Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Stepfamilies with Adolescents - Counseling Interventions Pertaining to Case Study

Stepfamilies with Adolescents - Counseling Interventions Pertaining to Communication and Discipline - Case Study Example Parenting is the most difficult aspects of a stepfamily. It is more difficult to form a stepfamily with adolescent children compared to forming a family with younger children. The main cause could be because of developmental stages. Research indicates that children who are between the ages of 10 and 14 may have a hard time in adjusting into a stepfamily. However, both children above the age of 15 and under the age of 10 may need to have a stepparent. The older or the children who are over 15 may need little or less parenting and will be less involved in the family. Finally, the children who are under 10 may be willing to have another adult in the family. Family structure has recently transformed due to both demographic and social changes. According to the Office of National Statistic, marriage rates have drastically while the number of divorce cases has remained constant. In recent years, people become parents and have their first child easily in a cohabiting union rather than within a marriage. Moreover, between 1975 and 2004, non-marital childbirth has drastically increased, from 9% to 43%, in which two-thirds is of unmarried parents. Several factors may affect how a child adjusts to a stepfamily this include, gender of the child. Girls attend to be more difficult than boys are and they may take time in adjusting in a stepfamily. For instance, stepfamilies that include the natural mother and a stepfather, the girls are more likely than boys to oppose the new male figure. In divorced families, where there is only a single parent that is involved, mother-daughter relationships tend to be extremely close. Consequently, girls may see the stepfather as a threat to the relationship with her mother when the mother decides to remarry. Alternatively, boys would quickly adjust since they yearn for a masculine figure.  

Monday, October 28, 2019

Discuss the Effect of Islam upon West Africa Essay Example for Free

Discuss the Effect of Islam upon West Africa Essay Change Over Time Essay Assignment #1The camel, with its ability to travel long distances without water and carry heavy loads, facilitated trans-Saharan communication. During the seventh and eighth centuries CE, Islamic conquerors had added North Africa to the dar al-Islam. By the end of the eighth century CE, Muslim merchants had crossed the Sahara and initiated commercial relations with Sub-Saharan West Africa and by the beginning of the second millennium, Islam had become entrenched in West African life. Islam dramatically changed West Africa culturally, politically, and economically in the time period between 1000 CE and 1750 CE, but many staples of West African society remained the same. Economically, Islam ushered a new era of economic prosperity into West Africa. The adoption of Islam by West African states provided them with common ground upon which states such as Mali greatly expanded their gold trade to encompass Arab and Mediterranean nations. Established Muslim trade routes facilitated the huge increase in the volume of African trade. Commercial cities sprung up across West Africa, with commerce increasing Timbuktus population to 100,000. In the twelfth century, Muslim merchants introduced cotton, rice, and citrus fruits to West Africa; by the sixteenth century cotton was the main textile produced in West Africa. European demand for cotton textiles ensured that West Africa would remain economically prosperous. Islamic merchants expanded the African slave trade to a continental level, providing Europeans with a framework upon which to build the catastrophic Atlantic slave trade, replacing small scale tribal slavery with huge state economies built entirely around capturing slaves and selling them to foreign nations. However, despite these huge changes in economic methods and volume, West African states relied heavily upon trade as the principle form of economic support throughout periods of Islamic influence. The increase in trade with Islamic merchants between 1000 and 1750 led to the permeation of Islamic culture among West African peoples. Islamic rulers built large mosques and universities where people could learn about Islam, as well as other areas of knowledge. These universities spread literacy within West African society. Islam was generally tolerant of traditional values, such as polygamy. This allowed it greater popularity than  Christianity, and decreased resistance to conversion. Islam was not forced upon citizens by their kings, but rather was voluntarily encouraged. Despite this, many people adopted Islam, especially those who interacted with Muslim merchants. However, many of those who adopted Islam did not adopt Islam in its original form, but rather combined it with traditional religious beliefs to create a syncretic religion. There was much social turmoil among purists, such as the Fulani, and those who practiced syncretic Islam. Despite the large Islamic influence in the area, many chose not to adopt a syncretic faith and rather kept their traditional beliefs. The integration of Islamic culture into West Africa, as well as the economic prosperity that Islamic trade brought West Africa, led to the creation of large centralized states. As opposed to the small kingdoms, such as the kingdom of Ghana, that the first Islamic merchants encountered in West Africa, by the fifteenth century two large centralized empires had emerged. Islamic influence played a large part in the creation of these large empires. Firstly, the revenue created by integration of West Africa into Islamic trade allowed West African rulers to create and support large standing armies. These armies ensured that these empires could protect their peoples and sources of income, as well as exert their influence. Secondly, Islamic law, known as Sharia, introduced to West Africa allowed for unified rule. Previously, varying tribal laws had caused disorder and fragmentation, as well as discontent. Islamic law facilitated and demanded the creation of large centralized empires. However, Islam itself did not necessarily become the exclusive religion of these empires; many, indeed most, citizens of these empires clung to and practiced their traditional pagan religious beliefs. Following the collapse of these two empires, West African political structure returned to the small regional kingdoms that had been West African norm before Muslim merchants crossed the Sahara. Overall, the Islam greatly, sometimes even completely, changed cultural, political, and economic environments in West Africa between 1000 CE and 1750 CE. Examples of this change include the introduction of centralized kingdoms, trans-Saharan trade, and Muslim values. Despite this great change, many elements of West African society, such as popular religion, dependence  on trade, and basic values remained the same despite Islamic influence up through 1750 CE. Near the end of that period, Africa began to be colonized by European nations, and fell under European influence.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Dell Computer Corporation Essay -- Technology, Personal Computers

Dell Computer Corporation Dell Computer Corporation was recognized as the leader in personal computers during the 1990’s. However, economic instability and competitors gaining market share, heavily affected the company. In 2001, PC sales declined, layoffs were constant, and employees were disengaged. Thus, to revitalize the company a new philosophy statement called â€Å"The Soul Dell† was unveiled throughout the organization. However, the central problem for Dell was the methodology used to develop and communicate its core values to employees. As well as senior leaders’ inability to affect paradigms shift from the existing organizational culture and sustain an effective change management process. Case Study Analysis Background /Culture Dell Computer Company is known for its meteoric rise to industry dominance based on founder Michael Dell’s ability to transition a part-time business of building and upgrading personal computers into a multi-billion dollar enterprise (O’Rourke, 2010). Dell’s business model was producing low cost, high quality PC’s that were built-to-order called â€Å"Dell Direct†. The strategy of shipping direct to customers eliminated the need for middlemen and gave Dell a competitive advantage (O’Rourke, 2010). Company growth surged in the 1990’s with over 38,000 employees and a global platform. Dell and Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Rollins, created a fast-past, win-at-all-cost, highly competitive organizational culture whereby compensation and promotions were based on exceptional performance (O’Rourke, 2010). Finally, in 2000, Elizabeth Allen joined the company as vice president of corporate communications. In 2001 the company experienced an economic downturn. PC profit margins declined and lay... ..., they failed to properly diagnose the problem in order to identify all the possible interventions needed to implement and sustain the change and behavior they wanted. Thus, in order to bring about this change, Dell and Rollins need to model the vision similar to the methods used during the September 11, 2001 attacks. Also, they need to ensure management has bought into the vision and can clearly articulate it to their direct reports. Moreover, incorporating cultural initiatives in employees’ performance management goals without a clear understanding of how the change affects them is premature. Employees first need to understand how the change impacts them and be empowered to provide input on its content and implementation. Finally, cultural shifts take time. Therefore, senior leadership needs to stay commitment to the change until it is institutionalized.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Essay --

The Compson family has three sons; Benjamin (Benjy), Quentin, and Jason, along with a daughter, Candace (Caddy). Benjy is the youngest son of the family and is mentally disabled, Quentin is the oldest son of the family and is the only child of the family who is trying to find some meaning of life, and Jason is the son who can care less about love and family. Caddy on the other hand, is the most important character in the novel, whose views are shown less, and others views on her are shown alot more, being a big part of the novel. Their parents Mr. and Mrs. Compson do not show much love for their children. The only child Mrs. Compson shows some love for is Jason, who perhaps doesn’t care about her love and is actually the worst of the children. William Faulkner dedicates the first three sections of the novel to the three sons of the Compson family, and saves the last one for himself. Even though Caddy is the most important character in the novel, Faulkner does not have a whol e section on her, instead every section reflects on her life. Benjy is a speechless â€Å"idiot†, who can’t really do anything to get things straight, yet he can sense when something good or bad is happening. When anything bad happens, all Benjy does is moan and cry. Benjy remembers all the bad things that happened to him. Benjy wanted his mother to love him and always be there for him, yet she didn’t care much about him and never really loved him, which is why at a young age, Caddy took care of Benjy. Benjy loved Caddy very much and saw her as the only pure, loveable person. When Caddy loss her virginity, it really bothered Benjy and all he could do was mourn and cry. Earlier in the novel, when Caddy was a young girl and had a muddy underwear, it foreshadowed ... ...use he was planning on committing suicide. Quentin just wanted Caddy to be protected and for her to stay away from other men. Like Benjy, Quentin never had his mother’s love. This is why they both see Caddy as a mother figure. Quentin wanted his mother to always be with him, yet she was never there for him. Quentin said in the novel, on page 172; â€Å"If I’d just had a mother so I could say mother, mother†. Quentin really wished he had his mother’s love. Mrs. Compson didn’t care much about her other children as much as she did for her son Jason. Mrs. Compson only showed her love for Jason, even though Jason is perhaps the worst of the children. Mrs. Compson only trusted Jason out of all four of her children. Jason took advantage of his mother and stole large amounts of money from his mother. Jason doesn’t really care about anyone, but himself. Jason hates all women

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Critically consider psychological explanations of love Essay

