Summary of article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Summary of article - Essay Example The article focuses on a comprehensive discussion of the market at the bottom of the pyramid. Unique characteristics of this market form a significant part of the explanation. According to Prahalad and Hart, bottom of the pyramid market segment has an estimated 4 billion people who live in abject poverty. Notably, the population in this market segment represents a potential market for goods and services. Active involvement of private firms at the BOP is a significant factor in generating inclusive capitalism (6). Private firms’ engagement in the BOP segment of the market enhances completion of the market will redirect attention to the poor as consumers. Prahalad and Hart assert that each group that gives close attention on poverty eradication such as the World Bank, developed countries offering aid, charitable organizations, federal governments, and private firms – has its an overriding justification. Prahalad and Hart explain that MNCs suffer the effect of strongly est ablished reason in relation to cost structure, consumers and BOP sector (12). As a result, donors view the private sector as malicious and exploitative of low-income society members. None of the well-known organizations perceive that market inclined solutions can result into poverty alleviation and economic growth. Prahalad and Hart turn to a discussion of products and services for the BOP. They assert that it requires an innovation perspective of product development and creativity in accordance with the realities of the BOP market. Based on this assertion, the writer identifies a number of principles that should guide innovations for the BOP market segment (9). The aspect is price performance. It is essential for quantum jumps in the price performance. The second factor focuses on hybrid solutions: advanced and evolving technologies that innovatively merge with available and increasingly developing infrastructure. Another important aspect is focusing on conservation of resources

Raw Materials as Biofuel Pellets Essay Example for Free

Raw Materials as Biofuel Pellets Essay In the Philippines, forests and woodlands cover about 7,168,400 hectares (http://forestry.denr.gov.ph). These forests have unique environmental and biodiversity values, and make available a wide range of products for subsistence use. The most predominant use of wood is in the form of firewood and charcoal by the majority of Filipinos in both rural and urban areas. Firewood is preferred in rural areas simply because it is obtainable free of charge. Charcoal is preferred in urban areas on account of its being cheap, easy to transport, distribute and store. It is almost smokeless and has higher calorific value A(30 MJ/kg) than firewood (15MJ/kg). But according to the U.N. FAO (2003), the woodlands have experienced highest rates of degradation and deforestation compared to other cover classes. This could be attributed to selective cutting for timber and clear felling of trees for both charcoal production and cultivation. Charcoal production is responsible for degradation and deforestation.Between 1990 and 2010, the Philippines lost an average of 54,750 ha or 0.83% of forested area per year. Charcoal production and cultivation have an impact on large-scale deforestation that has occurred in the area between 1991 and 1998. Philippine Government is also in trouble as environmental sanitation is concerned. Waste materials in markets or even in public places continually piled up every other day when it is not fetched by a garbage truck. These waste materials are primarily composed of coconut shells in markets, wastepaper in schools and offices, rice hulls in agricultural remains and sawdust, a waste product produce in the lumber shops. This study was conducted to reduce the percentage breakdown of deforestation which would soon contribute to the prevalent global warming. Since waste materials such as coconut shells, rice hulls, sawdust and wastepaper are totally organic and may seem useful at times, we came up on using it as a primary component in making Biofuel at varying formulations. This way, the researchers can help in preserving the environmental balance of the ecosystem and at the same time, to come up with a cheap, easy-drying and a highly combustible fuel for household fuel – The Biofuel Pellets. Statement of the Problem This study aimed to determine whether different formulations of coconut shells, rice hulls, sawdust and wastepapercan be a viable source of Biofuel in the form of Pellets. Specific Objectives: This study specifically aimed to answer the following inquiries: 1. To determine the heating values of each raw materials to be used in making the biofuel pellets. 2. To determine the heating values of the biofuel pellets at varying coconut shells: rice hull: sawdust: wastepaper ratios and the wood charcoal as the positive control. 3. To determine if there is a significant difference on the heating value of Formulation 1, Formulation 2, Formulation 3, Formulation 4 and the positive control. 4. To determine the relationship between the size and the heating value of varying formulations and the positive control. 5. To determine the boiling time of biofuel pellets when biofuel pellets at varying formulations and wood charcoal are used as fuels. 6. To determine if there is a significant difference on the boiling time of Formulation 1, Formulation 2, Formulation 3, Formulation 4 and the positive control. 7. To determine the relationship between the size and the boiling time of varying formulations and the positive control. 8. To determine the density of biofuel pellets at varying formulations and the wood charcoal. 9. To determine if there is a significant differenceon the density of Formulation 1, Formulation 2, Formulation 3, Formulation 4 and the positive control. 10. To determine the relationship between the size and the density of varying formulations and the positive control. Hypothesis of the Study This study aimed to determine whether the mixture of waste paper products and materials, and coconut shell can be a viable source of bioethanol. Specifically, this study aimed to determine if there is an existing significant difference, in terms of the percentage of bioethanol produced, between the pure waste paper mixture, pure pulverized coconut shell, and 1:1 ratio mixture of waste paper and pulverized coconut. This study hypothesized that there will be no existing significant difference, in terms of the percentage of bioethanol produced, between the pure waste paper mixture, pure pulverized coconut shell, and 1:1 ratio mixture of waste paper and pulverized coconut. Schematic Diagram Independent Variables Dependent Variables Formulation 1 150g coconut shells, 150g rice hull; 150g, saw dust , 50g paper Formulation 2 225g coconut shells, 112.5g rice hull, 112.5g sawdust, 50g waste paper Boiling Time (minutes) Formulation 3 112.5g coconut shells, 225g rice hull, 112.5g saw dust, 50g waste paper Burning Time (minutes) Formulation 4 112.5g coconut shells, 112.5g rice hull, 225g saw dust, 50g waste paper Density (g/ mL) Positive Group: Wood Charcoal Figure 1.A diagram showing the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variables Significance of the Study The findings of this study would greatly benefit the various sectors, primarily the following: Community Residences. Since it takes a lot of time to dry those wood charcoal that is traditionally used by countless homes in the community, this study could be a good source of an alternative fuel in household cooking chores. First, it is well-accessible to use anytime, with less worries of its dryness when used and lastly, it could be conveniently used in any cooking activities because of its high combustibility, since Biofuel pellets are primarily composed of combustible materials. Energy Sector. The promising friendly fuel from biofuel production could help the energy deficit of the energy sector; thus sustaining not only the demand of the consumers but also the need of the environment to have a green and amicable energy source. Environmental Sector. This study could help reduce the amount of pollution to the environment by simply using organic waste products and converting it into an environment friendly source of fuel. Other Researchers. This study could benefit other researchers by using this study as a reference for future researches. Scope and Limitation of the Study This study was conducted on July 12, 2012 until August 4, 2012 at the Negros Occidental High School Physics and Chemistry Laboratory. The waste materials that were used in this study were coconut shells, rice hulls, sawdust and wastepaper. The coconut shells were obtained from different stalls at Libertad Market, rice hulls were from Agricultural waste during post-harvest, and sawdust was from lumber shops while the Wastepaper was a total combination of that in Offices and Schools. The study limited itself in the determination of the heating values and the most effective formulation of waste materials that could be a viable alternative for wood charcoals. In addition, this study did not include the cost analysis based from the probable costs that may arise during the experimentation process. However, utmost economic optimization was employed during the materials selection and Biofuel pellets production. Definition of Terms Boiling time. Allotted time in which phase transition of the substance turns from the liquid state to the gas state, usually occurring when a liquid is heated to its boiling point (http://chemistry.about.com). In this study, boiling point was used as one of the parameters of this study. Burning Time.the time during which the propellant charge of a fuel is fully consumed (merriam-webster.com). In this study, the burning time was used as one of the parameters during the experimentation of the study. Coconut. A member of the family Arecaceae (palm family). It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which is not a botanical nut (apps.kew.org). In this study, the coconut was one of the raw materials in the process of fuel pellet production. Density.The quantity of something per unit measure, especially per unit length, area, or volume or the mass per unit volume of a substance under specified conditions of pressure and temperature (thefreedictionary.com) In this study, density was used as one of the parameters during the experiment. Fuel Pellets. A piece of fuel usually in the shape of a sphere or cylinder, used in pebble-bed reactors, inserted in graphite blocks, or used in metallic tubular fuel elements (www.thefreedictionary.com). In this study, fuel pellets was the product of the study conducted. Heating Value. Amount of heat produced from the complete combustion of a specific amount of fuel (www.businessdictionary.com). In this study, heating value was used as one of the parameters in this study. Rice hull.The dry outer covering of a rice grain; a husk (www.thefreedictionary.com). In this study, the rice hull was pulverized and used as one of the materials in the process of fuel pellet production. Sawdust. The small particles of wood or other material that fall from an object being sawed (http://education.yahoo.com). In this study, sawdust was used as one of the raw materials for the fuel pellet production. Waste papers.Paper that is not needed and has been thrown away (Encarta Dictionaries, 2008). In this study, the waste paper was used as a raw material for fuel pellet production.

