Dq -5-Terence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Dq -5-Terence - Essay Example The discussion below elaborates and helps in understanding various aspects of research. Research questions that address a problem are concerned with quantitative research. In this case, the questions give an exact description of a phenomenon. Since it has to answer a question, control is exercised in order to eliminate any form of bias that may arise during the research. In most cases, the information under this kind of research relies on cross-functional approaches and the data reduced to numerical codes for easy analysis. On the contrary, questions that might be used in an interview heavily rely on qualitative research. This indicates that the information under such a research does not require discrete numerical data but only seeks for explanations about a phenomenon. However, since researchers determine what is asked, there is a likelihood of biasness because they decide how to fit the questions in a situation. These questions employ verbal, and in other cases, use pictorial descriptions for effective understanding and analysis. According to Palinkas et al. (2013), both qualitative and quantitative research methods have a trace of bias. It is extremely difficult to eliminate bias in research. Using the methods concurrently helps researchers to cub bias since both methods can be used in checking each other. They actually complement each other. By In terms of data preparation, both methods, in a unique way require the use of verbal descriptions. They are a great pillar in understanding in research. Researchers are increasingly finding it difficult using the methods independently because they are intertwined together and just separated by a thin line. An effective combination provides quality research findings that address the problem and offer solutions in a logical and acceptable manner. Questions that address a problem are objective in nature because they have

Google in China Essay Example for Free

Google in China Essay In 2006, China attempted to move away from socialism and declared itself committed to economic reform and to opening itself to the outside world. Expanded personal freedoms for its citizens, however, China still maintained a harsh enforcement of political and religious regulations ? Membership in the WTO put China back on the map as a possible market for Western companies ? Yahoo! first American Internet company to enter China in 1999. Uncensored Internet information was not welcomed by Chinese authorities and government officials immediately implemented rules restricting access to content deemed improper or harmful, and monitored Internet usage of its citizens ? Included many private citizens in their surveillance efforts, and implemented public propaganda campaigns to create atmosphere of fear from reprisal and self-censorship ? Tom MacLean director of International Business for Google Inc. or last nine months; starting to worry about his job security after a storm of criticism resulting from decision to agree to subject Google’s search results to Chinese authority scrutiny ? Felt that he and his team had been mindful of political pitfalls they could face in implementing their strategic plan in China; level and intensity of subsequent backlash and disapproval was unexpected ? Elliot Schrage, Google’s vice president of Global Communications and Public Affairs, efended Google’s censorship agreement as necessary, while at the same time admitting decision conflicted deeply with Google’s core principles, and that it was something they were not proud of ? Congressional hearing planted seeds of doubt in MacLean about Google in China decision. Starting to question if Google was endorsing censorship by conforming to the Chinese authorities’ rules, if Google was acting as a tool for the government, if Chinese citizens were actually better off a fter Google’s decision to enter China, and whether censorship decision did go against their stated corporate philosophy ? Top leadership claim Google’s decision was made based on information currently available at the time; were not afraid to revisit that decision if necessary ? MacLean has only one day before attending a meeting where he would be questioned on the development and implementation of Google’s China strategy and asked for his suggestions for future courses of action ? MacLean under a lot of pressure to act, but his instinct is to stick by his strategy and let it play out a bit longer; hoping that Senate hearing would be the last bit of publicity for a while Problem Identification: (Write in complete sentences from now on) Key Identify major problem(s) and any minor contributing problem(s) ? Google’s launching of Google China and agreeing with Chinese government’s censorship demands has tarnished their reputation and public image (major) ? Lots of bad publicity generated globally; makes them look like hypocrites ? Caught between alienation of a potentially extremely lucrative international market and an ethical dilemma of global proportion ? Company ridiculed for its professed â€Å"don’t be evil† motto; critics blame Google for supporting a country with a regime known for its numerous, well-documented abuses of human rights and oppressive measures; violation of internationally recognized norms (minor) ? What should MacLean say at the meeting to justify his strategy? ? Has it become necessary for Google’s top leadership team to revisit decision in light of new information and circumstances? What should we do? Under a lot of pressure to act†¦. soon Inferences: Key Read between the lines and make some assumptions about the case that re suggested but not explicitly provided (read between the lines) ? Decision by Google to select China as its international target at this particular point in their political and social history is suspect, however, in accordance with their long-term global strategy, they could not pass up such a tremendous opportunity ? Censorship decision was necessary to maintain th eir position as global search-engine market leaders and to fend off advances from major competitors such as Yahoo! (who already have an established foothold in China) and Microsoft ? Capable of weathering out the storm of criticism without major negative financial implications ? In time, entire episode will simply â€Å"blow over† as media moves on to something else ? For long-term gain, worth putting up with short-term pain ? Actions can be justified if given the proper â€Å"spin† ? No irreparable damage has been done to the company’s reputation ? International business risk associated with decision can be managed General Case Ideas: Key Link applicable course material/theory to the case State applicable theory (the â€Å"what†) ? The global economy (Chapter 1, pages XX) Cultural influences on global business (Chapter 3, pages XX) ? Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Market Screening Process handouts ? Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in International Business handout ? Government and political influences on global business (Chapter 4, pages XX) ? Managing international business risk (Chapter 21, pages XX) Make relevan t connections between course theory and the case (the â€Å"so what†) ? There are four major categories of the international business environment that MNCs should consider when deciding on potential expansion markets: 1. Geographic Conditions (climate, terrain, seaways, natural resources) 2. Cultural Social Factors (accepted behaviours, values, and customs; language, education, religion, social relationships) 3. Political and Legal Factors (type of government, political stability, government policies toward business) 4. Economic Conditions (type of economic system, general education level of the population, types of industries, level of technology) ? The two of these that are most applicable to this case are: Cultural Social Factors The more similar one’s own culture is to another in history, language, religion etc. , the less difficult it is to conduct business in that society. But when societies differ on most of these characteristics, the potential for difficulty grows exponentially. For most American businesses in China, this potential is very high. There will be innumerable, unforeseen challenges, even when there is an honest effort to learn about and understand China and its people. When doing business in China, many cultural and social considerations must be addressed. Political and Legal Factors China has been under the communist party rule for many decades. The communist party exercises absolute power over legislations and economic and cultural institutions. Unlike western economies where the government promotes transparency for doing business, in China rules and regulations are not so transparent. Strict laws and patents in economies of the west protect domestic and foreign businesses, whereas in China, the legal system is loosely defined, giving rise to various loopholes in the law. When doing business in China, many political and legal considerations must be considered. Conclusion and Recommendations: Key Suggest specific and implementable solutions to solve identified problems ? Maintain status quo regarding decision †¦but go into damage control mode ? Hire an internationally-experienced and renowned public relations firm to present the situation in a more positive light (â€Å"spin doctors†) ? Counter bad publicity by using the media to your advantage. Issue a series of press releases arguing that it would be more damaging to pull out of China altogether; address criticisms directly and clearly explain the rationale of your decision ? Argue that censorship is necessary to keep the Chinese government from blocking Google altogether, and that Google can play a role more useful to the cause of free speech by participating in Chinas information technology industry than by refusing to comply and being denied admission to the mainland Chinese market ? Highlight the fact that Chinese authorities have restricted citizens to opular search engines such as Altavista and Yahoo! in the past, and that while removing search results is inconsistent with Googles mission, providing no information at all would be even more inconsistent with their mission ? More public visibility of Yahoo founders Page and Brin as well as CEO Eric Schmidt. Delivery of consistent message through carefully orchestrated television and print ad campaigns and appearances a t national and international industry forums ? Alter public perception through increased promotion of Google’s philanthropic work ? It is not Google’s job to fix governments but to provide the best service to users and the best return possible to its stakeholders. By choosing to do business in China, it is their job to serve the Chinese people in their best, albeit restricted, manner given current political climate ? If we didnt do it, someone else would have ? Emphasize that censorship issues are not restricted to China and that Google also had to do similar things in Germany as well as in their own home country to meet legal requirements ? Stand together as an industry. Enlist rival’s assistance with similar issues and common interests. Get Bill Gates, billionaire founder of Microsoft, to stand up for arch-rival Google and argue that state censorship was no reason for technology companies not to do business in China. Get Gates to issue public statement that the Internet is contributing to Chinese political engagement, as access to the outside world is preventing more censorship ? Close its China offices and abandon market

Comparing The Prince and Measure for Measure Essay -- comparison compa

Parallels Between The Prince and Measure for Measure      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The parallels between Machiavelli's Prince and Shakespeare's Measure for Measure are significant.   The great majority of characters in Measure for Measure - the Duke, Angelo, Claudio, Pompey and even Isabella - display Machiavellian qualities. A comparison of key passages, both of The Prince and Measure for Measure, will establish this clearly.    A study of kingship, arguably the entire premise for Measure for Measure, is immediately introduced in the first scene, with the Duke's declaration "Of government the properties to unfold/ Would seem in me t'affect speech and discourse." It is not until the third scene of act one, however, that this political discussion becomes specific and, ultimately, linked to the Machiavellian notion of statecraft. In this scene, which details the exchange between Vincentio and the Friar, we learn the reasons for the former's deputising of Angelo. Both of the Duke's significant dialogues - I.iii.20-33 and I.iii.36-55 - reveal that, for the last fourteeen years, the "strict statutes and most biting laws" (I.iii.20) punishing pre-marital intercourse have slipped into disuse. Although this scene is by no means extensive, it furnishes the reader with much food for thought.    Vincentio's Machiavellianism, as manifest in the above scene, is centred upon three main elements - his previous laxity, his present need to deflect responsibility and his use of Angelo as an instrument in effecting the enforcement of this "most biting law." Upon closer inspection, both of Measure for Measure and The Prince, we discern that the neglect apparent in the Duke's initial non-enforcement of the law may not really be neglect at all, but rathe... ...ouples) is profoundly Machiavellian. Not only does Vincentio conceal his knowledge of Claudio's safety from Isabella, he uses it in an impressive display of stagecraft, specifically designed to evoke a sort of mystical awe in all onlookers (including Isabella, who he later asks to marry him). The Duke has clearly enhanced his reputation by the "spectacular deeds" Machiavelli writes of in his Prince, "[finding] a way for punishing or rewarding[...] that is sure to be much talked about."    BIBLIOGRAPHY Shakespeare, William: Measure for Measure, ed. Brian Gibbons, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991. Machiavelli, Niccolà ²: The Prince in Machiavelli: The Chief Works and Others, vol. 1, trans. Allan Gilbert, Durham and London: Duke University Press, 1989 Machiavelli, Niccolà ²: The Prince, trans. George Bull, London: Penguin, 1995.      

