Any franchise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Any franchise - Essay Example The demographics of young people interested in sports have changed in Miami with more people filling the limited sport shops for utilities. The city offers a ready market for sports utility The success of these company beings with exceptional leadership as well as an innovative management team that is knowledgeable and experienced to handle the matters in the franchise business. Since this is a small start up, we would not be in a position to have a big management team ( Liberson 23). The C.E.O will be accorded the mandate to higher his workers. The management team will be liable in the running of the operations of this franchise under the authority of the CEO. The CEO will have the powers to take the company to another level. Marketing remains the greatest program and strength of this business. A proper marketing strategy will be deployed in order to effectively reach the wide range of market with the merchandise. Funds will be used to produce advertising materials in order to attract customers. A robust financial marketing plan will be done for the franchise that would revolve around advertising. Several methods of marketing will be deployed with the motive of reaching a wider range of clients. Since this franchise will be entering the job market a new, it will dwell in providing traditional means of advising that will lower the cost of expenses ( Liberson 23). This franchise will ensure proper financial planning and will carry on with proper investigation to find the related costs. This capital to rise in beginning this franchise will be borrowed from different sources in order to fund all the needs of this business. It will be effective to have prepared a financial budget that will support with the effective running of the business. The banks would be the last option in raising the funds for the start up of the business. To incorporate a wide variety of stock in the business, a large pool of funds will be of

History of Fire Sprinklers Essay Example for Free

History of Fire Sprinklers Essay Rome, 64 A. D. Emperor Nero watched in horror as the great city of Rome burned for six days and seven nights. Afterwards 70% of the city was left in smoldering ruins and devastation. (The Burning of Rome, 64 AD 1) Why the exact cause of the fire is unknown, we wonder if an effective sprinkler system could have prevented this incident and others like it. A city that was well known for their magnificent construction, architecture, and irrigation systems was almost completely destroyed by one incident. Many codes do not require a specific type of Automatic Sprinkler System. While the most common type found is the Wet Pipe System; Dry Pipe, Preaction, and Deluge Systems can be found in many different occupancy types. The two main purposes of automatic sprinkler systems are to extinguish fires and control the fire until appropriate personnel arrive to extinguish the fire. Automatic sprinkler systems are expected in all occupancy types, except residential, unless the hazard is not compatible with water. For these hazards there are several other types of suppression systems that can be installed to manage the incident. By installing an automatic sprinkler system, you increase life safety and property protection. What is the standard of sprinkler systems? The goal is to increase life safety and decrease property damage. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has been the leader in mandating standards and requirements when it comes to sprinkler systems. They have developed many standards that address the installation, inspection, and maintenance of sprinklers. Wet pipe systems are closed water systems attached to a piping system containing pressurized water at all times. This type of automatic sprinkler system is the most common type, and can be found in all most all occupancy types. Unless the potential of freezing pipes or other special conditions apply, this type of system will be encountered most frequently. The operation of this sprinkler system is very simple. The wet-pipe system consists of sprinkler heads attached to sprinkler supply lines that interlace the occupancy. When a fire first starts there is minimum heat generated. As the fire grows and the thermal layer is disturbed, heat rises to the targeted sprinkler heads. Depending on the rated temperature of the sprinkler head, a fusible disc or link melts from the heat and initiates the flow of water. While most fires are controlled by one or two sprinkler heads, in the case of fast moving fires more may be needed to control the fire. When water is flowed from the system, typically other things may happen. In all most all wet-pipe systems, there is some type of audible alarm activated at the standpipe. This will trigger other alarms in the building, and most of the time notifies an agency that will then notify the Fire Department of a water flow alarm or others like it. Dry pipe systems use air or nitrogen to keep the supply line pressurized at all times. This type of automatic sprinkler system is commonly found in the colder areas where the possibilities of freezing pipes are encountered. Dry-pipe systems provide the same adequate protection similar to wet-pipe systems. The piping is charged with air or nitrogen, and when a sprinkler head is activated the drop in the pressure opens a valve at the standpipe that allows water to flow into the systems. (Bahme 25) Just like the wet-pipe system, normally one or two sprinkler heads are needed to control the fire. There will also be an alarm that is activated notifying the appropriate agency to contact the Fire Department. At lest once a week the system should be tested to make sure that the air pressure within the piping is maintained. The third type of automatic sprinkler system is the Pre-action System. This type of system is a closed piping system that contains air, which may or may not be under pressure. When a fire occurs the fire detecting device signals the control valve to open charging the system. This type of system is usually used where the possibility of broken pipes and sprinkler heads may result. The most common places found include electrical rooms, computer rooms, and other areas that may house expensive equipment. There can be several types of pre-action system including a recycling system. This system is capable of charging the piping, discharging water, then cutting itself off. In the event that the fire rekindles, it can discharge again. It then has the ability to recycle the water. Deluge systems are much like Pre-action systems except that the sprinkler heads are open and the system is not charged. Similar to that of the pre-action systems, a fire detection device, usually a heat sensor, activates the discharge valve on the system. The difference is that the entire sprinkler component of the system is open; therefore the area that is activated is deluged in water. These types of automatic sprinkler system can be found where a high hazard of flammable liquid may be encountered. The most common place is aircraft hangars. Caution should be taken though; in confined spaces the oxygen level can be deficient when these systems are activated due to the copious amounts of water. Combined Dry-Pipe and Pre-action systems are composed of both the systems mentioned above. These systems have the dry pipe features with the pre-action features in the event the dry pipe portion fails. These systems are used when an area is too large to be covered by a dry pipe system. On the same note though, combined systems were originally developed for protection during cold climates. Long lines would be subject to freezing. These systems are commonly found when dealing with long piers. (Bahme 30) It is important to note this type of system is considered two independent systems. Testing requires individual standards for both type; consisting of the dry pipe system and the pre-action system. Limited water supply systems are those where supply water cannot be properly supplied to the occupancy. These systems consist of many wide range types and can be used as outside sprinklers and confined space sprinklers. Some research obtained shows that one type of limited water sprinkler type could be the antifreeze sprinkler system. This type of system is very uncommon and is normally not accepted and used in recent automatic sprinkler systems. In conclusion, there are several types of water sprinklers used in today’s management to help increase life safety and decrease property damage. By including detection devices and the correct sprinkler heads, these systems can mean the difference between life and death. The occupancy should have the correct automatic sprinkler system that will properly suppress the material relevant in that occupancy regardless of the type. The preferred automatic sprinkler system should all be able to notify the occupants, summon the correct agency to suppress the fire, sound alarms, supervise fire control, and initiated a wide variety of auxiliary functions involving environmental, utility, and process controls. (IFSTA 559)

A Christmas Carol Essay example -- English Literature

A Christmas Carol Lots of people take great pleasure in listening or telling ghost stories. People enjoy this because it gives them a chance to tell people maybe some of their own experiences, stories or their ideas. Some of these may be very scary and some may only be mildly scary. It is also a good way of socialising as you are talking to people and sharing experiences that people may find extremely interesting, resulting in them thinking you are very intellectual, as telling stories can be more in depth than just having a conversation. The usual setting for a ghost story is an image of darkness and fear, which is intended to bring across the image of fear on the reader and involve them in the story. In the actual ghost stories the image of a ghost is usually something that is scary, dead and wants to bring you harm in any way possible. They usually only appear in the dark as a story tends to be more fearful if the atmosphere and appearance of the story is dark, secluded and dirty. Although as you get older the whole image of a ghost changes it tends to become a more secluded, unknown creature or maybe a memory of a person and sometimes may not be scary, it can be friendly or somebody you may be able to make contact with. Some people actually believe in ghosts, which is maybe why ghost stories sometimes do so well in the world. Now for the actual story, a Christmas carol. The story takes place in London, pre 1914. Charles Dickens is very good at creating a ghostly image by using the power of adjectives and contrasting the light and dark and bright and dull images. An example of this is â€Å"cold, bleak, biting weather, it is the use of these words and techniques that give the reader the sense of... ...eating a very successful ghost story that is effective, scary and interesting for all audiences. Dickens does very well in the way he contrasts all of the ghosts within the story, there are a number of different personalities within the ghosts, he changes from spooky to jolly and then fearful, this is in done by creating stages and builds up to the finale of the ghost of still to come is extremely spooky and intimidating. He has set the atmosphere by describing the setting of the rooms and surroundings and contrasting them with the ghost and mood or essence. I think the best ghost in the story is the last ghost as the story is after all meant to be a ghost story and is meant to be scary; the ghost really does set a scary mood. Overall the story a Christmas carol sets a very spooky mood that draws in the audience in and makes them want to carry on reading.

The Pros and Cons of Ethnographic Reflexivity Essay -- Pro Con Essays

The Advantages and Limits of Ethnographic Reflexivity Awareness of writing choices generates an appreciation of the reflexivity of ethnographic research. Reflexivity involves the recognition that an account of reality does not simply mirror reality but rather creates or constitutes as real in the first place whatever it describes. Thus ‘the notion of reflexivity recognizes that texts do not simply and transparently report an independent order of reality. Rather, the texts themselves are implicated in the work of reality-construction (Emerson et. al., 1995:213). According to Robert M. Emerson and colleagues, reflexivity is a method in which the ethnographer is aware that his/her writing choices are shaped to acknowledge the ethnographers presence in the culture being studied. Thus, while writing and analyzing fieldnotes, the ethnographer-as-author grows increasingly aware of his role and responsibility in telling the story of the people being he/[she] studied; for in writing he/[she] re-presents their everyday world[1]. By taking the ethnographers presence in consideration, the ethnography becomes more than a mere piece of text. In the process of writing his/her analyzes of a culture, the ethnographer is constantly reminded that his work is to understand a realm of reality. In the following I will discuss the approach Dorinne K. Kondo and Renato Rosaldo use in writing their reflective ethnography. Dorinne K. Kondo in Dissolution and Reconstitution of Self: Implications for Anthropological Epistemology suggested that to understand the culture one studies the ethnographer should account his/her presence. In other words, the ethnographer should write about his/her experiences because it establishes the â€Å"I was there† author... ... argues that even though our mission is to understand the culture we our studying one cannot make final assumptions about a culture. One has to reflex on the fact that a culture is always changing and that our preparation of our discipline is not often the method one uses in fieldwork. As I reflect back to my own ethnographic research I found that even though I am Mexican-American and part of the Latino culture on campus my own community often challenged my interpretations. My interpretations were often critiqued by the male Latino culture, they felt that the meaning was much deeper and that I could not fully grasp the meaning because of my gender. Thus, I agree being reflective on ones ethnography can one fully add more meaning and understanding of a culture. [1] Emerson et. al. Writing Ethnographic Fieldnotes. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995: 213.

