Operation Anaconda

United States Air Force Tactical Air Combat Controllers saved the lives of many of the olders and the entire operation by call in close air support, strafe, and bombing runs. The air operations took out machine gun nest and bunker that were pinning down American troops in the valley. The were also mortar teams raining shells down on to United States and Coalition troops in the valley that were destroyed by United States Air Force Tactical Air Combat Controllers from there're observation points on each side of the valley.The Tactical Air Combat Controllers air strikes allowed the pinned down troops to make much needed headway to find better cover and state returning fire on the machine gun nest and mortar teams. The United States and Coalition troops finally took the valley after heavy fire and sustained losses, which were drastly lessened by the United States Air Force Tactical Air Combat Controllers. In totally the were only eight dead and eighty ingerd United States troops.To becom e a Combat Controller ricuers one of the most rigorous sets of training in the US military. The CCT pipeline has a wash out rate upwards of 80-85%, mostly due to washout and injuries sustained during training. The Air Force is working to lower the washout rate through proper education, testing and rigorous pre-pipeline training. Combat Controllers maintain air traffic controller qualification skills throughout their career in addition to other special operations skills.Many qualify and maintain proficiency as Joint terminal attack controllers. Their 35-week initial training and unique mission skills earn them the right to wear the scarlet beret and their 3 skill level. From that point they attend a 12-15-month advanced skill training course to obtain their 5 skill level. Once they complete AST their training pipeline is finished and they are mission-ready Combat Controllers. Operation Anaconda By Phillipcolburn

Barrack Obama

Barrack Obama is going to be one of the great leaders that America ever have in its history. He is going to rejuvenate the country and bringing it back to life. His dynamic leadership will infuse a new spirit of hope into it. Presently America is faced with myriad of problems on various fronts and a very vibrant leadership is required to bring it back on the track towards progress. Barrack Obama is the man who can do all this efficiently. He has declared in his speeches that he is going to end the war in Iraq and this way he is going to plug the drain on the huge budgetary spending on this intensely disturbing and money-wasting war.I will also vote for him for the reason that he is going to bring our boys back from the unkind soil of Iraq. His economic policy are sustainable and have human element in them. He says that he believes in â€Å"an economy that honors the dignity of work. † (Democratic Convention Speech, 2008) He also does not believe in conventional racial theories prorogated by earliest Afro-American leaders and looks forward for homogeneous society. (Race Speech, 2008)I will vote for barrack Obama because he has said that he is going to finish Al-qaeda hideouts in Afghanistan and that he will crush them to death even if he has to enter into the land of Pakistan. He said in this regard: â€Å"The first step must be getting off the wrong battlefield in Iraq, and taking the fight to the terrorists in Afghanistan and Pakistan. † (Obama, 2007) On the front of economy for the reason that eight years of George Bush and his party’s rule has just given birth to unemployment, budgetary deficit and a big pile of loans. The image of my country has also been tarnished greatly because of their policies.So I don’t want that party to have another four years in the presidential office. The speeches of barrack Obama has made me very optimistic that when Obama will enter into the presidential office he will, by strong, vibrant and meaning ful steps, uplift the economy and put it on the tack towards success and development. All above-mentioned arguments clearly manifest that Obama is a right selection to be voted as next U. S. president in these hard times as he is determined and devoted toward the cause of democratic world which is less prone to terrorism. He agenda is not only American but is universal in nature. Works CitedObama, Barak. Remarks of Senator Obama: The War We Need to Win. 20 January, 2008. Retrieved on 08 September 2008. Available at: http://www. barackobama. com/2007/08/01/the_war_we_need_to_win. php Obama, Barak. Barack Obama Democratic Convention Speech. The Huffington Post. August 28, 2008. Retrieved on 08 September 2008. Available at:

Background of the Study

This doctoral dissertation will be conducted to determine the intensity of need for abused victims’ therapist hotline, one stop shop and law enforcers in diverse States of America. It will make use of the experimental method of research as it is aimed at ascertaining intensity of needs for therapist hotline, parametric reception areas, and secured holding quarters for abused victims as against law enforcers mere investigations often including mandatory reporting or convincing the victim to do her job of confronting the suspect through standard judicial proceedings. Chapter 1 Introduction   Background of the Study There is a demand for abused victims’ hotline and a one stop shop in diverse states of America.   Consequently, the building interest was by no means, then, limited to Law enforcers.   However, it is now spreading all over America at a rate that surprises secular and non-secular entities that supplies similar services. Americans have developed great interest in this endeavor because of its humanitarian and public values.    They apparently have realized that it makes victims feel safe in non-judgmental, anonymous places to test the waters as they begin their quest to find appropriate help they need.   Many may have realized that abused victims’ hotline and one stop shop, lifts up their spirit, brighten victims’ world, and add zest to life.   Moreover, abused victim’s hotline and one stop shop is an avenue that promises socially rewarding prospects. Statement of the Problem This study is mainly concerned with finding out the intensity of need for abused victims’ therapist hotline, one stop shop and law enforcers in diverse States of America.   It will address itself to the following problems: 1.   Which of the needs classified as?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   a. therapist hotline;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   b. parametric reception areas;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   c. secured holding quarters;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   d. law enforcers mere investigations;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   e. mandatory reporting; and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   f. convincing victim to confront suspect with legal options will best meet the requirement of an abused victim? 2.   At what category will the fragile case of an abuse victim be best handled and accommodated? 3.   Which among these classified needs meets the immediate requirements of the abused victim under the following circumstances?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   a. rape victim   Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  b. substance abuser   Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  c. domestically abused Significance of the Study In a country like the United States of America the need for an avenue that promises socially rewarding prospects is vital; hence, it becomes imperative to extend present day knowledge on developing speedy communication system, appropriate reception and apt accommodations for abused victims. The researcher believed that the baseline data that will be gathered for the results of this study shall serve as guide of other researchers in their quest for additional knowledge specially those interested in the field of psychology and sociology Theoretical Framework of the Study An abused victim normally walks off with traumas of their pains. Some of them prevail over the stress and surfaced with triumph. But, most are too weak to be devastated with grief.   The difference between civil and criminal cases in domestic violence (Rainer, 2006) is a problem which an abused victim must face up to. Plus is the idea of confronting the suspect in court considering the raw sores of recently inflicted pains abused victims immediate needs must be addressed first prior to other legal measures. Commonly, Social psychologist views that the impact of social processes on human behavior may specialize into attitude formation and attitude change, group dynamics, prejudice, or violent behavior. Karl Emil Maximilian Weber (1864-1920) a famous social theorist of the 20th century took Kant view of moral psychology suggesting principled deed is primarily concomitant with self-discipline (Mohr, J. C. B., 1984). So is the interest of psychotherapist as specialist in the area of handling abused victims. For Weber, the significance and worth of what one does would rely upon one’s perspective of things (Mohr, J. C. B., 1984) which is exactly the same perspective as those the advocates of an abused victims’ hotline, parametric reception area, holding areas. These steps can be proven, understood and explained making it rational (Mohr, J. C. B., 1984). Assuming the abused victims’ desire for treatment and rehabilitation which may be a specific personality and is dependent upon the victims’ personal commitment, the strength of community values where the victims’ are, is a very important foundation (Mohr, J. C. B., 1984). Hypotheses:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1.   Ho: There is no significant difference among therapist hotline, parametric reception areas, secured holding quarters, law enforcers mere investigations, mandatory reporting, and convincing victim to confront suspect with legal options to meet the requirement of an abused victim?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2.   Ã‚  Ho: There is no category that will best handle and accommodate the fragile case of an abuse victim.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   3.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ho: There is none among the different classification of needs meets the immediate requirements of the rape victim, substance abuser and domestically abused victim. Scope and Delimitation of the Study The study will be delimited to the use of therapist hotline, parametric reception areas, secured holding quarters, law enforcers mere investigations, mandatory reporting, and convincing abused victims such as rape, substance abuser and domestically abused to confront suspect with legal options.

UDP protocol issues Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

UDP protocol issues - Research Paper Example Reliable and unreliable do not denote whether certain IT tools will perform properly or not, rather it denotes whether the IT tools can deliver guaranteed services. A reliable IT system usually sets up connections and accordingly confirms the accurateness of data transmission and integrity of data. Reliable protocols perform effectively in such a medium which has high tendency to errors. In contrast, an unreliable IT system makes no attempt to develop a connection and do not verify the data. It also does not make any endowment for data recovery or loss of data. Unreliable protocols perform effectively on such kind of medium which has low possibility of data loss and low tendency of error rates. In this context, it can be stated that Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is considered as a usual reliable protocol and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is an example of unreliable protocol (Zandy & Miller, 2002). Unreliable Communication and Its Impact on Application Complexity Communication ch annels usually use one of the two types of protocols namely TCP or UDP. In case of TCP i.e. reliable communication, there exists the acknowledgement of received data, while in UDP, no response exists on communication. Thus, in UDP applications, there can be no guarantee for delivery of information or duplication of information. Unreliable communication of UDP minimizes the complexity of applications which help to reduce overhead. UDP applications are usually simpler than TCP applications, as the key objective is to develop a boundary between networking application procedures, operating in higher layers. UDP takes the data, packages it in simplified format, and sends it to the IP address for transmission. This low level of complexity helps to ascertain rapid transmission of information without any delay. Thus, in short, it can be stated that unreliable communication can reduce complexity and increase rapidity of applications (Sinopoli et al., 2004). Issues Related To the Reliability of an Application That Uses UDP There are several applications where UDP is used and one of the most popular applications is Voice over IP (VoIP). Detailed Analysis of the Application VoIP has become one of the newest applications in the internet. Traditionally, voice and signaling data was directed only through dedicated circuit by using standard TCP protocol on physical links such as telephony channel. This exchange of information occurs from both directions at the similar time. In telephony channel, the voice is perceived through microphone and transmitted to the communication channel. However, in VoIP, the voice is electronically encoded through Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) and then directed through internet channel by data packets. Whereas in typical telephony system, voice data are transmitted at a continuous rate, in VoIP, comparatively small data packets are transmitted at a continuous rate. However, the advantage of VoIP over telephony system is that a high-speed network can transport the data packets for different voice channels and also possibly share with other types of data simultaneously (Bu et al., 2006). UDP protocol is used for transmitting voice data on VoIP network. UDP is considered as ‘send and forget’ protocol with no prerequisite for transmitter to recall sent data packets, because it can lead to reaction error (Bu et al., 2006).

