Brandon Gibson Essays (655 words) - Body Shape, Bodybuilding

Brandon Gibson Nancy Kirchner English 101 28 August 2017 IN IT TO WIN IT: COMPETING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MEN'S PHYSIQUE BODYBUILDING My journey in bodybuilding began 14 years ago in Iraq. During this deployment I met some of the fittest individuals in the world. From that day forward I was determined to make it a lifestyle . What I did not expect is that it would eventually evolve into competing in a competition. By doing a competition I was able to see how I could drastically change my body, how big of an impact it would have on my mindset, and it fulfilled a lifelong goal . The most exciting part of this adventure was watching my body change every day . I had not imagined in a million years that I would be able to change my body to the extent that I had. The preparation for this show was tremendous and I have gone my entire life thinking that I would never see my abdominals. What I found was that combining a proper diet and a solid training regimen that I could literally watch my body morph on a daily basis. During my last three weeks I would literally watch the fat slowly decrease and my muscle was increasing at an equal rate. I feel that having a fit body will boost anyone's confidence. The se changes in my body started having impacts on my mindset. The competition had many impacts on my mindset and in the end it left me with so much more confidence. I have never been the kind of person to ever want attention or desire the spot light. My whole life I actually tend to stay secluded and avoid anything that does draw attention to me. I also feel that in order to conquer fears you have to attack it head on. Signing up for the show initially made me very nervous, but as I neared the show I began to get more excited. This whole adventure took me outside of my comfort zone and exposed me. In turn I actually became more confident and now I feel like attempting another show in the future. Completing a bodybuilding show had also ch ecked off one of the boxes on my bucket list. One of my life long goals was to compete in a bodybuilding competition . I have been surrounded for most of my life with men that lift weights and enjoy the life style . My grandpa is turning 89 and still to this day goes to the gym at least three days a week. Growing up my father had always been the strongest man out of everyone we knew. I would watch him as a child make lifts in our garage that was by far more than his friends. My dream was for me to get to a point in my life that I felt confident enough to do a show. I did not feel that I would ever reach that point. My actual tipping point came from friends and family . They had given so much support that it pushed me over the edge, otherwise, I would have never co me across th e confidence level I needed to do it myself. The whole process had a huge impac t on my body, the mindset that I had, and checking that box on my bucket list completing a lifelong goal . This whole journey taught me that I would have to suffer the pain of discipline otherwise I would suffer the pain of defeat. All my thought s of quitting or giving in during my preparation was followed by the fact that I know, winners never quit. I would mentally self-motivate an extra repetition , extend my cardio even longer, and drop the junk food. I ask anyone attempting a difficult task, would you rather s uffer through dedication and discipline or through defeat?

How to graduate to business - Emphasis

How to graduate to business How to graduate to business Youve spent the past three or four years writing essays and reports, and now youre in your first professional job and ready to start writing for business. But does your degree have you covered? Well, yes and no, writes Cathy Relf. The good news is that because youve developed good analytical and organisational skills, youll be well versed in sorting your ideas into separate sections or chapters, and supporting your arguments with facts, figures and evidence. The bad news is that the style and structure of academic writing varies hugely from the style and structure youll need to adopt for professional business writing. Whereas academic writing tends to be wordy, expansive and, well, a little dull, business writing needs to be lively, straight to the point and immediately engaging. Follow these three steps to shake off the academic shackles and bring out your business voice. 1. Engage your reader immediately The biggest difference between writing for university and writing for work is that, at work, no ones obliged to be interested. Interested though they surely were, your lecturers were paid to read your essays. However verbose the style or tenuous the argument, they had to pay attention to every sentence on every page, right through to the bitter end. In the professional world, no one will do that unless you hook them in at the start and keep them interested. You have to earn and then retain your readers attention at every step. Luckily, theres a radical yet simple change you can make that will instantly improve your ability to engage the reader. At university, you probably laid out all your evidence and information first, and followed them with a conclusion at the end. In business, you generally need to get to the point right at the start youre not discussing the topic, youre offering your expert opinion and backing it up with hard evidence. Heres a simple, four-point formula for grabbing your readers attention and getting straight down to business. a) Outline the context Establish the common ground between you and your reader, in no more than a line or two. b) Describe the trigger Explain why you are writing this now. What is it that has changed or must change? Again, keep this to just a line, two at the maximum. c) Ask a question Raise an action-orientated question, such as How do we prevent this?, How do we prepare for this? or How do we reduce the cost of this? d) Give the answer Answer the question with your recommendation or key finding, giving a complete solution in no more than 25 words. Now you have their attention. Use the rest of your document to explain how and why you have arrived at this recommendation. 2. Take your brain for a pint Remember all those student nights you spent trying to make your words of wisdom heard above the combined noise of a bad DJ, 30 drunken friends and the call of tequila? They werent wasted. The rest of your document should comprise organised sections or chapters that back up the recommendation you made in step 1. Before you start writing each section, imagine you had 30 seconds to tell it to a friend in a noisy pub. Itll help you do the following three things naturally: a) Use everyday words and as few as possible The more directly your reader can understand you, the better. So cross out ameliorate, expeditious, and promulgate and replace them with improve, fast and issue. And do you really need to say in order to, rather than to? Could you cut down in the field of to in? Is eliminate altogether really more effective than just eliminate? Go through your draft and remove any words that arent pulling their weight. The clearer your writing is, the clearer your message. b) Be active, not passive As a general rule, use active verbs, rather than passive. It keeps your writing lively, direct, personal and accountable. Just put the doer at the start of the sentence. So instead of writing it is hoped that the project will be completed in December, write we hope to complete the project in December. c) Prefer verbs to nouns Verbs are more direct than nouns. So when youre editing your work, cut out nominalisations such as achieve cost reductions and undertake the implementation of and replace them with reduce costs and implement or, simply, do. 3. Focus on your formatting Good formatting can make such a difference to the clarity of your document. There are few things as off-putting as pages of block text. Well-formatted text is kinder on the eye, easier to navigate and more memorable. a) Keep it short and simple Dont try to cram too much into your sentences. Break them down so that each sentence deals with just one idea, and link your ideas logically. Its fine to start a sentence with and or but if it helps clarify your message. Similarly, its not unusual to see suffocatingly long paragraphs in academic writing. But in business writing, youll need to be more succinct. Vary the length of your paragraphs, but try not to go beyond five sentences in each. And if you have a particularly important sentence, dont be shy of giving it a paragraph all to itself. b) Use engaging headings and sub-headings Use regular, clear headings and sub-headings to break up the text. Avoid label-style headings, and instead use explicit ones that sum up the section. This helps the reader find sections most appropriate to them, and also makes it easy for them to refer back to relevant sections later. c) Put a bullet in it When youre writing a list of points that can speak for themselves, use bullets or numbers. They will stand out much better than if you cram them all into a paragraph of text, and its easier on the readers eye. d) Would a graph work better? When writing about data, figures and processes, ask yourself whether a graph, pie chart or diagram could communicate the same information more effectively. Keep this checklist handy when youre writing your documents, and soon it will begin to become habit. And if youd like practical training in applying these techniques (and many more), why not get us in to train your team, or book a place on one of our High-impact business writing courses in London?

