The Troubled History of the Airbus A380 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 2

The Troubled History of the Airbus A380 - Essay Example The results of the analysis show that the role of systems and operations management at Airbus is underestimated, and, as a result, not properly integrated into the business. This drawback, through the poor organizational structure, inefficient HR practices, and weak organizational culture and leadership, has lead to lower productivity of the employees, and, as a result, financial losses of the company. Six Sigma or business process re-engineering approaches to improving business processes have been identified as the most effective to be used by Airbus. At the same time, radical changes of BPR approach seem to be more appropriate - the faster Airbus introduces innovations, the faster organizational efficiency will improve. Communication channels and strategies, as well as leadership and organizational culture within the company, should be improved in order for the changes to be effective. Technological advancements in form of management information, transaction processing systems, dec ision support Systems and Executive support systems should be used by the company in order to make its business processes more effective and efficient. In this context of systems and operations management is one of the keys to helping a company in its attempts to improve and strengthen its positions in the market. Therefore, the given report is an attempt to determine and analyze how in particular systems and operations management, as well as its integration within the business, works for supporting and improving organization’s business efficiency. Furthermore, the role of Soft Systems Methodology will be determined in relation to analyzing and defining the business requirements. People, technology, and organizational issues will be analyzed in order to define how in particular they contribute to the improvement of company’s operations. All the above-presented purposes of the report will be drawn upon the example of an existing company with relatively long and comparat ively successful history of operations – Airbus. Airbus’ practical experience and operations outputs will be used for analyzing and making recommendations regarding the effectiveness of the company’s systems and operations management. Operations management itself, according to Slack, Chambers, and Johnston (2010), is a set of activities aimed at effective management of the resources needed for production and delivery of services and products. Information systems, in their turn, are aimed at gathering, processing, storing and distributing data required for making decisions and controlling an organization (Laudon and Laudon, 2007). As such, information systems are to optimize the working processes within the organization by means of structuring data and automating certain processes for them to become more effective.

Outsourcing To India And China Essay Example for Free

Outsourcing To India And China Essay Outsourcing can be defined as transferring the jobs from the UK to India, China and other third world or low –wage countries. There are many advantages of outsourcing. The following paragraphs explain the relationship of outsourcing and the supply and demand economics theory(Cooke, 2005; pp 173 -180). BODY It is good business senses for multinational companies now outsource from many developing countries (like China and India). In fact, many organizations in the United Kingdom have outsourced their operations, set –up, maintenance of their computer systems and networks and production to other countries. A survey done on 162 European firms showed that half of the interviewed companies had outsourced most of their information technology jobs. These outsourced contracts form only 24 percent of Information Technology jobs. Definitely this had climbed up to 36 percent in 1998 in the United Kingdom alone. The main reason for the increase in outsourcing is the corporate priority to reduce labor and material costs. For, it costs higher to pay a European worker to do the same jobs in the United Kingdom (Bounfour 2003; pp. 84 -92). Likewise, production, call center and other jobs outsourced to China or India would cost less in terms of labor and raw materials (Richardson 1999; pp. 74-94). Evidently, it is good business senses for multinational companies now outsource from many developing countries. (Domberger 1998; p. 84 -90). It is good and bad for the UK economy for multinational companies now outsource from many developing countries (like China and India). Outsourcing is good because the public can buy the same quality products at lower prices. It is also good because lower labor cost will increase net profits. It is bad for the UK labor sector. Outsourcing has changed the labour demand in the UK. Outsourcing has caused the labour jobs especially in the manufacturing sector to decline in the UK and other European Union member states such as France and Germany according to the study by Hijzen et al in 2005. Thus, the imported products and raw materials from low –wage third world countries has greatly affected the UK companies’ demand for European manufacturing and Information Technology workers for the period 1995 to 2000. Also, outsourcing has caused a . 6 percent employment in the European Union countries. Obviously, it is good and bad for the UK economy for multinational companies now outsource from many developing countries (Barrell, Choy and Kirby 2006; pp 63 -67). There are gainers and losers from outsourcing UK jobs. First, the people hired to do the outsourcing jobs in India, China and other third world and low –wage countries will gain from outsourcing contracts. The companies that outsource the jobs will gain because now they will pay lesser labour wages for the same quality job. And, it costs lesser to outsource to China, India and other countries because the raw materials there are definitely cheaper. Further, the biggest gainers here are the entire UK and EU market because they can now buy the goods at lower prices as a result of some outsourcing companies’ reduction of their selling prices brought about by the lower labour and materials costs and expenses(Lever, 1997; pp. 37-42. The losers are the workers in the United Kingdom and the European Union member states because they are fighting a losing battle to the low wage workers in outsourcing country recipients. But the biggest losers are the competitors in the UK and EU market because the UK company that has outsourced production and IT jobs can now lower their selling prices and still earn the same old profit margins which their competitors in the same industry cannot afford to for fear of losing money(Maromonte, 1998; pp. 13-25). Economics’ supply and demand theory states that as the prices of goods decrease, then the demand for the products will increase. Glaringly, there are gainers and losers from outsourcing UK jobs. Outsourcing has many advantages and disadvantages.  The supply and demand theory explains that outsourcing jobs will increase demand for products being sold because prices of goods will decline. The competitors and UK work workers are the greatest losers from outsourcing. The UK and EU market(customers) and the company that have outsourced jobs are the greatest winners from outsourcing. Conclusively, outsourcing will benefit more people (market) than if it is not implemented. UK business, including the competitors must now jump into the boat of outsourcing to survive until the next century.

