Paragon Information Systems

Individual Case Analysis Memorandum Paragon Information Systems BU481 – E Tabatha Dominguez Tuesday, November 29, 2011 PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDATION Paragon Information Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newtel Enterprises Limited, that operates in Atlantic Canada’s information systems industry. They meet their customers’ needs for information systems hardware and provide them with excellent customer service as well. There was recently a crisis as the founders of Paragon left the company, with the entire sales force, to start a new company in direct competition. Paragon was rebuilt and has become a stronger company since the founders left (EX1). Information systems hardware is a largely undifferentiated product so Paragon needs to deliver something unique and of value to customers. This can be done by adopting a focus differentiation strategy based on offering superior customer service (EX 8-9). Also, they will provide services that complement their hardware. This will allow Paragon to capitalize on their relationship with NewTel Information Systems (NIS) and become more profitable. ANALYSIS Focusing on the customer will create switching costs that will help to better protect Paragon’s position in the market (EX3,5). This will enable them to differentiate their company from competitors with a more sustainable method than simply competing on price. The new strategy will allow Paragon to fully realize the potential of their relationship with NIS (EX6-7). NIS has experience with selling services for information systems that Paragon can use to help their focus on services succeed. Working with an established organization like NIS will give them an opportunity to identify where there are gaps in their strategy and how they can best deal with those deficiencies. The services that accompany the hardware have much better margins than the hardware itself. Including services in the product market focus of Paragon will increase the profitability of the company and increase switching costs for clients (EX10). This change in focus will provide the management with the sustainable growth they wanted (EX2). Finally this alternative will properly align Paragon’s goals, product market focus and core activities with their now formalized value proposition (EX4). This will guide the actions of employees as it gives them direction for how they can provide value to the organization. IMPLEMENTATION The First thing Paragon needs to do is to meet with their employees and inform them that excellent customer service is how the company plans to differentiate themselves. Employees that will be trained to become capable of providing the services Paragon will now offer. The sales department will need to learn the specifics of the new services and will also receive customer service training. As the employees are being trained Collins will meet with NIS management and establish a formal relationship between the two subsidiaries. Paragon has moved from the crisis/reactive stage of the crisis curve to the anticipatory stage. With this in mind they should continue to use the participative leadership style they have been using so that they can gain acceptance for the changes that are planned more quickly. A more detailed outline of actions can be found in Exhibit 11. Exhibit 1 – Assessing Performance Customer Financial Innovation and Learning Internal Business processes Balanced Scorecard -Market share is increasing -Revenue has increased since the crisis -Investment in training tripled -Improved productivity -Had highest net income in company’s history Implications: Currently Paragon Information Systems is performing quite well. The changes they made have enabled them to change their position on the crisis curve from the reactive/crisis stage to the anticipatory stage. Exhibit 2 – Direction NEL Mission Statement – To provide sustained and consistent growth in shareholder value, through primary focus on telecommunications and related businesses in Atlantic Canada. Essential to our success will be exploitation of emerging competitive opportunities, responsive customer service and an effective, action-oriented management team. Implications: NewTel Enterprises Limited, which wholly owns Paragon, is committed to growing shareholder value and they believe providing excellent customer service is crucial to their success. Exhibit 3 – Atlantic Canada Information Technology Industry Analysis Threat of Substitute Products Threat of New Entrants Bargaining Power of Buyers Bargaining Power of Suppliers Intensity of Competitive Rivalry Porter’s Five Forces -Relatively low threat of substitute products -Computer hardware is necessary for an information system. -Barriers to entry are low, because of little government regulation and the lack of high upfront or fixed costs. Bargaining power of buyers is increasing -There are few competitors in the market place but more are entering -Buyers are happy to see more competition -Bargaining power of suppliers is unknown -level of intensity is unknown -Hardware is largely undifferentiated Implications: The information technology industry in Atlantic Canada is somewhat attractive. Hardware products are largely undifferentiated but excellent customer service can serve to establish switching costs. With the threat of new entrants and increasing bargaining p ower of buyers firms needs to offer more value than their competitors. Exhibit 4 – Business Strategy Business Strategy Triangle -The underlying strategy is to become more client-focused, and provide responsive customer service -They do not have a formal strategy in place Goals -Provide sustained and consistent growth in shareholder value -Create a more participative culture -Develop capabilities of employees Product Market -Systems integration, application development and computer networking Focus products and services in Atlantic Canada Core Activities -Selling hardware -Providing after sales support Implications: The goals, product market focus, and core activities are all aligned with providing the customer with quality service. However, Paragon has made no attempt to develop a formal strategy built around customer service. Value Proposition Exhibit 5 – Environment Analysis PEST Political Economics Unable to be determined. The strength of the economy can have a significant impact on the demand for computer hardware. Information systems do not directly generate revenue so if the economy is hurting a company’s ability to generate profits they may be hesitant to purchase an information system. If economic conditions are good then a company may be more likely to take this opportunity to develop an information system that can further improve their efficiency. Unable to be determined. Use of the internet is gaining momentum and will change the way that businesses operate. The way that customers communicate with businesses is moving from over the telephone to email. Companies need to be prepared for this change and be able to interact with customers through the medium they desire. Also, the technology that is sold in the industry is changing. The hardware is constantly improving, removing any advantage gained from superior technology quite rapidly. Social Technological Implications: With the threat of new competitors and lack of differentiation between products firms need to find another way to set themselves apart. They need to create value for their customers through means other than the technology they are selling. Exhibit 6 – Resource Analysis VRIO analysis – Relationship with NewTel Information Solutions (NIS) Value This relationship will allow Paragon knowledge on they can grow their service offering. NIS has experience providing services in the IS industry and can give advice to Paragon. Rarity No one else in the industry has a relationship with an established service provider like NIS. Inimitability Very difficult to establish a relationship with a company that may ultimately be a competitor. Organization There is no formal relationship between NIS and paragon. Implications: Paragon’s relationship with NIS can provide them with a competitive advantage. They just need to address the fact that there is no organization to capitalize on this resource. They need to have meetings with NIS or an intermediary that will allow them to communicate formally so they can share information and make sure they do not interfere with each other’s interests . Exhibit 7 – Strategy Analysis Strategy – Environment Linkage Strategy – Resources Linkage Strategy – Management Preferences Linkage Strategy – Organization Linkage Diamond-E Due to increased competition and a lack of differentiation in the hardware the industry sells Paragon needs to find a sustainable way to differentiate themselves. Paragon is not set up to capitalize on the possible benefits of sharing skills with another NEL subsidiary, NIS. NIS already has experience offering services for information systems in the Atlantic Canada market. Management at NEL is committed to revitalizing paragon. They are willing to give Collins whatever he determines is necessary to sustain growth of the company. They believe that excellent customer service is valuable enough to their customers, to provide a basis for which to set themselves apart from their competition. Paragon has identified training as a priority. They increased spending allocated to training to a level three times larger than before. Paragon needs their employees to have the technical knowledge and the proper communication skills to provide customer service that will differentiate the company. Implications: Paragon’s strategy, to differentiate themselves in Atlantic Canada with excellent customer service, is aligned with the needs of their environment and what management wants to do. However, there is a gap in the strategy-resources linkage as Paragon is not properly organized to exploit their relationship with NIS. They need a linkage or liaison with NIS so that they can fully utilize their knowledge of the service aspect of the information systems industry Exhibit 8 – Strategic Alternatives Alternative 1: Paragon will expand so as to offer services around their applications, differentiate themselves with superior customer service, capitalize on their relationship with NewTel Information Systems. Alternative 2: Paragon will expand its offering to include services with their applications, enter the New Brunswick and Quebec markets, differentiate themselves with superior customer service and restructure to a geographic organization. Exhibit 9 – Strategic Alternative Selection Alternative 1 -The market is large enough to sustain Paragon and is growing -Demand is steady -Low barriers to entry which can lead to more competitors -Low cost to serve customers -Low fixed costs Sustainability of -Utilizes customer service to create Competitive value for the customer Advantage? -Uses distinctive capabilities and processes to build strong customer and channel relationships Prospects for successful -Training has been increased to give implementation employees the customer service and technical skills required for this alternative -Consistent with managements goal of sustainable growth and responsive customer service (EX2) Are risks acceptable -A robust alternative -Assumes that Paragon is capable of providing services around their information systems hardware. Tests How attractive is the market? Alternative 2 -Larger market than alt 1 -Demand is steady -Low barriers to entry which can lead to more competitors -Low cost to serve customers -Low fixed costs -Utilizes customer service to create value for the customer -Uses distinctive capabilities and processes to build strong customer and channel relationships -Employees are capable of providing the customer service required -Organization has no experience in the Quebec and New Brunswick markets Will the forecast financial results be achieved and increase shareholder value? -Profitability of Paragon is expected to increase so even if revenues don’t meet expectations alternative will remain profitable. -A fragile alternative -assumes that Paragon can differentiate themselves in new markets -Assumes Paragon can withstand retaliation from competitors in new markets. Alternative is more dependent on reaching expected revenues -If targets are not met alternative will be less profitable Implications: Alternative 1 is a superio r alternative. They both have attractive markets and perceived sustainable competitive advantages. Alternative 2 offers a larger payoff but is much riskier. It assumes that paragon will be able to enter a new market and compete without any experience in those markets. Alternative one is more conservative but still offers growth and profitable returns with minimal risk. Exhibit 10 – Financial Projections Paragon Information Systems Projected Income Statement Years ended 1998, 1999, 2000 (in thousands) 1998 1999 $16,299 $17,927 15,729 17,255 $570 $672 Revenue Total Expenses Net Income 2000 $19,720 18,931 $789 Implications: This projection is based on revenues increasing 10% annually and net income as a percentage of revenue increasing from 3. 5% in 1998, to 3. 75% in 1999, and 4% in 2000. The increase in profitability occurs because the services that Paragon offers have a much higher margin. As services become a larger part of Paragons revenues, they will become more profitable. The increase in profitability from 1997 to 1998 is less than other periods to account for the loss of productivity when employees are being trained. Exhibit 11 – Strategy Implementation Immediate 3 Months 6 Months Long Term Hold a meeting with employees to inform them of the changes to the strategy and product offering -establish a formal relationship with NIS -train employees to properly provide services that will be offered. -Sales Department: learn about the services so they can -Sales Department: start pushing the service offerings -Meet with cl ients to discuss how Paragon can provide better service and offer more value -Meet with employees to discuss the progress of the new strategy and determine if any changes need to be made -Develop new customer service objectives with the information that was obtained from clients -Meet with employees to discuss the progress of the new strategy and determine if any changes need to be made -Evaluate the success of the strategy and make changes as necessary

