Nintendo market analysis

1.   Who is the market?Nintendo is a gaming company. The company’s gaming is almost entirely concentrated on electronic games and interactive entertainment. Its main products are video games, handheld games and console games (Nintendo Corporate)2. Who is the target market?The target market of gaming companies are people in the age group of 5-34 years. However, the growth in this industry is occurring in the demographic of 18-34 years (Rye)3.   Who is the served market?The primary target market which Nintendo serves is to the 5-17 year old gamers. However, choice for buying such games lie with their parents, Nintendo also has an indirect target in them (Rye)4. What is the size of the target market?Currently the Video game market is $19 billion dollars, with about $8.4 billion dollar market in US, and $9.8 billion dollar market in the Asia Pacific region (Kolodny 2006)5. How fast is the market growing (%/yr)?PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that by 2010 the video game market should grow to $46.5 billion. This means an average compount annual growth rate of 11.4%. The US market is likely to grow at the rate of 8.8%, to hit $13 billion in 2010, and the Asia Pacific market is likely to grow at the rate of 12.3% to hit $17.4 billion by 2010 (Kolodny 2006)6.   How far the market is penetrated (%)?Nintendo of America has achieved remarkable market penetration. It's estimated that 40 percent of American households own a Nintendo game system (Brown 2007). Worldwide Nintendo’s market share is 21.2% (Shim 2005)7. What are customers` current needs?Currently the video game customers need games which are aimed at adults rather than kids. The game market for kids, has reached its saturation, and the need of the hour is building games aimed for older people (Borow 2003)8.   What are customers` future needs?In future, with the wider spread in online and wireless games, customers need to have video games which will be less expensive and portable. They would a lso need to have these systems easily run in a network, which is the prime reason for the rage of PC games (Jackson)9.   What are current distribution channels?Nintendo’s products can be either brought off the shelf from various game shops; currently there are many games which could be played online too. In addition, Nintendo also plans to go in for digital distribution with the Wii and Virtual console distribution channels (Nintendo Corporate)10. How price-sensitive are customers?Nintendo was earlier known for price fixing, when the customers were more interested in the product than the price. The advents of wireless and online games have reversed the trend, where the customer goes for buying the least expensive of the products, if the quality is good (Molnar 2007)11.   What is the current pricing strategy?The current pricing strategy of Nintendo is by continuing their investment with the GameCube. This has allowed them to keep hardware development and manufacturing cost s down. This has made theme only current generation console that has profited from the hardware at the time of launch (Molnar 2007)12. What are some market/customer trends?Despite the great figures of growth etc, the market share for the console markets will be decrease with respect to the entire gaming market. This is due to the shifting of customer interests from console games to online and wireless games, which are seeing an explosive growth rate (Kolodny 2006).ReferencesBorow J, â€Å"Why Nintendo won’t grow up†, January 2003,https://www.wired.com/2003/01/nintendo-4/Brown R, â€Å"Achieving a fast Return on investment†, 2007http://www.hytrol.com/web/casestudy.cfm?id=35Jackson, â€Å"Where you should compete†,http://www.lek.com/UserFiles/File/Jackson_ch01.pdfKolodny L, â€Å"Global Video game market set to explode†, 23rd June 2006, Nintendo Market Analysis Who is the market? Nintendo is a gaming company. The company’s gaming is almost entirely concentrated on electronic games and interactive entertainment. Its main products are video games, handheld games and console games (Nintendo Corporate)Who is the target market? The target market of gaming companies are people in the age group of 5-34 years. However, the growth in this industry is occurring in the demographic of 18-34 years (Rye)Who is the served market? The primary target market which Nintendo serves is to the 5-17 year old gamers. However, choice for buying such games lie with their parents, Nintendo also has an indirect target in them (Rye)What is the size of the target market? Currently the Video game market is $19 billion dollars, with about $8.4 billion dollar market in US, and $9.8 billion dollar market in the Asia Pacific region (Kolodny 2006)How fast is the market growing (%/yr)? PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that by 2010 the video game market should grow to $46 .5 billion. This means an average compount annual growth rate of 11.4%. The US market is likely to grow at the rate of 8.8%, to hit $13 billion in 2010, and the Asia Pacific market is likely to grow at the rate of 12.3% to hit $17.4 billion by 2010 (Kolodny 2006)How far the market is penetrated (%)? Nintendo of America has achieved remarkable market penetration. It's estimated that 40 percent of American households own a Nintendo game system (Brown 2007). Worldwide Nintendo’s market share is 21.2% (Shim 2005)What are customers` current needs? Currently the video game customers need games which are aimed at adults rather than kids. The game market for kids, has reached its saturation, and the need of the hour is building games aimed for older people (Borow 2003)What are customers` future needs? In future, with the wider spread in online and wireless games, customers need to have video games which will be less expensive and portable. They would also need to have these systems e asily run in a network, which is the prime reason for the rage of PC games (Jackson)What are current distribution channels? Nintendo’s products can be either brought off the shelf from various game shops; currently there are many games which could be played online too. In addition, Nintendo also plans to go in for digital distribution with the Wii and Virtual console distribution channels (Nintendo Corporate)How price-sensitive are customers? Nintendo was earlier known for price fixing, when the customers were more interested in the product than the price. The advents of wireless and online games have reversed the trend, where the customer goes for buying the least expensive of the products, if the quality is good (Molnar 2007)What is the current pricing strategy? The current pricing strategy of Nintendo is by continuing their investment with the GameCube. This has allowed them to keep hardware development and manufacturing costs down. This has made theme only current generat ion console that has profited from the hardware at the time of launch (Molnar 2007)What are some market/customer trends? Despite the great figures of growth etc, the market share for the console markets will be decrease with respect to the entire gaming market. This is due to the shifting of customer interests from console games to online and wireless games, which are seeing an explosive growth rate (Kolodny 2006).ReferencesBorow J, â€Å"Why Nintendo won’t grow up†, January 2003,http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.01/nintendo.htmlBrown R, â€Å"Achieving a fast Return on investment†, 2007http://www.hytrol.com/casestudy.cfm?id=35Jackson, â€Å"Where you should compete†,http://www.lek.com/UserFiles/File/Jackson_ch01.pdfKolodny L, â€Å"Global Video game market set to explode†, 23rd June 2006,http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/jun2006/id20060623_163211.htmMolnar J, â€Å"The Wii Played an impressive opening†, 22nd March 2007,http:/ /blogs.spouting-tech.com/thepensivegamer/2007/03/the_nintendo_wi.htmlâ€Å"Nintendo Corporate†, http://www.nintendo.com/corp/Rye C, â€Å"Market Research: Nintendo DS – Marketing strategy†http://court.ryefamily.net/files/Nintendo-DS-Marketing.docShim R, â€Å"Next-gen Consoles take front stage†, 12th May 2005,  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.zdnetindia.com/news/features/stories/121828.html

How Do I See

How I would like to see myself in the next 10 years? For the next 10 years I want to see myself succeed in every aspect such as self, family/social, economic, and spiritual. I would like to see myself still in service, growing in my profession and continuous my study / schooling. So, I will improve more in the areas of my weaknesses and make use of my full potential and ability in achieving my personal goals. By that time, I am continuing practicing my profession as Psychologist and perhaps able to finished my master’s degree or even doctorate degree in Psychology.Economically, I am a financial independent and secure individual. I will no longer worry about my old age. I will travel and have fun of life after years of hard work and perseverance. My husband and I will have our own life, spend more time together and enjoys ourselves as maybe we never had before due to work demands. I have a business of my own which will also be a help in securing our other financial needs like f or medicine, hospitalization and others.My family will be independent. My children already finished college and have their own profession in chosen field / career. I see myself mentoring and guiding my children in every step of their chosen career for them to succeed and support them in their failures. I maybe have a grandchild as well by then. I will be spending more time with my family, enjoying life and make most of my life servicing them. I want to have recreational gathering with my relatives and closest friends.My relationship with God is deep and will continue to seek more of Him in our life. I will have my devotions continuous and still involved myself in church services and recollections. My children will still be in church services and perhaps even grandchildren will also be part of it. Our family devotions will be taught to our grandchildren, if we have, and teach them to anchor their faith only in God. I am seeing my whole family attending altogether in every Sunday mass , special occasions and all important moments of our life.

The Main Functions of a Manager Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Main Functions of a Manager - Assignment Example This paper illustrates that as an organizer, a manager should be able to organize their teams and other resources according to the obtained plan. Depending on the organizational needs, a manager should select, recruit, train and develop employees. As a leader, a manager should be able to communicate, guide, motivate and encourage the organization’s employees. This means they should also be able to solve problems with employees, coach and assist them. When all has been set in place, the manager has a continuous task of checking results against goals and taking any necessary steps to ensure all goals are met. In order to accomplish the above-mentioned responsibilities, managers adopt different management styles. A good example of these is the consultative/democratic supervision. In this type of management style, the manager uses staff empowerment to ensure tasks are accomplished. Staff empowerment means delegation of authority to staff members hence giving them the responsibilit y of accomplishing their assigned tasks. The employees are free to choose the best method to complete the tasks. However, one rule is that tasks should be accomplished on time. Â  In consultative supervision, employees are motivated and develop a sense of belonging because they are involved in decision making. From its name ‘consultative supervision’, it is clear that managers consult employees before making major decisions. This is unlike the autocratic management style where the manager makes decisions without any consultation and dictates orders to staff. The disadvantage that arises from this type of management style is that decision making takes a long time due to the extensive consultations involved. Some employees could also take advantage of the democratic managers by not working to their full potentials. Assertive communication is the communication style employed in democratic management style. In this case, no one pushes the other beyond their limits.