There are three psychological theories of love, The Three Factor Theory of Romantic Love, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love and Romantic Love and Attachment. The three factor theory of romantic love suggested by Hatfield and Walster, recognises two types of love, passionate love and companionate love. Whilst passionate love can be seen as an intense physiological arousal which involves a longing for the other person, companionate love is more a feeling of affection towards those whom we feel deeply about. Hatfield and Walster propose a theory to explain passionate love based on three factors; physiological arousal, appropriate love object and cultural exposure. The authors see love as a label that is placed on someone that we are physiologically aroused by. Experiencing this arousal will cause a person to state it is because of love, since this is what our culture teaches us happens when we are in love. This theory receives support from research by Dutton and Aron. In this study, male participants were interviewed on a high or low suspension bridge, by an attractive female. The results supported the prediction that those males interviewed on a high bridge felt more sexual attraction to the woman, presumably because they experienced stronger physiological arousal. The males on the lower bridge felt less physical attraction, presumably because their physiological arousal was not as strong. It is possible that this theory could explain certain experiences such as love at first sight. However, since most people seem to fall in love gradually, this would suggest that for the majority of individuals, the label, love, comes first rather that the physiological arousal. The theory is also more applicable to western rather then eastern or collectivist cultures. Sternberg defines love as – intimacy (sharing mutual understanding and emotional support), passion (involves physical attraction and sexual desire) and decision/commitment (involves the short-term decision that you love someone and a longer-term commitment to maintain that love). These three components of love can be combined in different ways to produce seven varieties of love; liking, infatuation, empty love, romantic love, compassionate love, fatuous love and consummate love. These seven types of love form a triangle. Consummate love being in the center as it is the strongest form of love since it involves all three components. Sternberg believes that people have two different types of triangle. The first is based on an individuals own theory of love and is formed in a cultural context from watching television, observing parents, reading books, including listening to fairy tales when young. The second triangle is based on the individuals’ current relationship. According to Sternberg when two triangles are similar, relationships tend to be more successful. The theory has practical applications – it is possible to measure the components in the two parties and then analyse the differences in the types of love shown by each partner. It helps pinpoint areas where change and compromise may be necessary. However, the components are rather vague, especially commitment, and it is therefore difficult to judge the basis on which one person decides to love another. Hazan and Shaver proposed that romantic relationships are attachment relationships, and that individual differences in adult attachment style, mirror those found by psychologists who studied attachment styles such as Ainsworth. So rather than love being formed in a cultural context, Hazan and Shaver believe that love originates from a person’s early relationship with a primary caregiver. This theory developed out of two earlier pieces of research by Ainsworth and Bowlby. Ainsworth’s strange situation and the observation that children have three different styles of attachment – secure, insecure/anxious resistant and insecure/anxious avoidant. Bowlby’s belief that the mother’s behaviour towards the child creates an internal working model that leads the infant to expect the same in later relationships. According to Hazan and Shaver, later love relationships can be predicted from a child’s attachment style. So therefore a secure child who had a positive image of a caring mother will have relationships in later life that are friendly, trusting and more enduring. A child classified as insecure/anxious resistant will have conflicting memories of the mother, both positive and rejecting, causing relationships in later life to consist of emotional highs and lows, with moments of jealousy and concerns whether their partners really love them. Insecure/anxious avoidant children will remember their mother as cold and rejecting and have relationships in later life where they fear being close to someone and believe love is not necessary for happiness nor is it long lasting. Hazan and Shaver’s research receives support from a number of studies in that there does seem to be a relationship between early attachment experiences and later attitudes and behaviour to love for example Feeny and Noller 1990. However the research has all been correlational in this area, so it cannot be claimed that early attachment causes later relationships behaviour. The relationship between the two could be caused by another factor. Kagon believes this other factor to be the temperament of the child. Infants are born with certain temperaments which determine the quality of their early relationships and these innate or genetic factors affect relationships throughout life. The three psychological theories of love provide partial explanations for this most intense of human emotion. Whilst Hatfield and Walster believe love to be a state of strong physiological arousal, Sternberg and Hazan and Shaver believe that love originates from a persons early relationships with a primary caregiver.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Seven Essential Ingredients of a Good Working Relationship

Seven Essential Ingredients of a Good Working Relationship While it’s not always easy to get along with your coworkers, it’s a worthwhile endeavor: good working relationships are more important than ever in today’s increasingly collaborative work environments. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be easier said than done. It’s not impossible, however. Get a proactive jump on forming positive workplace relationships by implementing these seven simple yet productive methods. 1. Communication CountsOpen lines of communication are critical to all relationships - both in and out of the office. Different people have different needs and preferences. Understanding your co-workers’ needs and delivering on them can help you not only enjoy a better working relationship, but also maximize productivity.Does he/she prefer email, phone or face-to-face meetings? Are daily check-ins preferable to weekly updates? Establishing ground rules for how and when you’ll communicate eliminates confusion, irritation, and other ne gative emotions in the workplace.2. Show RespectJust as your work is your top priority, so are your fellow co-workers’ roles and responsibilities of equal priority to them. Be on time to meetings, treat everyone with courtesy, and honor the time and space of others.3. Be PositiveWhile there’s a time and place for venting, the workplace during work hours is not it. Avoid complaining about your boss and co-workers on the job. Not only does this damage others’ perception of you as a professional person, but it also promote a culture of negativity.Rather than becoming part of the problem, commit to becoming part of the solution. If workplace problems are prevalent, brainstorm ideas toward their solution. This is far more productive than griping to anyone who will listen and risking your own reputation in the process.4. Listen UpEveryone has the potential to make a difference in the workplace - regardless of level or position. Encourage and welcome ideas from others , and refrain from disparaging or belittling them.This doesn’t mean you have to accept and implement bad ideas, but it does mean treating people - and their ideas - with the same courtesy with which you’d want to be treated.Plus, you never know when someone’s idea will turn into an unexpected solution for an ongoing challenging.5. Speak UpYou have a unique set of knowledge, expertise and ideas. Sharing these with your team members not only has potential to make positive change, but also gives your co-workers a better sense of who you are and what you have to offer.In addition to sharing your ideas, it’s also essential to share your gratitude. If a fellow employee has helped out with a task or made a positive contribution to a project, acknowledging their efforts can go a long way to building a sense of teamwork.6. Be AccountableAs Big Bird himself famously crooned, â€Å"Everyone makes mistakes.† Errors are a fact of life. In most cases, theyâ₠¬â„¢re recoverable. What’s not recoverable? Making a mistake and putting the blame on another co-worker. If you miss a deadline or mess up an assignment, own it.Conversely, when co-workers miss deadlines or mess up assignments, don’t sell them out to management. Give them the opportunity to remedy their mistakes, and offer your assistance along the way. Your support when they need it now may mean their support when you need it later.7. Follow UpAlong the same lines as being accountable, it’s also essential to follow up on your obligations. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you’re unable to complete the promised task, promptly inform your co-worker or boss. Again, missing deadlines is understandable, but attempting to cover up or run from setbacks may lead to disaster. Trust between co-workers is paramount, and following up on your commitments is an essential component in developing trust.While you and your co-workers may never be b esties, there’s no reason you can’t overcome personal differences and work together as a team. These seven tips and tricks can get you on track to professional relationships which aren’t just tolerable, but fulfilling.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Globalisation Has Made The Modern Nation State Irrelevant Essays

Globalisation Has Made The Modern Nation State Irrelevant Essays Globalisation Has Made The Modern Nation State Irrelevant Paper Globalisation Has Made The Modern Nation State Irrelevant Paper Globalisation challenges the state centred set of theories that assume that the nation state is the most powerful organisation in society, and can therefore be used to challenge the idea that there is a single ruling elite because there is no power in society to force the state in a particular direction. A state is a central authority exercising legitimate control over a given territory and which can use political violence against either its own citizens or other states to enforce that control. A nation state is constantly under scrutiny because it has not yet been defined but sociologists are still happy to use the term nation state. However, most sociologists agree that the term nation state refers to any country that can make its own laws, operate its own economy and maintain economic power within its own territory. Nation states also wish to determine their own foreign policy, having their on defence and military capabilities. James Fulcher defines globalisation as the growing integration between of people across the world. There are four main forms that globalisation takes; global communication, global interdependence, global awareness and global organisation. Global communication is used to express the increasing speed of which information, goods and people can be moved around the world, however, it is the capacity of forms of information that can be communicated that has really changed. Global interdependence shows that as different parts of the world are become interlinked, they become more interdependent. This interdependence takes two main forms economic and ecological. : Many poor countries are becoming increasingly dependent on tourists from rich ones, for example, workers in the Caribbean process data for the United States and Europe. This is closely linked to financial dependency because Capitalism is a global issue and every country is dependent on the flow of capital. Ecological interdependence is more complicated as it is and unintended consequence of technical and economic development. Environmental issues effect the whole world, deforestation in one country may not directly affect it but could affect another country. Global warming is mainly due to carbon dioxide emissions from rich countries like the United States but in the end it will be low-lying countries that will suffer when they loose land not the United States. Global awareness is the sense that we all live in one earth, this has been driven by economic and ecological interdependence. Robertson (1992) claims people increasingly see themselves not as members of a community or a nation but as members of humanity, of a single threatened species. This awareness that we live in a global village is supported by global communications because it is bringing people closer together. Global organisations like McDonalds, Ford and Greenpeace are present all over the world and it is not yet clear how big a corporation must be for it to be global. Giddens (1985) supports the idea that nation states can no longer control their own economies and argues that political decisions are no longer taken by the state or governments but that decisions are made through global networks of information exchange, the world capitalist economy and world military order. David Held (1992) follows a Marxist perspective and argues that international bodies like the World Bank reduce the power of the nation states. Massey (1999) argues that multinational corporations have created the myth of globalisation in an attempt to legitimatise economic and social policies that serve in their interests rather than the countrys in which policies originate. International organisations are often thought of as supranational that transfer authority from nation states to international bodies above the nation. They do subject the nation state to some external regulation but this is negotiated by nation state representatives and operates through nation states. The UN is handed power by the supranational corporations and may only use this power when another nation states security is threatened. The UN accepts the sovereignty of the nation states; however, they are dependent on nation states when the military becomes involved. International organisations are composed of nation states, whereas transnational organisations operate outside the nation states, the key feature of a transnational corporation is the movement of money, information, ideas, and people across national boarders. The movement of money seriously limits government policies because money can go anywhere if government policies threaten profits or weaken a currency. Gould (1993) argues that there has been a Japanisation of welfare as European countries cut back on welfare states expenditure in order to compete with Japan, where welfare expenditure is much lower. This transnational migration of labour shows the widening gap between rich and poor countries, meaning that ethnic, cultural and religious diversity is created in the nation states. Naomi Klein argues that women and children living in third world countries and working in free trade zones are extremely exploited and are allowed to be paid less than the real cost of living. Large supranational corporations can turn over more money in one week than some nation states do in a year. For example, the American giant corporation, Wal-Mart, the parent company of ASDA has a weekly turnover of i 4 billion. For a Marxist, globalisation is an extension of capitalism and how capitalism has been promoted throughout the world. They would therefore agree that the nation state has become irrelevant because multinational corporations grow with capitalism and are taking over in every aspect of human life; culture, religion, ethnicity, gender, age and class. Marxists understand that world trade is important and that the division of labour can help every country to grow faster however; the division of labour is established under capitalism and therefore the division of labour is imposed upon the less developed countries. Marx and Engles claim in the Communist Manifesto The bourgeoisie has through its exploitation of the world market given a cosmopolitan character to production and consumption in every country All old-established national industries have been destroyed or are daily being destroyed. In conclusion, we now live in a multi level society that has a global level of organisation but also regional and national levels. Global international agencies reinforce the nation state; global movements only challenge the authority of the nation state and although nation states are loosing some of their autonomy and sovereignty, but that this has been lost because countrys are becoming more regionalised. Castells (1997) argues that subnationalisms and communal resistance by ethnic and religious groups have forced the nation state to decentralise authority and decision making to meet their demands.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Biography of Jacques Cartier, Early Explorer of Canada

