Monday, September 30, 2019

Certificate of Authorship Essay

I have read and understand Strayer University’s Academic Integrity Policy. I promise to conduct myself with integrity in the submission of all academic work to the University and will not give or receive unauthorized assistance for the completion of assignments, research papers, examinations or other work. I understand that violations of the Academic Integrity Policy will lead to disciplinary action against me, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University. I understand that all students play a role in preserving the academic integrity of the University and have an obligation to report violations of the Academic Integrity Policy committed by other student. In addition, I Arita Gibbs certify that I am the author of this document and any assistance I received in preparing this report fully acknowledged. I have also cited in APA format for all sources that I obtained ideas, data, and words. Sources are properly credited according to the APA guidelines. Arita Gibbs Due Week 9/ Date: 03/06/14 Promotional and Advertising Strategies Promotional and advertising strategies are important tools for businesses to stay on top. A company has to work hard every day to remain competitive. Most of their tactics include peeking the interest of consumers to buy a specific brand which is called a promotional strategy (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 391). Promotional strategies also are put together to control the mix of daily activities, which the business benefits with market increase (Boone &Kurtz, 2013, p. 391). Advertising is another piece of the marketing process. It plays a major part in getting the word out regarding the product or service the business is selling (Lake, 2014). There are a few types of advertising such as, product advertising, cause advertising and institutional advertising (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 398). Product advertising is design to involve ads with a message that differentiate the company’s merchandise or brand from competitors (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 398). An example would be a credit card from any well-known company. Cause advertising deals with issues regarding ways to influence public and government opinion (Boone &Kurtz, 2013 p. 398). Companies who are designed for profit and those organizations who are charitably operated believe this tool is a win-win for everyone (Kokemuller, 2014). Important issues today being discussed are that children and adults should have every necessity in life, which should not prevent them from learning, living or being hungry (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 398). Institutional advertising is a marketing tool which is based on the image of the company. This tool also promotes the designs, values and beliefs, as well as the good deeds of the organization (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 398). Le Bonheur Children’s hospital is an excellent example. The company marketing strategy shows how a person can contribute a small donation an in turn can save a child’s life who is suffering from an illness. In assignment three, it states to compare and contrast the promotional strategies used by two different companies for a similar product. Next recommend two ways in which the company’s selected product could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over the company’s competitors. This paper will suggest two usages for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long-term, as well as analyzing the strategic manner in which the leading company in the product group has made a pricing decision by using one or more of the four pricing objectives. In closing two suggestive actions of other companies within the same product group will be given in order to help them differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. The most effective advertising medium will also be discussed (Strayer University, 2014, p. 17). The two companies chosen are Nike and Adidas. Compare and Contrast the Promotional Strategies for Nike Inc. and Adidas Group Nike has become one of the largest marketers for athletic shoes (Nike, 2014). The company has global shares worth more than 30 percent (Nike, 2014.). Nike has sold their products through thousands of other retail stores as well as their products to countries both domestically and overseas (Nike, 2014). The company has outlet stores. Almost all of their products are made by independent contractors mainly located out of the country, with Nike involved in the market strategy and growth (Nike, 2014). Not counting the large range of core athletic shoes and clothing advertised under the leading brand, the company also sells shoes under other brands such as, Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star and Jack Purcell through solely owned businesses (Nike, 2014). There is so much more to Nike. The company has relied on creativity in their designs of their products and large amounts of promotion to fuel their growth in the United States and other foreign Countries (Nike, 2014). Nike Inc. has a promotio nal strategy which thrives on an image, which has allowed the company to be one of the best (Nike, 2014). The company is known for their product icon â€Å"the swoosh†, which is different from other companies and their product slogan has been used in commercials for a very long time (Nike, 2014). Nike invests large amounts of money for commercials and product promotions (Nike, 2014). The company is motivated by customer agreements and sport teams. The company targets the college athletes to support the product and will also financially support team members that they will eventually endorse (Nike, 2014). Nike also uses their target techniques to include people who are well-known athletes and celebrity athletes (Nike, 2014). This strategy is a success because once the manager of a sports team decides on which type of shoe made  by Nike, he would like the student to have no choice other than to buy the shoe. The sports team can also buy the shoes in a large quantity and deliver it to the members of the team (Nike, 2014). Another marketing strategy of Nike is the creative design of a product objective or purpose meaning when a famous athlete promotes a certain brand of Nike shoe, the shoe will be associated with winning (Nike, 2014). The viewers have a mental effect from this type of correlation and the company builds a relationship with those consumers who are after the quality and utility of the items instead of the cost (Nike, 2014). With this idea, Nike is sure to reach a huge number of customers and clients who will purchase their products (Nike, 2014). Adidas has been in business over 80 years (Adidas, 2014). The company is known has the world of sports on each level, and they are also known for supplying the state-of-the art sports shoes, clothing and accessories (Adidas, 2014). Today, Adidas is leading the globe in the sporting industry (Adidas, 2014). The company’s strategy is modest; join our passion to create new and different products, constantly supporting our brands and products to increase our economic position and economic performance (Adidas, 2014). Adidas main location is in Germany, but the company has manufacturing centers and departments developing all around the world (Adidas, 2014). Adidas believes the company addresses many of the customer’s needs by exploiting marketing prospects from a number of angles. Their pledge to product innovation which keeps their brand different from the competitors provides a solid stage for upcoming growth (Adidas, 2014). There is no other brand with a well-known background and strong connection in sports than Adidas (Adidas, 2014). Adidas considers themselves has the best, and they are wherever the best will be such as, the Olympic Games, and anywhere else in the world where a game of sports will be played, observed, liked and celebrated (Adidas, 2014). The founder of Adidas is Adi Dassler (Adidas, 2014). His main objective for the company is not hard to understand, it is for all athletes to be at their best (Adidas, 2014). The key factor for all Adidas sporting products is to stay innovated, and the brand has five performance benefits, fast, strong, smart, cool, and more natural, which influences the important sporting events that focus on football, basketball, running, training, and outdoor (Adidas, 2014). The  goal for adidas is to market the individual who is active and lives for sports (Adidas, 2014). Nike uses the high profile athletes, and Adidas is about performance and lifestyle. Both Nike and Adidas use athletics as a tool for marketing in a way to attract the consumer to purchase their products. Recommended Ways to Market Information to Differentiate From the Competitors In this competitive market business promotion is the key to differentiate from the competitors (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 395). One way is for the business to apply the rule of positioning. Product positioning is a strategy used to put a product perception in the mind of the person who is buying the product (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 395). Positioning normally involves the creative difference associated with a product or service and the competition (Acevedo, 2014). Companies are successful when using this marketing tool because it helps gain market control, which raises revenue for the company (Acevedo, 2014). Adidas has a plan to attract the serious runner. The company is coming out with the shoe price a little over a $100.00 called the energy boost (Riper, 2014). The energy boost will be sold at all the Adidas Stores and the many department stores (Acevedo, 2014). The objective is to limit the advertising with no television involved. If this is a success the company believes it will have a retail rollback for a larger budget for advertising (Acevedo, 2014). The President of Adidas Patrick Nilsson believes if the company spends large amounts of money later then the company can have a wide range launch in retail when the time comes (Acevedo, 2014). Ultimately all of Adidas shoes, basketball, tennis, the whole nine yards will be linked to the boost technology (Acevedo, 2014). However, for now the company is pleased to know from a source in the apparel tracker states that the company has over 4% of the growth in the shoe market from two years ago (Acevedo, 2014). Nike uses their promotional strategy by using one of the company’s seven fundamental stages move (Nike, 2014). (Nike, 2014). Move is the stage which keeps the company different from the rest of their competitors (Nike, 2014). Nike will ship their products at any time, and by any occasion that the company needs in order to reach the thousands of  associates and the millions of customers over the world whether it is by plane, ship, small or large truck or train (Nike, 2014). Nike is serious about how they provide transportation no matter how difficult the obstacle may be (Nike, 2014). With this move Nike market leader enjoys over 50% market share (Acevedo, 2014). Adidas however does a little better with their overall athletic shoe. How Consumer-Orientated Promotions Can Help Nike and Adidas Short and Long-Term Consumer-Orientated Promotions are a part of the four marketing mixes, and it is also known as the pull-strategy (Moorty, 2014). Both parts are an important one for every organization (Moorty, 2014). The goal is to persuade the new customer or long-term customer to try out and purchase the products being marketed (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 404). Also a marketer’s role is to motivate customers who shop frequently at the same business. Sample products, discount coupons are just a few of the promotions that can boost impulsive shoppers to buy which increases sales for the company (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 404). The President and CEO of Nike, Mark Parker states the company’s short-term consumer-orientated advertisings is simple (Nike, 2014). The company will continue to produce amazing products, offer professional services and provide a continuation of excellent customer experiences. With these results will indeed show the power of our strategy and growth (Nike, 2014). Nike’s long-term consumer-orientated promotions are the vision that drives the sustainable growth (Nike, 2014). This balance is leveraged by an important advantage including the company’s reliability with the passionate connection to their customers; new and improve products with retail experience that lead the industry to be a stronger organization that also provides the opportunity to become a larger successful business (Nike, 2014). Nike has already set goals for growth to include the year 2015 (Kim, 2010). With a target set to at least $20 billion by that year the company has already outlined their revenue goals and initiatives and plans to reach this by using a customer-focus strategy (Kim, 2010). As time permits the more aggressive promotional strategic goals set by the business will be shared with the consumers, invested communities as well as the sports and apparel industry (Nike, 2014). One example is how the company has set their design to improve the company, by launching a new business a few years ago  called Nike Better World, an online stage to involve customers on how the business balanced individuals, economy and the world (Nike, 2014). Adidas short-term consumer-orientated promotions are to continue to rely on their customer loyalty (Adidas, 2013). As with any organization it is innovation, which makes the deciding factor who wins and who loses. Adidas has been successful using the brand equity method which has allowed them to maintain the slogan of being the fittest company on earth (Adidas, 2013). In order for the company to maintain their long-term status and sustain growth, Adidas will continue to create newer and improvable market brands (Adidas, 2013). Overall Adidas started back four years ago planning their strategy to increase the brand’s perception in the customers viewpoint which had an expectation to deliver over 80% of growth for the company until 2015 (Adidas, 2013). Some of the areas of improving consist of, the running and basketball areas, and combining the sports style with the Adidas NEO label (Adidas, 2013). However the company is keeping the original adidas because it has a long history with the energetic lifestyle customer (Adidas, 2013). The company will always be focused on the consumers wants, their level of fitness, their incentives and ambitions for doing activities in sports (Adidas, 2013). His or her individual way of living helps Adidas develop important products, services and experiences that construct a lifelong brand (Adidas, 2013). Pricing and Competitive Advantage In chapter 13 Promotions and Pricing Strategies there are four pricing objectives (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). The four strategies are profitability, volume, prestige and meeting competition (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p.412). Each objective has a responsibility to the person who is in business with making better pricing decision’s (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). Organizations have their own style for using these objectives. Many businesses aim to increase the company’s revenue by setting higher prices (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). Other companies may decrease their prices to bring in new clientele (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). Nike is the leading company for their athletic shoes because of their higher price and leadership strategy (Nike, 2014). Businesses would define this as the prestige pricing strategy (Boone & Kurtz,2013, p. 413). The company has  been able to make this strategy successful because of their individuality in their brand and service (Nike, 2014). The name alone has been associated with many hero athletes for instance, Michael Jordan (Nike, 2014), This brilliant idea makes customers believe if Michael Jordan can buy a Nike shoe and become more successful than certainly another ordinary person can as well (Nike, 2014). This is why Nike customers do not mind paying a higher price because of the company’s image, value and customer service (Nike, 2014). Another pricing objective Nike uses is profitability. This is the most common factor used in a strategic plan for a business (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). Nike has a plan to continue to bring in more revenue and remain profitability in the growth of the company, maintain the company’s flowing cash generation which will help to preserve a strong financial statement until the year 2015 (Kim, 2010). The company believes the return on invested capital is more than 20%, and growing shares inside the set target calendar year payout should be in the ballpark of more than 20% by the fourth quarter (kim, 2010). Both companies have been in business for a while, and their products are known to satisfy the customer’s needs. One suggestion that other shoe apparel companies can take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage is knowing how much the product is going to cost, quality, performance as well as the availability of the product, updated technology, good service, and strength and leadership (Hill, 2007). Second suggestion is to know the company’s relationship and making sure the organization can meet the need of the consumer in a way no one else will (Hill, 2007). Determine the Most Effective Advertised Medium Advertising Medium and cost are both key factors to the success of any organization (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 399). This tool is how marketers are able to sell new and existing products and services to potential consumers (Boone &Kurtz, 2013, p. 399). There are many types of advertising, newspapers, direct mail, billboards, radio, internet, magazine, and television (Boone &Kurtz, 2013, p. 399). In this muti-media world, television is considered the largest ranking medium with over 40% of any other form of advertising (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 399). Nike uses commercials and promotional products for their form of medium advertising  (Nike, 2014). Within the past six months, the company has grossed over 40 percent of their margin (Stock, 2013). Nike is focused solely on bringing new and innovate creations to the market (Stock, 2013). Nike believes they have a good thing going. As of now the attention is on their Flyknit shoe (Stock, 2013). This shoe has important types of fiber connected with fabric and leather and was marketed to catch the eye of the individuals who love to run, which came just in time for the Winter Olympics (Stock, 2013). Nike had to spending more for their advertising by trying to convince the customer that this $200 shoe was worth it (Stock, 2013). In order to do so, Nike had to bring out some famous athletes for instance; one of the athletes was LeBron James (Stock, 2013). By advertising LeBron in their ads the company was able to increase their profit margin, and acknowledged their game plan was a success not only by convincing customers to buy but using the ads as well (Stock, 2013). Nike was also successful with their global orders (Wahba, 2013). It was the largest so far of their sales in merchandise which increased over 12 percent since April (Wahba, 2013). The company’s total revenue was huge even up to the second quarter (Wahba, 2013). The company made over $6 billion which was a total revenue of more than 7 per cent (Wahba, 2013). Nike was able to sell more goods at a higher price than any other competitor (Wahba, 2013). The company profited in advertising and promotion by 13 percent with their help in marketing and product launching for the Winter Olympics (Wahba, 2013). Conclusion Promotional and advertising strategies of an organization are a determining factor to whether the company will succeed or fail. This competitive market is a vicious one, and in order to stay on top the most successful business must continue to develop new innovated strategies. Nike and Adidas have been in business a long time; Nike has been the leader and Adidas has been the Opponent (Wahba, 2013). Both companies have excellent strategies, and some of their strategies have a close comparison. Nike has been able to remain on top because of the company’s promotions, advertising and marketing genius. References Acevedo, L. (2014). Product Positioning Strategies: eHow Inc. Retrieved from eHow Inc Web site: http://www.ehow.com/way_5218154_product-positioning-strategies.html Adidas Corporation. (2014). Investors: Adidas Corporation. Retrieved from Adidas Corporation Web site: http://www.adidas-group.com/en/investors/strategy/global-brands-strategy/ Adidas Corporation. (2014). Our Group: Adidas Corporation. Retrieved from Adidas Corporation Web site: http://careers.adidas-group.com/our-group.aspx Boone, L. E., & Kurtz, D. L. (2013). Contemporary Business. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Hill, T. (2014). How Do You Differentiate Yourself From Your Competitors: Ezine Articles Corporation. Retrieved from Ezine Articles Corporation Web site: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-You-Differentiate-Yourself-From-Your-Competitors?&id=705221 Kim, J. (2010, May 6). Nike Introduces 2015 Global Growth Strategy: Sneaker News Corporation. Retrieved from Sneaker News Corporation Web site: http://sneakernews.com/2010/05/06/nike-introduces-2015-global-growth-strategy/ Kokenuller, N. (2014). What Is Selective Product Advertising: Chron Corporation . Retrieved from Chron Corporation Web site: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/selective-product-advertising-17454.html Lake, L. (2014). Marketing vs. Advertising: What’s the Difference: About.com Corporation. Retrieved from About.com Corporation Web site: http://marketing.about.com/cs/advertising/a/marketvsad.htm Moorty, S. (2014). Define Promotional Sales: eHow Inc. Retrieved from eHow Inc Web site: http://www.ehow.com/about_5401613_define-promotional-sales.html Nike, Inc. (2014). History & Heritage : Nike Inc. Retrieved from Nike, Inc Web site: http://nikeinc.com/pages/history-heritage Stock, K. (2013, December 20). Nike Ramps Up Prices—and Ad Spending—for Olympics: BloombergBusinessweek L.P. Retrieved from BloombergBusinessweek L.P.Web site: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-12-20/nike-ramps-up-prices-and-ad-spending-for-olympics Wahba, P. (2013, December 19). Nike profit rises and advance orders jump: Reuters Corp oration. Retrieved from Reuters Corporation Web site: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/19/us-nike-results-idUSBRE9BI18R20131219

