Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Strategic Analysis for Cathay Pacific Airways Dissertation

Strategic Analysis for Cathay Pacific Airways - Dissertation Example Cathay Pacific, during the global financial crisis in late 2008 and 2009, has incurred a record high of $ 7 billion loss (Cathay Pacific 2010). This is the first time that the company has ever experienced such a huge loss. However, by 2010, the company has reached an all time high of $14 billion profit (Cathay Pacific 2010). Although this turnaround is attributed to the continued growth and strong performance of the China’s economy, what Cathay Pacific shows is astonishing since the airline business, fundamentally, involves heavy investments, but relatively slow return on investments. Yet, Cathay Pacific has gained monumental profit during difficult economic times. In this sense, by looking into Cathay Pacific’s approach and strategy as the company surmounts the hurdle of the global financial crisis with excellent profit, one can learn from their experience as it provides a paradigm that can be used by most companies who are still reeling from the impact of the recent g lobal financial crisis. In this regard, Cathay Pacific strategic management offers alternative frames that can be useful for companies as they address the challenges and impact of the first global economic crisis of the 21st century. 1.1. Background of the Study The airline industry is one of the most dynamic and robust business sectors in the world (Meersman, Van de Voorde & Vanelslander 2008). Its business cycle is consists of ups and downs that continues to modify and restructure the demands and framework of the airline industry market (Uncles & Goh 2002). In this regard, it is significant to understand the important factors contributing to the robust nature of the airline industry. In addition, by looking into the elements modifying the structure of the industry, the approaches develop by the companies not only becomes contextualise, but it also affords the chance to apprehend what is the basic condition of the airline industry. One of the most important factors affecting not only the airline industry but all businesses and countries around the world is globalisation. Globalisation is the removal of trade barriers existing among nations. With this economic policy adopted by most countries around the world th e movement of goods, capital, services, products, culture and people has become freer flowing, thus allowing for exchanges to happen (Coatsworth 2004; Fougner 2006; Munck 2008). In effect, eco0nomic policies of governments have shifted from

Monday, October 28, 2019

Machiavellis View of Human Nature AND rELIGION

Machiavellis View of Human Nature AND rELIGION Machiavelli had discussed this in the beginning of ‘The Prince’ about the human nature. Machiavelli had assumed and had given the human nature a dark picture to an extreme that some think that he had considered humans to that of animals. According to Machiavelli human nature is completely selfish and full of ego and that they always think about their own self interest like the masses desire safety and security and the ruler wants power, and that they are very selfish to gain and conquer their motives. Machiavelli has described humans as bad, evil, selfish, egoistic and depraved. Human wants has no particular limit, they are greedy, sensual creature, mean, bad and depraved and he even goes on to saying that a human being only cares for himself, their family and their property and to conquer this they are ready to do anything even to the extent of forgiving their enemy, he even says that in order to safeguard their priorities they can even forgive the murder of their fathe r or any kin for that matter than the seizure of his property or any harm to himself. Humans love themselves first and then think about other things and that they are not law abiding citizens. As long as the ruler is providing the m the safety and the security that they desire that is the safety and security of them, their family and that of their property they are sated and to also protect from any foreign invaders, and if the ruler is able to do this the masses are easy to rule and the state is well governed. According tom Machiavelli humans use the state and the government for their own selfish reason, profit and protection, they immediately start disliking or hating the thing that they can’t achieve or is difficult to achieve or is out of their reach and will deliberately tend to avoid or delay it. Machiavelli also says that human by nature are wicked and aggressive, in the words of Sabine, â€Å"Human nature is moreover, profoundly aggressive and acquisitive, men aim to keep what they have and to acquire more. Neither in power nor in possessions are always in fact limited by natural scarcity. Accordingly men are always in a condition of strife and competition which threatens an open anarchy unless checked by the ruthless forces of the state.† Machiavelli believes that human beings are insatiable and mean by nature. Humans are insatiable but full of desires. His view regarding human nature is that of an high resemblance to that of Hobbes. Machiavelli’s views regarding politics, religion and morality are essentially based on his view of human nature. Machiavelli says that, â€Å"Men are ungrateful, fickle, deceitful, cowardly and avaricious.† From this it sums up to the conclusion that a ruler or a monarch should aim rather to be feared than to be loved. Machiavelli says that a ruler should protect the people, their families and their properties and he can rule over them without any hassle. Machiavelli quotes, â€Å"Men love at their pleasure, but fear at the pleasure of the prince, who should therefore depend upon that which in his own, not upon that which is of others. Yet he may be feared without being hated if he refrains from touching their property and their woman kind of his subjects, and if he avoid bloodshed excepting when there is good cause and manifest justification for it is in as much as men more easily forget the loss of their father than of their property.† With it he tends to say that man so much is in love with his priorities that he can go to any extreme and even turn evil to protect it from dange r, Machiavelli here also mentions that apart from property men is also insecure of his women and that if anyone is eyeing their women they tend to be aggressive and then it comes up to their ego, this idea or thought of Machiavelli can be seen even today. Machiavelli’s vie and point of human nature was very materialistic, he had rejected and turned down the ideologies of the Greek philosophers Aristotle and Plato who said that the state aims to make the people virtuous and good, he also dismisses the idea that existed in the medieval ages that the end of the state is to smooth the way of a man to eternal salvation. Machiavelli as always was highly criticized for this but according to him, â€Å"The end of the state is material prosperity.† CRITICISM OF MACHIAVELLI’S IDEA OF HUMAN NATURE Machiavelli’s concept of human nature is highly criticized by many till today, by various people and on various grounds. Some of them being: Man by nature has some virtues and is not purely selfish. His concept of human nature does not take into consideration the universal society. His views and ideas regarding human nature are the pure result of the observations he made and the conditions that prevailed at that particular time in Italy. According to the quote given by Sabine, â€Å"Machiavelli is not so much concerned with badness or egoism as a general human motive and with its prevalence in Italy as a symptom of social descendance. To him, Italy stands as an example of corrupt society.† So here the criticism is that Machiavelli has give the concept of human nature as at his time Italy’s political position was unbalanced and he had observed and wrote according to that and that his concept might be limited and not universal. According to Machiavelli’s concept of human nature man is an animal who is bad and depraved and that he cannot be reformed by any method. But he is here criticized with accordance to Plato and Aristotle who have said that throughout with the means of proper education man can be reformed. Machiavelli’s saying that men is ready to sacrifice their kin or relations for the sake and security of his priorities, but Machiavelli here also says that the top three priorities of man are life, family and then property, so how can he give up one priority to meet the other. No doubt that people love their property but they love and have equally deep regard and affection for their family, kin’s and other relations of blood. According to all this and keeping in mind the critics it can be said that on the basis of the above give criticism and discussion Machiavelli cannot be said as completely right, to some he might me, he and his ideas might be excellent to some but others may oppose it and it might not be according to their liking and ideology. But Machiavelli does not create an illusion he speaks and thinks practical and rational and reflects reality and most of his views are prevalent and can be seen in the present or current day scenario, as in today’s life we too observed and think that people have become selfish and that they think mostly about themselves, a lot of examples can be given from our own personal life and what we observe of that of others. MACHIAVELLI’S VIEW ON RELIGION Before Machiavelli, almost all thinkers and political personalities believed and propagated and promoted religion as the basis of the state. Plato considered state as the sole priority and religion to be a moral and an integrated part of the state. Aristotle too believed that religion was a factor and the basis for the proper administration of a good and excellent working state, but Machiavelli as being different did too believed in religion but his idea and the use of religion was totally and intelligently different, he made religion as the way as a basis for the advancement and the betterment of the state. Throughout the middle ages it was the church was the dominant and the supreme and the major part of the state and the church had political power and ruled the state and the pope of the church had supreme authority even in the sway of politics, as god was feared and the church was the creation of the god so the popes or the father were given and was considered as a dominant authority over the state of affairs to that of the state as that the soul has the supreme authority over the body, it was during that time that it was assumes that the church has a superior authority and position as compare, but Machiavelli was opposed to this idea as he thought of it differently and with this and his intellectual thoughts he believed and promoted religion but with his own twist of idea. It was Machiavelli and his idea that there should be a separation of religion from politics; it was Machiavelli who divorced religion from politics and segregated them completely from one another like his separatio n of ethics and moral from politics. He believed that politics attached to something is not real politics and that it should be played or governed on one on one basis. Machiavelli, he gave less importance to religion as compared to the state. The state according to Machiavelli has no important relation to the church but it also has no relation to God or any other super natural power for the matter of fact, he says that the state needs religion only as an instrumental object for furthering its own object. According to Allen, â€Å"In Machiavelli’s views the state can be understood only in terms of human lusts and appetites and that the successful ruler must learn to control these forms.† As he gave less importance to religion, he at the very same time stated and accepted that morality has a limited place in the society and that they should and must be both exploited and preserved. He thus was unmoral and not immoral. Machiavelli thought that religious factor in the society is a driving force which a clever and intellectual ruler can use to turn the table in the game of politics and use religion for their own advantage and growth of the state. For him the ruler should be an intelligent to use religion in such a way that the masses are happy and so that it is for the better administration of the state. For this he promoted religion but keeping his own interest and thought in mind. He was even considered as a person who is against religion and one who does not believes and because of this he was disliked and opposed many a times. But he always made his thinking and perception of religion clear, According to Machiavelli religion is a guiding principle which prevents you from doing or committing anything wrong, religion makes a person righteous makes them fearful and more law abiding, it is usually seen that a religious person is a god fearing person and because of this fear he is more into religion, the more he is into religion the more he will go according to the religious teachings and as all the religion teaches good to a person and that they should be just and moral so the more he is morally developed and the more he is morally developed he will think before doing anything wrong and it will lead to less wrong doings which also mean less crimes and law breaking, the lesser the crime the administration would work smoothly and which in turn hails and makes the state more powerful, so Machiavelli did believe I religion but with a but he added his own sense of twist there for the betterment of the state. He on one hand encouraged people to be more and more religious and on the other hand he also set certain strategies for the ruler to assume and pretend to be merciful, god fearing, righteous, religious and powerful but when it comes to the state the ruler can and should go to any extremes for the sake and the security of the state even if he has to be or is considered to be immo ral. Thus the ruler in order to rule should be highly pretentious and if he pretends to the masses then they would be easy to rule conditioned that the ruler should protect their initial priorities regarding safety and security of them their family and their property. Machiavelli’s separation of religion is an outstanding idea and the way he uses religion for the advancement of the society and the betterment of the administration is absolutely commendable. His idea of the ruler as a pretender is so relevant event in today’s time, as politicians and other influential personalities even though highly corrupted and evil from within tend and try to make a clear and a white impression to and in front of the masses and hoax them in order to increase their vote banks or to gain their benefit and profit. So what Machiavelli had thought and perceived about this centuries ago is still very much there and prevails in the present context. Thus Machiavelli thought about religion as a powerful instrument so far that it is in the hands of the wise ruler to sustain and uphold the national morale of the state.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Pre Revolutionary Mentality :: essays research papers