Biography of Jacques Cartier, Early Explorer of Canada Jacques Cartier (December 31, 1491–September 1, 1557) was a French navigator sent by French King Francis I to the New World to find gold and diamonds and a new route to Asia. Cartier explored what became known as Newfoundland, the Magdalen Islands, Prince Edward Island, and the Gaspà © Peninsula, and was the first explorer to map the St. Lawrence River. He claimed what is now Canada for France. Fast Facts: Jacques Cartier Known For: French explorer who gave Canada its nameBorn: Dec. 31, 1491 in Saint-Malo, Brittany, FranceDied: Sept. 1, 1557 in Saint-MaloSpouse: Marie-Catherine des Granches Early Life Jacques Cartier was born on Dec. 31, 1491, in Saint-Malo, a historic French port on the coast of the English Channel. Cartier began to sail as a young man and earned a reputation as a highly-skilled navigator, a talent that would come in handy during his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. He apparently made at least one voyage to the New World, exploring Brazil, before he led his three major North American voyages. These voyages- all to the St. Lawrence region of what is now Canada- came in 1534, 1535–1536, and 1541–1542. First Voyage In 1534 King  Francis I  of France decided to send an expedition to explore the so-called northern lands of the New World. Francis was hoping the expedition would find precious metals, jewels, spices, and a passage to Asia. Cartier was selected for the commission. With two ships and 61 crewmen, Cartier arrived off the barren shores of Newfoundland just 20 days after setting sail. He wrote, I am rather inclined to believe that this is the land God gave to Cain. The expedition entered what is today known as the Gulf of St. Lawrence by the Strait of Belle Isle, went south along the Magdalen Islands, and reached what are now the provinces of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Going north to the Gaspà © peninsula, he met several hundred Iroquois from their village of Stadacona (now Quebec City), who were there to fish and hunt for seals. He planted a cross on the peninsula to claim the area for France, although he told Chief Donnacona it was just a landmark. The expedition captured two of Chief Donnaconas sons, Domagaya and Taignoagny, to take along as prisoners. They went through the strait separating Anticosti Island from the north shore but did not discover the St. Lawrence River before returning to France. Second Voyage Cartier set out on a larger expedition the next year, with 110 men and three ships adapted for river navigation. Donnaconas sons had told Cartier about the St. Lawrence River and the â€Å"Kingdom of the Saguenay† in an effort, no doubt, to get a trip home, and those became the objectives of the second voyage. The two former captives served as guides for this expedition. After a long sea crossing, the ships entered the Gulf of St. Lawrence and then went up the Canada River, later named the St. Lawrence River. Guided to Stadacona, the expedition decided to spend the winter there. But before winter set in, they traveled up the river to Hochelaga, the site of present-day Montreal. (The name Montreal comes from Mount Royal, a nearby mountain Cartier named for the King of France.) Returning to Stadacona, they faced deteriorating relations with the natives and a severe winter. Nearly a quarter of the crew died of scurvy, although Domagaya saved many men with a remedy made from evergreen bark and twigs. Tensions grew by spring, however, and the French feared being attacked. They seized 12 hostages, including Donnacona, Domagaya, and Taignoagny, and fled for home. Third Voyage Because of his hasty escape, Cartier could only report to the king that untold riches lay farther west and that a great river, said to be 2,000 miles long, possibly led to Asia. These and other reports, including some from the hostages, were so encouraging that King Francis decided on a huge colonizing expedition. He put military officer Jean-Franà §ois de la Rocque, Sieur de Roberval, in charge of the colonization plans, although the actual exploration was left to Cartier. War in Europe and the massive logistics for the colonization effort, including the difficulties of recruiting, slowed Roberval. Cartier, with 1,500 men, arrived in Canada a year ahead of him. His party settled at the bottom of the cliffs of Cap-Rouge, where they built forts. Cartier started a second trip to Hochelaga, but he turned back when he found that the route past the Lachine Rapids was too difficult. On his return, he found the colony under siege from the Stadacona natives. After a difficult winter, Cartier gathered drums filled with what he thought were gold, diamonds, and metal and started to sail for home. But his ships met Robervals fleet with the colonists, who had just arrived in what is now St. Johns, Newfoundland. Roberval ordered Cartier and his men to return to Cap-Rouge, but Cartier ignored the order and sailed for France with his cargo. When he arrived in France, he found that the load was really iron pyrite- also known as fools gold- and quartz. Robervals settlement efforts also failed. He and the colonists returned to France after experiencing one bitter winter. Death and Legacy While he was credited with exploring the St. Lawrence region, Cartiers reputation was tarnished by his harsh dealings with the Iroquois and by his abandoning the incoming colonists as he fled the New World. He returned to Saint-Malo but got no new commissions from the king. He died there on Sept. 1, 1557. Despite his failures, Jacques Cartier is credited as the first European explorer to chart the St. Lawrence River and to explore the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He also discovered Prince Edward Island and built a fort at Stadacona, where Quebec City stands today. And, in addition to providing the name for a mountain that gave birth to Montreal, he gave Canada its name when he misunderstood or misused the Iroquois word for village, kanata, as the name of a much broader area. Sources Jacques Cartier Biography. Biography.com.Jacques Cartier. History.com.Jacques Cartier: French Explorer. Encyclopedia Brittanica.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Reparations in The United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Reparations in The United States - Essay Example According to the study  the life challenges the African American are facing today are because of slavery, and the life they underwent during slavery.  This is because they were taken from their homes in Africa, and abused in America by a regularity that ruined the structure of their families, as well as destroying the individual. When the American decided to end slavery,   the African   American were left with nothing, denied education, segregated making them experience a lot of economic challenges. Compared to the Europeans, the African American remained disadvantaged in the society, and it is said that they are likely to remain like that until the government compensates them.From this essay it is clear that the provided welfare and affirmative action, as well as other effort established to address socio economic challenges of the African Americans have been too small.These efforts have failed because the society has failed to tackle the main challenge affecting the African American people. This is because of racism and discrimination they present to the African American people.  To some extent the social welfare programs were established   for good intentions. However, have largely contributed to the isolation of the African American people, and further destroyed the African American society. Furthermore, the established programs only benefited other people leaving out the African Americans.   Ã‚  ... Compared to the Europeans, the African American remained disadvantaged in the society, and it is said that they are likely to remain like that until the government compensates them.7 3 The provided welfare and affirmative action, as well as other effort established to address socio economic challenges of the African Americans have been too small.8 These efforts have failed because the society has failed to tackle the main challenge affecting the African American people. This is because of racism and discrimination they present to the African American people.9 To some extent the social welfare programs were established for good intentions. However, have largely contributed to the isolation of the African American people, and further destroyed the African American society. Furthermore, the established programs only benefited other people leaving out the African Americans.4 Supporters for reparations noted that, reparations were not going to promote dependence. However, they were going to offer the African American people an opportunity to develop their own economic foundation and become independent.10 According to McCarthy, reparations were meant to restore past injustices, to amend the harms imposed, and to socialize their victims. This is because several existing African Americans went to isolated schools that had limited resources. In other circumstances where they went for higher education, then it was upon them to choose a black collage or not attend college at all.11 The African Americans experienced discrimination in job appointments, and they experienced poor access of information. They were categorized as second class citizens in the United States. McCarthy noted that this reparation took two forms the collective compensation and collective

Friday, October 18, 2019

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 65

Case Study Example It has been very aggressive in its profit responsibility; using its programs and projects as means of communication to showcase its products and services to a larger population. This has demonstrated to be even more effective than the traditional way of holding advertising campaigns. The overall mission of Toyota is to contribute to the society and the economy by producing high-quality products and services. This is achieved through the Toyota way, which is a philosophy, built on five principles: challenging long-term visions and approaching them with creativity, Kaizen i.e. continuously improve business processes. Genchi Genbustu which, means going to the source to verify the facts in order to make accurate decisions; stimulating teamwork and performance and finally respect for the others and the environment by responsibility for it. Thus, Toyotas concept of sustainable mobility is key to achieving the Toyota way, which believes in respecting the atmosphere, and taking care of it. The Toyota National Parks project has been very successful. Parks included in this partnership are Yellowstone National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Everglades National park, the Golden Gate Bridge Foundation, Yosemite National park, the Grand Canyon and the Santa Monica National Recreational reserves. The program tries to engage with the visitors at the park personally and expose them to Toyota’s hybrid vehicles which when used in a natural setting are able to receive messages about sustainable mobility. A corporate image study which was recently conducted shows that Toyota ranked highest among its competitors namely Toyota, Honda, Ford and GM when it came to indicators such as ‘Leader in High MPG’, ‘Leader in Technology Development’, ‘Environmentally Friendly Vehicles’ and in the ‘Wins Environmental Awards’ (107). I would suggest that Toyota gets involved in even more activities that raise environmental-friendly awareness. They should be proactive

Romantic art movement and Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Romantic art movement and Science - Essay Example During this movement, reactions leveled against the philosophy of enlightenment increased. This philosophy established its grounds on coherent thinking, pragmatic evidence, and science in general. Romantics revolutionized the ideas of science by admitting that reason and rational thinking was not enough to establish certain ideologies about life and its great mysteries . Some of these mysteries, however, were uncovered through means of intuition, creative thinking supplemented by imagination, as well as emotion. Nature was applied in a wide sense to uncover mysteries of the mind, spiritual learning, and other self-discoveries. It was during this time that the renowned famous poet Samuel Taylor quoted, â€Å"Just like a shark, I shall attack Chemistry.† The scientific discoveries that were made during this era inspired more artistic works from various great artists. The Romantics based their life on the freedom of expression, spirituality, and to some extent deep feelings . The se three virtues may have arguably acted as a barricade to the negative effects of industrialization that were dehumanizing. The Romantic Art Movement exalted the potentials and values of the human race. Various artists incorporated the features of this era into their work. Most of the great artist did not regard rationalism to characterize this particular age. They also rejected rules that were based on the neoclassical school of thought. Some of the artists including the baroque artists visualized their artworks to inspiring emotional responses.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Discriminating Can Save Lives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Discriminating Can Save Lives - Essay Example s of suspicion and criminal activities that are more likely to happen while on the other hand, critics of racial profiling rejects the idea of racial profiling as an activity of violating human rights and greatly humiliates the race which has many drawbacks. This argumentative paper narrates the perspectives of both schools of thoughts in terms of racial profiling. United States of America is most notably being counted amongst the states that greatly contribute to the promotion racial profiling for the defense of state and security purposes. The mentioned action of United States is due to the fact that it suffered the heavy lost as a result of terrorist planes hijacks that de-structured world trade centre on 11 September 2001 (Muffler). At one hand, a great deal of Americans believes that racial profiling is necessary and productive because it reduces the chances of terrorist acts and suspicions. This account can be defended with the example from the history of hijacking in United States. It was observed that in 1972, about 28 US aircrafts were hijacked when there were no helpful techniques for screening were applied. After the implementation of racial profiling, hijacking was reduced to a greater extent. Thus defenders of racial profiling conclude that it is better to implement racial profiling in order to reduce the terrorist attack possibilities (Muffler). The criticism that comes against racial profiling is acceptable as constitution itself does not permit the law enforcement to separate some persons from rest of the crowd on the basis of race, religion or any other characteristic. The constitution does not even permits racial profiling on the basis of suspicion of criminals act. One more prosecutor account in terms of negativity of racial profiling is that the profiling of Arab is most strict and focused by the law and enforcement of Unites States because the terrorist who attacked world trade centre were Arab Muslims. As a result, it is more likely to