The risks posed by money laundering and corruption to the global Essay

The risks posed by money laundering and corruption to the global financial system and international business - Essay Example This is because it involves breaching of one’s duty. Moreover, corruption has been linked with money laundering. This is because money laundering entails concealing funds that have been generated through illegal means. Money laundering is often conducted internationally since the concealing of the illegal funds entails transferring it across international borders. The money is then deposited or invested in legitimate institutions to make it appear as if it was generated legally. Therefore, there is need for comprehensive strategies to deal with corruption and money laundering. This is because money obtained through corruption is often used for laundering purposes. Consequently, money laundering and corruption crimes are often interwoven and require to be dealt with concurrently. This essay focuses on analyzing the risks posed by money laundering and corruption to the global financial system and international business. Additionally, the essay will entail identification of the s ufficiency of the current international efforts in dealing these threats. Currently, corruption is considered one of the major obstacles hampering global economic development. This is because it is a major crime affecting many nations and impedes sustainable economic development. Furthermore, corruption is a major global concern since it hampers global business. Moreover, global corruption is more complicated since it requires cooperation of different governments to deal with it. On the other hand, money laundering is considered a major profit driven crime facing international businesses and financial systems. Actually, the corruption and money laundering are closely linked. Moreover, they continue to play a big role in threatening international business operations. This is because money laundering accelerates corruption and vice versa (Lilley 2006; Chaikin & Sharman 2009). Risks Posed By Money Laundering and Corruption to the Global Financial System and International Business In th e past, money laundering was viewed as a means of cleaning dirty money obtained through criminal activities such as drug trafficking. However, it has been realized that money laundering entails more that this and it is a crime. Since most criminal activities involve corruption, money laundering enhances corruption by enabling criminals conceal their activities. The effects of corruption are eminent in social, economic, and politic settings. In case of international business, corruption and money laundering contribute to distortion of the financial markets. This is because these misconducts spread from one financial market to another easily (Chaikin & Sharman 2009). Corruption and money laundering are an international concern. This is because there is increasing imitation of the forms of corruption used from one country to another. In cases where money obtained through corruption mean is transferred and invested in another company elsewhere, the companies involved might start conflic ting. Therefore, corruption and money laundering threaten international business relations since they create international disputes. Such disputes often involve banks (Lilley 2006). Money laundering leads to creation of illegal schemes aimed at concealing unlawfully earned assets. Therefore, it becomes hard for corruption cases to be identified. Therefore, corruption and money laundering affect the judicial system making it hard to prevent cases of corruption, which are hard to detect. Actually, the

Equal access to computing technology HW Research Paper

Equal access to computing technology HW - Research Paper Example The United Nations has explicitly reaffirmed its importance: â€Å"[k]nowledge, more than ever, is power† (as cited in Best, 2004). To show their sincerity, the U.N. has made a declaration stating that the access to the Internet is one of the fundamental human rights. However, it is a wonder why the U.N. bothered to make such kind of declaration. Michael L. Best (2004) discovered certain aspect of symmetry of information rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He quoted Article 19 of the Declaration saying that people have the right to â€Å"hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers† (Best, 2004). The words â€Å"seek† and â€Å"receive† refer to the access of, but not limited to, the Internet. Best (2004) claimed that those words sound like the information rights. On the other hand, the Internet seems to be perceived as â€Å"ubiquitous† in our contemporary epoch (Halpin, Hick, & Hoskins, 2000). In fact, Internet cafes can be found almost in every corner. It’s either you are with it or not (Halpin et al., 2000). It is interesting to note though about the sharp contrast between the ubiquitous appearance of the Internet and the presence of a wide digital divide. Ultimately, the difference is the asymmetry between the Internet and its access. But why is the Internet access a human right? Best appears to be puzzled by this inquiry. He then made an attempt to review the debate -- although it seems a blasà © -- connected to the digital divide. To his mind, the right to information requires the Internet â€Å"to some extent† (Best, 2004). There are three things that one could decipher on Best’s â€Å"to some extent:† (1) when books and other information materials go extinct like the prehistoric dinosaurs; (2) when, at certain time and place, information materials are nonexistent but the Internet; and (3) when ideas and information offered in the available