Government Essay -- American Government, Check and Balance

ThÐ µ UnÃ'â€"tÐ µd StÐ °tÐ µs of AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ ° Ã'â€"s Ð ° lÃ'â€"bÐ µrÐ °l dÐ µmocrÐ °tÃ'â€"c country, Ð °nd thÐ µ bÐ °sÃ'â€"c Ð µlÐ µmÐ µnts of dÐ µmocrÐ °cy (mÐ °jorÃ'â€"ty rulÐ µ, govÐ µrnmÐ µnt by populÐ °r consÐ µnt, onÐ µ pÐ µrson onÐ µ votÐ µ, Ð °nd compÐ µtÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"vÐ µ Ð µlÐ µctÃ'â€"ons, to nÐ °mÐ µ Ð ° fÐ µw) Ð °rÐ µ rÐ µvÐ µrÐ µd. In thÃ'â€"s lÃ'â€"bÐ µrÐ °l dÐ µmocrÐ °tÃ'â€"c country, cÐ µrtÐ °Ã'â€"n corÐ µ vÐ °luÐ µs hÐ °vÐ µ pÐ µrsÃ'â€"stÐ µd sÃ'â€"ncÐ µ AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ °'s foundÃ'â€"ng. ThÐ µ AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ °n crÐ µÃ µd strÐ µssÐ µs such vÐ °luÐ µs Ð °s Ã'â€"ndÃ'â€"vÃ'â€"duÐ °lÃ'â€"ty, lÃ'â€"bÐ µrty, unÃ'â€"ty, sÐ µlf-govÐ µrnmÐ µnt, dÃ'â€"vÐ µrsÃ'â€"ty Ð °nd Ð µquÐ °lÃ'â€"ty. DÐ µmocrÐ °cy Ã'â€"n AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ ° hÐ °s bÐ µÃ µn prÐ °ctÃ'â€"cÐ µd Ã'â€"n pÐ µrmutÐ °tÃ'â€"ons of succÐ µssÃ'â€"vÐ µ complÐ µxÃ'â€"ty for nÐ µÃ °rly 400 yÐ µÃ °rs. It hÐ °s Ð °dvÐ °ncÐ µd from Ã'â€"ts orÃ'â€"gÃ'â€"ns wÃ'â€"thÃ'â€"n Ð ° pÐ °rtÃ'â€"culÐ °r frÐ °mÐ µwork of countÐ µrvÐ °Ã'â€"lÃ'â€"ng Ð µconomÃ'â€"c, polÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cÐ °l, Ð °nd socÃ'â€"Ð °l forcÐ µs thÐ °t prÃ'â€"zÐ µd Ã'â€"ndÃ'â€"vÃ'â€"duÐ °ls Ð °nd thÐ µÃ'â€"r dÐ µsÃ'â€"rÐ µ for Ð ° lÃ'â€"fÐ µ Ã'â€"n pursuÃ'â€"t of thÐ µÃ'â€"r own Ã'â€"ntÐ µrÐ µsts. It should comÐ µ Ð °s no surprÃ'â€"sÐ µ thÐ µ orÃ'â€"gÃ'â€"nÐ °l prÃ'â€"ncÃ'â€"plÐ µs sÐ µrvÐ µ Ð °s thÐ µ foundÐ °tÃ'â€"on for thÐ µ dÐ µmocrÐ °cy Ã'â€"n thÐ µ UnÃ'â€"tÐ µd StÐ °tÐ µs of thÐ µ 21st cÐ µntury. So, to undÐ µrstÐ °nd dÐ µmocrÐ °cy todÐ °y, Ã'â€"t Ã'â€"s nÐ µcÐ µssÐ °ry to rÐ µcÐ °ll Ð °nd Ð °nÐ °lyzÐ µ thÐ µ orÃ'â€"gÃ'â€"ns, cÃ'â€"rcumstÐ °ncÐ µ, Ð °nd prÃ'â€"ncÃ'â€"plÐ µ s from whÃ'â€"ch AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ °n cÃ'â€"vÃ'â€"l socÃ'â€"Ð µty Ð °rosÐ µ on thÐ µ North AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ °n contÃ'â€"nÐ µnt. Although thÐ µ wÐ µll-known hÃ'â€"storÃ'â€"Ð °n RÃ'â€"chÐ °rd HofstÐ °dtÐ µr offÐ µrÐ µd Ð °n Ã'â€"nfluÐ µntÃ'â€"Ð °l crÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cÃ'â€"sm of thÐ µ AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ °n polÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cÐ °l trÐ °dÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"on Ð °s much morÐ µ nuÐ °ncÐ µd Ã'â€"n thÐ µ dÐ µvÐ µlopmÐ µnt of U.S. Ð µconomÃ'â€"c, polÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cÐ °l, Ð °nd socÃ'â€"Ð °l structurÐ µs by thÐ µ nÐ °tÃ'â€"on's Ã'â€"mportÐ °nt lÐ µÃ °dÐ µrs Ð °nd polÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cÐ °l fÃ'â€"gurÐ µs, thÐ µ trÐ °dÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"on offÐ µrs Ð ° usÐ µful lÐ µns through whÃ'â€"ch to undÐ µrstÐ °nd thÐ µ roots of dÐ µmocrÐ °cy Ã'â€"n thÃ'â€"s country. For onÐ µ, thÐ µ trÐ °dÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"on Ð °ssÃ'â€"gns to Ã'â€"ts publÃ'â€"c Ð °nd prÃ'â€"vÐ °tÐ µ Ã'â€"nstÃ'â€"tutÃ'â€"ons, busÃ'â€"nÐ µss Ð °ctÃ'â€"vÃ'â€"ty, Ð °nd thÐ µ nÐ °turÐ µ Ð °nd structurÐ µ of our fÐ °mÃ'â€"lÃ'â€"Ð µs Ð °n Ã'â€"mportÐ °nt rolÐ µ Ã'â€"n prÐ µsÐ µrvÃ'â€"ng thÐ µ lÃ'â€"bÐ µrty to Ð °ccumulÐ °tÐ µ wÐ µÃ °lth. An Ã'â €"mportÐ °nt mÐ µchÐ °nÃ'â€"sm to stÃ'â€"mulÐ °tÐ µ Ð °nd prÐ µsÐ µrvÐ µ thÃ'â€"s lÃ'â€"bÐ µrty Ã'â€"s thÐ µ tÐ µnsÃ'â€"on bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn govÐ µrnmÐ µnt, busÃ'â€"nÐ µss, Nonpr... ... Ð µxÃ'â€"stÐ µd Ð °nd pÐ µrsÃ'â€"stÐ µd Ã'â€"n thÐ µ UnÃ'â€"tÐ µd StÐ °tÐ µs, Ð °lthough thÐ µy hÐ °vÐ µ nÐ µvÐ µr domÃ'â€"nÐ °tÐ µd AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ °n polÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cÐ °l thought. HowÐ µvÐ µr, Ð ° lÐ °ck of polÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cÐ °l domÃ'â€"nÐ °tÃ'â€"on doÐ µs not mÐ µÃ °n thÐ °t thÐ µsÐ µ Ã'â€"dÐ µologÃ'â€"Ð µs hÐ °vÐ µ not hÐ °d Ð °n Ð µffÐ µct on AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ °n polÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cÐ °l thought. ThÐ µ AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ °n pÐ °rty systÐ µm Ã'â€"s Ð ° two-pÐ °rty domÃ'â€"nÐ °tÐ µd systÐ µm, Ð °nd thÃ'â€"s mÐ µÃ °ns thÐ °t only two polÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cÐ °l pÐ °rtÃ'â€"Ð µs hÐ °vÐ µ Ð ° rÐ µÃ °l chÐ °ncÐ µ of domÃ'â€"nÐ °tÃ'â€"ng Ð µÃ'â€"thÐ µr thÐ µ HousÐ µ of RÐ µprÐ µsÐ µntÐ °tÃ'â€"vÐ µs or thÐ µ SÐ µnÐ °tÐ µ, or of hÐ °vÃ'â€"ng thÐ µÃ'â€"r nomÃ'â€"nÐ µÃ µ Ð µlÐ µctÐ µd prÐ µsÃ'â€"dÐ µnt. ExcÐ µpt for Ð ° brÃ'â€"Ð µf pÐ µrÃ'â€"od known Ð °s thÐ µ ErÐ ° of Good FÐ µÃ µlÃ'â€"ng (1820–24), thÐ µrÐ µ hÐ °vÐ µ Ð °lwÐ °ys bÐ µÃ µn two domÃ'â€"nÐ °nt pÐ °rtÃ'â€"Ð µs Ã'â€"n AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ °, Ð °lthough Ã'â€"t hÐ °s not Ð °lwÐ °ys bÐ µÃ µn thÐ µ sÐ °mÐ µ two pÐ °rtÃ'â€"Ð µs. SÃ'â€"ncÐ µ thÐ µ CÃ'â€"vÃ'â€"l WÐ °r, pÐ °rty polÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"cs Ã'â€"n AmÐ µrÃ'â€"cÐ ° hÐ °vÐ µ bÐ µÃ µn domÃ'â€"nÐ °tÐ µd by thÐ µ DÐ µmocrÐ °ts Ð °nd thÐ µ RÐ µpublÃ'â€"cÐ °ns (Ð °nd Ð °lthough thÐ µsÐ µ two pÐ °r tÃ'â€"Ð µs hÐ °vÐ µ pÐ µrsÃ'â€"stÐ µd, thÐ µy hÐ °vÐ µ both Ð °ltÐ µrÐ µd Ã'â€"n thÐ µÃ'â€"r Ã'â€"dÐ µologÃ'â€"Ð µs).

Education Cannot Be Found in a Book :: Personal Narrative Writing

While baby-sitting my younger cousin, I noticed that she was frantically searching through a stack of books. When I questioned what she was looking for she responded frankly, "An education." I had to laugh at such a childish remark. Many individuals believe that education is simply obtained by reading books, listening to lectures or sitting in classrooms. However, education is not received by being an active listener, or an excellent reader. College does not guarantee a higher education; rather, it provides the atmosphere and tools that are required to develop into an educated, and scholarly individual. Education therefore is achieved by progressing through the different stages of knowledge, and acquiring the skills required to be an active observer and participant in the real world. Education is too often emphasized by the regurgitation of facts, which diminishes the use of critical thinking. There are too many dualistic students in society today who think topologically. That is, they believe that there are only two different answers to every question, the right one, and the wrong one. This type of thinking not only limits the quality of education that the student receives, but it also exploits the teacher's indolence and insufficient ability to bestow a higher education upon their students. Although I was ranked number four in my graduating class of 371 students, I do not feel like I have received a higher education than the student who was ranked number 371. Why? Simply because high school is equivalent of a board game, one repeats what the teacher said, one's thinking is emulative of the teachers, and one turns in the "busy work" on time. Hence, high school has educated an individual on how to be resistant to critical thinking. On the other hand, college professors attempt to make students think critically about issues, which concern their lives, and the lives of others. A good college education is not bestowed to the students by their professors; rather, the students furnish their own quality of education. A student can choose to remain resistant to critical thinking, or the student can maneuver into the next stage of education, which is thinking with multiple perspectives. In this multiple stage, the student begins to regard issues with diverse perspectives and to consider multiple answers to questions (Mitchell, 2000).

