aloud from the new book, but this time, he jumped straight into questions. Hands went up everywhere, and I found myself ducking against a shelf as he scanned the audience and called on people. I wasn't quite ready for discovery yet. I just wanted to watch him and drink him in. I was amused that the very first question he was asked was, â€Å"Where do you get your ideas from?† That had been a joke between us, at that first meeting, because it was one of the most common questions he received. I'd commented, back then, that it must get tedious answering the same things, and Seth had told me no. He'd said that the question was always new for the person asking and that he treated it as such. It didn't matter how many times it came up. He took joy in their excitement for the books. More questions came, both broad and specific, and Seth answered them all with friendliness and good humor that his fans loved. A lot of people especially wanted to know about the next book, the last book in his Cady and O'Neill series. My heart grew and grew the more I watched him, and I felt like I was getting away with something by being able to observe him without his knowledge. Our last few encounters hadn't exactly been friendly, and it was a balm to me to observe all the warmth and kindness that had made me fall in love with him. It went by too quickly. I was so caught up in watching and listening to him that I was barely aware of the time flying by. It wasn't until I picked up on the subtle movements of the staff that it hit me that this portion of the event was about to wrap up. They would go into signing soon, and the crowd around me would become a massive line that would take hours to get through. Then what? I was suddenly at a loss. Why had I come here? To see Seth . . . and then? I wasn't sure what. I hadn't had much of a plan, short of the preparations needed to get here. Somehow, I had been thinking that would be enough, but of course it wouldn't be. If I wanted to do something, I had to do it now, before this turned into the machine of signing. My hand went up, and inexplicably, Seth's eyes went instantly to me. I don't know how it happened. Like me, others had realized their chance to ask questions was running out, and eager hands were up everywhere, some waving eagerly in the hopes that they might draw his attention. How I – standing in the back and shorter than most of those around me – pulled it off was a mystery. Maybe it was like the time Erik had used Seth to rescue me from the Oneroi. Maybe after everything that had happened, we were still bound. Seth's eyes widened when he realized it was me, but his hand was already pointing in my direction, giving me permission to speak. He faltered only a little. â€Å"Y-yes?† I felt like the eyes of the world were on me. The eyes of the universe, even. So much rested on the next words out of my mouth. â€Å"Are Cady and O'Neill ever going to get together?† I don't know where it came from. When Seth and I had first met, this was the other common question he and I had discussed, and I had mocked it as well. Surprisingly, no one had asked it tonight, but judging from the intense way everyone turned to Seth, you could tell it was on a lot of people's minds. Those amber brown eyes weighed me heavily, and then he answered my question with a question. â€Å"Do you think they should?† â€Å"Well,† I said, â€Å"they've been through an awful lot together. And if there's only one book left, it kind of seems like they're running out of time.† The ghost of a smile flickered over his lips. â€Å"I suppose you're right.† He thought about it a heartbeat more. â€Å"I don't know if they will. I guess you'll just have to read the next installment.† That was met with disappointed groans, and the bookstore staff used that as an opening to segue into signing and hurry Seth off to a more comfortable table. He watched me a few moments more before he moved, the faint smile still on his face. He looked thoughtful. Meanwhile, my heart was beating in double time. In a daze, I allowed myself to be herded with the others into line, not caring how far back I was. Some of the aches in my ribs and the rest of my body began to nag me, but I forced myself to stay strong and ignore them. It took an hour and a half for me to reach the front, but much like the questions, I barely noticed the passage of time. Only, now it wasn't because I was so enraptured by what I saw. This time, I was simply terrified. I wanted to see Seth . . . but was afraid to. He finished signing for the person in front of me and gave me the same smile he'd had on for everyone else. I supposed he'd had time to prepare himself for me coming through the line and was able to effectively hide his shock at my presence. â€Å"Hi,† he said. I handed him my book without a word. â€Å"You've come a long ways.† â€Å"I'm a pretty big fan,† I said. He smiled and scrawled one of his stock phrases into the book: Thanks for reading! When he finished signing, he gave the book back to me, and I gave him an envelope in return. â€Å"This is for you,† I said. There was nothing that weird about my action. People often gave him gifts and letters. In fact, I could see a small pile of goods sitting on a chair beside him. He accepted them with good grace all the time, but then, they weren't usually from people who had the kind of history we did. He held the envelope for a moment, and I suddenly worried he wasn't going to take it. Then, he set it down and said, â€Å"Thank you.† It went next to him on the table, not on the chair. Unsure what to do now, I murmured my own thanks and then hurried off to let everyone else have their chance with him. Mine was gone. I'd played my cards and wouldn't know for a while if anything would come of it. The envelope had had a number scrawled on one side, and inside was a key to my hotel room. It was a silly, cliched thing to do, but I knew how these types of events worked. If I'd openly asked Seth to meet me somewhere, I would have likely gotten the unwanted attention of the bookstore staff and their security. I knew because I'd hurried a fair number of zealous fans off after book signings myself. At least back in the hotel room, I was able to sit down. I didn't realize until that moment just how much I'd been asking of my battered body to stand for that long. Hugh had been right about one thing: being mortal changed everything. I couldn't shrug off getting hit by a car now the same way I could have as a succubus. My doctor had given me a prescription for Vicodin, but I was pretty sure I didn't want to be strung out on drugs for my grand reunion with Seth. I settled for ibuprofen and began the agonizing process of waiting. I'd actually dozed off when I heard the room's door click open. I sprang up from the bed, only getting half a glance at myself in the mirror before I moved toward the door. Seth entered, freezing when he saw me. The door swung shut behind him, and I too came screeching to a halt, too stunned to move. Part of it was that same wonder and rapture of seeing him, just as it had been in the bookstore. Only, now he was right here, alone in the same room with me. It was almost too much to handle. The rest of my inability to react came from simply forgetting what I'd wanted to say. I'd rehearsed a hundred speeches and apologies earlier, and all of them abandoned me now. I fumbled for something – anything – to say that would fix all of the hurt between us. â€Å"Seth – â€Å" I never got another word out. In the space of that breath, he crossed the distance between us and wrapped his arms around me, nearly lifting me off the ground in a giant hug. â€Å"Thetis,† he breathed against my neck. â€Å"Ow,† I squeaked. He instantly set me down and opened his arms, staring curiously. â€Å"The car? But it's been . . .† Curiosity changed to wonder. â€Å"It's true, isn't it? You're really . . .† â€Å". . . human,† I supplied, catching hold of his hand. Even if that hug had been quite the test of my ribs, I hated to lose all contact with him. After the chasm that had stretched between us recently, even that small touch of his fingers was like magic to me. Seth nodded wonderingly, drinking me in. â€Å"They told me . . . they tried to explain it. I understood, but somehow I just couldn't . . . I just couldn't wrap my mind around it. I'm still not sure I can. You look the same.† â€Å"I got to keep the same body,† I said. â€Å"Parting gift.† â€Å"Yeah, but it's just as perfect . . . just as beautiful. I don't know. I thought as a human you'd look . . . ordinary.† â€Å"Stop,† I said, feeling flustered. I ran a nervous hand over my hair. This conversation wasn't going how I expected. â€Å"I probably have bedhead.† My makeup had probably smudged while I slept too. He grabbed my other hand and – gently – drew me near. â€Å"You look perfect.† I shook my head, still needing to summon one of my wellprepared speeches. â€Å"Seth, I'm so sorry. Sorry for everything that I – â€Å" â€Å"Shh,† he murmured. â€Å"Thetis. Georgina. Letha. It's all right. You have nothing to apologize for.† Now I stared in wonder. â€Å"I have everything to apologize for. What I did to you – â€Å" † – was a lifetime ago,† he said. â€Å"But it was still me,† I argued. â€Å"Still this life.† â€Å"What, and you can't be forgiven for that? For something you did when you were still in your teens?† I wasn't sure how I'd switched from apologizing to trying to condemn myself, but there I was, doing it anyway. â€Å"We were still married. Or, well, I mean . . . I was to him. I broke my vows. It was wrong.† â€Å"And I was wrong – or he was wrong, whatever – to have been so oblivious to how you were feeling. We were both at fault, Georgina. We both screwed up – many times.† Seth released my hands and gently cupped my face in his. â€Å"And I daresay we've paid for it a hundred times over. How long do we have to be punished? Are we beyond forgiveness?† I had to look away then, for fear of tears forming in my eyes. Last year, not long after I'd met Seth, I'd discussed some of these same things with Carter. He'd told me that no one – not even a succubus – was beyond forgiveness and redemption. â€Å"But what you said . . . I hurt you so much. . . .† Seth sighed. â€Å"I know. And I'm sorry. It was all such a shock, the hypnosis . . . I still remember it all, but it's taken on kind of a dreamlike quality now. Like it's something I saw on TV rather than something I experienced. It was all a long time ago, and we've both changed. I was coming to you that night at the bowling alley to talk about it. I was still confused but knew enough to realize I'd acted rashly. Then, when you were hurt, and they told me you could actually die . . .† He trailed off, and I dared a look upward. â€Å"Oh, no. Please don't tell me that this is one of those situations where it took a near-death experience to realize how you felt about me.† â€Å"No,† he said, with one of those small, amused smiles I loved. â€Å"I knew long before that. The injuries of the past will always be a part of me, but I've grown from them – just like you have. You're the same as you've always been . . . and yet you're not. You faced me, even though you wanted to run away. You kept trying to help my family, even when I was telling you to go away. We've both changed . . . both taken the best we could of the bad. I just didn't see it right away.† He sighed. â€Å"Like I said, it was the reason I came that night. Seeing you hurt only drove home what a fool I was. And then when Carter told me what happened . . .† Those warm brown eyes searched my face. â€Å"Is it true? You had a clean getaway and risked it all for me?† I swallowed. â€Å"It wouldn't have been a clean getaway without you.† Seth tipped my head back and kissed me, his lips warm and soft. The sensation swept my body, love and desire both threatening to overwhelm me. There was no more succubus feeding, no more peering into his soul. I no longer knew his thoughts, and I didn't need to. I knew my own, knew that I loved him. And I also suddenly knew with certainty, in that same way all humans deduce such things without that benefit of succubus powers, that he loved me too. â€Å"Is it that easy?† I whispered, when we finally broke apart. â€Å"Kiss and make up?† â€Å"It's as easy as we choose to make it,† he murmured, pressing his forehead to mine. â€Å"At least, this decision is. Nothing's truly easy, Georgina. Love and life . . . they're wonderful, but they're hard. We may mess up again. We have to be strong and decide if we can still go forward, even when things aren't perfect.† â€Å"How'd someone so young get so wise?† I asked. He brushed a lock of hair from my face. â€Å"I learned from this woman who knows a lot about love.† I scoffed. â€Å"Hardly. I think I'm still learning more about it every day.† Seth's lips found mine again, and I forgot my worries for a moment, simply losing myself in him. With as ardent as he'd been earlier, I was kind of surprised when he was the one who stopped the next kiss. â€Å"Easy there,† he said, with a small laugh. â€Å"You feel too good. We don't want to get too carried away.† â€Å"Don't we?† I asked. â€Å"I mean, I gave you my room key, and you went right for me as soon as you came in.† â€Å"Well, yeah,† he agreed, â€Å"but that was before I remembered you were hit by a car a week ago.† I tightened my arms around him and drew him toward the bed. â€Å"I'm still alive, aren't I?† â€Å"Yes,† he admitted, letting himself be drawn along. â€Å"But are you sure you don't want to just wait?† Hugh had said something after booking my flight. Everything changes when you're mortal. You don't know what tomorrow will bring. â€Å"I've waited long enough,† I told Seth, just before kissing him. And that was the moment I knew what it was like to have my soul back. It sounds kind of sappy, I know. But to be able to kiss someone you love when you're fully and completely in control of yourself and know who you are . . . it's exquisite. How we love others is affected by how we love ourselves, and for the first time in a long time, I was whole. I knew who I was and in turn was able to appreciate just how much I loved him. And of course, the whole experience was affected by the fact that I no longer had succubus powers to contend with. I didn't have to worry about stealing his life energy. I didn't have to wrestle with the guilt. I didn't have to split the desires of my heart with my predatory supernatural nature. All I had to do was touch him and exalt in the experience of being together. We fell onto the bed, having a care for my still-bruised body. Strangely, I'd also been recovering from injuries the first time Seth and I had made love. Then too, we'd had to balance our passion with caution. It hadn't been difficult then, and it wasn't difficult now. We peeled each other's clothes away, tossing them into a careless heap on the floor. When Seth saw the bandages around my torso, he gently kissed all around them, his lips softly grazing my hips and breasts. Through some unspoken understanding, I rolled him onto his back so that I could lower myself onto him. I positioned my hips over his, resting my hands on his chest, and slowly brought him into me. We both cried out, from pleasure and also the sheer rightness of being together. He fit like he'd been made for me, and I suddenly wondered if I should have been so quick to always scoff about divine plans. Because surely, if ever there was something that seemed to have been guided by a higher power, it was the crazy path of our relationship . . . one that always kept bringing us back together. Over and over I rode him, overwhelmed almost as much by the way his gaze held mine as I was by the heat spreading through my body. I wanted to stop, to freeze that moment in time, but my human flesh and its desires eventually won out. I increased my pace, taking him harder and deeper until I crossed the edge and could handle no more. Ecstasy shook my body as I came, and a joy so intense I nearly forgot my surroundings flooded me. There was no succubus satisfaction here, only the simple bliss of taking pleasure in the one I loved. Seth came soon after, the look on his face causing me joy of another sort. There was such an easy, unguarded happiness in it, mingled with all his love for me. He hid nothing. It was all there on display, his affection and his bliss. Afterward, we lay in each other's arms, both of us floating in our own emotions as we basked in the experience we'd just had. I could hear Seth's heart beating as I rested against him and was aware of the pounding of my own heart – my mortal, human heart – as well. This was what it was like to truly be alive. â€Å"I'm almost afraid to move or speak,† he said at last. â€Å"Part of me is certain this must be a dream or a spell. I'm afraid I'll ruin it.† â€Å"It's neither,† I said. Then, I reconsidered. â€Å"Well, it might be a dream.† Nyx had taunted me for a long time with her dream-vision, refusing to tell me who the man in it was. When Seth had finally been revealed, I'd been certain she'd lied to me. I hadn't seen how any of that future could become a reality, and yet . . . here I was. â€Å"A dream, huh?† asked Seth. â€Å"Does that mean I'm going to wake up to cold reality soon?† â€Å"No,† I said, snuggling closer. â€Å"Because our dream's come true. The only thing you're going to wake up to from now on is me. For as long as you want me.† â€Å"I want you forever. Is that too long?† I smiled. â€Å"After what we've seen? I'm not sure it's long enough.†

