Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 50

Assignment - Essay Example As much as layoffs are not a desirable state of the organization, it is always important for the employer to communicate to the employees about it openly instead of letting them get to learn about it through rumors and other means (Business & Legal Reports, Inc., 2009). In the case of the employee who comes for advice amidst such layoff rumors, I would advice them by doing the following: Provide honest and accurate information regarding the layoff to the affected employee. First, it is important to clarify whether the rumor regarding the impending layoff is true or false. Second, I would clarify the reasons and benefits of the payoff to both the employee and the organization. Third, I would help the employee to gain an understanding of the picture of the company following a layoff. Fourth, I would let the employee know how the layoff will take play; whether it is temporary, permanent or in phases. Lastly, I would let the employee know whether there would be any financial resources and support provided incase of the layoff. The Provision of accurate information will enable the employees feel that they are valued, are kept in the loop and that they participate in the decision that affect their lives. Once the employee has attained a clear picture of the situation, I would seek to gather information on how he or she perceives the upcoming layoff. This information is critical because it will enable me to understand how the employee is affected by the layoff rumor, whether this is likely to affect the performance of the ongoing project, issues affecting the employee during the planned layoff and whether the employee has already had job offers elsewhere. After getting the perspective of the employee, I would try to manage his attitudes and behavior about the layoff. I would let the employee know that he or she is very important to the organization although the layoff is inevitable. I would advice the

Sports Drink and Gatorade Essay Example for Free

Sports Drink and Gatorade Essay In the summers ’65, Florida University’s physics Lab was swarmed with hushes and gushes over a question on players, heat and performance on field. Coach and physicians were equally puzzled as much concerned over the matter over growing heat stroke illness and degrading performances of peak players in acute heat. While the talks went on for weeks, Dr. Robert Cade, Dr. Dana Shrines, Dr. James Free and Dr. Alejandro de Quesada grilled down the talk to two factors that had affected the performance and provoked the heat illness in Gator Players. * The fluid and Electrolytes that the players lost through sweat were not getting regenerated. * The amount of Carbohydrates that the players used for energy on field was negligently being replenished. Birth of ‘Gatorade’ Having zeroed on the problems, the research team of Florida University scientifically fabricated a balanced liquid with precise balance of carbohydrate and electrolytes. The ultimate sport beverage was uniquely produced in the lab to ensure the replacement of lost key components from the body of Gator Players while sweating and exercising. The proud confection drink was called ‘Gatorade’. ‘Gatorade’ comes on Field Having the product in Lab was not good enough. The formula was finally introduced to the team; the gators started using the beverage during their practice, exercises and sport on field. The results were ubiquitous. Players were less fatigued, more active and exhibited outlasting win against the heavily favored opponent of the time finishing the ’65 season at 7-4. The performance had just started walking. By the year of 1966, Gator Team finished the season at 9-2 making a historical win of Orange Bowl. Beverage Buzz and Biz The beverage caught wild fire buzz in the field of sports far beyond the boundaries of Florida. People were curious about the beverage as much inquisitive about the invention. University of Richmond and Miami of Ohio were first to place order of batches of ‘Gatorade’ for their football team. Post the early adoption phase in the market, followers of the trend just kept coming. The famous saying of the coaches of that time was â€Å"Playing without ‘Gatorade’ on your sidelines is like playing with just ten men field†. Today’s official Sports drink traversed boundaries of nations and labs to conquer the quest for on-field energy builder. Orange to Super by ‘69 In the summer of 1969, Coach Ray Graves of the Florida Gators suggested to the Kansas City Chiefs that they use ‘Gatorade’ to combat the staggering effects of a blistering Missouri sun during training camp. The Chiefs were so impressed with the â€Å"Gator coach’s aid† that they kept it on their sidelines throughout the entire season†¦ which concluded with a stunning victory over the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. In the years that followed, more and more NFL teams began placing ‘Gatorade’ on the sidelines of their games and practices, and in 1983, ‘Gatorade’ became the official sports drink of the NFL—a title it holds to this day. Science, Sports and Success After two long decades of Dr. Cade and his team’s much famed work in developing optimum hydration formula- ‘Gatorade’ made its way to the ‘Gatorade’ Sports Science Institute founded in Barrington, Illinois, to conduct scientific research in the areas of exercise science, hydration, and sport nutrition. By early ‘90’s, the lab expanded to provide advanced testing for athletes and new ‘Gatorade’ products and flavors and develop education materials for sports health professionals around the world. ‘Gatorade’ Today The official sports drink of the NBA, AVP, and PGA, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and numerous other elite and professional organizations and teams, ‘Gatorade’ is not a beverage is it! From Field to Track Millennium witnessed a problem at the professional race car drivers coach meet. The adequacy of hydration was a bit much of a problem given that the heat reaches 130 degree temperature throughout the course of a lapped race. The challenge was huge and battle was tough. ‘Gatorade’ and GSSI (‘Gatorade’ Sports Science Institute) began their work with auto racing organizations to develop a hydration tool that could withstand 130-degree temperatures and keep drivers hydrated safely throughout the course of a race. The result of their research was the development of GIDS, the ‘Gatorade’ In-Car Drinking System, which is now considered an essential piece of racing equipment. Drink up the Challenge! The staff of GSSI (‘Gatorade’ Sports Science Institute) realized that replenishment on field was not good enough for the players and athletes. The need of the hour engaged in high demand training and competition. ‘Gatorade’ launched the ‘Gatorade’ Performance Series, an exquisite line of sports nutrition products, in ‘01. These products included ‘Gatorade’ Energy Drink, ‘Gatorade’ Energy Bar, and the ‘Gatorade’ Nutritional Shake. By 2005, GSSI (‘Gatorade’ Sports Science Institute) brought in the most captivating invention that took the market as much by surprise as exclaimed. After extensive years of study on athlete’s endurance, the company presented the ‘Gatorade’ Endurance Formula. Featuring a higher concentration of sodium—the key electrolyte found in Original Thirst Quencher—and four other electrolytes lost in sweat. What Next! The staff of GSSI (‘Gatorade’ Sports Science Institute) is dedicated to innovative search and research on sports in their mission of performance improvisation on field and off field through proper facilitated supply of hydration and nutrition. The advancement of the collective mission is here to stay and for as long as people love sports and health is the much wanted wealth! Drink the thrust of thirst Some facts which will help us understand the key success and the reason for ‘Gatorade ‘existence and market player consistent. * Dehydration can be one of the biggest competitors of athletes. * Research shows that well hydrated athletes perform better. * When you sweat you lose fluids electrolytes and potassium essential to maintain performance Market: The Pepsi Co. ’s much hyped and popular energy drink has far expanded the market from stadium, sport training and gymnasiums. The chart show cases the usage of drink widely by the society of Men or women of all ages who practice sports or have an active routine. What are the other possible factors that gets the drink flowing? Appearance: The beautifully crafted Stylish plastic bottle is certainly an eye-catcher. Not to forget the breathing colors, ergonomic bottle design and its fun packaging. Appeal: The product? s price oscillates between $0. 65 and $1. 50 depending on the package presentation. It appeals to all age and income group due to wide variety and amplified reach in functional and emotional benefits related to Health. Attributes: 1. ‘Gatorade’ helps to put back lost electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and chloride. 2. Stimulates thirst so you can maintain hydrated 3. Gives essential fluids athletics need when it matter most. 4. Gives working muscles the energy they need to enhance athletic performance 5. Nothing rehydrates replenishes and refuels an athlete better than Gatorade. Special Features a. Has a 6% carbohydrate solution, optimal amount to give working muscles the energy they need. b. New and different flavors: Lemon Lime, Fruit Punch, Orange, Citrus Cooler, Passion Fruit, Strawberry Kiwi etc. c. No other sports drink is absorbed faster than Gatorade. Not even water Advertisements. The product is advertised through T. V. with commercials in which very famous athletes appear drinking ‘Gatorade’ to rehydrate. The media resources used for making advertisements are T. V. , radio, the Internet, magazines, newspapers. The purpose of advertisement is to convince consumers that nothing hydrates better than Gatorade. Positioning Target and Market: Gatorade’s positions itself on the shelf of energy drink for sports and nutrition. However, it entails more market outside the athlete group with individual youth leading an â€Å"active† lifestyle who wants to enhance their health and energy stamina. Gatorade’s targets a communication which fills the void created by all other competitive brands which focus highly on providing fuel, fluid and nutrients before and after the exercise. * Based on 2008 Energy Drinks North America Report, where Gatorade’s share is 49%, total market size is US$ 5. 3Billion. * ‘Gatorade’ sales is US$2. 6Billion * Gatorade’s market share is 49% * Then total sports drink market size is US$2. 6Billion/0. 49 = US$5. 3Billion Gatorade’s Speaks: PTM- Primary Target Market Personality: The youth leading an â€Å"active† lifestyle who are health conscious and strongly believes in fit body perfect mind theology. Demographics: Young (pre-adults (13-24), M/F, social class ABC, single) Lifestyle: Athletic, active, enjoy sports, playful and lively) Behavior: Drinks 8 fl oz. of liquid, before, during or after any physical activity for: * Thirst quenching * Prevent dehydration * Energy Boost * Nutritional Supplement * Healthy Beverage Needs: The youth wants: * To be secured (health), avoid dehydration; thirst quenching * The youth choose ‘Gatorade’ over other sports drinks because: * Flavor, available in all convenient stores, * Brand (endorsed by Michael Jordan and Dwayne Wade), * Taste Thinks: When the youth drinks Gatorade, he is not just thirst quenching, rehydrating, getting more active or feeling energized. They feel their mind saying: * I am athletic! * I am active! * I am a winner! * I would be like Michael Jordan/Dwayne Wade * I won’t get dehydrated Competition: ‘Gatorade’ has several competitors on retail shelf: Direct Competition: * Pocari Sweat * PowerAde * Tropical Fruit * Cool Blue Indirect Competition: * Energy Drinks (Cobra, RedBull, Samurai), Isotonic Drinks (100 Plus), * Instant energy drink (Joss), * Flavored water (Vit water), * Tea (C2, Real Leaf), * Water (Viva, Absolute) Market Drivers: Variables: * Price, packaging, * Convenience of use * Different variants * Availability * Brand * Lifestyle Unique Selling Proposition: 1. To thirsty, sweaty jock, ‘Gatorade’ is the original sports beverage that quenches thirst while replacing fluids and electrolytes. 2. The only sports drink that is thirst quenching for the youth who leads an â€Å"active† lifestyle that promises to improve performance 3. No brand has a similar position. 4. Others focus on complete with electrolytes and positively charged ions. ‘Gatorade’- A 4P Analysis Product: ‘Gatorade’s sports drink is scientifically formulated to replace fluids and provide energy to working muscles. It offers a scientifically validated blend of carbohydrates and key electrolytes. Variants: * Lemon-Lime, * Orange, * Cool Blue, * Citrus Cooler, * Strawberry Kiwi * Fruit Punch Sizes: * 12 * 20 * 24 * 32 * 34 * 64 : (in fl oz) and 1 gallon Price: ‘Gatorade’ is priced 36% cheaper than PowerAde. i. ‘Gatorade’12 fl oz = US$ 1. 07 ii. ‘Gatorade’20 fl oz = US$ 1. 38 iii. ‘Gatorade’24 fl oz = US$ 2. 49 iv. ‘Gatorade’32 fl oz = US$ 3. 99 Place: ‘Gatorade’ is distributed nationwide using Pepsi Co. distribution network * Supermarkets, * Local stores, * Convenience outlets, * Drugstores, * Market stalls * Nationwide Pick-up by customers. * Cash and credit transaction * It benefits from the distribution leverage of Pepsi Co. * Has an excellent branding, excellent product distributed nationwide. Promotion: A look back Objective of ‘Gatorade’: Accelerate in the sports drink market. Size of the total market: $4 billion Growth of the market: 12% from 2006 Seasonality: Peaks in the summer Product Life Cycle: Growth: (Although Gatorade was created in 1965) we believe sports drinks are in the growth stage because there’s a growth in market of 12% since 2006 also the number of entrants into the market suggests that this is a growing industry on its way up rather than down. Brand| Market Share| Dollars (in ‘000s)| Gatorade| 82%| 3,280,000$| PowerAde| 17%| 680,000$| Others| 1%| 40,000$| Target profile * Metropolitan area/CMA * 13-24 * Active lifestyle * Male or female * Single/Couple * Involved in organized sports/activities * Exercises regularly * Urban/suburban * Very social * Outgoing * Extroverted * Student or new professional * Unmarried/newly married * College/university educated * Renter or new home/condo owner * $18,000 $150,000 yearly income * $18,000 – $35,000 average consumer * Generally considers themselves leaders * Heavier user (of sports beverages). * Previously used other sports drinks – not new to the market * Strong brand loyalty based on expected performance * Looking for a competitive edge * Interested in local news with an emphasis on sports * Watches sports on tv * Reads magazines about healthy living, sports, and recent events * Regularly purchases athletic gear/clothing Buying decision process When: * On their way to activities (exercise/sports games, etc) * On their way home from activities * When they miss their activities Where: * Convenience stores/gas stations * Gyms * Snack bars * Grocery stores (healthy ones like The Barn/Logos). * Vending machines * Located in recreation centers, gyms, etc * Health-based/oriented retailers (GNC, Hercs, Goodness Me! , etc) * Schools Key Influencers: * Pro athletes * Amateur athletes * Someone like themselves that they can relate to/identify with * Peers Trends * Looking towards everyday people promoting product because they feel more in tune with their situation * Value conscious now means more than price for quantity * They are now paying attention to ingredients and benefits, so value = right price, right ingredients and benefits * Using sports drinks as regular drinks. * Looking to make healthier choices – less sugar, fat, etc. Environmental Issues Regulatory – packaging, labeling, etc. * Must meet CFIA regulations * Must include nutritional information * French/English labels * Must avoid certain types of plastic for the bottle Economic * Recession – drive to water Socio-cultural * Time-conscious/time-poor * Environmental trends – consumers want to buy recyclable products * Health-oriented society * Demanding convenience/accessibility Technological * Advancements in production SWOT analysis: Strengths. * Large company * Has substantial capital * Very well-known company-brand * Lots of awareness * Product has a strong USP * 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio Weaknesses * No current products in the sports drink market * No experience in the sports drink market Opportunities * Very large market (dollar wise) * Cultural shift towards healthier lifestyles * Currently, limited choices in the sports drink market Threats * Fear of recession * Consumers will only be purchasing necessities * Size of competitors * Mainly Gatorade and PowerAde.