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The Prevalence of Production Sharing Contracts in Oil and Gas

Abstract IntroductionBackgroundThe nature of the environment in which a business operates determines how it engages other players in the sector. This, therefore, determines the types of contracts that businesses get into. The oil and gas industry relies on contracts to carry out its activities just like other business entities do. The oil and gas industry mainly engages production sharing contracts, driven by the numerous stakeholder interests the sector has.Research TopicThe Prevalence of Production Sharing Contracts in Oil and Gas (Case Study of Sonangol, an Angolan Oil Company)AimThe aim of the study is to establish the prevalence of production sharing contracts in the oil and gas industry, with particular interest in Sonangol, an oil company in Angola.ObjectivesThe objectives of the study are: To determine the nature of the oil and gas business in Africa To determine the types of contracts administered in the oil and gas sector To determine the share of production sharing contracts relative to other types of contracts To establish the reasons for adoption of production sharing contracts at SonangolResearch questionsWhat types of contracts does Sonangol engage Are production sharing contracts prevalent at Sonangol Why does Sonangol adopt production sharing contracts What benefits and challenges do Sonangol get by using production sharing contracts Literature ReviewKey WordsContracts, Production Sharing Contracts, Effects, Prevalence, Economics, International Oil Companies, National Oil Companies, AngolaKey LiteratureBindemann, K., 1999. Production Sharing Agreements: An Economic Analysis This source touches on the economics of production sharing agreements with reference to oil and gas in Angola and the Middle East. Bindemann, K. 2000. The Response of Oil Contracts to Extreme Price Movements. Discussion Paper. Department of Economics (University of Oxford). Fattouh, B. and Darbouche, H., 2010. North African oil and foreign investment in changing market conditions. Energy Policy, 38(2), pp.119-1129.Gaps in literatureMost literature refers to situations in North Africa and the Middle East and not Angola or Sonangol. Most available literature is more than five years old. Chances are that the conditions have changed, rendering them irrelevant to current circumstances This section presents an analysis of existing literature on Oil and Gas in Africa and Angola in particular, while studying the types of contracts that oil and gas companies utilize. This is broken down into subtopics as follows:Oil and gas in AfricaThis section provides a general overview of the oil and gas industry, highlighting the major players: companies, countries, communities, and other stakeholders. History of the oil and gas industry in Africa Challenges in the African oil and gas industryOil and gas in AngolaThis section provides an overview of the Angolan oil and gas industry, highlighting the major players: companies, communities, and other stakeholders. History of the oil and gas industry in Angola Challenges in the Angolan oil and gas industry Merits of oil and gas to the Angolan EconomyContracting in the oil and gas industryTypes of contracts administered in the global oil and gas industry Comparison between contracting in Africa and the Middle EastProduction Sharing Co ntractsIdentify the parties involved Terms and conditions Benefits/demeritsContracting at Sonangol (Types of contracts)Encompasses all types of contractual agreements Sonangol engages Criteria Sonangol uses to select the type of contractual agreements it uses Ratio of contracts based on typeProduction sharing contracts at SonangolThe nature of production sharing contracts at Sonangol Parties involved Responsibility Terms and conditions Research Methodology The study will follow the constructivist approach and rely on the analysis of secondary data that will be obtained both from the private and public domain. Of particular interest will be records from Sonangol and researches published in journals. The research will use catalogues to locate relevant books and indexes to locate appropriate periodicals. In addition, the study will use the Internet to find relevant electronic resources and databases. An analysis of the books, periodicals, and databases would follow to ascertain the authority and quality of information. Data analysis will be quantitative. Findings i.Reasons for the adoption of production sharing contracts at Sonangolii.Advantages of production sharing contracts at Sonangol iii.Disadvantages of production sharing contracts at Sonangol iv.Comparison between production sharing contracts and other types of contracts at SonangolDiscussion Discuss the reasons for the prevalence of production sharing contracts at Sonangol, their merits, demerits, and challenges. Conclusion Summary of the suitability of production sharing contracts at Sonangol. Are they the best for the oil and gas industryShould they be upheld? References List of all works cited in the study Appendices Relevant documents, tables, and graphs