Monday, July 29, 2019

The Impact of Marxism on Western Civilization Assignment

The Impact of Marxism on Western Civilization - Assignment Example A system of social and economic analysis, Marxism came into existence during The Enlightenment era; a period in time characterized by widespread slavery, pervasive disenfranchisement of the right of women to vote, extreme discrimination of the poor, particularly in Europe, and imperialism that saw jostling for resources by the European powers extended to Africa and the far east. To be sure, the world was under the control of a handful of extremely wealthy lords, yet scientific modes of production were at the early stages of development; man [the poor] was basically the source of wealth amassed and concentrated in the few hands. Essentially, Marxism developed out of philosophical materialism; a view that events in the universe follow the laws of nature and that the notion of superhuman upheld by fore-agents of capitalism is headed for a crumble and the subsequent takeover by communism someday. Marx's theoretical analysis centered upon the idea that social systems rise and fall as a re sult of the obstructive impediments to the development of collective, human productive power. In his analysis, the convergence of history and economics would be the causal effect to the ultimate breakdown of capitalism, arguing that historical processes evolved towards the realization of the inevitable pre-determined moral ideals. Noteworthy, Karl Marx was the pioneer thinker to boldly and comprehensively bring to the fore the understanding that the working class were the engine to a prosperous society., and thus are crucially fundamental in determining its course. In his theory of dialectical materialism, a theory share by Engels, Marx believed that everything in the universe revolves around materialism, and that the defined boundaries of encroachment are just but man-made concepts that are nonexistent in the Absolute state of nature (Shimp 37). Marx argues that there can be no freedom for the great mass of the working class as long as economic control [the vast resources] remains in the hands of the few political favorites; an unpalatable argument to the liberals who support the right to hold economic power and the subsequent freedom of its usage as the owner(s) may deem fit. According to Marx’s theory of historical materialism, capitalism was/is a social evil constantly under transformative economic forces towards a system that guarantees equality of mankind. Friedrich Engels, Marx’s longtime friend and coauthor, notes that Marx’s theory of Historical Materialism was a â€Å"law of development of human history†

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Product Design Project Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Product Design Project - Term Paper Example Being a client representative, the project manager provides the consumer with online access to various reports on the project progress, and other documentations so they can follow the progress of a project (Lock, 2007). Introduction Nokia is a global provider of mobile phones whose headquarters are based in Finland which started out as a wood pulp mill in 1856 in Finland (Monaghan, 2013). The company majors in producing mobile cell phones and portable technological devices as well as internet services like games, applications, media, music, messaging and navigation services. Before 2012, Nokia was the largest mobile phone vendor globally but the growing popularity of touchscreen smartphones has reduced its market shares and subsequently fallen from its position of glory. Over the past few years, financial problems have seen the downsizing of its staff and eventually Microsoft purchased the company, although finalization of the deal is still ongoing (Monaghan, 2013). Thesis: discuss t he project management of a design process of a phone in the Nokia Company with detailed view of the schedule and duration as well as the ethical and diversity issues considered in the undertaking of the project. The paper aims to show ways in which the product design process can be modified to improve on the process and the effects of changing the organization of the chronology of the steps of the process. The main challenge of managing a project process is to meet the project objectives within the limitations of time, quality, funding, scope, deliverables and other constraints (Nokes & Kelly, 2007). Project management utilizes the use of a SWOT analysis to address issues in a design process. A SWOT analysis, acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, is a process that identifies the various strong and weak points of a product, design process or company resulting in an appropriate plan of action (Luo & Design 2004). Method Information was collected by the supervis ors during the scoping of the project through online forums for developers and customers reviews through emails and the company website and SWOT analysis implemented on the data collected. This provided the project management with the necessary work structure required to undertake the various activities in the project effectively. Strengths Nokia is a global company that provides quality service to its consumers and hence attracts quality employees all around the world providing job opportunities and satisfying consumer needs (Haikio, 2002). It invests in producing products that are simple in structure depending on the sale value of the product. This ensures the product is safe from damage of the screen and other delicate parts due to low impact unlike other companies’ products which are completely vulnerable to damage on low impact. The Symbian technology in Nokia phones is stable and user friendly and when compared to the android platform, Symbian phones are less likely to crash due to software complications. The incorporation of windows mobile by Nokia was also a major step in the improvement of the phone experience of Nokia consumers. The company provides applications from its developers as well as third party developers through its website or through pre-installed applications. For similar market prices with most android phones, Nokia provides better camera capabilities in its products. The company pro