Marketing strategy assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marketing strategy assignment - Essay Example â€Å"Samsung has adopted an aggressive branding and advertising strategy to transform the company from the manufacturer of cheaper Japanese brands products to a global brand known for innovations, cutting edge technology and leading design† (Farhoomand, 2013, p.13). Consumer preferences and loyalty are essential for the development of a brand. As per the views of marketing experts, strong brands can capture consumer preferences and loyalty. Samsung is a stronger brand since it is able to offer different products such as mobile phones, televisions, computers, washing machines, Fridge, air conditioners, semi-conductor devises etc. Moreover, Samsung has stronger presences in most of the continents. Even though American company, Apple Inc. is one of the strongest competitors of Samsung, the company is able to penetrate deep into American market also. In fact Samsung is using diversified products as a mean to establish its brand in different continents and markets. Creation of emotional attachment is an effective branding strategies used by many companies. Samsung is one among such companies. Globally, Samsung is a trusted brand and many people, especially the consumers in Asia, have some kind of emotional attachments to it. For example, many of Samsung smartphone users are eagerly waiting for the arrival of new smartphones from Samsung all the time. They know very well that the ability of Samsung in incorporating new features to its new products is outstanding. The recently introduced Galaxy S6 edge is an example of Samsung abilities to make use of cutting edge technologies such as curved display (Samsung, 2015). All new products from Samsung offer some kind of surprise elements for the consumers. As a result of that, the emotional attachment towards Samsung brand among the consumers is growing. In order to create emotional attachment, Samsung makes use of different

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Discriminating Can Save Lives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Discriminating Can Save Lives - Essay Example s of suspicion and criminal activities that are more likely to happen while on the other hand, critics of racial profiling rejects the idea of racial profiling as an activity of violating human rights and greatly humiliates the race which has many drawbacks. This argumentative paper narrates the perspectives of both schools of thoughts in terms of racial profiling. United States of America is most notably being counted amongst the states that greatly contribute to the promotion racial profiling for the defense of state and security purposes. The mentioned action of United States is due to the fact that it suffered the heavy lost as a result of terrorist planes hijacks that de-structured world trade centre on 11 September 2001 (Muffler). At one hand, a great deal of Americans believes that racial profiling is necessary and productive because it reduces the chances of terrorist acts and suspicions. This account can be defended with the example from the history of hijacking in United States. It was observed that in 1972, about 28 US aircrafts were hijacked when there were no helpful techniques for screening were applied. After the implementation of racial profiling, hijacking was reduced to a greater extent. Thus defenders of racial profiling conclude that it is better to implement racial profiling in order to reduce the terrorist attack possibilities (Muffler). The criticism that comes against racial profiling is acceptable as constitution itself does not permit the law enforcement to separate some persons from rest of the crowd on the basis of race, religion or any other characteristic. The constitution does not even permits racial profiling on the basis of suspicion of criminals act. One more prosecutor account in terms of negativity of racial profiling is that the profiling of Arab is most strict and focused by the law and enforcement of Unites States because the terrorist who attacked world trade centre were Arab Muslims. As a result, it is more likely to

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Intellectual property Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Intellectual property - Essay Example The piracy of intellectual property is the illegitimate use of another individual’s ideas, concepts or artistic work (Esoderberg 2011). This use might involve a range of lack of respect for the ethical and financial liberties of copyright makers or owners. Such violations might engage rarity acts that go against the equal use or selling in nationwide legislation through to sweeping and duplicating of disks, editorials, designer handbags and watches on a strictly lucrative objective. Piracy and sham violations of intellectual property further define the sale of copies of commodities devoid of the consent of the owner of the liberties to those commodities. IP piracy normally refers to the sale of illegal replications, devoid of required claims on its originality. A copyright is an outline of fortification given to the author of unique â€Å"works of authorship.† Such works comprise of fictional musical, dramatic, creative, and other definite intellectual works, whether published or not. According to the 1976 Copyright Act, the owner of copyrighted works has been granted exceptional freedom of the reproduction of the copyrighted work, groundwork for copied works, supply of replications or phonorecords of the copyrighted work, its public performance, or display of the same copyrighted works. The copyright also secures a form of expression instead of the subject material of an intellectual works’ writing. For instance, the definition of equipment can be copyrighted. Nevertheless, this would simply hinder other people from duplicating the definition, and not hinder them from putting down a definition of their own or from creating and employing the equipment. American massive computer designer and manufacturer Apple legally stated that Samsung, another rival company, breached patents by creating their most recent tablet computer, Galaxy (Esoderberg 2011). Apple claims that Galaxy has made the tablet with remarkably similar features

Stereotypes and Prejudice Worksheet Essay Example for Free

Stereotypes and Prejudice Worksheet Essay Part I Select three of the identity categories below and name or describe at least 3 related stereotypes for each: †¢ Race †¢ Ethnicity †¢ Religion †¢ Gender †¢ Sexual orientation †¢ Age †¢ Disability. |Category |Stereotype 1 |Stereotype 2 |Stereotype 3 | |Ethnicity |Certain ethnicities are good at |Certain ethnicities will pursue a |Certain ethnicities live in lower | | |certain sports |certain carrer |class areas | |Gender |One gender is stronger than the |One gender cannot do certain |One gender should not do certain | | |other |things because of their gender |things because of their gender | |Race |Certain races cannot drive a |Certain races cannot dance or have|Certain races came to American | | |vehicle |rhythm |illegal |. Part II Answer each question in 50 to 100 words related to those stereotypes. Provide citations for all the sources you use. What are the positive aspects of stereotypes, if any? I think the only positive aspect of stereotypes is if a certain race, ethnicity is being put down is for it to empower the people of that group to strive more to achieve. I think someone of these groups hearing they cannot or will never do something will make them want and hopefully achieve this more. What are the negative aspects of stereotypes? The negative aspects of stereotypes is this brings down the people of these group’s self esteem and makes them believe they cannot or will never be able to do something. I think is why we see so many children grow up and become a product of their environment and where they were raised because they believe nothing more is out there for them. Part III Answer each question in 50 to 150 words related to those stereotypes. Provide citations for all the sources you use. Define stereotypes and prejudice. What is the difference between stereotyping and prejudice? Use examples to illustrate the differences. Stereotypes is a thought adopted about specific types of people or certain ways of doing things and prejudice is making a judgement of someone or something before knowing everything. I think both play the same role, but with stereotyping we already have thoughts or beliefs in our head about a certain group, and prejudice we see a certain group or anything and make an opion about it without knowing the full truth. With stereotypeing we see a certain ethnicity and we stereotype them they are a drugdealer, play basketball. With prejudice we see someone who is dirty standing somewhere we will judge and say they are homeless and going to ask for money. What is the relationship between stereotyping and prejudice? I think the relationship between stereotyping and prejudice is they are both putting down a certain group or individual person without knowing the full truth about them. I think we as children devlop this traits and as we get older and see more the world they get worse and we are quicker to pass judgement towards someone and stereotype some to make us feel like a better person or make someone else feel less of a person. What can be done to prevent prejudice from occurring? I think prejudice will continue to happen, but the biggest thing people could try to do is get the full truth or fully look at what is in front of them before just passing judgement without knowing the whole story. I think we need to forget the stereotypes certain groups of people have been given and make our own decision on people we come in contact with and see.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Studying The Erp System Problems