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Report on Recommendations for changes the financial portfolio in Essay

Report on Recommendations for changes the financial portfolio in response to various scenarios in Cheep Petrol (CP- the company is not real) plc (UK) - Essay Example ble to demonstrate an excellent command of sophisticated energy derivative transactions while it strives to respond to the diverse energy risk management needs of its customers. Abstract: Developing a framework for analyzing the investment allocation and investment structure decisions facing institutions. Our model should incorporate two key features: i) value-maximizing institutions should have a well-founded concern with risk management; and ii) not all the risks they face can be hedged frictionless in the capital market. This approach allows us to show how institutional-level risk management considerations should factor into the pricing of those risks that cannot be easily hedged. Several applications should be examined, including: the evaluation of proprietary trading operations; and the pricing of unhedgeable derivatives portfolios. One of the fundamental roles of investments of the companies and other financial intermediaries is to invest in illiquid financial assets--assets that, because of their information-intensive nature, cannot be traded frictionless in the capital markets. The standard example of such an illiquid asset is to have a bond portfolio. Below were given developed diversified portfolios with varying risk/return profiles from conservative to aggressive. They are designed to help you choose a real-world portfolio suited to your investment goals, time horizon, and risk profile. Asset allocation is the process of distributing wealth among different investment types, most typically stocks, bonds, and cash. Asset allocation attempts to increase potential return and reduce risk in portfolios over time. Research has shown asset allocation decisions are the most important factor affecting overall portfolio performance. While this process can be performed on any portfolio with two or more assets, it is most commonly applied to the asset classes mentioned above—stocks, bonds, and cash. Studies between 1991 and 1995 demonstrated that allocation

Friday, September 27, 2019

Should the concept of Race be removed from all legal documents in the Personal Statement

Should the concept of Race be removed from all legal documents in the United States - Personal Statement Example They face victimization by insurance agencies through the red-lining. Such racism in the education sectors is where they are forced to ride at the back of the school bus. Application forms in colleges have a clause on race. The stereotyping facing the Arabs and people of Middle East descent has seen them face victimization since the September 11th attacks in 2001. They undergo inhumane scrutiny and receive treatment as suspects. Since Arabs launched the attacks, any other person of that race receives consideration as a potential threat. They do not receive adequate audience to prove their innocence. In the present day, the discrimination against them is tantamount especially after the al-Qaeda threat. Racism against the Asian-American population has hindered their career development. Though superior in sciences and math, they do not get jobs in managerial positions but only get hired for technical expertise. They do not get selection in decision making

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Business Viability Plan Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Business Viability Plan - Case Study Example Due to the great demand on the services provided by the organisation, it was decided that a feasibility plan is to be conducted so that it can expand in offering of new services. The services should include the market plan, management plan, operations plan, risk management plan and financial plan. The finding is to be used in decision-making. Dog's dinner incorporation is a non-profit making organisation This Company was established at the end of the year 2004 and it functioned in the provision of non-profession theatre. The organisation has a staff membership of twenty with a basis of non-professional theatre. The company has been successful in the production of several plays. These plays include the four plays and memory water which were produced in 2005 while the production of four plays 2 and Andrew Bovell's play was in 2006.The success were also contributed by the fact that the plays were written by the staff of the company. The business has grown in that it started in the year 2004 and it is currently having twenty employees. It is seen that the business has grown as seen in the accounting records. The total income as per the year 2006 on June, the income was low at 6067 while on 2007 June was 7356.15. Dog's dinner incorporation is an organisation that provides theatre entertainment services such as drama and so it is planning to expand by providing a set of new services. The organisation intends to present high quality production which may be original or non original to the local audience who have an interest in the presentations. It also intends to have a chance of working with the local secondary schools by providing live performance based on literature of the secondary set books and the drama texts. This is of great importance to the secondary school student s that will have a golden chance of viewing live performance and hence break the monotony of reading only textbooks. The company intends to have an edge in competing with other companies by offering services that are going to stimulate them to think and reflect on their lives and society and so this challenge in which it will be offering to their audience will make the organisation to be attractive to many people. Don Daya nada, Richard Irons, Steve Harrison, and John Herbon, PatricioRowland (2002). The free performance by the writers, technicians and performers will lead to their talent being given a forum in presenting quality, original and established work to the public. The free service will enable the performance to be less costly and hence it will attract more people and through this there will be promotion of the business. Dave Hall, Jones, Cano Raffo (1999). To be considered In the plan is the copyright issues in which their presentations are copyrighted and their trade name are presented to the registrar of society to ensure that it is not by any other person or groups. Their trademark should be registered to prevent other companies infringing on their rights and also prevent other groups from using their name in making their presentations. Dave Hall, Jones, Cano Raffo (1999) Planning consideration Planning is the process whereby the future activities are arranged in a chronological order so that they can be implemented. The aim of a plan is to provide a

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Commercial Litigation Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Commercial Litigation Assessment - Essay Example ended that the court had jurisdiction since Austria was the place of performance of the contract as evidenced by the Brussels Convention’s Article 5 (1). Further, in all the invoices raised by the Gasser to MISAT, Austrian court was mentioned as a ‘choice of court’ clause and MISAT had never raised any objection over it. Within the meaning of Articles 17 of the Brussels Convention and because of the trade usage and practice existed in the trade between Italy and Austria, the two parties had consented to accept the jurisdiction of the Austrian courts. Whether the court second seised may evaluate the authority of the court of the first seised if the second court has the sole deciding authority under Art 17 or must the second court prevent its proceedings as per Art 21 albeit the accord granting jurisdiction. (Sheppard 2007: 211). Though, there is no involvement of English parties in Gasser case, UK government still presented its written remarks on the question raised. It was submitted that in cases of unique jurisdiction, a derogation from Art 21 can be made by the court second seised and can declare its verdict without awaiting for the court first seised to decide that it had no legal standi on the issue. They counted on ECJ verdict in â€Å"Overseas Union Insurance â€Å", which dealt with Article Sixteen as opposed to Article Seventeen, which was in question this case. It was further contended that the court named in the agreement authorising jurisdiction will, in normal parlance, be in a better status to rule as to the impact of that agreement by applying an essential law of that Member Nation. (Sheppard 2007: 211). The European Court held that the objective of Art 21 is to bar corresponding actions occurring in courts of various Contracting States as to stop implementation of judgments. Hence, so as to give effect to this, Art 21 shall have to be given a wide elucidation. It was viewed that under the provision of Art 21, until the legal status of the court

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Network Topology and Wiring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Network Topology and Wiring - Essay Example The physical mapping of the network may be geometrical in shape whereas the logical topology would include mapping of the network. Ring Topology – where all elements in a network form a ring, and the unidirectional data passes through all elements in the network and thus, each element has to ensure that the speed is being retained Tree Topology – Where the central hub acts as the node from which intermediate nodes emerge and further nodes may emerge from the that node in such a way that a chain may be formed. The last node is termed as a leaf from where no child node emerges In context to the networking needs of the healthcare center, the mesh topology seems quite relevant. With the enhanced technology measures, the healthcare centers require networking topologies for medical practices, pharmacies, laboratories, even for multimedia purposes like cardiac monitoring alongside other applications. Furthermore, communication patterns need to be developed to deal with payment claims, lab test results and other matters which need to be communicated to various stakeholders (Hoysh, Yoshihashi & Bailey 2012). Various prototypes have been developed to increase networking efficiency in similar technologically advanced healthcare centers. Research and experimentation reveals that mesh network prove to be the most cost effective yet relevant network topology in this context. Such a topology is convenient since it has the capacity to support a wide range of network. Also, delivery time for the conveyance to message may be reduced. As mentioned above as well, a mesh topology is one where every node relays data to any other node in the system. Thus, all nodes essentially cooperate in distributing data in the network. Furthermore, since wireless technology needs to be incorporated, mesh typology is more relevant since it supports such a