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Models of Competition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Models of Competition - Essay Example e are just a few sellers in collusion (strategically interactive) with the main aim of minimizing competition to provide products and/or services to a large number of customers. A perfect example is the OPEC which controls the price of oil internationally. Perfect (pure) market is broadly an assumption that describes structures in which no player is so enormous as to wield those powers to set the price of a homogenous commodity (Brakman, pg 13). It is always used as a benchmark. In the ideal world, the market is in between the monopolies and perfect market structure. Monopolies do exist especially in the provision of very sensitive public utilities like in the provision of medical services, and public utilities such as gas, electricity, sports e.g. Super sport etc while perfect markets are rather theoretical. The stock markets are near perfect markets due to their composition but not very perfect as it is (Brakman, pg 106). The overarching issue is that competition in most if not all markets are imperfect and even though the goods and services may be differentiated, the firms would still face a down ward sloping curve trend. Markets assuming perfect competition do provide insufficient insight on how markets behave and respond to various factors. Even though the perfect market assumption provides a benchmark, the assumption is that they are pareto efficient. They are assumed to be controlled by such forces that even the government has no control over. This m arket has some limitations among the most crucial being the fact that all people are similar or identical for that matter. But through such models as the Dixit-Stiglitz model the element of the people’s welfare can clearly be examined. The result however gives us a false view of how the market is but for that reason, policies affecting the degree of diversity of merchandise differentiation are having markedly diverse effects on diverse individuals. This to a great extent complicates the analysis of the

Friday, July 26, 2019

SpotifyTM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

SpotifyTM - Essay Example Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Discussion 5 Overview of the Online Music Industry 5 Porter’s 5 Forces Analysis 6 VRIN Analysis 7 Analyzing Spotify’s Strategies 8 Information Technology in Spotify 9 Conclusion 10 References 12 Introduction Spotify is a Swedish company involved in providing music streaming services. The streaming content provided by the company is availed from a number of independent and major record labels (Gilmour, 2011). Some of the major content providers of the company include Warner Music Group, Universal, EMI and Sony. Spotify was founded in the year 2006 and is currently headquartered in London,  United Kingdom. The company however started to provide music streaming services from the year 2008. Within two years of its operation, the total membership of the company reached 10 million and between them around 2.5 million were paid members. According to latest reports, as of 2012 the total paid membership of the company reached more than 5 million (Barker, 2012). ... Recently, the company expanded its wings to countries such as Australia, Sweden, Faroe Islands, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Denmark, Austria, Finland, France, New Zealand, Germany, Poland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Andorra, the Netherlands, Monaco, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. This report will evaluate the strategies of the company with the help of several strategic frameworks. In addition, the report will also shed light on the strategic role played by information technology towards the progress of the company. However, the report will mainly emphasize on how the company is using information systems to support their business strategy. The report will begin by providing a brief overview of the digital music industry. Discussion Overview of the Online Music Industry The digital music industry can be broadly classified into two segments: the digital download market and streaming market. The digital music industry is one of the new business segments and is growing at a rapid pace. According to reports, in 2012 the revenue of this industry witnessed a growth of 8 % from 2011 and is presently valued at $5.2 billion (Thomes, 2011). However most of the revenue is generated by digital download business and the streaming market contributes only 10 % of the total revenue. Interestingly, the growth rate of the streaming market is more. Companies belonging to this industry, principally differentiate themselves on the basis of regions of operation, licensed music libraries, features, and also the packaging. Apart from that, companies are also offering several value added services which allow the users to know what their friends

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Lord Burlington and William Kent - Chiswick House near London Research Paper

Lord Burlington and William Kent - Chiswick House near London - Research Paper Example This can be seen in Chiswick House, which is plainer and simpler in style than a Baroque building. The new belief in order and reason caused architects to draw up â€Å"rules† for good architecture and search for â€Å"good taste† in design (Curl 37). Buildings were designed using ideal geometric shapes such as the cube, rectangle and circle (Curl 40). This can be seen from the plan of the rooms at Chiswick House: there is a hexagonal (six-sided) hall in the centre, which is surrounded by square or rectangular rooms, and the whole building is shaped like a cube (the room plan is reproduced in Curl, 30). The eighteenth century saw important social changes. The monarchy and the church were declining in importance while the importance of the middle classes and the aristocracy was increasing (Black 269). A good example is the Earl of Burlington, the architect and owner of Chiswick House, who was an important patron of the arts and a private individual, not a royal. Aristocr ats were often landowners, and the eighteenth century was the great age of landscape gardening (Black 270). Chiswick House is surrounded by gardens, which were planned by Burlington’s assistant, William Kent. There was an increasing trend for aristocrats to go on a Grand Tour to Italy, to learn about ancient history and to collect works of art for their country houses (Black 293). Lord Burlington first visited Italy in 1714 and returned to Italy in 1719 to study buildings designed by Palladio, a great Renaissance architect. Chiswick House is modelled on Palladio’s Villa Rotonda, though it is not an exact copy. Chiswick House is smaller than the Villa Rotonda and it has a portico (with classical columns) on only one side of the building, while the Rotonda has porticos on all four sides (Steenbergen 131). Palladio and Burlington were both trying to recreate the villas of the ancient Romans. This may have had a political significance for Burlington, since he was a member of the British aristocracy, who modelled themselves on the â€Å"patricians† (aristocrats) of ancient Rome. Burlington did not actually live at Chiswick House: he used the building to display his art collection, hold concerts of music, and entertain his guests. The Enlightenment’s love of order and reason can be seen when we look at the front exterior of Chiswick House. The general effect is formal, symmetrical, and elegant. The stonework is quite plain. The only decoration is to be found in the elaborate (Corinthian) tops to the columns and the triangular tops to the two large windows. Two cleverly designed flights of steps lead up to the portico. The columns and the dome are important features of classical architecture. The interior of the house is much more colorful and elaborate, perhaps as a deliberate contrast to the rather plain exterior. Outside the house, at the bottom of the steps, there are statues of Palladio and Inigo Jones, who was the first English archi tect to design buildings in the Palladian style. This kind of symbolism continues inside the house. For example, the entrance to the central hall contains a bust of Augustus, who was the first Roman emperor. On the ceiling of the Blue Velvet Room there is a depiction of the goddess of architecture, and on the ceiling of the Green Velvet Room there is Mercury, god of commerce and the arts. The Chiswick House website suggests that Mercury could symbolise Burlington himself, a great patron of the arts. The use of symbolism extends into the gardens. There are statues of

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Marketing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Marketing Strategy - Essay Example , the strengths and weaknesses of Shangri-La’s marketing strategies in terms of capturing a bigger market share will be enumerated followed by discussing how each of these factors could either directly or indirectly affect the decision making of the sales managers when it comes to the formation and implementation of its marketing strategies. In response to globalization, Shangri-La is operating its hotel and resort business on a large scale. Under the brand name of Shangri-La and Traders, the company is currently managing a total of 68 hotels and resorts throughout the Asia Pacific, North America, and the Middle East (Shangri-La, 2010 b). With more than 30,000 existing hotel and resort rooms that are available to serve the needs of domestic and international travellers, the top management of Shangri-La Hotel continuously expanded the business by building new hotels in different countries including Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, the Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Turkey, and the United Kingdom (Shangri-La, 2010 b). This particular sales and marketing strategy will prevent the company from saturating its target market. As a way of determining the characteristics of a lodging industry, it is best to use the Porter’s five forces framework as suggested by Michael E. Porter. Basically, the five major factors known as the competitive rivalry within the hotel and resort industry, threat of substitute products, threat of a new entrant, the bargaining power of the customers, and the bargaining power of suppliers enables us to determine the ability of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to compete in the global market. Given that the market is attractive for Shangri-La, it is most likely that the company will become profitable and vice versa. When analyzing the hotel and resort industry within the Asian market, it is best to go through the historical events that took place in the past. Back in 1920s, the hotel industry around the world experienced

Affirmative Action Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Affirmative Action - Essay Example This multipurpose term is used for the set of programs developed by government in order to eliminate the discrimination based on race and gender. The affirmative action programs provide opportunities in education and employment. This facilitates the opportunities that can help beneficiary group to improve its skill, opportunities and uplift the social status. There are various studies that have covered the controversies around the affirmative action within the American society and politics. This has been viewed a politically motivated activity to increase or maintain the vote banks. The controversy is also linked with the tangibility factors of the affirmative action. This is termed as ‘reverse discrimination or preferential treatment’ by Mangum. Berry (2004) has studied the expansion of the affirmative action programs to the private sector by providing educational, training and employment opportunity to the protected groups with increase their recruitment in the organiz ation. There have been various studies and debates over the controversies around affirmative action.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Influenza Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Influenza - Essay Example The disease attacks the respiratory system, is spread by inhaling droplets and these droplets are spread when an infected, contagious person sneezes and/or contaminated hands and/or surfaces are touched and then the virus gains entry into the body. The disease has a 1-2 day incubation period and symptoms displayed can include the following: â€Å"†¦ malaise, myalgia †¦ fever lasting a few days and respiratory symptoms of varied intensity† (Kuszewski & Brydak, 2000, 188). Some of the complications that can develop from contracting the disease are myocardial infections or pneumonia (Kuszewski & Brydak, 2000, 189). Individuals with low immune systems, the young and the old, are particularly susceptible to the disease. Epidemiologically, an influenza outbreak occurs when there are higher than normal levels of infected persons, a low rate of mortality and very few complications. In a pandemic situation, the death rate is quite high and there are numerous complications and , sometimes, depending on the severity of the pandemic, there are short and long-term effects on an economy.The Centres for Disease Control define the social determinants of health as â€Å"†¦the circumstances in which people are born, grow up, live, work, and age, as well as the systems put in place to deal with illness†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . The CDC further notes that the above circumstances are strongly influenced by â€Å"†¦economics, social policies, and politics†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (CDC, 2014). In other words, the disease does not occur in isolation but is influenced by the manner in which individuals live.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Charles Dickens live Essay Example for Free