US History I Test   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The people represented in the picture, are pulling off King George III symbolizes how Americans felt right before the start of the revolutionary war. I believe this picture is in the beginning or middle part of 1775. The people of America were mad, were so, fed up with the British government that they will start a war in order to break away from them. These feelings didn’t just come about all of a sudden though, England set themselves up for this the moment they set up colonies that were three thousand miles away. When James the II was kicked out beneath his crown in 1688 his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange became joint sovereigns. This led several of the colonies into small revolts of their own. Not battles where people were killed, but battles of overcoming oppression. this gave the colonies hope, even though the â€Å"imperial grip† around the colonies would be getting tighter. In the years between 1730 and 1740, there was a period of a religious â€Å"awakening† this brought about new ideas and new faith in God. The old Puritan ways didn’t fade out but new beliefs came about with new religious options. This gave people a chance to start over with their religious faith. People listened to great preachers like Charles Wesley, who founded Methodism, George Whitfield, and a Congregationalist named Jonathan Edwards. The Great Awaking was an awaking of religious beliefs and spirits, another movement, later labeled the â€Å"enlightenment† was an awakening of learning. Great improvements in science and technologies were coming out of Europe. Great thinkers were writing and challenging the norm. They brought up ideas of leaving England and questioned the Authority of the crown. Soon after things get rolling in America, Britain leaves the colonies alone. This period known as salutary neglect leaves the American people thinking about possible independence away from England. Before 1763 the only laws that were in place were the navigation acts, which made sure the colonies only traded with England, and were loosely enforced. In 1763 the proclamation of 1763 drew a line on the Appalachian Mountains that forbid settlers from traveling west of the mountains. The Indians were excited about this, it would stop the invasion of their lands and the battles they fought to protect it. It eventually failed as settlers moved into the Ohio valley anyways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This was a changing point for the colonies, it was the first time they had really been restricted, but it would not be the last.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Ethics for a Criminal Justice Career Essay

For someone who chooses to become a law enforcement officer he or she must understand the importance of having moral ethics standards in order to do the job effectively and professionally. Police officers are held by the public to a higher standard of morality and are expected to be above reproach. Sadly, we see in the news all to often police officers that have exhibited unethical conduct both on the job and in their private lives. When an officer commits an improper act of some type it impacts the entire law enforcement profession, in some cases it makes it hard for other officers to do their job without ridicule. Unfortunately, the public does not differentiate between officers, departments, or uniforms when a scandalous act occurs. The purpose for anyone pursuing a law enforcement career to study ethics is essential to keep the integrity and the trust of the public. A look into how and why officer should make ethical decisions, to examine the motives for the choices they make and see what is the influence that guides them to make the choices they do. The Denver Police Department for example has the recruits in the police academy recite the police code of ethics every morning along with the pledge of allegiance. This tradition has carried on because of a police scandal that took place in 1961 that involved a number of officers who were committing burglaries, 47 officers were stripped of their badges and then went to prison. That year became known as the city of Denver’s year of shame, in a reprint of the original article in the Denver Post in February of 2010, the question was asked, How did it happen? â€Å"The department made it easy for us,† the leading police-burglars said. They pointed to a breakdown in departmental discipline and supervision that made it possible for them to double as safecrackers. As the year ended, steps were being taken to repair that breakdown. The International Assn. of Chiefs of Police was undertaking a departmental reorganization program, which is expected to make sweeping changes in pol ice  command policy, and, possibly, in command personnel. Some observers argue that only a thorough shakeup can restore public confidence in the scandal-ridden department. The answer the officers gave was insufficient because they were blaming the police department’s lack of supervision and breakdown in discipline as a reason for their crimes. Police officers need to have their own built in reasons for choosing the most ethical way, because even with increased supervision and discipline officers spend most of their shifts without supervisors around them. An officer must develop a decision making process that will be based on a standard that causes them to make the ethical decision immediately when faced with a moral dilemma. There are four major perspective theories of ethics that influence the decision making process for making choices, they are the Moral Virtue perspective, the Deontological/Formalism perspective, the Utilitarianism perspective, and the Biblical perspective. The moral virtue perspective is based largely on Plato and Aristotle theories, in (Sam Souryal’s book, Ethics in Criminal Justice, 2007) he points out that Aristotl e argued, â€Å"that because no one is born ethical (or unethical), people must spend their entire lives actualizing their potential in pursuit of happiness. This lifelong endeavor should be regarded not only as a means, but also as an end, desirable in itself.†(p.14) Aristotle believed that virtue ethics are learned through habit; therefore the application of virtuous behavior is brought about only through practice. Law enforcement agencies when recruiting candidates do extensive background investigations that include going to the schools they attended growing up and interviewing their teachers and friends. A polygraph test is given and psychological profiles are done all with the intention to determine those who demonstrate strong moral values before they are hired. In an FBI Bulletin article that focuses law enforcement ethics shows that in the pursuit of finding those who exhibit virtue ethics they say: Police departments’ best efforts will not prevent instances of police misconduct. Proponents of virtue ethics argue that certain officers misbehave because they lack character. These â€Å"bad apples† managed to â€Å"slip through the cracks† despite their unethical values. They argue that police abuse occurs in isolated incidents and involves a few immoral opportunists who were corrupt before they became officers. Unfortunately, this interpretation fails to explain how otherwise  exemplary officers with no prior history of wrongdoing, many of whom are sterling role models in their families, churches, and communities, can become involved in misconduct. (www.fbi.gov) In police academies across the nation are training police officers in ethics, it has become part of the curriculum in order to prevent a scandalous situation. In an online article at PoliceOne.com makes a very interesting point concerning virtue ethics development in a person: It is unlikely that an increase in ethics training alone will lead to more ethical policing. You can’t t rain ethics in the same way as other skills. It’s not a definable ability but is instead the result of education comprised of peer discussions, formal and informal training, and thoughtful reflection. (www.policeone.com) There needs to be more than just virtue ethics which morality is an overall concept to of people wanting to make their lives better. A problem that arises is who determines what things can be done to accomplish this, a choice to do something to live a better life could hurt someone else’s quality of life. Now a look into what is called the Utilitarianism theory as defined in a book on Criminal Justice Ethics by (Cyndi Banks, 2009) which states that consequentialist theories contend that the right thing to do always depends on the goodness of consequences. Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral doctrine because, for the utilitarian, morality is solely a matter of consequences. (p.280) There is an appeal of utilitarianism to people because as (Rae, 2009) points out, â€Å"All one must do is weigh the anticipated good consequences of an action against its anticipated harmful ones – the bottom line produces a greater balance of benefits. If it produces greater benefits, then it is the most moral course of action† (p.74) The police officers in Denver that were committing the burglaries could have and may have used this theory as a justification for their illegal acts. It was said that their pay was not sufficient and they needed to do this in order to provide for their families, the benefit of that would outweigh the crime. Rea also shows how utilitarianism could justify obvious injustices, â€Å"such as contriving evidence against an innocent person to prevent widespread social unrest that would result in loss of life and substantial property damage.† (p.75) This theory if used in the law enforcement profession could cause incredible harm to their community and could justify immoral choices. This cannot be a theory that should be used by police officers to guide them in  making ethical choices because the end does not justify the means. The Deontological theory according to (Banks, 2009) Is in contrast with the utilitarianism theory because it takes the view that to act rightly, persons must first of all refrain from doing thins that can be said to be wrong before the fact; these wrong acts are defined by what are variously called rules, laws and constraints. The Deontological theorists claim that the rightness or wrongness of an act depends entirely upon the kind of act that has occurred and not upon its consequences. (p.p. 280-281) For law enforcement officers the deontological perspective would be a much better theory to follow because the decision would be based on the act itself. If the act a police officer would chooses is wrong, he or she should not even consider doing it for no other reason than it is wrong. This would be inline with the police code of ethics that sets out strict guidelines for officers to do, no matter what the circumstances are. â€Å"The Christian will tend to be more deontologically oriented because of the emphasis on Christian Ethics on the commands of God as moral absolutes and guiding principles.† (Rae, 2009 p. 17) After becoming a Christian while on the police force the difference in the work ethic was obvious to the command staff. The power of the Holy Spirit was transforming in giving the ability to follow God’s law and to understand that whatever decision was made, is for the glory of God. The Biblical perspective is the guiding force for a Christian officer; it does not automatically prevent ethical struggles, the same issues and temptations are still out there such as the high rate of divorce, alcoholism and suicide. They all could succumb to the same problems as any police officer such as anger, lust and promiscuity, greed, hatred and bitterness in the face of their daily challenges. It is easy sometimes in this field to forget obedience and submission to God’s authority, while possessing the authority given to them as police officers. They must always remember that they are slaves of God and he gives all authority in heaven and on earth. It is difficult to understand how any officer without Christ can function and remain pure given the environment they work in. An officer with a Biblical perspective should not be as prone to giving in to unethical decisions when facing dilemmas A police officer’s perspective will determine the way he or she handles the ethical dilemmas  that occur on the job. The verse found in Colossians 2:8 should be the guide for a Christian police officer to follow the Biblical perspective and not the perspectives the world offers, â€Å"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.† (NKJV) References Banks, C. (2009). Criminal Justice Ethics, Theory and Practice (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc. Eldridge, L. (2011, June 16). Situational ethics and the moral chaos of modern policing. In issues/articles/3804919-Situational-ethics-and-the-moral-chaos-of-modern-policing/ PoliceOne.com. Retrieved May 3, 2014, from http://www.policeone.com/patrol- issues/articles/3804919-Situational-ethics-and-the-moral-chaos-of-modern-policing/ Fitch, B. D. (2011, October). Focus on Ethics Rethinking Ethics in Law Enforcement. In The FBI- Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bulletin . Retrieved May 2, 2014, from http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/october- 2011/focus-on-ethics Holy Bible: New King James Version. (1982). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. Rae, S. B. (2009). Moral Choices, An Introduction to Ethics (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Souryal, S. S. (2007). Ethics in Criminal Justice, In Search of Truth (4th ed.). Newark, NJ: Matthew Bender & Company Inc. Whearley, B. (2010, February 15). Exposà © of Police Burglaries Marked City’s ‘Year of Shame’ [Electronic version]. The Denver Post.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Addiction Does Not Discriminate Essay

