Metals in Sports Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Metals in Sports - Essay Example Metals have gained one of the most diverse applications in sports today. Their qualities make them useful in the process of creating a range of sporting equipment. For instance, metals are used to make goals. Most goal frames are metallic in nature and the reason behind this is that metals possess a high density thus giving them the ability to resist movements, pushes and shoves during the goal hitting process. Metallic goals are common in games such as hockey, soccer, rugby, handball and many more. (Review Centre, 2008) These days, metals are being used to make bats, sticks and clubs. Bats are largely associated with games such as baseball. The latter category is a recent introduction to the game and it has generated a lot of heated debate about the limits and applicability of metals in sports. This is largely because bats are subjected to a lot of movement and are likely to make frequent contact with the respective players. The controversies behind the use of metallic bats shall be examined in subsequent portions of the essay. Certain clubs may be made (in part) of metals. However, most of the time, these clubs are composite items that require the good properties in metal to work hand in hand with other materials. Clubs are usually linked to the game of golf. In close relation to the latter use is the use of sticks in games such as hockey. ... In basketball, the rim that holds a net is metallic in nature. This is necessary so as to provide a strong material that can be used as a support for the heavy players making their pointers. In tennis and badminton, metals are also used as frames to support nets. This is largely because metals are easy to form and can therefore provide a firm shape against which players can play the game. The same qualities can be used to explain why metals are used in volleyball and fishing too. Tackle and rods are also made up of this material known as metal. This is because fishing entails the capture of heavy materials that may only be possible through the utilization of a firm and strong support that can withstand the weight of some of these heavy fish. Metals are particularly useful in the creation of protective sports equipment. Usually, these protective gears may be for the facial area, thighs, shins and many others. Examples of equipment that may be made up of these metals include Cup Thigh pads Shin pads Helmets Mouth guards Interestingly enough, metal can also be found in footwear. This is especially the case in sports that require contact with ice or water. In the process of making boards for surfing, it is common to find this material especially in equipments such as boards for snowboarding and skate boarding equipment. Because the latter materials require a certain level of smoothness and strength that is difficult to achieve with other materials, then the better option to choose in this regard is a metal. Gometals.com (2008) Metals are also particularly useful in sporting events that involve the use of skates. In ice skating and roller skating, metals are used to create the wheels or the skates that are essential for movement

Data Warehousing and Mining Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Data Warehousing and Mining - Essay Example This paper will discuss the concept of data mining in detail. This paper will discuss the main aspects, techniques and algorithms of data mining. This paper will also assess the market applications of data mining. DATA MINING Data mining is a technique which is used to evaluate business or corporate data from a target source and after that turn that data into valuable and useful information. This corporate information is normally employed to facilitate a business to raise profits, reduce cut expenditure in specific business areas. Moreover, the main purpose of data mining applications is to recognize and take-out similar business configuration enclosed in a given set of corporate data (Bradford, 2011). IMPORTANT DATA MINING TECHNIQUES This section outlines some of the prime and important data mining techniques. Some of the main techniques are presented below: Neural Networks/Pattern Recognition Neural Networks are utilized in a blackbox style. In this technique, an individual produce s a set of data for testing purpose, which allows the neural network to find out patterns based on the identified results, then for these data permits the neural network imprecise on massive amounts of data provided. ... Memory Based Reasoning This technique can offer same results which can be achieved from neural network however the working of this technique is different from neural networks. In addition, the memory based reasoning searches for "closely related" type of data, rather than considering similar working patterns (Chicago Business Intelligence Group, 2011) and (Han & Kamber, 2006). Cluster Detection This is a standard technique of data mining which is used to assess the relationship between market and business transaction data because it discovers associations from data patterns. Mainly, this method discovers associations in clients or product or anywhere we desire to discover interaction in data (Chicago Business Intelligence Group, 2011) and (Han & Kamber, 2006). Link Analysis This is another method for relating similar business records. However, this method is not utilized extensively; on the other hand, a number of methods and software applications have been built on the basis of this technique. Since its name states, this technique attempts to discover associations, either in dealings, various products, consumers, etc. as well as reveals those associations (Chicago Business Intelligence Group, 2011) and (Han & Kamber, 2006). Visualization This method of data mining facilitates the users to recognize their data. In this scenario, visualization is used to create the association from text established to visual/graphical arrangement. In addition, various other techniques such as rule, decision tree, pattern visualization and cluster facilitate users to observe data associations rather than reading the associations. Moreover, a lot of powerful data mining systems have taken effective actions for enhancing their