The Definition of Cyberpunk Essay -- Science Fiction Literary Genre Es

The Definition of Cyberpunk In Bruce Sterling's article, "Cyberpunk in the Nineties," he explained how public opinion had defined himself, Rucker, Shiner, Shirley, and Gibson as the cyberpunk "gurus" in the 1980's. Because of being labeled cyberpunk "gurus," the public had come to understand the definition of cyberpunk as "anything that cyberpunks write." To break this definition of cyberpunk established by popular public opinion, I will pursue giving cyberpunk a more definite definition. After reading numerous cyberpunk fiction stories, I noticed reoccurring themes in these stories. I believe these themes can form a criteria under which a story can be defined as cyberpunk. These criteria are total enhancement and integration of everyday life by technology, some degree of pleasure (by the author) in explaining this technology, cyber-lingo, and some degree of global connectiveness. The first criterion or theme, total enhancement and integration of everyday life by technology is probably the most obvious and vital in order for a story to be deemed cyberpunk. Why is it the most obvious and most vital? It is the most obvious because cyberpunk writers use the "everyday," that is, objects, concepts, or places we causally shrug off as normal, and integrate/enhance the normal with technology. A good example can be found in John Shirley's "Freezone." Upon entering the "Semiconductor" the scene is unusual but appears to be a everyday freak club. An occasional flare dots the audience. They have multi-colored hair that is styled straight up. In reaction to the flares and much more frequent than the flares are minimonos; they have ultra-straight hair falling down past their shoulders and uniform monochrome colored clothes. Anyway, the ... ...d projecting its evolution in the future, he is not intimidated, therefore he is able to enjoy himself in explaining this concept or technology. Furthermore, because the author is reflecting off of a society so obsessed with detail, he is obligated to present his story is such a detailed fashion. Basically, I think, that if cyberpunk fiction fulfills its purpose then the four criteria will fall naturally into place and therefore these four criteria build the backbone of the definition of cyberpunk. Works Cited Sterling, Bruce, Ed. Mirrorshades. New York: Arbor House, 1988. Cadigan, Pat. "Rock On" Shirley, John. "Freezone" Browning, Tonya, Ed. Writing About Cyberpunk. Austin: Abel's Copies, 1995. McCaffrey, Larry. Storming the Reality Studio Gibson, William. "Johnny Mnemonic" Tiptree, James Jr. "The Girl Who Was Plugged In"