Monday, September 23, 2019

Workshop tasks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Workshop tasks - Essay Example 36 percent of independent travel agents and 9.6 percent of multiple travel agents responded to the survey. The overall response among both types of travel agents was 19.5 percent. The majority (69.23 percent) of respondents were independent travel agents. 59 percent travel agents were not owned by a parent company. Among travel agents, 49 percent had a single branch, 20 percent had 2-4 branches, 18 percent had 5-10 branches, and 13 percent had more than 10 branches. 31 percent respondents felt that contributing to the local economy was very important, 49 percent respondents felt that contributing to the local economy was somewhat important, 8 percent respondents felt that contributing to the local economy was of little importance, 10 percent of respondents felt that contributing to the local economy was of no importance, and 2 percent of respondents did not respond to the question. 33 percent of the respondents felt that protecting the local environment was very important, 41 percent of the respondents felt that protecting the local environment was somewhat important, 15 percent of the respondents felt that protecting the local environment was of little importance, 8 percent of the respondents felt that protecting the local environment was of no importance, and 3 percent respondents did not respond to the question. 61 percent of the respondents felt that understanding the local culture and customs was very important, 18 percent of the respondents felt that understanding the local culture and customs was somewhat important, 10 percent of the respondents felt that understanding the local culture and customs was of little importance, 8 percent of the respondents felt that understanding the local culture and customs was of no importance, and 3 percent respondents did not respond to the question. The majority of respondents felt that contributing to the

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Holocaust Denial Essay Example for Free

Holocaust Denial Essay David Irving has claimed that the Holocaust was a hoax and that there were no gas chambers in Auschwitz; discuss the evidence for and against this claim. One is astonished in the study of history at the recurrence of the idea that evil must be forgotten, distorted, skimmed over. The difficulty, of course, with this philosophy is that history loses its value as an incentive and example; it paints perfect men and noble nations, but it does not tell the truth. -W.E.B Du Bois, Black Reconstruction, 1935. There could not be a more appropriate account to go with the debate between Holocaust deniers, and those who see it as a genuine event in history. From our mid teens we are taught about the events that occurred under Hitlers reign, the most horrific of those being the mass genocide of an estimated eleven million people, many of which Jews, during the Holocaust. It is also taught that the most famous extermination camp existed at Auschwitz, where up to 10000 people were exterminated per day. These are exactly the kind of facts that were presented to me during school, and to many others; some individuals, however, claim that this horrific event never took place. Those who claim the Holocaust did not appear as traditional history describes, believe that the current mainstream understanding of the Holocaust is the result of a deliberate Jewish conspiracy created to advance the interest of Jews at the expense of other nations. (1) A statement remarkably closely related to the anti-Semitic views of the Nazis. In the case of Holocaust deniers, it is more of a case of a lack of evidence which they use to promote their views; no conclusive evidence has been presented, with numerous Holocaust deniers admitting to have lied about so called facts. (2) The main claims which Holocaust deniers make are that the Nazis had no formal policy or plan of exterminating Jews. That Nazis did not use gas chambers to mass-murder Jews, and that the figure of between 5 and 6 million Jewish deaths is a significant exaggeration and the actual number is much lower, a few hundred thousand at most. Other claims include the notion that the documentary evidence in support of the Holocaust, photographs and the Diary of Anne Frank for example, is fabricated, that survivor testimonies are unreliable, and that the Nazi prisoners confessions were obtained through the use of torture a process which can lead to inaccurate information. (3) One example of survivor testimonies being unpredictable is an excerpt of a conversation David Irving supposedly had with a survivor: IRVING: You said you saw smoke coming from the crematoria? SURVIVOR: Absolutely IRVING: Is that correct? SURVIVOR: Correct IRVING: But crematoria do not smoke, Mrs Altman. Go and visit your local crematorium in Sydney (Evans (2002) page 142) Irving took challenging the Holocaust to the extreme, and proclaimed himself as a Hitler supporter, which may have something to do with him living, working and studying in Germany for many years. In Irvings book, Hitlers War, he states that Hitler did not order the extermination of Europes Jews: the mass killings must have been carried out by Himmler and his cohorts behind Hitlers back (4) The Institute of Historical Research (IHR) states that The Institute does not deny the Holocaust. And that there is no dispute over the fact that large numbers of Jews were deported to concentration camps and ghettos, or that many Jews died or were killed during World War II. But that the Holocaust the alleged extermination of some six million Jews (most of them by gassing) is a hoax and should be recognized as such by Christians and all informed, honest and truthful men everywhere. More than being just a pro-Nazi viewpoint, Holocaust deniers believe that the death-toll amount which is widely accepted is a falsehood in an attempt to get more compensation, and sympathy. It is believed that the interest of the Zionist movement is to augment the amount of Holocaust deaths so that their gains will be greater. (5) The Holocaust deniers maintain that the Holocaust is a myth in order to establish the possibilities which can occur when an individual or group of people try to play God. This claim may have resulted from various factors, and in many cases of a denial, a particular political agenda backs it up, along with their own personal beliefs colouring their view. To fully understand the claims of these people, both sides of the debate must be looked at. The case which acknowledges the Holocaust as it is presented has much more convincing evidence, the most notable of which being photographs, video footage and personal accounts. Where the Holocaust deniers get their supposed evidence from however, is the jigsaw in which the evidence which shows the Holocaust as the event were taught it to be is made up of. Those denying the event say that the pieces of primary sources which prove the existence of the Holocaust, are in fact fabricated in an attempt to make people think that certain events happened when thy in fact, did not. (1) There are many accounts from survivors of the Holocaust, a selection of which exists in Lyn Smiths Forgotten Voices of the Holocaust, within which mentions the implementation of the final solution. In the same note it is said that upon arrival, most were sent immediately to the gas chamber and crematorium. (6). For females in concentration camps it was an even more shocking ordeal regularly being raped, and on giving birth having their babies taken from them to be murdered. Dennis Avey, a British prisoner of war at Auschwitz gives his account: Now dreadful things were happening in Auschwitz-Birkenau during 1944. They were gassing and burning thousands of people who could not work any more because of their failing strength; I knew practically everything that was going on thereThey just put them into the gas chambers using this Zyklon B gas and then they were burned. And this happened day in and day out. (6) There are many other accounts which describe similar stories, such a vast amount of matching testimonies can not possibly be a fabrication, but that is not the only evidence which supports the events of the Holocaust and Auschwitz. There are many photographs of the gas chambers, and of mass graves. Not only is there masses of evidence recorded to verify the authenticity of the Holocaust; but it is backed up by sworn testimony from both victims and the culprits. In addition to this there is evidence which Allied soldiers discovered when they liberated the camps. There is also a host of documentary evidence; the Nazis were extremely particular about keeping records, some of which were presented as evidence to the Nuremberg Tribunal and a set of evidence from several post-war trials. As well as archaeological evidence as further proof, there are bookings by the SS for the special trains to Auschwitz and other extermination camps. Of course, the issue which arises with both of these claims, and history as a whole, is that unless someone is actually present at an event and experiencing something, they have no way of knowing exactly what went on during a given time and date. It is for these reasons which we need to rely on sources other than ourselves to understand the past, and a primary source is the most reliable place to look first. Talking with a Holocaust survivor, reading the diaries like that of a certain Anne Frank hiding from the Gestapo, and looking at pictures and videos from Nazi Germany at that time allows for the closest link possible from today to the days gone by, and rejecting these ideas as a fabrication severs the best link to the truth. Holocaust deniers will be inclined to believe what they want to be true, even if it does not match up historically. The Holocaust was a dismal time not only for the Jewish race, but also a cataclysmic event in the history of mankind. The idea that not all people are equal and those of less value need to be exterminated is a notion that should never have occurred. The evidence that we have today appears to confirm that the Jewish Genocide by the Nazi people was a real event. In addition, it is extremely difficult to reasonably doubt this event and believe that people would lie about such an ordeal. References 1. Gizon, A. (2009). Holocaust. www.projectaladin.org. [Last accessed 23 June 2010] 2. Nikzor, P. (2008). David Irving. www.nizkor.org. [Last accessed 23 June 2010] 3. Lipstadt, D. (2009). Denying the Holocaust. www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars. [Last accessed 23 June 2010] 4. Irving, D. (1991). Hitlers War. London: Focal Point Publications. 5. Austin, B. (2004). Holocaust Denial. www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org. [Last accessed 23 June 2010] 6. Smith, L. (2005). Forgotten Voices of the Holocaust. London: Ebury Press. P.156/210

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Inspirational ideas and thinking Essay Example for Free