The Disadvantages Of Baby Sitting Children And Young People Essay

The Disadvantages Of Baby Sitting Children And Young People Essay Babysitters can range in age, tending to be in their pre-teens/teens, ages 11-19, yet it is not uncommon for students in their 20s to take on babysitting as a part-time job. The type of work for babysitters also varies, from watching a sleeping child, to playing games, preparing meals, teaching the child to read, or even driving (if the age is right), depending on the agreed upon terms and determined by parental permission. In some countries various organizations produce courses for babysitters, mainly focusing on child safety and first aid appropriate for infants and children. These classes or courses can be provided at local hospitals and sometimes even schools. These classes can equip the babysitter with information to keep both the child, or children, and sitter safe in various health and weather scenarios. [edit] U.S. In the United States, the circumstances that babysitters face can change quickly. The American Red Cross is currently the most popular form of certification; its curriculum ranges from sleeping to emergencies to encouraging young entrepreneurship. It has been statistically shown that parents are more relaxed with a certified babysitter. [1] [edit] Word History The term baby sitter first appeared in 1937; the verb form baby-sit is first recorded in 1947.[2] The American Heritage College Dictionary notes One normally would expect the agent noun babysitter with its -er suffix to come from the verb baby-sit, as diver comes from dive, but in fact babysitter is first recorded in 1937, ten years earlier than the first appearance of baby-sit. Thus the verb was derived from the agent noun rather than the other way around, and represents a good example of back-formation.[3] The use of the word sit to abbreviate to refer to a baby-sitter is recorded from 1800[citation needed]. The term may have originated from the action of the caretaker sitting on the baby in one room, while the parents were entertaining or busy in another. [edit] International variations in definition In British English the term refers only to caring for a child for a few hours, on an informal basis and usually in the evening when the child is asleep for most of the time.[citation needed] In American English the term can include caring for a child for the whole or most of the day, and on a regular or more formal basis, which would be described as childminding in British English. In the United States, the term is sometimes used when one parent is at home and the other, who would normally be present, is not. In India a babysitter or nanny is known as an ayah or aya, a person hired on a longer term contract basis to look after a child regardless of the presence of the parents. The Disadvantages of Baby-Sitting Baby-sitting is a way to get some extra money in a short time period, but disadvantages are present, such as hours, behavior of children and irregular schedule. This is not a dependable way to earn income because you are at the mercy of families needing a baby-sitter. On-Demand Sitting Baby-sitters are needed sporadically. There is no regular schedule and are often called upon last minute. The jobs can occur once and then never again. It all depends on whether the employer ever needs a baby-sitter again and if he was happy with your work with his children. Uneducated in Child Care A person who is in need of a baby-sitter may require the sitter to have certain type of experience and certifications, such as CPR, before hiring a baby-sitter. However, typically, baby-sitters do not have an education in child care or several years of experience. This type of person is usually doing it to make a few extra dollars. Hours The hours of a baby-sitting job could be at any time during the day. If a baby-sitter limits the hours of her availability, the amount of work is decreased. Also, a baby-sitter needs to be ready for long night hours. Most baby-sitters are needed to watch children at night while the parents take in a movie, dinner or attend a work event. Behavior of Children The children that a baby-sitter tends to may appear have angel-like characteristics in front of his parents, but things may change when a sitter is alone with the child. The children may have foul language, tantrums if they dont get what they want or display meanness because the parents left them with a sitter. What are the advantages of babysitters? One of the advantages of using a babysitter is that your baby or child will be one of a small group, and the babysitter can therefore offer plenty of individual attention. Some babysitters take care of children from several families, and usually have mixed age groups, which closely mirrors family life. This may help your child learn to feel comfortable around older and younger children. It also makes it easier to care for all the children in a family, from babies to school age children. Often, babysitters look after children from babyhood through to secondary school, giving them a great sense of security and continuity. Many parents like this family-friendly interaction, and sometimes what starts out as a babysitting arrangement becomes a strong friendship that lasts for years. Taking your child to a babysitter can be the next best thing to your own home. If youre lucky enough to find a good babysitter close by, so much the better; your child will feel even more at home. From a practical viewpoint, babysitters can often be more flexible about pick-up and drop-off times. This extra flexibility may mean that you dont have to organise back-up care as often and is particularly useful if you work shifts. However, like all childcare arrangements, it is important not to take advantage, otherwise you may find that you have to start your childcare search all over again. What are the disadvantages? If your babysitter becomes ill or takes a holiday, you may be stumped for back-up childcare. Make sure you ask your babysitter how she deals with situations like this. Some parents worry that the babysitters children will get more attention than their own, which puts them off the arrangement. Even the best babysitters still have to meet the needs of their own families and the other children that they are caring for. However, all aspects of day-to-day life can offer learning opportunities, and good babysitters will ensure that the children in their care are regularly engaged in new activities and experiences. Making a decision In common with most childcare choices, there are pros and cons for you to weigh up. But depending on your own perspective, what one person might see as a disadvantage (such as fitting into the babysitters daily routine), might be viewed as an advantage by another (lots of learning opportunities in a family environment). The best decision for you will be based on what feels right in your individual circumstances. Baby-Sitting Duties Salary For a great many people, baby-sitting is the first hired work experience in life. Non-professional baby sitters usually range between the ages of 15 and 22. For young people, baby-sitting is usually great non-family related flexible employment that can continue all the way through college. Baby sitters have two duties: to keep the children safe and to provide them with comfort. The rates, however, vary by location and circumstance. Safety The No. 1 and most basic of baby-sitter duties is to make sure that the kids are safe; that no physical harm has occurred to them on your watch. Accidents can happen, but it is the sitters responsibility to know where the child is at all times. If there are multiple children, it is also the sitters duty to make sure that they do not harm each other. Knowing the dangers in a house, especially for the first time can be difficult. It is important to go over all the safety details with the parents before they leave you. Where are all the doors? Are they locked? Do the drawers and kitchen cabinets lock? Are the electrical outlets properly covered? and so on. The best way to keep a child safe is to keep them in your attention at all times. Young children should be followed and monitored closely, older children can have a little more privacy if they desire. If you must drive make sure you have proper car seats. You must also need to know what to do in the case of emergency; where the first aid is, how to do CPR and where to call for help. Care Along with safety, a baby sitters duty is to provide the children with their basic needs. Usually you will have to feed them, bath them, change diapers or help them with the toilet. The basic needs of children depend on their age; an infant will require full attention at all times even when sleeping. Entertainment and Comfort Aside from what a baby sitter has a to do, there are things a babysitter should do. Many children are uneasy about seeing their parents leave, as such a baby sitter needs to comfort them by reassuring the child that their parents will return soon and in the meantime you are going to have a lot of fun together. Children love it when adults play with them; ask to see their favorite toy, or watch their favorite movie, read them a book, play outside if there is a yard, or if the parents permit it, drive to a park or bakery for the afternoon. Baby sitting is made all the more easy when the children like and enjoy the company of their baby sitter. Really good baby sitters can become almost part of the family in some cases. Salary Rates The wages for a baby sitter vary drastically depending on the circumstances. The average baby-sitting rate in the United States is between $8 and $10 per hour. Though the average seems low, it is higher than the minimum wage in many states. There are, however, variables. Some inexperienced sitters may earn as low as $5 per hour, or on the extreme opposite experienced sitters in wealthy neighborhoods can earn between $15 and $18 per hour. Usually babysitters can set their own rate depending on the situation; infants should generally add $1 to $2 more to your standard rate, and each additional child added should add $1 as well. If you provide yourself with your own transportation then consider adding between 50 cents and $1 to your salary. Babysitting Older Children Babysitting older children generally takes less work than taking care of toddlers or infants. Whereas babies need constant nurture and attention, older children can tend for themselves in a lot of areas. However, there still remains a fair share of work to be done when babysitting older children. Depending on the circumstance, you may be responsible for tasks like driving them to sports practices, helping them with homework, cooking them meals, and making sure their lights are out at bedtime. Often your babysitting responsibilities will be based on everything from your age to the specific needs of the children. Before beginning to babysit for older children, be sure to inquire as to exactly what the parents expect your responsibilities to be. It can also be helpful to obtain a babysitting checklist from the parents that will guide you with helpful instructions and reminders. Balancing Babysitter Responsibilities Taking care of children is rarely an easy task, and handling your responsibilities as a babysitter can sometimes be difficult. For example, if you are babysitting three or more children, or if one or more has special needs, the job can seem overwhelming. That is why it is important to properly balance your babysitting responsibilities so you do not exhaust yourself completely by the end of the evening. Babysitting is work, but it should also be enjoyable. Heres what you can do to keep your babysitter duties balanced: Ask the parents to explain their expectations for your babysitting services and derive a clear picture of your specific responsibilities for each child. Obtain a babysitting checklist from the parents, which will help you keep track of important information and requirements for each child. If you feel like too much responsibility is being put on you, speak up and tell the parents in a polite manner. Some parents do not realize what a handful their children can be, let alone all the tasks they want you to perform for them or around the house. Letting them know that you are being overwhelmed will cause them to realize they need to give their children more responsibilities of their own or, in some cases, to hire an additional babysitter to help you out. How to Use a Babysitting Checklist Babysitting checklists are given to child care providers by parents to give specific instructions, and contact information in case of emergencies.These checklists are important to obtain and utilize as a babysitter because they will detail how your responsibilities should be carried out. That way, if an issue arises, you will have the information that you need to deal with it. Some items that should be included include where the parents can be reached, the number of someone to call if you cannot get in contact with the parents, the childs doctor and insurance information, and a signed emergency treatment release for the child. With this information, you will be prepared for anything that might happen while you are babysitting. Once you are given a babysitting checklist, be sure to keep it with you in a pocket or purse at all times. Read its contents thoroughly before the parents leave, and scan through it several times during the day or evening so that you ensure all of your responsibilities are done properly. Managing Babysitter Responsibilities Managing babysitter responsibilities is one of the most important tasks involved in child care. When you agree to provide babysitting for someones children, it is imperative that you understand what your responsibilities are and how you should carry them out. Babysitter responsibilities can vary from job to job. Just as children differ, so will the ways in which they need to be taken care of. In order to have a solid understanding of the responsibilities a parent will want you to uphold, you should first discuss exactly what will be involved in babysitting for them. If they are not upfront with explaining the specific responsibilities for the job, be sure to inquire about them. Some babysitting jobs will simply necessitate watching and playing with the children. Others will include more extensive responsibilities like driving, cooking, changing diapers, cleaning and doing light housework. It is also helpful to obtain a babysitter checklist from the parents. This checklist will contain, among other things, information that will direct your specific responsibilities, such as how much TV the children are allowed to watch, how to discipline them, and what they can or cannot eat. These instructions will help you understand how to carry out each of your responsibilities so you are not left guessing on your own. With clearly defined expectations and a babysitter checklist from the parents, you will be on your way to managing babysitter responsibilities like an expert. Responsibilities for Babysitting Young Children Babysitting young children brings its own set of unique responsibilities. While older children can tend for themselves in a lot of areas, infants and toddlers require constant nurture and attention. Babies must be fed often and, as a result, their diapers must be changed on a frequent basis. Infants tend to spit up and toddlers make messes wherever they go, so you can expect to spend a significant amount of time cleaning up after them. Infants will also need to be held and comforted often. Young children require naps at certain times, usually specified by the parents, and it is important to make sure they get the rest they need. Most young children cry a lot and it is important to know how to handle such situations when they arise. In order to be fully prepared for babysitting young children, take a class on the subject and speak with parents who have experience. Also, be sure to ask the parents of babies you are considering taking care of what responsibilities they would expect you to have. Responsibilities of a Babysitter Babysitter responsibilities vary widely from job to job depending on the age of the children, their specific needs and the particular requirements set by the parents. For younger children, responsibilities may include diaper changes, feeding, and holding; on the other hand, babysitting older children may involve driving them to soccer practice or helping them with their homework. While some children are nearly self-sufficient, all will have certain needs. This could include anything from fixing them a snack to helping them with a physical disability. Circumstances that may surround the job, such as the parents going away on business or the children wanting to take a trip to the museum, may require you to take on heavier responsibilities such as staying overnight or driving. Specific expectations of the parents will also determine what you will have to do as a babysitter. For example, some parents want their children in bed at a certain time. In this case, you need to make sure that they change into pajamas and brush their teeth before that time comes. The best way to determine the responsibilities you will have as a babysitter is ask parents directly. Nanny Vs. Baby-sitting In-home child care from a professional nanny or an individual doing simple baby-sitting duties offers a parent greater flexibility and control with schedules, compared with day care. Though it may be more costly than day care, a nanny or baby sitter may be the best way to care for children. Ages of the children, the hours needed for care and additional expectations determine if a parent needs just a baby-sitter or a professional nanny. Parent Expectations A baby sitter is usually called when the need arises, or she may have regularly scheduled hours to care for children. Typically, the job of a baby sitter is to ensure the safety and comfort of a child while the parents are away for a few hours. A nanny usually is more involved with children for a major part of the day on a regular basis. The Nanny Network website says the responsibility of a nanny is to partner with the parents to help raise their charges to be responsible, competent young men and women. Experience A baby sitter may be a responsible teen or a trusted adult living in the neighborhood. Teenagers and adults who are serious about working as baby sitters receive training and certification from the American Red Cross. Professional nannies have experience thats backed up with written references, whether theyre working independently or for an agency. Household Duties Household duties are negotiated with either a baby sitter or nanny for additional pay. In either situation, care of the children is considered a priority over chores. Younger children require greater levels of care than school-age children, so expectations about extra duties like laundry and kitchen cleanup must be reasonable. Child Education Both the baby sitter and the nanny can be expected to read and play with children or help school-age children with homework. A nanny will take a greater interest in teaching children and may serve as a tutor. Since the goal of the nanny is to raise children to become responsible adults, she will also educate children in manners, etiquette and how to care for themselves. Child Discipline Merriam-Webster offers three definitions for discipline: instruction, self-control and punishment. A nanny is involved in all three areas of discipline for the training of children, which may include corporal punishment at the parents discretion. Typically, a baby sitter is less involved in the childs life and merely informs the parents about the childs behavior. Rate of Pay As of July 2010, the hourly rates for baby sitting average $8 to $12 an hour, but can be as little as $4 or more than $18 an hour, according to the Babysitting-Rates website. A number of factors affect the costs of hiring child care providers. Some of the variables are the number of children, the experience of the provider and expected household duties. In the Los Angeles area, Mirtas Domestic Agency reports salaries from $250 to $500 for a five-day week for live-in nannies working up to 60 hours, or live-out positions for up to 40 hours per week. Nannies usually receive one-week paid vacation after a year, plus six paid holidays, Mirtas says. How to Describe Baby-sitting Responsibilities Although all baby sitters share basic responsibilities, such as caring for children, providing entertaining activities and attending to the needs of the children, different parents and families may have their own expectations of their baby sitters. Help your baby sitter understand what your expectations are and what her responsibilities will be when watching your children by clearly describing her duties. By clearly defining the baby sitters role for the person you hire, you will help both yourself, your children and your baby sitter have the best experience possible. Instructions 1 Schedule a meet and greet with your baby sitter before her first day caring for your children. After giving the baby sitter time to introduce herself to your children, communicate with her about her role as a baby sitter. Discuss simple things such as rate of pay, bedtime routines and television policies first. 2 Communicate with your baby sitter about tasks that you feel she should complete as a part of her job responsibilities. For example, some parents prefer the baby sitter to make lunches and dinners for the children, while other parents prepare meals before leaving. Let her know whether its OK to take your children for outings to the park, an ice cream shop or on bike rides. 3 Develop a baby-sitting checklist that your baby sitter can refer to when you are gone, especially if you have a lot of rules and responsibilities for her to abide by. Remember that getting used to another familys routine may be overwhelming at first, so developing a checklist for your baby sitter of tasks to accomplish while youre gone can be a huge help. 4 Remind your children about the rules of the house and ask them to remind your baby sitter if any of the rules are broken. For example, make sure that your children understand that they are not to watch television while the baby sitter is over if that is your rule. Ask them to remind her if she turns on the television out of habit. How to Find a Babysitter Job Babysitting is a great first job for teenagers. Babysitting is a flexible job that can fit around any schedule involving school work, extracurricular activities, and weekends. Through babysitting, you can learn patience, how to be a responsible role model, and how to handle money. To find a job, show parents of young children that you have the skills and commitment needed to babysit Instructions 1 Create a resume. Include any babysitting experience you have had as well as the hours you are available. Ask parents if you can use them as references, and ask them for letters of recommendation that indicate your strengths as a babysitter. 2 Ask for referrals. Call family and friends for referrals of parents who are in need of a babysitter, or use a local referral program. Many states have free babysitter referral programs that screen families and teens to find the best fit. Call your local chamber of commerce to find a referral program in your area. 3 Take a CPR course. The American Red Cross provides training classes for all ages. Ask adults in your class if they need a babysitter or if they have any referrals, and hand out your resume. Parents are more likely to hire you when they know you are certified in CPR. 4 Post fliers around your community in grocery stores, churches, businesses and day care centers. Cut seven to 10 strips on the bottom of your fliers that parents can easy tear off and take with them. On each strip write your name, telephone number, and that youre a babysitter. Get the managers approval before hanging up any fliers in a business. 5 Use the Internet. Advertise your babysitting services on your blogs and community pages to tell your friends and their friends you are looking for a job.