A Look into Beauty and Femininity

Watching men in films and television advertisements shaving their hairs in their head, armpits and other parts of the body appears to be quite a familiar scene. It does not, in any literal or figurative sense, compel the viewer such as the common individual to rise up in arms and protest against it as it may produce a reason for the person to condemn whatever it is that disgraces the society. It all seems normal to think that these manly instances aired in the mass media brings no air of gloom or any hint of an untoward attitude against them.Quite on the contrary, it seems appalling to view women indecently exposing their hairs and shaving them off like men usually do especially in the broadcast media. Emotions tend to flare up and curse these instances as if it was something new. Indeed, the society's perception of these cases is something relatively new. Much of these have something to do with the way the society is setup throughout the ages—the patriarchal society has dicta ted the very definitions of what is acceptable from what is not in terms of gender preferences.To a certain extent, it does surprise me to be able to watch women parading their hairs right in front of the camera and shaving, pulling their excess hair—whichever way that suits them—as if it was a mandatory ritual needed to proclaim before the society how womanly they are with the way they trim their excess hairs. It is funny to think women behaving that way. But what is even more hilarious is the fact that all these times I thought women were feminine and are expected to keep themselves clean and hairless, so to speak, then here comes a bunch of men doing what women are expected to do.What do these tell us? These tell us that there is more than meets the eye. The feeling of being surprised indicates that someone experienced something quite bizarre, unusual, or even life-changing. At some point, much of these indicators will tell us that women have become the ‘laugh ing stock' or, at least, the basin of the lowliest sensibilities of mankind. This is not to say that women are indeed expected to be that way.Quite on the contrary, there is no reason to believe that women ought to be that way for the reason that gender should not exclude nor prevent one from freely exercising one's right to live one's life. Apart from the patriarchal setup the society has been placed into like a trap, the fainting presence of women in the past days have alluded to a grander and more indicting scenario—we have women cleaning themselves live in television advertisements and programs and we laugh at them, as if purifying one's self is a laughable mortal sin.This should not be the case. To my surprise, however, a certain level of intolerance permeates what has become the melting pot of gender roles—mass media. While mass media have broken ancient boundaries which isolate one man or woman from another, it has also widened the breach between what is reasona bly acceptable from what is not. There can be no fitting word other than confusion, I think, which best befits the attitude of one towards women merely sanitizing and maintaining their feminine image. What could be so wrong with that?Aren't we surprised to see men doing the same thing women are more expected to do? For social intolerance and patriarchy's sake, some reasons do come cheap. I wouldn't be surprised anymore to see women doing the same thing these days. I'd be surprised to see men cajoling themselves with scissors and wax in front of national television. It will be surprising, hilarious, and profane nonetheless. I have a feeling somewhere across the globe people are being surprised with what they see in the broadcast media.Laughing, perhaps, upon seeing a woman cleaning herself, these people shallowly half-realize an empty joke that is never to be found in a world of pure and sheer equality. But women will be women, and so will men be of their kind. Inequality looms in a world surprised to see human nature become as it is. Reference Saltzberg, Elayne A. , and Joan C. Chrisler. â€Å"Beauty Is the Beast: Psychological Effects of the Pursuit of the Perfect Female Body. † Women: A Feminist Perspective. Ed. Jo Freeman. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company, 1995. 167-74.

Reflect on Vygotskian Adolescense Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflect on Vygotskian Adolescense - Assignment Example During the age of adolescence, Vygotsky attributed the changes to sexual maturation and other forms of physiological maturation. In this case, sexual maturation refers to the emergence of new stimuli and needs. This refers to the aspects that determine change in a system of interests. Vygotsky also emphasized on the fact that the development of interests is dependent on the content of social-cultural development. There are a number of shortcomings of using this theory. Vygotsky does not outline the reason for the occurrence of the new motives in adolescents. According to Vygotsky, change in motives results from the reconstruction of adolescent sexual desires and needs. This occurs because adolescents have the ability to operate at levels of formal logical thought. However, he does not explain the mechanisms used during the reconstruction (Karpov, 2009). Additionally, the idea of motives contradicts his earlier theoretical notions. This theory can be criticized based on the fact that Vygotsky leans on the mental development of the motives. The second Neo-Vygotsky’s area of research that will be analyzed is idea of development through social interactions. According to Neo-Vygotsky, adolescents learn through their interactions with their environment or society. Their interactions with their environment enable them to learn about moral norms and values. However, the transformation of social consciousness to self-consciousness is not a passive process of adoption. Neo-Vygotsky theorists argue that the components of social consciousness are internalized and mastered through the application of problem solving strategies. In this case, adolescents test their moral norms and values based on their interactions with their peers. These are also based on their ability to internalize mental processes and make small variations to original processes. Social interaction during the period of adolescence

Kant Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Kant - Essay Example Evidently, the rationalists had disregarded perception as utter confused thinking that consequently rendered their theories as mere speculation, impossible of verification or refute. On the other hand, empiricist who theorized that people have access to the actual world in perceptive sense, believed that what people perceive are ideas that manifest in persons through things outside of them. For example, ideas are manifestations of impressions. Consequently, individuals only know their own ideas (Lawhead, pp. 123) According to Kant, he believes that people have access only to appearances. This does not imply access to illusory appearances. However, Kant believes that appearances provide people with the foundation of knowledge. Moreover, the mind contributes to experience due to understanding and the constituent pure categories. Moreover, an active role is played by the mind as well as its ability to superimpose experience on specific categories that result to knowledge. Kant further argues that people cannot know the ‘thing in itself’. To this end, he goes beyond implying the inaccessibility of ‘reality.’ Over and above this, he implies it is impossible to experience anything beyond the function of the mind. Moreover, it justifies how people acquire knowledge. The basic difference between ‘extension’ and ‘mind’ contributes the problem as well backtracked to Descartes. The immaterial nature of the mind rouses the challenge of bridging the disconnect between the outside world and inner mind. Hume believes that mind is basically passive while Descartes believes that in aid in intellectual acts. On the other hand, Kant simulates between empiricism and rationalism. Foremost, he supports Hume by stating that knowledge is impossible without experience. Secondly, he agrees with rationalists by stating that the mind plays a vital part to knowledge. On the

The Role of Leaders in Harnessing the Individual Qualities of Members Research Paper

The Role of Leaders in Harnessing the Individual Qualities of Members on a Team - Research Paper Example Motivation has been explained to be a reactive mechanism to a reinforcement that people receive in a workplace context (Kerzner, 2003). This means that motivation is a way that people respond to reinforcement to give off their best at work. Motivation, therefore, needs to be triggered by something. In most organizational settings, the word motivation is used to refer to the desire that people should have to put up their best to ensure improved productivity. A worker who is result oriented and normally seen to be on top of his or her job and delivering up to expectation or beyond is therefore seen to be a highly motivated person. It is in this direction that Cherry (2011) explains that â€Å"motivation is defined as the process that initiates, guides and maintains goal-oriented behaviours.† From her definition, it can be seen that motivation actually sets the pace for success as it initiatives goal-oriented behaviours. Motivation also serves as roadmap or yardstick to success a s it guides goal-oriented behaviours. Motivation also acts as an agent of preservation of success as it maintains goal-oriented behaviours. The absence of motivation is, therefore, tantamount to haphazardness at the workplace as it eliminates clear cut focus and goal-oriented behaviour from the organisation. All organisation and institutions are set up with a basic principle of achieving something positive. It is in line with this that there are often mission statements and vision statements for all well-meaning organisations. But in order to achieve the overall mission or vision set by any given organisation, it is very important that a series of projects and tasks are delivered.

Communication Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Communication Strategies - Essay Example In the paper, Ricardo Ramirez and Wendy Quarry analyze the different communication strategies in this age of decentralization and privatization of rural services. The study is based on two African experiences to incorporate the aspect of rural service provision. From the study, the paper then identifies the challenges that decentralization faces in privatizing the provision of rural services. Globally, this wave creates many challenges for the local governments, service providers and the rural communities at large. The unprecedented new rules and procedures that come with this new trend are studied in respect to their impact on local organizations. Further, the paper finds that these new rules bring about the need for change in attitudes and skills. In the first case, the authors identify Uganda in studying the Communications and Information Strategy for the National Agricultural Advisory Services Program. Secondly, they then tour Mozambique, where efforts are made to formulate a plan tom communicate the National Water Policy and the Rural Water Transition Plan. The research findings are wide and varied and agree on the importance of having communication strategies in decentralization and privatization of rural services. Among the findings are the different complimentary functions that communication plays in any development. The authors say that it goes well beyond ‘public relations’. The paper also finds posits that there is an increasing urge to incorporate specialized skills in planning and managing communication strategies.