Inspirational ideas and thinking Essay How can a certain story thrill our sense and especially our understanding about the real world? The Lord of the Rings is a story depicting the people’s thirst and desire for power which caused them to oppress mankind and the battle between good and evil. Tolkien created this story during the first ever made world war and continued it until the Second World War happened. Eventually, Tolkien was determined by taking the challenge of making a world symbolized by mythology. Back in his period, he loved tale telling to children and at those children that he was inspired to create the hobbit’s existence. This story is considered as better than that of the other fantasy stories because lord of the rings tells more about reality, the story was not made just to entertain nor thrill the readers and watchers of the book and movies, rather because the movie depicts more about true events. You can even see patterns of similarity in some of the world’s history in the different parts of the trilogy. The story wanted readers to realize that there are such people in earth that possesses greed of power and that greed causes them to create cruelty to mankind and destruction to other territory, nation, and to the person himself. The lord of the ring story can be like our socio-political and also economical structure which was tended to be showed by creating the film. The film was made for people to clearly envision and comprehend the world (Eaton, 2003). The lord of the ring has been successful because people appreciated its artistic way of showing the parallelism between the story itself and the reality about the world in which it is hidden. The film was said to be making everyone believe that there are really changes that had happened in the world; from a world of calmness and peace into a chaotic world of war. It showed the history when a person desired and went on chasing for the power to certainly have the authority above all people, a person who really wanted to rule the world. This part was depicted when everyone seemed to desire the ring’s power and all the troubles in the story then started in the journey of the ring bearer (Eaton, 2003). In the story of the lord of the ring, a lot of enemies were chasing the ring bearer because they wanted to have the power, battles always happen because â€Å"Frodo† the ring bearer does not want to hand the ring to those who are evil. It is showed in the reality when two countries were starving for the power, the power that will make them to be above all, which is depicted by the ring, caused them to plan for destruction to each other’s territory. And a lot of people were killed who innocently knew nothing about the war (Eaton, 2003). Like the story part of the two towers, it is seen from a certain people, in the desert country part of the earth, who wanted to conquer the middle earth through their power, but had failed from successfully doing so, they are now dead but still their aim was said to be alive because of their avid followers who continuously plan for another conquer (Eaton, 2003). The story of the twin towers of the Lord of the Rings is about the hunger for power in order to be the king that has the authority above all. The middle-earth is depicting the real world in which they both have the same characteristics of cruelty and greed for power. Another example event of this that can be seen from the events on the history is about the World War II in which a certain leader of a certain territory and a dictator of another territory merged their full power and invaded another territory to conquer. It was the history of domination of a certain continent of the world with the use of power and authority (Eaton, 2003). The story of the Lord of the Ring was based on a reality which inspired the writer of the story. It started from a true story of history about war in where the author grew up. The languages, in which the author of the book wrote, came from a place whose dialect was never listed as a part of that place’s language. The author developed it with the combination of his own styles of language and created then the language for his elves character (Society. , 1996-2007). Tolkien wrote his epic making the ring as a material thing that depicts the evilness, it is explained that the ring has its own willing power; it has the power to control the person who uses it no matter what the person do to stop it from its willing power (Novelguide.com, 1999-2007). According to the author, the ring cannot be used for good purposes but rather it is only used for doing evil things and that it controls the person no matter how strong he resist from doing something evil (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). Tolkien said that the ring is evil in its nature which comes from both human’s inner initiative and an outer force that commands him (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). In reality, I can say that the â€Å"ring† is the power with the combination of being greed possessed by a person; it is what makes them do evil. An over desire for power and authority makes people lose their heart in exchange for ego contentment. The ring is believed to be an evil in nature because it corrupts the person’s kindness and change it into strong desires. The ring drags the person to do extremes which is unstoppable because it has an unending power. According to Tolkien the ring is a symbol of strong power. In the trilogy of the ring Frodo sees a lot of knight riding horses only when he wears the ring and loses sight of them when he removes it from his finger (Novelguide.com, 1999-2007). It is also like the evilness that power can arise to a person’s character, that because of the privileges that the power gives that certain person that he could not see the negative side of those things he tend to do; that only if he lose his power would he understand what he had caused and only when he lose his power would he return to his true self again. Power is like a chest of gold that will make a person capable of obtaining everything that he or she desires for him or herself that’s why it can bring out the evil side of a person. It can change a person from a goodhearted one into a greed and cruel person. In reality many of the listed people in history were written because of their negative leadership or cruelty to mankind because they have in their hands an uncontrollable power. Like when an authoritative and powerful man in the World War II told his soldiers to kill all the Jews. It was an act of evilness that he was able to do because he possesses a lot of power in him that blinded him from the distinction between good and evil (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). The author of the story said that a man who has the ring will not be able to die but will not also be able to acquire more of his life; rather he will continue his life until such time that the evilness will conquer him (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). This statement of the author tends to explain that a person who acquired great power and used it for evilness will never die, it is because he may be written in history with all the negative things he had done. But then the darkness will conquer his soul in exchange (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). The lord of the rings by Tolkien does not have gods; people rely on their selves as in reality which is considered the philosophy of communism by Karl Marx in which states that people rely on their capabilities and that God exist only in people’s mind because they tend to seek for someone to save them. The evilness occurs because people abuse their powers and tends to have and desire more power that that of what they already posses. In the trilogy of the lord of the ring, Frodo with his other companions such as Sam, Aragorn, and Gandalf went to a dangerous journey heading the place of Mordor where they planned to totally destroy the ring. In their journey, the ring bearer with his friends had gone through a lot of fights against the dark ones. This scene depicts how people tend to stop the true evil in this world, which they seek of a way of how to destroy the force that creates evil even in a life threatening way. The movie tended to show that it is better to lose ones life that that of to lose the life of the crowd. Another interpretation that could be made through the story in relation with the World War II is that Tolkien depicted the ring as the noxious weapon used in the war. That certain weapon is the atomic bomb which killed a lot of innocent people and ruined a lot of territories (Roch, 2005). It is said that Tolkien indeed based his work from the real war of the early ages in which it mirrors the two territories’ true event which is horrifying. The two places were said to be Mordor and the dreadful devastation of Shire in the lord of the rings trilogy (Roch, 2005). The characters of evil or the soldiers of the evil Lord Sauron whose appearance are like decaying body of dead people are also based from the authors experience during the war (Roch, 2005). When Tolkien went back to his place, the place was literally ruined and he saw a lot of corpses which no one can endure to stare at because of its decaying appearance (Roch, 2005). The place of Mordor may also be depicted to the ruined or wrecked place after the world war; the trees were all destructed, all plants are destroyed as well as the soil turned out to be black which turned to be a mud (Roch, 2005). I could say that the author depicted the ring as everyone fears to hold because it is self destructive and also it is so powerful to destroy anything and anyone else. In the World War II, people were also afraid of the bomb which Tolkien said that the ring symbolizes because in the same way, they both may lead into cruel outcome. In the story of the lord of the rings’ last part which is the return of the king, Frodo and the others succeeded in destroying the king and soon gave a new hope to all the people in their territory because they were able to have a new king in which Aragorn has portrayed. In reality with the world war II, after the cruel dictator was missing not knowingly what happened to him, the people had a new hope for a new peaceful life because the evil was already destroyed. In consideration with evilness and goodness, the trilogy of the lord of the rings has symbolized the world’s essential elements; the good and evil. The good ones are symbolized by hope, changes, and other more that results into goodness, while the evilness or darkness are symbolized by ignorance and the lost of hope. In the story the elves are covered with a white light that brightens, it is a symbol of their being the good ones that they reflect something which is the contrary of evil. The evil ones appear to be ugly like decaying bodies and their place was a wrecked one full of darkness. Tolkien made the Lord of The Ring following and basing on the patterns of the World War I and II events. Depicting his comprehension on reality and placing it in the context of a fantasy that everyone could appreciate even without understanding its real meaning. Though there are a lot of differences and distinction between his created world and the world he wanted people to understand, they were said to be fitting each other in terms of evil and good. Tolkien depicted the characters in the story, the events and other aspect basing on the good and bad side of possession of great power. Also he showed in the story how friends and comrades try to console each other in times of crisis. Tolkien tend to show how certain people tend to share each other’s difficulties in times of troubles and that in a certain world full of hidden cruelty, everyone needs help in order to get through it and in order to make through it all. Now I understand that the main meaning of the trilogy of the lord of the ring in which the original author Tolkien tended his readers to understand is the cruelty which is caused by the over possession of power. That the book explains about the possible negative effect of power to a person which had appeared in the story in a patterned way. I could also say that I believe in Tolkien when he said that great power can corrupt a person’s heart.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Childcare Management Systems | Literature Review

