Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Bill Gates Essay

When I was young, math and science were the easiest subjects for me and I read all the time. In my house, weeknight TV was not allowed but reading, board games, card games and puzzles went on for hours. In sixth grade, I did a project as a young inventor and entrepreneur who manufactured and marketed a new project. I wrote my first computer program when I was 13 years old.To me the computer was a constant challenge to be mastered – I was HOOKED! I noticed In high school that PC's id not exist and businesses and unlettered used computers that were bigger then refrigerators. After high school, I went to Harvard University and that Is where I really started to keep up with the latest developments In computer technology. I dreamed that by creating a PC, business and school tasks would be so much easier. I wanted to solve peoples everyday problems and make money In the process.So I took a leave of absence from Harvard university to start a software company In 1977 and Paul Allen an d I formed Microsoft In New Mexico. I also created the term â€Å"Intellectual property to protect software programs with copyrights. My goal was to put a computer on every desk and in every home In 1978, Microsoft moved to Bellevue, Washington. After my partner left, I focused on individual computer users and our international sales force. Microsoft grew dramatically.Microsoft Windows was created in 1985 and we sold $140 million in products that year. I was working 16 hour days and busy with work until 1 993 when I finally proposed to Melinda French, one of my product managers at Microsoft. Over the last ten years, I have donated millions of dollars to charities focused in the education, health, art and cancer areas. I have also made ere to donate to computer centers at schools, colleges and universities throughout the united States.I am the proud dad of a daughter and a son and even though my work and house has a lot of technology, if you really want to do something good for chil dren the most important thing I can tell you is to read, read, read. Bill Gates Essay By Jake-Lang constant challenge to be mastered – I was HOOKED! I noticed in high school that PC's did not exist and businesses and universities used computers that were bigger then refrigerators. After high school, I went to Harvard University and that is where I really darted to keep up with the latest developments in computer technology.I dreamed solve people's everyday problems and make money in the process. So I took a leave of absence from Harvard University to start a software company in 1977 and Paul Allen and I formed Microsoft in New Mexico. I also created the term â€Å"intellectual property' every desk and in every home! In 1978, Microsoft moved to Bellevue, Washington. Work until 1993 when I finally proposed to Melinda French, one of my product the United States. I am the proud dad of a daughter and a son and even though my

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Catholic Church In Ireland Essay