Summery of key business arguments for and against diversity Essay

Summery of key business arguments for and against diversity - Essay Example This paper seeks to provide arguments for diversity in the workplace, in addition, to arguments against diversity. An organization can increase revenue by improving the diversity of its team, which in turn improves decision-making and problem solving. Diverse teams have a richer and broader base of experience, which they can draw on, to solve organizational issues and problems. The presence of views from the minority can create a higher level of critical analysis of implications and assumptions in decision-making (Thiederman 1). Additionally, it also provides for an increase of alternatives from which the team can choose. Problem resolution benefits from a diverse workforce with dependency on manager who is diversity-competent and utilizes key behaviors of diversity management. A properly trained and managed diverse team is more successful in resolving work-related difficulties than homogenous teams. However, diversity does not work out if this diversity is not utilized effectively (Thiederman 1). Diversity also increases the ability of an organization to be innovative and creative (Jackson 1). These skills are best used in quality improvement, process re-engineering, advertising, and introduction of new products. Diversity can also help where an organization is serving a diverse customer base. For example, if an organization is serving Hispanic and Black consumers, then a diverse workforce will be better equipped to handle them on a personal level. Allied Sinai is a perfect example of this as they successfully negotiated the sale of wheels to China East Airlines, with the success put down to the presence of Americans of Chinese origin on their sales team (Jackson 1). However, diversity does have its drawbacks. Diversity can act as an impediment to effective communication, which, in turn, can dampen the cohesiveness and productivity of small, work teams (Mayhew 1). Spending time together can act, as a gradual way of breaking down these barriers to

Compare and contrast the possible biological risks and hazards when Essay - 2

Compare and contrast the possible biological risks and hazards when using Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound (US) when imaging a pregnant patient - Essay Example With the type of diagnostics required, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, and ultrasound (US) are used; each of these diagnostic methods has both detrimental and beneficial effects on a normal pregnancy. During the first trimester organogenesis takes place in the fetus, teratogenic substances from the environmental will cause organ agenesis and malformations, also death of the fetus is very likely (Holmes, 2011). The teratogens can be in the form of chemicals and radiations, which the mother is exposed to in the environment. With the basic knowledge on teratogenic substances and effects on the fetus, it is important that risks and benefits of any diagnostic methods are determined. This is a non-invasive method that uses of narrow beam x-ray to scan successive layers of tissue in the body for a cross sectional view. This diagnostic method is reliably used in diagnosing pelvic, neurological, skeletal abdominal thoracic conditions and cancers (Shetty, 2010). During pregnancy, it is used to diagnose congenital malformations such as neural tube defects tumors and hemorrhagic conditions in the fetus. However, when the CT scan is done in pregnancy it is likely to bring about the fear of teratogenic and carcinogenic effects due to the ionizing radiations to the growing fetus. The effects are more pronounced when the fetus is in the field of view during the procedure as chances of exposure to the beams are increased. Frequent exposures to the CT scans can also bring about stochastic effects through causing DNA changes in the fetus (Pommier et al., 2009). CT scan has been associated with use of contrast dyes to obtain clear images. Barium and other iodine based intravenous chemicals are used in the process; however, these chemicals have hazardous effects to the growth of the fetus and the health of the mother. Manriquez et al. (2010) also found out that the existence of maternal preeclampsia as an

The events industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

The events industry - Essay Example Events are similar to theater demonstrates in the way that there is one and only opportunity to make everything right and afterward the experience is over and it wont be reproduced in the same way until kingdom come. These passing yet compelling encounters are what event organizers offer. Arranging an event, for example, a wedding, absolution, memorial service or a corporate Christmas gathering includes a mix of customs and development that need to consummately fit the necessities of the customers. Recognized a standard of inventiveness in light of the fact that what she makes is the appearance of a thought or a dream, the planner is attempting to make excellent and valuable articles, transmitting stylish feelings. There are four noticeable subjects that are offered in the writing with respect to development in innovative commercial ventures: individuals, spots, items and approaches, and we will quickly exhibit the primary discoveries of past exploration throughout this area to pick the classes then as examination zones. The locus of development in inventive commercial enterprises is both near the business sector and circulated inside a system of elements that help the last item or administration. Organizations in innovative businesses have available to them various parkways for permitting customers to partake in the development transform: (an) opening up the organizations limits, (b) opening the item/benefit for co-creation, and (c) arranging character merging around items or administrations (Parmentier and Mangematin, 2012). In addition customers, organizations in innovative businesses additionally work with undertaking built systems implicit light of casual examples of association which have a tendency to rehash themselves in an arrangement of ventures and make semi-perpetual ties (Daskalaki, 2010). These systems of teammates are

Investigation into temperature change Essay Example for Free

Investigation into temperature change Essay Introduction. The following is an experiment into temperature change in an exothermic reaction taking place between Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and also how the concentration of the acid will vary these results. The characteristics of the reaction feature a neutralisation, an energy change (shown as a temperature change) that is usually exothermic (gives out heat). The reaction of neutralisation is exothermic because of the bonds being broken and made in the reaction. When bonds are broken, energy in those bonds are taken in, and in this case, are noted as a temperature change, the temperature increasing. If it were an endothermic reaction, the temperature would lower, because the reaction is using up more energy breaking the bonds, this is noted and a temperature change, this time, showing how temperature decreases. The acid and alkali compounds dissolve into water, acid into hydrogen ions, and alkali in hydroxide ions. Neutralisation with hydrogen and a hydroxide, at the end, the product is water (also with left over sodium chloride). There is energy released in kilojoules when a reaction takes place. The main aim is testing the effect of different concentrations and the effect it has on temperature. Variables. To make this test fair, we must only change one variable, that being the concentration of the hydrochloric acid, but we must also make sure, that the alkali concentration is constant. Also, for the sake of fair testing, the room temperature must stay the same, as is will vary results greatly on day to the next. Trial run. The trail run was to determine a number of details; The first, being the correct ratio of concentration, what I mean to say is, how many cubic centimetres the solution of acid and water will vary each time we do the experiment. We have decided to each time, keep the volume constant at 25cm cubed, but diluting the acid by 5cm cubed each time. Also, we decided that the use of polystyrene insulation was not needed as in the trail run; it had no real effect on the end temperature. Apparatus. The following is a list of apparatus we used with the experiment: 1) Burette 2) Measuring cylinder X 2 (0-50cm3) 3) Digital thermometer (with a temp range of -50 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius.) 4) Beaker Safety. Within safety, basic labs rules apply, these include, clear workstations and no loose clothing, but special safety rules must be out in place for this, as the use of acids and alkalis, safety goggles need to be worn. Step by step plan. First, gather up all equipment needed in experiment, then, measure volumes and concentrations that are needed in the experiment. Then, record the start temperature, after that, mix together the acid and alkali in the beaker, and wait until its peak temperature, then record it. Repeat this three times in order to check for reliability. Use exact guidelines on this to repeat experiment for different concentrations. Accuracy. In accuracy, we use the preset variables we also make sure that volumes and concentration are constant and accurate. Prediction. My prediction of what will happen is that when the acid is added to the alkali, the reaction will cause the temperature to go up, but with each concentration the temperature rise will go up, but not to the same extent of what is was beforehand. This prediction was come to with collision theory in mind; the double the temperature the double the amount of successful collisions, meaning double amount of heat being given off. Once the acid is in excess there will be no further temperature rise. Results Table Conclusion In conclusion, I conclude that my graph follows the directly proportional trend because the science in my prediction was correct (higher temperature, more collisions, more heat given off). This shows my prediction was correct, and that all the science within this experiment in. Evaluation My repeats in the experiment were close, and that would mean that they were, and still are reliable. Also, within these repeats there were no anomalous  results, this again showing a well carried out experiment. My method worked extremely well, and I feel it is the best possible method to use in further experiments. But if needs be to change the experiment in some way, perhaps difference in the concentration of the alkali instead of the acid, may alter the results in someway. Even the use of either more controlled conditions or different insulation is something to look into. Choosing another variable to control is also a feasible option.

