Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Writer

The Stay at Home Parent/Writer The Stay at Home Parent/Writer The Stay at Home Parent/Writer By Guest Author This is a guest post by Rhonda Franz. If you want to write for Daily Writing Tips check the guidelines here. The great thing about being a writer with young children is the material. There’s emotion (good or bad) in everything from how their first word was â€Å"NO,† to the way they walk when they’ve put their pants on backwards. The difficult thing about writing with young kids at home is that they’re young, and, well, they’re at home. Children in the high-maintenance stages between birth and Kindergarten make for an extremely busy, sometimes overwhelming, season in a mom and dad’s life. In order to manage writing- and the business of writing- from home, it’s important to treat it as the job it is, and expect family members to do the same. Have a Routine Children generally behave best when they know what to expect. If it works in your household to get a little writing done during the day, make sure your children have specific activities to work on, and/or special toys they get to play with only during that time. For toddlers and preschool-aged children, consider letting them use this time to look at books, â€Å"write† with their crayons, markers, or pencils, or, if they have one, work on their own toy laptop computer. Then sit down, get to work, and don’t feel guilty about your children having to entertain themselves for a few minutes; it’s good for them. Novelist Barbara Kingsolver once said that she has always written while her children were in someone else’s care. That’s absolutely the best thing to do, but if you’re a stay-at-home parent with babies or toddlers (or both), and don’t choose daycare, the children are in your care. It’s essential to have a regular time- even if it’s when they’re sleeping- to work when they won’t require constant attention. Get up a couple of hours early, stay up a few hours late: whatever suits you and your family. Certain Time, Same Place Again, this touches on routine. If you plan to write while they’re around, try to do it at a certain time, or certain times, throughout the day. Of course, of course parents have to be flexible and deal with emergencies and crying babies and so on and so forth: ‘tis the life of the home manager. But the more consistent you are in making time for writing, the more it will become a habit, and therefore, just a normal part of your day, and of your child’s day. Sitting in front of a computer looks different than teaching piano lessons or tutoring students in your home. The only visible action is that of your fingers on the keyboard. It can be difficult to get children (and sometimes, spouses) to take you seriously when you’re interacting with computer screen or notebook. Call it your â€Å"writing work,† or â€Å"writing job,† but refer to it as what it is: serious business. It’s up to you to set the tone. If your computer usually sits in an open place, move it to a particular room or area of the house while you write. This way, you set up a distinction between Mommy or Daddy cruising mindlessly around the web and actual work being done. Save the cruising for after the children are in bed. Make Notes Place list paper, sticky notes, tablets, scrap paper, pencils or pens, in desks, the kitchen drawer, under the changing pad, and by your bedside. When an idea strikes during the day, it’s likely you’ll only have mere seconds to jot it down before your toddler heads for the stairs. Get Out of the House There’s always something calling out for attention in a house: laundry, phone messages, unpaid bills, dust. If you are fortunate enough to have someone who can occasionally watch your children, or you can take advantage of a local Mom’s Day Out or community program, consider getting out of the house and going to your local library, bookstore, or coffee house to write. Plant yourself in a corner and relish the fact that someone else gets paid to sweep that floor. Multitasking is Great, But†¦ it isn’t always the most effective way to get something done. Use certain blocks of time to write, and certain blocks of time to do household chores. When you’re at the writing time, do not get distracted by the overloaded trash bin, or the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink. When ideas come to you while working on those tasks, jot down ideas on the nearest piece of paper. Do not get immersed in a household responsibility. Remind yourself that you will see to those jobs during the time you’ve made to work on chores. If you are easily distracted, see the above information about escape. Remember Your Priorities There are days when your children require special attention. This is a good day to shut down the computer, put away your notebook, and concentrate on the reason you’re staying home in the first place. Your writing can always be revised; your children can’t. Rhonda Franz spent seven years teaching other people’s children before taking a leave to raise her own. She learned to keep paper and pens everywhere in her house after using a Crayola marker to write a phrase on a disposable diaper. You can read more about her views on writing in public places at Freelance Writing Gigs. She’s a regular contributor at ParentingSquad.com, and writes on a variety of topics at her own blog, Coffeehouse Mom. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business EmailsTry to vs. Try andGrammar Review #1: Particles and Phrasal Verbs

Saturday, November 23, 2019

21 Inspiring Quotes About Life and Our World

21 Inspiring Quotes About Life and Our World A whole new world; a dazzling place I never knew. These mellifluous words from the soundtrack of Aladdin say it all. The world, however absurd, dangerous, or harsh, is a fine place to live. The world is special because of its inhabitants. Cherish our world and protect it from destruction. Our planet is our home and we are its caretaker. Here are some world quotes that fill you with intrigue and fascination. If you think about it, our world is a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, people, landscape, colors and people. Technology has helped to diffuse boundaries, whether physical or cultural. We call our world a global village because though we belong to different countries, we are essentially a single race. Sarah Ban BreathnachThe world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.Johann Wolfgang von GoetheThe world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers and cities; but to know someone here and there who thinks and feels with us, and though distant, is close to us in spirit - this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.Saint AugustineThe world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.Albert EinsteinWhat really interests me is whether God had any choice in the creation of the world.BuddhaWe are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. Albert EinsteinThe world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything.Mark TwainDont go around saying the world owes you a living; the world owes you nothing; it was here first.Albert EinsteinThe most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is at all comprehensible.Oscar WildeIn the world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.J R R TolkienThe wide world is all about you; you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out.Dave BarryThe world is full of strange phenomena that cannot be explained by the laws of logic or science. Dennis Rodman is only one example.Ernest HemingwayThe world is a fine place and worth the fighting for and I hate very much to leave it.Joseph CampbellParticipate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.Hans HofmannThe whole world, as we experience it visuall y, comes to us through the mystic realm of color.Natalie KocsisThe world is a playground, and life is pushing my swing.Henry David ThoreauWhats the use of a fine house if you havent got a tolerable planet to put it on?Charles M SchulzDont worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia.Carl Gustav JungThe only thing we have to fear on the planet is man.E E CummingsThe earth laughs in flowers.Helen KellerAlthough the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.Oscar WildeThe true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