Charles Dickens live Essay Charles Dickens highly reputable and famous book, Great Expectations has been one of the most dominating, important and effective novels he has written. It originally emerged in a serialised form in All The Year Round (a weekly journal conducted by Charles Dickens) in 1860 -1861 and is, to this day and age, thought to be one of his paramount novels. When the book was published, critics were instantaneous to give diverse and mixed reviews towards the book, disliking the exaggeration of both the characters and plot Charles Dickens had carefully formulated. Although the critics were assorted in their reviews, the readers were genuinely ebullient towards Great Expectations that the 1861 edition enforced five printings. Great Expectations was published during the Victorian era which also was the time in which Charles Dickens lived. The Victorian era had a very high mortality rate due to children catching cholera or tuberculosis, which lead to their deaths. Children had strenuous and dejected childhoods, if they were lucky enough to survive in to adulthood; because families did not have enough money children would work to meet financial satisfaction. They were employed in difficult positions, commonly in factories or jobs people would not usually do, with long working hours lasting eight to twelve hours a day and generally six days a week. By the 1830s certain charities and associations approached the problem and helped children and their families by giving food and clothes. Ensuing the 1840s, school was an obligation and children stopped working to go to school and to get an education. Charles Dickens family did not prosper in wealth, money was a concerning subject in the family. The large familys needs and living expenses were too much for John Dickens (Charles Dickens father) salary that when Charles Dickens was four months the family had to move to a smaller home to save money. Charles Dickens wanted to become a gentleman (an educated man), although it seemed unlikely when John Dickens was arrested and sent to jail due to failure of paying debts. In order to pay off the debt Charles Dickens was sent to a shoe-polish factory. Charles did not have a happy childhood, which I think is reflected in some of his books like Great Expectations. This brings me to the young boy Phillip Pirrip, also known as Pip, the protagonist of the story. I am going to be writing about how Dickens creates sympathy for Pip. Pip never seems to attain his dreams for a more improved life. At the very beginning of the book, we meet Pip and we find out that he will be narrating this story, the book is his story and is told in his words. Pips narration, straightaway, brings about his childhood problems which creates sympathy for him. Pip is first introduced in a graveyard. The setting of a graveyard seems very sombre, dark and upsetting. The marshes were just a long black horizontal line then, as I stopped to look after him; and the river was just another horizontal line, not nearly so broad nor yet so black; and the sky was just a row of long angry red lines and dense black lines intermixed. Darkness and blood is suggested by the imagery of the landscape of the marshes with black and red lines. It does not give a blissful feeling to us either. Pip talks about his deceased parents, he is an orphan and this makes us feel pity for him. He seemed to be a very innocent child, this is reflected through the inscription on his parents graves. Pip has memorised these inscriptions and he has also created an image of his deceased parents and siblings which further tell us that he is an innocent child, as most children have great imaginations compared to adults. We see the advancement of Pips life when he meets with an escaped convict, who escaped from hulks (prison ships that transport criminals to Australia), who is later to be revealed as Abel Magwitch. Pip seems to treat the runaway convict with kindness through fear of the convict. After each question he tilted me over a little more, so as to give me a greater sense of helplessness and danger. This quote of Pips narration, made me feel sorry for him because he is being threatened through fear and you cannot help but feel as if Pip is in grave danger now that he has associated with such a threatening convict. I was dreadfully frightened, and so giddy that I clung to him with both hands. Pip is being bullied by Abel Magwitch, it makes us feel compassion for Pip, it also makes us think Pip is so helpless. His violent sister, who always reminds him how grateful he should be for her bringing him up, and her husband, the ever so friendly blacksmith Joe, who is like a brother to Pip, both look after Pip. I supposed that both Joe Gargery and I were brought up by hand. this quote means both Pip and Joe were beaten by Pips sister. Dickens makes us feel sorry for Pip in this quote due to Pips treatment from his sisters fierce temperament as no one would like to be beaten. Irony is used when the stick used to beat Pip is referred to as the Tickler. Tickler is the cane with which Mrs. Gargery hits Pip. The mannerism in which Mrs. Gargery butters the bread for Pip and Joe is trenchant, she has a forceful and vigorous way of buttering. Her apron is coarse, full of needles and is tough. She wears this apron as a reminder to Joe and Pip meaning that she is looking after them. I tell you what, young fellow, said she, I didnt bring you up by hand to badger peoples lives out. It would be blame to me, and not praise, if I had. People are put in the Hulks because they murder, and because they rob, and forge, and do all sorts of bad; and they always begin by asking questions. Now you get along to bed! To keep Pip well behaved, silent and grateful, Mrs. Gargery threatens, punishes and accuses Pip of ingratitude. Pip himself feels an enormous amount of guilt for his innocent actions, like asking some questions, which have been unfairly warped to seem as if Pip was doing a bad thing. The guilt Pip feels is unprincipled. Although, Pip is not only treated this way by Mrs. Gargery, he is also treated unethically by Mr. Pumblechook, Mr. Wopsle and the Hubbles.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Factors Affecting The Pakistan Tourism Industry