The Return: Shadow Souls Chapter 10

The next morning Elena got up and dressed quietly in the motel room, grateful for the extra space. Damon was gone, but she had expected that. He usually got his breakfast early while they were on the road, preying on waitresses at all-night truck stops or early-morning diners. She was going to discuss that with him someday, she thought as she put the packet of ground coffee in the little two-cup percolator the motel provided. It smelled good. But more urgently, she needed to talk to someone about what had happened last night. Stefan was her first choice, of course, but she'd found that out of body experiences weren't just to be had for the asking. What she needed to do was call Bonnie and Meredith. She had to talk to them – it was her right – but now, of all times, she couldn't. Intuitively, she felt that any contact between her and Fell's Church might be bad. And Matt had never checked in. Not once. She had no idea where he was on the road, but he had better be in Sedona on time, that was all. He had deliberately cut off all communication between them. Fine. As long as he showed up when he had promised. But†¦Elena still needed to talk. To express herself. Of course! She was an idiot! She still had her faithful companion that never said a word, and never kept her waiting. Pouring herself a cup of scalding black coffee on the way, Elena dug her diary out of the bottom of her duffel bag and opened it to a fresh, clean page. There was nothing like a fresh page and an ink pen that ran smoothly to start her writing. Fifteen minutes later there was a rattle at one window and a minute later Damon was stepping through. He had several paper bags with him and Elena felt unaccountably pleased and homey. She had provided coffee, which was rather good even if it came with dried cream substitute, and Damon had supplied†¦ â€Å"Gasoline,† he said triumphantly, raising his eyebrows significantly at her as he set the bags on the table. â€Å"Just in case they try to use plants against us. No, thanks,† he added, seeing she was standing with a full cup of coffee held in his direction. â€Å"I had a garage mechanic while I was buying this. I'll just go wash my hands.† And he disappeared, walking right past Elena. Walking right past her, without a glance, even though she was wearing her only clean pair of clothes left: jeans and a subtly colored top that looked white at first glance and only in the brightest light revealed that it was ethereally rainbow-shaded. Without a single look, Elena thought, feeling a strange sensation that somehow her life had just lapped itself. She started to throw the coffee away but then decided she needed it herself and drank it in a few scalding gulps. Then she went and stood by her diary, reading over the last two or three pages. â€Å"Are you ready to go?† Damon was shouting over the sound of running water in the bathroom. â€Å"Yes – in just a minute.† Elena read the diary pages from the previous entry, and began skimming the one before that. â€Å"We might as well go straight west from here,† Damon shouted. â€Å"We can make it in one day. They'll think it's a feint for one particular gate and search all the small ones. Meanwhile we'll go on heading for the Kimon Gate and be days ahead of anyone tracking us. It's perfect.† â€Å"Uh-huh,† Elena said, reading. â€Å"We ought to be able to meet Mutt tomorrow – maybe even this evening, depending on what kind of trouble they cause.† â€Å"Uh-huh.† â€Å"But first I wanted to ask you: do you think it's a coincidence that our window is broken? Because I always put wards on them at night and I'm sure – † He passed a hand over his forehead. â€Å"I'm sure that I must have done that last night, as well. But something got through and broke the window and got away without a trace. That was why I bought all the the gasoline. If they try something with trees, I'll blast them all back to Stonehenge.† And half the innocent residents of the state, Elena thought grimly. But she was in a state of such shock that not much could make an impression on top of it. â€Å"What are you doing now?† Damon was clearly ready to get up and going. â€Å"Getting rid of something I don't need,† Elena said, and flushed the toilet, watching the torn-up bits of her diary swirl round and round before disappearing. â€Å"I wouldn't worry about the window, though,† she said, coming back into the bedroom and slipping her shoes on. â€Å"And don't get up for a minute, Damon. I've got to talk to you about something.† â€Å"Oh, come on. It can wait until we're on the road, can't it?† â€Å"No, it can't, because we've got to pay for that window. You broke it last night, Damon. But you don't remember doing it, do you?† Damon stared at her. She could tell that his first temptation was to laugh. His second temptation, to which he gave in, was to think that she was nuts. â€Å"I'm serious,† she said, once he had gotten up and started to pace toward the window with a distinct look of wanting to be a crow flying out of it. â€Å"Don't you dare go anywhere, Damon, because there's more.† â€Å"More stuff I did that I don't remember?† Damon lounged against the wall in one of his old, arrogant poses. â€Å"Maybe I smashed a few guitars, kept the radio on until four A.M.?† â€Å"No. Not necessarily things from – last night,† Elena said, looking away. She couldn't look at him. â€Å"Other things, from other days – â€Å" â€Å"Like maybe I've been trying to sabotage this trip all along,† he said, his voice laconic. He eyed the ceiling and sighed heavily. â€Å"Maybe I've done it just to be alone with you – â€Å" â€Å"Shut up, Damon!† Where had that come from? Well, she knew that, of course. From her feelings about last night. The problem was that she also had to get some other things settled – seriously, if he would take them. Come to think of it, that might be a better way to go about this. â€Å"Do you think that your feelings about Stefan – well, have changed at all recently?† Elena asked. â€Å"What?† â€Å"Do you think† – oh, this was so difficult looking into black eyes the color of endless space. Especially when last night they had been full of myriads of stars – â€Å"do you think that you've come to think of him differently? To honor his wishes more than you used to do?† Now Damon was openly examining her, just as she was examining him. â€Å"Are you serious?† he said. â€Å"Completely,† she said, and, with a supreme effort, she sent her tears back where they were supposed to go. â€Å"Something did happen last night,† he said. He was looking intently at her face. â€Å"Didn't it?† â€Å"Something happened, yes,† Elena said. â€Å"It was – it was more of a – † She had to let out her breath, and with that almost everything went. â€Å"Shinichi! Shinichi, che bastardo! Imbroglione! That thief! I'm going to kill him slowly!† Suddenly Damon was everywhere. He was beside her, his hands on her shoulders; the next minute he was shouting imprecations out the window, then he was back, holding both her hands. But only one word mattered to Elena. Shinichi. The kitsune with his black, scarlet-tipped hair, who had made them give up so much just for the location of Stefan's cell. â€Å"Mascalzone! Maleducato – † Elena lost track of Damon's cursing again. So it was true. Last night had been completely stolen from Damon, taken from his mind as simply and completely as the interval when she had used Wings of Redemption and Wings of Purification on him. The latter he had agreed to. But last night – and what other things had the fox been taking? To cut out an entire evening and night – and this evening and night in particular, implied that†¦ â€Å"He never shut down the connection between my mind and his. He still can reach inside me any time he chooses.† Damon had finally stopped swearing, and stopped moving. He was sitting on the couch opposite the bed with his hands drooping between his knees. He looked singularly forlorn. â€Å"Elena, you have to tell me. What did he take from me last night? Please!† Damon looked as if he might fall on his knees in front of her, without melodrama. â€Å"If – if – it was what I think – â€Å" Elena smiled, although tears were still running down her face. â€Å"It wasn't – what anyone would think, exactly, I suppose,† she said. â€Å"But – !† â€Å"Let's just say that this time – was mine,† Elena said. â€Å"If he's stolen anything else from you, or if he tries to do it in the future, then he's fair game. But this†¦will be my secret.† Until maybe someday you break into your huge boulder of secrets, she thought. â€Å"Until I tear it out of him, along with his tongue and his tail!† snarled Damon, and it was truly the snarl of an animal. Elena was glad it wasn't directed at her. â€Å"Don't worry,† Damon added in a voice so chilling that it was almost more frightening than the animal fury. â€Å"I will find him, no matter where he tries to hide. And I will take it from him. I might just take his entire little furry hide off with it. I'll make you a pair of mittens out of it, how's that?† Elena tried to smile and did a pretty good job. She was just coming to terms with what had happened herself, although she didn't believe for a minute that Damon would really leave her alone on the subject until he forced the memory back out of Shinichi. She realized that on some level she was punishing Damon for what Shinichi had done, and that was wrong. I promise no one will know about last night, she told herself. Not until Damon does. I won't even tell Bonnie and Meredith. This made things a lot harder on her, and therefore probably more equitable. As they were cleaning up the debris from Damon's most recent fit of fury, he suddenly reached up to brush a stray tear from Elena's cheek. â€Å"Thank you – † Elena began. Then she stopped. Damon was touching his fingers to his lips. He looked at her, startled and a little disappointed. Then he shrugged. â€Å"Still unicorn bait,† he said. â€Å"Did I say that last night?† Elena hesitated, then decided that his words didn't fall within the crucial time limits of secrecy. â€Å"Yes, you did. But – you won't give me away, will you?† she added, suddenly anxious. â€Å"I've promised my friends not to say anything.† Damon was staring at her. â€Å"Why should I say anything about anybody? Unless you're talking about the little redheaded one?† â€Å"I told you; I'm not saying anything. Except that obviously Caroline isn't a virgin. Well, with all the ruckus about her being pregnant – â€Å" â€Å"But you remember,† Damon interjected, â€Å"I came to Fell's Church before Stefan did; I just lurked in the shadows longer. The way you talked – â€Å" â€Å"Oh, I know. We liked boys and boys liked us, and we already had reputations. So we just talked any way we felt like talking. Some of it may have been true, but a lot of it you could take two ways – and then of course you know how boys talk – â€Å" Damon knew. He nodded. â€Å"Well and so pretty soon everyone was talking about us as if we'd done everything with everyone. They even wrote stuff about it in the paper and the yearbook and on the bathroom walls. But we had a little poem, too, and sometimes we even wrote it with our signatures on it. How did it go?† Elena cast her mind back a year, two years, more. Then she recited: â€Å"Just because you heard it, doesn't make it true. Just because you read it, doesn't make it so. The next time that you hear it, it may be about you. Don't think that you can change their minds, just 'cause you know – you know!† As Elena finished, she looked at Damon, suddenly feeling the urgent need to get to Stefan. â€Å"We're almost there,† she said. â€Å"Let's hurry.†

airman leadership Essay

airman leadership Essay airman leadership Essay AF Strategic Initiative Good afternoon. I am 1sgt hekmat and today I’d like to briefly talk about how and why the Air Force Culture and Language center was established. Then, I will talk about some of their responsibilities in the development of the Airmen of today. Finally, I will show you how the Center is transforming the Air Force’s way of doing business in the constantly changing global environment. To start, let’s look at how the center was created. The Air Force Culture