What academic class has been your favorite and why Essay

What academic class has been your favorite and why - Essay Example In art, I try to conceptualize what to draw; to analyze why this method would be most preferred given the forms, structures, materials that are contemporarily available. There is this anticipation and waiting to determine the outcome of one’s strategies; of the combined details that produce a unique and aesthetic form – materializing before one’s eyes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Consistent with the Columbia University’s mission of focusing on intellectual mobility, social mobility and career mobility, my personal and professional goals include gaining the theoretical framework in arts and enable me to excel in this field of endeavor. I am aware that although I have manifested interests in arts and mathematics in my high school years, there is much to gain in pursuing higher education in terms of developing the skills, knowledge, and abilities that would make me a connoisseur. There is much to appreciate in the field of arts and I plan to pursue even higher education to delve into the Master of Fine Arts program if and when allowed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The evolution of arts have undergone significant changes and contemporary art continues to be transformed through the multidimensional skills gained by students from Columbia University. I am confident that what initially began as favorite subjects in math and art would be transformed to productive applications that would benefit future generations.   

Airlines Customer Relationship Management Crm Systems Computer Science Essay

Airlines Customer Relationship Management Crm Systems Computer Science Essay During the early 1920s, several small scale airline companies had come up in different parts of Europe but only two of them made it to the top. They were-The Deutscher Aero Llyod and Junkers Luftverkehr. On January 6, 1926, they merged and founded Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Since then Lufthansa has been continuously transforming itself into a competitive corporation with maximum customer satisfaction and modern organizational structure. Deutsche Lufthansa is divided into 2 main divisions: Lufthansa Airlines Lufthansa Systems Airlines comprise of the different passenger airline services like Swiss airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, German Wings, JetBlue and SunExpress. Systems comprise of various MIS and Software system divisions like Lufthansa Systems, Lufthansa cargo, Lufthansa Technik and Financial Services. (Refer figure 1.) Lufthansa Systems is the major player in the Software systems and provides consulting and IT services to various companies. Companies from different sectors like transport, logistics and industry rely on the expertise of Lufthansa Systems. Apart from developing individual applications, it also provides airlines with integrated platform solutions that help them to optimize their core processes. Its Platform solutions include: The Integrated Operations Control Center (IOCC) Platform for airline operations The Integrated Commercial Platform (ICP) for network management and revenue control The Sirax AirFinance Platform for revenue management The Operations Platform for flight planning and execution The GroundSolutions Platform for check-in and boarding The AdvancedCargo Platform for all cargo processes Customer Relationship Management systems: Any airlines success basically depends on its capability to manage sales, marketing, and to maximize advantages for both from a better understanding of its customers. To achieve this, airline e-CRM models not only provide a comprehensive solution but also contribute towards improving the relationship of the airlines with its customers. An airline e-CRM model is a system made up of various components, different linkages amongst these components, and the dynamics- that can take advantage of the Internet to generate revenue. This is accomplished by building each of the components-value, revenue sources, rates and pricing, scope, capabilities and sustainability-and crafting linkages amongst these components. Hence it enables an airline to achieve an advantage over its competitors. Various softwares and MIS systems not only reduce the manual labour but also cater to the needs of the customers better. A broad classification of all the CRM services provided by Lufthansa includes: Passenger core systems Value added services Passenger Airline Competence Centre (PACC) MultiHost Sales, MultiHost DCS, e-ticketing interlining GroundSolutions Platform, NetLIne, Revenue Integrity. Strategy Vendor, Selection, Migration and Integration, Process Engineering. GrandSolutions GroundSolutions/ Mobile uses SMS dialogues or a mobile website to guide passengers conveniently throughout the entire check-in process. Passengers can use any PC and choose the seats, of their wish from an aircraft-specific seating plan, online. Further they can also print their boarding pass or can send it to a mobile device like a PDA or cell phone. Special check-ins like group check-in or employee standby flights are also integrated in this system. Charter passengers flying with a voucher instead of a ticket can avail this service as well. The system requires the customer to place his ID card or passport on the Check-in machines scanner. Then the flight number and destination for the flight is to be entered. The touch screen helps in entering the personal details. Once the booking is done, it can be confirmed online on lufthansa.com under my bookings. The payment is done via a credit card. GroundSolutions offers other services such as: Up gradation to a higher class Lounge access Reservation of special seats including window seats or exit route seats. This shows that the airline is in complete control of its various ancillary revenue channels. As soon as some change is made in the administrative department, this information is available to the passengers. This includes offering an upgrade to the next class or even a change in the advertisement on the boarding pass depending on the time, location or even the flight number. This has not only reduced the cost and time many folds but has also provided better customer