Factors Affecting The Pakistan Tourism Industry Pakistan appeared as a modern nation on 14 August 1947. There are four provinces and all four are gifted with heritage and culture. It is one of fertile and unique collections of majestic and rugged mountains, lush fields, deserts, rivers, lakes, seashores and landscapes enriched with friendly and hospitable people thus making it a heavenly destination for tourists with different tastes. Pakistan is known in the world of tourism because of the mountainous regions of the north, the Hindukush, Karakoram and the Great Himalaya who form the densest concentration of high peaks in the world. Kalam (Swat valley) in Pakistan is known as the Switzerland of Asia. The Hunza and Chitral valleys in Pakistan were the home to a small pre-Islamic animist Kalasha community who claim descent from the army of Alexander the Great (Mapsofworld.com). The historical and archaeological sites of Ghandhara and Indus Valley civilizations, Mohenjo-Daro, Taxila and the Mughal Empire are the examples of oldest ci vilizations in Pakistan. This multicultural nature of the country also contributes to the tourism industry in the way that it offers various traditions, customs and festivals for the tourists to explore and enjoy. Problem statement: According to the above paragraph, Pakistan seems to be a perfect place for tourists to be visited but still the tourists arrival is decreasing day by day if we take into consideration the years from 1995 till 2008. Aims and Objectives: The aim of my thesis is to find out the positive and negative factors which are affecting the Pakistan tourism industry and also the cause of tourists declining ratio. Find out the role of the government towards the development of this industry and suggest some strategies that can improve this sector and also discover the hidden potential of tourism industry. Another motivation behind this research is to examine and compare the economic effect of tourism in terms of money and job generation in our country as compared to the neighboring countries. Research Questions: The research questions are: What are the factors affecting tourism industry in Pakistan? How much potential Pakistan has got in tourism industry? How tourism industry created revenue and job for the country? What will be the strategies to develop the tourism industry in Pakistan? What the government should do to develop the tourism industry in Pakistan? Literature review and theoretical background: In this chapter, I will discuss some of the available literature and compare it with my research work giving a broader picture of the unique nature of the work and its practical usefulness. Literature review: Kakar et al. 2007, in their research thesis provided a relation between tourism and employment in Pakistan. The purpose of this research was to determine the rate of employment generated in different occupations from the tourism sector. The survey was carried out by personal visit to the hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, travel agents, car hire firms, tour operators and airline offices. They designed a questionnaire for this purpose. The survey was restricted in the sense that it was carried out in only two cities of Pakistan i.e. Swat and Abbottabad and secondly it was carried out in hotels and restaurants. No attempt was made to determine the total impact of tourism on different employment sectors like taxis, guides, entertainment, travel agencies etc. furthermore the statistical data provided on the number of hotels, number of beds and the number of people employed is limited in the sense that there is no proper information about the time/date/year in which the data was recorde d. Baloch (2007) in his research of managing tourism in Pakistan deals with the issue of diagnosing the cause of crawling nature of Pakistans tourism growth and suggest ways to develop this industry through natural, historical and cultural resources. The research was carried in Chitral valley only. The methodology used was recording the views of tourists, locals, hoteliers and data collection from Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and Ministry of Tourism. The research is restricted in the sense that the deteriorating condition of this industry is explained only for 2006 and there is no proper statistical data provided for Chitral valley. The data was collected from the concerned departments and there is no proper findings obtained from the tourists and hoteliers. Although some of the studies found and discussed above are related to the tourism industry in Pakistan but there is hardly any research that focuses mainly on positive and negative factors effecting Pakistan tourism industry on a whole and compare this industry to its neighboring countries. Ill focus on factors effecting tourism, its impact on employment and the revenue earned for the whole country. The research will include statistical data for last fourteen years which will help in comparing the performance of this sector with other countries also. Theoretical Background: There are many positive and negative factors which are affecting Pakistan tourism industry. These are as follows: Positive factors: The tourists usually travel to see different places and things other like climate, nature, cultures, people, customs, arts, cuisines, languages, unique festivals, old historical buildings and sites etc. the reason why Pakistan has a great potential in tourism industry is that it posses every single thing that could meet the demand of visitors. Following are the types of tourism in Pakistan: Diaspora Tourism: According to Clarke (2003) the term Diaspora refers to a person who is from one country but originates from another and identifies with the country of origin. The term Diaspora can be approached from two different directions, as a typological tool and as a social condition. When the term is used typologically it refers to a group of people who have moved from one place to another and who still identify with their homeland. The homeland is just a metaphor, it may not even exist but it still carries significance for the individual. Clarke (2003) argues that Diaspora is people who have relocated for any of five different reasons; victim, labor, trade, imperial and culture. All of these reasons are in some way forced upon the individual, which is the central idea behind this type of approach to the Diasporas phenomena. For example, the British who immigrated involuntarily to the different colonies were imperial Diasporas. The typological approach to the Diasporas issue is that it disrega rds the differences within the different groups. So it is more accurate to describe Diaspora as a condition. The condition of being from one place but of another and identify with sentiments towards a homeland (Clarke, 2003) According to Ali Eteraz (2008), more than 7 million Pakistani people are living outside from Pakistan. Pakistan has got a large number of Pakistani Diaspora which can contribute a positive role in the economy of Pakistan. Apart from Diaspora, visiting friends and family tourism is also very important. Many of these Pakistani Diasporas have friends and families living in Pakistan, and they continue to visit these friends and families playing more positive role in the development of Pakistani tourism. Domestic Tourism: According to Richter (1989), many countries of the world take domestic tourism as a poor cousin and didnt pay much attention but according to Boniface and Cooper domestic tourism make up 80% of the world tourism flow. In Pakistan, there are many worthwhile places which not only attract international tourists but also domestic tourists. Heritage Tourism: Pakistan is a home to the most spectacular ancient cities of the world including the Indus and Gandhara civilization. Taxila, Moenjodaro and Harrppa, museums, Mughal heritage and the silk route, Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort (UNIC, 2011). Lahore Fort K Ali Figure 2: Lahore Fort (Source: http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/lahore_fort) Religious/ Spiritual or Pilgrimage Tourism: Pakistan is also famous for its shrines and temples. Each year not only Muslims from different countries come to visit the holy shrines but also the Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhist visit Pakistan for pilgrimage (UNIC, 2011). https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5zwd2MYWYSW_a_CFJM1G-3_9zvf4c7iak6V2ipJt3uROOoX2I9wKPzB5kWlMUHUdT1FX45JNTKFqwfJZ6SfoLaSMcydQ30EbRBptKhPENO1h6kOvkCfHWnLpksWoOiQN0C3Op3tW7dTc/s400/shrine-abdullah-shah-ghazi.jpg Figure 3: Shrines of Pakistan (Source: http://pak-istan.blogspot.com/2009/09/shrines-of-pakistan.html) Cultural Tourism: Besides archaeological sites and architecture masterpieces of Mughal emperors and British antecedents, Pakistani cuisine and festivals are yet another interesting part of rich Pakistani culture. The food streets in Pakistan are becoming a major source of attraction for tourists as they can enjoy the local Pakistani food as well as the colorful streets and people shopping in the streets at the same time. Famous food streets in Pakistan are Food Street Gawalmandi and Anarkali in Lahore, Melody and blue area Food Street in Islamabad, Burns Road in Karachi, and Ghantar Ghar in Peshawar. Festivals tend to provide celebration, joy, mental and physical refreshment to not only local people but also the tourists who come with the aim to explore and enjoy different cultures and festivals. Some of the famous cultural ceremonies and festivals of Pakistan include Lok virsa mela, Horse and cattle shows, Basant or kite flying, Festivals of lamps, Northern areas festivals including the famous Kalash festivals and Silk route festivals etc (UNIC, 2011). Food Street, Lahore Figure 4: Food Street Lahore (Source: http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/sites/country/26292.php) Adventure or ECO Tourism: ECO or adventure tourism is the most significant part of the tourism industry as Pakistan is blessed with worlds most beautiful and renowned mountains, lakes valleys, glaciers and passes. Tourists not only enjoy the site viewing but also perform activities like skiing, hiking, surfing, camping and cruising. Mountaineering and trekking are the most exciting activities that tourists enjoy. World 2nd largest mountain K2 and Switzerland of Asia known as Swat valley is also located in Pakistan. Silk route is also included among Pakistan attractions as it is an ancient route connecting east and the west. Pakistan is also home to 31 natural and manmade lakes and reservoirs. The helicopter or train safari is also very famous among tourists as they travel to see the most spectacular views of landscapes and mines across the country. The helicopter safari is the latest means of travelling as it takes the tourists high in the sky so they can enjoy the highest peaks in the north and deserts in th e south (UNIC, 2011). click here to enlarge Figure 5: Ayubia (Source: http://www.offthemap.ca/diaster.php) Wild Life Tourism: There are about 14 national parks which give a beautiful glimpse of the rich Flora and Fauna of Pakistan. And there are 2 safari parks with various types of animals like tigers, lions, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, pythons, birds, deers etc (UNIC, 2011). https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhjJ0u_Nr6YHljUOc5JuwB6wmhehTkxvhcmmscKusj7Rstk3jsrkv0NHJ5yN1YkHJSLbw0iFnYhrC3HyQX8fmk9erTgVca2WEESemPShuHXHFHuPbcy8E5HuAKWIdG4_qs8lz7rZ3M9U/s320/CIMG2056.JPG Figure 6: Kund Wild Life Park (Source: http://kiranpalwasha.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html) Sports Tourism: Pakistan is popular as a tourist sports destination. Himalayan range which is the worlds highest mountain range in the world demands for professional trekking along with general trekking. Other types of sports tourism include white water rafting, wild boar hunting in deep forests, shandur polo games, mountain biking, golf, ice climbing, rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing, caving and pot holding etc. rich people and prince come from middle east for deer hunting in Pakistan. All the above mentioned factors contribute positively to Pakistan tourism industry but along with these, there are also negative factors which are affecting Pakistan tourism industry and have resulted in the loss of tourists arrival in Pakistan. Negative Factors: The negative factors effecting Pakistan tourism industry are the views and opinions of domestic and international tourists obtained via questionnaire and interview. According to the tourists, the biggest problem they are facing while travelling is security issues which include the current insurgency in Pakistan. Even the domestic tourists dont feel like travelling in their own country. Second issue of tourists decline is negative image of Pakistan portrayed by media to the outside world. Lack of infrastructure, ineffective promotional policies, inadequate tourists services and facilities, lack of initiatives by concerned government departments, inadequate knowledge and training of personnel in tourism sector, law and order situation especially in the high tourists attraction areas, inadequate infrastructure facilities, lack of incentives in the tourist sector, failure to show and project the positive image of the country via media to the outside world, low allocation of annual touris t budget, lack of development and facilities in the mountain regions, lack of understanding to the tourist needs, the overtaking and change of governments and administration within the country (army rule) and high inflation rate are the key points which have altogether made tourism an unsuccessful industry in Pakistan. The tourism Ministry is not playing sufficient role and tourist faces difficulties in getting timely visa and other informations. The tourism authorities must focus on this sector as tourism is the only sector, which can contribute substantially in the poverty alleviation and improving the living standards of the local community. Factors Effecting Tourism Positive Factors Negative Factors Security problems for the tourists Less marketing and publicity on international level Weak travel and tourism framework Low allocation of annual tourist budget High inflation rate Overtaking and change of governments Lack of initiative by concerned government departments Presence of tourist attractions Mountains Valleys Lakes Historical places Rich culture Rich food Salt mines Spring festivals 5 stars hotel chains Restaurants Handicrafts Museums Business environment Factors effecting tourism Figure 8: Factors effecting tourism

