The Locus of the Financial Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 13750 words

The Locus of the Financial Crisis - Essay Example This study argues that a balanced strategy is superior to its unbalanced counterpart for a developing country like Thailand, where the domestic savings rate was quite high. In other words, a balance should be made between the various sectors of the economy: agriculture, manufacturing, service and information, between long and short-term goals, and between domestic and international economic climate in order to achieve sustainable growth. Although an unbalanced growth strategy may lead to a higher short-term growth rate by over-investing in directly productive activities (DPA) over social overhead capital (SOC) or otherwise, much of its success would depend on the external economic climate. Because an external climate may not be favourable to national development and often depends on political conditions elsewhere, policymakers of dependent capitalist countries should not rely on such an approach. Moreover, a low and sustainable growth rate appears to be better than a rapid but volati le one in terms of various development indexes such as income distribution and poverty alleviation. The only viable alternative to a balanced growth strategy for a national economy is the pursuance of a balanced growth approach by the global economy, because over-investment in a certain sector of a country can be supplemented by an under-investment by another country. This study argues that a balanced approach should be made across countries not only regarding economic growth but also regarding issues such as self-esteem, freedom, status, or title. For this kind of global co-operation to take place, a concerted effort will be needed from all quarters.Furthermore, the mainstream economic theories (monetarists/rational expectation) should be applied carefully because these theories consider speculation as a factor of stabilization.  

Tuberculosis Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8750 words

Tuberculosis - Dissertation Example TB is thus more fatal among children and interferon (IFN)-?-deficient individuals, who still lack granulomatous response (Mustafa et al 449). These are seen in Chest X-ray as lung lesions, and patients also experience muscle wasting (Verreck et al. 8). Pathological characteristics TB patients also have increased C-reactive protein (CRP), while decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were also observed (Verreck et al. 8). IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-?, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?, and interferon (IFN)-? play various roles in the formation of tuberculous granulomas of TB patients. TNF-? is associated with activation of macrophages. This cytokine, together with IFN-?, enhances the bactericidal activity of monocytes and macrophages, recruitment of these immune cells, and subsequent formation of granulomas (Mustafa et al. 450). IFN-? is produced in response to IL-12 secretion, which is initiated by toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 activation.O n the other hand, Il-10 and TGF-? antagonizes the action of TNF-? and IFN-? respectively, reducing the anti-mycobacterial immune response and allowing the growth of the pathogen within the host cells. In particular, IL-10 induces the macrophages to release soluble TNF-ÃŽ ± receptor type 2 (TNFR2), which couples with the cytokine to form an inactive TNF-ÃŽ ±-TNFR2 complex. In this regard, a balance among these four is necessary in the optimal immune response against M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis is communicated through aerosols and inhaled bacilli. Upon phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages patrolling the lungs, the bacteria replicate within the host cell. Its survival lies in its ability to block phagosome maturation. Because of the intracellular nature of infection, drugs developed against TB should be able to reach within cells (Feltcher, Sullivan and Braunstein 1582). After which, granuloma forms through the migration of macrophages, lymphocytes and dendritic cells at the infection site. Among these cells, macrophages differentiate into epithelioid cells (EC), or fuse to form multinucleated giant cells (MGC), which is also known as Langhans giant cells. ECs have better mycobactericidal functions, as seen in their lesser antigen load. On the other hand, the TGF-?- and FasL-expressing MGCs contain more bacterial antigens, and thus allow bacterial growth. In addition, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) with heightened expression of FasL induce apoptosis in T lym phocytes during antigen presentation. Interestingly, ECs that contain mycobacterial antigens may resist apoptosis, and fuse to form MGCs. In contrast, ECs without mycobacteria undergo apoptosis. These findings show that M. tuberculosis cause inhibition of host cell apoptosis, and the MGCs cause death of antigen-specific T cells. By resisting apoptosis, viral antigens are not presented to immune cells, thus inhibiting recruitment and allowing persistence of the lesion. Persistence of TB infection also partly results from the immune suppression caused by FasL-expressing MGCs (Mustafa et al. 450-454). Thus, despite presenting no clinical symptoms, M. tuberculosis are present in granulomas, and can later reactivate and cause disease (Feltcher, Sullivan and Braunstein 1582). Diagnosis The gold standard in diagnosing TB remains to be clinical examination, acid-fast bacilli staining of sputum and bacterial culture. Culture of M. tuberculosis

Classify the business according to its ownership - McDonalds Essay Example for Free