Explain what is meant by the full employment level of National Income :: Economics

Explain what is meant by the full employment level of National Income and Equilibrium level of National Income. Why might these levels of income be different? National Income is the level of total output, expenditure or income of an economy over a period of time. The main measure of NY used around the world today is Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. This is a measure of all domestic production, that is, production not including trade, which takes into account the value of indirect taxes such as GST. Full employment level of National Income means the level of total output attained when unemployment is at a socially acceptable level. In most cases this is around 5%, however it does tend to vary. If a government sets a target unemployment level and this is reached, the economy is said to be operating at full employment (Nf). Full employment also includes something called the natural rate of unemployment, which includes seasonal and frictional unemployment, as well as those individuals who do not wish to be employed. In other words, the natural rate of unemployment is the proportion of the workforce which voluntarily remain unemployed whilst the labour market is in equilibrium. We can see, therefore, that full employment may include some unemployment, although it is usually a small percentage of the working population. Equilibrium level of employment, however, may have a larger level of unemployment. The diagram below represents a situation in which the full employment level is illustrated. National Income $100b This diagram presents a situation where the SRAS and the AD curve intersect on the LRAS and $100b is the NY. The terms used in the diagram must be explained. SRAS stands for short run aggregate supply, which is the relationship between the aggregate supply of all final goods and services and the price level, holding all else constant. In the short run, the prices of final goods and services can change, but the factor prices do not. Because of this, it is not possible to generalise the time period referred to by the word short, as factor prices can change at any time for numerous reasons. The SRAS is upward sloping because of the law of diminishing returns, that is some inputs can increase whilst others may not, and the fact that resource bottlenecks may occur when the economy moves towards Nf. AD stands for aggregate demand,, which is the sum of all planned spending in an economy. The slope of the AD curve is due to the income effect and the substitute effect. AD is calculated by Consumption + Investment + Government spending + (Exports – Imports), or

Database Architecture

Database systems are a way to collect and store large amounts of data. Essentially, database are electronic filing systems that store raw data to be later retrieved as useable information (Skillport, ). Using such a tool simplifies the filing and storage of all sorts of information used by businesses today. A common type of database is a customer/inventory database. Different tables store customer information, past customer orders, inventory counts and distributor information and then this information can be cross-referenced for following inventory pathways.For example, the customer table will have a primary key which is individual for each customer. This key can then be referenced by the customer order table which maintains order history for all customers. The products table can use the same process to access inventory counts and/or supplier information. All of this data is stored separately, but used in different ways. It’s more efficient and more secure than a normal filing system. According to Wingenious (2005),â€Å"The database architecture is the set of specifications, rules, and processes that dictate how data is stored in a database and how data is accessed by components of a system. It includes data types, relationships, and naming conventions. The database architecture describes the organization of all database objects and how they work together. It affects integrity, reliability, scalability, and performance. The database architecture involves anything that defines the nature of the data, the structure of the data, or how the data flows† (Introduction).Depending on the type of architecture you need, there are many choices in software for your Database Management System (DBMS). For small businesses where fewer than 50 users need to access the database and where data can be stored at a centralized location, the best choice would be Microsoft Access. The program has an easy-to-use GUI interface and for designing tables within the database (Coronel, Morris, & Rob, 2013). For a larger businesses, or businesses where more than 50 users would need to access the database at the same time, a DBMS with more features is recommended.These DBMS programs usually also have the option to have data stored at and accessed from more than one location, or a distributed database Microsoft SQL Server allows multiple users to access its databases and can even be accessed from more than one location (Coronel, Morris, & Rob, 2013). Using Microsoft SQL Server Express, it is even possible for data to be stored locally until the network can access the main server through the network, should network outages become a problem. With this tool, even with the servers go down, users can still input work locally and access the local entries .Jack Henry & Associates uses Microsoft SQL for some rather advanced databases. Financial institutions use their software to enter and access large amounts financial information, particularly transit items such as checks, draft slips and return items. These are worked at each branch then host exported into an AS/400 system to post to individual accounts. The same information is also sent to another SQL database where files are imported and exported to the Federal Reserve Bank or other financial institutions.Many of our clients are small institutions where there are fewer than 50 users and only one location. While these clients could use the smaller DBMS, such as Microsoft Access, there are larger clients to consider as well, who have more than 50 users on the system and significant amounts of data collected and transmitted to multiple locations, a larger DBMS is required. Previously, the databases were stored only on the main server, however the newer versions of the software we use require distributed databases, by means of Microsoft SQL Server Express.

Demonstrative Speech Fitness Program

TOPIC: â€Å"Mission H. A. R. D. Body† My Exercise Program GENERAL PURPOSE: Persuade SPECIFIC PURPOSE: To persuade my audience to perform my quick workout program for the amazingly fast and effective results CENTRAL IDEA: My workout program consist of a 15 minute morning and night exercise schedule, focuses on all the major muscle group areas, and includes a simple diet plan that leads to a lean, muscular, and sexy body, fast! INTRODUCTION I. Fellas envision your self with a toned six-pack and muscular physic grabbing all the ladies attention while at the beach. II.Ladies envision yourself looking like this, and think of all the jealous and envious girls who will hate on you because every guy breaks their neck when they see you. III. Hi, my name is Pierre Earlington, and Today I will be talking about a simple diet and exercise program, that will get you in shape, healthy, and sexy as ever in no time. IV. I am an athlete and model that is currently studying to become a personal trainer and have learned the incredibly quick and easy secrets to a sexy and healthy body. V. I will first talk about†¦ a. The scheduling time to perform the workout, . Next I will describe the workout activities to be done, c. And finally I will explain a simple way of dieting to keep your body fatless and looking good. BODY I. Many of us live extremely busy lives racing constantly against time and an increasing To-Do list that seems to never end, leading us to believe that we have no time to fit exercise in our schedule. a. What makes my exercise program so amazing is that it is broken down into two segments, Morning and night. Taking only 15 minutes in each segment, it can fit into anyone's schedule. i.You start by simply setting your alarm clock 15 minutes earlier than you normally awake in the morning ii. And going to bed 15 minutes later than you normally do at night 1. As soon as you awake in the morning. Before you even head to the bathroom to brush your teeth, roll ov er on to that floor, and perform my workout. 2. When you end your day, right before you go to sleep. Hit the floor again and take 15 minutes to do the workout. Think of it as a nightcap. iii. Routinely done your body and mind will get use to this morning and night exercise program, and it will become a habit that you wont even think twice about it. Transition: Now here comes the fun part) II. In my exercise, we are targeting three sections of the body. b. The upper body, which consists of the arms chest, and upper back. c. The mid section, which consists of the abdominals and lower back. d. And finally the lower half of the body, your legs. iv. Now for the upper body we will perform Push-ups. Three sets of three different types that shred the fat from your upper body and leave you ripped. 3. First Set, Regular push ups 4. Second Set, Diamond push ups 5. And the Third set, Wide push ups v.Now the for the mid section and getting that tummy tight 6. First set Crunches. This targets the upper AB section 7. Second set, Leg lifts. This targets the lower AB section 8. Third set, Side crunches on both sides. Love handles, â€Å"Poof be gone. † vi. Finally the lower half, Legs. 9. First set: Lunges 10. Second set, Squats – Fellas this gets the Hamstrings right and ladies this gets that butt tight 11. The final set, Toe raises – This works out those beautiful Calves vii. Guys perform 20-25 reps of each exercise, and increase as desired. viii.Ladies perform 15-20 reps of each exercise, also increase as desired (Transition: Now that you’ve worked so hard for that beautiful body, you want to keep it don’t you? So lets talk dieting) III. There are many questionable diets and theories out there. This Here is the most simplest and effective way to diet. e. Cut out Carbs and excess sugar. ix. Carbs are things like bread, pancakes, doughnuts and etc†¦ 12. Carbohydrates turn into sugar when consumed in your body. 13. Sugar is then converte d into fat. (Transition: I know this may seem like an impossible task since we all love to please our taste buds, but its not that bad. f. Especially because my workout comes with a cheat day. x. One day out of the whole week you are free to eat all the sugar and carbohydrates that you want. You pick the day! (Transition: Your body will still be on the path to becoming marvelous. ) CONCLUSION I. In conclusion, I showed how my workout can fit into anyone’s schedule, II. Described the specific exercises to perform, III. And explained a simple diet to keep you in shape. IV. So ladies and gentleman follow these easy steps, break everyone’s neck, and lets get sexy for the summer.