Amrican literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Amrican literature - Essay Example It is because American and America were empty reflections of each other. It seemed to be a tussle of who define whom between individual and nation (McWilliams 6). Henry David Thoreau was a disciple of Emerson and he followed Emerson like no one. His experiment Walden allowed him to manifest Adam. He represented deliberate living and rejected traditional ideas and historical Christianity. He separated himself from the corruption that is believed to be in the roots of 19th century New England. He rediscovered American Adam and the values that he holds important by challenging the old and strongly held beliefs. His masterpiece, Walden is a wakeup call to recover and maintain American Adam’s innocence by genuine self-reflection and exploring human nature and of wilderness. It starts with the restrictions imposed on personal freedom and ends with the new and promising future that is waiting for new American (Keenan 37-38). Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau represented American as optimistic innocent who is an authentic man. The figure as Emerson referred, â€Å"the plain old Adam, the simple genuine self against the whole world† (Qtd. in Keenan 37).He is unconventional and free from past limitations. He values future and optimistic. An American is focused on future and believes in the promise of new America. Innocence is subjected to vulnerability and it changes with experiences as it is with American Adam. Emerson briefly touches this confrontation in terms of â€Å"party of Hope† and the â€Å"party of Memory,† and advocated the former quite enthusiastically. According to his belief, America is a new beginning for men that show a bright future because of an optimistic present. Americans, most notably, are free from past sins. The term ‘sin’ does not denote spiritual burden from past but it is a term that is subjective (Keenan 37). Benjamin Franklin was considered to the â€Å"Founding Father† and a model of national character for

Static Equilibrium Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Static Equilibrium - Coursework Example An object with zero acceleration does not imply that, it is at rest. Objects in equilibrium state are at rest and staying at rest or in momentum and continue to be in momentum with the same speed and direction. This concept also emanates from Newton’s first law of motion (Herbert 135) When an object is at a condition of rest and the forces acting upon its particles are balanced (Equilibrium) then such as situation is referred as static equilibrium. The term static implies a stationary state or a condition of rest. The sum total amount of forces acting upon an object in equilibrium also known as the vector sum is equivalent to 0 Newton (Cathrine 1) An object has to be in a stationary state, the must also not be in a state of transitional acceleration as well as rotational acceleration. In addition, the vector total of all the external forces acting upon it must be zero: ∑ F = 0 Since this object is at equilibrium, the magnitude of the forces represented as Force A, Force B, Force C and Force D acting upon it are balanced. This also implies that the horizontal and the vertical forces sum up to 0 Newton. One method that can be used to measure and establish whether an object is in equilibrium or not is an instance where an object is tied and hanged on two strings attached to weighing scales simultaneously. The diagram is indicated below; The magnitude of the forces acting upon the object is shown by the measurement indicated on scale 1 and scale 2 as well as the magnitude of force A (Cathrine 3) An example of an object at a static equilibrium can also be demonstrated by a box that rests on the floor. The box is impacted on by two external forces at different directions that is, the gravitational force that pulls the box to the centre of the earth. An equivalent force is also impacted by the floor on the box (pushes the box

To what extent does strategic management accounting contribute to Literature review

To what extent does strategic management accounting contribute to global competitiveness Illustrate your answer through an anal - Literature review Example As a result they provide incomplete set of measures (Bowhill, 2008). The traditional management accountant fails to cover the assessment related to relative cost situation of its competitors. It is due to this reason that strategic management report is considered to be one of the most important forms of management accounting in the present days. The strategic management accountant emphasizes on the cost position, the procedure for an organization to achieve sustainable cost advantage and the cost of differentiation through which the products of an organization can be differentiated from others. The transition in the strategic planning and decision-making of the organizations can be seen through increasing incidence of various accounting tools like value chain analysis, balance score cards etc. The balance score card have been designed as one of the most effective performance measurement framework which evaluates the performance of the organization, employees etc (Smith, 2005). There are four main perspectives in the balance score card (Kaplan and Norton, 1996). The objectives of the balanced score card mainly focuses on achieving high profitability for the business enterprise, increasing the customer satisfaction, increasing the satisfaction level of the employees and creating high values for the existing stakeholders. The balanced score card is one of the most effective ways of designing strategies by means of which the organizational objectives can be achieved. It evaluates the performance of an organization from four main perspectives by creation of metrics, accumulation of data and analysis of the data that have been collected. The four perspectives include financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business perspective and learning & growth perspectives (Bischoff, 2011; Niven, 2005). The financial perspectives deal with factors such as growth in the income, return on equity, cash flow, sales etc. The perspectives evaluate and aid the determinati on of performance of any organization from the domain of profitability. This would further help in determining whether the present strategies are being executed in proper manner for the accomplishment of the objectives of the organization. The customer’s perspective directs towards the targeted niche to which the organizations want to cater their services and improve their performances (Mowen, Hansen and Heitger, 2008). The internal business perspective focuses on the improvement of the value provided to the shareholders by the organization. In this context, customer service, operating processes and innovation play significant role (Holl and Bohm, 2005; Eigenmann, 2007). The learning and growth perspective signifies the skills and core competencies of the employees. It also points at the technologies implemented which helps in formulating and utilizing the strategies. Another such framework is the value chain. The value chain deals with chain of activities which an organizati on

Effects of Media on Fear of Crime, Perception and Reality Essay

Effects of Media on Fear of Crime, Perception and Reality - Essay Example The main part of fear of crime is the scope of emotions that is roused in people by the chance of oppression. While usual measures of concern about crime repeatedly prove between 35 percent and 55 percent of the residents of England show some type of apprehension about becoming a victim, surveys tell that a considerable number of individuals in fact worry for their personal wellbeing on a daily basis. Contrary to usual perception, this level of fear has reduced since 1990s according to British Crime Surveys from 40% to 27% in 2003 in the United Kingdom. As a result, one can differentiate between fear and broader apprehension. Nonetheless, it should come under notice that a number of individuals might be keener to disclose their uncertainties and vulnerabilities as compared to others. Hearing about happenings; identifying others who have been persecuted - these are thought to increase insights of the risk of oppression. This has been explained as a ‘crime multiplier’, or procedures functioning within the inhabited atmosphere that would reach the impacts of illegal happenings. â€Å"Such proof exists that hearing of friends’ or neighbours’ victimisation increases anxiety that indirect experiences of crime may play a stronger role in anxieties about victimisation than direct experience†. Nonetheless, there is an advisory note: several inhabitants of a locality merely know of offence indirectly by means of channels that may ‘inflate’, ‘deflate’, or distort the actual picture.... Nonetheless, it should come under notice that a number of individuals might be keener to disclose their uncertainties and vulnerabilities as compared to others. Hearing about happenings; identifying others who have been persecuted - these are thought to increase insights of the risk of oppression (Flatley et al, pp. 1-220, 2010). This has been explained as a ‘crime multiplier’, or procedures functioning within the inhabited atmosphere that would reach the impacts of illegal happenings. â€Å"Such proof exists that hearing of friends’ or neighbours’ victimisation increases anxiety that indirect experiences of crime may play a stronger role in anxieties about victimisation than direct experience† (McCluskey & Hooper, p. 173, 2001). Nonetheless, there is an advisory note: several inhabitants of a locality merely know of offence indirectly by means of channels that may ‘inflate’, ‘deflate’, or distort the actual picture.’ Public views of the threat of crime are as well shaped strongly by mass media reporting. People pick up from media as well as interpersonal contact spreading representations of the criminal happening - the perpetrators, injured parties, cause, and signs of significant, irrepressible, and sensational crimes. The concept of stimulus likeness may be significant: if the reader of a newspaper categorizes with the portrayed victim, or feels that their personal neighbourhood has similarity to the one explained, then the image of threat may be taken up, individualised and interpreted into personal security concerns. In addition, reports have indicated differences in perceptions of fear based on the type of newspapers read by locals in the United Kingdom (Simmons & Dodd, pp. 1-189, 2003). In a recent study, â€Å"subjects

Outline and critically assess Max Webers concept of the iron cage in Essay

Outline and critically assess Max Webers concept of the iron cage in relation to the rationalisation of work in the modern world - Essay Example assess it in relation to the rationalization of work in the modern world, the paper offers a consistent examination of Max Weber’s thought and teaching on rationality, bureaucracy and capitalism. Weber viewed bureaucracy as the natural stage of historical evolution and as the most efficient way of governing the modern world’s society. On the other hand, comparing it with â€Å"the iron cage† he underlined the drawbacks of bureaucratic machine and highly rational approach to life, and admitted that as a result we live in a â€Å"polar night of icy darkness." Bureaucratic approach being recognized as the out-of-date management style, the modern society tries to adopt new methods of work. Yet, work continues remaining highly rationalized. Weber’s â€Å"social action.† To understand Weber’s concept fully, one should turn to his methodology, throwing light at the way of Weber’s thinking. Weber based his methodology on the category of the ideal type, which is the interest of the epoch, â€Å"a utopia,† expressed in a form of theoretical construction, a scheme. This ideal type helps to understand the common rules of the events, proving basis for economic, esthetic and moral values of people. With the help of understanding, a sociologist should examine the actions of an individual, who puts some sense into all of his actions. An individual’s actions become social actions conditioned by two factors: subjective motivation and orientation towards others. This orientation towards others makes an action a social action. Social action can be carried out only by individuals. To understand the social processes taking place in a state, a family, or any other social group, it is necessary t o understand the motives of actions of the separate individuals composing the examined social group. Yet, understanding is not sufficient for a deep insight into social processes. Rational actions should serve the instrument of sociology. Weber offers a typology of social actions based on