Studying The Erp System Problems Hindustan Unilever Limited is Indias largest fast moving consumer goods company. The common HUL brands include Kwality Walls icecream, Knorr soups and meal makers,Lifebuoy,Lux,Pears,Breeze,Sunsilk and Dove shampoos, Vim dishwash, Lakme beauty products etc. Problems faced by the company before ERP implementation: There was an arrival of modern trade in India. Its business infrastructure and various legacy systems were unable to meet the requirement for transactions and process capabilities of the modern trade.A legacy system means the computer has been in operation for a longer time and so its functions. Hindustan Unilever was not able to streamline its business operation. There was a need of much more smooth flow of information. HUL was facing a challenge of ensuring the optimization of business to have solutions to changing market needs.Company was also facing the challenge of reducing its stock replenishment cycle. Need for ERP implementation: To optimize business process and simplify IT management. 2. Consolidation of process is necessary.This must be done internally as well as across the value chain. 3. For the preservation of investment related to legacy inventory and cash-to-order management system.Cash to order management system is for the business partners. 4. Integrate with business partners IT infrastructure quickly and seamlessly. 5. To improve information sharing with partners even if they are not using SAPs solution. 6 .Increasing Supply Chain efficiency through process centric collaboration across the enterprise-internally and externally. 7. Enhancing the value of legacy system. 8. ERP system was also needed to ensure the distribution of goods at the right time at right places In this period of modern trade one needs to deliver a service level that is higher than what the industry provides right now and their supply chain has to be such that it is superior to its competitors. Their older version of ERP system was such that it was not able to meet these needs.Hence they were in search of a system which would help in catering like meeting future transactions of modern trade. HUL also realized that good communication skills and tight communication links was necessary for the optimization of its business and achieving higher efficiency of their supply chain . However, ensuring good connectivity between HULs IT system with its distributors was not an easy. Earlier the company was using an e-business system which was developed inhouse. This was to manage the processes of replenishment and order fulfilment. This was done by exchanging inventory and sales data between itself and their distributors. Synchronization was also necessary. But because their customers had multiple, different systems of their own, integrating their system with those customers to and ensuring smooth data exchange was a challenging task for them . Furthermore, the module of the E-Business system was customized..So as their business experienced growth, there were problems managing themselves with changing business needs. HUL has developed a standard distributor management system in a distributed general trade environment. If one wants the extended supply chain to be covered, the operations of the distributor needs to be integrated tightly with its internal Enterprise resource planning solutions .The system is functioning quite good, Hindustan Unilever Limited wants to its investment t be preserved in this area. Therefore the new ERP application must be able to integrate itself with this back-office application, so that the company can continue to use its borrowed money well or leverage and maximise this into the future. ERP IMPLEMENTATION It was in 2004 when HUL decided to renovate its IT system with SAP. By utilizing SAP as their provider of standard IT solutions , utilizing its enterprise which is full of different features, solutions and it fine experience in the consumer goods industry,thy will be able to execute their global transformation strategy. This strategy was aimed at streamlining and standardising the business processes across all its operations including global operations.It was to accelerate their transformation of business and simplify their IT department. The deal for HUL was SAP NetWeaver Process Integration (SAP NetWeaver PI) which enabled process-centric collaboration internally and across HULs extended value chain. SAP NetWeaver PI facilitated communication and an transfer of info between different applications together or multiple applications irrespective of whether it is an SAP or non-SAP solution. Why SAP implementation? It supported wide range of integrated Advanced Business Application Programmiing(ABAP) and SAP applications which are based on Java used throughout Hindustan Unilever Provided opportunity to drive new enhanced change and transport system functionality of SAP Solution Manager Phase 1 of HULs SAP implementation It was in Sept 2007. It was marked with the end of its legacy ERP and its e-business systems. The solutions which were deployed included SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC), SAP NetWeaver PI, SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence (SAP NetWeaver BI), SAP NetWeaverComposition Environment (SAP NetWeaver CE), SAP NetWeaver Portal, SAP Solution Manager and SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM). The most important thing for them is that by implementing SAP NetWeaver platform, they are fit to consolidate and exchange data which is critical for business across their internal processes and also externally with their partners,their various suppliers and different partners too. For eg, HUL is now able to retain or hold back its investment in Central Unify and Unify which is also their aim.It is possible due to SAP NetWeaver PI. It is due to this software that integration of the the legacy inventory and order-to-cash management system is now possible with the rest of the SAP-based system. SAP NetWeaver Portal is another SAP NetWeaver component that HUL is most impressed with , which is right now used for customer collaboration. Integration of HULs IT system with its distributors IT systems is now possible by replacing its e-business system with this portal. This therefore results in the replenishment and order fulfilment process. With SAP NetWeaver PI, we have finally streamlining, advancement and integration of their process capability hs finally become possible because of their SAP NetWeaver PI. This also has resulted in the enhancement of HULs ability in meeting modern trades demand. Phase 2 of SAP implementation: Includes implementation of SAP Customer Relationship Management, SAP Transportation Planning and Vehicle Scheduling, SAP Advanced Planning Optimisation Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling. Manufacturing/Production software: The Distribution Module of MFG / PRO offers users Functionality in the areas of Purchase, Inventory, Sales and Distribution, Configured Products and SCM are offered in the Distribution Module of MFG/PRO. MFG/PRO Distribution This software is useful in the following areas : Ø Purchase Ø Quotations of sales Ø Orders of sales and Invoices Ø Inventory Physical Inventory Ø Analysis of sales Ø Configured Products Ø Enterprise Material Transfer and Enterprise Operations Plan MFG/PRO Financial Services It includes General Ledger, Accounts Receivable , Accounts Payable, Multiple Currency, CostManagement, Cash Management , Fixed Assets , Global Tax Management Benefits of MFG/PRO 1.There are highly qualified team members with advanced technical skills and they also possess international exposure. 2.Team scalability is as per the business requirements 3.For ensuring that the expectations are met on time and within budget,a tactical methodology is followed. 4. Fluctuation in manpower is low. 5. Customer satis and nightfaction level is at its peak as the helpdesk is open for the whole day and night. 6. Economical Benefits are considerable. MFG-PRO Process : Step-1: The first step is getting the orderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. a. One gets the order online. b. All orders are consolidated from website to excel sheet c. The excel sheet is then send to the Operations Department d. Material Requirement Planning is then done in MFG/PRO Calculation how much inventory is in the stock how much inventory is required will be done by MFG/PRO Step -2 : Step 2 includes management of raw materials Supplier is informed about the quantity of raw materials to be supplied ordering is done here) Raw material is then received from supplier. Goods Receipt Report(GRR) is then prepared by MFG/PRO. Step 3 Qulity Control is done here Material is then transferred to the Quality Control Department: Different stages are (1) Q.C. Pending (2) Q.C. Accepted (3) Q.C. Rejected The one which is accepted is transferred to warehouse. One which is rejected is sent back to suppliers.MFG/PRO does the accounting entry of it. Step 4 : Also called production stage Raw Material is Transferred to Production unit. MFG/PRO prepares Production Report is prepared by MFG/PRO Daily Production is recorded Step 5 : The process reaches the dispatch stage Guidiance how much to dispatch will be done by MFG/PRO. The Remaining is stored in warehouse. 3. A mail to the customer will be sent by MFG/PRO. Step 6 : Payment to the supplier is done here : A Message to the central department is sent by MFG/PRO, after 1 week of receipt of material payment will be done centrally. The entry of it will be done by MFG/PRO when the payment is done.. Payment from Customer: After the 3 weeks of dispatch of the finished goods to customer, central department will be messaged by MFG/PRO to ask for payment from the customer. Entry will be automatically done by MFG/PRO when the customer does payment. Waste checking Manual method is followed for capturing the waste. MFG/PRO will compare Material reduced Finished Stock Increased and theri difference would be calculated as waste. Profit Calculation Profit Statement will be prepared by MFG/PRO every month. There will be comparisons of previous profit statements. PAY GINI Software Used mostly for HR department Various services provided by this Software: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Attendance à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Calculation of salary à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Provident Fuud Calculations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Accounts of all Employees Customer Relationship Management: It is done through CRM software that manages various processes that the company always uses for tracking and organising its contacts with its current and future or prospective customers. Hindustan Unilever uses it to manage front end operations,backend operations,various business relationships,analysis and operational CRM. The growing information needs have to be met and the business practices have to be standardised.For HUL implemented Secondary Sales Force Automation (SSFA) Application across its redistribution stockists. Computer Manufacturing Company (CMC) has already implemented the Dealership Management Application Software for HUL distributors as part of earlier engagement. Connection between the redistribution stockists with the central database takes place through Internet-based network for online interaction on orders, information sharing,dispatches and monitoring. Companys Existing Scenario : Their existing environment consists of SAP ERP application , SAP NetWeaver ® Exchange Infrastructure Component , SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence Component , SAP NetWeaver Portal component, SAP Supplier Relationship Management Application , SAP Customer Relationship Management Application. The company now enjoys 70% speedier transports for non-ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) software Greater degree of automation and accuracy Elimination of disruptions and mistakes almost completely in ABAP and non-ABAP change transports Reduction in costs through reduced dependency on specialists which possess specialist skills Third-Party Integration à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Database: Oracle à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Hardware: IBM HUL Before ERP There were 1,000 suppliers and 7,000 stockiest in over one million retail outlets.HUL has 100 factories, 121 warehouse depots, 13 sale branches and 93 third-party manufacturing sites. It has 23 central offices, two research centers . CF agents used to Planning of distribution was done by CF agents based on the demand which was raised by stockists. 60-90 days credit for the goods were given to C F agets and stockists. In 1995, 44% was the HULs net current assets as a percentage of capital employed, and inventory was 20% of divisional turnover for detergent and for personal products it was 24% divisional turnover. HUL after ERP HLL previously had a stock replenishment cycle time of two weeks after ERP implementation, it came down by three and half days, which translates into substantial savings in inventory costs. After ERP current assets as a percentage of capital employed was down to 8 percent, and inventory in key divisions was down to 5-6% of turnover. In the case of detergent,the stock level decreased to less than 3 weeks of sale from 6 weeks of sale. Finish goods stock level at distribution decreased from three weeks to one week. The stockists of HUL who were habituated to get 60-90 days of credit from HUL are now offered a special discount if the payment is in advance. As a result, orders are placed by stockists only for those stocks that can be replenished quickly. The channel inventory has drastically reduced in the entire network.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Deer Hunting: A Family Tradition Essay -- Personal Narrative

Since the beginning of time man has been hunting animals for food. Even before fire, man needed to hunt, because hunting was the only way to eat. At first man used things such as spears and rocks to kill its prey. As man evolved, they started using bows and arrows. Next came an early model of what we use today, the firearm. It is powerful yet easy to carry around. It puts the animal through less suffering and is a lot more efficient than previous techniques. Hunting was once a necessity, but now it is a tradition, passed on from father to son as a way to spend time together, enjoy the outdoors, and experience what our ancestors went through in hunting their dinner. Since it is considered a sport some think we are killing off the deer population, when in actuality, â€Å"While most other big-game species have declined with the spread of urbanization, the whitetail has been able to adapt to its ever-changing environment. Through the efforts of state agencies and conservati on groups like Whitetails Unlimited, wildlife officials estimate today’s whitetail population to exceed 30 million† (www.whitetailsunlimited.org). For as long as I can remember, the week after Thanksgiving my father would get up even earlier than usual, get all bundled up in his camouflage clothes, and head up into the woods bright and early. I wasn’t exactly sure why this morning routine was so mundane compared to his usual work day routine, but as I grew older I would begin to understand. Time went on and I finally learned where he was going, though I still didn’t exactly know why he was going hunting. At the age of 12 my Dad told me I would finally be able to go hunting with him, if I wanted. Although a pistol can be used, a... ...ns we had plenty of time to talk about things, but I also had time to sit and think about things for myself in the calm outdoors. That first day of hunting proved to me that hunting is one of the most fun and enjoyable things to do, along with an emotional experience, as long as it is done safety. Works Cited â€Å"Ignoring hunter safety can be a fatal mistake.† Times-Picayune. 13 Nov. 2013. 36. Kathman, Margaret. â€Å"A Reluctant Deer Hunter.† September 7, 2013, Blog Web. 4 Dec. 2013. http://margaretkathman.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-reluctant-deer-hunter.html Feinman, Ron. Personal. Web. 4 Dec. 2013. Slinksy, Jim â€Å"The Perfect Deer Rifle.† Web. 4 Dec. 2013. . The Ultimate Hunting Network. Web. 4 Dec. 2013. . Whitetails Unlimited. Web. 4 Dec. 2013. . Deer Hunting: A Family Tradition Essay -- Personal Narrative Since the beginning of time man has been hunting animals for food. Even before fire, man needed to hunt, because hunting was the only way to eat. At first man used things such as spears and rocks to kill its prey. As man evolved, they started using bows and arrows. Next came an early model of what we use today, the firearm. It is powerful yet easy to carry around. It puts the animal through less suffering and is a lot more efficient than previous techniques. Hunting was once a necessity, but now it is a tradition, passed on from father to son as a way to spend time together, enjoy the outdoors, and experience what our ancestors went through in hunting their dinner. Since it is considered a sport some think we are killing off the deer population, when in actuality, â€Å"While most other big-game species have declined with the spread of urbanization, the whitetail has been able to adapt to its ever-changing environment. Through the efforts of state agencies and conservati on groups like Whitetails Unlimited, wildlife officials estimate today’s whitetail population to exceed 30 million† (www.whitetailsunlimited.org). For as long as I can remember, the week after Thanksgiving my father would get up even earlier than usual, get all bundled up in his camouflage clothes, and head up into the woods bright and early. I wasn’t exactly sure why this morning routine was so mundane compared to his usual work day routine, but as I grew older I would begin to understand. Time went on and I finally learned where he was going, though I still didn’t exactly know why he was going hunting. At the age of 12 my Dad told me I would finally be able to go hunting with him, if I wanted. Although a pistol can be used, a... ...ns we had plenty of time to talk about things, but I also had time to sit and think about things for myself in the calm outdoors. That first day of hunting proved to me that hunting is one of the most fun and enjoyable things to do, along with an emotional experience, as long as it is done safety. Works Cited â€Å"Ignoring hunter safety can be a fatal mistake.† Times-Picayune. 13 Nov. 2013. 36. Kathman, Margaret. â€Å"A Reluctant Deer Hunter.† September 7, 2013, Blog Web. 4 Dec. 2013. http://margaretkathman.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-reluctant-deer-hunter.html Feinman, Ron. Personal. Web. 4 Dec. 2013. Slinksy, Jim â€Å"The Perfect Deer Rifle.† Web. 4 Dec. 2013. . The Ultimate Hunting Network. Web. 4 Dec. 2013. . Whitetails Unlimited. Web. 4 Dec. 2013. .