My term paper :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What Came first the chicken or the egg? For centuries man has struggled with the question of our origin. Why are there so many distinctions in the creatures that inhabit this planet. Why are structures similar in a bird, a whale, a bat, and a human being creatures that seem to have no relation to one another. Although several theories have sprouted from different great thinkers of many cultures in many diverse parts of the world all of the theories seem to center around two main points divinity vs chance or for a more famous colloquialism Evolution Vs Creation. Once complete this paper should allow the reader to see not only the folly and boldness of evolution in the face of so many discrepancies, but also the sheer irrefutable beauty of creation in all of its complex simplicity   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the beginning God Created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, Darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said â€Å"Let there be light† and there was light Genesis 1:1-3 NIV  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bible, one of the oldest pieces of written history that follows an entire civilization for over 4000 years not only gives fascinating tales of mystery, intrigue, wars, famines, loves and loses also gives a very specific account of the origin of man and indeed all life on this planet as well as in the universe. The simplicity of the verses tells us that the big bang was possible, with divine help, it gives no more than God said it and it was so which would agree with the abrupt abitrary eruption of the solar system that scientist describe. This insight allows us to delve even deeper into the awesome power of Gods word. Here in the beginning we see how just the word can form solar system, delving even deeper we catch a glimpse of what that means for us as human beings and our origin.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Classical evolutionary theory teaches that creatures change from one thing into another. For instance, amoebas changes from one celled creatures to multi celled creatures over time. Genesis in the first chapter tells us that things must reproduce â€Å"each according to its kind†. Recorded history and fossil records should support one of the theories. Evolutionist claim that it supports theirs however noted paleotologist have even noticed the apparent gaps in the record showing that there is a missing link.

The Social Model of Mental Illness Essay -- Psychiatry Psychology Pape

The Social Model of Mental Illness The social model of mental illness emphasizes the social environment and the roles people play. Thomas Scheff maintains that people diagnosed as mentally ill are victims of the status quo, guilty of often unnamed violations of social norms; thus the label "mental illness" can be used as an instrument of social control. I agree with Scheff's analysis, and I strongly concur with the view Thomas Szasz takes on the notion of mental illness. Szasz argues that much of what we call "mental illness" is a myth; it is not an illness, but simply "problems in living", troubles caused by conflicting personal needs, opinions, social aspirations, values, and so forth (Szasz 13). It thus follows that the widely accepted medical model of mental illness is inherently flawed; that mental illness should, then, certainly not be treated much like physical illness. Szasz is extremely critical of contemporary psychiatry as a discipline, arguing that psychiatrists are not benign professionals helping t o liberate individuals and improve their lives by diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, but instead act as agents of social control; silencing, stigmatizing and dehumanizing people who disturb the prevailing social order. Every society rewards conformity; those with more serious problems in living often do a very poor job of conforming, and are punished accordingly. In Ideology and Insanity: Essays on the Psychiatric Dehumanization of Man, Thomas Szasz writes that "on the one hand, by seeking relief from the burden of his moral responsibilities, man mystifies and technicizes his problems in living...on the other hand, the demand for "help" thus generated is now met by a behavioral tec... ...s in trying to understand and properly treat what is known as mental illness, we should give some credibility and responsibility back to those who are labeled "mentally ill," looking to them for ideas, for suggestions, for guidance. Those who have more severe problems in living (as well as their families and/or friends) may know more about their predicament than those who do not, and may be able to propose, indirectly or directly, remedies that may alleviate their unfortunate plight. Bibliography: Awake! Magazine. "Hope for the Mentally Ill." September 8, 1986 ed, pgs.3-10. Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York, Inc, 1986. Kaysen, Susanna. Girl, Interrupted. Turtle Bay Books. New York, NY, 1993. Szasz, Thomas. Ideology and Insanity: Essays on the Psychiatric Dehumanization of Man. Syracuse University Press. Syracuse, NY, 1991

Spirit Airlines Strategic Choice and Evaluation

Strategic Choice and EvaluationThe next phase associated with strategy formulation is the strategic analysis and choice phase of the process. According to Pearce & Robinson (2013), â€Å"Business managers examine and choose a business strategy that allows their business to maintain or create a sustainable competitive advantage† (p. 238). Therefore, a business such as Spirit Airlines should evaluate their current strategy and determine areas of improvement in order to grow the business in a way that aligns with their company mission.The airline industry hosts a number of significant external factors that influence business strategies and alternatives. The purpose of this paper is to evaluation and present alternative strategies for Spirit Airline’s future growth as a company. Furthermore, the following paper will seek to identify the best value discipline for Spirit Airlines and in turn suggest a generic strategy and grand strategic for the organization.Evaluation of Alt ernativesSpirit Airlines is universally known for its ultra-low-cost, low-fare airline services that provide affordable travel opportunities throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America (Spirit Airlines, 2012). Maintaining a strategically low-cost structure directly aligns with Spirit Airline’s target market, which allows the company to offer low priced basic services combined with a range of optional services for additional fees (Spirit Airline, 2012).The airline has earned a reputation for delivering cost effective fares and reliable on-time service with a no frills. In order to realize maximum growth, enhancements to the existing low cost strategy must be implemented to create a greater advantage in the market. Spirit Airlines has identified opportunities for growth with the release of the latest 10k Annual report. By the airlines own admission, the company is suffering with a failing reputation and insufficient customer service  interactions (Spirit Ann ual Report, 2012).In addition, Spirit Airlines recognizes that its current conditions, if not corrected, will have a significant impact their competitive stance in the industry. The airline industry is highly competitive with respect to routes, fees and services and although Spirit is well known for lower fares, the fares alone will not protect the company from the risk of future failure. The implementation of long term strategic goals will not only correct inefficiencies with the existing strategy, it will also focus on necessary improvements to help Spirit achieve its growth potential.Pearce & Robinson (2013) identifies the implementation of long term objectives as tools used to correct significant issues for the long run. Therefore, the solution will not only impact the present, but the future as well. According to Pearce & Robinson (2013), â€Å"Strategic managers recognize that short-run profit maximization is rarely the best approach to achieving sustained corporate growth an d profitability† (pg. 191). An evaluation of Spirit Airline’s current issues with customer service and competition warrants the use of value disciplines and new strategies.Value DisciplineBest value disciplines are similar to generic strategies; however value disciplines place significant emphasis on superior customer value, using a selected discipline. The value discipline is comprised of three values: operational excellence, customer intimacy or product leadership (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Previously it was established that Spirit Airlines would need to improve customer service interaction to experience growth in the future and gain sustainability among competitors in the market. Of the three value discipline identified, customer intimacy is the strategy that would provide the most benefit for the organization. Spirit Airlines currently uses the operational excellence strategy, as the company focuses on providing its best value products at all times.Spirit Airlineâ⠂¬â„¢s product base consists of low fares, easy online booking, on-time service, deluxe leather seating and an expanding route selection. Spirit is able to offer these amenities at a low cost due to their reduced unit operating cost and other cost cutting strategies. For example, Spirit Airlines reduces overhead expenses in the area of marketing as it utilizes its website and direct-to-consumer marketing to drive ticket sales (Spirit Airlines, 2013).The main focus of the airlines strategy is to deliver on its product base at competitively low prices by reducing overhead. While Spirit Airlines has perfected their operational excellence discipline, there is room for improvement in the customer intimacy strategy. According to Pearce & Robinson (2013), â€Å"Customer Intimacy strategy continually tailors and shapes products and services to fit the increasingly redefined definition of customer service† (p. 205). This strategy is precisely what Spirit Airlines is lacking in their c urrent business model strategy. Spirit Airlines contends that customer loyalty and intimacy are a huge risk for the organizations future success and their reputation (Spirit Airlines Annual Report, 2012).Customer intimacy strategy as it pertains to Spirit Airline will seek to better the company’s reputation by aligning customer service activities with the business model, thereby responding quickly and professionally to customer needs. Additionally, the implementation of this strategy will drive the airline to place emphasis on the profitability of a loyal customer relationship as opposed to the revenue of a ticket sale.Generic StrategyGeneric strategies enable the implementation of long term objectives and provide a foundation for how the organization will best influence the market. Pearce & Robinson (2013) defines generic strategies as, â€Å"A core idea about how a firm can best compete in the marketplace†. (pg. 195). Generic strategy includes striving for low cost l eadership within the industry, the promotion of differentiation methods to bring a unique image to the market and lastly, it impresses upon the importance of focus strategy in order to accommodate the needs of the market segment (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Currently, Spirit Airlines utilizes the generic strategy of low-cost leadership to achieve and sustain their low cost position.According to the Spirit Airlines Annual Report (2012), â€Å"Our operating costs per available seat mile is 10.09 cents, which is significantly lower than that of major network carriers, American Airlines, Delta, United, and US Airways†, (p. 7). Spirit has successful achieved this with a low-cost leadership strategy that ensures high aircraft utilization, operation of a modern single fleet type of Airbus, which is associated with lower maintenance costs and efficient flight scheduling (Spirit, 2012). The company is consistently seeking  innovative cost savings ideas to improve processes and custome r satisfaction.Continuous improvement of Grand StrategyA grand strategy is a long tern plan that provides an organization with basic direction for implementing its long term goals. Additionally, grand strategies are imperative as they provide a basic timeframe for achieving long term business objectives. The grand strategy is comprised of 15 strategic principles: concentrated growth, market development, product development, innovation, horizontal acquisition, vertical acquisition, concentric diversification, conglomerate diversification, turnaround, divestiture, liquidation, bankruptcy, joint venture, strategic alliances, and consortia (Pearce & Robinson, 2013).Spirit Airlines uses the innovation strategy to allow customers the freedom to choose buy-up options that appeal to them. Thereby unbundling packages and making it more affordable to travelers. â€Å"This innovative approach is utilized to grow the travel market and stimulate new economic activity while creating new jobsâ₠¬ , (Spirit Airlines, 2013 p. 1). According to the Spirit Airlines Annual Report, the organization lacks marketing alliances that may harm them in the future (Spirit Airlines Annual Report, 2012). Many airlines including American, Delta, United and US Airways have marketing alliances with other airlines under which they market and advertise their status as a marketing alliance (Spirit Airlines Annual Report, 2012).The Annual Report state, â€Å"These alliances, such as One World, Sky Team and Star Alliance, generally provide for code-sharing, frequent flier reciprocity, coordinated scheduling of flights to permit convenient connections and other joint marketing activities. Such arrangements permit an airline to market flights operated by other alliance members as its own. This increases destinations, connections and frequencies offered by the airline. Our lack of marketing alliances puts us at a competitive disadvantage† (Spirit Airlines Annual Report, 2012 p 18). Since one of Spirits long term objective is to gain a better competitive position in the market, the addition of a strategic alliance grand strategy would be best suited for the organization.Strategic alliances as described by Pearce & Robinson (2013) are, â€Å"Partnerships that exist for a defined period during which partners contribute their skills and expertise to a cooperative project (p. 231). In the case of Spirit Airlines, the use of alliances between other organizations related to the airline industry would work to together to gain a mutual benefit. For example, Sky Team provides comprehensive access to an extensive global network with over 1,000 destinations for traveler to explore.SkyTeam partners with 19 airlines to provide travelers with a more flexible, convenient and beneficial travelling experience (SkyTeam.com, 2013). As part of Spirit Airline’s long term objective a strategic alliance would expose the organization to a greater customer base, more routes and destinati ons. On the other hand, an organization like SkyTeam also benefits as travelers utilize their services to book travel reservations.RecommendationSpirit Airlines is currently has the lowest per seat operating cost of any other domestic airline company; however they are still confronted with strong competition in the industry (Spirit Airlines Annual Report, 2012). Therefore, additional strategy enhancements are needed to grow the company. After careful consideration of all strategies and value disciplines, it is recommended that Spirit Airlines utilizes the customer intimacy strategy to build brand and customer loyalty. As previously mentioned, an overhaul of customer service would be necessary to aid in relationship building technique between Spirit and its customer base.Another strategy recommendation previously mentioned is the implementation of a grand strategy used to determine the course of action for many of Spirits long term goals. Specifically, a strategic alliance strategy i s the most critical strategy, as it will allow the company to expand the product selection with the help of a strong mutual alliance in the industry. This strategy is a more cost effective approach than spending millions of dollars on marketing campaigns.Thereby keeping operation cost low and pass-through the benefit onto the travelers. Spirit Airlines has been successful over the years with their current strategy, but competitive position will always be a risk. Therefore, the implementation of this strategy will add competitive leverage.