Discipline in School and at Home Essay

Sometimes, when people hear the words discipline, they picture kids gone wild. We did use gentle discipline. And in school and home have to a calm, peaceful feel to it. We also had a lot of fun. A lot of the preparatory works have to follow where discipline was concerned. We have to use to teach care of self, care of the environment, control of movement, and grace and courtesy. The sense of order, ability to concentrate, and self-discipline gained from those activities made all our later life easier. It helps our life be more polite to teachers and parents as well as to others. We believed in following God, respecting one another, being responsible, and doing our best. We can use demonstrations to show them how to treat one another and even how to respect others’ property. We learn how to treat our toys, books, and learning materials with care. We studied religion and used many character-education lessons and books. Discussions about values were common in our home. Current research demonstrates that quality relationships with adults and peers make a tremendous difference for young people. A sense of connection or belonging is an important protective factor. Students who perceive a sense of connectedness or community at school and/or home are less likely to engage in risky behaviors (smoking, using drugs, engaging in violence). They are also more likely to be successful academically. Young people who grow up in families that they perceive as both kind and firm are more likely to thrive. Positive Discipline teaches parents and teachers how to be kind and firm at the same time and how to invite a sense of connection from the youngsters they are involved with. The approach is neither permissive nor punitive. Positive Discipline is an effective way for parents, teachers and students to learn life skills and build a sense of community and connectedness based on mutually respectful relationships. Even though we didn’t follow a schedule rigidly, we have a schedule or â€Å"rhythm† for our days. More important, we have to the stability of parents and teachers who loved us and each other and spent a lot of time with us. Freedom within limits is a very important in our school and home. While freedom to follow our interests help us experience success and independence, the limits were extremely important as well. We only enjoy the amount of freedom what we could handle responsibly. PROBLEMS [pic] Some basic statistics create a picture of the problem. # More than 30% of middle school students report being victimized three or more times by peers over the course of one year. # In a survey of high school students nationwide, the Center for Disease Control found that 17. 4% of students had carried a weapon (e. g., a gun, knife, or club) on one or more days in the month preceding the survey. Male students (29. 3%) were significantly more likely than female students (6. 2%) to have carried a weapon. CDC 2001 data. 1 # The same survey showed that 6. 6% of high school students had missed one or more days of school during the 30 days preceding the survey because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to or from school. (CDC) # During the 12 months preceding the survey, 19% of high school students had seriously considered attempting suicide (14.8% had a specific plan). Female students (23. 6%) were significantly more likely than male students (14. 2%) to have considered attempting suicide. (CDC) # Nearly one half (47. 1%) of students nationwide had consumed one or more drinks of alcohol on one or more of the 30 days preceding the survey (i. e. , current alcohol use). And 30% reported episodic heavy drinking in the month prior to the survey (5 or more drinks on one or more occasions). (CDC) 1CDC Youth Surveillance data available at CDC website http://www. cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5104a1. htm [pic]. HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM The techniques used in Positive Discipline have been shown to have a positive impact on schools. A study of a school-wide implementation of classroom meetings in a lower income Sacramento elementary school over a four-year period showed that suspensions decreased (from 64 annually to 4 annually), vandalism decreased (from 24 episodes to 2) and the teachers reported great improvement in classroom atmosphere, behavior, attitudes and academic performance. (Platt, 1979) A study of a parent and teacher education program directed at parents and teachers of students with â€Å"maladaptive† behavior using the tools used in Positive Discipline, showed a statistically significant improvement in the behavior of the students in the program schools when compared to the control schools. (Nelsen, 1979). Smaller studies examining the impacts of specific Positive Discipline tools have also shown positive results. (Browning 2000, Potter 1999, Esquivel). At Home The young person’s sense of connectedness with his or her family is associated with positive outcomes. A national study of 12,000 adolescents showed that a sense of connectedness with their family was protective against every health risk behavior except history of pregnancy. (Resnick et. al. 1997) The questions asked of the teens in this large study included whether or not the teen felt wanted or loved by family members, whether they perceived caring by their mother or father, how many activities they engaged in with either parent in the previous week, and parental presence during different times of the day. b) At School. A young person’s sense of connectedness with school or â€Å"sense of community† in school is associated with positive social and academic outcomes. As above, there is a strong correlation with a student’s perception of being â€Å"connected† and the sense of â€Å"community† with academic and social well being. This has been examined by numerous researchers. Resnick, et. al. (1997) asked students questions such as â€Å"Do you feel that teachers treat students fairly? † â€Å"Are you close to people at your school? † â€Å"Do you feel part of your school? † He found that a sense of connectedness to school was protective against health risk behaviors. These findings are consistent with those of Goodenow (1993) who found a relationship between the students’ sense of belonging and their academic achievement and motivation. CONCLUSSION This was probably one of the most important parts of disciplinary approach. We respected our teachers and parents. Teachers and parents also respect their students and child with their opinions. As we grow older, we should be more decision-making responsibility. We felt respected and didn’t have a need to rebel because we know we would consider our responsible, well-thought-out ideas. For example, when I was in third grade or so, I had the choice of how to handle my schoolwork before a week-long trip during the school year. I decided to do two weeks-worth of work in one week, working day and evening to allow myself a week off during my trip. When there was a behavioral problem, we often used logical consequences. Even though we had a schedule, we didn’t follow the clock exactly. Our schedule is more assignment or project based. If we procrastinated in completing our work for the day, the logical consequence was that our school day lasted longer until our assignments were finished. The interventions included using class meetings, a constructivist curriculum, a focus on meaningful work and team building. In schools that successfully implemented the program the sense of community increased. More interesting perhaps was that examined individually, students with a higher sense of community were found to accept the established norms of the school, whatever those were. In longitudinal studies the researchers found that students coming from schools that had implemented the program to increase a sense of community and work for higher- level thinking, did better than their classmates from comparison schools when they arrived at middle. There is some evidence that a sense of community among staff members may be an â€Å"important precursor to the development of a sense of community among students. † (Royal and Rossi, 1997) Not surprisingly, modeling appropriate relationships among the adults seems to support students in developing appropriate interpersonal relationships. Teachers’ sense of community is also related to their job satisfaction and effectiveness. There are many, many studies (not individually cited here) that show that parental involvement is related to school success. Interestingly, when more closely examined, authoritative parenting is strongly related to parental school involvement and â€Å"academic encouragement,† both of which are associated with school success. The positive impact of â€Å"school involvement† is significantly less if the parent does not also have a â€Å"kind and firm† parenting style.

Math and Music

There are some obvious similarities between music and math. A musician might not think about them consciously, but knows innately. Scales and intervals are essentially expressions of mathematical relationships. Grasping the importance of math to music means going beyond the conception that math is more than just numbers. Musicians at the highest level know that math is, in fact, fundamental to music. Musicians and mathematicians don’t often think of themselves in the same terms, but they are actually practitioners of the same art. Music can be studied, created and expressed through the principles of physics and geometry. Origins The language of music is heavily laden with numerical jargon. Every young player learns to assign numbers to scale notes and intervals. A musician asked to play a minor seventh interval can visualize this in mathematical form. They think of the scale, then determine its’ relationship to what they were asked to play. For most musicians, this kind of math is an unconscious process. It becomes second nature. Math should not be thought of as a static set of lifeless numbers. In reality, math is a dynamic and creative process of discovering relationships and evaluating their meanings. Music shares the same elements of the problem solving process. The ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras was fascinated with music and its expression of mathematical relationships. The beauty of music, for him, was the same as that a mathematician experiences in the process of discovery (Loy, 2006). He saw the differences in notes in terms of ratios. For example, if C is the tonic D would be 9/8 of C. The ratio is describing the difference in the number of vibrations. Each note has its own ratio, relative to tonic. The ratio is multiplied for notes in higher octaves, and divided for notes in lower octaves. Generally speaking, the frequency of a note within a scale can be calculated by multiplying the frequency of the tonic note times the frequency ratio for the selected interval (Reid, 2007). The concept of the octave was described by ancient mathematicians. They discovered that some notes, although different, could be almost imperceptible to the human ear. Correspondingly, they found that there is a mathematical relationship between the same notes in different octaves. The relationships Pythagoras and others illustrated between math and music are fundamental to the development of both fields. In an age when music can be created with computers, the mathematical elements of music have become even more important. Foundations Math and music both use symbols and employ conceptual frameworks. As in math, some elements of music are undefined or vague. Yet, the influence of math is apparent in ways musicians may not even consciously realize. Harvey Reid cites one such example: The frets of a guitar are actually placed according to the 12th root of 2, and 12 frets go halfway up the neck, to the octave, which is halfway between the ends of the strings. (2007) A note is the most basic element of music. What is a note? In technical terms, a note is a specific frequency of vibrations. A good example of this can be seen on an electronic tuning meter. The meter does not â€Å"hear† notes, per se. It counts the number of vibrations the player is creating and matches it to the appropriate frequency for the note being tuned. The actions the player takes to come into compliance with the tuner are essentially part of a mathematical problem-solving process. This illustrates the â€Å"physics† of music. The time signature itself is a mathematical formula related to number theory. The formula is n/2m, where n and m are positive whole numbers (Benson, 2006). More complex time signatures lead to more complicated mathematical relationships. This complexity can be heard, and felt, by the listener. Scales are expressions of mathematical ratios. Broadly classified, scales may be practice-based, just intoned or tempered (Reid, 2007). All are based on mathematical theories. The intervals present in the scales are expressions of mathematical ratios. The process of writing music is mathematical at its heart. It consists of constructing many mathematical relationships that, in some way, still relate to each other. We know what intervals to avoid or, in other words, what frequencies clash in an unpleasing way. Some music takes on geometric properties. A piece in which a theme is repeated and overlapped continually can be described geometrically. The theme is often stretched, overlapped, changed slightly and moved to different keys. All of these are mathematical actions that could be visualized graphically. Technology, the future and Conclusion In the computer age, musicians have a vast array of tools to create new and interesting music. Computers themselves are mathematical machines. Each command is a mathematical problem for the computer to solve. In machines that have vast mathematical capabilities, musicians can explore notational relationships in ways they never thought possible before. There are limitations to the human ear, but technology can use mathematic principles to explore those limitations. The longer a person studies music, the more they become aware of its mathematical roots. Similarly, the longer a person studies mathematics, the more aware they become music is an expression of mathematical concepts. As technology advances, the potential exists for the each field to increase the knowledge of the other. Most musicians innately sense the connection with math. The connections go far beyond the obvious, however. It is a linkage that can be traced all the way back to common origins. Sources Benson, David L. (2006). Music: a Mathematical Offering. New York: Cambridge University Press. Loy, Gareth. (2006). Musimathics: The Mathematical Foundations of Music Vol. 1. Boston: The MIT Press. Reid, Harvey. (2007). â€Å"Of Mathematics and Music†. Accessed 3/22/2007 from: http://www.woodpecker.com/writing/essays/math+music.html