Addiction does not begin with a conscious decision to become an â€Å"addict. † Because of the availability of painkillers, central nervous system depressants, and alcohol, every socio-economical group is at risk. For many it is a slow progression from needing to wanting the drug of choice. Fortunately, there are treatment plans and therapy for those who suffer from this life changing disease. The stereotypical view of a drug addict is the poor, dirty, economically challenged, bug-eyed, and most likely of non-white ethnicity. However, Jeff Bishop reports from an interview with Pamela Shepard, coordinator of the Coweta County Adult Drug Court, Andrews 2 that the addicts they deal with are anything but stereotypical. Shepard states that the people they deal with are not like those in the movies, they are moms, dads, college, students, nurses, teachers and every other profession. Then there are those who never stood a chance from the time they were born. Shepard also says that drug and alcohol addiction and other addictions are pervasive, not just in certain parts of a town or among certain groups of people. Bishop) There are several prescription medications that are addictive, however, some of the more commonly addictive and abused are painkillers, CNS Depressants, and Alcohol. The National Institutes of Health estimates that in the United States close to 20 % of people over the age of 12 have used these prescription drugs or alcohol for non-medical purposes. (Prescription Drug Abuse). Prescription pain kil lers are one of the most commonly abused medicines (Drug Addiction-Prescription). Many patients are prescribed these medicines for moderate to severe pain. If taken exactly as prescribed, pain medicine can manage quite effectively. However, chronic use or abuse of opioids can result in physical dependence and addiction (Drug Addiction-Prescription). Pain killers tend to be over prescribed by many doctors and the option of online pharmacies only adds to the problem. (Prescription Painkillers May Be Over Prescribed) According to researchers from the University of North Carolina, physicians who treat neck pain rely on medications far too often to the point of excluding other treatment options, which may be more effective and carry less risk of addiction. Prescription Painkillers May Be Over Prescribed) Andrews 3 Another highly abused medicine is CNS Depressants such as, Xanax and Valium (Drug Addiction-Prescription). These medications are typically prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders (Prescription Drug Abuse). Depressants, for many, are a â€Å"way out† of reality which allows them to alter the ability to feel emotional pain or discomfort. Sometimes the â€Å"way out† feeling leads to addiction. Research continues to show that alcohol is the most abused substance. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health released that 22% of the American population binge drink and that over 16 million people are heavy drinkers (Catton). Two reasons to support this fact are availability and being legal to buy. Alcohol is woven into many activities in life, and it becomes difficult to recognize when drinking has crossed the line into addiction. Alcoholics have a difficult time setting limits on the amount consumed (Smith, Robinson & Segal). Many people experiment with drugs and alcohol with only a small percentage becoming addicted. Why do some succumb and others do not? The Genetics Science Learning Center states that it is becoming increasingly clear that genetic factors play an important role in the addiction process (Genetics Science Learning Center). There is not one gene that determines addiction; it is influenced by multiple genes as well as environmental risks. These genes and environmental factors can either add up or cancel each other out. A person’s genetic makeup does not necessarily doom them to become an addict. (Genetics Science Learning Center) Andrews 4 Environment is also a major factor in addiction (Genetics Science Learning Center). Just because a genetic map says someone is prone to addiction does not mean that it will happen, it just means that those people need to be more careful than others. Treatment plans have been in place almost as long as addiction has been a problem. There are several different treatment centers that provide multiple care plans. Through the years treatment plans have drastically changed, most defiantly for the better. History has shown that past treatments for addiction has been imprisonment, sentencing to asylums, and church-guided prayer. Of course, those methods were generally ineffective. Genetics Science Learning Center) Current methods are more based on the understanding that addiction is a disease that has many more factors than just a need to â€Å"get high†. Modern treatments involve a combination of drug and behavioral therapy, resulting in a much higher success rate. (Genetics Science Learning Center) Society tends to judge drug addiction sufferers as morally weak or may see them as if they have criminal intent. Many people do not understand that while symptoms of addiction are treatable, the disease itself is incurable. Luxury drug rehab) Many addiction sufferers will die from their disease, but those who seek help from a treatment center can treat their condition and live a wholesome life (Luxury drug rehab). Andrews 5 Truth is people who are addicted come in all shapes and sizes. It is not just the crack addict in the alley in a bad part of town. They are also the successful business men who wear business suits and successfully function in the corporate world. Addiction sufferers can also be the people who dispense and prescribe narcotics, or the stay at home parents that drive the kids to school and to ball practice every day. They could also be the elderly neighbor or maybe even a teacher (Winkel). Because there are many beliefs and stereotypes about drug addiction that are simply not true, those who suffer from addiction find it difficult to ask for help or even admit they have a problem. Addiction stereotyping is a hard habit to break but doctors and therapists try to treat addiction as the disease it is. One of the first steps in breaking the stereotype is to stop using the words habit, fix, and abuser that reinforce the stigma with negative connotations (Salsitz). Everyone is worthy of treatment and help. If people were more aware of the problems of drug addiction and how easily it could happen to anyone, he or she may be more likely to see an addicted person as someone who is worthy of help and respect. The more harshly people judge those who suffer from addiction and continue to make them feel as if they do not deserve treatment the less likely they will be to get help or even trust someone enough to confide in them about their problems. It is never a good idea to generalize people and their behavior. Many who are addicted to substances can move past their addictions and go on to lead productive lives.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Does Race Exist

Does Race Exist? In the NOVA article I read there were responses from two anthropologists, Dr Loring Brace of the University of Michigan and Dr. George Gill of the University of Wyoming, who both have different opinions on this very controversial topic. They both were interviewed by NOVA Online about their views on the existence of race. Although the two have many times had different radical view, they readily joined together with six other anthropologist file a suit against the federal government for the right to study â€Å"Kennewick Man†, a skeleton which has many clues that can see what humans looked li ke thousands of years ago. The process that scientists is called facial – reconstruction. This method uses the bone structure along with clay to mold the skull into a replica of a face. Two purposes that this method is used for includes identifying the recent dead so that they can be reunited with their kin, and then the other is to give the people of today a glimpse of what our ancestors might have appeared like in their lifetime. The proponent in this article, Dr Gill is one of the anthropologists who today believe that the human races are biologically valid and real. The other scientists that agree with Gill’s findings are sometimes confused and tend to lean towards the facts that on a blood level, Gill’s findings are inaccurate with similarities of some cultures as apposed to others that Gill claims are not at all similar. The blood resting of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds doesn’t support the biological real... Free Essays on Does Race Exist Free Essays on Does Race Exist Does Race Exist? In the NOVA article I read there were responses from two anthropologists, Dr Loring Brace of the University of Michigan and Dr. George Gill of the University of Wyoming, who both have different opinions on this very controversial topic. They both were interviewed by NOVA Online about their views on the existence of race. Although the two have many times had different radical view, they readily joined together with six other anthropologist file a suit against the federal government for the right to study â€Å"Kennewick Man†, a skeleton which has many clues that can see what humans looked li ke thousands of years ago. The process that scientists is called facial – reconstruction. This method uses the bone structure along with clay to mold the skull into a replica of a face. Two purposes that this method is used for includes identifying the recent dead so that they can be reunited with their kin, and then the other is to give the people of today a glimpse of what our ancestors might have appeared like in their lifetime. The proponent in this article, Dr Gill is one of the anthropologists who today believe that the human races are biologically valid and real. The other scientists that agree with Gill’s findings are sometimes confused and tend to lean towards the facts that on a blood level, Gill’s findings are inaccurate with similarities of some cultures as apposed to others that Gill claims are not at all similar. The blood resting of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds doesn’t support the biological real...

