River Out of Eden

Division among species Human beings often questions about the world such as how the world was created, and have doubts about religions even thought they believe in one. The theory of Darwinism, creates a new idea of how human beings were created, and how they came to the stage they are in right now. In the Richard Dawkins book, River out of Eden, introduces a idea of Digital River, where species creates many branches of many kind. In this book, Dawkins explains the digital river by using the illustration of speciation, explanation for the â€Å"long good bye†, and speciation rom the reptiles. To begin with, the digital river, term that humans created for the explanation of the speciation, describes the whole cycle of process that occur among the living creatures over time. In order for creatures in this world to survive, they need to adapt to the environment they are in. Dawkins states that â€Å"to be good at surviving, a gene must be good at working together with the other genes in the same species-the same river. To survive in the long run, a gene must be a good companion. †(5) Thus saying that among their own kinds, any certain kind of species has to be in good shape and needs the competitive attitude towards their kind. For example, when lions hunt zebras, they need strong leg muscles and swift movement in order to get the prey in one shot. Usually, in order to achieve this status, lions need to acquire good genes from their ancestors. If they do not have the skills to hunt, they will not be able to survive, resulting only the fastest and quickest lions to survive in the cycle. Dawkins also states the idea of the â€Å"long goodbye†, relates to the digital river. The â€Å"long ood bye† is a status when animals of similar kinds cannot have sexual intercourse anymore. The book states â€Å"nobody doubts that the most important ingredient is accidental geographical separation. For example, when lions and tiger mates, they still h ave a baby, people call in the liger. But ligers cannot mate within themselves because their genes are different in a great way. Tigers and lions may had a same ancestor, but by the geographical factors, divided in two ways. They have many similarities and style of living, but still they cannot create a new branch in the igital river. Lastly, Dawkins talks about the speciation of the reptiles. The book states â€Å"When the ancestors of all the modern mammals broke away from those that are not mammals, the event was no more momentous than any other speciation. †(9) like this, even though many people bring upon the idea of the Darwinism that reptiles turning into other mammals by the theory of evolution, this is no other different than the process of speciation such as geological part away, or natural selection. In Dawkins book, Digital River presents lot of information and thought about how pecies evolve in about to certain stage, and how they come upon to that certain degree . It is not a true fact, or a certain thing whether the evolutionary statement of Dawkins proves that species exists in certain stages, but because of the entry of the Darwinist thoughts, human beings think about the life one more time before they simplify the life, and also come up with psychological factors that deals with life. Works Cited Dawkins, Richard. â€Å"River out of Eden. † The Digital River. New York: Basic books, 1995: 1-29

Ethical Issues in the Pelican Brief

In the hit book, The Pelican Brief, John Grisham's depiction of lawyers who will do anything for money and their clients presents an interesting ethical dilemma. In the book, two Supreme Court justices are killed by a hired assassin, Khamel. FBI, CIA, and the press are working hard to find who the killer is. The only people who know the truth are attorneys from White and Blazevich, Nathaniel Jones (also known as Einstein), Jarreld Schwabe, Marty Velmano, and F. Sims Wakefield and their client, Victor Mattiece.The action commences when Darby Shaw writes a brief about who she thinks is responsible for the deaths of two Supreme Court Justices, Rosenberg and Jensen. She shows the document to Thomas Callahan, her professor and lover. He hands the brief over to his friend Gavin Verheek, he is special council of the FBI Director. That's the way the â€Å"Pelican Brief† goes the round through the FBI, the CIA and of course the White House. The president now has to restructure the Cour t because of Rosenberg and Jensen's death. That is Victor Mattiece's aim.He knows that the president will chose conservative justices who will vote for Mattiece’s  plans  of gaining the oil in Louisiana. Mattiece also becomes aware of the â€Å"Pelican Brief† and decides to kill everyone who is involved in it to keep his  plans  secret. He hires the killer â€Å"Khamel† to murder Darby Shaw and Thomas Callahan. The story develops as Victor Mattiece, as well as, White and Blazevich firm attempt through either illegal or unethical measures to hire someone to kill anyone who knows about the brief and could jeopardize their plans.It is a book, so it all ends up more-or-less happily-ever-after for the young girl and Grantham, the journalist, who meet on the island of St. Thomas after exposure of White and Blazevich and Victor Mattiece. Grantham helps Darby Shaw by publishing a story revealing involvement of White and Blazevich and Victor Mattiece in the death of the two Supreme Court Justices. However, for attorneys of White and Blazevich, one must pause and wonder what their fate, professionally speaking at least, would be after their lie exposes. For these attorneys commit a number of professional ethics iolations, all in an effort to get money. From the outset of their professional relationship with Victor Mattiece – the Supreme Court Judges – attorneys trip over ethics. â€Å"Sims: Advise client, research is complete – and the bench will sit much softer if Rosenberg is retired†¦Einstein found a link to Jensen, of all people†¦Advise further that the pelican should arrive here in four years†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Grisham 340). This memo notifies F. Sims Wakefield, one of the partners supervising Mattiece’s case, who â€Å"†¦had no other clients. And no one client had as much to gain from a new Court as Mattiece† (Grisham 341).This is an unethical practice of law where attorneys help their cli ent plan a murder to financially benefit them and their client. One possible solution for this ethical dilemma could be refusal to help Victor Mattiece in finding out which Supreme Court Judges could be killed. Attorneys from White and Blazevich should think about the consequences of their actions. Better yet, Sims could make a complaint to appropriate authorities about receiving a memo from Einstein and at least free himself and other attorneys, while Mattiece and Einstein would go to jail.The fee agreement between the firm and Mattiece also poses an ethical problem: â€Å"†¦Mattiece was not paying White and Blazevich its standard hourly rate†¦the firm has taken the case for a percentage of the harvest† (Grisham 339). Rule 1. 5(b) of the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct states, â€Å"the basis or rate of the fee shall be communicated to the client, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after commencing the r epresentation† (Miller and Urisko 69). Collecting the fee up front is certainly consistent with the practices of many practical and ethical lawyers.Unless there is a written fee agreement, and there is certainly no evidence to support the existence of one in the book, funds paid by a client at the beginning of the representation are presumed to be an advance fee payment. Advance fees, of course, must be deposited into a trust account, and withdrawn only when earned. Retainers aren’t usually â€Å"†¦ten percent of the net profits from the wells,† and real lawyers must know the requirement (Grisham 339). One of the solutions to this ethical dilemma could be to sign a retainer. If White and Blazevich attorneys want money, why wait?Let Mattiece sign a retainer, pay them, and wait for Court’s decision. Nathaniel Jones (also known as Einstein), Jarreld Schwabe, Marty Velmano, and F. Sims Wakefield are all relying on being paid for their services after the d ecision on the case. They could save a lot of money and avoid jail if they would follow standard Model Rules. Just because F. Sims Wakefield â€Å"†¦was very close to Victor Mattiece and often visited him in the Bahamas,† it is not an exception to conflict-of-interest situations. Even if Victor Mattiece is a friend of F.Sims Wakefield, he should pay for services rendered, or the attorney could refuse to provide services knowing that there could be a conflict-of-interest. The most serious of White and Blazevich attorney’s professional ethics dilemmas is one that few lawyers ever face. In the book, the attorneys do not tell anyone about Mattiece’s plan to execute the two Supreme Court Judges. The Model Rules state that â€Å"an attorney is allowed to reveal a client’s information to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm† (Miller and Urisko 99). Attorneys’ decision to hide Mattiece’s plan is good for a book, bu t is it professional?This is unethical. Instead of following along with Mattiece’s plan to find a way to win his case in the Supreme Court of the United States, the attorneys could refuse to assist him in his killings plan. If Mattiece’s threat to kill does not seem to result in certain death or cause serious bodily injury, White and Blazevich they could continue representing the client without revealing any confidential information and not jeopardizing their careers. Another ethical dilemma that White and Blazevich firm faces actually leads to their indictment later, involves confidentiality agreement between the client and the firm.A file or a document sitting on your desk, if observed by a third party, may reveal an identity of a client or enough information to suggest the client’s identity† (Miller and Urisko 102). If there is no disruption on Wakefield’s desk and secretaries are not in and out every second, Curtis Morgan, who finds the compromi sing memo, would not take the memo by accident. â€Å"Finally, after waiting fifteen minutes, Morgan picked up his files and documents from Wakefield’s cluttered desk, and left†¦as he reached for a file, he found a handwritten memo on the bottom of the stack of documents he had just brought to his office.He had inadvertently taken it from Wakefield’s desk† (Grisham 340). This ethical dilemma could be avoided if Wakefield would not let secretaries go through his office back and forth, or let anyone put folders, files, or documents on his desk while there are other notes or documents there. If Wakefield is on the phone, he should let everyone know not to bother him. If someone comes into his office to ask to review something, he should tell them to come back. Don’t let that person mix his files with the files that he has on his desk. Unluckily for attorneys and client, lies reveal at the end of the book.Indeed, as the book wraps up, Velmano, Schwabe, a nd Einstein get indicted. Wakefield commits suicide and Mattiece also gets indicted. However, they do not get such punishment without being responsible for the killing of innocent people along the way. They go through all this trouble just so that they would get financial reward. Too bad for them, their plan fails.Works Cited: Grisham, John. The Pelican Brief. New York: Doubleday, 1992. Print. Miller, Roger LeRoy. , and Mary S. Urisko. Paralegal Today: The Essentials. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.

