Metabolism and Word Niacin

When you hear the word Niacin, what does it mean to you? What about Vitamin B3? You may have seen them on the back of cereal boxes, energy drinks or even in your daily multivitamin. Well they are in fact one in the same. However vitamin B3 comes in two different forms, nicotinic acid or Niacin and nicotinamide, while nicotinamide is a vitamin it does not have the same practical uses as Niacin. ,,,, Today I am going to tell you a little about the history, biological uses, sources and the consequences of an overdose or deficiency in Niacin. As a Biology major I think it is vital to stress the importance of getting the suggested daily dose of Niacin. But first let’s discuss the history of Niacin. ,,,,, According to vitamin-basics. com, the structure of Niacin was first described by the Austrian chemist, Hugo Weidel in 1873 at the Vienna University of Technology, while studying the reaction of nicotine with nitric acid. Although the product of this reaction, Niacin, was already known Weidel was the first to person to isolate large enough quantities to determine the properties of the material. ,,,, In 1937 a Norwegian emigrant living in Wisconsin by the name of Conrad Elvehjem, extracted and identified a molecule found in the liver as a new vitamin now called niacin. He referred to this vitamin as the â€Å"pellagra-preventing factor†. His isolation of this vitamin directly lead to the cure of pellagra, a disease I will discuss a little later. Now because of nicotinic acid’s new found importance it was though appropriate to come up with a new name. ,,,,, The name, as shown here, comes from combining specific letters in nicotinic acid and vitamin.Muscular System: Muscle Metabolism Now that we've covered some history, I'd like to take a look at some of the uses of Niacin. ,,,,, Niacin along with other B vitamins help our bodies metabolize fats and protein, as well as maintain healthy skin, eyes, hair and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly. ,,,,, Niacin is the precursor to NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH which are essential electron carriers involved in several metabolic pathways including glycolysis and the Citric acid cycle. ,,,,, As you may remember from your high school biology courses, glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain are responsible for creating ATP which is our body’s main energy source. Niacin also plays an important role in DNA repair as well as steroidal hormone production from the adrenal glands. ,,,,,, As a prescription, Niacin is prescribed in quantities ranging from 500mg to 5000mg. Niacin is most commonly used to treat high cholesterol and it does so by lowering your LDL or â€Å"bad† cholesterol and increasing your HDL or â€Å"good† cholesterol. Because Niacin reduces your LDL and increases your HDL it also helps prevent atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries when coupled with other medication. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Niacin is also being tested for the possible treatment and/or prevention of diabetes types one and two as well as for osteoarthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. High doses of Niacin can have its drawbacks so it is crucial to speak to your doctor if at all interested in exploring these avenues of treatment. Now that we have an idea as to what Niacin can do, you may be asking: what are some common sources of Niacin? ,,,,, Well, Niacin can be found in a wide variety of foods including: liver, chicken, fish, milk, eggs, nuts, whole grain products and mushrooms among others. But food is not the only source of Niacin. ,,,,, Many multivitamins have Niacin including centrum, which contains 100 percent of the suggest daily value or 20mg. ,,,,, But, probably the most common source of Niacin amongst today’s youth is energy drinks, including red bull and 5 hour energy. In fact 5 hour energy has between 30 to 40mg of Niacin, which is way more than the average person requires. ,,,,, The suggest daily value of Niacin as per the united states department of agriculture is as follows: children 6 to 8 mg per day, for adult males 16mg per day, adult females 14 mg per day, pregnant women 18 mg per day and breastfeeding women 17 mg per day. Now that we know how much Niacin we should be getting daily, let’s look at what happens when we get too much or not enough. ,,,,,, Niacin flush is a distinct redness of the skin caused by the overconsumption of Niacin. This skin flush is often accompanied by itching, dry skin and skin rashes including eczema. Niacin flush typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes as Niacin is water soluble and is thus easily removed from the body through urine. However, not everyone who overdoes on Niacin will experience these symptoms at all. Niacin flush can be minimized or avoided completely by taking 300mg of aspirin, approximately one tablet, half an hour before taking Niacin, taking one tablet of ibuprofen per day or by taking the Niacin with a meal. ,,,,,, On the other hand a chronic lack of Niacin can result in Pellagra. The most common reasons for this Niacin deficiency are dietary or the result of another disorder, such as Hartnup’s disease which is a hereditary disease that affects the intestines and kidneys, making it difficult for the body to break down and absorb tryptophan, the amino acid required for Niacin synthesis. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid meaning it must be ingested; it cannot be produced within the body. Pellagra is a disease that was first described in Spain in 1937. Characteristically the victims of Pellagra suffer from what is known as â€Å"the four Ds† which are: diarrhea, dermatitis or skin lesions, dementia and death. As previously mentioned the isolation of nicotinic acid in 1937 lead to the eradication of Pellagra in the following years in the form of oral niacin supplements. There are still some future applications of Niacin in the medical field that have not been fully explored. In the past several minutes you have listened to me talk about the history, some sources of Niacin, how we as people use Niacin on a daily bases as well as the consequences of a Niacin overdose or deficiency. I really hope you learned something new from all of this and maybe the next time you see your doctor you can discuss how Niacin can best help you.

16th Century European Explorations Essay

What are the reasons that made the European explorers risk taking the hazardous journey to the Americans in the 16th century. The Europeans in the first place were not aware that there is a continent known as America and they came to know of it after Christopher Columbus went on his search for a route to the Far East but landed on the Americans by mistake. He thought he was already in India when he saw the Indian natives in the Americas. My main interest in this essay is to discuss about the three major reasons that made European explorers of the 16th century risk to move all the way from Europe to the Americas. Shortly after Columbus landed in the Americas, he explored further in this region sometimes back in 1492. His real intention was to look for a short cut to the East Asia but fortunately or unfortunately landed into the Americas. After further exploration, he found that the region had a very fertile soil for farming. When he returned to his mother country he told them how the area was suitable for agriculture, they European felt very intrigued to go and see for themselves. Many rich Spaniards who were facing sharp competition in their motherland Spain sent their envoys all the way to the Americas to look for a virgin place where they could establish their new businesses. On this understanding then they were motivated by commercial reasons. The European explorers and especially the Spaniards established their first settlement in Virginia at a place called Jamestown. Various companies that had already established themselves in Spain sent them to market these companies. The example of these companies was chartered Virginia Company which was seeking for new business opportunities. Most of these companies were in search of gold but when they realized it was not forthcoming they switched to plantation farming. At first they were reluctant but their leaders convinced them that its search was not addressing their immediate need that was affecting them and this was food. After this they established cash crop business especially at Maryland. In the beginning they used European immigrants and the local natives to work in these plantations but when they proved to be unable to meet the demand for the job, slaves started being shipped in form West Africa. The second reason why European explorers risked going to the Americas was the search for a free ground where they could practice their religion without fear of being persecuted. Most of these were Protestants who were against the Roman Catholic. Due to the 16th century protestant reformation different sects emerged, something that provoked the attention of the Western government as the Christendom of this region became disturbed by these divisions. One of these sects was Puritans who constantly questioned the integrity of the Roman Catholic. They were specifically concerned with the religions roles that were done by this church and yet they had no biblical backing. This group faced very strong resistance from the government authorities who were determined to crash them. They reacted to this move by persecuting all the puritans in their areas of jurisdiction. Due to this persecution, more than twenty thousand dissenters made their way to the new land when they went to the Americas, the Pennsylvanian authority making this colony to be a home for Quaker refugees, Baptists and Swiss Protestants, welcomed them. Those who faced persecution at home were lured with less costly land and religious freedom in the Americas and for these reasons they had to sail to Americas rather than face persecution at home at home. The third reason for the Europeans to go to the Americas is because they were sponsored by their mother states. No European nation wanted to be left behind in the exploration game. For example Christopher Columbus was sponsored by Spain to go on exploration expedition in a bid to look for a direct route to the Far East. Another sponsored explorer was a colonialist known as John Cabot. He was the first to discover the newfound land was sent by England. Portugal sent its own colonialists to explore on its behalf. Portugal sent Pedro Cabral to go to Brazil to look for colonies. The Portuguese sponsored explorers discovered Canada. What followed after these sponsored explorations was a wave of conquest especially on the part of the Spaniards. They were the first to establish a colonial rule in the Americas. Therefore we have seen that there were various reasons that forced the Europeans to sail all the way to the Americas despite the fact that they were not well familiar with this region. It is very clear that one of the reasons was commercial based, the second was because of church persecution in Europe and the last one was the temptation the explorers received from the European governments. So this exploration was not done for the sake of it but for specificreasons

Quiz on Engineering Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Quiz on Engineering Design - Essay Example Assessment of use - decide on the purpose into which the building falls affects the calculation occupant capacity, especially where the actual population density is not known, an has implications for allowable travel distances and width of escape stairs. Calculation of occupant capacity - it is necessary to assess the number of people who are likely to be present in the different parts of the building. Assessment of escape routes and travel distances - check maximum travel distances from scaled floor plans. Assessment of number and widths of storey/room exits - Check that assumed numbers and widths of exits can cater for expected occupant numbers at each level. Access the need for protection and/or separation of escape routes - Establishment of the identified horizontal escape route need to be fire protected or separated form other parts of the building. 6. Why is it important to perform fire tests Answer: A fire test is a means to determine if a fire protection product would meet the minimum performance as set out by the building code. The consideration of fire testing is very important for the applicable intentions for product specification and product certification. It is also a prudent act to test products to ensure ease of use and the broad, economical applications with regards to its listing and approval use and the compliance. Fire test is also a means to gather data and information in order to understand a specific Hazard such as construction or storage configuration. 7. Why is it important to carry out more than one experiment to test the same parameter Answer: It is very important to carry out more that one experiment to test the same parameter In order to make sure that the object... B5 Access and Facilities for the Fire Service - This defines the requirements which ensure Adequate access to, and within , the building in order to fight fire. This makes no specific requirements relating to glazing, although it does refer to B5 5588. Assessment of use - decide on the purpose into which the building falls affects the calculation occupant capacity, especially where the actual population density is not known, an has implications for allowable travel distances and width of escape stairs. Access the need for protection and/or separation of escape routes - Establishment of the identified horizontal escape route need to be fire protected or separated form other parts of the building. Answer: Trench Effect is a combination of two well understood but separate ideas. The trench effect occurs when a fire burns next to a steepy-inclined surface. The flames are down along the surface, and it heats up the material farther going up. These will emit gases, reach the auto ignition temperature, then start burning. The flames from these area are subject to the Coanda effect and blow a jet of flame up to the end of the inclined surface. Answer