Monday, October 21, 2019

President Theodore Teddy Roosevelt

President Theodore Teddy Roosevelt Introduction Born on 27th October, 1858, Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th president of the United States of America. He took over as president at the age of 42 years after the assassination of President William McKinley. He is remembered by many as the most active American President who lived a very exciting life. Roosevelt was funny, smart, hardworking and very brave (Potts 5).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on President Theodore â€Å"Teddy† Roosevelt specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Roosevelt’s Personality Theodore Roosevelt was a very popular President who cared about all people regardless of their status in society. He loved people and in his service to the Americans, he used powers given to him to seek help for others. It is him love for people that motivated him to study law. He also cared so much about nature and desired so to save it for the future generations (McKay 2). His strong interest in nat ure led him to Harvard University in Massachusetts where he studied to be a naturalist; a scientists who studies plants and animals (McKay 5). During his tenure as a civil service commissioner, he made attempts to change the way government hired its employees. According to President Roosevelt, government employees were expected to provide services to the public impartially and it was very critical to have them trained properly to carry out their duties (Potts 11). Roosevelt led the police commission in New York City at a time when the public had completely lost trust in the police force. He fired any police officer who was not good at his or her job and slowly but surely, he managed to restore the public’s confidence in the police and the police commissioner (Potts 11). Roosevelt’s Greatest Achievement According to Hooton (1), Roosevelt was the most effective conservationist that American has ever seen. He lived up to his dream of preserving nature for the future and b ecause of his relentless efforts, Americans now have water, food and forest lands (Hooton 1). In my opinion, this is a very remarkable achievement considering that climate change and environmental degradation is and will continue to be a real menace to the survival of mankind. Presently, many countries are paying a high price because of poor natural resource management policies. Because of man’s never ending ambitions and destructive activities, we keep hearing stories about extended drought periods and people dying of hunger. When President Roosevelt finally came to power as the President of the United States, his first agenda was to ensure that the nation’s resources were preserved. In his maiden speech to the Congress he made his intentions quite clear when he declared that Americans had to stop thinking that the nation’s resources were unlimited.Advertising Looking for essay on biography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OF F Learn More Subsequently, he proclaimed a policy to invalidate the historic thought that America’s resources should be exploited for the sake of nation building (Hooton 1). The federal government later participated actively to reinforce the new policy. In his view, Roosevelt was convinced that a good nation must be able to pass its resources to the future generation increased and not depleted (Hooton 1). Conclusion Clearly, Theodore â€Å"Teddy† Roosevelt left a mark in the American History. A part from positively impacting the lives of many Americans, Roosevelt worked hard to conserve America’s natural resources. Today, his conservation efforts can be seen in a number of ways. The presence of 150 forests and 24 reclamation projects speak volumes about what he did for American. He believed that the federal government was responsible for conserving and protecting natural resources and ensured that they did so to the benefit of the nation (Hooton 1). Hooton, LeRoy W. President Theodore â€Å"Teddy† Roosevelt, America’s Conservationist. Salt Lake City, UT: Salt Lake City Corporation. 2009. Web. McKay, Sindy. President Theodore Roosevelt. San Anselmo, CA: Treasure Bay, Inc., 2006. Print. Potts, Steve. Theodore Roosevelt. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 2006. Print.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

15 Vital College Survival Tips

15 Vital College Survival Tips In this quick-read article you’ll find 15 college survival tips that get straight to the heart of the matter. We didn’t waste time with fluff tips or nonsense. Each one is serious business so let’s get to it. 1. Make Eating Right Exercising Habitual Yes, really. Eating right is going to work miracles all by itself because you’ll be running on all cylinders. Exercise will keep you in shape and balanced. Being healthy is really a good idea (who’d-uh thunk it?) and it helps you get the most out of your college experience. 2. Maintain Relationships with the Right Professors Don’t hesitate. From the get-go you need to be establishing relationships with the professors that matter most to you given your goals/focus. Don’t be creepy or in a hurry. Just approach them and let them know they’ll be seeing you around for the next few years and you would love to get to know them. That’s it. Then practice being a student they’re pleased with. It makes college life so much easier when you’re connected to the right people. 3. Know Your Major from Day One Don’t be indecisive. Make a decision and stick with it. Don’t spend a year or two bouncing around from one major to the next wasting time and money. If you’re too young to think about your future in a mature way, maybe you should wait before committing to college? At the end of the day it’s not necessary, but knowing your major from the start makes college much more rewarding. 4. Get Lame Classes Done First Regardless of your major there are a bunch of classes you need to take. Some are the fun classes while others are going to be hard or boring electives you’re not interested in. Don’t avoid them. Get them done with as early as possible so you can spend as much time as possible on the classes that matter to you most. 5. Realize that College is Temporary Don’t get so lost in the moment that you make decisions which could really harm you down the road. Like, maybe it’s not a good idea to post videos on the net of you doing illegal or ridiculous things. Especially if you plan on becoming a teacher or public official. I mean live it up, but don’t forget that college is just a temporary place and the real world awaits you. Also, because college is temporary you really don’t need to take it so seriously that you cause yourself physical or psychological harm. Get it, do your time, get your degree(s) and then move on. It’s that simple. 6. Cradle a Sense of Balance Relax. Find ways to keep yourself balanced and cradle them because they mean so much. Resistance training really helps. Take a yoga class. Do something to keep your mind and body centered so that you don’t get too swept up into things. 7. Be Strategic with Procrastination We all procrastinate, it’s fine. Just make sure you use it wisely. Mid-terms aren’t a good choice†¦jus’sayin. 8. Destroy Your Comfort Bubbles You’re going to survive college. One way to make sure you get the most of it, is to demolish your comfort bubbles and explore, experiment, travel and make yourself available to exquisite experiences. 9. Are You Ready to be a Parent? Seriously. Sex is awesome and there are TONS of young sexy people in college. The question is, are you prepared to be a mommy or daddy? If not, then you need to take sex a bit more seriously. 10. Don’t Avoid Class Difficulty Maybe that class sounds awesome, but on the first day you felt like it might be better to swim in razor blades and lemon juice. Hold on a minute, don’t be so quick to hop out of classes that you find challenging. These are known as character-builder classes. 11. Go to Class! We had to include this one because we understand how powerful propaganda can be. The more you see, read and hear â€Å"go to class!† the higher the chances are that you’ll go. These classes cost money and they are time in your life you’ll never get back so you better take them seriously. 12. Learn How to Take Proper Notes This isn’t high school. Take notes seriously. Clue: you don’t need to take a â€Å"how to take notes† class. 13. Learn to Chill at Test Time The more prepared you are the more relaxed you’ll be. Don’t let anxiety and fear gobble up tons of your mental energy. Instead, make sure you’re prepared and ready to rock when test time comes. 14. Focus on the Right Kind of Friends Don’t let idiots drag you down. Hang with people that can help you succeed and vice versa. 15. Go to Tons of Events Take advantage of as many school events as possible, because then you’ll meet tons of people and create for yourself tons of opportunities (relationships). So how about it folks? Do you agree these are the big hitter survival tips or what? Let us know what you do to survive.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Marketing Plan for a New Restaurant Research Proposal

Marketing Plan for a New Restaurant - Research Proposal Example The main aim of hotel and restaurant industries is to maximize their profits. However, the competition has made it difficult to maintain their position in the market. Due to more and more new investments in this sector, the existing hotels are in danger to lack behind in innovations and creative utilization of resources. The new techniques to manage the operations and the use of new machinery which reduces the labor cost are difficult to be adopted due to the existing managed workforce and working environment. The hotel industry has now reached to a highly competitive stage and all restaurants are adopting the branded restaurant concept in order to meet the requirements of continuous innovations and creative approach (Casper, 1995). It has also been observed during the research that restaurants and famous hotels are working in collaboration to maximize their returns for example, the partnership of Marriott and Pizza Hut, Holiday Inn and TGI Friday's etc (Boone, 1997). This paper woul d further discuss the aspects which are required to be considered before starting a new restaurant and a marketing plan to be followed for a successful launch of a new restaurant. Restaurants have become an integral part of most of the people around the world. The working population prefer having their breakfasts and lunches in the restaurants. Owing to this importance given by the people to the hotels, more and more people are involving in this sector. It can be evaluated from the current findings that hotels are highly profitable and money-making. It can be true but not necessarily. The successful running of a hotel is not as easy as it seems to be. There are many factors which require to be achieved flawlessly. Increasing competition means increasing risk to the business from the competitors. Any new product, package or creative advertisement may grab the attention of a large number of customers. Hence more and more finance is required to be spent on innovative techniques. The uniqueness and brand name attract most of the customers (Tepeci, 1999). However, it is not an easy task to create a brand name. In food service businesses the development of brand na me has been increasing. A number of food chains have increased their business in the international market. The globalization of food chains has resulted in strong development of brand identity for the travelers and local visitors (Wexler, 1994). These food chains have become successful in winning the satisfaction of their customers all around the world. These international food chains conduct surveys and researches to find out the likings and demands of the people living in a particular region. They ensure that the quality of food and tastes is according to their demand (Davis, Lockwood & Stone, 1998). They also consider the cultural and religious aspects of people and give special attention to things which are against their religion or culture (for example, the use of alcohol in Muslim countries). Hence we can say that the evaluation of the demand of people and their opinions are of paramount importance in successful running of a hotel. The first goal of our restaurant is to create a distinguishing identity and become popular because of its unique presentation and high quality food. The second goal is to provide customers with an environment where they can enjoy the food without any kind of disturbance. The last goal is to maximize profits without harming the quality