Hewelett Packard Case Wiac

Human Resource management| HP Case| WAC Submission| | Submitted By: Syed Ahad GardeziM. Awais IbrahimSyed Ammar HassanZaid Rahman ShamsiMBA II29-Nov-12| Lahore School of Economics Submitted to: Prof. F. A. Fareedy Company Background: HP products were mainly electronic test and measuring instruments for engineers and scientist. Since then HP has added computers, calculators, medical electronic equipment and many more products. HP had 57000 employees worldwide and there were 20 manufacturing locations spread across the United States and 8 others around the world.Company’s objectives were first put in writing in 1957. Product Strategy: The prevailing importance is on R&D to products that will compete by new technical contribution rather than through marketing or to the competitive devices. The product strategy reflects the external modification, technical contribution and basic design or purposes of the instruments were not altered. HP’s focus was on technical contribution and short run profits rather than improving long term growth. Organization: The fundamental business unit at HP is the product division.The division is an incorporated self-sustaining organization with a great deal of independence. No product area is a division until it contains the six basic functions of R&D, manufacturing, marketing, quality assurance finance and personnel. At the end of 1980 there were 40 HP divisions. Coordination of divisions’ activities is the responsibility of 10 product groups. Financial Element: The financial reporting system also provides special statements to view each division’s success in worldwide management of its product line. Each ivision is measured along two dimensions: 1) The financial results of the actual manufacturing of products in the divisions. 2) The total worldwide activity in the divisions’ product line’s whenever they are manufactures. Capital allocations are negotiated during the yearly budgeting process al though divisions are expected to be self-sustaining over any time period. Human Resource Elements: Hiring is done by normal interviewing processes. Testing is rare and then limited to specialized skills tests mostly pertinent to a position.The confrontation with the problem growth in 1973 also led to the expansion of training in the values and methods of HP. Executive seminars were increased and a new series of courses started for supervisors on managing at HP. The course is offered for the employees and it was taught by the local personnel staff and by at least by one lone manager. The routine tasks of employees are carried by a comprehensive system of management by objective (MBO). By introducing this system HP thought that each group or division to operate as a completely separate business. So that divisions have freedom of choice in their operations.The perception of the entire team about the success of HP is the communication at each level of division which is due to trust, tea m work and openness. HP used a variety of techniques to encourage an ongoing dialogues with its. One way it tries to do this is by an open door policy. Supervisor was there to promote the employees and helped them in to seek any advice. The career was given a specific name at HP that was â€Å"career maze†. â€Å"This phrase acknowledges the normalcy of cross functional, cross divisional, and lateral moves that often occur over the course of career at HP. The performance appraisal and salary administration process also expose individual employees to many managers around the company. The performance components were predominant in the line with HP and moreover pay positions of the employees closely related to the performance. Problems Loss of Human Capital One issue that HP faces is the loss of human capital. The company is not very good in retaining its most important resource and is facing problems in this regard. The workforce of HP is so competent and all the employees are very proficient when they were hired that they only needed just a little bit of xperience and learning to touch the heights of success. HP spends too much of its resources and time to train these employees in such a way that they could make big decisions and right decisions on their own without any difficulties and hesitation. All this learning and experience make them capable of doing their own business and make them self sufficient. These employees then no longer want to stay in the company but want to grow by starting their own new ventures. Loss of these employees may not affect the company in short run but it will be very costly for HP in the long run. Doubtful Career of EmployeesAnother rather minor but an important issue in the company is that employees are not aware about when they will be promoted and where they could be working in the company for their next assignment. So there is so much ambiguity about the career of the employees due to which they cannot plan about thei r career. And when they are not sure about their career and could not plan much for it, they might get de- motivated which is again not a very good sign for the company. De-motivated employees cannot work on their full potential and efficiency and the loss is then beard by the company.Complex Organization Culture Thirdly the organizational culture of HP is varied and cannot be understood very easily and quickly. One of the reasons is that it is not very well defined by the company. Goals, objectives and strategies are very well communicated to the employees but then they are set free to choose whichever path they want to choose for accomplishing the tasks. Employees can give their input and suggestions to their supervisors about their jobs and also they can have flexible hours.Participative management style is used by the company but at the same time the case also discusses how new employees get confused when they were communicated the objectives of the company only and then theyâ⠂¬â„¢ll have to choose themselves how to achieve them by doing what? This is why most of them asked about what are they going to do about these objectives and what exactly was their jobs? Informal Environment The company has formalized procedures but they did not focus too much on following them. In fact, the president himself said that we don’t focus much n the ‘way’ but the only thing in which they are concerned with is the completion of tasks and achievement of deadlines. Despite having the formal procedures the company is using informal procedures and given employees full freedom so that innovation may continuously take place in the company. But on the same time it is a growing company with lots of potential. Currently it has fifty seven thousand employees which are expected to increase so such an informal and flexible culture would never sustain in a growing environment. Recommendations: Hp is a huge organization with about 57000 employees all together.The c ompany’s culture has been working fine for the employees who get involved in it and with time, they do become a part of it. In its culture, employees were given freedom of how to complete their tasks in a given time along with some set of procedures they had to comply with. This culture has been followed since the company’s long history and has proven to be successful and an edge over the other companies. To keep up with this culture and also to make new comers feel comfortable and see themselves as adjustable to it, we think that here, the role of the senior employees comes into part.The seniors have to be more compliant, more welcoming and help the new employees feel that now they are a part of it. Another problem we see in the case is a flaw in the Human Resource Department’s plan. As mentioned in the case that employees left the company in an effort to start their own ventures and when they failed with it and wanted to join Hp again, they were welcomed in th e company. First of all, there shouldn’t be employees who leave the company. Reasons for this should be identified and taken into notice.A reason mentioned in the case is that there were no defined career paths for the employees which could be a major reason for employees in leaving Hp. This matter should be resolved by proper succession planning and giving a defined path to the employees so that they get to know what position in the firm they might be aiming for in future. Secondly, the employees who wanted to rejoin Hp must not be welcomed to rejoin. This would create a norm within the employees of leaving and coming back whenever they wish to.If they have this idea in mind that it is safe to leave their job at any point in time and if they come back they’ll be accepted, they would work half-heartedly for Hp and not perform as they are capable of. So, we recommend that a fair of job security should be there in the employees before they decide to leave the firm. With a proper succession plan, the posts of the employees who leave should be filled instantly and the post would be no longer available for that employee who left. This way, the employees would think twice before leaving the firm and then make their final decision.

Social Learning Theory Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social Learning Theory - Assignment Example This assignment discusses the Social Learning Theory developed by Berger, that primarily focuses upon that a child develops while observing the sequential patterns that go on around him/her. Thus, it is through modeling and repeating or doing things that are already done by others is an important way a child learns different behaviors and adopt certain attitudes. However, while observing and modeling, one feature that is in a continuous functioning state is the child’s own cognition. The cognition works in a way that if a child sees someone getting acknowledgement and rewards upon his behavior or deed, the child would him/herself like to receive the same kind of acknowledgement and appreciation from others. This desire leads the child to incorporate the same attitude in his daily practice so that he too can be socially recognized and accepted. Once the child gets success due to the modeled behavior, he learns to practice the same thing throughout his lifespan. The problem migh t occur when the child is not able to model the exact behavior to receive acknowledgement. In such a situation, he/she modifies the same behavior multiple times and in multiple ways as long as he might achieve success. In the same way, punishment and discouragement act as negative stimulators for the child not to adopt a certain behavior if someone else is punished on its basis. In conclusion, the researcher states that this further retains throughout the child’s lifetime shaping his personality in a particular direction.

Current events in business research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Current events in business research - Essay Example This meant that customers were asked for whether they would opt to drink this new product and trials were also made as per its consumption (Robertson, 2009). Then the people who were related with its marketing and advertising were asked to come up with catchy taglines and distribution patterns to make sure that the energy drink’s research was complete and comprehensive from all angles. Also the stakeholders behind this energy drink were brought on to a single platform so that their concerns and related feedback was taken beforehand. This was so done to make sure that the product becomes a hit more than anything else. The research process comprised of factors that included for discerning the taste, aroma, color, packaging, quantity and other details regarding the energy drink. This is the reason why one can think of this research process to be complete from a number of different perspectives. The research behind this proved that it was always good to know about the market and t he consumers so that the product can be designed in a better way. It gives everyone a good idea what the need is like and how it shall be changed for the sake of bringing more benefits. Hence this business research process highlighted quite a few important points which were required at our