Do SAT Scores Predict Success

Do SAT Scores Predict Success SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips There’s no doubt that a good SAT score will give you a leg up in college admissions, but is this advantage justified? It’s been argued, especially in recent years, that SAT scores are not reliable predictors of success in college academics, the job world, and beyond. In this article, I’ll explore these claims and see just how relevant your scores are to your future. Do High SAT Scores Predict Future Academic Success? The short answer is â€Å"not always.†SAT scores only account for 10 to 20 percent of the variation in first-year college GPAs, but this statistic is slightly misleading. Since most schools admit students who fall within a relatively small range of SAT scores, a student's performance on the SAT is less likely to predict large variations in GPA. If one college admitted students with SAT scores that were all over the map, the predictive value of the scores would likely be stronger. Still, according to this study, high school GPA is a more accurate predictor of a student’s ultimate success in college than SAT scores.A student with average SAT scores and a high GPA is overall more likely to be successful in college than a student with high SAT scores and a GPA that’s on the lower side.Many students put a lot of effort into SAT prep, so scores can still be a strong indication of a student’s academic dedication.However, SAT scores represent the results of one test, whereas GPA represents the result of hundreds of tests. GPA usually provides a morecomplete and accurate picture of how students meet academic challenges. Students with high SAT scores may have earned their scores through natural ability and a solid education, or they may have devoted a lot of time and effort to test preparation.If a high score is due to natural ability, it won’t necessarily mean that the student has the wherewithal to complete long-term assignments and think deeply and critically in the ways that college classes require.However, if the student did put a lot of time and effort into SAT prep, a high score may very well be indicative of serious dedication even if he or she has a low GPA. The SAT can’t definitively predict the effort that a student is willing to put into academics or how he or she will respond to assignments that require extended effort and concentration.Many people with high SAT scores do go on to become academically successful, but this is usually because they also have the drive to succeed in school. They most likely earned their scores through hard work and maintained a high GPA in high school as well.Students with high GPAs and high SAT scores remain the most likely to end up successful in college. If you have a low high school GPA but high SAT scores that you worked hard to earn, don’t let the overall trends affect your self-perception too much.High SAT scores may indicate that you have a lot of raw intelligence, you went to a great high school, you worked hard and studied a lot for the test, or some random combination of those factors.Scores can have very different origins, which means that they don’t automatically spell future academic success. They just make it a bit more likely! A+ grades don't exist at most colleges. But you'll probably get at least a few As because grade inflation is so bad. Do High SAT Scores Predict Future Career Success? The SAT can’t reliably measure perseverance, conscientiousness, or interpersonal skills. These are the traits that result in long-term success in virtually any career field. A high score may indicate that a student possesses some of these qualities (especially if they studied hard for it), but it's not a guarantee. Your scorealso can't always predict your ultimate level of education, which is a much better indicator of future career success and earning potential. People with associate’s degrees earn less on average than people with bachelor’s degrees, and people with bachelor’s degrees earn less on average than people with master’s degrees.Your major also makes a big difference in your ultimate earnings. People who major in engineering or IT earn more on average than people who major in the humanities.There is a correlation between people who earn high SAT scores and people who strive to work in more competitive fields or earn more advanced degrees, but the SAT score alone doesn’t always predict success. There are a few job fields with strict recruiting processes thatrequire candidates to report their SAT scores.These include consulting, software engineering, and investment banking.Since these jobs are very competitive, employers use SAT scores as another way to weed out â€Å"less qualified† applicants.So yes, having a high SAT score can help you if you are planning on going through recruiting processes for these types of jobs, but if you don’t have other qualifications going for you, SAT scores can only get your so far. The bottom line is that high SAT scores can start you on the path to a strong career, but to succeed long-term you'll have to possess other qualities that are valuable in the job world outside of the narrow set of skills that are tested. If, for example, you want to have a career in hanging signs that say "career" from invisible rafters in a white room, your SAT scores won't matter because you've completely lost touch with reality. Are People With High SAT Scores Ultimately Happier? This is a tough one because it depends on how you define â€Å"happier†.Within the higher education system that’s currently in place, it’s a fact that high SAT scores will get you into more prestigious colleges, leading to more potential job prospects, and, depending on your major and how much education you get, a fulfilling career. Since happiness is such a subjective measure, it’s difficult to say whether high SAT scores will lead to greater happiness in your life.If your happiness is tied up in academic achievement and attaining high levels of education, high SAT scores may propel you down a path to greater happiness.If these things aren’t as important to you, and you have other priorities like creating great art, having a family, or pursuing a career where academic achievement is less relevant, SAT scores won’t necessarily impact how happy you are.Some people with high SAT scores might be lesshappy because they’re never satisfied with what they do, no matter how outwardly successful they might look. Getting a college education is a good start to a fulfilling life for most people, but if you have a 1500 SAT score and someone else has a 2000, you’ll both be able to get into college. After that point, it’s hard to tell which one of you will be happier in the long run.Your SAT score on its own can’t determine your destiny! According to Google images, all you have to do to find true happiness is to jump in the air with a cool-looking sky behind you. Conclusion All in all, it would be inaccurate to say that SAT scores can directly predict success.High SAT scores will enable you to get into a selective school and can predict your GPA for the first year of college relatively well, but from then on your success may vary a lot depending on how driven you are. Overall, people with high SAT scores and low high school GPAs are likely to end up with low GPAs in college as well, and people with average SAT scores and impressive high school GPAs are likely to continue to get good grades in college.High SAT scores will give you a leg up in some competitive job markets, but they can’t necessarily predict how well you'll do long-term in your career. The main thing to take away from this information is that high SAT scores help you get into college, but they don’t mean that you’re set for life.As I’ve said, a high score can mean different things depending on how you earned it.For some students, it’s indicative of hard work and prep over a long period of time, and for others it’s indicative of a natural aptitude for test taking and a strong high school education. If you pulled your high SAT score out of thin air, it might be less of a solid predictor of your ability to face academic struggles and work hard later in life.If you put in a lot of effort to earn a high score, it’s more likely that you’ll end up doing well in college and beyond because you have the discipline to overcome intellectual challenges. What's Next? Not sure whether your score measures up? Find out what a good SAT score means for you based on your goals. If you're working on improving your SAT score, check out these fifteen tips that you can use to make big positive changes with little extra study time. Are you trying to avoid sending colleges your SAT scores? You should investigate these schools that have test optional application policies. Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your SAT score by 240 points?We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article! Tweet Samantha Lindsay About the Author Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Get FREE EXCLUSIVE insider tips on how to ACE THE SAT/ACT. 100% Privacy. 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susan smith essays

susan smith essays When turning on the television, radio, or simply opening the local newspaper, one is mess with news of arrests, murders, homicides, serial killers, and other such tragedies. 1994 must be a great year to be alive if you are a criminal! Nobody takes liability for his or her own actions anymore. Someone commits a heinous crime, and everything but the criminal is blame, it was a cruel childhood, abusive parents, in my mind, if you commit a crime, and then you are a criminal. Others may influence my decisions, but ultimately, I am the one that makes that final choice. No matter how hard and pathetic you think your life is, or how badly society treats you, you made the decision to break the law-nobody made the decision for you. The Susan Smith case is a good example. Does such a statement as "hurt people, hurt people" excuse one's action. Does it exaggerate the apparent thought that an individual who is hurt by others will, in their pain, inflict hurt on otherseven the innocent? It is hard to figure out how someone could kill his or her own children. We live in a society today where killings happen on a day-to-day basis, and many get away with it. Those who are caught do not usually stay in that cell for the rest of their life. For a cold-blooded killer, capital punishment is the only true justice. Susan Smith drove her two innocent kids in to the lake. She freely drove her car into the lake as her two young sons sit seat belted in the backseat of her car. Susan then got out of the car and watched as the cabin of the car filled up with the freezing cold water eventually drowning the two. Just think of how they felt as they sit in the car crying for their mother frantically, wondering why mommy left them there? For nine days, she stuck to her story about a black carjacker who confiscate the car as she drove on a dark and empty back road. Friends and relatives joined an apprehensive search, until ...

The redistribution of wealth in US Military Spending Research Paper

The redistribution of wealth in US Military Spending - Research Paper Example In addition to investing in sectors such as education, health, food etc, the government also spends a fortune on funding military services, which are highly important because the overall safety of the country and its citizens rests within the hands of the military personnel. However, the present scenario puts forth a dilemma to the US government, that is, whether to decrease military spending and undertake consecutive risks involved or increase military spending and contribute further to the decline of the economy as well as the deteriorating standard of living of its citizens. Since sectors such as education and health are more productive in promoting personal development among citizens, thus in turn boosting the economy and resulting in further development of the country through lesser inequality in wealth distribution, it becomes clear that the US government should cut back its military spending and invest the wealth of the country in these productive sectors. It is a fact that th e military of any nation is responsible for protecting the citizens as well as the country from both internal and external threats. Thus, it is acknowledged that the country deploys a large number of personnel for military requirements in terms of air force, navy force as well as ground force. Moreover, in the same context, the government of the country makes huge investments in order to support various military operations, provide exceptional training to the troops, fund different endeavours that come under its programs etc. However, despite the fact that it is an absolute necessity to provide for the country’s security and the citizen’s safety, there is indeed a thing such as overspending for military, especially in the case of developed countries like the United States. Contrary to the government’s view of still supporting military expenditure in the present milieu, the American citizens have expressed in a recent nationwide survey conducted by the ‘Cen ter for Public Integrity’ that in order for the country to revive from the current deficit, the government needs to â€Å"cut the defense budget deeply† (Smith, 2012, p. 1). It is due to conspicuous wastage of the nation’s wealth through military, that the government is unable to fully contribute towards economic growth, as well as fulfil the very purpose for which it was established- safeguarding the interests of the citizens and ensuring the welfare of human beings. Furthermore, if the government funded more money for sectors dealing with aspects like education, healthcare, employment, food etc, the country could actually make a difference in its wealth distribution and gradually bridge the gap between the rich and poor sections of society. Thus, it becomes clear that the American government should focus on productive sectors rather than military and simultaneously it should decrease its military expenditure in order to redistribute wealth in the US in a more ideal way. The primary responsibility of the government should be to provide the citizens of the country with basic amenities such as food and shelter. However, the US government is intent on according the highest priority to military warfare as was revealed by its expenditure of â€Å"$737 billion on military defense†