Latino Americans in the Workplace

Latino workers comprise a large sum of the population of workers in America. Particularly in Canada, as many as 244,400 individuals who are of Latin American origin live in Canada in 2001 (â€Å"The Latin American Community in Canada,† 2006). About 64% of adult Latin Americans in 2001 age 15 and above were employed and working, with 71% of these falling under the age category of 45 to 64 (â€Å"The Latin American Community in Canada,† 2006). Further Jorge Brea notes that the population of Latin Americans tripled between the mid 1900s to the early parts of 2000, with the service industry being the primary source of employment in many Latin American nations (Brea, 2003, p.4). These facts reveal the presumption that Latin Americans have a sizeable presence not only in the local workforce but also in international workforce such as those found in Canada. One significant instance with regard to the experiences of Latin American workers is after the time when hurricane Katrina shook America. Prior to the hurricane, approximately 3 percent of New Orleans is Latin Americans. After the hurricane, the population of Latin Americans in the region significantly increased, and most of these individuals sought employment in a city that direly needed the manpower to rebuild it (Agresta, 2006). One can thus have the idea that at least one part of the experiences of Latin American workers reflects the vision of Latin American laborers in a working environment which has the greatest possibility of churning out the most probabilities of landing a job while putting their lives at risk. Not even distance can hinder the Latin American worker from reaching fertile ground. For instance, approximately 435,500 Latin Americans adults live in Japan wherein 70% send money to their families back at home on a steady rate with an average of $600 (â€Å"Remittances to Latin America from Japan,† 2005). It has also been observed that Latin Americans have a strong attachment to their religion which is predominantly Catholic. This can be observed even among the workers, oftentimes carrying small images of Saints in their pockets or wallets, crosses hanging in their necklaces or bracelets, and small prayer pamphlets or booklets in their bags or tool kits just to name a few. It is apparent that the religious yet diverse cultures of Latin Americans largely influence the workplace roles, especially among workers and managers. Hence, potential managers should consider the cultural, religious, and financial backgrounds of Latin Americans in order to maximize their capabilities in the workplace. In essence, potential managers should observe several ‘do's' and ‘don'ts' with regard to their consideration for their Latin American employees. One of the ‘do's' that the potential manager should most likely consider is to give ample space for the Latin American employees to exercise their religious beliefs. That is, managers should allow the observance of religious holidays and other religious events and practices so that the Latin American employees will not be hindered from fulfilling their religious duties. Hindering them from doing so is one of the ‘don'ts' since it will most likely result to a form of religious intolerance wherein the employees are suppressed from exercising their religious obligations and, hence, restricting one of their fundamental rights. In its course, a number of these employees will most likely find ways to go around the religious restriction being imposed which may affect their performance and the growth of the organization. Further, potential managers should nevertheless carefully identify the religious holidays that might lower the performance of the organization. Managers ought to do a balancing act: permit the observance of certain religious holidays without having to sacrifice the performance of the organization or company. Likewise, managers ought to comprehend the fact that most Latino Americans work in companies far from their homes in order to earn a decent wage and provide ample sustenance to their families. Since this is usually the case, company managers should see to it that their Latin American employees are properly compensated while taking into account the financial capabilities of the organization to pay proper wages and other benefits. One way to achieve this is to carefully consider the suitable number of employees, especially Latino Americans, who will operate the essential functions within the organization with respect to the financial status of the company. Managers should also make the most use out of significant and reliable information available such as the most recent trends or patterns with regard to the rate of salaries and benefits and ensure a comparable rate to the Latino American employees. On the other hand, the manager should make it clear to prospective Latino American employees that there too are limitations on the financial capabilities of the company. This ensures that the labor of the employees will be compensated properly in compliance to the financial constraints present. Latin Americans are known to have a history of oppression from other people, a number of which are experienced in the workplace and in other financial institutions. These facts should serve as a reminder to the manager that Latin American workers may have the lingering impression of fear that their history of oppression from other people is not too far from being repeated elsewhere. While the natural response of these employees from the potential harms they may perceive is to stay on guard of their status in the company and the way their superiors treat them, managers should make certain that their Latin American employees are treated decently and professionally in such a way that the environment of the workplace exudes a friendly yet professional feeling. Managers can achieve this end by constantly interacting with the Latin American employees in the workplace, checking and ensuring that their tasks are efficiently met in a friendly yet professional tone. These are just a few of the things that managers should do and should not do in order to have a healthy group of Latino American employees working in the organization. Due importance must be realized and given to these people for the reason that they share a significant portion of the economic and organizational development of the country. Without Latin Americans in the workplace, the economy of the country in general will most likely be affected. This is perfectly exemplified in the movie â€Å"A Day without a Mexican† where the film emphasizes the significance of at least 11 million Latin Americans in California in terms of the various jobs across the region (â€Å"How Do You Make the Invisible, Visible? You Take It Away,† 2004.). The film highlights the absence of Latin Americans which lead to the depreciation in the cleanliness of the state as garbage mounts in the streets of California and in the economic devastation of the state. In both theory and practice, the theme of the film is highly probable. In general, it should be noted that there are crucial Latino American issues in the workplace all over the world. Across America alone, the numbers of issues are significantly present, and that these things pose an important challenge both to managers and potential managers. The delicate balance between the Latino American factors and the disposition of managers and potential managers spells the difference between an efficient and effective workplace and one that is bound to fail. References Brea, J. (2003). Population Dynamics in Latin America. Population Bulletin, 58(1), 3. â€Å"How Do You Make the Invisible, Visible? You Take It Away.†Ã‚   (2004).   ADWAM News. August 4, 2007. . Remittances to Latin America from Japan. (2005). Inter-American Development Bank Multilateral Investment Fund, 2.   

What MBA Admissions Consulting Isnt

What MBA Admissions Consulting Isnt Do Business School Admissions Need an Overhaul? There have been a few articles published lately about MBA Admissions Consulting. One such article published in Bloomberg Businessweek, Business School Admissions Needs an Overhaul, proposed that the entire admissions process for graduate business school be changed. The author, Alex Fleming, goes so far to propose that essay length and number should be reduced to discourage applicants from hiring admissions consultants. No one, he suggests, would pay someone $1,000 to write 100 words. The author and I both have MBA degrees from Wharton, but we part company after that. What Business School Admissions Consulting ISNT As an MBA Admissions Consultant for 14 years, I believe that what needs the overhaul isnt business school admissions but rather the incorrect understanding that many have about what admissions consulting actually is. For a start, any ethical admissions consultant will make it clear that he or she will never write an essay for an applicant. Some of our clients will ask us to do so despite what our written agreements and policies may say, but we make it clear that thats not part of our service. And for the record, as of the current admissions season, most top business school applications require multiple essays, with limits of several hundred to about a thousand words each. An admissions consultant can help to ensure the topic and organization of those essays hits the mark with admissions committees. Admissions Consultants also wont ghost write recommendations for our clients, although a few may request that service. In fact, many of us, myself included, refuse to even review a draft recommendation. I take it even further than most, suggesting that my clients push back if the recommender wont write a recommendation without getting a draft from the applicant. If the recommender insists on receiving more than a bulleted list of suggested points, I tell my clients to find another recommender. Is there an alumni interviewer popularity contest? I disagree with another point in the article. Having been an alumni interviewer for Wharton MBA applicants, I dont understand what he means by the â€Å"alumni interviewer popularity contest.† Assuming that the school trains its volunteer alumni interviewers well, as most do, an interview with an experienced alumnus can give the interviewer and interviewee insights into the fit between the applicant and the school that an on campus interview may not, especially in terms of the long-term career view. I have no understanding of the popularity contest that the author mentions. You are no doubt wondering what MBA Admissions Consulting is if this is what it isnt? That will be the topic of my next blog entry. Need guidance in your MBA/EMBA Application process? Maximize your applications with help from The Essay Experts MBA Admissions Consulting Services. Or feel free to email me directly at larryessayexpert@gmail.com. Larry Sochrin Category:MBA Admissions ProcessBy Brenda BernsteinNovember 18, 2011