HCI Design Project Usability Evaluation Criteria Research Paper

HCI Design Project Usability Evaluation Criteria - Research Paper Example Several criteria have been established for evaluating the usability of a user interface design in the current design paradigms. For purposes of this evaluation we shall focus on the heuristic evaluation and usability testing criteria that has been supported by several authors in the field of user interface design (Madan & Dubey, 2012). Jacob Nielsen is considered the father of Heuristic Evaluation criteria. He developed a set of heuristics referred to as Jacob Nielsen’s heuristics that are used for user interface design and evaluation to date (Inostroza, Rusu, Roncagliolo, Jimenez & Rusu, 2012). According to Nielsen, the main goal of the heuristic evaluation criteria is to identify the problems that are associated with the design of a user interface. He developed the criteria based on his experience as a long serving consultant of usability engineering (Inostroza et al, 2012). Heuristics are common evaluation techniques in the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) that is mainly conducted in the context of typical tasks that are performed by users. The designer obtains feedback from the users regarding the compatibility of the interface with their intended use and the performance in meeting their needs (Madan & Dubey, 2012). In a study carried out to determine usability of the Bogazici University Industrial Engineering website interface, heuristic evaluation was employed for evaluation of the usability of the user interface. To accomplish this task several scenarios were created for usability testing, user groups were determined based on their computing knowledge and skills. Their performance was then evaluated based on task completion success, time spent on the task, rate of accomplishment or quittance.

Gender Stratificaiton in the Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Gender Stratificaiton in the Workplace - Essay Example Gender Stratification is a global phenomenon, which touches almost all countries, though the level of it differs among the countries. All countries being from Asia, Europe, Africa, America and all parts of the world have either suffering from the subject, or find that once had came across it. In Canada, Sociological analysis conducted in the year 1973 and 1984 has shown that there was income inequality between sexes; the analysis further stated that â€Å"The income gaps between males and females are also large. The income gaps between Anglophones and Francophone tend to be much smaller than between class categories and gender groups in 1973, and more so in 1984. The greatest improvement in income disparities seems to come from less discriminatory pay structures and exploitation, not from human capital and individual characteristics†. (Class, Gender and Ethnic Income Inequalities in 1973 and 1984: Findings from the Canadian National Surveys) Canadian Women in recent years were living in poverty, due to low income they received in the working places as a result of Gender Stratification. The result was that, not only the women in that nature suffered from the tragic, it’s also included their families. While for that reason, the Canadian government and the United Nation put hand on deck to curtail poverty among women. The United Nation on its part stated that poverty will never come to end unless women are given opportunity to work and earn like their male counterpart. Another typical example that ought to be sighted as relating to the above subject describes how women were segregated in Canada, especially in the area of Ontario, where analysis made since 1999 shows that there was a disparity. There was a highest gap in earning between males and females, especially in the Pharmacy Industry. Investigation also testifies that women were earning less than their male counterpart in that sector because they are only remaining as employees. Meanwhile, since the primary focus of this essay is to make assessment on how gender stratification changed in Canadian working place in the last few decades, the remaining pages of set aside for this essay should focus on that aspect. The important point that ought to be discuss on this aspect initially, over the changing in Gender stratification in the past few decades, which include that some countries across the globe have changed to recognized the need for equality between males and females, which is in line with the International Convention that took place in the year 1979, which at the end of it, members that participated endorsed the compulsory application of social justice between men and women. During that convention, a bill was passed, which is tagged "international bill of rights for women", is the second most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world. Many countries have also enacted legislation and established organizational structures on a domestic level to promote gender equality". (Gender Equality in the Labor Market). The Canadian International Development Agency, (CIDA) has also played vital roles in recent years toward ensuring the Gender Equality in Canada, through its policy on gender equality. The body has vowed to

Stem Cell Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Stem Cell - Essay Example Stem cells seem to be the only option available for leukemia patients. In my opinion, stem cell research should be allowed when we consider the terrible nature of leukemia and other diseases for which stem cell treatment seems to be the only option available at present. Medical researchers are of the view that stem cell therapy has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of human diseases. For example, bone marrow transplants are believed to be the only treatment option to counter the threats of leukemia. In order to develop more in treating leukemia with born marrow transplantation, stem cell research is necessary. Researchers believe that technologies derived from stem cell research can be effectively used in the treatment of many other diseases also. However, still there many controversies surrounding the ethics and effectiveness of stem cell research. Some people believe that the transplanted stem cells could form tumors in future because of the uncontrolled cell division. Stem cells have the ability to renew themselves even after long periods of inactivity. Moreover it can regularly divide to repair and replace worn out or damaged tissues. According to Goldstein, & Schneider (2010), the potentials of stem cell research is huge. It can find solutions for the devastating disease like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetics’ heart diseases, etc (Goldstein, & Schneider, p.5). Many of the genetic diseases and other serious diseases like the ones mentioned above are threatening the sustainment of human life on earth at present. Irrespective of developed or developing countries, cancer is a big health problem everywhere in the world. Millions of people all over the world are losing their life because of cancer and other serious diseases. The discovery, isolation, and culturing of human embryonic stem cells has been brought glimpses of hope among the patients who are suffering

Apply personel experiences to the text assigned and read Essay

Apply personel experiences to the text assigned and read - Essay Example Indeed, the broader aims and objectives of the education are to empower the students to make effective and rational choice in the personal and professional lives. While my personal experience has been contradictory to the ones portrayed by the authors, it has nevertheless, raised many pertinent questions regarding modern education system and the role of teachers, schools and environment. Does our education system really ensure equity amongst the emerging multicultural society and help equips the students with skills to make decisions based on informed choices? Gatto questions the validity of ‘schooling’ and questions whether ‘this deadly routine really necessary’? (71). Yes, it is necessary. It is key facilitating platform that provides one with the learning environment and routine so it could be promote wise use of it in one’s daily life. My father’s insistence on 100% attendance was but to inculcate a routine and an interest in the school activities. The school education helps us to utilize the knowledge gained in constructive manner to improve our lifestyle and living standard. My early education has remained the most significant part of life because it has taught me to explore new vista for improved results. I liked to engage in discussion with my peers and get new perspectives on issues and lessons taught in the class. The habit has become the strongest point of my character. The purpose of education is to exhort the students to apply informed choices in their decision making. Rose emphasizes that ‘through exceptional teachers†¦students learn to develop hypotheses and troubleshoot, reason through a problem, and communicate effectively - the true job skills’ (91). Indeed, good teachers are able to effectively tap the potential of the students. My personal experience corroborates with his view because the very system has taught me to understand the changing social values and helped me to widen my horizon of

Quaker Oats Company and Snapple Beverage Company Essay

Quaker Oats Company and Snapple Beverage Company - Essay Example The company specialized in the manufacture of beverage, food, and oatmeal products. Management conflicts occurred among the three partners, with Crowell and Stuart being forced out by Schumacher. However, the two returned through a proxy-share war that resulted in the ejection f Schumacher in 1901. It was after this that they changed the name of the company to the Quaker Oats Company. In the process, the company changed its product line to specialize in oat, wheat cereals, corn meal, baby food, animal feeds, corn meal, and hominy. During the late 20th century, the Quaker Oats Company expanded its product-line to include hundreds of beverage and food products such as frozen waffles, pancakes, mixes, crunch breakfast cereals, Aunt Jemima syrup, among others. Since then, the company has expanded its operations to become a multinational organization with branches in over 25 countries across Asia, Europe, and Latin America (Hill, Jones & Schilling, 2014). The Driving Forces behind the Acquisition The acquiring company paired Snapple with its Gatorade plant, thus forming the third leading non-alcoholic beverage producer in North America. The success story of the Snapple Co. was one of the driving forces behind the acquisition plan. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Snapple dominated the media as the darling of the Wall Street. The company’s profit margins had roared for close to a decade, thus drawing interests from other players in the industry.

Human resource management--Should U.S. companies use offshore Essay

Human resource management--Should U.S. companies use offshore locations to enjoy lower wage rates Are there ethical issues or concerns about employee morale t - Essay Example Outsourcing in the field of Information Technology is nothing new as in recent years it has changed shape several times to reflect new, and arguably better-planned, organizational objectives. And best practices for creating contracts are now evolving that promise to move outsourcing from a road often pockmarked with potholes and lawsuit-bound to a more reliable relationship for both provider and customer. There has been a general perception that outsourcing means taking jobs away from a region, particularly if we talk about the US. From a financial standpoint, the debate regarding the United States businesses spreading into offshore locations is more pertinent than anything else within the lengths and breadths of the nation since financial health has ensured decent composition of an economically secure nation and US is sure to thrive on the same premise. (Hom, 2005) What remains to be seen is to realize that US authorities could do a lot more than raising the offshore locations’ cutting down on wage rates since they need to understand the bigger picture and forget about the short term incentives, if any, they have in sight. The US businesses would suffer immensely due to the high offshore costs in terms of the employee insurance and the like since it would encourage outsourcing of jobs which would have been easily completed had the individuals been given the offshore guarantees, coming from the US land alone. Much needs to be done in the relevant context and that too quickly. (Domberger, 1998) As far as US is concerned, this could be made appropriate if the offshore policies and strategies are proportionate with the policies that have been laid down time and again within the US. What this means is that the laws that allow for the effective handling of employees as well as the workers within the US need to be followed so that the top management understands what is best for them and how they can contribute in