How to maxamize revenue at small business marina on a lake Research Paper

How to maxamize revenue at small business marina on a lake - Research Paper Example This is because well established large scale businesses enjoy economies of scale when they offer large scale products. Furthermore, well established business can afford to hire qualified workforce and provide employee training that result to efficiency of operations. Small lake marinas face stiff competitions for customers from the public operated marinas and big lake marinas. The big lake marinas and public run marinas have stable sources of finances to finance their activities. In addition, due to large scale of operation the rival marina owners are able to enjoy low cost recreational services hence enabling them to charge their clients competitive fees. Also, the public marinas and big lake marinas are able to provide better services to their clients due to their ability to hire qualified workers (Cooper, & Burke, 2011). There are other cheaper alternative recreational facilities that limit the performance of marinas; hence marina operators should utilize efficient technology to p rovide a wide range of recreation facilities and increase business profitability. The growth of small business revenue depends on the managers ability to use the finances appropriately throughout the financial year. Many businesses face characteristic fluctuations in the flow of finances since in some periods the income is lower than the cost with some seasons of huge sales hence greater incomes (Kariv, 2013). Therefore, since the fixed cost of running the business remains constant throughout the year, the business managers should be able to distribute their incomes throughout the financial year. However, small scale businesses are rarely able to distribute their finances throughout the year because of lack of financial reserves (Prosek, 2011). For this reason, small scale business relies heavily on borrowings from banks and other financial institutions that charge interest on the loans hence reducing the business

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Juvenile Delinquency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Juvenile Delinquency - Essay Example Those who will walk in the company of wise will continually be wiser unlike those who seek the counsel of fools. It records that those who seek the latter counsels subsequently suffers from unnecessary harm and afflictions. However, the counsel of just friends only brings happiness, success and blessings to a young man’s life. The book instructs stern warnings against youths who befriend individuals with unjust lifestyles. It advices that youth should not seek heed of the enticements of sinners who persuasively desires to recruit them to immoral and unaccepted actions. Young men are advised to relate wisely with charming women. They should avoid of wicked women who may lead them to a regrettable life. Such women should not entice or control them. Parents should at all times appeal and remind their sons of the instructions of the book of proverbs. They should faithfully teach their children the just ways of God even to be faithful to it. That their sons will not ignore these proverbs counsels in their youths lifestyle. As their children approach their youth’s life, they become independent in their decisions. It’s therefore the Wright counsel that will help them make acceptable decisions and escape the wrath of sin. Parents should therefore instill these instructions to their teenagers at all times even if they tend to rebel. The father should strive to ensure that his son does not give into the control of erroneous mentality of a youthful age. He urges his son to follow the ways of God at all times and avoid the misery of falling in the hands of adulterous women and crime. The path of the son has to be straight as this will deliver him from perversity of evil and walking in darkness. A father should at all times speak of the future life to his son. He must not tell his son of the days of his youth but rather the coming days of his son’s youth. The son will be in a better position and the upright mind to decide correctly

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Mrs Alving in Ghosts by Ibsen Essay Example for Free

