Key Logistics Activities and Technologies Related to Logistics

Introduction Logistics play a major role in our life. Most of the people might not be aware of the importance of logistics until there are problems appear. Under the pressure of arising competitive environment, most of the business entities are initiated to focus on the development of logistics. Logistics can be said as the transfers of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumptions effectively and efficiently in order to meet the requirement of the customers (Logistics World, n. d. ). Logistics include the distributions of raw materials, in-progress inventories, finished goods and other related information.Successful logistics enable the business entities to deliver the goods and services consistently to the correct customers on time. Based on the question given, I do not agree with the statements saying that ‘logistics is nothing more than getting goods from one point to another’. Logistics covered much more aspects and involved a lot other ac tivities other than what the statement above mentioned. There are still many different types of activities in logistics such as customer services, inventory management, material handling and packaging, order processing, procurement and et cetera.On the other hand, in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of logistics management, a variety of solutions and technology advancements had been introduced to the business market. The literature below will review the other activities and the technologies improvement for logistics (Stock & Lambert, 2000). Key logistics activities One of the activities involved in logistics is the customer service. Stock & Lambert (2000) stated customer service is â€Å"a customer oriented philosophy that integrates and manages all elements of the customer interface within a predetermined optimum cost-service mix† (p. 4). To design a logistics system, companies should always start with setting a strong and clear customer service objective. W ithout having a common objective for everyone in the company, decisions about order strategies, production, transportation, inventory investment, and warehousing will not be consistent and effective. Customer service objective acts as guidelines for the logistics managers in setting up targets of their performance as well as making decisions when they encounter problems in the future.Logistics play an important role in ensuring high customer satisfaction. Getting the right product to the customers under the right condition, at the right place and the right time, as well as with the right cost are the main criteria for achieving a high customer satisfaction (Stock & Lambert, 2000). For example, Kraft Foods Incorporate make sure their customers get the right products they ordered at the right time and right place regardless of whether the customers are at the hypermarket in France or a cafe in Sweden (Kraft Foods, n. . ). Other that the five rights, excellent customer services also ne ed to make sure the order and return processes are convenient to customers. The company needs to provide accurate and consistent information to customer by selling the products and services that are worth for the price. Lastly, they need to deliver the products and services on time. By providing the best customer service and fulfilling all the five ‘right’ criteria, company will be able create higher customer satisfaction and therefore gaining competitive advantage.When customers are satisfied with the products and services provided by company, they will most likely become the loyal customers and support the products and services from the company in long term scenario (Stock & Lambert, 2000). Besides that, Banning & Gibson indicate loyal customers can act as one of the advertising medium by conveying positive messages and comments to their friends and family (Banning & Gibson, n. d. ). In that way, the market share and profitability of the company will increase and at t he same time the total costs of logistics also will reduce.Other than that, inventory management is also one of the activities under logistics. In the industries now, most of the company will hold inventory to achieve economies of scale. Company usually purchase and transport all inventory at once to reduce their cost. This is because purchase in a huge amount will reduce the cost of per-unit price while having a full truckload shipment will reduce the cost of per-unit transportation. Then, company will also choose to have a greater plant capacity so that the per-unit manufacturing cost will be lower.However, holding inventory contributed a significant amount of expenses to the companies due to high storage costs, capital cost, service cost, risk cost, and some of the product can be obsolescence in short time. Therefore, the company might try to minimize the expenses by reducing the amount of inventory without interrupting the flow of the products to the customers. Since there is co nflict between economies of scale with handling and warehousing costs, companies need to find a suitable way to balance of these two criteria.For instances, company can use Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) to determine the best amount of inventory to order (Stock & Lambert, 2000). The objective of every inventory planner is controlling the inventory they hold to meet the exact amount of customers’ demand. This is because either excess or shortage of inventory will bring up significant costs to the business affecting the operation and opportunities of the business (Management Study Guide, n. d. ). In addition to that, raw materials and parts, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories are required to be considered.These inventories require sufficient physical space, capital, and personnel time to maintain and pile up. A successful inventory management will determine the amount of inventory necessitate to meet the demand of customers and at the same time consider the costs ne eded to put in the logistic activities. Besides that, excellent inventory management can increase the cash flow and return on investment. Nowadays, many companies start paying more attention to inventory control especially on the products that can become obsolete in short time, such as high-tech merchandise, automobiles, and seasonal goods (Stock & Lambert, 2000).For example, in April 2005, Mazda Motor Corporation comes out with its Mazda Materials Management Planning (M3P) which is an inventory control system. The system of M3P improved inventory levels, enhanced the speed of supply, and ensure the Mazda’s retail and service operations are smooth all the time. Other than that, M3P also brings benefits to customer such as providing better customer service and shorten the length of responding time (Mazda, 2005). Furthermore, logistics need to take care of the material handling and packaging in the company.Material handling takes part in managing the flow of raw materials, in-p rocess inventory, and finished goods inside a warehouse. The costs of firm will increase for each and every item handled. Since handling the item will not increase the value of a product but incur more costs to the company, company should always try to reduce the number of material handling wherever possible by decreasing the inventory. Then, materials handling design the plan to reduce distance travelled of the materials and minimize the work-in-process of the materials.Other than that, material handling makes sure the materials can flow through the process consistently without having troubles. Lastly, material handling will find ways to decrease the possibility of getting losses from breakage, waste and spoilage (Stock & Lambert, 2000). On the other hand, packaging is the process of getting the container and wrapper to hold the products (Reference for Business, n. d. ). In logistics aspect, packaging of the products can act as a barrier to prevent the products from getting damaged during transportation of the products or storing the products.Furthermore, product with appropriate packaging is easier to be move or store. However, packaging will add up space and weights subsequently incur more cost. Thus, many people in this area always spend time in thinking ways to reduce to space and weight of the products after packaging (Stock & Lambert, 2000). A successful packaging strategy can help a firm to strengthen its competitive advantages such as optimizes service, cost, and become more convenient (Learn Marketing, n. d. ). When a product go international, the packaging will becomes more important to a company.The products are required to travel more distances and need more physically handling if compare to domestic packaging (Stock & Lambert, 2000). Additionally, order processing is taken to account when discussing about the activities of logistics. Order processing is the  process or work flow that starts with the receipt order from customer, followed by veri fying the order status and communicate about the order with customer, while lastly making order and ensure the availability of the products to satisfy customer’s needs (Jetef, n. d. ). Order processing can divide into three groups.The first group is the operational elements, including order shipping, setting preparation, order entry, scheduling, and invoicing. Next group is the communication elements, for example, order status inquiries, order modification, error correction, tracing and expediting, and product information requests. The last group of order processing is the credit and collection elements, such as accounts receivable processing and credit checking. The quality and speed of the information flow provided by company during the order processing to their customers can affect the cost and the efficiency of the entire operation.If the information flows are slow and erratic, the company will not only suffer from decreasing in customer, but also increasing transportatio n, inventory, and warehousing costs. The faster and more accurate the service the company can provide, the greater the customers satisfaction obtained by the company. Information system today can help in order processing by making the time of order processing to become shorter between order placement and product shipment. For example, customers’ order can be placed and sent to the company’s computer directly by using electronic data interchange (EDI).Decision support system (DSS), quick response (QR), efficient consumer response (ECR) and et cetera are other information system that can help the company to improve order processing and achieve customer service goals at competitive cost. Information system not only helps company to improve its speed, quality, and accuracy of order processing, but also help company to save some logistics expenses like transportation and inventory while boosting up the sales (Stock & Lambert, 2000). Finally, the last activity of logistics t hat this literature will discuss is procurement.Procurement is the effective purchasing of goods and services to make sure the manufacturing and logistics processes of the firm are run in effectiveness. In order for the company to ensure them to obtain the supplies that can meet their requirement in terms of time, location, quality and quantity, the company is required to procure suitable goods and services (Procurement, n. d. ). The procurement function includes supplier selection, determination of the form of material to acquire, purchasing time, pricing and quality control.According to WiseGEEK, while â€Å"procurement logistics are the processes used in the delivery, receipt, movement and storage of materials purchased for a business or organization†. The goals of procurement are to minimize the costs at the same time increase the service provided (WiseGEEK, n. d. ). In the purchasing process, the most important task is to choose the best supplier from all the potential v endors. The purchasing process is complicated. Decision makers and decision influencers from decision making unit (DMU) need to go through twelve steps of buying process when purchasing items from supplier.If company is doing routine buying, then some of the steps can be skipped (Stock & Lambert, 2000). When making purchasing decision, DMU also need to consider the number of orders, lead time requirements, delivery expectations, product reliability, drop-off locations and others. All of the final price of products should be including transportation and storage cost. Company can usually try to minimize these hidden costs by requesting just-in-time delivery from supplier (WiseGEEK, n. d. ). In short, paying enough attention o the management of purchasing cost as well as the evaluation of purchasing performance can lead to increasing profitability of a company (Stock & Lambert, 2000). Technologies related to logistics Due to an increase in attention paid on the logistics, experts start ed to develop more and more ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of logistics through acquiring the technologies. One of the most significant improvements made by technology is the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) (Stock & Lambert, 2000).EDI is the exchange of business messages and information through computers of the trading partners via communication cables with standard protocols and standard data formats (EasyLink Services, n. d. ). For example, EDI can be used when there are purchase orders. Organizations are able to make a purchase order with their suppliers through computers. EDI is more convenient for the organizations as the usage of internet are more and more common (Stock & Lambert, 2000). According to GXS, there are a few advantages of using EDI in logistics.EDI will transform most of the paper works into electronic base. Many of the procedures can be done automatically and quickly through the advancement of technologies. Therefore, the time taken to complet e the process will be reduces significantly. It promotes the efficiency of the organizations which leads to the increase of productivity. Besides, EDI replaced human to key in the data of the organizations routinely. When there are less human works, the probability of getting error in data entry will be reduced drastically or even eradicated.Furthermore, the data transferred among the computers are using the standard and same formats. This ensures that the data transferred to the receivers will be analyzed accurately and correctly. Thus, the communication error between the sender and receiver is diminished. The diminished in error will subsequently raise the efficiency of the organizations as well since there are less likely for the organizations to repeat the procedures and make corrections on the mistakes (GXS, n. d. ).In addition to that, EDI can also increase the accuracy of inventory and reduce the cycle time and thus reduce the cost of inventory. In such, EDI increases the pro ductivity while reducing the costs as well. With the development of the internet, EDI is free if it flows through the internet instead of VAN. Many major companies such as NASA Goddard, UNISYS and AVEX Electronics are now using EDI supported by the internet (Stock & Lambert, 2000). Bar coding is another technology advancement that contributes to the improvement of logistics.Bar coding are commonly use in our daily life such as the products in supermarket. Bar codes are a row of parallel bars distanced with a number of gaps with different width. They able to convey different messages in the form of letters, numbers and special characters based on the array of gaps between the bars. A beam of light is used to interpret the information of the bar codes and sent it to the computers. These codes are used mainly on tracking and security purposes. They are important in decreasing the probability of errors compare to key in the information manually.Statistics showed that the bar codes error rate is one out of hundred thousand while the error rate of manually key in data is one out of thirty. It had clearly showed that the error rate had been improved significantly (Stock & Lambert, 2000). In relation to the bar codes, as said by Lyne, Quick Respond (QR) codes from Japan are also introduced to the society. QR codes is a two dimensional barcodes that normally stored with specific links contained with extra information. QR codes are named because it can be scanned quickly even with the smart phones that installed with QR codes reader.It is convenient for the consumers to obtain certain information about the products since it does not required a specific code reader device just like that bar code reader. Furthermore, QR codes able to store more variety of information instead of letters, numbers and special characters only such as url links and geo coordinates. QR codes are enable the customer to know about the product details, contact details, coupons or event a link to Y ouTube video for further information (Lyne, 2009).For instance, the product code, manufacturing history, expiration date and other data can be encoded in the QR codes. Coca-cola had used this feature in their logistics management at Chukyo. They are able to check for the quality and track the products easily using QR codes (Sundaramurthy, n. d. ). Management Information System (MIS) is also one of the technologies used to improve logistics. A successful MIS is able to provide sufficient and relevant information for the managers in order to make an effective decision.There are five areas that MIS need to fulfil which are the timing, accuracy, relevance, completeness and consistency (Office of the Comptroller of Currency, 1995). MIS should be able to provide the latest and current information using the shortest time. The information collected should be checked buy auditors as well as ensuring the information is useful. Unwanted information need to be filtered and the relevant informat ion need to be summarize completely. Lastly, the method in processing and compiling the information need to be consistent so that the manager will not misunderstand the information.MIS is important in logistics for collecting, analyzing and interpreting the information from various aspects such as the suppliers, resources, transportation and so on. MIS can make sure there is no interruption n the supply chain. A well managed MIS allowed the organizations to control every detail in different region in a faster time (Stock & Lambert, 2000). In real example, World Health Organization need to have an uninterrupted supply of drugs through the supply chain to ensure the increasing number of HIV/AIDS patients are able to get their treatment (World Health Organization, n. d. ).