River And Water Management Flood Control Environmental Sciences Essay

River And Water Management Flood Control Environmental Sciences Essay Floods are a major concern in many parts of the world due to the many losses experienced in time of floods. Therefore, flood management techniques are very important in areas that are prone to frequent flooding. Flood management techniques are structures designed with the aim of containing floodwater in order to control floodplains. The designing of flood control techniques entails estimating the levels of water that causes floods and then measuring the required height that will create a working flood defense. Flood defenses are strong barriers that prevent water from flooding floodplains (Woods Woods 2007, p.5). Floods generally occur when flowing surface water spills over the restraining banks into dry land. Floods are a natural occurrence in almost all river systems. Areas that are prone to flooding include those that are located downstream of dams and low lying areas. Flooding causes vast losses which include human and animal life, soil erosion, damages of properties, destruction of vegetation and other environmental damages. Also, areas that are affected by floods could also be prone to droughts. This can even cause further loss of human and animal lives. Flood waters are usually polluted with harmful bacteria resulting from sewage. This means that people affected by the floods are at greater risks of getting infective diseases (Proverbs, et al., 2011, p. 221). However, floods also have positive impacts on ecosystems. One benefit from flooding includes more fresh water for domestic and irrigation usage. Other benefits include large deposits of minerals and nutrients into affected areas. Apart from these, floods also help to improve the condition of water ecosystems. However, they can be considered to be the most damaging compared to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to their frequencies. Therefore, strict measures must be in place to prevent the massive losses occurred during floods (Gruntfest Handmer, 2001, p.12). Methods used to control floods Techniques that are applied in controlling floods involve the adaptation of the river environment and areas which are close to the river. Flood control techniques can be applied on the river channel, floodway or on the floodplain (Ghosh, 1997, p.55). Techniques applied in floodplains Floodplains are areas that lie below the flood elevation and entirely on the floodway and river channel. The majority of techniques applied on floodplains lie far from the river but they are designed to reduce flood damage. Levee/Floodwall around structures This technique involves the construction of a levee/floodwall around structures that are located in floodplains. Levees can either be permanent or temporary. Construction of the levee usually requires the use of strong, artificial or natural material that can endure pressure from the floods (Hyndman Hyndman, 2010, p.356). The principle of using levees and other barriers is to raise the height of structures located in floodplains which floodwater must then climb in order cause flooding. These structures are there to offer protection to structures. However, they put other structures at a high risk of flooding due to the then increased water retention in the floodplains. Furthermore, serious damage to protected structures can then occur when the levees are unable to hold back floodwater. This is because the pressure that the floods hit the structure is extremely high compared to when there is no barrier (Green, 2004, p.36). The use of levees, dykes and floodwalls has a negative impact on the natural river processes (Harmancioglu, 1994, p.42). Ideally, developed water spills should form a natural channel which provides a way for the floods to flow. Therefore, levees would reduce the ability of the floodplains to process floodwaters. The inability of the floodwaters to flow freely within the floodplains would interfere with fish in their aquatic habitat. The river would respond by creating other channels in order to allow excess water to flow. The developed channels clear the backwater as well as reduce habitat complications (Harmancioglu, 1994, p.43). Off-stream detention pond The main aim of creating detention ponds in floodplains is to collect the floodwaters once the river has reached its maximum capacity. Detention ponds are constructed away from the floodway but must be within the floodplain catchment. When directing water into the detention ponds it will have an impact on reducing the amount of water a river carries. This will have a negative impact on natural river processes due to the reduction of water flowing downstream. Reduced amount of downstream flow could then cause a reduction in sediment transport, which may lead to the rising of the ground level of the channel and deposition of fine sediments. In addition, allowing water to flow into a detention pond may cause more water to flow into the pond than expected. This may lead to an increased development of river channels (Ali, 2002, p8.3). Detention ponds also create new surroundings for the breeding and maturing of fish. However, the construction of detention channels must be done in a way that creates a connection between the pond and the mainstream so that the rivers natural environment can be maintained. Severe damage to the environment can occur when the detention ponds break down leading to flooding in the floodplains. Techniques applied on floodway The floodway is made of river banks and the active channel. In general, the floodway forms the part of land that is immediately next to the river. This piece of land allows flood waters to pass without raising the floods depth upstream. One characteristic of floodways is the presence of small banks, either due to cuts made by previous floods or natural levees due to deposits from previous floodwater (Mambretti, 2011, p.66). Reducing the bank slope This technique consists of cutting the riverbank backwards to produce a gentler slope (Masoudian, 2009, p.14). It may involve replanting or resurfacing the bare bank using materials afterwards. Reducing the bank slope will have an impact on the increasing flood transportation at the channel level due to the increased bank width. This usually happens because reducing the bank slope increases the surface area of the bank channel, which then increases the volume of bank flow. However, if slope reduction is done through planting vegetation, it is likely that the bank stability will be increased. This has an effect of creating a natural containment, which reduces the velocity of water. A reduction in the velocity of water then decreases the rates of soil and bank erosion. Vegetation along river banks may also trap sediments within flows, which may then lead to a buildup of banks, increasing the effectiveness of banks in controlling floods (Masoudian, 2009, p.16). The fact that reducing the bank slopes then also reduces erosion along the river banks has a negative impact on natural river processes. Without erosion on the river banks there will be a reduced amount of sediments, a reduced level of wood debris and a reduced amount of channel migration. Therefore, the erosion occurring naturally along river banks is vital in maintaining an active balance within river systems. Aquatic habitats will also be affected; reducing bank slopes has a negative impact of clearing areas where fish may hibernate during the day in order to be safe from predators. Juvenile fish usually hide in undercut river banks making it an essential component of an aquatic habitat (Masoudian, 2009, p.17). Reinforcing riverbanks This technique involves adding supportive material to riverbanks in order to increase their stability and in resisting flood flows. The most commonly used reinforcement method involves planting natural vegetation as it acts as a stabilizer and increases the ability of riverbanks to control floods. Planting vegetation on riverbanks can be done through hydro seeding, which involves various methods to add a mixture of water, fertilizer and seeds into riverbanks. The planted seeds will then grow and form a vast network of root systems. The root system helps in holding the soil together, which then strengthens the riverbanks. The other method used to introduce plant material on riverbanks is hand planting. In this technique, mature plants are inserted into riverbanks to continue with their growth (Stokes, et al., 2007, p.50). Planting mature plants has the advantage of providing immediate protection against floods through flow reduction. The other method involves the use of plant mats, which are either natural or synthetic materials implanted with plant seeds and fertilizers. The mats are then spread on the riverbanks, and then the watering process follows to allow the seeds to germinate and support the following growth. Apart from irrigating the plant mats, continued instabilities in the river level can help in germination and supporting growth (Beek, et al., 2008, p.33). The main impact of introducing plants along river banks is the formation of strong riverbanks that can withstand pressure from flowing water. The other impact is the prevention of enhanced channel migration. Floods that may occur along banks with sufficient plant material may be less severe compared to those occurring in areas without plant stabilizers. The use of plant stabilizers provides a long-lasting solution to control of floods. This technique also offers an environmental friendly method of flood control, which is easy to maintain. Continued increases of vegetation along riverbanks increases channel roughness and reduces the water velocity. The use of plants also comes with the advantage of providing food for the aquatic life in the protected rivers. Fish may also find a natural habitat in the vast root system generated by plants (Beek, et al., 2008, p.34). Gabions Gabions are constructed using wire mesh baskets that are filled with stones of two-six inches. Like plants, gabions are meant to strengthen river banks, which boosts the river banks ability to resist pressure from flowing water. However, for gabions to be effective plants should be added to them. Gabions also deteriorate in time, which means that replacements are required when they stop functioning properly. The use of gabions reduces the natural erosion that occurs along riverbanks. This then reduces the amount of sediments delivered to downstream habitats. In addition, flows that are deflected by the gabions may create new river channels (Mascarenhas, 2011, p.82). Gabions also lead to an increase in water velocity, which has the disadvantage of reducing the amount of backwater that is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic life. Well-designed gabions may serve as a reliable source for spawning gravel as well as habitats for aquatic life. Techniques applied along the river channel Sediment trap/mining This technique involves excavating or dredging a depression on the riverbed. Construction of sediment traps requires the proper assessment of sediment load within a river in times of flooding. Maintenance of sediment traps require continued mining of sediments after every serious flood event. Sediment mining reduces the amount of sediment deposits in the river channel, which in turn increases the channel volume as well as the flood transportation. Removing sediments could only have a short term impact of improved flood transportation because of the continued deposition of sediments downstream. Therefore, continued removal of sediments is necessary to prevent incidences of flooding (Mascarenhas, 2011, p.105). Removal of sediments within the river channel affects natural river processes. One effect of sediment mining is the change of the channel morphology. Any changes in the channel morphology affect the way the water flow and the river bed interact with each other. Removing sediments from the river channel changes the channel gradient. These changes then have further impacts on the gradient both upstream and downstream. An increase in the gradient in one location of the river may lead to the formation of a v point or otherwise known as a nick point. This leads to increased erosion in the channel, which extends to a point where the gradient is stable or where there is bedrock resistant to erosion (Raudkivi, 1993, p.35). The removal of sediments affects aquatic habitats in several ways. When fine sediments are removed, there is a creation of a spawning habitat for a variety of fish species. On the other hand, removal of spawning gravel reduces the level of spawning habitats (Raudkivi, 1993, p.41). Flow realignment This technique of flood control involves the digging of new and deeper channels on the river bed but with a different position compared to the existing channels. When flow realignment is done to increase flood transportation, there is a reduction in frequency and severity of floods. Flow realignment creates different structures for the river flow. This interferes with natural river processes both upstream and downstream. The most significant impact of flow realignment is obviously on aquatic habitats. The use of heavy equipment to make flow realignments creates disturbances on the river bed; this alters existing aquatic habitats. Therefore, usage of flow realignment techniques needs thorough assessment of potential impacts on the aquatic ecosystem (Fleming, 2002, p.47). Word Count: 2,108

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Platos Antipaideia: Perplexity for the Guided :: Philosophy Philosophical Essays

Plato's Antipaideia: Perplexity for the Guided ABSTRACT: ‘Paideia’ connotes the handing down and preservation of tradition and culture, even civilization, through education. Plato’s education of philosophers in the Academy is inimical to such an essentially conservative notion. His dialectical method is inherently dynamic and open-ended: not only are such conclusions as are reached in the dialogues subject to further criticism, so are the assumptions on which those conclusions are based. In these and other ways explored in this paper, Plato demonstrates that paideia has no harbor within philosophy. Jaeger declares in his massive Paideia that civilization, culture, tradition, literature, and education are all merely aspects of what the Greeks meant by their term `paideia', and that these five "cannot take in the same field as the Greek concept unless we employ them all together." I will argue, pace Jaeger, that Plato's unique contribution was no perfection of sophistic humanism, no "reincarnation of the religious spirit of earlier Greek education, from Homer to the tragedians," but with its philosophical context properly restored an utter rejection of the authority of those institutions at the basis of what Greeks understood paideia to be. Without resorting to skepticism, Plato problematized the ordinary; without straining logic, he declared every premise and every conclusion radically open to further discussion and refutation and all this not only without dogmatism, but against dogma. For Plato, education was more fundamental than tradition or literature or civilization or culture, for education determined how all the others were to be acquired, appreciated, and criticized. Indeed, education and philosophy were, as they are now, intimately linked. The practice of philosophy in Plato's time as in ours, the business of philosophy, was teaching far more than it was system-building. In fact, if Plato was the author of a system of philosophy, by which we are to understand a coherent set of interrelated axioms and their mutual implications, then Plato was a profoundly unsuccessful philosopher. For Plato makes such a variety of different and incompatible statements about so many topics that more than two thousand years of scholarship has thus far failed to produce anything like the consensus about his so-called system that one finds among Aristotelians, for example, or even Marxists. It is for this reason that I shall turn from the content of the dialogues to the method or methods exhibited there. In those, I will argue, we have a better model for the contemporary conduct of philosophy than is usually suspected.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Sweden’s Position on Personal Privacy in Cyberspace Essay -- Swedish S