The role of Catholic Church in the development of the education system in the nineteenth century Ireland.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Catholic Church in Ireland was known as Romans Catholic Churches. The church was headed by a pope. In Ireland the Catholic Church was organised in dioceses and parishes, which was headed by the archbishops, bishops and priests. The catholic church of Ireland had various religious orders among which were fathers of the Holy Ghost, Vincentians Capuchins, and Augustinians among others and all of their either participated in offering missions or teaching. In Ireland, there were priests’ societies and they were in various countries, with missionary society of St. Columbia being located in country math, and St. Patrick’s missionary sociated situated in country Wicklow.[1] In Ireland there was the freedom of religion, and this was after the redrafting of the Ireland constitution in 1937 and it was then when the special position which was kept aside specifically for religion was abolished. During this period, there were many churches in Ireland, and thus by considering catholic church, it does not mean that this was the only church. Other churches in Ireland included the Presbyterian, Eastern Orthodox, and Salvation Army among others. Ireland is one of the places with oldest history of churches and Christianity in general. Ireland had the first missionary from France in year 431 and he was known as palladius, because the Irish believed in Christ, the pope saw it necessary to send this missionary to the Ireland in order to continue spreading the gospel. The achievement of palladius was termed by some people as a failure but due to his ability to come up with some churches in laigin, others see that the palladius visit was a success because he was able to start his mission. EDUCATION IN IRELAND In Ireland, religion as well as the practices associated with religion are considered very important and are adhered to the dot. Ireland having the various Christian groups, the majority of the Irish population are known to be Catholics from Rome.[2] The Irish people are united and respect everyone’s religion. This is a very good consideration that promotes education, and lack of the respect can cause a lot of negative impact in the education system. In Ireland, and apart from Christians, there are also Bahais Islamic, Hindus, Buddhists, and people who had the Jewish faith, but all these people lived together as a society united by the respect they had for each other’s religion. This contributed a lot to the provision of education to the Irish people.[3]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Irish people liked being education, and traditionally the adored and honoured education. Despite their differences in terms of religion, they ensured that their children had access to education while still in his or her early childhood. This was enforced by all people and to facilitate education to all children, this was indicated in their constitution. To further enhance this, many education institutions provided free education to the Irish children in various education levels. The Irish education was divided into levels and to facilitate graduation from one level to another, the children were expected to have passed in their previous level. These levels started from the primary level, which admitted young children of about six years and then the secondary level which came as a result of passing the primary level. The third level was the level of higher education where the education attained in the first two levels was furthered, courses and technical training was offered in this level as well as the degrees and post graduate levels of education.   Ireland thus was among the countries which are recognised to have participated fully in education and with a high number of students enrolling and completing their education to even the higher education level. This has made their graduates to be recognised internationally with many countries and companies employing the graduates in their organisations and companies. This shows that the country produces high qualified and competent graduates. Catholic Church in the development of the education system in the nineteenth century. Catholic Church was of great implication in the development of education system in Ireland in the nineteenth century. Bearing in mind that in Ireland education is compulsory the Catholic Church played a big role in ensuring that this education was compulsory to al children despite their family’s financial status. The catholic churches came up with mass education system in Ireland. This was as a result of the contribution of the catholic missionaries in the valuing of the mass education. [4]They knew with this, many children could have access to the education with an equal provision of this education to all children considering nothing else, but just the need for the education to all.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Catholics constructed schools which were headed by Catholics leaders and teachers. Among these schools were the elementary schools where the head inspector was a catholic dean and local inspector a priest. The school also have committee and teachers who were Catholics. These types of schools never mixed students in terms of sexes and the children thus could be easily protected. The normal schools were headed by priest as the president and teachers had to be Catholics. These schools were involved with teaching and training teachers. These schools were very important in the development of the Irish education because they enhance qualified teachers available to educate the small children and the youths in their other schools.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Catholic Church saw the great need of religious education to both children and youth who live in the community[5]. They believed that children who get the religious education are at a better position in their society since the education guides the maturing child mind in a way which a child can know what is expected from him or her, in relating with other people in the society, and in the moral understanding. The catholic schools for children ensure that the children are taught and learn on how to have devotion and how to work. This is enhanced by creating time for devotions and time for communal work, thus ensuring that all children participates in these work and learning on how to do various works, in various situations and within a limited time. This helps the children to be able to have devotions in their future lives and also to fit in the society which requires industrious or rather hard and actively working individuals. The school’s equipped children with the knowledge and understanding inculcating obedience to parents and people in authority. This helped the children to understand the roles of the authority and what is expected from them by the parents and the people in authority. This enhanced respect to all people in the society in which the children lived. Children grew up being honest to all people in the society and intelligently. From this we can see that the catholic churches contributed a lot in the education during the nineteenth century since their schools were foundations which not only provided education which was compulsory, to all children, but also had the best for the children, facilitating easy relationship among the children, and also with other people in the society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The catholic churches had various teaching orders. They could use school, or even arrange for camps. All these were targeting at providing religious education and other form of education of children and youths. The catholic churches provided training for the youth concerning the religion principles. These principles gave the youth the best in regard to the religion. This helped the youth to have clear vision on what they are expected do in the society, and also training them to how to be morally upright. Ireland just like any other society had moral values and there was the standard which every Irish was expected to live in. The Catholic Church thus took the initiative to prepare the youths with these expectations, and this helped the youth to cope with life. The catholic churches gave this to the youth, by holding youth seminars, and youth discussions where many youths, were assembled and the catholic teachers and other catholic individuals were used to teach the youths.[6] This had great impact in the society, because the youth could learn a lot from these training on top of their classroom. The education which these catholic churches gave to children and youths also inhibited differentism, and Ireland being a large country with many people and of different religion, these children and youths could use the knowledge acquired from this training take each other in the society in a similar manner, and this helped a lot in maintaining unity and peace among the people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The catholic churches had a different way of contributing to the education of their country’s people. With this I mean the catholic churches ensured that education was free to all children by paying taxes. The tax income was used to manage and maintain the needs and requirements of the free education. This was because many children were getting their education in public schools as compared to the catholic schools, and with this high number of the children thus promoting the children’s education.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For the catholic schools, the catholic churches gave volunteer was as part of their contribution to their schools. By doing this, the financial requirements of the catholic schools were minimised and the money which they saved from the minimised use of finances was used to help the public schools. The volunteer work in their church schools was given to specifically approved schools, and these schools had a better chance of enrolling more students thus ensuring education to all children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The catholic churches ensured that the books which were used by the catholic teachers to educate children were selected by the priest and also ensured that the books have what was good and right for the children. This was done to ensure that the children engaged in reading books which could enable them to develop good morals, and achieve the best knowledge. The catholic churches, volunteers were also willing to provide their personnel, materials and time for the sake of education of the children.[7] The manager of the catholic churches and catholic schools created a chance for interschool activities, whereby the pupils in the catholic schools could interact with pupils from protestant schools and other public schools. This played a big role in enhancing the pupils’ relationships and doing of field work in a joint manner. The pupils could be able to learn new ideas and get extra knowledge as a result of combining the new ideas with the ones they already had. From this joint fieldwork, the pupils were able to pick some challenges from other schools, and at the same time being in a state of learning their strength and weaknesses, which would help them in analysing and rectifying where they had the wrong move or ideas. This learning as a result of joint fieldwork was based on the pupils of both catholic schools and any other participating schools, thus from the wide range of participating schools, children got extra education. Catholic schools were looked upon by the society. The catholic churches were involved with practicing degree of control in civil society. The churches ensure that they practices what was up to their region and this is what they tried to put in the pupils minds. The catholic churches were one of the agents who participated in introduction of new integrated education, as they considered the involvement of children from different backgrounds in terms of religion to have impact on the learning of the pupils.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Later during the nineteenth century a philosophy requiring man to have equal supremacy with state was invented. This never discouraged the Catholic Church in its attempt to provide education to all children. Due to the development in industries, it happened that various machines were to be used in the industries.[8] To operate these machines, the operators were required to have training in all the machine operating procedures. This was based in the states’ side and this means the Catholic Church experienced challenges as quite large of the students had to shift in order to achieve this. The Catholic Church was the primary agent in provision of education and with this, the church aimed at providing the best not considering other factors. Many were times when the Catholic Church went short of funds to finance the education. This was usually a challenge but the Catholic Church never gave up, but rather went ahead to volunteering and offering whatever they could get. This was usually a challenge because other public schools used to get some funds from the government, unlike the Catholic Church, but they kept moving on in providing education despite all this.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Catholic Church teachers operated in teaching children in seasons. This was because during winters, the pupils were not usually in sessions.[9] The Catholic Church teachers ensured they provided education, by moving from one place to another either within one parish, or across many of them, and sometimes even from place to place, searching for pupils to teach once they got enough number of pupils to teach, they taught as long as their strength, willingness and time was being utilised in a way to benefit a pupil.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many of the pupils came from poor backgrounds and despite the lack of money and buildings to use as a place to call a school, the Catholic Church teachers ensured they went along teaching pupils and making Ireland to have more educated people as when comparing to the bordering countries.[10]When the churches gave free catholic schools, and mostly in urban areas the pupils and teachers used the churches as the venue for their education and the teachers got salary from funds generated from parochial, and this ensured that they taught pupils without being harassed by the government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Later a national education system was introduced after a debate in parliament. This ensured that pupil from poor backgrounds. This education focused on providing separating religious education and enhancing literacy and morals. This wanted to abolish the favours related to religions and all Christians without considering their denomination were considered when making the application to the schools. However some funds were required for maintenance of school the teaching staff’s salary and in order to buy books.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The mode of teaching was different from the teaching done in the catholic churches, because for this national education system, a week was divided in order to facilitate the teaching of literacy and moral and this was done in the five days of a week, and the other two days the religion education was taught. This ensured separate teaching of both the religion education and the moral and literacy education they later considered to offer religion advices every day after the normal moral and literacy classes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Several churches objected this form of education. The first to refuse were the Presbyterians who opted to have their children having their education based on their denomination. This brought some disputes and later it was passed that there was a freedom for the religious education to be taught on regular bases just like the moral and literacy education. For the children of the parents who felt their children needed it, and the freedom of parents who felt their children do not required the religious instructions to be picking their children before the instructions starts. The Catholic Church then joined in refusing and argued that their children needed religious education in equal proportions to moral and literacy education. The Catholics were not up to the claims which authorised established church to have the power to manage the schools, and the fact that bible scriptures were not to be included in the times when general instructions were being taught to children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Catholic Church continued to give trial to its mode of education despite the fact that providing the building for the children being education was limited and the government who were against the idea. The financial status of the Irish people also kept giving the Catholic Church challenges since it was always poor to support their children’s education. The Catholics objected the national education system because the commissioners ensured that they benefited from the states funds without really caring about the many places with the fund deficiency and which can be helped by providing these funds. The Catholics felt very bad because of this. However they had nothing better to do than objecting from the public side because even the ratio of the Catholics representing them was very low, and due to this, they always have not voice in the commission. The ration contrasted with the actual ration of the catholic in the total population, because Catholics were the majority in entire Ireland population.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Catholics held their point that they needed their schools having the religious instructions available for their children. This was because some of the scriptures which appeared in text books used by the children and teachers in class were neither valid, nor recognised by the Catholics and their authorities and these books had a lot of the Ireland culture and tradition as the only reference.[11] The Catholics objected this arguing that a good education system need to provide knowledge and intelligence to a pupil, as well as giving the instruction concerning religion which enhanced moral development of children and better relationship of the children and other people in the society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to the proposal of the new education system, there was to be a school of teachers where training of the teachers who would teach the pupils was to be done. The proposal indicated that the institution would be the only recognised training institution, a teacher from any other training institution would be considered not qualified and not having competency in teaching, hence not allowed to teach in Ireland. This acted as a provocation to the Catholics who objected furiously and they were denied the request to have a catholic appointed to on behalf of the catholic teachers’ religious training. This resulted to very few Catholics enrolling in the training school, and the managers of the Catholic schools decided not to accept some few places which were being given to their teachers in the training college.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most of the managers in the schools were not quality but the proposal insisted on training teachers specifically at the proposed training school, and most of the trainers of the trainees were not professionals, and they targeted on training about philosophy and theology since majority of them were priests. In Ireland the primary schools have higher population as compared to secondary schools and universities. Just as there are many issues left un sorted in primary education same case applies to secondary schools which have fewer population and thus less schools. Comparing the Catholic Church influence, there was a chance for Trinity College and two universities to be found, and this shows how the education system under the Catholic Church was more organised and with a focus compared to the National education system.[12] To conclude, the Catholic Church contributed a lot in the education development in Ireland in the nineteenth century and it’s good to credit the Catholics effort and devotion for the Irish people education. The catholic teachers and other Catholics individuals who committed themselves in generous provision of education to all children not considering their financial background. It’s through the hard struggle of the Catholic Church that the education of Irish people became a success.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   References Bruce F., Biever, Religion Culture Values, Ayer United State 1976. Christ, L, Sherry, E, American Catholism, Appleton-century-croft, London, 1961. Coolahan, J, Irish Education History and Structure. Institute of Public Administration United State, 1981. Hansard, C, Parliamentary debates, T.C Hansard, Great Britain, 1824. Herbermann G, Catholic Encyclopaedia, Encyclopaedia Press, United State, 1913. Lowe,R,History of education,Routledge,United States,2000. Maguire, F, Nineteenth-century Catholic Education, Library Ireland, 1868, Retrieved on 15 March 2008,http://www.libraryireland.com/Maguire/XXVI-1.php. MCDowell, B, Ireland church in 1869-1969, Routlege, United States, 1975. Murphy D, History of Irish Emigrant and Missionary Education, Four Courts Press, Ireland, 2000. Thomas A, Catholic Church and Secondary School Curriculum in Ireland. Peter Land, New York, 1999 vol 5 William B, History of Western Education. Black, United State, 1947 Wiseman, N, Dubling review, Burns and Oates, London, 1961 [1] Thomas A, Catholic Church and Secondary School Curriculum in Ireland. Peter Land, New York, 1999 vol 5 [2] Lowe, R, History of education, Routledge, United States, 2000. [3] William B, History of Western Education. Black, United State, 1947. [4] Murphy D, History of Irish Emigrant and Missionary Education, Four Courts Press, Ireland, 2000. [5] Maguire, F, Nineteenth-century Catholic Education, Library Ireland, 1868, Retrieved on 15 March 2008,http://www.libraryireland.com/Maguire/XXVI-1.php [6] McDowell, B, Ireland church in 1869-1969, Routlege, United States, 1975 [7]Herbermann G, Catholic Encyclopaedia, Encyclopaedia Press, United State, 1913 [8] Hansard, C, Parliamentary debates, T.C Hansard, Great Britain, 1824. [9] Coolahan, J, Irish Education History and Structure. Institute of Public Administration United State, 1981. [10] Christ, L, Sherry, E, American Catholism, Appleton-century-croft, London, 1961 [11] Wiseman, N, Dubling review, Burns and Oates, London, 1961 [12] Bruce F., Biever, Religion Culture Values, Ayer United State 1976.   

Monday, July 29, 2019

3-Year Marketing Plan Essay Example for Free (#5)