Friday, October 18, 2019

Nursing curricullum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nursing curricullum - Essay Example Despite there being a clear significance of the learning process to every person’s development, health, functioning, the well-being and health, debate about how learning takes place, the experiences that deem to hinder or facilitate learning, and the key elements that ensures learning becomes relatively vital has never ceased. Arguably, one such crucial elements pertains a learning theory. A learning theory is the coherent framework of some integrated principles and constructs that can be used for describing predicting or explaining how individuals learn. Education psychology has provided alternative theories alongside perspectives concerning how the process of learning takes place. The curriculum for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN's), has adopted a number of learning theories that have evidently been useful at boosting the training, as well as the learning processes of its staff (Fitzpatrick, & Whall, 2005).. ... They are more significant in influencing the pedagogical practice. More often than not, behaviourists tend to be of a view that all behaviour, no matter their complexity can easily be reduced to simple stimulus response association. In essence, behaviourists are emphasize on the measurable outcomes rather than imaginary thoughts and feelings (introspective processes). Ivan Pavlov, while conducting an experimental research with dogs, found out that dogs tend to salivate whenever the laboratory technician enters the room (McKenna, & Slevin, 2008). Research conducted over the same revealed that dogs had made the association between stimulus (food) and the technicians (neutral stimulus) thereby leading to the dog’s drooling response. This theory was termed as Pavlovian conditioning and was further developed by Watson who further demonstrated the classical conditioning among humans with the use of the young boys called Little Peter and Little Albert (McKenna & Slevin, 2008). Extend ing on this theory, Skinner used this theory to provide an explanation of the more complex forms of learning. Skinner believed that it was possible to utilize principles underpinning animal experimentation with children and infants. He went ahead coining the terminology Operant conditioning in explaining the influence negative and positive reinforcers have upon maintaining and shaping the behaviour of a child. The AACNs have adopted the Skinner’s theory as used in reward and punishment systems used by teachers in shaping and maintaining the behaviour of pupils. Praise, star charts, positive feedback, alongside circle time are crucial examples of the commonly used positive reinforcers, while

Article Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Article - Research Paper Example The settlement of the dispute was fair. This is because the judge followed the law of the Loose-Fish which states that when a fish is loose, it is fair game to whosoever catches it first (Fast-fish and Loose-fish 575). Since the plaintiffs had forsaken their boats and lines with the whale, the whale was no longer in their custody, thus loose. The article is about possession of property. The article talks about the universal undisputable laws, whether written or unwritten, that are used to solve any disputes that arise over the ownership of property. That is the main theme of the article. The article also discusses a dispute, whereby the judge used the law of Loose-Fish to give a ruling. In addition, the article discusses the common person’s feelings towards the laws of possessing property and gives different examples of situations where the law was applied and how the law seems unfair in most situations. â€Å"Fast-fish and Loose-fish.† n.d. Web. Accessed 15Th September 2014.

CIS 312 4.5.6 question Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CIS 312 4.5.6 question - Assignment Example Q2. A. Assigning permissions to user groups as opposed to assigning permissions to user accounts is a an important best practice for shared resources in a Windows environment because it simplifies the management of shared resources. It also allows the administrator to add or remove new users without amending or reassigning permissions and assigning restrictive permissions to allow users to perform only the required tasks B. Organizing shared applications in a single shared folder to simplify administrative functions due to the existence of one location for upgrading or installing software and avoiding explicit denial of shared resources Q1. A. The chosen design and function is a stateful operation with uniform namespace and UNIX semantic, which enables clients to use the same access file path and to enable visibility in terms of noting changes to files. This design and function can work with enhancements in non-distributed systems to achieve transparent access to files. B. The chosen design is uniform name space, stateless operation and session semantics, which allows granularity consistency and the client can send server requests described as self-containing. This design may not work in a non-distributed architecture due to because it is based on the simple recovery as a design goal. Q2. A. The two main benefits of cloud computing are reduced IT costs and scalability because cloud eliminates system upgrades and reduces operating costs. One challenge that an organization could face when implementing an existing in-house application into cloud is the problem of user lack of trust in privacy and data security. Concerns arise when mission critical applications and sensitive data moves to a cloud paradigm. B. The two main benefits of cloud computing to organizations are business continuity achieved through enhanced data protection, and collaboration efficiency. An important challenge of moving in-house

Thursday, October 17, 2019

DuPont analysis (Apple vs Samsung ) Research Paper

DuPont analysis (Apple vs Samsung ) - Research Paper Example It is a recognized world brand that has led the process of digital migration in communication and computers. The main products produced by the firm are iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, iTunes, Mac App Store and iCloud. Apple Company primarily trades its shares in the NASDAQ while it’s also listed in other exchanges including mexico and paris. Samsung started as a small business solely owned by a Korean based business man who was mainly involved in export business. The business grew from exporting dried fish vegetables and fruits to manufacturing the products themselves. Years later the firm diversified its product line to electronics. The giant firm then expanded operations opening up branches all over the world while retaining its original brand name Samsung. The firm comprises more than 78 different companies and affiliates in its wide range of products. In the electronics sector, Samsung produces a wide variety including mobile phones, tablets, televisions and home appliances. The firm is worth being a bench mark for Apple Inc due to its experience and achievements in the market. The products of Samsung compete well with Apple products in the market thus the need to compare them. The efficiency of the firm can be measured using the DuPont analysis. DuPont analysis measures assets of their gross book value to produce a higher return on equity. The use of the gross book value is aimed at getting the actual return on equity without accounting for depreciation which artificially reduces the return on equity. Depreciation reduces the return on equity, but is not an actual activity that reduces income, but a value assumed that the asset depreciates by during the course of its usable life. To get the return on equity, the following formula is used: The firm, Apple Inc is currently not performing well when performance is measured using the DuPont identity. Apple Inc has a low return on equity compared to its competitor Samsung. Investors interested

Networks and alliances in biotechnology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Networks and alliances in biotechnology - Essay Example It is general perception among the people in the market that the organization with higher quality collection of alliances will perform better in the long run, which leads to higher market valuation of the firms. The report prepared by the analysts of Goldman Sachs (2005) on the biotechnology firms has closely studied the alliances and has published a long list of such alliances, which suggested that there were quite large number of alliances in this sector. Apart from this, a study conducted by Baum, Calabrese and Silverman (2000) on biotechnology firms of Canada has found that the new firms are more capable of leveraging alliances, especially R&D alliances and are seen to grow at a higher rate. This report focuses on the strategic alliances in the biotechnology firms and unleashing their importance and implications. Primary activities of the Biotechnology Firms Biotechnology is one of the most important emerging technologies that generate several applications, which are applied to v arious fields such as healthcare, fine chemistry, food industry, agriculture and even in the environmental development. Biotechnology encompasses various research methods and technologies that are applied in various sectors. For instance â€Å"recombinant DNA technology can be used to produce large molecule medicines in the pharmaceutical sector, create new crop varieties in the agricultural sector, or create micro-organisms that produce industrial enzymes for the chemical sector† (Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, 2005, p. 6). Reasons for collaboration of the biotechnology firms The alliance formation of the biotechnology firms has gained enough attention from many scholars. These scholars have tried to track the motives of the firms behind the alliances and have found quite significant number of reasons. The cost and risk of innovation involved in the product development for the biotechnology firms are quite high so a majority of the firms look for sha ring these risk and cost involved through strategic partnership. Apart from this, the biotechnology firms look for entering into strategic alliance with established rivals in order to avoid direct competition with those rivals in the product market. Keeping these motives in mind the two key driver that encourages the formation of alliance are firstly the accessibility to the knowledge and other complementary resources and secondly the search for legitimacy. Accessibility to the knowledge and other complementary resources An organization can be well defined as an open-system whose survival is highly dependent on the exchange of resources with various environmental aspects such as the competitors, buyers and suppliers. For biotechnology firms the need for accessibility to knowledge and other resources is due to the challenge that they face in commercialising the process and the development of the products that are considered to be highly resources-intensive. A large number of biotechn ology firms do not have the significant amount of required resources necessary for the execution of the process leading to the development of product; moreover, the intense competition leads to the further squeezing of the existing resources. Thus, strategic alliances provide a way of accessing the