Sweden’s Position on Personal Privacy in Cyberspace The Internet and computer age has enabled people to work faster and more efficiently, with practically unlimited access to information. As much as the technology boom has made our lives easier, as with most good inventions, there is some negativity that must be dealt with. The dissemination of information on the global network has put personal privacy at risk. Obviously, we are not going to give up new technologies that enrich human life for the sake of maintaining our privacy; however, measures must be taken to keep the public, or government, from abusing the Internet and computer databases for malevolent reasons. Every country in the world has its own policies on human rights to personal privacy and will deal with the threat the Internet has presented. In this paper, we will explore Swedish laws and regulations and its viewpoint on safekeeping privacy in this Internet age. A recent survey called â€Å"Digital Life Index†, which is conducted year by the Jupiter Research group, concluded that Swedes were the most digital-savvy people amongst 17 Western European countries. This title essentially means that Swedes are more prone to trying out new technologies when they first come out on the market. Swedish households are more likely than their Western European counterparts to own digital handheld gadgets, satellite dishes, mobile phones, and high-speed Internet connections.[1] We can assume that this translates into more time spent using the Internet and transferring information across databases, which requires Sweden to be considerably more conscious of preserving its people privacy. Sweden, historically, has held personal privacy in very high regard compared to other cou... ...Data Directive", <http://dsv.su.se/jpalme/society/eu-data-directive-revision.html> [15] Palme, J.; â€Å"Swedish Attempts to Regulate the Internet†, <http:/dsv.su.se/jpalme/society/swedish-attempts.html> [16] Privacy Exchange, â€Å"Summary of the New Personal Data Protection Act for Sweden†, <http:/www.privacyexchange.org/legal/nat/omni/swedensum.html> [17] Palme, J.; â€Å"Critical Review of the Swedish Data Act†, <http:/dsv.su.se/jpalme/society/data-act-analysis.html> [18] Palme, J.;â€Å"Swedish Law on Responsibilities for Internet Information Providers†, <http:/dsv.su.se/jpalme/society/swedish-bbs-act.html> [19] Swedish Data Inspection Board, <http:/www.datainspektionen.se/pdf/arsredovisningar/eng_1999.pdf> [20] Arrision, S., 23 Oct 2003,"Perspective: Privacy Lessons from Europe", CNet News, < http://news.com.com/2010-1069-962993.html?tag=lh>

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Solutions, Dilutions and molarity calculations

Why is a conical flask, rather than a beaker, used in the experiment? – To allow easy mixing of solutions by swirling. 2. Why is the funnel removed from the burette after adding the acid solution? – so that the drops from the funnel will not fall into the burette. 3. In using a burette, why is it important to (a) rinse it with a little of the solution it is going to contain? – to remove any residual water and so avoid dilution of the acid solution when it is poured into the burette. (b) to clamp it vertically? – to enable the liquid level to be read correctly. ) to have the part below the tap full? – to ensure that the actual volume of liquid delivered into the flask is read correctly. 4. Give one reason for carrying out the following procedures during the titration. (i) The sides of the conical flask were washed down with deionised water? – To ensure that all of the acid added from the burette can react with the base. (ii) The conical flask was frequently swirled or shaken? – To ensure complete mixing of the reactants. 5. Why is a rough titration carried out? – To find the approximate end point.This nformation enables the subsequent titrations to be carried out more quickly. 6. Why is more than one accurate titration carried out? – To minimise error by getting accurate readings within 0. 1-3 cm of each other. 7. Explain why hydrochloric acid is not used as a primary standard? – The exact concentration of any hydrochloric acid solution is not known, unless it is prepared from standard ampoules. Laboratory grade hydrochloric acid is not sufficiently pure. 8. Can any of the following be used as primary standards: NaOH, H2S04, HN03? Explain your answer.A primary standard should be available in a highly pure state and stable. None of these substances are available pure because: (a) NaOH readily absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the air. (b) Concentrated H2S04 readily absorbs water from the ai r. (c)HN03 breaks down releasing N02 gas. 9. If you used only 10cm3 of sodium carbonate solution in the conical flask, calculate how much acid would be required to neutralise it. x 10-3 moles Na2C03 10cm3 Na 2CO 3 solution used at concentration of 0. 1 M 1 2 x 10-3 moles HCL required Concentration of HCL is 0. M 1000 x 2 x 10-3 / 0. 23crn3 required = 10. 5crn fi13. 10. Describe briefly how a pure dry sample of sodium chloride could be obtained having carried out the titration? – Using the information provided by the titration results, add Just enough hydrochloric acid to exactly neutralise 25cm 3 of sodium carbonate. The indicator should not be added. Gently heat the solution until all the water has evaporated to dryness. A sample of sodium chloride will remain in the beaker. Solutions, Dilutions and molarity calculations By AbigailHerbert