satisfaction by addressing the needs of various customer groups differently. Furthermore, because of the flexibility in the system, the customers can be informed about any kind of changes easily. Key features: On to and return check-ins both possible Selection of the seats by the passengers on an interactive seating plan The e-boarding pass available on the cell phone Key benefits: Passengers have a better control over various processes This satisfies customer needs and increases compliance Paperless check-in proves to be more convenient and time saving Altea Customer Management System by Amadeus: Altea MIS is owned by Amadeus IT Group, the largest GDS (Global Distribution System) provider in the world with an estimated market share of 37% in 2009. Spread over 195 countries, its customers include airlines, hotels, travel agencies, rail and road transport companies. In 2009, 238 million passengers boarded different airlines using Amadeus Altà ©a. Air France and Lufthansa are its major customers. Altea is a new-generation CRM system which addresses airlines key functions like sales and reservations, arrival and departure control and inventory management. Altea reservations Altea inventory Altea DCS Availability, Booking, Fares and pricing, Customer profiles, e-ticketing Schedules management, Inventory control, Seat map management. Check-in, Boarding pass issuance, Baggage management, Flight boarding. Altea enables the customers to manage their booking and ticketing conveniently.it also helps airlines to manage their schedules, seating capacity and the associated fares. The user-interface is further simplified by the preferential use of XML over HTML or SOAP. This minimizes the implementation time and enables seamless connection with any ERP system. The Amadeus Altà ©a service unifies end-to-end IP network using highly reliable components supplying a fully managed business class of service. This allows Airlines and Ground Handlers to access the Amadeus Altà ©a DCS services from airports. The system enables the airlines to share network connectivity at airports to reduce operating costs and to provide a simpler solution. It guarantees access to Amadeus applications with better services and response times than what other airports can offer today. It provides access to best speeds available and is a very flexible system for the entire community of users. It provides different Class of Service (CoS) functionality for assigning higher priority to business critical traffic (e.g. Check-in) and lower priority to non-critical traffic (e.g. back office). The Amadeus Altà ©a CRM System is designed around the following core concepts: Single data source- this eliminates inconsistency of data. Customer centricity- entire information about the customers journey made available Automation and flexibility- Intuitive graphical user interfaces facilitate efficient service Common platform- offers benefit due to the combined input of all the world-leading airlines. Key features: Fully automated ticket availability and booking Higher customer satisfaction Increased staff productivity Faster and more efficient ticketing Enhanced self service options via web or kiosk Reduced cost and higher reliability NiceView : NiceView is an in-flight infotainment system which has been recently introduced by the airlines to make each passengers journey a memorable one. It enables the passengers to experience all the beautiful and mesmerizing scenes as though seeing them directly from the pilots cockpit. The NiceView is a moving map system which provides high-resolution 3-D maps and hence provides information and entertainment at the same time. It further provides an impressing 3-D view of the aircraft at its current geographical location as well as the flight path. On zooming in, high-resolution maps of 1 meter per pixel can be configured which display the entire flight route. The view of the entire route, flight track line, destination airport and the arrival time can be seen in 2-D or 3-D. Current flight data can be obtained from airborne communication links via ARINC-429 (ACARS) or Ethernet (Sat-Com/Broadband) . Virtual flights are also possible between the starting and the ending destinations by typing in their names. Lufthansa Airlines has implemented this software in majority of its international flights. It has also customized the software by including several other options like playing audio or video clips including movies or pre-recorded TV series, sports or political news, information regarding the estimated time of arrival, airport or boarding information or other safety briefings. It further gives environmental information like the estimated temperature outside, weather conditions, time change etc. The system also facilitates language translations as well as feeding and editing of geopolitical data. Working: At the time of take-off, NiceView automatically displays a welcome note on the touch-screen. Out of the several options including route map, movies, audio clips, weather information, news, flight related information and others, the passengers are free to select any one of their choice. High definition video output (HDTV) is also available apart from the standard definition video signals (NTSC/PAL). To support multi-channel and multi-language content around 4 mono audio channels are provided. With the help of touch screen, the passengers can surf various components of the system and can go back to the main or previous menu whenever desired. Further the alignment of the maps can be changed as per convenience and the entire time and route of the flight can be displayed. Any kind of selection of an item can be done via the touch-screen followed by a similar exit. Key benefits: Virtual camera views in 2D and 3D from around the aircraft A virtual flight route Display of movies and audio clips Various geopolitical, graphical and information overlays News and information 2-D and 3-D locations relative to the aircraft Illustrations of oceanographic data Thus all in all NiceView is truly an infotainment as it serves the purpose of providing sufficient information as well as entertainment during the flight. Appendix: Fig 1- Organizational structure of Lufthansa Group Fig 2- Display of Amadeus Altea Fig 3- Route of the flight illustrated in 2-D