Mrs Alving in Ghosts by Ibsen Essay Through excessive parallelism and constant reference to â€Å"ghosts,† Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen portrays a view on the rewards of duty that clashes sharply with the accepted views of the time. In his native country of Norway, and indeed all around the world in the year 1881, ‘duty’ was seen as a powerful motivator in both religion and society. The abstract concept of duty was what constrained society into ‘acceptable’ boundaries, and people without a sense of duty were often shunned and rejected by their fellow citizens. Henrik Ibsen was well-known for his somewhat controversial plays. Just before writing Ghosts, â€Å"Ghosts† he wrote A Doll’s House about a young woman seeking to escape the bonds of duty. While the classic feminist story in A Doll’s House has a hint of hope for Nora Helmer, who decides to speak up for her own rights as a woman and as a human being, Ghosts seems to me to be the gloomy alternative, as Mrs Alving overcomes years of subordination to her immoral (and now deceased) husband. The woman, Nora, desires to free herself intellectually by breaking out of a marriage. Ghosts, in many ways, is an extension of â€Å"A Doll’s House†, with the main character Mrs. Alving acting as a future Nora. They are similar in some ways, but obviously they are both uniquely diverse. They play many of the same roles in their plays, and are probably the most similar two characters between Ghosts and A Dolls House. As literary critic Edward Boyer puts it, â€Å"In many ways Mrs. Alving is an older and more mature Nora, freer yet at the same time more bound. She too wanted to break out of a marriage once, but was sent back to her ‘duties’ by Pastor Manders, who thereby awakened the first doubts in her mind about transmitted doctrine. Ibsen focused his pieces on commenting on the often hypocritical sense of duty that people of his time supported. In his own words, â€Å"Ghosts had to be written; I could not let â€Å"the doll’s house† be my last word; after Nora, Mrs. Alving had to come. † Duty prompted her to create a life of lies, as she hid her husband’s alcoholism and other immoral acts. Duty prompted her to hide her husband’s pregnant mistress, and again to raise his daughter as her own. Even the names Ibsen gives the two women show the difference of hope in the two plays. In A Doll’s House, Nora is given a first name, and in fact she is listed by her first name in the written script whenever she speaks. In Ghosts, Mrs. Alving is seldom called by her first name (it is Helen), and rather is referred to as Mrs. Alving in the script when she has a line to say. She is regarded only as a wife, even ten years after her husband’s death. Ibsen utilizes many parallels between situations and characters in order to portray the desired results of duty and the actual results. Mrs. Alving can be compared to Mr. Engstrand, a hobbling old carpenter, and supposed father of Regina. Mrs. Alving is, obliged by her sense of duty, trying to gain control of her son Oswald upon his return home, while Engstrand attempts to evoke his daughter’s sense of duty so that she will come to work for him. According to George Meyer, â€Å"This parallel is†¦important because in the one case a father is trying to gain control of his daughter; in the other a mother, of her son. † Both characters also experienced a ‘commercial marriage’ in that Mrs. Alving married Captain Alving â€Å"for the sum of his fortune,† and Engstrand married his wife Johanna for a hefty bribe. Nora is a unique character, a kind not usually seen in most plays. She swings her mood often; she is either very happy or very depressed, comfortable or desperate, wise or naive. At the beginning of the play, Nora still plays a child in many ways, listening at doors and eating forbidden sweets behind her husbands back. She has gone straight from her fathers house to her husbands, bringing along her nursemaid which tells us that she hasnt really grown up. She also doesnt have much of an own opinion. She has always accepted her fathers and her husbands opinions. Shes aware that Torvald would have no use for a wife who was equal to him. But like many children, Nora knows how to manipulate Torvald by pouting or by performing for him. In the end, it is the truth about her marriage that awakens Nora. Although she may suspect that Torvald is a weak, petty man, she believes that he is strong, that hell protect her from the consequences of her actions. Then, at the moment of truth, he abandons her completely. She is shocked into reality and sees how fake their relationship has been. She realizes that her father and her husband have seen her as a doll, a toy to be played with, a figure without opinion or will of her own. She also realizes that she is treating her children the same way. Her whole life has been based on illusion rather than reality. Although she tried to escape from her marriage, the young Mrs. Alving apparently did not have a sudden moment of realization of her duties to herself, her own honor, or her own pride. If she did, we are not told hem; she continued to live as her husband and as society expected her to. By the end of Ghosts, however, when the effects of her husband’s life of duplicity are clear, the older and wiser Mrs. Alving has obviously come to regret her silence. Boyer states, â€Å"She sees now that it was the limiting conditions, the lack of true joy, a goal in life, and meaningful work which destroyed the best in her husband. She sees too that she h erself was the immediate cause of his ruin, because she had made life intolerable for him with her conventional morality of duty. Mrs. Alving can’t be blamed for staying in her marriage though. In A Doll’s House, Nora Helmer had a place to escape to. Her friend Mrs Linde would eagerly provide a place to stay and her best friend Doctor Rank had invited her company, and expressed his love for her. The conclusion drawn up by the end is this: the embracing and enforcing of a corrupt sense of duty and false pride by the collection of characters has led to the successful projects-chaos and dismay. This symbolizes Ibsen’s conception of duty and double standard for men and women in the society. He believes that mankind has ‘taken it too far,’ and duty has degenerated love into a purchasable commodity as illustrated by not only the brothel but by Mrs. Alving’s and Engstrand’s commercial marriages. The free-thinking duty-free artists of Paris live happy lives in wholesome homes, while the duty-supporting end up in broken homes where hypocrisy and immorality run rampant.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The Debate Over Artificial Intelligence Essay -- Exploratory Essays Re

The Debate Over Artificial Intelligence    Can machines think? Or rather, can we develop true artificial intelligence in the sense of machines that think and understand as we humans do? This is an interesting problem that is becoming more and more relevant in our lives as computers become more complex and integral to our lives. Two articles, John Searle's "Minds, Brains, and Programs" and William Lycan's "Robots and Minds", present two different answers to this question and also raise several new questions. John Searle takes the position that on one level computers do think - they manipulate symbols - yet on another level they do not think - computers do not understand the symbols they are manipulating to mean anything in the sense that we humans do. Lycan takes the position that yes, computers do think, and that it is quite possibly only a matter of time before a machine can be created that not only looks and behaves like a person, but also thinks like a person. Therefore, Lycan claims, the suitably programmed machine of thi s complexity is a person as much as you and I are. I fall more on Lycan's side of the argument. Words such as "intelligence" and "understanding" have variations in their definitions depending on whom you ask. It is often hard to come up with even a simple definition once one delves into the problems at hand. But, since we as humans (in particular Searle) often try to separate ourselves from computers by saying that we understand the meaning of the symbols we manipulate, it is necessary that I give a useful and accurate meaning to the words (or symbols) I will be using. I define "thinking" as processing information, with any level of complexity. I include in the thinking category a thermostat makin... ...a human who's body is almost entirely mechanical) are people? If we cannot distinguish their minds from regular humans', then we have no basis for denying that they have the same basic rights. As for the second question, that is much tougher, and he makes the analogy to animal rights, for even now computers exhibit intelligence that is roughly equal to many animals. However, since I have proved my main point, and run over my page limit, I will now bow out. The area of animal rights is still hotly debated, and we still often disagree on many aspects of human rights. These areas are the subject of many papers, articles, news stories, even organizations. Maybe, if only to prevent a repeat of our confusion morally over our sudden ability to clone complex biological organisms, we should start looking now at the issue of "computer rights". It still sounds strange to me.   