The development of Virtual Communities is influenced more by theories, Essay

The development of Virtual Communities is influenced more by theories, business models and social factors rather than by technology. True or false - Essay Example It is a fact that these technological regimes will keep on ruling the roost and continue to make changes which will in essence influence the different theories, business models and social factors and not the other way round. A lot of these changes and developments are dependent on the technological undertakings more than anything else and quite rightly so. [Renninger & Schumar, 2005] Internet has become a common name in households of today and imperatively its uses have increased drastically. It has become a major commercial as well as a consumer track for public leading them towards the electronic information resources available. A person would rather prefer to visit a web portal online than going to a nearby store to inquire about the merchandise products of his choice or interest. This invention is no more a plot for researchers to communicate and exchange information within their own selves, but also seeks access from the innumerous chunks of available data online or from the ever-accessible super computers placed at offshore sites. With the addition of newer innovations like Internet 2 and Abilene in the same field the competition to grasp the ‘cash cow’ state in business markets, technically speaking, has risen beyond any preset levels. Thus technology has a very direct and long lasting effect on the way data is being transferred amongst users worldwide, no matter whatever capacity this data has come about. Technology has had its say within the related contexts as Internet has made its mark over a period of time and the results are ostensible in front of one and all. The urge to move ahead is there and will continue to increase in the near future. In the past, the transactions and the business carried out with the Internet was just a new way for the commoner to access all the information he may so have wanted whilst sitting in his lounge room. But of late, this comfort has become a necessity without which the business

The Role of Women in Ancient Greece and Egypt Research Paper

The Role of Women in Ancient Greece and Egypt - Research Paper Example In many countries, there is an opinion that women are even not so intelligent and do not possess the creative mind. Certainly, these wrong beliefs have been already disproved by the science after different investigations were held to prove that women and men do not differ much in their emotional behavior and possess the same intellectual and creative abilities. Many experts state that in many societies women are deliberately taught to be inferior and subordinate. These negative and destructive stereotypes are mainly maintained by men who try to save their privileged positions as more and more women in the world manage to overcome the influence of feminine teaching and take the place under the sun. Feminine teaching is different in different countries and has its roots in the country’s history. The given paper will consider the role of women in Ancient Greece and in Ancient Egypt. What is remarkable about Ancient Egypt is that in contrast to other ancient civilizations Egyptian women had the rights almost equal to men’s. ...They could take many decisions independently. Egyptian women could apply to the court and appear in public. However, their appearance in public without men was still undesirable and they stayed home most of the time. Women could have different occupations, but their abilities still were limited and many of them were housewives. Some women could work in workshops and few of them could even occupy leading positions. The position of women in Egypt was better than in any other ancient state. Their position was described as follows: â€Å"Egyptian women, the mother that one respected above all, the women subject to a strict moral code, but granted a great freedom of expression -- her entire legal capacity, her shocking financial independence, the impact of her personality in family life and the management of common belongings and her own belongings† (Desroches Noblecourt, 1986).This was due to the fact that Egyptians had very special principles. The life in Ancient Egypt was focused on reaching happiness and pleasure and the family was considered to be the main source of this happiness. In the ancient world, the position of women in the family was determined as subordinate, but there were variations depending on the territory and the principles, which were maintained in this or that ancient state. The influence of such prejudices was stronger if the legislation created a strict distinction between men and women and their roles in the society and in the family. Marriage and family were always valued very high, but in many countries, women were considered to be just home servants. Children also had absolutely no rights and they got them only when they become adult.

Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Literature review Example The management as well as the juniors or subordinates look up to the mangers as leaders. Managers are not only expected to perform their tasks but are also expected to make sure that the subordinates are carrying out their tasks efficiently. Although there has been much debate about difference between a leader and a manager, it goes without saying that a good manger has to be a good leader. One of the critical aspects of the responsibilities of a manger is to come up with results within the stipulated time. This study therefore will focus on the key traits or qualities of the manger, putting special emphasis on the time management skills. Qualities of a good manager Personal Characteristics Self Motivation: A good manager cannot motivate him/herself, if the manager him/herself is not self-motivated. Many believe that to be a good manager, one has to learn to gain the workers trust. People trust a good manager as he/she may have personal integrity. A good manager should be seen as rel iable both by the superiors and subordinates. Confidence is the key. A good manager should have confidence in him. This is reflected while making decisions. Also, a confident manager is likely to show confidence in his team also. A manager has to stay strong under the pressure. If a manager is vulnerable to pressure, then the whole team is likely to crumble. Over all, a manager should be a good leader. Managers quite often need to play the role of a mediator. Sometimes a manager may have to play the role of a fire-fighter. It could be to solve a conflict between workers, between workers and employers, and between workers and customers. A manager may be the leader of a pack. But he/she is very much a part of the team. Therefore, a manager must be a very good team member and should have respect for others. Finally, a manger has to communicate and coordinate not only with own team but also with other departments also (Armstrong, 2011, p.15). Business Characteristics A manager should ha ve thorough knowledge about the respective industry. The manager is also supposed to pass the knowledge to the other team members. A good manager should know that some of the tasks may need to be delegated. One should be able to recognize the right person for the right job. A good manager should have the knowledge of business hierarchy and follow the required chain of command. A good manger may not need to be an expert in law, but one should have the basic notion of business or corporate law. Communication Skills One of the major qualities of a manger is the ability to communicate effectively. One should know how to communicate in writing. A good manager should have the ability to write professionally and with correct grammar as one has to write memos, e-mails, minutes of the meeting quite effectively. A good manager should have excellent verbal communication ability. Managers are required to conduct training sessions as well provide presentations; hence, verbal communication is as important as written communication. One of the most important communication skills, if not the most important, is listening. A manger should have good listening skills as he has to listen to the superiors, worker and the customers also (Kotler, 2011, p.73). Time Management Skills for a successful manager According to

Information Systems supporting Business Processes Research Paper

Information Systems supporting Business Processes - Research Paper Example In this regard, implementation of Information Systems (IS) like Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) and Management Information System (MIS) will be very effective ion achieving its next 5 years plan. The primary consideration in the betterment of Supply Chain Management, different levels of planning should properly organized through accurate decision makings. In this respect, daily transaction process and management information systems must be implemented properly. For TPS, IKEA should introduce RDIF technology in its inventory management for enhanced level of dialing activity with assured tracking system. In case of MIS, IKEA should follow ARIS framework that concentrates and related necessary business views. As RDIF and ARIS both are system-based technology, it requires the resources like software, hardware, proper communication, network, skilled labor, IT infrastructure and supporting organizational structure and culture. Table of Contents 1.Introduction 4 2.Importance Prevailing Inventory Management in IKEA 4 3.Business Process for IKEA to Manage Supply Chain 5 4.Information System for Supply Chain Management 7 4.1.Transaction Processing Systems and Management Information System 7 4.2.Requirement for IS for IKEA’s Supply Chain Management 9 5.Conclusion and Recommendation 10 Reference 11 1. Introduction The emergence of international trade that can be termed as major outcome of the globalization has led to increase the complexities of the prevailing business process. However, the prime reason behind such change is the availability of greater opportunities for market expansion and for higher scope of profitability. On the other that, these opportunities for rapid business growth has also caused in intensifying the competition in international level. As a result, in spite of the better scope for business growth, the profitability of the business has been hurting due to such fierce competition. The organizations with higher competitive advantage are the market leaders and they outperform the domestic and international players. Therefore, all the business organization within a specific market strives to gain sustainable competitive advantage by establishing core competencies. In this process, they have identified the use of technologies in their business processes as major tool to gain competitive advantage. Implementation of Information System (IS) in the multiple business process has been proved very effective in gaining competitive advantage in the international market. This paper will attempt to present the necessity and implementation of IS for supply chain management in IKEA’s global business. 2. Importance Prevailing Inventory Management in IKEA IKEA is one of the most popular global retail chains and it is mainly engaged in the retailing business of furniture, durable household items etc. Besides, it has also entered in food and restaurant business recently. However, it has been world famous for its furniture and dur able household products’ retailing business. IKEA offers highly innovative furniture and

What are the challenges in implementing Sustainable Development Essay

What are the challenges in implementing Sustainable Development through a project such as Bristol Green Capital Discuss with reference to your groups experience and how this differs from other groups - Essay Example ainability of the environment, as the resources are getting scarce day-by-day, which has further played a crucial role in propounding the contemporary way of project management initiatives (Whitehead, 2002). From a generalised perspective, it can be argued that sustainable development is a combination of growing concerns related to socio-economic problems and environmental obstacles (Hopwood & et. al., 2005). Sustainable development can be defined as an approach towards human development wherein the resources used meets the human requirements along with maintaining the sustainability of the eco-system within the surrounding (Bulkeley & Betsill, 2013). Accordingly, it is considered that human requirements are to be met in the present day through sustainable development, as stated by Ye & et. al (2005). Emphasising the stated dimensions of sustainable development, this paper aims to discuss the challenges faced in practicing the mentioned notions in projects such as Bristol Green Capital. This particular entity operates as a ‘free membership organisation’. Correspondingly, it aims at developing Bristol a city offering high quality life to its residents maintaining a significantly low carbon emission (Bristol Green Capital Partnership, 2014). Accordingly, to gain an in-depth understanding of the functionalities of this organisation, 5 groups have been taken into consideration for this study, which include Transition Bristol, The Bristol Partnership Team, Low Carbon South West, Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and The Knowle West Area Neighbourhood Development Forum. Following a brief overview of these groups, a critical assessment of the differing views of the selected groups will be performed in this study. Aligning the findings from the assessment, conclusions will be drawn on the challenges faced by the project when focusing on sustainable development of the city. Transition Bristol is a volunteer-led enterprise, acting in support for Bristol Green Capital