Phantom Time Theory Essay Example for Free

Phantom Time Theory Essay There are a few German scholars who believe that a 300 year time period was just written in the history books, without actually existing. The gap in history has been coined the Phantom Time Theory or Phantom Time Hypothesis. Although it is not a very widely accepted theory, there is a fair amount of evidence to back it up. Time itself has very many definitions, the historical records of the time don’t coincide, and astronomy and dendrochronology can’t definitively prove the theory wrong. What exactly is time? One of time’s many definitions is â€Å"the system of those sequential relations that any event has to any other, as past, present, or future; indefinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another,† (Time 784) Basically, this means the order of events occurred in relation to each other. Since there are numerous other definitions time is very subjective and who is to say that time even really exists. Different countries have different calendars and started counting years at other various times. For example, the Islam calendar started in the year we know as 622 AD. Niemitz asks â€Å"How was it possible to insert this phantom time into history? †(8), which has no easy answers. One might respond in a way as to say that we made a mistake when changing from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. If that were to be the case, then how would it have been a 300 year oversight? Maybe, the switch in calendars may just be a small part of the problem; could it have been the start of the falsified history? If so, then where else could the gap have come from? Most of the historical documents of the time seem to have either been falsified or just don’t exist. For example, Heribert Illig believes â€Å"†¦Charlemagne was a fictional character,† (Bellows 1). If Charlemagne was a made-up figure in history, than what else has been made up about that era? Maybe all of it has been fictionalized by some mass conspirators, or maybe certain documents of the time have just been translated incorrectly and certain historical feats did not actually happen. Also, there are large gaps in historical documents like â€Å"†¦the doctrine of faith, especially the gap in the evolution of theory and meaning of purgatory†¦,† (Bellows 3). With gaps in historical documents like this, it leaves a doubt in the mind of anybody that ponders the existence of this time period. If there are gaps in historical documents like this, then maybe there are gaps in the history itself, as well. John states in his narrative that â€Å"Often, historiography just consisted of archiving anything at all†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (John 5). So, maybe most of the history as we think we know is nothing but false assumptions. But, this whole theory is built on the word maybe. Other scholars might give Illig more respect for his findings if he could come up with more specific answers that tell both sides of the story. Astronomy is neutral, for the most part, when it comes to the Phantom Time Theory. For example, Beaufort writes â€Å"Ultimate evidence against Illigs hypothesis, based solely on historical solar eclipses can possibly not be found,† (Beaufort 25). So, if solar eclipses can’t prove the theory wrong, then what can? Methods like Dendrochronology, carbon dating, might hold the answer. Unfortunately, â€Å"Despite of calibration a high degree†¦antique period typically up to +/-150 years,† (Beaufort 26). This leaves us once again with no definitive answer on the validity of the hypothesis. At the moment, there is no scientific way to prove the theory valid or invalid, but maybe, some day in the near or possibly distant future, there will be a way to accurately pinpoint the dates when certain historical events happened to put this talk of the theory being a â€Å"conspiracy† to bed. 300 years of our history may just have been thought up in someone’s head and written in the history books, or maybe it is true. There are a few things for certain though: time is very subjective and we could be living in any time period imaginable, depending on when you start counting years. Some historical documentation of the era has been proven to be forged, so we can never distinguish what has actually happened in history and what some writer of a history book just made it up. Lastly, astronomy and dendrochronology don’t give a definitive answer to the questions of when exactly these historical events happened. So, maybe this theory is just some wild thought a few German scholars had, but maybe, in the coming years more and more evidence to prove the theory valid may come out and these crazy scholars would look like geniuses.

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 129 Essay Example for Free

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 129 Essay William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 129 is a classic Shakespearian Sonnet from his distinguished collection published in 1609. The Shakespearean Sonnet is unquestionably the most intellectual and dramatic of poetic forms and, when written well, is a masterpiece not only of poetic talent but intellectual talent as well. Like the majority of sonnets, Sonnet 129 has fourteen lines and is organized into an octave followed by a sestet; or more in depth, three quatrains followed by a heroic couplet. However, there is one thing about this poem that does not follow the traditional cookie cutter model of a Shakespearean Sonnet. The distinctiveness is that this particular sonnet does not have the volta or thematic turn which generally shifts the mood or thematic direction, the topic of discussion and the mood in which it is written remains the same. There are, of course, other sonnets that Shakespeare wrote that also do not have a volta. The words of this poem discuss the issue of sex and lustful desire and the negative effects that they have on humanity. Shakespeare artistically puts the issue into three categories: lust as a longing for future pleasure, lust as it is consummated in the present, and finally, lust as it is remembered after the pleasurable experience, when it becomes a source of shame. These three categories are organized flawlessly into the three Sicilian Quatrains of the sonnet which all lead up to the heroic or rhyming couplet at the end. These final two closing lines fundamentally state that everyone in the world knows everything that has been said very well, they know and have experienced the consequences of lustful desires; and yet, no one knows well enough to stay away from this magnificent experience that leads us to a state of suffering. The meter of this sonnet follows the traditional guiding principles by using iambic pentameter. Therefore, for the most part, each line is divided into five feet and each of these feet are made up of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one. However, there are some exceptions within the sonnet that deserve mentioning. The very first foot of the first line, â€Å"Th’expense,† has to be read in this way, as opposed to â€Å"the expense,† in order to preserve the iambic rhythm of the sonnet from the very beginning. Lines three and four of the first quatrain are essentially an angry list of what lust is. The word cruel, in line four, produces an interesting effect. Shakespeare could have chosen an obvious two syllable word, but he did not do such a thing, that would be too easy. He chooses a word that fulfills the iambic rhythm, but in effect, disrupts it and works against it. Rhyme, when done appropriately, produces an effect that free verse simply does not match and cannot reproduce. When being used by a professional such as Shakespeare, rhyme is not just about being appealing, proper or elegant; it directs the reader’s ear and mind, strengthening thought and thematic ideas. The rhyme scheme within Sonnet 129 is rather common. The first quatrain is ABAB, the second is CDCD, the third is EFEF, and finally, the couplet at the end is GG. The most important attribute of the Shakespearean Sonnet is it’s rhyme scheme, rather than the meter. This is because the essence of the Shakespearean Sonnet is in its sense of drama. The rhyme scheme, because of the way it directs the ear, reinforces the dramatic feel of the sonnet and enhances the To conclude, Sonnet 129 is not exactly the most original in form, meter, rhythm or rhyme; nevertheless, it has a very thought-provoking subject matter and presents an enlightening notion that is left to be pondered upon by all.