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Case study: Outback Goes International Essay

As a conglomerate, Outback must be able to overcome the complexity of expanding into international markets. The company’s commitment to continue its fast paced growth will require them to develop a strategy for expansion and operations in different global regions throughout the world. In developing a business strategy, Outback must create guidelines to ensure success in these new and diverse markets abroad. It is my view that Outback should implement a â€Å"Value Creation† strategy that focus on lowering cost and differentiating the product to achieve a competitive advantage. As a result, this will improve the profit making abilities of the company. This will allow the company to expand into many markets while creating value for its company. Outback’s distinctive competencies and its unique strengths will allow the company to succeed internationally. By pursuing this strategy, Outback is building on its existing resources and capabilities. International expansion will also formulate and build additional resources and capabilities for the company. Overview Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham, and Tim Gannon meet in the early 1970’s shortly after they graduated from college. In the 1980’s, Sullivan and Basham became successful Franchisees with seventeen Chili’s restaurants in Florida and Georgia, while Gannon played significant roles in several New Orleans restaurant chains. In 1987, Sullivan and Basham sold their franchises and Gannon quit his current position. The three entrepreneurs, each with more than twenty years experience in the restaurant industry used the proceeds from the sale of the franchises to start two Outback Steakhouse restaurants in 1988. The opening of the two Outback Steakhouse restaurants was positioned with an Australian theme associated with the adventurous outdoors. Early financing came from limited partnerships from family, friends and  associates. They did not anticipate extensive expansions or franchising. However, in 1990, friends approached the three entrepreneurs and asked for a franchise of the Outback Austrian theme. With the success of these franchises, they decided to expand and organized a joint venture with Carrabbas, leading them into the lucrative Italian dining segment of the restaurant industry. Additional opportunities with other individuals arose shortly. In just six years, Outback was voted the best steakhouse chain in the country. On top of that, in 1994 Outback was awarded Inc’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award. By that time, Outback had 164 directly owned restaurants, 6 restaurants that operated through joint ventures and 44 franchised restaurants. At the rate the company was growing, Outback would near the U.S. market’s saturation within four to five years. In late 1994, the company acknowledged is ability to expand abroad by appointing Hugh Connerty as president of Outback International. As the company moves toward international expansion, they knew that a strategic plan is essential in order to assure Outback’s continuing success as it takes on the new and diverse markets abroad. Problem Definition Several critical problems arose as a result of the company’s anticipation of expansion. This event exposed the company to the complexity of moving into new and diverse markets abroad. Ability to Understand the Factors Affecting Companies’ Entry into International Markets: Connerty knew that it was impossible for Outback to expand around the world, buying property and understanding the laws and the culture in each and every country. He has learned that people are very different than Americans. U.S. restaurant chains have to take into account numerous considerations when determining which non-U.S. market to enter. Issues regarding infrastructure, demographics, income and trade laws are a few factors that can determine a company’s success or failure. The strategy created for a specific country cannot be used for another country. It is obvious that different countries have different beliefs, values and ways of  life. The product, promotional, positioning, and pricing strategies must be molded to adapt to the differences that exist in the new and diverse markets abroad. Cost of Expansion: The high cost of resources is a problem Outback will face with its international expansion. If Outback can establish a remedy to cut costs, they would be able to gain a substantial amount of profits. Outback has the highest food costs in the industry. Employment cost is also a factor that can be minimized. Store managers annual salary is $40,000 more than the industry average. These costs can be reduced and the proceeds can be reinvested in the target markets. Finding Partners to Expand Abroad: Connerty stated that the biggest decision the company will have to make is to select franchise partners. They will have to choose a person who has synergy with them, a person who thinks like them and who believes in the principles and beliefs of the company. The trust between Outback and the individual franchisees cannot be violated. The company must be able to franchise their international operations with company owned stores in the United States and franchises in the markets abroad, so that the strong support operations that exist in the U.S. exist abroad. Ability of Suppliers to Expand Abroad: It is Outback’s principle and belief, that a strong relationship with suppliers is essential. The company has never changed suppliers and has an undying commitment to them; they expect the same in return. Outback view their suppliers as partners in the company’s success and is committed to work with suppliers to develop and maintain long term relationships. The company is dedicated to obtaining the highest quality ingredients and supplies. The company’s chief chef will not tolerate less than the best. Suppliers must be able to prove that they can build plants abroad. Understanding Competitors Strategies in The International Markets: Competition affects the way companies govern and implement their decisions for their operations. Outback must examine casual dining chains with  operations abroad such as Applebee’s and T.G.I.Friday’s/Carlson Companies Inc. By examining these competitors, Outback can differentiate how their competitors’ domestic strategies differ from their international strategies. Other competitors include the top ten franchisers in the restaurant industry such as Burger King, McDonald’s, Domino’s, Hardee’s, International Dairy Queen, Inc., Little Caesar’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Subway and Wendy’s. In order for Outback to compete effectively and maximize their long-term profitability, it must be able to understand their competitors in these new and diverse markets abroad. Alternative Generation Decision Areas A business strategy that incorporates the tactics and policies for Outback’s international expansion must be developed so that Outback can compete effectively and maximize their long-term profitability. It is essential for Outback to obtain a competitive advantage to outperform their rivals and achieve targeted growth. The major decision areas that need to be addressed are: Research and Development, Market Research, Supply Management, Human Resource, and Partner Selection. Research and Development: In order to satisfy their customers, Outback must be able to address the multicultural food facts and dining customs that exist within each new territory. Outback should create a uniform Outback experience in every country, while at the same time learning the subtle differences inherent in each.  ·Option 1: Maintain current focus in research and development.  ·Option 2: Increase spending and focus on developing menus to fit each markets.  ·Option 3: Outsource the multicultural study project to an outsider.  ·Option 4: Decrease spending and imitate competitors. Market Research: Outback has realized the factors affecting international expansion. It must prepare a market research analysis of the markets abroad.  ·Option 1: Do nothing; just follow the competitors’ course. Expand into the markets that your competitor has entered  ·Option 2: Perform selective market research to determine safe markets to enter.  ·Option 3: Perform intensive market research to determine the perfect markets to enter. Supply Management: The company is dedicated to obtaining the highest quality ingredients and supplies. Outback wants their suppliers to expand with them. Otherwise, Outback must be able to develop supply channels abroad.  ·Option 1: Do nothing; stay with current supplier and ship in supplies.  ·Option 2: Find new suppliers in the new markets.  ·Option 3: Own their own supplies through vertical integration.  ·Option 4: Form a tighter relationship with the supplier and have them build plants abroad. Human Resources: Human Resources must ensure that the company has the right mix of people to perform its activities effectively. The employees must be adequately trained, motivate and compensated to perform their task.  ·Option 1: Continue to use the same aptitude tests, psychological profiles and interviews as the employee selection process.  ·Option 2: Simply hire employees who are willing to work.  ·Option 3: Hire employees who are not fully qualified but are willing to learn and grow with the company. Partner Selection: The biggest decision the company will have to make is in selecting partners. Finding the right franchise and joint venture partners to invest in is very crucial.  ·Option 1: Sustain current partners. Have them expand abroad.  ·Option 2: Conduct comprehensive research on potential alliance candidates.  ·Option 3: Franchise international operations with company own stores in the United States with franchises abroad. The decision areas, with their corresponding options, provide the basis for the alternatives that can be analyzed. StrategyResearch and DevelopmentMarket ResearchSupply ManagementHuman ResourcesPartner Selection Status QuoStatus QuoStatus QuoStatus QuoStatus Quo Increase SpendingSelective Market ResearchNew SuppliersStandard Employees Comprehensive Research OutsourceIntensive Market researchVertical IntegrationMotivated EmployeesPartner with Franchises Abroad Decrease and imitate competitors Have Supplier Build Plant Abroad Alternatives Four Strategic alternatives, or themes are defined in the following strategy table. StrategyResearch and DevelopmentMarket ResearchSupply ManagementHuman ResourcesPartner Selection Apply Domestic Strategies AbroadStatus QuoStatus QuoStatus QuoStatus QuoStatus Quo Redirect Investment Plans IncreaseSpendingStatus QuoStatus QuoStatus QuoComprehensive Research Get In The GameDecrease and imitate competitorsSelective Market ResearchNew SupplierStandard EmployeesComprehensive Research Value CreationIncrease Spending Intensive Market Research Have Supplier Build Plant AbroadStatus Quo Partner with Franchises Abroad 1.Apply Domestic Strategies Abroad: Avoid modifications of strategies that we already know is successful. Strengths  ·The company will save money by avoiding cost associated with developing and implementing new strategies.  ·The company will avoid the risks of developing new strategies that may fall short of expectations.  ·Avoid changes in the organizational structure and control system.  ·Dividends can be paid to the shareholders because the cost of expansion will be minimized. Weaknesses  ·Domestic strategies may not be applicable to the markets abroad.  ·Company’s inability to adapt to changing conditions will be observed.  ·Company’s inability to formulate strategies that build additional resources and capabilities will also be notice. 2.Redirect Investment Plans: Move away from the idea of international expansion and explore other means of investment. Strengths  ·Potentially least cost solution  ·Less impact on company’s operational structure.  ·The company can pursue other investments that are less complex, costly and risky. Weaknesses  ·Other investments may not be as rewarding.  ·Lost earnings due to potential profit loss from international opportunities.  ·Company’s inability to confront risk and challenges will be perceived negatively. 3.Get In The Game: Competitors have already established businesses abroad. It is time for Outback to gain entry and keep pace with to its competitors. Concentrate on only the most important aspects of international expansion. Focus on just getting their foot in the door as soon as possible. Strengths  ·Mid level cost solution.  ·The company’s immediate concerns will be addressed.  ·Expansion measures can be applied immediately.  ·Continuous development can occur. Weaknesses  ·Does not address long-term problems.  ·May overlook certain critical aspects.  ·May miss opportunity to maximize profit. 4. Value Creation: Create value for the company internationally by applying distinctive competencies abroad to lower the costs of activities in ways that leads to differentiation and premium pricing. Gain a competitive advantage by providing high quality dining at reasonable prices. Strengths  ·Creating value for the company will ultimately increase profits.  ·Value creation will create an improved company image for the shareholders and the investing public.  ·Improved efficiency in the company’s operations will in the long run decrease cost. Weaknesses  ·High cost solution.  ·Concentrating on value creation may lead the company to neglect other important factors that can affect expansion. Scenarios Scenario 1: Craze for a high protein diet: High protein, low-carbohydrate diets will become popular all over the world. The demand for steak will increase, in effect increasing the demand for Outback restaurants throughout the world. Probability: Medium Alt 1: Expansion strategy will be implemented promptly in the international markets Alt 2: Expansion will appear to be the right investment to pursue. Alt 3: Immediate expansions will begin. Alt 4: Shareholders will get value from their investment. Scenario 2: A disease is linked to the consumption of beef: A disturbing reports that links the consumption of beef to a disease provokes fears of consuming beef worldwide. The consumption of steak decreases and other meats are consumed as an alternative. Probability: Medium Alt 1: Plans of expansion may be terminated or prolonged. Alt 3: Redirecting investment plans will appear to be the best proposal. Alt 3: Immediate entry no longer appears to be practical. Alt 4: Would provide marketing advantages for Outback in the United States and globally. Recommendation Even though it’s the most difficult and time consuming, I recommend Outback  to implement Alternative 4, Value Creation. It is very important because the source of a competitive advantage is superior value creation. The shareholders will be pleased to know that as a result of creating value earnings will eventually increase. The shareholders will have more confidence in the company’s financial positions and future operations. Alternative 4 is preferable to the other strategies for the following reasons: Alternative 1: Domestic strategies may not be applicable to the requirements needed in the international markets. The company will lose out on the possibility of formulating strategies that build additional resources and capabilities of the organization. Alternative 2: Shows that the company is afraid to take risk. The company is trying to avoid risks but at the same time they are losing out on opportunities as well. Competitors will take advantage of this flaw and gain market shares from the company. Alternative 3: Even though this might be acceptable in the short term, many minor problems may arise in the long term. Other problems will evolve in the future and may actually cost the company a lot more than they had anticipated. Implementation The company has to take the following actions in order to affect the value creation strategy.  ·Intensive market research is necessary to determine the perfect markets to enter.  ·Increase spending on research and development to adapt the menus to the markets.  ·Franchise international operations with company own stores in the United States with franchises abroad so that the strong support operations that exist in the U.S. exist abroad.  ·Find ways to cut cost while increasing value without affecting quality.  ·Form tighter relationship with suppliers and have them build plants abroad to ensure quality ingredients. There are many challenges a company must face when deciding to expand into international markets. The implementation of this strategy will require a great deal of commitment from all the individuals throughout the company. The business strategy must align with the strategies of the company, business units and functional levels.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Later Adulthood Development Report Essay