A Modest Proposal Essay Example for Free

A Modest Proposal Essay A Reading of A Modest Proposal concentrating on how Swift criticised the society in which he lived. A Modest Proposal is a satirical pamphlet written by Jonathon Swift in 1729. It outlines the dreadful way in which Catholics were treated by the protestant minority in Ireland during these times. During the time Swift wrote this piece of prose, a series of laws called the Penal Laws excluded Catholics from society. They made it illegal for them to own any land and if they made a profit of more than a third of their rent, they could face eviction. They lived in absolute poverty and had no human rights. Swift may have written this text for innumerable reasons but one can suggest that there were three main points: (1) to cause outrage and shock in order to get the author, Swift, much attention, (2) to draw attention to the governments refusal to do anything about child poverty and (3) to draw attention to the plight of the poor by showing that his proposal was no more monstrous than the situation that already existed. The text works by combining many elements of literary techniques, such as irony, shock tactics and moral pronouncements, in order to create the maximum response possible from the reader- shock. It can be suggested that this shock was hoped to achieve anger throughout the protestant communities and maybe to cause some civil unrest until something was done about it. The title also covers up what the proposal actually is. In a rough translation, the title could mean A humble suggestion for preventing the children of the poor from being a burden to their parents as they are of no use to their parents or society, and making them useful to the public. Though this translation may give an insight to what the suggestion is about, the reader still does not know what it actually is. The text can be split into four parts: (1) the problem, (2) the plan, (3) the solution and (4) the benefits.   The first criticism made by Swift can be found in the first paragraph, It is a melancholy object to those who walk through this great town crowded with beggars of the female sex. This shows that Swift may be implying that the proposal is about the poor people of Ireland. One may notice that this quotation is also a criticism about how many poor Catholics there are in Ireland and that something should be done about it. The next criticism is in the fourth paragraph supported by her milk for a solar year with little other nourishment. This could suggest that there is not enough food for Catholics, so they have to feed the babies on just their mothers milk, however, this quotation could just show that babies can survive on just their mothers milk so it could be a statement of fact. The next criticism can also be found in the fourth paragraph, wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives. This can be connected with paragraph one as this may mean that the catholic children would be begging for food and clothing for the rest of their lives unless something is done about it. Another criticism can be found in paragraph six, able to maintain their own children, although I apprehend that there cannot be so many. This may appear to some readers that the author is writing about the poor state of Catholics and that they are so poor, that cannot provide for their own children but it could also be translated that Protestants think so badly of Catholics that they do not care how their children are treated. In paragraph seven, there is a further criticism concerning Catholic children. He says that a boy or girls before twelve years old is no salable commodity meaning that young children are useless to society. Swift then compares the poor children to animals in paragraph fifteen, will make admirable gloves for ladies and summer boots for fine gentlemen. Here, Swift is comparing childrens skin to leather from a cow. Going back to paragraph twelve, yet another criticism can be found within the quotation landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of their parents, seem to nave the best title to the children. This could be seen as a pun with the word devoured literally meaning that the landlord has consumed virtually all of the Catholics assets. By using this word, Swift as linked to the suggestion of eating children by saying that the landlords have already destroyed the Catholic tenants lives, so what difference will it make if they eat their babies? To make this pamphlet seem real, Swift has used a number of literary techniques, for example, he has used a vast amount of irony such as in paragraph twenty eight, he implies eating babies at wedding and christening ceremonies. Swift also uses a large amount of shock tactics, par se, paragraph fifteen, will make admirable gloves for ladies Though it may seem true, Swift does not actually mean to eat the children of Catholics. By suggesting such a hideous and shocking proposal, he would have gained much attention and reveal the way in which Protestants were treating the Catholic majority. Overall, it can be said that this pamphlet was very successful in trying to eliminate racism toward the Catholics but this prejudice can still be seen today between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland and parts of Scotland. It is also a great example to show how satire has changed very little throughout the centuries, for example, The Office is set out very much in the same way as A Modest Proposal. The same techniques can be applied (Irony ect) and some of the same subjects can still apply such as government and other races of people but most of all, this pamphlet shows the reader just how effective using satire is to get the authors point across successfully. Simon Garlinge Pre 1914 prose coursework first draft Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Jonathan Swift section.