Australian Company Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Australian Company Law - Essay Example Tom and Adam are in a partnership business even though no written agreement has been made. Partnership business can be established through written partnership deed, orally or by estoppels through the actions of the partners1. Rule 6 (3) of the Partnership Act is mainly used by the courts in determining the existence of the partnership relationship. This rule provides that sharing of the profits and losses is enough evidence of existence of a partnership. Joint ownership of property or sharing of the gross returns does not necessary create a partnership association. According to the case of Smith v. Anderson (1880), partnership business must intent to carry on business and not domestic transactions since the repletion or continuity of business transactions will be evidence of a partnership business2. Adam and Tom must be aware that every partner other than in limited partnerships, or incorporated limited partnerships can act as an agent of the business and his actions are binding to t he business.. Partnership business is not regarded as a separate legal entity thus third parties will be contracting with the partners as individual agents of the business. In the case of Mercantile Credit Ltd v. Garrod (1962), the courts held that partners have the capacity to bind the firm and third parties must not have the knowledge that such partner lacks the authority to transact on behalf of the business3. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages of Tom and Adam conducting their business as a partnership. The main advantages of a partnership business include the ease of formation. Partnership formation does not require many legal formalities but only business registration and business permits. Partnerships offer certain tax incentives since each partner share of profits is added to his or other sources of income and taxed as personal incomes. Partnership business allows for flexibility since the partners can easily alter the partnership deed that contains the rights an d obligations of each partner, the profit and loss sharing ratios and liability of each partner depending on the nature of the partnership. Partners can access 50% CGT discount since they hold an interest in each business asset as an individual. The partners also share losses, decision making and responsibilities of running the business. However, Tom and Adam must also understand the disadvantages of partnership form of business since partners are jointly and severally liable for the liabilities of the business. Partnership business lacks continuity since dissolution can be occasioned by the death of the partner, or disagreements of the partners, bankruptcy of a partner, and retirement. It is difficult to transfer the ownership of the partnership business and partners have unlimited liability for the debts of the business. Since Tom and Adam have the intention of expanding their Winery business, I would advice them to form a limited company since their liability will be limited and their business will be a separate legal entity that can incur debts, sue or be sued. A limited company will allow them easy access to expansion capital. Tom and Adam will be able to easily transfer their ownership in the company through sale of their shares to third parties. Limited Liability Company will allow Tom and Adam to limit their tax liabilities since the company is taxed on its own entity. However, there are many legal formalities and strict regulations that guide the registration and operations of

The Semai Community Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Semai Community - Research Paper Example The individuals in the community share more that only among family. However, everybody in the Semai camp has to share the items or food that they have obtained for the day; including those that were injured or even too sick to be able to take part will be given their share. Nonetheless, this is a good example of a generalized reciprocity whereby one might give something without expectations of receiving something in return, maybe in some way or even some other day. The concept or idea of possession among the Semai is different from that of the West. For instance, in the United States of America, it would be felt that the meat’s owner was the one who brought the animal down. However, among the Semai community, the owner of the meat is the one who unleashed the arrow. In this manner, more individuals have a chance of contributing toward food. They are normally happy to do trade with the others since they lack the means to keep or store food (Laird 18). An individual who possesses meat would wish to exchange with another thing since it is possible that the meat would go bad before he or she would finish it all up. The Semai people have a robustly peaceful image of themselves, they consider themselves as being nonviolent individuals who are not always angered or do harm unto others. They, in fact, sometimes disagree and get angry, but have less violent expressions of fury, and they nearly never beat up their children. These people regard themselves as non-violent, nurturing and dependant; a character that allowed violence would challenge their definition of good value (Peaceful Socities.org 16). Their view of the world and the place of humanity in it does not have any place for aggression.  

Personal Ethics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Personal Ethics - Research Paper Example My personal opinion on ideology to cultivate a better human character, therefore, is largely based upon the notion of developing all these character traits in an individual’s personality and life. Businesses being the major part of the modern life also need to depict an ethical business behavior, because their behavior must be in consistence with the values and ethics as agreed by society. Failure of any business to actually comply with what society considers as acceptable and ethically good must be a top priority of all the business. As such it is critically important that our ethical system - whether it is at the personal or business level - must demonstrate certain principles which ultimately shape our real character and orientation towards society and how we approach it. It is critical for the reason that we must first describe our underlying ethical principles. My individual ethical system is based upon the ideology of cultivating character which is based upon the traits described above. I honestly believe that in order to live an ethical life, it is critically important to first actually develop the character. Cultivating fairness, honesty and showing responsibility are some of the basic ingredients of my ethical system. (Josephson Institute, 2012). The primary principles of my ethical system include living with honesty, fairness, and duty realization while at the same time complying with the morals, ethics and values set by the society in which I live. Religion has been one of the keys to shape my overall ethical system, as I believe that it has the power to actually shape the way we make distinction between right and wrong. Apart from this, my experience with the world, so far, has also provided me an insight into developing an ethical system based upon the notions outlined above. I truly believe that my ethical system is a duty

Negotiating in a three-dimensional world Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Negotiating in a three-dimensional world - Essay Example Haggling is one of the most common types of negotiation in everyday business transactions. The aim of negotiation is mainly to establish a middle-ground with which either party is comfortable and contented. For a long time, people have always seen negotiation as a social theory that requires only skills and tactics during the round table meeting. However, modern day negotiators are using the revolutionary process of negotiation referred to as the 3-dimensional negotiation. This paper seeks to explain the elements of three dimensional negotiations as explained by Lax and Sebenius (2006). According to lax and Sebenius (2006), negotiation is not effective if given the usual one dimension style. They argue that traditionally, negotiations entailed the use of tactics to either gain the advantage under the topic of conflict or have such benefit distributed among the concerned parties. The usual one dimensional approach to negotiations sought either a win-win result or a win-lose outcome. H owever, practically speaking, such outcomes could only create more conflict where the parties to the clash were more than two. Lax and Sebenius (2006) explain that one-dimensional approaches only stimulate more conflict and yield unsatisfactory deals. Much like a gambling game, one-dimensional techniques are not appropriate where the other party is the holder of all the cards. It is for this reason that the two scholars came up with the three dimensional approach. The three dimensional system is a method of handling negotiations from three perspectives. According to the consultants, the three aspects of this approach are, The Tactics Dimension, The Deal Design Dimension and the Set up Dimension. In addition to these dimensions, Lax and Sebenius (2006) explained a final aspect referred to as the three dimensional audit. The three aspects of the strategy are designed in such a way that they cover the period before the negotiations, during the actual discussion and after the deal are s ealed. The set up dimension takes place away from the negotiation grounds. The side concerns itself with the parties to conflict and the subject matter of the conflict. In evaluating this dimension, the planner or the negotiator focuses on the actual parties involved in the conflict as well as the potential participants. In addressing the issue of the parties expected to attend the negotiation proceedings, the negotiator finds information on which to rely when planning the tactics. The set-up dimension is as well concerned with the subject matter of the negotiator. The negotiator seeks to establish ways in which the subject matter can be useful to them and how valuable they can be to the other party. The essence of this aspect then can be said to be the evaluation of the pie to be shared. Being a preliminary stage, the set-up section concerns itself with estimating the possible outcomes and expected maximum costs. Lax and Sebenius (2006) argue that, in every negotiation procedure, t here are unavoidable costs. Either party should make a provision for such costs prior to the actual negotiation process. Among the essential preliminary steps are the arrangements to hold private consultations with the key parties to the actual negotiations. This may involve the process of identifying the correct sequence of events, as well as, the hierarchy to be observed. Lax and Sebenius (2006) summarized this aspect as the process that concerns itself w

Benefits of a Restaurant Management System Assignment

Benefits of a Restaurant Management System - Assignment Example The RMS ensures that minimal time is taken to deliver a guest’s order. Guests dislike restaurants where it takes a lot of time to process an order. RMS will ensure that guests get their orders delivered on time, since the order system is automated (Connor 61). The system streamlines employees’ tasks thus saving time, which results in improved productivity. Better Reaction to TrendsThe RMS keeps track of sales and cost information by employee, time period, outlet, table and meal period among others. This way, the restaurant can easily identify any problems or areas affecting profitability and take the appropriate actions. This would not be easy to spot using a manual system.  Ã‚   Reduced Labor ExpensesThe RMS can take many orders at the same time without the risk of mix up, as would be in the case of a manual system. RMS reduces the need for excess paperwork which can be easily printed from the system. This reduces the number of employees on the payroll thus reducing labor expenses, which form a significant part of total expenses.   Reduced Late ChargesThe system ensures that the charges pertaining to foods and beverages are posted to a folio prior to check-out. A manual system would not efficiently post the charges resulting to late charges. An automated management system ensures that charges are posted on time and accurately, in addition to checking the status of the room or credit pertaining to a particular guest. It also reduces the time used to serve each guest resulting in better guest control.

Evaluaring Strategies Essay Example for Free

Evaluaring Strategies Essay The final results of any corporation can be measured in financial terms (profit, revenue growth, etc.) The authors of the HBR article on the use of a balanced scorecard recommend that the scorecard be used supplement these traditional financial metrics with performance measurement criteria relating to the perspectives of customers, internal business processes and learning and growth (Kaplan Norton, 1996). Since it is not possible to execute what you cannot measure, the balanced scorecard is a strategic management system that helps to measure and focus a companys strategy. The scorecard was devised to complement financial measures. It enables companies to track financial results while, at the same time, monitor progress of the mechanisms that are needed future growth. The problem with traditional management systems is that there are not able to link a companys long-term strategy with its short-term actions. So while financial measures are essential on the short-term, with the scorecard approach, they do not become the sole indicators of a company’s progress.   The scorecard introduces four new management processes that provide an avenue for the linkage between long-term strategic objectives and short-term actions. These are: Translating the vision Communicating and linking Business planning and Feedback and learning Translating the vision This process helps managers translate the organizations vision statements and strategy statements into an integrated set of objectives and measures that illustrate what drives long-term success. This process is necessary because some of the generalized statements of purpose (like â€Å"best in class†, â€Å"empowered organization†) defined by top management may not mean much in an operational sense to those tactical managers and operatives who need to carry out the mission in their day-to-day activities. Communicating and linking This process allows managers communicate their strategy upwards (to their superiors) and downwards (to their reports/subordinates) link this strategy to departmental and individual objectives. Since departments are typically evaluated by their financial performance, and individual incentives are tied to short-term financial goals, this process ensures that all levels of the organization understand the long-term strategy and aligns both departmental and individual objectives with it. Business planning Business planning is that process which ensures that business and financial plans of the organization are integrated. The prevalent occurrence of change programs in today’s organization makes it difficult for managers to integrate these initiatives with the strategic goal. However, when the scorecard approach is applied towards allocating resources and setting priorities for meeting the change initiatives, such programs can be coordinated in such a way that they line up with the overall strategic goal. Feedback and learning The authors postulate that this process gives companies the capacity for strategic learning. The scorecard enables companies to modify strategies to reflect real-time learning by evaluating strategy in the light of recent performance. By translating the vision, executives can come to such consensus as to what services and products will best stimulate growth or what customer segments to place emphasis on. The specifics of this translation will help the employees realize the vision. Applying the process of communicating and linking may result in managers understanding how business re-engineering initiatives may lead to fulfilling the goal of on-time delivery to clients. Business planning processes can include the integration of the results of budget sessions with those of strategic planning sessions and ensuring that the budget supports the strategy. Feedback and learning processes give the organization the ability to produce Chris Argyll’s concept of â€Å"double-loop learning†.   The concept suggests that cause-and-effect relationships can be identified when linkages are measured based on results from in the first 3 processes (Translating the vision, Communicating and linking, Business planning). Such relationships could result in findings such as that there are correlations between employees morale and customer satisfaction. In summary, it is important to control the short-term measures of financial performance of a company as well as longer-term parameters as learning and growth, internal business processes, and customer satisfaction for proper alignment between the overall strategy of the organization with its subsequent realization. Where such introspection is actively pursued by the organization and it results in projects like business re-engineering, marketing strategies and increased customer satisfaction, all in alignment with the organizational strategy, the end-result will cause a synergy that leads to improved financial results. REFERENCE Kaplan, R. S., Norton, D. P., (1996). Using the Balanced Scorecard as a Strategic Management System. Harvard Business Review, 74(1).