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

DuPont analysis (Apple vs Samsung ) Research Paper

DuPont analysis (Apple vs Samsung ) - Research Paper Example It is a recognized world brand that has led the process of digital migration in communication and computers. The main products produced by the firm are iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, iTunes, Mac App Store and iCloud. Apple Company primarily trades its shares in the NASDAQ while it’s also listed in other exchanges including mexico and paris. Samsung started as a small business solely owned by a Korean based business man who was mainly involved in export business. The business grew from exporting dried fish vegetables and fruits to manufacturing the products themselves. Years later the firm diversified its product line to electronics. The giant firm then expanded operations opening up branches all over the world while retaining its original brand name Samsung. The firm comprises more than 78 different companies and affiliates in its wide range of products. In the electronics sector, Samsung produces a wide variety including mobile phones, tablets, televisions and home appliances. The firm is worth being a bench mark for Apple Inc due to its experience and achievements in the market. The products of Samsung compete well with Apple products in the market thus the need to compare them. The efficiency of the firm can be measured using the DuPont analysis. DuPont analysis measures assets of their gross book value to produce a higher return on equity. The use of the gross book value is aimed at getting the actual return on equity without accounting for depreciation which artificially reduces the return on equity. Depreciation reduces the return on equity, but is not an actual activity that reduces income, but a value assumed that the asset depreciates by during the course of its usable life. To get the return on equity, the following formula is used: The firm, Apple Inc is currently not performing well when performance is measured using the DuPont identity. Apple Inc has a low return on equity compared to its competitor Samsung. Investors interested

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

History of Asia since 1600 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

History of Asia since 1600 - Essay Example Although, the exaggerated interest in nationalism in 30’s led to the rise of fascist and Nazi ideas, it also provoked the anti colonial liberation movements in Asia (Smith 95). The current essay will examine the peculiarities and the differences of the nationalistic movements in Eastern, Southern, and South-Eastern Asia at the end of the 19th and the beginning of 20th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the countries of the South and Eastern Asia were completely dependent on England, France, and the Netherlands as their mother countries. For maintaining these areas, there were established specific methods of governing, from protectorate to politically powerless territories. The World War I gave a push to the creation of national economies, and, consequently, to the formation of the national capital and the working class. Transformation of the existing structures of the society caused the emergence of new conflicts between the labor and the capital, between the national capital and the capital of metropolis, and the decline of traditional elites. On the new basis, the national liberation movement began to develop. The newly formed national political parties sought to overcome the backwardness with the help of gaining national independence and modernization. In India, it was Indian peasantry that formed a major force in the national liberation movement in the interwar period. To involve a broad amount of population into this movement, it was needed to take into account socio-psychological characteristics of the Indian peasantry and urban workers, yesterday’s peasants. Prominent role in the organization of mass non-violent campaign of the resistance to the colonial regime in the 20 - 40’s of the 20th century belonged to Mahatma Gandhi. He was the one to shape India national ideology. Thanks to Gandhi, the idea of the absolute independence of India was put forward. In this respect, Indian

Monday, October 14, 2019

The unemployment problem and possible solutions

The unemployment problem and possible solutions Unemployment is a residual and individual problem which effect on whole economy. By late the 1980s unemployment becomes a big policy and public consensus for the G5 countries (UK, USA, Japan, France and Germany). It continued argue that among the G5 countries the level of UK economy was an economy of Unemployment with all the human and economic waste and inefficiency such as an economy entails. In view of the rapid rise in unemployment that has occurred between 1990 and 1991. But recently the UK has lower unemployment rates than France and Germany. However a number of logical thought trying to explain the policy of unemployment rates and address the solution of Unemployment. Unemployment Unemployment defined as the numbers of people of working age who are able and available for work at current wage rates and who do not have a job. But the unemployment rates in the proportion of unemployed people in the economically active in labour force. Unemployment Rates calculated by: number of unemployed/number of economical active X100.There is two basic ways government can measure the unemployment rates such as The Claimant Count: means the number of people when claiming their unemployment benefit from government on any given period time. Labour Force Surveys: by this survey government count number of employed including number of unemployed people. According to Labour Force survey the graph shows that in 1990 unemployment rates fall at just over 6% where employment rates picked at just under 76%. Currently (source: IMF) UK unemployment rates more than 8% whereas Germany holds well above 10% unemployment rates. Zero Unemployment Rates It is true that the economy unemployment rate could not at zero if an economist full employment because there are two type of unemployment exist in our economy such as: Structural Unemployment: It occurs when consumer demand for the new product. For example when new technological progress has made skills blockage such as computer introduced white collar disappeared. Frictional Unemployment: It occurs when for the particular skill demand for labour and supply for labour are not match or people are not aware for the job opportunity or geographical match of workers ongoing process. Besides those reason unemployment could not zero for some institutional phenomenon such as: Minimum wage law may make it too expensive to hire a extra labour Government employment benefit reduce job interest Government restriction on institution may reduce job arability. Racism or gender discrimination may decrease interest of job. etc However there are numbers of principal schools of thought in macroeconomics offered the cause of unemployment such as Classical Thought Keyness Thought Neo -Classical Thought Monetarism Thought New classical Thought New Keynesian Thought Classical Thought The classical thought assumed that the economy would tend to full equilibrium if left its own. According classical theory, labour market operated demand of labour and supply of labour when balanced by price signals. From the graph shown that there is unemployment exist when excess labour supply (N2) and demand of labour (N3). The classical school of thought explain that if excess labour supply existence in economy, wages would fall(W1 to W*) until the labour market clearing equilibrium is restore, alternatively when excess labour demand existence labour shortage would push up wages and restore the equilibrium(NFull). Says Law is justified the classical view and law said that: supply creates its own demand. That means the economy is in a permanent state of full-employment equilibrium. Because says law guarantees any increase in output of goods and services will sold for sufficient demand and therefore firm will never reduce output or cut the jobs. However, if there is unemployment, market forces should quickly eliminate it and restore equilibrium. But after 1929-33 great depression the whole world economy collapsed in industrial capitalism and the classical school of theory could not explain the established economic wisdom. This depression eventually gave to raise Keynesian thought. Keynesian Thought Keynes his most famous work The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money (1936) argued that could not settle at Equilibrium and it would not change the labour market situation because of aggregate demand. If aggregate demand fell, output and employment could fall and the economy could become trapped in a less than full-employment equilibrium. The graph shows that when demand for labour fall (D1 to D2) the wage also fall (W to W1) and unemployment would formed (ab). Nevertheless 1970s continuous unemployment and inflection failed the Keynesians demand deficient unemployment and this argument considered as Keynesians two analytical frame works such as the 45 degree model and the Philips curve which is known as a Neo- classical theory. Neo Classical Thought According the neo classical thought the 45 degree demonstrates the Keynesian aggregate demand .It means to using the appropriate fiscal policy if aggregate demand add and reduce the economy fall in inflection pressure. More precisely where output and employment are below their full employment level if government cut tax or higher government expenditure which is increases the aggregate demand. On the other hand where output and employment are at their full employment level if government increase tax or decrease government expenditure in this situation demand- pull inflationary pressures are exists. Therefore the aggregate demand management will maintain the economy at close to full employment equilibrium both unemployment and inflection need be a problem. The graphs show that if aggregate demand fall a positive demand shock occurred at full employment equilibrium position (Ye) and meanwhile inflationary gap existed in economy. Conversely the 45 degree aggregate demand says that the unemployment and inflection not appeared in same time. In the late 1950s Philips curve more purify the Keynesian thought. In 1958 Professor A.W.Philips illustrated a statistical relationship between unemployment and inflection The Philips curve shows the inverse relationship between unemployment rates and inflection. It argued that if government wants to reduce unemployment it has to accept higher inflation as a trade off. The graphs shows that if unemployment rates fall (1.5% to 1%) inflation rates up (2 to 4%)S Although in 1970s the Philips curve was unable to explain the problem of unemployment and inflection which is going up together stagflation. In mean while time two economists Milton Friedman and Edwards Phelps appeared with monetarism theory that able to show concurrently inflection and unemployment based on expectations augmented Philips curve. Monetarism Professor Friedman argued that there were a series of different Philips curve for each level of expected inflection. He persuaded that when government injects resources into the economy once again the unemployment fall in short-term but there would occurred high inflation. As a result people expected inflection to occur then they would anticipate and expected a correspondingly higher wage rise. The graph revealed that unemployment below Un to U* the series of Philips curve (SRPC1) moved alone with inflation rates zero to 4% because the expectation has been changed and people adept new rates. But Friedman failed to long term unemployment related with inflation rates which is elaborated by New Classical viewed. New Classical Thought Robert Locus who is one of the new classical economist argued that announced and unannounced fiscal and monetary policy are affected on out and employment because of natural rate of unemployment will alter the equilibrium and this thought actually expand the rational expectation. The graph shows without short term reduction of unemployment (Un to U*) rational agent would anticipated an inflationary environment. New Keynesian Thought The new Keynesian thought wrecked the long run Philips curve which is breakdown by Friedman depends on NAIRU (Non Accelerating inflation rates of unemployment). In Behavioural theory George Akerlof argued at the low level of inflation permanent trade off between inflation and unemployment because low inflation not silent. In the diagram shows when unemployment fall from U a silent inflation becomes higher. Furthermore according New Keynesian point of view real wage rate could establish long unemployment equilibrium. The diagram exposed that a higher market clearing efficiency wage paid consequent unemployment (N2-N1) whereas aggregated demand shock shifting the labour demand curve which is lead the unemployment ( N2 to N3). Most Satisfactory Explanation on nature of European Unemployment The classical thought believed that supply automatically creates full employment and efficient market economy drive the unemployment problem where a little need of government interference. But 1929-33 great depression pushed the European unemployment rates to unprecedented level and whole economy collapsed. Country 1921-29 1930-38 United States 7.9 26.1 United Kingdom 12 15.4 France 3.8 10.2 Germany 9.2 21.8 The table shows the percentage of unemployment rates of European countries during depression period. In 1930-38 USA enjoyed high Unemployed rates 26.1% The depression eventually gave to raise the Cambridge economist John Maynard Keynes thought and he identified the root of the problem as a lack of aggregated demand. He explained that if aggregate demand fall the economy were hit by adverse shocks which create a fall the business confidence where Says law would failed to hold as firms cut investment, output and employment and this process could leave the economy in less than full unemployment equilibrium. Moreover a less than full-employment output would find just enough demand for that output and the economy would be stuck in a slump. Keynes suggested that government attempt stabilized the policy for settle the level of output and full employment. Despite the fact that until 1970s the Keynesian aggregate demand management dominated western policymaking the economy in of overheating and facing the inflationary pressured. In1970s inflation rates increase 10% to more the 20%. The graph shows that after 1970 inflation rates in UK and Japan reached at well above 20% whereas USA and France more than 15% abut Germany enjoyed the less inflationary rates. In the mean while time G5 countries were suffered by high unemployment. From the following graphs we can see that in 1970s unemployment rates increased rapidly where full employment appear only 2.5% . In 1970s economy are experienced by rising unemployment and inflation which made together stagflation where Keynesian policy failed to explain the new dilemma. On the other hand Keynesian appeared that most unemployment arise outside labour market but the great depression and early 1980s and 1990s recession Keynesian view unsuccessful to explain Frictional and Structural unemployment. Conversely Friedman views clear the all of Keynesians confusion which is based on expectations augmented Philips curve. Because 1970s stagflation redundant the Philips curve. Whereas Friedman indentified that the cause of inflation is balanced by the natural rate of unemployment and this unemployment occurred inside labour market which should be in microeconomic nature, cause macroeconomic policy not affective in the long run. He also argued the stabilization policy which was driven the Post war boom means it ineffective to maintain the economics at potential GDP and full employments and it should be d estabilized cause economic will stable inherently. Yet Monetarist assumption abandoned the1980s and 1990s recession and in monetarist view labour market are not flexible even though the lack of competitiveness has obsessed the real wage. After all in my point of view the Keynesian school thought likely approach than other school of thought though monetarist would favour to abandon the stagflation. But if we see the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s inflation and unemployment is high but overall GDP rate remarkable. In addition Keynesian view is applicable in recent recession. Recently viewed that the Europe countries aggregated demand fall and lower rates of growth people are less interest to consume which tend to increased unemployment hand .Besides the Keynesian thought not decline fiscal and monetary policy and Labour union power to determined the wage and right. Recent Unemployment and Solution In UK jobless jumped by 43,000 and unemployment reached at 8%. According to IMF survey global financial crisis impact on European output and employment and it increased the recent unemployment. In Germany, UK output falls in significantly which reduced the growth of employment. Moreover labour market flexibility, mainly the higher level of employment protection lean to reduced employment inflow and outflow and declines the labour reallocation. Further more rapid rise of structural unemployment, financial institutions collapse, cutting hours, early retirement tend to increased the Unemployment On the contrary mix labour market policies and flexibilities at firm level gradually employment has adjusted in UK and Germany. It is true that time accounts smooth the Germanys employment whereas government subsides decreased the working time. But wage flexibility and government support help to surpass the UK unemployment. Conclusion As final point unemployment is a major problem in the world economy. It is very difficult to bring down equilibrium position if it is not stop to increase at the first place and in the long run unemployed not able to participate in labour market. Therefore, government should initiate the improving labour market by increasing work incentives, reforming the operation house market and trade union.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Essay on Figurative Language in A Work of Artifice -- Work Artifice