Silent Epidemic :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I wish I’d die right then† this was â€Å"Laetitia† reaction when she found out she was infected with HIV. (Breaking 36) Imagine living in a home in Africa, with 10 other people including yourself, then finding out that two of them live with one of the worst epidemics ever AIDS! What can the residents of Africa do to stop it? Is there a possibility that it could be stopped? Scientist have a number of theories about this epidemic, but recent news show that AIDS is not as silent as predicted. Where does the virus come from? Who is involved in this epidemic? Who are the most affected? Answer is the residents of the continent of Africa.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"AIDS epidemic may be just one of the latest of sexual Mammalian cross-species viral transfer, triggers by the techniques of virology developed in the 20th century, which subsequently spread out of control in the new host species. Which there was a missing link too.† (Breaking N.P.) According to most scientist it has been said that AIDS first appeared in Mid-Africa in 1959, in Leopoloville, The Bulling Congo, and Kinshasa, Africa. It does suppose to have come from a â€Å"single common ancestor†. What is meant is that it might have come from a vaccine that the United States secret military service was trying to create for polio. (Curtis 54)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The U.S. hired a naturalized American polio researcher from Switzerland named Hilary Koprowsky. Dr. Koprowsky traveled to the epicenter of the epidemic ¾Belgian Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Dr. Koprowsky believed that by contracting liquid from chimps, or monkeys it would avoid the contamination of polio. Reason for that is because he would do test among the apes, and they would be immune to it. He then first tried the vaccine on children who where suppose to be â€Å"mentally deficient†. Then several African citizens would volunteer to be vaccinated for money. Four years later Dr. Koprowsky warned congress that it could be dangerous, and that the experiments should be stopped. Between 1957-60, a missing link was found in chimps from Gallo. Monkeys, and it’s kingdom have a virus similar, therefore if it is transfer to human, it turns into Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), after a period of 7-10 years or less it turns on to AIDS. This led to find out that AIDS virus would eventually turn up on humans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are several tribes all over Africa. Silent Epidemic :: essays research papers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I wish I’d die right then† this was â€Å"Laetitia† reaction when she found out she was infected with HIV. (Breaking 36) Imagine living in a home in Africa, with 10 other people including yourself, then finding out that two of them live with one of the worst epidemics ever AIDS! What can the residents of Africa do to stop it? Is there a possibility that it could be stopped? Scientist have a number of theories about this epidemic, but recent news show that AIDS is not as silent as predicted. Where does the virus come from? Who is involved in this epidemic? Who are the most affected? Answer is the residents of the continent of Africa.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"AIDS epidemic may be just one of the latest of sexual Mammalian cross-species viral transfer, triggers by the techniques of virology developed in the 20th century, which subsequently spread out of control in the new host species. Which there was a missing link too.† (Breaking N.P.) According to most scientist it has been said that AIDS first appeared in Mid-Africa in 1959, in Leopoloville, The Bulling Congo, and Kinshasa, Africa. It does suppose to have come from a â€Å"single common ancestor†. What is meant is that it might have come from a vaccine that the United States secret military service was trying to create for polio. (Curtis 54)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The U.S. hired a naturalized American polio researcher from Switzerland named Hilary Koprowsky. Dr. Koprowsky traveled to the epicenter of the epidemic ¾Belgian Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Dr. Koprowsky believed that by contracting liquid from chimps, or monkeys it would avoid the contamination of polio. Reason for that is because he would do test among the apes, and they would be immune to it. He then first tried the vaccine on children who where suppose to be â€Å"mentally deficient†. Then several African citizens would volunteer to be vaccinated for money. Four years later Dr. Koprowsky warned congress that it could be dangerous, and that the experiments should be stopped. Between 1957-60, a missing link was found in chimps from Gallo. Monkeys, and it’s kingdom have a virus similar, therefore if it is transfer to human, it turns into Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), after a period of 7-10 years or less it turns on to AIDS. This led to find out that AIDS virus would eventually turn up on humans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are several tribes all over Africa.

The Narrative

Jacques EpangueEnglish 101, 9M2 Professor Rolando JorifSpring 2013 The Narrative In â€Å"About Men†, by Gretel Ehrlich, the author describes cowboys like men who seem to have trouble communicating with and relating to women, yet cling to an â€Å"adolescent dependency† on women to take care of them. This trouble of communication with women can be perceived by others as a sign of weakness even a lack of virility. However, according to Ehrlich it may be because of historical and geographical factors.Cowboys who are mostly from the South kept that â€Å"chivalrousness and strict codes of honor† when the came to the Wyoming. This is why men would show a stand-offish and respectful attitude vis-a-vis the women. Also, due to the geographical vastness of the North, cowboys often work where there is no human beings or women. He is physically and socially isolated which â€Å"make emotional evolution seem impossible†. Therefore, if it happened that he feels someth ing for a woman, he would have trouble communicating because he is not use to the code of seduction that average people know.And yet, â€Å"dancing wildly all night becomes a metaphor for the explosive emotions pent up inside, and when these are, on occasion, released, they're so battery-charged and potent that one caress of the face of one â€Å"I love you† will peal for a long while. † The attempt of the author to explain why the American cowboy tends to be rather reserved when it comes to seduce a woman squares well with her painting of his personality.Keep in mind that the purpose of her writing is to â€Å"reveal the complex nature of the American cowboy†, so she tries to show how the stereotype of the cowboy does not reflect the reality. This man who is â€Å"usually thought of as a rugged and tough† individual, is not only full of manliness, but has his own kind of femininity reflected in his altruism, but also in his relationship with women, chara cterized by what the author names â€Å"Those contradictions of the heart between respectability, logic and convention on the one hand, and impulse, passion, and intuition on the other†.In fact the author stands that cowboys are vulnerable too, and according to her and Ted Hoagland â€Å"No one is as fragile as a woman but no one is as fragile as a man. † The stereotype of the manly and macho cowboy is subject of uncertainly since we read Gretel Ehrlich. According to her, the image of American cowboy paints by media does not match the reality.Base on her own experience in the Wyoming she describes the American cowboy as a man with a complex nature, a combination of masculinity and femininity. The American cowboy is certainly â€Å"strong and silent†, or a â€Å"rugged individualist†, but not in the perverted way the media tend to show us. And if he looks evasive with women it is not because he is tough, but because he is missing the code of seduction, â⠂¬Å"the vocabulary to express the complexity of what they feel. â€Å"