Bama Team Essay Example for Free

Bama Team Essay Bama is a team based company that takes care of its employees to ensure business growth. The People Assurance System (PAS) not only trains and informs but also makes sure that employees know the key expectations for their performances.   The company’s leadership system provides the framework for the PAS and integrates the leaders’ responsibilities with HR systems so that business objectives can be achieved. When certain profitability objectives are met, employees are also given additional compensation. Applicants are hired based on basic requirements. Hourly employees are hired through a temporary employment agency. Professional, technical and management employees come from internships, external recruiters, personal references, nationsjob.com and job fairs. The leadership system has the Employee Success Discussions (ESD) and Organizational Development Discussions (ODD) where employees are given feedback and employee development opportunities. The ESD is a positive feedback system that provides the chance for hourly employees and their supervisors to discuss and plan performance issues.   The ODD provides management employees feedback from immediate bosses, customers, peers and direct reports. These observations are also used by the training staff to modify their training offerings. The company also has the â€Å"promote from within† philosophy that allows employees to advance their positions based on their own merits. The system also ensures the personal and professional growth of employees through tuition assistance programs, training programs, and technological and maintenance courses. All new employees are given on-the-job trainings.   Newly-hired managers are given a six hour session on culture, ethical standards and other company policies. Safety trainings have before and after evaluations that help assess development. The Six Sigma system assigns Black Belts that help teams attain goals. Update and just-in-time trainings that are extendable are given on applications and new processes. To ensure mastery, written course evaluations, in-class brainstorming of improvement ideas, post-testing, assessment and supervisors follow up. Bama ensures employee support, satisfaction and retention by having surveys (semi-annual and even anonymous), roundtables, and focus groups. The HR also addresses financial compensation, benefits, personal development (e.g. Fitness Center), involvement, recognition, communication and leisure through its services. Other measures like accident rates and employee retention are also taken into consideration. Employees are encouraged to give their improvement suggestions on human safety, product quality, processes to save time or money, equipment life and quality of life for employees through the Fresh Ideas Program. All employees, except for those paid hourly, get rewards and awards for it. Effective two-way communication is vital to Bama.   For this, the company has established the Bama Communication and Sharing Process, a roundtable process, an open door policy and the Bama News. The business systems infrastructure also encourages skill sharing across units, jobs and locations.   Two-way radios are also provided for efficiency. Healthy and safety of working environment are also priorities of Bama. It has a Key Elements plan, safety training programs and policies in place to secure implementation of safety laws..   Random drug testing is also done to ensure that Bama remains a drug-free workplace. Monthly safety audits are also done to see potential hazardous situations. Employees may also write Safety Work Orders or Near Miss Reports. Security systems like staff, fences, gates, pass-coded doors and surveillance cameras are also regularly assessed. Emergency and disaster preparedness provisions include planning (using ammonia refrigeration systems), training (e.g. CPR and fire safety), drills and multiple production lines.

The Meaning Of Life Philosophy Essay

The Meaning Of Life Philosophy Essay The universal question What is the meaning of life? has been asked since the start of civilization. The answer from people in todays society may differ greatly from the answers of those from Roman and Greek civilizations thousand years back. The great philosophers, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Roman Stoics have contributed what we believe gives our life value. Each philosopher gives their own perspective of life which raises many questions by many for years. Through the writings of Xenophon and Plato we learn what Socrates visions he had of life. One principle notion from Socrates is that the Meaning of life is through thought. What we can acquire from Socrates is he believed that humans will do what is good to achieve happiness. However it is finding what is the true human good? Through Socrates teachings he wanted those to learn that there was a difference between opinion and knowledge. He believed that through questioning others opinion and showing others their opposition correct began the truth of knowledge. This leads to that truth can be acquired through dialect. Ultimately, Socrates focus is on ones ethics. It is our morals that make life what it is meant to be. He believes that if one does wrong then they do not clearly understand or have not experiences the good of life. There is no clarity to them on the virtues of love, morality, or anything else ethical. However if one never does anything wrong and is always good then they will never have reason to do wrong. Given that Plato was a student of Socrates his teachings and writing intertwine with Socrates. The importance of life to Plate would be best represented in his sixth book the Republic. Plato looks for answers about what is the ideal government, fair individuality, and what is good for the human soul. The Republic looks towards answer of government being based on justice, wisdom, courage, and temperance. Plato believed happiness would be achieved this ideal government which had an abolitions of families and private property. Platos visible and intelligible worlds is the concept of the continuation of discovering truth and knowledge which leads to lifes happiness. In the visible world we can only have an opinion and with the intelligible world we find the knowledge. When that ultimate knowledge is discovered then that one can have good and meaning in their life. Plato wants people to discover the truth beyond their existence. Aristotle thoughts differ greatly from those of Plato and Socrates. His ideas form a naturalist view. The value of life to Aristotle shapes around the thought of the bodys soul, thinking, and ones perception. The individual can take properly take in what they see from the outside world and as well what they seem in themselves. Aristotle disagrees with Platos the Republic in which plurality is what is needed. He claims that Platos theories would not allow happiness do too many flaws. Aristotle believed that the good life was the city-state and it cannot be done alone but only as a community. To Aristotle the worth of life begins with human activity. Happiness can be obtained first though personal experiences. He describes that it is not one thing alone that leads to happiness but multiple things such pleasure and work. However pleasure and work in moderation and not excess. Aristotle emphasizes that lifes meaning lies in our friendship and lovers. Humans are also able to have emotions in their souls like other animals but human differ from that they can control emotions. Since human can control their emotions and desires properly it lead one to moral virtues. The Roman Stoics philosophy revolved around concept of the logos. Everything that surrounded one on earth including God was materialism according to Stoics. Virtus was well respected by Romans and with virtus being acknowledged one could fully accept their lifes situation. There was also no discrimination between male, female, salve, and free as opposed to Plato. The main goal for the Stoic was happiness. Nevertheless this happiness could only be achieved through the quest of virtue. This ideal of living with virtue meant living with reason within logos. It described by the Stoics to preserve happiness if to avoid emotion and passion. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Roman Stoics philosophies vary but in many ways conform to each other. Aristotle philosophies of life and writings are most appealing to me. Although I do not agree entirely with everything Aristotle has stated I find he is the most leveled headed philosopher to my standards. Aristotles belief that the individual and the community need to come together in the city-state is a philosophy that I strongly agree with. However, I do not agree with Aristotles soul and body relations. I find that Plato and Socrates to be too extreme especially with Platos the Republic. The philosophers may have shaped many ideals of what is thought to be meaning of life. Theories from Plato to Aristotle to The Stoics have given the individuals over the past thousands years to today food for thought.

discourse on method by descartes :: essays research papers

DISCOURSE ON THE METHOD OF RIGHTLY CONDUCTING THE REASON, AND SEEKING TRUTH IN THE SCIENCES PREFATORY NOTE BY THE AUTHOR If this Discourse appear too long to be read at once, it may be divided into six Parts: and, in the first, will be found various considerations touching the Sciences; in the second, the principal rules of the Method which the Author has discovered, in the third, certain of the rules of Morals which he has deduced from this Method; in the fourth, the reasonings by which he establishes the existence of God and of the Human Soul, which are the foundations of his Metaphysic; in the fifth, the order of the Physical questions which he has investigated, and, in particular, the explication of the motion of the heart and of some other difficulties pertaining to Medicine, as also the difference between the soul of man and that of the brutes; and, in the last, what the Author believes to be required in order to greater advancement in the investigation of Nature than has yet been made, with the reasons that have induced him to write. PART 1 Good sense is, of all things among men, the most equally distributed; for every one thinks himself so abundantly provided with it, that those even who are the most difficult to satisfy in everything else, do not usually desire a larger measure of this quality than they already possess. And in this it is not likely that all are mistaken the conviction is rather to be held as testifying that the power of judging aright and of distinguishing truth from error, which is properly what is called good sense or reason, is by nature equal in all men; and that the diversity of our opinions, consequently, does not arise from some being endowed with a larger share of reason than others, but solely from this, that we conduct our thoughts along different ways, and do not fix our attention on the same objects. For to be possessed of a vigorous mind is not enough; the prime requisite is rightly to apply it. The greatest minds, as they are capable of the highest excellences, are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel very slowly may yet make far greater progress, provided they keep always to the straight road, than those who, while they run, forsake it. For myself, I have never fancied my mind to be in any respect more perfect than those of the generality; on the contrary, I have often wished that I were equal to some others in promptitude of thought, or in clearness and