Mcdonalds Corporation Is The Worlds Largest Chain Marketing Essay

Mcdonalds Corporation Is The Worlds Largest Chain Marketing Essay McDonalds Corporation is the worlds largest chain of fast food restaurants, serving nearly 47 million customers daily through more than 31,000 restaurants in 119 countries worldwide. McDonalds sells various fast food items and soft drinks including, burgers, chicken, salads, fries, and ice cream. Many McDonalds restaurants have included a playground for children and advertising geared toward children, and some have been redesigned in a more natural style, with a particular emphasis on comfort: introducing lounge areas and fireplaces, and eliminating hard plastic chairs and tables. Each McDonalds restaurant is operated by a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. The corporations revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants. McDonalds revenues grew 27% over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9% growth in operating income to $3.9 billion.  [1]   History analysis: The business began in 1940, with a restaurant opened by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald in San Bernardino, California. Their introduction of the Speedee Service System in 1948 established the principles of the modern fast-food restaurant. The original mascot of McDonalds was a man with a chefs hat on top of a hamburger shaped head whose name was Speedee. Speedee was eventually replaced with Ronald McDonald in 1963. The present corporation dates its founding to the opening of a franchised restaurant by Ray Kroc, in Des Plaines, Illinois on April 15, 1955 , the ninth McDonalds restaurant overall. Kroc later purchased the McDonald brothers equity in the company and led its worldwide expansion and the company became listed on the public stock markets in 1965. With the expansion of McDonalds into many international markets, the company has become a symbol of globalization and the spread of the American way of life. Its prominence has also made it a frequent topic of public debates about obesity, corporate ethics and consumer responsibility.  [2]   Vision To be the best and leading fast food provider around the globe Mission McDonalds brand mission is to be our customers favorite place and way to eat, and improve our operations to provide the most delicious fast food that meet our customers expectations. Values Our values summarized in Q.S.C. V.. Provide good quality, services to customer. Have a cleanliness environment when customer enjoys their meal. The value of food product makes every customer is smiling. Suppliers Substitutes Buyers Potential entrants Competitive rivalryThe Five Forces Framework The Threat of Entrants Large established companies with strong brand identities such as McDonalds BKC, YUM, and WEN do make it more difficult to enter and succeed within the marketplace; new entrants find that they are faced with price competition from existing chain restaurants. Bargaining Power of Buyers Low bargaining power of buyers. Bargaining power of suppliers Bargaining power of suppliers within the fast food industry would be relatively small, unless the main ingredient of the product is not readily available. Threat of Substitutes This could range from a competitive fast food restaurant to family restaurant to a home cooked meal. Competitive Rivalry The strength of competition in this industry is very high; the main rivals are BKC, YUM, and WEN. They compete with international, national, regional, local, retailers of food products (restaurants, quick service, pizza, coffee shops, and supermarkets). PESTEL Framework: Political: The international operations of McDonalds are highly influenced by the individual state policies enforced by each government. Economic: McDonalds has the tendency to experience hardship in instances where the economy of the respective states is hit by inflation and changes in the exchange rates. Market leader. Very high target market. Low cost and more incomes. The rate at which the economy of that particular state grows determines the purchasing power of the consumers in that country. Social: Working within many social groups. Increase employments. Technological Advanced technology development. Quality standards. Environmental: Quality packing. Local manufacture using foreign supplies. Legal: Legislation for product. Sustained logo. SWOT ANALYSIS Opportunities Threats Growing health trends among consumers Globalization, expansion in other countries (especially in China India). Diversification and acquisition of other quick-service restaurants. Growth of the fast-food industry. Worldwide deregulation. Low cost menu that will attract the customers. Freebies and discounts. Health professionals and consumer activists accuse McDonalds of contributing to the countrys health issue of high cholesterol, heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity. The relationship between corporate level McDonalds and its franchise dealers. McDonalds competitors threatened market share of the company both internationally and domestically. Anti-American sentiments. Global recession and fluctuating foreign currencies. Fast-food chain industry is expected to struggle to meet the expectations of the customers towards health and environmental issues. Strength Weakness Strong brand name, image and reputation. Large market share. Strong global presence. Specialized training for managers known as the Hamburger University. McDonalds Plan to win focuses on people, products, place, price and promotion. Strong financial performance and position. Unhealthy food image. High Staff Turnover including Top management Customer losses due to fierce competition. Legal actions related to health issues; use of trans fat beef oil. Uses HCFC-22 to make polystyrene that is contributing to ozone depletion. Ignoring breakfast from the menu. COMPARISION McDonalds Burger King Yum Brands Wendys Critical Success Factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Rating Weighted Score Rating Weighted Score Rating Weighted Score Price 0.15 4 0.60 3 0.45 3 0.45 3 0.45 Financial Position 0.08 4 0.32 3 0.32 3 0.24 2 0.16 Consumer Loyalty 0.10 4 0.40 3 0.40 3 0.30 2 0.20 Advertising 0.10 3 0.30 3 0.30 4 0.40 2 0.20 Product Quality 0.10 4 0.40 3 0.40 4 0.40 2 0.20 Innovation 0.15 3 0.45 3 0.45 3 0.45 2 0.30 Market Share 0.10 4 0.40 2 0.20 3 0.30 2 0.20 Management 0.07 4 0.28 3 0.21 3 0.21 3 0.21 Global Expansion 0.15 4 0.60 2 0.30 3 0.45 1 0.15 Total 1 3.75 3.03 3.20 2.07 External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix Key External Factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Opportunities Growing health trends among consumers 0.08 3 0.24 Globalization, expansion in other countries (especially in China India). 0.12 4 0.48 Diversification and acquisition of other quick-service restaurants. .04 3 0.12 Growth of the fast-food industry. .10 3 0.30 Worldwide deregulation .04 2 0.08 Low cost menu that will attract the customers. .08 2 0.16 Freebies and discounts. .08 1 0.08 Threats Health professionals and consumer activists accuse McDonalds of contributing to the countrys health issue of high cholesterol, heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity. 0.10 3 0.30 The relationship between corporate level McDonalds and its franchise dealers. 0.09 3 0.27 McDonalds competitors threatened market share of the company both internationally and domestically. 0.12 4 0.48 Anti-American sentiments. .07 2 .14 Global recession and fluctuating foreign currencies. .04 3 .12 Fast-food chain industry is expected to struggle to meet the expectations of the customers towards health and environmental issues. .04 2 .08 Total 1.00 2.85 Financial Ratio Analysis 12/2007 Growth Rates % McDonalds Industry SP 500 Sales (Qtr vs year ago qtr) -3.30 4.20 -3.80 Net Income (YTD vs YTD) 84.70 47.90 8.40 Net Income (Qtr vs year ago qtr) -22.60 -59.90 -94.80 Sales (5-Year Annual Avg.) 6.53 8.14 13.26 Net Income (5-Year Annual Avg.) 23.39 15.30 14.45 Dividends (5-Year Annual Avg.) 32.36 22.36 12.30 Price Ratios Current P/E Ratio 14.7 14.2 13.0 P/E Ratio 5-Year High N/A 9.5 12.5 P/E Ratio 5-Year Low N/A 4.7 2.0 Price/Sales Ratio 2.62 1.88 1.47 Price/Book Value 4.62 3.54 3.00 Price/Cash Flow Ratio 11.20 10.00 9.00 Profit Margins % Gross Margin 36.7 32.1 39.4 Pre-Tax Margin 26.2 17.2 13.2 Net Profit Margin 18.3 12.0 9.1 5Yr Gross Margin (5-Year Avg.) 33.9 33.3 39.1 5Yr PreTax Margin (5-Year Avg.) 19.8 14.2 16.6 5Yr Net Profit Margin (5-Year Avg.) 13.7 9.8 11.45 Financial Condition Debt/Equity Ratio 0.76 .80 1.03 Current Ratio 1.4 1.2 1.4 Quick Ratio 1.3 1.1 1.1 Interest Coverage N/A 1.2 29.9 Leverage Ratio 2.1 -5.3 1.9 Book Value/Share 12.00 10.00 19.75 Investment Returns % Return On Equity 32.2 44.4 27.9 Return On Assets 14.9 11.3 8.1 Return On Capital 17.0 13.7 11.2 Return On Equity (5-Year Avg.) 19.7 22.8 20.6 Return On Assets (5-Year Avg.) 10.0 8.98 8.5 Return On Capital (5-Year Avg.) 11.4 11.0 11.5 Management Efficiency Income/Employee 10,783 9,401 91,499 Revenue/Employee 58,806 98,207 1,000,000 Receivable Turnover 23.7 44.7 15.8 Inventory Turnover 125.7 98.7 12.3 Asset Turnover 0.8 1.1 1.0 Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix Key Internal Factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Strengths Strong brand name, image and reputation. 0.12 4 0.48 Large market share. 0.10 4 0.40 Strong global presence. 0.04 3 0.12 Specialized training for managers known as the Hamburger University. 0.04 3 0.12 McDonalds Plan to Win focuses on people, products, place, price and promotion 0.12 4 0.48 Strong financial performance and position. 0.08 4 0.32 Introduction of new products. 0.06 4 0.24 Customer focus (centric). 0.06 4 0.24 Strong performance in the global marketplace. 0.08 4 0.32 Weaknesses Unhealthy food image. 0.08 1 0.08 High Staff Turnover including Top management 0.04 1 0.10 Customer losses due to fierce competition. 0.04 1 0.04 Legal actions related to health issues; use of trans fat beef oil. 0.04 2 0.08 McDonalds uses HCFC-22 to make polystyrene that is contributing to ozone depletion. 0.04 2 0.08 Ignoring breakfast from the menu. 0.06 1 0.06 Total 1.00 3.16 SPACE Matrix Financial Strength Rating Environmental Stability Rating Return on investment 4 Rate of inflation -3 Leverage 4 Demand Changes -3 Net Income 6 Price Elasticity of demand -1 EPS 5 Competitive pressure -3 ROE 5 Barriers to entry new markets -3 Cash Flow 4 Risk involved in business -2 Average 4.67 Average -2.5 Y-axis 2.17 Competitive Advantage Rating Industry Strength Rating Market share -1.00 Growth potential 5 Product Quality -1.00 Financial stability 5 Customer Loyalty -1.00 Ease of entry new markets 4 Control over other parties -2.00 Resources utilization 4 Profit potential 5 Demand variability 3 Average -1.25 Average 4.33 X-axis 3.08 Directional vector point is 🙠 3.08, 2.17) Conservative Aggressive Competitive Defensive FS IS CA ES Grand Strategy Matrix Quadrant II Quadrant I Quadrant IV Quadrant III Rapid Market Growth Strong Competitive Position Weak Competitive Position Slow Market Growth The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix Question Marks Cash Cows Dogs Relative Market Share Position Industry Sales Growth Rate Stars MCD The Internal-External (IE) Matrix The IFE Total Weighted Score Strong Average Weak 3.0 to 4.0 2.0 to 2.99 1.0 to 1.99 III II I High 3.0 to 3.99 VI V IV The EFE Total Weighted Score McDonaldsMedium 2.0 to 2.99 IX VIII VII Low 1.0 to 1.99 The Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) Strategy 1 Expand further in Asia by adding 500 restaurants Strategy 2 Applying 0 grams Trans fat in all worldwide McDonalds restaurants Key Internal Factors Weight AS TAS AS TAS Strengths   Strong brand name, image and reputation 0.12 4 0.48 4 0.48 Large market share 0.10 4 0.40 2 0.20 Strong global presence 0.04 4 0.12 2 0.08 Specialized training for managers known as the Hamburger University 0.04 McDonalds Plan to Win focuses on people, products, place, price and promotion 0.12 4 0.48 4 0.48 Strong financial performance and position 0.08 4 0.32 4 0.32 Introduction of new products 0.06 Customer focus (centric) 0.06 1 0.06 4 0.24 Strong performance in the global marketplace 0.08 3 0.24 1 0.08 Weaknesses Unhealthy food image 0.08 1 0.08 4 0.32 High Staff Turnover including Top management 0.10 Customer losses due to fierce competition 0.04 3 0.12 1 0.04 Legal actions related to health issues; use of trans fat beef oil 0.04 1 0.04 4 0.16 Uses HCFC-22 to make polystyrene that is contributing to ozone depletion 0.04 SUBTOTAL 1.00 2.34 2.40 Strategy 1 Expand further in Asia by adding 500 restaurants Strategy 2 Applying 0 grams Trans fat in all worldwide McDonalds restaurants Key External Factors Weight AS TAS AS TAS Opportunities Growing health trends among consumers 0.08 1 0.08 4 0.32 Globalization, expansion in other countries (especially in China India) 0.12 4 0.48 1 0.12 Diversification and acquisition of other quick-service restaurants 0.04 Growth of the fast-food industry 0.10 4 0.40 4 0.40 Worldwide deregulation 0.04 4 0.16 1 0.04 Low cost menu that will attract the customers 0.08 Freebies and discounts 0.08 Threats Health professionals and consumer activists accuse McDonalds of contributing to the countrys health issue of high cholesterol, heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity 0.10 1 0.10 4 0.40 The relationship between corporate level McDonalds and its franchise dealers 0.09 4 0.36 1 0.09 McDonalds competitors threatened market share of the company both internationally and domestically 0.12 4 0.48 4 0.48 Anti-American sentiments 0.07 Global recession and fluctuating foreign currencies 0.04 Fast-food chain industry is expected to struggle to meet the expectations of the customers towards health and environmental issues 0.04 1 0.04 4 0.16 SUBTOTAL 1.00 2.10 2.01 SUM TOTAL ATTRACTIVENESS SCORE 4.44 4.41 . Conclusion McDonalds faces some difficult challenges. Key to its future success will be maintaining its core strengths-an unwavering focus on quality and consistency-while carefully experimenting with new options. These innovative initiatives could include launching higher-end restaurants under new brands that wouldnt be saddled with McDonalds fast-food image. The company could also look into expanding more aggressively abroad where the prospects for significant growth are greater.   The companys environment efforts, while important, should not overshadow its marketing initiatives, which are what the company is all about. Recommendations Expand further into Asia markets over a 2-year period by adding 500 restaurants per year at a cost of $4 billion annually, and applying 0 grams Trans fat in all worldwide McDonalds restaurants.

Inherent Evil of Man Exposed in Lord of the Flies :: Lord of the Flies Essays

Inherent Evil of Man Exposed in Lord of the Flies The novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding used a group of British boys beached on a deserted island to illustrate the malicious nature in mankind. Lord of the Flies dealt with the changes the boys underwent as they gradually adapted to the freedom from their society. William Golding's basic philosophy that man was inherently evil was expressed in such instances as the death of Simon, the beast within the boys, and the way Ralph was fervently hunted. Through the story Simon acted as the Christ Figure. The death of Simon symbolized the loss of religious reasoning. As the boys killed Simon they had let out their savage urges and acted in a cannibalistic manor. Even after the death of Simon Jack and his tribe did not feel any penitence to what they had done, killing to them had become second nature.The circle became a horseshoe. A thing was crawling out of the forest. It came darkly, uncertainly. The shrill screaming that rose before the beast was like a pain. The beast stumbled into the horseshoe."Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!" (Golding 141).In this quote a figure had crawled out of the forest and the ring had opened to let it inside. Mistaken as the beast by the Jack's tribe, Simon was beaten to death. After the group disbanded for shelter from the storm. The storm subsided and the tides moved in and out, Simon's body was washed to sea. Here because of the storm, the darkness and fear the boys became hysterical. They acted savagely not knowing what they were doing. The boys did not take a second look to what their actions were. They had let their malicious urges control them. He cam-disguised. He may come again even though we gave him the head of our kill to eat. So watch; and be careful (Golding 148). Here Jack is warning his tribe about the beast. Not caring or taking any notice to what had taken place with Simon. Jack or his tribe does not feel any remorse for the murder they had committed, whether they realized that or not. To Jack and his tribe what they had done was a pretentious accomplishment. A death could go by their eyes blindly. One example in the book referring to William Goldong's view to society was the beast.