The Internet revolution Essay Example for Free

The Internet revolution Essay The economics of information in the 1990s permanently altered the traditional linear supply chain of sources, manufactures, distributors, retailers, and customers via the Web (Pyne 2000, p1). With the emergence of the internet over the past fifteen years, the supply chains for e-retailers have evolved in a similar fashion to the industrial revolution. Unlike traditional brick and mortar retailers, e-retailers supply chains include the front-end interaction, the consumers themselves (Cucuzza and Cherian, 2001). Therefore, it is essential that e-retailers ensure a smooth integration of information between the front-end users and the back-end support functions. To be successful, e-retailers need to provide an efficient marketing strategy to understand the customer buying requirements, and to be able to address them. The role of technology has allowed e-retailers the ability to collect and analyze personal trends of their consumers, although at a possible personal infringement of their cliental. In addition, as superb the front-end model may be, many companies fail today due to insufficiently integrating and ensuring a back-end support function is in place to provide efficient and timely delivery to consumers. This paper will address the e-retailer supply chain addressing both spectrums the consumer relationship management and the supply chain management. Moreover, this paper will also draw upon various companies strategic internet successes as examples. The Beginnings of the Internet Revolution Similar to the Industrial Revolution, where growth was predominately spurred by standardized mechanical interfaces, breaking down procedures into many mini-procedures (Fordism), the Internet Revolution is being stimulated by the standardization of interchangeable business processes (Cucuzza and Cherian 2001, p. 3). The interchangeable business processes are the digital interfaces between e-business tools and the internet. These tools are derived from the improvements in technology, from the storage of digital data to digital information (Cucuzza and Cherian 2001). E-Business. The buzzword E-business has emerged as a new strategic initiative for companies to pursue. E-business can be defined as buying and selling over digital media, and includes both front- and back-office applications to maximize customer value (Kalakota 1999, p4). With increased pressures on companies to perform and ensure quarterly growth, senior management has implemented numerous past initiatives including downsizing, re-organizing, and re-engineered processes to cut costs. Utilizing the benefits of technology to exploit the power of e-business allows for senior management to transform the existing business models. As popular as the internet medium has become for on-line shopping for consumers it is not a perfect system. Consumers are unable to touch, smell, or try on products. They may not be able to determine the quality of products, or how some products may compliment others (for example, ensuring the correct speakers are used for a specific amplifier). Although e-retailers do provide quality reports and analysis, it is not the same as experiencing the sound itself. In addition, payments are electronic and have been prone to security flaws, and the delivery of the goods has been cumbersome at times. These difficulties have become a norm for many e-retailers to develop a sustainable business, however with the use of technology they have been able to create advantages that may not be found within the norms of traditional shopping. Marketing of E-retailers On-line shopping has numerous benefits to the consumers, it reduces time and is more convenient to shop from the luxury of your own home, and provides the consumer with the ability to compare prices, products, and availability. However, although this constitutes an opportunity for retailers, it is also a challenge. The critical success factors include i.) use of customer databases; ii. ) easy ordering and; iii. ) quick delivery (Agrawal, Singh, p. 1538). With the notion that buying on-line is convenient, consumers expect e-retailer websites to be very useful and efficient. With the usage of technology, E-retailers have developed websites that are very informative, and easy to use. E-retailers provide information about the product, quality reports, customer reviews, comparison to substitutes, shipping rates and schedules. All the information is at the click of a button, 24 hours a day. The technology has provided the websites to be more interactive, and with better visuals. It is essential that e-retailers provide additional services including a shopping basket for consumers to keep track of goods that have been selected, and a search engine which allows the consumer to search the website quickly without going through many different internet pages. Moreover, a safe and efficient payment system is required that has data integrity. This system is known as the e-commerce paradox. E-commerce firms must be open and closed at the same time (Awad, 2004). They must be able to share information with suppliers, business to business (B2B), and with business to customers (B2C). E-retailers security includes firewalls, passwords and log-ins, and virtual private networks, as well as intrusion devices (Awad 2004, p. 405). Technology has introduced a honeypot system, which is designed to showcase an artificial environment that lure attackers into thinking they have gained access, giving time for authorities to potentially track down the intruder (Awad 2004, p. 403). Another important aspect for e-retailers to increase the likelihood of consumers purchasing on-line from their websites is Customer Relationship Management. The first step is for e-retailers to develop a strategy that will allow e-retailers to properly promote to their target market, and allow them to focus on customer requirements. However, understanding your customer needs has taken on a new avenue with advancements in technological software. Technology gains have also been demonstrated in the marketing techniques of e-retailing. The concept of buying on-line is still relatively new, and many consumers are still hesitant of it. There is nothing to stop a consumer to research on-line, and then purchase the product at an actual outlet. Research has demonstrated that brand loyalty and price elasticity are less important compared to bricks and mortar shopping as consumers are exposed to a lot of information and therefore they usually look for the best value (Agrawal and Singh, p. 1549). In many instances, a person may abandon her shopping cart in the middle of the checkout process, but for reasons unknown. Forrester Research estimates that 82% of e-retailers depend on consumers to hit the links to their websites and page view to manage the success of their websites, however only 2% of the visitors will actually purchase online (Ismretail 2002, p3). With this in mind, online intelligence has become a technical advancement to achieve. Click-stream technology allows e-retailers to ability to understand abandonment and provide them with the information to react accordingly. By analyzing clickstream data a trail of mouse clicks left by a user who visits a website a retailer can make use of details such as the number of users, where they come from, which pages are visited, the order in which they visited them, how much time was spent on each page, and where they went after your site (Ismretail 2002, p3). This information used properly can assist e-retailers in determining trends of their customers, their similar likes and dislikes, and where their websites can be improved. The information gathered can even determine if the consumer chose to go to a competitor site, and compare prices. This data allows the e-retailer to market accordingly to each individual customer. On Amazon, when an individual purchases a book the company will then analyze the purchase with other recent purchases and then promote other books that may be of interest. This is very similar to the movie Minority Report starring Tom Cruise which is set in the year 2054. There is a scene in the film that shows Cruise walking through a shopping concourse is bombarded with personal advertisements based on marketers analysis on Tom Cruises role individuality. With new technology developed over the past few years (i. e. Clickstream software), consumers will be more closely watched by sites and receiving personalized pitches based on past browsing behavior (Stone 2004, p2). This may stimulate increased purchases, and higher sales for the e-retailer, but could be looked at an infringement on the privacy of consumers. Websites now include Meta data and extensible markup language (XML), which are standards for tagging data on web searches. Although, this may be a positive factor for e-retailers to analyze consumer behavior on an individual basis, the ethical side to this comes in to question. When is it crossing the line on consumers rights? Web analytic companies are now increasingly offering their services from $30,000 to over a $100,000 a year (Stone 2004, p2). More recently, Sportsline. com has used a web analytical company to identify customers dropping out of an American football fantasy pool, which enabled Sportsline to address and improve its processes that led to an increased number of paying customers (Stone 2004, p2). Moreover, technology has led firms such as Atomz to offer advance search engines for e-retailers to attach special promotions to the searched item. PalmOne has recently used this service which has converted the number of searchers to buyers by over 60% (Stone 2004, p2). With the immense competition e-retailers face, other global websites, and the traditional brick and mortar stores, it is important that they cater to their customer needs. The traditional statement that location is everything has little value in e-retailing as all websites have equal distance to their consumers. It is therefore essential that e-retailers seek means to ensure customers return to their websites. The key factors are efficiency, personalization, socialization, and the look and feel of the site (Agrawal and Singh, p. 1537). Although, this may indicate that they may infringe on consumer privacy rights, they have used technology to their benefit to obtain information that is beneficial in making strategic decisions. However, having a strong front-end website does not guarantee success. Once the consumer initiates the first step by purchasing a product, the actual delivery of goods becomes just as important in the supply chain. Back-end System Support Once the e-retailer obtains a client, it is essential that they provide an efficient back-end system that will ensure availability, workable ordering website, and delivery on-time. Accenture international research has indicated that 1 in 4 internet purchases fail due to various reasons (Agrawal and Singh, p. 1549). In the traditional avenue of shopping, many consumers will not go back to a store if the ability to purchase items fails 25% of the time. Accenture has also stated that one of the most common reasons for this failure include that items are usually out of stock, which indicates that the front-end systems are not connected to the back-end support systems (Agrawal and Singh, p. 1549). A seamless integration of all systems, for example, implementing an Enterprise Resource System is required. This integration will allow the e-retailers to advise if the product is in stock, the expected delivery date, and substitute and compliment product availability. Moreover, systems that connect with vendors will advise the e-retailers if the products are in back-order, different characteristics of the product (size and colour) and delivery time. This connection of all information systems now provides the capability to consumers to select from a menu of shipping rates and schedules, and then be able to track the fulfillment of the order in real time. Digital Deconstruction processes have accelerated in that by creating digital interfaces between processes, companies can automate these processes to achieve scale efficiencies unattainable in the past (Cucuzza and Cherian 2001, p. 2). Studies have shown that when customers and vendors share a single system, and orders are entered once, a 75% to 90% reduction in transaction costs occur utilizing a web-based catalog. The different processes include: Preparation of purchasing requirements   Identification of potential suppliers Deliverables specification, volumes, price, delivery, transportation   Fulfillment   Receiving and holding supplies   Relationship building with suppliers (Groucutt and Griseri 2004, p180). The use of technology to improve the efficiency of the supply chain, and ensure customer satisfaction can be demonstrated using company examples. Roundpeak Although the company no longer exists, it was one of the first online retailers who used technology to manage its physical and virtual supply chain. It had partnerships with manufacturers across four countries, air cargo companies, and with warehouse, fulfillment and delivery operators. The numerous B2B partners created a need for Roundpeak to ensure that the various departments in the supply chain communicated accordingly. An online order was instantly fed to the fulfillment house, a packaging and inventory control center, and into a warehousing, inventory, and delivery data system that was accessed by all members of the supply chain. If a customer orders a product, a request to the manufacturer goes out electronically. Once it receives the goods from the manufacturer, a digital signature is sent to authorize receipt, which allows the purchase order and receipt to be matched digitally. The purchase order would then instantly be fed into the accounts payable system where funds are transferred at once. This system was known as the Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment system (EBPP). The benefits included streamlining relationships with suppliers and eliminating redundancies by inputting completed once by the consumer. (Case study developed by Pyne 2000).