Jewish persecution :: essays research papers

Jewish Persecution The Jewish Persecution began during 1933. The Jews were faced with the terrorist group called the National Socialist German Workers party (Nazi) hate this happened when Hitler came into power. He devised labor camps where he would send individuals who opposed his ideas, and Jews. The conditions in these camps were so bad that it is hard to describe them. The prisoners were treated very badly. In this time, the Nazi government continued to deprive Jews of their rights and possessions. In 1938 Jewish homes and schools are looted or destroyed. Jews could not sit on park benches or swim in public pools. The government seized Jewish businesses as well as personal property. Jews were beaten, more than 90 are killed, and 30,000 Jewish people were sent to concentration camps. They beat Jews in the streets and attacked them in their homes. Jews had to sell their businesses and other property to the government at unnaturally low prices. The night became known as Kristallnacht, a German word meaning Crystal Night. In 1939, 300,000 Jews had been eliminated from the German community. Millions more Jews came under German control. Jews in Poland are forced to wear a yellow Star of David on their chests or a blue-and-white Star of David armband. By the end of the war, the Nazis had killed about 6 million Jewish men, women, and children that’s more than two-thirds of the Jews in Europe. Many of the Holocaust victims were killed in specially constructed gas chambers, and their bodies were then burned. The Nazis also moved many Jews from towns and villages into city ghettos. During 1942-1943 German government officials discuss the "Final Solution," their plan to kill all Jews in Europe. This policy called for the murder of every Jewish man, woman, and child under German rule. Jews are deported from Nazi-occupied countries throughout Europe to ghettos, concentration camps and killing centers in Poland. In the early 1940's, several new camps were established, with specially constructed gas chambers disguised as showers. The Nazis herded the Jews into railroad freight cars to be taken to the camps. As many as 2,000 prisoners were sent into the gas chambers at one time. The guards shaved the heads of the corpses and removed any gold teeth from their mouths. Then they burned the bodies in crematoriums or open pits. The well prisoners had their heads shaved and

Biography of a Race Essay

It may be hard for biographers to win prize for his work. Therefore, for this to happen, it would take an exceptional skill paired with devoted attitude towards the craft. Such award as Pulitzer Prize requires these and David Levering Lewis apparently has these as proven in his biography about the civil rights leader William Edward Burghart Du Bois. The book is called ‘Biography of a Race’ which shows a remarkable manner of tackling of the life of Du Bois. It shows with clarity the picture of the environment in which the struggles set for the purpose of an endeavor. The complexity of this civil right leader’s involvement in socio political movements was carefully drawn with a structure that is outlined according to significant key points. The life of Du Bois revolves around his contribution with the condition of the present American society. He tried to escape the stereotypical position of blacks as subject class. Du Bois strived to gain social reform and have equity among the people regardless of race and color. He pushed the belief that blacks should also have access on all essential community benefits such as education. His life story is indeed challenging for any biographer to write. The whole context of the book is particularly exquisite although there are some parts of the first five of eleven chapters that may seem a little bit confusing. The length of the passages may require some reader to go over it again to get the key points but otherwise, they are precise. It is given that the life of Du Bois is complex and that can be the reason for this. The choice of the right approach is the true mark of Lewis’s skill in telling story and history. His book is a comprehensive study of a life story and succeeded in its purpose to reflect the life that made a huge contribution in the history. Thus, an award is nothing but deserved. Reference Lewis, D. L. (1993). W. E. B. Du Bois, 1868-1919: Biography of a Race. ON: Henry Holt and Company, LLC

response to sherry turkle arti essays

response to sherry turkle arti essays Review of Sherry Turkles Article Sherry Turkle is an author of many things. She enjoys to write about cultural aspects of psychoanalysts and about the human relationship to technology. Her main focus is on online role-playing games. An article that I recently read of hers was Constructions and Reconstructions of the Self in Virtual Reality. In it she writes about online games such as Identity workshops, Role-Playing Games, Virtual Realities, and Evocative Objects. Although relatively hard to read at times, I found her article to be quite interesting as well as informative. The first section of her article dealt with Identity Workshops. She talked about how people create different worlds for themselves through the computer. I can identify with this section. At some point in time, everyone in there life wishes they could change something about it. Identity Workshops can also help people deal with their problems. If they are having problems in the work place they can come home and go on the computer and create the perfect world for themselves. I particularly liked this section because I was able to easily identify with it and I am sure many others can as well. The next section was Role-Playing Games. This section helped people cope with the fact that their lives are less than perfect and they are able to be put in a situation that will help them see their problems differently. This section can prove to be helpful for someone who has something wrong in their life and does not know what to do about it. The third section dealt with Virtual Realities and Role Playing to a Higher Power. This section gave an example of a man named Peter who spent 40 hours a week on MUDs. In his program, he makes up his ideal self in a life that is much more sophisticated than his own. He felt that the program kept him from having suicidal thoughts. I feel tha ...

buy custom The Death Penalty Debate essay

buy custom The Death Penalty Debate essay The question of whether to abolish or to continue executing the capital punishment is the one that generates intense debates in all democratic jurisdictions. In fact, the legal regimes in some countries are silent on the capital punishment. In others, judges convict criminals to death sentences but in practice, there is no enforcement. Although some states in the US, such as California, have legal provisions for death sentences, this essay argues for its abolition. First of all, it should be noted that the capital punishment is expensive. It costs more to execute a criminal than keep them in prison forever. A 2010 study found that California has spent over $4 billion on capital punishment since its reinstatement in 1978 (Latzer McCord, 2010). The study also established that trials for the death penalty are 20 times more costly than trials that seek a life incarceration without parole possibilities. Currently, California spends $185 million annually on the capital punishment. This state is projected to spend more than $1 billion by 2020 (Latzer McCord, 2010). The claim that capital punishment has a deterrent effect on crime is a fallacy. Scientific studies consistently fail to demonstrate that executing death penalties does not deter people from criminal activities better than long-time incarceration. Moreover, states that have no death penalties have lower murder rates. According to Latzer and McCord (2010), the South has over 80 percent of the US executions, and murder rates are very high there. The most worrying trend is the wrongful conviction and subsequent execution of innocent people. Wrongful execution of innocent people is an injustice that is not rectifiable. Since the reinstatement of the capital punishment, over 150 people got a reprieve from death row. Some of these people were only a few hours away from execution. In the past two years, there is sufficient evidence indicating that five men were wrongfully executed since they had not committed crimes they wer convicted of (Banner, 2010, p. 38).Such errors are appalling and unacceptable. In the United States of America, racial discrimination plays a pivotal role in the determination of who dies and who lives. The race of the defendant and the race of the victim in capital offenses are key determinants of who dies in the United States. A study in the US reveals that in 82% of cases the victim's race influences the chances of murder charges and capital punishment sentence (Bedau American Civil Liberties Union, 2011). Criminals who murder white people are more likely to receive death sentences than the criminals who murder black ones. According to Bedau and American Civil Liberties Union (2011), in the United States, the application of the capital punishment is random. The determining factors in capital punishment cases are not often the facts of the crime. Instead, these factors are the quality of the legal counsel, jurisdiction and the politics of the location of the crime commission. In this country, a death penalty is a lottery that is lethal. Out of 22,000 homicide crimes on an annual basis, an estimate of 100 people get death sentence (Bedau American Civil Liberties Union, 2011). What is more, capital punishment is anti-religious. Some scriptures and religious books bear messages that support the capital punishment. However, in the United States of America, all religious groups and institutions condemn the execution of the capital punishment and term it as immoral. Moreover, enforcement of the capital punishment in the US is against the dictates of human rights. The United States is a global model of an advocate for human rights. Supporting the capital punishment equals to upholding the practices of countries that are infamous for abusing human rights. Today, the majority of countries in South America, Western Europe, and North America do not enforce capital punishment both in law and in practice (Banner, 2010, p. 39). If the United States does not abolish this punishment, it will remain in the company off Iran, Iraq, China and North Korea as one of the major users and advocates of capital punishment. One more point for abolishing death families is that families of murder victims should benefit from the millions that are used to enforce death executions. Family members who lose loved ones to murder crimes feel that a death sentence does not alleviate the pain they have. Instead, the protracted process only serves to deepen the agony that these family members feel. Funds that are spent on these costly executions should used to help the families. In fact, it is helpful to channel some of these funds to restitution, victim hotlines counseling and similar services that address the needs of the victims families. Poor legal representation persists in capital case hearings. A major factor that determines whether a defendant receives the capital punishment is the quality of lawyers representing them. Over 90% of the defendants in capital cases do not afford to hire their attorneys (Bedau American Civil Liberties Union, 2011). Mostly, the appointed attorneys are paid poorly and lack the trial experience and the energy for representing the defendants in capital punishment cases. There are instances when the appointed lawyers are so inexperienced that they are not completely prepared for the sentencing phase. Other appointed attorneys sleep during the trial or arrive at the court while drunk (Hanks, 2009). Life with no parole is a good substitute for capital punishment. Judges usually have the alternative to sentencing a capital murderer to life incarceration without any parole possibility. This sentence is cheaper for the taxpayers and will keep violent offenders off the streets. A life sentence without parole will allow an offender to correct their mistakes, but the capital punishment does not give one this opportunity. Currently, there are more than 3,300 people who are getting life sentences without parole. Most of these convicts can prove their innocence (Bedau and American Civil Liberties Union, 2011). Buy custom The Death Penalty Debate essay