buy custom Strategic Plan for Skilled Nursing Facility essay

buy custom Strategic Plan for Skilled Nursing Facility essay Provide a brief overview of the organization you have selected Long term care facilities particularly skilled nursing facilities have become complex. This is because they are currently accepting patients from the hospital just a few days post-operatively or with recent acute illness (White Truax, 2007). According to White Truax (2007), long term care facilities are a subset of the overall health delivery system in the US. The key factor in determining whether a facility provides long term care is to know if its mission is providing ongoing care versus acute care and how the facility is licensed in the state. Beta Pham skilled nursing facility was licensed by the Washington state in 2005. The facility provides long term, chronic care residents and short term hospital patients admitted for the purpose of rehabilitation before they are discharged to home. Medicare covers patients admitted in Beta Pham nursing facility who have a 3-day eligible stay in the acute care hospital for short term rehabilitation (White Truax, 2007). Beta Pham nursing facility is privately owned and is not for profit. The facility has a capacity of 300 beds and is owned by a single person. The mission statement of Beta Pham nursing facility is to improve the quality of care provided and other related services to patients. The Beta skilled nursing facility provides a full range of clinical long term care services. Describe the organizational structure Beta Pham nursing facility uses a functional organizational structure. This type of organizational structure divides various responsibilities among groups or departments (Ilminen, 1999). Functional structure is set up so that each portion of the organization is grouped according to its purpose (Different types of organizational structure, n.d.). According to Ilminen (1999), the facility administration requires a versatile, resilient individual with a variety of technical, management and people skills. In addition, Singh (2010) indicated that the organizational structure of Beta Pham nursing facility includes the preceding functional departments. Each of these services is managed by a mid-level manager who reports directly to the administrator. Singh (2010) noted that the various support services found in functional structure are adjuncts to the central nursing care process and must interface with clinical care using a multidisciplinary approach. How will developing a well-constructed strategic plan benefit the organization? The strategic plan will help the management of the nursing facility to address all aspects of the patients needs without duplicating or disregarding any patient needs. Singh (2010) noted that the strategic plan will help the Beta Pham to tackle problems and issues from all pertinent disciplines through interacting and providing their professional inputs (p. 246). A strategic plan will enable Beta nursing facility to predict of what the facilitys decision makers believe they must do to cope with the future (Allen, 2011). A strategic plan makes it possible to compare what actually happens to what is expected to happen. Allen (2011) indicated that to survive and prosper, the nursing facility must engage in strategic planning. The plan will integrate the facilities major goals, policies and action sequences into a cohesive whole (Allen, 2011). Identify key services provided by the organization Beta nursing facility provides a range of services to the patients. The services provided by skilled nursing care include monitoring of unstable conditions, clinical assessment of needs; and treatments such as intravenous feeding, wound care, dressing changes or cleaning of air passages (Singh, 2010). The facility also provides post surgical orthopedic care after knee or hip replacement and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation that are essential after heart urgery (Singh, 2010). Description of management team Nurse staffing ratios are a critical factor influencing the overall quality of care in Beta Pham nursing facility. The management team in Beta Pham nursing facility includes the director of nursing, assistant director of nursing, nurse managers, unit managers, care coordinators, medication or special treatment nurses, shift supervisors, staff nurses and nursing assistants (Ilminen, 1999). Charge nurses passes medications, provide treatments and documents patients. Treatment nurse changes dressings and provides wound care. The director of the facility plans and carries out diversional activities or recreation therapy for residents (Ilminen, 1999). The volume of business that is being done on a monthly or annual basis The Beta Pham nursing facility serves approximately 400 patients each month. 10 distinct groups within the facility indicate the severity of the patients condition. About 25 patients are referred to the facility for evaluation each day. Varying number of patients is admitted to the facility after evaluation. Statistics indicate that 54% of referred patients are admitted to the facility. At the same time Beta Pham discharges about 15 patients every day. The facility charges $165 per day for admitted patients and $85 for outpatients who seek other services such as dressing and wound care. The facilities turnover is estimated to be $840,000 per month. This amount varies depending on the number of admissions undertaken on daily basis. The 400 patients served by the facility represent 37% of the total 650 patients seen and evaluated by utilization review nurse within the facility. Demographics of patients being served Patients admitted and served by Beta nursing facility are evenly divided by gender. 65% were older than 65 years of age. White Truax (2007) noted that patients enrolled in the outpatient therapy program are those with minimal deficits. Some of the patients who complete their hospital based inpatient program or have their rehabilitation at a skilled nursing facility. The table below shows the demographics of patients admitted in Beta Pham nursing facility. Characteristics Percentage (%) Age (years) 20-40 2 40-60 12 60-70 31 70-80 25 80+ 20 Gender Female 68 Male 32 Education 12 years 54 12 years 46 Marital status Married 54 Unmarried 46 Average medical visits per year 57 Ethnic breakdown Hispanic 20 American 58 Black American 22 Employment status Employed 9 Unemployed (Retired) 91 Demographics of the staff to include number of staff, types of positions, education level, etc Beta nursing facility has a total of 20 members of staff. This is to ensure that the nursing staff is adequate to meet the needs of the residents living the facility. The facility has 5 charge nurses who are responsible for passing medications, providing treatments and documenting the patients. Beta nursing facility has 4 treatment nurses who provide wound care and manage gastronomy. There are 4 admission nurses who evaluate potential residents for admission and coordinate with hospital discharge planner to facilitate admissions from hospitals (White Truax, 2007). The facility has 1 MDS coordinator who is responsible for gathering and transmitting all of the facility MDS data to Medicare. The facility has 3 infection nurses who are responsible for identifying potential sources of infection and preventing the spread of infections within the facility (White Truax, 2007). Beta nursing facility has a 1 utilization review nurse who is responsible for evaluating the status of each reside nt to determine the ongoing requirements of care. The education level is a bachelors degree in nursing. The director of staff development nurse is responsible for the orientation and ongoing education of the unlicensed staff. The table below shows the demographics of the staff of Beta Nursing Facility. Type of position Number Gender Education Level Administrator 1 Female Masters Degree in Nursing Charge nurses 5 2 male, 3 female Nursing Degree Treatment nurses 4 1 male, 3 female Nursing Degree Admission nurses 4 2 Male, 2 Female Nursing Degree, Diploma in healthcare administration. MDS coordinator 1 Male Nursing degree and Diploma in healthcare administration. Infection nurses 3 1 Male, 2 Female Nursing Degree and Diploma in Clinical studies Utilization review 1 Female LPN Degree Director of staff development nurse 1 Male Degree in Nursing and Diploma in Administration Buy custom Strategic Plan for Skilled Nursing Facility essay

11 Flexible Jobs for Working Parents

11 Flexible Jobs for Working Parents finally ready to go back to work after your maternity or paternity leave? need a bit of extra income to make ends meet? or maybe you just need some time spent with actual grown-ups. it can be really difficult to find work that matches your experience, pay needs, and schedule conflicts. here are 11 flexible jobs that shouldn’t be too far away from ideal for the working parent.1. school bus driverthis job still requires you to spend the vast majority of your time with children, but you’ll get a break between the morning and the afternoon runs. all you need is a valid driver’s license and your high school diploma. average annual pay: about $31k.2. web writerthis job can be as flexible as you want it to be, and the field is very broad. find a kind of writing you like that you’re good at- maybe an area where  you have some experience. or start a blog! you may need your bachelor’s degree, but you can easily use this job to channel your creative energy. average annual pay: about $47k.3. marketing assistantyou’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree for this, as well as fantastic project and deadline management skills, but you can harness all that pta and volunteer experience you’ve built up helping your kids’ school and start getting paid for coordinating events! average annual pay: almost $38k.4. call center repit’s not the most glamorous job in the world and some of your callers might be even needier than your kids, but you can sometimes work from home or set a flexible schedule that fits your family’s needs. average annual pay: over $28k.5. translator/interpreteryou’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree, plus superb communication skills- not just in english, but in multiple languages. but if this is your skill set, you can make your own hours and design a schedule that works best for you. average annual pay: $43-44k.6. personal trainerif you haven’t taken a break from th e gym the way you have from the workforce and you can pass the necessary licensing tests, then you can make a good amount of money helping other people to get fit. bonus: you’ll get or stay fit yourself. average annual pay: just under $53k.7. hairdresser/stylistyou’ve been cutting your kids’ hair, and you love chatting to people. add a high school diploma to this, and you’ve got yourself a pretty flexible gig. average annual pay: $23.6k.8. teacher’s aideyou love education and teaching kids, and you feel you’d work well in a classroom setting, but you don’t want the full time responsibility of being a teacher. you can help out in the classroom, implementing curriculum, helping kids one-on-one, and still not be the one who bears the entire weight of the responsibility. and you’ll be working when your kids are already in school! average annual pay: $20k.9. web designerif you have a great eye for design, and lots of experience with computers- possibly also programming languages and a bachelor’s degree, then you can make great money, set your own hours and projects, and do web design as your career. average annual pay: $62.8k.10. dietitianyou already put so much care into what your family eats (and you’ve done so much research), why not start making money spreading what you’ve learned? you might need a master’s degree for this, but you can choose the setting (educational, clinical, private, etc.) that you prefer to work in and usually set your own schedule. average annual pay: $53k.11. event plannerwith all the skills you have planning birthday parties and family cookouts, this is just the big league equivalent. you’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree, and good attention to both details and deadlines, but if that sort of high stakes (occasionally stressful) environment appeals to you, then you could work in event planning. average annual pay: $55k.

Ethical obligations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethical obligations - Essay Example Hence there is a great amount of responsibility that goes within their working basis. They know that if they falter, there is someone else to take their seat and the public would never approve of them in the first place. It is this accountability factor that asks of them to give in their best time and time again. What is most significant is the fact that public administrators have an ethical obligation to perform, mostly on all of the occasions where they get in touch with the public. It goes to suggest without much exclamation that public administrators face ethical responsibilities because it is the public that they have to hold fast on to. They know that if the public does not get the benefits from their undertakings, it would be a futile exercise to work their way through different tasks and actions. The public administration implications in taking good care of the public health sector, housing, education and others is centered on the premise of the peculiar reinforcement strateg ies. These are followed in a very proactive fashion and that too on a consistent rate. The reinforcement phenomenon gets implemented when there are situations which ask of the public administrators to give in their very best on a constant basis. ... he domains of the public administrators, the people resourcing discussion is based on the tangent of giving more significance to the people who are more skilled and who get the most work done in an efficient capacity. However these elements must come with an ethical obligation attached with the same (Bertucci 2006). This means that the public administration implication is made stronger with each passing day and the reinforcement strategies with the help of the motivational reward hierarchies working towards the eventual benefit of the public at large. Administering people with an ethical responsibility thus becomes precisely an easy task as it manifests sound objectives in a quick manner. Thus the public administration implication of administering people through the assistance of the reinforcement strategies is a difficult proposition if the public administrator does not carry out his homework in a well-cohesive fashion. He must know what he is propagating and that too at the right l evels, on a consistent basis. There are a few instances when the public trusts the administration that has been given the right to serve them, and this is indeed an aspect which could be seen in the positive aspects under the relationship between the two – the public and the public administrators. The recent trends in privatizing government functions has a dilemma attached to it, especially when one considers the case related with the attainment of public interest and the like. What this does is to make sure that privatization remains the key within the understanding of the public that it exists to bring harmony within their ranks and not to make them feel indifferent to privatization or even experience numbness towards it. Privatization within the public administration regimes is