Geography Facts of the United States

Geography Facts of the United States The United States of America is one of the largest countries in the world based on both population and land area. It has a relatively short history compared to other world nations, has one of the worlds largest economies, and one of the worlds most diverse populations. As such, the United States is highly influential internationally. Ten Unusual and Interesting Facts to Know About the  US The United States is divided into 50 states. However, state each varies in size considerably. The smallest state is Rhode Island with an area of just 1,545 square miles (4,002 sq km). By contrast, the largest state by area is Alaska with 663,268 square miles (1,717,854 sq km).Alaska has the longest coastline in the United States at 6,640 miles (10,686 km).Bristlecone pine trees, believed to be some of the worlds oldest living things, are found in the western United States in California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. The oldest of these trees is in California. The oldest living tree itself is found in Sweden.The only royal palace used by a monarch in the U.S. is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is the Iolani Palace and belonged to the monarchs King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. The building then served as the capitol building until Hawaii became a state in 1959. Today the Iolani Palace is a museum.Because the major mountain ranges in the United States run in a north-south direction, they have a large impact on the climate of the countrys various regions. The west coast, for example, has a milder climate than the interior because is moderated by its proximity to the ocean, whereas places like Arizona and Nevada are very hot and dry because they are on the leeward side of mountain ranges. Although English is the most commonly spoken language used in the U.S. and is the language used in government, the country has no official language.The tallest mountain in the world is located in the United States Mauna Kea, located in Hawaii, is only 13,796 feet (4,205 m) in altitude above sea level, however, when measured from the seafloor it is over 32,000 feet (10,000 meters) high, making it taller than Mount Everest (Earths tallest mountain above sea level at 29,028 feet or 8,848 meters).The lowest temperature ever recorded in the United States was at Prospect Creek, Alaska on January 23, 1971. The temperature was -80 °F (-62 °C). The coldest temperature in the contiguous 48 states was at Rogers Pass, Montana on January 20, 1954. The temperature there was -70 °F (-56 °C).The hottest temperature recorded in the United States (and in North America) was in Death Valley, California on July 10, 1913. The temperature measured 134 °F (56 °C).The deepest lake in the U.S. is Crater Lake located in Oregon. At 1,932 feet (589 m) it is the worlds seventh deepest lake. Crater Lake was formed via snowmelt and precipitation that gathered in a crater created when an ancient volcano, Mount Mazama, erupted about 8,000 years ago. Sources Genzmer, Herbert, and Christian Schà ¼tz. (2008). Questions and Answers: Countries and Continents. Paragon Publishing: Bath, United Kingdom.Geology.com. (n.d.). Highest Mountain in the World - Tallest Mountain Geology.com. Retrieved from: https://geology.com/records/highest-mountain-in-the-world.shtmlInfoplease. (n.d.). Fifty States and Fifty Fun Facts - Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: infoplease.com/ipa/A0770175.htmlInfoplease. (n.d.). The World and U.S. Extremes of Climate - Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: infoplease.com/ipa/A0001382.html

Earthquake in Chile Essays

Earthquake in Chile Essays Earthquake in Chile Essay Earthquake in Chile Essay Earthquakes The motion of the Earth s tectonic home bases causes temblors. Earthquakes occur where home bases meet along home base boundaries. F.e when two home bases move towards each other, one home base can be pushed down beneath the other home base, into the mantle: this is a subduction zone. If this home base gets stuck under the other one, it causes a batch of force per unit area on the environing stones. When this force per unit area will be released it will bring forth daze moving ridges. These daze moving ridges are called seismal moving ridges. This is what we call an temblor. Plate boundaries The topographic point where two or more home bases meet, is known as a home base boundary. There are four types of home base boundaries: constructive, destructive, conservative and hit home base boundaries. About all temblors occur near to plate boundaries. Earthquake in Chile The temblor in Chile was caused by subduction. At the west seashore of Chile, three tectonic home bases meet: Antarctic home base, South American home base and the Nazca home base. Chile is located at a convergent home base boundary ( a destructive home base boundary ) . The Peru-Chile trench is caused by the subduction of the pelagic Nazca home base under the Continental South American Plate. This motion causes seismicity and volcanism in Chile, bring forthing astonishing temblors. This is a typical illustration of a continental-oceanic subduction zone. This temblor was the biggest 1 that hit Chile in over 50 old ages. Measuring temblors The magnitude of an temblor is measured with a seismometer. This machine measures motions in the surface of the Earth. The Richter graduated table steps earthquakes on a logarithmic graduated table. This means that an temblor of 5 is ten times more powerful than one of 6 on the graduated table of Richter. Most people express the magnitude with this graduated table. The 2010 Haiti temblor had a ruinous magnitude of 7.0.The Chile temblor was measured 8.8, this means there is about a widespread devastation. It was one of the strongest temblors that were of all time recorded. If we must believe Chilean governments, over 300 people have been killed. Richter Scale: Magnitude Damage 4 This magnitude temblor is widely felt and is strong plenty to check plaster. 5 A strong quiver shakes the Earth, damaging chimneys and weak edifices. 6 This temblor is strong plenty to severely damage mean edifices. 7 This temblor is strong plenty to destruct even good built constructions. 8 Even particular, earthquake-resistant edifices will be severely damaged. 9 There is widespread devastation. History of temblors Chile is a really active home base boundary, so it s a perfect topographic point for temblors. Chile is located in the alleged Ring of fire, an country in the Pacific where there are a batch of temblors and volcanic eruptions. The names of the home bases are in white. You can see the Nazca home base is doing subduction ( bluish line with trigons ) , because it goes under the South American home base ( Am A ; eacute ; rique du Sud ) . Tsunami Yes, there is a opportunity on a tsunami The temblor happened near a home base boundary. Because of home base tectonics, one home base can drop deeper, so there becomes a difference in sea degree. Bibliography hypertext transfer protocol: //andrevandelft.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/earthquake_depth.png hypertext transfer protocol: //news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8540289.stm hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_earthquakes_in_Chile ttp: //s.ngeo.com/wpf/media-live/photologue/photos/2010/03/02/cache/23047_600x450-cb1267561459.jpg hypertext transfer protocol: //www.stratfor.com/files/mmf/1/2/12b92bbe141fcccef515d7d9f927de8434bf3a50.jpg hypertext transfer protocol: //english.ruvr.ru/2010/03/02/4961912.html hypertext transfer protocol: //www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/chile/7331231/Chile-earthquake-tsunami-warnings-trigger-evacuations-across-Pacific.html

How to Write a Comparative Essay †Be Careful. BestEssay.Education

How to Write a Comparative Essay – Be Careful. How to Write a Comparative Essay – Be Careful Remember those comparison/contrast essays you wrote in high school? Sometimes you wrote ones that only compared two things; sometimes you wrote ones that only contrasted two things; and sometimes you wrote essays that included both comparisons and contrasts. When you are assigned comparative essays in college, however, the terminology of the assignment itself is really important, because there are really two types. You need to be certain that you understand the assignment before you begin to choose a topic and produce an essay. If you are to write just a comparative essay, you will be addressing those things that two or more people, things, events, beliefs, or other ideas have in common. For example, how are the democratic systems in England and India alike? Or, how are Macbeth and Brutus, two characters from to different Shakespearian plays, alike? If you are to write a comparative analysis essay, however, the common definition of such an essay is that you will address both similarities and differences – like the comparison/contrast essay you wrote in high school Understanding the difference between these two types will be your first step in figuring out how to write a comparative essay that will meet the requirements of your instructor’s assignment. Organizing Your Essay If you are only to write an essay on the comparison of people, events, things or ideas, your organizational structure will be pretty basic. Make a list of those similarities, each of which will be addressed in a separate paragraph. If, however, your essay is a comparative analysis, things are a bit more complex, as you must address both similarities and differences. Your best bet in this case is to make two lists – similarities and differences and then to organize your essay by first assigning a paragraph to each of the similarities and then a paragraph to each of the differences. There are other format, of course, but this is really the easiest, and if you just want to get the thing done, choose this format. If, for example, you were to compare Macbeth and Brutus, you would want to address the facts that they were both highly ambitious, that they were both power-hungry to a fault, and that they were both willing to kill to obtain that power. On the other hand, there were differences. Macbeth was a military hero; Brutus was a politician; Macbeth was strongly influenced by his wife’s ambition; Brutus was driven by only his inner drive. So, your essay will have two sections – paragraphs on si milarities followed by paragraphs on differences. Write an Essay that Will Impress If you spend a good amount of time thinking about the things you are to compare and/or compare and contrast, and you prepare your lists well, you should have an easy organizational structure. The rest is in the writing. Be certain that you review and edit that rough draft so that it is really polished by the time you turn it in. Remember, a great essay grade is comprised of both what you say and how you say it.

(your opinion) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

(your opinion) - Essay Example The author points out the impact of advertising through a broader perspective allowing people to understand the ways in which business enterprises are making their way in the private lives of people. Most importantly, the author sheds light on the impact of advertising on the academic activity of students. Here, it should be noted that students are young and in the phase of exploring themselves. At this point, if they are attacked with attractive credit loans offer then it means that their future is in cruel hands. The author of the article discusses regarding the focus of brands on student. The reason behind this new approach of different companies is because they believe that young consumers can deliver the message of product more effectively. However, the fact remains that there are very few students who may have the time to watch all the advertisements through different channels but they are the ones who start word-of-mouth support for the advertisers. The author of the article has noted that students who are highly in demand or have a style statement are approached by the companies. For instance, athletes, musicians, grade holders etc (needs citation). are all considered as ideals or symbols for others. Students in the campus would like to know their ways of getting things done. It is due to multinational companies targeting them for their product. If these talented students would make use of the products being offered by these multinational companies then the product is likely to be cons umed by other students as well (Singer). This citation needs a page number In addition, these students are attracted towards the products with the help of perks including free clothes, laptops or supply of drinks. For instance, Red Bull is running an energetic marketing through the campuses. As stated by the author in the article, â€Å"Red Bull, which has student brand managers at 300 universities and colleges, sponsors