Discuss the differences between service quality perceptions Essay Example

Discuss the differences between service quality perceptions Essay Example Discuss the differences between service quality perceptions Essay Discuss the differences between service quality perceptions Essay Schneider et al (2002) argued that ensuring an excellent service delivery has now become an essential role for all service providers. The importance of a high quality service is clear, but there isnt a consensus on the definition of; perception of service quality (SQ), service quality (SQ) and customer satisfaction (CSS), (Crooning 1 992; Rust Oliver 1994. ) Some latter academics have attempted to adapt the definition by separating SQ and SQ measuring one subjectively and the other objectively (Berry et al 2006). Traditionally, it appears academics define SQ as a measurement of how the revive delivered matches the customers expectations. (Bolton Drew 1991; Paranormal, Chatham Berry, 1988) all support this concept, claiming it is an attitude similar but not identical to satisfaction, which is developed by comparing service performance and expectations. Further, service quality is judged on a consistent basis (Lewis and Booms 1983). This determines SQ as a long-run judgment by the customers. In contrast, SQ is formed during the production, delivery and consumption process (Advertised 2005). SQ provides the measurement tool for individuals to evaluate the attractiveness ND desirability of the service (Kashmir 2013). This is supported by (Chatham et al 2009) who state that perceptions are generated from a customers experience with the service and their feelings of the service afterwards. Customer satisfaction tends to have more consensuses over its definition. Lewis (1 993, p. 4-1 2) defines it as the difference between predicted and perceived service, in contrast with attitudes. This concept is supported by Chatham et al (2006, p. 106-107). Academics agree that there are many similarities between SQ and CSS. However, CSS is argued to be a broader incept compared to SQ which only focuses on dimensions Of service (Wilson et al, 2008). CSS is affected by other factors than SQ, such as price and product quality (Chatham et al, 2006 p. 106-107). This is shown below in the figure 1 (Wilson et al 2008, p. 79) Finally, it is important to note that CSS can either be transaction-specific or cumulative. A new customer purchases a season ticket for Saracens. The perception of service quality is formed during the match day, and this is used as the tool to evaluate service quality. Service quality is a long-term evaluation of how the season ticket compared with their prior expectations. This judgment of service quality is antecedent to the customers satisfaction (Oliver 1993. ) The transaction- specific satisfaction of the customer is also affected by situational and personal factors. If Saracens lost the match and the weather was poor, then the customer may be dissatisfied, yet the level of service quality could be high. The cumulative satisfaction of the customer may be mainly determined by the clubs final position in the league rather than the overall level of service quality. Section 2 When a sporting organization is deciding which of these to priorities, the anger must evaluate a number of factors. Marshall (2013) found that 20% of customers would generate 80% of a companys profit. Therefore, it is of most importance to generate customer loyalty, and generate high re- purchasing rates. Secondly, Daly (2002) stated that it costs ID times more to obtain a new customer than keep an existing one. When determining what to priorities the manager should focus on what will create the highest repurchasing rates. Crooning Taylor (1992) found that the relation between satisfaction and repurchase intentions was stronger than that of service quality and repurchase. Gross (1996) supports this idea, finding that satisfaction is a better predictor of repurchase intentions than service quality. A sport service manager should therefore priorities customer satisfaction over perception of service quality and service quality. This will increase re- purchasing rates and in turn improve profits. By proportioning customer satisfaction it will also involve controlling service quality and perceptions of service quality, as well as a number of other factors. This should enhance the firms overall situation more than targeting SQ and SQ would. It is possible hat a firm provides a high-quality service that does not satisfy the customer. This supports the argument for proportioning customer satisfaction. There may be certain situations where focusing on satisfaction is not feasible. As stated earlier, customer satisfaction is affected by factors outside of the organizations control, such as personal and situational factors. When these factors are very influential managers lose the ability to control satisfaction. When this is the case a manager should then focus on service quality. Consider a devout Salutary supporter that attends a match. The most important factor determining their satisfaction is winning. If Salutary loses, the customer will be dissatisfied. Therefore, a manager should focus on service quality as it is within their ability to control customers perceptions. This focus may lead to a customer who is impressed with the long-term level of service quality at the club. Despite such, is dissatisfied with the day. In contrast, consider the manager of a gym. It is more likely that a manger can affect overall satisfaction in this scenario. With a reasonable membership price, top-quality equipment, and high level of service, the customer may always be satisfied. These factors may outweigh the effect of a poor workout and negative situational and personal factors. In this example the manager does have control over the customers level of satisfaction, and should therefore target such. This would increase repurchasing and spending. Using the current definitions and literature, a manger should focus targeting customers satisfaction whenever this is within their control. A manager is more likely to have greater control for participation sports, compared to sporting spectacles.