Accounting and Financial management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Accounting and Financial management - Essay Example support the financial analysis ideas expressed in the memo, the reader should feel that they have a complete set of facts to substantiate these ideas and provide a reference for them. First we take a look at the financial performance ratios of the two companies. The return on assets ratio of the company shows how well the company is in generating revenues from their assets. i.e.how many dollars of EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) they can achieve for each dollar of assets they control.the data shows Airline A has return on assets If we analyze the return on assets we will fin that the Airline A in FY 2000 is really high that it means the company is generating good revenues from the assets on the company but going on in the FY 2005 the ratio is dropped to 4.22 which is really observing for the company. The airline B has the return on assets ratio of The airline B has a worse ratio as the company is not able to generate good returns from their assets. After comparing the two ratios we will analyze that the airline A is better in generating revenues from their assets of the company than airline B. Now we look at the return on equity ratios of the companeis . Return on Equity (ROE, Return on average common equity) measures the rate of return on the ownership interest (shareholders equity) of the common stock owners. ROE is viewed as one of the most important financial ratios. It measures a firms efficiency at generating profits from every dollar of net assets, and shows how well a company uses investment dollars to generate earnings growth .the ratio of the company A is By analysing the above ratio we have calculated that the company A has not a better viw of the return on equity as the ratio decreases over the period of six years. On the other hand the company B has done ecxeptional performance in returns generated from the funds over the period of six years. By comparing the two we have analyzed that company B more efficient in using their funds. High

Building team Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Building team - Essay Example Probably, the unsuccessful managers are leaving it up to the team members to select the leader amongst themselves. When this happens, the process of selection of the team leader may become complicated as there is just one post and contenders are many. In other cases, everybody is reluctant to be a leader since more authority comes with more responsibility. When the benefits of having more authority are not much, there is not much attraction in becoming a leader. To avoid these complications, it is a good practice for the manager to select the leader from among the team members himself/herself. In addition to simplifying the process, this would add to the credibility and reliability of the leader in the view of the followers since the manager placed his/her confidence in the individual selected as the leader. Selection of the team members is a technical process, and requires knowledge of the individual talents of members by the selector to form the right team. The managers should select diverse team members having different kinds of skills and talents to avoid repetition of skills and fights over roles (National Institute for Urban School Improvement, 2005, p. 3). Conflict management in teamwork is of prime importance. A team comprises people with conflicting views and opinions, so they may frequently erupt into dysfunctional conflicts, thus, affecting their own, as well as the team’s, performance as a whole in a negative way. Goof practices in conflict management are full-time monitoring, and establishment of a formal or informal code of ethics from day one. It is primarily the leader’s responsibility to explain the followers which behaviors are intolerable or unacceptable and might incur the executor’s liabilities and/or penalties and what behaviors are good enough to make the executor entitled to reward and appreciation. In addition, it is useful to document a procedure of arriving at a solution in times of conflict

Paul Cezanne Les Baigneurs Grande Planche Essay

Paul Cezanne Les Baigneurs Grande Planche - Essay Example Rich people bought rich people's art, while the rest f us bought posters or nothing. The prospect f walking into a gallery and talking to the owner intimidated me, and I also took it for granted that the era was long past when someone like me could afford to buy anything worth having. What changed my mind was the Internet. In the late 90's, print dealers across the country began launching websites on which they advertised their wares, and some even posted the prices. I was already teaching myself about prints: works published in multiple copies that cost only a fraction f the price f a painting by the same artist, thus putting them within reach f art lovers f comparatively modest means. Now I began to consider the possibility f buying them. What separates a limited-edition print from a museum poster or a "framed reproduction" is that the former, unlike the latter, is largely or entirely handmade, is produced in small quantities, and is (usually) signed and numbered by the artist, who creates it with the technical assistance f printers familiar with the particular medium in which he is working. No honest collector will deny that this last feature, the signature, is part f the appeal; but to buy a mediocre lithograph simply because it is signed by Joan Mir or Marc Chagall is only a baby step up from collecting autographs. The best printmakers, from Rembrandt and Drer to Avery and Frankenthaler, have always been drawn to the medium for its own sake, and their prints are worth having not merely in lieu f a more expensive painting but because they are fully realized creations in themselves. (House 369-376) Anyone who doubts this need only look at a copy f Piazza Rotunda, a limited-edition aquatint by William Bailey that I bought directly from Crown Point Press in San Francisco, never having seen anything other than a thumbnail reproduction. It is a still life f a miscellaneous assortment f eggs and kitchenware arranged on a circular tabletop in a shallow, strangely empty room. When I opened the package and saw the piece "in the flesh" for the first time, I actually gasped, stunned by its subdued intensity and fineness f line. Unlike a poster, Piazza Rotunda has a subtly textured, three-dimensional surface, created by the impressing f the etched plate into the thick paper on which the image is printed. Even if it were unsigned, I would have wanted to own it simply because f the way it looks. In fact, that is the only good reason to buy a work f art: so that you can look at it every day, as often as you want. (McPherson 400-401) But what could I afford that I would want to look at every day Two f my well-to-do acquaintances are serious collectors, and knowing them nearly caused me to quit before I got started. To the aspiring collector f modest means, few things are more demoralizing than the spectacle f a Park Avenue living room whose contents include some twenty-odd canvases by a half-dozen important painters. I knew I would have to cut my aesthetic coat to fit my financial cloth. Once again, though, luck was with me. I had always loved American modernism in all its myriad manifestations. From F. Scott Fitzgerald and Aaron Copland to Louis Armstrong and Fred Astaire, our best artists have spoken in the crisply empirical, immediately accessible tone f voice now

Impact of Standardized terminologies Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Impact of Standardized terminologies - Coursework Example According to (Nolan 2004), NIC is a common terminology with practicing and research nurses. It is a broad, research-based, standardized classification of care-interventions that clinical nurses perform (Nolan 2004). It is important for all-setting clinical communication, documentation, productivity measurement, and integration of data across systems and settings, competency evaluation, effectiveness research, curricular design and reimbursement (Clark & Lang 1992).As a practicing nurse, the Implementation of NIC would have varied and diverse impacts on my nursing practice (Nolan 2004). First, apart from the better communication between other health providers and me, NIC would provide me with an increased visibility and clear view of nursing interventions (Nolan 2004). Second, due to increased enlightenment in nursing interventions I would have improved patient care in my capacity. Third, a practicing nurse with knowledge in nursing informatics, NIC will enhance my data collection abilities and the capabilities to evaluate nursing care outcomes (Nolan 2004). Fourth, I believe NIC will support me in gaining greater adherence to the nursing standards of care (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2015). Five, because competency is very vital in every occupational field, particularly nursing occupation, NIC will facilitate assessment of my nursing competency (Nolan 2004). As a result of these impacts, I will develop a greater experience, knowledge and nursing wisdom that will eventually enhance my nursing

Diversified Workforce and Leadership Power Assignment

Diversified Workforce and Leadership Power - Assignment Example Employers are also creating an inclusive environment where diverse employees work together, and feel that they are valued by an organization Dunbar & Burgoon, 2005). Unlike the past, employers today have recognized the benefit of seeking a mixed workforce that portrays composition of the operating environment. Diversifying the workforce has a lot of benefits to employers, especially those who seek to compete effectively in the global market. Diversified workforce gives them the opportunity to increase their cultural understanding, and they are exposed to more opportunities in new markets thus placing them in a better position to exploit new opportunities. A diversified workforce in a marketplace will be highly engaged and productive. Employers have found that fostering diversity in their workforce clearly shows a need for everybody’s talent within the organization, and assists to make them feel highly valued. Employers are being trained on the value of fostering diversity in their workforce, especially as a means of promoting equality and inclusivity in their organizations (McGurre & Mammed, 2010). Power is seen as the capacity that one possesses to produce certain effects, more so, being able to influence the behaviour of others (Burgoon & Dunbar, 2005). Contextually, this definition has been extended to describe the power of leaders in their workplaces. Leaders have been characterized by their capacity to make various decisions in an organization, and their ability to influence their juniors or fellow employees’ actions and perceptions. Power is an important tool for leaders who know the relationship between the use of power, subordinates’ satisfaction, and organizational commitment. This power is based on a manager’s position in the organization and is validated by the members of the involved organization (Rahim, Kim & Kim, 2014). The structure of an organization stipulates the framework to enact legitimate power since it not only outlines the rights and responsibilities of the organization but also establishes the hierarchy in the organization.  Ã‚  

Paul Cezanne Les Baigneurs Grande Planche Essay

Paul Cezanne Les Baigneurs Grande Planche - Essay Example Rich people bought rich people's art, while the rest f us bought posters or nothing. The prospect f walking into a gallery and talking to the owner intimidated me, and I also took it for granted that the era was long past when someone like me could afford to buy anything worth having. What changed my mind was the Internet. In the late 90's, print dealers across the country began launching websites on which they advertised their wares, and some even posted the prices. I was already teaching myself about prints: works published in multiple copies that cost only a fraction f the price f a painting by the same artist, thus putting them within reach f art lovers f comparatively modest means. Now I began to consider the possibility f buying them. What separates a limited-edition print from a museum poster or a "framed reproduction" is that the former, unlike the latter, is largely or entirely handmade, is produced in small quantities, and is (usually) signed and numbered by the artist, who creates it with the technical assistance f printers familiar with the particular medium in which he is working. No honest collector will deny that this last feature, the signature, is part f the appeal; but to buy a mediocre lithograph simply because it is signed by Joan Mir or Marc Chagall is only a baby step up from collecting autographs. The best printmakers, from Rembrandt and Drer to Avery and Frankenthaler, have always been drawn to the medium for its own sake, and their prints are worth having not merely in lieu f a more expensive painting but because they are fully realized creations in themselves. (House 369-376) Anyone who doubts this need only look at a copy f Piazza Rotunda, a limited-edition aquatint by William Bailey that I bought directly from Crown Point Press in San Francisco, never having seen anything other than a thumbnail reproduction. It is a still life f a miscellaneous assortment f eggs and kitchenware arranged on a circular tabletop in a shallow, strangely empty room. When I opened the package and saw the piece "in the flesh" for the first time, I actually gasped, stunned by its subdued intensity and fineness f line. Unlike a poster, Piazza Rotunda has a subtly textured, three-dimensional surface, created by the impressing f the etched plate into the thick paper on which the image is printed. Even if it were unsigned, I would have wanted to own it simply because f the way it looks. In fact, that is the only good reason to buy a work f art: so that you can look at it every day, as often as you want. (McPherson 400-401) But what could I afford that I would want to look at every day Two f my well-to-do acquaintances are serious collectors, and knowing them nearly caused me to quit before I got started. To the aspiring collector f modest means, few things are more demoralizing than the spectacle f a Park Avenue living room whose contents include some twenty-odd canvases by a half-dozen important painters. I knew I would have to cut my aesthetic coat to fit my financial cloth. Once again, though, luck was with me. I had always loved American modernism in all its myriad manifestations. From F. Scott Fitzgerald and Aaron Copland to Louis Armstrong and Fred Astaire, our best artists have spoken in the crisply empirical, immediately accessible tone f voice now