What is the Threat to the US from North Korea Assignment

What is the Threat to the US from North Korea - Assignment Example Due to this conflict, it is feared that North Korea may be planning to attack the United States directly or indirectly through its everyday developing nuclear program. One of the main threats to the United States from North Korea is that North Korea might soon become capable enough of developing nuclear weapons that can be used against the United States and its allies. North Korea and South Korea have been in continuous conflict over the issue of Korean Peninsula and United States has tried to help South Korea as South Korea is an ally of United States (U.S. Department of State, 2014). The threat is that if North Korea develops nuclear weapons, it may directly attack the South in order to solve and gain victory on the dispute of Korean Peninsula. If North Korea attacks the South, there is the huge possibility of a World War consisting of the use of nuclear weapons taking place. A World War may erupt because the US being friends with the South may help the South, while on the other ha nd China being an ally of North Korea may try to defend them (Schneider, 2014). The United States already owes a huge debt to China and China has the ability to completely destroy the United States and due to this United States may not be able to assist the South in order to protect its own nation. The United States has been fighting the war for peace and the war against terrorism for several years. Due to these several nations such as Afghanistan and militants living in those nations are quite angry with the United States. One reason due to which the United States has an upper hand over the extremist terrorist group is that these terrorist groups do not control nuclear weapons. If North Korea is able to develop its own nuclear weapons, then there is a possibility that North Korea may supply these weapons to the terrorist organizations and the terrorist organizations will then have the ability to attack the United States with nuclear weapons (Snyder, 2013). North Korea is kind of an isolated region which blindly trusts its government and is ready to take any action that may be commanded by their government.  Ã‚  

Criminology and criminal justice studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Criminology and criminal justice studies - Essay Example This essay investigates the organized deviance as revealed in the activities of a gang named Aggi Crew in St. Paul’s area of Bristol. This was a notorious drug-peddling gang whose members sometimes involved in street brawls with rival gangs in the area. Their dastard actions have sometime invited armed police to be constantly station on St. Paul with the intention of preventing the gangsters from flouting laws and terrorise innocent citizen in the area (BBC, 2003). Though some of the gang’s activities would be explained here, however, the central goal of this paper is to detail the appropriate responses from the concerned criminal justice systems. member’s surname. The gang’s main activity is to peddle drugs locally in the areas of Bristol. Sometimes they were engaged in street fights with rival gangs. What made the Bristol residents unsettled and greatly worried about Aggi Crew was the fact that they had had deadly weapons and guns in their possessions. They had also been involved in armed robbery at the famous White and Black Cafà ©, a place that was rumored to be the melting-pot for both drug buyers and sellers (Thompson, 2003). Judging by the explosion of gangsters’ criminal activities in Britain, the question every thoughtful person may want to ask is: are there any legal provisions to combat this plague of violent gang crime in the United Kingdom? Critically, there are some laws and statutes of Her Majesty that are enacted for the purpose of preventing all kinds of crime in Britain, including drug and violent crimes mostly committed by gangs. Incidentally, Misuse of Drug Act 1971 is meant to discourage the use, sale and spread of harmful drugs like cocaine, heroin and other stimulants; The Firearms Act 1968 totally discourages the use of firearms for the purpose of causing harm and damage to other people and their properties; Criminal Justice Act 2003establishes the modalities

The life of Peter Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The life of Peter - Research Paper Example During the life of Peter he faced accidental greetings, scenes which were divine and most importantly he faced refusal. Hence it is believed that the story of Peter in the bible is one of the greatest narrations that depict a transformation in the way of life. It has been observed that amongst all the twelve believers Jesus had during His rule on Earth, Peter is considered to be the most candid of all. Undoubtedly he was considered to be the part of the most gallant advocates of the belief. His birth was of a common man but the death was of a great apostle. It has been observed that the start of his life was very modest in origin. As mentioned earlier the original name of Peter was Simon. It was Jesus who improved his name to Peter. The name Peter has literally originated from the term Petra which means "rock". Peter was basically a fisherman from the Galilean times and is apparently the brother of Andrew. Peter and his brother are considered to have their origination from the settle ment of Bethsaida. It is said that Peter was also a follower of John (Baptist). He was married. Before he had experienced divinity was a corrupt and sinful man. The guilt of being sinful was seen at various occasions, especially when he was in the company of Jesus Christ. Peter and his brother Andrew have the honor of being the first believer. (Meyer, 35) Since the fishermen of that time were fierce, bold, fearless, hot tempered and often used abusive language all these aspects were also present in Peter. Since their job requires physical labor which had made them rough and tough. They were full of themselves and had a bossy attitude. Their life was rough and bold as they had encountered various ups and downs in life like storms and thunders which had shaped their personality. Peter before he had met Jesus was lost and did not have any goal in life. But once they found Jesus without any further thoughts they starting to believe Him and followed him. They did not question Jesus Chris t and left everything behind for the sake of being good humans and firm believers. Like I mentioned previously, peter was one of the first believers of Jesus Christ as well as he has the honor of being the spokesman of Jesus at various occasions irrespective of the good or the evil. The thing that separates Peter from any other disciple is the unique vision he possessed which was related to the image of Jesus. Jesus's title that is 'Son of the Living God – The Savior' was also given for the first time by this noble man. He was so humble and considered himself so guilty of the sins he did in his earlier life that he used to feel that he did not deserve to be in the company of such a holy man. The love Jesus had for his him and his brother made them distinct and the â€Å"fishers of men†. There were certain flaws that were associated with Peter. For instance, that the boldness Peter flaunted most of the times became wrong for him. It is said that once he scolded the God and claimed that he could even sacrifice his life for Jesus. Despite this when Jesus was arrested and trialed, Peter refused the Lord around three times. Jesus was insightful and he knew that among his disciples who is actually honest to him and who would ultimately cheat on him. Peter has the honor of witnessing many miracles associated with Jesus from his own eyes. Along with two other disciples he witnessed the Shekhinah Glory during the time of Transfiguration. This is considered to be the time when the humanity

Corrosion testing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Corrosion testing - Essay Example This implies this solution produces a corrosive atmosphere in the chamber. The accepted standard of testing chambers according to the international standards on salt sprays test (ISSST) is four hundred liters. Alternatively, some other solutions can also be applicable when testing corrosion. The test that applies 5% NaCl is the neutral salt spray whereby other solutions appropriate for this chamber include acetic acid. With the use of this solution, the name of the method of testing is acetic salt spray. The other solution that can apply in this case is acetic acid mixed with of copper chloride, which is one of the known corrosion tester is the Q-FOG cyclic corrosion testers. Designs of these instruments vary according to their capability of chambers. They also vary based on the various environments to which they have to operate. Figure 1: An example of a Q-FOQ cyclic corrosion tester. Results or testing of this machine is similar to those of an outdoor testing, which most of the sal t spray testers have failed to deliver. The purpose and application of the corrosion testing equipment The desire to maintain use and existence of different machines is a concern for numerous engineering industries. They attempt to prefer using their materials not only in an efficient way but also to ensure long-term usage of their products. This field uses various metallic instruments that are either ferrous or non-ferrous. What stands in the use of these metallic instruments is the fact that they are subject to attack by varied weather conditions. These conditions include humidity, basic solutions, gasses, and acids. The main purpose of these elements is to initiate the effect of corrosion on metallic materials. Therefore, producers of these metallic materials find it necessary to choose an ascertained coating material for the different elements. The quality control that applies during production of various metallic instruments is also essential in the present era. This calls for corrosion testing instruments that apply in the global field. This is because they help in identifying the corrosion element that exists for a metal, which is essential in providing users with longevity of their respective metallic materials. Various tests performed by the corrosion testers Many tests can apply in investigating corrosion in different metals. These tests vary depending on the variables involved, for instance, weather conditions and machine’s specifications. The humidity test is one of the common tests in the field of corrosion. In the corrosion testers, this takes place in the humidity cabinets that are airtight and moisture proof (Prateepasen & Jirarungsatian E11). The chamber also has an average temperature of 100 degrees. The purpose of this test is to determine whether the oxidative attack has begun on a given metal. In this case, the person taking the test searches for any appearance of a blister with the intention of knowing whether an attack has already began on a given metal. Another category of corrosion testing is the salt spray tests. In this case, the sizes of chambers may have standards according to given specifications. Chambers in this case have large sizes as compared to those used when taking humidity tests. The other tests include immersion tests, impact tests, outdoor exposure tests besides others. The tests mainly focus on eliminating effects of

High Budget Deficit and the Growth Rate of the Economy Essay

High Budget Deficit and the Growth Rate of the Economy - Essay Example The nation with high private saving will offset the moderate deficit financing in a much better way to provide for investment capital necessary for the growth of economy. Thus, for future economic growth national savings matter highly. National saving is the measure of the accumulation of financial and other real assets overtime. Future national income will largely depend upon this accumulated stock of assets. Unfortunately, deficit financing coupled with nil or negative private saving has made the national saving negative. In this perspective, deficit financing on a sustained basis cannot help US economy. Higher Interest Rates Macguineas (2011) argues that ever increasing deficit financing will exert upward pressure on interest rates thereby increasing the cost of capital. Budgetary deficits are financed through government borrowings. When government borrowings rise to a high level, the government may have to offer increased interest rates so that sufficient buyers are attracted to buy government debt. Obviously, higher interest rates will tend to retard the economic growth rate. Higher Borrowing Leads to Higher Interest Payments Increasing borrowings year after year will necessitate higher spending on debt-interest. Higher interest burden eats away the productive deployment of the capital necessary for the economic growth. As a result, the needy sectors such as education, health starve of the funds that are necessary to provide impetus to the economy. Defense Spending and Budgetary Deficit Korb et al. (2011) of the center for American Progress (CAP) argue that defense spending has created the current fiscal crisis. The experts from the CAP believe that the massive deficit is the result of increasing defense budget during 2004 through 2012. It...This essay offers a comprehensive review of the effects, that the high levels of budget deficit exercise on the economic development of the country, using the example of the US. In 2011, it was the third straight year when the gap between American government's income and spending remained negative to the tune of $1 trillion or above. In percentage terms, the deficit is hovering at around 10 percent of gross domestic product in last two years. This was causing serious concerns at several quarters on soaring national debt. The national saving rate is important for future economic growth and budgetary deficit has a direct bearing on national saving rate. Since last many years private saving is meager in the US and in last couple of years it has gone even negative. With such a low/negative saving, it is difficult to obtain economic growth and US productivity at desired rate. Ever increasing deficit financing will exert upward pressure on interest rates thereby increasing the cost of capital. Budgetary deficits are financed through government borrowings. When government borrowings rise to a high level, the government may have to offer increased interest rates so that sufficient buyers are attracted to buy government debt. Higher interest rates retards the economic growth rate. It can be concluded that when the government incurs debt, it is important to know what government does with that money. If the money are deployed for productive purposes, it can certainly help the economy of the present as well as future generations.