One flew over the cukoos nest Essays

One flew over the cukoos nest Essays One flew over the cukoos nest Paper One flew over the cukoos nest Paper McCarthy represents freedom in a society controlled by fear and repression. Discuss Ken Keys allegorical novel One flew over the kickoffs nest depicts society as a repressive combine, molding citizens to assimilate them into society. The institution can be seen as a microcosm of the outside world; the Nurse depicted as a fascist leader and the patients as the members who are controlled by her tyrannical rule. The effects of her manipulative therapy sessions and fearsome tactics cause the patients to live sexually repressed and emasculated. McCarthy who is loud, jubilant and expressive is a great contrast to the other patients who are in a constant anxiety. Whilst McCarthy represents Freedom, he also represents society attitudes to freewill and Independence. Keyes conveys his views on the repressive nature of society through the ward and characters. Throughout the novel, the narrator, Chief Broaden, references society as the Combine, juxtaposing both the ward the outside world as a big machine- mass producing the ideal American citizen that will fit society mould. The ward, a microcosm of society, is a place for the faulty parts and misfits of the combine to be treated, Its for fixing up mistakes made In the neighborhoods. Keyes questions the sanity of the patients and the collects label of Insanity. The majority of the patients are self-admitted and do not seem to be extremely Insane, It Is rather that they have not found a place In society and that their community has been unable to accept their minor differences, conveying the rigidity and lack of acceptance and freedom amongst people. The says and asss were mimes of change. With the civil rights movement and other social movements people were broadening the idea of who could be accepted into mainstream society. Alongside this the red scare of the Cold war caused people to look upon each other with suspicion, behavior out of the norm was almost intimidating. Chief describes the combine as a huge organization that aims to adjust the Outside as well as she has the Inside The Issue Is not the patients mental health but the conformity in society and the ostracism towards those that did not conform. Hence the patients eve been admitted Into the ward In the hope that they may be adjusted so they can return to the Big world outside that you will be one day taking your place In again. Keyes views the patients treatment as corruptive and as a disease that will overpower freedom and individuality. The strong imagery of Maxwell Table, one of the Nurses success depicts him as a machine, installed lend nimble skills to his fingers, that slowly adjusts them[society] as he was adjusted. Society is conveyed as controlling and manipulative towards its citizens. Keyes explores sanity arbitrary nature and its effects. Those that do not conform to mainstream society are labeled and treated in order to suit the Combines agenda. Nurse Ratchet represents the Combines tyrannical authority over the world. Her domineering and manipulative behavior cause the patients to be sexually repressed and inhibited. Nurse Ratchets Is Introduced as smooth calculated and precision made, as a product of the combine who has been programmed to convert the patients Into the Ideal citizen. From the first Impression of the nurse she has been portrayed In a negative light. Constantly described as the Big Nurse this alludes to Chiefs strong. The strong imagery associated with the metaphor of the Nurse as a tractor paints a violent picture, Shes swelling up, swells till her backs splitting She blows up bigger and bigger, big as a tractor, so big I can smell the machinery inside. It is evident that Nurse Ratchet is not the orthodox women of her time. Unlike most women of her time she works and holds a position high in responsibility and power. Whilst the women worked during the second world war to sustain the economy while he men were away, their return meant that there were no longer any Jobs for women and that they had to return to their household duties. Regardless of this Nurse Ratchet works and even with the presence of other male leaders such as Doctor Spices, the Nurse holds the utmost authority although she uses it to oppress . The Chief recounts the number of ideal staff that have been on the ward and how the Nurse is able to emasculate them all, since I started on the ward with that woman I feel like my veins are running ammonia. Y kids wont sit on my lap, my wife wont leap with me. When McCarthy realizes her power over the mens ego and masculinity he describes her as a ball cutter, her domineering qualities cause her to castrate the men and repress them sexually. The key force of repression and within the ward is Nurse Ratchets tyrannical hold over the ward. Unlike the other patients in the ward McCarthy is ope nly sexual and does not conform to the wards rules, however his actions soon lead him to strife. McCarthy is confident, loud and open. He is blatantly different to the other patients. From his arrival into the ward he behaves differently to the other patients. He laughs loudly, unlike the other patients who snicker behind their fists out of fear. The entire ward seems to be taken aback by this, all is stunned dumb by his laughing. Through this initial gesture it is clear that McCarthy will be resistant toward the wards authority. As McCarthy realizes the Nurses position in the ward there is a power struggle between the two. The nurse aims to adjust McCarthy whereas he is determined to resist the rule and changes. Naively McCarthy bets to annoy the Nurse, without releasing the power she has over him. McCarthy first sign of protest is when he cant watch the world series on the television, regardless the turns on the TV and watches the blank screen. Through a series of acts out of rebellion McCarthy continues to enrage the nurse. When McCarthy has electroshock therapy he continues to resist the authorities and will not admit that he is at fault. As a consequence his electroshock therapy continues. After the party at the ward, the Nurse finally overcomes McCarthy. His continual rebellion and revolt against the Nurse leads to his Lobotomy. Whilst McCarthy represents freedom, his resistance to conform to the ward leads to severe consequences. Keyes explores the repressive and exploitive nature of society through the microcosm of the ward. Nurse Ratchets fascist hold on the ward suppresses the men on the ward. Her therapeutic techniques emasculate and castrate the men. Whilst McCarthy represents freedom in this oppressed environment his excessive resistance to conformity leads to his plight.

Funding a Non-profit Community Book Festival in a Major United States Essay

Funding a Non-profit Community Book Festival in a Major United States City - Essay Example The festival also aims to showcase writers and their works to fulfill part of their organizational mission. To achieve so, it is essential for managers to investigate into and conceptualize the determinants for nonprofits improved performance which are their strategy styles and organizational structure (e.g. boards, constitutions and volunteers) in their respective prevailing environment (e.g. economical recent recession, public confidence, state/ county laws). Based upon perceptions of the environment (e.g., economy recent conditions, state legislation and public confidence) and organizational attributes (e.g., values and capabilities), managers of nonprofit organizations strategize to improve the performance of their organization by interpreting and framing the environment, developing and implementing programs and services, and creating processes and structures to monitor and control resources for successful deliverance of organizational goals. Improved performance is associated with organizations that systematically adhere to such takings (Ketchen et al., 1997; Miles, Snow, Mathews, Miles, & Coleman, 1997). This means organizational structure has been linked to performance improvements (Harris & Ruefli, 2000; Kushner & Poole, 1996). Conceptual understanding of strategy in nonprofit organizations is becoming more sophisticated to better reflect the unique character of nonprofit organizations (e.g., Backman, Grossman, & Rangan, 2000). To illustrate so, nonprofits need to consider these factors: multiple stakeholders in resource development, the potential for collaborations, and the mixed influences of market forces that can lead to challenges in the process to develop and define product and service strategies. Strategy encompasses interpreting environmental conditions and designing systems to foster success. According to Miles and Snow (1978), the effectiveness of organizational adaptation hinges on the dominant coalition's perceptions of environmental conditions and the decisions it makes concerning how well the organization will cope with these conditions. Based on this definition, successful strategy is of tantamount contingency on appropriate interpretation of environmental conditions and organizational response to those conditions. Furthermore, the lack of uniformed consideration of strategic factors has lead to confusion and contradictory results associated with strategy and its impact on performance (Stone et al., 1999). Miles and Snow (1978) broke down the process of understanding strategy into how organizations interpret and respond to three problems: entrepreneurial, engineering, and administrative. The entrepreneurial problem addresses how the organization defines its "product or service and target market" (Miles & Snow, 1978, p. 21). For nonprofit organizations, this could include how broadly they conceptualize their community responsibility, which influences what services they provide; who they partner with; and who they serve. The engineering problem is developing an operational solution to delivering the services of the organization. This includes selection of a service delivery method (i.e., technology; Hasenfeld, 1983) and alignment of information and communication linkages necessary for effective