Free Essays on The War Of The Worlds

1. Three of the main characters are the narrator, the narrator’s brother, and the curate. The Narrator was connected to his brother through blood and family. The Narrator met the Curate in a field outside of his hometown while the Martians began a second attack. 2. My favorite character in the novel â€Å"The War of The Worlds† was the narrator’s brother. When the Martians begin their attack on London, it sends six million people running and screaming trying to get out of the city. For miles and miles these people are herded together as tight as anchovies in a can. All of these people are only thinking of themselves. While this is happening , the narrators brother is doing his best to help these people who are in trouble (besides the threat of the Martians). When he is running with the heard to try and escape, he notices two man trying to steal everything from two woman. He runs over to the situation, without thinking, and tries to ward the men off. Of course since there were two of them, and one of him, he took a little bit of a beating. But in the end he did succeed. Next he spots a man who has fallen off of his cart in the midst of a thousand other horse carts. These carts were not moving very fast, but of c ourse no one was willing to stop to look out for this poor fellow. Again almost automatically the narrators brother puts himself in danger for the life of another. He jumps into the middle of all the commotion to try and save the man who had fallen. Unfortunately, he is unable to reach him in time, and the man is run over and crippled by an oncoming cart. Regardless of this blunder, the narrator’s brother’s actions impressed me the most winning him the title of best character. 3. The character I liked the least in this novel was a man known as the â€Å"curate†. The main character met this man when he was escaping from one of the attacks of the Martians, and the two began to travel toget... Free Essays on The War Of The Worlds Free Essays on The War Of The Worlds 1. Three of the main characters are the narrator, the narrator’s brother, and the curate. The Narrator was connected to his brother through blood and family. The Narrator met the Curate in a field outside of his hometown while the Martians began a second attack. 2. My favorite character in the novel â€Å"The War of The Worlds† was the narrator’s brother. When the Martians begin their attack on London, it sends six million people running and screaming trying to get out of the city. For miles and miles these people are herded together as tight as anchovies in a can. All of these people are only thinking of themselves. While this is happening , the narrators brother is doing his best to help these people who are in trouble (besides the threat of the Martians). When he is running with the heard to try and escape, he notices two man trying to steal everything from two woman. He runs over to the situation, without thinking, and tries to ward the men off. Of course since there were two of them, and one of him, he took a little bit of a beating. But in the end he did succeed. Next he spots a man who has fallen off of his cart in the midst of a thousand other horse carts. These carts were not moving very fast, but of c ourse no one was willing to stop to look out for this poor fellow. Again almost automatically the narrators brother puts himself in danger for the life of another. He jumps into the middle of all the commotion to try and save the man who had fallen. Unfortunately, he is unable to reach him in time, and the man is run over and crippled by an oncoming cart. Regardless of this blunder, the narrator’s brother’s actions impressed me the most winning him the title of best character. 3. The character I liked the least in this novel was a man known as the â€Å"curate†. The main character met this man when he was escaping from one of the attacks of the Martians, and the two began to travel toget...

Free Essays on Parties And Politics

You enter the area where the festivity is to take place – everything has been decorated flawlessly and each person is dressed in extravagant costume. The feast and gifts are on careful display - the design is to impress, but not offend (overtly in any event). The host greets you in a cordial manner and guides you to your appropriate place for the ceremony. This scene is acted out over and over again throughout the world, different ceremonies with the same purpose – to impress and intimidate. The same can be said of the Moka and Christmas; while they may be vastly different in appearance, timing and tradition the Moka celebration of the Kawelka and Christmas among the Nacirema nonetheless serve many of the same social-political purposes. Whether or not the population is willing to admit the actual purposes for the celebration, it is clear that a form of personal politics is waged at nearly all social gatherings. The Moka and Christmas included. The Kawelka are very forthright about the fact that the Moka is a political event with specific aims of raising status, intimidating enemies, and securing allies. Preparing a Moka is an arduous and time-consuming task that is not undertaken lightly and then only by the â€Å"big-men† of the tribe. Preparations for the Moka often begin years ahead of the actual celebration and the planning phase has its own round of gifts and political maneuvering. The actual Moka, however, is where the true political action takes place and it begins with the invitations. Who is invited is virtually the most important factor of the gala for the simple fact that it affects the level of potential violence during the festivities, and thus the entire atmosphere of the Moka. If an enemy is invited is order to make peace, they may decide to use the event as an ambush or use magic to cause the event to fall apart. This would cause the tribe throwing the Moka to lose face/status. Status is after-all, the main object... Free Essays on Parties And Politics Free Essays on Parties And Politics You enter the area where the festivity is to take place – everything has been decorated flawlessly and each person is dressed in extravagant costume. The feast and gifts are on careful display - the design is to impress, but not offend (overtly in any event). The host greets you in a cordial manner and guides you to your appropriate place for the ceremony. This scene is acted out over and over again throughout the world, different ceremonies with the same purpose – to impress and intimidate. The same can be said of the Moka and Christmas; while they may be vastly different in appearance, timing and tradition the Moka celebration of the Kawelka and Christmas among the Nacirema nonetheless serve many of the same social-political purposes. Whether or not the population is willing to admit the actual purposes for the celebration, it is clear that a form of personal politics is waged at nearly all social gatherings. The Moka and Christmas included. The Kawelka are very forthright about the fact that the Moka is a political event with specific aims of raising status, intimidating enemies, and securing allies. Preparing a Moka is an arduous and time-consuming task that is not undertaken lightly and then only by the â€Å"big-men† of the tribe. Preparations for the Moka often begin years ahead of the actual celebration and the planning phase has its own round of gifts and political maneuvering. The actual Moka, however, is where the true political action takes place and it begins with the invitations. Who is invited is virtually the most important factor of the gala for the simple fact that it affects the level of potential violence during the festivities, and thus the entire atmosphere of the Moka. If an enemy is invited is order to make peace, they may decide to use the event as an ambush or use magic to cause the event to fall apart. This would cause the tribe throwing the Moka to lose face/status. Status is after-all, the main object...