Effect of Phone Type on Texting Frequency

Effect of Phone Type on Texting Frequency Texting and Mobile Phones among Fourth Year High School Students in Saint Augustine’s School Ballocanag, Brian Emil Dungan, DonEllise Francisco, Ralph Vincent Jacinto, Arvin Jhay Javillionar, Kevin Jayson Laplana, Clifford Sean Lite, Gwynette Manzano, Aixel Nicolas, Rinalyn Tacho, Mariella Stephanie Lyne Abstract This study was concluded to give an answer to the problem if there is really a significant effect of the typeof mobile phones to the frequency of texting. The researchers distributed 24 copies of questionnaire to the Junior and Senior students of Saint Augustine’s School, 2014-2015, to know if how many times do they text daily using the type of mobile phones that they have. The Chi-Square Test of Independence was used to test the null hypothesis. The researchers accepted the null hypothesis since the P-value was more than the significance level 0.05. Thus, it was concluded that the frequency of texting is not dependent on the type of mobile phone. Introduction Mobile Phones are great for talking to someone without seeing his/her face. But theyre also great for messaging especially text messaging, to get in touch with our loved ones and even some strangers without having a phone call which really requires cost. Often, we flaunt our mobile phones simply because they are smartphones and were manufactured by some of the famous companies in the field of gadgets. We care less the phones that are locally-made and classical. Sometimes, we are fond of using the popular-branded smartphones because they are being advertised in the television and we don’t want to be left behind by the high-tech and industrialized world. At present, we are attracted to expensive and high-class brand of mobile phones. We often believe in some cell phone companies telling that their products are better than their competitor’s products. We are then persuaded and lured by them that we begin to patronize and buy their mobile phones without so much hesitation. And our biggest and most specific reason is that, we text more when using them than when using the old-branded and normal mobile phones. Is there really a relationship between texting and the type of mobile phone? Teenagers from the wealthier household and who own the brands of the top five mobile phone manufacturer smart phones use text message slightly more frequent than teens who own the low-end standard mobile phones and from lower income household (PewInternet, 2009). The objective of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between texting and the type of mobile phone. This study did not include the originality of the mobile phones that the interviewees have. It did not matter if they were imitated or not. Those Grade-9 and 4th year students of Saint Augustine’s School, year 2014-2015, were the ones who were interviewed. Mobile Phones Smartphones Smartphone, refers to mobile phone which works like personal computers, has an independent operating system. Users can install software and games provided by the third party service providers, in order to extend the function of the mobile phone. And it can connect to mobile Internet through mobile communication network followed (Kumar, March 2012). Texting Frequency The volume of texting among teens has risen from 50 texts a day in 2009 to 60 texts for the median teen text user. Older teens, boys, and blacks are leading the increase. Texting is the dominant daily mode of communication between teens and all those with whom they communicate (Lenhart, 2012). Teen texting The Pew Internet survey shows that the heaviest texters are also the heaviest talkers. The heaviest texters (those who exchange more than 100 texts a day) are much more likely than lighter texters to say that they talk on their cell phone daily. Some 69% of heavy texters talk daily on their cell phones, compared with 46% of medium texters (those exchanging 21-100 texts a day) and 43% of light texters (those exchanging 0-20 texts a day) (Lenhart, 2012). The null hypothesis was there is no significant effect of the type of mobile phone on the frequency of texting. The alternative hypothesis was there is a significant effect of the type of mobile phone on the frequency of texting. Methodology Participants The 243 out of 276 Junior and Senior students of Saint Augustine’s School (SAS) who have mobile phones who answered the questionnaire, computer with access to internet where the articles, journals and data regarding the study were taken, 24 copies of questionnaire and the facts about texting and mobile phones were the participants of this investigatory project. Procedure The 24 copies of questionnaire were distributed to every column of each classroom of the Juniors and Seniors last November 24, 2014.Through the questionnaire, the researchers asked for the total number of the students who have smartphones and those who have regular phones. They were questioned if how many times do they text daily- 1-5 times,6-10 times,11-15 times or 15-20 times. The result of the survey was summarized in a 24 table but later simplified to a 22 table because those who text 1-5 and 6-10 times a day were taken as one as well as those who text 11-15 and 16-20 times in order to make the solution to the problem less complicated. Data Analysis A chi-square test of independence was performed to test the null hypothesis of no association between type of mobile phone and frequency of texting. Results The P-value, 0.25, which was more than the significance level 0.05 provided a very strong evidence that the frequency of texting doesn’t depend on the type of mobile phone. Thus, the researchers accepted the null hypothesis and it was proper to conclude that the type of mobile phone, smartphone and regular phone, has no significant effect on the frequency of texting. Discussions All the textual data were based on online articles. They were borrowed, read, analyzed, and summarized. The numerical data, which were gathered through a questionnaire, were summed up in a 22 table for a more concise and apprehensible look. However, they were originally summarized in a 24 table but to make it easier and faster to arrive to the answer, the researchers have chosen to just take those who text 1-5 and 6-10 times a day as one and the who text 11-15 and 16-20 times both in the row of smartphone and regular phone. There were approximately 12 % of the respondents who did not answer the questionnaire both intentionally and unintentionally but it did not stop the researchers from proceeding to the next step. Using the numerical data, and the Chi-Square Test of Independence as the statistical tool, the researchers computed for the degrees of freedom (DF), expected frequencies (Er,c) and test statistics (X2) . Er,c and X2 were rounded off to the nearest hundredths. The researchers used the Chi-Square Distribution table to find for the P-value which was found out to be 0.25. The null hypothesis, saying that the type of mobile phone has no significant effect on the frequency of texting, was accepted because the P-value was far higher than the significance level 0.05. Appendices Raw Data *Students who have mobile phone: 243 *Students who did not answer: 33 *Total population: 276 B. Statistical Computations Using the numerical data, the researchers computed for the degrees of freedom, expected frequencies, test statistic, and approximate P-value associated with the test statistic and degrees of freedom. Degrees of Freedom DF = (r 1) * (c 1) where r is the number of levels for one categorical variable, and c is the number of levels for the other categorical variable. DF = (r 1) * (c 1)=(2-1)*(2-1) =1 Expected Frequencies Er,c= (nr* nc) / n where Er,cis the expected frequency count for levelrof Variable A and levelcof Variable B, nris the total number of sample observations at level r of Variable A, ncis the total number of sample observations at levelcof Variable B, and n is the total sample size. Er,c= (nr* nc) / n E1,1=( 182*91)/243= 68.16 E1,2=( 182*152)/243=113.84 E2,1=( 61*91)/243=22.84 E2,2 =( 61*152)/243=38.16 Test Statisitics ÃŽ §2= ÃŽ £ [ (Or,c Er,c)2/ Er,c] where Or,cis the observed frequency count at levelrof Variable A and levelcof Variable B, and Er,cis the expected frequency count at levelrof Variable A and levelcof Variable B. ÃŽ §2= ÃŽ £ [ (Or,c Er,c)2/ Er,c] =(67-68.16)2/68.16+(115-113.84)2/113.84+(24-22.84)2/22.84+(37-38.16)2/38.16 =0.10+0.01+0.06+0.34 =0.51 P-value Using the Chi-Square Distribution Table The first higher value than the Test Statistics, going to the right, row of 1 as the DF, was 1.32, so looking up to its P-value in the uppermost cell of its column was equal 0.25. C. Questionnaire To all the Juniors and Seniors, This questionnaire is very much needed for the completion of our 3rd Grading Investigatory project. We ask for your active participation and honesty in answering the given questions. Thank you! Yours Truly, Group 2 of IV-2 Year and Section: How many are you in your classroom? Per column: 1. How many are you in your column? 2. Who are the students who own smartphones and non-smartphones? For number 2, follow the format below. Students with smartphones ( phones with access to internet, camera, etc.) Students with regular phone (phone intended for messaging and calling, w/o access to internet and do not consist of downloadable applications.) References Central Intelligence Agency(2011).The worldfactbook. Retrieved Sept., 14, 2014, from  https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.  Pestle analysis. Retrieved from  http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/pestle-analysis.aspx Kumar, Dinesh(March 2012). An empirical study of brand preference of mobile phones among  college and university students. Lenhart, Amanda (2012). Teens, smartphones texting.Retrieved from  http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/03/19/teens-smartphones-texting/ Mika Husso (2011). Analysis of competition in the mobile phone markets of  the United States and Europe. http://epub.lib.aalto/ethesis/pdf/12638/hse_ethesis_12638.pdf.fi/en Nurullah, A.S. (2009). The cell phone as an agent of social change. Retrieved from  http://ualberta.academia.edu/AbuSadatNurullah/Papers/109273/The_Cell_Phone_as_an_Agent_of_Social_Change Sharma, S., Gopal, V., Sharama, R., Sharma, N.,(Eds.).(2012). Study on mobile phones brand pattern among the college students of Delhi-NCR.Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/monikakumari1971/a-study-on-mobile-phones-brand switching-pattern-among-the-college-students-of-delhincr-33612332631pb The Carphone Warehouse (2006). The mobile life youth report 2006: The impact of the mobile  phone on the lives of young people.Retrieved fromhttp://www.mobilelife2006.co. uk/

Information Security: Public Key Infrastructure Essay -- Information

With the increase of digital communications and transactions, a stronger level of security is required to protect the user and their data transactions. Systems, servers, personal computers, mobile devices, tokens and smart cards are all being used ubiquitously to view protected communications. With the influx of data management, there is an ever-apparent contest between the two adversaries in the game of Information Security: the developers and the hackers. PKI was designed to leverage the Internet infrastructure for communications (CITE Samuelle 2009). While minimizing hostile exploitation of data, decreasing data theft, and providing an additional layer of trust through keys pairs and digital certificates, PKI is used to verify the identity of the user and the authenticity of the data. A Public Key Infrastructure is not a single device or entity; it is a compilation of technology, infrastructure, and practices that enables large scale use of public key cryptography to provide authenticity, confidentiality, integrity, and non-repudiation services (CITE). The word cryptography is derived from the Greek word â€Å"kryptos†(CITE), which means hidden. It is the technique in which a cryptographic algorithm is used to take the original plaintext information and then make it unreadable to everyone except for those it was initially intended for by scrambling it into ciphertext. This is known as encryption, and the process that unscrambles the message to make it readable again is called decryption. The National Security Agency (NSA) even defines cryptography as the science and art of making codes and ciphers(CITE NSA 2009). In cryptography, a key or code is used to scramble the message which results in a cipher. Cryptography has not alw... ...rce. (2007, Sept 18). Public Key Infrastructures - Federal PKI. Retrieved Sept 15, 2009, from NIST-Computer Security Division: http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/ST/crypto_apps_infra/pki/index.html NIST. (2009). Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication 186-3, Digital Signature Standard (DSS). Washington, D.C.: Department of Commerce. NSA. (2009, 01 12). Frequently Asked Questions Terms and Acronyms - NSA/CSS:. Retrieved 10 11, 2009, from National Security Agency: http://www.nsa.gov/about/faqs/terms_acronyms.shtml US-CERT. (2008, 12 31). Vulnerability Note VU#836068. Retrieved 10 12, 2009, from US-CERT: http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/836068 VeriSign, Inc. (2009). National PKI: The foundation of trust in government programs (A White Paper). Retrieved Sept 15, 2009, from VeriSign White Paper: http://www.verisign.com/static/national-pki-government-trust.pdf