Sexuality in Bram Stokers Dracula

In this article we will examine the role of sexuality in Bram Stokers Dracula and how major a role it plays in the book. Because of certain aspects in the writers life and because of certain symbolism a great deal of sexual meaning has been given to every aspect of the book. The character and physical description of Dracula in the novel are very sensual in nature. The other female vampires appear to the reader to be even more sexual and the male characters are strongly attracted to them despite the ever-present realization that the vampires are foul beings.Sexuality in the novel There are many scenes in the novel which despite Bram Stokers denial to admit it appear to have many sexual connotations. These suggest that enhanced sexuality almost a by-product of vampirisim. One of which occurs with Jonathan Harker while trapped in Draculas castle gives very physical descriptions of the vampire one of which I have quoted below:‘There he lay looking as if youth had been half-renewed, for the white hair and moustache were changed to dark iron-grey; the cheeks were fuller, and the white skin seemed ruby-red underneath; the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin and neck’ (Stoker- Chap 13) Other scenes involving Lucy are also intensely physical. Lucy even as a human an unstable woman who is attracted to three different men between whom she cannot decide.When she becomes a vampire it seems that she has cast aside any sexual inhibitions. The following description shows the intensely sexual desire she is creating ‘†¦ her breast heaved softly †¦ And then insensibly there came the strange change which I had noticed in the night †¦ the mouth opened, and the pale gums, drawn back, made the teeth look longer and sharper than ever †¦ and said in a soft voluptuous voice, such as I had never heard from her lips: ‘Arthur! Oh, my love, I am so glad you have come! Kiss me! ‘(Stoker- Chap 16, 4)When the sexual aspect of the book is admitted to then it can be seen as symbolic of a breaking out of the repressed environment of the Victorian ages. Indeed after the novel was explored it was seen as full of all forms of sexual symbolism. Professor Miller complains repeatedly in her article that the book is being over examined for sexual references Although as she states that the book has probably been over analyzed for sexual references there are many sexual references in the book. A quote from Eric Kwan-Wai Yu’s article‘Whatever shapes of fear vampirism might evoke elsewhere, in this novel the dominant form has to do with sexual menace or the dreadful perception of sexual perversity. In fact, even the most erotic scene ends with utter revulsion and the chilling recognition of demonic threats posed by the Other’ shows that his interpretation indicates a great deal of sexual connation and the confusion created by the use of language between blood-letting and the sexual act. ‘Lucy is described as seductive, demonic, and bestial at the same time, and there is again the deliberate confusion of sex with cannibalism’However Professor Miller states that there is no conclusive proof within Bram Stokers life or the novel which would justify the kind of interpretations that have been made. However there are many indications that repressed sexuality is a powerful undercurrent in the book which both repulses and attracts. Jonathan Harker is unwillingly attracted to the three vampiric women and is sickened by himself . The scene in which Dracula subdues Mina is interpreted as such by Eric Kwan-Wai Yu explains that Stoker ‘subverts gender definitions and behavioral expectations which keep the imperial subject in place.’ He suggests that there is the feeling of something missing as he compares the time when Harker lies by when Dracula comes to Mina and when Dracula fi rst comes to Mina. He draws similarity in their behaviour. Feminist interpretation Another important accept of the sexuality in Dracula is that it is associated with evil and corruption and in contradiction with the divinity of God. There is a distinctive clash of good and evil in the book although these lines get blurred when Mina is bitten.The two characters of Van Helsing and Dr Steward are specifically very aware of their duty towards God. ‘Thus are we, ministers of God's own wish: that the world, and men for whom His Son die, will not be given over to monsters, whose very existence would defame Him. He have allowed us to redeem one soul already [i. e. , Lucy's], and we go out as the old knights of the Cross to redeem more. Like them we shall travel towards the sunrise; and like them, if we fall, we fall in good cause. (Stoker, 278 , )’(qtd by Yu)The sacrifice of Lucy is an example of how far they are willing to go to fulfill this duty. How sexuality is associated w ith the evil and corruption of vampirism is associated with is made clear in Eric Kwan-Wai Yu’s essay when he talks about how Lucy’s â€Å"voluptuousness,† is a projection of men’s suppressed desires and how this guilt of desiring her is turned into shameful brutal aggression and the act of destroying the vampire Lucy can be interpreted as destroying what is sexual in her and ‘murdering the â€Å"devil temptress† can be further rationalized as an honorable duty’Here they are destroying Lucy the vampire but it can be interpreted as suppression of her sexuality if we read the description of Lucy after the stake has been driven. ‘but Lucy as we had seen her in life, with her face of unequalled sweetness and purity ,†¦. One and all we felt that the holy calm that lay like sunshine over the wasted face and form was only an earthly token and symbol of the calm that was to reign for ever’. The association of sex with evil is an extremely common one.Many visual interpretation of the devil show him a creature with over-sized genitals so the symbolism of vampirism with sex does make sense. This if interpreted as a suppression of women’s sexuality can be seen as a suppression of women. Judith Weissman states the fight against vampirisim and the fight to reclaim Mina is to keep women from knowing what men and women all of the ages have known that women’s sexual appetites are greater then mens. (qtd in Miller)It is also interesting to note that Mina after the destruction of the vampire Mina goes back home to be a wife and a mother but when she is infected and Dracula is alive she is an intelligent women who is an integral member of the group who destroys Dracula. She shows mental fortitude by going to mental contact with Dracula while struggling to maintain her own identity and not be overwhelmed by him. Perhaps the interpretation can be extended further then sexuality over here it could be see n as an effort and a fight to keep women on the same roles as they have been performing and to avoid change.The scene in which Dracula cuts his breast and forces Mina to drink from it drink from it as mentioned in earlier seems to have ‘subverted gender definitions’. Protestant Work ethic An important point in Eric Kwan-Wai Yu’s analysis is that this sexual fear and repression creates a powerful Puritan work ethic in the ‘Crew of Light’. Minas vampirism and her deep fear of turning into the ‘Undead ’ is what pushes her to work hard and use her intellectual capacities to their fullest.Yu states ‘The main thrust of my argument is that fear aroused by the paranoiac perception of sexual perversity begets a curious kind of work ethic in the imperial subject, reaffirming Enlightenment reason and scientific progressivism while, at the same time, betraying the very unreason in reason and the profound anxieties underneath the confidence in progress ’Yu also sees Dracula as a highly educated man who is thirst for more knowledge. The sexual aspect can lead us to forget this.He also states that one can see Van Helsing as representative of objectiveness of all the qualities of rationality that the Enlightenment extols and vampirisim is representative of everything that violates reason . Vampirisim explains what is uncanny and ‘unplaceable’ in the enlightened age and the violence of reason itself. This violence of reason is the brutal way in which Lucy has to be killed so that her soul is reclaimed and she is saved.Van Helsing is the voice of this reason who remains calm even when planning in what way to finish Lucy. The fear of this group from vampirism which pushes them towards hard work is shown as being symbolic of the sexual fears that created the Puritan work ethic. This theme again connects vampirism and sexuality. Symbolism Also a part of the book are the sexual symbols. For example the stake be ing symbolic of the phallus. However Professor Miller believes that perhaps at times a wooden stake is just a wooden stake.Even William Myers despite his assertion that the book is erotic in content also states that it is important to note that our interpretation depends on the time we live and all the movies depicting Bram Stoker’s Dracula as intensely sexual are bound to do this because today’s movies require that they do and not necessarily because the book itself is that sexual. ( For the Purity of Our) Conclusion In conclusion it can be said that book does allow for sexual connotations and despite Bram Stokers denial it can be said that repressed sexuality is a part of the book.This allows for an interesting conclusion by Yu which states that the book is symbolic of the fear of sexuality resulting in the Puritan Work ethic. The feminist perspective states that it can be linked to suppression of specifically female sexuality. A scene considered representative of th is is the staking of Lucy who is so sensual and voluptuous before the staking and is purified and redeemed after its There is of course the sexual symbolism in the book.However it is important not to over-interpret or read into works simply because it suits the age in which we live. Work Cited Stoker, Bram. Dracula Bibliomania Online Yu, Eric Kwan-Wai ‘Productive fear: labor, sexuality, and mimicry in Bram Stoker's Dracula. (Critical essay)’ Texas Studies in Literature and Language. 06/22/2006 Miller, Elizabeth ‘Coitus Interruptus: Sex, Bram Stoker, and Dracula’ Romanticism on the Net Issue 44, November 2006 Meyer William ‘For the Purity of Our Precious Bodily Fluids: an Essay on Eroticism in Vampire Films’ Latent Image Spring 2000