From Dancing Shoes to A High School Diploma Essay Example for Free

From Dancing Shoes to A High School Diploma Essay I have always believed that something great was destined for each and everyone of us. No matter how hard we try, there are still certain things that we take for granted. Sometimes, these little things are the ones that matter in the end. From being the average student to the extraordinary dancer, these experiences have definitely helped shape who I am today. I am originally from Korea, where I finished my elementary and high school. School has always been a challenge for me, making me finish the elementary level with just average grades. I did not belong to the group of students who brought honor and pride to their parents because of exemplary performance in school. I was just an average student who would sit in class and listen to the lessons taught by the teachers. Middle school became another challenge for me. I was growing older, and wanted so much to fit in the crowd. I became more interested in hanging out with my friends rather than attending school and preparing myself for the real world. My grades started to deteriorate, and my teachers and my parents were alarmed with what was happening to me. I became clueless with what my goals in life should be. All I know was that I wanted to enjoy life and be with my friends. While I was still able to pass middle school, my grades were nowhere near impressive. I was still my old selfuninterested with school and dependent on what my peers would say. One day, a high school student approached me and asked me to join the dance club. I guess all of those dancing stints during parties paid off. I was accepted and was forever changed by my experience in the club. The few sessions I had with the dance club made me realize a lot of things. I learned the basics of hard work and determination. Dancing became a big part of my life. Whether it was daytime or night time, I was always dancing. Unfortunately, my grades were greatly affected again. They started to deteriorate, and this prompted my teachers to open my eyes to reality. My homeroom teacher constantly explained to me that dancing is a good hobby, for I am able to express myself creatively. However, she told me that I should pay more attention to my studies so that I may be able to enter a reputable high school. I ignored these statements and went on with the kind of lifestyle I was used to. The last year of middle school meant that we had to apply in different high schools. Together with my friends and peers, we started applying to the prestigious schools in our district. My friends were able to get accepted in some of these schools, unfortunately, I was not one of them. My unimpressive school transcript prevented me from being accepted in a reputable school. In short, I was rejected most of the time. My homeroom teacher became concerned with the situation, so she suggested that we enter a dance competition in order to get extra curricular points that may be included in our application forms. My friends and I thought that this was our last option to prove ourselves, so we decided to enter the said competition. I could definitely say that we gave our best, practicing until our bones and muscles hurt. Unfortunately, we were defeated in the preliminaries. I was greatly affected with the decision, making me cry my heart out. After all the hard work and dedication I gave for this competition, still it was not enough. I decided to live a new life from then on. Eventually, I was able to attend a high school away from my friends and family. I became determined more than ever to study hard and be someone. My lack of knowledge in middle school has made high school difficult for me. Being accepted in a reputable university was the hardest part of all. My hopes and dreams of actually succeeding in life started to diminish. With these in mind, I decided to learn a particular skill, no matter how difficult it was. Currently, I am in the United States hoping to somehow fulfill my dreams and aspirations. I am determined more than ever to study and learn to the best of my abilities, and avoid the mistakes that I have committed in the past. I learned that work and play should be balanced, and that there should be a set of priorities that should not be taken for granted. I am now aware that everything happens for a reason and that no time should be wasted. As I look back and recall my days in middle school, I cannot help but be disappointed in myself. If only I can go back in time and correct the mistakes I have committed in the past, I would do it. I have realized that opportunity only knocks once in a lifetime, and you can never go back to redo the things of the past. The said experience has helped me rise up and always be thankful that I am given another chance to fix my life.

Students Internet Essay Example for Free

Students Internet Essay The Positives and Negatives of the Increased Use of The Internet for Students The Internet is a very powerful resource that provides people with access to a world of information quickly and easily. Since its introduction it has been a valuable learning tool for students and have revolutionized the teaching and learning experience. One of the advantages of the Internet for students is that it provides them with a research tool that is more quickly and efficiently able to access numerous information and media sources. Providing this information is used appropriately it can provide them with learning experiences that they could not have quickly accessed in a traditional library setting. The Internet also allows students to network with experts and with one another. Through this mechanism they are able to ask one another questions, share knowledge and ideas and consult practitioners to learn what they need. On the negative side the internet has created an opportunity for students to access sources that of information that may not always be accurate and therefore may misguide their learning. In addition to this students may be tempted to pass work they found on the Internet off as their own and thus submit plagiarized pieces of work. Teachers can verify work however using online tools such as â€Å"turn it in†. A further issue with the use of the Internet is the threat of students accessing inappropriate sites or making contact with unsavory individuals, this is something that needs to be closely monitored. On the whole I believe that, provided it is managed in an appropriate manner, the Internet is a very effective learning tool. Students have a wealth of information at their fingertips and access to such knowledge can be a very positive thing.