Holden Caufield vs Robert Frost :: essays papers

Holden Caufield vs Robert Frost Holden Caulfield, from J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher In The Rye, and Robert Frost, in his poem â€Å"Nothing Gold Can Stay† have very similar views on certain prospects of life. Frost shows the same perspective as Holden Caulfield. For example, both Caulfield and Frost want beautiful thing to last forever. They both protest the mutability of time. Lastly, they both want to hold on to innocence. In short, you could say that both Holden Caulfield and Robert Frost have a desire to be a â€Å"catcher in the rye†. Both Frost and Caulfield have the desire for beautiful things to last forever. Holden Caulfield recalls a time when he and Jane were younger, they would be playing checkers, and Jane would refuse to move her kings from the back row. It wasn’t any kind of a strategy, nor was it for any particular reason, besides the reason that Jane just happened to like the way they look back there. â€Å"She wouldn’t move any of her kings. What she’d do, when she’d get a king, she wouldn’t move it. She’d just leave it in the back row. She’d get them all lined up in the back row. Then she’d never use them. She just liked the way they looked when they were in the back row.† (Salinger, 31-32)Another example is when Holden is watching Phoebe go around and around on the carousel. He sees this moment as a beautiful thing that he wants to preserve. Robert Frost has the same idea when he says â€Å"Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold†. He’s saying that this first green of nature is so beautiful, but there is no way to hold on to it no matter how much you’d like to. Both Caulfield and Frost protest the mutability of time. In Holden’s case, he enjoys going to the museum because it never changes. Everything has to stay the same. Holden likes how a single beautiful moment can be encapsulated behind glass, thus preserved forever. At the museum, a single moment is unaffected by time. Time stands still inside the walls of the museum. Year after year he can go back to the museum and he only thing that has changed is him. When Frost says that a â€Å"leaf subsides to leaf†, he’s describing how time passes and the leaves fall.

Level of Stress Among Call Centre Employees Essay

Level of Stress among Call Centre Employees Submission date: 8th January, 2008 Submitted By: Ayesha Khalid Ayesha Sarfaraz Nazool-e-Tabassum Saira Khan Mussaffa Butt Submitted to Dr. Farah Malik Associate Professor Department of Psychology Government College University Lahore Introduction Stress is used as a general label for a vast complex, interdisciplinary area of interest and study, much of which is health related. Most often stress is related to personal discomfort associated with an over demanding or distressinglifestyle situation (Adams & Bromley, 1998) stress is a part of everyday life, we experience stress each day, although it is acknowledged that the degree of stress varies considerably depending on the complexity of the situation and availability of support. For some, the stress is manageable and work or home life is not affected. For others, however, the stress reaches a critical point where there may be a need for medical or psychiatric assistance (Weiten, 2001). The causes of stress can include any event or occurrence that a person considers a threat to his or her coping strategies or resources. Researchers generally agree that a certain degree of stress is a normal part of a living organism’s response to the inevitable changes in its physical or social environment, and that positive, as well as negative, events can generate stress as well as negative occurrences (Frey, 2002). There can be innumerable stress factors since different individuals react differently to the samestress conditions. Extreme stress situations for an individual may prove to be mild for another,for yet another person the situations might not qualify as stressing at all. (http://www. lifepositive. com/stress. html). The fact that women report and exhibit higher level of psychological distress than men has been explained in three major ways. The methodological artifact explanation suggests that women are socialized to be more expressive and therefore will admit more emotional symptoms than men in response to the standard psychological stress (Frey, 2002). The stress exposure argument suggests that women face more stressor in general or more severe, persistent stressors than men. Whereas the vulnerability argument suggest that women lack coping resources such as high self esteem, a sense of mastery or appropriate coping strategies for handling the stressors to which they are exposed. Newman (1984 c. f. Eckenrode, 1991) suggested that women over report minor symptoms that inflate over all distress scores (Eller, 2000). Stress in humans in general results from interactions between persons and their environment that are perceived as straining or exceeding their adaptive capacities and threatening their well-being. The element of perception indicates that human stress responses reflect differences in personality, as well as differences in physical strength or general health (Frey, 2002). Stress is often termed asa twentieth century syndrome, born out of man’s race towards modern progress and its ensuingcomplexities. For that matter, causes such as a simple flight delay to managing a teenage child athome can put you under stress. Listing the causes of stress is tricky yet replete with practical diversity (http://www. lifepositive. com/stress. html). General cause of stress include primarily, Threat; a perceived threat will lead a person to feel stressed. This can include physical threats, social threats, financial threat, and so on. Fear; Fear leads to imagined outcomes, which are the real source of stress. Uncertainty; When people are not certain, they are unable to predict, and hence feel they are not in control, and hence may feel fear or feel threatened by that which is causing the uncertainty (http://www. workstress. net/causes. htm). Apart from certain general causes another reason is cognitive dissonance; it is when there is a gap between what people do and what they think, then the outcome experience is cognitive dissonance, which is felt as stress.