Drug Discovery And Development

Drug Discovery And Development A drug is created through lots of stages. This essay provides the description of the basic concepts of drug discovery and development, and identifies the role of some medicinal chemistry, such as pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. There are lots of processes of creating new drugs, where we may mainly distinguish between drug discovery and drug development. Drug discovery comes about in several different ways. The method is to subject new chemical entities to a set of screening tests designed to detect different types of biological activity. These include in Vitro screens as well as in Vivo screens. The history of drug discovery has changed gradually. Before 1990, medicines were produced by chemical synthesis or were isolated from existing compounds exhibiting poly-pharmacology or side effects, such as plants and herbs. Also, screenings were carried out through low throughput screening. More recently, the understanding of human receptors and substances which cause specific activity has proceeded, so this led to new drugs, such Cimetizine and Ranitizine. The studies of DMPK and ADME have progressed as well, so the studies were applied to drug discovery. In addition to that, the change from low throughput screeni ng to high throughput screening allowed mass screening. Since 2000, the incredible advance of understanding of the human genome has led to novel medicines, such as Aranesp, Epogen, and Enbral, which are more biological than before. Toxicology developed and has been adapted to drug discovery as well. At the same time, attempts with using computers are increasing. As I mentioned above, the method of finding lead compounds has changed. Nowadays, main six methods to find lead compounds are becoming popular. Firstly, it is to improve existing drugs. Secondly, it is to create new drugs on the basis of natural products. Also, rational drug design using protein crystallography is becoming popular. The rest is high throughput screening, fragment screening, and virtual screening. In addition, there are the main two methods of designing structures, which are structure based design and ligand based design respectively. Targets of finding new lead compounds are mainly eight targets, which are re ceptors, enzymes, ion-channels, nuclear receptors, kinases, bacterial/viral targets, human genome, and others. The process of drug discovery is complex, so it takes 4 to 8 years to finish it. In the process of drug discovery, the small structural changes of chemicals sometimes cause large changes and effects. For instance, propranol shows both ÃŽ ²1 andÃŽ ²2 adrenoceptor selectivity. On the other hand, atenolol shows only ÃŽ ²1 adrenoceptor selectivity. The structural differences between propranolol and atenolol are small, but their showing effects are different respectively. Once a new chemical compound has been discovered, drug development has to be carried out, culminating in its being licensed for use and marked. Preclinical tests on isolated tissues and in animals should ensure that the drug has the required mechanism of action and at least in animals will produce appropriate system responses. At this stage, the new drug will be tested against standard drugs in comparative assays. Toxicity tests in animals should in most cases allow some prediction of toxic effects in humans. In comparisons of drugs used clinically, potency does not necessarily relate directly to therapeutic usefulness. It is important to consider also the maximum achievable response and the incidence of unwanted effects. Clinical testing in humans involves four phases. Phase 1 is the measurement of pharmacological activity, pharmacokinetics and side effects in healthy volunteers. Phase 2 is pilot studies in small groups of patients to confirm that the drug works on the target condit ion and to establish the dosage regimen to be used in phase 3. Phase 3 is formal clinical trials in a large number of patients to determine the incidence of unwanted effects. Phase 4 is post marketing surveillance to establish efficacy and toxicity in general use. The detection of rare, adverse effects is most likely to occur in this phase. It takes 5 to 8 years to finish this stage, and costs much money than drug discovery stage. It takes about 10 to 12 years from an idea to marketable drugs totally. Also, it takes approximately 800 million dollars to develop one new drug. The duration of a drugs patent from the time of its registration with the UK Patent Office is 20 years. Therefore, pharmaceutical industries have to recoup their investment and make a profit, some of which will spend researching and developing other drugs. After a drugs patent expired, other pharmaceutical companies can make and sell the quite similar drug which is called a generic drug. As a result, the price often drops significantly. As a generic drug has become popular among people due to the price and the efficacy, generic drugs market is growing rapidly. The definition of medicinal chemistry Medicinal chemistry is a chemistry based on discipline which is involved in aspects of biological, medical and pharmaceutical science. Also, it is concerned with the invention, discovery, design, identification and preparation of biologically active compounds. The chemistry is a study of their metabolism, mode of action at a molecular level, and relationships between chemical structure and activity. The role of pharmacokinetics in drug discovery and drug development Pharmacokinetics is the science of exploring the changes in drug concentrations throughout the body with time. It is important to understand the time course of drug effects. The time course of drug action usually follows that of the concentration at the target site. There are 4 main phases in the pharmacokinetic process, which are absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Drugs can be administered through the gut or by other route, which is called absorption. Most drugs dont spread rapidly throughout the whole of body water. A drugs penetration into these compartments is indicated by its volume of distribution that would be required to hold the amount of drug in the body at the measured plasma concentration. The plasma membrane of the cells constitutes a hydrophobic lipid barrier and drug permeation can occur by direct distribution through the lipid and carrier mediated transport. Diffusion of a drug depends on its concentration gradient and its diffusion coefficient. The concentration gradient established within the cell membrane depends on the drugs lipid/water partition coefficient. This is estimated by the drugs distribution between water and a simple organic solvent. Most drugs are ionised in aqueous solution. The ionised form is hydrophilic, so the ionisation impedes passive membrane permeation. When a drug enters the body, it is subjected to the processes that have been developed for dealing with toxic foreign molecules, which are called metabolism and excretion. The liver is the main site of drug metabolism, and the kidney is the main site of excretion. There are some important terms in pharmacokinetics, which are half-life, AUC, and drug clearance. Half-life is the time taken for any given plasma concentration to decrease by 50%. AUC is a measure of the extent of absorption. Drug clearance is defined as the volume of plasma cleared of drug per unit time. Drug metabolism in drug discovery The main purpose of drug metabolism is to cause detoxification. Metabolism involves two main processes. Firstly, the molecule is made more hydrophilic to reduce the possibility of reabsorption in the renal tubules. Secondly, it is conjugated to reduce its effects and aid excretion. As I mentioned above, there are two phases of metabolism. Phase à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚   is mainly oxidative reactions, such as oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis. The oxidation of a drug requires the cytochrome P450 which is the major enzyme. Phase à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚ ¡ is conjugation reactions with sugar residue, such as glucuronidation, glycosidation, and sulfation. UDPGT is the main enzyme at this stage. Interestingly, there are species differences in metabolism. For example, lidocaine is metabolised to 4-hydroxylidocaine by hydroxylation in rats. On the other hand, lidocaine is metabolised to monoethylglycinexylidide by deethylation in dogs or men. The main reason why these differences occurred is the difference o f enzymes between species. There are some particular enzymes in men and dogs, but there may be not the enzymes in rats. When the situation happens, species differences occur in metabolism. to The role of pharmacology in drug discovery Pharmacology concerns the study of how drugs affect the function of host tissues or combat infectious organisms. In most cases, drugs bind selectively to target molecules within the body, usually proteins but other macromolecules as well. The main drug targets are receptors, enzymes, ion channels, and transporters. It is generally desirable that a drug should have a higher affinity for its target than for other binding sites. One of the main roles of pharmacology in identifying new drugs is drug target identification with using compounds known pharmacological properties to identify new target mechanisms, and identifying new receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes. Receptors are protein molecules in or on cells that act as recognition sites for endogenous ligands such as neurotransmitters, hormones, inflammatory mediators. Many drugs used in medicine make use of these receptors. The effect of a drug may produce the same responses to an endogenous ligand or prevent the actio n of an endogenous ligand. A drug that binds to a receptor and activates the cells response is termed an agonist. A drug that reduces or inhibits the action of an agonist is termed an antagonist. Some drugs produce the maximum response that the tissue can give. These are termed full agonists. Other drugs may not give the maximum tissue response in any concentration, which is called partial agonists. A drug shifts the equilibrium in favour of the non active form, so reducing background activity. Such drugs are referred to as inverse agonists. An antagonist is defined as a drug that reduces the action of an agonist. There are three main antagonism mechanisms, which are competitive antagonism, irreversible antagonism, and non-competitive antagonism. A competitive antagonist binds to the receptor and prevents the binding of an agonist. If the antagonist binds reversibly, then the effect of the antagonist can be overcome by raising the concentration of the agonist so that it competes mor e effectively for the binding sites. In irreversible antagonism, the antagonist binds irreversibly, reducing the number of receptors available for binding. In non-competitive antagonism, the antagonist does not block the receptor itself but blocks the signal transduction process initiated by receptor activation. Enzymes catalyse a chemical reaction, so convert substrates to products. In most cases, enzymes are proteins, and their targets are intracellular. Ion channels are fundamental membrane proteins, and convey ions across cell membranes. There are three main types of ion channel, which are voltage-gated channels, ligand-gated channels, and G-protein regulated channels. Voltage-gated channels are closely involved in ion gradients, and make the tissues excitable. Ligand-gated channels consist of a number of transmembrane subunits. The channel governs fast cell to cell communication. G-protein regulated channels modulate the excitability of excitable tissue. Transporters are protei ns which can penetrate a cell membrane without modifying it, and transport substances. Drugs can modify this action by blocking a binding site, or acting as a false substance, and being transported into a cell. The importance of oral administration and oral bioavailability Oral administration is the most convenient and acceptable route, because of the importance from the point of view of patients. It is much easier for patients to take medicine orally than taking by other routes. The important factors of oral drugs are potency, selectivity, rapid dissolution, and rapid transfer across the membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, low clearance, absence of dose independent and time independent in pharmacokinetics, and no interaction with other drugs. Oral bioavailability is the proportion of the orally administered dose that reaches the systemic circulation. Incomplete release from the dosage form, destruction within the gut, poor absorption and first-pass elimination are important causes of low bioavailability. There are two main factors controlling oral absorption, which are physical barriers and biological barrier. Physical barrier comprises solubility, ionisation, lipophilicity, drug formulation, and interaction with other substances. As I discussed above, solubility, lipophilicity, and ionisation are closely related to absorption. Drugs must dissolve to establish a concentration gradient for absorption, the rate and extent of absorption depending on the pharmaceutical formulation. Rapid absorption of a drug requires its disintegration into small particles. In general, food will slow absorption by reducing the drugs concentration. On the other hand, biological barriers comprise efflux, transporters, and metabolism. Efflux is a biological reaction which forces out unnecessary substances. The reaction prevents drugs from entering inside of a cell. Metabolism is one of the biological barriers, because of different enzymes which are mainly CYP 450. Transporters are one of biological barriers, but the role of transporters preventing drugs from entering an interior cell is not clear now. The example of drugs Histamine is a mediator in both acute inflammation and the immediate hypersensitivity response. There are two main types of histamine receptor which are H1 and H2 receptors. Antihistamine drugs can target each receptor type. The main physiological aspects of the gastrointestinal tract are gastric acid secretion. The excess of gastric acid secretion cause peptic ulcers. In peptic ulcer, the balance between gastric acid secretion and mucosal-protective mechanisms is altered. The main approach to peptic ulcer is drugs used to reduce acid secretion. The H2 receptor antagonists, Cimetizine, Ranitizine, reduce gastric acid secretion in response to histamine, gastrin, and food. The proton pump is responsible for the secretion of gastric acid into the stomach. Therefore, the proton pump inhibitors show the effect of reduction in the secretion of gastric acid. Antibacterial drugs are compounds used to treat bacterial infections. There are some targets for antibacterial drugs, such as cell wall, nucleotide mechanism, and protein synthesis. One of the important targets is cell wall which provides support for the membrane. Its main constituent is peptidoglycan which is an excellent target for drugs. Drugs affecting peptidoglycan synthesis include penicillins and penicillin G. Conclusion I learned the basis of drug discovery and development through these lectures, and I found the importance of medicinal chemistry, such as pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. It is essential to understand medicinal chemistry for discovering and developing novel and ideal drugs. At the same time, I feel we should consider discovering and developing drugs from the point of view of patients as well.