Use Of Realism By Short Story Writers English Literature Essay

Use Of Realism By Short Story Writers English Literature Essay J.P Stern defined realism as being: no more, and no less, than an undertaking to look all the relevant facts in the face.  [1]  Literary realism is a trend that began in nineteenth century French literature. Realist authors such as Flaubert, Maupassant and Emile Zola depicted contemporary life and society, including everyday common duties in their stories. These writers sought to represent life without any type of exaggeration and attempted to write honestly about topics and themes. They preferred this style of writing to the romanticised literature that was more popular in the beginning of the nineteenth century. Romanticism was the opposite of realism and included more imaginative stories. However, their aim was to show the reality of their society and the life and sufferings of the working class.  [2]  Maupassant and Flaubert were key influential authors in this realist movement, and I will explore how both authors implemented the realist genre in their work and how their work differed from each other. One of Maupassants most popular realist stories was Boule de Suif, which was based on a real Rouen prostitute named Adrienne Legay during the Franco-Prussian war. The tale represents the sufferings of the working class and explores the morality and ethics of a divided society. Michael Lerner states how Maupassant manages to convert what is a simple episode from the realities of 1870 into something highly critical and symbolic. It is the more humble, low life realism desired by the Naturalists.  [3]  It is true to say that this tale gives a deep and powerful meaning to the reader in the subtlest ways through the use of symbolism and description, which I will be discussing in further detail later on. There are no major literary devices used by Maupassant. Instead he conveys the directness of the situation and gives a detailed description of the characters appearance and personality A good-natured fellow, though, inoffensive and obliging, he had devoted himself with incomparable enthusiasm to organising the defence of the town.  [4]  This information gives the reader a vision of the characters. Peter Brooks writes about the use of senses when reading a realist story: realist literature is attached to the visual, to looking at things, registering their presence in the world through sight.  [5]  Maupassant especially uses the sense of sight to involve the reader in the story and play on their relationship with the characters. The reader is able to picture the character more successfully and decide whether they like the character or not. Maupassant creates a hierarchy within the coach consisting of a democrat, a prostitute, two nuns, and the rest are of a socially high status. These respectable travellers look down upon the rest of the entourage. However, the differences between these classes are forgotten when they all accept to eat food from Boule de Suif. At this point they are all on an equal footing: mouths opened and shut without pause, swallowing, chewing and gulping ravenously.  [6]  The author shows the generosity of Boule de Suif as she selflessly gives up her food for the rest of the group. We begin to forget our preconceptions of the prostitute and realise that she does have certain moral guidelines. Her personality is further portrayed as a giving human when she makes the biggest decision in the story. All of the characters in the story plan to manipulate Boule de Suif into committing an immoral act of sleeping with the enemy: Boule de Suifà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ felt angry with all her neighbours, ashamed o f having given way to their pleas, and defiled by the kisses of the Prussian into whose arms they had hypocritically thrown her.  [7]  The respectable characters do not take the high moral ground and support her decision not to sleep with the Prussian, it is their selfishness and immorality that take over their reasoning and force her to go against her will. Not only do they want her to give up her food, they also want her to give up her body. Michael Lerner states that For Maupassant the simple Norman peasant who throws a stone or takes a shot at the enemy is far worthier of our admiration than any of these more sophisticated types, who would prefer to sacrifice their country just as they do Boule de Suif rather than abandon or harm their commercial interests and own well-being  [8]   This statement depicts Maupassants own personal view of his bourgeois characters and emphasises the horridness of the scandal they have committed. We are shown a realist view of bourgeois human nature as selfish, arrogant and corrupt. Although Boule de Suif is a prostitute of her own accord, she is faced with a difficult decision. At first she would give herself for the pleasure of other people, whereas now she is being forced to do so; and with the enemy. Maupassant conveys the consequences of her decision in a way that makes the reader sympathise with the prostitute rather than scold her. His choice of words when trying to portray Boule de Suifs feelings are an accurate depiction of a real, victimised emotion: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦she found herself choking with rage and indignationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.she opened her mouth to tell them what she thought of themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦but her exasperation was so violent that she could not utter a word.  [9]  Her utilitarian sacrifice has saved her companions from the Prussians yet her personal relationship with the hypocrites has diminished. Michael Lerner states that: Maupassant relates the fate of both France and the naive but patriotic prostitute to the selfish attitude of the bourgeois.  [10]  Lerner makes a clever statement and suggests that Maupassant was making a strong social point through his story. The realism depicted in this scene is that of manipulation and emotion. We are given an example of a high class act and a low class act and how they both differ morally and ethically. This is thought to depict the nature of both classes at the time. Maupassant s use of imagery in the carriage after the prostitutes sacrifice is alarming: she felt overwhelmed by the contempt of these respectable boors who had first sacrificed her, and then cast her aside like an unclean object for which they had no further use.  [11]  We are given an insight into her emotions and we also feel the tension within the confined space of the moving vehicle. As the prostitutes emotions mirror as our own, that of disgust and anger, Maupassant has successfully portrayed his representation of humanity with the use of realist language. Richard Fusco states that Maupassant: wanted to startle readers into recognising the pretensions of society and those within themselves.  [12]  As the rest of the characters pretend to Boule de Suif that her actions will also be in her own interest, Richard Fusco is correct in making this statement, however, the author also startles us into realising that our actions can be more consequential than heroic. Boule de Sui fs position is not created on her own accord but through the manipulation of her socially respectable superiors. Michael Lerner comments on Maupassants realism as: fairly shallow; he went through the notions of it without fully committing himself.  [13]  This comment is very disagreeable as we can see Maupassant has used very intricate realistic techniques to convey the message of the story: everybody stayed in the kitchen, engaging in endless discussions and putting forward the unlikeliest theories.  [14]  The language gives an indication of many different emotions and shows pathos, strong character representation and clarity in his writing, of life at the time. Maupassant manages to successfully portray a realistic character in his story. Maupassant had studied under Flaubert for a number of years and it was through him that he met other literary geniuses such as Emile Zola and Ivan Turgenev. All of these influences contributed to Maupassants literary ideas and it is for this reason that his style mirrors Flauberts in many ways. I will be analysing Flauberts realist story A Simple Heart, which is set in the time and country of the author of nineteenth century France. Like Maupassant, the central figure is based on a real person whom Flaubert knew. One of the similarities that both these authors hold, according to Agnes Rutherford Riddell, was symbolism. Maupassant used Boule de Suif as a symbol for the proletariat whilst Flaubert used the name Fà ©licità © in A Simple Heart as a suggestion for both the peasant womans fatalistic acquiescence in circumstances and, by contrast, the real misery of her lot.  [15]  Such symbolism helps to portray a deeper message of the reality of the story. Flaubert also used vivid, descriptive language within his stories: her dresses hung in a row under a shelf containing three dolls, some hoops, a set of dolls furniture, and the wash-basin she had used.  [16]  Like Maupassant, Flaubert creates a realistic sense of the reader being involved in the novel. However the difference between the two; is Flauberts use of more intricate detailing of surroundings and vision. Riddell argues that: Maupassant appears to avoid this kind of mistake, perhaps through noticing its effect in his masters work. On the whole, however, description through the eyes of a personage is consistent in both writersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.  [17]  Both writers use description as a necessity in their work in order to give a more realistic account of their surroundings. Timothy Unwin is accurate in his belief that: It is a well-accepted fact that, in the nineteenth century, realist novelists were less interested in telling stories than they were in describing them.   [18]   In A Simple Heart, Flaubert uses the technique of an omniscient narrator to his advantage. The reader is able to view the protagonist externally and internally. Externally through the attitudes of other characters towards Fà ©licità ©: Madam Aubain told her to stop kissing them all the time and internally through Fà ©licità ©s thoughts, told to us by the narrator: which hurt her deeply.  [19]  This allows the reader to view things as she does. H. Meili Steele states that: the narrator has the ostensible traits of omniscience, such as the ability to move freely through space and time and to represent characters thoughts.  [20]  We can see that this is not the only advantage of an omniscient narrator. In terms of realist literature, the omniscient narrator acts as a device to give the reader more information on the characters and the setting. Thus resulting in a more pragmatic approach to the text. In A Simple Heart, the main character, Fà ©licità ©, is used as an instrument of symbolism for the uneducated and the poor. She is repeatedly exploited by those around her, even by the people she loves and she is always hunted by sadness and sorrow. When she is stranded by her lover à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦she hastened to her lover. In his place she found his friends. From him she learned that was never to see Thà ©odore again, we can see how concise and straight to the point the sentences are.  [21]  This abrupt structure makes the reader sense the shock and upset of the protagonist. These are the real feelings of the protagonist shown to us through concise sentence structure and normal, everyday language: I havent had any for six months!.  [22]  This is the main focus of Flauberts realist writing. Timothy Unwin states that: Flaubert the novelist steered clear of depicting contemporary literary life in detail.  [23]  This is correct in terms of dialogue between characters howe ver, we have established that Flaubert was very intricate in the detailing of setting that the characters were placed in. Flaubert remarks on the role of religion in the story, especially that of the Roman Catholic church in nineteenth century France. Fà ©licità © is devoted to the church and visits regularly yet her devotion is not based on its beliefs: As for dogma, she did not understand, did not even attempt to understand a word of it.  [24]  Flaubert seems to be mocking the church in this sentence, implying that religion is a sanctity for the weak and poor who acquire some type of higher entity to depend on for support. Mary Orr states that: Flaubert challenges the spiritual redundancy and irrelevance of Catholic theologyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, this shows how we are given an indication of Flauberts own personal views towards the Catholic church through his writing.  [25]  He shows not only the common realist thought of the time, but his own thought. Raymond Giraud comments that we have more of an insight as to Flauberts character through his stories Flaubert reveals himself, positively or negati vely, directly or indirectly, in the characters he creates.  [26]  Flauberts presence in his literature is dominant and his thoughts represent the thoughts of many of the realist writers and thinkers. We have already recognised that Maupassants descriptions involve the readers senses, yet Flauberts descriptions also involve the senses, but of the characters rather than the readers. Timothy Unwin points out that: he watches and gathers information about the characters and the narrator less from what is said about them than from catching them looking.In Un Couer Simple the tall grass at the bottom of the stream which, we are told, is like the hair of dead bodies, explains what Fà ©licità © sees and thinks. Through her eyes we understand that she mistakenly assumes Victor died drowning (he died on a land of disease).  [27]   We can conclude from this quote that the author is using description from the characters point of view to give us more information about the characters state of mind. The fact that Fà ©licità © has made a mistake in her knowledge of Victors death shows us her naivety and overall, the simple-mindedness of the uneducated and poor class that Fà ©licità © represents. Maupassant and Flauberts use of realism tends to be quite similar. Yet, there are many points where one stands out more than the other. We can conclude that Maupassant was strong in his realist representation of bourgeois behaviour, his use of symbolism and giving an informative description of the setting in his story. Whilst Flaubert is more descriptive in not only the setting of the story, but of the characters views and thoughts. Peter Brooks emphasises that: Everything, as Flaubert understands it, depends on the detail, thus, giving the reader more information on the text and allowing them to relate to the story more.  [28]  Both however, do not fall into the trap of over dramatising their realist descriptions and keep it as authentic as possible. Peter Brooks also notes how: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦we might ask ourselves: Why do we take pleasure in imitations and reproductions of the things of our world?  [29]  It seems very commonsensical to write about what we see, yet we take the easy approach of literature and write about fictional beings and wonders. Writing is a type of escapism, which realism does not allow, but we can see from the works of these two geniuses that realist literature is just as good and more educational than any other type of imaginary literature. The verisimilitude is a device of entertainment and Timothy Unwin argues that: Everything and everyone, in Flauberts view, had unique qualities that it was the artists duty to seek out.  [30]  Realism puts more of an emphasis onto the small details of everyday living. Flaubert and Maupassant both understand this and equip this idea in their work. The use of le mot juste in realist literature is a handy tool to depict life and surroundings most accurately. Timothy Unwin points out that This formula was valid for Flaubert, but the principle of mot juste does not imply that there is just one way of telling all stories. Rather, it suggests that each story has a privileged way of being told, through which it appears at its most persuasive.  [31]   Unwins comment here raises an interesting point. As each story has a privileged way of being told, this means that it is difficult to assume that what we read is all a precise account of reality at the time. The writer implements their own views and judgements into their work, ultimately, making their stories biased. What we must bear in mind when reading realist literature, is that the story is all someones interpretation of reality and this is the main difference between the authors. The text is a depiction of the authors reality. Our interpretation of reality is likely to be more different.

Love and Hate Depicted in Shakespeares Merchant of Venice Essay

Love and Hate Depicted in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice The Merchant of Venice is a play both about love and hate. Shakespeare illustrates the theme of hate most prominently through the prejudices of both Christians and Jews and their behaviour towards one another. The theme of love is shown amongst the Christians, in the love of friendship and marital love. The themes are emphasised in the settings of the play, Belmont symbolising love and Venice symbolising hate. As well as this the immorality of various characters can be seen in their motives for love and hate. The entire play is centred around racial prejudices between Christians and Jews and their hate for one another. In The Merchant of Venice Shylock, the Jew, is characterised as the scapegoat, just as the Jewish have been throughout history. Shylock's prejudice and dislike for the Christians is largely based on their mistreatment of him: "Signior Antonio, many a time and oft in the Rialto you have rated me about my moneys and my usences: still have I borne it with a patient shrug, for sufferance is the badge of all our tribe. You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog. And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine, and all for use of that which is mine own." (Shylock- 1,3,102-9) Shylock feels the wrath of an unequal society and is frustrated by it: "Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? Fed with the same food, hurt with the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is?" (Shylock- 3,1,54-60) Shylock's hatred for the Christians is what causes him to pursue his revenge on Antonio. This action is very significant as Shylock's business is usance and in his pursuit for reven... ...ll and is only interested in her for her wealth: "In Belmont is a lady richly left, and she is fair, and, fairer than that word, of wondrous virtues: sometimes from her eyes I did receive fair speechless messages: her name is Portia; nothing undervalu'd to Cato's daughter, Brutus' Portia; nor is the world ignorant of her worth, for the four winds blow in from every coast renowned suitors." (Bassanio- 1,1,161-9) The Merchant of Venice is a play both about love and hate. This can be seen through the Jewish and Christian prejudices, the relationships between the characters and the two settings for the play, Belmont and Venice. Shakespeare often incorporated the themes of love and hate in his plays, either as the main plot, or a sub plot as such in The Merchant of Venice. Love and Hate are the backbone of the main plot, collectively they hold the story together.