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Lies and More Lies in Conrads Heart of Darkness :: Heart of Darkness Marlow

Lies in Heart of Darkness After declaring his passionate hate of lying it is odd to see the complete reversal of character in Marlow by the end of the book.   Then perhaps it is not a change but merely an unexpected extension of his character that gives a different dimension to his personality.  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      His statement "You know I hate, detest, and can't bear a lie...it appalls me.   It makes me miserable and sick, like biting something rotten would do" (Longman 2210) gives what one may rightly consider a very straightforward clean cut description of the man's moral view and character traits.   Yet by the end of the book one may feel he has not only betrayed their trust but himself and all the values he seemed to embody during the course of the story.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marlow's interview with Kurtz's Intended was less than the honesty one might have expected given his vehement stand on the issue of lying.   When he went to speak to her I fully expected him to be completely honest and tell her the truth.   My logic was that if she knew what Kurtz was like in reality her suffering would be eased and she would be able to gain an honest semi-objective view of the man she loved.   That shows my modern thinking!   It soon became clear that she was not going to accept any version of the truth and I found myself hoping that Marlow would lie to her to spare he the torture of knowing the truth.   Her constant interrupting of Marlow's dialogue in order to fill in wonderful, glowing details about the man was a complete revelation as to what she could hear and survive.   Marlow says, "It was impossible not to" "Love him" she finished eagerly..."How true! How true!" (Longman 2244) .   Once Marlow has dec ided to sugar coat the truth he begins to utter non-committal phrases in regards to Kurtz which the Intended finishes; "His words will remain," I said.   "And his example," she whispered to herself.   "Men look up to him, -- his goodness shone in every act.   His example"   (Longman 2245).   I think Marlow begins to see that he cannot be honest with her when they begin to speak of Kurtz's death.   He says, "My anger subsided before a feeling of infinite pity" (Longman 2245).   She was a woman, she was weak, she was alone, and every male tendency within Marlow rose up and prevented him from crushing what was left of her fragile spirit.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Microeconomics/Macroeconomics Chapter 1 Questions and Answers