Classify the business according to its ownership McDonalds Essay The business I have decided to choose for this assignment is McDonalds. McDonalds ownership is a franchise. McDonald is a large business with more than 30,000 restaurants in over 100 countries, serving more than 38 million people each day. * Overseas comparisons indicate that franchising is the fastest growing form of retailing and McDonald has grown quickly by granting franchises. The term franchising has been used to describe many different forms of business relationships. This form of business ownership was first introduced in the U. K. It is a form of business organisation that is becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom. * A franchise is an agreement between two parties. An entrepreneur (franchisor) and franchisee. The franchise agreement grants to the franchisee the right and authorisation to operate a specific McDonalds restaurant, at a single address. The franchise term is usually for a period of 20 years. These franchise rights include the use of McDonalds trademarks, restaurant dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½cor designs, signage and equipment layout, the formula and specifications for menu items, use of McDonalds method of operation, inventory control, book-keeping, accounting and marketing. * A separate franchise lease covers the right to occupy the restaurant premises. In returns, the franchisee agrees to operate the business in accordance with McDonalds standards of quality service, cleanliness food safety and restaurant safety. The franchisee is expected to take a hands on role in operating the business, and to be involved in local civic and charitable activities. * Throughout the franchise term, the franchisees sole business interest should be McDonalds. Franchising is really the hiring out or licensing of the use of good ideas to other companies. A franchise grants permission to sell a product and trade under a certain name in a particular area. For example if I have a good idea, I can sell you a licence to trade and carry out a business using my idea in your area. McDonalds is a big example of brand franchising. McDonalds has grown its business in the United Kingdom through franchising outlets. Explain the benefits and constraints of the type of ownership. In order to succeed it is necessary to consider the benefits and constraints involvement in franchise. There are clear benefits to this: * You dont have to come up with a new idea. Someone else had it and tested too! * Large, well-established franchise operations will often have national advertising campaigns and a reputable, well established trading name. * Good franchisors (BFA) will offer comprehensive training programmes in sales and indeed all business skills. * Good franchisor can also help secure funding for your investment as well as e.g. discounted bulk-buy supplies for outlets when you are in operation. * If you are aware that you are running a franchise customers will also understand that you will be offering the possible value for money and service although you run your own show as a part of a much larger organisation. Benefits for franchisor: * Low capital expenditure franchising is an excellent method of expanding your business with a limited amount of ready capital. Franchisor takes a share of profit without taking risk. Low risk route to expansion. * Personal commitment and motivation from franchisees is greater than from employees, the reason being that they have more accountability and responsibility than an ordinary employee. * Reduced daily involvement it is a method of obtaining conscientious and dedicated personal who work hard to a safeguard their investment. Benefits for franchisee: Some of the advantages of franchising to the franchisee are that it gives them the opportunity of sharing some of the benefits of a large business such as: * An established reputation * A known brand name and image * Skilled management * Large scale advertising programmes which are usually paid for by an advertising levy * Economies of scale, producing on a large scale is termed economies of scale. McDonalds does this by trying to keep low cost through economies of scale. They try to select suppliers, which will give the company value for money. * Franchising also offer much of the independence of a sole proprietor In this way a small business benefits from the economies of scale That comes from being part of a large company organisation. Constraints of franchising * Limits on product price they cant change their product price up to wherever they want. They have limits for price. * Limits on variety of product they cant have variety of products. Customers get confused if theyll keep variety of product they have to keep certain products. * Limits on freedom- they cant do whatever they want. They have to follow owners instructions to run their business. Franchisees have not much freedom. * Limits on the title of their business- they cant even change the colour of their title. As you can see they have same colour and title style wherever their branches are. Task 2: A Clear description and explanation of the objectives of the business. The objectives of businesses can vary enormously. Companies may have a number of objectives. In general, the objectives pursued by a business tend to vary according to its size, ownership and legal structure. Small businesses are more likely to focus on survival as an objective as they tend to lack the financial resources to cope with adverse trading conditions. Larger businesses may aim to maximise profits. As being one of the larger businesses McDonald has the following objectives: * Profit maximisation * Survival * Market share * Growth * Providing exceptional customers care * Remaining an efficient and quality producer offering high value to customers (according to companys policy) Profit maximisation: Profit maximisation is likely to be an important objective for most companies which shareholder including McDonalds owns. Profit refers to the extent to which revenues exceed costs, so profit maximisation occurs when the difference between sales revenue and total costs is greatest. Companies such as McDonalds seek to maximise profit to cover up their costs and to provide high returns for their shareholders. McDonalds does this by trying to keep cost low through economies of scale. They try to select suppliers which will give the company value for money. In order to maximise sales they have various sales promotion throughout the year. The basis for their profit is low cost rather than high price. Survival: Survival is an important objective for many businesses. According to the business writer Peter Drucker: It is the first duty of a business to survive. The guiding principle of business