Londons Social Class in Robert Louis Stevenson Strange Case of Dr. Jek

London's Social Class in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde One Victorian sentiment was that a civilized individual could be determined by her/his appearance. This notion was readily adopted by the upper classes and, among other things, helped shape their views of the lower classes, who certainly appeared inferior to them. In regards to social mobility, members of the upper classes may have (through personal tragedy or loss) often moved to a lower-class status, but rarely did one see an individual move up from the abysmal lower class. Although poverty could be found almost anywhere in Victorian London (one could walk along a street of an affluent neighborhood, turn the corner, and find oneself in an area of depravity and decay), most upper-class Londoners, who tended to dwell in the West End, associated the East End with the lower class. Writers like Henry Mayhew (London Labour and the London Poor) and Jack London (The People of the Abyss), and artists like Gustave Dore (London) and John Thomson (Street Life in London) - all chroniclers of the desperate conditions of those in the East End - helped enlighten many around world - particularly those who lived just beyond the permeable boundaries of that notorious area - as to the needs of the city's unfortunate members of society. Their works called out - whether directly or indirectly - for some sort of radical social reform, but there was little immediate response. The East End continued throughout the 19th century to exist as a symbol for the deterioration of society and the degeneration of humanity. In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the reader is given vivid (and often depressing) images of London's East End: Two doors from one corner. . . the line was broken by the e... ... desires (i.e., sexual opportunities). Those like Jekyll, however, who were of the upper classes and who harbored secret and socially forbidden desires, nonetheless had to control these desires in order to maintain an elite appearance. As Henrik Hansen notes, "A man was considered to be civilized if he was able to repress the animal instincts within him. . . and the Victorian elite could thus claim to be more civilized than the lower classes" (par. 2). The novel, then, can be perceived as a commentary not only on the distinctions between these sides of London but also on the hypocrisy of the upper-class men who struggled to conceal their homosexuality and who, in spite of whatever rhetoric they spoke among their class against the End End, sought to fulfill their lusts in areas like Soho and Regent Street - where their anonymity would be almost certainly secured.

An Explication of The Garden of Love :: Garden of Love Essays

An Explication of The Garden of Love      Ã‚  Ã‚   My original interpretation of "The Garden of Love" encompassed the speaker as a person who was scared to move on in their life and in love. I thought (he) was afraid of failure, afraid of losing childhood innocence in the wake of adulthood decisions and expectations. I funneled my theory into a neat little package that contained the Chapel as a symbol for marriage (or adult themes), and the Garden to stand for his life, or thoughts. I further belabored my opinion and interpretation.    After long deliberation with the writings of Blake 'experts,' I have conceded to concur with their interpretations of "The Garden of Love," and therefore: According to Ostriker, Blake "celebrates sexuality and attacks repression" (156). I agree that his attack on repression is apparent in this poem, in that Blake seems to want the speaker, and the readers, to take a chance on life, love, or sex. Whatever the convention of each individual, Blake wants us to not be afraid to go against the conventional. Yet the speaker in "The Garden of Love" is constrained to move forward with his own decisions, probably restricted by the strict conventions of the Church. The priests follow suit as a reminder of 'conventional holiness.'    Blake has often ridiculed the Church, and it seems as though he uses "The Garden of Love" to display the affects of the Church's manipulation on youth. Regarding the two youngsters kneeled behind the priest, Kauvar explains, "The bowed figures reveal the presence of Urizenic (def. Reason - mine) repression and morality, for instead of embracing, the youths kneel submissively behind the priest" (60). As I grasped in my first response to this poem, Blake's 'Garden' represents new growth and childhood innocence. Kauvar continues that thought with the opposite side, "but in Experience he sees nature dying and the graveyard supplanting the garden" (60).    It seems to me that Blake was highly disturbed with the manipulating effects placed on the public by the Church. I think he believed the public was mislead by the Church and its expectations, and further, believed their lives were governed as such. Pagliaro continues with the mention of, ".