Disussion thread for Week 2, 3, and 4 Assignment

Disussion thread for Week 2, 3, and 4 - Assignment Example Ken is a competent nurse. Patients, hospital administration and physicians are passionate about his job. Therefore, it is recommendable to find a solution for him to prevent endangering patient’s life. Ken’s situation is of interest because his primary role is to provide patient safety. However, alcohol abuse hinders his efficiency and effectiveness in role. Therefore, there is a need for a remedy. Ken is a victim of alcohol abuse because of various reasons. He is stressed by domestic problems which makes him report to work drunk. He does not relate well to his co-workers that makes him lonely at the workplace. Therefore, it is the obligation of the hospital management to help Ken adjust to the problem. Last week a patient reported that he is not getting any relief from the pain medication that Ann had administered earlier. After contacting Ann, she was impaired in the Emergency Department and became upset by the interrogation on why the patient was complaining. She had injected herself with the drug. It is unethical for Ann to abuse a patient’s prescription. The use of prescription drugs results in either slow patient recovery or death, which is a medical negligence and malpractice hence unethical (Thomas & Siela, 2011). Primary care for patient safety is a significant purpose for nurse functions. Nurses should perform their duties with the moral code of conduct in utmost proficiency. Therefore, medical malpractice is a nuisance and unethical hence Ann’s behavior is a matter of concern that requires a remedy. Ann’s unethical behavior is caused by personal and workplace factors. Using patient’s prescription enables her relieve herself from stress and workplace conflicts. The act, however, is risky and unjustified to uphold patient safety, which is the primary function of a hospital. A scope of practice refers to the expert activities defined under state law. The scope of practice for a nurse is determined by each state’s nurse practice act.

Fmcg Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Fmcg - Essay Example Avon as a band in general has seen its brand value collapse as its market performance has tanked in recent years, leading to a corrosion in the overall prestige and desirability of the company and its products (Kowitt 2012). There are many things that contributed to the failure of the brand and many of its products, among them failure in strategy and in marketing, and in terms of being able to adopt and execute on a comprehensive social media strategy. As late as 2012 it did not have an effective strategy to leverage the strengths of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as other online media tools such as blogs. This is part of a bigger problem with regard to making the Avon brand relevant to consumers in general. This is true in the United Kingdom and in many other key markets in the West as well. With Avon’s product, the key sales channel had been direct sales, and in the age of the Internet and social media, the company has failed to make its direct selling model relevant. While there are no breakdowns of sales for the Goddess Eau de Parfum sales, it is clear that its many negative reviews puts it at the bottom in terms of sales performance for individual products (Glazer 2012; Carrillo 2014). Botanicals (2014). Natural Moisturizers: nourishing face moisturizer: rose and camella. Botanicals.co.uk. [online]. Available at: http://www.botanicals.co.uk/natural-moisturisers/ [accessed 10/12/2014]. Carrillo, S. (2014). 11 Best Avon Products- and the 4 Worst: No. 4: Avon Goddess Eau de Parfum Spray, $22.50. TotalBeauty.com [online]. Available at: http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/p-best-worst-avon/p33782/page2 [accessed 10/12/2014]. Glazer, E. (2012). Avon is Late to the Social Media’s Party. Wall Street Journal [online]. Available at: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303978104577360182622655056 [accessed 10/12/2014]. Procter & Gamble (2014). BB & C Cream: Regenerist CC Cream Light. Olay.co.uk

Wild Strawberries by Ingmar Bergman Movie Review

Wild Strawberries by Ingmar Bergman - Movie Review Example In the movie, Isak Borg, the seventy eight year old physician, makes a journey back into his personal life, while he is in a journey by car to receive his jubilee doctorate. One of the most spectacular features of Wild Strawberries is the way Bergman portrays the tension and resolution in the life of the hero. "The most admirable feature of Wild Strawberries is Bergman's portrayal of tension and resolution in Borg's interior life. This is first done through skillful counterpointing of sound and scene, later through pictorial composition alone." (Scott, 1965, p 267). Whereas the overexposed shots provide the opening sequence of the movie the hideous whiteness, the use of the sound track achieves an original effect. Therefore, in a reflective analysis of the great movie by Ingmar Bergman it becomes lucid that it achieves significant artistic and technical success along with its success with a great story. The plot of the movie provides a tremendous treat to the audience and Bergman makes his mark as an excellent writer. Here, the major character Isak Borg, at the age of seventy eight, makes a stunning journey into his personal life which helps the audience in realizing essential facts regarding his life as a whole. The past events and experience of the character becomes part of the present and the whole story is reenacted in his memory. The journey he undertakes has an essential role in the self-realization of the character and he gradually gains insight into his own personality. The shortcomings in his life become obvious to Isak and he is able to rest peacefully after the jubilee festivities. The invigorating portrayal of the character as well as the captivating narration of the story by Bergman points to the success of the director. A careful analysis of the plot also helps one in realizing the skill of Bergman in writing as well as directing. "Isak Borg's search for peace and sel f knowledge takes the outer form of a journey through Sweden. He travels in a black, coffin-like car, which Bergman uses to suggest Isak's withdrawal from the world around him. Every time Isak spends out of his car, he in a sense steps into a world that challenges him to commitment. All of his experiences during the trip dramatize the existentialist view which is the film's philosophical core: that life is not a matter of merely being a spectator or submitting it to cold analysis." (Steene, 1968, p 71). Bergman is effective in presenting the essential transformation in the character of Isak who learns to be a human being concerned about the welfare of others as well as tp be a parent confronted by children. Therefore, the plot of the story is highly suggestive and the director's excellent use of the setting as well as the characters helps him depict the story in a highly effective and convincing way. In a profound analysis of the movie Wild Strawberries, the audience recognizes that it presents an essential Christian ethic which is symbolically suggested by Bergman and the journey undertaken by Isak suggests the pilgrimage of every faithful. Although there is no obvious link to Christian faith in the movie by Bergman, Wild Strawberries can clearly conceived as a symbolic pilgrimage which is a form of penance. It can be comprehended as a confessional drama in which the protagonist, Isak, goes

Why should we stop worrying and learn to love WK3 assignment Essay

Why should we stop worrying and learn to love WK3 assignment - Essay Example This devise help to monitor the vital strokes of the website. Most developed world has surveillance gadgets watching all principal streets and putting the streets under close watch. The panoptic gaze watches the public and the specialists watch every move made by the public from the comfort zone of television monitors (Mattelart, 2010). Many people view this technology revolution with horror. A monumental debate erupts on the topic public surveillance (Boris, 2013). This debate has led to the questioning of the ethical issues. It is evident that the government has surveillance cameras installed in every corner of the major cities. Many people have joined this discussion, and they insist that governments and leading corporations have access to the surveillance of the public. The public insist that the surveillance infringe on their private lives (Winston and Edelbach, 2013). Some people feel that the government and the surveillance corporations have no right to monitor their movements. They claim that they feel that it is unethical to monitor the public’s movements. Development of face recognition software has made the some people opposing the surveillance program detest the services. They feel that the surveillance monitors their conversation making it impossible to run away from the surveillance cameras and satellites (Mattelart, 2010). In his book, In Praise, society, ethics and Technology, Taylor argues that indeed the government should encourage the use of surveillance technology to monitor the movements and operations of people. Taylor affirms that the government ought to put all the citizens under surveillance. Offices, shops, and classrooms should have surveillance cameras. Taylor opposes the Orwellian nightmare (Mattelart, 2010). Orwellian nightmare is a situation, societal condition and an idea that Orwellian created that surveillance was destructive to the public’s open and free welfare. George Orwell claimed that