3-Year Marketing Plan Essay Marketing plan (149) , Pricing (148) company About StudyMoose Contact Careers Help Center Donate a Paper Legal Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Complaints ? In order that we continue our company’s financial growth, we need to branch out into new product lines. A study was performed to consider our entrance into the pet supply market. We have developed a new single product for that purpose. It is a Cordless Automatic Nail Trimmer for dogs and cats. The findings of this study are in this presentation. Our numbers are conservative. The potential for success is high. We are Company G are always looking forward to find and implement new lines that will complement our Mission statement, and our bottom line. This is our next opportunity introduces Company G and the product or product line that you are writing this marketing plan about. â€Å"We enable consumers to improve the quality and convenience of their lives by providing innovative electronics solutions.† Product Description and Classification The Cordless Automatic Nail Trimmer for Dogs and cats will be our first entry into the world of pets. This product uses a sensor to find the quick (the bundle of nerves and blood vessels) on a pets nail, then adjusts to a spot just below it. It trims the nail, rotates to the next nail, and repeats the process, until trimming each nail on the paw. Simply remove the paw, and continue on each paw until done. Our trimmer will avoid the pain of cutting the quick with bleeding. It will not cause discomfort for the animal associated heat build up from electric nail trimmers. This product will allow anyone from novice to professional to trim a dog or cats nails to perfection. Rather than making an appointment, going to the local pet groomer, paying $7 to $25 (before tip), or big box, a pet owner can trim their pet’s nails at home. If the owner would rather have the nails done, they can have their groomer use our tool, giving the pet owner peace of mind, knowing their pet will not suff er any pain. Consumer Factors Planning time involved in purchase Purchase frequency Importance of convenient location Comparison of price and quality Considerable Infrequent Important Considerable Shopping Products Specialty Products Shopping Products Shopping Products Marketing Mix Factors Price Importance of seller’s image Distribution channel length Number of sales outlets Promotion Relatively high Very important Relatively short Few Personal selling and advertising by producer and seller Shopping Products Shopping Products Shopping Products Shopping Products Shopping Products The target market is between the ages of 30 and 45 with busy lives, looking to save time and money. Their incomes would be greater than $60K. This will include professionals, as well as working couples. We will target both existing dog or cat owners, as well as new entrants to pet ownership. Competitive Situation Analysis Analysis of Competition using Porter’s 5 Forces Model Competitive Rivalry Today are no direct competitors. We are entering an existing market, with a completely new technology. The closet rivalry is the electric trimmer, produced by Dremel Tools and Oster Company. These products do NOT have the features we have. They do not compare in experience. There is no threat at this time. We have the threat from two outside entrants to create a knock off version of our automatic nail trimmer. The two companies that could attempt to enter the market are Dremel Tools and Oster Company. The threat to us is medium for a few reasons. We will patent our trimmer, which means that they will have to start with our product, and then develop modifications, to avoid patent infringement. Both companies’ current products use a different kind of technology. They are grinders and do not have any quick detection apparatus’. While Dremel Tools has been in the pet trimming market for some time, they only modified the grinder used for woodworking and other craft projects. This would be a departure from their core competency. This is the only venture by Oster Company. They a relatively new to the market, It isn’t likely that they will put more R and D dollars into a second pet product at this time. There is no threat to us from buyers. Pets must have their nails trimmed on a regular basis, or they can suffer pain and / or health issue. The owners of these pets are responsible to maintain their pets’ nails. With the addition of our safe, reliable, easy to use product added to the market, buyers have all of the options they could want. At our price point, they would not consider creating a similar product. It is an infrequent purchase for them. We will also establish a blog site to give our customers an opportunity to help us determine if they desire any additional features. There is very little threat to us from our two suppliers. Vendor A is supplying us with the heat-sensing component to our trimmer. The device they are producing for us helps to expand their bottom end line of heat sensors. This represents a 10 percent addition to their offering. The main customers for Vendor A is the Armed forces, who buy heat sensing devices for airplanes, tanks, and vision goggles for ground troops. They do not have the infrastructure to build a product such as ours. They would not take on the capital expense to enter this type of manufacturing. They do not have any retail, on-line, distribution experience, or presence. Vendor B who supplies us with the stainless steel blades are in a similar situation. Their main customer is the medical, surgical industry. Vendor B manufacturers high end surgical blades, knives, as well as blades for men’s razor blades. Our product represents a new product in between in quality. It is not significant enough for Vendor B to start an entirely new type of product for them In the current market, there are threats from substitutes.  People not using our product can use manual nail clippers, grinders, or pay someone else to trim their pets’ nails. The threat to us does not exist. All pet owners are currently using one of these venues today. With the quality, ease of use, time and money savings, and cruelty free aspect of our trimmer, virtually nobody will revert to these substitutes. Before we risk our profits or our brand value, we took a critical look both internally, and externally. The intent is to consider how we can leverage the positives, improve on our weaknesses and prepare for outside threats. Here are the findings. STRENGTHS *indicates core competency Financial health* Efficient manufacturing Brand Reputation* WEAKNESSES Lack of training Lack of Distribution network Never advertised pet products OPPORTUNITIES Pet ownership on steady rise Personal time on decrease Economy is increasing expendable income THREATS Possible newer technology Economic downturn Heat sensor supply issue Financial health is one of our core competencies. We have a very low debt-to-equity ratio, combined with a credit rating. This gives us the flexibility to create initial inventory and cover the typical start-up costs related to a new product line. Brand reputation, another core competency, means that we are already in the homes of many of our targeted customers. They know we produce high quality, well designed, products. Our brand is a trusted name nationally. Efficient manufacturing is another of our strengths. It allows up to produce our goods at a lower total cost compared with competitors. We run our production lines quickly, with little waste, or re-work. This helps for reliable batch production, and very few quality / defects issues in the field. Lack of training for our production line associates is a potential issue. Production will be slower, risks quality compliance, and will cost more per unit compared to our established lines. Lack of advertising relationships within the pet market is another weakness. We do not advertise at all aimed at pet owners. We do not understand what the costs are, compared to our other product lines. We will not be able to bundle the new lines advertising with our other lines, for a volume discount. Our sales force is not equipped to demonstrate our new product line. We will need to higher trainers, and new sales people that are specialists specific to the new line. The economy is on an upward trend. As wages increase, so does expendable  income. This allows people to purchase pets, supplies, and services. This applies for either new or existing pets in the household. Personal time is on the decrease. Wage earners are spending more time working. Parents are spending more time driving their school-aged children to sports, music lessons, and dance classes, etc. These parents will also attend the events surrounding the activities. Taking Fido to the groomer and picking him up later is another time eater. Being able to trim nails effortlessly, in your own home, on your own schedule has a good deal of appeal. Pet ownership is on the rise. In 2013, there were 82.5 million pet owners in the United States. This number is expected to rise to 92 million by 2018. In 2013 $4.4 billion dollars were spend on grooming and boarding. In 2014 sales rose to $4.7 billion, a 7% increase. This is a growth industry. Economic downturn could become a possible threat. As expendable income dwindles, pet owners could potentially purchase less expensive nail trimmers. They could also choose to go to a groomer, but do so less often as a money saver. A supply issue could threaten our ability to produce our product. A shortage of the heat sensors could become an issue. If our vendor chooses to increase the price of the sensors could become an issue as well, reducing our margin to an unacceptable level. Development of a newer technology is a threat. A competitor, on a new company could start making the next generation of automatic trimmers. Dependent on the features, or price, we could lose market share. Market Objectives Product Objective Sell 100K units by 12/31/2016. Price Objective Achieve a profit of $500K by 12/31/2016. Place Objective Have our product on the shelves of 2 national chains, and in 200 independent retail pet supply stores by 9/15/2015. Have an on-line presence by 9/1/2015. Our objective is to have 250K hits on you-tube demonstration by 1/1/2016 and 100K hits on our website specific to the new product line by 6/1/2016. This section will introduce you to the particular strategies, which will assure that we achieve our objectives. You will find them well thought out and comprehensive. We took the necessary time to be confident that they are inter-related and logical, using previous tactics which have been successful here at Company G. Packaging – use our trusted XG logo and recognized style of packaging. Great Warranty – offering a two-year warranty, this is better than current electric trimmers in the market. This is in line with our warranty for other product lines in our assortment. Dedicated Help Line – have a 24/7 help line specific to this product line. It will give advice, answer questions, and take care of issues that arise for customers. Market Pricing – Skimming pricing of $89.99. Good Terms – we will give 2% net 30 days pricing to our distributers. Advertising Allowances – $5 per unit sold for preapproved advertising campaigns. We will require proof of sales and give credit within 30 days of campaign end date/ Place Strategies Retail Stores – 2 National chain stores and 200 local pet stores based on their sales. Web presence – We will sell through Amazon.com, as well as on our web site. Quick shipping – We are going to use Amazon’s distribution Centers to ship to retail stores and directly to customers. This will be the most efficient use of our finished goods inventory. Personal selling – We will provide demonstrations at dog shows. Social media – We will have a You-tube presence, and a Face book presence. Discount / Donation – We will give customers a $5 discount and donate $5 to the Humane Society for the first 50K units sold. These strategies are a combination of approaches. We are going to use our strong brand name and recognition to take advantage to the consumers’ trust.  If they compare our product to Dremel or Oster’s trimmer, they will see we give them a superior warranty. We will get our product in front of millions of potential customers at dog shows. There are dog shows of various types happening every week across the United States. The retailers that we target will get good financial terms, along with our strong brand name. Our you-tube presentation will prove to customers just how easy and safe our trimmer is. We will also appeal to the good nature of pet owners will our donation to the Humane Society. In order to assure our success we need to put specific tactics in place. They need a due date and responsible party, so anyone in the process can see if we are adhering to our timeline. We know whom to ask about any given tactic as well. 3-Year Marketing Plan. (2016, Sep 17).

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Energizing Red Bull Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Energizing Red Bull - Essay Example This essay discusses that the â€Å"Red Bull – The Anti-Brand Brand† case showcases the strategic and global growth of energy drink, Red Bull. Discovered in Asia by Dietrich Mateschitz as a drink to boost factory productivity in 1982, the drink became a household name by 2003 with sales in more than 100 markets and a market share of 70%. Being a pioneer in energy drinks segment, Red Bull is an innovative product that tactically filled a gap in the market that only had coffee or natural juices as alternative options for energy. Red Bull, a compund mixture of taurine, caffeine and glucuronolactone, claimed to boost metabolism, improve performance, increase concentration and reaction speed, and increased endurance. Red Bull attained operational excellence by having decentralized sales and distribution channels, making sure that the product was accessible and available at all times. The brand created high barriers to entry by making sure there were â€Å"exclusive† p artnerships with strong distributors. The sales teams helped generate an aura of â€Å"exclusivity† by handpicking initial distributors and deliberate limiting of the supply. As expected in any industry, a growing market always attracts competition. In 2004, Red Bull faced intense competition from giant brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi who were developing their â€Å"health drinks† business and from private lables across the market. Currently, the top competition for Red Bull is from Monster, Pepsi and Suntory. It is seen from recent reports that the market share of Red Bull slipped to 40% in 2010. (Privo, 2010). The following write-up describes the marketing & communication strategies that Red Bull shouls adapt in order to rebrand its image and increase its sales to fight competition. Media Strategy Adopted by Red Bull in the case Key Customers & Customer segments The key customers for Red Bull were Generation Y-ers (18-29 year olds) who were the main consumers of à ¢â‚¬Å"extra energy† projects. Previously, these customers looked out for products (sometimes illegal) such as alchohol to provide them the extra thrill in their lives. Within the young adults customer group, Red Bull segmented them further to customize their promotional activities with respect to their needs. These segments are: Club-goers: All party-loving people who love a vibrant nightlife, like to dance and drink. These customers were the major consumers of thrilling vodka-red bull mix. Outdoors enthusiasts (Skiers, Skate-boarders): Outdoors enthusiasts such as skiers, snowboarders wanted Red bull to keep their energy levels high during their expeditions. Extreme Sports & Action games lovers: Lovers of extreme sports and action games such as racecar, bike racing and skydiving etc. also consumed Red Bull with zest. Hardcire Music fans: Music fans that regularly attend music festivals, rock concerts and other music gatherings were also users of energy drinks as Red Bull. Stu dents: Students who needed extra energy during their exams and university classes were another segment of Red Bull consumers. Product Positioning The manufacturers of Red Bull created an innovative niche for itself by positioning the product as a different, cool and rebellious product, which is available at a premium. Dietrich Mateschitz deliberately separated Red Bull from carbonated drinks (soda), juices or coffee. (Joyner, 2011). Key Messages & Brand Positioning The brand positioning and key messagers were derived from out of the product benefits and after-effects: Red Bull vitalizes body and mind. This key message became the nucleus of all promotional activities surrounding Red Bull with brand attributes as innovative, rebelling, self ironic, intelligent, nonconformist, self-confidence, mysterious, witty, charming, polarising and unpredictable. Red Bull’