Aging occurs in every stage of life, and as adults grow older and move from one stage of adulthood to the next many new changes can occur in their everyday lives. The transition from middle adulthood to later adulthood can bring a whole new level of changes to an individual’s life. The aging process includes changes in roles and social positions, considering living accommodations with health care needs, transitioning from work life to retirement, changes in social policies, and changes in relationships with family members and peers. As aging occurs individuals notice a numerous amount of changes in their lives. Some of those changes occur in their roles and social positions. As an individual ages they may begin to notice both physical and mental changes that decrease their ability to carry out activities in their daily routines. An individual who was once the leader of company meetings may notice that they are no longer able to hear or see things as well as they were before, and they may not be able to process their thoughts as quickly. They might also notice a delay in their reaction time. While some people may assume it is because of a medical issue, it could just be because of aging. As aging continues throughout later adulthood individuals may also notice changes in their physical appearances such as loose or wrinkly skin and a decrease in muscle tone. Throughout life individuals may decide to move from one place to another to experience what it is like to live in a new place. As individuals age their health starts to decline, and in some cases, some families have to make the decision to put their loved ones in a nursing home or hire a nursing staff to do home visits. When the health of a loved one becomes an issue family members have to make sure they are getting the  proper care they need to ensure their loved ones are safe and their health needs are being met. Some elderly individuals are able to go through life and not need any type of assistance caring for themselves, but some individuals get sick and cannot properly take care of themselves any longer. Alzheimer’s and Dementia are two of the worst diseases an individual can develop as they age. Once Alzheimer’s or Dementia really set in the individual start to forget life as they previously knew it. They no longer recognize their family or friends and have a hard time remembering anything about their lives. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are three stages to Alzheimer’s disease, the early, middle, and late stages. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease an individual may still function as well as they did before they knew they had the disease, â€Å"He or she may still drive, work, and be a part of social activities† (Alzheimer’s Association, 2015). According to the Alzheimer’s Association, â€Å"The middle stages of Alzheimer’s are typically the longest and can last for many years†. The third, and final stage of Alzheimer’s, the late stages, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, â€Å"may last for several weeks or several years and requires intense are the clock care†. As Alzheimer’s progresses the individual may experience symptoms such as; anger, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, memory loss, confusion, repetition, and physical discomfort. As Alzheimer’s slowly starts to take over the individual it becomes harder and harder for both the individual and the family to deal with the changes that are occurring. That is why it is so important to make sure there is a trained medical professional on site at all times to care and comfort the individual dealing with the disease. The transition from working life to retirement can be a difficult process for some adults as they struggle to accept the changes that will occur in their lifestyle. But, on the other hand, retirement can also be an enjoyable time for some adults as they see it as an opportunity to do things they love without having to worry about work interfering with their plans. Some aging adults have a hard time coping with the thought of retirement because of the drastic change in income and they do not know what to do with  all the extra time they will have throughout the day. While the changes in income between a weekly or biweekly paycheck greatly differ from their previous profession and the amount of money received through social security, most employers offer a 401K savings plan to help with retirement and life after working. Social policies were put in tact to ensure that anyone in need is able to have their needs met. These needs can include medical, nutritional, and income needs. The government has funded programs such as food stamps to help families all over the country provide food for their families. Other government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare are intact to help cover medical expenses for people who cannot afford health or dental insurance. When it comes to the elderly, social programs such as Social Security and the Older Americans Act were put intact to ensure the elderly (anyone aged sixty five or older) are able to financially support themselves. Social policies are a great way to ensure individuals are properly taken care of and are able to support themselves. Family is forever, and nobody should ever feel as if they have to go through life alone. As we age it is important to remember how important our family and friends really are to us. We spend our whole lives searching for someone to spend the rest of our lives with and to build a family with, but as we age and people in our families start to die people begin to feel lonely. Losing a close family member or even a friend can leave individuals with a feeling of loneliness or even depression, â€Å"Most people seventy years of age or older are widowed, divorced, or single† (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010). Grandparents and great- grandparents should never have to feel like they are unimportant or unwanted by their families. As individuals mature and go on with their own lives they should always continue to stay in touch with everyone in their family, but they should especially make sure their grandparents and older family members are healthy and well taken care of. The changes that occur throughout our daily lives are preparing us for the next stage of life. As individuals age they experience new things and learn  new things about themselves. Some people fear aging as they fear they will no longer be able to properly care for themselves any longer, but with the love and support from our families anything is possible. The aging process includes changes in roles and social positions, considering living accommodations with health care needs, transitioning from work life  to retirement, changes in social policies, and changes in relationships with family members and peers. Aging is just one of the many aspects of life that everyone has to deal with, and it is up to us to determine how we want to deal with it and let it affect our everyday life. References: Alzheimer’s Association. The Stages of Alzheimer’s. Retrieved from: http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_4521.asp U.S Department of Health and Family Services. Caring for Frail Elderly People: Policies in Evolution. Retrieved from: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/reports/chap14.htm Zastrow, C.H. & Kirst-Ashman, K.K. (2010). Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment (8th Ed.)