Diversified Workforce and Leadership Power Assignment

Diversified Workforce and Leadership Power - Assignment Example Employers are also creating an inclusive environment where diverse employees work together, and feel that they are valued by an organization Dunbar & Burgoon, 2005). Unlike the past, employers today have recognized the benefit of seeking a mixed workforce that portrays composition of the operating environment. Diversifying the workforce has a lot of benefits to employers, especially those who seek to compete effectively in the global market. Diversified workforce gives them the opportunity to increase their cultural understanding, and they are exposed to more opportunities in new markets thus placing them in a better position to exploit new opportunities. A diversified workforce in a marketplace will be highly engaged and productive. Employers have found that fostering diversity in their workforce clearly shows a need for everybody’s talent within the organization, and assists to make them feel highly valued. Employers are being trained on the value of fostering diversity in their workforce, especially as a means of promoting equality and inclusivity in their organizations (McGurre & Mammed, 2010). Power is seen as the capacity that one possesses to produce certain effects, more so, being able to influence the behaviour of others (Burgoon & Dunbar, 2005). Contextually, this definition has been extended to describe the power of leaders in their workplaces. Leaders have been characterized by their capacity to make various decisions in an organization, and their ability to influence their juniors or fellow employees’ actions and perceptions. Power is an important tool for leaders who know the relationship between the use of power, subordinates’ satisfaction, and organizational commitment. This power is based on a manager’s position in the organization and is validated by the members of the involved organization (Rahim, Kim & Kim, 2014). The structure of an organization stipulates the framework to enact legitimate power since it not only outlines the rights and responsibilities of the organization but also establishes the hierarchy in the organization.  Ã‚  

Grand project on pizza industry Essay Example for Free

Grand project on pizza industry Essay Today, the average American eats 46 slices of pizza per year (about 23 pounds). Buck Jones reports The business is only expected to grow as the industry continues to expand its product base and revenue earnings through imaginative recipes and creative marketing concepts (Jones, 177). Pizza producers are searching for additional pizza products that will appeal to new markets such as the croissant, French bread, and other specialty products showing up today. Most new pizza products are marketed to adult consumers. Adults are targeted because they make up the majority of the lunch crowd and when they take their families out to dinner. Pizza consumption has many different consumers: professional people during lunch, single parent families, two income families, children, high school/college age kids, singles, and more specifically, bachelors. As consumers age, their desire for pizza declines as noted by the survey. Women are generally targeted by pizza chains because they are usually the providers of meals for their families. Currently, pizza carryout represents 46% of all pizza transactions, and home and office delivery account for 26% of delivery. During the week however, Friday through Sunday account for 59% of pizza sales (RI, 88). On average, individual pizza sales are on the rise while the portions sold remain the same. Pizza comes in many different crusts and is sold in the following percentages: regular pizza 56. 8% of pizza sold, deep dish or pan pizza 17. 5%, thick crust 11. 0%, and extra-thin pizza 8. 5%. Overall, beverages were not purchased 52. 9% of the time and carbonated drinks were the majority sold with 31. 1%. Salad bars are surprisingly only seen in 3. 3% of pizza sales. These new products will expand the current pizza markets and increase the average consumption of current pizza users with their new product innovation. Pizza toppings vary geographically based on current trends within a geographic region. Squid is Japans most popular pizza topping and tuna and corn rank high in England followed by Australias affinity for eggs as a pizza topping. The introduction of new pizza toppings has and will continue to be an avenue for increased revenues. Consumers are becoming more drawn to natural ingredients, natural restaurant environments, openness in food preparation, and the need to experience the food ethnically. Presently, newer competitors in the pizza arena are using wood-burning pizza ovens such as Macaroni Bar and Grill, Marios, and Carrabas. Consumers also prefer an open view of the pizza-making process. Pizza consumption has also increased through the distribution of direct mail coupons both locally and globally (RI, 88). These coupons amounted to a 12% increase for pizza chain sales in 1996. Cicis Pizza is presently the pizza segments value leader with their $2. 99 adult buffet ($1. 99 for kids). Many grocery retailers feel inadequately equipped to compete with the major pizza chains and therefore decide to just offer the products demanded. Most retail operators have identified two markets and have created two different product lines for the high quality pizza connoisseur and the price conscious consumer. Another new market in the pizza industry is the selling of raw pizzas. Consumers call in and specify the pizza toppings they wish for their pizza at Papa Murphys. The consumer pays for the convenience of having someone else prepare their pizza and they get to eat it in the privacy of their own home. Future Consumption Trends Consumption is expected to increase in the future due to increases in population and consumers lack of time to prepare their own meals. The pizza industry will continue to expand globally and tap into new pizza markets. This growth will spur on new changes in adapting their pizza product to their environment. Round Table Pizza is the nations fourth largest pizza chain and has 500 restaurants in the Western U. S. and internationally in six Asian countries and the Middle East (Round Table Pizza website. This is a clear example that U. S. companies have great potential in the global market and this can be achieved through adapted or standardized products, depending on the product and its industry. Consumption is also going to move toward more natural, fresh, and healthier pizza products. A shift is under way in the industry away from product novelty to high quality ingredients and an emphasis on taste. Round Table Pizza promotes their Honest Pizza made from dough mixed from scratch, freshly grated cheese, and new sauce. Round Table Pizza also created the Salute Veggie, a pizza piled high with three different cheeses and various vegetables. The Salute Veggie reaches out to the vegetarian consumer who may have previously shied away from the pizza industry due to the meat content. In response to Papa Johns fresher pizza promotions, Pizza Hut has reformulated its entire line, now including more toppings, thicker sauce, and a crunchier crust. Consumption will also increase through the addition of smaller pizza stores/stands that sell pizza by the slice. Although these are smaller sales transactions, they are on the rise as proven by Genuardis Family Market sales, which 75% of its sales are sold by the slice. Smaller Pizza Hut units are being placed inside Stop n Go stores that reach out directly to the consumer on the go. These locations bring the product directly to the consumer they are targeting. On average, there lies the common belief that pizza consumption will increase as a consumer gets married and has children. This is rationalized through decreased time allowed to prepare meals with a family and a desire for easy meals that save time. Another factor is that children on the average like pizza. When an individual thinks of pizza, one conjures up thoughts of a late night at the office, slumber parties, quick lunch meal, pizza parties during the workday in an office, and childrens pizza parlors like Chuck E. Cheese. Pizza generally summons feeling of happiness or fun and is also viewed as a really quick meal. This is a major advantage for pizza chain retailers in that not many foods carry such ideologies or feelings. These connotations generally have to be marketed much like Chuck E. Cheese (fun pizza) or Dominos (quick and delivered to your door). Over the next 5 to 10 years, there will be increases in consumption as a result of more single parent families and two income families. There will be an increase in the amount of women working to support their families and this will add to the need for easy to prepare or fast meals. As single parents continue to work, attend night school, and raise their children they will continue to utilize pizza delivery services to compensate for their lack of time to prepare their children dinner. As the population increases, there will be significant increases in high school and college age kids that order pizza. Another relationship pizza has is with beer. It is very common for students to get their buddies and order pizza to eat while drinking their beer both while studying or partying. Pizza chains should further investigate marketing their products in establishments that serve beer. Retailers could target clubs and sports bars to increase their market share. As consumers go about their daily tasks another market lies in drive-thru pizza restaurants. As people go about their day, pizza chain retailers could better serve some of its customers through drive-thru services. Over time, consumers will remain as busy as they are now and maybe even more so, some consumers could utilize these quick service establishments that allow them to enjoy pizza without having to stop to eat it.