Intellectual Property Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Intellectual Property - Essay Example Background of the research Arguments for intellectual property have taken many forms because the high rate of technological advancement makes people introduce new ways of misconduct. Individual personality is the extension of intellectual property because it introduces social progress and innovation incentives. Even justification of rights is related to merit and labor, the government should take a step forward to prevent people’s intellectual property. On the other hand, some organizations want the government to abolish the issue of intellectual property because it makes some big companies take advantage of emerging industries. Most people argue that the intellectual works on the basis of restricted access, but intellectual works are consumed by their use and many people are capable of using them concurrently. Intellectual property aims at protecting other people’s properties through introducing rules and regulations related to internet and technology. Organizations st ore crucial information that enable them carry out their business plans without crashing into one another’s plans. Violation of intellectual property rules leads to some industries having similar trademarks, or patents. In addition, economists have introduced economies of intellectual property that provides the basic requirements for an industry enter into the world of economies today (Lemley 1031). Types of intellectual property Intellectual property covers entrepreneurs in all categories from the small scale to large scale to assist in the protection of valuable assets of a company like the company logo, advertising instruments, list of consumers, and the unique ways of carrying out its activities (Bagley and Dauchy 23-52). The government has puts up policies to help in the protection of the intellectual property which every entrepreneur must follow. Copyrights Copyright forms the most crucial type of intellectual property that has greatly affected many industries, includin g software producing companies, music industries, multimedia, and entertainment sectors. Copyrights help in protecting the original expression of someone or an organization fixed in a tangible form. One of the commonest methods of copyright protection is through displaying a copyright notice on the product to make the user know the good protection by the copyright law, gives the producer, and the first time of publication. Copyright also gives the owner the right to get economic advantages from the product and the right to prevent duplication and selling of the work. Every person has the right over the ideas created and holds the responsibility to get all the benefits, which come because of that achievement and have the mandate to dictate who uses the idea for business purposes. The copyright covers all areas including computer programs and electronic databases. Trademarks Trademarks assist business industries in improving their image towards attracting more customers by increasing the quality of products and services offered. Trademark makes products and services more reliable, brings about innovations, and improves business performance. Good examples of well known trademarks globally include NIKE, AON, Mercedes-Benz, and Intel Inside. Protecting intellectual prop

Management skillsDiversity within in the Workplace Article

Management skillsDiversity within in the Workplace - Article Example The manager should be able to makeup teams comprising of people with various differences and nature theses relationships to create cohesiveness. The manager should also be a good problem solver because conflicts are bound to occur. The manger should be versed in social psychology so that he can be able to establish how different people act and think. He should be a good negotiator so that conflicts in the workplace are solved promptly. People’s perceptions of each other affect their relations and for an organization to be run effectively, the management must be able to assess diversity by ensuring communication, adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change. A manager should be a good communicator so that he passes this skill to the employees. Communication in the workplace is also pivotal in ensuring that diversity is directed towards achievement. Communication between employees will make them learn about each other and the values they uphold, and this will increase cohesiveness because conflicts will be easily managed. Therefore, mangers need to know how to manage diversity by learning to work with people from across cultures and impact this knowledge on employees, and this will be beneficial in ensuring organizational success. Globalization has made people from different cultures to be employed in the same organization and there is need to integrate these cultures so that there is easy flow of operation. the manager should be able to set out rules that will ensure the different cultures blend in together for the common good of the organization (Shakhray, 2009). The manger should be aware of diversity training during recruitment, and this will ensure that employees learn to work and accommodate people from cultures that are different from theirs. Managers need to focus on diversity and look for ways of making their organization totally inclusive, and this will increase competitiveness and

Daniel Richter's Facing East from Indian Country. Book Report Essay

Daniel Richter's Facing East from Indian Country. Book Report - Essay Example In the course of this era, some of the aboriginal groups changed to try to fit in the American society, and although Indians changed, they did not forget their language and their traditions. This essay will discuss how initial contacts involving the Europeans and Native Americans occurred in earlier days. Christopher Columbus, an American author, was born in 1451 and died in 1506. Columbus reputation has for long had controversies, with the fact that his achievement in navigation cannot be alienated from violence that represent the European contribution to the new world. Columbus discovery of America led to destruction of most of the native groups found in America at the time of discovery. Columbus arrived in America while trying to explore the Asian markets, north Americas native people, populated most part of the continent. The connecting of the eastern and western regions marked the foundation of an organized history, a process known as Columbian exchange. This involved a substitu tion of goods, for example, crops across the Atlantic Ocean. This distorted the economies of the world; Native Americans approved animals such as, horses and cattle. Foods such as, tomatoes, potatoes, and corn were brought in by these populations and have so far been embraced worldwide. Jacques Cartier came from the French court to explore North America, and in Chaleur Bay, he encountered aboriginal people who were the Micmac people. Their meeting was the first time the French and the natives traded furs. At first, the aboriginal people were friendly, but they changed their attitude and became hostile when they realized that the foreigners had come to interfere with their existence. Cartier tried to establish peace among the people since his arrival. Prior to the coming of Christopher Columbus, it was thought that the aboriginal people did not have any history. In contrast, these people had developed a culture, which was not written; they displayed their culture through song, dance and other artistic performances. Though Columbus claimed to have discovered America, many inhabitants had already settled in for many years. Columbus’s arrival marked an era of contact Europeans and Native Americans that went on for an unusually long time. Captain John smith’s interactions with Indians were because of his relationships and dealings with their most influential leader, Powhatan. He had earlier been captured by Powhatan; this led to the progress of their relationship. They formed an alliance in which smith would provide the colonists with food, this later developed to hostility of the highest degree. By the time John Smith, left Virginia there was a conflict between the English and Powhatan. As compared to other Europeans at that time, John Smith seemed to be open-minded about the natives, referred to them as social, and referred to their leaders as kings. John smith, was welcoming and persuasive, he even tried to integrate into the communities he visited , learned their language. His ability to persuade changed the attitude of Powhatan towards him. In his speech, Powhatan pleads with John Smith for peace, his words indicate anxiety and doubt surrounding the arrival of white settlers, and foretell conflict between the Native Americans, and Europeans that would have influence on the history of both groups. He wants the uneasiness and

Family of the Hearts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Family of the Hearts - Essay Example My whole family lives in China and I spending my time alone in America for education. From my experiences of living alone, I have realized that family is one of the most important parts of my life without which I feel very lonely and sad at times. Beginning of my life in America without an authentic family was not all smooth sailing. I faced many difficulties in the start regarding education, residence, and social integration. I did not have anyone from my family with whom I could share my problems freely. I lived in a host family but there I felt loneliness and social isolation because I did not feel easy at sharing my issues with others and that situation led to misunderstandings between us at times. I did not have a good understanding of the foreign culture because of which I faced difficulty in making friends and communicating with the people of other cultures. Living in the host family, there were too many procedures for me of all dissimilar cultures to understand. For example, I had to understand the norms and values of different cultures in order to be able to communicate effectively with the people of those cultures. Similarly, I had to understand the emotions and way of life of other people in order to become a functioning and responsible part of the host family. One thing that I noticed in America was that all the young adults of that country are so independent that they do not have any sentiments to be taken care of by their parents. They think with their own mind, plan things on their own, and do what they feel right. In short, I would say that they do not leave it for their parents to think about their future.  

Daniel Richter's Facing East from Indian Country. Book Report Essay

Daniel Richter's Facing East from Indian Country. Book Report - Essay Example In the course of this era, some of the aboriginal groups changed to try to fit in the American society, and although Indians changed, they did not forget their language and their traditions. This essay will discuss how initial contacts involving the Europeans and Native Americans occurred in earlier days. Christopher Columbus, an American author, was born in 1451 and died in 1506. Columbus reputation has for long had controversies, with the fact that his achievement in navigation cannot be alienated from violence that represent the European contribution to the new world. Columbus discovery of America led to destruction of most of the native groups found in America at the time of discovery. Columbus arrived in America while trying to explore the Asian markets, north Americas native people, populated most part of the continent. The connecting of the eastern and western regions marked the foundation of an organized history, a process known as Columbian exchange. This involved a substitu tion of goods, for example, crops across the Atlantic Ocean. This distorted the economies of the world; Native Americans approved animals such as, horses and cattle. Foods such as, tomatoes, potatoes, and corn were brought in by these populations and have so far been embraced worldwide. Jacques Cartier came from the French court to explore North America, and in Chaleur Bay, he encountered aboriginal people who were the Micmac people. Their meeting was the first time the French and the natives traded furs. At first, the aboriginal people were friendly, but they changed their attitude and became hostile when they realized that the foreigners had come to interfere with their existence. Cartier tried to establish peace among the people since his arrival. Prior to the coming of Christopher Columbus, it was thought that the aboriginal people did not have any history. In contrast, these people had developed a culture, which was not written; they displayed their culture through song, dance and other artistic performances. Though Columbus claimed to have discovered America, many inhabitants had already settled in for many years. Columbus’s arrival marked an era of contact Europeans and Native Americans that went on for an unusually long time. Captain John smith’s interactions with Indians were because of his relationships and dealings with their most influential leader, Powhatan. He had earlier been captured by Powhatan; this led to the progress of their relationship. They formed an alliance in which smith would provide the colonists with food, this later developed to hostility of the highest degree. By the time John Smith, left Virginia there was a conflict between the English and Powhatan. As compared to other Europeans at that time, John Smith seemed to be open-minded about the natives, referred to them as social, and referred to their leaders as kings. John smith, was welcoming and persuasive, he even tried to integrate into the communities he visited , learned their language. His ability to persuade changed the attitude of Powhatan towards him. In his speech, Powhatan pleads with John Smith for peace, his words indicate anxiety and doubt surrounding the arrival of white settlers, and foretell conflict between the Native Americans, and Europeans that would have influence on the history of both groups. He wants the uneasiness and