Database Theory and Design Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Database Theory and Design - Coursework Example Normalization is a formal process for deciding which attributes should be grouped together in a relation (Elmasri & Navathe, 1994). It involves decomposing relations with anomalies to produce smaller, well-structured relations. Three problems usually arise in databases where relations are not normalized. First we could have insertion anomaly, this is where adding new rows forces the user to create duplicate data in the database. Secondly we have modification anomaly, i.e. where changing data in a row forces us to make changes to other rows because of duplication. Finally we have deletion anomaly which means that when we delete rows we may cause a loss of data that would be needed for other future rows (Connoly & Begg, 2005). First Normal Form (1NF) means that all multi-valued attributes are removed, so that we have a single value at the intersection of each row and column of the relation table. Second Normal Form (2NF) means we apply the rule for 1NF then we remove all partial functional dependencies. Third Normal Form means we apply the rules for 2NF then we remove all transitive dependencies. ASSIGNMENT – client-id#, consultant-id#, start-date, work-hours, job-code, rate-per-hour is in 2NF (second normal form). This is because rate-per hour is transitively dependent on job-code. Therefore to make ASSIGNMENT into third normal form (3NF) we remove rate-per-hour from its attributes to end up with ASSIGNMENT – client-id#, consultant-id#, start-date, work-hours,

Aim of education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Aim of education - Essay Example At the start ÃŽ ¿f Early-Modern Britain, schooling was very limited in its form. Education was not as widespread as it was towards the end ÃŽ ¿f the period. Education was normally limited to the Royalty and Nobility. Not through legislation but the expense ÃŽ ¿f private tuition and lack ÃŽ ¿f other established educational institutions. Private tutors were the educators ÃŽ ¿f British Society in Medieval times. Tutors were academics that taught children in their homes. Tutors sometimes lived with their students and became tutor-companions ÃŽ ¿f the students. This mode ÃŽ ¿f education was clearly out ÃŽ ¿f reach to a large proportion ÃŽ ¿f the population. The other previous form ÃŽ ¿f limited education was related to the religious orders ÃŽ ¿f the time, within monasteries. This was very limited due to the numbers that the church could take and provide employment for. After a time several other types ÃŽ ¿f schooling established themselves in British Society. At the start ÃŽ ¿f Early-Modern Britain there were several modes ÃŽ ¿f schooling developing. These included groupings such as Independent Schools, Song Schools and alas, grammar schools. Independent schools for example had a single headmaster that ran classes from his own home and drew his students from the local community. Some Headmasters ran boarding schools that were designed for students to live and study in. These forms ÃŽ ¿f schools deviated from the previous form ÃŽ ¿f education, the private tutor. Endowed schools arose from several communities and towns. The municipal councils often sponsored these endowed schools. This sometimes allowed for free or subsidised education for all young boys (and some girls) who lived in the community. Young girls however, were seldom taught in the town in which they lived. The purpose ÃŽ ¿f the education was to train future workers and leaders ÃŽ ¿f the town. Such towns and communities believed that a good education would lead to a

Critical Discussion on Watson’s and Skinner’s Versions of Behaviourism Essay Example for Free

Critical Discussion on Watson’s and Skinner’s Versions of Behaviourism Essay Behaviourism concept emerged at a period when the societal disarticulation as a result of speedy industrialization of American society needed novel approaches of social organization. This was to act as a replacement to Victorian mores of minute-town rural lifestyle (Wightman Kloppenberg 1995, p. 68). At this time, positivists like Walter Lippmann invited psychologists to assist devise approaches, and the lately recognized science of psychology, enthusiastic to signify its position as an autonomous discipline, responded by assertively endorsing itself in terms of societal utility (Wightman Kloppenberg 1995, p. 68). That said, behaviourism premise emanated from the work of an American psychologist John B. Watson. He did assert that psychology as a discipline was never concerned with human mind or consciousness, but rather concerned with just behaviour. This way, Watson claimed that humans could be examined, studied or evaluated impartially just like apes and rats (Cohen 1987, p. 71). Behaviourism according to Watson’s version was a stab to shun the complexities of trying to study human consciousness by limiting scientific attention to evident, overt or blatant behaviour. This version was coupled with a pivotal ambition to put in place much more thorough ways or methods to experimental research as well as report writing. Thus, the key task of psychology was none other than recognition of laws governing the link between behavioural responses and environmental stimuli, and psychology was cast as an attachment to physiology (Richards 2009, p. 35). In this way, Watson believed that psychology would provide knowledge that could be utilized to the prediction as well as control of behaviour. Therefore, his version of classical behaviourism did possess several distinct characteristics, such as: †¢ It was tremendously environmentalist †¢ Its practical vocabulary was mainly limited to not many non-mentalistic terms †¢ Its explanations were exceedingly reductionist, and †¢ The version was majorly concerned with investigational methodology (Richards 2009, p. 35). In the early 1920s, Watson assimilated the concepts of Ivan Pavlov, a Russian psychologist and included Pavlov’s ideas of reinforcement and conditioning as key theoretical notions to his classical behaviourism version. Pavlov had done a number of studies on the animal’s responses to environmental conditioning. In his best triumphant experiment, he did ring a bell as he took a number of meals to some dogs. In doing so, each and every time dogs did hear the bell ringing they knew pretty well that a meal was ready, and would start salivating (DeMar 1989, p. 1). On one instance, Pavlov did ring the bell devoid of taking food, but the dogs continued salivating since they had been habituated, conditioned or trained to salivate each time they hear a bell ringing. Watson asserted in his behaviourism version that humans responded to environmental stimuli just in the similar way (DeMar 1989, p. 1). However, Watson’s classical behaviourism was regarded too crude, he himself did refrain from academia after a divorce scandal. In his wake, several neo-behaviourists, including B. F. Skinner, Clark L. Hull and Ernest R. Hilgard took over the doctrine in an array of directions. On a different perspective, the well-known architect of a radical or less mechanistic behaviourism version was B. F. Skinner, whose premises of operant conditioning did attest potent enough to be utilized in a number of settings (Wightman Kloppenberg 1995, p. 68). At times grounded in stylish mathematical learning theories, but much more frequently established on instinctive rules of thumb, behavioural techniques were used in psychotherapy, medicine, education, advertising, business and management of mental hospitals and prisons. Given its predictable comparing of lower animals to humans, together with its firm permeation into such conventionally humanist territories as the curative education and art, it’s doubtless that Skinner’s version of radical behaviourism has long provoked controversy (Wightman Kloppenberg 1995, p. 68). What’s more, today’s behaviourism is associated with B. F. Skinner, who attained his reputation as a radical behaviourist by experimenting Watson’s assertions in the laboratory. His laboratory experiments coupled with a number of researches led him to snub Watson’s exclusive allegations on conditioning and reflexes. Skinner avowed that humans not only respond to their surroundings, but operate on their surroundings to give rise to explicit consequences (Skinner, Catania Harnad 1988, p. 3). Furthermore, Skinner came up with the ‘operant conditioning’ theory, the notion that human behave the way they do as this sort of behaviour has had explicit effects long-ago. For instance, if a boy kisses a girl when she gives him flowers, then the girl will be expected to come with flowers when she wants a kiss from him. Thus, the girl will be acting in anticipation of specific reward. Contrary to Watson, Skinner rejected the idea that feelings or the human mind play a part in determining behaviour. He instead insisted that an individual experience of reinforcements determines his or her behaviour (Skinner, Catania Harnad 1988, p. 10). Therefore, according to radical behaviourism version, one of Skinner’s objective was to shape humans’ behaviour in away to respond in a much more socially tolerable way. In his operant conditioning theory he was absolutely clear that his theory ought to be applied to guide human behaviour (Shaffer 2005, p. 45). Moreover, Skinner’s experimental analysis of human or general behaviour has resulted in an effectual, effective and efficient technology, pertinent to psychotherapy, education, as well as the design of cultural practices generally (Shaffer 2005, p. 46). In conclusion, the ethical effects of both Watson’s and Skinner’s versions of behaviourism are immense. An individual is stripped off his or her freedom, dignity, responsibility and reduced to a merely natal being, to be ‘shaped’ by behaviourists who encompass the ability to apply the tools of behaviourism efficiently. Bibliography Cohen, D. (1987). Behaviorism, Oxford Companion to Mind, Richard, L. , ed. NY; Oxford University Press. DeMar, G. (1989). Behaviorism. [Online] available http://www. forerunner. com/forerunner/X0497_DeMar_-_Behaviorism. html Richards, G. (2009). Psychology, key concepts. Milton Park; Routledge. Shaffer, D. (2005). Social personality development. Belmont; Walworth. Skinner, B. , Catania, C. , Harnad, S. (1988). Selection of behaviour, operant behaviourism of Burrhus Frederic Skinner. Melbourne; Cambridge Syndicate Press. Wightman, R. , Kloppenberg, J. (1995). A companion to American thought. Massachusetts; Blackwell.

Revenue Recognition Essay Example for Free

Revenue Recognition Essay Companies that produce to order under production or construction contracts often attempt to spread prospective revenues, related costs, and resulting net income over the life of the contract in proportion to the work accomplished. The method used to accomplish this spreading of revenues, costs, and income is called the percentage of- completion or production method. †¢Sales Basis. The sales (or accrual) basis is the most widely used method for recognizing revenues. Revenues are assumed to be earned at the time the sale is made, even though the cash may not have been collected from customers. For companies that produce to open stock, the sale is the critical event for revenue recognition. Even though value is added to goods through the production process, these companies face considerable uncertainty about who the customer will be and about the amount and timing of the sale. It is necessary to have an arm’s length transaction, in which the customer is legally obligated to pay for the merchandise or service. Such factors as the signing of a sales contract and the delivery of the product provide evidence that the sale has been made. At the time of the sale, revenue is recognized and the amount due from the customer is reflected as an asset such as accounts receivable. †¢Cash Receipts Basis. In some cases, the receipt of cash is considered to be the critical event for revenue recognition. There are three reasons for using the cash receipts basis. First, for some taxpayers, the use of the cash receipt basis is allowable for computing taxable income and may result in some postponement of tax payments. Second, when collection from customers is regarded as very uncertain, the cash receipts basis may be the best indication of actual revenues. Finally, the cash receipts basis is more conservative than the sales basis. It is important to realize that when the cash receipts basis of revenue recognition is used, the product must also have been delivered to customers before revenue is recognized. Thus, if cash is received in advance (such as with magazine subscriptions), the receipt of cash would not be considered sufficient evidence for recognizing revenue. Reference link: http://classof1. com/homework-help/finance-homework-help