Figurative Language in A Work of Artifice by Marge Piercy  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "A clever trick, crafty device, or stratagem" is how Webster's Encyclopedia of Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language defines Artifice. Marge Piercy definitely used "crafty" techniques in writing "A Work of Artifice." In this poem, Piercy reflects on the growth of a bonsai tree, considering the molded existence of what it is to what it could have naturally been. With deeper analysis of this poem, the correlation between a bonsai tree and the shaped role of women within society becomes evident. The poet introduces one specific metaphor in the beginning, comparing the growth of a bonsai tree to the development of women. This single metaphor is supported throughout the remainder of the poem by the implementing a significant shift, using imagery, and using additional metaphors. The first three-quarters of Piercy's poem focuses on just the bonsai tree, in regards to its potential and what it has actually become. In this segment of the poem, the writer refers to the bonsai tree using the direct article and direct addresses. Both techniques are utilized to describe the tree in detail. For example, using the direct address, Piercy explains: "It is nine inches high." The poet then changes the voice in line12, but still specifically focuses on the tree: "It is your nature to be small and weak." Such a slight alteration as the speaker uses "your" is a transition for the major shift within Piercy's poem. The writer had focused strictly on the bonsai tree in lines previous to line 17. At line 17, she encourages the reader to relate the bonsai tree to "living creatures." Opening up the topic of the poem beyond the concept of the bonsai tree is a method used to make ... ...of Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language as "a tree or shrub that has been dwarfed by certain methods, as by pruning the roots and pinching and wiring the shoots and branches to produce a desired shape and effect." In her poem, "A Work of Artifice," Marge Piercy uses artifice to express to her readers how women, similar to the bonsai tree, have been "pinched and pruned" into a molded role within society. Piercy employs this metaphoric comparison between the tree and women to support her theme throughout the entire poem. The various poetic devices that facilitate the writer's comparison include a voice shift of the speaker, use of imagery, and further use of metaphors. Marge Piercy is very successful in subtly conveying her message to her readers. She is able to present the growth of women and the limitations they have faced without hastily attacking the issue.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Hamlet is Too Smart for Himself :: English Literature Essays

Why Hamlet is Too Smart for Himself Hamlet only kills Claudius when he has also murdered the queen, Laertes, and has also poisoned himself. It takes a threat of death to do what his own dead father orders him to do. A largely held opinion is that he is to emotional to do it, but it is when his emotions all come together that he murders Polonius. Another opinion is that he to full of morals to kill, but how then can he alter a note and literally sentence two old friends who were just following orders too death. It is also believed that he is too cowardly to go through with it, but if a man is bold enough to face a ghost, confront a queen and kill an eavesdropper, than what should stop him from avenging his father and ridding Denmark of the disease that infests it's royal line. The answer is simple, he is to smart to get around to doing it. Hamlet's is a mind to be reckoned with. He thinks things out rather than just act on impulse. No matter what the situation, there is always something that stands in his way that a more impulsive, emotional man might overlook or just ignore. By thinking things over he gives Claudius time to figure out what he knows. If he had acted faster things may have turned out differently for our intellectual prince. The Brain can be a slow, bungling thing that is constantly tripping over it's own feet whereas a body controlled by emotion knows no limits. A complex mind will often add more and more factors and problems into the situation than is necessary. For example, why feign madness? What purpose does this really serve? All it did was isolate him from those that he loved. Rather than directly confront the king, Hamlet embarks upon a wild, complex scheme to discredit and trap Claudius. Wouldn't it have helped things out a lot more to forgo the charade and just be good old Hamlet. That way nobody would have suspected anything and Hamlet would have had lots more emotional support from those that meant the most to him. Don't get me wrong though. Some of Hamlet's plans almost worked out. The play for example. Claudius was so filled with rage that he was reduced to a stuttering imbecile and was ready to slaughter the actors right out in front of everybody.

Friday, October 11, 2019

First Day of School Essay

Middle school is a milestone for most people. The pressure for a newcomer can be exhausting and stressful. Upcoming sixth graders must adjust to their new environment. Unlike elementary school classes, middle school classes contain shorter periods, more quizzes and tests, and more homework. The new adjustment to lockers can be difficult or easy; the hard part is getting to class on time. The materials needed are confusing and frustrating at times new students must adapt to their new school education system. Lastly, the teachers post grades on Edline for each class. The lockers, materials, and grades are all part of the milestone to middle school. Lockers are one of the toughest things new 6th graders must get use to. The lockers have a lock on each one. The lock is opened with a three-digit code. It may take a while to get use to the turning and memorizing the passcode. New students who have not used a lock before usually have a hard time opening their lockers and may ask friends or neighbors to help, these students may have to take a week or so to get the hang of it. One of the new things students are introduced in middle school are tardys, lates, and detentions. Students usually get detention if they are late to class, forget to bring class supplies, or talk in class too much. Only the first week is an exception because everyone is adjusting to his or her new schedule. The materials for each class are different and unique. Some classes you need a journal or notebook; or a pen or pencil. For every class everyone needs a 2-4 inch binder that holds all seven class periods including elective and health. A binder holds all of the papers, pencils, pens, highlighters, erasers, and other supplies needed for each class. Additionally, people have to switch binders at least once a year since they break easily if someone drops them or the ring get demented. The papers the teacher gives you must be put in the rings, the binder can will overflow if you put it in the folders or just stuff it in. After about a semester, students have to clean out their binders for the new quarter. It takes a lot of preparation to get ready for middle school. On the first day of middle school, new students will get a code to create a new account on Edline. Edline is used to put assignments out, notices, emergencies, homework, and their current assign report (current grades). A current assignment report is created for each teacher the student has and a homeroom for absents, lates, or tardys. When someone is absent on a day then the teacher can either put a Z or an X. A Z is the student has not turned it work in by the due date. And an X is the student is excused for their missed work. If the student has a Z and does not turn it in by the end of the quarter, it turns into a 0 (zero). Near the end of the marking period, if the student has an 89. 4 or a 79. 4 then they can ask the teacher for one point to bump up their grade to the next grade letter. Worries and anxiousness may take over and control the human mind, making them stress and get irritated a lot. This can pull there grades down with all the stress accumulating. For upcoming middle school students prepare is everything because they have not experienced middle school pros and cons. A student’s locker, their edline, and the materials accumulate to create a successful year for students. They first few weeks are easy and confusing. Teachers usually do not give out homework but it takes time to memorize all the classrooms and the teachers. The frustration and stress can cause breakdowns but as the weeks go by everything seems to get into place over time.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Operation Management Essay