Definition and Examples of Verbal Play in English

Definition and Examples of Verbal Play in English The term verbal play refers to the playful and often humorous manipulation of the elements of language. Also known as logology,  word play,  speech play, and verbal art. Verbal play is an integral characteristic of language use and an  important component in the process of language acquisition.   Examples and Observations Whats the difference between the Prince of Wales and a tennis ball?One is heir to the throne and the other is thrown into the air.The value of marriage is not that adults produce children but that children produce adults.(Peter De Vries, The Tunnel of Love, 1954)I understand your new play is full of single entendre.(George S. Kaufman to fellow playwright Howard Dietz)Child: Mommy, can I go out and play?Mother: With those holes in your pants?Child: No, with the girl next door.Your mama is so  skinny she can hula-hoop a Cheerio.Dear Sir or Madam or Sodom or Whom It May Confirm:I understand you are hiring programmers and hereby present my amplification for annoyment by your firm. As you see, I see, juicy lucy goosy poosy, I have long expedience in grammar and was medicated in the best schools and my dram is to ride underwear. On my clothes is my consomme. Please feel free.I remain your humble serpent.(James Joyce Business School,  A Prairie Home Companion, March 4, 2000)Sense and No nsenseVerbal play, though independent of sense, does not need to be nonsense; it is indifferent to, but not in opposition to, meaning. Verbal play  is  actually an appeal to reason with the intention of suspending its inhibitive power.(Leonard Falk Manheim,  Literature and Psychology, 1988) Speech Play and Verbal ArtThe boundaries between speech play and verbal art are hard to delimit and are cultural as well as linguistic. At the same time, there are certain verbal forms where the relationship between the two is particularly salient and where it is quite clear that forms of speech play constitute the building blocks of verbal art. These include most particularly the stretching and manipulation of grammatical processes and patterns, repetition and parallelism, and figurative speech. Typically verbal art is characterized by combinations of these forms of speech play.(Joel Sherzer, Speech Play and Verbal Art. University of Texas Press, 2002)Verbal Play  in African American Communities- Verbal play in the African American community is both performance and entertainment, oriented like sandlot football or card playing at picnics. But it can, on occasion, be as serious a kind of play as competitive football or bid whist tournaments.(T. Garner and C. Calloway-Thomas, African American Orality: Expanding Rhetoric. Understanding African American Rhetoric, ed. by R. L. Jackson and E. B. Richardson. Routledge, 2003)- In inner-city communities where black English is spoken . . . certain styles of  verbal play  are commonly practiced and highly valued. Such play involves both play with language and provocative play with social conventions. Individual social standing in part depends on the command of these highly structured types of repartee and the ability to keep cool while giving and receiving outrageous insults or challenges to self-esteem. Young children in such communities gradually learn this style of verbal play, using one-liners at first, but often accidentally giving or taking real offense before they understand how to use the techniques creatively and with the proper emotional distance.(Catherine Garvey, Play. Harvard University Press, 1990)

Numerology in The Odyssey How numbers are used throughout The Odyssey by Homer and how they all symbolize different events or characters in the book

Numerology in The Odyssey How numbers are used throughout The Odyssey by Homer and how they all symbolize different events or characters in the book Numerology in The Odyssey"Everything is named or numbered, but few people are conscious of the degree to which names and numbers influence their experience, progress, and communication," declared Juno Jordan, the "grandmother" of numerology (qtd. in Lagerquist and Lenard 4). Numerology, the language of numbers and moreover the study of how they relate to our lives, speaks about the hidden worlds contained within the simplest numbers. Numerology attempts to analyze numerical information, and makes a determination of the implications and associations that these numbers have (Kelly 10). This metaphysical science has its roots in the ancient cultures of Greece, Rome, and Egypt, and also has ties to the Hebrew Kabbalah; it has unlocked the mysteries of life for over 2,500 years (Lagerquist and Lenard 3-5). As in everything in our lives, there is a positive and negative side of numbers as well. Each number has a particular vibration and its own "behavior"; hence, the meaning of each number can be looked at in terms of an archetype.ODYSSEUS karnavires 60Each of the twelve numbers, which a person who studies numerology is required to recognize - numbers One through Nine, plus Eleven, Twenty-Two, and Zero, has its own individual characteristics. Although numerology is often used as a tool for discovering and understanding one's own life and destiny based on numbers in that person's life (such as their birthday and the letters of their name), authors have certainly used numerological principles in composing literary works. Numbers, used to create several effects on readers, help to paint a detailed image of the situations, challenges, and characters that words alone cannot reveal. Homer, in his renowned book, The Odyssey, seems to also use this technique; his usage of numbers throughout the book helps to provide a further description of his characters and the situations which...

A Comparison of the Power of Will in Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse N

The story of Heart of Darkness was adapted to film after many failed attempts. (Hearts of Darkness, Coppala E.). Finally, director Francis Coppala collaborated with his friend John Milius on writing a screen play for Conrad's masterpiece. The two came up with Apocalypse Now, utilizing a more modern setting than the original story which was based in imperialistic Europe. The modern setting was that of the Vietnam war. Apocalypse Now focuses on the insanity of a decorated military colonial. "Kurtz intended to enlighten the natives, but instead he circums to the primal temptations of the jungle and goes insane." (Hearts of Darkness, Coppala E.) Â   The fiction of Joseph Conrad, as seen in Heart of Darkness, represents the teachings of the German philosopher and idealist Arthur Schopenhauer. Schopenhauer thought of the world as having two distinct entities, both of which are parts of the whole [world]. First, there is the world of representation or appearance. This is the phenomenal world which is made of tangible objects. For Schopenhauer the second entity being the thing-in-itself is will, and is the cause of everything. {Frost}. "The phenomenal world [world of representation] is merely an image; it mirrors the will, the real world." (Sahakian). Schopenhauer, being of pessimistic views, argued will to be a force that both "creates all and destroys all in its insatiable demand for " 'More!' [More of what it does not know it only knows that it wants more.]" (Palmer). All human actions are a result of will. As seen through the character of Kurtz, the world of will manifestates suffering, evil, and insanity into the world of perce ption. Â   There are m , Francis Copala, and John Milius. Paramount, 1989. Palmer, Donald. Looking at Philosophy; The Unbearable Heaviness of Philosophy Made Lighter. 1988. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company, 1994. Sahakian William S. History of Philosophy. New York, Barnes and Noble Books, 1968. Schopenhauer, Arthur. Essays and Aphorisms. Trans. R. J. Hollingdale. New York, Penguin Books, 1970. Â   Works Consulted: Boyle, Ted E. Symbolism and Meaning in the Fiction of Joseph Conrad. 1965. ` Folcroft, PA; The Folcroft Press, 1969. Johnson, Bruce. Conrad?s Models of Mind. Minneapolis: Minnesota UP, 1971. Murfin, Ross C. Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness: A Case Study in Contemporary Criticism. New York: St. Martin?s Press, 1989. Wollaeger, Mark A. Joseph Conrad and the Fictions of Skepticism. Stanford, CA; Stanford UP, 1990.

Autobiography of Rugby Player Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Autobiography of Rugby Player - Essay Example I was so afraid that I did not want to be at fault and be blamed by my teammates if the play fails. I feared to take the responsibility of helping the team because I feared to make a mistake and these were just practices. This aspect of my behavior defined all my first-year life at high school life. I stayed away from asking any question in class for I thought other students and the teacher could consider them too stupid and laugh at me. Nevertheless, I practiced daily and by the time I was home I was so exhausted. My fearful anticipation continued as I continued to be afraid to be given some playing minutes even in a situation that a player is injured even if there was daylight between the opponents and us on the scoreboard. The creams from the coaches and my colleagues made me scared how they could scream at me in the event I make a mistake. Sometimes I was the only option left for the coach at the bench and these fears came true as the scream that was coming from all sides of the pitch were so loud and many that I lost my concentration and these led me to make many more silly mistakes. But thanks to God, most of the time my mistakes did not have big impacts to the game outcome for I doubted I could ever go back to playing if another team beat us because of my mistake. Yet I often got a lot of blames and verbal lashing whenever we practiced for the mistakes I made. These situations did not help much as the only compounded my fears of playing. Luckily, I was not at fault all the times for on s ome occasions I made great plays that I was congratulated for. As I dawned on senior year of rugby, I was faced with starting positions and that made me felt like a whole changed person and helped in raising my confidence a lot. Rugby has taught me a lot over the years and the most important thing is that it taught me what it takes to succeed.     

CRIMINOLOGY Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

CRIMINOLOGY - Research Paper Example The Asian and African states blame the USA, Australia and Europe for creating a single mother society by allowing unchecked and unrestrained sexual activities, extra marital relationships and gay marriages. The girls in Europe, USA and Australia, Mendle et al (2009) observe, become victims of rape, perversion and other environmental influences, and thus enter their sexual life at a very young age subsequently. However, the Gulf countries forget to examine the most perturbed state of affairs being observed in their own lands, where the people are exploited and raped secretly with the support of law enforcing agencies. Not only this that tracing of offenders is near to impossible in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but also registration of rape cases is really a hard nut to crack in the entire Arab region (Khalife, 2010). The paper has been supported with the conflict, labeling, feminist and nature theories of crime, which endorse various possibilities behind committing of offences a nd delinquencies by the individuals belonging to divergent ethno-racial cultures, communities and societies of the globe. The Victim’s Background: As stated-above, the victim of the heinous crime of male rape in the present study was a 15 years young French-Swiss adolescent, who had proceeded to Dubai on a recreational tour by second week of July 2007. While he was sitting at beach-side of this modern and affluent country with one of his friends, he was offered car lift by the three native motorists, so that both the boys could be dropped safe and sound at the hotel they stayed. The motorists, with the promise of leading them to their hotel, turned the car towards the desert; where they stopped the car at a desolated area, and asked Alex’s associate to stay outside the car till they inflicted brutal buggery upon the hapless youth. The three Dubai residents raped Alex viciously, and threatened him of grave consequences provided he disclosed the mishap before any authority in Dubai (ABC News, 2007). The poor victim was extremely harassed, heart-broken and frustrated; even then he disclosed all about the sad incident over p hone to her mother Veronique Robert, a well-known and influential journalist of France, who moved the foreign office to probe into the matter quickly in order to get the rapists arrested, tried and penalized without wasting of time. The Background of the Rapists: The biased, prejudiced and cruel law enforcing agencies of Dubai never let the identity of the vicious rapists disclosed before the press. Despite Dubai's status as the Arab world's paragon of modernity and wealth, its legal system remains a perilous gantlet when it comes to homosexuality and legal protection of foreigners (Live Leak, 2007). Thus, they stuck to their traditional atrocious behavior of declaring the rape mere a sexual activity took place with the free consent of a European teenager as passive partner in gay sex, while the three Dubai residents as active partners. In other words, they declared the heinous anal rape as a routine gay sex activity, which is a punishable crime on the part of both the boy and the r apists. Somehow, after the direct involvement of French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the UAE leader Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan, the local police traced out the whereabouts of the rapists, and arrested them for identification parade at the police station. The brilliant Alex was successful