Top 8 Apps for Busy Freelancers

Top 8 Apps for Busy Freelancers From the way they help with managing your time to managing simultaneous due-dates, from taking notes in a client meeting to having access to recent drafts on the go, apps are a freelancer’s best friend. So it’s very likely they can help you streamline your office life too. Check out this list of the top 8 productivity apps and see what you can make your life easier by downloading.  For Time Management1. PomodoroThis simple timer app is free (with paid upgrade features) and lets you set an interval for â€Å"work† with an automatic break timer to get you back on track afterwards.2. Calendars by ReaddleThis not only synthesizes with your Google or iCalendar, it represents your calendar events as blocks of time, allowing you visually assess where you have free time and where you’re double or triple booked. The basic app is free, with paid upgrades to allow for repeated event scheduling, languages, added to-do lists, managing invites and attendees, reminders , and smart input that searches your emails for potential action items.3. Self-ControlOf all the apps that will help you block out Twitter and Facebook long enough to get work done, Self-Control is the most hardcore. There’s no way to cancel it! Not even restarting your computer! Sometimes I need that kind of tough love in my life.For To-Do Lists4. WunderlistThis app is always a crowd pleaser- its best features are letting you group tasks together and assign subtasks within an ongoing project. You can even attach files so they’re easy to refer to, and share documents with groups.5. TodoistThis is a masterlist app- it rounds up tasks, scheduling, labeling, notes, reminders, project templates and more to cover every aspect of your workflow.6.Mind-NodeThis app is ideal for less linear thinkers; it allows you to make beautiful charts by free-form associations between ideas, rather than the structure of a list or an outline.For Document Access7. Good ReaderAlong with the cl assics like Pages and Google Docs, this one of my favorite apps for document review. It’s especially terrific for converting between formats, and has the best PDF-edit interface I’ve come across. Whenever I have to sign and return a contract, I never have to print or scan it anymore.8. Scanning AppsGoogle Drive has a new scanning feature you may have noticed, but the other top apps are Cam Scanner, Genius Scan, and the ever popular EverNote. Pay close attention to whether they allow you to import as images or will actually make the effort to convert to Word or any other editable format!

Effects of credit crunch Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Effects of credit crunch - Essay Example ; data cover both central government debt and local government debt, which China's National Audit Office estimated at RMB 10.72 trillion (approximately US$1.66 trillion)in 2011; data exclude policy bank bonds, Ministry of Railway debt, China Asset Management Company debt, and non-performing loans 51.9% of GDP (2012 est.) 50.5% of GDP (2011 est.) note: data cover central government debt, and exclude debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Central bank discount rate $3.389 trillion (31 December 2011 est.) $4.763 trillion (31 December 2010) $5.008 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) $1.015 trillion (31 December 2011) $1.616 trillion (31 December 2010) $1.179 trillion (31 December 2009) Commercial bank prime lending rate 2.25% (31 December 2011 est.) 3.25% (31 December 2010 est.) 5.5% (31 December 2010 est.) 6% (31 December 2009 est.) note: the Indian central bank's policy rate - the repurchase rate - was 8% during December 2012 Stock of money 6% (31 December 2012 est.) 6.56% (31 December 2011 est.) 10.8% (31 December 2012 est.) 10.19% (31 December 2011 est.) Stock of quasi money $2.434 trillion (31 December 2008) $2.09 trillion (31 December 2007) $278.8 billion (31 December 2009) $239.8 billion (31 December 2008) Stock of domestic credit $4.523 trillion (31 December 2008) $3.437 trillion (31 December 2007) $853.4 billion (31 December 2009) $687.7 billion (31 December 2008) Stock of narrow money $12.59 trillion (31 December 2012 est.) $10.92 trillion (31 December 2011 est.) $1.402 trillion (31 December 2012 est.) $1.249 trillion (31 December 2011 est.) Stock of broad money $4.91 trillion (31 December 2012 est.) $4.6 trillion (31 December 2011 est.) $342.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $305.7 billion (31 December 2011 est.) Taxes and other revenues $15.58 trillion (31 December 2012 est.) $13.52 trillion (31 December 2011 est.) $1.451 trillion (31 December 2012 est.) $1.293 trillion (31 December 2011 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-) 22.3% of GDP (2012 est.) 8.8% of GDP (2012 est.) -2.3% of GDP (2012 est.) -5.6% of GDP (2012 est.) Table 1; comparison between Indian and Chinese economies, retrieved from http://www.indexmundi.com/factbook/compare/china.india/economy. China and India have some similar country economic profiles and

How to address the pain points Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How to address the pain points - Essay Example This therefore means that they never worked in reference to the mission of the Company. This misunderstanding therefore led to the poor performance. Working when as a team raises the team spirit thereby leading to the increase in productivity (Eugene 2000). Another better way of improving the productivity of the team is by the delegation of duties appropriately in the team. The leaders are then appointed from the members. Through this, there will be an improved effective way of communication within the team. Poor communication is a major cause of business failure. it is therefore important to highlight that through roper communication, the team will always be punctual to whichever job they are called upon to do. Communication is a very crucial factor in any business institution; it also enhances readiness for the members. This in the long run is for the better of the Company in regards to productivity (Eugene 2000).. Another important way for the improvement of the company’s productivity is by making arrangements in advance, proper accounting and record keeping. A company that has well kept records makes finds it easier in doing counter checking on the progress of its progress (Eugene 2000). It is therefore important for the IncredibleApps Company to develop better ways of communicating with the employees. Proper planning is too ideal for the company as well as effective supervision of the workers by the

MGT WK5 GROUP ASSIGNMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MGT WK5 GROUP ASSIGNMENT - Essay Example Visionary and proactive. Empathy. Integrity. Risk taking. Creativity Goal oriented. Similarly, the above characteristics will facilitate heir ability to maintain personal relationship with employees and delegation of responsibilities therefore building ateam.Agood leader should be goal oriented and should be at apposition to exhibit emotional maturity meaning emotional intelligence. The most common control mechanism is employee incentive and remuneration. It is found to be common since it s applied by most business organizations. Employee incentive entails; respect, recognition, responsibility, empowerment, social needs and salaries and remuneration (Bateman & Snell, 2009). Leading is a function of management which requires a leader to encourage employees to be highly productive and innovative. In its relation to control management, it affects the leading function of management in that it allows management to encourage employees to share their values and beliefs of the business. Lead ing works hand in hand with employee incentives in many ways and even by recognizing motivation theory and management which includes; basic needs, social needs, safety and security, esteem needs and finally self actualization. Control recognizes the fact that employees should be rewarded for their hard work and efforts (Bateman & Snell, 2009). ... els of absenteeism (d) Increased job satisfaction (e) Create confidence among employees (f) Reduces human resources costs and production costs (g) Reduces complains and grievances In relation to basic needs, effective control provides employees with reasonable pay so that they can afford some basic needs. The manager can also provide lunch if possible to employees. It ensures of employees job security and offers management to increase productivity, encourage innovation, values and beliefs of company. When utilized properly by companies as in our case, B Company, the employee incentives are found to be positive control mechanism. According to Bateman &Snell (2009), incentive programs are used to control productivity of employees through encouragement and rewards. In the case study of B&BCompany, it offers several rewards to its employees including health insurance, vacations, wellness programs and retirement benefits. It also provides stress management and opportunities for further tr aining and education. These incentives provide satisfaction while allowing management to apply control over human capital. B&B Company as any other organization recognizes its employees as one it’s major assets. Therefore they are safeguarded as well. On the other hand policies re installed by the management of this company to ensure that employees are protected rumors or informal communication which might be misleading. Room for informal groupings is also allowed in this company. Effective control recognizes efforts of employees, providing employees with titles and promoting the accordingly. It also provides for achievement of plans and should ensure that employees’ ego aren’t damaged. Control mechanism should provide for opportunities for self development. That is allowing employees

Being Me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Being Me - Essay Example However, I chose not to have my marriage as a hurdle in the way of my education. Therefore, I discussed my desire of continuing studies with my husband. He was very reluctant to grant me permission to study. He was of the view that I might compromise upon my home in order to do good at studies. It took me as much as two whole years to convince him. I love him for finally understanding me. â€Å"You need not just a spouse, but a spouse who believes what you believe† (Onyemalech, n.d.). I assured him that home to me was just as important and sacred as it was to him, and convinced him that I would never compromise upon my home in any case. Becoming a Radiology Technologist had always been my dream. I worked in different areas in radiology including diagnostic, mammogram, MRI, and Cat Scan. By the grace of God, today I am the first female Director of Radiology at the medical center where I work. Today, when my high school class mates meet me, they become astonished to see me as a successful Radiology Technologist. The last thing they knew about me was that I had got married, and had said â€Å"good-bye† to studies. They expected me to have spent all of my life growing children. What makes all this even more interesting is that I managed to fulfill my duties as a wife and a mother along with taking my academic career and professional life to higher levels.