Juno the Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Juno the - Movie Review Example She is headstrong when she wants to be and this is apparent in the decisions she takes as a teenager saddled with an unplanned pregnancy. The father is her classmate Paulie Bleeker who takes life as it comes. The story unfolds with Juno deciding to give up her child to an urban couple - Mark and Vanessa Loring. This couple goes through a metamorphosis as they try to convince Juno regarding the fact that they would be perfect parents to her child. On the other hand, Juno has to break the new to her parents - stepmother Bren, and father Mac. Juno's parents are a classic example of a couple who strive to keep a close knit family and try to set the right example for their children. What follows here is a confrontation between Juno's parents and the prospective foster parents of her unborn child. This is where the drama element of the movie takes off in order to cater to the following elements: In this paper, these issues will be discussed in terms of an evidence based theory that is based on the foster care system in cases of divorce, teen pregnancy and other such developmental issues within a child. The foster care system in the United States continues to face challenges related to the quality of care provided by foster parents. Although legislation has been passed by the federal government aimed at improving the system, the pervasive negative stereotypes of foster care remain. This is especially true when it comes to the development and family environment of children placed in this environment. In an effort to better understand the development and family environment issues of children in foster care, this research seeks to develop a more integral comprehension of how children in foster care view their own personal development and family environment. With this information, it will be possible to better understand specific development and family environment issues indicative to foster care. In addition, this data will elucidate development and family environment issues that may not be persistent concerns for children in foster care. With this data, social workers could develop p rograms to raise awareness and improve development and family environment outcomes for children in this care setting. To begin with, a foster home has been described as that place where a child is handed over to responsible adults, duly analyzed and hand picked by various relevant authorities. The perception and conception of the various facets of a child's life are built here accordingly depending on the various elements like education, relationships and others. These go on to form a child's perception of aspects like development and family environment and security. Besides these parameters, the paper follows the guidelines that are embedded in the basic conceptual framework followed by the researcher. These have to do with the guidelines and concepts laid down by authorities like WHO. The US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (2005) reports that at the end of 2004, 800,000 children were served by the foster care system. Of these children, 304,000 represented new entrants into the program. Although this number is part of a larger trend representing a

Bharti Enterprises Essay Example for Free

Bharti Enterprises Essay Ensuring that the look and feel of the store is as per guidelines/standards Ensuring/ reporting Inventory and Stock availability as per the norms to prevent stock-outs Provide suggestions /feedback to improve store productivity People Development / Team Management: Acting as a mentor and trainer for store staff To ensure daily roistering briefing to inbound outbound store staff Customer Experience: Manage staff allocation based on demand at point in time Personally step in to handle demanding customers Provide suggestions for improvements in CE 4. A. On Diversity and Cultural spread in Africa, As Africa consists of 53 countries, to operate successfully it is important to understand the dynamics of each country, including differences in culture, language and especially regulations. Bharti would do well to put in place as few expatriates as possible and have most of its top management from Africa. b. On Infrastructure sharing and cost / capital issues, The biggest driver of network sharing will be the shift in approach of the biggest operators, who had been unwilling to share network to sustain competitive advantage. There is visible network sharing in the markets of Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, and that this is likely to pick up in other markets. c. On Bharti Airtel’s Minute Factor Model, Network sharing and IT outsourcing would help operators bring down costs. While costs could trend down, however they will be higher than in India because of some of the structural costs caused by power shortage and poor infrastructure. 5. Bharti Airtel has a history of making first moves and emerging as the winner just because of that. This is what built the company’s success in India, where it remains the top MNO and second-largest fixed-line operator. In fact, thanks to the massive market it serves at home, at the time it acquired the Zain portfolio in March 2010 Airtel was reckoned to be the fifth largest mobile operator in the world on a proportional subscriber basis, putting it behind the likes of China Mobile, Vodafone Group, American Movil and Telefonica, but ahead of China Unicom. As has been widely covered for over a year now, Airtel has been looking at Africa as a new growth market. While it has a deal with Vodafone for the Channel Islands, Africa is the only other territory outside the Indian subcontinent (including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) that the company has entered. The commonalities are compelling: similar markets, needs and infrastructure. The realities on the ground are somewhat more challenging: logistics, legislative compliance and serious local competition being foremost. The logistics of infrastructure in Africa are an equal challenge for all MNOs. That is a given. Where Airtel might have been overly optimistic is in hoping its Africa model would run similarly to its success in India, based on a first-to-market approach and having some leverage to overcome legislative obstacles. Unfortunately, while Airtel has a 30-year history of being first in India (with pushbutton phones, cordless phones and then mobile), they were not first in Africa. There were major EU, Middle East and South African players there ahead of them. In fact, Airtel’s African expansion is largely thanks to its takeover of Kuwait’s Zain mobile operations in 15 countries. This was a beachhead, not a conquest. Zain only held dominant market share in a few countries. Going up against market leaders such as MTN of South Africa, Airtel applied a strategy of extensive cost cutting. This followed on what it achieved in India, cutting a deal with Ericsson for per-minute fees (rather than upfront payment) that enabled very low-cost call rates from the outset. Airtel has an all-Africa, five-year deal in place with Ericsson for network management that offers similar advantages. Elsewhere, Airtel is engaged with Nokia Siemens Networks and Huawei, not keeping all its eggs in one basket, of course. As a Plan B, possibly following on the indecisive outcome of Airtel’s low-cost invasion, the company has previously been negotiating a takeover of or (maybe) a joint venture with MTN itself. How this putative deal is described depends on which company is talking. This has been going on for some four years without a definitive ending. Even if it never happens, it is a signpost of just what Airtel would consider to get its Africa operations truly established.