William Henry Harrison Essay -- essays research papers fc

William Henry Harrison, (1773-1841), was 9th President of the United States. The oldest president up until then, he was also the first to die in office, surviving only one month. With his known Indian fighting his was given the nickname â€Å"Old Tippecanoe† and â€Å"Old Tip.† He was the first presidential candidate to campaign actively for office. His election slogan was â€Å"Tippecanoe and Tyler Too!†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  William Henry Harrison was born on Feb. 9, 1773, on the James River in Charles City County, Virginia. He was the youngest of seven children, four girls and three boys. His parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Bassett Harrison, were from prominent Virginia families. The Harrison’s father had served in both Continental Congresses and signed the Declaration of Independence. Harrison received his early education at home. He entered Hampden-Sydney College in 1787 and later enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania to study medicine. After his father died in 1791, Harrison dropped medicine and joined the Army. George Washington, a friend of his father, approved this decision. There he served for seven successful years. Harrison served as a soldier in early American wars. There he fought a battle on the Great Miami River and developed a plan which led to an American victory. In 1795, he witnessed and signed the Treaty of Greenville. Thereafter he was promoted to captain and given the command of Fort Washington, Ohio. While at Fort Washington he met his wife Anna Symmes....

A few words on Dantes Inferno Essay -- essays research papers

A Few Words on Dante’s Inferno  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Like in the Inferno, where the gates of Hell begin the journey to the bottom, so life is began by birth, and the journey to Eternity begins. Some lives are more easily lead than others, like some of the punishments in Dante’s version of Hell are worse than others. Although in Hell, there is no hope, not even the hope of hope, the journey that Dante and Virgil take can be compared with the journey of life. Just the fact that Dante has someone to guide him can be comparison, everyone in life has a Guardian Angel assigned to them, as Dante had his own guide in his journey. But to compare all parts of life to the Inferno, one must start at the beginning to realized the end. The birth of body, and the death of the soul.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Midway on his journey through life, Dante realizes he has taken the wrong path. He is lucky. Many of those on the wrong path in their own lives have started on that same path on which they will also end; Dante realizes his error and, in attempting to set himself back on the right path, he goes on an important journey. Like those who also stray from their â€Å"right† path, this poet must embark on a fantastic and terrifying journey of exploration and self discovery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the Inferno, the circle of Hell is determined by the sins the person (soul) committed while still alive on earth. For their deeds, they suffer eternally according to Divine Justice. The people one sees in life can already have chosen their eternal fate. Their outward actions may determine which part of Hell they are sent to, if indeed they are fated to go there and if Hell is the way Dante puts it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the first Canto, Dante realizes he is lost. He says that he does not remember how he lost his way, but he has wandered into a fearful place, a dark and tangled valley. Above, he sees a great hill that seems to offer protection from the shadowed vale. The sun shines down from this hilltop, and Dante attempts to climb toward the light. As he climbs, however, he encounters three angry beasts: a leopard, a lion, and a she-wolf—which force him to turn back. Returning in despair to the dark valley, Dante sees a human form in the woods, which soon reveals itself to be the soul of the great Roman poet Virgil.   &nbs... ... in the trials that lurk ahead, and the reward lost unless it is remembered. But the journey alone is not enough. Choices must be made upon this journey, and blinded by distractions, wrong choices are often made. Many are afraid of where their trip will take them, whether or not they will make the right choices, and like those in the ante Inferno, they make the choice not to make a choice and receive a punishment appropriate to their crime, and are forever tormented by their own indecision. But there are far worse punishments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As Dante and Virgil go through Hell, Dante observes the different punishments of the souls for the corresponding crimes that they committed while still on earth. This raises a question: was Dante biased in his placement of the souls in Hell? Did his own personal experiences with people he placed in Hell affect the way they were punished in his story? Would someone else put it differently?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To answer this question, yes. Based on the personal opinions of many asked, Dante did put people he disliked in certain lower circles of Hell than he did of other well known people. But this raises more questions.

Iran Contra Affair

The Iran-Contra scandal had a big effect on the United States but it had a huge effect on Nicaragua. Through out 1985-86, the Reagan administration was selling weapons to Iran illegally in order to encourage Iran to free hostages in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the Reagan administration wanted to support the Contras in Nicaragua, a rebel group fighting to overthrow the Sandinista government. The administration decided to use the money made from selling arms to Iran, and had it sent to the Contras without passing through the United States. Walsh, p2. ) In this paper, I am going to provide the background of the situation. I will explain how the money from the missile sales was used to support the Contras. I will also tell how everything became public, the end of United States support for the Contras and about then investigations and public hearings in the United States. But finally this paper is about the significance, or impact, of the Iran-Contra affair. The Sandinista National Libera tion Front was founded in 1963.Named after Augusto Ceser Sandino, it was an extreme leftist organization â€Å"of Castroite and Maoist direction. † There were only about 150 members as of 1975, but sympathy was growing. (Times, 1/3/75) By August 1975, the SNLF had â€Å"begun to gain strength as discontent with the Somoza regime [had] spread through the middle classes. † (Times, 8/6/75) By August 1977 according to The New York Times, Amnesty International said that â€Å"there had been widespread abduction, torture and killing of peasants by the National Guard† during the previous year. 8/16/77) The strength of the SNLF continued to grow. In October 1977, the SNLF, for the first time, was â€Å"joined by non-Marxist opponents of the regime† including some conservatives. (Times, 10/20/77) By May 1978 opposition groups, including the SNLF, were proposing a coalition government that would exclude Somoza. (Times, 5/1/78) By November 1978, the Carter Administr ation was trying to push Somoza â€Å"into a compromise with his opponents. † (Times, 11/21/78) After 4 years of growing violence, including street fighting in the capitol, Somoza finally resigned. 9/17/79) After the Sandinistas took power in 1979, the remnants of Somoza’s National Guard scattered. As Kornbluh and Byrne describes The Iran Contra Scandal, they were reduced to small bands of some 250 men, hiding in Honduras and Guatemala, where they resorted to random violence and stealing to survive. The CIA brought these small groups together. After the Contras started receiving money from the CIA, the number of attacks on the Sandinistas increased a lot. Attacks during this period included, sabotage of highway bridges, sniper fire on small military patrols, the burning of customs warehouses and crops, and ‘the assassination of minor government officials’†( Kornbluh, p. 2; they are quoting from a document in the National Security Archives). On Decemb er 1, 1981, President Ronald Reagan signed a finding allowing our government to help the Contras. Beginning in March 1982, the whole thing became public as articles in the Nation, the New York Times, the Washington Post and Newsweek reported on CIA aid to the Contras.Congress reacted to this by passing the Boland Amendment, which read: None of the funds in this Act may be used by the Central Intelligence Agency of or the Department of Defense to furnish military equipment, military training or advice, or other support for military activities, to any group or individual, not part of a country’s armed forces, for the purpose of overthrowing the government of Nicaragua or provoking a military exchange between Nicaragua and Honduras. (Kornbluh, p. ) In spite of this, the Reagan Administration continued to aid the Contras, all the time denying that they were doing so. Among the aid they sent was the Psychological Operations in Guerrilla Warfare training manual, referred to by thos e who knew about it as the â€Å"murder manual. † (Kornbluh, p. 2) The Reagan administration later on came up with a new strategy, to portray the Contras as freedom fighters and the Sandinistas as oppressors. In 1984, the CIA sowed mines in a major port in Nicaragua causing a severe amount of damage. The Contras took credit for this.But a few weeks later the press exposed the CIA involvement. In response, Congress passed a second Boland Amendment, which said that neither the CIA nor the Defense Department could fund the Contras, either directly or indirectly. From then on the administration worked through the National Security Council, and NSC staff member Oliver North. NSC William Clark established Office of Public Diplomacy for Latin America and the Caribbean (housed in State Department but reported to the NSC), Oliver North attended the meetings: responsible for all Contra affairs.Because the CIA was prohibited from operating inside the United States, Director William Case y had senior propaganda specialist Walter Raymond transferred to the NSC. As Raymond declared, his job was to â€Å"concentrate on gluing black hats on Sandinistas and white hats on Contras. † (Kornbluh, p. 5) All this time, CIA intelligence analysts were saying that the Contras couldn’t win, even with American support. Robert Owen, Oliver North’s personal intermediary with the Contras is quoted as saying they were simply â€Å"profiteers. 1 Meanwhile, during 1985-86, as mentioned earlier, the Reagan administration was selling weapons to Iran illegally in order to encourage Iran to free hostages in the Middle East. After the 1979 hostage situation at the United States Embassy in Tehran, Carter had imposed an embargo on selling weapons to Iran. When Reagan came to power in 1981, the Embassy hostages were freed, but Reagan continued the embargo policy. In 1983, the administration strengthened it through operation STAUNCH, a worldwide voluntary arms embargo agains t Tehran. But for several reasons, some people in the administration supported softening the stance toward Iran.The idea that selling weapons would help win the release of hostages encouraged them to act. The way the United States diverted the funds is complex. Basically, the United States sold arms to Iran, hoping to get hostages freed, then used the money they got to arm and support the Contras. All of this was done secretly. On October 5th, 1986, an American plane was shot down by Sandinistas over southern Nicaragua. The two pilots were killed, but the â€Å"cargo kicker,† Eugene Hasenfus, parachuted out and was captured by Sandinista soldiers. He told the Sandinistas everything he know about United States involvement with the contras.The next day, the story was on the front page of every major United States newspaper. Then, on November 3rd, 1986, a Lebanese paper published a story that revealed the United States trading of arms for hostages. (historycommons. org, p. 1) Ha ving these two pieces of the puzzle soon led to people discovering the connections between the arms-for-hostages deals and secret aid for the Contras. Once the Iran-Contra connection had become public, Reagan appointed John Tower, Edmund Muskie and Brent Scowcroft to a President's Special Review Board charged with investigating the affair.People expected the Tower Commission to be a whitewash, but its report brought to light many of the details of what had happened. On November 26, 1986, Attorney General Edwin Meese ordered the FBI to begin an investigation of the Iran-Contra episode. December 19, 1986, Lawrence E. Walsh was named to the Office of Independent Counsel to take over that investigation. The Tower Commission, congressional investigations and the work of the Independent Counsel led to indictments of Oliver North and John Poindexter on March 16, 1988.North was convicted on charges of obstruction of justice, misleading Congress, and accepting an illegal gratuity, but an app eals court overturned the verdict because testimony to Congress given under immunity might have affected his trial. Poindexter was also convicted and his convictions overturned on appeal. (Kornbluh, p. xxviii) In 1992, George H. W. Bush pardoned six others who had been indicted or convicted of crimes in the affair. The Iran-Contra affair made the United States look untrustworthy internationally, as well as causing people to distrust their government.The United States government depends on a system of checks and balances among the congress, executive and judicial branches. If the executive branch does whatever it wants and hides its actions from the congress, then the people are no longer in charge of their government. This is a genuine threat to democracy. When Somoza resigned in 1979, the Sandinistas and others who had opposed Somoza formed a junta to govern until there were elections. The country was a mess. There was poverty, malnutrition, disease, pollution from pesticides, fact ory runoff and raw sewage into Lake Managua.The Sandinistas tried to address these problems and might have succeeded if the Contras had not undermined a lot of what they did. Money from Cuba and Eastern Europe was spent on building up an army to combat the Contras instead of being used for other important needs. The Sandinistas won an election in 1984 with 67% of the vote; most international observers deemed the elections fair. Exhaustion on both sides, fear of losing to the Contras, and mediation by other governments in the area led to the â€Å"Sapoa ceasefire† between the Sandinistas and the Contras on March 23, 1988.In the elections that followed in February 1991, the Sandinistas, who were expected to win, were soundly defeated. The new President was Violeta Chamorro, widow of a prize winning newspaper editor who had struggled against Somoza. When the Chamorro government took power, the situation of the country was even more desperate than in 1979. 2 All in all, the Contr as and the United States support for them were disastrous for Nicaragua. Notes 1 This paragraph is based on information from Kornbluh. 2 This paragraph is based on information from Britanica.Works Cited Britinaca. com. http://www. britinica. com/EBchecked/topic/413855/Nicaragua . â€Å"Iran-Contra and Arms-for-Hostages Scandals: Eugene Hasenfus† http://www. historycommons. org/jsp? irancontraaffair_key_figures . Kornbluh, Peter, and Malcom Byrne. The Iran-Contra Scandal: The Declassified History. New York: The New Press, 1993. The New York Times, January 3, 1975-September 17, 1979. Walsh, Lawrence E. Independent Counsel Report. â€Å"Executive Summary,† p. 2. http://www. fas. org/irp/offdocs/walsh/execsum. htm .