Chapter 1 The Art and Science of Economic Analysis INTRODUCTION THIS CHAPTER HAS TWO PURPOSES: TO INTRODUCE STUDENTS TO SOME OF THE BASIC LANGUAGE OF ECONOMICS AND TO STIMULATE STUDENT INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT. IT CONVEYS TO STUDENTS THAT ECONOMICS IS NOT ONLY FOUND IN THE FINANCIAL SECTION OF THE NEWSPAPER, BUT ALSO IS VERY MUCH A PART OF THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES. BEGINNING WITH THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM OF SCARCE RESOURCES BUT UNLIMITED WANTS, THIS CHAPTER PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF THE FIELD AND THE ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES USED. CONCEPTS INTRODUCED INCLUDE: RESOURCES, GOODS AND SERVICES, THE ECONOMIC ACTORS IN THE ECONOMY, AND MARGINAL ANALYSIS.TWO MODELS FOR ANALYSIS, THE CIRCULAR FLOW MODEL AND STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD, ARE INTRODUCED. THE APPENDIX INTRODUCES THE USE OF GRAPHS. CHAPTER OUTLINE THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM: SCARCE RESOURCES, UNLIMITED WANTS Use PowerPoint slide 3 for the following section Economics is about making choices. The problem is that wants or desires are virtually unlimi ted while the resources available to satisfy these wants are scarce. A resource is scarce when it is not freely available, when its price exceeds zero. Economics studies how people use their scarce resources in an attempt to satisfy their unlimited wants.Use PowerPoint slides 4-9 for the following sections Resources: The inputs, or factors of production, used to produce the goods and services that humans want. Resources are divided into four categories: 1. Labor: Human effort, both physical and mental 2. Capital: †¢ Physical capital: Manufactured items (tools, buildings) used to produce goods and services. †¢ Human capital: Knowledge and skills people acquire to increase their labor productivity. 3. Natural resources: gifts of nature, bodies of water, trees, oil reserves, minerals and animals. These can be renewable or exhaustible. . Entrepreneurial ability: The imagination required to develop a new product or process, the skill needed to organize production, and the willi ngness to take the risk of profit or loss. Payments for resources: Labor–wage; capital–interest; natural resources–rent; entrepreneurial ability–profit. Use PowerPoint slides 10-12 for the following section Goods and Services: Resources are combined to produce goods and services. †¢ A good is something we can see, feel, and touch (i. e. , corn). It requires scarce resources to produce and is used to satisfy human wants. A service is not tangible but requires scarce resources to produce and satisfies human wants (i. e. , haircut). †¢ A good or service is scarce if the amount people demand exceeds the amount available at a price of zero. Goods and services that are truly free are not the subject matter of economics. Without scarcity, there would be no economic problem and no need for prices. Use PowerPoint slide 13 for the following section Economic Decision Makers: There are four types of decision makers: 1. Households 2. Firms 3. Governments 4. The rest of the worldTheir interaction determines how an economy’s resources are allocated. Use PowerPoint slide 14 for the following section Markets: †¢ Buyers and sellers carry out exchanges in markets. †¢ Goods and services are exchanged in product markets. †¢ Labor, capital, natural resources, and entrepreneurial ability are exchanged in resource markets. Use PowerPoint slides 15-16 for the following section A Simple Circular Flow Model: A simple circular flow model in Exhibit 1 describes the flow of resources, products, income and revenue among economic decision makers. The Art of Economic AnalysisUse PowerPoint slide 17 for the following section Rational Self-Interest †¢ Economics assumes that individuals, in making choices, rationally select alternatives they perceive to be in their best interests. †¢ Rational refers to people trying to make the best choices they can, given the available information. †¢ Each individual tries to minimize th e expected cost of achieving a given benefit or to maximize the expected benefit achieved with a given cost. Use PowerPoint slide 18 for the following section Choice Requires Time and Information: Time and information are scarce and therefore valuable.Rational decision makers acquire information as long as the expected additional benefit from the information is greater than its expected additional cost. Use PowerPoint slide 19 for the following section Economic Analysis Is Marginal Analysis †¢ Economic choice is based on a comparison of the expected marginal cost and the expected marginal benefit of the action under consideration. †¢ Marginal means incremental, additional, or extra. †¢ A rational decision maker changes the status quo if the expected marginal benefit is greater than the expected marginal cost.Use PowerPoint slides 20-21 for the following section Microeconomics and Macroeconomics †¢ Microeconomics: The study of individual economic choices (e. g. , your economic behavior). †¢ Macroeconomics: The study of the performance of the economy as a whole, as measured, for example, by total production and employment. †¢ Economic fluctuations: The rise and fall of economic activity relative to the long-term growth trend of the economy; also called business cycles. Use PowerPoint slide 22 for the following section The Science of Economic AnalysisThe Role of Theory: An economic theory is a simplification of economic reality that is used to make predictions about the real world. An economic theory captures the important elements of the problem under study. Use PowerPoint slides 23-26 for the following section The Scientific Method: A four-step process of theoretical investigation: 1. Identify the question and define relevant variables. 2. Specify assumptions: †¢ Other-things-constant assumption: Focuses on the relationships between the variables of interest, assuming that nothing else important changes (i. e. , ceteris paribu s). Behavioral assumptions: Focus on how people will behave (i. e. , in their rational self-interest). 3. Formulate a hypothesis, a theory about how key variables relate to each other. 4. Test the hypothesis. Compare its predictions with evidence. The theory is then either rejected, accepted, or modified and retested. Use PowerPoint slide 27 for the following section Normative vs. Positive †¢ A positive economic statement concerns what is; it can be supported or rejected by reference to facts. †¢ A normative economic statement concerns what should be; it reflects an opinion and cannot be shown to be true or false by reference to the facts.Economists Tell Stories Use PowerPoint slide 28 for the following section CaseStudy: A Yen for Vending Machines Use PowerPoint slide 29 for the following section Predicting Average Behavior: The task of an economic theory is to predict the impact of an economic event on economic choices and, in turn, the effect of these choices on particu lar markets or on the economy as a whole. Economists focus on the average, or typical, behavior of people in groups. Use PowerPoint slides 30-31 for the following section Some Pitfalls of Faulty Economic Analysis The fallacy that association is causation: The fact that one event precedes another or that two events occur simultaneously does not mean that one caused the other. †¢ The fallacy of composition: The incorrect belief that what is true for the individual, or the part, is true for the group, or the whole. †¢ The mistake of ignoring secondary effects: (unintended consequences of policy) If Economist Are So Smart, Why Aren’t They Rich? Use PowerPoint slides 32-33 for the following section CaseStudy: College Major and Annual Earnings Appendix: Understanding GraphsUse PowerPoint slides 34-39 for the following section Drawing Graphs †¢ Origin: The point of departure, the point from which all variables are measured. †¢ Horizontal axis: The value of the x variable increases as you move along this axis to the right of the origin; a straight line to the right of the origin. †¢ Vertical axis: The value of the y variable increases as you move upward and away from the origin; a straight line extending above the origin. †¢ Within the space framed by the axes, you can plot possible combinations of the variables measured along each axis. †¢ Graph: A picture showing how variables relate. Time-series graph: Shows the value of one or more variables over time. †¢ Functional relation: Exists between two variables when the value of one variable depends on the other variable (e. g. , the value of the independent variable determines the value of the dependent variable). †¢ Types of relationships between variables: – Positive, or direct, relation: As one variable increases, the other variable increases. – Negative, or inverse, relation: As one variable increases, the other variable decreases. – Independen t, or unrelated relation: As one variable increases, the other variable remains unchanged or unrelated.Use PowerPoint slides 40-46 for the following section The Slopes of Straight Lines †¢ The slope of a line measures how much the vertical variable (y) changes for each 1-unit change in the horizontal variable (x). †¢ The slope of a line is a convenient device for measuring marginal effects. Slope reflects the change in y for each one unit change in x. †¢ The slope of a line does not imply causality but indicates a relation between the variables. †¢ The slope of a line is the change in the vertical distance divided by the increase in the horizontal distance. The slope of a line depends on how units are measured; the mathematical value of the slope depends on the units of measurement in the graph. †¢ The slope of a straight line is the same everywhere along the line. †¢ The slope of a curved line varies from one point to another along the curve. †¢ I f the slope is: – Positive: There is a positive or direct relation between the variables. – Negative: There is a negative or inverse relation between the variables. – Zero or assumed infinite: There is no relation between the variables; they are independent or unrelated.Use PowerPoint slides 47-48 for the following section The Slope, Units of Measurement, and Marginal Analysis The Slopes of Curved Lines Curve Shifts: A change in an underlying assumption is expressed by a shift in the curve. Chapter SUMMARY ECONOMICS IS THE STUDY OF HOW PEOPLE CHOOSE TO USE THEIR SCARCE RESOURCES TO PRODUCE, EXCHANGE, AND CONSUME GOODS AND SERVICES IN AN ATTEMPT TO SATISFY UNLIMITED WANTS. THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM ARISES FROM THE CONFLICT BETWEEN SCARCE RESOURCES AND UNLIMITED WANTS. IF WANTS WERE LIMITED OR IF RESOURCES WERE NOT SCARCE, THERE WOULD BE NO NEED TO STUDY ECONOMICS.Economic resources are combined in a variety of ways to produce goods and services. Major categories of re sources include labor, capital, natural resources, and entrepreneurial ability. Because economic resources are scarce, only a limited number of goods and services can be produced with them. Therefore, goods and services are also scarce, so choices must be made. Microeconomics focuses on choices made in households, firms, and governments and how these choices affect particular markets, such as the market for used cars. Choice is guided by rational self-interest.Choice typically requires time and information, both of which are scarce and valuable. Whereas microeconomics examines the individual pieces of the puzzle, macroeconomics steps back to consider the big picture—the performance of the economy as a whole as reflected by such measures as total production, employment, the price level, and economic growth. The 2008-2009 recession illustrates economic fluctuations, the rise and fall of economic activity relative to the long-term growth trend of the economy. Economic fluctuatio ns are also called business cycles. These cycles will be a major topic in the macroeconomics course.Economists use theories, or models, to help understand the effects of an economic change, such as a change in price or income, on individual choices and how these choices affect particular markets and the economy as a whole. Economists employ the scientific method to study an economic problem by (a) formulating the question and isolating relevant variables, (b) specifying the assumptions under which the theory operates, (c) developing a theory, or hypothesis, about how the variables relate, and (d) testing that theory by comparing its predictions with the evidence.A theory might not work perfectly, but it is useful as long as it predicts better than competing theories do. Positive economics aims to discover how the economy works. Normative economics is concerned more with how, in someone’s opinion, the economy should work. Those who are not careful can fall victim to the fallac y that association is causation, to the fallacy of composition, and to the mistake of ignoring secondary effects. The appendix to this chapter deals with the construction and interpretation of graphs. TEACHING POINTS 1.THIS COURSE WILL PROVIDE THE FIRST EXPOSURE TO THE ECONOMIC WAY OF THINKING FOR MANY OF YOUR STUDENTS. ALTHOUGH IT SEEMS NATURAL TO YOU, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS PRESENTS A FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE TO MANY STUDENTS. YOU MAY WISH TO CONSIDER PRESENTING ECONOMICS AS ONE OF MANY APPROACHES TO DESCRIBING HUMAN BEHAVIOR RATHER THAN AS A BODY OF ESTABLISHED DOCTRINES. INTRODUCING A TOPIC WITH RELEVANT QUESTIONS TO WHICH ECONOMICS PROVIDES AN ANSWER GENERALLY ENHANCES STUDENT INTEREST IN ECONOMICS. SUCH QUESTIONS APPEAR AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH CHAPTER. 2. Students are generally eager and very fresh at the beginning of the semester.Chapters 1 and 2 can be assigned during the first week, and you can move almost immediately into discussions of production possibilities, the idea of opport unity cost, the use of marginal analysis, and comparative advantage (see Chapter 2). It should also be easy to meld a discussion of the points contained in the Chapter 1 Appendix with the analytics of Chapter 2. 3. One point to stress in discussing the role and importance of economic analysis is that, while individual responses to changes in an economic environment are not always predictable, the aggregate response often is.The use of such knowledge is valuable in virtually any context in which individuals, households, firms, resource owners, and so on, are faced with changing opportunities and costs. You might use some examples to illustrate this, such as what is the predicted response to a tax on gasoline and who ends up paying for the tax or the impact of a tax refund on consumer behavior. 4. From a purely analytical perspective, the most important concept introduced in this chapter is the idea that decisions are made on the basis of marginal analysis.You might stress that margin al analysis is a cornerstone of economics. 5. Some terminology in the text may deviate from your own lecture notes. If you intend to use any of the Test Banks, try to mention deviations between the text’s usage and the terms you use in your lectures. For example, the text uses the word resources whereas you might use factors of production in your lecture notes. 6. Some students think that economics is synonymous with business. You may wish to explain the difference, because many of your students will be studying business administration. . Many students will be apprehensive about the mathematics used in the course. A good way for students to master the few mathematical tools needed in class is by through application and by using the Study Guides and the online materials. It is essential for students to become comfortable with reading and shifting graphs as well as dividing fractions. The appendix to Chapter 1 provides a good foundation for the tools needed. 8. Many beginning s tudents do not understand what economists mean by the statement â€Å"consumers are rational. It is helpful to emphasize that rationality does not imply that all consumers must be identical or that all consumers make â€Å"good† decisions all the time. Individuals can have dramatically different tastes for goods and service and yet all can be considered rational. ANSWERS TO End-of-Chapter Questions and exercises ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW 1. (Definition of Economics) What determines whether or not a resource is scarce? Why is the concept of scarcity important to the definition of economics? A resource is scarce when the amount people desire exceeds the amount available at a price of zero.The concept of scarcity is important to the definition of economics because scarcity forces people to choose how they will use their resources in an attempt to satisfy their unlimited wants and desires. Economics is about making choices. Without scarcity there would be no economic probl em, and therefore no need to choose between competing wants and desires. 2. (Resources) To which category of resources does each of the following belong? a. A taxi b. Computer software c. One hour of legal counsel d. A parking lot e. A forest f. The Mississippi River g.An individual introducing a new way to market products on the Internet. a. capital; a manufactured item employed to produce a service. b. capital; a manufactured item employed to produce a good. c. labor; human effort. d. capital and natural resources; the parking lot is on a natural resource (land), but the land has undergone capital improvement in the form of leveling and paving. e. natural resource. f. natural resource. g. entrepreneurial ability. 