Alzheimers Disease Essay -- essays research papers fc

An Exploration of one of the Most Mysterious Diseases   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alzheimer’s disease, named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, is a disease that is on the rise in America and the rest of the world. People should learn as much as they want about this disease, because as you age, your chances of becoming an Alzheimer’s Disease, or AD, patient increases. It is estimated that approximately 3 percent of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have the illness, and more than half of all people over age 85 have the ailment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  AD is a form of dementia, a disease, that according to the Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center is defined as: â€Å"†¦a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. Dementia symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; getting disoriented about time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. People with dementia lose their abilities at different rates.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is not uncommon for AD patients to become lost and wander away from their homes, thus leading to a very disturbing and upsetting experience for family members.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alzheimer’s can be diagnosed before age 65, although rare, and is caused by a mutation in 3 known genes. About 5 percent of those who are under 65 and possess the ailment have AD in their family history. Given that the symptoms of AD are caused by plaque in the brain, causing loss of nerve cells that help the body communicate with the brain, mutations to these genes; amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1, and presenilin 2 cause a excessive production of certain proteins (primarily a B-42 form of amyloid protein), and therefore spark an excessive growth of plaque cells which are toxic to the neurons of the brain. For those cases of Alzheimer’s that occur after age 65, a genetic mutation has yet to be proven, although some may be linked, to the fact that a difference may cause an increased chance of developing the ailment. Whatever the case may be for patients over 65 years old, the disease and its symptoms are caused by neurofibrillary tangles of al myloid plaques. It is impossible for someone to test positive for Alzheimer’s Disease, because the only way to determine an affirmative case i... ...t one has it. Many scientists hypothesize that there is an inflammatory response in the brain when there is an extensive B-42 amassing. To slow or stop this, scientists theorize that the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, could delay the swelling in the brain. Also, as scientists have known that taking a multi-vitamin tablet each day is good for you, there has been recent research demonstrating that the use of antioxidants may protect neurons, not just the immune system and keeping the body healthy by providing vitamins and minerals. These special supplements protect the neurons from the effects of the accruing B-Amyloid that would likely cause the plaque that causes AD. Works Cited www.crystalinks.com/ alzheimers.html Picture of Brain Cross Section http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/6/3/193 Information on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia http://www.emental-health.com/alzh_biology.htm Information on the biology of Alzheimer’s Disease http://www.alznyc.org/ Information about Treatments and the AD community Delaware Valley Veterans Hospital- Alzheimer’s Ward- Allowing me to enter the facility and communicate with AD patients, nurses, and care-takers.

Unplugged: Mobile Phone and Portable Music Player

Unplugged The world is full of technology; Almost everywhere you look you will see some form of technology, from a cellphone that can speak to you, to a computer that can run anything your heart desires. As Martin Lindstorm writes in his article â€Å"Friends who have accidentally left home without their iPhones tell me they feel stressed-out, cut off and somehow un-whole. † (Lindstorm). People tend to be overly attached to their phones, as if they were people capable of loving them back.I see how this could be possible because your phone does connect you to the people that you care about and when you can’t contact them life is a little bit more difficult. The people of this country seem to always need the fastest and newest piece of technology, often because it is viewed as a part of one’s social status. For this assignment I was tasked with going a full 24 hours without using technology. Since, society is so connected, I found this project to be very interestin g, and relevant to the present day.This seemed like it would be an easy task that would not take much effort or thought; however a simple 24 hours unplugged from technology subsequently unplugged me from the world. I have never seen myself as someone who needs their devices so much; however we often learn new things about ourselves. Once I began tracking my usage I noticed for the first time how much I use technology. I thought that I only used my phone and other technology when the situation required it as well as a little bit of recreational use. In my usage log I recorded mostly a few texts, my laptop usage and the movie I watched on my Xbox.I did more in my trial period then my log shows. I texted more then it displays; I really texted people once or twice to set up plans with them to hang out later in the day. I also did not record every time I checked my phone for the time; I forgot at the start and then realized that my phone is really just a rectangular clock. I realized tha t I use my phone mostly just to see what time it is because I always have it on me so it is always the first place I look for the time, instead of running around trying to find a clock.It opened my eyes to my frequent usage and excellently foreshadows my experiences the next week. Getting away from technology is a difficult task today. I found my hardest task was not stopping myself from using technology but instead distracting myself from those who were using it. In an article for Time magazine, Dalton Conley writes, â€Å"children ages 8 to 18 spend 7 hours and 38 min. a day using entertainment media† (Conley). People are using their technology all the time, making difficult to avoid.For example, my roommate loves his music and it was impossible for me to be in my room without listening to it so in this aspect I failed to go the full 24 hours. Still, I made it through most of the day without technology but I was left thinking that the only true way to be able to successfull y complete this assignment is to stop everyone from using technology. Today everyone has some kind of a phone, portable music player or handheld game. This is why this assignment is so difficult, because even though you are not allowed to use technology everyone else is.Every junction yields a reminder that the use of technology is restricted; a reminder of what you cannot do which then provokes you to break the rules. My experience was not difficult because of my deprivation but because everyone else still could. We rely so much on technology and to be the only one not using it makes the world just seem to pass by. Time seems to slow down, and the more I think about it, is not because I couldn’t use technology to pass the time but because everyone else still was. My 24 hours unplugged were spent doing almost nothing.I decided to go from 6pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday, not that smartest idea. I started hanging out with my friends about 15 minutes before 6, which was good so that I could hang out with them without having to use technology to make plans. But the next morning was a different story. I didn’t plan for the morning because I wasn’t thinking of the fact that I wouldn’t be able to use technology. So I wound up just sleeping until about noon and then didn’t really do much for the rest of the time. I tried to study some chemistry but to no avail to do to the fact that I needed to look something up but I couldn’t.Experiences can change us. We can look at the world completely differently because of one small adjustment to our routine. This assignment has changed my perception of myself. I started out thinking that I didn’t really use technology much and that it didn’t completely run my life and that I could live without it. However; now that I have grown used to my phone in my pocket and my laptop on my desk, they are comfortable parts of my life and are hard to do without. I don’t know if I could go longer than 24 hours but I think I would be willing to try this again with a different view and a etter plan of attack; a view that technology is important in my life and a better understanding of how I use it. Admittedly I had a bit of trouble finishing this assignment but I think it is because I could not escape technology, it was everywhere I turned. In an article by Tamar Lewin, the author noted â€Å"The average young American now spends practically every waking minute — except for the time in school — using a smart phone, computer, television or other electronic device, according to a new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Lewin). Most of society is wrapped around their technology unable of putting it down. I now acknowledge that I need technology to stay connected to the world and up to date with my homework. It is a vital part of my life that previously I did not think was essential to my day to day life. I saw technology as a toy to be enjoyed but now I see it as a very important tool to accomplish the task at hand.

Business Finance Written Assignment

Q1. Define an â€Å"efficient market† and the three forms of market efficiency. Explain how each of the forms differs from a perfect market. Define arbitrage and explain what kind of information is needed for you to obtain arbitrage in each of the forms of market efficiency. (5 points) Q2. Please compare the advantages and disadvantages of the following investment rules: Net Present Value (NPV), Payback Period, Discounted Payback Period, Average Accounting Return, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Profitability Index (PI). You can start by considering the following questions for each investment rule: Does it use cash flows or accounting earnings? Does it consider all cash flows or not? Does it apply a proper discount rate? Whether the acceptance criteria are clear and reasonable? In what situation it can be applied? What kind of weakness does it have? ) (5 points) Question 1 An efficient market is advocated by a hypothesis that under free movement of information, the true valu e of securities are fairly priced, which immediately and accurately reflect all information available to investors.By the assumptions that rational investors evaluate the price by ascertained future cash flows, and are able to learn and react quickly to new information once delivered, investors do not expect to achieve returns in excess of average market returns. The three forms of market efficiency are weak, semi-strong, and strong. Different degree of information is reflected by price in different forms. Under weak form, the prices reflect all past publicly available information, like historical prices movements. Under semi-strong form, the prices reflect all publicly available information, like financial statements and news reports.Under strong form, the prices reflect all public and private information. Generally, because of quick reflection of information in price and quick response of investors to the market, it is impossible for investors to obtain or use new information to f ind undervalued stocks. To illustrate, in weak form, using past prices for technical analysis is useless to predict future trend as past information is irrelevant to the future. In semi-strong form, using fundamental analysis is not useful as the prices are immediately adjusted once the information widely circulated in the market.In strong form, finding undervalued stocks is not consistent as all information is well known. Thus, no investors can earn excess return by trading the information or selling the stocks with too high expected returns. A perfect market is where no arbitrage opportunities occur (i. e. Law of One Price) because complete information is shared among all investors. Compared with efficient market, no distinction in degree of information is reflected in price here. Arbitrage means the practice of buying and selling equivalent goods in different markets to take advantage of a price difference.An arbitrage opportunity occurs if making a profit without taking any risk . An efficient market does not necessarily mean investors cannot yield excess return. Instead, an arbitrage opportunity does exist if they ask for appropriate information quickly. If a market achieves strong form efficiency given that it is mature enough, no investor can yield any excess return in long run. Thus, no more information is needed. On the other hand, private and latest public information are needed to obtain arbitrage in semi-strong and weak form efficiency respectively. (395 words) Question 2 Use of cash flows and discount rateAll investment rules are determined by estimated cash flows but only NPV, IRR and PI consider all cash flows throughout the project’s life. Except payback period, the cash flows are discounted by proper discount rate under each rule. A positive NPV expects the project adding value to firm and shareholders’ wealth. All discounted expected future cash flows are taken into consideration compared with the initial cost. The discount rate estimates the risk level and the return and thus it is appropriate. Thus, NPV is the best because it accounts for time value of money and risk of cash flows.IRR is the return that set NPV to zero. Similarly, the calculation is based on cash flows and discount rate (i. e. same benefit as NPV). It provides a simple tool without estimating all details but intuitively appealing to know. If IRR is high enough, the time spent on estimating a required cost of capital is avoidable. PI measures benefit per unit cost based on time value of money to estimate an additional value to firm. Two versions of PI provide same decision and both are easy to understand and communicate. For calculating PI, NPV calculation is used and thus PI’s advantage is same as NPV’s.Payback period is the amount of time for future cash flows taken to recover the initial investment. It is a scanning tool for uncertain cash flows. However, it ignores cost of capital and time value of money since only cash f lows for that current period are concerned. Also, not all cash flows are considered as cash flows beyond payback period are ignored. Similar to payback period, the only difference is discounted payback period better considers discount rate (i. e. time value of money). Therefore, payback period on a discounted basis will be longer. Clearness and reasonableness of acceptance criteriaNPV, IRR and PI can provide clear and reasonable criteria while only NPV can be applied to all situations. The NPV rule is to accept a stand-alone project with positive NPV or a mutually exclusive project with the highest NPV. As NPV is estimated absolutely, the rule can still be applied despite of different scale of projects. The IRR rule is to accept a stand-alone project with IRR greater than cost of capital or a mutually exclusive project with the highest IRR. However, IRR rule is consistent with NPV rule only if all negative cash flows precede positive cash flows. In other words, the conflict is due t o non-conventional ash flows and change in signs more than once. Thus, non-existent or multiple IRR(s) may cause uncertainty in decision making. IRR is unreliable when mutually exclusive projects are different in scale, risk and time horizon. PI is closely related to NPV, generally leading to identical decisions. PI helps evaluate and identify the optimal combination under resource constraint, especially for limited budget. The project with the highest PI should be chosen first. Nevertheless, it ignores the size factor and thus leads to incorrect decisions among mutually exclusive projects.Moreover, PI cannot be applied during multiple resource constraints. The rule of (discounted) payback period is to accept the project if it is less than a pre-specified length of time. It is easily understood and simply used because of clear acceptance criteria. However, an arbitrary cutoff point is required for determination. It is subjective since ignoring the impact of cash flows after payback period favors short –term projects and biases against long –term projects. Conclusion NPV is the most commonly used investment criteria and true at any time. If any conflicts exist among the investment rules, NPV rule should prevail. 605 words) Reference 1. Hong Kong Institute of Investors (2001), â€Å"Efficient Market Hypothesis†, retrieved 1 April 2012, from http://td. hkii. org/investu/168ch7/7-5. php 2. NYU Stern, â€Å"Market Efficiency – Definition and Tests†, retrieved 1 April 2012, from http://pages. stern. nyu. edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/invemgmt/effdefn. htm 3. Wikipedia, â€Å"Efficient-market hypothesis†, retrieved 1 April 2012, from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Efficient-market_hypothesis 4. Wretch (21 February 2006), â€Å"Efficient Market Hypothesis†, retrieved 1 April 2012, from http://www. wretch. cc/blog/jeysafe/3421966