Compare and contrast the experiences of the former colonies and Essay

Compare and contrast the experiences of the former colonies and developing countries in the twentieth century to the earlier new nations in the Americas in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries - Essay Example While earlier colonisers were fully in charge of the governance of their colonies before 18th and 19th centuries, twists of events were experienced in the neo-colonialism period (Strayer, 2012). This was in the 18th century through 19th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries, â€Å"new nations† in the Americas were generated. The colonial powers in these centuries ceased their harsh rules to the developing countries. The developing countries or the former colonies, therefore, became sovereign and fully in control of their social, political and economic resources. This research paper compares and contrasts the experiences of the former colonies and developing countries in the 20th century to the â€Å"new nations† in the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries. Formers colonies and developing countries in the 20th century were ruled by realism policies while the new nations in Americas were under idealism policies (Strayer, 2012). The former colonies were governed by iron fist. This is a case where colonial governments did not recognise the sovereignty of colonies and their citizens. The new states, on the other hand, emerged due to the struggle for liberation from the colonial governance. The Pan Africanism movement, for example, was the epitome of â€Å"new nations’† origin (Strayer, 2012). New nations in the 18th and 19th Centuries are sovereign states with recognitions in the international relations while the former colonies never had such recognitions. The idealism policies’ governing the post-colonialism new nations believes in the enlightenment process in the international system. The realism, on the other hand, was composed of the self-interest realist colonial powers, which never believed in the enlightenment process or even humanity. Realism majored on their excessive and unrestricted power imposition on their colonies (Strayer, 2012). Indeed this absolute power

Being Me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Being Me - Essay Example However, I chose not to have my marriage as a hurdle in the way of my education. Therefore, I discussed my desire of continuing studies with my husband. He was very reluctant to grant me permission to study. He was of the view that I might compromise upon my home in order to do good at studies. It took me as much as two whole years to convince him. I love him for finally understanding me. â€Å"You need not just a spouse, but a spouse who believes what you believe† (Onyemalech, n.d.). I assured him that home to me was just as important and sacred as it was to him, and convinced him that I would never compromise upon my home in any case. Becoming a Radiology Technologist had always been my dream. I worked in different areas in radiology including diagnostic, mammogram, MRI, and Cat Scan. By the grace of God, today I am the first female Director of Radiology at the medical center where I work. Today, when my high school class mates meet me, they become astonished to see me as a successful Radiology Technologist. The last thing they knew about me was that I had got married, and had said â€Å"good-bye† to studies. They expected me to have spent all of my life growing children. What makes all this even more interesting is that I managed to fulfill my duties as a wife and a mother along with taking my academic career and professional life to higher levels.

Education Standards in Kentucky Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Education Standards in Kentucky - Essay Example However, this also serves to keep the page counts low for each grade and standard, and this seems like a practical and effective way for teachers to use the page for lesson planning. The CCD puts a great deal of information on a relatively small matrix, including Big Ideas, Academic Expectations, Understandings, Skills and Concepts, and Related Core Content for Assessment. It is a logical and useful organization of the information, but it sometimes seems a bit difficult to hone in on an exact specification because there is so much "going on" in the tables (KDE, Combined Curriculum Document Reading-End of Primary, 2006). The Kentucky School Laws Annotated (Kentucky General Assembly, 2006) is a different type of resource for school employees. It is organized as a codified legal document with section numbers, paragraph indicators, and other marking utilities. It addresses school funding, breakfast programs, and teacher compensation. It also cites rules for textbook purchases, IEPs, teacher tenure and retirement, and a host of other topics. It is definitely the place to go to determine if a professional decision meets the standards of conduct expected by the state of its teachers. It lists extremely specific requirements which are easy to find in the Web version by using the handy "Search" function. The Kentucky Teacher Standards (KDE, 2007) are a well-organized, easy-to-use presentation that differentiates between novices and veterans in two-column chart. Standards are organized by area. Each states in clear, precise language exactly what each teacher is expected to do in instruction, ensuring a positive learning climate, assessment, reflection, collaboration with others in the school community, professional development, and leadership. The document is short enough to easily navigate. It lists specific ways teachers can meet each expectation (e.g., find and prioritize areas for professional growth based on peer feedback). These three documents had interesting similarities and differences. For instance, the CCD is student-directed, the Teacher Standards are teacher-directed, and the School Law is court/judge/lawyer-directed. Although each has the same ultimate goal - providing a fair, effective, high-quality educational system for Kentucky's children - each is written for a different audience and intended for different uses. Two of the three did not seem to be for direct student use. Students are not likely to read about Kentucky school law, or view the Teacher Standards. Hopefully, teachers speak enough about the CCD to make students well aware of what they are, although it seems unlikely students would read the entire set of standards on their own. All three documents had much in common. They are generally not directly used by students. Each seeks to give extremely precise instructions and guidelines for conducting educational business. Each lays out actions for which different people and parties are responsible. Each document supports the educational process in a unique way. School law must be codified and available to anyone who wishes to see it. It is critical to our educational organizations. Imagine trying to play a game of SCRABBLE without knowing or agreeing upon the rules of play. It

Biology What Are Your Career Goals and How Do Your Immediate Educational Plans Fit Into Them Essay Example for Free

Biology What Are Your Career Goals and How Do Your Immediate Educational Plans Fit Into Them Essay Biomedical Science Biomedical Science is the application of biology based science for medical use. It will allow you to learn the human body at the whole body, organ, tissue, cell and sub cellular level. You will also learn how these systems can go wrong in various diseases and how accurate diagnosis can be made using a variety of laboratory tests. Biomedical Science is a continually changing, dynamic profession with long-term career prospect including research, management and education. Biomedical Scientist Biomedical Scientist learns scientific and personal skills and gain qualification that can be transferred all over the world and can be recognised globally. BTEC HND Biomedical Science graduates may apply for the associate membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science in the UK after obtaining 5 years of relevant work experience. Careers Hospital laboratory biomedical scientist Industrial laboratory bio-scientist Bio-science research Medicine or Dentistry (after acceptance in medical school and further training) Science teaching Transfer Opportunities Students, who successfully complete HND in Biomedical Science, can transfer to Northumbria University Biomedical Science Degree which is accredited by the Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBMS). It provides the education and training required to become a Registered Biomedical Scientist. awarded by BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) BTEC HND in Biomedical Science is a 16 unit higher level qualification which is awarded by Edexcel UK. Programme Structure Unit 01 Unit 02 Unit 03 Unit 04 Unit 05 Unit 06 Unit 07 Unit 08 Cell Biology Biochemistry Human Physiology Laboratory Techniques Medical Microbiology Project Analysis of Scientific Information and Data Quality Assurance Quality Control Unit 09 Unit 10 Unit 11 Unit 12 Unit 13 Unit 14 Unit 15 Unit 16 Histology and Haematology [continues]