Alliance Boots Marketing Essay

problem 1 (L.O.1.1)What is the trade Process?thither argon many different definitions of the foodstuff Process, here ar average devil of them. i) Marketing is the accessible puzzle kayoed by which several(prenominal)s and organizations obtain what they emergency and unavoidableness by means of creating and exchanging repute with some others. (Kotler and Arm unattackable 2010)This staple fiber definition of commercializeing explains how societies and g everywherening body interact, where an organization fulfils the wants or require of individuals. In return, the organisation confides to seduce a profit.ii) Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion and statistical distri unlession of ideas, genuines, and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organisational goals (Marketing Principles, BPP Learning Media,2010 pg.6) This definition odours at takeing to a greater extent than from the get a line of an organisation. It offsprings into account a portion out to a greater extent(prenominal) factors, such as the merchandiseing mix, and looks at food merchandiseing as something that has to be take for grantede in straddle to achieve their goal, ie.Profits.The merchandiseing mix is infixed for an organisation to establish both its manoeuvre market and unique cargoning point, it uses the 4 Ps to dish up rule these. The four Ps ar the idea of modern marketing theorists and they wield the slipway that an organisation fanny twist consumers to spoil their leaveicular stigma. The Four Ps argon Product, expense, Place, and advance.ProductA point of intersection is anything that can be offered to the grocery for consumption that leave behind satisfy a need or want. It is non clean something physical (tangible), it can a comparable be a service provided e.g. cleaners, psychics etc., where, once the proceeding is finished the consumer does not require anythi ng to army for the money spent. These be non-tangible veraciouss. The packaging ofa produce is in-chief(postnominal), not only as protection, but for communication (how to use a result), to remind consumers of the guess, and oerly to express political party send values (fair trade, supporting charities etc.). (appendix 1.1.1) PriceCosts will dictate the stripped-d bear set that can be aerated in order to tiller a profit (Marketing Principles, BPP Learning Media Pg.19)Except for liberation Leaders, the purpose of a crossway is to make a profit for an organisation. The harvest essential be bringing in more money than its costing to make or its not a viable source of income. This involves balancing a jog of factors. Some examples be 1. The price of competitors If a crossroad costs similarly much when comp bed to a similar increase, the smart set could price itself out of the market. 2. What the charge market is willing to pay The amount your target market is p rep argond to pay for your product depends on its features and the target markets budget. (http//www.learnmarketing.net/marketingmix.htm).3. Consumers Perception Some consumers will mate the price of goods with part. What matters for a product in relation to pricing is the average price paid. Eg. Fashion & technology starts off with elevated prices, while FMCGs start depressionPlaceTraditionally in the 4Ps, someoneate refers to distribution. It is come to with where the product is bought and consumed, and getting the product in the right part at the right succession (S. Hilliard, notes). distribution overly concerns itself with where a product is made, how it is monetary fundd and how many quite a little ar involved with a product before it reaches the shelves. The more great deal involved, the more expensive the product. If the producer of a product sells directly to the public, they must be well accessible. There ar three chief(prenominal) distribution strategie s available1. Intensive statistical distribution This can be used for zest or low-priced goods e.g. Coca-Cola. 2. Selective Distribution This is used when a product is interchange in a few places. Products nevertheless gets to wide geographical markets, but at the same time, feels like theres some exclusivity to it. Eg. John Rocha at Debenhams. 3. easy lay Distribution Is when a productis precondition to a sole distributor. The product is normally high-priced. Eg. Ferrari dealers or boutique clothes.PromotionPromotion is the means by which information intimately a product is communicated. It is done done advertising and Public Relations, where the party pays for, and so has control over information habituated to the consumer (Tescos Computers for schools programme). Publicity is uncontrolled and so can hurl a braggart(a), as well as a good impact on a club (BPs Gulf of Mexicos crude spill). It is snappy for businesses to demand good reputations since the profit is so easily accessible to the public nowadays, and brand-news is not so easily forgotten.Promotion in any case involves the selling efforts of round involved with a product. If a consumer is glad with service they would be more belike to come backwards to the same descent but whitethorn not gibber somewhat it to other strength clients, on the other hand, if a consumer has a disconsolate experience in a place they are far more collide withming to tell other people some it. You can find examples of this all over social media sites. Promotional offers are also helpful in stimulating a demand for goods, especially impulse bought goods. Eg. Boots apothecarys shops Three for the price of two.Task 2 (L.O.1.2)Alliance Boots Marketing ApproachCharles Revlon said In the factory we make cosmetics, in the store we sell hope. This can also be said of the company this assign custodyt will be aspect at. Alliance Boots marketing climb up is both market and consumer based. They put o ne over necessary goods like prescription medicines & opticians, but they also stick out their wellness and witness ranges in-store, they are also a major pharmaceutical totalsaler and distributor, in doing this they pretend become a gentleman draw in their field. Their revenue at class ended 31March 2012 is 23 billion, up 18.4% on 2011. Their trade profit was almost 1.03 billion, up 12.4% on the previous year and 88% over the uttermost(a) five. The cause for this is that they been increase their direct ownership in acclivitous global markets, they have also been change magnitude joint ventures with companies such as Farmexpert & Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals club in China (Alliance Boots Annual field of study 2012 Pg.7).They have brought their products such as No.7 and Boots Laboratories into countries where they donot have a retail presence through selling to self-directed pharmacies and online. In their stores, the organisation is very concerned with customer care. The y have training programmes for their faculty when driveing a new product so staff can be intercommunicate in case of questions from the public. At the moment they are refitting stores and opticians so as to make them more accessible to consumers. Boots are continuing to develop their website, and also their BootsWebMD.com page, a health. The Boots brand is the most recognisable chemists-based health and beauty brand in atomic number 63 and their No.7, Soltan and Botanic ranges are synonymous with good quality and good value ( addition 1.2.2).This and other promotions like their Only at Boots offers are what they use to keep themselves ahead of competitors. They strain to turn back consumers the stovepipe possible value by reducing prices where possible and also increasing their Advantage Card, and in doing so promote brand firmty, which manoeuvres to wasted sales. The organisation has gone into multiple charities to enshroud with improving the brands name and keeping itse lf in the publics mind. They understand that the consociate between good Corporate affectionate Responsibility and good business is vital (Boots Annual Report 2012 Pg44). In this, they sanction their people to volunteer in charities that take in local communities, and have developed a good reputation by doing so.They have volunteers that travel to the developing world to help promote eye-care in collaboration with imaginativeness Aid Overseas. (Appendix 1.2.1) In the U.K. especially, Boots have a very selective strategy when looking at where to put their stores so as to tap their profits. They place their flagship stores in the breast of major towns or cities for all the consumers needs, their local pharmacies are healthcare cerebrate for communities, high street stores are adapt towards health and beauty, and final examly their stores in airports for travellers last minute needs.Task 3 (L.O. 2.1) trick out Analysis of Alliance BootsStrengths* They are world leaders in a ma rket that has potential for long term ontogenesis and so are at the chief of technology * 69% of a sight asked why they shopped at Boots said it was because of the range of products intheir store(*table down the commode*). They have a wider selection than competitors in their market. * With training programmes for Boots staff, especially for their own brand products, consumers can be more informed about any questions or worries they may have without necessarily having to go to a doctor. * Their brands are well trusted by consumers so they have a loyal mathematical group of consumers. * through with(predicate) BCM, their Contract Manufacturing business, they cook up special prescription medicines for individuals. * Boots have an gauzy reputation when it comes to delivery of prescription medicines for patients needsWeaknesses* As a major organisation in their field, any negative promotion could cause major damage to the brands name. In 2011 Alliance Boots offered members of its final salary scheme the chance to take part in a alleged(prenominal) pensions increase exchange. This would see members hand a one-off increase to the value of their pensions in place of annual inflation-linked rises. This may lead to problems for them in the future if pensioners do not get enough money to see them all the way through superannuated age which, in turn, could see consumers look at Boots in a bad light. (http//www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/pensions/8820994/Alliance-Boots-could-be-open-to-pension-mis-selling-claims.html)* During a recession, people are more willing to buy generic wine brands, in doing this, the organisation may sustain out on selling their own brand products and so lose out on profits.Opportunities* Boots are continuously evaluating license opportunities in selective countries with colossal communitys, and ontogeny healthcare expenditure that they have not yet penetrated. * They have attempted to cheat the weakness mentioned above by cathartic their own generic brand of pharmaceuticals, Almus, which has been released in six countries, after the recent launch in Germany. * In received health and beauty stores (mainly stores inside shopping centres), the group have just started to sell sandwiches and drinks to give consumers a place to grab a quick lunch. When it comes to profit, to paraphrase another companys slogan Every minor Helps. Threats* Boots had an excellent market position it was in this position that the company had to deal with changes in the external business environment. There were supermarket fetter like TESCO that entered the personal care market with big plans and stores that covered every product line that the customer would deal with. Naturally, supermarket bondage threatened the niche that Boots was ruling and these large retailers had much more to offer than just drugs, drawing in crowds from all split with a comprehensive product parcel under one roof. * Other more direct comp etition, like Superdrug have been a threat to Boots recently. They have launched their own brand of cosmetics which has meant that Boots, in response have had to level their prices.Pest Analysis of Alliance Boots policy-makingWith governments increasing the number of medicines available for secure for minor illnesses, Boots have been able to sell a lot more over the counter products to consumers without them having to go to the doctor for prescriptions. The American company Walgreens have bought a stake in the organisation. The U.S. government is becoming the largest payer of prescription drugs could be a bigger semipermanent challenge for pharmacy reimbursement. (http//eupolitics.einnews.com/article_frame/120352863) There is a view that this has been done as a way for Walgreens to hedge their bets, in case it becomes problematic getting reimbursed from a government trillions of dollars in debt.EconomicsWith the intercontinental recession at the moment, a lot of companies are fin ding it hard to evaporate a business profitably. Alliance Boots see to have made their industry recession-proof. Consumers may go without holidays or nights out, but it looks the population still cant do without their health and beauty products. Although, consumers do seem more brand aware and are more receptive to lower priced or generic brands.Sociocultural FactorsA persons social environment includes their vivification and grazeing conditions, income level, educational background and the communities they are part of. The organisation seems to understand this and in developing worlds where they have a market presence they support multiple charities, Doctors withoutBorders in Africa and South America. As an organisation think on pharmacy-led health and beauty, promoting and supporting a range of initiatives that improve the health and benefit of the communities in which we serve is a rude(a) extension of our business activities. (http//media.allianceboots.com/app_media/alli ancebootscsr/home/pdfs/AllianceBootsCorporateSocialResponsibilityReport.pdf). proximate to home, they understand how the government are onerous to promote a more kempt lifestyle (although not doing a whole lot to encourage it, reduce taxes on health products/ fruit)* and are trying to capitalize on the idea.TechnologyThrough Boots nerve centre of Innovation, the organisation tries to get new entrepreneurs to get in while away with them. If a product is good enough Boots may help fund it with a view to the product going into their stores. In the U.K., they are trying to lower their carbon stones throw by fitting new stores, and refitting live stores with sky lights, sun pipes and solar panels. These stores have seen their carbon emissions reduced by a third.Task 4 (L.O.2.2 & 2.4)Buyer doings is the study of the why, when, what, where and how consumers buy a certain product. To steal a line from the reliable estate industry, the three most important things in marketing are n aval division, segmentation and segmentation. Re assay places groups into different segments and allows an organisation to have a go at it the geographic, demographic, and psychographic variables (target market) to aim their products at. The two products this assignment will be looking at are 1) Boots Winter vaccinum and 2) FCUK mens deodorant. (Appendix 2.2.1, 2.2.2 & 2.2.3) The stages of buyer behaviour are* acquire recognition* Information look for* Evaluation of alternatives* Purchase decision* domiciliate purchase evaluation (Marketing Principles BPP Learning Media Pg. 132)Need recognition1) A person compromising to influenza and wants to protect against it. 2)Consumer needs a new can of deodorant.Information search1) Internet search, Emails ( If the consumer has an Advantage Card) 2) Ask friends, TV adverts, flyers from the last time shopper was in the store Evaluation of alternatives1) Talk to a GP. are the GPs services more hygienic?2) Is the price okay for the produc t compared to the other products like Lynx, Nivea etc, does it smell bust than the other products? Purchase decision1) maintain that factors important to the consumer are met. 2) Price is right, product smells good.Post purchase evaluation1) Did the vaccine work? Were the standards of the consumer met? 2) Does the spray do what it was bought for? classGeographicAs seen in depute 2, Boots have strategically placed stores to maximise their consumer base and profits. (Flagship stores corner shops, airports etc.). Demographic Appendix 2.2.41) Winter Flu Vaccine* With spend starting soon Boots are root to promote their Winter Flu vaccination service. This will be aimed at a wide demographic.* This vaccination is strongly recommended for* persons venerable 65 and over Those with a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart or lung disease spate whose immune system is impaired due(p) to disease or treatment Persons with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 Pregnant women (can be given over at any stage of pregnancy) Residents of care for homes and other long stay institutions healthcare workers Carers People with regular close contact with poultry, water fowl or pigs.(http//www.boots.ie/ overwinter-flu-vaccination-service.aspx)2) FCUK mens deodorantBoots target market for this and all other designer body-sprays are males aged from 16 to 35. These are consumers (usually) with dope of discretionary income and who may feel more under pressure to look their best. They dont always worry about money when it comes to this. Psychographic1) Winter Flu vaccineBoots aim this product at people who are security and status seeking. If this is to work for them they cannot afford to be lackadaisical when it comes to hygiene. They can instil confidence in their consumers only because they are such a long-familiar brand, and if they had any negative press it would sure be widely reported on. 2) FCUK mens deodorantThis product is a more expensive option than a lot of the competitive products Boots have for sale. Its also a bit more expensive than if consumers were to go into a supermarket and buy the same product. As FCUK is a long-familiar brand, consumers who are status seeking could be looked at as a potential target-market base, but consumers who have the Hedonistic approach to life would be more appropriate.Task 5 L.O. (2.3& 2.5)Boots target-market ranges from the pharmacies they supply as part of their wholesaling and distribution right through to what they hope will be their loyal consumer. Through wholesaling, they must ensure their products are the best quality for the best price when compared to rivals like Superdrug. If they were to be found to lack the quality of their rivals it could have a lasting detrimental effect on the organisation. (Boots estimate the blessing of their name in their joint ventures to be worth 4.7billion).As a pharmacy store Boots are aimed at consumers who are security and status seeking. Recently their br anch Leaf advertisement for the autumn/ winter begun on television and was aimed at mothers who want to avoid illnesses in their family throughout the winter with vitamins and throat sprays, and at thesame time promotes luxury items like bubble-bath and autumn obscure hair-dyes. The advantage card is a major factor in how Boots target their market. They have been able to understand their target market so well that they send discipline offers to individuals based on their spending habits, which encourages consumers back to the store and can only be an advantage on their behalf. The card has also gotten excellent reviews from consumers on websites like reviewcentre.com.Boots are in a very strong position for the challenges that may face them in the next few years. Although with the green run becoming a more fertile part of lifestyle segments, they could promote their CSR, which does a lot of charity works in developing countries they have employees in. They do not test on animals, or have testing carried out on their behalf. With governments looking to provide more cost-effective ways of managing healthcare, Boots could possibly expand in communities through weight- management programmes, health check-ups and smoking termination advice. But if they dont do this I still think theyll be fine.