Childcare Management Systems | Literature Review CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 OVERVIEW Literature reviews are conducted in order to fully understand a topic being researched about. By doing so, we could define and establish our area of study, as in my topic childcare management systems. Reviews are done on existing systems by explore how existing childcare or daycare centers management systems have been introduced, implemented and evolved. Comparisons of the systems are made for better understanding of systems functions. Advantages and disadvantages of the systems have to be understood as well. Section 2.1 depicts background study of three existing childcare management systems which are analyzed for better understand of this project. Section 2.2 summarizes the proposed system which will be designed and developed on later stages of this project. The features have been tabulated in Table 2.1. 2.1 BACKGROUND STUDY Nowadays the need of daycare and childcare centers are increasing due to working parents and need of proper care of children. The management has to be efficient to keep up with these demands. In order to ease the work done in the centers, owners purchase or subscribe childcare management system software. There are so many different types and quality level of childcare management system software in the market. Even though each of them is used for similar purpose that is to manage a daycare centers but the design of functions and implementations of the systems are different. A system that provides all important functions needed by childcare centers will be the top priority in the market. Following existing systems have been choosing for comparison because they have higher market value and many customers favor them. In order to understand the similarities and differences of existing systems in different platform as well, comparison have been made between fully web based system, software based system and mobile application based system. Exploring the systems have been done by understand fully how the systems works and finally list out the advantages and disadvantages. 2.1.1 Centers Online (https://www.centresonline.com/index) Centers online is an online childcare management system designed for both long and short day care centers. Centers Online provides childcare services with simple and easy to use online software for daily reporting and communication needs. The site updated continually and modified to ease users needs. The management system also helps every parent receives frequent updates about their child instantly. Centers Online provides a login interface for childcare centers and parents that is easy to use allowing parents to continually be aware of their childrens activities. Centers Online applications are available for all smartphones and tablets. Centers Online is designed to be used by three types of users which are admin/owner of the childcare centers, teachers and parents. All of the users have their own login ids and viewing page. The owner can access, view, create users and create rooms. They also can manage events and contact parents. Teachers can update all information regarding children in their room such as feeding schedule, activities, performance, health condition and etc. Parents get instant update regarding their children. They can view daily activities, update parent profile, view event details and view pictures uploaded by teachers of their children. Figure 2.1 shows user management page where the owner or admin of the childcare center manages users profile such as registration of students, parents profile and assigning teachers to classes. The panel on left side gives access to all functions for users. Figure 2.1: Display of User Management Page Figure 2.2 shows the group permission page which grants owner or admin of childcare center to categorize users and their level of permissions on using the service. For instance, parents have limited access on site and more focus in viewing children’s update. Senior teachers have additional permissions since they have extra work to be done compared to new teachers. Figure 2.2: Display of Group Permission Page Figure 2.3 shows children management page where all profile of children will be managed. Teachers and sometimes owners will assign children to classes according to their ages here. Status of students can be viewed here. All reports can be saved as pdf and excel files for reference or print out. Figure 2.3: Display of Children Management Page Figure 2.4 shows the calendar in schedule management of the system. All the activities that are carried out in the daycare center are recorded in the calendar. Upcoming events will be marked as well for easy reference and updates. Admin and teachers can access and view all the events and activities carried out on particular day. Parents only have access to view marked activities by teachers for their children. Parents will not fall behind knowing important dates of events. Figure 2.4: Display of Calendar Page Advantages: Easy to use GUI (graphical user interface) The user interface is friendly and understandable. free access via website to parents account Parents who register with childcare that use Centers Online will get free access to get updates from the center. no server needed No server and IT maintenance needed since it is web based software. The service provider maintains all the data and all data are secured. register and use The childcare center owner that is interested using this system simply registers with the service provider and start using. application for smartphones and tablets The service provider also has created application for devices such as smartphones in order to give an easy access and portability for users. Disadvantages: compulsory need of internet connection Since it is a web-based software system internet connection needed in order to use the service provided and no offline option is given for the users to work offline. 2.1.2 The Pre-School Partner (http://www.on-qsoftware.com/pspscreens.html) The Pre-School Partner is a software-based childcare management system. The software is available for a single PC or buyer could choose to take a package contains of license key for up to 20 personal computers which labeled as Network (1- 20). The software is obtained by either getting an installation CD or e-mail link to download and install. It facilitates the daily functions andmanagementof the center by tracking and instantly making available all family, child and staff related information. It is complete and up to date with emergency contacts, guardians, drop off/pick up contacts, family and children notes, medical information, vaccination management, billing, accounts receivable, remote terminal logging and child scheduling and attendance. All the reports are easy to manage and printable for additional purpose. The software also has feature to manage staffs. The owner can keep track of staffs training histories. Figure 2.5 shows children registration page where owner or staff at childcare center can register new children with the system. Children’s full detail such as full name, age and family information required for registration. Picture of registered children will be uploaded in the profile as well. Figure 2.5: Display of Children Registration Page Figure 2.6 shows family or sponsor info page where all details of parents or sponsor are added such as contact details and address. Detail about particular people not permitted to be close to children added here as well to increase awareness of management. All records of drop off and pick up are keyed in here as well. Figure 2.6: Display of Family/Sponsor Info Page Figure 2.7 shows guardians detail page where all information of child parents registered with the daycare center will be recorded and updated regularly. Contact details of parents given importance in order to get hold of them in case of emergency. Picture of the parent will be added as well. Figure 2.7: Display of Guardians Detail Page Figure 2.8 shows invoice record page where all invoices for the parents or sponsor of children registered recorded. All details of payments such as dates, amount and identification will be recorded accordingly for easier reference and record keeping. Figure 2.8: Display of Invoice Page Advantages: user friendly screens The GUI (graphical user interface) of the software is designed well by placing all the essential keys and buttons in easy accessible and understandable way. larger scale of choice, more detailed and more functional The software provides all essential functions that needed to run a daycare center. User has the option to choose use functions only they required. work can be done offline (online only needed for cloud backup and sync) No internet connection needed to use pre-school partner Disadvantages: one software one pc The software is limited to one personal computer unless the owner buys a network package. Even though the network package consists of a maximum of 20 key licenses for personal computers the portability of the software is still limited. sever maintenance The server of the software installed has to be maintained regularly. The files saved have to be fragmented to remove bad sectors. Firewall, virus and spyware protection needs regular review and management. minimum requirements The software installed needs hardware specifications that meets its minimum requirements in order to function well and fully. Operating System : Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 2) Processor : Pentium 4 with Hyper-Threading, 2GHz Ram : 512MB minimum Disk Capacity : 80GB 2.1.3 Tadpoles (http://www.frogsquared.com) Tadpoles is a web-based application aided childcare management system. The use of smartphone application is integrated with the system for easy and effective use. Tadpoles is revolutionizing the childcare market by helping to streamline operations and parent communication through mobile technology. Tadpoles focuses more on the importance of parent involvement in the learning process. Teachers are able to share photos and videos to parents throughout the day. They could record meals, activities, naps and more to daily reports. Teachers also could prepare lesson plans up to four weeks ahead. Directors are able to view real time counts per class. They can manage classroom, children and employees. All the pictures and videos teachers send to parents have to be approved by directors or owners. They can view charts and graphs of reports on children progress under their care. They are able to send official letters to parents and emergency alerts as well. Parents can receive daily update of their children via email. They can download and share the photos and videos of their children. In case of emergency, they will receive text message first before further notice for a head start. Parents also can view their children’s profile using mobile application provided and they also able to mark their child sick or on vacation. Figure 2.9 shows classroom page in tadpoles application where teachers can view all the children in their class accordingly. The children will be categorized by their age. Teachers can choose and update information on children from here. They could edit notes for their teachings and send photo to parents as well. Figure 2.9: Classroom Page Figure 2.10 shows children profile page where a children’s profile can be viewed by selecting a child. All detail about meal taken, sleeping time and activities done by children will be added here by the teacher. They can tag category of the child for easier reference. Figure 2.10: Children Profile Page Figure 2.11 shows the dashboard which offers a live view of the activity in the center. The classroom counts, attendance, and parent communications updates in real time without refreshing. The owners or directors can view the update anywhere and anytime. Figure 2.11: Live Dashboard Figure 2.12 shows communication page where owner can notify all parents by text messages in case of emergency, school closings or other urgent messages. This method is effective and fast compare to individual notification. Figure 2.12: Communication Panel Figure 2.13 shows email snapshot parents receive from the daycare center with all current detail of their children, activities they are doing, sleeping times, meals and more. Pictures that are taken for their children during activities are attached as well. Parents are able to get update on their children anywhere anytime through their email. Figure 2.13: Display of Parent Email Advantages: children information up to date for parents via email Teachers and owners update children’s profile throughout the day by updating profile, uploading pictures and updating schedules. Parents get the updates via their email and mobile application. application for teachers The designed application is easy to use and give better functionalities for teachers in carrying out their daily activities. All details of children, schedule and study plans can be accessed almost instantly. live view and real time updating for directors and owners The directors and owners are up to date with activities carried out in centers and children’s statuses. All without software installations and no per-user licenses. They can check on things easily and securely even while away from the center. portable Since it is an application on device, it gives more portability to teachers. All children’s attendance and emergency details are within teachers’ reach when they bring children to playground or field trip. Pictures and videos taken can be uploaded instantly. Disadvantages: limitation of devices can be used The application is only designed for apple products with IOS. The teachers are encouraged to use devices such as ipad mini or ipad only for easy access and portability. 2.2 PROPOSED SYSTEM The proposed childcare center management system is a web-based system that has all the features stated in Table 2.1. The name of the system would be Kool-Child Childcare Management System. Kool-Child provides all functions needed to manage a childcare or daycare center efficiently. With Kool-Child, child care centers are able to record down feedings, nursing, milestones, activities children are doing such as playing, sleeping and others. Apart from that, they are allowed to make photo galleries of the children. Parents will be updated with all their children information. Kool-Child provides tuition/billing management as well. The billing is done automatically with little information about chargers and individual child’s program. With Kool-Child, owner of the childcare center will be able to manage employee profile by record and update personal details of employee. Parents also will be able to log in into Kool-Child with limited access to view their children’s schedule. Kool-Child also will have chat space where all parents could share ideas and get to know each other. Kool-Child will also provide simple tutorials on how to use the system for the customers. Customer support is also available to assist customer and receive feedbacks. Table 2.1 Features Comparison FEATURES Centers Online Pre-School Partner Tadpoles Kool-Child 1 Classroom and Schedule Management √ √ X √ 2 Food Program records √ √ √ √ 3 Immunization Records √ √ X √ 4 Daily Activities Planning √ √ √ √ 5 Photo Gallery √ √ √ √ 6 Billing Management X √ X √ 7 Online Registration √ X X √ 8 Employee Database X √ X √ 9 Customer Support √ √ √ √ 10 Parents Update √ X √ √ 11 Reports Management √ √ √ √ New Feature 12 Chat Space X X X √ Table 2.1 shows the comparison in features of Centers Online, Pre-School Partner, Tadpoles and the proposed system Kool-Child. All three existing systems have important features which are classroom management, food program records, photo gallery and customer support. Pre-School Partner is only a system among three that has billing management and employee management features which needed by most childcare centers to ease their workload. Chat space is an additional feature that will be implemented in Kool-Child. All twelve features will be integrated in Kool-Child to maximize functionality of the system.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Theme of Carelessness in The Great Gatsby :: Great Gatsby Essays