Pharmacy Tech Handout #1

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, exam scoring requirements per www. ptcb. org The pharmacy technician performs activities related to three broad function areas. The specific responsibilities and activities that pharmacy technicians may perform within each function area are:   I. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients (66% of exam)   |   A. |   Receive prescription/medication order(s) from patient/patient’s representative, prescriber, or other healthcare professional 1.Accept new prescription/medication order from patient/patient’s representative, prescriber, or other healthcare professional 2. Accept new prescription/medication order electronically (for example, by telephone, fax, or electronic transmission) 3. Accept refill request from patient/patient’s representative 4. Accept refill authorization from prescriber or other healthcare professional electronically (for example, by telephone, fax, or electronic transmission) 5. Contact prescri ber/originator for clarification of prescription/medication order refill 6.Perform/accept transfer of prescription/medication order(s)|   B. |   Assist the pharmacist in accordance with federal rules and regulations in obtaining from the patient/patient’s representative such information as diagnosis or desired therapeutic outcome, disease state, medication history (including over-the-counter [OTC] medications and dietary supplements), allergies, adverse reactions, medical history and other relevant patient information, physical disability, and payor information (including both self-pay and third party reimbursement)|   C.   Assist the pharmacist in accordance with federal rules and regulations in obtaining from prescriber, other healthcare professionals, and/or the medical record such information as diagnosis or desired therapeutic outcome, disease state, medication history (including [OTC] medications and dietary supplements), allergies, adverse reactions, medical hi story and other relevant patient information, physical disability, and payor information (including both self-pay and third party reimbursement)|   D.   Collect and communicate patient-specific data (for example, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol levels, therapeutic drug levels, immunizations) to assist the pharmacist in monitoring patient outcomes|   E. |   Collect and communicate data related to restricted drug distribution programs (for example, thalidomide, isotretinoin, and clozapine)|   F. |   Collect and communicate data related to investigational drugs|   G. |   Assess prescription or medication order for completeness (for example, patient's name and address), accuracy, authenticity, legality, and reimbursement eligibility|   H.   Update the medical record/patient profile with such information as medication history (including [OTC] medications and dietary supplements), disease states, compliance/adherence patterns, allergies, medication duplication, an d/or drug-disease, drug-drug, drug-laboratory, drug-dietary supplement and/or OTC, and drug-food interactions|   I. |   Assist the patient/patient's representative in choosing the best payment assistance plan if multiple plans are available to patient|   J. |   Process a prescription/medication order 1. Enter prescription/medication order information onto patient profile 2.Select the appropriate product(s) for dispensing (for example, brand names, generic substitutes, therapeutic substitutes, formulary restrictions) 3. Obtain pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances, controlled substances, and investigational products) from inventory 4. Calculate quantity and days supply of finished dosage forms for dispensing 5. Measure or count quantity of finished dosage forms for dispensing 6. Process and handle radiopharmaceuticals 7. Perform calculations for radiopharmaceuticals 8.Process and handle chemotherapeut ic medications commercially available in finished dosage forms (for example, Efudex, mercaptopurine) 9. Perform calculations for oral chemotherapeutic medications 10. Process and handle investigational products 11. Package finished dosage forms (for example, blister pack, robotic/automated dispensing vial) 12. Affix label(s) and auxiliary label(s) to container(s) 13. Assemble patient information materials (for example, drug information sheets, patient package inserts, Health Information Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA] literature) 14.Check for accuracy during processing of the prescription/medication order (for example, National Drug Code [NDA] number, bar code, and data entry) 15. Verify the data entry, measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other technicians as allowed by law (for example, tech check tech) 16. Prepare prescription or medication order for final check by pharmacist 17. Prepare prescription or medication order for final check by pharmacy technician as allowed by law (for example, tech check tech) 18. Perform Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) required checks for radiopharmaceuticals|   K. Compound a prescription/medication order: 1. Assemble equipment and/or supplies necessary for compounding the prescription/medication order 2. Calibrate equipment (for example, scale or balance, total parenteral nutrition [TPN] compounder) needed to compound the prescription/medication order 3. Perform calculations required for preparation of compounded IV admixtures 4. Perform calculations for extemporaneous compounds 5. Compound medications (for example, topical preparations, reconstituted antibiotic suspensions) for dispensing according to prescription and/or compounding guidelines 6.Compound medications in anticipation of prescriptions/medication orders (for example, compounding for a specific patient) 7. Prepare sterile products (for example, TPNs, piggybacks, IV solutions, ophthalmic products) 8. Prepare radio pharmaceuticals 9. Prepare chemotherapy 10. Record preparation and/or ingredients of medications (for example, lot number, control number, expiration date, chemotherapy calculations, type of IV solution)|   L. |   Provide prescription/medication to patient/patient's representative: 1. Store medication prior to distribution 2.Provide medication and supplemental information (for example, package inserts) to patient/patient’s representative 3. Package and ship pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) to patient/patient's representative li>Place medication in dispensing system (for example, unit-dose cart, automated systems) 4. Deliver medication to patient-care unit 5. Record distribution of prescription medication 6. Record distribution of controlled substances 7. Record distribution of investigational drugs 8.Record distribution of restricted drugs (for example, isotretin oin, clozapine, thalidomide) 9. Record distribution of prescription/medication to patient's home|   M. |   Determine charges and obtain reimbursement for products and services|   N. |   Communicate with third-party payers to determine or verify coverage|   O. |   Communicate with third-party payers to obtain prior authorizations|   P. |   Communicate with third-party payers and patients/patient's representatives to rectify rejected third-party claims|   Q. |   Identify and resolve problems with rejected claims (for example, incorrect days supply, incorrect ID number)|   R.   Provide supplemental information (for example, disease state information, CDs) as requested/required|   S. |   Direct patient/patient's representative to pharmacist for counseling|   T. |   Perform drug administration functions under appropriate supervision (for example, perform drug/IV rounds, check pumps, anticipate refill of drugs/IVs)|   U. |   Process and dispense enteral products| II. Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems (22% of exam)   Ã‚  |   A. |   Identify pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) to be ordered|   B.   Place routine orders for pharmaceuticals, durable and nondurable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) in compliance with legal, regulatory, formulary, budgetary, and contractual requirements|   C. |   Place emergency orders for pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) in compliance with legal, regulatory, formulary, budgetary, and contractual requirements|   D.   Receive pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) and verify against specifications on original purchase orders|   E. |   Place pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) in inventory under proper storage conditions while incorporating error prevention strategies|   F.   Perform non–patient-specific preparation, distribution, and maintenance of pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) while incorporating error prevention strategies (for example, crash carts, clinic and nursing floor stock, automated dispensing systems)|   G. |   Remove from inventory expired/discontinued/slow moving/overstocked pharmaceuticals, durable and nondurable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products)|   H.   Remove from inventory recalled pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equip ment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products)|    I. |   Dispose of or destroy pharmaceuticals or supplies (for example, hazardous substances, investigational products, controlled substances, non-dispensable products)|   J. |   Communicate changes in product availability (for example, formulary changes, recalls, shortages) to pharmacy staff, patient/patient’s representative, physicians, and other healthcare professionals|   K.   Implement and monitor policies and procedures to deter theft and/or drug diversion|   L. |   Maintain a record of controlled substances ordered, received, and removed from inventory|   M. |   Maintain a record of investigational products ordered, received, and removed from inventory|   N. |   Perform required inventories and maintain associated records|   O. |   Maintain record-keeping systems for repackaging, non-patient specific compounding, recalls, and returns of pharmaceutica ls, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products)|   P.   Compound non-patient specific medications in anticipation of prescription/medication orders|   Q. |   Perform quality assurance tests on compounded medications (for example, end product testing and validation)|   R. |   Repackage finished dosage forms for dispensing (for example, unit dose, blister pack, oral syringes) Participate in quality assurance programs related to pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products)| III.Participating in the Administration and Management of Pharmacy Practice (12% of exam)   |   A. |   Coordinate written, electronic, and oral communications throughout the practice setting (for example, route phone calls, faxes, verbal and written refill authorizations; disseminate policy and procedure changes)|   B . |   Update and maintain patient information (for example, insurance information, demographics, provider information) in accordance with federal regulations and professional standards (for example, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA])|   C.   Collect productivity information (for example, the number of prescriptions filled, fill times, payments collected, rejected claim status)|   D. |   Participate in quality assurance activities (for example, medication error prevention, customer satisfaction surveys, and internal audits of processes)|   E. |   Generate quality assurance reports (for example, compile or summarize data collected for evaluation or action plan development, root cause analysis)|   F. |   Implement and monitor the ractice setting for compliance with federal regulations and professional standards (for example, Materials Safety Data Sheet [MSDS], Occupational Safety Health Administration [OSHA], Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations [JCAHO], United States Pharmacopeia [USP])|   G. |   Implement and monitor policies and procedures for infection control|   H. |   Implement and monitor policies and procedures for the handling, disposal, and destruction of pharmaceuticals and supplies (for example, hazardous substances, investigational products, controlled substances, non-dispensable products, radiopharmaceuticals)|   I.   Perform and record routine sanitation, maintenance, and calibration of equipment (for example, automated dispensing equipment, balances, TPN compounders, and refrigerator/freezer temperatures)|   J. |   Update, maintain, and use manual or electronic information systems (for example, patient profiles, prescription records, inventory logs, reference materials) in order to perform job related activities|   K. |   Use and maintain automated and point-of-care dispensing technology|   L. Perform billing and accounting functions for products and service s (for example, self-pay, third-party adjudication, pharmaceutical discount cards, medication reimbursement)|   M. | Communicate with third-party payers to determine or verify coverage for products and services|   N. | Coordinate and/or participate in staff training and continuing education|   O. | Perform and/or contribute to employee evaluations and competency assessments|   P. | Participate in the establishment, implementation, and monitoring of the practice setting’s policies and procedures  |

Physical Changes on a Flower

[pic] The Stages of a Flower from Seed to Bloom (The process by which flowers changed physically) It usually takes at least seven weeks for a flower propagated from a seed to bloom. The growth and development of flowers occurs over several weeks from the germination of seeds planted in the ground to the time in which flowers bloom. The entire process happens in about five stages for most flowers. Although different flower species have various bloom periods, the general growth and development process is basically the same for all flowers.Moderate variations in the length of time of certain stages may differ by flower species. Stage 1: Days 1 Through 5 The seed begins the germination process soon after being planted. During day 3 of the initial growth and development stage, imbibition starts whereby the dry seed takes in water from the ground. Shortly after this occurs, the radical (root) emerges from the seed coat on or about day 4. On day 5, the radical begins to extend and develops a root system at one end and a stem at the other end.The stem starts the process of making its way upward and eventually past the soil's surface. Stage 2: Days 6 Through 26 Stage 2 is the stage in which a flower's leaves develop. Leaf development usually begins on day 6 and continues to day 26. Leaves begin as tiny rosettes (leaf buds). As the stem begins growing leaves, the development of a flower's primary root structure also culminates usually sometime after day 14. Even though leaf growth does not officially happen until stage 3, the first leaf buds may begin growing after day 18 and continue until day 26. Stage 3: Days 19 Through 30Slight leaf growth overlap exists between stages 2 and 3 to account for the time period in which the initial leaf buds embark on growth. However, stage 3 officially marks the entire leaf growth period. During this stage all of the leaf buds grow until each one reaches full maturity at about day 29. It's also possible for stage 4 to begin during the l atter part (day 26) of the leaf growth stage. Stage 4: Day 26 Day 26 is the day in which most flowers experience inflorescence emergence. In other words, flower buds start appearing on the stem, signifying stage 4 of development.It often occurs toward the end of stage 3 leaf growth; however, it is treated as a separate stage, because the period indicates the growth and development exclusively of flowers. Stage 5: Days 31 Through 49 Stage 5 commences the flower production phase. On approximately day 31, the first flower bud opens. Additional flower buds continue opening throughout a roughly 18-day bloom period until day 49 at which point flower production typically ends. Why some chemical changes are important? Without chemical reactions, chemical processes and chemical changes could not occur.Without chemical processes, life is not possible. Anything alive is alive (at least in part, if not in sum) because of the biochemical processes going on in the organism. No chemistry equals no life. All living things are (without exception) biochemical mechanisms or biochemical machines. [pic]References:1. The Stages of a Flower From Seed to Bloom | eHow. com  http://www. ehow. com/list_7576728_stages-flower-seed-bloom. html#ixzz2BpA87y462. http://wiki. answers. com/ Q/ Why_ are_ chemical_ reactions_ important_ in_ living_ things3. http://www. oogle. com. ph /imgres? um=1&hl= fil&biw= 1024&bih =505&tbm= isch&tbnid= ZAM01aVdTEe4zM :&imgrefurl= http://www. usnon. com/ incidence- of-hypertrophic -scars- physiology -of-vitamin -d-3. htm &docid =k3rsn FHNOJIXuM&imgurl = http://www. usnon. com/ wp-content/ uploads/ 2009/1 0/ Figure