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Darwinism essays

Darwinism essays Charles Darwin Like many students, Charles Darwin was only intrested in topics that was intresting to him and although his father was a doctor, Darwin was very unintrested in medicine and he also couldnt stand the sight of surgery. He did eventually get a degree in Theology from Cambridge University, Although Theology was a minor intrest to him. What Darwin really liked to do was climb over hills, observe plants and animals, collecting new specimens, studying their structures, and categorizing his findings. In 1831, when Darwin was 22 years old, the British government sent her Majesty's ship The Beagle on a 5 year expedition that would take them along the coastline of South America and then onward around the world. During the trip the Beagle would carry along a naturalist to observe and collect Geological and Biological specimens. Thanks to a recomendation from one of Darwins old college professors, he was offered the position aboard the Beagle. The Beagle sailed to South America, ma king many stops along the coast. Here Darwin observed the plants and animals of the tropics and was stunned by the diversity of species compared with Europe. The most significant stop the Beagle made was the Galapagos Islands off the northwestern coast of South America. It was here that Darwin found huge populations of Tortoises; and he found out that diffrent islands were home to diffrent types of tortoises. He found that islands without tortoises, pricky pear cactus plants grew with their fruits spread all over the ground. And on Islands that had lots of tortoises, the prickly pears grew really thick, tall, bearing the fruit high above the tortoises reach. He wondered if the differences in the two plants were from being isolated from one another on seperate islands. In 1836, Darwin returned to England after his 5 year expedition. He became established as one of the best naturalists of his time. But Darwin sought to prove his idea of evolution with simple ...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The Mako Shark