The Theme of Carelessness in The Great Gatsby      Ã‚   The idea of carelessness plays an important role in The Great Gatsby. Daisy, Tom, Jordan, Gatsby and Nick were all careless at some points throughout the book.   Daisy and Tom were careless about their relationship, their money, and many of their daily activities.   Gatsby was also unconcerned with his money. Jordan was blasà © about the way she treated other people.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy - they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back to their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made. . . ."(189)   This was an accurate description of the way Tom and Daisy acted.   They were constantly neglectful of the way they behaved and when they realized they were wrong, they would retreat back to their money.   It was always other people that had to pay for Tom and Daisy's careless mistakes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Daisy also admitted that she was careless in a dialogue with Nick.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "I am careful."   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "No, you're not"   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "Well, other people are," she said lightly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "What's that got to do with it?"   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "They'll keep out of my way," she insisted. "It takes two to make an accident."   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "Suppose you meet somebody just as careless as yourself."   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "I hope I never will," she answered.   "I hate careless people."(63)      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   She quickly responded to Nick that she doesn't need to be careful. Daisy implied that it is the other person's responsibility to be mindful of her. She also said that she hates careless people right after she admitted that she was careless.   Daisy was indifferent about her relationship with Tom.   She knew that her husband was having an affair with another women but Daisy did not do anything about it.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tom was careless in a much more obvious way.   He was brutal as well as destructive.   Tom felt that he could do anything he wanted and get away with it. He would never admit that he was dispassionate because he was egotistical.   Tom was careless in his relationship with Daisy, his wife, and Myrtle Wilson, his lover.   He allowed Gatsby to win his wife's love.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Jack The Ripper Essay -- Papers

Jack The Ripper 1. From looking at the newspaper article on source A, I can determine the following information regarding the murder of Polly Nichols. Firstly, I can ascertain that it was the second of the Whitechapel murders. I can draw this conclusion from the first few words 'the two murders which have so startled London'. The second point we can learn from this article is that the killer had no apparent motive for the killings, supposedly because money wasn't missing from his victims; 'no adequate motive in the shape of plunder can be traced'. Also, the article tells us that the victims have been 'the poorest of the poor' Even though these pieces of information are product of the media, they appear to be true, as there would be no need for the newspaper to sensationalise such facts. The source also suggests the killer is a 'demented being', due to the 'extraordinary violence' exhibited in each of his murders. Finally, the source makes reference to the 'excess of effort' used by the killer 2. The report of Dr. Frederick Blackwell on the body of Elizabeth Stride supports the coroner's report on source B when it states that 'in the neck, there was a long incision which commenced on the left side, two and a half inches below the jaw, cutting the windpipe completely in two'. This account supports source B which states; 'there are no meaningless cuts' and that 'the injuries have been made by someone with considerable anatomical skill' obviously because the killer knew where to reach the windpipe. The extract also supports source A where it talks about the 'extraordinary violence'. However, source C contradicts source A when ... ... that a disgruntled customer of one of the local Jewish craftsmen's shops may have just written this graffiti to express his anger. The only thing linking this graffiti to the Eddowes murder was a tiny piece of Eddowes's apron found nearby. Source A mentions the victims being 'the poorest of the poor'. This is important, as maybe the police weren't worried as much about the poor people. Also this suggests that the killings may have been in hard to reach places for the police. Source B mentions the 'anatomical skill and knowledge' required to carry out such murders. Maybe such a man could also have enough knowledge to be able to out wit the police. Source F, the leaflet is another reminder of the police effort to stop the Ripper getting away, but it could also have let the Ripper know of the police involvement too much. Jack The Ripper Essay -- Papers Jack The Ripper 1. From looking at the newspaper article on source A, I can determine the following information regarding the murder of Polly Nichols. Firstly, I can ascertain that it was the second of the Whitechapel murders. I can draw this conclusion from the first few words 'the two murders which have so startled London'. The second point we can learn from this article is that the killer had no apparent motive for the killings, supposedly because money wasn't missing from his victims; 'no adequate motive in the shape of plunder can be traced'. Also, the article tells us that the victims have been 'the poorest of the poor' Even though these pieces of information are product of the media, they appear to be true, as there would be no need for the newspaper to sensationalise such facts. The source also suggests the killer is a 'demented being', due to the 'extraordinary violence' exhibited in each of his murders. Finally, the source makes reference to the 'excess of effort' used by the killer 2. The report of Dr. Frederick Blackwell on the body of Elizabeth Stride supports the coroner's report on source B when it states that 'in the neck, there was a long incision which commenced on the left side, two and a half inches below the jaw, cutting the windpipe completely in two'. This account supports source B which states; 'there are no meaningless cuts' and that 'the injuries have been made by someone with considerable anatomical skill' obviously because the killer knew where to reach the windpipe. The extract also supports source A where it talks about the 'extraordinary violence'. However, source C contradicts source A when ... ... that a disgruntled customer of one of the local Jewish craftsmen's shops may have just written this graffiti to express his anger. The only thing linking this graffiti to the Eddowes murder was a tiny piece of Eddowes's apron found nearby. Source A mentions the victims being 'the poorest of the poor'. This is important, as maybe the police weren't worried as much about the poor people. Also this suggests that the killings may have been in hard to reach places for the police. Source B mentions the 'anatomical skill and knowledge' required to carry out such murders. Maybe such a man could also have enough knowledge to be able to out wit the police. Source F, the leaflet is another reminder of the police effort to stop the Ripper getting away, but it could also have let the Ripper know of the police involvement too much.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Icd Visit at Dadri

About ICD Dadri †¢An intermodal terminal directly connected by road and rail to the seaports. †¢Facilities for storage and consolidation of goods, maintenance for cargo carriers and custom clearance services. †¢Export functions: oReceipt of cargo oIn-house customs examination oCargo aggregation and storage oCargo stuffing under customs supervision †¢Import functions: oMovement of containers from the port oDe-stuffing of LCL (Less Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) containers oCustoms examination oWarehousing facilities †¢Around 50 reefers can run at the same time simultaneously for cargos requiring cold storage. Spanned across a huge area, having space allocated on rent for the vendors. Key Learnings †¢The way an ICD operates step by step, from the entry of cargo in the ICD to a cargo being shipped out. †¢Identified how to manage a supply chain in case any of the above links is broken. †¢Understood the concepts of dry and cold storag e. †¢Container and space management specific to vendors. †¢Customs clearance process. About ICD Dadri †¢An intermodal terminal directly connected by road and rail to the seaports. †¢Facilities for storage and consolidation of goods, maintenance for cargo carriers and custom clearance services. Export functions: oReceipt of cargo oIn-house customs examination oCargo aggregation and storage oCargo stuffing under customs supervision †¢Import functions: oMovement of containers from the port oDe-stuffing of LCL (Less Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) containers oCustoms examination oWarehousing facilities †¢Around 50 reefers can run at the same time simultaneously for cargos requiring cold storage. †¢Spanned across a huge area, having space allocated on rent for the vendors. Key Learnings †¢The way an ICD operates step by step, from the entry of cargo in the ICD to a cargo being shipped out. Identified how to manage a supply chain in ca se any of the above links is broken. †¢Understood the concepts of dry and cold storage. †¢Container and space management specific to vendors. †¢Customs clearance process. About ICD Dadri †¢An intermodal terminal directly connected by road and rail to the seaports. †¢Facilities for storage and consolidation of goods, maintenance for cargo carriers and custom clearance services. †¢Export functions: oReceipt of cargo oIn-house customs examination oCargo aggregation and storage oCargo stuffing under customs supervision †¢Import functions: Movement of containers from the port oDe-stuffing of LCL (Less Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) containers oCustoms examination oWarehousing facilities †¢Around 50 reefers can run at the same time simultaneously for cargos requiring cold storage. †¢Spanned across a huge area, having space allocated on rent for the vendors. Key Learnings †¢The way an ICD operates step by step, from the entry of cargo in the ICD to a cargo being shipped out. †¢Identified how to manage a supply chain in case any of the above links is broken. †¢Understood the concepts of dry and cold storage. Container and space management specific to vendors. †¢Customs clearance process. About ICD Dadri †¢An intermodal terminal directly connected by road and rail to the seaports. †¢Facilities for storage and consolidation of goods, maintenance for cargo carriers and custom clearance services. †¢Export functions: oReceipt of cargo oIn-house customs examination oCargo aggregation and storage oCargo stuffing under customs supervision †¢Import functions: oMovement of containers from the port oDe-stuffing of LCL (Less Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) containers oCustoms examination oWarehousing facilities Around 50 reefers can run at the same time simultaneously for cargos requiring cold storage. †¢Spanned across a huge area, having space allocated on rent for the vendors. Key Learnings †¢The way an ICD operates step by step, from the entry of cargo in the ICD to a cargo being shipped out. †¢Identified how to manage a supply chain in case any of the above links is broken. †¢Understood the concepts of dry and cold storage. †¢Container and space management specific to vendors. †¢Customs clearance process. About ICD Dadri †¢An intermodal terminal directly connected by road and rail to the seaports. Facilities for storage and consolidation of goods, maintenance for cargo carriers and custom clearance services. †¢Export functions: oReceipt of cargo oIn-house customs examination oCargo aggregation and storage oCargo stuffing under customs supervision †¢Import functions: oMovement of containers from the port oDe-stuffing of LCL (Less Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) containers oCustoms examination oWarehousing facilities †¢Around 50 reefers can run at the same time simultaneously for cargos requiring cold storage. †¢Spanned across a huge area, having space allocated on rent for the vendors.Key Learnings †¢The way an ICD operates step by step, from the entry of cargo in the ICD to a cargo being shipped out. †¢Identified how to manage a supply chain in case any of the above links is broken. †¢Understood the concepts of dry and cold storage. †¢Container and space management specific to vendors. †¢Customs clearance process. About ICD Dadri †¢An intermodal terminal directly connected by road and rail to the seaports. †¢Facilities for storage and consolidation of goods, maintenance for cargo carriers and custom clearance services. †¢Export functions: oReceipt of cargo In-house customs examination oCargo aggregation and storage oCargo stuffing under customs supervision †¢Import functions: oMovement of containers from the port oDe-stuffing of LCL (Less Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) containers oCustoms exa mination oWarehousing facilities †¢Around 50 reefers can run at the same time simultaneously for cargos requiring cold storage. †¢Spanned across a huge area, having space allocated on rent for the vendors. Key Learnings †¢The way an ICD operates step by step, from the entry of cargo in the ICD to a cargo being shipped out. Identified how to manage a supply chain in case any of the above links is broken. †¢Understood the concepts of dry and cold storage. †¢Container and space management specific to vendors. †¢Customs clearance process. About ICD Dadri †¢An intermodal terminal directly connected by road and rail to the seaports. †¢Facilities for storage and consolidation of goods, maintenance for cargo carriers and custom clearance services. †¢Export functions: oReceipt of cargo oIn-house customs examination oCargo aggregation and storage oCargo stuffing under customs supervision †¢Import functions: Movement of containers from the port oDe-stuffing of LCL (Less Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) containers oCustoms examination oWarehousing facilities †¢Around 50 reefers can run at the same time simultaneously for cargos requiring cold storage. †¢Spanned across a huge area, having space allocated on rent for the vendors. Key Learnings †¢The way an ICD operates step by step, from the entry of cargo in the ICD to a cargo being shipped out. †¢Identified how to manage a supply chain in case any of the above links is broken. †¢Understood the concepts of dry and cold storage. Container and space management specific to vendors. †¢Customs clearance process. About ICD Dadri †¢An intermodal terminal directly connected by road and rail to the seaports. †¢Facilities for storage and consolidation of goods, maintenance for cargo carriers and custom clearance services. †¢Export functions: oReceipt of cargo oIn-house customs examination oCargo aggregation and storage oCargo stuffing under customs supervision †¢Import functions: oMovement of containers from the port oDe-stuffing of LCL (Less Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) containers oCustoms examination Warehousing facilities †¢Around 50 reefers can run at the same time simultaneously for cargos requiring cold storage. †¢Spanned across a huge area, having space allocated on rent for the vendors. Key Learnings †¢The way an ICD operates step by step, from the entry of cargo in the ICD to a cargo being shipped out. †¢Identified how to manage a supply chain in case any of the above links is broken. †¢Understood the concepts of dry and cold storage. †¢Container and space management specific to vendors. †¢Customs clearance process.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Michelin Analysis Essay