The Purple Hibiscus Analysis

The Purple Hibiscus Analysis Purple hibiscus is the first novel of the writer Chimanda Ngozi Adichie. The novel was published in 2003, it got a lot of attention in terms of prestigious prizes. Chimanda used her own experiences from her childhood to fill in the plot and lives of the characters. She was born in Kambilis home town Enugu, she is also a catholic. The main character is named Kambile Achike, a school girl that does exceptional in school. She lives with her parents mama, papa and her teenage brother Jaja. The story takes place in a city in Nigeria called Enugu, the novel begins with Jaja refusing to go to church on palm Sunday. Jaja has no good excuse for missing church so papa throws his book at him. The book hits his wifes shelf containing her beloved figurines. This is the beginning of the end for the Achike family. Afterwards Kambili explains what happened before Palm Sunday and all the events, papas sister Aunty Ifeoma is liberal and has been giving Jaja and Kambili rebel thoughts. Kambili does not say much and she often has problems speaking fluently without stuttering. Her strict father has shaped her this way by his rules and way of living. Every day she is in a schedule making her unable to do much else than eat, study, sleep and pray. Kambili is a good student and one of the best in her class. Because she does not talk much the girls in her class thinks she is a snob, she also runs straight to her dads car after class. Kambili is not a snob, but her dad is shaping her and she is unable to create her own identity. Her dad is expecting too much from Kambili and she only manages to finish second in her term. Papa tells her god expects more from her. Papa is an important man in Enugu, he owns several factories. He also publishes a newspaper called the standard. He is a rich man so he donated money to his local church community and his childrens school. His newspaper always tells the truth about the countrys conditions and therefore is under a lot of pressure from the state. He is also known for his generosity in his ancestral town, Abba. In the Christmas, Kambili and her family goes to Abba. Her close family makes a feast that feeds the whole family. Papa calls his father a heathen because he still holds on to the old religious traditions of his people. He does not let Jaja and Kambili visit his father for long. His sister thinks he is treating their father wrong, but Papa refuses to support his father unless he becomes a catholic. Aunty Ifeomas university town Nsukka is different from what Jaja and Kambili are used to. Power blackouts, rising food prices and fuel shortages are normal in Nsukka. Aunty Ifeoma teaches and encourages her children to question authority. Ifeoma wanted Jaja, Kambili and her own children to get to know each other better so she persuades Papa to stay with her for a week. They end up living there for longer than that. Just like her former classmates Kambili is being looked at as a snob by Amaka. Kambili stays silent in Nsukka. Kambili meets father Amadi who tells her to say what she has on her mind. Amaka and Kambili becomes friends. Papa-Nnukwu becomes ill and Ifeoma takes her in to the apartment so he can stay there. They do not tell Papa in fear that he will have them sent back. Papa eventually finds out that Papa-Nnukwu has been staying there and he takes his kids back home he punishes them for staying with him by pouring hot water on their feet. Papa is being pressured by the state because of his newspaper. Ade Coker gets captured by soldiers again and tortured. The standard is being raided and shut down. Ade Coker is thereafter killed by the government. Papa beats Kambili and she ends up in the hospital. Kambili goes to Nsukku to stay with her aunt after being released from the hospital. Aunty Ifeoma gets fired and travels to America to teach. Papa beats Mama again and she shows up in Nnukwu. When Mama goes home she starts poisoning Papas tea, in Easter Mama calls and tells them that Papa is dead. Kambilis big brother Jaja takes the blame and goes to jail. Three years later visit Jaja in prison where he has been living under terrible conditions. Jajas lawyers are sure that they will be able to get him released. Kambili is very happy, but Jaja does not seem to believe it himself. She wants to travel and visit Aunty Ifeoma. In the end of the book Kambili says Silence hangs over us now, but it is a different kind of silence. One that lets me breathe. I have nightmares about the other kind, the silence of when Papa was alive. In my nightmares, it mixes with shame and grief and so many other things that I cannot name, and forms blue tongues of fire that rest above my head, like Pentecost, until I wake up screaming and sweating.

Planck’s Constant Experiment :: Papers

Planck’s Constant Experiment IMPLEMENTING Before I started the experiment, the battery was disconnected with the circuit because I needed to check that the LED is connected in the right direction in the circuit. However the apparatus I set up for the experiment was correct since I followed the diagram and method on the plan step by step. The circuit worked and there was no accident happen during the experiment. Before the experiment I prepared a result table for recording voltages for each different type of LED. Throughout the experiment I worked carefully by turning off the knob on the potentiometer every time I had to change the LED or move the apparatus. Also I left the space around the circuit clear so that I would not get confused with things that I needed to use and things that I did not want. The working area was well organised. My equipments did not get mixed up with others. Because this experiment does not take long to read out the values of voltage of each LED, I decided to do 5 repeats for each LED instead of 3 repeats, as I planned. After I had done all 5 repeats for each LED, I used values of voltage and current to calculate the resistance. Then I plotted the graph of E against ƒ to see if there is any anomalous. However I did not have any anomalous result so I did not need to do any more repeat. I did not modify my plan procedure since it worked smoothly. OBSERVING AND RECORDING Results: Voltage (V) Type of LED 1st Repeat 2nd Repeat 3rd Repeat 4th Repeat 5th Repeat WL27 1.63 1.63 1.62 1.60 1.60 WL28 1.65 1.65 1.63 1.64 1.65 WL29 1.49 1.48 1.48 1.47 1.49 WL30 1.

All My Sons :: All My Sons by Arthur Miller

1. In the play â€Å"All My Sons,† by Arthur Miller, the word ‘father’ means the personification of goodness and infallibility to Chris Keller. There was a strong relationship between Chris and his father, Joe. Everything Joe had done in his life was for Chris. His entire factory was intended for Chris once he retired. 2. Throughout the play, there was question of Joe’s innocence in the death of twenty-one pilots, who were flying planes that had parts from Joe’s factory. Chris strongly believed that his father played no part in those deaths and that the blame lay solely on Joe’s partner, Herbert Deever. At the end of the play, Chris’ realization that his father was guilty brings about anger and then remorse, when Joe commits suicide due to his guilty conscience. Joe has done everything in his life for his sons. 3. Once his elder son Larry died in the war, Joe devoted his life to his younger son Chris. â€Å"KELLER. †¦Because what the hell did I work for? That’s only for you, Chris, the whole shootin’-match is for you.† Many businesses are handed down from generation to generation. Joe felt his role in life was to build a business that his son could take over once he got too old to run it. His love and hope for Chris blinded Joe’s ability to make a thoughtful and rational decision regarding faulty parts from his factory. This resulted in the death of the pilots’. Joe completely disregarded the lives that his parts would be affecting because all he cared about was his son. The love that Joe displayed to his son was returned in the love and respect that Chris had for his father. â€Å"GEORGE. †¦But you know him. You know in your heart Joe did it. CHRIS. Lower your voice or I’ll throw you out of here.† George Deever’s confrontati on with Chris about his father’s guilt demonstrated Chris’ belief that his father was not guilty of any crime. He refused to believe that his father played a role in shipping the defective parts to the government. This only reinforced the idea that there was a strong father son bond between Joe and Chris. 4. The moral values that were instilled in Chris blocked him from believing that his father was capable of anything else but good. These values prove to be the eventual down fall of Joe.