economics, in the other words, is not the maximisation of profits; it is the avoidance of loss. Business enterprise must produce the premium to cover the risk inevitably involved in its operation. And there is only one source for this risk premium: profits. Most recently established businesses like McDonalds have survival as objectives. This is because often they have intense competition in the market so they have to spend heavily on their advertising to attract customers. They have to ensure that they remain the Market leader in their industry. Growth: Growth occurs for the company when there is an ongoing increase in an economys production of goods and services. McDonalds pursues growth through selling more franchises all over the world in order to have a presence in most countries in the world. They can achieve this by increasing the overall size of the business by merging or joining other firms of buying them out through a take-over. McDonalds recently went into a joint venture with prà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½t a manager in order to enter another segment of the U.S market and gain a greater share of the market Increasing sale or market share: Growth occurs when there is an ongoing increase in an economys production of goods and services. Many businesses pursue growth strategies because their managers believe that this essential for survival. If the firm grows, it grows with more customers, earn higher profits and begin to establish itself in the market. Growth offers: * Increased returns for the owners of the business * Competitive salaries ( and more job security ) for employees of the business * A wider range of products for the business exists and potential customers it is increasingly common for mangers pay packages to successful managers can earn substantial incomes if that is reflected in the companys share price. Increasing market share is an important objective for McDonalds. It is likely to be a key objective any business operating in a market which is not growing. For example, the market for traditional beers in the U.K is not growing indeed there are signs that it may be declining. As the market is not increasing the size, brewers of traditional ales can only increase sales by taking market share from competitors. Market share is also important for McDonalds because that considerably from producing on a large scale. They use expensive equipment and the financial advantages of producing on a large scale are termed economies of scale. Where these economies exist, firm will attempt to take a greater share of the market. This allows them to sell their product at lower price, increasing their competitiveness. Task Three: Every organisation will need to acquire, use and change factors of production in order to produce goods and provide services. McDonalds has several functional areas that exist in the business to help the business meet its objectives and to provide goods and services as well. And each of which is supported by a particular administrative office. The administration of each function is based on its offices. There are many administrative offices each with a specialist responsibility and function. The functional areas McDonalds has are as follow: * Finance * Production * Human resources * Marketing * Research and development * 1) Finance Function: The finance director George Mackay is responsible for finance department. The main activities of finance function are: * To keep record of all business transactions, keeping of cost and revenues and setting target through budgeting. * To provide information about services. * To develop new product that satisfy customers expectations. * Quality assurance * Supply chain * Measure the financial performance of the business. * Increase market share so they can make profit and give money to their shareholders. * Control the finances and cash flow so the business stays solvent, i.e. does go bankrupt. * Take timely decisions by comparing the predicted performance with actual performance. This chart shows the structure of finance department. Finance Director Finance Information services New product development Quality assurance Supply chain According to McDonalds finance director accurate financial information allows them to achieve their most important goals to increase profits by expanding, sustained growth and charitable objectives. McDonalds not only invests much of its profit in extending its own business but also set aside millions of dollars each year to fund charitable activities. Not only this, McDonalds also provides different type of support to other organisations and schools. * McDonalds has invested considerable sums in restoring old buildings, often putting back architectural details that have been lost. * McDonalds supports the Groundwork Trust, an environmental urban regeneration programme. * McDonalds is a major sponsor of international football. * McDonalds donates million of pounds towards community, educational and charity programme. * McDonalds also provides salary and benefits to its employees and reviewed on regular basis. As for most of the time McDonalds made consistently high profits around $3,633 million and have grown successfully by making good profit and still planning to grow more further (according to the McDonalds book). 2) Production Function: The function of the production department is to change inputs into outputs, which means produce goods and services are to be brought by the customers. McDonalds is committed to maintaining and developing the best food products in the quick service restaurant market. And this is what production department is responsible for. In order to deliver on this, the company has made commitments: to food safety, food quality and to nutrition. Company systems and procedures must be continuously updated to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and safety. All staff receives proper training in food safety. McDonalds food is made from the basic commodities: red and white meat, fish, eggs, milk, grain and vegetables. All raw ingredients are produced to exacting specifications and the highest possible standards and quality and safety. McDonalds highly trained workers work with suppliers to maintain and develop