Michelin financial analysis| Michelin Company Profile Michelin is a tire producing company created in 1863 by the Michelin brothers. Originally based in Clermont Ferrand, the company is now located in more than 170 countries and owns 84 production site all around the world. Even if their core business is the production of tires they diversified their activities in 1900 with the first Michelin map & guides and extend their knowledge for special sector with new type of tires such as plane tire for instance. Michelin is the second leader of tire market after Bridgestone. In 2010, they had a turnover of 17  891 millions â‚ ¬ with an increase of 20% from 2009. Michelin is on the stock exchange market since 1951 which means the company can increase their equity thanks to investors and at the same time stay secure and independent. In 2010, Michelin launches its biggest increase of equity introducing 27. 2 million of new shares for a total amount of 1. 2 billion euros helping to finance its development cost estimated at 1. 6 billion euros. They have 3 major products families : * Production of tourism tyres * Production of truck tyres Others specialties (tyre for airplane, space shuttle, maps & guides, GPS†¦) We can see that their core business is the tire market with more than 86% of their activities. Geographically, their major market is Europe with 49. 9% of their revenues (7. 7 billion euros) followed by North America with 34. 4% and other regions with 22. 7%. Michelin’s major market which is Europe has been declining by 7. 5% between 2005 and 2010 whereas North America gains 1. 7% and 5. 8% for the others regions as emerging countries. Through the years and to extend their activities worldwide, Michelin has developed new rands. Michelin and BF Goodrich  are the two worldwide brands, established in many countries. Then, Michelin also developed regional brands such as Kleber, Uniroyal, Warrior with a strong presence respectively in Europe, North America and China. Added to these brands, Michelins created few distribution brands as Euromaster, TCI, respectively in Europe and North America. I. Market analysis Michelin is represented in two different markets: * Market of new tire This market is especially dealing with car manufacturer through partnership. For instance, Michelin has an old partnership with Citroen which is buying big quantities of tires in order to be set up directly on their production chain. In this market, Michelin is very dependent from the car manufacturer’s market and fluctuate according to the increase or decrease of new car sales. In 2010, this market has been increasing by 15% thanks firstly to the revival of the car industry in the Western countries, mostly helped by country states and secondly to the growth of exportation to emerging countries. * Market of replacement This market is linked with retailers, as they buy and sell tires in stores to replace a defective one. This market is less dangerous for Michelin as it is almost constant and represents ? of tires production market. Concerning the replacement market, products are distributed via dealerships and replacement service centers. This is done either via Michelin’s own distribution brands (Euromaster in Europe and TCI in North America), but also using brand partnerships and franchises to be present in 27 countries all over the world. Equipment repartition per segment| Car segment| Truck segment| Original equipment| 28. 10%| 17. 40%| Replacement equipment| 71. 90%| 82. 60%| In 2010, the replacement market has increased by 9% in the segment of tourism and van tires in Europe with the increase of the demand for special winter tire due to severe weather condition last winter. II. Competition Michelin operates in a very competitive market with several competitors, either from Europe or emerging countries. The four main producers are Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear and Continental which are counting for more than 50% in the worldwide market. However, new entrants such as Sumitomo, Yokohama, Hankook and coming from Asian countries have gained market shares rapidly. These emerging countries are developing a middle class with enough purchase power to buy either Michelin tires through distribution centers or new cars equipped with Michelin tires. As we can see on the table above, the Asian market is now growing as fast as traditional market such as Europe and North America. The most increasing market is South America which increases its demand by greatly in 2010. Furthermore, these emerging countries will account for 50% of global automobile output in 2012, showing that Michelin has to be on these markets in order to preserve its 2nd largest producer worldwide rank. Asian market Michelin is already well implanted in the replacement segment with their distribution centers â€Å"Tyre Plus† leading the Asian market with more than 570 local centers in China and a total of 970 centers in 9 Asian countries. Michelin has also developed its own brand called â€Å"Warrior† to enter in the Asian market, especially the Chinese market in order to compete with Hankook. To be closer to the demand, Michelin has already built 3 productions sites and will add a new one in 2011 in Shenyang. Indian market Most of the increase of Michelin on the Indian market was due to new partnership with truck manufacturer such as Tata, the biggest one in India. Michelin became an original supplier of Tata for tires in the original equipment for truck segment in 2010 helping it to increase theirs sales and to gain brand recognition. Following this path, Michelin opened 6 new truck service centers the same year and plan the opening of a new production site in Chennai in 2011. South American market Michelin has known a significant progression in 2010 on Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian and Argentinean truck market with a global increase of 41% in the replacement market. Added to that, Michelin did few partnerships with local truck manufacturers and benefit from the 47% increase of new trucks purchases last year. * Invest in Research & Development Michelin has to face two main issues: innovation in the tire market and raw material raising cost. In both issues, R&D is a key solution. During the last years, Michelin has invested 500 million euros per year in R&D to find alternatives solution to rubber issue and keep innovating. Cost of raw material Globally, the tire industry uses nearly 70% of world’s natural rubber production. With more than 60% of production costs depending only on rubber, Michelin is facing difficulties when there is an explosion of the price on the market. Since 2009, natural rubber price has increased by 60% and synthetical rubber, as it is made with petroleum, is increasing too. Like oil, which is also used to make synthetic rubber, nonrenewable raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce and will remain expensive in the years ahead, notably due to strong demand from China and India. Optimizing raw material use is essential if these resources are to be conserved over the long term and if tires are to remain affordably priced. With R&D, Michelin can find alternatives materials to rubber and increase the production of synthetical rubber to replace the natural one on basic tires. Unfortunately, high performance tires will still require natural rubber, whose properties make it irreplaceable, especially for truck, farm equipment and earthmover tires. Innovation In order to compete on the global market, Michelin has to be on first line for innovation. Michelin has started to invest in R&D to create new types of tires, which will have less impact on fuel consumption and smaller eco-footprint. For instance, in 2010, Michelin has released a new truck tire called â€Å"Michelin X Energy Saver Green†. On average it permits the standard family car to reduce fuel consumption by 520 liters per year thanks to a better road holding. This new eco-friendly product matches the demand from trucks manufacturer, states upcoming laws about transport and final clients. As several countries are becoming more and more environmental friendly. Michelin has to anticipate the vote of laws to protect environment especially in Europe and North America, its two biggest markets in terms of sales. By increasing the production of eco-friendly tires, they would be able to face the new environmental requirement from government, organism and even from their car manufacturers partners that are already investing in hybrid and less polluting cars and trucks. Tires companies that are not anticipating these changes would not survive in this highly competitive market.