Costa Coffee Marketing Plan China Marketing Essay

Costa Coffee Marketing Plan China Marketing Essay This paper aims at outlining the strategic marketing approach of Costa Coffee for entering a new market . Costa Coffee is the British part or retail sales of Whitbread Family. Whitbread is a British Multinational Company and it has franchises worldwide. Whitbread includes Hotels, Restaurants [Household names like TGI Friday], Health and Fitness plus Other Businesses. The contents of this paper include the marketing strategy of Costa Coffee and its expansion plans in China. Introduction The Story The history of Costa Coffee began in a mountain town outside the region of Parma, where there was the house of Costa family. In the late 60s, the Italian brothers Bruno and Sergio Costa, hungry for success, traveled to England, seeking an opportunity for professional advancement. By arriving there, they found how simple the English coffee market was. Motivated by their Italian background and Sergios skills in the roasting of coffee beans, they decided to return to Milan to enrich their knowledge and technique in Italian coffee shops. In 1971, upon their return to London, they bought a three-story building in Lambeth, where they set up their own coffee shop. In the beginning, the Costa brothers worked as producers and wholesalers and were supplying high-class restaurants and specialty stores. Soon, they built their reputation for their dedication to excellent quality of their product. However, in 1978 they had to find some employment for their wives in order not to interfere in their business. Therefore, they decided to create their first coffee boutique in Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, and assigned its management to their wives. This idea experienced tremendous success, and led the brothers to the expansion of Costa coffee boutiques and award their management to relatives and friends. Since the opening day of the first store to date, the same traditional method of slow roasting (18-22 minutes) of coffee beans is used, offering the delicious and fragrant blend Mocha Italia, from 6 Arabica beans and 1 Robusta. Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary Today, Costa Coffee owns 500 shops worldwide. Costa Coffee believes in its employees skills therefore, it provides intensive employee training at the Cost Coffee Academy. VISION: Costa Coffee vision is to provide the best hospitality to its customers since its range of hospitality products range includes restaurants, hotels and leisure clubs. MISSION: To serve the best coffee in the true Italian style. BUSINESS PORTFOLIO: Costa Coffee has built an unrivaled reputation for coffee excellence, and this is achieved by fully controlling the process, from harvest and selection of coffee beans, from the roasting of the Italian maestros, the choice of engines and compliance with the procedures of manufacture of beverages, ensuring this way that customers can enjoy the same excellent quality coffee at any of Costa Coffee in the world. The drinks are served in 3 different sizes Primo, Medio and Massimo, and the customer can choose between the unique blend of Mocha Italia, or decaf, whole or skim milk and add an extra dose of espresso, flavored syrup, cream, candy or chocolate. There are 15 factors that are combined and help to create the perfect Costa coffee. In addition, in every store worldwide regular controls take place, which ensure consistency and maintenance of quality. Every Costa Coffee has a Barista Maestro (coffee expert) responsible for maintaining the excellence of the drinks served. COSTA COFFEE AND STARBUCKS: Starbucks is the largest competitor of Costa Coffee. Starbucks is the leader in the coffee shop market. Its international presence is in 50 countries. On the other hand, Costa Coffee, is the third biggest coffee specialist in the market with shops in 25 countries. Both companies have an excellent financial performance up to 2005 but in 2008 there was a decrease in revenue and operating profit as a result of the global economic recession. However, in 2009. Starbucks has an improving in cost structure and therefore its liquidity is better than Costa Coffee since it has managed to pay its short term debts. A key factor for both companies is globalization since most leading players in the foodservice market expand their operations in other countries. So the future success of Costa Coffee will be based on its operations outside the UK. The same applies for Starbucks. . THE CHOICE OF CHINA: China is one of the biggest economic forces in the world. Its domestic market is larger so there is a lot of potential for multinational businesses. Its average GDP growth rate is more than 10% despite the global economic crisis (10.9% last quarter 2009) (BBC China economy 2009). International financial analysts believe that the growth of the Chinese economy will continue. Regarding the coffee industry in China, it should be noticed that competition is quite intense but sales in cafes has grown by 8% to RMB36billion (over  £3,487million). It should also be noticed that in 2009 coffee shops chains had a growth of 22% (Euromonitor International August 2009,Cafà ©s/bars China). However, the Chinese market for many international companies is considered a tough market since it is difficult to understand local culture and customeCNY. Therefore, many companies pursue joint ventures and strategic alliances in order to do business in China. In 1998, Starbucks entered China and it has 180 coffee shops. In 2006, Costa Coffee entered China in a different way i.e. through a joint venture with Yueda Group which is based in Jiangsu Province. This was done because a local partner knows the market better so market penetration for the new entrant is easier. However, this also means that Costa Coffee is heavily dependent on Yueda. Costa Coffee has a strong Italian aura that aims at attracting the Chinese market. Affluent Chinese customers want to taste a coffee that is represented by a global brand name. So far, Starbucks has been quite successful in this area. The risk is that by being a partner with Yueda, the brand will be customized too much therefore, Costa will lose its competitive advantage which is the Italian aura. Starbucks has very aggressive expansion plan in China. The crucial point is if Costa Coffee will maintain its brand essence and will not be customized. In this case, Costa Coffee will be a strong competitor to Starbucks. Future trends Strategy The main issue for chained coffee shops is to create a unique experience that cannot be easily copied. The consumers want to enjoy their coffee in a nice environment. The coffee shop space should be comfortable with an ambiente that will be inviting so the consumers will return to the shop again. People will want to live the espresso experience at home so the sales of equipment and coffee will increase as well as the demand for better and higher quality of coffee and beverages in coffee shops. Corporate social responsibility is another issue that chained coffee shops should take care on. They have to prove that they implement ethical practices. Regarding marketing, researchers predict that chained coffee shops will use mobile apps and have social networking tools in the very near future. COSTA COFFEE Financial Data Turnover:  £263.8m (2008:  £216.3m) Operating profit before exceptional items:  £22.7m (2008:  £20.8m) Number of outlets: 881 in the UK, 407 overseas Total Revenue  £ (m) Strategy Our target for Premier Inn during 2009/10 is to deliver around 2,000 new rooms in the UK and overseas. We have a strong pipeline of secured sites and will continue to develop a land bank. Internationally, our first hotel opened in Dubai during 2008 and we will build on this position, intending to open a further two hotels in the Emirates plus one in India. We plan to open around 100 new Costa outlets in the UK in 2009/10. We will capitalise on our strong Costa brand by focusing on new locations, as well as areas where we can replace existing operators, such as in supermarkets, hospitals and leisure facilities. Costa will also continue to strengthen its position across international markets, adding 100 net new stores in the year ahead. MARKETING OBJECTIVES: Enter Greek market and develop a significant market share; Increase product portfolio by new high caliber products; Bring more value to shareholders; Be a leader in its field for customer service; Develop alliances with commercial partners and the communities in which Costa Coffee shops operate. TARGET MARKET Costa Coffee offers a wide range of products suitable for all consumeCNY. So far, coffee in China is consumed in big cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). Coffee producers have targeted young professionals since they are the most westernized, affluent and open-minded. However, they see it as something that is in fashion rather than a regular habit. Another target group for coffee consumption are returnees i.e. Chinese that studied in Western countries and come back to China. They are also affluent and they are accustomed to visiting coffee shops. Ex- pats are another target group. Chinas economic growth has attracted a lot of investments from foreign companies. Ex-pats are used to drink coffee and their number increases every year. It has been estimated that businessmen from Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as Westerners amount to 30% of customers at multinational chained coffee shops as Starbucks. The above customer base has been quite saturated so there is a need to increase customer base. However, coffee is considered a luxury good and the average Chinese cannot pay for a cup of coffee. The average Chinese annual income is RMB 8000 yuan whereas a small cup of Starbucks coffee costs RMS 12 yuan ($1.5 which is the same price as in USA). In the big cities the average annual income is higher however it is still difficult for someone to consume a cup of coffee. If coffee still goes on being considered as a luxury good, it will happen the same thing as in Japan i.e. it will take China more than 90 years to make coffee popular. Market Segmentation: Based on the above the following market segments were defined: Young / Mature professionals Returnees Ex-pats Students Middle Class Upper Middle Class Single Married Bus section and train/airplane passengers Marketing Strategy: Costa Coffee will follow Market Development strategy and the reason for choosing this strategy will be explained below: CURRENT NEW PRODUCTS PRODUCTS 1. Market Penetration Strategy 3. Product Development Strategy 2. Market Development Strategy 4. Diversification Strategy CURRENT MARKETS NEW MARKETS   Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Coffee is considered a luxury good. This misperception hinders businesses in identifying customer groups and implement marketing strategies. This misperception also hinders the majority of the population to get acquainted with coffee. The same happened in Japan, where coffee was also considered as a luxury beverage with unreasonably high prices. It has taken almost 90 years for Japan to get acquainted with coffee and still per capita coffee consumption is quite low. This makes things worse since Japan sets the trend for Taiwan and South Korea.   Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬In China coffee shops open every day in cities like Beijing and Shanghai. However, the average Chinese cannot afford a cup of coffee everyday. Multinational coffee companies have faced difficulties in developing the Chinese coffee market. Although they know how to penetrate mature markets but they see that they have difficulty in immature coffee markets. These companies need to understand better China and its people. Without understanding them all marketing campaigns will be in vain. A characteristic example is the marketing campaign of Nestle which was targeting at the young middle class Chinese although in reality this class does not exist or even if it existed they would not be heavy coffee drinkeCNY. Starbucks has increased awareness but it needs a different strategy for the Chinese market. Only KFC has been quiet successful. Starbucks success cannot be considered as sustainable since it was based on management, financial power and brand name whereas the Chinese market needs entrepreneurship to advance it and this is what Costa Coffee is planning to do. Coffee has been promoted by the Chinese government through festivals and fashion awards however these strengthened the misperception of coffee being a luxury good. Local coffee shops add too many side things such as food, spirits etc. Therefore, they dilute the idea of coffee. Coffee is a product that does not hurt health, stimulates the brain and it is addictive. Based on researches someone who has drunk coffee three times a week for two months in the row is addicted to coffee. Brain stimulation is important for personal wealth and intelligence. Coffee became popular because coffee shops were focused at making the customer accustomed with coffee. When people get accustomed then the market develops at an extremely fact pace. The coffee shop is important for this development and a coffee shop can be a seated place or coffee stands and carts. It is important to make people drink coffee and then offer them ground coffee. Many companies have found as an excuse the fact that tea is dominant in China and there is no place for coffee in a tea dominant country. However, there are no major tea companies that can compete international coffee giants nor is there a specific promotion to protect tea. On the contrary local society support the development of coffee houses and it is not negative to coffee. Costa Coffee will focus on making people drink