product quality. McDonalds recognises the importance of a balanced diet, lifestyle and health therefore provides hot, less fat and fresh food to their customers. McDonalds invest a lot of money in new technology. Thus, improving the quality food preparation and helps achieving companys aim of growth in the fast food market. * Controlling production methods and planning the scale of production * Controlling costs and working efficiently * Meeting the specific needs of customers McDonalds is working hard to develop their products and provide their customers a variety of differentiated products, which helps to meet another important objective satisfying customer needs because increasingly customers expect to buy the product that meet their exact needs. Developing efficient methods of production to reduce cost is helps to make profit and growth because a fall in the cost of production resulting form an increase in the size of a business, which is called economy of scale in the language of business. When outputs rises, the cost of production per item-the unit cost-falls, and the business can reduce the price of its goods. With the lower price, it will get more customers and so benefit from the even lower unit costs. This will make it more competitive and can easily increase market share. McDonalds has raised standard through out the food processing industry. 3) Human resources: Human resources department deals with staff recruitment, training and development. Human resources is a very important function for the business because it selects the workforce (the right people for right job), provides training and development of staff, which improve their skills, performance and relates to the aim of McDonalds, which is the best service for its customers. Efficiency helps a business run more smoothly, effectively and profitability. Efficiency begins with developing ways of working that are easy to understand and do not waste time or energy. Division of labour, in which each workers carries out a specific job, increase speed and the more people you serve each day the more profit you make so it helps to maximize profit as well as expand the business. McDonalds have their employment policies. McDonalds employs some of the best, most ambitious people on the job market. Whether they join as hourly paid staff or management trainees through graduate or a high standard re cruitment, they have the opportunity to develop a career, which can take them to the very top. Above all, McDonalds values people with a positive attitude towards customers, themselves and other employees, and strive towards delivering the highest standards of quality, service and cleanliness. The ability to understand and adopt McDonalds customer-led culture is as worth as the more usual career entry requirements of GCSE and university degree. The company is an equal opportunity employer and 1992 set up an equal opportunities group to help foster a diverse workplace and highlight equal opportunities as an important part of the company s ethos. McDonalds commitment to equal opportunity extends beyond race, gender, ethnic origin, marital status, colour, nationality or disability, to compass people with very different backgrounds and experience. Whether university graduates and those without formal qualifications, first jobbers or those who have worked for decades, what binds employees is the knowledge that the opportunities are as great as an individuals ambition and ability allow. And if employees are happy with the opportunities they are getting form the company they work hard for the company and try to provide best service in the world. It is important to retain talented staff and staff who have become skilled through training. By recruiting quality staff who are committed to the business, thus reducing recruitment costs by not having to recruit too often. McDonalds also provide benefits with salary to its staff. Hourly paid staff benefits: * Free meal allowance * Paid holidays (4 weeks per annum) * Free life assurance (value dependent upon service) * Private health care (for employees aged 19+with 3 years service) * Sponsorship Programme * Stock purchase scheme * Employees discount card * Service awards (at 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years service) * Stakeholder pension Apart from good rates of pay, McDonalds try to provide good working conditions and incentives. This also helps McDonalds to meets its objective of expanding and providing best service to the community. 4) Marketing: According to the research about McDonalds marketing is the whole process by which goods get from producers to buyers. More people work in Marketing than in production. Marketing involves marketing research, distribution, pricing and promotion. As last week McDonalds was offering 2 normal fries, hamburger, drink for only à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2 and that offer was only for limited period. Marketing department deals with advertising, promotion and improving the image of the product and services to attract more customers. The fast food industry is in which many companies compete for customers. McDonalds provide a better product, give better value for money, provide a superior service, better at distributing and selling its good and services and making them known through advertising and publicity. There is no doubt that McDonalds do a lot of advertising and promotion activities. One of them is mentioned above. Recently McDonalds announced that Kay Napier, Procter Gamble marketing veteran, vice President/General manger, has been hired as a senior Vice President of marketing. McDonalds marketing director said, I am delighted to add this kind of marketing talent to our team at McDonalds. This is another step in elevating one of the worlds great brands to an even higher level of marketing strength and value. This will also help them to achieve their objective, which is growth. Customer can be attracted through good eye-catching advertisement, advertisement has this tremendous ability to shift demand curve to the right. As customer increase income rises which helps achieving companys aim of making profit so that they can cover their cost more easily. McDonalds also meets its objective which is satisfying customer need by knowing what customer want and how much they are willing to spend on their food. To achieve this objective marketing department employees special research team for the test products do surveys with customers to taste new product and answer questionnaire about them. According to McDonalds policy McDonalds will not work with any supplier who does not adhere to the standards required by UK and EU legislation regarding animal welfare, transportation, husbandry, inspection, and quality hygiene. This policy helps McDonalds to meet its objective of Providing best food, beat com petition and improve the company image. 