Caffeine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Caffeine - Research Paper Example Later this turned into the creation of a form of tea by steeping these items in boiling water. The Chinese emperor Shennong, according to Chinese legend, reigned in around 3000 BCE and found out that when leaves fell into boiling water a â€Å"fragrant and restorative drink resulted†(Yu, 35) leading historians to believe that this also aided in the discovery of tea/caffeine use for regular usage. In 900 BCE, â€Å"The Greek historian Homer mentions a bitter drink that is capable of warding off sleep. This was probably strong brewed tea.† (Unknown, 14) Coffee was discovered later on in the 9th century by a goat herder who observed his goats eating berries from a tree that made them more alert and awake. (Yu, 54) At this time, coffee beans were already being used and ground into fat in North America. This substance became a staple for religious practices due to the fact that coffee helped them stay awake longer. As mankind became more and more advanced and developed, soci ety began to see the use of caffeine in more daily use. A German scientist named Friedlieb Runge first synthesized caffeine in the lab. Since then, scientists and pharmacologists have learned how to create and extract the chemical and properties of caffeine from the coca bean and put it into commercial and medicinal use. In today’s society, caffeine is most commonly seen in the use of coffee, energy drinks, candy, etc. Unknown to society is that caffeine is one of the most abused substances across the world and has properties in it’s mechanism of action that can create possible problems for both short term and long term use due to the pharmacokinetics of caffeine and it’s mechanism of action. Caffeine is a stimulant which when it interacts with certain receptors in the body. Specifically, caffeine impacts systems such as the central nervous system and other physiological systems in the body. The typical route of administration is oral and is usually found in consumer food products, but has also been isolated in pill form as well. The chemical nature of caffeine is that it is lipid soluble. Because of this property, caffeine is able to bypass the blood brain barrier and have a direct effect upon the neural synapses in the brain. Primarily, caffeine is an antagonist on the adenosine receptors in the brain. This means that caffeine physically binds to the receptors in the brain causing a release of adenosine into the synapses. This can cause the secretion of norepinephrine and dopamine to occur. Norepinephrine is a stimulating neurotransmitter that is most commonly associated with the â€Å"fight or flight† aspect of the sympathetic nervous system. Dopamine is a pleas ure and rewarding chemical that is regulated by many different reward pathways, but the most common one consists of the dopamine being secreted in the ventral tegmental area and it proceeding on a pathway to the prefrontal cortex through the nucleus accumbens. The rewarding effect is one of the ways in which an individual becomes addicted to the drug. Physiologically, a person can experience the associated â€Å"crash† once the drug is no longer in the system since caffeine has a half-life of approximately four hours. In order to achieve the same effect, the user must continue to use more and more of whatever caffeine source they are

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Language Acquisition Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Language Acquisition Theories - Essay Example A great deal of a child's acquisition of linguistic structure occurs during the first five years of life. This is the period when he is most active in discerning a set of underlying organizational principles of language from the expression that surrounds him. It is amazing how at a very young age, he is capable of abstracting meaning from direct experience with other language users depending on his own context. Lindfors (1987) notes that the child's language environment includes a set of specific sentences, however, it is not this set of sentences that he acquires, but deduces from these an underlying set of organizational principles and sound-meaning relationships. To illustrate, children as young as two do not talk by simply using the specific sentences they hear, but rather, they construct sentences according to their own early version of organized principles underlying the specific sentences they have heard. Perhaps due also limited language and motor skills, the child's early linguistic system is different from the adult's and results in telegraphic and grammatically erratic sentences like "He no want to sit me.", "I not like it", and "He gived it to me." Over time, his language system will be revised in many different situations, and his sentences will become more adult-like. For his own purpose, he builds his own rule-governed constructions as he has deduced from his environment. (Lindfors, 1987) There have been many theories conceptualized as to how language is acquired by human beings. Lindfors (1987) claims, "Virtually every child, without special training, exposed to surface structures of language in many interaction contexts, builds for himself - in a short period of time and at an early stage in his cognitive development - a deep-level, abstract, and highly complex system of linguistic structure and use. "( 90) This implies that every child is capable of learning language. The question is, how do they' Two proponents of theories of language acquisition have opposing views on the matter: B.F. Skinner, the father of Behaviorism, a psychologist and Noam Chomsky, a linguist. Their theories shall be discussed independently at first, and then contrasted later. Skinner's Behaviorist Model of language acquisition is consistent with the rules of operant conditioning, based upon a stimulus-response model. Simply put, infants are presented with language which they imitate. They are rewarded for their imitations so they continue to repeat what they have heard. Their imitation does not have to be exact or immediate in order for them to make use of it in learning language.

Friday, July 26, 2019

Doesn't matter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Doesn't matter - Essay Example These characters show that they are born with special powers and abilities. Talking about The Secret Ibis, it comes to understanding that Doodle (the lead character who is physically unstable) was a disappointment to his family. Among all, his brother was more disappointed because he could not play with him the way he expected to run. In the second setting, Simon Birch, one can note that Simon was not able to be one of those kids who were normal. It should also be noted that he was a short heighted person who was not accepted by anyone not even the society he lived in (Hurst). It will not be incorrect to state that if Doodle or Simon were treated well by his brother and Joe then it could have been expected that there were betterment in their lives. The support from family or friends would have helped them to be accepted by the society in general. As a contradiction to this statement, it was marked in the short story that Doodle was not at all accepted by his brother as he was tortured by showing coffin that was bought Doodle (Johnson). Ultimately, Doodle’s brother left him alone when the storm occurred. Doodle lost his life in the storm as he was dependent upon his brother for reaching school. In a similar way, Simon was put to test by his friend who was rather supposed to provide a support to him. Just because of the misunderstanding, he wronged Simon (Hurst). The community has seemingly failed to understand the need of dealing with people who are abnormal but can be gifted in many ways. For instance, Doodle was a mighty heart because he was able to survive when everyone thought he will not. In the same way, Simon was considered as a person who was short and misfit in the society. However, in real terms, he was extremely talented and wise. Nevertheless, despite their gifted personalities, they were not provided with the support and acceptance that they deserved to have (Johnson). Through the above analysis, it comes to understanding that the two

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Negotiation in China Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Negotiation in China - Research Paper Example   Many entrepreneurs have strived to make their ways in China with different investment intentions that include creating a partnership with Chinese firms. Negotiations are never easy since there are special insights that are required for proper negotiations processes. There exist a number of complications that hinder negotiations inChinaa which are largely based on the complicated Chinese culture. Better negotiation styles and skills are therefore very necessary in bringing competitive advantages and benefits. Chinese culture has very great influence on her business negotiations. China’s culture and behavior should be viewed differently by investors since the economics within Greater China become more internally linked together. To create competitive advantage among foreign investors going to china, there is a dire need to train them in international manners and customs so that they can learn a better negotiation style that is appropriate for China. The collectivism, hierarc hical, relationship and the haggling culture of Chinese people should be well understood particularly their long courting, formal and the fact that they prefer drawing on intermediaries when it comes to negotiation process. Dr. Robert Grosse authorized this research to further investigate the business managers’ perceptions regarding specific characteristics needed for successful negotiation in China. Dr. Robert B. Rogow, Dean of the College of Business and Technology at Eastern Kentucky University, will receive the finalized report on March 6, 2013.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Take a position Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Take a position - Essay Example This paper concludes by giving an international example of a social responsibility that is conducted by renowned Olympics organization which brought about a great change to the society.â€Æ' Athletes are the most visible expression of performance and financial success in the United States. They have an influential power that can bring people from different diversities to come up with amazing strategies in the society. They can allow the people through their various activities related to the society. They should be outspoken because they have even surpassed the Hollywood actors in entertaining. They have to get past athlete’s corporate and personal advisers and think about what is best for the people of their nation. The loyalty to the athlete programs should not be larger than those of the human race. Athletes have to stand up for the human race whose voice has been silenced and whose living are being banished by the policies and orders of the country. It is because they are a public figure. The less unfortunate people in the society are as much important as the athletes themselves, their coaches and also their fans. Athletes have an obligation to struggle for social justice. They should refuse to comply with the rules, regulations and restrictions that discriminate, violates and persecutes human race. They should be ready to sacrifice their luxurious living for the sake of recognition of the people’s rights and better living condition. Despite the critics that they might face in making this decision, they should be sure to stand by what is right and what they believe. Athletes can change lives through social duties. The reason is that athletics has power to bring about strong emotions and encourage health, friendship and respect. They can be able to enable and inspire people with intellectual disability through sports. Sports help them to improve physical fitness, show courage, and be involved in the sharing of gifts; talents