Corrosion testing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Corrosion testing - Essay Example This implies this solution produces a corrosive atmosphere in the chamber. The accepted standard of testing chambers according to the international standards on salt sprays test (ISSST) is four hundred liters. Alternatively, some other solutions can also be applicable when testing corrosion. The test that applies 5% NaCl is the neutral salt spray whereby other solutions appropriate for this chamber include acetic acid. With the use of this solution, the name of the method of testing is acetic salt spray. The other solution that can apply in this case is acetic acid mixed with of copper chloride, which is one of the known corrosion tester is the Q-FOG cyclic corrosion testers. Designs of these instruments vary according to their capability of chambers. They also vary based on the various environments to which they have to operate. Figure 1: An example of a Q-FOQ cyclic corrosion tester. Results or testing of this machine is similar to those of an outdoor testing, which most of the sal t spray testers have failed to deliver. The purpose and application of the corrosion testing equipment The desire to maintain use and existence of different machines is a concern for numerous engineering industries. They attempt to prefer using their materials not only in an efficient way but also to ensure long-term usage of their products. This field uses various metallic instruments that are either ferrous or non-ferrous. What stands in the use of these metallic instruments is the fact that they are subject to attack by varied weather conditions. These conditions include humidity, basic solutions, gasses, and acids. The main purpose of these elements is to initiate the effect of corrosion on metallic materials. Therefore, producers of these metallic materials find it necessary to choose an ascertained coating material for the different elements. The quality control that applies during production of various metallic instruments is also essential in the present era. This calls for corrosion testing instruments that apply in the global field. This is because they help in identifying the corrosion element that exists for a metal, which is essential in providing users with longevity of their respective metallic materials. Various tests performed by the corrosion testers Many tests can apply in investigating corrosion in different metals. These tests vary depending on the variables involved, for instance, weather conditions and machine’s specifications. The humidity test is one of the common tests in the field of corrosion. In the corrosion testers, this takes place in the humidity cabinets that are airtight and moisture proof (Prateepasen & Jirarungsatian E11). The chamber also has an average temperature of 100 degrees. The purpose of this test is to determine whether the oxidative attack has begun on a given metal. In this case, the person taking the test searches for any appearance of a blister with the intention of knowing whether an attack has already began on a given metal. Another category of corrosion testing is the salt spray tests. In this case, the sizes of chambers may have standards according to given specifications. Chambers in this case have large sizes as compared to those used when taking humidity tests. The other tests include immersion tests, impact tests, outdoor exposure tests besides others. The tests mainly focus on eliminating effects of

Consulting report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Consulting report - Assignment Example Using this equation a web portal can be created where the same loyal customers can enter details of their shopping and the same staff can pick it out for them and pack it up to save time. This will not only save time for both and affect inventory and logistics positively, but also increase sales. In a research (Park, 1998) it was concluded that hi-tech baby boomers and older/physically challenged people were more prone to shop online. Another research (Hiser, 1999) confirmed that consumers other than those having dual incomes were a viable market segment. On a general basis buying groceries online was not dependent on the number of people in the house or incomes or gender. On the other hand buying behavior is more likely to be linked to the penetration of Internet and its usability among the shoppers (Ward, 2000). In today’s age where there is an application for every website the company would be making more sales if people in the community are given the option of selecting their groceries on the go. Instead of traditional inventory management system, using the warehouse as the Master Organization and transferring all stocks from there on when stocks are out anywhere, RCE proposes to use a flexible and manageable system. Maintain a fixed stock at all stores for all or some inventories, while keeping all suppliers connected with the Master Organization. This helps put the customer in focus and also helps increase sales as projected to 1%. On an organizational level, if Bradford chooses to bring in revenue through a web portal, a managed inventory at all stores will speed up the process of picking and bagging the orders. For staff to be effective in managing the store of inventory on-site at each business unit(store), effective trainings can be given and management can be done with simple bar-code readers. Staff that has been stocking the locations and managing

Standardized Testing Essay Example for Free

Standardized Testing Essay Are you one of the many students who cram in hours upon hours of studying the night before an exam that has been stressing you out all week? You wake up the next morning nervous and full of anxiety, just to take the same test as everyone else, under the same conditions as everyone else. Sounds fair right? Well I don’t believe it is, and here’s why. Standardized tests were made to test the knowledge of a student over a particular course or subject. The ACT and SAT, for example, are composed of four multiple choice sections usually including math, english, science and reading. Well here’s the funny thing, everyone is different. Some students thrive at written tests where some students fail. Some students are better at presentations where other students are not. Because of the differences in student’s ability to learn and retain information caused by many different teaching methods and criteria covered, standardized testing has become an unreliable way to measure a student’s knowledge and should be replaced by other means such as using e-portfolios or performance based assessment. Some of the main problems with standardized tests such as the ACT or the SAT include trying to accurately measure a students knowledge over a particular set of subjects and a phenomenon involving teachers called â€Å"teaching the test†. In a 2013 speech to the American Educational Research Association, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said â€Å"State assessments in mathematics and English often fail to capture the full spectrum of what students know and can do,† he said. â€Å"Students, parents, and educators know there is much more to a sound education than picking the right answer on a multiple-choice question† (Evans). I completely agree with Arne Duncan on this matter. On a typical standardized test you have about a twenty five percent chance of getting the answer right. Potentially, you could have a student who does not know the material at all, but could guess right on more than half the answers and get credit for it. Being a student who has taken the ACT more than once, I can honestly say I feel like the ACT was a poor representation of my knowledge over the subjects tested on. Now with the phenomenon called â€Å"teaching the test† which is where teachers center their curricula around state tests, students become subject only to material that will be found on the test. This not only causes teachers to lack creativity within the teaching of the course, but also causes students to become limited to learning test taking skills. Even though standardized testing can be harmful to student’s creativity, there are some alternatives to this problem. One alternative to standardized testing, relating to the SAT and ACT, would be the use of electronic portfolios or e-portfolios. Terrel Rhodes, vice president for quality, curriculum, and assessment at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC;U) says that â€Å"E-portfolios provide a means for collecting assigned work, as well as students accomplishments in non-classroom settings, so that faculty, internship supervisors, and others can assess it and aggregate or disaggregate the results, depending on the purposes of the assessment† (1). Basically e-portfolios would be a collection of student’s individual work throughout the year, organized into a folder that the teacher would have access to at all times. This folder would help the teacher view how each and every student learns and give an overview on how much each student took away from the course, what not to teach in the following years and what to cover more heavily. This alternative is more effective and personal than a standardized multiple choice test because it gives the teacher a chance to personally view how each individual student is progressing throughout the year. In terms of college admissions, if your portfolio was shared with the colleges of your choice, it would allow college admissions to see your progress throughout the year. So instead of just seeing an ACT test score that a student could have potentially guessed on for more than half the answers, they would be able to see a portfolio showing how well equipped and prepared for college the student is. It would be a great way of telling if the student would be a good fit for their program or not. Given the knowledge at hand, I believe e-portfolios would be a great alternative to standardized testing. Another alternative to standardized testing is performance based assessment. â€Å"Performance assessments measure skills such as the ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines, contribute to the work of a group, and develop a plan of action when confronted with a new situation† (Brudali). This differs from standardized testing in the fact that teachers focus more on the process of learning, where standardized testing focuses on the product. Instead of using tests that are multiple choice that require a student to choose the one correct answer, performance based assessment often times uses group projects, hands-on projects, essays and verbal presentations to determine a student’s knowledge and skills over a particular set of subjects. Another advantage to performance assessment is that â€Å"Performance assessments provide teachers with more information about the learning needs of their students and enable them to modify their methods to meet these needs† (Wren). Teachers actually try to assess each and every students learning process and direct the class accordingly, letting students take away more from lectures. Having this type of assessment in high school would benefit students tremendously in college. Having experience with verbal presentations and hands on projects will provide the student a head start with skills you need for college. These skills would be used for interviews, group projects in labs and speeches given throughout the years. Performance based assessment would tremendously benefit and prepare students for college and would be a great alternative to standardized testing. Knowing that there are already proven solutions to standardized testing, let me ask you why you are still taking them? Studies have clearly proven that standardized testing is an inaccurate and unreliable way to display the knowledge of students. Not only that, studies have also proven that different methods such as e-portfolios and the performance based assessments are a more accurate and effective way of displaying a students knowledge over various subjects. So why don’t you take initiative? Join a club like student council, a club where you have a say with what goes on with your school and the decisions being made. Start a petition against standardized testing and let students get involved. Not only that, let your community get involved. Tell your family and friends about the disadvantages of standardized testing and its inability to measure students’ knowledge. There are many ways you can get involved in your school and community to have a say in the decisions being made with problems such as standardized testing. All you have to do is take initiative and act upon it. With all the knowledge at hand, I truly believe standardized testing is a terrible way to reflect a student’s knowledge and there are many alternatives that can be provided in place of it.