The Mako Shark Two species of Mako sharks, close relatives of great white sharks,  inhabit the worlds oceans – shortfin makos and longfin makos. One characteristic that sets these sharks apart is their speed: The shortfin mako shark holds the record for being the fastest shark in the sea and is among the fastest swimming fish in the world. How Fast  Do They Swim? The shortfin mako shark has been clocked at a sustained speed of 20 mph, but it can double or triple that speed for short periods of time. Shortfin makos can reliably accelerate to 46 mph, and some individuals may even reach 60 mph. Their torpedo-shaped bodies enable them to surge through the water at such a rapid speed. Mako sharks also have tiny, flexible scales covering their body, allowing them to control the flow of water over their skin and minimize drag. And shortfin makos arent just fast; they can also change direction in a split second. Their remarkable speed and maneuverability make them lethal predators. Are They Dangerous? Any large shark, including the mako, can be dangerous when encountered. Mako sharks have long, sharp teeth, and they can quickly overtake any potential prey thanks to their speed. However, mako sharks dont usually swim in the shallow, coastal waters where most shark attacks occur. Deep-sea fishermen and SCUBA divers encounter shortfin mako sharks more often than swimmers and surfers. Only eight mako shark attacks have been documented, and none were fatal. Characteristics The mako shark averages about 10 feet long and 300 pounds, but the largest individuals can weigh well over 1,000 pounds. Makos are metallic silver on the underside and a deep, shiny blue on the top. The main difference between shortfin makos and longfin makos is, as you may have guessed, the length of their fins. Longfin mako sharks have longer pectoral fins with broad tips. Mako sharks have pointed, conical snouts, and cylindrical bodies, which minimizes water resistance and makes them hydrodynamic. The caudal fin is lunate in form, like a crescent-shaped moon. A firm ridge just ahead of the caudal fin, called a caudal keel, increases their fin stability when swimming. Mako sharks have large, black eyes and five long gill slits on each side. Their long teeth usually protrude from their mouths. Classification Mako sharks belong to the family of mackerel or white sharks. The mackerel sharks are large, with pointed snouts and long gill slits, and theyre known for their speed. The mackerel shark family includes just five living species: porbeagles (Lamna nasus), salmon sharks (Lamna ditropis), shortfin makos (Isurus oxyrinchus), longfin makos (Isurus paucus), and great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). Mako sharks are classified as follows: Kingdom - Animalia (animals)Phylum - Chordata (organisms with a dorsal nerve cord)Class – Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish)Order – Lamniformes (mackerel sharks)Family - Lamnidae (mackerel sharks)Genus – IsurusSpecies – Isurus spp Life Cycle Not much is known about longfin mako shark reproduction. Shortfin mako sharks grow slowly, taking years to reach sexual maturity. Males reach reproductive age at 8 years or more, and females take at least 18 years. In addition to their slow growth rate, shortfin mako sharks have a 3-year reproductive cycle. This extended life cycle makes the mako shark population extremely vulnerable to practices like overfishing. Mako sharks mate, so fertilization occurs internally. Their development is ovoviviparous, with young developing in a uterus but nourished by a yolk sac rather than a placenta. Better developed young are known to cannibalize their less developed siblings in utero, a practice known as oophagy. Gestation takes up to 18 months, at which time the mother gives birth to a litter of live pups. Mako shark litters average 8-10 pups, but occasionally as many as 18 may survive. After giving birth, the female mako wont mate again for another 18 months. Habitat Shortfin and longfin mako sharks differ slightly in their ranges and habitats. Shortfin mako sharks are considered pelagic fish, meaning they inhabit the water column but tend to avoid coastal waters and the ocean bottom. Longfin mako sharks are epipelagic, which means they inhabit the upper portion of the water column, where light can penetrate. Mako sharks inhabit tropical and warm temperate waters but arent usually found in colder water bodies. Mako sharks are migratory fish. Shark tagging studies document mako sharks traveling distances of 2,000 miles and more. They are found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, in latitudes as far south as Brazil and as far north as the northeastern United States. Diet Shortfin mako sharks feed mainly on bony fish, as well as other sharks and cephalopods (squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish). Large mako sharks will sometimes consumer larger prey, like dolphins or sea turtles. Not much is known about the longfin mako sharks feeding habits, but their diet is probably similar to that of shortfin makos. Endangerment Human activities, including the inhumane practice of shark finning, are gradually pushing mako sharks toward possible extinction. Makos are not endangered at this time, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), but both shortfin and longfin mako sharks are classified as vulnerable species. Shortfin mako sharks are a favorite catch of sport fishermen and are also prized for their meat. Both shortfin and longfin makos are often killed as bycatch in tuna and swordfish fisheries, and these unintentional deaths are largely underreported. Sources Shortfin Mako, University of Florida, Florida Museum website. Accessed online July 12, 2017.Longfin Mako, University of Florida, Florida Museum website. Accessed online July 12, 2017.Isurus , IUCN Red List of Threatened Species website. Accessed online July 12, 2017.oxyrinchusIsurus paucus, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species website. Accessed online July 12, 2017.Statistics on Attacking Species of Shark, University of Florida, Florida Museum website. Accessed online July 12, 2017.Mako Shark, NOAA Fisheries Fact Sheet. Accessed online July 12, 2017.Species: Isurus , Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute website. Accessed online July 12, 2017.oxyrinchus, Shortfin makoSpecies: Isurus paucus, Longfin mako, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute website. Accessed online July 12, 2017.Ovoviviparity, Support Our Sharks website. Accessed online July 12, 2017.Flexible Scales Add to Speed of , by Sindya N. Bhanoo, November 29, 2010, New York Times.Shortin Mako Shark

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Optical systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Optical systems - Essay Example in wearable technology has become possible due to the technological developments in battery power, chip evolution, improved accuracy, and materials science advancements. There are major names of companies that has provided platforms for the wearable technology, which includes, Microsoft, Google, Nike, Samsung and Apple, while the earliest company entering in this field was Adidas. Though, the current use of wearable technologies is limited, but the future for this seems quite bright (Ranck, 2012). The purpose of this report is to investigate the present use and potential use of â€Å"optical† sensors, devices and displays in wearable technology, and also to research and investigate the topic of plastic optical fibers, their applications and devices used. The wearable technology has become much popular in today’s market, and there are a number of areas in which the wearable technology is currently available. A report by Beecham research in 2013, has shown the wide use of wearable technology in a number of areas, as they suggested that there are five key areas being augmented from the popularity of Wearable Technology Developments. These seven areas are the Security or Safety sector, Medical benefits or E-Health, Fitness or Wellness, Sports Fitness, Lifestyle Computing, Communications, and also the style or Glamor (the areas are given in the appendix as figure 1) (Beecham Reseach Ltd., 2013). Among the devices used as wearable, â€Å"†¦the wrist-worn devices are currently the most publicized areas in wearable technology, with 15.6% of all companies being directly involved†¦Ã¢â‚¬  as according to a research conducted by (IDTechEx, 2014). The most famous wrist-worn device is the smart wristband in the area of fitness and health and sports fitness, where the device is basically a modest computer, which is made in a way that it can be easily fixed on the wrist and monitor the consumers’ fitness through a number of related sensors. In this area, a recent example can be