Individual Asset Allocation Exercise Essay

Group 2Questions for separate Asset Allocation Exercise1. divvy up your fictional $1,000,000 among the succeeding(a) three addition categoriesAssetU.S. EquitiesU.S. 30-Year Treasury BondsCash substanceAllocation45%35%20%100%Justify your allocation base on your outlook for systematic stake in the U.S. sparing over the bordering year.Based on gross domestic product, in that respect is an pass judgment harvest-tide in rates for the following quarter, though it may not be a dramatic one. Rates befuddle been fluctuating within about a 1-2% range in the previous quarter following 2010. Investing in credit lines would be logical when at that place is a harvest-feast since to a greater extent business activities will be carried out, thus translating into higher(prenominal) corporate avails. that, a ripening GDP may establish the economy at risk of inflation.GDP may be emergence referable to consumer trustfulness, which too seems to be steadily exploitation. Consumer co nfidence shows that consumers ar much likely to go past and embellish in the economy, which will serve to boost it. This is good for melodic phrases since a growing GDP will result in healthy corporate profits andhigher stock prices.Consumers may be more able to spend and invest in the economy due to a square off in jobless claims. This means in that respect are more people working so less people are filing for unemployment insurance, thus an improving bray market. Since more people bemuse got jobs there is more spending within the economy, which translates into a healthier economy overall. However, too unretentive jobless claims may have a negative impact on the economy in that it may trigger lock inflation, which is bad news for the stock market. Businesses have to set out incentives like compensable overtime or higher charters to attract employment, thus spending more in labor costs. The Federal earmark tends to increment interest rates when wage inflation look s too threatening, which negatively affects both(prenominal) the stock and bond market.Due to the aforementioned(prenominal) market risks in the economy, it seems optimum to invest the largest segment (45%) to US equities. The US seems to be thriving in a growing economy since the financial crisis, which is favorable to the stock market, since a healthy economy leads to an increase in equity prices, which thrives on growing corporate profits.It would then be optimal to allocate 35% to US 30 year treasury bonds, since bonds tend to be less risky than stocks. Bonds have a higher likelihood of receiving a refurbishment on the investment than stocks, which have a higher possibility of loss. However, bonds do have a lesser return on investment, thus as much profit wont be pip compared to a stock thats doing well. However bonds tend to be safer, though at the same time are at a risk of being change by inflation since the economy practically walks a fine line amidst strong growth an d excessive growth in the economy.Finally, 20% should be kept as cash just to make sure that there is cash at hand in case of emergencies. Since there are risks associated with both the bond and stock market alike, as the economy grows and becomes in risk of inflation. Cash will be able to provide flexibility during multiplication when the market is feeling pressured.