Consumer Behavior Final Project Essay

Target Corporation is a retail store based out of America, its headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Target’s goal began with creating an upscale alternative to Wal Mart, while remaining a discount store. They have since become the fourth largest retailer and second largest discount retailer in the United States, Wal Mart being the first. Target’s first retail store was opened in 1962, in Minnesota. The company has continually grown to its present day size, operating 1,916 stores in the US. In 2013 Target began operating in Canada, and has since opened 127 stores throughout. Target offers clean, spacious and guest-friendly stores. Their motto is â€Å"Expect More, Pay Less,† indicating you will find good quality, at low prices. They have a variety of their own in store brands. Target has made â€Å"cheap-chic† accessible to everyone, in the form of furniture, fashion and household items, offering designer products at affordable prices. Target reaches younger customers with higher incomes than its competitors. Target aims for high-end buyers, in part because the middle class is shrinking. In general they reach moderate to better income families with active lifestyles and a multitude of hobbies. A Target customer’s median age is 40, and median household income is $64,000. Eighty percent of Target customers are female and thirty-three percent have children at home. 50% of consumers are employed in professional or managerial positions. Around fifty-seven percent of Target customers have completed college. Generally Target’s consumers are interested in buying higher end, quality products. Their primary market is females ages 35-45, therefore this demographic should be the focus of their marketing efforts. Secondary customers could be the spouses of these females who use the products their wives shop for but are not the primary customers making the purchasing decisions. Tertiary consumers could be children in families, using the product but not yet making direct purchasing decisions. These children may become primary consumers later in life, if they associate the brand with positive experiences. Target offers a customer loyalty program which helps generate  and keep customers. This program helps identify customer purchasing trends which enables marketers to create effective, targeted promotions, decreasing advertising costs. The key behind Target’s success is their positioning as a high-end brand despite their low prices, which attracts a group of consumers who normally would not seek discount retailers. Target provides knowledgable, friendly staff that is happy to answer questions and assist customers. A report by Time Trades showed that 85 percent of consumers purchase more when helped by a knowledgeable sales person. Target successfully associates it’s brand with a younger, edgier, hipper and more fun image that it’s discount retail competitors. Most consumers that shop at Target don’t see it as a discount store, but as a superstore where you can buy everything you need conveniently in one place. Target spends 2.3 percent of their revenue on advertising, in comparison Wal-Mart only spends 0.3 percent. Target has been smart with their marketing efforts, especially by partnering with many high-end design oriented suppliers over the years. Target uses bright and eye-catching advertisements with creative presentations. Target puts a lot of work into their displays and understands the power of them, capturing more sales as a result. An example of this is the bins Target strategically places near the front entrance with items under five dollars. This catches consumers’ attention when they first enter the store and right before they head to the checkout. Most consumers identify with Target’s symbol, a bulls-eye and their store color, red without even seeing or hearing the Target name. Target continues to improve their mobile app, which is an in-store shopping tool for consumers. The app includes a section for weekly ads that uses location to show consumers a weekly ad for a nearby store. There is a section in the app that allows consumers to prepare a personalized shopping list. Target’s guest wi fi network which lets consumers see special services and deals for each store also allows Target to monitor where in the store consumers are and what products they are looking for. They have created an online magazine called â€Å"A Bulls-eye View.† Its purpose is to tell stories behind Target’s partnerships, products, events and other things going on with the  company. It does not pitch products but instead stays true to an old-journalism outlook, â€Å"show don’t tell.† For example, an article may be written about how to decorate your home using a Target product line, but will not promote a specific product. â€Å"A Bulls-eye View† attracts 100,000 unique visitors each month. The Target spokesperson, Hausman says Target’s marketing efforts are heading towards building stronger relationships with consumers through social media. This is what â€Å"A Bulls-eye View† is designed to do, build relationships with consumers that will eventually lead to sales. Target has a packaging operations team to ensure products have an appealing structure that holds the product with eye-catching graphics. Target’s advertising and in-store promotions strive to convey the message that they are clean, fresh and offer in style products. They send the message that products are priced well and convenient to buy. Target uses assortment, placing complementary items, commonly purchased together near each other. Through intelligent, consistent marketing Target has turned it’s bulls-eye logo into a lifestyle symbol recognized by ninety-six percent of American consumers. Strivers represent active consumers and are the primary VALS type that shop at Target. Shopping allows these people to demonstrate to peers their ability to buy, and is a social activity. Strivers can be compulsive buyers, depending on their financial circumstances. Strivers tend to like stylish, trendy products, and love fun, which are qualities Target represents and personality traits they aim to appeal to. I think Target’s secondary market is Experiencers, who are generally young and eager consumers. They like self-expression and excitement, and are attracted to new offbeat brands. Target tries to appeal to young, hip, fun consumers. Experiencers tend to spend a lot of their income on entertainment, socializing and fashion, and strive to accumulate trendy possessions. Even though these consumers are young and most likely do not yet have large entertainment and clothing budgets, they are attracted to Target because it is a discount store. Those that follow terminal values of social recognition may be attracted to Target, Target markets it’s company as providing high-end products for a high-end lifestyle. Those that value an exciting life may be attracted to Target’s brand since its image is exciting  and fun. Other-directed consumers may be more likely to shop at Target; they observe their peers to decide what is acceptable. Many of Target’s advertisements demonstrate social acceptance portraying groups. Target shoppers use routinized response behavior for most of the items they would purchase. Most Target guests are shopping for every day household items, which are items they have experience purchasing. They do not need more information or time spent researching the product. Those that use routinized response behavior have experience purchasing the product, and a clear idea of their expectations. The more a product becomes routine to buy for a consumer, the less reactive they will be to advertising efforts and discounts for similar products of different brands. Consumers at Target may use limited problem solving, occurring when shoppers are thinking about purchasing new versions of previously purchased products that may have additional features. Another instance when limited problem solving would be used is when a consumer is undecided about which brand or version of a product to purchase. Consumers may need more information to understand the differences between product brands. Limited problem solving is often used with occasional purchases like clothing, movies, and cosmetics. Since Target has such a wide variety of items for sale, there are many different decision-making processes used. Extensive problem solving is probably the least common decision-making process used by Target shoppers. Extensive problem solving is used when purchasing a product in a new category that is not well known or when purchasing a high-risk item that is more expensive or presents a psychological risk. With extensive problem solving there is no consumer preference for a certain brand or product. The purchase process in long and a lot of time is spent on research. There are few products sold at Target that require extensive problem solving, perhaps electronics like computers, televisions and video game consoles. The same product may not produce the same decision-making process in every consumer. A Target shopper that is accustomed to a certain product will have routinized response behavior, whereas a consumer who is new to a product will probably use limited problem solving for the same purchase. Survey: 1. How many times in the past year have you shopped in a discount retail store? 2. How many people live in your household, and how many of these individuals are children (under 18)? 3. What is your yearly household income? 4. What industry do you work in? 5. Do you make most of your purchases in a physical retail store or online? 6. What is your age range? 7. What city do you live in? 8. What is your level of education? 9. What are your hobbies and interests? 10. If you could create a retail store personalized to your wants and needs what would it be like? Consumers enjoy shopping at Target because it is a one-stop shopping experience with a large selection. It offers a fun, comfortable and safe shopping environment with low-prices on high quality, well-designed items. Target is process-oriented, focused on getting their work done with integrity towards employees and customers. They have a deep concern for their employees, providing a fair, positive work environment and fair wages. Target is dedicated to meeting their guests’ needs and always catering to the guest experience, which contributes greatly to their success and the positive consumer attitude towards their brand. Works Cited 1. â€Å"History: Target’s Shopping Experience Over Time | Target Corporate.† Target. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2014. . 2. Target Stores. (2014, August 3). Retrieved September 26, 2014. . 3. Abramovich, Gisele. â€Å"Target’s ‘Show Don’t Sell’ Content Strategy – Digiday.† Digiday. N.p., 16 Apr. 2013. Web. 25 Sept. 2014. . 4. â€Å"Target Careers: Advertising & Marketing Jobs | Target Corporate.† Target . N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2014. . 5. Barwise, Patrick, and Sean Meehan. â€Å"Bullseye: Target’s Cheap Chic Strategy – HBS Working Knowledge.† Harvard Business School Working Knowledge. N.p., 16 Aug. 2004. Web. 25 Sept. 2014. . 6. Schiffman, Leon G., and Leslie Lazar Kanuk. Consumer Behavior. Pearson, 2010. 7. Johnson, Lauren. â€Å"Target Tightens Focus on Mobile as In-store Shopping Tool.† Mobile Commerce Daily RSS. N.p., 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. .

One God Essay

Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) said: â€Å"If you love me keep my commandments and I will pray to the Father, and he shall send you another comforter, that he may abide with you forever† (John – 14:15, 16) It should be noted that some English bibles have the Greek word Paraclete instead of Comforter; but in Greek the word actually spells as PERIQLYTOS. Rev. David Benjamin Kaldani, B.D. Bishop of Urumiah Persia, the Greek classical scholar and Bible authority who converted to Islam, in his book â€Å"Muhammed in the Bible† has discussed the original Greek word, the actual word which Jesus (pbuh) might have used in his native tongue, Aramic (Dialect of Hebrew) regarding the word â€Å"Comforter†. Dr. Kaldani writes: It is to be noted again that the Greek Text has ‘Periqlytos’ instead of Paraclete. So, if we want to find out the real sense of the word, we must correct the text and supply the corrupted words thus â€Å"I shall go to the Father, and he shall send you another Apostle whose name shall be Periqyltos, that he may he remain with you forever.† One need not be a Greek scholar to know that the Greek word for Comforter is not Periqlytos but Paracloon. Periqlytos, chronologically and literally, means the most illustrious, renowned, and praise-worthy. I take for my authority Alexandre’s Dictionarie Grec-Francais – This compound noun is composed of the prefix ‘Peri’ and ‘Kleotis’ the latter derived from ‘to glorify’ ‘to praise’. Thus Periqlytos means precisely what ‘Ahmed’ means in Arabic namely ‘the most illustrious and glorious’ The only difficulty to be solved is to discover the original Semitic name used by Jesus Christ either in Hebrew or Aramaic. If I am not mistaken, the Aramaic form must have been ‘MHAMDA’ or ‘HAMIDA to correspond with the Arabic name ’MUHAMMED’ or ‘AHMAD’ and the Greek PERIQLYTOS. It is marvellous that this unique name, Periqlytos never before given to any other person, was miraculously preserved for MUHAMMAD, the last prophet or Apostle of God. We never come across any greek gentleman bearing the name of Periqlytos nor any Arab bearing the name MUHAMMAD or AHMAD before the advent of the Holy (God fearing) Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). In Islam religion, Jesus (peace be upon him) is believed as one of the greatest prophets and one of the greatest messengers of God to mankind. It is not believed in Islam that Jesus is God or son of God. In the Quran, there is a complete chapter (called Surah) titled ‘Maryam’ (Mary) that confirms Maryam virgin birth. The Quran states the following on the birth of Jesus (peace be upon him): (Remember) when the angels said, â€Å"O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (to God). He will speak to the people from his cradle and as a man, and he is of the righteous.† She said, â€Å"My Lord, how can I have a child when no mortal has touched me?† He said, â€Å"So (it will be). God creates what He wills. If He decrees a thing, He says to it only, ‘Be!’ and it is.† (Quran, 3:45-47) Jesus was born as miracle by the word and command of God. This command is, as said in Quran, the same command that had brought Adam into being with neither a father nor a mother. God has said in Quran: The case of Jesus with God is like the case of Adam. He created him from dust, and then He said to him, â€Å"Be!† and he came into being. (Quran, 3/59) During the prophetic mission of Jesus (peace be upon him), Jesus performed many miracles. God tells us that Jesus said: â€Å"I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you the shape of a bird out of clay, I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God’s permission. I heal the blind from birth and the leper. And I bring the dead to life by God’s permission. And I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses†¦.† (Quran, 3/49) Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified. They believe that the enemies of Jesus (peace upon him) plotted and planned to crucify Jesus. However, God miraculously saved Jesus and raised him up to Him (to God). God, the all powerful and the all capable, put the likeness of Jesus (peace upon him) over another man. The enemies of Jesus (peace upon him) thought that the this other man is Jesus and they took him and crucified him. God has said: †¦They said, â€Å"We killed the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God.† They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but the likeness of him was put on another man (and they killed that man)†¦ (Quran, 4/157) Quran says (meaning translation): â€Å"Jesus said I am indeed a servant of ALLAH (God). He (God) has given me Revelation and made me prophet and He (God) has made me blessed wheresoever I be and has enjoined on me Prayer and Zakat (Charity) as long as I live. He (God) made me kind to my mother (Mary). Peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day I shall be that I shall be raised up to life again†¦ It is not befitting to the majesty of Allah (God) that he should beget a son. Glory be to him (God) when he determines a matter, He (God) only says to it â€Å"Be† and it is. Verily ALLAH (God) is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is straight† (Quran 19/30-36). Accordingly, in Islam religion, Jesus (peace upon him) is neither God nor son of God. He is human and God prophet. It is worthwhile to emphasize that both Jesus (peace upon him) and Mohamed, or may be spelled Muhammad (peace upon him), came to mankind to call for worshiping only and the only one God. Neither of them nor Moses came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in one and only God. this doctrine that was brought by earlier prophets from including Noah, Abraham, Isac, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others. Both Jesus (peace upon him) and Mohamed received the revelation from God to confirm and renew the doctrine of worshiping one (and only one) God.