Management Assessment of Kudler Fine Food

Management Assessment of Kudler Fine Food Free Online Research Papers Since 1998, Kudler Fine Food (KFF) has established itself as one of the premier upscale epicurean stores in the greater San Diego area. Kathy Kudler, founder and president of KFF, established the first store in 1998 and launched two more within the next 5 years. KFF has a top-level team of directors and managers who are committed to the ongoing success and growth of the organization. This paper will identify the primary functions of management and KFF personnel who satisfy these functions, explore the role of information technology within the organization, and analyze KFF’s market using Porter’s Competitive Forces. Primary Functions of Management Planning and Strategizing One key function of management involves identifying organizational goals and developing a plan necessary to achieve these goals. This planning and strategizing requires a realistic assessment of the organization, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks (Gomez, p5.). Kathy Kudler, having served as a vice-president of Marketing for a large defense contractor, is a proficient strategist. Her initial business plan led KFF to a profit within the first nine months of operation. Kathy and her department managers use forecasts to extrapolate past data into future projections (University of Phoenix, Supply Chain Overview). Organizing A company’s organizing function of management facilitates its resources. An effective organizer will arrange personnel, funds, physical assets, technical resources and information when working to achieve desired goals (Gomez, p.6). Harvey Stephens, the director of finance and accounting, demonstrated his organizing leadership style initiating the implementation a company-wide database. The director of store operations, Yvonne Reynolds, has also shown effective organizing management in managing the inventory, purchasing and logistics of each store. Leading Some leaders are very effective in motivating and empowering individuals to do their most capable work. The function of leading involves clear communication of corporate goals, employee motivation, and careful attention to working environment (Gomez, p. 6). Kathy Kudler demonstrated effective leadership by communicating her vision and KFF corporate goals to her executive management. Further leadership of Yvonne Reynold’s encouraged department managers to collaborate with there counterparts at other stores by comparing merchandise price, quality, and delivery. Controlling A controlling manager assesses the company goals, evaluates its direction, and unifies the direction and focus. This leader will measure performance and implement necessary changes while monitoring their progress (Gomez, p.6). As director of administration and human resources, Brenda Wagner develops policies and directs and coordinates human resource activities (University of Phoenix, Job Description). Because both operations and information systems management deal with specialized issues related to control (Gomez, p.6), it is reasonable to identify Harvey Stevens and Yvonne Reynolds as other chief controlling managers. Technology Management KFF management has successfully implemented information and technology management. A wide area network (WAN) allows each store real-time communication to effectively manage inventory and vendors. The La Jolla and Del Mar stores host two inventory servers that can communicate with each other and utilize information received from the point of sale (POS) servers at all three stores (University of Phoenix, Information Technology: Networks). The automated data transmission of the POS servers makes inventory management and control manageable. The POS system also allows for electronic payments. The KFF database stores information about customers, vendors, orders, and inventory. This data provides the executive team with key information when determining direction, developing strategies, and setting clear and focused goals. Finally, KFF can attract customers with a relevant and useful website, allowing customers to view store locations and products through simple one-click navigation. Five Forces of Porter’s Model According to economist and management strategist, Michael Porter, any organization can build a competitive advantage by understanding and focusing on five competitive forces. Because â€Å"competition is at the core of a firm’s success or failure† (Turner, p. 606), KFF management can develop key organizational strategies by assessing how each force currently affects KFF operations. Threat of Entry of New Competitors Kathy Kudler found an open market for a gourmet food store in the late nineties. Since that time, epicurean cooking has grown into a rapidly increasing American trend. Mintel International Group estimated that serious cooking enthusiasts account for an estimated $25 billion in sales of specialty food and drinks, kitchen appliances, and other kitchen related spending (Moran, 2007). As the demand increases there will be new competitors who share Kathys combined interest in gourmet cooking and business opportunities. Additionally, large chain grocery stores are constantly reinventing themselves as customer interests change. These stores can become new competitors as they add products and services currently offered by KFF. Bargaining Power of Suppliers KFF relies on suppliers to offer the best possible prices and timely delivery. Management understands the importance of these suppliers, their services, and continuing a positive relationship with each vendor. Marketing has recently emphasized the need to reduce ordering costs, minimize the quantity of food ordered, and make sure a product does not sell-out. The purchasing department followed up with a supplier relations program currently being rolled-out (University of Phoenix, Marketing Overview). Bargaining Power of Customers A 2007 customer survey indicated that 85% of customers surveyed believed the merchandise sold was a good value for their money (University of Phoenix, 2007 Market Survey). This survey showed favorable responses regarding store hours, product selection, product quality, and overall satisfaction. Through this survey, KFF management realized that their customer service and staff knowledge was not at an acceptable level. The marketing department has proposed new initiatives that will cater to the customer including cooking classes and frequent buyer points programs (University of Phoenix, Marketing Overview). Threat of Substitute Products or Services KFF products are the primary factor in their success. Kathy Kudler has managed to create an enterprise based on desirable products and the trend of home-based gourmet cooking. As trends continue to change, KFF will need to adjust to consumer demand. Rivalry Among Existing Firms in the Industry KFF continues to encounter rivalries in the industry. Trader Joes currently has 10 locations in San Diego county, including a store in Encintas and one in La Jolla (Trader Joes). Whole Foods has over 20 stores throughout Southern California including one store in La Jolla (Whole Foods Market). Understanding the power of rivalries, recent KFF marketing strategies include advertising in all forms of media and hosting public relations events and programs (Marketing Overview). The sales and marketing department has approved additional expenditures on market analysis through size and opportunity studies, food marketing trend studies, and benchmarking. KFF is aware of many influences affecting corporate success. By exploring KFF’s history, examining their current business and identifying future strategic implementations, this paper has demonstrated KFF’s thorough attention to leadership functions, technology advantage, and competitive forces. References Gomez-Mejia, L.R. Balkin, D.B. (2002). Management. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition E-Text]. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Retrieved March 25, 2008 from University of Phoenix, Resource MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. Moran, M. (2007, July 1). The Gourmet Retailer. Cooking Enthusiasts Drive Specialty Market. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from gourmetretailer.com/gourmetretailer/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003606103imw=Y. Trader Joes. (n.d.). Where the dickens can you find a Trader Joes. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from http://traderjoes.com/Attachments/SC.pdf Turban, E., Rainer, K.R., Potter, R.. (2003). Introduction to Information Technology. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition E-Text]. New York: John Wiley Sons, Inc. Retrieved March 25, 2008 from University of Phoenix, Resource MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). 2007 Market Survey. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Job Description. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Information Technology: Networks. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Marketing Overview. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Supply Chain Overview. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. Whole Foods Market. (2007). Store Locations. Southern California. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/list_stores.php?state=C Research Papers on Management Assessment of Kudler Fine FoodThe Project Managment Office SystemAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaOpen Architechture a white paperBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalDefinition of Export QuotasResearch Process Part OneMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductPETSTEL analysis of IndiaGenetic Engineering