Effect of Glucosamine on Knee Osteoarthritis

Effect of Glucosamine on Knee Osteoarthritis REVIEW OF LITERATURE A prototypical 12-week, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial of glucosamine among subjects with knee osteoarthritis was conducted to present the safety and effectiveness over the Internet. The study comprised 205 subjects aged 45 years or older with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and their eligibility was authenticated through medical record review. Participants were administered randomly to 1.5 g/d of glucosamine (n101) or placebo (n104), of whom 108 completed the intervention (93 in each arm). The primary outcome measure was the pain subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (Likert version) while additional outcome measures were physical function and stiffness subscales and overall score of the questionnaire, and analgesic use. It was found that there was no difference between treatment and control groups in terms of change in pain score, stiffness, physical function, overall score, and analgesic use. Although glucosamine was appe ared to be safe, it was no more effective than placebo in treating the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. (McAlindon et al. 2004) A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the eficacy of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Fifty men and women with knee OA pain were enrolled in an outpatient medical center. Intervention was MSM 3 g or placebo twice a day for 12 weeks (6 g/day total). Outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index visual analogue scale (WOMAC), patient and physician global assessments (disease status, response to therapy), and SF-36 (overall health-related quality of life). It was found that MSM produced significant decreases in WOMAC pain and physical function impairment as compared to placebo. MSM also produced improvement in performing activities of daily living when compared to placebo on the SF-36 evaluation. The effectiveness and safety of MSM in managing OA and long-term use could not confirm from this pilot trial, but its potential clinical application was examined. (Kim et al. 2005) A study was carried to evaluate the efficacy and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) safety of celecoxib, compared with nonspecific nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), among patients with osteoarthritis. A total of 13,274 osteoarthritis patients from 39 countries were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with either celecoxib 100 mg twice daily (BID), celecoxib 200 mg BID, or nonselective NSAID therapy (diclofenac 50 mg BID or naproxen 500 mg BID) for 12 weeks. Standard validated measures were used to assess osteoarthritis efficacy. Serious UGI events were evaluated by 2 blinded, independent, gastrointestinal events committees. It was observed that both dosages of celecoxib were as effective as NSAIDs in treating osteoarthritis. However, ulcer complications occurred within the nonselective NSAID group as compared with the celecoxib group. There were less ulcer complications in the celecoxib group compared with the NSAID group, both in patients taking concomitant aspirin an d those not taking aspirin, but the difference reached statistical significance only in the latter comparison. The cardiovascular thromboembolic events were low and not statistically different among the groups, but the study was not powered to detect such differences. It is concluded that celecoxib is as effective as the nonspecific NSAIDs naproxen and diclofenac, but has significantly fewer serious upper gastrointestinal events in the treatment of osteoarthritis. (Singh et al. 2006) The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of bromelain in treating OA of the knee. The study design was randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial. Subjects (n ¼47) with a confirmed diagnosis of moderate to severe knee OA were randomized to 12 weeks of bromelain 800 mg/day or placebo, with a 4-week follow-up. Knee (pain, stiffness and function) and quality-of-life symptoms were reported monthly in the WOMAC and SF36 questionnaires, respectively. Adverse events were also recorded. The primary outcome measure was the change in total WOMAC score from baseline to the end of treatment at week 12. Longitudinal models were used to evaluate outcome. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for the primary outcome, nor the WOMAC subscales or SF36. Both treatment groups showed clinically relevant improvement in the WOMAC disability subscale only. Adverse events were generally mild in nature. This study suggested that bromelain was not efficacious as an adjunctive treatment of moderate to severe OA, but its limitations support the need for a follow-up study. (Brien et al. 2006) The aim of this study was to evaluate and establish the non-inferiority of an oral enzyme therapy as compared to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac (DC) in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Ninety patients were treated with osteoarthritis pain for 6 weeks in one study centre in a phase III, randomised, double blind, parallel group trial. The subjects were divided into two groups, 45 patients in each group. The efficacy criteria were assessed by applying the test of non-inferiority with regard to mean changes and frequencies, t-test, U test, ANCOVA and descriptive methods. The non-inferiority of oral enzymes as compared to Diclofenac was established with p = 0.0025. The oral enzymes used were bromelain, trypsin and rutosid. It was found that oral enzymes were simultaneously non-inferior as compared to Diclofenac. However, in case of drug tolerability, some tendencies were observed in favour of oral enzymes. Although, there was no real difference found between oral enzymes and Diclofenac but oral enzymes may well be prescribed for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis. (Klein et al. 2006) The aim of the study was to provide a summary of the actions of curcumin on articular chondrocytes from the available literature with the use of a text-mining tool. Both the potential benefits and drawbacks of using this chemopreventive agent for treating osteoarthritis (OA) were highlighted. Recent work had shown that curcumin protects human chondrocytes from the catabolic actions of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b) including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 up-regulation, inhibition of collagen type II and down-regulation of b1-integrin expression. Curcumin also blocks IL-1b-induced proteoglycan degradation, AP-1/NF-kB signalling, chondrocyte apoptosis and activation of caspase-3. The available data in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that curcumin may be a beneficial complementary treatment for OA in humans and companion animals. (Henrotin et al. 2009) The aim of the study was to assess whether glucosamine (GlcN), an oral supplement commonly taken to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, modulates the immune and inflammatory responses to joint injury in organs proximal to GlcN absorption; namely, the liver and the gut-draining lymph nodes. Using a papain-injected knee mouse model, standard histological methods were used to validate our model and document the impact of GlcN (100 mg/kg/day) on groups of C57BL/6 mice (n  ¼ 5). Circulating inflammatory cytokines were assessed by Luminex-based immunoassays and the relevance of this cytokine profile on proteoglycan biosynthesis evaluated using a patellar-cartilage assay. Real-time PCR was used to document the role of the liver in cytokine production. It was observed that Papain significantly degraded the proteoglycans in the injected knees by 2 days. Cartilage proteoglycan content was significantly higher in GlcN-treated, papain-injected knees at Day 14. The peak concentration of ser um pro-inflammatory cytokines occurred earlier and decreased sooner in the injected, GlcN-supplemented mice; this trend was in agreement with the expression of these factors by the liver. GlcN did not alter the percentage of MLN populations but accelerated their activation. Hence, it was suggested that Oral GlcN alters the physiology of the liver and MLNs, which in turn, could indirectly alter the biology of the injured joint. (Panicker et al. 2009) A three month study was conducted on curcumin-phosphatidylcholine phytosome complex. The joint pain was decreased and improvement in joint function was observed in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. The patients were evaluated with clinical endpoints score, Karnofsky Performance Scale Index, and treadmill walking performance and ESR. The significant improvements of both the clinical and biochemical endpoints were observed. (Belcaro et al. 2010) The aim of study was to determine the effect of bromelain treatment on canine articular chondrocytes in vitro. This research was done to evaluate viability of cell, apoptosis levels and mitosis, proteoglycan concentrations and the expression of certain genes. Chondrocytes were exposed to 50 ÃŽ ¼g/ml bromelain for 4, 16 and 32 h. It was found that the rate of apoptosis in the treatment groups was significantly lower than in the control groups. The rate of mitosis in treatment groups was significantly higher than in the control groups. The effect of bromelain on gene expression was measured by the real-time PCR technique. It was found that bromelain significantly decreased TIMP-1 and MMP-3 expression. These experimental bromelain treatments had shown positive results, and increased the process of healing and modulation of osteoarthritis. (Siengdee et al. 2010) The aim of this study was to evaluate that actual cartilage AGE levels were directly related to actual cartilage damage in OA patients. The actual cartilage AGE levels were directly related to actual cartilage damage by use of cartilage obtained at joint replacement surgery. During study, Cartilage and urine samples were obtained from 69 patients undergoing total knee replacement. Samples were analyzed for pentosidine as marker of AGE. Cartilage damage was evaluated macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically. It was found that there was an inverse relation between cartilage AGEs and actual cartilage damage in end-stage OA. This was likely due to ongoing (ineffective) increased turnover of cartilage matrix proteins even in end stage disease. (Vos et al. 2011) The study was done to assess the ability of curcuminoid from Curcuma domestica Val in reducing the cycloxygenase-2 secretion by synovial fluid’s monocytes compared to diclofenac sodium in patients with osteoarthritis. The study was prospective randomized open end blinded evaluation (PROBE). The subjects with knee osteoarthritis were divided into two main groups randomly. One group received 30 mg of curcuminoid thrice a day while other group received 25 mg of diclofenac sodium 3 times in a day. The joints aspiration was carried out and cycloxygenase-2 enzyme secretion by synovial fluid’s monocytes was evaluated by scoring method before and after 4 weeks of treatments. In first group the average scores were 1.84 ±0.37 and 1.15 ±0.28 respectively (pet al. 2012) An observational study was conducted containing a formulation of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata extracts. The efficacy and safety of these extracts was measured and directly compared with the celecoxib in osteoarthritis patients. The treatment was tolerated well and it did not produce any major side effects. The patients were analysed by the vital signs, hemogram, liver and renal function tests. This formulation was proved to be effective and safe and no toxicity related with dose was found. (Kizhakkedath 2013) A multicenter, observational and prospective study was carried out on a complex of three natural anti-inflammatory agents. These agents include Harpagophytum procumbens,Curcuma longa, and bromelain nutraceuticals. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of commercial complex complex of 3 plant extracts in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain. The patients were divided into two groups i.e. acute and chronic. At baseline, the VAS pain score was 69.1 mm (15.4) and 68.0 mm (18.2) for patients with acute andchronic pain, respectively. At the endpoint, the scores decreased to 42.1 mm (21.1) and 37.8 mm (25.9), respectively. At the endpoint, most of the patients have reached the reduced pain level. No side effects were found due to treatment withdrawals. These 3 plant extracts had excellent tolerance profile and found to be safe alternative of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. (Mathieu P et al. 2014) The purpose of this study was to analyse efficacy of extracted Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) from chicken keel cartilages, its comparison with standard CS from shark origin alone and in combination with Glucosamine Sulfate (GS) in developed and standardized papain induced Osteoarthritis (OA) rat model. One group that was control received sterile normal saline solution while other experimental group received papain intra-articularly. Induction of disease with respect to time was assessed on the basis of histological lesions scores. The treatment effectiveness un-treated and treated group was assessed on the basis of histological lesions scores. Treatment was started from 29th day and was continued till 60th day of post papain injection. It was found that histological lesions score was not reduced in cartilages of OA group that remained un-treated. However, structural changes were reduced and were found to be close to the control groups that were treated. Histological lesions score was obse rved highest in un-treated Osteoarthritis group followed by GS treated, standard CS, extracted CS, extracted CS plus GS and standard CS plus GS. There was maximum reduction in histological lesions score in groups treated with combinations. The score of group treated with standard CS (shark) was almost similar to extracted CS (chicken) alone and extracted CS plus GS. CS (chicken) was proved to be effective and beneficial in reducing progression of disease. (Khan et al. 2014) The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of oral ginger for symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing oral ginger treatment with placebo in OA patients aged greater than 18 years. Outcome measures were reduction in pain and disability. The efficacy was measured using Hedges standardized mean difference (SMD), and safety by risk ratio (RR). Standard random-effects meta-analysis was used, and inconsistency was evaluated by the I-squared index (I2). Following ginger intake, a statistically significant pain reduction with a low degree of inconsistency, and a statistically significant reduction in disability were seen, both in favor of ginger. Patients given ginger were more than twice as likely to discontinue treatment compared to placebo. Ginger was found modestly efficacious and reasonably safe for treatment of osteoarthritis. (Bartels et al. 2014) The study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in pain reduction and functional improvement. 367 primary knee osteoarthritis patients with a pain score of 5 or higher were randomized to receive ibuprofen 1,200 mg/day or C. domestica extracts 1,500 mg/day for 4 weeks. The main outcomes were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total, WOMAC pain, WOMAC stiffness, and WOMAC function scores. Adverse events (AEs) were also recorded. 185 and 182 patients were randomly assigned into C. domestica extracts and ibuprofen groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics were no different between groups. The mean of all WOMAC scores at weeks 0, 2, and 4 showed significant improvement when compared with the baseline in both groups. After using the noninferiority test, the mean difference (95% confidence interval) of WOMAC total, WOMAC pain, and WOMAC function scores at week 4 adjusted by values at week 0 of C. domesti ca extracts were noninferior to those for the ibuprofen group, except for the WOMAC stiffness subscale. The number of events of abdominal pain/discomfort was significantly higher in the ibuprofen group than that in the C. domestica extracts group. Most subjects were satisfied with the treatment, and two-thirds rated themselves as improved in a global assessment. It was concluded that C. domestica extracts are as effective as ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The side effect profile was similar but with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events reports in the C. domestica extracts group. (Kuptniratsaikul et al. 2014) The retrospective observational study was conducted to assess the experiences of 820 patients treated with a new Curcuma extract (Flexofytol ®, 4-6 capsules per day), for more than 6 months for various forms of painful osteoarthritis. These experiences were reported by 110 Belgian general practitioners via a questionnaire that included quality-of-life parameters for assessing patient experience. Data were submitted to an independent statistician for analysis. Within the first 6 weeks, Flexofytol ® improved patient pain, articular mobility, and quality of life. Excellent tolerance was reported, and more than half of these patients were able to discontinue analgaesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Patient satisfaction was confirmed by their decision to maintain Flexofytol ® therapy for more than 6 months. It was found that Flexofytol ® which was based on a new preparation of curcumin, is as a potential neutraceutical for the care of patients complaining of joint problems, with ex cellent tolerance and rapid benefits for articular mobility, pain, and quality of life. (Appelboom et al. 2014)