The Corporate Strategy Model

The Corporate Strategy Model Understanding the strategic position is concerned with identifying the impact on strategy of the external environment, an organizations strategic capability and the expectations and influence of stakeholders. The sort of questions this raises are central to future strategies. The Environment Environment plays an important role in building up the strategies and how it affects the organisation strategies and goals looking out for the opportunities and threats from the outer world. Therefore it is very important to evaluate the environmental impacts on the organization. The capabilities Capabilities depends upon the resources and competences within the organization. One way of thinking about the strategic capability of an organization is to consider its strengths and weaknesses. Look for the core competences and USPs which the competitors will find difficult to imitate. Purpose The major influences of stakeholder expectations is organizations purposes. Purpose is summarized in an organisations vision, mission and values. This is important since it clarifies who should the organization serve and how should it work. this reflects the corporate social responsibilities and ethics. Culture These influences directly either on organizational, sectoral or national. Corporate Governance Corporate Governance is concerned with the structures and systems of control by which managers are held accountable to those who have legitimate stake in an organization. (4) There are many other reason which has made its presence an important issue for the organization. Out of which the three main reasons are as follows; The separation of ownership and management control which means that the organization works with hierarchy or within the chain of governance. This chain basically represents those groups that influence an organization through their involvement in either ownership or management of an organization. Scandals by the corporate have increased a lot of public debate about different parties in the governance chain should interact and influence each other. Most notable here is the relationship between shareholders and the boards of businesses as well as relationship between government or public funding bodies and public sector organizations. Increased accountability to wider Stakeholder interests has also come to be increasingly advocated; in particular the argument that corporations need to be more visibly accountable and responsive , not only to owners and managers in the governance chain but to wider social interest. Governance Structure Strategic Purpose Social responsibility and ethics Stakeholder expectations Figure 4.0 Influences on strategic purpose (4) The governance chain explains completely the roles and relationships of different groups which are present in the governance of an organization. The chain is very simple to understand it is similar like a family tree. It has shareholders, family members, managers and a board. It is a large and publicly quoted organization with more investors layers as well. Hence good corporate governance can be achieved only if it is an embedded part of corporate life: part of the DNA of the organisation, its internal processes and the way it makes information available externally. In many countries most companies are run mostly for the benefit of the shareholders, the rightful owners. But there is another model, where companies are run for the benefit of other significant groupings as well such as customers, the general public or employees. This is the stakeholder model. Choosing a board for each of these models or something in between requires people with different backgrounds and outlooks. The following table compares the shareholder and stakeholder models: Shareholders Stakeholders Maximize shareholder value and look after shareholder interests Look after all stakeholder interests, especially public Seek profitability and efficiency Look for survival, long term growth, and stability Hard-nosed and commercial Less concerned with profit than value for money A Stakeholders mapping can be used appropriately to understand the stakeholders influence. Stakeholder mapping can define his expectations and power and helps in understanding political priorities. It emphasizes the importance of two issues: Interest of the stakeholder group on organizations purposes and choice of strategies Power of stakeholders to actually do it They are described in a quadrant of four different types based on level of interest and their power, as follows Non Profit Organizations A non-profit organization is an organization which does not distribute its surplus funds to owners or shareholders, but instead uses them to help pursue its goals. Examples of NPOs include charities (i.e. charitable organizations), trade unions, and public arts organizations. Most governments and government agencies meet this definition, but in most countries they are considered a separate type of organization and not counted as NPOs. They are in most countries exempt from income and property taxation. Profit Organizations An organization is a social arrangement which pursues collective goals, controls its own performance, and has a boundary separating it from its environment. It is a business which has a primary goal of making profit and a proposed goal such as helping the environment. Differences between Profit and Non-profit Organization Ownership is the quantitative difference between for- and not-for-profit organizations. For-profit organizations can be privately owned and may re-distribute taxable wealth to employees and shareholders. By contrast, not-for-profit organizations do not have owners. They have controlling members or boards, but these people cannot sell their shares to others or personally benefit in any taxable way. While they are able to earn a profit, more accurately called a surplus, such earnings must be retained by the organization for its self-preservation, expansion and future plans. Earnings may not benefit individuals or stake-holders. While some non-profit organizations put substantial funds into hiring and rewarding their internal corporate leadership, middle-management personnel and workers, others employ unpaid volunteers and even executives may work for no compensation. However, since the late 1980s there has been a growing consensus that nonprofits can achieve their corporate targets more effectively by using some of the same methods developed in for-profit enterprises. These include effective internal management, ensuring accountability for results, and monitoring the performance of different divisions or projects in order to better benefit from their capital and workers. Those require satisfied management and that, in turn, begins with the organizations mission There are a variety of perspectives, models and approaches used in strategic planning. The way that a strategic plan is developed depends on the nature of the organizations leadership, culture of the organization, complexity of the organizations environment, size of the organization, expertise of planners, etc. For example, there are a variety of strategic planning models, including goals-based, issues-based, organic, scenario (some would assert that scenario planning is more of a technique than model), etc. Goals-based planning is probably the most common and starts with focus on the organizations mission (and vision and/or values), goals to work toward the mission, strategies to achieve the goals, and action planning (who will do what and by when). Issues-based strategic planning often starts by examining issues facing the organization, strategies to address those issues and action plans. Organic strategic planning might start by articulating the organizations vision and values, an d then action plans to achieve the vision while adhering to those values. Some planners prefer a particular approach to planning, eg, appreciative inquiry. Some plans are scoped to one year, many to three years, and some to five to ten years into the future. Some plans include only top-level information and no action plans. Some plans are five to eight pages long, while others can be considerably longer. For-profit and nonprofit business plans have many similarities. For that reason, nonprofit personnel would benefit from reading the links in the section above, For-Profit Business Planning. Some of the terms are different, but in most cases they can readily be translated into words more commonly used in the nonprofit sector. For example, balance sheet is what nonprofit call a statement of financial position, profit and loss statement (or income statement) is essentially the same as a statement of financial activities, and so on. One of the key difference between a for profit and a non profit plan is the marketing section. In a for profit business, the served customers are generally those who provide the revenues needed to cover expenses and continue operations. For a non profit, often the served constituents do not provide this sustaining funding, and it must be sought from a third party donors. This means the marketing plan must describe both how the organization will communicate its services to its service target market and how it will communicate its need for funding to its funding target market. This means detailing these two separate marketing messages and two strategies for marketing. Another key difference is the non profit part of the business plan. Financial plans for a non profit do not have to show net profit, and, if they do, there must be some explanation of what those retained earnings will be used for. They cannot be distributed as dividends, as the organization is technically owned by the public and not by the directors or board. However, profits can be accumulated for the purposes of creating an endowment or capital fund for future expenditures. An accountant should be consulted for any decisions of this nature. International dimensions of strategic business management and planning Going global is one of the key visions of most of the organizations. Choosing globalization increases the option for the organizations range of products or services and how to manage across the borders. Through international strategy framework it becomes achievable in a better way. International strategy as the core theme, depends upon two things, the external environment and organizational capabilities. If you see the figure 6.0 it focuses more on internationalisation drivers and on the capabilities side it emphasises on international and national sources of advantage. Figure 6.0 International strategy framework Internationalisation drivers Market selection Sources of competitive advantage Mode of entry International Strategy (4) Market Drivers Similar customer needs Global customers Transferable marketing Internationalisation Drivers Figure 7.0 Internalisation Drivers International Strategies Cost Drivers Scale economic Country-specific differences Favorable logistics Government Drivers Trade Policies Technical Standards Host Government Policies Competitive Drivers Interdependence between countries Competitors global strategies (4) Market globalization drivers There is a general belief that several markets are converging around the world. There are several reasons for this. First, the convergence of Gross National Product (GNP) per capita in the developed world is leading to a convergence in markets sensitive to wealth and level of income such as passenger cars, television sets, and computers. Second, there is evidence to suggest that in some industries, customers tastes, perceptions, and buying behaviours are converging, and that the world is moving towards a single global market that is basically Western and, more specifically, North American. In a landmark article titled The globalization of markets Levitt (1983) predicted that globalization drivers such as new technology would lead to homogenization of consumer desires and needs across the world. He argued that this would happen because generally consumers would prefer standard products of high quality and low price to more customized but higher-priced products. Third, in the quest to build a global brand and company image, multinational firms are increasingly favouring a global standardization of marketing and advertising efforts. This does not mean identical marketing and advertising campaigns, but the use of similar themes that send the same message across the world. Recent developments in broadcast media, particularly direct-broadcast satellite and international media, are making this more possible. CNN, for example, broadcasts standard adverts around the world. Cost globalization drivers Several key cost drivers may come into play in determining an industry globalization level. One key factor is global scale economies. That is, the costs of producing a particular product or service are often subject to economies or dis-economies of scale. Generally, economies of scale arise when a product or a process can be performed more cheaply at greater volume than at lesser volume. This is often the case when the product or service is standardized; hence it becomes hard for multinational firms to differentiate themselves, and cost becomes key in achieving and sustaining a competitive advantage. Producing different products for different countries leads to higher cost per unit. This is because multinational firms serving countries with separate products may not be able to reach the most economic scale of production for each countrys unique product. Multinational firms could reduce the cost by using common parts and components produced in different countries. Another factor is sourcing efficiencies. Global sourcing efficiencies may push multinational firms towards a global strategy. The prices of key resources used in the production process have a strong impact on the cost of the product or service, the cost of inputs depends on the bargaining power of the firm with their suppliers. For example, large firms purchasing large volumes have more clout with their suppliers than their small rivals. Hewlett-Packard (HP) is a good example. In the past, country-level subsidiaries used to solicit bids for insurance coverage independently. Each subsidiary chose the local provider who bid less than the competition. However, HP now belongs to a global insurer-insured pool which provides rebates based on business volume. In addition, as noted earlier, some countries provide a cost advantage because of low cost of raw material, low cost of labour, or low cost of transport because of location. Thus multinational firms locate their activities in different countries to benefit from these advantages. Further, in sectors where transportation cost is low, closeness to customers is not important, and urgency to distribute the product is low, multinational firms tend to concentrate their production in large plants producing large-scale products. Finally, high cost of product development drives multinational firms to focus on core products that have universal appeal to control cost. Government globalization drivers Governments have different policies for different industries. While (as discussed above) the general trend is lower trade barriers and less regulation, for a few sectors trade barriers are prohibitive and highly regulated by governments. In addition to trade barriers and regulations, technical standards are becoming similar around the world. For example, several countries have accepted new international accounting norms and standards. In Europe, the International Accounting Standards (IAS) are quickly becoming the norm. This will allow direct cross-border comparison of financial statements, and facilitate communication between subsidiaries and the centre. Companies like Nokia, the Allianz group, and Novartis are working to bring about a convergence of US accounting standards with IAS. Competitive drivers Because of tight interlinks between key world markets, intense competition across countries, and the continuous increase in the number of global competitors, multinational firms are adopting a globally centred rather than nationally centred strategy. According to George Yip, the increase in interactions between competitors from different countries requires a globally integrated strategy to monitor moves by competitors in different countries. He notes that by pursuing a global strategy, competitors create competitive interdependence among countries. This interdependence forces multinational firms to engage in competitive battles and to subsidize attacks in different countries. Cross-subsidization is only possible if the multinational firm has a global strategy that monitors competitors centrally rather than on a country-by-country basis. Globalized competitors drive industries to adopt a global strategy. Yip noted that when major competitors, especially first movers, use a global strategy to introduce customers to global products, late movers adopt the same strategy so as to achieve economies of scale or scope and other benefits associated with adopting a global strategy. Last, the ability to transfer competitive advantage globally drives multinationals to adopt a global strategy. For example, IKEA succeeded in transferring its locally developed advantage to a global market. Conversely, sectors where the competitive advantage is locally rooted and hard to transfer across countries, multinationals tend to adopt an international strategy rather than a global one. (8) Strategic Management Strategic Management is a term which underlines the importance of managers with regards to the company strategy. Strategy needs to be defined by the people especially the managers who also implement them. Strategic Management involves a greater scope than that of any one area of operational management. It is characterised in way it makes easy for the managers to make decision and judgement based on the conceptualisation of difficult issues. Corporate strategy is defined as the identification of the purpose of the organization and the plans and actions to achieve that purpose. Corporate strategy consist of two main elements: corporate level strategy and business level strategy .See figure 7.0 At Corporate Level: All the decisions need to be taken over what business the company is in or should be in. The culture and leadership of the organization are also important at this broad general level. Corporate strategy is the pattern of major objectives, purpose or goals and essential policies or plans for achieving those goals, stated in such a way as to define what business the company is in or be in and the kind of company it is or be. (9) At Business Level: corporate strategy is more alarmed with the competing for customers, generating value from the resources and the underlying principle of the sustainable competitive advantages of those resources over rival companies. Figure 8.0 The essence of corporate strategy At the individual business level: How do we complete successfully? What is our sustainable competitive advantage? How can we innovate? Who are our customers? What value do we add? At the general corporate level: What business are we in? What business we should be in? What business our basic directions for the future? What is our culture and leadership style? What is our attitude to strategic change? What should it be? What is the purpose of the organization? And what are our strategies to achieve this? (10) The three main areas of strategy At both the levels of corporate strategy every organization has to manage its strategies in three main areas: Organizations internal resources; External environment within the area of organization operates; Organizations ability to add value to its organizations process. Resources Strategy Resources of any organization includes human resource skills, investors and the capital. Organizations need to build a good strategies to optimise the use of the resources. In particular, it is essential to investigate the sustainable competitive advantage that will allow the organization to survive and prosper against competition. Environmental strategy Environment encompasses all the aspect external to the organization itself: not only the economic and political circumstances, which depends place to place but competitors, customers and suppliers, who may vary widely around the world, but also competitors, customers are particularly important here. Hence organizations therefore needs to develop corporate strategies that are best suited to their strengths and weakness in relation to the environment in which they operate. Adding Value Apart from environment and resources organizations still need to add value to the supplies brought into the organization. For long term survival, an organization take their supplies seriously and then deliver its output to its customers. The main purpose of corporate strategy is to make the organization create and add vital values to make sure the organization adapts the changes and continue to add value in future. Core areas of Corporate Strategy There are three core areas of corporate strategy are strategic analysis, strategy development and strategy implementation. Strategic analysis: The organization, its mission and objectives have to be examined and analysed. Corporate strategy provides value for the people involved in the organization, its stakeholders but its the managers who decide the objectives of the organization. They also analyse the resources and examine the objectives as well as the relationship with the environment. Strategy development: A strategy options has to be developed and then the right has to be selected. To be successful, the strategy is build upon a particular skills of the organization and the special relationship that it has or can develop with the other outside suppliers, customers, distributors and government. Strategy implementation: The selected options now has to be implemented and the organization will find many other difficulties in terms of motivation, power relationships, government negotiations, company acquisitions and many other matters. Hierarchical Characteristics of Strategy Strategy can be formulated on three different levels: Corporate level Business unit level Functional or Operational level, While strategy may be about competing and surviving as a rum, one can argue that products, not corporations compete, and products are developed by business units. The role or the corporation then is to manage its business units and products so that each is competitive and so that each continues to corporate purposes. While the corporation must manage its portfolio of businesses to grow and survive, the success of a diversified firm depends upon its ability to manage each of its product lines, While there is no single competition to Textron, we can talk about the competitors and strategy of each of its business units. In the finance business segment, for example, the chief rivals ate major banks providing commercial financing. Many matagers consider the business level to be the proper focus for strategic planning. Corporate Level Strategy Corporate level strategy fundamentally is concerned with the selection of businesses in which the company should compete and with the development and coordination of that portfolio of businesses. It is concerned with: Reach Defining the Issues that are corporate responsibilities; this might include identifying the overall goals of the corporation. The types of businesses In which the corporation should be involved and the way in which businesses will be integrated and managed . Competitive Contact defining where in the corporation competition is to be localized. Take the case of insurance; In the mid-1990s, Aetna as a corporation was clearly identified with its commercial and property casualty insurance products. Managing Activities and Business Interrelationships Corporate strategy seeks to develop synergies by sharing and coordinating staff and other resources across business units. investing financial units across business unit to complement other corporate business unit. Management Practices Corporations decide how business units are to be governed: through direct Corporate intervention (centralization) or through more or less autonomous government (decentralization) that relies on persuasions and rewards. Corporations are responsible for creating value through their businesses. They do so by managing their portfolio of businesses. ensuring that the businesses are successful over the long-term. developing business units. and sometimes ensuring that each business is compatible with others in the portfolio. Business Level Strategy A strategic business unit may be a division, product line, or other profit centre that can be planned independently from the other business units of the firm. At the business unit level. the strategic issues are less about the coordination of operating units and more about developing and sustaining a compititive advantage for the goods and services that are produced. At the business level the strategy formulation phase deals with: positioning the business against rivals anticipating changes in demand and technologies and adjusting the strategy to accommodate them inf1uencing the nature of competition through strategic actions such as vertical integration and through political actions such as lobbying. Functional Level Strategy The functional level of the organization is the level of the operating divisions and departments. The strategic issues at the functional level are related to business processes and the value chain. Functional level strategies in marketing, finance, operations, human resources and RD involve the development and coordination of resources through which business unit level strategies can be executed efficiently and effectively. Functional units of an organization are involved in higher level strategies by providing input into the business unit level and corporate level strategy such as providing information on resources and capabilities on which the higher level strategies can be based. Figure 9.0 Levels of Strategy (10) Global Strategies Global strategies have been deliberately pursued in some industries to integrate worldwide strategy. Essentially, strategy is centralised for the whole world, with an integrated network of production and market positions in all the leading countries on a broadly similar platform. The need for strategic business management planning can be easily understood by the porters diamond model. The diamond model is an economical model developed by Michael Porter in his book The Competitive Advantage of Nations, where he published his theory of why particular industries become competitive in particular locations. The phenomena that are analysed are classified into six broad factors incorporated into the Porter diamond, which has become a key tool for the analysis of competitiveness: Factor conditions are human resources, physical resources, knowledge resources, capital resources and infrastructure. Specialized resources are often specific for an industry and important for its competitiveness. Specific resources can be created to compensate for factor disadvantages. Demand conditions in the home market can help companies create a competitive advantage, when sophisticated home market buyers pressure firms to innovate faster and to create more advanced products that those of competitors. Related and supporting industries can produce inputs which are important for innovation and internationalization. These industries provide cost-effective inputs, but they also participate in the upgrading process, thus stimulating other companies in the chain to innovate. Firm strategy, structure and rivalry constitutes the fourth determinant of competitiveness. The way in which companies are created, set goals and are managed is important for success. But the presence of intense rivalry in the home base is also important; it creates pressure to innovate in order to upgrade competitiveness. Government can influence each of the above four determinants of competitiveness. Clearly government can influence the supply conditions of key production factors, demand conditions in the home market, and competition between firms. Government interventions can occur at local, regional, national or supranational level. Chance events are occurrences that are outside of control of a firm. They are important because they create discontinuities in which some gain competitive positions and some lose. The Porter thesis is that these factors interact with each other to create conditions where innovation and improved competitiveness occurs. (11) Figure 10.0 Porters Diamond Model Government Related and supporting industries Demand Conditions Factor Conditions (11) Conclusion No nonprofit entrepreneur should launch prior to completing a strategic business management planning. This is where entrepreneurs perform the well-known SWOT analysis to determine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) associated with their nonprofit business proposition. Strengths and weaknesses identify factors that are under their control, such as what they do better or worse than the competition. Opportunities and threats are external or not under their control. For example, an opportunity may be a new foundation looking to fund nonprofit organizations within a specific time frame. A threat may be the lack of philanthropic donations due to a recent tax increase or the reduction of the nonprofit tax deduction. Many nonprofits fail because they fail to complete their SWOT strategic analysis. The strategic planning process depends on the nature and needs of the organization and the its immediate external environment. For example, planning should be carried out frequently in an organization whose products and services are in an industry that is changing rapidly . In this situation, planning might be carried out once or even twice a year and done in a very comprehensive and detailed fashion (that is, with attention to mission, vision, values, environmental scan, issues, goals, strategies, objectives, responsibilities, time lines, budgets, etc). On the other hand, if the organization has been around for many years and is in a fairly stable marketplace, then plann