more coffee. Its new coffee shops will be around areas where people gather such as Universities, stations and office buildings etc. This can be the best promotion since if one group of people becomes loyal to coffee then it will influence other consumer groups. Costa Coffee will focus specifically on these people and its promotions will be measurable and specific. Coffee has an unbeatable image in China and it is known to everyone. Costa Coffee will be based on the quick service restaurant (QSR) concept. QSR is based on the idea of offering cheap, clean and good food and its purpose is to sell to a wider range of population. Costa Coffee plans to adopt this concept. Coffee has a high profit margin but food is what attracts people to the coffee shop. Costa Coffee already offers more products than coffee; however it should plan to add more snacks that are better suited to local customers and a cheaper but good quality filter coffee for taking away. Many local Chinese coffee shops offer food however, they have not formulated a strategy so they cannot be considered as potential competitoCNY. So far in these shops the restaurant is separated form the coffee house something that it is not the case of Costa Coffee. In the next two years the aim is to introduce new product lines that will be offered at affordable prices for the average Chinese consume r. It should be noticed that this does not mean price cutting since this will hurt Costa Coffees brand name. The location of the new coffee shops is also an important part of Costa Coffee strategy. Up today, the coffee shops were opened at locations where population is dense and the income is high. As a result, the rental prices are quite high. Therefore, Costa Coffee is planning to open new shops at bus stations and other busy intersections where rents are lower and the traffic is big. The marketing strategy that will be followed to China is important since it influences neighboring states such as South Korea which is also a new coffee consuming country. If the model of highly expensive coffee will be followed then the consequences will be similar to Taiwan and Hong Kong where there is a negative trend in coffee growth. à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚     Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ SWOT ANALYSIS: Strengths Weaknesses Established brand name worldwide Expensive prices for the average Chinese consumer Wide range of products Starbucks dominant position in the market Third ranked coffee shop chain in the world Coffee is considered a luxury good Know how of Yuda (local partner) Tea is the daily beverage of the average Chinese Opportunities Threats Big market potential a lot of Chinese Consumers that do not drink coffee Stagnant coffee growth due to high prices Unbeatable image of coffee Possible marketing enforcement of tea companies No competitors are located at bus intersections PESTEL ANALYSIS: Political China has a stable political environment that welcomes foreign direct investments. Economic The Chinese economic growth is impressive (10% per annum). Social Although the income of the average Chinese consumer is low, there is a growing middle class -190 million urban households, or 29%. According to McKinsey, middle class is expected to expand to 75% (372 million), by 2025 (DAltorio 2011). Technological New coffee machines are produced so making coffee at home is easier. Environmental There is a trend in producing organic coffee. Legal There are no legal issues involved. MARKET POSITIONING: The positioning strategy of Costa Coffee will be in line with its international strategy i.e. THE ITALIAN COFFEE MASTERS. The competitive advantage of Costa Coffee is the quality of their coffee. The image of the company is that is has a UNIQUE coffee. Another positioning of Costa Coffee is that this excellent coffee quality can be offered with affordable prices (launch of the new take away filter coffee). THE ITALIAN COFFEE MASTERS This is the tag line that will communicate the Italian aura of Costa Coffee to the mass audience. Since Chinese consumers perceive well the Italian atmosphere it is expected that it will attract more people to Costa Coffee. MARKETING MIX: Product: Brand Name: Costa Coffee is a well established brand that signifies luxury, perfection and excellence. Chinese consumers prefer established brand names. Image/Theme: Luxury Costa Coffee is related to luxury. The coffee shops ambiance is trendy and comfortable. Customers will have a nice time in a flashy environment. However, this luxury image should be cleverly related with the new, affordable, take away filter coffee. The message that will be transmitted is luxury can be affordable and can be taken with you. Color Scheme Costa Coffees shops are in warm tones having brown as the main color. Other colors that are used are green, black and white. The purpose of this color selection is the creation of a comfortable and trendy atmosphere. Service: Apart from coffee, Costa has a reputation of excellent service. Hiring and retaining talented employees and train them accordingly is a strategic goal of the company. Product variety: ESPRESSO A short, strong and black coffee, with no milk. ESPRESSO DOPPIO A double espresso shot. For those who like it strong. RISTRETTO An extra short coffee, even shorter than an espresso, with an even stronger flavour. MACCHIATO Espresso topped with just a dash of milk. Yum. AMERICANO Coffee, mixing shots of espresso with hot water. Add milk if you like. FLAT WHITE A rich, full-flavoured coffee with a velvety, smooth texture. Each Flat White is hand-finished with a distinctive pattern. CAPPUCCINO Coffee combining espresso with steamed, frothy milk. Chocolate on top if you have a sweet tooth. CAFFE LATTE Coffee made with steamed milk. Not as strong as a cappuccino, but just as good. MOCHA Espresso with hot chocolate, topped with steamed, frothed milk. (Source: Costa Coffee 2010) Costa Coffee products variety includes iced tea and coffees as well as cakes, pastries, Panini and sandwiches. Prices: Costa Coffee prices are generally higher than other coffee shops. High prices are related to the outstanding quality and taste of Costa Coffee. Therefore, the traditional customer groups of Costa Coffee are high and middle classes. Costa Coffee believes that a reduction in its prices will harm its brand name. However, it wants to increase its Chinese customer base so it will offer a filter coffee for takeaway at affordable prices. Chinese middle class growth rate is significant, it will reach 372 million by 2025, it is a social class that cannot be neglected. Therefore, Costa Coffee is planning in the next three years to offer its products at affordable prices for the Chinese middle class without harming its brand name. Locale / Setting: The next Costa Coffee shops will be at busy intersections e.g. bus, train stations and at areas where office buildings and Universities are located. It will focus again on the big cities like Shanghai and Beijing. The aim for the next three year is to have 30 new coffee shops at both cities. Promotion: Costa Coffee will not do a lot of advertising since its brand name is recognized. However, there will be special sales promotions at its new shops for the new filter coffee that can be taken away. Costa Coffee is based on word of mouth advertising since reputation is very important. MARKET DEMAND It is important to measure the market before launching new products and shops. It is also important to measure the market after the launch of the new products / shops so as to see their effects and gain a larger market share. Growth Share Matrix There are two factors that are important for the expansion to new markets and these are : market attractiveness and the Business Strength. Market Attractiveness Business Strength Factors Rate Factors Rate Overall Market Size 70% increase (2004-2012) Market Share 5.0 Annual Market Growth Rate 7.8 Product Quality 5 Competitive Intensity 4 Brand Reputation 4.5 Technological Requirements 2.5 Distribution Channel 3.5 Inflationary Vulnerability 4.9 Promotional Effectiveness 4.5 Productive Efficiency 4 Managerial Personnel 3.5 Market Attractiveness As it is seen above, the attractiveness of the Chinese market is very high. The annual growth rate of the coffee market is high. There are no significant technological requirements since Costa Coffee already possesses advanced technology. Inflation is quite high and it seems that it will increase in the near future, however the targeted market groups remain unaffected (growing Chinese middle class). Partnership with Yuda will protect Costa Coffee from any possible dangers. Therefore, the Chinese market is very attractive and suitable for coffee shops expansion. Business Strength Costa Coffee is part of the well-known Whitbread Family. The quality of Costa Coffee is unquestionable. Costa Coffee owns more than 500 stores worldwide. Its outlets are in Europe, UK, Middle East, India, Pakistan and China. In order to maintain its excellent reputation, Costa Coffee will continue its policy of recruiting, training and retaining the best available employees in China. Business Strength High Medium Low High Medium Low Costa Coffees Business Strength is high and the overall position is ideal for further expansion into the Chinese market. Projected Sales in CHINA Costa Coffee projected sales are expected to rise to almost 97% in 2012 and this is due to the launch of the new takeaway filter coffee and the new shops at the busy intersections. This rate is expected to slow down (87%) in 2013 and this is because the one time visitors are expected to cease to visit the coffee shops and the existing customer base is expected to remain. An extensive marketing promotion through emails, customer clubs, social media etc. is expected to increase market share. The above numbers are very impressive and expansion seems ideals. Sales forecasts per customer groups are also very promising.: Market 2012 2013 2014 Total Students Youngsters CNY. 20,000,000 CNY. 23,00,000 CNY.6,300,000 CNY 49,300,000 Ex pats and returnees CNY 7,555,000 CNY 7,000,000 CNY. 12,800,000 CNY. 27,355,000 Families CNY. 9,700,000 CNY. 9,850,000 CNY. 17,200,000 CNY. 36,750,000 Professionals CNY. 17,750,000 CNY. 32,750,000 CNY. 92,000,000 CNY. 142,500,000 Totals CNY. 55,005,000 CNY. 72,600,000 CNY. 128,300,000 CNY. 255,905,000 According to the above table it can be seen that professionals is a group that has a lot of potential. This is because the Chinese middle class is rising and the coffee culture is mounting too. Another reason for the increase in sales in professionals is due to the location of the new coffee shops. There will be located in busy intersections where there are many office buildings. Newspapers and other electronic media have approached Costa Coffee and various interviews and programs have been made which boost Costa Coffees reputation even more. BUDGET FORECASTS: The forecasted budget for the upcoming three years is as follows; TYPE 2012 2013 2014 Total Accommodation CNY. 2,000,000 CNY. 5,000,000 CNY. 7,000,000 Training CNY. 1,500,000 CNY. 500,000 CNY. 4,000,000 CNY. 6,000,000 Transportation CNY. 250,000 CNY. 350,000 CNY. 1,000,000 CNY. 1,600,000 Fixtures CNY. 2,000,000 CNY. 7,000,000 CNY. 9,000,000 Total CNY. 5,750,000 CNY. 850,000 CNY. 17,000,000 CNY. 23,600,000 Future promotion and expansion plans: Costa Coffee will be launching more coffee shops in the major cities of China (Beijing and Shangkai) but the plans are to expand all over China after having created a considerable market share in the above cities. The expansion has been planned for the next year that is 2012. In the next two years the next cities where new coffee shops will be located will include Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Costa Coffee is not in favor of extravagant launching campaigns. It supports the use of electronic and social media as well as corporate social responsibility programmes and actions. It also believes in the right location of its shops. So, the marketing activity will be low except the posters that will be in the shops, as sales promotion, advertising the new takeaway filter coffee. ANALYSIS: Costa Coffee has a lot of potential for further intensifying its expansion efforts in China. It already possesses a significant market share in the Chinese market. The reason behind it is the unbeatable image of Costa Coffee and the advertisement (word of mouth) done by people who have visited its outlets. Sales are expected to rise in the following years and they are expected to rise even more in the forthcoming years since Costa Coffee is focusing on the rising Chinese middle class. Students and youngsters in general set the new trends so their influence in increasing coffee consumption and visiting coffee shops is of outmost importance. By further using social media, Costa Coffee is expected to increase its market share in this group. Professionals always seek quiet place to do their official or unofficial meetings. Costa Coffee is an ideal place to do these meetings. Apart from that, Costa Coffees activation in social media will certainly increase its future revenue. In conclusion, it can be said that Costa Coffee has so far implemented an excellent marketing strategy and the new campaign that it will launch for the takeaway filter coffee as well as the location of its new shops will help it increase its sales and gain sustainable competitive advantage. RECOMMENDATIONS: Sales numbers are very promising however the local partner should follow all the below the line activities mentioned. Costa Coffee should continue with low promotional strategies. Apart from posters inside the outlets, Costa Coffee should consider the use of bill boards at the busy intersections.