3. (Goods and Services) Explain why each of the following would not be considered â€Å"free† for the economy as a whole: a.Food vouchers b. U. S. aid to developing countries c. Corporate charitable contributions d. Noncable television programs e. Public high schoo l education aEven if food vouchers allow individuals to â€Å"purchase† food at no cost, producing the food in the first place uses resources and hence has a cost. b. U. S. aid, while free to the recipient country, involves costs to the United States because the aid requires the use of U. S. resources to assist developing countries. c. The corporation (and its owners) pays for these gifts. d. This is perhaps the most interesting example. Free† TV is paid for by consumers through the higher prices of the products advertised there. The cost of advertising is passed along to consumers. e. Public high school education is paid for by citizens, either through taxes or borrowing. 4. (Economic Decision Makers) Which group of economic decision makers plays the leading role in the economic system? Which groups play supporting roles? In what sense are they supporting actors? The main decision makers are households, with firms, governments, and the rest of the world serving as supp orting actors.Households are considered to be the lead actors since they supply resources used in production, and demand goods and services produced by other actors. Firms, governments, and the rest of the world are supporting actors because they demand the resources that households supply and use them to produce and supply the goods that households demand. 5. (Micro versus Macro) Determine whether each of the following is primarily a microeconomic or a macroeconomic issue: a. What price to charge for an automobile b. Measuring the impact of tax policies on total consumer spending in the economy c.A household’s decisions about what to buy d. A worker’s decision regarding how much to work each week e. Designing a government policy to increase total employment Microeconomics is the study of the individual economic behavior of decision-making units in the economy, whereas macroeconomics studies the performance of the economy as a whole. a. Microeconomic issue; it refers t o the price of an individual good. b. Macroeconomic issue; it refers to the economy as a whole. c. Microeconomic issue; it refers to the decision of one individual household. . Microeconomic issue; it refers to the decisions of one worker. e. Macroeconomic issue; it refers to the economy as a whole. 6. (Micro versus Macro) Some economists believe that in order to really understand macroeconomics, you must first understand microeconomics. How does microeconomics relate to macroeconomics? Microeconomics studies the behavior and choices made by individuals. The behavior and choices made by these individuals is added together to determine the economy–wide(or macroeconomic(measures, such as total production and unemployment.Microeconomics studies the individual pieces of the economic puzzle; macroeconomics fits those pieces together. 7. (Normative versus Positive Analysis) Determine whether each of the following statements is normative or positive: a. The U. S. unemployment rate w as below 10. 0 percent in 2010. b. The inflation rate in the United States is too high. c. The U. S. government should increase the minimum wage. d. U. S. trade restrictions cost consumers $40 billion annually. A positive statement is a statement about what is. It can be supported or rejected by reference to facts.A normative statement concerns what someone thinks ought to be. It is an opinion and can't be shown to be true or false by reference to facts. a. Positive. Either the unemployment rate was below 10. 0 percent or it was not. The validity of the statement can be checked with appropriate data. b. Normative. There is no objective measure of when the inflation rate is high and when it is not. The statement reflects someone’s opinion of what rate is too high. c. Normative. The word â€Å"should† is usually an indication of an opinion–a normative statement. d. Positive.In principle, the cost of trade restrictions could be measured. Measurement does not involv e opinions 8. (Role of Theory) What good is economic theory if it can’t predict the behavior of a specific individual? This question highlights the fact that economics, like all social sciences, attempts to describe and explain human behavior. In doing so, it cannot measure and control for all factors influencing behavior. The result is that the behavior of a specific individual cannot be explained or predicted, but the behavior of groups of individuals can be.We cannot, for example, predict any particular individual’s buying response to a sale. We can, however, predict what kind of total selling volume will occur because of a sale. Answers to Problems and Exercises 9. (Rational Self-Interest) Discuss the impact of rational self-interest on each of the following decisions: a. Whether to attend college full time or enter the workforce full time b. Whether to buy a new textbook or a used one c. Whether to attend a local college or an out-of-town college a. Individuals wi ll compare the expected benefits of attending college full time with the expected costs.One benefit might be that the individual’s stock of knowledge and productivity will grow, and so will his or her wage. Costs include not only tuition, but also the wages that could have been earned by working instead of attending college full time. If the expected benefits outweigh the costs, then the rational person will choose to go to college full time. b. Individuals will compare the expected benefits of a new textbook with the higher costs of purchasing a new textbook. Benefits include not being confused by other students’ markings in the book and a higher resale value.However, the out-of-pocket cost of a new book will be higher than the cost of a used book. If the expected benefits outweigh the costs, then a rational person will purchase the new textbook. c. Individuals will compare the expected benefits and costs associated with both colleges under consideration and will choo se the college at which the difference between benefits and costs is greater. The costs of attending an out-of-town college may include greater travel costs and phone bills and benefits such as learning about a different region. 10. Rational Self-Interest) If behavior is governed by rational self-interest, why do people make charitable contributions of time and money? Rational self-interest is not blind materialism, pure selfishness, or greed. Rational self-interest means we choose the option that maximizes expected benefits with a given cost. People will give more to charities when the contribution is tax deductible. The lower the personal cost of helping others the more we are willing to help and contribute.. 11. (Marginal Analysis) The owner of a small pizzeria is deciding whether to increase the radius of delivery area by one mile.What considerations must be taken into account if such a decision is to increase profitability? By increasing its delivery radius, the store will have greater sales. However, these marginal revenues must be balanced against the additional costs incurred, such as greater consumption of pizza ingredients, more gasoline for the delivery truck, and possibly the need to hire additional labor and increase advertising. 12. (Time and Information) It is often costly to obtain the information necessary to make good decisions. Yet your own interests can best be served by rationally weighing all options available to you.This requires informed decision making. Does this mean that making uninformed decisions is irrational? How do you determine how much information is the right amount? Rational decision makers will continue to acquire information as long as the benefit of the additional information exceeds the additional costs. Oftentimes we are willing to pay others to gather and digest the information for us. 13. (CaseStudy: A Yen for Vending Machines) Do vending machines conserve any resources other than labor? Does your answer offer any add itional insight into the widespread use of vending machines in Japan?Vending machines, in addition to being labor saving, also conserve space and time. Given the population density of Japan and the limited â€Å"free time† of the typical Japanese worker, vending machines can be expected to be popular among both sellers and buyers in Japan. 14. (CaseStudy: A Yen for Vending Machines) Suppose you had the choice of purchasing identically priced lunches from a vending machine or at a cafeteria. Which would you choose? Why? Different students will answer this question in different ways, but the key point is that non-monetary factors affect decision making.For example, students who opt for the cafeteria instead of the vending machine may, for example, do so because of the impersonal nature of the machine and the desire to â€Å"socialize† the eating experience. 15. (Pitfalls of Economic Analysis) Review the discussion of pitfalls in economic thinking in this chapter. Then id entify the fallacy, or mistake in thinking, in each of the following statements: a. Raising taxes always increases government revenues. b. Whenever there is a recession, imports decrease. Therefore, to stop a recession, we should increase imports. . Raising the tariff on imported steel helps the U. S. steel industry. Therefore, the entire economy is helped. d. Gold sells for about $1,000 per ounce. Therefore, the U. S. government could sell all the gold in Fort Knox at $1,000 per ounce and reduce the national debt. a. This assertion is a mistake because the secondary effects of taxes on production and the labor supply are ignored. If the tax rate were raised to 100 percent, for example, no one would want to work or produce. b. This is the fallacy that association implies causation.It is more likely that recession causes a change in imports than the other way round. c. This is a fallacy of composition. True, the tariff may help the steel industry. But it hurts purchasers of steel, in cluding the automobile and construction industries. The overall effect on the economy is unclear. d. This is the fallacy of composition, because attempts to sell so much gold at once would push down the price of gold. 16. (Association Versus Causation) Suppose I observe that communities with lots of doctors tend to have relatively high rates of illness. I conclude that doctors cause illness.What’s wrong with this reasoning? The causality is undoubtedly in the other direction; that is, doctors will tend to locate where there is a lot of disease and therefore a greater need for medical care. 17. (CaseStudy: College Major and Annual Earnings) Because some college majors pay nearly twice as much as others, why would students pursuing their rational self-interest choose a lower paying major? Students select college majors for a variety of reasons, and the expected pay is only one of them. Some students may have a special interest in lower-paying fields, such as philosophy, religio n, or social work.Some students may not have the aptitude to succeed in the higher-paying majors, such as engineering, mathematics, or computer science. And many students, when they select a major, may simply be unaware of the pay differences based on college major. 18. (Global Economic Watch) Select Global Issues in Context and in the Basic Search box at the top of the page, enter the phrase â€Å"selfish. † On the Results page, scroll down to the Magazines section. Choose the red link to View All. Scroll down to click on the link for the December 8, 2008, article â€Å"Going Green for Selfish Reasons. Are the companies described acting out of rational self-interest? The article indicates that, although the companies' actions may help the environment, the companies are primarily motivated to save costs, an example of rational self-interest. 19. (Global Economic Watch) Select Global Issues in Context and in the Basic Search box at the top of the page, enter either the term à ¢â‚¬Å"microeconomic† or the term â€Å"macroeconomic. † Choose one of the resources and write a summary in your own words. Especially emphasize how the resource is an example of microeconomics or macroeconomics.Student answers will vary, but should demonstrate understanding of the definitions of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Answers to Appendix Questions 1. (Understanding Graphs) Look at Exhibit 5 and answer the following questions: a. In what year (approximately) was the unemployment rate the highest? In what year was it the lowest? b. In what decade, on average, was the unemployment rate highest? In what decade was it lowest? c. Between 1950 and 1980, did the unemployment rate generally increase, decrease, or remain about the same? a. In 1931 the unemployment rate reached its highest point, 25 percent.In 1942 it reached its lowest, approximately 1 percent. b. Unemployment was the highest in the decade of the 1930s and lowest in the decade of the 1900s. c. Between 1950 and 1980, unemployment generally increased. 2. (Drawing Graphs) Sketch a graph to illustrate your idea of each of the following relationships. Be sure to label each axis appropriately. For each relationship, explain under what circumstances, if any, the curve could shift: a. The relationship between a person’s age and height b. Average monthly temperature in your home town over the course of a year c.A person’s income and the number of hamburgers consumed per month d. The amount of fertilizer added to an acre of land and the amount of corn grown on that land in one growing season e. An automobile’s horsepower and its gasoline mileage (in miles per gallon) a. In the years between birth and 15, you would expect a person’s height to increase as his or her age increased. After age 15 or so, height would remain constant. [pic] b. The average monthly temperature in your home town over the course of a year varies with the seasons. [pic]Seasons c.In the fol lowing example drawn, the number of hamburgers consumed per month will rise at first as a person's income increases. (The curve is steeply upward sloping from the origin to an income of $10,000). However, after a certain income level, there will be less and less of a rise in the number of hamburgers consumed per month. (The curve is still upward sloping but is flattening between an income of $10,000 and $20,000. ) Then, as income rises further, this consumer will decide to try other foods and actually buys fewer hamburgers per month. (The curve begins to slope downward after an income of $20,000 is reached. ) pic] d. As you add more fertilizer, you expect to produce more corn per acre up to a point of saturation. An acre of land will have some finite limit on what it can produce in one growing season, no matter how much fertilizer is added! [pic] e. As a car is engineered to be more powerful with more horsepower, you would expect it to use more gasoline and to get lower mileage per gallon of gasoline. [pic] 3. (Slope) suppose you are given the following data on wage rates and number of hours worked: | | |Hours Worked | | |Hourly | | |Point |Wage |Per Week | a |$0 |0 | |b |5 |0 | |c |10 |30 | |d |15 |35 | |e |20 |45 | |f |25 |50 | a. Construct and label a set of axes and plot these six points. Label each point a, b, c, and so on. Which variable do you think should be measured on the vertical axis, and which variable should be measured on the horizontal axis? b. Connect the points. Describe the resulting curve. Does it make sense to you? c. Compute the slope of the curve between points a and b.Between points b and c. Between points c and d. Between points d and e. Between points e and f. What happens to the slope as you move from point a to point f? a. It is conventional in economics to measure prices on the vertical axis. Here the wage rate is the price of an hour of labor, so it goes on the vertical axis. Hours worked is measured on the horizontal axis. B. THE GRAPH SHOWS THAT AT VERY LOW WAGE RATES, THE PERSON CHOOSES NOT TO WORK AT ALL. IT’S JUST NOT WORTH HER WHILE. HOWEVER, ONCE THE WAGE REACHES $10 PER HOUR, SHE BEGINS TO OFFER HER TIME IN THE LABOR MARKET BY BEING WILLING TO WORK 30 HOURS PER WEEK.AT HIGHER AND HIGHER WAGE RATES, SHE IS WILLING TO WORK MORE AND MORE HOURS. c. THE SLOPE IS MEASURED BY THE VERTICAL CHANGE THAT RESULTS FROM A GIVEN CHANGE ALONG THE HORIZONTAL AXIS. From point a to point b, the vertical change (wage) is 5, and the horizontal change (hours worked) is zero. Slope is 5/0 = assumed infinity. From point b to point c, the vertical change (wage) is 5, and the horizontal change (hours worked) is 30. Slope is 5/30 = +1/6. From point c to point d, the vertical change (wage) is 5, and the horizontal change (hours worked) is 5. Slope is 5/5 = +1.From point d to point e, the vertical change (wage) is 5, and the horizontal change (hours worked) is 10. Slope is 5/10 = +1/2. From point e to point f, the vertica l change (wage) is 5, and the horizontal change (hours worked) is 5. Slope is 5/5 = +1. A change in the steepness of the curve indicates a change in slope. As the curve becomes steeper, the rate of increase in hours of work (slope) is increasing. The shape of the curve indicates that as the curve flattens, the rate of increase in hours of work (slope) is decreasing. ———————– d a b c e f