Affirmative Action :: essays research papers fc

Imagine a person has hopes of landing their dream job and is applying for a position at a very successful company. They have more than enough qualifications but for some reason do not get the job simply because the company had to hire a woman or minority to satisfy its policy. What policy you may ask, born to the civil rights movement three decades ago, affirmative action calls for minorities and women to be given special consideration in employment and education. Affirmative action is one of the many problems with today’s society and should not be allowed to be used in any situation. This policy is intended to give both parties an equal opportunity to be a successful individual and make it in today’s society. It is morally wrong because the battle for equal rights has been won and favoring members in one group over another is totally unfair. Others see it as the only opportunity for minorities and women to rise up and obtain the same education and career opportunity a s everyone else.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Before writing this paper I had not known a lot about what affirmative action meant, but now I can say I strongly disagree with its meaning. I myself had a run in with affirmative action just recently in this past month. One of my close friends received an acceptance letter from the University of Michigan and I couldn’t believe she got in because her score on the ACT test was very low. She also didn’t have very exceptional grades in high school, which meant she could have only gotten in because she was of Hispanic origin. Giving someone more rights and opportunities than others just because of a personal trait is not only unfair but totally defies everything that was fought for in the civil rights movement. Would giving someone an advantage in a situation such as education influence them not to try as hard if they were to have the same opportunity as everyone else? Robin Kelly stated: â€Å"Sadly, I run into many young people who do not have a sense of what is possible, a visi on of what this country could become. Rather, they accept the current arrangements as an immutable given and figure how best to survive within them†(80). Kelly suggests that today’s youth have no intentions of changing the world and only intend to live in it how it is.