Oedipus The King :: Oedipus Rex, Sophocles

Oedipus The King; Did the prophecy cause his destiny?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Undoubtedly there has been a tremendous amount of speculation and dissection of this play by countless people throughout the ages. I can only draw my own conclusions as to what Sophocles intended the meaning of his play to be. The drama included a number of horrific and unthinkable moral and ethical dilemas, but I believe that was what made the play so interesting and that is exactly the way Sophocles intended it to be. The play was obviously meant to entertain and portray the author’s own insight. The underlying theme to the play is that no man should know his own destiny, it will become his undoing. This knowledge of things to come was presented to both Laius and Oedipus in the form of prophecies well in advance of it coming to be. The prophecies told of things that were so morally disturbing that they both aggressively did everything in their power to try and stop them from coming true. The story begins with Oedipus at the height of power as King of Theb es. His kingdom has encountered rough times and he has sent his nobleman Creon to seek help from the god Apollo to restore his land. Creon tells Oedipus that he must find the murderer of the previous King Laius and by finding this man and banishing him, his land will be restored. The murder occurred some time ago and King Oedipus sends for the seer Theiresias with his powers of prophecy to aid in the search for the murderer. Sophocles cleverly projects his feelings on wisdom and knowledge through Teirsias when he says â€Å"Alas, how terrible is wisdom when it brings no profit to the man that’s wise!†(23) Teirsias knows that this terrible prophecy has already been set into motion and the damage has already been done. There is really no point in telling it to Oedipus because it will only cause more harm than good. Oedipus provokes Teirsias into telling him the prophecy, â€Å" à  tell you, king, this man, this murderer-he is here. In name he is a stranger among citiz ens but soon he will be shown to be a citizen true native Theban, and he’ll have no joy of the discovery: blindness for sight and beggary for riches his exchange, he shall go journeying to a foreign country tapping his way befor him with a stick.

Understanding the the Romantic Imagination with Ramond, Wordsworth and

Understanding the the Romantic Imagination with Ramond, Wordsworth and Shelley Works Cited Not Included "The way to find the 'real' world is not merely to measure and observe what is outside us, but to discover our own inner ground†¦. This 'ground', this 'world' where I am mysteriously present at once to myself and to the freedoms of other men, is not a visible, objective and determined structure†¦It is a living and self creating mystery of which I am myself a part, to which I am myself my own unique door." (Thomas Merton in Finley 45) We have spent a good deal of this semester concentrating on the sublime. We have asked what (in nature) is sublime, how is the sublime described and how do different writers interpret the sublime. A sublime experience is recognizable by key words such as 'awe', 'astonishment' and 'terror', feelings of insignificance, fractured syntax and the general inability to describe what is being experienced. Perception and interpretation of the sublime are directly linked to personal circumstance and suffering, to spiritual beliefs and even expectation (consider Wordsworth's disappointment at Mont Blanc). It has become evident that there is a transition space between what a traveler experiences and what he writes; a place wherein words often fail but the experience is intensified, even understood by the traveler. This space, as I have understood it, is the imagination. In his quest for spiritual identity Thomas Merton offers the above quotation to illustrate what he calls 'interpenetration' bet ween the self and the world. As travel writers engage nature through their imagination, Merton's description of the 'inner ground' is an appropriate one for the Romantic conception of the imagination. ... ...here are similar aspects to each writer's experience. Engaging the imagination, Ramond, Wordsworth and Shelley have experienced a kind of unity; conscious of the self as the soul they are simultaneously aware of 'freedoms of other men'. I suggested in the introduction that the imagination is a transition place wherein words often fail but the experience is intensified, even understood by the traveler. For all three writers the nature of the imagination has, amazingly, been communicable. Ramond and Wordsworth are able to come to an articulate conclusion about the effects imagination has on their perceptions of nature. Shelley, however, remains skeptical about the power of the imaginative process. Nonetheless, Shelley's experience is as real, as intense as that of Ramond and Wordsworth. Notes 1. Duncan Wu's foot note, page 403. 2 "Tintern Abbey". Line 97. Understanding the the Romantic Imagination with Ramond, Wordsworth and Understanding the the Romantic Imagination with Ramond, Wordsworth and Shelley Works Cited Not Included "The way to find the 'real' world is not merely to measure and observe what is outside us, but to discover our own inner ground†¦. This 'ground', this 'world' where I am mysteriously present at once to myself and to the freedoms of other men, is not a visible, objective and determined structure†¦It is a living and self creating mystery of which I am myself a part, to which I am myself my own unique door." (Thomas Merton in Finley 45) We have spent a good deal of this semester concentrating on the sublime. We have asked what (in nature) is sublime, how is the sublime described and how do different writers interpret the sublime. A sublime experience is recognizable by key words such as 'awe', 'astonishment' and 'terror', feelings of insignificance, fractured syntax and the general inability to describe what is being experienced. Perception and interpretation of the sublime are directly linked to personal circumstance and suffering, to spiritual beliefs and even expectation (consider Wordsworth's disappointment at Mont Blanc). It has become evident that there is a transition space between what a traveler experiences and what he writes; a place wherein words often fail but the experience is intensified, even understood by the traveler. This space, as I have understood it, is the imagination. In his quest for spiritual identity Thomas Merton offers the above quotation to illustrate what he calls 'interpenetration' bet ween the self and the world. As travel writers engage nature through their imagination, Merton's description of the 'inner ground' is an appropriate one for the Romantic conception of the imagination. ... ...here are similar aspects to each writer's experience. Engaging the imagination, Ramond, Wordsworth and Shelley have experienced a kind of unity; conscious of the self as the soul they are simultaneously aware of 'freedoms of other men'. I suggested in the introduction that the imagination is a transition place wherein words often fail but the experience is intensified, even understood by the traveler. For all three writers the nature of the imagination has, amazingly, been communicable. Ramond and Wordsworth are able to come to an articulate conclusion about the effects imagination has on their perceptions of nature. Shelley, however, remains skeptical about the power of the imaginative process. Nonetheless, Shelley's experience is as real, as intense as that of Ramond and Wordsworth. Notes 1. Duncan Wu's foot note, page 403. 2 "Tintern Abbey". Line 97.

Mgt/230 Week 1 Assignment

Mgt/230 Week 1 Decision Making Process Paper University of Phoenix People should make decisions every day, some of those decisions are easy to make, while others are quite difficult to implement. An appropriately combined and organized decision-making process will help to control this issue and bring a positive outcome for those involved. The decision-making process may become challenging for people due to â€Å"the lack of structure and entail risk, uncertainly and conflict† (Bateman and Snell, 2012, p. 86).That is why people trying to make important personal or professional decisions should have an appropriate model to follow in order to avoid these challenges. Bateman and Snell identified six steps or stages of decision-making process which may be attached to any problem or decision. First, it is necessary to identify and analyze the problem. The problem at hand for me was the necessity to purchase my own home. In 2002 I was renting a home in a small city with my husband an d son living there as well. The house was also shared with my Mother-in-Law, and it was too small for all four of us to share.My husband and I realized after a short period of time that this living situation was not going to work out and that we should start looking for a place of our own. Since I am an animal lover and was the owner of one horse and one dog at that time, finding a home that also had a small amount of acreage was also necessary to accommodate us all. Generating and evaluating alternative solutions (steps 2 and 3 in the decision making process) was really not an option for us as we knew exactly what we would have to do if we were to obtain the right place for all of us to live.The only alternative solution in this situation would have been to rent a large piece of property with a larger home and we had come to a point in our lives where purchasing seemed like the better investment. Step 4 in the decision making process is, making the choice. We searched around for ju st the right place to purchase. It took several months of searching before we happened upon the home we ultimately chose. The house wasn’t quite as big as we were hoping for but we thought we could build an addition and do some remodeling to make it perfect.The property attached to the house was large enough to house my horse and our dog, and for my son to play. The decision was made, we were purchasing this house. Step 5 in the process is implementing the decision. After the decision was made to purchase our new home, we set up meetings and appointments with the realtor, our bank and our lawyer to finalize paperwork on the loan and other necessities. All paperwork was signed and keys were handed over to us about a month later. Once the house was ours we quickly made the necessary changes so that it would accommodate our entire family, by adding an extra room and re-painting the entire house.We built a barn to house the horse and put in a shed for storage. We thought it was p erfect. Step 6 in the process is evaluating the decision. Shortly after purchasing our home and property everything was going well, and this continued for many years to come, even though it was probably more work than we had initially expected, we were happy with our decision. Living in the country on our own farm with barely a neighbor to be seen was definitely the way to go. Looking back on this decision some 10 years later, I still believe I made the right decision even though my life has completely changed since that time.The house and property suited us very well up until about 4 years ago after my divorce. I see now that the house is not nearly large enough for my even larger family. Since my divorce I have had two more children and am getting re-married and this home is not nearly large enough for five people, especially if we have guests over for holidays or birthdays. We are currently in the decision making process once again, that being the possible purchase of yet another , larger, home and more acreage as the number of farm animals has grown over the past 10 years as well.Having the information that I do now, in our readings, I am going to go through the steps one by one and be sure that my ultimate decision will be the right one and that this new place (if we purchase one) will be perfect for more than 10 years. References Bateman, T. S. , & Snell, S. A. (2010). Management: leading & collaborating in a competitive world (9th ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

Healthy Eating Essay

Eating foods containing fat does not seem like a smart thing to do especially if you are dieting, but certain fats are essential to make sure our bodies remain healthy. There are fats to avoid and these are known as the â€Å"bad† fats. Saturated fats and trans-fats are considered â€Å"bad† fats. This type of fat would include butter since it is more solid even at room temperature. Eating too much of these fats can cause your cholesterol levels to rise. High consumption of these fats can also cause a stroke and possibly lead to heart disease. Not all fats are bad though. There are â€Å"good† fats such as polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. If these fats are consumed in moderation, they have the ability to lower cholesterol. There are risks to having too much of any type of fat. Too much could lead to excessive weight gain and obesity. Maintaining a healthy diet can be done with close monitoring to make sure you are taking in as many calories as you are burning. Taking in more calories than you are burning will cause you to gain weight. It is important to eat high-fiber foods, fat-free and low fat along with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fiber is also essential to a healthy diet. Eating a high-fiber diet will add bulk to what you are eating and you will remain full longer which will prevent unnecessary snacking. There are 2 types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber turns to gel when combined with water to slow down digestion so you feel full for a longer period of time. Insoluble fiber speeds up the process of the food we eat going through our stomach and intestines and adds bulk to our stools. There are so many ways to get fiber into your diet such as most cereals, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dried beans. High-fiber diets are beneficial. Fiber aids in constipation and helps things run smoothly and helps digestion. Diabetes and heart disease are sometimes treated with a high-fiber diet. Adding fiber into your diet is as simple as eating nuts to your snack or lentils to your soups and stews.