Classroom Assessment in Fifth Grade Science Essay

A study was conducted to explore the hypothesis that performance assessments foster a more positive motivational orientation for students than supplied-response assessments which tend to truncate students’ learning strategies (Parkes & Stefanou, 2003). This was in response to general dissatisfaction arising from large-scale, high-stakes multiple choice testing, particularly among the older students who experienced higher levels of anxiety and mistrust with respect to standardized tests.   It partook of a cost-benefit analysis of the consequences of this particular type of assessment procedure to determine whether the positive outweighed the negative. Traditional paper and pencil tests (P&P), a laboratory task format of assessment (lab), and a performance assessment (PA) were imposed on three different fifth grade science classes, particularly involving Goal Orientations to supply quantitative data.   Qualitative output was also obtained through taped interviews of the three classes.   Quantitatively, goal orientation seemed to be influenced by the type of assessment used. When paired with the qualitative data, students seemed to perform well in P&P testing because they equated a good grade with competence and ability, and they believed that performing well in P&P testing reflected this competency (Parkes & Stefanou, 2003).   However, if receiving grades was removed from the equation, students became more receptive to PA testing and were motivated to take risks and explore actually doing science rather than just knowing science (Parkes & Stefanou, 2003). One of the limitations of the study was that qualitative information was necessary to complete the picture presented by the quantitative data.   Although the study was by no means definitive as to whether or not assessment types contributed to student motivation, it clearly showed that when paired with the stakes or consequences attributed to the assessment results, it affects the students’ goal orientations. Reference List Parkes, J. and Stefanou, C. (2003). Effects of classroom assessment on student motivation on fifth-grade science. The Journal of Educational Research, 96 (3), 152-162.

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Provide a rational for a promotional campaign. MM Explain the rationale for the campaign you have just created such as why you chose that specific promotional mix, timing, cost, media mix etc and why it is expected to achieve its goals. For this task you are required to explain and Justify why you have created your campaign (for Task UP) as you have. I suggest you do this one factor at a time*. Your response should be written in sentences and paragraphs. Factor Justify its use Promotional Mix Why have you chosen the specific type of promotion that you have?What are Its advantages over other types of promotion? Do you foresee any problems of using this type of promotion? How can these be overcome? Timing Why have chosen the specific times for your campaign/promotion? Why is this time most appropriate? What other times did you consider? Why were these discounted? Media Mix Why have you chosen the specific forms of media will be used within your campaign? Why Is this? What forms of medi a were considered but discounted? Why were they discounted? Budget Justify the cost of your campaign – why does it cost what it does? Could these costs be reduced?The advert is trying Your next paragraph with demonstration analysis. This will be the flirt half of your analysis that will focus on the success of the campaign (Analysis +). You will need to research how the campaign might have helped the business achieve its aims. Image, profits, sales etc? For each ‘success' you may wish to use PEE (Point, Evidence, Explain). The campaign has helped this business In many ways. 1 OFF their aims by†¦. Another way that it has helped the business is This has helped them achieve their aims by†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ The third paragraph will also be analysis.However here you will focus on any repacks of the campaign (Analysis -). Again, we will need to research this using the internet any negatives that might be associated with the advert. Image, profits, sales etc? For each à ¢â‚¬Ëœdrawback you may wish to use PEE (Point, Evidence, Explain). Unfortunately the campaign also caused some drawbacks. The first drawback caused was†¦ PEE.. This may have prevented them from achieving their aims by†¦.. The second drawback caused was†¦ PEE†¦. This may have prevented them from achieving their aims by†¦.. Your final paragraph will be a support Judgment – your evaluation.From your all of our research and the analysis you have completed was the campaign a success or failure overall? How much of a success or failure? Why? Use the word ‘because' to back up and Justify any Judgments you make. Overall I have found that the campaign was a success/failure. The first reason for this Furthermore†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Because, because, because†¦.!! Make sure you apply your answer directly to your business and the campaign you have chosen. Use words like moreover, firstly, secondly, furthermore, to compare, I have found, in contrast, to conclude, to summaries, as my research shows†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ If you are uncertain, please see Mr. Quarto.

Write about the auteur style A rose for Emily by william Faulkner , Essay

Write about the auteur style A rose for Emily by william Faulkner , talk about the auteur style and meanning - Essay Example Faulkner’s style also captures the social hierarchy within the city. It is on account of Emily’s high social status that her tax evasions are tolerated and her privileged lifestyle permitted. The epitome of this is when the town police pour lime around Emily’s house to absorb the foul smell emanating, instead of actually going inside and investigating. Faulkner uses tragic irony in this powerful short story. Although outwardly Emily is a privileged and honoured person, her personal life is one of turmoil. The nature of her reclusive final few years is tragically revealed when the locked secret room of hers is broken open. There is the shocking image of Homer’s decomposed body, alongside which Emily had been sleeping during her reclusive years. Faulkner’s style thus employs shock to evoke emotive and make the reader realize the import of the scene. Finally, Faulkner’s style can be said to be terse and to the point, making his story well-crafted. There is no use of flamboyant or flowery language. Complying with rules for a well-made short story, A Rose for Emily the circumstances and details are carefully constructed to have maximum impact at the time of the plot’s resolution. In this case, it is that moment when people break open Emily’s secret chamber and discover the tragedy behind her

Internet Piracy - Preventing the Distribution and Downloading of Essay

Internet Piracy - Preventing the Distribution and Downloading of Copyrighted Material - Essay Example Internet piracy is considered unethical and is said to be no different from stealing. Information should not be free and sharing of copyrighted material is illegal as stipulated in rules and regulations regarding freedom of information. Basing on the ethical argument and the negative economic repercussions of internet piracy, companies and all other entities handling copyrighted information should put in place measures to prevent the distribution and downloading of copyrighted material. Copyright A copyright generally refers to a collection of rights granted by an authority to an innovator of an original piece of work for a specific period of time and in return their work will be disclosed to the general public inclusive of the right to duplicate or adapt their work of art. Usually copyright owners do not have to be registered. They have the absolute right to control copying and other manipulation of their piece of art for a limited duration after which the particular piece of work g oes into the public domain. Copyright owners are however getting themselves in trouble in the modern world because of the beast that has been manifested through internet piracy (Sheri 68). The essay discusses some of the methods that can be used by companies to protect data against internet piracy. Copy protect This is among the most commonly used methods by film, music, video game and software companies. Copy protect is an exceptional application that majorly prevents illegal distribution (New Softwares. net, Inc). It is distinct data copy protection software that inhibits the replication of information i.e. copyrighted CDs/DVDs. It can be described simply as a technology that prevents duplication and sharing of copyrighted material. It is important to protect pictures, documents, videos, software, story scripts, designs and audios as they can be easily shared. It has been noted that companies that use copy protection to make higher profits. Although implementation of the copy prot ection is expensive, it is countered by increased profits which are gained by preventing piracy of copyrighted files. This application has strong copy protection for documents, videos, audios, software, video games and information. Additionally, they are user-friendly with navigate user interface that does not require added programming skills. Companies can safely distribute their songs, software, films, video games and graphical designs using distribution media such as CDs, DVDs, Blu- ray disc and many others (New Softwares. net, Inc.). This application has been modified to fit the needs of different customers. It also eliminates the need to set up the application on the other end that opens the copy protected documents. Finally, the application prevents internet piracy, file sharing and illegal distribution. A joint venture that seeks to prevent the illegal download of copyrighted material: Two global companies: ContentX Technologies and Cybermesh International Corp. have worked h and in hand to help companies deal with the problem of illegal downloading of copyrighted materials (Bokdawalla). ContentX deals in internet security, monetization and security applications that will be valuable in venture. On the other hand, Cybermesh International Corp. develops technologies that are used in the online distribution in the media, entertainment and telecommunication

Contract and Agency Business Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Contract and Agency Business Law - Case Study Example The above are the elements required of a contract and they were all present. However, despite the fact that the elements of the contract were fulfilled, there was no written agreement between the two parties and there is no even records of the existing agreement of the contract between the employees and the executive of ABC and hence and hence no formal legal binding of the contract (Adamson, 38). If there is no formal legal binding which is usually in a form of evidence of the terms of the contract with the agreement by parties being indicated through signatures, then the contract can be considered to be non-existent (Andrews, 37). The employees therefore without producing any formal evidence of the contract between them and the executives of the ABC company will lose the case and the executives who act as the agents/ representatives of the company win and the company gets to keep all the money from the sale of the company without sharing it with their former

International Financial Managementsunyu Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Financial Managementsunyu - Essay Example These techniques are ideal for an exporter who wishes to have stable cash flows subject to foreign exchange risk. It is concluded that multinational businesses and investors that engage in import or export of products and services or those that make foreign investments across the global economy should be aware of the risk exposures and the most appropriate hedging strategy for each type of risk. It is also suggested that special attention be given to economic exposure because it substantially impact the firm’s market value and expected future cash flows and even affects the competitive position of a firm that does not sell or operate overseas. By examining a range of academic materials, recently published book, magazine articles, journal articles and internet sites on the topic this report identifies the nature of the exchange rate risk faced by an exporter then describe the market strategies available for hedging the risk. Foreign exchange exposure comes about if an investor or a firm has an open position (un-hedged condition subject to exchange rate risk) in a foreign currency. There are two types of open position, open long and open short position (Homaifar, 2004). Open long position is one where a firm expects to receive foreign currency in future while open short position is one where the investor needs to pay foreign currency in future (Siddaiah, 2009). Foreign exchange risk therefore refers to the possibility or likelihood that a foreign currency may move in a direction that is detrimental to the investor. Specific risk in open log position is that the foreign currency may weaken against the domestic currency thereby decreasing the local currency equivalent (Poitras, 2002). On the other hand, specific risk in open short position is that the foreign currency may strengthen against the domestic currency thereby increasing the domestic currency equivalent