Law Employer/Employee Relationship Essay

To determine whether an individual is an employee or independent contractor under the common law, the relationship of the worker and the business must be examined. All evidence of control and independence must be considered. In an employee-independent contractor determination, all information that provides evidence of the degree of control and degree of independence must be considered. Independent Contractor or EmployeeUnder federal and state laws, an independent contractor must be just that, independent. He or she must provide a product or service without punching a time clock or being told how to do the job. Independent contractors are described as persons engaged in occupations who contract to perform work according to their own methods, without being subject to control of the employer except for the result. Before an employer can determine how to treat payments it makes for services, the employer must first know the business relationship that exists between employer and the person performing the services. The person performing the services may be an independent contractor or an employee. Simply because an employer refers to a worker as an independent contractor or he or she has agreed to the arrangement in a written contract does not mean that the individual is correctly classified as an independent contractor. Likewise, the fact that payments are issued by accounts payable rather than the payroll department also does not mean that the person is an independent contractor. The nature of the relationship between the individual and the employer is the true determinant, and misclassification can result in serious consequences for an organization. In Mary’s case, the scenario is vague and may need a little more information in order to give an accurate assumption on whether or not Mary is a contractor or an employee. Mary was hired for a special programmer project as a contractor and just as the project was nearing completion, a new project came into play. For this new project, Mary was required to use company materials and equipment while adhering to company schedules, which makes it seem as though she was being treated as an employee. Mary, at one point being an independent contractor, has now developed a relationship with the employer, the more likely there is an employer/employee relationship,  and the tables at this point have turned. Not only has Mary been working for the company for a number of years, Mary is now working under the supervision of a supervisor, using company materials and equipment, not to mention that she now has to adhere to the company work schedules. Under common-law rules, anyone who performs services for you is your employee if you can control what will be done and how it will be done (Internal Revenue Service, 2004). Employer / Employee RelationshipThe employer/employee relationship between Mary and Little Lamb has changed over the course of time. With respect to Mary’s services, are they regularly available to the general public? They should be, and if Mary does not attempt to make the availability of his/her services known to the general public, her relationship with Little Lamb could be viewed as an employer-employee relationship. The primary issue here is who is running the ship. Does Little Lamb have the right to hire or fire, determine the wage or salary to be paid, and decide on the time, place, and manner in which the work is to be done? If so, then the employer-employee relationship exists. Also, even if Little Lamb does not directly control Mary’s activities, but has the right to do so, the notion of control still exists. Under the common-law (20) criteria test, an employer-employee relationship is present between Mary and Little Lamb Company. Employment at-willOne critical employment law issue affecting employee handbooks and policy manuals is employment at will. Employment at will is traditional common law perspective that an employee may seek work and quit at any time, and likewise, that the employer may hire and fire at any time for any reason or no reason. Employees always have the right to quit their jobs, no matter how inconvenient their departure may be for the employer. The employer’s right to fire or terminate the employee is not quite so simple and clear-cut. Some employees work under a written contract that specifies exactly the circumstances under which they can be terminated. If the agreement sets out a termination procedure, then it is a breach of contract to terminate the employee without following the procedure. Further, in states where at-will employment does exist, it is littered with statutory  exceptions. That means you cannot terminate workers if the discharge infringes on a protected right or goes against public policy (Falcone, 2004). Many employee terminations are based on a need to downsize, rather than on the employee’s individual poor performance (D. Shilling 1998). When employees are classified as reduction in force, it should be clarified that they are not at fault. Downsizing also affects a company’s public profile, and its ex-employees can become either good-will ambassadors or the complete opposite. Mary’s release was legal under the doctrine of employment at-will, providing she was an employee. Employment-at-will status does not provide employees with job security, and an employee can be fired on a moment’s notice for any legitimate reason, or for no reason at all. On the other hand, if Mary was a contractor, then Little Lamb would have broken the employment contract which would be illegal. There are five key exceptions to the employment-at-will doctrine:Employment contracts: If a contract exists, you must adhere to its terms and conditions, including notice requirement, least you breach the contract. Where an employment contract exists for a fixed period of time (for example, three years) and is silent concerning grounds for terminating the contract, many state courts have ruled that employers have an implied obligation to discharge only for just cause. Similarly, unionized employees are governed by the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement-they are not at-will employees. Statutory considerations: Dismissals are illegal when based on age, sex, national origin, religion, union membership or any other factor protected by law. Potential problems arise any time you fire someone in a protected class. Public policy exceptions: You cannot terminate an employee for such activities as filing a workers’ compensation claim, whistle blowing, engaging in group activities that protest unsafe work conditions or refusing to commit an unlawful act on the employer’s behalf. Implied contract exceptions: You may be bound by promises published in your employee handbook or oral promises made at the hiring interview requiring â€Å"just cause† to terminate. In addition, you are prohibited from discharging long-term employees just before they are due to receive anticipated financial benefits (known as an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing). Because of these limitations, you must attempt to protect the at-will employment status at all costs. And that requires regular reminders about the at-will relationship you have with employees, as well as progressive discipline (Falcone, 2004). Conclusion The law governing the relationship between an employee and an employer begins when an offer for employment is made by an employer to an employee. Labor law regulates the entire relationship between employer and employee and the initial hiring process, job duties, wages, promotions, benefits, employment reviews and termination of the employment relationship. It also includes litigation on the basis of unfair labor practices and discrimination. Sometimes there is a question of whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The courts will usually look to the relationship and determine whether the employer had the right to control how the employee performed the job. If that is unclear, the court may look to the nature of the relationship between the employee and the employer. If the employee is substantially economically dependent upon the employer, then ultimately the bottom line would be that there is an employee-employer relationship. References: Castagnera, J. (1988). Personnel Law Book. Greenvale, New York: Panel PublishersFalcone, P. (2004). A legal Dichotomy. Retrieved September 24, 2006 from: http://www.shrm.orgInternal Revenue Service. United States Department of Treasury. Retrieved September 25, 2006 from: http://www.irs.govShilling, D. (1998). Human Resources and the Law. Printice hall. Paramus, New Jersey.

Reed Supermarkets: a New Wave of Competitors

Reed Supermarkets. Spring 2013Meredith Collins faces the problem of choosing the most appropriate marketing strategy for Reed Supermarkets to implement so that the company increases its market share in the Columbus, OH market from 14% in 2010 to a target of 16% in 2011. This goal should be accomplished in spite of the new competitive challenges posed by the rising prominence of dollar and limited selection stores in the food retailing industry.SWOT AnalysisInternal Strengths Reed’s quality image and exceptionally attentive customer service;Full range offerings;Attractive stores, long hours, and elegant service? case displays.Internal WeaknessesMany consumers perceive Reed’s prices are high;Capital expenditure policy freezing; 3. No consensus within management on what strategy to implement for market share growth.External OpportunitiesThe new consumer is more savvy, health and cost? conscious;Growth of private label merchandise; 3. Columbus’s economic environment is more favorable than state’s and nation’s economic environments;External Threats Dollar and Limited Selection Stores increasing market share / Aldi’s projected new stores;Economic downturn; . Significant dwindling of customer loyalty.Reed’s management is currently assessing the following alternatives to increase its market share in the Columbus market:Continue its ongoing â€Å"dollar special† campaign;Terminate the â€Å"dollar special† campaign and implement an everyday low pricing model;Convey the value created to consumers by reinforcing the range and quality of offerings;Increase low priced specials, expand private label brands, and introduce double couponing.In addition, I would also consider the following alternative: Make an offer to buy some of Galaxy’s troubling Columbus stores.In evaluating the aforementioned alternatives, Reed’s management will have to take into account that, in order to meet the targeted market s hare of 16% in 2011, they will have to increase their sales volume by $94 million, which represents a 14% increase compared to 2010 (see appendix). The present â€Å"dollar special† campaign was an attempt from Reed’s to change consumer’s perception that they have higher prices. Some Reed’s managers are confident that in another six months they will be able to change this perception while, at the same time, they reinforce customer loyalty.However, some executives believe also that the campaign detracted from Reed’s quality image as it seemed to be too close to the offering of dollar stores which could damage Reed’s image through association. The scope of this campaign (250 out of 50,000 items) does not seem sufficient to generate the additional sales required. Other executives suggest implementing an everyday low pricing model in order to tackle, in a more aggressive fashion, the high? priced image that Reed carries. This would likely requir e a complete switch of the company’s positioning from a high? nd store to a medium, more value? focused positioning. Reed’s image, as a quality and customer service oriented, could be extremely damaged by such a switch. Additionally, it would be expected that other discount stores would be reacting aggressively to this strategy. Another option is to reinforce Reed’s current positioning as a high? end store by emphasizing the range and quality of its offerings. Such strategy appeals to the more affluent households, which are more keen on premium private labels and organic produce.This customer segment has been the backbone of Reed’s growth in the past 20 years, and the company wants to be ready to satisfy its upscale tastes as the economy recovers. Operations Director Jane Wu offered yet another alternative: increase low? priced specials, expand private label brands, and introduce double couponing. The new consumer that emerged from the 2007? 2009 recessio n is more savvy and cost? conscious, which is demonstrated by the increasing share of wallet captured by dollar and limited selection stores.By acknowledging this new reality and resorting to the strategy suggested by Director Wu, the company can potentially attract new customers and appeal to both fill? in â€Å"trippers† and full grocery â€Å"runners†. This seems to be a sound strategy in order for the company to capture, in the short? term, the $94 million additional sales required to meet the target market share. It is unclear, however, if this strategy could hurt the quality image recognized to Reed’s supermarkets and as a result drive high? nd customers away. On the other hand, during difficult economic times, such as the downturn of 2008? 2011, consumers tend to opt for value. Finally, we should not discard the introduction of new stores as a strong alternative for increasing sales. The company has consistently expanded the chain in the past, with the ne w stores accomplishing similar results to existing ones. Reed’s management has made it clear that it does not wish to have capital expenditures in form of new stores in 2011.But, a struggling Galaxy chain in the Columbus market could represent an interesting opportunity for Reed to acquire some of its stores at a discounted price, and this way meeting the sales volume required for the 16% market share. Given the resistance from Reed’s management to resort to additional capital expenditure, my recommendation is that the company implements the alternative suggested by Director Wu, i. e. increase low? priced specials, expand private label brands, and introduce double couponing. For the