Kudler Fine Foods Frequent Shopper Program Essay

Service request kf-013 was submitted to create a requirements document for the proposed Frequent shopper program. The frequent shopper program is a new initiative by Kudler Fine Foods to increase revenue. The program is to track purchases of customers and accumulate points for gift items. This program will track purchase patterns to offer personalized savings to their customer, not only from them but also from their trading partners. There could be ethical, legal, and informational security issues. â€Å"Ethics refers to the principles of right and wrong that individuals, acting as free moral agents, use to make choices to guide their behaviors† (Laudon 2012, P 124). It applies to business behavior as well. An ethical issues that could arise from the frequent shopper program, deals with privacy. What information do individuals consider private? What rights do they have to keep that their information private? What responsibility do companies have to keep customer information pr ivate? These are just a few questions that surround the frequent shopper program from Kudler Fine Foods. Shoppers need to have the option to participate or not to participate in the program. The data collected will be used to â€Å"benefit† the customer but at what risk? The customers information will be sent to partnering companies that the customer knows nothing about. Kudler food has the legal responsibility to ensure that the partnering companies do not misuse their customers information for malicious gains. To meet the ethical concerns that arise with this program Kudler Fine Foods must provide the customer with the facts of the program. They also must provide who are the partnering companies and what information they will receive, or full disclosure of the program. This is the only way the customer can make an informed desicion on the program. There are legal guidelines for privacy laws â€Å"based on a regime called Fair Information Pracitces (FIP)† (Laudon 2012, P 132). There are many federal privacy laws that affect personal data, but most of those laws do not take into consideration the technology we have today. Companies can be held liable for a breech of privacy for its customers, if the company did not take the proper steps to secure their private information. Data security is a big investment for most companies. Everyday companies store transactional data from people. Some data is simple, like name, gender, and address; other data is unique like a social security number or bank account number. If a company is storing sensitive data, encryption will reduce the ability for the data to be stolen. â€Å"Encryption is the conversion of data into a form, called, ciphertext,that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized people† (University of Minnesota, 2011). Kudler Fine Foods must review their current security and ensure that it is secure enough to maintain the data privacy of its customer. Kudler Fine Foods frequent shopper program can provide their customer many benefits through its partners without storinng to much personal data. They will haven a ethical and legal obligations to their customers about personal data being shared. Security of the data will play a vital role in the sucess of the program, if a breech of the data accures, so does a breech of trust. The frequent shopper program will increase revenues for Kudler Fine Foods with minimal costs and proper informational security. References Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2012). Management information systems: Managing the digital firm (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. University of Minnesota. (2011). Encrypting Stored Data. Retrieved from http://www.oit.umn.edu/security/topics/encrypting-data/index.htm

Personal Characteristics of Nick Thomas, Charles Henry, and Chairman Lup In Wisdom Sits in Places

The significance of place-names is compounded in the personal characteristics of Nick Thompson, Charles Henry, and Chairman Lup. Although their personal characteristics differ significantly in terms of attitudes and approach to reality, their behavioral orientation are relatively the same. The subscription to a single set of norms (the rules attached to the place-names) ensures a relatively predictable pattern of behavior from the three characters.Hence, one can assume that the behavioral orientation of the three characters stemmed not from their intrinsic characteristics but rather to their personal interpretations of ‘reality. Here, reality takes the form of adjunctive reference to the past, the legacy of place-names. There is a need, however, to look into the personal characteristics (behavioral) of the characters to provide credence to the above-mentioned proposition. Charles is a traditionalist, an individual who clings to the general beliefs and rules of ancient customs. His minimal exposure to the vagrancies of modern life did not affect his behavioral orientation towards customs and tradition. In fact, most of his actions indicate a persona that embraces the beauty and glorious existence of place-names.In page 10 of the book, Charles said to Mosley: What he’s doing isn’t right. It’s not good. He seems to be in a hurry. Why is he in a hurry? It’s disrespectful. Our ancestors made this name. They made it just as it is. They made it for a reason. They spoke it first, a long time ago! He’s repeating the speech of our ancestors. He doesn’t know that. Tell him he’s repeating the speech of our ancestors. Charles’ obsession with mental images and speeches of his ancestors created a personal impression of sturdiness in his character.He refuses to allow changes that will affect his beliefs on place-names. Nick Thompson behavioral orientation is similar to that of Charles Henry. An old man who delighted in telling humorous and often embarrassing stories, his expression is quite mischievous and intimidating. In the tribe though, he is known as the true â€Å"Slim Coyote. † Thompson’s character can be described in four words: serious, generous, intelligent, and outspoken. In anthropology, the character of Nick Thompson exemplifies the character of an ideal elder who teaches the younger generation the essence of existence.In page 43 of the book, he said, â€Å"Start with the names. I will teach you like before. Come back tomorrow morning†¦ White men need paper maps. We have maps on our minds. † Due reference again is made to the highly revered place-names. The Western Apache’s reverence to place-names are generally rooted from the historical value of the place-names themselves. This historical value is imbued in the personal beliefs of every Apache. It can be said that Nick Thompson, by virtue of his age, has strong personal attachment to this histori cal value.In fact, his understanding bear more influence to his behavioral orientation than his actual belief in the place-names themselves. His motto in life is: â€Å"Learn the names† (a deep understanding of the place-names). Chairman Lup’s character is generally similar to that of Thompson. His obsession with stories about place-names is the primary foundation of his behavioral orientation. For the most, an understanding of his character forces one to assume that he is a strict traditionalist. His personal belief about place-names is actually greater than Charles Henry and almost equal to that of Nick Thompson.

Roaccutane Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8000 words

Roaccutane - Essay Example The purposes of these studies and their problems were ascertained, noting down their findings. A reflective summary is included on clinical implications in the literature portion. The general finding of these studies on the dangerous side effects of isotretinoin use regarding psychiatric side effects including depression is inconclusive. The main issue raised is on the required number of subjects tested. As large as 8000 subjects would needed for a tenable methodology in research as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists. Connected with this problem is the number of volunteers willing to be tested, considering that the drug is risky. Nevertheless, based on adverse reports, it is still recommended that prescribers follow precautions sent out by the Food and Drug Administration on this drug. The concern for knowing about whether isotretinoin and depression are linked rise from several adverse drug reaction reports (ADRs) received by health authorities, no less than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the manufacturer of the drug involved. The highly published accounts of suicides committed by young people add to the ever growing need for looking into this problem. Literatures abound regarding these supposition and researches have been conducted to this end. To this day, there is much to be confirmed by way of collating these reports and coming up with a converged position. Acne, for which isotretinoin is usually taken is commonly associated with shame, embarrassment, social assertiveness, and self-confidence. Acne to an adolescent is associated with socialization, appearances in public, interaction with strangers, and even reduced employment opportunities (Tan 2004). As such, seeking treatment involves having access to the best there is. However, what is being bruited about as an excellent drug for the purpose of healing is equally, if not more, being blamed for the demise of some. It is necessary that what should heal should not also put one's health at risk. Isotretinoin has been serving a lot of good to those with acne, but has also been receiving several ADRs in the recent years (Schulte 2005). This study looks into possible links between Isotretinoin and depression. Acne Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous follicles or ducts located on the face, chest and back. They consist of sebaceous (secreting oil) glands associated with small hair follicles. (Cunliffe 1994). It is important to ensure that patients know that their acne is taken seriously and to reassure them that acne is treatable. The fact that it is a slow responding disorder should be stressed to patients (Ibid). Healey and Simpson (1994) identify three aims of treatment as to prevent scarring, limit the duration of the disease and reduce the impact of psychological stress. They emphasise that early treatment and regular review are necessary to prevent scarring. Treatment options are targeted at one or more of the four pathophysiological changes which occur in acne, blockage of the skin ducts, increased sebum

Competing Values Framework tes Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Competing Values Framework tes - Research Paper Example One of the dimensions related to organizational focus ranging from internal emphasis on staffs within an organization to the external focus that covers the outward relations of the organization. Their second dimension was concerned with differences between control and stability versus flexibility and change (Hamm 1993). The framework has other important aspects in addition to its original role as a leadership tool. It is a relevant tool for use across all levels within an organization. Scholars developed its name because initially, the four models that form as its pillars seemed to carry conflicting messages. Stakeholders desired to have adaptable, flexible, stable, and controlled organizations at the same time. Core Assumptions The Competing Values Framework consists of four quadrants. The first segment is the internal process model. This model bases on hierarchy, documentation, emphasises measurement, and management of information. The four processes are responsible for enhancing c ontrol and stability. It is essential to note that hierarchies function well when time is not an important factor and when an employee has sufficient knowledge about the requirements of the job. The second quadrant is the open systems model (O’Neill 1993). This model operates on organic system, readiness, resource acquisition and support, emphasises on adaptability, and growth. The processes do not control employees but inspires them. This efforts lead to staffs being innovative and creative. Rational goal model is the third core assumption of the Competing Values Model. The model centres on profit and emphasises on rational actions. The model has various assumptions that include a notion that proper planning and setting of goals leads to productivity and efficiency. The plan of action in this case, entails clarification of tasks, setting of objectives, and taking action. The final assumption is the human relations model (Hooijberg 996). This model puts a lot of emphasis on c ohesion and morale among employees. Motivation of employees according to the model comes from efficient training programs for employees. It considers employees as constituents of the organization existing in a common social system. The Competing Values Framework considers the four models that appear different and disjointed as a unit. They are related and interconnected. They fall under one large domain of organizational and managerial effectiveness. They are the invisible values that propel people, policies, and programs. Organizations live and die because of them. Application The Competing Values Framework applies in many areas within institutions and business organizations. It applies to individual styles, assess communication within organizations, and serves as a tool to analyse the degree of leadership. It helps in developing and building organizational culture for adoption by employees. This creates core competences necessary for success of a particular company. The human reso urces department within the organization uses its efficiency design motivational schemes, employee selection criteria, and the quality of employees (Quinn and Rohrbaugh 1983). The management of organizations can use the same to develop the best human resource practices, organizational capabilities, and develop change patterns. These developments are important when setting financial performance. The values of the framework apply across all ranks within organizati