5) Research and development: The purpose of R D is to enable business to compete successfully and achieve permanently sustainable competition over its competitors by becoming more efficient and/or profitable and giving customers added value. To achieve this McDonalds always and will continue to develop new products that satisfy customers expectations for great taste and great value. The companys new product and development team works with suppliers to expand the menu with new core and promotional food items. The team helps to ensure that all new food items meet McDonalds high quality and safety standards. As with the existing product range, McDonalds solicits and carefully listens to customers view on any new or promotional products. * McDonalds offer more and more choices for breakfast by developing new products as more and more customers eat breakfast out rather than at home. * Changing existing products McDonalds uses conventional food chemicals or additives that add flavour and colour that helps to maintain freshness and make changing in existing products by listening to customers views. * Collecting data from worldwide research McDonalds has special research team to find out what customers want and how much they can spend. McDonalds also has restaurant development policy: When McDonalds has local knowledge which is a key to choosing new locations, McDonalds on discussion with local managers who are closely involved at roots level with their local communities. By keeping customers convenience McDonalds develop new restaurants. Company is committed to responsible and works closely with local planning and community groups when developing new restaurants. Every bullet point and information is written there helps McDonalds to achieve its objective of providing good service to the community by attracting more customers and making profit. There are advantages and disadvantages with every functional areas but each functional area helps McDonalds in one way or another to meet its objectives. Task Four: There are three types of management style and they are: * Democratic * Autocratic * Consultative Management style will describe the different ways that the managers treat their employees and also the way the in charge of the employees. Democratic management style: This type of style involves empowerment. Individuals and team are given responsibility to make decisions, usually with a given frame. The team is then responsible for the decisions that it makes. A manager with this style will feel comfortable allowing others t make decisions. Autocratic management style: This style is where manager gives out instructions, telling people what to do rather than asking employees. The manager is the only person who contributes to decision making. Consultative management style: Consultative mangers are ones who seek to consult other to implement decisions. This type of style wants to draw on more sources of opinion than just her or himself. The purpose of management style is to remember where we started. Business exists to satisfy demand for particular goods and services and in order to do this they need resources; the factor of production. Being the fast food company McDonalds exists to provide catering service to the community. Management is concerned with planning, controlling and co-ordinating the acquisition and use of these resources. In large concerns like McDonalds, managers run the business by using people and information. The term managing comes from the Latin word for hand, as does the word manual. It originally meant handling things but did not originally apply to people. McDonalds Management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements and financial comments. The financial statement has been audited by independent auditors, Ernst Young LLP, who was given unrestricted access to all financial records and related data. The audit report of Ernst Young LLP is presented herein. The Board of Directors, operating through its Audit Committee composed entirely of independent Directors, provides oversight to the financial reporting process. Ernst Young LLP has unrestricted access to the Audit Committee and regularly meets with the Committee to discuss accounting, auditing and financial reporting matters. McDonalds has an autocratic management style. A manger takes entire responsibility for decisions and, having set objectives and allocated tasks to employees, expect them to be carried out exactly as specified. Employees are told exactly what, how and when work must be started and finished. It is the kind of management style associated with a corporate culture centred almost exclusively on production. Power is focused at the top, and the centralised decision making is geared to getting the goods out of the company and to customers. The culture of a business can be widely affected by its attitudes, values and beliefs. There are different types of culture McDonalds is very close to customer driven culture by keeping this culture in its mind McDonalds works and as it is described before that McDonalds first priority is its customers. Attention is focused on improving all aspects of the production process down to the minutes detail for the customers benefits. Technological culture is focused as well. To improve its technology and develop new products they listen to its customers as well as to their staff. An autocratic style does have some advantages and advantages for McDonalds. Disadvantages are: * Workers may want some flexibility, freedom, little contact workers therefore little teamwork, can be demotivating. * Disadvantage