The relationship of ethical climate Research Paper

The relationship of ethical climate - Research Paper Example The wars fought to be a monarch, the brawls between various political parties, the rivalry for becoming the head of department and the intense competition to become the CEO symbolizes the inborn fancy humans have for Control ,command and to have immense clout to pilot people. This task is however not a piece of cake, while leading and managing people a person is not merely administering a subordinate or an inferior. If we place ourselves in the shoes of a manager or a higher authority, it would be an easy deduction that one has to tackle a substantial array of different ‘’psychological’’ conducts and has to knob the infinite mood swings at times. There are some evils linked with supervision particularly in organizations, the most treacherous to handle is the problem employees. This special clan of people creates problems falling in an either inconsequential category or a colossal group that instigates the employer to take some imperative action instantly. F or instance there are a number of reasons an employee can motivate an employer to show them the door: Insubordination, theft, excess absences and tardiness etc (J, 2006). The high turnover of the employees multiplies the ordeals for the management.   Therefore the employers chalk out diverse strategies to correct the awkward actions or simply opt for the termination approach. But the employee turnover can hurt the overall productivity and is often a symptom of other difficulties. (J, 2006).  ... There are some evils linked with supervision particularly in organizations, the most treacherous to handle is the problem employees. This special clan of people creates problems falling in an either inconsequential category or a colossal group that instigates the employer to take some imperative action instantly. For instance there are a number of reasons an employee can motivate an employer to show them the door: Insubordination, theft, excess absences and tardiness etc (J, 2006). The high turnover of the employees multiplies the ordeals for the management. Therefore the employers chalk out diverse strategies to correct the awkward actions or simply opt for the termination approach. But the employee turnover can hurt the overall productivity and is often a symptom of other difficulties. Other costs of turnover are associated with selecting, orienting and training new workers (Billikopf, 2003). So the healthier alternative is to craft some on-job techniques and corrective measures th at can improve the working ambiance. Details: Around the world the managers and officials are trying to manage the digressions of their problematic subordinates. There are different procedures that are chalked out by people to direct the trouble-creators. For instance confrontation, 360 degrees feedback, termination, environmental upgrading and augmentation in incentives are the few things that are commonly practiced to humanize the negative mind-sets. But if certain sociological theories of deviance are considered profoundly they portray another side of the picture. As in the ‘’labeling theory’’ states that the deviance is socially constructed process in

Frazer Group and Caribou Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Frazer Group and Caribou - Essay Example Its pronouncements have been applied in reporting of minority interests (Morgan et al 2009). What auditing standards are used by the external auditors? The independent auditors have applied guidelines forwarded by the Auditing Standards Board (ASB) which issues pronouncements on auditing practice (Dauber, 2009;Rittenberg et al 2011). Analyze and comment on the differences in the annual statements found on the companies' websites. Provide a few specific differences in content and format. The major differences in the two companies’ financial records are evident in the Balance Sheet and Consolidated cash flow statements. To start with the balance sheets, Frazer Group Items are represented under three main classes; Current assets, Current liabilities and Equity. This is different from Caribou’s Balance sheet which has clear entries for, Assets (both current and non-current), Liabilities, Equity, and Minority Interests (Whittington et al 2011). In regard to consolidated cash flow statement, Caribou’s has clear entries for, Cash Flow for Operating Activities, Cash Flow from Investing Activities, from Financing Activities, and Net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents. This is quite different from Frazer Group’s which clear entries for, operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities appearing less complex (Whittington et al 2012). Which one of the two companies is the most profitable? Financial records reported in "000,000" CARIBOU COFFEE FAZER GROUP 2010 2009 2008 2010 2009 2008 Tangible assets 101.725 93.727 89.572 378.1 389.6 369.4 Shareholders’ Equity 62.466 50.776 44.008 126.5 120.4 118.8 Stocks 25.931 13.278 10.724 57.2 51.5 46.8 Retained Earnings 12 7 0 310.5 300.9 275.4 Turnover 242.293 283.997 262.539 1513.6 1441.1 1159.7 Personnel costs 105.993 101.169 99.865 508.7 480.9 477.6 Operating profit 15.193 10.107 5.541 58.5 44.5 135 Profit before taxes 14.926 9.721 5.306 58.4 32.9 31.9 Net profit 9. 797 5.138 4.825 58.4 32.9 24.6 Operating profit before WC 7.517 15.594 10.264 148 112.3 102.7 Dividends received 1.1 1.2 1.1 Cash from operating activities 23.092 23.578 22.462 117.7 118 116.5 Fazer Group is by a large extent the most profitable company. Looking at the net profit generated in the three years, 2008-2010, Fazer Group had an increasing profit ranging between $24.6 million to $58.4. The financial year, 2009-2010, was the Group’s most profitable year (Fazer Group 2010). This is unlike Caribou Coffee which in the three years under examination recorded a net profit ranging, $4 million to $9.7 million (Caribou Coffee Financial Records 2005-2011). Financial year 2009-2010, was the company’s most profitable recording a net profit of $9.7 million. Looking at the figures recorded, based on net profit which is a reasonable pointer of a company’s profitability it is clear that there is a marginal difference in profitability in favor of Fazer Group (Weirich et al 2012). Compare growth of revenues versus income over time and between the two companies. In this case, the basis of the revenue growth is sales. Starting with a look at Fazer Group which is by far the bigger of the two entities we realize an irregular growth in revenue in the three years under observation. In 2008, the company’s sales were $369.4 million, in 2009, the sales increased to $389.6 million, later in 2010, the sales declined to $378.1 million. This represents a growth of 5.5% in sales for the year, 2009-2010, and a growth of -2.95% for the year

Lisa and The Two-Sues Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lisa and The Two-Sues - Case Study Example Even on arrival at the hostel, she gets confused with the reception she gets from her roommates. These conditions are normal for most people and they ignore them for good. However, the inhibitions and low self-esteem complicate Lisa’s life there, and she tries to see her as a passive person but with a high sense of dignity. 2. Lisa’s greatest challenge should be identified as her reluctance to adapt to the changing circumstances. This is a part of her personality that makes her choose a confined lifestyle away from the reach of even the least cases of unpleasant situations. When Lisa enters the No.92 room, her expectations get wounded by the responses of the Sues. From the further days of life in the room, Lisa understands that the two girls are careless about her and they possessed little regards for the newcomer. The two girls were already friends and they had a lot of things in common. Lisa was indifferent towards the girls in the beginning, but when they brought their boyfriends to the room, the conditions changed altogether. Even though Lisa does not describe her friends, her choice for going home on the weekends indicates that she dislikes the girls for their character and low-self esteem. 3. Lisa never likes to stay in the room at weekends, particularly because of the fear that Sues may bring their boyfriends for a night stay. Also as the girls spoke too little to her, the most desirable thing she could do was to get home at the earliest. She says she misses Jane a lot because she likes only Jane on the campus. The stressful life in the common room has every potential to challenge the quality of her results and it may also throw her into depression. Therefore, Lisa has to tell choose between quitting the room and adapting herself to the existing environment. The former case is not practically easy as the room allotment is normally fixed for the complete academic session.

Daily Social Responsibility in Action Assignment

Daily Social Responsibility in Action - Assignment Example The involved actions in social responsibility may not necessarily remedy the actual effects on the society but aim achieving an overall social benefit. Organizations also engage in social responsibility in order to meet interest of people who influence the organization’s existence and operations. Partnerships and other contracts may for example be tied to terms for corporate social responsibility and this forces organization to honor their obligations to the stakeholders (Grossling, 2011). Another reason for organization’s participation in social responsibility is that the role averts pressure that would have built against the organization’s interest such as crimes into vandalism of assets (Visser, Matten, Pohl and Tolhurst, 2010). Organizations derive diversified benefits from their participation in social responsibility. Such benefits include reduced costs due to recycled resources, innovation into new products, motivated staff and a safer environment. The organization’s employees however benefit from â€Å"environmental awareness,† and â€Å"improved staff morale† towards higher output levels (Frank and Neergaard, 2012, p. 86). My experience with a company that involved in corporate social responsibility involves witnessing academic sponsorship by a commercial bank to needy students. The bank’s partners initiated this role and it improved customer’s loyalty to the bank, especially people from the beneficiary

Lisa and The Two-Sues Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lisa and The Two-Sues - Case Study Example Even on arrival at the hostel, she gets confused with the reception she gets from her roommates. These conditions are normal for most people and they ignore them for good. However, the inhibitions and low self-esteem complicate Lisa’s life there, and she tries to see her as a passive person but with a high sense of dignity. 2. Lisa’s greatest challenge should be identified as her reluctance to adapt to the changing circumstances. This is a part of her personality that makes her choose a confined lifestyle away from the reach of even the least cases of unpleasant situations. When Lisa enters the No.92 room, her expectations get wounded by the responses of the Sues. From the further days of life in the room, Lisa understands that the two girls are careless about her and they possessed little regards for the newcomer. The two girls were already friends and they had a lot of things in common. Lisa was indifferent towards the girls in the beginning, but when they brought their boyfriends to the room, the conditions changed altogether. Even though Lisa does not describe her friends, her choice for going home on the weekends indicates that she dislikes the girls for their character and low-self esteem. 3. Lisa never likes to stay in the room at weekends, particularly because of the fear that Sues may bring their boyfriends for a night stay. Also as the girls spoke too little to her, the most desirable thing she could do was to get home at the earliest. She says she misses Jane a lot because she likes only Jane on the campus. The stressful life in the common room has every potential to challenge the quality of her results and it may also throw her into depression. Therefore, Lisa has to tell choose between quitting the room and adapting herself to the existing environment. The former case is not practically easy as the room allotment is normally fixed for the complete academic session.