Freedom within a Panoptical Society Essay

The concepts â€Å"moderm† and â€Å"post-modern† have become common currency in intellectual debates. Within such debates, the postmodern is perceived as an epoch, a perspective, or an entirely new paradigm of thought. Such a conception of the aforementioned term stems from its rootedness in the conception of the modern. Chia notes that what distinguishes the postmodern from the modem is â€Å"a style of thinking which eschews the uncritical use of common terms such as ‘organizations’, ‘individuals’, ‘environment’, ‘structure’, and ’culture’, etc† (579). These terms refer to the existence of social entities and attributes within a modernist conception of social reality. The rationale behind this lies in the ontological conception of being which privileges thinking in terms of discrete phenomenal states, static attribute and sequential events. As opposed to such an ontological conception of reality, the postmodern stands as the champion of weak forms of ontology that â€Å"emphasize a transient, ephemeral and emergent reality† (Chia 579). If such is the case, it thereby follows that a postmodernist perspective of reality adheres to thought styles wherein reality is deemed to be continuously in flux and transformation and hence unrepresentable thereby impossible to situate within a static conception of reality. An adoption of a post-modernist perspective of reality thereby leads to a rethinking of the modern conceptions of social reality since adherence to postmodernist perspectives lead to the de-emphasis on forms and attributes. Such a conception of reality however tends to emphasize the importance of local methods, which collectively define social reality. In a sense, the shift from a modern to a postmodern conception of reality thereby leads to the re-definition of existing ontological conceptions of reality that determine the various forms of intellectual priorities as well as theoretical stipulations in the study and conception of being. Such a perception of reality [that is highly characterized by the postmodern turn] is evident in Michel Foucault’ perspectives as to the workings of social reality. Michel Foucault’s use of Jeremy Bentham’s concept â€Å"panopticon’ in his book Discipline and Punish presents a discussion of the aspect of surveillance while placing emphasis on a fundamental change and break resulting from the changes in the social and theatrical arrangements during the 1800’s. The difference in methodology is evident if one considers that as opposed to the old methodology wherein the many see the few, modern methodology has enabled the shift wherein the few see the many. Foucault notes that such a shift shows the manner in which â€Å"the instantaneous view of a great multitude† is procured for a small number of individuals or even for a single individual (216). He further notes that the implications of such show the manner in which Our society is one not of spectacle, but of surveillance†¦We are much less Greek than we believe. We are neither in the amphitheater, nor on the stage, but in the panoptical machine, invested by its effects of power which we bring to ourselves since we are a part of its mechanism. (Foucault 217) Such a perspective is based on the assumption that society stands as the locus for the interplay of various forms of power relations. Such forms of power relation determine the manner in which an individual situates himself/herself within his/her surroundings. Surveillance, in this sense, may be seen as a method which society inscribes upon an individual as he/she chooses to regulate his/her actions dependent upon the form of power relation in which he/she has direct access. It is important to note, that Foucault’s notion of panopticonism also emphasizes the existence of freedom within a predefined space. Understanding power is central to understanding Foucault’s analysis of subjectivity. Foucault explicitly rejects the paradigm of power as repression, arguing that power is not only negative but also productive. He rejects the juridical model of power, wherein power is characterized as repressive, rule-based, uniform, and prohibitive. According to this model, the subject is constituted as one who obeys this negative unilateral power. Foucault characterizes power as positive and productive. Power is everywhere, a multiplicity of force relations; it is always local and unstable. This ubiquity of power does not preclude resistance. On the contrary, resistance(s) can only exist in the strategic field of power relations. Power is action that runs through and between things; power is first and foremost relational. Not only is power always a relationship, but power relationships exist everywhere. Freedom, in this sense, is to be understood as composed of positive and negative aspects. Although one exists within panoptical society, it is possible to engage in cases of positive freedom through the engagement of actions, which contradicts the dominant discourses. In the popular feminist movements, for example, such an act involves the redefinition of the feminine as opposed to the presumed patriarchal conception of the female. Such is the manner in which Foucault’s philosophy emphasizes the fluidity of structures despite its existence within a panoptical realm. The way in which our current society is controlled and determined by the panoptical gaze can also be seen in the various ways in which media affects the viewpoint held by an individual. Capitalism, through media and advertising commodifies values such as individuality. By linking the false notion of individuality to a certain commodity, consumers think that they are unique, that they are different. A deeper analysis however reveals that the aforementioned claim to individuality is nothing but an illusion; a figment of the mind manufactured and institutionalized by capitalists. It is not only the case that it is manufactured and institutionalized; it is also sold to the consumers. This leads to the deception of the masses who believes that they possess individuality whereas they fail to see that this individuality is instilled and mass produced by the market. The paradox in this is evident if one considers that values such as individuality are acquired by individuals through the consumption of goods sold in the market. In this sense, failure to consume such goods leads to a certain form of exclusion within society. In order to ‘belong’, one thereby adheres to the fads. The necessity to be an ‘individual’ [unique] is thereby ensured by society’s panoptical gaze. The manner in which the market prescribes and sells individuality [or any other value within society] was discussed by Susan Bordo in her essay â€Å"Beauty (Re) discovers the Male Body†. In the aforementioned text, Bordo describes a certain type of â€Å"gaze† which ensures the control of the body. As Foucault states, an inspecting gaze will ensure that each individual will exercise surveillance over himself. The gaze, in the context of Bordo’s work is centered on the body. The manner in which such a manner of self-surveillance is ensured is through the acculturation of the individual himself. In Ways of Seeing, John Berger discusses the ways in which the process of acculturation or the socialization process itself enables the individual to develop a certain taste for the ‘beautiful’. Berger argues that society and culture prescribe and determine both the normative and substantive taste of an individual. Compared to Bordo, whose focus is on the body, Berger focuses on the manner in which works of art are dictated by the modes f production within a specific place. True enough it is also dubious if an individual is capable of perceiving an object without interest whatsoever. We choose what we want to perceive and even if we state that there are instances wherein we are â€Å"captured† by a beautiful object, it gains our attention only because it is something which is important to us. In a room filled with people for example, we notice a specific person because that person has value to us. The platter of fruits does not become pleasing to eye simply because it is arranged in a certain manner which allowed us to see their symmetry with each other and the brightness of their skins, we also find it beautiful because somehow subconsciously we know that it is an important object or if it is a painting of a platter of fruits, it presents us with an image of objects which give us sustenance. In this sense it also seems that judgments of taste are also partly ruled by reason just like the sublime. Reason tells us that there is a level of significance to these objects. Works of art present us with ways of seeing reality. These ways are affected, influenced, or shall we just say dictated by the type of discourse which is prevalent in a specific society or even in a specific era. It is the importance of an object which allows us to subconsciously or even consciously associate beauty with these objects. The similarity of Foucault, Bordo, and Berger’s work may thereby be attributed to the importance they give to culture in determining the self as well as the restrictions of this self. Within such a setting, individual freedom may be seen as being dependent an individual’s capability to recognize the sources of both positive and negative power. In other words, it lies in the individual’s capability to realize that within a society ruled by a panoptical gaze, it is still possible to ascertain one’s autonomy by engaging in actions [or constituting a self] that goes against dominant the discourse. Works Cited Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. New York: Viking Press, 1973. Bordo, Susan. â€Å"Beauty (Re) discovers the Male Body†. Chia, R. â€Å"From Modern to Postmodern Organizational Analysis†. Organizational Studies 16 (1995): 579-604. Foucault, M. Discipline and Punish The Birth of the Prison. New York: Vintage, 1974.