Knock’s Educated Man

The â€Å"Disadvantages of Being Educated† examines contemporary society’s preference for building specialized skills at the expense of liberal education. Albert Knock believes that today’s curricula have changed its orientation from helping create the Renaissance Man from the tabula rasa into the mechanic of Ford or the programmer of Silicon Valley. Knock pointed out that this is training and should not be synonymous with education. Being proficient or trained in something could categorize one as trained but not educated. Training is not synonymous to having been educated. Knock’s man has cultivated his intellect and character to the point where his options for the future included, in his words, â€Å"what he could become and be instead of what he could get and do†. What is surprising for him is contemporary society’s not distinguishing between the difference between training and education which was not the case before. During the Medieval period, scholars of classical works were looked upon as learned men. The cobbler, builder, stonemasons, tinkerers, and town criers were on a subordinate level far below that of the scholastics. Carrying on with Knock’s line of thought, we could imagine the manual laborers of the Dark Ages as having become shoe stylists and fashion models, engineers, computer programmers and technicians, and TV hosts of today who are good in their fields and perhaps below mediocre in dialectics. Yet, the honor of having â€Å"made it† is easily applied to them by contemporary society than to the stereotyped harried-looking teacher of a university. Knock has nothing against the emphasis on specialization. He argued that specialization and liberal education are relevant. Both could be had instead of having one being preferred at the expense of the other. Knock expressed regret this is not so today. The educated man that he had in mind would be hard put to find his place in today’s modern setting. His educated man is open to other fields of interests that would encourage the thinking process: argue the ills of society, participate in dialectics, and develop a mind that is always inquiring and trying to discover what is good for the best kind of life. Since today’s trend in life is getting the proper or specialized skill that could ensure one a high-paying job, Knock’s educated man would have difficulty connecting with his contemporaries. He would not be in agreement with their having narrowing the focus of their concentration and energy to the mundane ambition of having an eight- to- five job that could buy them a Superbowl ticket and ensure a healthy pension after working as a cog or bolt in an assembly line. He would not even care to become the main nut in that assembly line. Each field created its own complexities and somebody having found himself a niche in his chosen field could claim a consultancy fee. I could be a consultant to the Tupperware Company if my scientific expertise resulted to inventing a fireproof plastic. The skill acquired in such a field may be hopelessly irrelevant during the Renaissance period but the pay is hopefully and insanely more than sufficient to ensure a comfortable life while still pursuing new plastic discoveries. One can only stay in the business if he or she will continue to update with new developments or make new developments himself. Failure to do so would condemn oneself to irrelevance in his chosen field. Meaning, the acquisition of knowledge on plastics will have to continue until the moment I die, perhaps induced by having to work with plastic. The competition for the American dream is rigid and I could not afford to pause for a breath asking the meaning of life while everybody else is plunging down to their success. As a student, Knock would prefer me to be the educated man that he has in mind. He wouldn’t agree to my cultivating a mindset that looks forward to having just a job to enable me to pay for my daily meals, ensure payment for my cable bills, and after work enabling me to be a couch potato. Knock would love see me entertain ideas for ideas’ sake and look at them as an educated man would look: objectively and disinterestedly. Knock perhaps sees the mainstream as a flock of sheep narrowing their vision on the grass before them and seldom raising their heads to appreciate the greater perspective. For most of us-including me- the trend is acquiring skills; the more specialized the skill, the greater the opportunity for a well-placed and well-paying job. The past-paced world that we have today is unkind to thinkers. Why pursue the meaning of life when what is life has already been defined by the American dream? Consumerist society measures a man by his capability to purchase the hottest and the latest pick. For someone to indulge in the search for the meaning of life would be condemning oneself to a meaningless life of penury and from the viewpoint of the mainstream-irrelevance. The social construct on success has already been insinuated, defined, and considered as an end. Knock may quote Longfellow and implore me, â€Å"Be not like dumb, driven cattle, be the hero in the strife†. Yes, I have already heard it in the required subjects in the first year and it is difficult to indulge myself in them when I am about to major in something useful. History, reexamining its ills, could not buy my cappuccino at Starbucks; Moliere and his wit could not pay for my taxicab fare; and I have no time to waste on Kant’s â€Å"Critique on Pure Reason† when I have to attend a workshop on plastics. Free thinking could free the soul, nourish the intellect, and strengthen the character. This is quite noble and at best, the preoccupation of the Renaissance Man. This is tempting but it would be difficult to explain myself to my friends in when we met to socialize or even to my family during a reunion.

Customer Satisfaction, Loyalty, and Empowerment Essay

1. Should a company be happy or concerned if most customers are satisfied? Satisfaction of the consumer is one of the main goals for a company to achieve. Customer satisfaction is defined as the feeling that results when an offering meets a consumer’s expectations. Companies around the world are doing many surveys, in order to measure the satisfaction of their consumers because the importance of consumer satisfaction is one of the main factors for a company. According to the question, should a company be happy or concerned if most consumers are satisfied, the answer is concerned. The reason of this answer is that if all consumers would be satisfied then it is okay, but in this case not all consumers are satisfied, so there are some consumers who are not satisfied. The company should work hard in order to not leave space for concerns for these people who would be unsatisfied. These unsatisfied consumers would have a big influence on the company because these consumers express t heir concerns to other people and then other people might not want to buy anything from that company. However, one of the main strategies that companies use to achieve their goals of satisfaction is to influence the consumer’s expectations. Customer’s expectations should be very high because if the product or service doesn’t meet their expectations they would be unsatisfied and have a negative perception. Marketers should make their expectations a bit lower so the service or product would exceed their expectations and then customers would be very satisfied. An example of consumer satisfaction would be like this: I usually order pizza at the restaurant called Extreme Pizza so then they deliver it at my home. They always bring it on time so they never are late, and also the food is warm. I am very satisfied with the product and service they provide to me. However, one day I heard my friend complaining about a restaurant service and then I asked him why so, and I realized that he was talking about the same restaurant that I order pizza. He said many bad things about that restaurant, then he told me that delivery is always late so then the food is cold. He also complained that he pays much more money because his house is far away from this restaurant. Therefore, I think that the reason of this problem between my friend and that restaurant is that the location of the house, so it is normal if the delivery is late and the food is cold. However, my house is near the restaurant, so I don’t face these problems. In the end, the difference is that I am very satisfied with their products and service but my friend is not satisfied and told everyone about the bad issue he experienced with that restaurant. To sum up in other words, all companies should be concerned with that percentage of people who are not satisfied even if the number of these people is low because negative things are spread much faster to others and positive ones. 2. Create a loyalty program for AUK with the 4 positive effects in mind Loyalty programs are a type of sales promotions defined as the efforts to reward frequent purchases or consumptions of customers. Anyhow, we have to point out the difference between loyalty and loyalty programs. Loyalty is the attitude of customers for a particular brand. It is divided in two dimensions, behavioral and attitudinal loyalty. Behavioral loyalty is a degree where customer buys the product regularly and does not respond to competitors. Attitudinal loyalty is the degree where customer prefers or likes the brand. There are four positive effects of loyalty programs longevity effect, the blocker effect, spreader effect, and the accelerator effect. Longevity effect is the process of lengthening of the lifetime value of customers by increasing their switching costs. Blocker effect is the process of blocking out marketing communications from competitors. Spreader effect is the willingness of customers to buy related products from a marketer. Accelerator effect is the process where customers speed up to make purchases in order to get to the next level of their loyalty program offers. AUK Loyalty Program The loyalty program tends to encourage customers to buy a product and make customers come again to buy the product. In AUK, students not only can pay for their tuition but also for extra lectures such as cisco, summer program etc. Moreover, AUK could have a loyalty program in a way from those students who come from the same family and town. When a student attends AUK, then he or she will have a 50% discount from the actual price for cisco. Also, summer program is one of them that make a discount for AUK students each summer. Furthermore, AUK provides a 15 % discount of price for a second person from the same family and 30% for the third. Even though, all students of AUK would have the opportunity of 20% reduction in price for work and travel during the summer in the Unites States, with the company called â€Å"Zip Travel†. Therefore, this loyalty program would have 4 positive effects. One of the longevity effects is that AUK attracts students from the same family to join AUK w ith a discount in price. For example, I have a friend who joined AUK last year, which he has a brother here at AUK who is going to graduate next quarter. He told me that, he did not even think to come at AUK but his brother convinced him to make such a decision and attend AUK. Also, he mentioned that AUK offers a 15% discount in price for the second person of the same family. Maybe the discount and quality that AUK provides encouraged my friend to register in. The blocker effect is also included to the loyalty program of AUK because it provides for its customers extra courses such as Cisco located in the Blue Building at AUK. All students of AUK would have 50% discount in price if they want to take those IT classes. Therefore, when students hear about this offer, they do not bother to go somewhere else and take these classes because this offer with a cheaper price is all right. Therefore, this is how AUK loyalty program blocks out marketing communication from competitors. The spreader effect would be also included to the loyalty program of AUK. For example, I know a friend who participates in every summer program that AUK offers. He told me that, he is very satisfied with the lectures and professors of AUK and that AUK offers a discount for its students who want to participate in the summer program. These are the reasons why he enjoys taking every year classes at AUK during the summer season. Therefore, he is loyal to AUK and does not want to take summer courses in other countries as some students do. The accelerator effect is also one of the loyalty programs included at AUK. An example that AUK offers would be that if in AUK are three students that come from the same family, the second would have 15% discount and the third would have 30% discount. By this offer AUK attracts its students to invite its family member attend at AUK because of the price discount they offer to them. If my brother would come next year at AUK, he would get 15% discount in price, but also if in the following year would come my sister then she would have 30% discount which is a very good offer in attracting more people. In other words, the more people of your family, much cheaper it would cost to you.