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Writing Assignment on Dopamine Transporter Research Paper

Writing Assignment on Dopamine Transporter - Research Paper Example Due to these sufferings, the veterans find it hard to adjust and gain acceptability in society. Their mental condition hampers their chances of finding jobs within US and due to this, their emotional status becomes worse. They fail to provide for their family and due to ample amount of stress and feeling of alienation from society, they end up taking steps that have dire consequences such as suicide. The government and the private sector need to join hands together to solve this problematic issue. Government has plans and budget to deal with the issues experienced by veterans, but these plans and budgets are not making much of a difference (Woodhead et al., 2011). The private and public sectors need to treat these patients of war through several treatment options available. This writing will focus upon how counseling can assist in solving the problem of anxiety disorder among war veterans and how well this method performed in the past. Cocker conducted a study on the war veterans of the Gulf War in which he studied over 1,000 veterans. The outcome of his study proved that around 59% of the veterans were diagnosed with some kind of mental and physical disorder; around 387 members of the study had some kind of illness and diagnosis of whether these illnesses were mental or physical could not be concluded; and only 90 or 9% of the veterans were not diagnosed with a health condition. A total of 195 were suffering from some kind of cognitive disorder which was caused just because of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and 16% and 18% of the members suffered from some kind of respiratory issue and muscular disorder respectively (Coker, Bhatt, Blatchley, & Graham, 1999). According to Dobson’s research, when the Australian government started its community counseling services for the Australian veterans of the Vietnam War during the period of 1987, more than 5,000 veterans signed up for the program (Dobson, Grays on,

History of public administration Essay Example for Free

History of public administration Essay Glossary Bibliography Biographical Sketch Summary Historical accounts of African public administration often highlight the colonial setting and usually overlook pre-colonial Africa. The African civil service has its roots in precolonial institutions on which European powers relied to build the colonial state and consolidate their administration. Thus, this chapter analyzes the development of African administration from the pre-colonial era up to the present. The first section discusses the pre-colonial period. The colonial system constitutes the second section. The third section deals with the post-colonial period and discusses some problems associated with African administration. 1. The Pre-Colonial Period: From the Ashes of Pharaohs to the Berlin Conference At the end of the prehistoric period (10 000 BC), some African nomadic bands began to settle more permanently in villages along the Nile River to develop the political foundation of ancient Egypt. As these early farmers increased their mastery over soil and animal life, irrigation became a key development strategy to increase food production, which in turn multiplied their populations. Eventually, different villages came to recognize their common interests, to coordinate their efforts and broaden community linkages. People from different communities joined together through confederation or conquest for purposes of commerce or defense, and developed African  ©Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICY – Vol. I Development of African Administration: Pre-Colonial Times and since Emizet F. Kisangani empires, kingdoms, and chieftaincies. Two types of systems, hierarchical political systems and horizontal or acephalous societies, developed to help generate stable communities and foster prosperity. U SA NE M SC PL O E – C EO H AP LS TE S R S Stateless societies were small political entities and had no bureaucracies as they were mostly based on kinship. Hierarchical societies, however, had bureaucracies to carry out certain functions such as collecting taxes, supervising ceremonies, entertaining dignitaries, and compelling people to do the rulers’ bidding. These polities, which evolved before the arrival of Europeans in Africa, were either centralized or decentralized political entities presided over by emperors, kings, chiefs, or military commanders. The following analysis covers the first hierarchical form of rule that emerged some three millennia BC in ancient Egypt, followed by a brief overview of Medieval Africa. The final sub-section discusses the African administration up to the Berlin Conference in 1884-1885. 1. 1. Ancient Civilization of Africa: The Case of Egypt Around 3300 BC, farming lineages along the Nile Valley joined together as villages to increase production of food and to defend themselves against outsiders. From these villages regional confederations of Upper and Lower Egypt developed. By 3100 BC, a central authority emerged and unified these confederations under the rule of divine pharaohs. From 2700 to 2181, six dynasties succeeded each other to form the Old Kingdom. A century and a half of civil war and provincial rivalries gave rise to the First Intermediate Period and the Middle Kingdoms that ruled Egypt from 2080 to 1640 BC. The Middle Kingdom was replaced by the Second Intermediate Period and the New Kingdom from 1570 to 1090 BC. Three dynasties (18th through 20th) ruled in the New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period began around 1089 BC with the Kushite Kings. The Egyptian empire was multinational consequent to the conquest of foreign nations. The Old and Middle Kingdoms were highly centralized and ruled by â€Å"god-kings† or pharaohs. With its capital at Memphis, the Old Kingdom was divided into provinces. Next to the king was the vizier, the administrative hand of the king, who was also in charge of day to day administrative, fiscal, and judicial matters. Although very few administrative documents have survived, court documents provide a glimpse of the Egyptian bureaucracy. Three basic administrative divisions existed: the Department of the Head of the South, the Office of Government Labor, and the Treasury. The Palermo Stone provides further evidence of administrative structure in the collection of revenue and in the assessment of Egyptian wealth. On the Stone was documented a biennial administrative census that left nothing unaccounted for, so that taxes could be assessed even on the basis of canals, lakes, wells, and trees of an estate. The system consisted of a hierarchical structure with diverse administrative agencies spreading throughout the kingdom for effective management. Another governmental task was the administration of justice, on which was founded the concept of ma‘at (or justice), whereby some high priests bore the title of priest of Ma‘at. In addition to the capital city of Memphis, there were other towns of importance that  ©Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICY – Vol. I Development of African Administration: Pre-Colonial Times and since Emizet F. Kisangani made up provinces headed by town governors, who were also chief priests in charge of temple revenue in many parts of Ancient Egypt. Provincial temples were the subject of central government regulations to avoid any strong power at the provincial level. However, during the first intermediate period, the office of governor in charge of civil affairs became the office of chief priest. U SA NE M SC PL O E – C EO H AP LS TE S R S The role of bureaucracy in these early kingdoms was to facilitate the transfer of resources from different provinces to the king’s court. If early administrations were in charge of maintaining irrigation and agricultural output, later administrations seemed to be more involved in supervising construction work and wealth transfer. The proliferation of these later types of bureaucracies, at the expense of those that used to maintain the agricultural system, would probably have produced pressures on the agricultural output and might have been the first sign of political decay in Ancient Egypt. The centralized system itself between the king, court officers, and ambitious governors may also have led to the same result. The New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period generated a great mass of documentation about Egyptian political and administrative life. The form of government remained the same, based on divine kingship. The government always stressed the religious function of the political system. Under the auspices of Gods, the government was expected to maintain the integrity of Egyptian territory and expand its frontiers. The most important function of the government was to create civic and individual security, and the vizier carried out the duty of ensuring that law and regulations were obeyed throughout the bureaucracy. The society was divided into hierarchical stratifications with the king at the top, a small group of high-ranking and wealthy officials next, and a much larger group of bureaucrats (scribes), priests, soldiers, stable masters, citizens, cultivators, and herdsmen filling the bottom layer. The Egyptian political system under the New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period was divided into an internal government and a government of conquests. Internally, the civil government was run by two viziers (northern and southern), overseer of the granaries of upper and lower Egypt, and the chief taxing master. The two viziers also supervised the overseer of the treasury and lower level officials in charge of bureaucracy, judiciary, and the police. At the lowest level of the administrative hierarchy were the chiefs, town mayors, and councils. The government of conquests had several governors who supervised vassal kings and their battalion commanders. Most of the Northern Lands were small and scattered, and under the direct control of various battalion commanders. The goal of this decentralization scheme was to obstruct anyone from controlling a large estate and challenging the king’s power. The governor of the Southern Lands was the Viceroy of Kush and his role became important internally at the end of the Twentieth Dynasty. He also supervised two deputies and a battalion commander. Military forces were all centralized under one commander. In addition to these administrative entities, there existed a religious government hierarchy, with the â€Å"overseer of prophets† at the top, a position held at various times by a vizier who was the head of two high priests. Below them was the priesthood bureaucracy. The corps of the centralized system was maintained by a small group of powerful officials. They headed each department and reported directly to the king who appointed  ©Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICY – Vol. I Development of African Administration: Pre-Colonial Times and since Emizet F. Kisangani and removed them. The bureaucracy consisted of a group of educated scribes whose role consisted of collecting taxes, conducting censuses, regulating agriculture, and administering justice and law with a small police force. A professional army was divided into various units, each with its own hierarchy of officers. U SA NE M SC PL O E – C EO H AP LS TE S R S Pressures on land and rising inflation may have been politically significant in later days of the New Kingdom, though bureaucratic inefficiency and abuse of power were probably the main causes of economic collapse. Besides the deterioration of administrative integrity, another major cause that weakened the kingship was the changing relationship between the king, civil government, army, and a few powerful families. Some families came to control major economic resources of the state, and the civil service became less susceptible to royal control. In addition, the kings’ tours of their provinces became less frequent, and royal princes and other deputies carried out religious rites formerly performed by the kings. During the ensuing Third Intermediate Period (1069 664 BC), Egypt was in perpetual crisis and the Egyptian civilization disappeared after the Roman conquest around 30 BC. In summary, the evolution of Ancient Egypt is characterized by the rise and fall of large scale governments that reflect alternating periods of unification and fragmentation. 1. 2. Medieval Africa Medieval Africa was different from the Ancient in several respects. First, Medieval leaders attempted to balance local traditions and regional autonomy in response to their peoples needs by developing and consolidating large-scale kingdoms and empires for purposes of trade or defense. A second difference was the impact of Islam on African societies. Muslims believed that one God (Allah) called on them to undertake jihads (commonly known as holy war against non-believers) when necessary. The most renowned of Africas medieval empires of Mali, Songhay and Morocco rose to the highest stages of their international influence with Islam as the imperial religion. Other medieval African kingdoms and empires developed indigenous political ideologies based on regional customs and beliefs, while Coptic Christianity remained the official state religion in the Abyssinian kingdom of medieval Ethiopia. In 969 A. D. , Muslims from the Maghreb conquered Egypt and established the Fatimid Dynasty in Cairo (c. 970-1170 A. D. ), which was highly hierarchical and whose military was highly professionalized. This strict hierarchy of officials, and the controlling powers of the vizier, left room neither for the autonomous tendencies of provincial governors nor for the growth of widespread corruption. Tolerant of other religions, the system let Copts and Jews occupy prestigious positions in the administration. The centralized administration controlled tax revenues, the payment of troops, and the allocation of military fiefs. The Fatimid administration was in charge of regulating and distributing the waters of the Nile River. Dams and canals were regularly repaired and improved; even an occasional period of low water did not greatly damage the general economic situation. When the Fatimid rule in Egypt was threatened by European Christian Crusaders (c. 1170), it was Egypts professional soldiers, or Mamluks (slave-soldier), who rallied behind Saladin to defeat the Crusaders. He then established a new Mamluk Dynasty in  ©Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICY – Vol. I Development of African Administration: Pre-Colonial Times and since Emizet F. Kisangani Cairo from 1171 to1517. By the thirteenth century, the institution of the slave-soldiers became an integral part of the political and social system in many Muslim countries. The Mamluk oligarchy never accepted in its ranks someone who was not a slave soldier, so that the military establishment not only remained hierarchical, but also continued to be a caste dominated by slave soldiers. U SA NE M SC PL O E – C EO H AP LS TE S R S Most Mamluk caliphates were divided into military fiefs centralized under one single Caliph. The basic administrative entity was the village because the Mamluk dynasty obtained most of its revenues from landed estates. A major innovation to ensure payment was that the peasants were prohibited from leaving their villages without permission. In addition to land taxes, the Mamluk caliphates drew their revenues from customs duties, based on ad valorem and the religion of the merchants, so that Christian importers had to pay taxes as high as 30%, whereas Muslim importers paid only 10%. This canonical tax was abolished under the reform of 1316. Several other kingdoms, such as Ghana and Mali, developed in Medieval Western Sudan. But the best known was the Kingdom of Songhay founded around the trading town of Gao (c. 1000 A. D. ). The Songhay Kingdom broke away from Mali and subsequently arose to become the third great empire in the medieval western Sudan (c. 1460-1590). Songhays founding emperor, Sunni Ali, established imperial authority northward into the Sahara in order to control international trade routes and valuable deposits of rock salt (which was mined and cut into large blocks to be traded for gold). Following Ali’s death, one of his generals, Muhammad Toure, overthrew the legitimate heir, and embarked on a hajj to Mecca. In 1496 he returned to wage jihad against nonMuslims. He conquered new territories and ruled over Songhays expanded empire as Caliph of West Africa. Under Muhammads authority (1493-1528), Songhay, especially the towns of Timbuktu and Jenne, rose to become one of the medieval worlds largest multinational empires. The administrative system was open enough to provide lower level citizens some type of upward social mobility. The empire was highly decentralized and Islam was used as a tool to assimilate different communities. Different categories of slaves cultivated fields, constructed adobe buildings and mosques, acted as porters, or served as soldiers and officials in the imperial government. Some of the latter rose through government and military bureaucracies by virtue of meritorious work to achieve high positions of administrative responsibility, as did soldier Muhammad Toure, when he rose by military merit to become a general and then became the emperor of Songhay. As emperor of Songhay, Muhammad established effective central supervision over provincial governors. He also reformed Songhays imperial government so that merit (rather than birth) became the principal criterion for advancement in bureaucracy. Eventually, after Muhammad became blind and was deposed in 1528, Songhays trans-Saharan trade declined. This was also partly due to competition from European sea traders along the West African Atlantic coast, which undercut the trans-Saharan gold trade. After severe political crises of succession disputes, rebellions and civil war that Songhay emperors faced during the 1580s, their imperial army was decisively defeated by Moroccos elite musketeers at the Battle of Tondibi in 1591. Other kingdoms and chieftaincies came up throughout Central, Eastern and Southern  ©Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICY – Vol. I Development of African Administration: Pre-Colonial Times and since Emizet F. Kisangani Africa. Although some of these polities were decentralized or confederated, most of them developed as centralized systems where the king or the chief represented the top, followed by the house of the king or an inner circle of advisors, and finally the Council of Elders as the legislative branch. The army and bureaucrats were in charge of maintaining security and law, collecting taxes, and conducting censuses. In most polities, age was a major social feature of stratification, while in other areas the system was meritocractic. 1. 3. Beyond the Medieval Era to the Nineteenth Century U SA NE M SC PL O E – C EO H AP LS TE S R S In the late 1500s and through the 1700s, Europeans and Arabs introduced new weapons and made new demands for captives of war throughout Africa to meet the demands of a growing international slave trade. Consequently, many of Africa’s previous patterns of political and economic growth were disrupted, even though many of the great traditions of medieval African politics and administration continued to guide their evolution. As African kingdoms and empires continued to develop, and trade between coastal cities and interior regions expanded throughout the continent, various African peoples established political confederations based on religious ideology, commercial linkages and/or military authority. Such confederations were committed to establishing broader nationalist ideologies, promoting literacy and advancement by merit, expanding both regional and international commerce, and undertaking significant administrative and military reforms. The first great reformer and leader in North Africa was an Ottoman military commander, Muhammad Ali (1805-1848). He established the first secular schools, engineering and medical colleges, modern factories, modern printing presses, and stateowned textile and munitions factories. His successors continued his policies of borrowing foreign capital and building projects, such as the Suez Canal that was completed in 1869. In the west, the original Asante confederation, established by seven clans near the city of Kumasi (in modern day Ghana), united around the symbolic Golden Stool of their ruler Asante-Hene. This confederation built roads and promoted agriculture, commerce, industry and education through self-help and self-reliance. The Asante emperors implemented several modernization policies in administration that included promoting advancement by merit and the development of state enterprise through public investment. By 1874, the British imperial army defeated the Asante army and annexed the Fante territories into their Gold Coast colony. In East Africa (c. 1800-1885), there was also a movement toward centralization of authority and broadened commercial linkages throughout the region, from Ethiopia’s Highlands to the Limpopo River in Southern Africa. In the first half of the nineteenth century, however, Africa continued to be significantly disrupted by international trade in slaves, even as new Euro-American markets began to demand large imports of such African-based commodities as palm oil, cotton, peanuts, and ivory. By mid-century, European merchants realized that Africans could produce such valuable exports more efficiently and humanely by working in their own countries than by working as slaves in the Americas. Many other nineteenth century African nations were consciously modernizing their various political economies and shifting to regional confederacies,