Midterm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 9

Midterm - Essay Example Although it is clear that Abraham moved from Canaan, there is no historical evidence that he ended up in Egypt. Consequently, there is no archaeological evidence of Abraham’s exodus from Egypt. Efron, Weitzman, & Lehmann (58) report archaeological evidence to support that indeed David killed Goliath. A piece of pottery was discovered in early 2008 at a site where one of the cities of Israel was located south-west of Jerusalem and evidence from the writings found on the pottery indicates that David killed Goliath. The Assyrian conquest of Israel and Judah can equally be termed as a real historical event according to evidence from a clay prism that is currently displayed at Oriental Institute Museum of Chicago. The prism gives an account of Sennacerib’s invasion of Judah and confirms a similar account given in second Kings 18:13-15. On the prism, King Sennacerib accounts how King Hezekiah, fearing his greatness, sent him gold, silver, precious stones, ivory and even women from his palace. This archaeological evidence is proof that indeed the Assyrians attacked Israel and Judah. The main reason why scholars question the divine origins of the bible is the fact that its content does not reflect the events and attitudes of the periods they purport to describe (Efron, Weitzman, & Lehmann 61). Scholars point to the various events described in the bible which do not go in hand with the archaeological evidence been discovered. Scholars stress on the need to support the biblical text with an independent source. The text in Genesis, for instance, has not been supported by archaeological discoveries that indicate that the events in the book could have happened later. Archaeological evidence has further indicated that David and Solomon could have been minor rulers who ruled around Jerusalem rather than the whole of Israel as it is described in the bible. The early Israel was an oral society. Religious leaders taught through word of mouth.

John Morgan and Pharmacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

John Morgan and Pharmacy - Essay Example John Morgan is considered to be the first teacher and practitioner of pharmacy. He was taught pharmacy, chemistry of pharmaceutical and material medica to students, who were studying medical. He is well known because he had laid down the foundations for separating pharmacy from medicine (Cowen & Helfand, 102). The main objective of this separation was to divide the medical field in to different branches in order to enhance and improve the entire profession. Consequently, pharmacy would be cultivated as a separate branch so that it can have a positive impact on medicine. Another reason for this separation was that pharmacy can be improved so that it could be practiced with precision and proficiency. This separation was essential for the benefit of the public (Crellin, & Scott, 200). John Morgan has made a significant and noteworthy impact on modern pharmacy. He has established the foundations of pharmacy and it has now developed as a separate discipline. After the establishment of pharmacy as a separate discipline, doors for professional pharmacy have opened. John Morgan is considered to be one of the most prominent figures in medical history because he had separated medicine from pharmacy. This separation assisted professional pharmacy to growth and develop as a separate discipline.

The Emphasis Of English Perfect Tenses In Academic Writing Essay - 1

The Emphasis Of English Perfect Tenses In Academic Writing - Essay Example Simple present conveys what is happening nowadays only. Simple future would give an expectation of something that is going to happen in the future at once. Basically, all of the simple tenses tell about something would happen one time either in the past, present, or future. (Azar, B., 2002) Past, present, and future perfect tenses give the action a long time of occurrence. Consequently, they give they action completion of the proceeding. Present perfect expresses an action that happened in the past and something still present of it nowadays. Past perfect couriers when the action happened in the far past and somewhat from that action stayed until the near past. Finally, future perfect articulates the action in the future and states something that will stay further as caused by the action. Overall, perfect tenses have two points that give the action completion of the proceeding. ( Azar, B., 2002) Recently, studies argue that the simple past should be used instead of the perfect tense in Media, the use of Perfect tense in police reporting media case was subject to objection as was thought to be inappropriate. (Ritz, M A., 2010) The objection over the use of present tense is of standard and non-standard English. Different websites and different writers wrote about the situation in the same content, but strangely not provided evidence for how the use of present tense is not valid according to the linguistic rules. The reporting should be evident and should have a straight approach, the argument described in the perfect tenses are not evident and evoke predictions, which is why termed as non-standard. But for the better knowing it is not necessary for the perfect tense to be unbounded only. The perfect tenses are not only progressive but can be bounded while being continuous; it entirely depends on the use made.

Case Study-The Russian Ruble Crisis and Its Aftermath Essay

Case Study-The Russian Ruble Crisis and Its Aftermath - Essay Example The Russian government wanted to create a dynamic economy, but there where inherent constraint that did not allowed their wishes to occur. Once price controls were removed prices for goods went wild because the people had a surplus of money to spend and there were no goods available to be purchased due an overall shortage of merchandise. One of reasons inflation took over the economy was that prior to the governmental move of unfreezing prices the government had been running an economy in which good were sold at artificially low levels. The government could have done thing differently in order to prevent prices to go out of control. For example the government central planning could have realized that there was a shortage of goods, and imports could have been increased prior to opening the economy. Another policy that would have helped was to increase the prices point of all good prior to the 1992 policy change. Another mistake the government made was investing too much money in state own companies which diminished the amount of money the Russian government had to spend on policies to bring social economic reform to the nation. The Russian economic situation between 1992 and 1998 showed us that there is an inverse relationship between currency value and interest rates. As the overall interest rates of the Rumble continue to climb which was directly reflected on the daily basis in the rise in unitary value of the currency, the actual value of the currency in comparison with other currency worldwide went down tremendously. In situations in which a country faces hyperinflation of its internal monetary policies and the international community loses faith is such currency which devalues the monetary unit (Moyer, McGuigan, Kretlow, 1992). When a country falls out of grace and stops being an attractive site for international

Characters in Lord of the Flies Essay Example for Free

Characters in Lord of the Flies Essay The power struggle, egocentric and intolerance in society today is ruining human relationships and Golding shows this through his characters in Lord of the Flies. Through the characters Jack, Roger and Ralph, Golding shows this interaction. Jack symbolises the struggle and silent fight for power over other people, Roger represents people who easily gives up in relationships and walk away and Ralph helps demonstrate mans reliance on appearance to create and keep relationships. The island emphasises these relations and shows Goldings view of relations among people. The relationships between humans is emphasised throughout the novel, and Golding has given his views on these relations through characters in the novel. Jack is a very strong, dominant character who feels the need to gain superiority over everyone else to feel power and control. He represents the power and hunger for dominance over others and Jack shows this through scaring others and demanding them to do jobs that put Jack on top which is emphasising the silent fight for dominance in human relationships today. Jack says â€Å"I ought to be chief†¦ because I’m chapter chorister and head boy. I and sing C sharp†. This narcisstic dialogue shows how Jack wants escalate the idea of how important and better he is than Ralph and all the other buys, by saying this he is showing the boys how much better he is and scaring him with his range of talents. This affects the way that the reader understands and develops Jack’s character which then shows his egotistic approach to dominance over the other boys. Golding is using the character Jack and his silent fight for dominance over the boys to show how society is constantly trying to gain superiority in relationships. This is showing how the power struggle in society is ruining human relationships. Roger in Lord of the Flies is a character developed by Golding to comment of how humans too easily give up on relationships. Roger throughout the novel develops into one of the savage followers of Jack, which brings out and dramatises the human characteristics and actions in relationships. Piggy died by being hit by a falling boulder that was pushed from the side of a cliff by Roger. This action of pushing the boulder to stop Piggy talking and complaining is how Golding showed us how human relationships are easily given up. â€Å"storm of sound†¦incantation of hatred†¦Roger, with a sense of delirious abandonment, leaned all his weight on the lever†. This imagery and hyperbolic language emphasises how Roger found the easy way to escape the relationship all the boys had with Piggy as they were in a disagreement. The imagery gives a picture which makes the reader feel the tension and the hyperbolic language helps emphasise the tone of aggression that humans use today to escape relationships easily. Golding has used the character Roger to show the intolerance in relationships in society today, which is running human relationships. There are many purposes to Ralph’s character in Lord of the Flies, one is that he gives a emphasised view on mans reliance on appearance to create and keep relationships. In the beginning of the novel when the boys first arrive on the island they elect Ralph instead of Jack because of his appearance and characteristic demeanour, this reflects the attitudes of humans in society today. Golding describes Ralph through the perspective of the boys by saying â€Å"could see not that he might make a boxer, as far as width and heaviness of shoulders†, this imagery and comparison to the features needed to be an athlete gives the reader an image of what Ralph would look like and why he is looked up to by the other boys. This means the boys would rather have a fit good looking leader that they would aspire to be like, which is close to the way many people decide on their relationships with others. This is what Golding is trying to show through the character Ralph that in society h uman relationships are becoming ruined by creating relationships based on the appearance of others. Golding uses the characters in Lord of the Flies to demonstrate the power-struggle, intolerance and dependence on appearance to create and keep relationships. This is through Jacks power struggle over the other boys, Roger’s intolerance towards Piggy and how through the boys choosing Ralph to be their chief in the early hours of landing on the island it shows how his strong, built appearance was more appealing that Jack which demonstrates how appearances have a big effect on human relationships.