What Does It Take to Get Into Clemson University?

With an acceptance rate of 47%, Clemson has a reputation for being selective. So, what does it take to make your application stand out? Academics and activism combine at this Southern Carolina university. Founded in 1889, Clemson University is passionate about building a robust student body that’s dedicated to serving the larger community. Students have the opportunity to work with volunteer organizations like the Women’s Leadership Council and the Giving Tree Project. And with 80 undergraduate majors and hundreds of student clubs and organizations, there’s plenty to do both in and out of the classroom. As a bonus, more than 92 percent of Clemson seniors say they would choose the school all over again. Clearly, Clemson is a great place to earn a degree. But is it the school right for you? Keep reading to find out what it takes to get into Clemson University, along with tips to keep in mind when applying. If your goal is to attend the University of Clemson, you should start by gathering the necessary application materials. First-year students looking to attend Clemson in the fall will need to fill out the Coalition Application by December 1st. Those seeking priority consideration for academic scholarships should send in all application materials by December 31st. In addition to the Coalition Application, aspiring freshmen must submit the following: Additionally, students pursuing music or theater concentrations will need to audition before being accepted. Check your program’s specific requirements prior to submitting your application. In most cases, students will be notified of their acceptance by February 15th. The bar for entry to Clemson University is higher than ever. With an acceptance rate of 47%, Clemson has a reputation for being selective. In particular, acceptance rates for in-state students have fallen dramatically over the last decade. While 61% of in-state students were accepted to the school in 2008, by 2018 the rate had dropped to 53%. This change is likely due to the 86% increase in the number of applicants over the same period. Still, high schoolers who have their hearts set on attending Clemson shouldn’t give up hope. The University application review process assesses grades, rigor of high school curriculum, class standing, major choice, test scores, and extracurricular commitments in order to determine a student’s potential to succeed and contribute to the campus.   Estimating your chance of getting into a college is not easy in today’s competitive environment. Thankfully, with our state-of-the-art software and data, we can analyze your academic and extracurricular profile and estimate your chances. Our profile analysis tool can also help you identify the improvement you need to make to enter your dream school. Like most competitive schools, Clemson seeks out applicants who excel academically. The average GPA is 3.74, with most students holding high class ranks. While Clemson doesn’t require applicants to complete a certain high school curriculum, the following courses are recommended: Additionally, Clemson applicants stand out with regard to standardized testing. The middle 50% of accepted freshmen have SAT scores between 1230 and 1390 and ACT scores between 27 and 32. If you’re set on attending Clemson, you’ll need to focus on bolstering low SAT scores. According to an interview with Clemson’s director of admissions, the school uses SAT and ACT results to predict college success. By pursuing SAT tutoring programs and taking the test multiple times, students can increase their odds of getting that elusive acceptance letter. Moreover, students may be able to overcome less-competitive grades and SAT scores by focusing on their personal statements. Clemson’s admissions director advises students to detail what they learned in high school rather than explaining outside circumstances that may have affected their performance. He also cautions against using a tone that’s too casual or friendly in application materials. When in doubt, applicants should strive to be honest and engaging while showing their unique perspective on the world. Like most colleges, Clemson University only has a certain number of slots available each year and sometimes even highly qualified applicants fail to make the cut. It’s easy to feel down after being rejected from one of your top-choice colleges but important to remember not to take it personally. The good news is that getting rejected from one school leaves you with the opportunity to experience something wonderful at another, even if it’s your second or third-choice school. If you’re worried about getting rejected from Clemson University or another school, think about increasing the size of your college list. With over 61 colleges and universities in South Carolina alone, and thousands more around the U.S., applying to a broad range of schools is the best way to ensure a bright and promising future. Still set on earning your degree at Clemson? Each February, the university identifies a select group of talented students who just missed out on being accepted and invites them to participate in the Bridge to Clemson program . Also known as the Bridge, this program requires students to enroll at Tri-County for their first year. Provided that they earn 30 transferable credit hours and maintain a 2.5 grade point average, they will be guaranteed admission to Clemson for the following fall. Need help with your Clemson University application or other southern colleges? At , we’ve helped more than 6,000 students gain admission to the colleges of their dreams. Our College Applications Program offers numerous resources, including essay writing assistance, one-on-one support, and help customizing school lists. Ready to get a jumpstart on the college admissions process? Call today or contact the College Applications team online .

Persuasive speaking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Persuasive speaking - Essay Example ch as we may express our humility to assist or sympathize with a child born to poor parents by giving medicine and providing healthcare services freely to them, we are not sure how our money will be used in solving this ethical issue (Ross 300). I do strongly disagree that there exists something like universal healthcare due to the fact that this kind of program will not reach everyone as the term implies and its effect will not be universal as the name suggests too. What is actually in the real American dream? Is it powerful military or reputation? I think American dream is based on universal right to existence, freedom, and contentment. This is the dream of every individual in the world and its pursuit is everyone’s responsibility. All these visions are based on an individual’s health hence proving the importance of a healthy body and mind. The reason there is no universal healthcare is the attitude that most people do have that healthcare is more like socialism, which do not imply democracy. The political elites have continuously disagreed on the importance of universal healthcare being that they do not even feel the pinch when faced by sickness and diseases due to their financial advantage. Do they really care for the common person? Lots of money is spent on wars than healthcare services (Sebelius Web). All the companies in the healthcare sector are clearly in the business of making profit without even thinking of the welfare of their clients thus making diseases and sickness big business. In fact, the US healthcare is the most costly due to the players in this fundamental sector thus making it unproductive to throw money in this system (Tanner Web). Demand for healthcare has since been limited by demand because it is provided in the market and any attempt to provide it freely can only be limited by rationing which happens in most countries practicing this system such as Spain, South Korea, France, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Most people would be given

The impact of technology on sports Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The impact of technology on sports - Essay Example The design and development of sporting equipments and infrastructures needs partnership between all the members involved as well as comprehending between both the science of sports and life. Even if the technology has brought a great impact in the sporting activities, some of the equipments developed in accordance with the current technology contribute very little to the success of a sports person in the games. The world of sports has changed drastically over the years due to the development of technology, which has brought a huge impact in the modern sporting events. However some people think that inclusion of technology in the sports will reduce the pace of the games but others claim that technology make games to be more enjoyable. For instance, when people embrace technology in football most of the blunders that greatly cost playing teams and referees can reduce drastically. Introduction of hawk eye technology brought mixed reactions among various stakeholders in the football aren a. The hawk eye technology in conjunction with the goal line technology will help the referee to make better decisions while in the pitch. In United States of America, the referees have been using instant replays in order to make the correct calls in football. The referees in basketball have also adopted the replay system in modern to ensure that the players are shooting the ball within the period stipulated by a shot clock. The hawk eye technology and instant replay technology has seen the quality of these sports increase at a very great margin (Topend Sports, 2013). Additionally, international cricket has been using the third umpire to replay disputed boundaries and catches, hence improving the quality of the sports in the fields. The economist (2012) states that, â€Å"the Umpire Decision Review System (DRS) has completely changed the sport†. This statement is very true because before this technology came some of the bowlers used to instill fear to their opponents and with the new technology, the observers were able to catch search bowlers. The DRS system has made cricket game to be civil by including a tactical dimension to the sport and the teams can now take part in decision making in cases of a poor sportsmanship. The DRS system has made the cricketers to acquire more knowledge and skills when playing the game and this has made them reap the full benefits of the new technology. The economist (2012) claims that, â€Å"a good captain now must also possess the skill of the judicious review†. This implies that the new technology has really assisted the cricketers in making the correct judgments in case they detect an error in the opponent side. Thus, inclusion of technology in the cricket sport has brought a very great revolution of serenity to the game whereby the people used to relate the sport with violence because of poor decision made by the observers. However, in some sports, the balance seems to sway far away towards the technology beca use of the impact that the technology has brought in these events. According to Kelner (2009), in swimming, Speedo LZR swimsuits that the swimmers are currently using perfectly fit the swimmers body as designed. The swimsuits transform the swimmers body into a surface like that of a dolphin, which have very little similarity with the normal swimsuit. However, this newly designed swimsuit has very little