Building shelf management system

Introduction to the to a lower distance winning wariness g overning body means the methods by which an administration programs, operates, and controls its activities to run into its ends and aims by using the resources of currency, people, equipment stuffs and instruction. circumspection instruction dodges atomic number 18 hire by companies to assist maintain them more than than nonionised in certain parts of botherations. For illustration, companies use databases as a way of life or hive absenting study as it helps them to entree informations more rapidly and quell more organized. It is better than adopting a paper-based ar meanderment where relevant information ignore be garbled or read falsely. Besides with paper-based frames, they take up a batch of room as you take on a topographic luff to hive away it in every(prenominal), for illustration, a filing cabinet.The labour I sop up pertinacious to show forget affect me analyzing, planing, and impleme nting a spr bulge out database outline for w behouse operations in a minuscule busy. In future this database could be apply by other little doctor companies as good.The confederation that I befool decided to utilize is Biring s news show, which I capture been huntings for over 4 old ages. The database depart enable the assemble to pull despatch their ancestry that comes in and out of the w atomic number 18house.The ground I have elect to make this take purport is due to the fact that I have been working at that place for practic solelyy(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) a long do. I ve learnt about how the c be itself runs and have seen byplays occur and become resolved or need to be resolved throughout the clip I have been at that place. Biring s News has a concatenation of newsdealers which argon based over Kent and London. The proprietors of the consult ar ever both chess untieding more stores in new locations or shuting them cut overpower in others. It would be utile for the anyiance to lease a placement that shows them how the line of credit is being managed, what is sell good and what is non.Background of the CompanyBiring s News is owned by Jasbir Biring.They own a concatenation of newsdealers which are locate in Kent and London. The stores are all situated at bottom storage Centres like Bluewater obtain Centre and Westfield Shopping Centre. They sell a scope of stock such as, Sweets, drinks, magazines, coffin nails and newspapers.Biring s News opened thither first store in Lakeside shopping Centre, 1989, which was a great success and led them to open more and subdivision out towards London. In entire, the teleph unmatchedr has opened up to 8 newsdealers since 1989, many are still running and others have been sold on.At the minute, the company has one chief storage warehouse where all the stock is kept for all of Mr Biring s stores so workers are ever in and out taking what they need when they want. Th e trouble with this is that on that point is no depict of good plan of attack in and good coming out, so there is no track record of what points are piteous in stock and what points there are too much of. The result of this is that the conductor has jobs with stock that is non selling really good which leads to him intimidateing likewise much in the warehouse which shtup in addition so go out of day of the month, so he is losing out on money. Another job that would happen is that he whitethorn run low on stock that is high in motivation therefore he go away be losing out on unrefined revenues.The company anyways have a concatenation of suppliers that they use. They use the same provider for magazines and newspapers as they receive that stock automatically on a day-to-day footing. When it comes to buy confectionary, they do non company to one provider. They go by which of all clip supplier has the best monetary value for some(prenominal) they need or if any of them have contingent offers. This is besides a job that leads to checking excessively much stock, as they are merely smell at what is on offer and merely buying it, even without detecting that they have plenty of the point in the warehouse.At the minute, the company has no record of what is kept in the warehouse, the lone manner of cognizing what is in the warehouse is by roll uping bills of what has been purchased or by staff advising the managing director about what is losing in the warehouse.Aim of ProjectThe manipulation of the undertaking is toWrite in item what the job isState how the job could be solvedState how the brass give work and what it is intended to makeIdentify all the demands for the strategyAnalyse and plan the system that I intend to scram forthImplement the systemMake a exploiter point for the company so that they are able to utilize the systemAim of the UndertakingThe aim of the undertaking will enable the company toBecome more organized they will be able to maintain path of what stock they have, so they wo nt check into the job off attribute excessively small stock or extra stock.Save money the system will enable the company to preserve money as they will cognize what they have, so they will non purchase stock that is non ask.Think of some more aims ResearchManagement information systemsManagement Information Systems wad be use to treat informations into utile information. For illustration, it could be a system used to do orders.There are ternion symbols of direction information systems which areDecision relief SystemsInformation coverage systemsExecutive information systemsDecision Support systemsThis theatrical role of system allows strategical and tactical determinations to be do.Decision erect systems are in the first place used to back up the tactical, semi structured determinations that need to be made as portion of the rating and planning of a concern. Executive information systems are targeted at strat egic determination devising, which frequently involves unstructured determinations.This type of system is normally created by the terminal user as they are the 1s who normally use it. That manner they manage how is working directly off. Examples of where determination support systems are used are to analyze informations and see if there are any tendencies, for case, looking at gross revenues figures over a period of clip.Information coverage systemsThis type of system helps companies as it produces studies which can buoy assist them to do determinations within the company. For illustration, this type of system would assist Biring s News as you could bring forth studies of what was in stock, so the director would hold an thought on what he needs to buy. There are twain types of describing systems which are periodic studies and exclusion studies.Periodic studies are produced merely when required by determination shapers at regular intervals. Examples include a monthly pecuniary s tatement and a hebdomadal gross revenues analysis. expulsion studies are produced merely when asked for. This would be utile for Biring s News as the director could on the loose(p) unwrap a study out for himself whenever he indispensable it, for illustration, he would take aim a transcript of the stock study when he planned to do an order from a provider.Executive information systemsProvides senior directors with a system to help them in taking strategic and tactical determinations. Their intent is to analyze, comparison and highlight tendencies to assist find the strategic way of the company. They are normally integrate with operational systems, giving directors the installation to drill down to happen farther information on the job.Off the shelf packetA criterion bing system is purchased from a package vender and installed on computing machines located within an administration.This type of package can be purchased by anyone and can be used to run by 1000s of people. You can buy some(prenominal) types of off the shelf package depending on what field you re working in, for illustration, if you do photo use you could buy package such as Photoshop, which is really popular.With this type of package, it is moderately priced as it is popular. It is utile for smaller companies as they are chiefly capable of being able to make what the company wants. This package is non every bit utile to larger companies as they prefer to hold package to make precisely what they want. For illustration, off the shelf package may hold characteristics that are non required by the company or they may be losing applications that the company needs. trim package is a better option for much larger companies, as they can hold it produced to their demands.I will be bring forthing a stock database which will fit the demands for a warehouse retentivity system, so it will be able to be used by other smaller companies.The falls supposed accountThe waterfall theoretical account div ides a undertaking up into phases. The theoretical accounts show that you should follow each phase in a peculiar(prenominal) order, as the diagram below indicates.Feasibility playing field This is the phase where the user has to research whether their planned undertaking is executable.The feasibleness is broken down into four stairss falsify for feasibleness survey by measuring the range of the undertaking.Define the job ( what should the new system do that the bear 1 does non ) .Choose the best feasibleness option from those forthcoming ( typically up to five concern options and a equivalent figure of proficient options ) .Assemble the feasibleness study, including the linguistic rule for the selected option.Analysis this can be broken down into dickens phases which are the probe of the current environment and concern systems options.Probe of the current environment this is the virtually of bit out of the two phases. For this, the user will hold made a list of all the d emands in the feasibleness survey, so now they will hold to spread out on the demands and do them more elaborate by speaking about how they will be solved. They will besides hold to state what attributes and entities they will necessitate and how they will all be linked in the entity relationship diagram. They will besides hold to take a information theoretical account so they know how they are travelling to finish the undertaking and in what phases. The user will besides hold to set up the purposes and aims of the undertaking. assembly line system options this phase comprises two stairss, the aims of which are to hold what the functionality should be. A figure of possible systems solutions for the perceived concern demands are formulated and the impacts and benefits of each will be evaluated. The solution selected will be the one that most closely catches the demands of the concern.The two stairss areDefine concern optionsSelect concern optionDesignSystem design means that the developers describe in item how the system will work, what the end products will be and what inputs are needed. Similarly, processs are described and ironware demands defined.ExecutionThis is the phase where you create the system. It should be made powerful under all the given demands.Care and TestingAt this phase the system should be completed and tested to see if it works. A user usher should besides be created so it can state the user how to run and solemnize the package.MethodologyI am traveling to utilize the Waterfall theoretical account to construction my undertaking. I have chosen this because it allows me to research all facets decently before traveling in front and making the system decently. This manner I will non hold the job of burying to add in parts or adding in applications that are non needed.I am traveling to bring forth a stock database system for the company warehouse, which could subsequently be used as an off the shelf bundle by other little warehouse compa nies. This system will enable the director keep his stock by ever holding a sufficient sum of all his stock. The system will work by holding all the provider information stored on the database. From there the director will be able to entree their net sites and look into what publicities they have and besides compare monetary values to see where he could acquire a better trade. He will besides be able to see all the stock he has in the warehouse. The stock will be shown under their appropriate headers, for illustration, Coke would be stored under drinks. pursual to each point of stock, it will province how many of each is stored at the minute. Employee intimate informations will besides be stored on the system so that they can entree the system to enter what they had took from the warehouse, so that all the stock degrees are shown right.To bring forth the system I will necessitate the undermentioned information to bring forth the systemName callings and references of the newsdeale rsWarehouse at bottom informations where it is locatedWhat stock is sold in the storeWhat stock is stored in the warehouse ( magazines and newspapers are non stored at that place, is at that place anything else? )How many providers they useDetailss of providers what they specialise in sellingDetailss of employees ( this is because they all have entree to the warehouse, so the director will necessitate to maintain path of what they are taking )To happen out all the information I will carry on an interview with the director.Requirements for the systemEmployee-Employees essential hold their ain user have and discussion to log into the system this is to halt any unauthorised entree to the system.They moldiness be able to hold entree to their wrong informations so that they can substitute it if any veerations are needed to be made.They must be able to change the evaluate degrees of all the stock to maintain it updated.The inside informations that will be required of the employ ee are their first name, last name, which shop they work in, reference, contact figure.There should besides be a map that enables you to add and edit/ edit employees.Supplier The inside informations that will be required are the name of the provider, the reference, website reference, email reference, phone figure.There should besides be a map that enables the user to add and edit/delete providers.Shop-The inside informations that will be required are the names of the stores, what shopping Centres they are located within, and the reference, which employee works at that place.There should be a map easy that allows the user to add and edit/delete stores.Warehouse-The inside informations that will be required for the warehouse is the warehouse figure, the reference, what is stored at that place.Stock-The inside informations that will be required is the name of everything that is sold in the store, for illustration, Sweets, magazines, coffin nails, etc. Besides you will necessitate to cognize the measure of it that is stored in the warehouse.There should be a map available that allows the user to add and edit/delete stock, either when they proprietor decides to halt selling it or when a new point is released in the market.Hazard AnalysisResourcesThe package that I am traveling to utilize to make the information system is Microsoft Access.Microsoft Access is a Relational Database Management system. It is a really popular database system and it is easy to utilize.Microsoft Access database contains a figure of diverse applications some of them are table s questions, signifiers, studies, macros and so on.Tables these are used for informations storage. The tabular arraies are presented in rows and columns to the user so that they can input at that place informations. The tabular array is shown in a similar manner to a spreadsheet format as all the gridlines are seeable.Questions they gather certain information from different tabular arraies and expose them all on one screen.Using a question you can alter the order of records ( screening ) , retrieve single records or groups of records ( seeking and filtrating ) , count, amount, norm, and otherwise summarize informations values ( aggregation ) and compute new values from values held in the tabular array ( computation ) .Forms this allows information from tabular arraies to be displayed in a more overlord manner. With signifiers you are able to add in images as you ca nt infix them into tabular arraies.Reports- studies are used for showing information in different formats. They can besides incorporate images and graphs.MentionsBocij, P, Chaffey, D, Greasley, A, Hickie S. ( 2006 ) Business Information Systems scholar Hall, Pearson instruction. Chapters 6 & A 7Boddy, D, Boonstra, A, Kennedy, G ( 2002 ) Pull murder Information Systems Prentice Hall, Pearson instruction. Chapter 1Dowling, N ( 1998 ) Database Design and Management utilizing Access Letts. Great Britain. Chapter 1Glanss, T, Grad , B, Holstein, D, Meyers, W, Schmidt, R ( 1968 ) Management Systems united States of America. Chapter 1BibliographyThe hired Institute for IT. Retrieved on 12/10/09, from the ground massive Web hypertext transfer protocol //www.bcs.org/server.php? show=ConWebDoc.2767Hero Solutions. Retrieved on 12/10/09, from the World unspecific Web hypertext transfer protocol //www.hero-solutions.co.uk/articles/bespokevsofftheshelf.aspMicrosoft attitude Online. Retrieved on 13/10/09, from the World Wide Web hypertext transfer protocol //office.microsoft.com/en-us/access/HA101656301033.aspxMicrosoft military post Online. Retrieved on 13/10/09, from the World Wide Web hypertext transfer protocol //office.microsoft.com/en-us/access/HA101650211033.aspx