Monday, July 22, 2019

Gender and Students Grades Essay Example for Free

Gender and Students Grades Essay I decided to choose to do my project on if the gender of the teacher reflects what the student gets in the class. I am interested in this because I feel that a male teacher, for me, does a better job teaching. They have a stronger personality and are louder which keeps you listening. I chose to do this project because I am interested in seeing how the average student feels compared to how I feel. In order to collect my data, I will test a total of 10 classes, 2 classes from the following subjects; Algebra 2 regular, Chemistry Honors, IB History, Media Arts, and English 10 Honors. One class will be from a male teacher and the other from a female teacher. I will the split the classes into two groups male and female. In the two groups I will categorize the 5 classes into what the student got in the class. There will be 5 categories A, B, C, D, and F. Since I only want 5 columns I will round the A-s, B-s, C-s, and D-s to a regular letter grade. As well as the A+’s, B+’s, C+’s and D+’s to a regular letter grade. After obtaining all the data, I will begin to compare and analyze the data. First, I will do a simple process by finding the mean, median, and mode of the two groups. Since my data is in letter grades I will have to change the letters to a GPA. For example an A would be a 4, also since I am rounding the A-s to As an A- would also be a 4. Finding the mean, median and mode will show what the average grades are in the male and female classes. That data can be compared easily to show what grades are getting in which gender class. Another simple mathematical process is making a histogram. Each category (A, B, C, D, and F) will have two bars coming from it, one male and one female. This can show how many of the each letter grade is coming from each gender. It will visually show what gender is getting what grades in the classes. The last mathematical procedure I will be doing is a Chi-squared table which will be my sophisticated process. This will be my most accurate calculation to show if gender of the teacher is dependent on the grade the student gets in class. I am going to make  ·this table by splitting the date into two columns, male and female, and then by the grade the student got in the class. When making the histogram for one of my simple processes I added all the As together from the male classes then all the Bs and so forth. I did this for the female classes as well. For the graph my x-axis is the grade, y-axis is the number of students in the column. There are two bars coming up from each grade group to show the comparison between male and female. Calculating the Chi-squared of this data will be my last process. To find the Chi-squared I had to make a table with all the grades in it and which gender it was for. I then had to find the expected value, an example of this was multiplying the total number from the male column and the A column then dividing that by the total of grades overall. After getting the observed and expected tables I subtracted the observed from the expected then square rooted this then divided it by the expected. I did this for each column. Then the numbers were added together to get a chi-squared of 4.88. I used the rejection inequality given a significance level of 5%. To find the p-value I put my calculations into my graphing calculator to get a p-value of 0.363. I then found the degrees of freedom by subtracting the rows by the columns. This was able let me know which significance level to use which is 9.488. Since the chi-squared was false, you accept the null. Some of the errors I saw in my project were the classes I chose, Mrs. Mel and Mr. Nichols were an IB History class. An IB History class is a higher knowledge class, all of the students in these two classes got either an A or a B. Since everyone had higher grades this made an error in my project because two of my classes did not have three of the letter grades. This skewed my grades toward higher GPAs. I should have chosen a class that had more variety in grades. Another thing that made an error in my project was when I did the mean, median, and mode I rounded the grades. For instance a B- would be a B and a B+ would be a B. Rounding these grades made the variety not as big. Since students work well with different teachers another way to do this project which would give me more accurate data would be to compare a student who switched teachers between the two semesters from a male to a female. This would have showed more how a certain student acts with different genders rather than how a group of students acts. In conclusion, it shows that the gender of the teacher and the grade the students gets in that class are independent. The x ² calc was less than the critical value. The results I saw were similar to what I thought would happen. All though the calculations were not as accurate as I would have liked them to be and the conclusion is very vague to what I thought would have happened. This does change how I feel about gender affecting the student because I felt like the male was more of an effective teacher than a female but the calculations show the female is more effective.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