A Tale Of Two Cities :: essays research papers

A Tale of Two Cities   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the novel A Tale of Two Cities there were three strands of people: the Manettes, the Everemonds and the revolutionists. These three strands became critically entangled at one point in the book. Everyone of the strands became involved when Charles Darnay was found guilty at his trial and sentenced to death. Charles was currently involved with the Manette family when the revolutionists imprisoned him for being an Evremonde. Of course there were many events leading up to Darnay’s conviction.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first event occurred when Dr. Manette was locked up in the Bastille by the Evremonde family. He was called upon to care for Madame Defarge’s sister and brother, but when they died he was imprisoned so he could not tell anyone of their murder. Madame Defarge became very angry with the loss of her family and planned revenge against all the Evremondes. Dr. Manette stayed in the Bastille for eighteen years. During his time in there he wrote a diary of what went on. He also lost his identity and became a shoe cobbler. When he finally got out of prison he had no recollection of his early life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second event was when Charles Darnay asked to marry Lucie Manette. Dr. Manette, who had be reunited with his daughter, saw no problem with the marriage until Charles revealed his real identity to everyone on the wedding day. Charles’s last name was really Evremonde. His father was the man who put Dr. Manette in the Bastille for all those years. Manette forgave Charles because he was not like his evil father or his uncle, the Marquis St. Evremonde. Charles and Lucie got married as they planned to.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The last event occurred when Madame Defarge planned revenge against all the Evremondes. She was a revolutionist and knitted a list of names for her people to murder. Charles Darnay was added when she found out his real identity as an Evremonde. Also the names of his wife, Lucie Manette, and his newly born daughter, Little Lucie, were added to her murder list. Charles and his family were now in the middle of the three strands differences.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charles Dickens showed the relationship between the Evremondes, the Manettes and the revolutionists all through the one character, Charles Darnay. He was closely related to all these groups in many ways. Each part of the story was connected and related to each other so without the three events leading up to Darnay’s trial, the outcome of the story would of been different.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of

American Dream In the 1920s Essay

In the 1920s, many Americans were trying to achieve the infamous â€Å"American Dream.† The dream was to be rich, successful, happy, and one of the social elites. However, even though this was the dream for Americans in the 1920s, the general standard has changed over the years into the present time. Since the 1920s, the dream of putting a high emphasis on an individualistic and materialistic life has evolved into a present day dream of working hard, holding a well-paying job, and raising a family. The 1920s was an era of declined social and moral values, as shown by its increased pursuit of pleasure. When World War I ended in 1918, the young Americans who had fought the war became deeply disillusioned, as the battles that they had just fought in made the Victorian social morality of the early 1920s seem like hypocrisy. This caused those that had fought in the war to not care as much about upholding traditional morals. Also, since World War I was the â€Å"war to end all wars,† Americans were quite optimistic during the 1920s. The uncontrolled satisfaction that led to self-indulgent parties and wild jazz music resulted ultimately in the corruption of the American dream, as the uninhibited desire for pleasure exceeded other, less important goals. Americans’ pursuit of pleasure in the 1920s resulted ultimately in a decline in values. Many of the values of today’s dream are similar to those of the 1920s. The dream today does consist of pleasure and happiness. However, the dream of the 1920s was to put a much stronger emphasis on it than today’s dream does. The values and morals today are also more widely accepted by the general public. An example of this is women wearing bathing suits to a public beach. In the 1920s, it was bad enough that those bathing suits were even the l east bit revealing. Today, however, it is perfectly acceptable for women to wear bikinis to a public beach, which are much more revealing than those of the 1920s. This is because the standard has gradually changed over time. Many of the values of the 1920s were extremely new and deviated from the norm greatly. The â€Å"new† values crashed right into the 1920s with the emergence of the flapper, a new generation of women who bobbed their hair, wore short skirts, and listened to jazz music. People had no time to adapt to these values. On the other hand, the values of the modern American dream were gradually incorporated. Americans today have been around these values long enough that they are now accustomed to them. During the 1920s, family life was both similar and different than it is now. Advancements in industrial production and technology enabled ordinary Americans to acquire what once had been unattainable luxuries, such as automobiles. These luxuries that were part of everyday family life in the 1920s are still part of the dream today. There are, however, differences between family life of the 1920s and modern family life. In the 1920s, husbands were the â€Å"breadwinners† for their families. While the men were at work, their wives cooked, cleaned, and looked after the home. Wives also did most of the raising of the children. Women in the 1920s did hold jobs, but that was something more for young, single women. Married women typically did not obtain a job because it would cause them to take their focus off of taking care of their family. The dream today is that both men and women perform equal shares of raising the family. Instead of just the men holding jobs, women also hold jobs today. Instead of just the women caring for the home and children, men also take part. Through these efforts, Americans can hope to achieve the part of the dream of raising a family. Throughout the 1920s, Americans went on a spending spree. The rise of the stock market led to a sudden increase in the national wealth and created a society full of materialism. People began to consume and spend more than ever, and they had the idea that money and popularity would solve everything. A person from any social background could, potentially, strike a fortune. Speculators and industrialists who achieved the American dream in the 1920s of â€Å"getting rich† were labeled the â€Å"new money.† The aristocracy disliked the new money. The so-called â€Å"old money,† families that had always had money that was passed down from generation to generation, felt that the â€Å"get rich quick† ways of earning money were not as fulfilling as the traditional ways. Today, money is valued differently than it was in the 1920s. The dream is not centered so much around money as it used to be. Yes, money is still just as important, but people nowadays keep other goals in mind other than just earning money. The dream today consists of having a job that pays well and that is enjoyable, not just a job that only pays well. Another part of the American dream that women had in the 1920s was equal rights with men. The ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, which allowed women the right to vote, helped them come even closer to having equal rights with men. In the dream today, women seem to not be as concerned about women’s rights as they did in the 1920s. This is due to the fact that most of the work that needed to be done has already been done, such as the women’s rights movement and the ratification of the nineteenth amendment. Today, on average, women earn 77 cents for every dollar that men earn. Women still hold far less ownership, CEO, and other high positions within companies than men. These two facts are evidence that work still remains in the struggle for equal rights for women. However, women definitely came a long way and it is only a matter of time before they are equal with men, for most of the work has already been done. In the 1920s, there seems to have been an American dream that everyone was trying to achieve. Many people looked and some still do look toward this as a model for their own individual American dreams. However, even though this might have been the dream for many Americans in the 1920s, the general standard sure has changed over the years into the present time. Since the 1920s, the dream of putting a high emphasis on â€Å"materialistic† life has evolved into a present day dream of working hard, holding a well-paying job, and raising a family.

Lexington and Concord, Who Fired First? Essay

The battle that was fought at Lexington and Concord was seen all across America as â€Å"The shot heard around the world† or the beginning to the American Revolution. It is truly began the war between America and Britain, especially from the rage created by the battle. But to tell who exactly fired first to start this event is really unclear in some minds. But in perspective, the British were the ones who most likely set the spark aflame because they knew about the weaponry, they came knowing they’d take the land by force so the intention was there, and the Americans were minimally prepared for the invasion. Since the conflict was going on throughout the two countries, battles were beginning to up rise in the colonies and frustration was building up. To give themselves an advantage in the fighting, the red-coats knew where the American weapons were stored in large numbers and intended on taking it from them to give them the upper hand with the attack and put them forward towards victory. And in addition, when American troops came out and stopped the British for Simon, who was apparently taken by force, blocking their way of proceeding any further, an officer was observed by Simon commanding to fire at the American militia. This was the only observed action that provided the first shot by anyone which leans towards the British beginning the revolution. However the source may or may not be true, hence more detail can be looked into what actually happened. Seeing that also that a British soldier also admitted on their own side that their captain was the one to command firing at the scene the evidence pushing it to their fault is leading to be above needed. Though no proof itself was presented the known facts lead us to believe that the first shot was given by the red-coat soldiers. Now getting back into the reason they were going to concord, their purpose was specifically to infiltrate their weapons area containing threatening items of warfare to give them an advantage. Obviously the Americans wouldn’t give up their stash of things that protects them from the British without force. So this means that the English troops were expecting revolt against them and were prepared to fight to receive the artillery. This leads to the last fact given to support the assumption of the British attacking first, preparation. The soldiers of England were given orders to march from Boston to march to Lexington and Concord to take the intimidating weaponry from them. They were mentally and physically prepared for the upcoming battle awaiting them as they marched. However, the colonist militia had no clue of the attack until they had Prescott come and warn them of the march awaiting their fate soon to come. No reason was given, no knowing whether or not to be ready to defend their home or if they were just passing through. All they had was the sense of trouble that could possibly be coming. They actually were ordered to disperse, and they did, when the troops arrived, to cause no harm or threat. But once the shooting started, it sparked something much bigger. And it is for these reasons and supporting facts that I believe it was the British were the ones to first fire at the American militia. Even though there is no true way of finding out with the existing known facts of whose actual fault it was, the details basically are saying that it was the British militia who fire the first shot at the battle, being the ones who shot the â€Å"Shot heard around the world† and beginning the revolution. The evidences that support it is that the knowledge of armory by the British, the intention to attack by them , and lastly the minimal preparation of the American people that lead us to think that it was the British who fired the first shot.