Animal Sciences Investigatory projects Essay

Anabas testudineus and its Preliminary Growth Adaptive Mechanism Through its Evolutinary Pathway To Brackish Water 4. Abstract: †¢ This study had mainly focused on the testing of the lifespan of a nearly endangered fish species Anabas testudineus in different water treatments namely brackish water, fresh water and salt water. The researchers determined the effect of the said water treatments on the growth and survival of the subjects. The study was conducted at the ESEP Bldg., Tarlac National High School (Main). The researchers applied the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) for the experiment. The length and mass of Anabas testudineus were recorded before and after the experimentation. The researchers prepared 3 containers for each replicate. Artificial environments were prepared in each container wherein 1000 grams of sand and pebbles and 400 grams of lilies were put in each container. The required amount of marine salt and water were also added and the pH of each water treatment were also obtained three randomly selected Anabas testudineus were subjected to each water treatment in each replicate. Everyday the stability of the fishes were observed. After 31 days, the final length and mass of the fishes were obtained and the results were compared. 5. †¢ The average difference in mass of the fishes subjected to brackish water is 2.945 grams higher than freshwater and the average difference in length is also higher than fresh water by 1.265 cm. †¢ Brackish water is the best water treatment for the growth of Anabas testudineus. †¢ Due to environmental changes evolution occurred as years passed by. The salinity of water and its pH are examples of these environmental changes. 6. The Efficacy of Moringa oleifera (Malunggay) Leaf extracts in Lowering Blood Glucose in Swiss Mice 7. †¢ Abstract: †¢ Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) plant is abundant through the Philippines. This plant is growing anywhere in the country. It has become the buzz due to the discovery of its many nutrients. The researcher tends to study on medical value of Moringa oleifera in lowering blood glucose. †¢ This study was performed to determine the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts in lowering blood glucose. The experimental mice where weighed and their blood glucose were tested using a glucometer before the experiment. †¢ The mice were fed with condensed milk using the gavage method for five (5) consecutive days. All the mice gained high blood glucose after the procedure. 8. †¢ Different concentrations of malunggay leaf extracts: 25%, 50%, 75% and 0% were prepared. These extracts were treated to three (3) mice each as treated to the four groups of mice. †¢ Data analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean blood glucose level of white mice when subjected to various levels of malunggay leaves extract, the lower the blood glucose, †¢ The findings confirmed that the malunggay leaf extract has a hypoglycemic property that can be used as hypoglycemic drugs. Thus, it can be used in treating diabetes. 9. An extracorporeal Study on Nasturtium officinalle for Mus musculus Alleviating Thromboccytopenia 10. †¢ Abstract: †¢ The study was conducted at room 2, ESEP building, Tarlac National High School (Main). It started by sending every subjects blood sample to the laboratory to determine the initial platelet count of the subjects. Watercress undergoes centrifugation to attain its liquid content and was fed to a group of subjects. Observation lasted for three days then new blood sample was sent to the laboratory to determine the final platelet count of the subjects. Results were compared to prove that the researcher hypothesis is true.] †¢ The researcher used completely randomized design to compare the platelet count of the subject’s blood before and after was fed with the liquid content from watercress. The researcher used T-test because they are only two variables to compare. After series of test, the results were gathered. The data revealed that the mean platelet count from the finished product of the study is higher than the platelet count from the commercial anti- Thromboccytopen ia. 11. †¢ This study is mainly focus on the possibility of watercress in alleviating Thromboccytopenia, a disease characterized by low platelet count. To test this possibility, the researcher compared it to a commercial anti- Thromboccytopenia. The researcher determined the significant difference between the plasma produced from watercress and the plasma produced from a commercial anti- Thromboccytopenia(aspirin) in terms of platelet count. That is why the researcher must know if the platelet count can be produced faster by watercress. This study will contribute greatly to the world f medicine as an evidence to remedy diseases through natural, safer and cheaper means. It will be significant for the treatment of Thromboccytopenia without the used of chemicals and surgeries. 12. The Efficacy of Anacardic acid from Anacarduim occidentale as a Lipid Source of Oreochromis nil. 13. †¢ Abstract: †¢ Lipids are one of the molecules used by fishes for their physiological functions and cellular processes. These lipids have many uses in the lives of fishes, not only in fishes but also in other activities of other organisms. †¢ Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia) is one of the most common fish that contains lipids in their muscle or tissues. †¢ Anacadium ocindentale (cashew) is a nut crop with fruits that contain a liquid known as cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). This three liquid has three phenol constituents, one of this is anacardic acid. 14. †¢ In this study, the cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) was extracted from Anacardium occidentale and anacardic acid and then separated from the CNSL by the process of centrifugation and then mixed with the food of the fish and then fed to the fishes. The purpose of this study is to make a useful lipid source from anacardium occidentale. This study will test the efficacy of anacardic acid as a lipid source of Oreochromis niloticus, and observed if the growth development and weight increased. †¢ After observing the fishes for 1 month to 2 weeks, results and data were analyzed. The researcher used T-test as their statistical tool, and concluded that the growth and weight of the Oreochromis niloqticus increased by 50.36% in weight gain and 50.98% in the increase in size when given anacardic acid. 15. Residual Fatty Acids from Persia Americana for the Extension of Life Expectancy of Tirumala tumanana 16. †¢ Abstract: †¢ The study had been centered on the efficacy of amalgamated fatty acid residues from Persia Americana, the fatty acids were extracted at the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) using the gc mini2 machine for the procedure of gas chromatography. †¢ This study further branched out into the possible effects of the fatty acid residues in extending the life expectancy of Tirumala tumanana, specie of butterfly originated at Mt. Busa and is rated as vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 17. †¢ Three treatments were designated to 24 butterflies: Treatment A (with flowering plants, sugar solution, and fatty acids), treatment B (with flowering plants and sugar solution), and Treatment C (with flowering plants only). †¢ ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was utilized to compare the three treatments in observing the life expectancy of Tirumala tumanana. †¢ After the series of test and experimentation, the results showed that the average life span of the subjects was prolonged by 129.03%, enough to say that there is a significant effect produced by Persea Americana. 18. Behavioral and Social Science 19. A Study on the Effect of Food Outsourcing to the Behavioral Direction of Trichogaster Pectoralis and Tricogaster Tricopterus 20. †¢ Abstract: †¢ Trichogaster Pectoralis and Tricogaster Tricopterus- these two species have the same denominator; they belong in one genus- trichogaster. Since they came from one genus, they have mostly the same characteristics like what kind of environment they adapt, what food they eat, and their behavior. †¢ This study aims to establish the effect of food outsourcing on the direction decision of Trichogaster Pectoralis and Tricogaster Tricopterus subjects based on attraction and non-attraction. It also aims to give additional knowledge to fish cultivators, and other persons involved in aquaculture. 21. †¢ The set-up where will the experimentation be concluded is composed on an aquarium, aquarium air pump, 15L of fresh water and 8 subjects which were drawn out randomly but on accordance with the ratio stated on each of the two treatments. The animal subjects underwent the process of food outsourcing where 20g of fish food is used, observation and data gathering for 10 days. The data gathered were then compared, and unbiased and reliable results were obtained. Results showed that food outsourcing affected the behavioral direction of the subjects based on attraction. Thus, the null hypothesis was rejected, accepting the alternative hypothesis which states that the effect of food outsourcing on the Behavioral Direction of Trichogaster Pectoralis and Tricogaster Tricopterus based on attraction is greater than non- attraction. †¢ In line with the results and the accepted hypothesis, the researchers concluded that the effect of food outsourcing on the behavioral direction of the Trichogaster Pectoralis and Tricogaster Tricopterus subjects is to be attracted from one another. †¢ 22. Plant Science 23. Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) as a soil nutrient Enhanser 24. †¢ Abstract: †¢ This research study entitled â€Å"Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) as a soil Nutrient Enhancer† was conducted at Abing’s Residence located at Mabini Homesite Cabanatuan City. It was conducted from the month of June to October 2008 by the following researcher; Jessamer D. Abing. †¢ Because of the economic crisis that our country is facing today, most of the less fortunate people and farmers in our country cannot afford such expensive fertilizer used in growing plants. The goal of this study is to find an alternative soil nutrient enhancer out of the abundance of Zeolite mineral that can be used in growing plants in easier and mire practical way. 25. †¢ To test the effectiveness of Zeolite in growing plants, 3 treatments were utilized: Each treatment is composed of three plants. Each specimen has its own treatment, treatment 1 is a mixture of oil and powdered Zeolite (75g), treatment 2 is a mixture of soil and commercial fertilizer (75g) a nd treatment 3 is the plane soil. †¢ The results was analyzed and found out that in terms of mineral content in Phosphorus and Nitrogen there is a significant difference between soil with Zeolite, soil with commercial fertilizer and plain soil and in terms of Potassium Contents there a significant difference among 3 samples because Zeolite yields the greatest amount of Potassium. In terms in the growth of the plants, Zeolite was the most effective soil nutrient enhancer because the plants with Zeolite yield the tallest and healthiest appearance among the 3 specimens. †¢ This proves that Zeolite is very effective and efficient soil nutrient enhancer which can be use by the farmers in growing plants. 26. Gralex (Ready-Made Bait for Mice) 27. †¢ Abstract: †¢ The utilization of â€Å"Gralex† as ready made bait for mice, aimed to test its toxicity on mice samples. †¢ Systematic methods in the preparation of Gralex were observed. Three (3) treatments which varies on the soaking time of rice grains and adelfa leaves extracts such as forty- eight (48) hours, twenty-four (24) hours, fifteen hours (15) respectively. †¢ Prior to experimentation, Adelfa leaves underwent phytochemical testing. Result revealed the presence of condensed tannin, alkaloids and glycosides compound. †¢ Toxicity level of Gralex is higher as compared to commercial rat killer (Racumin) as observed on the mortality rate of mice. †¢ Statistical test result showed significant difference on the effectiveness on the rat killers. Gralex was found to be more effective. It was concluded that the presence of Tannins and Glycosides contributed a lot in mortality rate on the mice samples. †¢ The production and commercialization of the product is strongly encourage. 28. Tolerance Level of Meristematic Root Cells of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza to High and Low Hypertonic Saline Solutions and Hypotonis Solutions 29. †¢ Abstract: †¢ Plants extinction is already a global major problem but ordinary people are not aware of this. The worst part is that is very important and gives us the most benefits are the one that are disappearing. One good example of this plant is mangrove tree. †¢ These mangroves give us a lot of benefits. For fishes, these provide breeding, nursery, and feeding areas. These can tolerate more salt in their tissues than any plant. Their survivability is high compared to other plants but they also need regular flushing of freshwater. 30. †¢ The problem of this study is to determine the tolerance level of the Bruguiera gymnorrhiza meristematic root cells to high and low saline hypertonic solution and hypertonic solution. The proponents conducted the study at ESEP, DOST building, TNHS, San Roque Tarlac City. The experimentation started at Feb. 27, 2010 and ended last Aug.22, 2010. The proponents prepared 4 containers containing water with different salinities (0ppm, 30ppm-35ppm, 36ppm-45ppm, 46ppm- 50ppm). Three roots of the mangrove per solution were soaked and we let it that way for few hours. After soaking, a part of the mangrove roots were cut and observed under a compound microscope. Cells that shrink and burst were counted and the tolerable salinity of the Bruguiera gymnorrhiza root cells was known. 31. Natural Extracts as Vase Solution for Roses (Rosa damascena) 32. †¢ Abstract: †¢ This study was conducted to determine the effects of plant extracts from garlic allium sativum, Oregano Origanum vulgare, and guava Psidium guajave) as vase solution. Extract used for the preparation of vase solutions were taken from fresh garlic cloves, oregano and guava leaves. Water extracts were subjected to water bath at 50’C-60’C for 5 minutes for pasteurization. Flower buds were placed in plastic cups containing vase solutions with varying concentrations of extracts. Observation was done for 7 days at three replications. Set-ups were evaluated in terms of pH. Early opening of flowers and length of Vaseline days. †¢ Analysis on pH differences was not significant among treatments. Oregano and guava leaves may have favorable pH levels for flowers used. In terms of opening of flowers, it was noted that oregano extract promoted early opening of flower buds even at the early days of observation. Highest vase life days were also observed in flowers placed in guava leaves extract and the lowest vase life days were observed in flowers placed garlic extract. 33. †¢ Analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 0.5 level of significance did not reveal differences in the vase life days of flowers after treatment with natural extracts from Garlic, Oregano and Guava. A modification of procedures for extracting natural compounds from guava is recommended. The researchers also recommended the combinations of extract for more favorable results. This research has varied application in the field of Horticulture and food production. 34. Larvicidal Properties of Various Plant Species in the Control of Mosquito Larvae 35. †¢ This study was conducted to identify several plant species that contain †¢ Larvicidal properties in the control of mosquito larvae and to determine the time needed to kill the mosquito larvae. A total of 240 larvae were used to test the larvicidal properties of the treatment. The test plants were subjected to certain procedures like through washing, chopping, and pounding to extract the plant juice concentrates. A cheesecloth was also used in extracting the juice after pounding through the used of mortar and pestle. The mosquito larvae were then placed in their respective treatments. They were observed based on the time interval of two, four, and six hours. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used to analyze the data collected. 36. †¢ The treatments used were as follows: †¢ T0- Water (control) †¢ T1- Neem tree †¢ T2- Kakawate †¢ T3- Makabuhay †¢ T4- Karot †¢ T5- Guava †¢ T6- Patani †¢ T7- Chili Pepper †¢ Results of the study showed that among the eight treatments, T2-(Kakawate) had the best result in controlling mosquito larvae. Based on the results of the study, water has no component that could kill mosquito larvae. †¢ This study was a big help to control mosquito population that can be diluted to potable water to kill the mosquito larvae. 37. Zoology 38. Ar-aru: A small fish and its Backward Evolution 39. †¢ Abstract: †¢ More than 3.5 billions years ago, the first organisms is believed to have live in water namely as the organisms cyanobacteria, oxygen was not present which then gives the parameter that these organisms are anaerobic and as years passed by, changes occur. These changes are called evolution. Salinity is one of these changes, Sodium Chloride came fro rocks in freshwater bodies are washed out and the water changing this NaCl will be deposited in saltwater bodies. †¢ Because of this, the average salinity of salt water is 17ppt. Freshwater having the salinity between 0.5 ppt. to 17ppt. is called brackish water and can be found in the boundary of saltwater and freshwater. More than half of the fauna in the Philippines face the treat of extinction. A fish called Ar-aru is now facing this treat. †¢ This project mainly studies the effects of water salinities on the growth of Ar-aru fishes in terms of mass, length, mortality and reproductive mechanism. 40. †¢ To make the study possible, the researcher had undergone series of experimentation and observation of their adaptability on treatment F (Freshwater), treatment B (Brackish) and treatment S (Saltwater) with 2 replicates each. The data gathered showed that Ar-aru fishes subjected to brackish water showed positive result on their adaptive mechanism in terms of its survivability. Thus, the salinity of water is a factor that affects the survivability of this specie. †¢ Results showed that raising ar-aru fishes in brackish water is better than in freshwater and saltwater. This implies that the ar-aru fishes had an adaptive mechanism to cope in the environment of brackish.