Poverty: A Form of Slavery Essay -- poverty essay

Today they say that we are free, Only to be chained in poverty -- Bob Marley This paper will discuss poverty, the different types of poverty and their definitions and who is affected by each type of poverty. It will look at the some of the major reasons why poverty exists and what causes poverty, like such things as inequality, stratification and international debt. Some of the impacts of poverty will also be analyzed from a national and global perspective; things like education, literacy rate, and crime. This paper will demonstrate that poverty affects almost everyone in some form or another and exists because those with power and wealth want and need poverty to exist to force a dependence on the wealthy. A few of the main approaches that this is achieved is through economic systems, influencing government policies, and global stratification. Defining poverty is not a simple task and this is what this paper will tackle first. WHAT IS POVERTY Poverty is difficult to define exactly, as it has different meanings to different people depending on what country they live in, what culture they belong to, and how much income they earn. All these factors and more will change the way poverty is defined by an individual or organization (Seabrook, 2007, p.35). Adam Smith the classical economist had this view of poverty â€Å"poverty is a lack of those necessities that the custom of the country renders it indecent for creditable people, even of the lowest order, to be without† (Richmond and Saloojee, 2005, p.33). Another popular view of poverty is that of Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen who said the poor â€Å"cannot participate adequately in communal activities, or be free of public shame from failure to satisfy conventions† (Richmond and ... ... of slavery. Works Cited Deveaux, B. (Director). (2010). Poor no more [Motion Picture]. Ferrante, J. (2006). Global inequality and the challenges of reducing extreme poverty. (Cover story). Sociological Viewpoints, 225-19. McNally, D. (2006). Another world is possible: globalization and anti-capitalism. Winnipeg, Canada: Arbeiter Ring Publishing Murray, J. L., Linden, R., & Kendall, D. (2011). Sociology in our times. Toronto: Nelson Education. Raphael, D. (2007). Poverty and policy in Canada: implications for health and quality of life. Toronto: Canadian Scholars’ Press Richmond, T., & Saloojee, A. (2005). Social inclusion. Black Point: Fernwood Publishing. Seabrook, J. (2007). The no-nonsense guide to world poverty. Toronto: New Internationalist Publications Sidel, R. (1998). Keeping women and children last. New York: Penguin Books

Romania :: essays research papers

One day a man named Jim was working at as a herder. Jim was very smart but could not was stuck in the family business of herding sheep all day. Well, Jim had had enough. "I can do better than this." He said. "In fact, I think I will revolutionize the entire world." With that he dropped his shepherd's crook and set to work on something that would make the world a better place. After months of work in his shed behind the small house he lived in, he had finally done it. "AT LAST!!! I HAVE CREATED THE BEST THING EVER!!!" He proclaimed. "Now all I have to do is figure out how to power it." You see, he had to find a power source because he had constructed a central processing unit capable of quadrillions of operations per second and hold an almost infinite ammount of data from only sheep dung. Yes, sheep dung. Well Jim had racked his brain for hours trying to find out how to make it work until it finally came to him. "I know!! Potatoes generate a marginal ammount of electricity, all i have to do is plug this baby into about 1 million or so and i am set!" Jim went out into the fields and gathering one million and one potatoes(one for himself for dinner) and created the battery for the computer. Finally, after months of hard work Jim was ready to unleash the power of his dung made, potato powered computer. With a deep breath he flipped the power switch. A deep hum ocurred and Jim continued to watch, intent on what was going to happen. After what seemed like an eternity, the computer's crystal monitor came to life and the computer began booting. "A SUCESS!!!" Jim proclaimed as he jumped into the air. Yet, all was not for the best, upon booting up the operating system and moving the mouse about, Jim encountered it, the most feared thing in all of geekdom, yes, Jim had experienced the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH!!! Jim tryed control-alt-delete but to no avail, he tried alt-f4 and alt-tabbing out of the screen but nothing worked. Upon closer inspection of the screen Jim noticed small print, he winced and could make out the letters: "W...I...N...D...O...W...S" "huh" jim said. "Windows?? I never made any windows...." But after reading the screen again he saw it, in plain type.

Violent Video Games Cause Behavior Problems Essay

Video game violence is an increasing problem in today’s society with violence as one of the most popular themes. Games such as â€Å"Grand Theft Auto† and â€Å"Call of Duty† are among the most popular games and have been scientifically proven to have a major effect on teens. Many people try to argue that there is a difference in the effects between behaviors after engaging with video games. Video games have the same effects as other forms of entertainment, but other forms of entertainment do not get attacked like video games because the other forms are much larger and have a much wider audience. Playing violent video games can alter men’s brain function, cause teens to drive recklessly, and can contribute to aggression. Many people disagree that violent video games cause behavior problems. It seems doubtful to some people that such violence and aggression can be caused from watching flickering pixels on a nineteen-inch television screen. In the scale of t ime, television has existed for less than a wink, and if it is indeed undoing what oral and print cultures have so laboriously built, then those traditions may be far briefer than advertised (Smith). Throughout mankind’s history, each new means of expression has been castigated as the cause of evil in the world such as, books, art, and music (Smith). Some people even believe that violence is linked with aggressiveness and stress rather than with video game violence (Smith). Some may even say, â€Å"If society could just put limits on X, society would have fewer problems with Y.† That is not how life works. People who disagree that violent video games cause behavior problems believe that violence exist because people exist, but their logic is simply not enough (Smith). On the contrary, research on the troubling effects of video games is plentiful and persuasive. There is overwhelming evidence that witnessing and engaging in video game violence is predictive of increases in aggressive behavior. In fact, the research on the effects of exposure to video game violence is in keeping with research conducted over the last half century about the effects on people’s be havior of watching television violence (Wendling). As video games come more engaging, society spends ever-increasing amounts of time playing them (Wendling). In the popular video game â€Å"Grand Theft Auto,† people have the power to solicit prostitutes and then kill them to get their money back, drive down the sidewalk of a virtual city mowing down pedestrians, run around attacking  people at random, and all sorts of other demented activities that would be tragic in real life (Wendling). These types of video games make these specific crimes seem okay. A recent study provides parents, physicians, and scientists with data proving that differences in brain function exist in teens that play violent video games, compared with those who do not (Wendling). Dr. Matthews and his colleagues at Indiana University, Indianapolis, randomly assigned the adolescents to play either â€Å"Medal of Honor,† a violent video game, or â€Å"Need for Speed,† an equally exciting but nonviolent video game, for thirty minutes immediatel y before imaging (Wendling). The group that played the nonviolent game showed more activation in the frontal lobes, and the group that played the violent video game demonstrated less activation in the prefrontal lobes (Wendling). There have been numerous studies since the 1970s demonstrating that adolescents exposed to violent media demonstrate aggressive behavior, but because the adolescents in this study were randomized into two similar groups, the findings go more directly to the question of causation than did previous research (Wendling). Playing violent video games can alter men’s brain function, cause teens to drive recklessly, and can contribute to aggression. There have been multiple studies to prove that playing violent video games can alter men’s brain function. In one study, Dr. Matthews and his colleagues demonstrated the short-term effects of violent video games on brain functioning adolescents (Birk). Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed decreased activity in areas of the brain involved in inhibition and attention after thirty minutes of game time (Birk). Dr. Matthews saw that there is a decrease in normal blood flow after a week of playing violent video games (Birk). Violent video games could also lead teens to drive recklessly. Some researchers conducted phone interviews with more than five-thousand teenagers over the course of four years (Correa). Ninety percent of the teenagers they interviewed responded that they were engaged in risky driving habits, including speeding, tai lgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights (Correa). It is clear that the video game exposure preceded the risky driving because the study began when the participants were playing video games but were too young to drive (Correa). Numerous racing video  games make it look cool to drive recklessly, which can cause a great impact on teens to drive in this manner. Lastly, video games can contribute to aggression. School shootings, such as the infamous event at Columbine High School, have stimulated interested in research on the violence of boys and men (Levart). One focus, the effects of violent video games on aggression, has begun to yield some empirical results (Levart). Today, videogames are highly engaging and interactive, putting players in a first-person perspective where they must make a decision to perform a violent act prior to performing the act (Levart). Effects of long-term exposure of violent video games include personality change and beliefs that aggression is an acceptable way to handle a problem (Levart). This may have so mething to do with the obvious that the objective in most video games is to kill. Video game violence is an increasing problem in today’s society with violence as one of the most popular themes. Playing violent video games alters men’s brain function, could cause teens to drive recklessly, and can contribute to aggression. Many people try to argue that there is a difference in the effects between behaviors after engaging with video games. To some, it seems doubtful that such violence and aggression can be caused from playing video games on a nineteen-inch television screen. There are others who totally disagree with that logic. People do not just watch video games, but they interact with them. Works Cited Wendling, Patrice. â€Å"Violent Video Games After Brain Functioning in Imaging Study.† Clinical Psychiatry News Jan. 2007: 39. Psychology Collection. Web. 24 Apr. 2014. Birk, Susan. â€Å"Playing Violent Video Games Alters Men’s Brain Function: From the Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.† Clinical Psychiatry News Jan. 2012: 16. Psychology Collection. Web. 24 Apr. 2014. Correa Frances. â€Å"Games Inspire Reckless Driving.† Clinical Psychiatry News Oct. 2012: 28. Psychology Collection. Web. 24 Apr. 2014. Levart, Ronald F. and Kimberly D. Thomas. â€Å"Does the Endorsement of Traditional Masculinity Ideology Moderate the Relationship between Exposure to Violent Video Games and Aggression?† Clinical Psychiatry News Oct. 2012: 20.1. Psychology Collection. Web. 24 Apr. 2014. Smith, Mark. â€Å"Video game backlash?† Technology & Learning Nov. 2005: 6. Psychology Collection. Web. 24 Apr. 2014.