No topic needed Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

No topic needed - Speech or Presentation Example This is because the amount of time invested is less than the prize awarded. Unlike in the first case, the result after multiplying the probability with the prize and less the cost is a positive figure. (e) This time allocation is not equilibrium. This is for the reason that they both are equally talented but Shirley gets an added advantage by training longer than Laverne. They should have trained for equal time for the allocation to be equilibrium. (f) The allocation of 5 hours of training per week is not Nash equilibrium. This is because the payoff increases to 6 when the training time reduces to 4 and reduces 4 when the training time increases to 6. (e) The t-statistic is sort of a departure ratio of an approximated parameter from its speculative value as well as its usual error. It is normally used in theory testing, for instance in the t-test of Students, in bootstrapping, in addition to in the amplified Dickey–Fuller

Business law- Contracts and leases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business law- Contracts and leases - Essay Example Regardless of the type of business an individual runs, it is important to have an understanding of contract law as it is the key to making sound business agreements that can be enforced legally in the event of a dispute. Normally, a contract is enforced and governed by the laws of the country where it was made. In the United States of America, a contract is governed by two types of state laws, that is, the common law and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) (Bagley and Dauchy, 2012). Common Law Common law is a law which governs contracts for services and contracts that are not governed by the Uniform Commercial Code. Most contracts such as employment agreements, general business agreements and leases are controlled by common law. Common law contracts can either be bilateral or unilateral. However, the contracts are valid only if the three elements of common law contract formation are met. The elements of formation are offer, acceptance and consideration (Bagley and Dauchy, 2012). The Un iform Commercial Code (UCC) The uniform commercial code (UCC) governs the contracts between merchants and the sale of goods. The law was written by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) and the American Law Institute (ALI). It was published in 1952 to harmonize the law of sales and other commercial transactions in the United States. Although it has not been fully enacted, some provisions of the code have been adopted by all the fifty states of the US (Fullerton, 2011). Previously, the code was divided into 9 articles; however, after a number of reviews and revisions, the code is now divided into eleven articles with each giving provisions that relate to a particular area of commercial law. Article 1, gives the definitions of terms used in commercial law and the general principles that apply to the UCC. Article 2 covers all contracts pertaining to the sale of goods. Article 2A covers all transactions pertaining to leases of goods. Article 3 covers ne gotiable instruments such as checks and promissory notes. Article 4 governs bank collections of drafts and checks. Article 4A governs the transfer of funds through banks. Article 5 governs letters of credit. Article 6 governs bulk sales. Article 7 covers domestic documents of title. Article 8 covers all transactions in investment securities and article 9 applies to security interests in real property (Bagley and Dauchy, 2012). Differences between Contracts Formed Under Common Law and Contracts Governed By the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Although both the common law and the UCC govern contracts, the two laws differ in various ways. The first difference is that, contracts under uniform commercial code apply to various commercial issues such as sale of goods, banking and security interests whereas common law contracts deal with the sale of real estates, employment contracts, insurance, services and sale of intangible assets (Prabhat, 2011). According to the UCC, a good is any item th at is tangible and movable. Therefore, the sale of a home is not a sale of goods since the home is immovable. Also, the sale of a right to a trademark is not a sale of goods since it is not tangible (Cornell University Law School, 2005). The second difference between the two contracts is that, contracts under UCC can be modified without additional considerations as long as they are made in good faith whereas those under common law except

Pick a stance on the rights of animals based on Peter Singer's article Essay

Pick a stance on the rights of animals based on Peter Singer's article Famine - Essay Example The concept that we try to use to extract an argument for animal rights is the concept introduced by Singer that proximity does not matter. Whilst in this particular case, the proximity spoken of was geographic, .i.e., small child in neighbor’s house vis a vis a Bengali child, the proximity could also be in terms of species. In the logic of Peter Singer, animals cannot be denied rights given humans even if they are proximally different from the latter. Animal rights can find justification in theories of right that are embedded in time. It is interesting to begin this exposition by looking at the fairly recent debate between Singer and Judge Richard Posner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. At the heart of the debate was a statement made by Posner, that â€Å"human beings prefer their own. ... The statement that â€Å"human beings prefer their own† should in itself be subjected to critical scrutiny. Indeed, the phrase â€Å"preferring one’s own† denotes a value choice in favour of an entity or a construct that hews closely to how one perceives him or herself and possesses many of the same characteristics that he or she has. Indeed, the very same moral intuition that drives the argument of Posner is the same so-called moral intuition that has been the basis for the discrimination on the basis of gender (e.g., the discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders), of race (e.g., the discrimination against blacks) and of religion (e.g., the discrimination against Islam.) History has amply demonstrated the folly of taking that statement, â€Å"human beings prefer their own†, as justified and benign. The moral equality theorists argue that there must be an equal consideration of the interests of human beings and animals. Peter Singer is perhaps one of the leading lights of animal ethics. He states the principle of moral equality as follows: The essence of the Principle of Equal Consideration of Interests is that we give equal weight in our moral deliberations to the like interests of all those affected by our actions.3 The main defense for this theory is that the properties that we ascribe to humans that distinguish them from animals are not properties  that all human beings have, and thus, the logic deployed by those who distinguish humans from animals as a means to justify unequal treatment of humans and animals may give rise to a case of discrimination. For example, not all human beings are capable of rational thought – an example would be infants. Some humans have dementia or schizophrenia. Does the argument then

China's Dangerous Overvaluation Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

China's Dangerous Overvaluation - Article Example Based upon labor costs and trade patterns, author is of the view that Yuan is certainly overvalued by approximately 15% suggesting that it’s time for China to take corrective measures. Author suggests measuring increasing labor costs as one of the indicators to measure how much the currency has appreciated and also cites the fact that labor costs have increased more than the overall profitability of the Chinese companies. Author indicates that any further appreciation in the currency would actually be more harmful for the country because the overall level of debt has been creeping up in the economy which would ultimately hurt the domestic consumption in China. Author suggests that to arrest the appreciation of Yuan, one way could be to allow domestic prices to adjust to the appreciated Yuan however; this may result into difficult economic consequences whereas rebalancing from investment to consumption is recommended as an easier way to manage Yuan. Probably one of the biggest weaknesses of the article is the absence of any figures and data based upon which author made the claims. Almost all the arguments are without any solid economic data and most arguments are relatively theoretical in nature. It would have been much better had the author used the real economic data to point out the appreciation trends in the value of Yuan against the major international currencies specially US Dollar. It is also critical to note that China has basically not highlighted as to how an appreciated Yuan have been benefiting Chinese economy in maintaining healthy trade surplus besides emerging as the leading export oriented economy in the world. An increase in the labor costs may not be one of the basic indicators of measuring the appreciation in Yuan. An increase in labor costs may also be due to the increasing specialization within the Chinese economy and the fact that Chinese workers may be gaining more advanced skills. Gaining more

Aquina Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Aquina Paper - Essay Example They are still important despite the overlapping with the other truths because it is vital that aside from philosophical science developed by human reason, there must be â€Å"theology† learned through divine revelation (Pojman & Vaughn 52-54). There are no justifications why such knowledge that could be learned through philosophical science, so long as it can be learned through natural reason, could not be learned through sacred science or theology either. Aquinas then explained that there are two forms of science, natural science and higher science. Sacred Doctrine is a science because it progresses from norms coming from higher science, specifically the science of God. He used the example of a musician who trusts in the teachings of a mathematician by reason of authority; the same can be said of sacred science, which is founded on knowledge from God’s revelation. He further argues that Sacred Doctrine is the noblest of sciences because it focuses on the noblest subject matter, which is God, and it offers the most graciously gratifying certainty because it expresses God’s authority. Also, Sacred Doctrine directs us to the noblest objective, which is toward eternal happiness with God. Sacred Doctrine is knowledge, which offers us the most profound and meaningful wisdom of our unending worth and guides us toward its attainment. These premises lead to a single conclusion-- therefore, an unmoved First Mover is real and existent. Whether these premises are valid, invalid, or sound require further examination. Validity is the value of being accurately, empirically, and concretely logical or justifiable; invalidity refers to a lack of factual reliability; soundness refers to the validity of the premises and conclusion. Through the Argument from Change, Aquinas illustrates that human reason has a role in Sacred doctrine not to verify or attest to the knowledge based on faith, but to shed light on â€Å"other things that are put forward in this doctrine†