Resource Based Strategies used by Coca Cola

Resource Based Strategies used by Coca Cola Established in 1944, The Coca Cola Company (Coke) is based out of Atlanta, Georgia and produces Coca Cola, an aerated soft drink. It was originally developed by John Pemberton as a patent medicine in the late 19th century and bought out by Asa Friggs Candler a businessman with astute marketing tactics. John Pemberton formulated the Coca Cola recipe at the Eagle Drug and Chemical Company in Columbus, Georgia as a coca wine called Pembertons French Wine Coca. The CCC produces a concentrate which is sold to licensed Coca Cola bottlers all over the world. These bottlers have exclusive contracts with the CCC and produce the final product in cans and bottles from the concentrate by mixing it with filtered water and sweeteners. The product is then sold, distributed and merchandised to Coca Cola retailers and vending machines. The company also sells the concentrate for soda fountains to food service distributers and restaurants. Coke was first sold in bottles in 1894 while the cans of Coke were first sold in 1955. Coca Cola attempted to change the formula of the concentrate and merchandized it as New Coke. Follow-up taste tests disclosed that most of the consumers favored the taste of New Coke to both Pepsi and Coke but the same was not accepted by the public leading to a backlash. We will be studying this aspect of the company in this report. Pepsi is the major competitor and usually second to Coke in sales, but it outsells Coke in some markets. Coca-Colas advertising has significantly affected American culture. In 2006, Coca-Cola introduced My Coke Rewards, a customer loyalty campaign, where consumers could earn points by entering codes from packages of Coca-Cola products in their websites. Core Competencies Firms are repositories of capabilities as determined by the social knowledge structured by organizing principles. (Kogut, Zander) New knowledge can be created on the basis of combinative capabilities of the firm. Core competencieds of a firm can be firm specific and those that are in public domain (Belcher, Hassard Procter 1996). These can be applied into a core competency grid which consists of all possible meanings of core competencies with respect to a firm. It involves product, process and administrative competencies. Coca Cola has its product competencies in its brand name and the distinct taste that Coke offered. Coca Cola has become an indispensible component of the American culture. The companys brand name and popularity and identity all over the world are what make it saleable to all types of individuals. It is able to create products that taste goods and is liked by many people. However, in case of New Coke, the new product in itself was an attack on the Coke brand name and hence not accepted by the product. Coke has firm specific competencies as its model of licensed bottlers and a secret concentrate have not been successfully imitated by the competitors. The company makes use of a formula for their product that is top secret and it helps them achieve uniqueness in its industry. According to this view, firm-specific core competencies evolve only when there is a desire by the company or the customers to develop them. (Duarte Snyder 2003). The company makes use of a formula for their product that is top secret and it helps them achieve uniqueness in its industry. The next core competency is the administrative competency. The public domain competencies are a part of the human category of administrative competencies and can be well-defined procedures for administrative activities, for instance organizational structure, administrative capabilities etc. (Deal Kennedy 2000). Coke has a well organized organization structure which gives it administrative competency. It ensures that the company performs well and achieves its targets. The total core competencies of Coca Cola can be summarized as strong brand value, franchise network, cost controls, distribution network and administrative control. Therefore, the core competency of Coca-Cola can be shown in a grid as follows: Reference: Strategic management and core competencies, Anders Drejer Resources and Capabilities The figure below shows the method Coke uses to interface between strategy and firm. We can see that they are moving from emphasis on the Environment Strategy to a Firm Strategy. With regards to the decisions made by Coke, the following are the two notable points: Internal resources and capabilities are used for formulating strategy rather than external market focus The primary source of superior profitability is competitive advantage rather than industry attractiveness The figure below shows the process through which Coke links its resource, capability and competitive advantage. The organizational capabilities in order to implement its strategy and attain competitive advantage are also given below. Coke follows a strategy of leveraging its brand building capabilities to attract and retain consumers for its products. Thus, the competitive advantage of Coke is its Brand. The organizational capabilities of Coke in each functional area can listed be as follows: FUNCTIONAL AREA CAPABILITY Corporate Function Multidivisional Coordination International Management Financial Control Management Information Developed, Formal Vertical and Horizontal Structure Research Development Market Research Operations Supplier Relationship Product Design Suited to consume needs Marketing Brand management Reputation for Quality Market Trends Sales Distribution Speed of Distribution Effective Sales Promotion and Execution Organization Culture, Structure and Human Resources Coca-Colas HR policy follows think globally and act locally. Thus, Coca-Cola is a multi-local company. Although Coca-Colas headquarters is in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, it is more than U.S. company with some operations overseas. Nearly 80% of the companys operating income comes from its businesses outside the United States and it operates in over 195 countries worldwide. Coca-Cola manages them through 25 operating divisions making up six regional groups: North America, the European Union, the Pacific region, the Northeast Europe/Middle East (NEME) group, Africa and Latin America. Each group has a president, accountable for the businesses in his area. Each business has its own unique qualities and can stand on its own, but has the advantage of being in a group. The common element in Coca-Cola is its ability to make each location different, and allow it to conduct its business in the way that is appropriate for the local market. The culture is comprised of diversity and this allows the global HR to maintain the link between businesses and the corporation. Another support tool for HR in Coca-Cola is the HR development committee which was used nearly 10 years ago within the finance division with every functional area of the company now having one. The role of the committee is to identify talent within the function and then develop the talent to reach its potential and conduct talent assessments. Coca-Cola has also globally developed work place rights principles and a work place safety policy in order to provide safe and healthy working environment. The 92,800 suppliers to Coke around the world also have to practice these guiding principles. The vision that Coca-Cola has for its employees is Be a great place to work where people are inspired to be the best they can be. The values of Coke, which are guidelines for he action of its employees, can be as follows: Leadership: The courage to shape a better future Collaboration: Leverage collective genius Integrity: Be real Accountability: If it is to be, its up to me Passion: Committed in heart and mind Diversity: As inclusive as our brands Quality: What we do, we do well Coca-Cola adopts the process of role culture, i.e. where all employees have a defined job to carry out and is normally split into a number of functions across hierarchy. Role culture is best applied in a hierarchy organizational structure in a large company and works well the roles of every employee have been pre-determined and they are in line with regulations and policies of the company. For example, Coca Cola has divided itself into various functions like accounts, marketing etc. There is also hierarchical ordering of office like are marketing director, brand managers, sales operatives etc. This type of culture is logical rational. Coke has also invested resources in the development of formal programmes designed to promote mentoring relationships as part of their human resource development strategy. They believe that this will help them build a competitive advantage through their employees and to create a high-performing organization. But the challenge is to maximize and/or optimize HRDs contribution to business success. Coca-Cola uses the technique of mentoring and coaching to develop their employees. Mentoring is the process of building a formal relationship where the mentor is an experienced and higher designated employee who is likely from a different department and thus no reporting relationship is involved. Mentoring helps the mentee understand the organization and their role and also helps him to learn about the culture, mission and context of how things get done. The advantages of mentoring programmes are that the mentee adopts the work culture of the organization better, increases performance, has incr eased commitment to the organization, increased job satisfaction, low-cost but highly relevant learning, and better cross-functional knowledge. Coaching is an interaction that is used for the purpose of developing performance and provides goals, techniques, practice and feedback. The purpose of coaching is to help an employee increase his competence and the probability of success. Coaching can occur downwards, upwards or laterally in the hierarchy. Coca-Cola Foods identifies five different types of coaching: modeling, instructing, enhancing performance, problem solving and inspiration, and support. Coca Cola Value Chain Analysis The value chain model, developed by Porter, is used to segregate a firm into its strategically relevant value generating activities in order to understand the behavior of costs and the existing and potential sources of differentiation. It is a systematic way of examining all the activities a firm performs and how they interact so to analyze the sources of competitive advantage. The value chain of the non-alcoholic beverage industry (in which the Coca Cola Company lies) contains five major activities. These activities include inbound logistics (suppliers), operations, outbound logistics (buyers/ customers), marketing and sales, and service. The value chain analysis of Coca Cola Company is shown below Figure: Porters Value Chain Analysis Inbound Logistics The Suppliers The suppliers of Coca-Cola include Ogilvy and Mather, Jones Lang LaSalle, Spherion, IBM, IMI Cornelius, and Prudential. The above companies supply to Coca Cola materials like ingredients, packaging, machinery, software etc. The Standards Coca-Cola has put certain regulations and standards in place which the suppliers (mentioned above) must adhere to. The company has named these guidelines as The Supplier Guiding Principles. Some of the guidelines include Compliance with laws, standards and regulations Freedom of association and collective bargaining Wages and benefits, work hours and overtime, health and safety, environment, etc. The Assessment Coca-Cola continually makes efforts to assess their suppliers by the help of third parties through interviews with contract workers and employers. If the supplier do not adhere to the supplier guiding principles or has any other issues, they are given some amount of time to take corrective measures; if not, Coca-Cola has the right to terminate their contract with these suppliers. Operations The Secret Formula Coca Colas core operation is the concentrate and syrup production. The company supplies this concentrate to the bottlers where the production of cola happens. Other activities that impacts Coca Colas business occurs across the value chain through systems distribution networks, bottling operations and sales and marketing activities. The challenges The company addresses the issues by cohesively working with their partners (bottlers, suppliers etc.) to reduce the overall effects at each level of the manufacturing process. They look at the problem from a holistic view by understanding the overall environmental impact of their business through the entire lifecycle of their products ranging from raw material procurement to the production, delivery, sales and marketing of the product. Outbound Logistics The Distribution System Coca Cola has the worlds largest distribution system. They operate in over 800 plants around the world. They operate in more than 200 different geographic locations and market more than 2,400 beverage products. They have distribution reach varying from hypermarkets such as Wal-Mart, fast food restaurants such as McDonalds to small Kirana stores in rural parts of India. The Bottling Partners Coca Cola has more than 300 bottling partners. These partners range from small family owned operations to publicly traded businesses. In order to work cohesively and meet the need of all their customers, Coca Cola has implemented the Coca Cola System in which they work together with their partners and develop strategies to benefit the full ecosystem. Sales and Marketing The Marketing Strategy Coca Cola is primarily a marketing company. They market more than 2,400 products to the consumers. They market worlds top four (by sales) beverage drink brands. Creativity is a vital strategy for Coca Cola. They work hard on their marketing strategy in order to deepen their brand connection with their customers. As a result, innovation plays a very important role in the company. Their marketing strategy is directly linked to the consumer ranging from advertising, to point of sale, to ultimately usage of a Coca Cola drink. They apply innovation is every dimension of the supply chain which includes new product development, increasing brand equity, packaging and designing various new advertising campaigns. Service Servicing their Customers Activities that maintain and enhance a product value include customer support, training and development, installation and maintenance. Coca Colas customers range from large international retailers like McDonalds, KFC and restaurants to smaller independent businesses and vendors like Kirana and regional stores. They provide customized services tailored to meet their customers needs. Servicing their Partners Coca Cola also supports their retailers by enabling them with the necessary training to help their businesses become more profitable and effective. They have set up Customer Development and Training Centers which are available to more than 21,000 independent retailers. They provide free training to the retailers in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, general management and customer service. Launch of New Coke The Number One position of Coke was endangered by the time Roberto Goizueta became chairman in 1981. Hit by competition from Pepsi, Coca-Cola launched a sweeter version of Coke by replacing its old formula in 1985. This was called the New Coke. Pepsi had launched a Pepsi Challenge, a series of taste tests which highlighted that Coca Cola could be easily defeated with respect to taste. Coca-Cola spent $4 million on market research. According to the research, it was concluded that Coke drinkers were more likely to shift from Coke to Pepsi or any other brand if it was available in the store, while most Pepsi drinkers strongly preferred Pepsi. The research suggested that the tangy and acidic formula was felt to be harsh by the younger generation. The decision to change their formula and pull the old Coke off the market came about because taste tests showed a distinct preference for the new formula. The new formula was slightly smoother with a sweeter variation and lesser tang. Coca Cola was already successful with launching Diet Coke. Hence, this time they focused more on the product rather than the demographics with the market inclining towards sweeter drinks. Coca Cola had to scrap the Original Coca Cola and introduce New Coke in its place as two competing products couldnt have been shelved at the same time. New Coke was finally introduced with the tagline The Best Just Got Better. The early response to the change was positive and the companys stock jumped with the announcement. The market research showed that 80% of America was aware of the New Coke within 48 hours. The sales rose by 8% for the same period last year. However, Coke faced a lot of problems during rollout. Pepsi took advantage of the busy Coke officials and used Print Media to declare themselves as the winner of Cola wars, thus undermining the PR and publicity activities for New Coke. This induced a sense of doubt and thus hampered the image of New Coke in front of media and public in general. The company feared boycotts from its customers and bottlers and the talks about reintroducing the old formula had already begun. Coke had been established in the Americans culture and became a fundamental part of their identity, and the change was not accepted well by the public. The customers refused to buy New Coke. Their protests, Coke came to realize, were over the very idea of changing the drink which had been embedded into their tradition rather than the sweeter taste into which it had been changed to. The company now feared boycotts from its consumers and its bottlers. The talks about reintroducing the old formula had already started by this time. The Turnaround and Aftermath Soon after the feared boycotts from its customers, Coca-Cola executives announced the return of the original coke in just less than three months after the new Cokes introduction. The company continued with the production of new Coke and named the old product Coca-Cola Classic, more commonly Coke Classic and later just Classic Coke. Many who tasted the hastily reintroduced formula were not convinced that the first batches really were the same formula that had supposedly been retired that spring. This is, in fact, partially true because Coca-Cola Classic differed from the original formula as all bottlers were using high fructose corn syrup instead of cane sugar. The company found out that the time, money and skill that was spent into consumer research on the new Coca-Cola could not reveal the deep and abiding emotional attachment to original Coca-Cola felt by so many of its customer. At first it looked as if Cokes worst fears had come to pass as Pepsi pulled into the lead, running yet another ad teasing Coke by suggesting that the whole thing was very confusing and consumers should just stick with Pepsi. But by the end of the year, Coke Classic was substantially outselling both New Coke and Pepsi, putting the company back into the number-one position it has enjoyed ever since. New Coke, by contrast, had dwindled to a mere three percent in market share. Coke spent a considerable amount of time trying to figure out where it had made a mistake, ultimately concluding that it had underestimated the public impact of the portion of the customer base that would be alienated by the switch. This narrative would not emerge for several years afterward, however, and in the meantime the public simply concluded that the company had, as Keough suggested, failed to consider the publics attachment to the idea of what Cokes old formula represented. Innovation and new product development The new Coke fiasco exposed two major issues with the Core activities of the company. The company did not understand its own brand The company did not understand its consumer decision making process The companys key asset as well as core competency was brand building. However this episode showed the understanding of the brand as a part of American culture was lacking. The episode although showed the company the attachment to the brand and showed the value of the brand hence this helped them understand their resources. The company did not understand the decision making process of the consumer as the consumer is affected by the brand and if blindfolded and made to sip the product the effect of the brand is not present. This episode showed the company that the brand cannot be separated from the product. This also changed their methods of market research which included both branded and unbranded tests. We shall analyze the innovation process as this is one of the key aspects of the whole issue. The method of market research prior to the New Coke was based on 3 processes: Taste tests: The blind taste tests were overwhelmingly positive; it showed that the new taste was better than old Coke and Pepsi. Focus groups: This was a key indicator and if this was followed then the issue could have been avoided. In the Focus groups, most participants said that it would take some getting used to. 10-12% was very angry and alienated at the change. This should have been explored. Surveys: These were given the highest weightage, as with most surveys they very positive in convincing the new management. There was a clear need to improve the new product development as well as the innovation process. Victor Behrmann, the head of the groups proficiency center Eurasia, Europe, and Africa, revamped the new product development process by two methods, He set up innovation centers in 108 countries, these countries accounted for more than 40% of the revenue of the Coca Cola Company. The center in Brussels is an example of such innovation centers. The Brussels innovation center belongs to the system of global innovation centers. The centers undertakings include: Development of product innovation Packaging Marketing and sales tools Quality control. It is responsible for producing more than 500 innovations a year. The portfolio worked on includes: sports drinks juice and juice drinks coffee water flavored water energy drinks teas carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) Syrups and milk-based products Some of the examples of innovations that have emerged from the innovation center are re-sealable canned beverages that are on-the-go and Point of Purchase cooler solutions. The second major change was the introduction of the stage gate model. The stage gate is called so because a stage is a particular phase of work and a gate is a decision making point. Every stage is followed by the gate which is a go/no-go decision. The gate opens and allows the project to move to the next stage. The gates are also used for quality control in a project. The different options at a gate are: Returning to the same stage (improvement); Termination Suspension; Proceeding (positive decision) Behrmann stressed that speed and efficiency are vital in the stage-gate process. The stage gate process requires additional roles or Human Resources to be available to run the process. The Human Resources required and their tasks are: We have analyzed the stage gate model of the Coca Cola Company which was worked upon by one of our members and we have classified some of the activities and stages of the model. Stage Gate Model It is a more structured decision making process and would involve a lot more people than the old methodology. Hence more decision makers, one of whom could have raised a doubt and sent the project back into the stage for further brand research. The highlighted part of the stage gate diagram shows where this most likely would have happened. There are branded and unbranded taste tests and the branded taste test would have brought out a reaction which would have been checked at the gate hence this would have been prevented. Stage Gate in practical Use A real-life example of the product development process: ILKO International project.