Born Global and Gradual Internationalization Essay Example for Free

Born Global and Gradual Internationalization Essay In traditional models, firm internationalization is seen as a gradual process of capability build-up by which firms slowly accumulate the resources necessary to face foreign market uncertainty (Eriksson, Johanson, Majkgard, Sharma, 1997). These models assume that firms grow in their domestic markets before they start to export extensively. This is supposedly so because there is a learning process involved in facing unknown markets, and such a process requires knowledge and resources to face and overcome uncertain outcomes and costly investments. Knowledge and resources are progressively acquired through experience, first in known domestic markets and then in larger foreign markets (for a review see Leonidou Katsikeas, 1996). Much literature has documented this liability of foreignness, or the cost faced by firms that operate abroad, and the need for companies to create capabilities in foreign markets (Mezias, 2002; Zaheer, 1995; Zaheer Mosakowski, 1997). Conventional models of internationalization have drawn criticism (Andersen, 1993; McDougall, Shane, Oviatt, 1994; Turnbull, 1987). There is empirical evidence that shows the existence of small, young firms, endowed with very limited resources, which begin to export immediately after their foundation. For instance, Moen and Servais (2002) reported, for a sample of Norwegian, French, and Danish firms, the existence of many companies exporting a large share of their total sales shortly after their establishment. Such empirical evidence suggests that the Uppsala model is not the only possible way to describe the firm internationalization processes. Turnbull (1987) criticizes the determinism inherent in stage-based models, and argues against the notion that all firms, regardless of industry type, country context, or other variables, must inevitably follow a fixed route to become international. Other authors (Chadee Mattsson, 1998; Erramilli Rao, 1993; OFarrell, Wood, Zheng, 1998) contend that the internationalization process is not equally complex and costly in all industries. In industries where trade barriers, fixed investment, and transportation costs are low, such as services, internationalization may be less costly in terms of monetary and organizational resources. The born global argument essentially states that firm internationalization does not have to go through the progressive accumulation of resources and capabilities. It posits that firms can start exporting from the moment they are created, and it asserts that firms are capable of penetrating markets that are far away, both geographically or â€Å"psychically† (on account of their different cultural and language traits), despite having limited resources and little accumulated organizational learning. The definition of a born-global firm was coined by McKinsey Co.in a report that analyzed a sample of Australian exporting firms (McKinsey Co. , 1993). It was used to describe firms that, apparently, had undergone faster processes of internationalization than would have been expected for firms of similar size, age, and nature. It was thus proposed that these firms were born globals. Cavusgil (1994), and also Knight and Cavusgil (1996), elaborated McKinsey Co. s empirical observation to argue against traditional models of internationalization. Cavusgil (1994: 18) went as far as to state that â€Å"gradual internationalization is dead. † These claims sparked an academic debate revolving around different theories of internationalization. Since then several authors (Collis, 1991; Knight Cavusgil, 2004; Madsen Servais, 1997; McDougall et al. , 1994; Oviatt McDougall, 1994) have attempted to provide a theoretical foundation for these empirical observations. The theory has focused on establishing the antecedents of such firm behavior. One research stream argues that the born global phenomenon will be most prevalent in knowledge-intensive firms, such as those that make software or information technology products. Once created, many knowledge-intensive products, such as software, can be replicated at low marginal cost. Amongst the 25% Born Global firms in Australia who achieved 76% of their sales through exports, several are high-tech firms, but the typical firm uses well-known technology. Because of this, it is argued that small knowledge-intensive firms can bypass the home market and target foreign markets, or enter domestic and international markets simultaneously (Bell, 1995; Bell, McNaughton, Young Crick, 2003; Boter Holmquist, 1996). Autio, Sapienza, and Almeida (2000) found that firm knowledge-intensity was positively correlated to international sales growth, and several studies (Bell, 1995; Boter Holmquist, 1996; Coviello, 1994) have documented the tendency for firms in knowledge-intensive sectors to internationalize rapidly. According to cavusgil, born global companies which normally compete in niche markets are very flexible and move fast. They are successful due to: 1. Skill to satisfy customized or specialised product requests from customers. 2. Advances in communication technology and let their managers work across boundaries and their response time is shorter and are very flexible and adaptable. A proposition often made is that the home market has little importance for the born-global firm, to the point of conjecturing that a small local demand might drive the firms efforts to seek opportunities abroad. Bell et al. (2003: 341), for instance, argue: â€Å"This behavior is particularly prevalent among firms operating in small open economies and in emerging nations, where domestic demand may be limited. † For example, Denmark is a very small market and firms are left with no other option but go to different markets to increase their sales and hence as a result there are many Born Global firms in Denmark. Approximately 39% of the firms in Denmark are born global. Most of the firms are extremely active exporters with exports accounting for almost 70% of their sales. Previous international experience of founders and employees has also been proposed as playing a mediating role in early internationalization (Bengtsson, 2004). Such experience enhances the firms ability to learn and, consequently, to internationalize rapidly. Some authors argue that the new firms knowledge and accumulated experience amount, in the end, to the entrepreneurs own knowledge about other markets (Knight Cavusgil, 2004). Madsen and Servais (1997) posit that differences between traditional exporters and born-global firms can be attributed largely to differences in their founders backgrounds. The founders international experience may affect the extent to which psychic distance from strategic markets is perceived to be an obstacle to internationalization. It is plausible that entrepreneurs with international experience have a well-developed network of contacts that allows them to internationalize earlier (Contractor, Hsu, Kundu, 2005; Kundu Katz, 2003). In the past 2 years several scholarly studies have focused on the network dynamics of international new ventures (Coviello, 2006; Mathews Zander, 2007; Mudambi Zahra, 2007; Zhou, Wu, Luo, 2007). To summarize, it appears that many theoretical and empirical considerations support the existence of born-global firms. This notwithstanding, extant theoretical developments and empirical studies are far from proving that â€Å"gradual internationalization is dead† (Cavusgil, 1994). The born-global literature is still lacking a precise definition of what a born-global firm is, and some existing definitions are tautological. Moen (2002) asserts, for instance, that â€Å"although firms that follow this incremental development pattern may still exist, the normal pattern may be different in the new millennium. † His assertion is supported by the fact that between 30 and 40% of the exporting firms in his sample of Norwegian and French firms were exporting within 2 years of their creation. The fact that 60–70% of firms in the sample were not exporting within those 2 years seems to be absent from the discussion. It also appears that the born-global argument can be made empirically stronger by simply changing the time span to first export required for a firm to be considered born global and also what percentage of sales should exports account for. Inconsistency in definition criteria makes it difficult to compare the born-global phenomenon across different studies. Another important thing in deciding whether a firm is truly global is to consider the Psychic distance I. e. ; the difference in culture, language and trade agreements between the firms country and the country to which it exports. For example, in Costa Rica many firms established a very dynamic trade with nearby countries. These countries – regional neighbours such as Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras – are close to Costa Rica in terms of cultural traits and business practices. Few firms, however, exported upon birth to the more challenging strategic markets, such as the US and Europe, which have very different business and cultural practices. The majority of firms that were classified as â€Å"born global† firms, turned out to actually be â€Å"born regional. † This means that although they started exporting very early in their lives, and continued exporting a fairly large share of their sales, much of these exports were aimed at regional neighbouring countries. There was only one firm, whose current exports account for 81% of total sales, that started exporting, right from its inception, to the most strategic market: the United States. This firm can be said to be a true â€Å"born global† firm, because it started out with more than half of its customers in a foreign country located far in terms of psychic distance. The existence of born-global firms contradicts much evidence that has shown the predominantly regional focus of the international activities of multinational enterprises (Rugman Brain, 2003). In the absence of country-specific advantages, one should expect a strong firm-resource endowment in order for firms to expand abroad successfully (Rugman Verbeke, 2005). Finally, the born-global conjecture lacks empirical support from firms that start operating in small developing countries. Developing countries could prove a suitable litmus test for the born-global hypothesis. This is so because the internal markets of developing countries are small. Hence, according to these theories, firms must look to larger, foreign, markets in order to grow, and therefore firms that operate in small developing countries should have strong incentives to internationalize early. Gradual internationalization is a concept that is still very relevant depending on the industry of the firm and size of the market. If a firm is in a Industry where it takes time to learn and an Industry that requires huge investment and is based in very big market it will adopt the Gradual internationalization model.

A Report On Madurai

A Report On Madurai Madurai Madurai is a temple city located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is one of the most ancient cities in India. Madurai is said to have existed from the pre Christian era. Madurai, according to scriptures and religious texts, is said to have been established in the Sangam age the golden age of Tamil literature. Significance History records the visit of the Greek philosopher, Megasthanes in the third century BC and was followed by visits by scholars and traders from ancient Greece and Rome. Madurai was the seat of learning during the Sangam era and flourished under the reign of the Pandya dynasty. However, the creation of temples to make Madurai the city of temples as it is known today can be attributed to Thirumalai Nayak who initiated the construction of many magnificient temples around the 15th century. Attractions The Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple: This temple dominates the skyline of the city center and Madurai city is built around the Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple which is surrounded by concentric streets believed to symbolize the structure of the cosmos. It is one of the greatest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu and was built by Kulasekhara, a Pandya king. The temple was built to commemorate the love of Goddess Meenakshi and her groom Sundareshwar. Thiruparankundram Temple: Located 25 km away from the city, this temple is said to have built to celebrate the wedding of Lord Murugan, the resident deity of Tamil Nadu in many ways, to Devainai. The Thiruparankundram temple is older than the Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple. Goripalyam Dargah: Built the spot where two famous saints of Islam are buried, Goripalyam Dargah, literally translated, means built on a grave (gor = grave in Persian). Located off the Vaigai river, this dargah is an architectural marvel and boasts of a 70 ft circular dome carved of a single block of stone. Kazimar Mosque: One of the most ancient mosques that was built by Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin in the 13th century. The Kazimar mosque is situated in the heart of the city. St. Marys Cathedral Church: This is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Madurai. St. Marys Cathedral church is one of the oldest Roman Catholic church in India. The church is situated very close to Thirumalai Nayak Bhavan, another popular tourist attraction. Azhagar Temple: Located about 25 km from the city the Azhagar temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The enshrined deity however, is Lord Kallazhagar. How to Reach Catch a plane and land at the Madurai airport which is a mere 9 km from the city centre. Madurai station is a major junction on the southern line and is also one of the busiest. The city is well connected by road with Chennai and all other major cities in India.

My Super Sweet Sixteen :: Sweet 16 consumption Society Essays

My Super Sweet Sixteen â€Å"But mom, this dress is only seven thousand, three hundred and fifty dollars! It’s Louis Vutton, you know that’s a great deal.† In the long run, Sophie ended up with the wallet-denting designer outfit and didn’t even have to lift a finger. Instead of purchasing the Louis Vutton gown, her family decided upon the nine thousand dollar Chanel outfit! After cussing out the body guards for letting the â€Å"social rejects† in, her celebration had merely begun! She had pulled up to the most popular night club in the city (her family managed to rent for the night) in a Cinderella carriage for an unforgettable entrance. According to her, people would be talking about this party for the rest of their lives. Her get-together, complete with bouncers, go-go dancers, announcers, magicians, hip-hop dancers, and caterers running frantically in and out of the crowd, pleasing her every need seemed extraordinarily unrealistic. Remarkably, the only time we heard from Sophie was during her ridiculous tantrums, complete with excessive whining about everything that went amiss. Neither recognition nor thanks had been directed to her parents the entire night! In fact, her whole demeanor conveyed entitlement. â€Å"My Super Sweet Sixteen† is a new hit series highlighting various teenagers on their super sweet sixteenth birthdays. Unbelievably, these families were spending hundreds of thousands of dollars toward these astonishing celebrations. It was quite amusing, yet somewhat disturbing watching today’s youth lavishing in their conspicuous consumption. After some serious consideration, I realized that this alluring lifestyle, though appealing, was shallow, degrading, and a disgrace to society as a whole. Upon further self-reflection, I had to admit that I myself have been enticed by these materialistic desires. Yet, these extravagances were far more detrimental than desirable. I experienced an epiphany, at that very moment. Where was our appreciation? Where was our gratitude? Our graciousness had disappeared, replaced instead by indulgence, greed, and selfishness. The lack of appreciation and thankfulness is appalling! Nowadays, it seems that society hands everything to our youth without question.