Hey kids :: essays research papers

Hey Kids!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I know it can be hard but try to remember when we were kids how much we all loved to wake up early on Saturday morning, sneak to the T.V., and watch our favorite cartoons. We loved to do this not only so that we could see our favorite characters go through troublesome dilemmas each episode, but also that we could see what was new on the market and try to convince our parents to spare a few dollars and buy it. This tactic has been used from years upon years and will likely continue occurring for the simple reason that it works. Businessmen in the marketing know that kids will see the latest and greatest thing and insist to their parent that they must have it. And with a little persistence and maybe a temper tantrum or two, they usually get it. Sometime commercials will appeal to not only the child, but also to parents because they can see the new toys that they are able to buy for their kids. Because there is always a constant demand for new toys, there will always be a entrepreneur trying to make money by creating a product, and market it in the way of commercialization. It is a never ending cycle which will always occur as long as there is T.V. because it is how they make their money.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It had been years since I had woken up early on a Saturday morning to watch the â€Å"early bird† cartoons so when we were told to pick a show I knew what it would be, HEY ARNOLD! HEY ARNOLD! is played on NICKELODEON in the morning each day of the week. HEY ARNOLD! is a cartoon about a group of young kids that live in the city and go to school together. A similar theme that many kids can relate to. I used to watch this show as a kid and I knew that they still played it on KICKELODEON so I woke up at the same time that I used to watch it, 7:00 a.m., although it was not on until 8 a.m. it was okay. I sat down from 8 o’clock until 9 and watch two episodes of the show. When I thought about what commercials I would see I had a pretty good idea. Sitting down and watching them proved my ideas correct. Before I sat down to watch the show I made a list of types of commercials I thought would be on just to see if I would be right.

Case †HBS: Fiat †Tata Essay

1 What is Fiat’s current situation in India? Fiat is an Italian automobile manufacturer based in Turin.  Fiat India in Indian car market is facing the dilemma of poor sales. It had a very small market share in India comparing to other existing automobile competitors. There was a good and long relationship with Tata Motors in Indian so Fiat and Tata were going to have a joint venture (JV) to manufacture passenger cars, engines and transmissions for the Indian and overseas markets. These two companies began to seek for collaboration in early 2005. From the Exhibit 2: Production by Manufacturer, we can see Fiat in 2006 ranked 11 in worldwide auto industry while Tata stood in 21, which had merely Indian market. For Fiat this brand, it had a high brand awareness in India which is a good sign for them want to expand market there and Fiat also had the best diesel engine for small cars. 2 What is the business opportunity in India? Do you think that Fiat needs a partner? In an attempt to lower costs, most major automotive makers had set up factories in emerging markets such as China, India and South America. Because lower production costs were one incentive, experts also suggested that car makers could gain access to growing and fertile marketplaces that is the background for auto manufacture in India. The liberalization policies in 1991 opened up India to new import and export possibilities. To encourage investments, the government launched series of new policies in 1990s to help growing their economics. For vehicle industry, there was total population of 1.1 billion people in India which is an obvious potential opportunity for auto makers. I think Fiat really needs a partner. The trend at that time was all manufacturers with production greater than one million vehicles were involved in one or more alliances with other producers. Automobile manufacturers formed alliances for a variety of factors with the primary rationale being an attempt to reduce labor, energy, and raw material costs. So combining same value-chain activities to gain efficiencies, merge talents and share risks is a good choice. Observers lauded the tie-in stating that  Fiat had the potential for more sales in the burgeoning Indian market while Tata stood to gain technology and new export markets. 3 Do you think Fiat and Tata make for good partners? Compare the Fiat-GM relationship with the Fiat-Tata relationship. It looks like they make for good partners. They knew each other well before they wanted to committee themselves into joint venture. In 2006, they were both financially sound due to the good co-operation. At that time sourcing of parts usually involved 30 direct suppliers as well as 70 or more indirect suppliers (who served the direct suppliers). Automobile manufacturers usually established long-term relationships with their suppliers and involved suppliers in the development of new models. Fiat and Tata they examined synergies in overseas to give marketing support. With help of Tata, they can improve Fiat’s dealership network and customer service, help to cut manufacturing costs and compete effectively against competitors. For Tata, this alliance with Fiat helped Tata get technologies and new design in future which is a win-win situation. Compared with the Fiat-GM relationship, Fiat and Tata might have better future. After Fiat and GM cooperation, their market share was decreased and had high debts issues. GM themselves were making losses and dissolve the agreement of Group’s auto business. There was no culture collaboration which made it crucial for long term relationship. 4 How would you assess the negotiation process between Fiat and Tata? It was a long way communication before Fiat team came to Tata’s head office and came into negotiation but still better than longer waiting time for visa. I think they made a good conversation and made a lot of efforts like signing MoU to establish joint venture and equity structure. Made agreement to some manufacturing parts like passenger cars, power trains, engines and transmission for India and overseas. They focused on the spirit of relationship and show the prospects for long-term relationship. Most major components were negotiated. However, It was obvious that some culture difference appeared during their negotiation. There are two layers of culture raised by a Fiat executive: first is Italian and Indian culture and the second is the difference in company culture. Even with another Italian company, Fiat can be very different. And some problem appeared like â€Å"It is  always difficult going to the other company’s offices as they still have other work to attend to. So, we might have a meeting scheduled to start at 10am, which then starts at 11am and might end up being regularly interrupted by other issues.† But some complain cannot be very serious in their negotiation.