The principles of lean and agile Manufacturing

The principles of lean and agile Manufacturing All related literatures are reviewed in this chapter. Lean concept focuses on eliminate waste, while agile concept focuses on flexibility in supply chain. The theories that cite the topic of reducing cycle time in, which related to the lean concept. Detailed topics included in this chapter are 1. Principles of Lean Manufacturing 2. Product cycle time improvement 3. Principles of Agile Manufacturing 2.1 Principles of Lean Manufacturing Eiji Toyoda and Taiichi Ohno at the Toyota Motor Company in Japan had found the Lean production concept after World War II. Toyota Production System (TPS) is the original moving assembly line developed by Toyota Motor that make material flow continuously (Shingo, 1981; Monden, 1983; Ohno, 1988; Jones, Roos, and Womack, 1991). Henry Ford (1926) had been using parts of Lean as early as the 1920s, as prove as by the following quote: One of the most noteworthy accomplishments in keeping the price of Ford products low is the gradual shortening of the production cycle. The longer an article is in the process of manufacture and the more it is moved about, the greater is its ultimate cost In the past, the traditional business in the manufacturing industry Lean is a philosophy that is a method of inventory management and production control (Diana Coggin, 2003). Lean Manufacturing principle seeks to remove non-value-added activities from the production process. The Lean Manufacturing technology focuses on the production, quality, customer service, and profitability. It investigates the total operations system. The core of Lean Manufacturing is that can synergistic work to create a streamline, high quality system and produce the product meet the customer requirement with no waste. (Shan and Ward, 2003). Lean is a methodology that used to increase speed and reduce the cost of any process by eliminating waste. The main concept of Lean Manufacturing is that can be work together to create a streamline, high quality system and produce the product meet the customer demand with no waste (Shah and Ward, 2003). The companies can produce, develop and distribute products with half or less of the human effort, tools, time, space and overall expense by eliminating unnecessary steps, recombining labor into cross-functional teams dedicated to that activity, planning all steps in an activity in a continuous flow, and continuous attempt to improvement. They can also become more flexible and responsive to customer demands (Harvard Business School Press, 2000). The benefits of lean manufacturing is greater productivity, lower cost, shorter delivery times, improved quality and increased customer satisfaction. The objective of lean manufacturing is to deliver orders on time with shortest lead time with minimum inventory and with fewer resources. 2.1.1 Characteristics of a Leans process The principle of lean manufacturing is to eliminate waste in all the processes, there are seven types of waste: overproduction, inefficient transportation, general delays, inefficient internal materials handling, processing, inventory, defects. Lean principles can be used to improve productivity driven by workers, based on their knowledge of the work and equipment, with the goal of increasing value added work (Holly and Gaskins, 2004) The characteristics of Lean process assist to flow of process run as continuously as possible with a rapid cycle time. The precise description of each work station activity specifying cycle time, take-time, the work sequence of specific tasks, and the minimum inventory of parts on hand needed to conduct the activity (Stenzel, 2007). The characteristics of lean processes are: Make to order Single-piece production Just-In-Time materials/pull scheduling Short cycle times Quick changeover Continuous flow work cells Compressed space Multi-skilled employees High first-pass yields with major reductions in defects 2.2 Product cycle time improvement Lean manufacturing is an operational strategy oriented toward achieving the shortest possible cycle time by eliminating waste. Cycle time reduction is identifying and implementing more efficient ways to do things. Reducing cycle time requires eliminating or reducing non-value-added activities. The technique often decreases the time between a customer order and shipment, and it is designed to radically improve profitability, customer satisfaction, throughput time, and employee morale. ( Michael and Kentaro, 1998) Cycle time reduction is an important access in the tool chest of performance improvement methods. Cycle time reduction focuses on the opportunity to the time to complete the many process in the company. Cycle time is identifiable for a business process or the company, specific activity. Total cycle time is the sum of the cycle time of all activities in all the process of the company. It is important to understand the four components of the activities cycle time. Components of cycle time: wait, move, delay, process. Wait is the time an item that waiting to be moved to the next activity. Move time is the time during which the item moved from the last activity to the next. Delay or set up time is the time from when the item is ready to be processed at the next operation, until the work actually starts. Process Time is the time it takes to complete the work once it has begun. The component of the cycle time decision elements: a. Processing time: timing that the thing is being worked on by an operation. To studying this matter seriously by using tool; a stopwatch from camera following unit being processed by one operator all the way through the process (or sub-process). Processing Time = Manual Work + Walking + Waiting b. Waiting time: timing between sub-process that the thing gets shuffled around or sits around waiting for someone to work on it. As well as knowing Waiting Transportation Time or Inventory/Transpiration Time. In this case have effect from waiting time in each work station and wait time of part of car model. c. Change overtime; the amount of time takes to change over the making or program from the end to previous step to the current step. If you have to takes always will effect with total cycle time. d. Since a batch size of one has been unpracticed the goal is in improve productivity periodically. The ultimately reduces inventory carry costs, work in progress, and cycle time. Also this enabling the company operates profitably at lower margins. 2.3 Principles of Agile Manufacturing The Agile Manufacturing was presented in the first time at the publication in the USA of a report entitled 21st Century Manufacturing Enterprise Strategy (Barutcu, 2007). So, it has been introduced as a method of increasing competitive advantage in response to increasingly competitive global markets. Agile concept focuses on the fast response to changeable of customer demand (Mason-Jones, Naylor, Towill, 2000). The key component in agile manufacturing is flexibility (Nagel and Dove, 1991; Goldman, Nagel, Preiss, 1995). The agile manufacturing methods can be adjusted and consolidated into companies of any size to ensure the growth and success. The changeable of customer and technological requirements that make the manufacturers develop agile supply chain capabilities in order to be competitive (Barutcu, 2007). So, many companies use the flexibility and agility to respond the customers requirement and markets demand in real time (Mason-Jones et al., 2000; Yusuf et al., 2004). The new concept of agility manufacturing need to secure competitive advantage from the production process that can be both efficient and responsive (Davis, 1987; Pine, 1993). Agility can be defined as the ability of an organization to succeed in a constantly changing, and unpredictable business environment (Iaccoca Institute, 1991). The agility has four basic principles that to improve customer interaction by providing added value in order to satisfy customers needs (Nagel, 1993). The lead time to satisfy customer demands is important for both lean and agile. High product quality levels are also important for both lean and agile (Childerhouse Towill, 2000). In the case of lean, minimal lead times are required because time is waste and should be removed if possible. In the other hand, in the case of agile, minimal lead times are required to be able to respond volatile customer demand as quickly as possible (Towill, 1996). So, the concept of lean can be used to eliminate waste, when demand is smooth by planning to maximize profit by the way of reducing the physical cost (Womack Jones, 1996). And the concept of agile, the main point is the extreme of volatile market demand (Christopher, 2000). The lean concept try to offer the good quality products at lower price by removing inventory and waste from the process, in the other hand, agile concept try to serve as quickly as possible to the customer requirements and specifications (Maskell, 2001). Naylor et al., (1999) stated that both lean and agile paradigms in relation to supply chain strategies: Agility means using market knowledge and a virtual corporation to exploit profitable opportunities in a volatile marketplace. Leanness means developing a value stream to eliminate all waste, including time, and to enable a level schedule. To understand the evolution of these paradigms, a brief history of industrial production processes need to be described. There have been three major phases or paradigm shifts of industrial production in the modern world (Smith, 1992; Womack et al., 1991). These phases are as follows: 1. Craft production. This phase is in which craftsmen contracted and completed individual projects on a job-by-job basis. Customer requests were typically for unique products, which varied to some extent from a previously manufactured item. 2. Mass production. This phase is largely associated with the coming of age of Henry Fords mass production assembly line this was the time in which cookie-cutter products were rolled off the end of the line at breakneck speeds. Product variety was minimal at the beginning of this phase and increased somewhat as time progressed. 3. Lean/JIT production. This is a phase which only recently has been recognized as a viable production alternative. Lean/Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing attempts to use the advantages of mass production in concert with the principles of JIT and elimination of waste in order to minimize the total cost of producing a product. All related literatures are reviewed in this chapter. The researcher has discussed relevant concepts in the production process in make-to-order manufacturing. Lean focuses on eliminate waste whereas agile focuses on flexibility in supply chain.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Edgar Allen Poes The Cask Of Amontillado :: essays research papers

Stephen Ryan The Cask of Amontillado In "The Cask of Amontillado" Edgar Allan Poe takes us on a trip into the mind of a mad man. The story relates a horrible revenge made even more horrible by the fact that the vengeance is being taken when no real offense had been given. This concept sets the mood for true evil. The plot of the story is simple. Montresor takes revenge on his friend Fortunato by luring him into the wine cellar under the family estate. There he leads Fortunato into the depths of the catacombs where he buries him alive by walling him into a recess in the wall. This story is told in first person, from the point of view of Montresor. The exposition of the story occurs when Montresor tells us that he wants to take revenge on Fortunato because "he ventured upon insult." What this insult was we do not know. We do know that he intends to go unpunished for this act of reprisal. Montresor then informs us that he is going to continue to smile in Fortunatoâ⠂¬â„¢s face, while using Fortunato’s pride in his knowledge wine to lure him into the catacombs to taste some of his imaginary amontillado. At this point, the reader knows the conflict will be one of man versus man. It is an external struggle because Fortunato and Montresor are in a life and death fight. However, the conflict is largely internal, because Montresor has a fierce hatred that Fortunato is unaware of. The climax of the story is when Montresor chains Fortunato to the wall and begins to layer the bricks. It is the high point of emotional involvement. It is at this point that the reader may ask themselves if this is really about to happen. The conclusion lets us know that Montresor was never punished for this crime. Fifty years has passed and he is an old man telling the story on his deathbed. The true horror is that Fortunato died a terrible death, utterly alone, and his killer was never brought to justice. The theme in the story is perhaps the least important featu re. After all, it is about a senseless crime. Maybe the idea behind the story is that no one can find refuge from a deranged mind, or that terrible crimes can be committed when an imaginary offense can fester into reality.