To be able produce specialized managers capable of fulfilling strategic tasks within business and government enterprises the need for the practice of operations management cannot be forgone. Operations management is very significant in business operations since it forms the heart of the organisation by controlling the system of operation. Operations management deals with the design, operation, and enhancement of the systems that generate and deliver a firm’s primary products and services. Like marketing and finance, operations management is a well-designed field of business with clear management responsibilities. Panasonic Corp. is a company in which produces various electronic components such as Audio, Video, Televisions, Information and Communication, Semi-conductors and other Electronic Components. In a business entity like Panasonic Corp. the use of operations management is very essential in every framework of the company’s activities. Panasonic Corp. uses operations management to ensure and maintain competence and effectiveness in the organisation. Efficiency in Panasonic Corp. s concerned with how well resources such as individual expertise and inputs are put in use irrespective of the reason for which they were deployed in the organization. The company through its performance ensures that the main objective for its establishment to generate profits and maximize shareholders value is realized. The company reduces its cost of production by ensuring that tangible and intangible possessions are not over stretched or wasted in the organisation. This is a situation where the company carries out effectively its goals to be the market leader using minimum resources to attain maximum output. The methods of effectiveness and competence in Panasonic Corp. leads to labour efficiency, yield, and capability fill working capital utilization and the efficiency of production systems. Panasonic Corp. also makes fine use of its products and services management through operations management. Product (or service) management includes a broad range of management activities, ranging from the time that there’s a new idea for a product to ultimately provide ongoing support to consumers who have purchased the fresh and innovative product. Every organization conducts product supervision, whether it’s done deliberately or not deliberately. Panasonic Corp. through this module provides a wide idea of considerations in producing and managing its goods. Panasonic Corp. uses it hub competences in the areas of manufacturing, branding, promoting through wholesale and retail outlets to achieve competitive benefits in the market place. Quality management is also a very essential aspect of operations management in every organisation. Panasonic Corp. s very crucial about its products developed for the consumer in the market place. Quality management is vital to effective operations management, particularly ongoing perfection to match the consumers taste and preference at all times. Management Control and Coordinating Function cannot be forgone in operations management particularly in a company like Panasonic Corp. Management control and coordination includes a wide series of activities to make certain that the company’s objectives are consistently being met in an effective and efficient style. Key approaches to the company’s organizational control and coordination contain product assessment, product allocation, marketing and promotion, sales and service and product advancement. The company also uses advertisements as a major tool to reach the customer. In this increasingly expanding and competitive marketplace, the company make sure its products and services are notably in the minds of their customers and clients. This occurs as a consequence of ongoing promotion and advertising by the company. Facilities management is also an essential task and its importance on operations management for Panasonic Corp. s required. Effective operations management in the company’s activities depends on a big deal of effective management of facilities, such as buildings, computer system, plants and machinery etc. Facilities management in Panasonic corp. is very important since the company may be busy in a batch or mass production depending on the demand conditions on the market. In this case facilities need to be managed in producing large quantities of products which must be consistent to meet the market demand at definite period. Well managed facilities help in production speed, lower per unit cost, manage and control the efficiency in the company’s production process. Inventory control and management is one important factor of operations management that Panasonic Corp. uses in its operations. Managing and controlling the inventory of the company is very critical and essential. Innovative methods, such as Just-in-Time inventory control, are some of the most important instruments used by the company to cut costs and move products and services to consumers more rapidly. Generally the significance of operations management on business is urrounded in every aspect of the organizations activities and therefore has vital role to play in ensuring that organizations attain their objectives and goals. Every organization, whether it produces goods or provides services furnishes customers with worthy products. Thus, to compete with other organizations, a company must transform resources (materials, labour, money, information) into goods or services as efficiently as possible. The upper-level manager who directs this transformation process is called an operations manager. The job of operations management (OM) is to transform resources into products which consist of all the activities involved in transforming a product idea into finished and final products. In other words, operations managers manage the process that transforms inputs into outputs. Like Panasonic Corp. all manufacturers set out to execute the same basic roles: to transform resources into finished goods. To perform this function in today’s business surroundings, manufacturers must constantly struggle to improve operational effectiveness. They must focus on quality, the costs of materials and labour and all costs that add no value to the finished product. Making the decisions in the effort to achieve these objectives is the job of the operations manager. That person’s responsibilities can be grouped as follows: * Production planning. During production planning, managers determine how goods will be produced, where production will be carried out, and how manufacturing facilities will be done. * Production control. Once the production process is started, managers must repetitively schedule and monitor the activities that make up that process. They must respond to feedback and make adjustments where required. At this stage, they also supervise the purchasing of raw materials and the usage of inventories. * Quality control. Finally, the operations manager is directly concerned in efforts to make sure that goods are produced according to terms and that quality values are maintained. Planning the Production Process Managers in Panasonic Corp. believe that the decisions made in the planning phase have long-range implications and are vital to a firm’s achievement. Before making decisions about the operations process, managers must consider the goals set by marketing managers. Does the company aim to be a low-cost producer and to struggle on the basis of price? Or does it plan to focus on quality and go after the high end of the market? Perhaps it wants to build a standard of consistency. What if it intends to offer a wide range of products? To make things even more complicated, all these decisions involve trade-offs. Upholding a reputation for reliability isn’t necessarily compatible with offering a wide range of products. Low cost doesn’t normally go hand in hand with high quality. With these factors in mind, let’s look at the specific types of decisions that have to be made in the production planning process. We’ve divided these decisions into those dealing with production methods, site selection, facility layout, and components and materials management. Production-Method Decisions The first step in production planning is deciding which type of production process is best for making the goods that your company intends to manufacture. In reaching this decision, you should answer such questions as the following: * How much input do I receive from a particular customer before producing my goods? * Am I making a one-of-a-kind good based solely on customer specifications, or am I producing high-volume standardized goods to be sold later? * Do I offer customers the option of â€Å"customizing† an otherwise standardized good to meet their specific needs? One way to appreciate the nature of this decision is by comparing three basic types of processes or methods: make-to-order, mass production, and mass customization. The task of the operations manager is to work with other managers, particularly marketers, to select the process that best serves the needs of the company’s customers. Make-to-Order At one time, most consumer goods, such as furniture and clothing, were made by individuals practicing various crafts. By their very nature, products were customized to meet the needs of the buyers who ordered them. This process, which is called a make-to-order strategymake-to-order strategyProduction method in which products are made to customer specification. is still commonly used by such businesses as print or sign shops that produce low-volume, high-variety goods according to customer specifications. Mass Production Automakers produce a high volume of cars in anticipation of future demand. By the early twentieth century, however, a new concept of producing goods had been introduced: mass production (or make-to-stock strategy)mass production (or make-to-stock strategy)Production method in which high volumes of products are made at low cost and held in inventory in anticipation of future demand. s the practice of producing high volumes of identical goods at a cost low enough to price them for large numbers of customers. Goods are made in anticipation of future demand (based on forecasts) and kept in inventory for later sale. This approach is particularly appropriate for standardized goods ranging from processed foods to electronic appliances. Mass Customization But there’s a disadvantage to mass production: customers, as one contemporary advertising slogan puts it, can’t â€Å"have it their way. They have to accept standardized products as they come off assembly lines. Increasingly, however, customers are looking for products that are designed to accommodate individual tastes or needs but can still be bought at reasonable prices. To meet the demands of these consumers, many companies have turned to an approach called mass customizationmass customizationProduction method in which fairly high volumes of customized products are made at fairly low prices. , which (as the term suggests) combines the advantages of customized products with those of mass production. This approach requires that a company interact with the customer to find out exactly what the customer wants and then manufacture the good, using efficient production methods to hold down costs. One efficient method is to mass-produce a product up to a certain cut-off point and then to customize it to satisfy different customers. The list of companies devoting at least a portion of their operations to mass customization is growing steadily. Perhaps the best-known mass customizer is Dell, which has achieved phenomenal success by allowing customers to configure their own personal computers. The Web has a lot to do with the growth of mass customization. Nike, for instance, now lets customers design their own athletic shoes on the firm’s Web site. Procter & Gamble offers made-to-order, personal-care products, such as shampoos and fragrances, while Mars, Inc. can make M&M’s in any color the customer wants (say, school colors). Naturally, mass customization doesn’t work for all types of goods. Most people don’t care about customized detergents or paper products. And while many of us like the idea of customized clothes from Levi’s or Lands’ End, we often aren’t willing to pay the higher prices they command.