Life in the Sixties :: essays research papers

Life in the Sixties   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sometimes in life people do strange things, and while others may perceive it as a harmless act, human morals can make it seem otherwise. In the story â€Å"A & P† John Updike reveals what it is like to have been a young man who worked in a grocery store in the nineteen-sixties and what it was like to see three young girls walk in with only two pieces on. The semi- sexist thoughts of how Sammy describes the young girls when they walk in, the three girls walking in to the grocery store in only two pieces was obviously against the moral standards of that day, and sometimes small, seemingly insignificant actions and events can push a person to make a life-changing decisions, are the themes of John Updike’s story.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How men perceive women is a funny thing, Sammy, the one who is telling the story, gives, what we call sexual, and almost kind of a perverted way of describing the girls. Updike used his descriptions of the girls to bring out that men, even then had impure thoughts of women and the way that we perceive them sometimes, really though, it’s the nineteen-sixties and in walks three beautiful girls in not just bathing suits, but two pieces! Of course a male mind is going to start racing a million miles per second. So begins the sexual descriptions of the girls. So as Sammy is ringing up the lady’s food at the cash register, he can’t help but be distracted, Updike shows us this when Sammy says â€Å"I stood there with a box of HiHo crackers trying to remember if I rang it up or not. I ring it up and the customer starts giving me hell†(p.344). Updike clearly showed that the girls were a distraction to Sammy, and how easy it was for his thoughts to go astray.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The three girls walking into the A & P was not what was wrong, it was the fact that they came in wearing bathing suits. Not just the normal bathing suit, but a bikini! By law, one had to be over eighteen just to get in to a movie if there were going to be women in bikinis in it. Two piece bathing suits were practically unheard of and if someone was caught wearing one, they might have been considered wild and irresponsible. Walking into the grocery store would be were the wild part comes in.

The Effect of Different Isotopes on Atomic Mass (Chemistry Lab)

The Effect of Different Isotopes on Atomic Mass Introduction: An isotope is a variation of an atom that already exists. An isotope is different from an atom because of the number of neutrons in its nucleus. Finding the amount of neutrons in an atom can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number of a specific atom from its atomic mass. When looking at the periodic table, the atomic mass in the top left corner of every box is a decimal. The mass is in decimal format because the number listed is an average of that atom, plus all of its isotopes.Isotopes have different masses because neutrons weigh 1 amu where as an electrons weight would be negligible. The experiment described below shows how including all isotopes of one element effect the average atomic mass of the element. Materials: 1. Calculator 2. Whitium sample 3. Brownium sample 4. Blackium sample 5. 3 plastic cups 6. Electronic balance 7. Data table Procedure: 1. Separate the whitium, brownium, and blackium samples from eac h other. 2. Find the mass of 1 cup with the electronic balance. 3.Put the different samples in separate cups and count the number of beans in each cup; write those numbers in the data table. 4. Find the total number of beans. 5. Find the mass of each cup of beans (using the electronic balance) and subtract the mass of the cup. Write these numbers in the data table. 6. Divide the mass of each sample by its respective amount of beans to find the average mass of one bean. Write these numbers in the data table. 7. Divide the number of beans from 1 sample by the total number of beans to find the percent of the total that that particular isotope takes up.Do this for each of the samples. Record these numbers in the data table. 8. To find the average atomic mass of beanium, use the following formula: percent of balckium atoms†¢average mass of blackium percent of brownium atoms †¢average mass of brownium +percent of whitium atoms †¢average mass of whitium atomic mass of beaniu m Record this number in the data table. Results: Isotope| Number of beans (atoms)| Mass of beans (g)| Average mass of one bean (g)| Percent of beans| Average atomic mass of beanium| Blackium| 293| 65. 8| . 224| 62. 7%| . 43 g|Brownium | 104| 62. 5| . 60| 22. 3%| | Whitium | 70| 69. 2| . 99| 15%| | | Total: 467| | | | | To calculate the percentage of beans: Number of Beans of 1 IsotopeTotal Number of Beans To calculate the atomic mass of beanium: percent of balckium atoms†¢average mass of blackium percent of brownium atoms †¢average mass of brownium +percent of whitium atoms †¢average mass of whitium atomic mass of beanium Conclusion: In conclusion, an isotope is a variation of an element that already exists. It is different because it has more or less neutrons in its nucleus.Depending on how many isotopes one element has, the average atomic mass will change. When calculating the average atomic mass, you must include all of the isotopes which have more or less neutrons than the original element. Since neutrons have a mass of 1amu, the isotopes masses will vary, thus affecting the average atomic mass of an element. When performing this experiment, the mass of the beans were measured while the number of beans, average mass and percent of beans had to be calculated. The average mass of he beans, or isotopes, was a decimal because the weight of the beans in one sample divided by the number of beans of the same sample was not an even number. This lab simulates the various isotopes of an element because all of the beans were in the same ‘family’; however, they all looked different and had different masses. This is an example of how real elements have isotopes that may not look alike or have the same mass, but they’re still a part of that one element. As this experiment may have gotten the results shown above, when performing this experiment a second time, the results may vary.This is because not every bean is identical. If larger sa mples are used then the difference may be smaller because the larger the sample you have to work with, the closer your average will be to the actual mass. 1 source of error in this experiment may have been miscounting the number of beans. This may change the results of the 2, 4, and 5 columns of the data table. Another source of error may have been miscalculating the average mass of one bean. This would affect the answer for the atomic mass of beanium.

Osmosis and Simple Diffusion

Study guide questions: Movements through membrances 1. Prepare a graph that illustrate the diffusion distance of potassium in 10 minutes 2. Explain your graph : 3. Define simple diffusion: 4. Define osmosis: Osmosis can be defined as the movement of solvent molecules across a semipermeable or selectively permeable membrane ,from a region of lower concentration of the solute to that of a higher concentration till equilibrium is attained. 5. What is the change in the level of molasses in 10 minutes? 6. What is the change in the level of molasses in 30 minutes? . What force is responsible for the movement of substances through the filter paper? The filtration by the fiter paper is done by the volume and the surface 8. What substance did not pass through the filter paper 9. What factor prevented these substances from passing through 10. Define filtration 11. Which stage (phase) of the cell cycle was the most numerous in the blastula? Explain your answer 12. In what ways are the new cells (daughter cells), which result from a cell cycle similar? 13. How does the new cell slightly differ? 14. Abdominal impact injuries often involve the spleen. Explain the structural tissue characteristics that make the spleen so vulnerable to serious injury. 15. Explain the advantage for melanin granules being located in the deep layer of the epidermis 16. Explain how a hair is formed? 17. What cells produce the pigment in hair? 18. Distinguish the locations and tissues among epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer 19. How do the cells of stratum corneum and stratum basale differ? 20. What part of hair extends from the hair papilla to the body surface 21. In which layer of skin are sebaceous glands found 22. How are sebaceous gland associated with hair follicles 23. In what layer of skin are sweat glands usually located 24. Explain how bone cells embedded in solid ground substance obtain nutrients and eliminate wastes. By answering yes or no, indicate which of the following provides an example of simple diffusion. 1. A perfume bottle is opened, and soon the odor can be sensed in all parts of the room —– 2. A sugar cube is opened into a cup of hot water, and without being stirred, all of the liquid becomes sweet tasting——- 3. Water molecules move from a faucet through a garden hose when the faucet is turned on —– 4. A person blows air molecules into a balloon by forcefully exhaling——– 5. A crystal of blue copper sulfate is placed in a test tube of water. The next day, the solid is gone, but the water is evenly colored——- By answering yes or no, indicate which of the following involves osmosis 1. A fresh potato is peeled, weighed, and soaked in a strong salt solution. The next day, it is discovered that the potato has lost weight —— 2. Garden grass wilts after being exposed to dry chemical fertilizer —— 3. Air molecules escape from a punctured tire as a result of high pressure inside —– 4. Plant seeds soaked in water swell and become several times as large as before soaking —- 5. When the bulb of a thistle tube filled with is sealed by a selectively permeable membrane and submerged in a beaker of molasses’, the water level in the tube falls——- By answering yes of no, indicate which of the following involved filtration 1. Oxygen molecules move into cell and carbon dioxide molecules leave a cell because of differences in the concentrations of these substances on either side of the cell membrane —— 2. Blood pressure forces water molecules from the blood outward through the thin wall of a blood capillary ——- 3. Urine is forced from the urinary bladder through the tubular urethra by muscular contractions – 4. Air molecules enter the lungs through the airways when air pressure is greater outside these organs than inside——- 5. Coffee is made using a coffeemaker (not instant) ——