Information System In Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Information System In Organizations - Essay Example About ten years ago, many organizations are not open to its use and various restrictions are being applied, based on the level of the user. Today, internet access is part of the basic layout of every computers assigned to users and an indispensable tool in performing various tasks in the workplace. In many ways, internet usage in the context of the organization is a means to interact with its environment and face more opportunities (Willcocks, 1996). However, with these remarkable opportunities include accompanying risks, as it also exposes the information and technologies of the organization to a multitude of threats that must be recognized, mitigated and dealt with in such a manner that it will not obstruct the organization in meeting its goals. From this overview, it is imperative for an organization to invest in securing its core assets and processes in order to maintain a productive and competitive structure (Willcocks and Lester, 1996). The increasing competition, especially on a multinational level, significantly also increase the number of companies that tap and invest in informational systems (IS) in order to gain their niche and put an edge over their competitors (Rotemberg and Saloner, 1991). More and more companies are also employin... The use of IS approaches is also a method to realize and enhance workforce's effective response mechanisms towards the importance of e-commerce and concurrently, manage internal organizational processes that have a direct link to output and competence (Willcocks and Lester, 1996). Just like in any process, IS practices should also have its own means of evaluation mechanisms in order to be effective. It was found out that IS methods are successful in organizations that utilizes the procedure as a strategic, rather than a one-dimentional approach to develop the organization's overall performance (Rotemberg and Saloner, 1991). Information systems play a vital role in synchronizing the different tasks assigned to the different groups within the organization. This coordinating ability of information systems is especially vital in large organizations that have different interests or subsidiaries. Information systems streamline the business processes to make it more uniform among the different groups within the organization, guaranteeing efficiency and better transition in terms of information transfer. The streamlining of processes also makes the organization resilient and flexible to varying changes within and outside its environment. It also makes the organization more focused on updating its processes by removing any outdated practices that may impede in the development and growth of the organization (Willcocks and Lester, 1996). CASE STUDY The Washington Post is one of the most recognized news and information organizations in the world. The organization traces its origin to as early as 1877 when Stitson Hutchins launched the "Democratic Daily Journal". Initially, the emphasis/focus of the organization is in the areas of publication and distribution of newspapers.

Elementary-Age Students Identified with ADHD Receive Coursework

Elementary-Age Students Identified with ADHD Receive - Coursework Example Elementary-age students diagnosed with ADHD have behavioral problems that may result in their expulsion from the main setting in which they receive their education. Such behavioral challenges include forgetfulness, sleeping problems, and difficulty cooperating with other students. Such behaviors escalate as a child moves into elementary school, and for that reason, make it difficult to identify their appropriate main setting (Friend, 2014, 179).The results of intervention measures require considerable caution as few studies of intervention effectiveness have been completed successfully with young children. The best combination for young children has not yet been comprehensively determined and thus their main setting requires consistent and immediate feedback (Friend, 2014, 179).The federal government does not collect and publish data regarding the main setting in which children with ADHD are educated. Children with ADHD often have other disabilities, and hence, data from their disabi lity group does not compellingly determine their main setting for education. Students with both ADHD and a learning or emotional disability have to adapt to the least restrictive environment provision of IDEA. Even so, one cannot differentiate the application of this dimension of the law from the annual reports issued about ADHD implementation. It is ambiguous and makes it so difficult to determine the main setting in which elementary-age students identified with ADHD receive their education (Friend, 2014, 180).

Discussion Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 58

Discussion - Assignment Example The drum-kit is focused lightly, and the choruses added in the song bring tune and music. As far as the folk version of the song is concerned, the lyrics are more appreciable, and the background music provides an ominous melody as it is a song in a low moan. Examining the history of the song, it is seen that the version shows more sentimental side of music, which was present in Anglo and African American roots showing broken, hearted country ballad. The Leadbelly’s version makes the music cover horrific conjecture of the time of the music at the time of wake of Southern racism in America (Garofalo and Waksman). Hence, the songs follow the tastes of consumers at the time of their emergence. The Leadbelly’s versions take you at the time of Depression and unplugged version follows the tastes of current consumers. The emergence of different versions has made the music business enjoyable as people relate the music to their lives and their time (Garofalo and

Dental School Applicataion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dental School Applicataion - Essay Example ks at the clinic have been to develop x-ray films and set up trays for treatments, but, I also had the opportunity to observe doctors performing root canal treatments and various Endodontic procedures. Dental procedures and the use of instruments have not been the only aspects of dentistry that I learned there. The doctors I have been working with are graduate dental students. I was able to observe how much time and efforts they have invested to succeed there. The doctors always shared with me that their hard work has always paid off at the end when patients thank them and tell them how dental treatments make their lives easier. To explore different fields in dentistry, I have also volunteered at the Dental Fear Research Clinic at the University of Washington, School of Dentistry for five months, from three to five hours a week. This clinic specializes in patients that have some type of dental fears. I was very impressed to observe Dr. Tar-Chee Aw at work with his team of dental assistants and psychologists, seeking the best methods to relieve the patient’s anxieties and discomforts. My experiences at the dental clinics shaped my desire to help people with oral health needs. These lessons have been invaluable to me to succeed in a dental school. I am also planning to volunteer in a community (public) clinic and a private clinic in the near future. I have also had the opportunity to learn many laboratory techniques from my prior experiences in different laboratories. I have worked in a Biochemistry laboratory since my freshman year. The focus of our research is to study the metabolic mechanisms of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast species), especially the interaction between BMH and ADR1 proteins, which are known to be involved in transcription regulation of the carbohydrate utilization in yeast. The focus is to identify the specific binding site of BMH to ADR1 and how this affects the glucose ´s repressible pathway in the metabolism. This research is not only

Discussion Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 58

Discussion - Assignment Example The drum-kit is focused lightly, and the choruses added in the song bring tune and music. As far as the folk version of the song is concerned, the lyrics are more appreciable, and the background music provides an ominous melody as it is a song in a low moan. Examining the history of the song, it is seen that the version shows more sentimental side of music, which was present in Anglo and African American roots showing broken, hearted country ballad. The Leadbelly’s version makes the music cover horrific conjecture of the time of the music at the time of wake of Southern racism in America (Garofalo and Waksman). Hence, the songs follow the tastes of consumers at the time of their emergence. The Leadbelly’s versions take you at the time of Depression and unplugged version follows the tastes of current consumers. The emergence of different versions has made the music business enjoyable as people relate the music to their lives and their time (Garofalo and

Business Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Management - Case Study Example Over time, our activities will be decentralized to enable our services be enjoyed by potential patrons in the outskirts of the capital city. Internet service is woefully inadequate in Ghana, besides, in places where it does exist, it is still at its infancy. In view of the technological wind currently blowing across the world, the people of Ghana should not be left off this experience. It is based on this realization that XZYZ Inc can capture the enormous business potential on the domestic market. It is against this background that the primary focus of the company will be to offer high standard internet service that will be defined by speed and reliable connectivity. By so doing, we will be progressively headed towards becoming the main entryway for data communication by offering ground-breaking products, at affordable prices, and above all with the highest levels of customer service. At the core of the success of every business entity is the strategic role planning plays in the overall operational agenda. Therefore in collaboration with the top management hierarchy of the company, the goals of the company will be identified and streamlined along the conventional managerial standards ( Javashree 2008). Cardinal to the pla Cardinal to the planning policy is the ability to strike a compromising balance between what our goals (as stated in the opening part of the manual) are measured against the resources available to the firm. As part of the policy, the regulatory framework that will be used to determine all aspects of our operations right from financing, legalization, marketing down to customer service will be spelt out. In many ways our plan will be constructed on short term, medium term and long term basis that will factor in an appreciable level of flexibility to accommodate any unforeseen changes in the industry as we progress. Mohr & Puck (2006), has advocated for the establishment of a self-regulatory check and balances scheme into the plans of every business entity in order to avoid needless pertinent misrepresentation of roles and responsibilities. Organizational Structure XYZ Inc will be structured in a manner that will reflect our overall goals. The quality and caliber of staff to be hired will also be carried out along these same lines. In the broader sense, XYZ Inc will be operating on the principles of contemporary managerial structures, which includes among other things, the top management level; middle level management; and first level management (Javashee 2008). A team of highly skilled personalities will constitute the top management level. It will be complemented by the hiring of highly skilled individuals who possess valuable technical know-how in information technology and in their respective professional backgrounds. This is the category that will be heading the various departments such as finance and accounting, marketing, plant management and what have you. It is expected that taking cognizance of the huge human capital base of Ghana, attracting and hiring the right professional experts will not pose