Antony and Octavio :: Antony Octavio Essays

Chronological analysis of the strengthening of Octavius compared with the errors made by Antony. DATE (BC) Factors affecting Antony Factors affecting Octavius 42BC Battle of Philippi. With Lepidus, Antony led an armed force into Macedonia to face the conspirators who killed Caesar. The "Republican" conspirators had 19 legions at their command (about 120000 men), against the triumvir's 28 legions (about 170000). The triumvirs won resoundingly, and the leaders (Brutus and Cassius) committed suicide. Triumvirs firmly in control of Roman Government. Lepidus, the weaker triumvir, was clearly friendly towards Antony. This is exemplified by his full support against the conspirators despite Octavius' absence, and his previous support for Antony during civil war against Octavius. Battle of Philippi. Octavius was sick during the campaign, and did not play a significant role in its events. However, through his triumviral allies he had avenged the death of his uncle. 42/1BC Division of the Empire. Antony received most of Gaul, but Cisalpine Gaul was redefined as part of Italia. Influence over government in Rome, possibly reduced, as Antony was absent in the provinces to collect taxes and appease veteran soldiers. Lepidus (Antony's ally) was allocated Africa to put him at a distance from Antony and Octavius who divided the European empire between them. Division of the Empire. Octavius received the two Spanish provinces, and Sicily and Sardinia. He settled many of his veterans in Italy, giving him significant influence over the government in the capital. He was also responsible for defeating Sextius Pompey who was causing havoc in Sicily, and a major threat to Rome. 40 Triumvirate strengthened. Antony marries Octavia, sister of the similarly named triumvir. Antony moves East. Power transferred so that he controlled all provinces east of Macedonia (inclusive). Further decrease of influence in Rome as Octavius controls the west, despite the premise of "sharing Italy". Lepidus further marginalised in triumvirate. Triumvirate strengthened. Genuine(?) move by Octavius to maintain alliance through marriage. Octavius takes all of the west. All provinces west of Illyricium were taken over by Octavius' legions. 39 Sextius Pompey appeased by being given Sardinia and Sicily. Sextius Pompey appeased by being given Sardinia and Sicily. 38 Antony discouraged by expansion of Octavius. (read the right column first). Possibly disgruntled by Octavius' acquisition of more territory than was agreed, Antony attacks Octavius' breaking of the 39BC treaty. However, he still sends help to crush Pompey. Makes his capital in Athens. Decline of influence in Rome. (No evidence to suggest he had visited Rome since 41?

Artificial Intelligence Essay -- Essays Papers

Artificial Intelligence Computers are everywhere today. It would be impossible to go your entire life without using a computer. Cars, ATMs, and TVs we use everyday, and all contain computers. It is for this reason that computers and their software have to become more intelligent to make our lives easier and computers more accessible. Intelligent computer systems can and do benefit us all; however people have constantly warned that making computers too intelligent can be to our disadvantage. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a field of computer science that attempts to simulate characteristics of human intelligence or senses. These include learning, reasoning, and adapting. This field studies the designs of intelligent agents, or a system that acts intelligibly. The term artificial intelligence is confusing and misleading however. Artificial intelligence is still a form of intelligence, but perhaps â€Å"synthetic intelligence† is a better name because it is not natural intelligence. This is why the name â€Å"computational intelligence†, or CI, is sometimes preferred. Artificial intelligence is used in many objects that we use everyday: cars, microwaves, personal computers, and videogames. There are many different goals for AI, depending upon your field or view. Computer science attempts to make computer systems do what only humans could do in the past. Computational philosophy tries to understand human intelligence at a computer level. AI also has applications in medical programs, factories, robots, and many other tasks. There are several different disciplines of artificial intelligence. They are: different are expert systems, natural languages, simulation of human sensory capabilities, robotics... ...pable of much growth in the years to come. In a few years maybe it will be possible to create systems that are in every way equal to or superior to humans. That can be a scary thought, however impossible it may sound. For now we will just continue to use these systems to our greatest advantage. References Chung, Randolph, and Lynellen D. S. Perry. â€Å"Robotics: introduction.† Crossroads. 4.3 (1998): 2. Klerfors, Daniels. Artificial Neural Networks. Nov. 1998. St. Louis. U. Nov. 2001. http://hem.hj.se/~de96klda/NeuralNetworks.htm. Nadis, Steve. â€Å"We Can Rebuild You.† MIT’s Technology Review. 100 (1997): 16-18. Poole, David, Alan Mackworth, and Randy Goebel. Computational Intelligence, a logical approach. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. Turner, Raymond. Logics for Artificial Intelligence. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1984.

Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Mesolithic Art Essay

The earth and the sky factor into Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Mesolithic art and monuments. Paleolithic means Old Stone Age and the art was mainly consisted of paintings in their caves and Venus figurines. Neolithic means New Stone Age and the art was consisted of the Stonehenge, figures, and pottery. Mesolithic means Middle Stone Age and the art consisted of some pottery, hand tools, and some figurines. In the Old Stone Age, (Paleolithic) their art was consisted of mainly paintings on cave walls. People painted animals because that was what they would see in the dark due to the prolonged time of being in darkness in the caves. They didn’t see much sunlight. As time went on, mathematical aspects started to rise from observational astronomy. Some cave paintings became known as an understanding of the path the moon takes around the sun. This is known as the ecliptic. The ecliptic lead to the discovery of the zodiac. Stars, moons, and planets in the Paleolithic culture are not the stars, moons and planets of modern time that we know. They are those whose habitat is the Milky Way and the celestial sphere now. Many of these paintings reflected images that were seen in the night sky. Such as the Bison that were painted in cave walls which is known as the Taurus in the zodiac sign today. The significance of their art was the astronomy and mathematical connections they made and how it created what we now know as the zodiac. The New Stone Age began to connect with the earth and the sun more by the use of famous monuments. In the New Stone Age (Neolithic) the people built villages that were built for family, life, and worship. They worshipped many gods, but their beliefs were strongly based on nature. They also built many walls that were used as a defense. The monuments they built was their main form art that had connection s to the earth and the sun. They created a giant stone monument that was known as Stonehenge. It was made out of earth, timber, and stones. By viewing this monument, it was observed that the Neolithic people had knowledge in architecture, mathematics, and astrology. The Stonehenge was created as an astrological observatory. It is known for this because of the rising and setting of the sun on the summer and winter solstice that can be seen through the monument. It was also considered to possibly have been used as an astronomical calendar. The significance of this monument is how these people had the mathematical and astronomy knowledge to build this in a way to be able to witness amazing views in the sky that come every year. The Middle Stone (Mesolithic) art consisted of mostly pottery and hand tools. During the Middle Stone age, the Mesolithic people made many hand tools because they began to gain more knowledge to be able to farm and capture animals more effectively. They created carved-engraved bone plates. These engraved or painted plates of stones were marked with dots. These dots were considered to be accurate lunar observations. The interpretation of the markings on many artefacts were considered to be marks that correlate with lunar or s olar motion. This showed that the Mesolithic people had some astronomical skills. The significance of these findings show that over time people were gaining skills on astronomy and were creating their observations through the use of art. Over time art has changed dramatically. It started off as just paintings on cave walls and lead to massive monuments that are still standing today. There is significance behind all of the art since the Stone Age times. These people from the stone ages used art to express their knowledge in mathematics and astronomy. They used it to better understand the earth, the sky, the sun, and the stars. They not knowingly created what is today the zodiac and proved they didn’t need any technology to create an astrological observatory.

Master

It includes: copying information directly from the Web or books without referencing the material; submitting Joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another student's rework; stealing coursework from another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the procedures set down by ELLS. Please see your student handbook for further details of what is / Isn't plagiarism.Assignment Regulations 1 Learners are required to submit their work using the ELLS Assessment cover sheet. 2 You are required to submit your assignment electronically on Mayhap – mayhap. Molly's. Com If you need an extension (even for one day) for a valid reason, you must request one, using a reasonable adjustment form available from the Academic Admit Office. Do not ask the lecturers responsible for the course – they are not authorized to award an extension.The completed form must be accompanied by evidence such as a medical certificate in the event of you being sick. 4 General guidelines for submission of assignment: a) All work must be word-processed and must be of â€Å"good† standard. B) Document margins shall not be more than 2. CM or less than 1. CM c)Font size In the range of be of a common standard such as Arial or Times New Roman for the main text. D) Any computer files generated such as program code (software), graphic files that arm part of the course work must be submitted either online or with the documentation.The answers show that an effective approach to study and research has been applied within the scenarios e. G. Comparing concepts, theories and models. MM Select/design and apply appropriate methods/techniques A range of methods and techniques have been applied. A range of sources of information used The selection of methods and techniques/ sources Justified Complex information/data has been synthesized and processed Appropriate learning methods/te chniques applied. A range of sources have been used to address the tasksMM Present and communicate appropriate findings Appropriate structure and approach has been used. Accurately used A range of methods of presentation has been used Appropriate media used Familiar and unfamiliar contexts have been used. It is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences Logical and coherent arguments have been presented with technical language accurately used in both tasks Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and Justify valid conclusions Synthesis has been used to generate and Justify valid conclusions The validity of exults have been evaluated using defined criteria. Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success DO Take responsibility for managing and organizing activities Autonomy / independence demonstrated The unforeseen has been accommodated The importanc e of interdependence has been recognized High autonomy and independence have been demonstrated.Tasks have been attempted with minimum assistance provided by the tutor DO Demonstrate convergent/lateral/ creative thinking sessions taken Self-evaluation has taken place Convergent and lateral thinking have been applied. Problems have been solved Innovation and creative thought have been applied. Receptiveness to new ideas has been demonstrated. Ideas generated and Effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar contexts.Innovation and creative thought have been applied when addressing both tasks Classic Badges Company Brief Classic Badges Company is in the early stages of setting up as a new mini enterprise which will sell custom made badges to local companies. They are hoping to target he local authority, schools, youth organizations, health service and local dental surgeries. They plan to sell badges which can be tailored to individual needs. The knowledge, effective communication me dia with the suppliers and potential customers such as the local authority, school etc who may be interested in buying the badges.Charles needs a team to take responsibility for the setting up of the company and the communication media to be used to promote the badges. You have been selected as one of the team members to work on this project. You are to collaborate with team members to set up Classic Badges Company. Note: Use the above scenario to answer ONLY TASK 1 ; 2. And read through all of the tasks carefully so that you know what you will need to do to complete this assignment in a fully written report. Tasks 1 – Understand how to assess information and knowledge needs 1 . : In Setting up Classic Badges Company, what are the major range of decisions to be taken? Discuss 1. 2: Identify and examine the kind of information and knowledge needed to ensure that an effective decisions are taken. 1. 3: List and assess internal and external sources of information required and Ju stify heir suitability and reliability for this project. 1. 4: Recommend any improvements in the use of different kinds or sources information and knowledge for the setting up of this project.Tasks 2 – Be able to create strategies to increase personal networking to widen involvement in the decision making process. 2. 1: There are several stakeholders in involved in this project, what contributions would you expect from the different stakeholders during a specific decision making process? 2. 2: An effective business relationship with these stakeholders is important. Discuss ethos of contact that will enhance business relationship with stakeholders. 2. 3: Prepare a plan on how to involve those identified in the decision making for this project.You may consider a stakeholder communication plan or a decision making action plan. 2. 4: To improve on involving others in the decision making process for this project, it is important to improve on your personal networking skills. What strategy would you Tasks 3 – Be able to develop communication processes Using the context of your current or previous workplace, prepare a report addressing he following issues but first you'll need to provide a brief business overview (business description, legal status, mission statement, general information, product/ service description). . 1 : Report on existing processes of communication in this organization. 3. 2: Identify the pitfalls existing in the current communication processes and design ways to improve it. 3. 3: Recommend the improvements that need to be implemented to ensure greater integration of systems of communication in that organization. 3. 4: Create a personal plan to improve own communication skills. Tasks 4 – Be able to improve systems relating to information and knowledge Complete this part of your report using the same chosen organization in Task 3: 4. : Report on existing approaches to the collection, formatting, storage and dissemination of i nformation and knowledge in this organization. 4. 2: Discuss the appropriate changes that need to be carried out to improve the collection, formatting, storage and dissemination of information and knowledge in this organization. 4. 3: Recommend a strategy that needs to be implemented to improve access to systems of information and knowledge in this organization. Master A metal made up of a combination of two or more materials. Atmospheric pressure The weight of air creates a pressure on the Earth's surface and the pressure exerted by the weight of air pressing down on the ground below will vary depending on the ground's height above sea level. Boiling When a liquid vaporizes. Capillary action When water is drawn up between close fitting surfaces. Compression force A crushing force. Condensation When a gas turns into a liquid. Conduction Method by which solids transfer heat.Convection Method by which liquids and gases transfer heat. Corrosion The deterioration of metals that occurs on contact with liquids. Ductility Ductility Is the ability of a material to withstand distortion without fracture, such as metal that can be drawn into fine wire. Durability Durability is the material's ability to resist wear and tear. Elasticity A material's ability to stretch tensile force is applied to them. When the point is reached that the material will no longer r eturn to it's original shape and size the material is said to have exceeded it's elastic limit or yield stress. Equilibrium When all acting influences are balanced.Evaporation When a liquid turns Into a gas. Ferrous metal A metal which contains iron. Freezing When a liquid turns Into a solid. Fusibility The melting point of a material, I. E. When a solid changes too liquid. Hardness Hardness is the ability of a material to resist scratching, wear and tear and Heat which causes a change of state in a substance, but does not affects its temperature. Malleability The ability of a material to be worked without fracture. Melting When a solid turns into a liquid. Non-ferrous metal A metal which does not contain iron. Plasticity The propensity of a material to undergo permanent changes in shape.H scale Measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH of 7 represents neutral water. Reduction A method of producing metals is by removing the oxygen from the ore. Relative density The rati o of the density of a substance to the density of a standard substance under specific conditions. The relative density of a solid is found by comparing it to the same volume of water. The relative density of a gas is found by comparing it to the same volume of air. Sensible heat Heat which only causes a change in temperature, not a change of state. Shear force Opposing forces acting along parallel lines of action.Strength The strength of a material is the extent to which it can withstand an applied force or load without breaking. The load is expressed in terms of force per unit area (Newton's per square meter N/mm). Temper The degree of hardness of a material. Tenacity A material's ability to resist being pulled apart. Tensile force A stretching or pulling force. Thermoplastics Plastics which are liquid when heated and hard when cooled. These plastics can be reshaped repeatedly. Thermosetting plastics Plastics which are resistant to high temperatures. Once set, these plastics cannot be reshaped. Velocity Speed of motion.