A Look At Airasia Management Essay

A Look At Airasia Management Essay The transportation service company that we have selected is AirAsia. AirAsias principal activity is to provide air transportation services. Since 2001, AirAsia has broken the travel norms around the globe and become the worlds best airline. AirAsia has gained an award winning and most low-cost airline in Asia. With a fleet of 72 aircraft, AirAsia flies to over 61 domestic and international destinations with 108 routes, and operates over 400 flights daily from centers in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. AirAsia is a very successful low cost carrier. In a very short time, it became a market leader in the Asia region. AirAsias main base is the Low- Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Through the corporate philosophy of Now Everyone Can Fly, AirAsia has become more popular and many people choosing Air Asia as their preferred choice of transport. AirAsia believes in the no-frills, hassle-free, low fare business concept can bring the business to very successful and feels that keeping costs low requires high efficiency in every part of the business. Apart from the principal activity of providing airline transportation service, AirAsia also involved in the courier service which consists of Delivery-to-Door (directly to the specific destination) and Airport-to-Airport two parts. The rates of such services are cheaper than other couriers by up to 50 percent lower price. It guarantees your courier with more value and savings. Customers can easily access to the service by just a few clicks in the AirAsias website. It is very convenient, efficient and cost saving. Besides, customers can easily track their consignment using the Google Maps. AA16a History of AirAsia AirAsia was established in 1993. Before 2001, AirAsia fail to sufficiently stimulate the market and attract enough passengers from Malaysia Airlines in order to establish its own niche market. On 2 December 2001, because of the failure of establishment, the airline was up to sale and purchased by Tony Fernandess company Tune Air Sdn Bhd. Tony Fernandes then enrolled some of the lending low-cost airline experts to restructure AirAsias business model. He invited some experts to join the executive team. In late 2001, AirAsia was re-launched in Malaysia as a trendy, no-frills operation with three B737 aircraft as a low-fare, low-cost domestic airline. In 2003, AirAsia has already become more attractive in its market demand, subsequently opened a second hub at Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru and launched its first international flight to Bangkok. After that, AirAsia started a Thai subsidiary, added Singapore itself to the destination list, and commenced flights to Indonesia. Airasia start to commence airline service in many other countries in the subsequent years. In the year 2006, Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) was established in Kuala Lumpur International Airport which cost the establishment fee of RM108 million which can handle 10 million passengers a year. After that, AirAsia has hedged 100% of its fuel requirements for the next three years, achieves an aircraft turnaround time of 25 minutes, and has a crew productivity level that is triple more than Malaysia Airlines. It achieves an average aircraft utilization rate of 13 hours per day. AirAsia is currently the largest single customer of the Airbus A320. The company has placed an order of 175 units of the same plane to service its routes and at least 50 of these A320 will be operational by 2013. On 27 December 2006, Air Asias CEO Tony Fernandes unveiled a five-year plan to further enhance its presence in Asia. In the plan, AirAsia will strengthen and enhance its route network by connecting all the existing cities in the region and expanding further into Indonesia, Southern China and India. Hence, with increase frequency and addition of new routes, AirAsia expects passenger volume to hit 18 million by the end of 2007. On 27 September 2008, AirAsia has on its list 106 new routes to be added to its current list of 60 over the next few years. The number of old routes discontinued has not been publicly disclosed. On 12 November 2008, AirAsia abolished fuel surcharges. In doing so, it claimed to be the first airline in the world to abolish fuel surcharges. By May 2008, the airline had flown 55 million cumulative passengers. In 2010, it has the worlds lowest costs for an airline, at the rate of below 2 cents per seat per kilometer. AA01a AirAsia SWOT analysis SWOT analysis is the combined analysis which examines the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of one company. It is a very important analysis in a company because it can identify the internal (strength and weakness) and external (opportunities and threats) factor for a company in order to achieve their goals and objectives hence to be low cost carrier company in airline industry. To be successful in the company management, a company needs to consider the companys ability and how to integrate it with internal and external factor. Main purpose of the analysis is to identify the internal and external factor that AirAsia need to consider for low cost carrier in airplane industry. Strengths The primary strength of AirAsia is the low cost leader in Asia. The strength of AirAsia is to maintain low cost; whereby they dont have to provide benefits to their workers, but still can maintain the best quality of their fleet. AirAsia has successfully created a low-cost airline mentality among their workforce. The workforce is very flexible and high committed in making AirAsia the lowest cost airline in Asia. AirAsia reduce its cost by attaining efficiency in every part of the business and maintaining simplicity. Therefore every system process must incorporate the best industry practices. The first thing for the low cost apply is the time concept. Time is money. An airline makes money when the aircraft is flying, not when the aircraft is parked.  In order to maintain low cost, AirAsia must consider of high aircraft utilization (which keep the aircraft flying as much as possible) to minimize the time spending on the ground. Secondly, no frills is the factor to achieve low cost. AirAsia only provide those necessities for their customer and reduce the unnecessary cost to be incurred in the fare of airline. For instance, The Company do not provide free food beverages, free seating, ticketless airline are all the activities excluded in order to achieve a more competitive price by wasting money on insignificant services. On the other hand, streamline operations that allow the process making as simple as possible is the key of a successful low cost carrier. The second strength of AirAsia is the excellent utilization of Information Technology (IT). The Low Cost Carrier (LCC) is expected to expand rapidly by attracting more customers to join the market thus increasing the degree of rivalry within the industry. The excellent utilization of IT have directly contributed to their promotional activities, brand building exercise as well keep the cost low by enabling direct purchase of tickets by consumer thus saving on airline agent fees. AirAsia was recognized for being the first airline in the world to introduce SMS and IVR booking solutions to its guests to expand its booking system. AirAsia widely utilizes the internet as a booking and payment channel has kept them to be the leading airline company in Asia. Its comprehensive website at (www. airasia.com), allows guest to book and pay for seats, check flight schedules, and acquire information about the airline. The website is so popular, that approximately 45% of AirAsias business is done th rough internet sales. AirAsia became the first airline in the world to offer a multi-lingual website that comes in 6 languages English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil, Thai, and now Bahasa Indonesia. This is also one of the advantages of the company as the website is user friendly as well as enabling company to focus on different market segment especially countries in Asia. On the other hand, the management team of AirAsia is also very good in strategy formulation and execution. This is no doubt a crucial strength for Airasia as company strategy is the core element of a business. To be successful in their long terms objective and their business, AirAsia need to identify their strategic management. Company can easily achieve their vision and mission base on the good management. With good management, company is required to be considered of its ability. The ability of the company can be integrated by the SWOT analysis. Airline industry is a unique and complex industry, thus without a good and right management, its possible that AirAsia could not be able to compete with the complex business environment. AirAsia has a strong management team instead of just a general management. The simply general management involved in the major four functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling may not be sufficient to support the whole organization. It is more concern in the management internally but rather creating competitiveness. The strategy that management team of AirAsia have formulated was a combined of several proven strategies by other low cost airlines. The strategies included Ryanairs Operational Strategy which emphasis on no frill and landing in secondary air port is a good starting point for the organisation. Other strategies like Southwests People Strategy focus mainly on employee while Easyjets Branding strategy is an excellent idea by linking the organization with other service providers like hotels, car rental and etc. Weaknesses The second part of the internal factor of SWOT analysis is the weaknesses. The main weakness of AirAsia is that they do not have their own maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility. Why AirAsia need maintenance, repair and overhaul facility? It is because since AirAsia is expanding to a huge company and they have huge number of planes need to be serviced in order to ensure the safety of the customer. The lack of own maintenance teams may lead some problems such as renewing contract, misunderstanding of the contact, lack communication, poor quality and delayed services amongst others. On the other hand, they also may not drive the same standards and mission that drives by AirAsia and there is a risk that the confidentiality may be compromised. Thus, without a proper MRO facility, it will affect the productivity and performance of the company causing a hindrance to the road of success of AirAsia. The second weakness of AirAsia is that AirAsia has received a lot of complaint from customers on their service. For examples, flight delays, being charged for more and not able to change flight or get a refund if customers could not make it. Customers are the main source of income for an enterprise especially when it involves services, it is crucial that Airasia set their priority on customers by having the concept of customer first. To maintain a good customer service is essential when competition is getting intense nowadays. When a customer feel unhappy with the services provided to them, it may distort company brand name besides presenting a negative and undesirable image to not only a single customer but a number of them when they are being acknowledge and influent by negative feedbacks through unsatisfied customer. Therefore it is significant for AirAsia to be serious on considering customer complaints and utilized them to improve their services. After reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of AirAsia, we must also consider the external factor of SWOT analysis which is opportunities and threats of Airasia in market place. Opportunities The opportunity of AirAsia is depend on the ever-increasing oil price. The increase of service cost or production cost is the most undesirable result which will decrease the overall return earning of their company. However, the increasing oil price has become another opportunity for AirAsia instead of bringing threat to the company. It is mainly because AirAsia has been emphasized in the low cost strategy and being a low cost leader, although the extra cost of the increase oil price will bring disadvantages to AirAsia, this effect will not be a huge impact to AirAsia, its cost will still be the lowest among all the regional airlines as other airline company also facing the same problem. Thus, AirAsia has a great opportunity to capture some of the existing customers of full service airline and other low cost airlines customers as well. Thus, this opportunity creates a winning position for Airasia when it is a threat for other airline company. Secondly, the ASEAN Open Skies agreement that has been reached is another opportunity for AirAsia. Open Skies is an international policy concept which calls for the liberalization of rules and regulations on international aviation industry especially commercial aviation. ASEAN Open Skies allow unlimited flights among ASEANs regional air carriers beginning December 2008; it allows AirAsia adding Singapore routes which has proven to be high yielding and is expected to deliver sustained profit. This will definitely increase the competition among the regional airlines. Moreover, AirAsia stands at the gate of profitable opportunities, their recent developments and intended expansions will give them a global exposition. As they venture into internet booking and ticketless services for their marketing processes, they would be opened to electronic commerce business solutions for their enterprise, such as SCM, ERP, and EDI etc. Furthermore, the use of internet services for their services would open more opportunities for AirAsia in the process of solving network, communication, and information related problems that could be inherent in the organization. The population of Asian middle class is reaching almost 700 million by 2010 can also creates a larger market and a huge opportunity for all low cost airlines in this region including AirAsia. You can imagine that more and more people would be willing to travel by air; it would bring advantages to AirAsia, however, as well as other company. Threats AirAsia take advantages of lower landing fees at low cost terminal, which is also without airport lounges charges. They also provide E-ticket rather than printed ticket to customer which is cheaper. However, due to the certain rates like airport departure, security charges and landing charges are beyond the control of airline operators, this is a threat to all airlines especially low cost airlines that tries to keep their cost as low as possible. For example, Changi airport in Singapore charges SGD21 for every person who departs from Singapore. This is an extra cost that is compulsory to pay. Different airport charges differently and this might lead to extra uncertain cost for AirAsia. Another threat would be security of their networks. As mentioned above, Airasia is highly depending on their information technology and information system used. For example online booking, customer information and details kept in system may be risky when the security of the networks is susceptible. This will put the company at risk to bear the enormous loss when the information system is being destroyed. The internet is a public domain and as such it is vulnerable to be attacked by hackers or viruses, AirAsia ought to be conscious of these threats and have proper plans and control to prevent any of these to happen. Owning to the facts that most organization are struggling for survival, major players may enter targeted market segment which is profitable. Alternatively, Market segments growth could attract major competition. This will create another threat for AirAsia. AirAsias profit margin is about 30% and this has also already attracted many competitors. Some of the full service airlines have or planning to create a low cost subsidiary to compete directly with AirAsia. For example, Singapore Airlines has created a low cost carrier such as Tiger Airways which is one of their business strategies to gain market value and compete with low cost airline. Therefore it is vital for Airasia to maintain competitive among the rival by upgrading their services consistently. Users perception that high budget airlines may compromise their safety, thus to keep costs low is another threat to AirAsia. AirAsia must have high-quality planning in order to provide customers first-class airline service by ensuring their safety and comforts with an affordable price. AirAsia needs to aware of the market demands and policies for local territories, because economic slowdown could reduce demand for AirAsia. Local Airlines would have easy access to certain information that could aid them; therefore, AirAsia needs to be on constant market audit, market researches and control to keep up with such competition. In conclusion, Swot analysis is a very effective way of identifying strengths and weaknesses, and of  examining the opportunities and threats one tends to face. Carrying out an analysis using  the SWOT framework helps AirAsia to focus activities into areas where one is strong and where  the greatest opportunities lie. SWOT analysis from AirAsia is one of the major components to strengthen the business and allow them to be able to compete with the competitor by possessing a firm position in low cost carrier airline industry. Porters Five Forces Model Power of suppliers In every business industry, suppliers always exist. Power of the suppliers is important as it will affect the industry. Suppliers supply inputs in order to produce goods or services to the customers. Inputs can be referred to raw materials, services such as expertise, components, and labor which are essential to run the firm or to power up the company. In the airline industry, the suppliers are quite influential since there are only two major suppliers which are Airbus and Boeing. Hence there are not many choices for airline industry. Nevertheless, the global economic crisis has limited the new entrant and also reducing the upgrade of planes in the immediate future.    