Marketing strategies Essay Example for Free

Marketing strategies Essay The word â€Å"strategy† is derived from the Greek word â€Å"stratà §gos†; stratus (meaning army) and â€Å"ago† (meaning leading/moving). Strategy is an action that managers take to attain one or more of the organization’s goals. Strategy can also be defined as â€Å"A general direction set for the company and its various components to achieve a desired state in the future. Strategy results from the detailed strategic planning process†. A strategy is all about integrating organizational activities and utilizing and allocating the scarce resources within the organizational environment so as to meet the present objectives. While planning a strategy it is essential to consider that decisions are not taken in a vaccum and that any act taken by a firm is likely to be met by a reaction from those affected, competitors, customers, employees or suppliers. Strategy can also be defined as knowledge of the goals, the uncertainty of events and the need to take into consideration the likely or actual behavior of others. Strategy is the blueprint of decisions in an organization that shows its objectives and goals, reduces the key policies, and plans for achieving these goals, and defines the business the company is to carry on, the type of economic and human organization it wants to be, and the contribution it plans to make to its shareholders, customers and society at large. Features of strategic management Strategy relates the firm to its environment, particularly the external environ-ment in all actions whether objective setting, or actions and resources required for its achievement. This definition emphasizes on the systems approach of management and treats an organization as part of the society consequently affected by it. Strategy is the right combination of factors both external and internal. In relating an organization to its environment, the management must also consider the internal factors too, particularly its strengths and weaknesses, to take various courses of action. Strategy is relative combination of actions. The combination is to meet a particu-lar condition, to solve certain problems, or to attain a desirable objective. It may take any form; for every situation varies and, therefore, requires a somewhat different approach. Strategy may even involve contradictory action. Since strategic action depends on environmental variables, a manager may take an action today and revise or reverse his steps tomorrow depending on the situations. Strategy is forward looking. It has orientation towards the future. Strategic ac-tion is required in a new situation. Nothing-new requiring solutions can exist in the past, and so strategy is relevant only to the future. Process The strategic management process is more than just a set of rules to follow. It is a philosophical approach to business. Upper management must think strategically first, then apply that thought to a process. The strategic management process is best implemented when everyone within the business understands the strategy. The five stages of the process are goal-setting, analysis, strategy formation, strategy implementation and strategy monitoring. 1. Goal-Setting The purpose of goal-setting is to clarify the vision for your business. This stage consists of identifying three key facets: First, define both short- and long-term objectives. Second, identify the process of how to accomplish your objective. Finally, customize the process for your staff, give each person a task with which he can succeed. Keep in mind during this process your goals to be detailed, realistic and match the values of your vision. Typically, the final step in this stage is to write a mission statement that succinctly communicates your goals to both your shareholders and your staff. 2. Analysis Analysis is a key stage because the information gained in this stage will shape the next two stages. In this stage, gather as much information and data relevant to accomplishing your vision. The focus of the analysis should be on understanding the needs of the business as a sustainable entity, its strategic direction and identifying initiatives that will help your business grow. Examine any external or internal issues that can affect your goals and objectives. Make sure to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of your organization as well as any threats and opportunities that may arise along the path. 3. Strategy Formulation The first step in forming a strategy is to review the information gleaned from completing the analysis. Determine what resources the business currently has that can help reach the defined goals and objectives. Identify any areas of which the business must seek external resources. The issues facing the company should be prioritized by their importance to your success. Once prioritized, begin formulating the strategy. Because business and economic situations are fluid, it is critical in this stage to develop alternative approaches that target each step of the plan. 4. Strategy Implementation Successful strategy implementation is critical to the success of the business venture. This is the action stage of the strategic management process. If the overall strategy does not work with the business current structure, a new structure should be installed at the beginning of this stage. Everyone within the organization must be made clear of their responsibilities and duties, and how that fits in with the overall goal. Additionally, any resources or funding for the venture must be secured at this point. Once the funding is in place and the employees are ready, execute the plan. 5. Evaluation and Control Strategy evaluation and control actions include performance measurements, consistent review of internal and external issues and making corrective actions when necessary. Any successful evaluation of the strategy begins with defining the parameters to be measured. These parameters should mirror the goals set in Stage Types of strategic management 1. Functional strategies Functional strategy- selection of decision rules in each functional area. Thus, functional strategies in any organization, some (e.g., marketing strategy, financial strategy, etc.). It is desirable that they have been fixed in writing. In particular, functional strategies are as follows: Production strategy( make or buy) defines what the company produces itself, and that purchases from suppliers or partners, that is, how far worked out the production chain. Financial Strategy- to select the main source of funding: the development of their own funds (depreciation, profit, the issue of shares, etc.) or through debt financing (bank loans, bonds, commodity suppliers credits, etc.). Organizational strategy- decision on the organization of the staff (choose the type of organizational structure, compensation system, etc.). May be allocated and other functional strategies, for example, the strategy for research and experimental development (R D), investment strategy, etc. In addition, each of the functional strategies can be divided into components. For example, organizational strategy can be divided into three components: strategy of building organizations to select the type of structure (divisional, functional, project, etc.); strategy to work with the staff a way of training (mainly administrative staff), training of staff (in a business or educational institutions), career planning, etc.; Strategy wages (in the broader sense rewards and penalties) in particular, the approach to the compensation of senior managers (salary, bonuses, profit sharing, etc.). Organization for the implementation of the strategy at the functional area responsible senior specialist (Ch. Engineer, Director of Finance), at the enterprise level the general director or director of the department, at the level of groups of companies a collegiate body (management, board of directors). 2. Human resources Role in Strategy Formulation: HRM is in a unique position to supply competitive intelligence that may be useful in strategy formulation. Details regarding advanced incentive plans used by competitors, opinion survey data from employees, elicit information about customer complaints, information about pending legislation etc. can be provided by HRM. Unique HR capabilities serve as a driving force in strategy formulation. 3. Marketing strategies Marketing management is a business discipline which is focused on the practical application of marketing techniques and the management of a firms marketing resources and activities. Globalization has led firms to market beyond the borders of their home countries, making international marketinghighly significant and an integral part of a firms marketing strategy. Marketing managers are often responsible for influencing the level, timing, and composition of customer demand accepted definition of the term. In part, this is because the role of a marketing manager can vary significantly based on a businesss size, corporate culture, and industry context. For example, in a large consumer products company, the marketing manager may act as the overall general manager of his or her assigned product. To create an effective, cost-efficient marketing management strategy, firms must possess a detailed, objective understanding of their own business and the market in which they operate. In analyzing these issues, the discipline of marketing management often overlaps with the related discipline of strategic planning. To achieve the desired objectives, marketers typically identify one or more target customer segments which they intend to pursue. Customer segments are often selected as targets because they score highly on two dimensions: 1) The segment is attractive to serve because it is large, growing, makes frequent purchases, is not price sensitive (i.e. is willing to pay high prices), or other factors; and 2) The company has the resources and capabilities to compete for the segments business, can meet their needs better than the competition, and can do so profitably. [3] In fact, a commonly cited definition of marketing is simply meeting needs profitably. 4. Financial strategy To get the most out of your financial resources and achieve sustainability youll need to successfully manage all your funding and financing sources in an overarching strategy for your organisation. Many organisations manage income from a number of different funding and finance sources from donations, grants, contracts and income generated from trading. A financial strategy enables your organisation to assess your financial needs and the sources of support required to meet your objectives and fulfil the organisational mission, whilst also planning for continued growth to enable stability. Youre financial strategy will derive from your mission. So the first step is to clearly define why you exist and you plan to achieve your mission before preparing any budgets. Cadbury History Birmingham 1824 John Cadbury was one of ten children of Richard Tapper Cadbury, a prominent Quaker who had moved to Birmingham, England from the West Country in 1794. In 1824, 22-year-old John Cadbury opened his first shop at 93 Bull Street, next to his fathers drapery and silk business in the then fashionable part of Birmingham. Apart from selling tea and coffee, John Cadbury sold hops, mustard and a new sideline cocoa and drinking chocolate, which he prepared using a mortar and pestle. Cocoa and drinking chocolate had been introduced into England in the 1650s but remained a luxury enjoyed by the elite of English society. Customers at John Cadburys shop were amongst the most prosperous Birmingham families, the only ones who could afford the delicacy. Cocoa beans were imported from South and Central America and the West Indies. Experimenting with his mortar and pestle, John Cadbury produced a range of cocoa and chocolate drinks, the latter with added sugar. The products were sold in blocks: customers scraped a little off into a cup or saucepan and added hot milk or water. John Cadbury had a considerable flair for advertising and promotion. John Cadbury is desirous of introducing to particular notice Cocoa Nibs, prepared by himself, an article affording a most nutritious beverage for breakfast, announced his first advertisement in the Birmingham Gazette in March 1824. He soon established himself as one of the leading cocoa and drinking chocolate traders in Birmingham. The popularity and growing sales of John Cadburys cocoa and drinking chocolate of superior quality determined the future direction of the business. In 1831, John Cadbury rented a small factory in Crooked Lane not far from his shop. He became a manufacturer of drinking chocolate and cocoa, laying the foundation for the Cadbury chocolate business. These early cocoa and drinking chocolates were balanced with potato starch and sago flour to counter the high cocoa butter content, while other ingredients were added to give healthy properties. By 1842, John Cadbury was selling sixteen lines of drinking chocolate and cocoa in cake and powder forms. The Quaker Influence The Cadbury family were prominent members of the Society of Friends or Quakers, one of the many nonconformist religious groups formed in the 17th century. Their strong beliefs carried into campaigns aimed at ending poverty and deprivation and many prominent Quaker-run businesses were part of reforms of social and industrial society in Victorian Britain. John Cadburys lifelong involvement with the Temperance Society influenced the direction of his business enterprise. By providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate as an alternative to alcohol he felt he was helping to alleviate some of the alcolohol-related causes of poverty and deprivation amongst working people. He also incorporated some of these principles in his industrial relations philosophy. (See A Progressive Workplace) Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham John Cadbury As the enterprise prospered, in 1847 John Cadbury rented a larger factory in Bridge Street, off Broad Street, in the centre of Birmingham and went into partnership with his brother Benjamin trading as Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham. The retail side of the business in Bull Street was passed to a nephew, Richard Cadbury Barrow in 1849. Barrow Stores, as it became, traded in Central Birmingham until the 1960s. A major turning point for the cocoa and chocolate industry came in the mid-1850s, when taxes on imported cocoa beans were reduced by Prime Minister William Gladstone. The previously prohibitive chocolate products were now within the reach of the wider population. Cadbury Brothers received their first Royal Warrant on February 4, 1854 as manufacturers of cocoa and chocolate to Queen Victoria. The company continues to hold royal warrants of appointment. During the 1850s business began to decline. The partnership between the first Cadbury brothers was dissolved in 1860, a difficult time in the companys history. John Cadburys sons Richard and George, who had joined the company in the 1850s, became the second Cadbury brothers to run the business when their father retired due to failing health in 1861. John Cadbury devoted the rest of his life to civic and social work in Birmingham until his death in 1889. Although they had worked in their fathers business for some years, the prospects for Richard. 