Piracy in Somali - Is it Politically or Economically Motivated Essay

Piracy in Somali - Is it Politically or Economically Motivated - Essay Example However the persistent attacks by pirate ships off the horn of Africa represent a realistic picture of the status of piracy in contemporary times, which is far removed from the romantic portrayal of the issue in the Hollywood blockbuster. Contrary to the depiction of piracy by the popular media, piracy in Somalia is real and an ever-increasing danger faced by the sea-farers. Somalia has gained global attention for repeatedly featuring as one of the top three global hotspots for maritime piracy. According to the ICC International Maritime Bureau's (IMB) report on trends in global piracy, about 439 pirate attacks were reported in the year 2011 of which 275 attacks were reported to have taken place off the coast of Somalia (ICC, 2012). The Gulf of Aden and and the northern, southern, and eastern coasts of Somalia are one of the heavily trafficked coasts in the world. It is on account of this reason that the waters in and around Somalia are vulnerable to such attacks, and categorized as piracy prone. The constant acts of piracy in Somalia have resulted in a rapid economic and political decline of the nation and have attracted severe criticism worldwide. The country was labeled as the World’s most dangerous country by the Forbes Magazine (O'Malley, 2009). Figure 1: Source: Onuoha, 2009: 35 Despite the implementation of stringent measures to counter maritime piracy in Somalia, the number of incidences reporting attacks and hijacking by the Somalian pirates refuse to die down. Piracy has been one of the most dreaded acts of hostility faced by sea-farers and it cannot be hoped to be countered by mere naval means. Measures such as disbanding the criminal structure of the booming "industry", achieving political stability and strengthening the nation's economy must be looked into, in order to prevent such acts of terrorism and bring the phenomenon of piracy to a complete halt. 2. Piracy in Somalia: Brief background The term maritime piracy is defined by Piracy Repo rting Center of the International Maritime Bureau of ICC as "an act of boarding any vessel with the intent to commit theft or any other crime and with the intent or capability to use force in the furtherance of that act" (Wu and Zou, 2009: 139). The Geneva Convention on the Law of the Sea 1958 defines piracy as any illegal and/or hostile acts leading to the detention, harm or injury to the crew or passengers on board; as well as intentional destruction, capture and seizing of property on the ship. It also includes acts which are committed beyond the jurisdiction of a particular state1. The issue of maritime piracy has been in existence historically and no strategy has achieved complete success in eradicating this evil. The policy initiatives taken at national as well as international level have so far been merely able to partially suppress the phenomenon. However despite such measures incidences of hijacking, random pirate attacks, and armed hostility continue to be reported. The is sue of piracy in Somalia is of a more serious nature, due to its weak economic structure and long-term political instability. These two factors combined have caused the elevation of piracy from mere erratic sea attacks to the status of an organized crime. Today, maritime piracy is internationally recognized as an issue of serious concern and active steps have been taken to ensure that such activities are curbed instantly. Piracy off the Somali coast did not begin with a group of bandits looking for money or

Evidence, argumants and evaluation on whether mergres and acquisitions Essay

Evidence, argumants and evaluation on whether mergres and acquisitions incraese shareholders wealth - Essay Example The following sections of the paper discuss the effects of Mergers and acquisitions on the shareholders’ wealth. Mergers and acquisition have led to the increase of shareholders market presence in certain industries according to Brigham and Houston (2009). This has also led to effective sales and marketing associations by the merging companies. As a result, this leads to increased wealth of the shareholders. Mergers and acquisitions often lead to greater market presence of the companies involved (Fleuriet 2008). Higher market shares that result from mergers and acquisitions often lead to increased purchasing ability and control over suppliers as suggested by Bruner (2004). When an organization buys a product in higher volumes than previously, the purchase cost becomes lower making the company become more price competitive. This has the potential of attracting greater sales and, therefore, higher value to shareholders. Mergers ad acquisitions may lead to improvements in company operations especially in the case of manufacturing companies as suggested by DePamphilis (2011). Therefore by increasing facilities through mergers and acquisitions, the company raises its capacity to manufacture more products or higher quality products. The company as well has its credibility increased which positively increases the shareholders wealth (Maddiganand and Zaima 1985). Mergers and acquisition often lead to symbiotic relationships between the two companies. As a result, the two companies tend to support one another, which in return helps the shareholders realize greater value from their investments. Mergers and acquisitions combine the operations of the two companies leading to higher sales capable of supporting their concurrent higher budgets hence raising the wealth of the shareholders (Cartwright and Schoenberg 2006). In some cases, mergers and acquisitions may not add value to shareholders’ wealth. This happens for example when management of one