Mit Case Study

BCG collapse BCG consultation preparation perform fly the coopments dispersion http//www. bcg. com/join_bcg/ consultation_prep/pr compriseice_ fields/dis The capital of Massach recitationtts Consulting assort national drive married BCG wonder readying utilize courtings diffusion scheme statistical dissemination dodge Crafting a dispersal dodging for a dinero caryopsis shaper Your guest is the carbohyd lay texture role of pabulums Inc. , a U. S. - substructured distri thater and dissembler of packaged nutriments. harmonise to the partitioning president, Foods Inc. s tralatitious durability has been with mart wargonhousings, which however refer for the major(ip)(ip)(ip)ity of its $1. unmatched thousand million in kale texture gross r howeverue. tho defective M mart, a brush aside concatenation, has been come forth harvest at a reas 1d rate of roughly 15 portion per family and has forthwith kick the bucket Food Inc. s turgidst node. Your knob is non au whencetic how to react, and has entreated BCG for supporter with its dispersal dodge. rise concord of the Case First, permit me bring off authorized I in accredited the line of give way. Our thickening nail d give births in slit caryopsiss tradition merely(prenominal)y distri hardlyed by diet eruptput stores. gross revenue to epic M commercializeplaceplace, a sack rate chain, obtain been evolution at 15 partage per year, and the chain has lately scram the large-scalest electrical distri exceptor of the lymph glands crossing nation full(a).We atomic number 18 hither to support gauge the statistical scattering dodge in im blameless of massive M food commercialise places evolution. That is correct. Could you develop to me how mart store stores disaccord from discount stores? Sure. securities indus approximate stores broadly speaking specialize in food, as well as selling to a greate r extent or less plate strongs and over-the-counter(prenominal) pharmaceuticals. fire stores, on the new(prenominal) hand, leave food alongside a roomy commixture of merchandise, including clothing, billet electronics, and housew bes. Does spoilt M food harvest- clock time mart its food crossings former(a) than than do market stores? reject stores announce lour clit by means oflays for a wide vicissitude of foods, in particular staple, nonperish subject foods.Could I establish a turn to compose a nigh n nonp argonils to myself? revel intent free. conform Up the fashion model in the lead puzzle urge onations, I hark back we would take step forwarddoor(a) to sample whether gross revenue ingest at jumbo M grocery store is solid state or large for Foods, Inc. To do that, I would low smack at how its wampumpeag caryopsis proceeding at well-favoured M martplace comp atomic number 18s with that in new(prenominal) scattering t ransmit. Second, I would view at its surgical operation at bounteous M securities persistence in sex act to opponents performance. Next, I would retard what drives guest corrupts. Fin all in all toldy, I would take to take the tag on chain.That for sure rifles handle a homogeneously come near. Lets proceed. pass judgment the Case utilize the mannequin 1 of 6 10/2/09 657 PM BCG mutual BCG audience formulation suffice Cases diffusion http//www. bcg. com/join_bcg/interview_prep/practice_cases/dis First, I would worry to permit a s contri scarcee virtuoso of where hulking M food grocery stands in resemblance to our lymph nodes opposite dispersal bring by examining the invitees gross revenue info and margins, by distributor. The selling segment does non gain margins by passageway, but traverses gross revenue and ethical deal for its baksheesh 5 distributors.What does this fee-tail al close abundant M mart as a scattering r eturn? It hold offs as if the top distributors necessitate been increment much(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) signifi lott, but curiously large(p) M securities industry, which is ontogeny sudden than all the former(a)s. This is particularly squ be when we shade at strength, where bigger M food food markets crop is around(prenominal) higher(prenominal)(prenominal) than that of the contrary tetrad take. And how could you interpret what these entropy swears almost margins? term the guests gross revenue by means of with(predicate) varied(a) dispersion channels be ontogeny smart than glitz, swelled M market volume and gross gross revenue growth argon the uniform, so the reasonable impairment give by tough M mart has remained constant.That implies that gross revenue growth at loose M securities industry could fill ban implications for our lymph nodes margins. Next, I would the equivalent(p)s of to present at how our knob is doing in tattle to the challenger in spite of bulgeance blown-up M grocery store. make believe they been gaining or losing market per centum? How office you get devour that divulge? I would try to interview full-size M food markets corrupt forcefulness, since they would in all managelihood track those development for their own purposes. why would they emergency to lambast to you? How big businessmaniness you nestle much(prenominal)(prenominal) an interview? I would approach the deal forcefulness and kick up that our invitee and gigantic M securities industry swear protrude ogether to come in vanquish practices to hack be and make up sales of net income textures at man-sized M mart. Lets posit in a perfect human race you could get a sectionalization of sizeable M marketplace sales for the four largest competitors (see market regions below). 2 of 6 10/2/09 657 PM BCG meat BCG audience cooking come Cases scattering http/ /www. bcg. com/join_bcg/interview_prep/practice_cases/dis What ground micturate we gain close our knobs competitors in spite of expectance this channel? Who should they be unbalanced near? It fashions personify our customer is losing market sh be, as is nippy Breakfast, epoch texture Co. nd close cross out argon gaining dowery. hush-hush Label, however, anticipates to be growing from a really down in the mouth base. I would similar to question why our knob is losing market sh be to texture Co. at braggart(a) M food markets. argon their harms burst than those of our client? subsequently a gunpoint of equipment casualty wars sextette to sevener eld ago that get down industry margins, the caryopsis companies seduce refrained from monetary value rival inwardly the same channel. If scathes be non crusade the difference, I would smell at other figures much(prenominal)(prenominal) as discoloration take onion, parting of ledge space, crossway military part, and in-store publicitys.Visits to huge M food markets advert that apiece name- carry attach to holds 30 sh atomic number 18 of the ledge space, period snobbish tick off has 10 per centumage. metric grain Co. blemishs, however, tip to be put bring down on the shelf than your clients yields. Well, I surmise that children ar a large take market for the profit metric grain manufacturers. The get off shelf attitude could be specially authorized to children who be aspect at the different events of metric grain grass grasss. ar on that point close to(prenominal) other furtherances? nearly metric grain Co. flaws cede sales promotion tags, and the team up up notes that store flyers labour specials on metric grain grass Co. rands for forged M food market node cardholders. So, even if all the companies are maintaining fruit legal injurys, whitethornbe grain Co. is strategi confabulatey discounting sets to gain market dowry. It seems as if on that point is curtilage of cooperation amid texture Co. and too large M grocery store. Do we live on some(prenominal)thing somewhat their kind? During antecedent discussions with bouffant M food market, you observed that your clients competitors slang 50 sales representatives employ to the well-favored M grocery account. Your client has seven. texture Co. appears to be dedicating more(prenominal) resources to its blood with vauntingly M marketplace than our client is.This may exempt its check harvest-tide organization and promotion programs. 3 of 6 10/2/09 657 PM BCG get married BCG wonder home naturalize trust Cases dissemination http//www. bcg. com/join_bcg/interview_prep/practice_cases/dis I regard I create a good good sense of diffusion and rival. I would same a shot standardised to look at the guests and bring in why they opt the growths they do. wiz possibleness I discombobulate is that geolog ical fault give outside stanchties are painful sensation our clients market appropriate at orotund M mart. Thats interesting. What do you cogitate powerfulness stir up acquires of scrape caryopsiss? in that respect are tons of factors, much(prenominal) as the games in the boxes, the damage of the caryopsis itself, how it tastes. To appointer register consumer fashion, we might uphold market research, by chance through condense separates, node observation, and equipment casualty aesthesia studies. BCG teams much do such research. Lets pre angle your team conducts some analysis. Your research concludes that most buyers tend to pass by into 2 categories. somewhat 60 part of buyers go neat to one food grain and gingersnap it. We fire look for this group the shuffle- patriotic fundpers.Another 40 per centum of shoppers look at all the grains and then prefer one that interests them. Lets call this group the appetency buyers. For the station -loyal shopper, the antecedence would be crossway handiness, mend overlap location would be grave for consumers who like to shop around. in spite of appearance these groups, are consumers monetary value delicate such that one strike out can temptation shoppers loyal to some other brand? In general, your research evidences that consumers are not price radiosensitive and are exceedingly loyal to their favored brand.But when the preferable food grain is un open, the brand-loyal clients testament bargain for discounted textures approximately 35 share of the time. Well, from that nurture, it appears that price is not a major number one wood of corrupts unless the pet grain is out of conduct. In these farm animal-out situations, you said, brand-loyal customers lead barter for discounted textures 35 shareage of the time. What happens when the customer does not secure a discounted texture? In approximately 25 share of cases, the customer notchs by witho ut buy every metric grain at all.In the rest 40 portion of cases, the brand-loyal customer lead act like an impetus shopper and select another(prenominal) brand. Interesting. It seems as if harvest-feast availableness could be a major number one wood of resume food grain volume for spectacular M grocery. Of course, we would adopt to retire how a good deal contrast-outs croak that make up consumers to bid forth without buy cereal hail. Since I switch a delightful good collar of customer motivation, Id read like to ask a hardly a(prenominal) questions more or less the clients forego for chain. I would loss to guggle to our clients diffusion personnel to recognize the distribution service and to bushel how oftentimes stock-outs occur.Can you describe how our clients cereal is distributed at prominent M marketplace? cereals are distributed from the pulverisation to the distributors storage warehouse double monthly. The retailer then stocks th e shelves itself. Do we commence any cognition nearly when the soulfulness stores are out of stock? No, we do not, since our client only delivers to the warehouses and has no rent nark to in-store take stock teaching. Since we determine ingathering accessibility as a key out conquest factor anterior on, I would involve to make sure that the stores were stocking the crossroad correctly.Lets say that in your earlier in-store investigations, you found out that tough M market stores averaged 15 portion of excoriation cereal brands out-of-stock, across all brands. 4 of 6 10/2/09 657 PM BCG associate BCG query planning radiation diagram Cases scattering http//www. bcg. com/join_bcg/interview_prep/practice_cases/dis Stock-outs would be a major problem for our client, since 60 share of customers look for a particular(prenominal) brand of cereal and 35 per centum of them would buy a discounted brand in a stock-out situation. elephantine M food market would i n any case choose an fillip to mortify out-of-stock incidents, since 25 share of the time, a brand-loyal customer lead laissez passer past without purchasing anything. tot up and make exhortations medium-large M mart is our clients wind customer, accounting arrangement for more than 20 portion of our clients net income cereal revenue. Although sales to boastfull M Mart are accession on an secure basis, our clients margins there are demean than in its other channels and its belligerent do is dilapidate in that channel. At bighearted M Mart, our client faces competition from both undercover enunciate and grain Co. although the last mentioned appears to be the greater threat. in that respect appears to be a alliance between spacious M Mart and cereal Co. as prove by their joint promotions, the brilliant agreement of the texture Co. product, and the potent resources that Cereal Co. has utilize to the banging M Mart account. We learned that 60 p ercentage of customers are brand-loyal, implying product accessibility is most important. However, 40 percent like to try different kinds of cereal, indicating product posture is to a fault important.Purchasers do not appear to be price conscious, unless the type of cereal they are look for is out of stock, in which case there is a stronger intent to base barter fors on price promotions. In terms of distribution, our client is fashioning deliveries doubly a month to bombastic M Marts warehouses. swelled M Mart, in turn, is accountable for stocking the shelves. We shortly view no direct intimacy of when our clients items are out of stock at the single stores, but there is examine that stock-outs do occur with some frequency. Well, it sounds as if you get a line the situation. What would you recommend the client do?The sales through high-risk M Mart appear to keep back a cast out jounce on the seat line, as they devour put down margins than sales through grocery stores. The client could work with grocery stores to find out that they are able to postulate effectively with well-favoured M Mart in the staff of life cereal market. This strategy could be risky, however, since lifesize M Mart is a large and important customer. Therefore, I would recommend that our client work more collaboratively with with child(p) M Mart. To symbolise its authorized position at fine-looking M Mart stores, the client should move toward a league with bountiful M Mart and ease up more resources to the relationship.The customer and competitor data indicate that our clients start antecedency should be to remedy distribution to regard separate product availability. In addition, it should push for product placement equal to, if not relegate than, that of its competitors. why would Brobdingnagian M Mart be volition to enroll into a coalition with Foods Inc? Foods Inc could offer to share its information around customer behavior to second plus r evenues for both itself and braggart(a) M Mart. Stock-outs detriment big(p) M Mart in two ways. First, some brand-loyal customers manifestly take the air away without purchasing cereal whenever their favored brand is unavailable.Second, we ack in a flashledge that other brand-loyal customers purchase impose-priced cereal whenever they rule a stock-out of their pet brand. two of these instances lower bulky M Marts revenue. By eliminating stock-outs, tumid M Mart could emergence its sales by only ensuring that customers dont walk away without making a purchase. Converting these purchase do to sales would attach walloping M Marts sales of start cereals by more than 2 percent(1). break out availability withal inspection and repairs fine-looking M Mart and our client increase their revenue by deterring the brand-loyal shoppers from job down to lower-priced cereals.Recall that 35 percent of the brand-loyal shoppers purchase a discounted cereal if their favorite(a) brand is not available. If better distribution now makes the prefer brands more systematically available, the customers pass on net profit a higher price for these products. Finally, we could use the information virtually consumer purchase behavior to help work plumping M Mart to 5 of 6 10/2/09 657 PM BCG joint BCG call into question training perpetrate Cases scattering http//www. bcg. com/join_bcg/interview_prep/practice_cases/dis share information about product availability in its undivided stores.We could work with our client and Big M Mart to emend the authentic distribution system to allow for more frugal deliveries, patch at the same time ensuring that our clients product is systematically available in the store. thank you. Those sound like solid recommendations, but I would advise that you fully visualize the finalize power of the stock-out situations and the embody to quench them in the lead woful ahead. (1) 15 percent out of stock x 60 percen t brand-loyal customers x 25 percent will to discontinue purchase = 2. 25 percent 6 of 6 10/2/09 657 PM