25, and George, 21, were daunting. Their first five years were a period of unremitting toil with few customers, long hours and very frugal living. Both seriously considered taking up other vocations Richard as a surveyor in England and George as a tea planter in India. George was focused on manufacturing, and Richard with sales, but in the early days both brothers went out and promoted their goods. Due to their dedication, sheer hard work and improvements in the quality of Cadbury cocoa products, the business survived and prospered. Technological Advancements Historic packaging Dissatisfied with the quality of cocoa products, including their own, the Cadbury brothers took a momentous step in 1866 that not only had a bearing on their business but revolutionised the whole of the British cocoa business. Until that time English cocoa had been heavily adulterated with starch substances like potato flour or sago to mask the excess cocoa butter. The cocoa drink, as described by George Cadbury himself, was a comforting gruel. Following a visit to the Van Houten factory in Holland to see their new cocoa press, the brothers introduced this new process to their Bridge Street factory. The press removed some of the cocoa butter from the beans, producing a less rich and more palatable cocoa essence the forerunner of the cocoa we know today. There was no need to add flour and Cadburys new cocoa essence was advertised as Absolutely puretherefore Best At that time there was much concern in Parliament about the adulteration of food, including cocoa. The new unadulterated Cadburys cocoa essence was heralded as a major breakthrough and resulted in the passing of the Adulteration of Food Acts in 1872 and 1875. Cadbury received a remarkable amount of free publicity during this period and sales increased dramatically. The marketing of this cocoa essence helped turn a small business into a vast worldwide company. The introduction of cocoa essence was not the only innovation that improved the Cadbury Brothers trade. The plentiful supply of cocoa butter remaining after the cocoa was pressed made it possible to produce a wide variety of new kinds of eating chocolate, leading to the development of the smooth creamy chocolate produced today. The quality of the chocolates made by the company following the introduction of the cocoa press was such that in the 1870s, Cadbury broke the monopoly which French producers had previously enjoyed in the British Market. Cadburys Chocolate Box A chocolate for eating had been produced at the Cadbury factory since 1849 but it was not, by todays standards, a very palatable product. With the availability of cocoa butter a new chocolate recipe produced chocolate similar to that which we enjoy today. Refined plain chocolate was made for moulding into blocks or making bars and chocolate creams that with chocolate-covered fruit-flavoured centres. Cadburys fancy chocolates- or assortments as they are now called were sold in decorated boxes, with small pictures that children could cut out to stick into scrapbooks. Richard Cadbury applied his considerable artistic talents to introduce more ambitious and attractive box designs from his own paintings, using his own children as models or depicting flowers and scenes from his travels. They were the first British-made fancy chocolate boxes and were very popular. Some of his original boxes still exist. Elaborate chocolate boxes were much prized as special gifts by the late Victorians as they could later be used as trinket or button boxes. Chocolate box designs ranged from superb velvet covered caskets with bevelled mirrors and silk lined jewel boxes to pretty boxes with pictures on the lid. The popularity of these splendid Cadbury boxes continued until their disappearance during the Second World War. Victorian and Edwardian chocolate boxes are now collectors items. Cadbury Brothers Ltd The business became a private limited company Cadbury Brothers Limited in 1899 following Richard Cadburys sudden death at the age of 63. George Cadbury became chairman of the new board and his fellow directors were Barrow and William A. Cadbury, sons of Richard and two of his own sons, Edward and George Cadbury Junior. By 1899, the Bournville factory had trebled in size with more than 2,600 employees. With the formation of the limited company, Bournville entered a new era as the younger members of the Board introduced new ideas analytical laboratories, advertising and cost offices, a sales department, works committee, medical department, pension funds, education and training for employees. The Bournville factory site became a series of factories within a factory, as everything needed for the business was produced on site, including tin box pressing plants, carton making units, a design studio and printing plant. This policy continued until well after the Second World War when the rationalisation of the business to mainstream activity production and marketing of chocolate confectionery- led to the use of outside specialised suppliers for ancillary items. . Cadbury India began its operations in India in 1948 by importing chocolates. It now has manufacturing facilities in Thane, Induri (Pune) and Malanpur (Gwalior), Bangalore and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and sales offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The corporate head office is inMumbai. Since 1965 Cadbury has also pioneered the development of cocoa cultivation in India. For over two decades, Cadbury has worked with theKerala Agricultural University to undertake cocoa research. Cadbury was incorporated in India on 19 July 1948. Currently, Cadbury India operates in five categories – Chocolate confectionery, Beverages, Biscuits, Gum and Candy. Some of the key brands are Cadbury Dairy Milk, Bournvita, 5 Star, Perk, Bournville, Celebrations, Gems, Halls, Éclairs, Bubbaloo, Tang and Oreo. Its products include Cadbury Dairy Milk, Dairy Milk Silk, Bournville, 5-Star, Perk, Gems (a version of MMs), Eclairs,Bournvita, Celebrations, Bilkul Cadbury Dairy Milk Shots, Toblerone, Halls, Tang and Oreo. It is the market leader in the chocolate confectionery business with a market share of over 70%. Products Major chocolate brands produced by Cadbury include the bars Dairy Milk, Crunchie, Caramel, Wispa, Boost, Picnic, Flake, Curly Wurly, Chomp, and Fudge; chocolate Buttons; the boxed chocolate brand Milk Tray; and the twist-wrapped chocolates Heroes. As well as Cadburys chocolate, the company also owns Maynards and Halls, and is associated with several types of confectionery including former Trebor and Bassetts brands or products such as Liquorice Allsorts, Jelly Babies, Flumps, Mints, Black Jack chews, Trident gum, and Softmints. Notable product introductions include: 1866: Cocoa Essence 1875: Easter Eggs 1897: Milk Chocolate and Fingers 1905: Dairy Milk 1908: Bournville 1914: Frys Turkish Delight 1915: Milk Tray 1920: Flake 1923: Creme Egg (launched as Frys) 1926: Cadbury Dairy Milk Fruit Nut 1929: Crunchie (launched as Frys) 1938: Roses 1948: Fudge 1958: Picnic 1960: Dairy Milk Buttons 1968: Aztec 1970: Curly Wurly 1974: Snack 1976: Double Decker 1981: Wispa (relaunched 2007) 1985: Boost 1987: Twirl 1992: Time Out 1995: Wispa Gold (relaunched 2009 and 2011) 1996: Fuse 2001: Brunch Bar, Dream and Flake Snow 2009: Dairy Milk Silk 2010: Dairy Milk Bliss 2011: Big Race oreo 2012: Marvellous Creations and Crispello. Advertising controversy In May 2011 the model Naomi Campbell described the new advertisement for the Bliss bar as insulting and hurtful. Reacting to the advertisement, which had the tag line Move over Naomi – there is a new diva in town, Campbell said, I am shocked. Its upsetting to be described as chocolate, not just for me, but for all black women and black people. I do not find any humour in this. A spokesperson for the company insisted that the campaign was a light-hearted take on the social pretensions of Cadbury Dairy Milk Bliss. The campaign was, he later added, no longer in circulation we have no plans to repeat the campaign. Reacting to Campbells outburst, comedian Reginald D. Hunter, on the BBC television comedy quiz Have I Got News For You, suggested that it was complimentary for black people to be compared to chocolate, and that enjoyment of the Bliss bar might even be enhanced by a love of black people. Health and safety 2006 Salmonella scare On 19 January 2006, Cadbury Schweppes detected a rare strain of the Salmonella bacteria, affecting seven of its products, said to have been caused by a leaking pipe. The leak occurred at itsMarlbrook plant, in Herefordshire, which produces chocolate crumb mixture; the mixture is then transported to factories at Bournville and formerly Somerdale to be turned into milk chocolate. It was not until around six months after the leak was detected that Cadbury Schweppes officially notified the Food Standards Agency, shortly after which it recalled more than a million chocolate bars. In December 2006, the company announced that the cost of dealing with the contamination would reach  £30 million. In April 2007, Birmingham City Council announced that it would be prosecuting Cadbury Schweppes in relation to three alleged offences of breaching food safety legislation. At that time, theHealth Protection Agency identified 31 people who had been infected with Salmonella Montevideo. One of the alleged victims had to be kept on a hospital isolation ward for five days after eating a Cadburys caramel bar. An investigation being carried out at that time by Herefordshire Council led to a further six charges being brought. The company pleaded guilty to all nine charges, and was fined one million pounds at Birmingham Crown Court—the sentencing of both cases was brought together.[70] Analysts have said the fine is not material to the group, with mitigating factors limiting the fine being that the company quickly admitted its guilt and said it had been mistaken that the infection did not pose a threat to health. Head office Cadburys head office is the Cadbury House in the Uxbridge Business Park in Uxbridge, London Borough of Hillingdon, England. The building occupies 84,000 square feet (7,800 m2) of space inside Building 3 of the business park. Cadbury, which leases space in the building it occupies, had relocated from central London to its current head office. Cadburys previous head office was in 25 Berkeley Square in Mayfair, City of Westminster. In 1992 the company leased the space for  £55 per 1 square foot (0.093 m2). In 2002 the company agreed to pay  £68.75 per square foot. The Daily Telegraph reported in 2007 that the rent was expected to increase to a three-figure sum. In 2007 Cadbury Schweppes had announced that it was moving to Uxbridge to cut costs. As of that year the head office had 200 employees. After the Kraft Foods acquisition of Cadbury, Kraft announced that the Cadbury head office would remain the Cadbury House. Mission statement of cadbury. Cadbury’s mission statement says simply: ‘Cadbury means quality’; this is our promise. Our reputation is built upon quality; our commitment to continuous improvement will ensure that our promise is delivered’ . Vision The Vision into action (VIA) plan embodies all aspects of our strategy. Our governing objective is to deliver superior shareowner returns by realizing our vision to be the world’s biggest and best confectionery company. At the heart of our plan is our financial scorecard, judiciously reinforced by our priorities, commitments and culture . Management information strategy. A management information system (MIS) provides information that organizations require to manage themselves efficiently and effectively.[1] Management information systems are typically computer systems used for managing five primary components: 1.) Hardware, 2.) Software, 3.) Data (information for decision making), 4.) Procedures (design,development and documentation), and 5.) People (individuals, groups, or organizations). Management information systems are distinct from other information systems, in that they are used to analyze and facilitate strategic and operational activities.[2] Academically, the term is commonly used to refer to the study of how individuals, groups, and organizations evaluate, design, implement, manage, and utilize systems to generate information to improve efficiency and effectiveness of decision making, including systems termed decision support systems, expert systems, and executive information systems.[2] Most business schools (or colleges of business administration within universities) have an MIS department, alongside departments of accounting, finance, management, marketing, and sometimes others, and grant degrees (at undergrad, masters, and PhD levels) in MIS. Characteristics of management information strategies Strategic information management is a salient feature in the world of information technology (IT). In a nutshell, strategic information management helps businesses and organizations categorize, store, process and transfer the information they create and receive. It also offers tools for helping companies apply metrics and analytical tools to their information repositories, allowing them to recognize opportunities for growth and pinpoint ways to improve operational efficiency. Automation IT professionals design strategic information management systems to automate the management of incoming and outgoing information to the greatest possible degree. While each company has its own unique IT needs, strategic information management systems typically include built-in controls that filter, sort, categorize and store information in easy-to-manage categories. Customization Strategic information management systems are typically customized to meet the unique needs of each individual company. Incoming and outgoing data can be sorted and cross-referenced according to a wide range of individually specified controls and parameters, which include the companys business verticals and horizontals, individual clients, demographics, geographic location and business function. Strategic information management systems are extensively categorized, allowing for an optimal level of organization. Access controls can be as strict or as lax as the client wants, allowing for company-wide access to information databases or limiting information accessibility to key personnel. User-specific controls can also be set, in case employees need access to certain information but management wants to limit their access to sensitive data. Benefits The benefits of strategic information management can be felt from the executive level right down to the functional staff level. It can help businesses expand their operations into new areas, set goals, measure performance and improve overall productivity. Risks Some of the risks involved with strategic information management systems include implementation challenges, incompatibility with client databases and human error. As with other IT management techniques, data protection and information security is also an ongoing concern. Conclusion Cadbury is one of the best known brands in the world today. It is a brand which is associated with high levels of quality and customer satisfaction. The ongoing growth of Cafà © Cadbury provides a flagship that further helps to enhance the reputation of the Cadbury Masterbrand. At the same time, it provides customers with the opportunity to indulge themselves in the enjoyment of high quality products in a welcoming environment.