Experience hyperthermia Essay

Marian suffered from a heat stroke causing her body to experience hyperthermia. Marian body went through the process of homeostasis from experiencing hyperthermia. â€Å"Homeostasis is a state of body equilibrium or stable internal environment of the body.†(Marieb 8) Homeostasis protects the body by allowing it to adapt to the environment. Marian homeostasis tried to cool the body but failed. Though Marian was lucky her daughter found her in time. When a heat stroke occurs the body’s homeostasis shuts down where the temperature can reach high enough to cause brain damage to where you die. Heat strokes can cause damage internally well as externally. Hyperthermia causes a positive feedback mechanism within the body. â€Å"A positive feedback mechanism is a feedback that tends to cause the level of variable to change in the same direction as an initial change.†( Marieb 9) When the body stimulus rises the hypothalamus’s thermoreceptors start to work as the bod y’s thermostat. The thermoreceptors send messages allowing the hypothalamus to make temperature changes in the core. When the core starts to raise the heat loss mechanism starts one or two things: â€Å"dilation of cutaneous blood vessels or enhanced sweating.†(Marieb 833) â€Å"Dilation of cutaneous blood vessels is where the vessels swell with warm blood, heat is lost from the radiation, conduction, and convection† (Marieb 833) Some symptoms for a heat stroke are â€Å"throbbing headache, dizziness and light-headedness, lack of sweating despite the heat, red hot skin, muscle weakness or cramps, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, which may either strong or weak, rapid shallow breathing, behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation or staggering, seizures, and unconsciousness.†( http://firstaid.webmd.com/heat-stroke-symptoms-and-treatment) The treatments of methodologies for hyperthermia that were used in this case study was to apply cold wash cloth to forehead and face, position in front of a fan while using a spray bottle with water on her skin. Applying a cold wash cloth to face and forehead allows the body to drop in temperature. Positioning the body in front of a fan allows cooling. Spraying water allows hydration to the dehydrated skin. Hyperthermia is, also, used for cancer patients. â€Å"Hyperthermia treatment heats body tissues to 113 degrees Fahrenheit to damage and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.†( http://www.ehow.com/about_6470647_new-hyperthermia-cancer-treatment.html)Hyperthermia can happen very easily. People need to wear sun screen, lose fitting of clothing to cover the skin. Eat small portions; drink plenty of fluids but not alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the body. Watch the weather to see if a heat advisory is in effect. Make sure not to do hard exercise work out during hot days. Talk to your primary doctor to see if your medications or your disease(s) can be effected by the sun. In this case though, Marian suffered from a heat stroke due to being in a house with no windows open. Hyperthermia is more harmful to infants or small children, elderly, overweight, people who are ill or medications. Small children or infants depend on others to protect them. They are defenseless in the sense when it comes to staying out of the sun, sunscreen, and hydration. The elderly may not feel heat stress. Elderly for the most part don’t response or sense to the change in climate. People who have diabetes tend to have poor circulation. Poor circulation is dangerous during heat waves because the blood needs to flow throughout the body to cool itself. So having poor circulation already would mean the body would trouble pumping blood faster to cool the body, thus, causing a heat stroke. People who are overweight retain more body heat than skinny people. When having more body heat it causes heat stress. Heat stress leads to a heat stroke. People who work out can over do it and experience dehydration. Dehydration can cause heat stress. People who have heart disease or high blood pressure are at risk because when the body is trying to the cool its self the heart has to pump in a faster pace causing the heart rate and blood pressure to go up. This is not good because it causes these people more stress on the heart. People on other medications have to be careful because the sun can cause increase or decreases in the function of the body which the medications are already trying to control without the factor of the sun. How a medical personal treat hyperthermia is very carefully. The body can be damage either by the tissue, brain, and /or body organs or maybe all three are damaged. The first thing is to check the people’s vitals to see if they are stable. Second, a physical assessment can be done to look over the skin.

Production Operation Assignment

Assignment 6: PRICING a) Computation of Economic Value of an offering Mercedes Benz is launching its luxury SUV (called the CDL class) in a market dominated by Lexus GL. The CDL class uses diesel and obtains 25 miles per gallon. The Lexus model, priced at $48000, uses premium gasolene and obtains 20 miles per gallon. Both the models need to be serviced annually but the CDL being a diesel engine requires annual service that is costlier by $100. The life of a diesel engine is typically longer – hence the residual value of a 10 year old CDL is estimated to be $1600 higher than the Lexus. Assume (i) the average cost of premium gasolene to be $3. 0 per gallon (ii) the average cost of diesel to be $3. 25 per gallon (ii) the average customer drives 12000 miles per year and (iii) there is no time discount. What should be the price of the CDL such that the economic value of Benz CDL over Lexus GL (during a 10 year use horizon by a customer) is completely appropriated by Mercedes Benz? The economic value of CDL: Price of substitute=48000 Cost saving=(12000/20*3-12000/25*3. 25-100)=140 Revenue enhancing=residual value=1600+residual value of GL Use horizon=10 EV of CDL=48000+140*10+1600+residual value of GL=51000+residual value of GL The economic value of GL: Price of substitute=XCost saving=(12000/25*3. 25-12000/20*3+100)=-140 Revenue enhancing=residual value=residual value of GL Use horizon=10 EV of GL=X+(-140)*10+ residual value of GL=X-1400+residual value of GL To make (51000+residual value) equal (X-1400+residual value of GL) X should be 52400 So the price of CDL should be lower than 52400 dollars such that the EV of CDL is higher than GL. b) Breakeven Analysis Nokia has decided to manufacture a special edition cellphone called HiRide for the teen market next year that will be sold with Sprint’s wireless service. For this phone, Nokia’s variable manufacturing cost is $35 per phone.Fixed manufacturing costs amount to $20 million and advertising cos ts are expected at $6 million. Nokia will sell HiRide to retailers and pay its own salesmen a commission of $8 per phone sold to the retailers. The retail price (i. e. , price paid by the end customer) of the product is $120 and retail margin typically average about 10%. (i) What is the price at which Nokia sells to retailers? Assume that the price is X, thus: X*(1+10%)=120 X=$109 (ii) What is Nokia’s contribution per unit sales for HiRide? Contribution per unit= P-VC=109-(35+8)=$66 (iii) What is Nokia’s breakeven volume?BE volume=FC/contribution per unit=? (20000000+6000000)/66=393939. 4? 393940 (iv) Nokia’s actual sales in Year 1 turned out to be 375000 units. Since the product did not break even, Nokia’s product manager decided to reduce the commission offered to its salesmen in Year 2. Provided the sales volume, price, and other fixed costs remain the same as in Year 1, how much should be the new commission so that HiRide breaks even in Year 2? Assume that it is X, thus: The new contribution per unit would be 109-(35+X), which equals 74-X BE volume =375000=FC/ new contribution per unit=26000000/(74-X) So X =4. 76$

Bovine Spongy Encephalitis (BSE) in Japan

Bovine Spongy Encephalitis (BSE) in Japan The essay aims to investigate the issue of Bovine Spongy Encephalitis (BSE) in Japan, with particular emphasis on the meat traceability system adopted by the Japanese regulatory authorities and its implications for the Japanese food markets, its beef industry, and the hospitality industry. Presumably written in late 2005 or early 2006, some three years after BSE reared its head in Japan, the essay attempts to trace the events that led to the BSE scare in Japan and the responses adopted by the state and industry to cope with market and customer apprehensions. Essays, on specialised subjects like these, need to have reader friendly, grammatically correct structures that guide curious lay people through the complexities of unfamiliar issues in sequential logical steps; such efforts should be well researched, evidence clarity about the subject at hand, make good use of language skills and engage reader interest in the main and allied themes. BSE, better known as mad cow disease, emerged first in the UK in 1986, its manifestation in cattle being associated with a number of logical, as well as fanciful theories that included (a) force feeding of cattle, animals that are normally herbivorous, with meat or bone meal from semi-sterilised cadavers, and (b) import of meat meal, contaminated with human meat, from India (Jones, 2001)! Related to the presence of a misfolded protein called Prion in the brain tissues of cattle, BSE is known to make the brain of a cow a bloody mass of spongy tissue, followed by the certain death of the affected animal (Jones, 2001). Worryingly it is also known to infect humans who consume BSE tainted products (Jones, 2001). The disease first showed up in commercially reared livestock in the UK, and has since then been associated with more than 150 human deaths in the UK alone; its occurrence in the United States led to panic in Japan, a major importer of US beef, and thereafter to a number of protective and regulatory steps by the Japanese for ensuring the safety and quality of beef consumed in the country (Nottage, 2004). Whilst such background information would have been particularly relevant for establishing the importance of the topic, especially in light of the levels of global panic generated by the outbreak of BSE in the early 2000s, there is little of it in the essay; the author preferring to commence the study directly with the detection of the first BSE case in Japan in 2001 and the events that followed. With much effort having been given to providing technical details about Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease, (CJD) and its new variant, in the appendices to the essay, some elementary information about Prion, established to be the root cause of BSE, the substantial loss of human life, and the worldwide concern that arose, post the emergence of the disease, would have helped in driving home the need for governments to adopt stern regulatory measures and in putting the Japanese regulatory efforts in their proper p erspective. Ford’s book on the risks posed by BSE to mankind, which has otherwise been included by the author in the references, provides a graphic account of the dangers of BSE and the essay would have been well served by the inclusion of some of the highlighted risks.