Essay --

I was interested in languages since I was just 3 years old. I liked especially English as it was the second language after Armenian that I heard in my childhood and which had a great sway on me. It was mostly because of the Disney cartoons. Growing up under the influence of those cartoons and movies I started learning English. First movie by Walt Disney that I saw was "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". This movie made me fall in love with English. I started developing my language skills with listening to music and watching movies in English. Going deeper into the lyrics and movies, I was able to understand the beauty of this language. And also those movies helped me create my dreams. Since my childhood, I dreamed about founding my own TV Company for children in my hometown, since I believe mass communication, including television should have an educational value, because of the scale of impact it has. The department of Mass Communication which I’ve chosen will give me knowledge for developing quality programs, films and other materials. In recent years, I had tutorial lesson...

Friday, July 19, 2019

Peyton Place :: essays research papers

In 1956, a woman from middle class Manchester, New Hampshire wrote a book that shocked the nation. At 32 years old, Grace Metalious wrote the blockbuster novel Peyton Place. It transformed the publishing industry and made the author one of the most talked about people in the nation. Metalious wrote about incest, abortion, sex, rape, adultery, repression, lust, and the secrets of small town New England, things that were never discussed before in conservative America. She interpreted incest, wife beating, and poverty as social failures instead of individual flops. When Metalious published Peyton Place, the country was in the grasp of a new wave of sexual panic. The book turned the "private" into the "political." The avant-garde disturbed the country and critics called the book "wicked," "sordid," and "cheap." Canada declared it indecent and made the importation of the book illegal. Parts of Rhode Island, Indiana, and Nebraska followed suit arguing that the book would corrupt young minds. Wealthy communities banished Peyton Place. To read Peyton Place was to read it in secret and were sometimes discussed only among the closest of friends. Everyone was reading it - college and high school students, college graduates, mothers, wives, and even husbands and fathers. In 1956, a sexual act such as sodomy, oral sex, and intercourse with another married person in most states was illegal. Also, abortion was illegal, and birth control was unreliable and in many cases, difficult to find. To many critics, Metalious’ book was not scandalous because of its case in point, but because of the sexual pleasures that were received and given by the female characters. Peyton Place begins with Indian summer in 1939. It takes place in a very descriptive, postcardesque New England town. The main story focuses on three women characters and their underlying search for their identities as sexual women in small town America. Allison Mackenzie is the bastard daughter of Constance Mackenzie who had an affair with a married man. She illegally changed Allison’s birth certificate and lied to the Peyton Place locals that her husband died. Connie didn’t want any of the town folk to find out the truth that the father of her child was a married man because she would become the town gossip of ridicule. She kept this secret to herself, and only to herself until an argument between her and Allison occurred when Connie thought Allison was having sex with one of her friends, and so she lashed out the truth to Allison.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Benefits of Jumma Prayer

Hadhrat Ali Ibn Abu Taalib (RA) narrated: on the pulpit in the mosque of Kufah: When Friday comes, the devils go to the markets with their flags, and involve people in their needsand prevent them from the Friday prayer. The angels come early in the morning, sit at the door of the mosque, and record that so-and-so came at the first hour, and so-and-so came at the second hour until the imam comes out (for preaching). When a man sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), where he remains silent and does not interrupt, he will receive a double reward.If he stays away, sits in a place where he cannot listen (to the sermon), silent, and does not interrupt, he will receive the reward only once. If he sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), and he does not remain silent, he will have the burden of it. If anyone says to his companion sitting besides him to be silent (while the imam is preaching), he is guilty of idle talk. A nyone who interrupts (during the sermon) will receive nothing (no reward) on that Friday. Then he (the narrator) says in the end of this tradition: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say so. Abu Dawood 1046) 1. Jummah preparations should begin on Thursday such as clipping the nails, removing of the hair etc (Ihya aul-Uloom, vol. 1, page 161) 2. To have a bath (Ghusl) (Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah) On one Friday, Rasulallah said: â€Å"O Muslims! Allah Ta'ala has made this day a day of Eid. So have a bath on this day, whoever has perfume should apply it, and use the Miswaak. â€Å" (Ibn Majah) 3. To use Miswaak (Ibid) 4. To use Attar (Perfume) (Ibid) 5. To wear nice clothes (Abu Dawood, Chapter of Ghusl on the day of Jummah) 6. To proceed early as possible to the Masjid for JummahRasulallah (Pbuh) said: â€Å"On the day of Jummah, the angels stand at the entrance of that Masjid in which Jummah salaat is to be offered. They write down the name of the person who enters the Masjid first, and thereafter the name of the person who follows, and they continue doing this. The person who entered first will receive the reward of sacrificing a camel in the path of Allah; the one who followed him will get the reward of sacrificing a cow, thereafter a chicken, thereafter the reward of giving an egg as charity in the path of Allah.Once the khutbah commences, the angels close the register and begin listening to the khutbah. â€Å" (Bukhari and Muslim) 7. To walk to the Masjid if possible for every step is a reward of a years Nafl Fast (Tirmidhi) 8. One should listen very attentively to the khutba even if one does not understand. One should not speak or even warn another to keep quite while the khutba is in progress. 9. To try to sit as close as possible to the Imaam. (Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi) 10. If the Saffs (rows) are already filled, one should not jump over the shoulders of the musallies in order to get to the front. Abu Dawood) 11. One should not fiddle with clothes or fingers but listen attentively (Ibn Majah) 12. When Rasulallah (Pbuh) name is mentioned in the khutba then it is permissible to recite durood in the heart only without the movement of the lips or tongue. 13. Between the two khutba’s one should make dua. It is permissible to make dua without raising hands or moving the lips (I. e. dua should be made in the heart only without the movement of the lips or the tongue) (Aadaab -E – Zindagee) 14. To read: Surah Al A’ala (Sura no 87) in the first rakaat of Jummah Salah nd Surah Gaathia (Surah no 88) in the second rakaat. (Bukhari) 15. Related by Hakim and Bayhaqi, from Abu Sa`id â€Å"Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays. † (Ibn Hajar, Talkhis al- Habir) 16. Rasulallah (Pbuh) is reported to have said, â€Å"Recite Durood upon me in abundance on the day of Jummah since they are presented to me. † (Ibn Majah) 17 . Making abundant dua on Jummah Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: â€Å"There is such an hour on Friday that if any Muslim makes dua in it, his dua will definitely be accepted. † (Bukhari, Muslim) 18 .Reciting Durood 80 times after Asr: According to a Hadith recorded in Tabarani on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) : Abu Hurraira (RA) reports that the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) said: â€Å"Whoever recites the following Durood eighty times immediately after Asr Salaat on Friday, before standing up from his place, Allah will forgive eighty years of sins and grant him the reward equivalent to eighty years of worship. † Allahumma salli alaa muhammadinin nabiyyil ummiyyi wa-ala aalihi wasallim tasleema O Allah bless Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and his family and grant them best of peace. Jame Sagheer) 19. Abu Hurraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: The five daily prayers, and from one Jummah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not comm it any major sin. (Muslim, 233) 20. It was narrated from Abu Hurraira that the Prophet (Pbuh) said: Whoever does Ghusl then comes to Jummah, and prays as much as Allah decrees for him, then listens attentively until the khutbah is over, then prays with him (the imam), will be forgiven for (his sins) between that and the next Jummah and three more days. Muslim, 857) Al-Nawawi (Ra) said: The scholars said that what is meant by his being forgiven between the two Jummah and three more days is that a good deed is worth ten like it, so he will be rewarded with ten rewards for each of the good deeds that he did on Friday. Some of our companions said: What is meant by what is between the two Jummah is from Jummah prayer and the khutbah until the same time on the following Friday, so that it will be seven days, no more and no less, then three days are added making ten in all. 21. Coming early to Jummah brings a great reward.Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: â€Å"Whoever does Ghusl on Friday like Ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i. e. , early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah. † (Bukhari, 814 and Muslim, 850) 2. If a person walks to Jummah prayer, for every step he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year. It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: Whoever does Ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do Ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year. † (al-Tirmidhi, 496 ) Ibn al-Qayyim (Ra) said in Zaad al-Maa’aad, 1/285: Finally after quoting the hadith which speak of the virtues of Jummah prayer:What we have quoted, when taken all together, indicates that the expiation of sins from one Friday to the next is subject to all the conditions mentioned above being met, namely doing Ghusl, cleaning oneself, putting on perfume, wearing one's best clothes, walking in a calm and dignified manner, not stepping over people, not pushing between two people, not offending others, praying nafil prayers, listening attentively and avoiding idle speech. May Allah give us the ability to act upon all of these virtuous deeds and Sunnah of Rasulallah (Pbuh). Ameen  ¦