Analysis Of The Story Of An Hour

Analysis Of The Story Of An Hour Exploring the plot structure of Kate Chopin s short story The Story of an Hour, analyzing how this sets the scene for the events to unfold, and then builds the tension before the climax which lays bare disturbing insights into the protagonist s character. Finally, there is rapidly falling tension briefly set out before the resolution. All these insights shed light on the cultural norms from when the story was written in the late nineteenth century. In the first paragraph, we the readers are introduced to Mrs. Mallard who was afflicted with a heart trouble(261). Her illness is described as a heart trouble indicating that it could be secondary to some other problem of a deeper nature. We have our first suspicion that Mrs. Mallard may have an incapacity in how she loves. When Mrs. Mallard is told of her husband s death, her sister who told her, in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing (261) as if Mrs. Mallard can only be told indirectly. Richard has checked and rechecked the information that Mr. Mallard has been killed, not just an ordinary accident, but a railroad disaster (261). Mrs. Mallard is now a widow according to the cultural norms of the time, unlike single and married women she could legitimately be independent, have her own source of income, as well as have sympathy from all those around her. Instead of becoming paralyzed (261), frozen, silent, and not accepting what she is being told, she wept at once, with sudden, wild, abandonment (261). Then she goes alone to her room and She would have no one follow her (261). At that time it was considered dangerous for women even to go to their rooms alone as doing so might encourage independent thought. Chopin now gives us a picture of the freedom inherent in widowhood. First of all is the armchair, a direct metaphor to widowhood itself. It is roomy (261), expansive, and unrestricted, unlike the narrow closed world in which the majority of women then lived. Furthermore, the armchair faces the open window (261) so the reader is led to the vision of freedom, which would be thrilling to the readers of the time. The plot moves into rising action and complication, beginning with a description of Mrs. Mallard as a normal woman of the time: young, fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength (261). She appears to have control over her feelings but has a dull stare in her eyes (261) and not a glance of reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of intelligent thought (262). Now we are wondering if Mrs. Mallard is mentally unstable and Chopin begs the question: Is Mrs. Mallard able to handle the complex and conflicting emotions brought on by her new state of widowhood. Chopin further increases the tension by indicating that Mrs. Mallard is now in the grip of something monstrous that threatens to overwhelm her. At first, she does not recognize it as it was too subtle and elusive to name (262), and only feels it creeping out of the sky (262), soon she is fighting it back powerless(262) and with ever increasing tension. She becomes so consumed with the energy of the thing that she becomes abandoned (262). Now she is able to name the monster; it is freedom and she whispers a word over and over free, free, free! (262). At this point we see Mrs. Mallard change completely from someone submissive to a woman seemingly in charge of her life: quite opposed to how women were supposed to behave in the late nineteenth century. She did not stop to ask if it were or were not a monstrous joy that held her (262), she is now with a clear and exalted perception (262) dismissing the suggestion as trivial (262). This would be shocking to the readers of the time when it was unheard of for a woman to be dissatisfied about marriage and to be happy over her husband s death. Mrs. Mallard is pictured as a caged bird trapped in an unhappy marriage, even her name is an actual bird. The birds outside the window are truly free in their simple lives. As Chopin moves up the tension towards the climax, this idea is further reinforced as we see Mrs. Mallard from being subsumed by the monster overtaking her, striving to beat it back(262) as if she is flapping her wings to nothing. When she has perfectly given freedom, she opened and spread her arms out (262) as if they are now strong wings with which she is ready to fly out of the open window. Interestingly, Chopin states that it is both men and women who inflict their will on others. This can be understood as meaning that while Chopin wants to challenge then present norms on marriage. She is suggesting that both women and men need to understand each other more and not smash their marriage down completely. Mrs. Mallard however, emphatically believes it s a crime to impose one s will on others. At this point in the story we begin to question her motives and whether Mrs. Mallard is committing some kind of crime. Has she gone too far in her glorification of freedom? Is she not now imposing her will on others and being unkind towards them? She dismisses an unimportant thought that she had only loved her husband .She has no regrets whatsoever that she has lost his love and care. Our sympathies now turn against her as we see her determined her own selfish ambitions. The climax of the story comes at the point that Mrs. Mallard has rejected love. She ignores her poor sister who is worried at the other side of the door. Mrs. Mallard stands at the open window drinking in a very elixir of life (262) but we know by now that it is no such thing. Mr. Mallard arrives home, not dead, but very much alive. Having not heard of the accident and it is now just an ordinary accident, not the disaster as previously described. We are shown in this scene of falling action and given descriptions of her husband entering the house. She had died of heart disease of joy that kills (263). The others in the house, including the doctors believe Mrs. Mallard is so overcome with joy at seeing her husband alive that it killed her. Chopin s questions and challenges women s lack of freedom, especially within marriage. She will not go so far as to reject love. Therefore, she gives up on Mrs. Mallard who suffer from a heart disease in pursuit of her own selfish goals.

Cat Stevens & His Journey to Islam :: essays research papers

Before you read this : Yusuf Islam ( formely Cat Stevens ) used to be one of the most famous POP singers in England in the 70th till he decided to be a Muslim and Alhamdulillah he found the light of Allah ! All I have to say is all what you know already, to confirm what you already know, the message of the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as given by God - the Religion of Truth. As human beings we are given a consciousness and a duty that has placed us at the top of creation. Man is created to be God's deputy on earth, and it is important to realize the obligation to rid ourselves of all illusions and to make our lives a preparation for the next life. Anybody who misses this chance is not likely to be given another, to be brought back again and again, because it says in Qur'an Majeed that when man is brought to account, he will say, "O Lord, send us back and give us another chance." The Lord will say, "If I send you back you will do the same." MY EARLY RELIGIOUS UPBRINGING I was brought up in the modern world of all the luxury and the high life of show business. I was born in a Christian home, but we know that every child is born in his original nature - it is only his parents that turn him to this or that religion. I was given this religion (Christianity) and thought this way. I was taught that God exists, but there was no direct contact with God, so we had to make contact with Him through Jesus - he was in fact the door to God. This was more or less accepted by me, but I did not swallow it all. I looked at some of the statues of Jesus; they were just stones with no life. And when they said that God is three, I was puzzled even more but could not argue. I more or less believed it, because I had to have respect for the faith of my parents. POP STAR Gradually I became alienated from this religious upbringing. I started making music. I wanted to be a big star. All those things I saw in the films and on the media took hold of me, and perhaps I thought this was my God, the goal of making money.