However, both suppliers provide almost same standard aircrafts and hence the switching to AirAsia is low. Moreover, AirAsia placed a large amount of order from Airbus in order to accommodate the heavy demand from the public on its reasonable flights. AirAsia have no problem acquiring airplane from their supplier, AirBus because AirAsia is mainly an AirBuss airplanes user. Its rival, MAS whereas is mainly a Boeings airplanes user. Power of buyers. Besides the compulsory existence of suppliers, buyers are also necessary in the business industry. This is because they are the prerequisite for the company to keep running. Buyers who are also recognizes as the stakeholders are people who demand goods and services from the firm. This tells us that buyer tends to hold bargaining power and this pressurizes firms. Price changes can be sensitive in the competitive market and the consequence might cause firms to lose or gain in revenue. In our case, buyers demand reasonable and affordable flight price from AirAsia. Years after this airlines been incorporated, it successfully satisfy the buyers bargaining power for flights at a low fare by introducing campaign such as Mind Blowing Fair, New Year Sale, 500,000 Free Seats and the latest with Fabulous Fly-Day. AirAsia is first to introduce ticket-less traveling, are nearly accomplish. In this industry, buyers have no bargaining power on price of fare like those in a morning market. In fact, they are often offered cheap fare flight on limited period such Every Friday, 11am-4pm. AirAsia adopted an information technology (IT) similarly to other airlines which called Yield Management System (YMS). Even though this system has affected the price of fare, but it is able to achieve fairness in business to the customers and the firms. As an example, a reservation done at a later date will be charged more than the one done earlier for the same seat. This is to provide advantage in term of lower price for the customers who had put efforts in buying fares earlier. Moreover, high demanded routes or destination tends to be more expensive compare to destinations which are less active. By doing so, AirAsia would be able to cope with total seats demanded by the customers. If price of fares are the same overall, AirAsia would unable to earn from flights which are less popular. The intensity of competitive rivalry The word intensity means the pressure or amount of forces being applied. Thus, this Porters force talks about how competitive are the firms or companies in the business market. In this competitive market, many firms often fall due to their incapability to cope with competitive pressure from the rivals. Those firms will end up losing more than their cost of input or eventually strive into other markets. In order to survive in a competitive market, firm must not fall into dilemma when it comes to advertising, invest in research and development(RD), innovate new yet efficient product and up to date with latest technology. This is because those efforts by least can provide the firm competitive advantages in the market. In Malaysia, there are only two main airlines companies which are operating and dominating in the countrys market, apart from other foreign airlines company. They are AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines (MAS). Firefly is actually a wholly owned airline by MAS. Both of these airlines have been rivals for at least a decade. Thus, it can be concluded that AirAsia is receiving high intensity of competitive pressure from MAS. MAS have always strived to provide comfortable and reasonable fare flights to compete with AirAsia. However, AirAsia is still capable to resist their pressure by providing customers with cheap fare tickets without losing the quality of their services. The main competitive advantage of AirAsia is low cost in providing services. For example, meals during flight are not provided which can save up the cost to provide foods and in return, reducing the cost of fare. Spaces in AirAsias airplanes are fully utilized so that the airplane is able to load more passengers in a single f light. This enables the company to earn more and making them capable to provide cheaper fare flight. AirAsia through its designated system provide customers a comfortable service in booking the flights through internet and mobile. Customers can surf mobile.airasia.com to book flight using mobile or http://www.airasia.com using the internet. Their systematic online electronic ticket ordering process enables them to even cope with mass booking by the customers during day and night. The diagram explains how the system works and notify why the errors are kept to the minimum. It is a computer reservation system (CRM) powered by Navitaires Open Skies technology that includes Internet, call center, and airport departure control functionality. This system has greatly assist AirAsia in achieving success. Even Tony Fernandes, CEO, AirAsia agrees: Navitaires Open Skies technology has truly enabled AirAsias growth from 2 million passengers to 7.7 million passengers in less than two years. Open Skies scaled easily to accommodate our growth. However, I would strongly declare that even though AirAsia indeed is receiving competitive pressure from MAS but, the market or industry itself is not competitive as both of them have already dominate their respective market segments. Threat of New Entrants Barriers to entry are designed to block the way of potential and new entrants from entering a market profitably and to compete with the existing firms. Capital requirements, economy of scale, product differentiation, government and legal barriers are some of the examples of barriers for a new entrant. New entrants to a business will bring a brand new capacity and a desire to gain market share this will apply pressure on prices, costs, and the rate of investment. There is always an underlying pressure for response and alteration for the existing players in a business when there is a new entrance. The competition in a business will be high if it is easy for other companies to enter to this business. As we know the biggest barrier for a new player to enter any business especially airline industry is the cost of entry. Airline industry is a business that requires huge and large investment. Thus, AirAsia has a low threat of new entrants because the airline industry is so saturated that there is barely space for a newcomer even to squeeze its way in. Cost of buying and leasing aircrafts, safety and security measures, customer service, research and development, high manpower and technologies causes the airline industry to become one of the most expensive industries in the world. In this world of today, every primary activity is carried on by specific information technologies especially for business like airline industry. It is extremely costly for a business to implement these information technologies systems. So, this is another barrier for the new players to enter to certain business. For instance, Advanced Planning and Scheduling System (APS) are significant in aviation business. It is costly for a company to implement this system but without implementing and employing the system, no airline as well as AirAsia can run their business smoothly. Air Asia requires APS system to maintain their customers loyalty because APS system is competent in optimizing operational planning and scheduling which enable Air Asia to create new source of cost advantages. As a result, this shows that Air Asia has a high threat of new entrants since those systems are costly to implement. Brand name of existing airlines and frequent fliers point are other barriers to entry. It is really difficult to decoy consumers out of their existing favorite brands. Somehow, an airline with a strong recognition can maintains old customers and lures new customers even though its prices are higher. How does Air Asia do it? Information Technologies (IT) is one of the major that enables Air Asia to offer their customers in lowest possible prices. All airlines industry competes on costs. To maintain and to improve in the current market position as well as new market, AirAsia has implemented the Low Cost Carrier System (LCC) in order to continuously searching for cost advantages. AirAsia has successfully positioned their simple but strong slogan Now Everyone Can Fly in their customers mind by offering lowest possible prices. Lowest possible prices lead to increase in their profit. Its net profit for the second quarter ending 31 December 2004 was reported RM44.4 million, a 322% increase over the previous quarter (AirAsia, 2005). This again shows AirAsia has a high threat for new entrants to enter. Threat of New Substitute Threat of new substitute means the availability of a product that the customer can purchased rather than the industrys product. In other words, substitute product is an alternative of products that offers by other firms that have similar benefits or functions. Profitability of an industry will be affected by the availability of substitutes because customers have the choice to choose. A number of factors such as consumer switching costs, prices and quality of substitute products will determine the presence of threat in this aspect. For local airlines, the threat of substitutes face by AirAsia might be a bit higher than international carriers. Substitutes for air travel to the desired location in a local country include train, car or bus yet time, money, personal preferences and convenience will determining ones decision. Although airlines travel maybe a slightly expensive than by bus or car, the time taken is much faster. Since AirAsia has implemented Low Cost Carrier System which can offers customers in lowest possible price has lead to most of the customers switch to AirAsia as the switching costs is low. AirAsia faced a low threat substitutes for international carriers since there is a low threat of new entrants. Besides, most of the customers choose to travel by air since traveling through air save times. However, in the worldwide market, AirAsia still needs to compete with many existing players such as Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines. Nevertheless, AirAsia builds and maintains its competitive advantage by offering services at a price that is basically lesser than competitors prices. Above and beyond AirAsia has become the first airline that executed ticketless travelling among its competitors by using computer reservations system. Computer reservation system is a programmed and computerized system that used to store and retrieves information and perform transaction associated to air travel. This assisted AirAsia to perform operation effectively and efficiently. ERP, SCM, CRM In todays globalize economy, information technology (IT) has driven fundamental changes in the nature and application of technology in business. Cross-functional system is the third era of information system, coming after calculation system and functional system. What exactly is the purpose of the system? What benefits will organizations obtain after implementing the system? These questions are so frequently asked that some companies even gave up on executing the cross-functional system as it involves coordinating activities across multiple departments and require workers to comprehensively change the way they used to work. However, cross-functional system will be extremely beneficial if it is applied in the correct manner. A successful application of cross-functional systems is dependent on two factors, people issues and technological issues. People issues include corporate culture, work units and individual decision makers. The important factor in corporate cultures and work units is no doubt cooperation, only by working together managers are able to share information through the system. For efficient decision making, useless or incorrect information in cross-functional systems must also be prevented. Technological issues on the other hand, include information system (IS) elements. Management must compare the advantages of using information system elements such as inputs, processors and outputs with the costs involved. There are plenty of examples regarding cross-functional system, but Supply Chain Management (SCM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) are the 3 types of enterprise system going to be discussed. Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the current trend in most of the organization, where SCM is define as a set of synchronized decisions and activities utilized to efficiently integrate suppliers, warehouses, transporters, retailers, and customers so that the right product or services is distributed at the right quantities, to the right location and at the right time in order to satisfy customers high demand and minimize any unnecessary cost occurred. SCM core objective is to improve customer service by eliminating waste from the system in all types of form including wasted time. Being able to eliminated wasted time allows the coordination of business processes to be speeded up. Commonly, supply chain contains three flows that organizations need to take into account. First is the material flow, where all physical products including the end-products, raw material and so forth flow along the chain. Information flow consist of all types of data including demand, supply shipment, orders and all sort of information that are required in the supply chain. Lastly is financial flow, involving all transfer of money, payment and credit related data which is vital in the supply chain. On the other hand, a companys supply chain is complicated because it might involve hundreds and even tho