Monopolistic Competitive Market

Monopolistic Competitive Market Introduction The term market refers to the place where buyers and sellers meet to engage in transactions that entail the exchange of goods or the provision of services for a consideration. A market is not only characterized by a building where people carry out business transactions. This is because any place that people carry out commerce can be referred to as a market. A market is characterized by various mechanisms that facilitate trade. These mechanisms usually pertain to the supply and demand of products and services (Bergin, 2005).From this explanation it should be clear that a market is comprised of three main elements. The sellers these are the people who bring the products or services to the market to be procured by the willing buyers. At this stage it is imperative to highlight that in most cases sellers are the produces however in other instances the sellers are not necessarily the producers instead they can be traders. The second element of the market is the buyers. Buyers are individual who are willing and able to acquire the products or services being offered at the prevailing market price.Buyers are of two types; there are those that buy the products or services for their own consumption and there are those that buy the products or services in order to resell them in different markets. The buyers who buy the products for their own consumption are referred to as consumers whereas buyers who buy the products or services in order to resell them in different market are commonly referred to as trades and they can also be called arbitragers (Nicholson & Snyder, 2008). The third element of the market is the products that are being traded.The term product can be used to refer to either goods or services that are being offered in exchange for a consideration. The term product can also be used to refer to commodities only. General Objectives One of the general objectives of this paper is to facilitate the readers of this docu ment to gain an understanding of how markets work and most importantly how a monopolistic competitive market works. This paper will achieve this through briefly discussing various types of markets and their characteristics.Another general objective of this paper is to compare and contrast the various characteristics of the different forms of market structures. This will serve to enable the readers to carry out a comparative analysis of the various forms of market structures thus they will be able to enhance their knowledge on market structures. This objective will be attained through the analysis of the factors, which are mainly in play for the existence of a particular form of market. The paper will also seek to analyze how the various factors in such markets interrelate in order to develop a market mechanism for that form of market structure.This is because all forms of markets structures have market mechanisms. These market mechanisms are usually as result of the interaction of v arious factors that are both internal and external to a particular market. Specific Objectives One of the specific objectives of this paper is to discuss the conceptual theory of a monopolistic competitive market. The discussion of the monopolistic competitive market entails analyzing the various factors that characterize this particular form of market structure. This is will be important form enhance the knowledge of the readers of this paper, on monopolistic competitive market structure.The discussion of the conceptual theory will also enable the readers to have a good basis for analyzing and responding to questions that relate to monopolistic competitive market structure. Another objective is to discuss the characteristics of a monopolistic competitive market. The discussion of the characteristics of a monopolistic competitive market structure is important because it will serve to explain how the various factors involved in this type of market structure interrelate in order to th is unique type of market.The discussion of the characteristic of a monopolistic competitive market will serve to enhance the understanding of the readers of how companies that operate in such a market carry out their operations. The discussion of these characteristics will serve to inform the readers the various factors that companies operating in this type of market put into consideration during decision-making. This discussion will also enable the readers to be able to identify a monopolistic competitive market in a real business situation.This paper also aims at establishing how market equilibrium is achieved both in the long – run and in the short run. This is mainly because in a monopolistic competitive market structure, market equilibrium is achieved differently both in the short – run and in the long – run. This analysis is imperative mainly because this knowledge enables the management to have a good basis for decision-making. The analysis will provide f actors that the management should put into consideration whenever they are making decisions concerning either the short term or the long – term future of a company.The illustration of how market equilibriums are achieved in the short run or in the long run will enable the readers to gain understanding of how the various factors in this market structure relate in the determination of the equilibrium market prices. It will also enable to understand how companies that operate in a monopolistic competitive market adapt themselves in order to be able to operate in this particular form of market at minimal costs and manage to obtain maximum profits. This paper will also provide a practical example of a monopolistic competitive market.In this example, the paper will seek to illustrate how the conceptual theory is exhibited in this form of market structure. This paper will utilize this example in order to enhance the knowledge of the reader on how market equilibrium is attained both in the long – run and in the short – run. This example will illustrate how the various factors are displayed in a real market situation, also this paper will utilize the example to look at the type of decisions that are made by mangers of companies that operate in a monopolistic competitive markets structure. Conceptual TheoryThere are four forms of market structure namely, monopoly, perfect competition, monopolistic competition and oligopoly. These forms of market structures are characterized by different market conditions. Markets are mainly classified according to the number of firms in the industry or the form of products sold in them. The number of firms operating in a particular market determines the level of competition in that market. Product markets are mainly categorized according to the number of firms in the industry and the degree of competition that is prevalent in a particular industry.At this stage it is also important to highlight that equilibrium pric es in these markets are subject to the forces of supply and demand. The forces of supply and demand are known as the price mechanism. An individual firm on itself cannot influence the price of a commodity and can therefore only take the price prevailing in the market. Due to this condition a firm is therefore said to be a price taker (Nicholson & Snyder, 2008). The movement along a demand curve is caused by changes in price of a commodity.An increase in price results in a decrease in quantity demanded hence a movement along the demand curve to the left. A shift in the demand curve is caused by changes in factors other than the price of the commodity in question. Different quantities are therefore demanded at the original price. A shift in the demand curve outwards to the right indicates that more quantities are demanded at the original price whereas a shift inwards to the left indicates that fewer quantities are demanded at the original price (Dwivedi, 2006).Movement in the supply c urve is similar to movement in the demand curve. A shift in the supply curve refers to a relocation of the supply curve either outwards to the right or inwards to the left due to change in the factors that affect supply other than price. This means that at each price, a different quantity will be supplied that was previously supplied. Equilibrium price refers to the price, where the quantity demanded equals that supplied. It is the price at which the amount the customers are able and willing to buy is equal to the quantity producers willing and able to supply.The equilibrium point, refers to a point at which the demand and the supply curve intersect. Any price above the equilibrium price leads to excess supply, whereas any price below the equilibrium price leads to excess demand. Excess demand or supply causes disequilibrium in the market. Due to the excess demand for a particular commodity in the market, a shortage is created. This shortage causes the consumers to compete for the l imited commodity in the market thus making the price of that commodity go up. As he price continues to rise, suppliers put more of the commodity into the market (Mandal, 2007). On the other hand, the high price also discourages some consumers from buying the commodity. This scenario of increased supply and reducing demand continues until the equilibrium price and quantity are set. When there is excess supply of a commodity in the market the prices begins to fall. As the price falls more consumers purchase the commodity. The suppliers also reduce the amount of the commodity they are releasing into the market due to the falling prices.This scenario of falling supply and increasing demand continues until the equilibrium price and quantity are set. It is also important to highlight that a general assumption in the study of this subject is that firms aim at attaining maximum profits using minimal costs possible. This means during decision making the managers of the firm will always aim a t using the least resources possible and utilise them efficiently in order to attain the maximum achievable profits possible. The level of output that will bring about maximum profit in a firm depends on the costs incurred and the revenues earned.Revenues refers to incomes obtained by a firm from the sale of its outputs and they may be categorized into three namely, total revenue, average revenue and marginal revenue. Total revenue refers to the total income earned by a firm from the sale of its output. Total revenue is obtained through multiplying the total output sold by the price. Average revenue refers to income per unit of output. Average revenue can be obtained by dividing the total revenue obtained by the number of units of output. It is important to note that the average revenue is the same as the price of the commodity (Dwivedi, 2006).This implies that the average revenue curve, which relates average revenues to output, is the same as the demand curve, which relates prices to output. Marginal revenue refers to the addition to the total revenue arising from the sale of an additional unit of output. Marginal revenue can also be obtained by subtracting the previous total revenue from the current one and can be seen to be equal to the price and average revenue. Characteristics of a monopolistic competitive market This is a market structure that combines aspects of perfect competition and those of a monopoly.There are many sellers and many buyers just like in perfect competition. The commodities dealt with are similar but each firm tends to differentiate its products from those of its competitors through acts such as branding, packing, wrapping and coloring. A monopolistic competitive market structure is a combination of the features that will be discussed in the succeeding paragraphs. In a monopolistic competitive market there exist many buyers and sellers. This comes in adequately because there is no single firm that can influence the prices of commoditi es or services in the market.If a business sells its goods or services above the market price then consumers can buy their goods from other businessmen. If a company sells its products at a lower price then chances of making a loss is very high (Mandal, 2007). Though a business may increase its prices in a perfect competition, the action may be risky since customers will move to another business. This is not the case with a monopolistic business, though a firm may lose some of the customers, some will remain due to the kind of relationship they have with the seller or even the quality of the given products.All the aforementioned factors are due to the fact that there is a large number of buyers and customers that act independently. In this form of market structure it is assumed that the sellers and the buyers of commodities are well informed about the market. That is they know the prices, quality of products and all the factors affecting the market. In this market the products are d ifferentiated. The products from different producers either vary in quality or the product is a group of commodities which are close substitutes of each other (Mandal, 2007).For instance, in the toothpaste industry there are different brands such as Colgate, Close– up and Aquafresh. This differentiation of products from different firms enables each firm to enjoy a certain degree of monopoly power. A monopolistic competitive market is characterized by freedom of entry and exit. This means there are no barriers to a business entering or living the market. This means that new firms wishing to supply the same commodity are free to do so (Bergin, 2005). Similarly, existing firms wishing to leave the market are free to do so.How to determine equilibrium in the short – run and long – run on Monopolistic Competitive Market Structure Price and output determination under monopolistic competition Due to product differentiation, a firm under monopolistic competition is able to exercise some influence on the price of the product. This means that a firm can raise prices yet some customers will still buy at these high prices (Dwivedi, 2006). However, many customers will switch to rivals’ products. On the other hand, if the firm lowers the price, it would attract some buyers from the rival firms, thereby increasing its product’s demand.A monopolistically competitive market has a demand curve that slopes downward from left to right. In a monopolistic competitive market the demand curve is fairly elastic. This means that a small change in price will bring about more than proportionate changes in quantities demanded. This is because there are many substitutes in the market. The demand curve is more elastic than the one faced by a monopolist but less elastic than a perfectly competitive market whose demand is perfectly elastic (Jehle & Reny, 2011). The relationship between average revenue and marginal revenue is similar to that of a monopolist.F or average revenue to be increasing as more units of output are sold, the marginal revenue must be lower than the average revenue. Short – run equilibrium output under monopolistic competition A firm under monopolistic competition will be at equilibrium at an output when profits are maximized. This is the position when marginal revenue is equal to marginal cost. This is at price P1 and quantity Qe. However, there still excess demand and the firm can maximize its profits by changing price Pe. The firm will therefore produce quantity Qe and sell at price Pe (Jehle & Reny, 2011).Qe represents equilibrium output and P1 represents equilibrium price. The price at which the equilibrium output can be sold is determined by the demand Curve (Average Revenue) and its price. Profits are maximized at a level of output between O (zero) and the equilibrium quantity demanded. Long – run equilibrium output under monopolistic competition A firm under monopolistic competition can make su pernormal profits in the short – run. Since there is free entry of new firm into the market, the supernormal profits will attract the new firms with the effect that demand for the old firm’s customers will be taken by new firms.The demand curve for the old firm therefore shifts right to left (Mandal, 2007). A lower quantity is demanded at each price. Firms are likely to increase expenditure on product promotion due to increased competition, which in turn would cause the average total cost curve to shift upwards. New firms will continue to enter the market as long as the existing equilibrium is achieved and all firms would be earning normal profits. The equilibrium point is where the average revenue is equal to the average cost. This point is achieved in the long run when the average revenue curve is a tangent to the average cost curve.The firm will be at equilibrium when it produces output at the equilibrium quantity demanded (Bergin, 2005). This is where the marginal revenues equal the marginal cost because the firm is in the business of profit maximization. At the point of equilibrium, the average cost is equal to the average revenue. This is so because competitive pressure means that a firm can neither make a loss nor earn supernormal profits. At this point of equilibrium the firm is making normal profits only. Conclusion An example of a monopolistic competitive market is the toothpaste market.The toothpaste market is characterized by firms that offers products that are similar but they are highly differentiated. Consumers of Colgate toothpaste believe that Colgate is the number one brand of toothpaste that ensures strong teeth. As a result of this the consumers are normally willing to buy toothpaste regardless of the price. Consumers of Aquafresh toothpaste believe that Aquafresh is the number one brand that ensures healthy germs and fresh breathe. As a result of this customers are willing to always procure the Aquafresh toothpaste regardless of the price.Consumers of the two products believe the products are different and this is because of the way the manufacturers have positioned the brands. REFERENCES Bergin, J. (2005). Microeconomic Theory: A concise Course. New York: Oxford University Press. Dwivedi, D. N. (2006). Microeconomics: Theory & Applications. New Delhi: Dorling kindersley. Jehle, G. A. , & Reny, P. J. (2011). Advanced Microeconomic Theory. New York: Pretence Hall. Mandal, R. K. (2007). Microeconomic Theory. New Delhi: Atlantic Publisher. Nicholson, W. , & Snyder, C. (2008). Microeconomic Theory: Basic Principles and Extension. New York: Cengage Learning.