of having a hierarchical structure is that messages can get distorted or lost from one manager to the next. * There is also poor communication between the different functions. Advantages are: * Need quick decisions, health and safety, clear and consistent approach helps employees * Advantages of the hierarchical structure are that every one knows whom they are responsible to and whom they are responsible for. * This can also shows where specialists are needed in their divisional groups The organisation structure McDonalds has is hierarchical structure, which you can see on next page. The benefits McDonalds gets are clear management structure, clear lines of responsibility and control and functions are clear and distinct. Of course where there are advantages there are disadvantages as well. The disadvantages McDonalds has are many layers of communication and many layers of authority and decision-making. The relationship between structure, management style and culture Structure Management style Culture Hierarchical, many levels Autocratic Based on routine procedures of management, e.g. in and job roles, decisions are large business like McDonalds centralised. Being a huge company McDonalds has an Operations Director (Peter Sullivan), Development Director (Peter Richards), Finance Director (George Director), Marketing Director (Matthew Howe), HR Training Director (Carmel Flatley) and chairman and chief executive (Andrew Taylor) are the most important people in the company. Together with the other directors, they oversee the work of the companys five vast departments: Operational, technical, real estate, financial and marketing. There are also regional manager senior supervisor and superior supervisor, restaurant manager and assistant manager. The board of directors have senior jobs in the company, overseeing different divisions. These are the executive directors. The board also includes non executive directors, who do not work for the company. They help the board make decisions and look after the interests of the shareholders. McDonalds also have training and careers or its employers. McDonalds employs local people in their own community. It is an equal opportunity employer, and women and people from ethnic minorities are represented at all levels. Young people accepted for a position on McDonalds career programme can quickly climb the promotional ladder. Trainee managers go through a series of training courses at centres set up in their own community. They receive even more important on-the-job training at a McDonalds restaurant. McDonalds has an open door policy, which allows staff access to managers from the chairman down. Everyone is welcome to make suggestions or complaints. McDonalds also holds a frequent meetings called rap sessions where staff can voice their complaints to someone from headquarters or air grievances to a member of management from another restaurant. McDonalds now has a bureaucracy; senior staff is not even treated with the awe they command in some companies. Even the chairman is approachable. The staff and the public have open access to him through the companys open door policy. There is a McDonalds management structure on next page. Task 5: A description of the use of ICT for internal and external communications of the business. Businesses need to communicate with a range of individuals and other organisations including their customers, their suppliers, as well as their own employees. Every organisation will need to be able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels for it to function smoothly and efficiently. These are the reason why communication is important for a business or an organisation whether it is internal or external. The business I have chosen for this assignment is McDonalds. McDonalds also has internal and external communication to run its business effectively. McDonalds has an IT strategy. Information technology is important where it enables a business to achieve its goals. However cost is always important and evidence seems to show that IT is more expensive than firms realise. According to Management Consultants, support cost can be five times the amount estimated. This includes help from other staff and time spent on security and back-up procedures. Other costs can include: * Staff training * Introducing health and safety measures * The need to maintain efficient security Two recent trends in keeping down IT costs are: Downsizing: when we look at human resources management then downsizing means is lying off employees. However in IT it simply means using smaller systems, such as a mini-computer instead of a mainframe, or a PC instead of a mini. This is possible because hardware is becoming more powerful. The other recent trend is outsourcing. Outsourcing: This again is a term used in human resources management Internal and external communications: Internal communication: Internal communication is communication that takes place within the organisation. The three main ways of communicating information inside McDonalds are intranet, McNews and MDUK and High levels. Methods of keeping In touch with staff: * Intranet Launched in the year 2000, McDonalds UK intranet provides a fast and up-to-the-minute source of information for McDonalds restaurant management and office staff. It is a single point of reference administrative requirements, news and marketing materials. * McNEWS AND MDUK McNews was the award-winning magazine published bi-monthly for all restaurant staff. In 2002, McNews was re-launched as MDUK a lively people-focused magazine, it covers news, activities and events from restaurants around the country. * High levels Published bi-monthly for all management and office staff it is a showcase for best practice, recognising individuals outstanding practices and achievements, as well as highlighting internal and external awards. * An email system operates in all offices and company-owned restaurants. * Regular staff communication sessions are held in the offices. * Employee satisfaction surveys for both office and restaurant staff are held annually. This is how McDonalds communicate with its staff. The purpose of internal communication is to communicate with its internal customers, which are employees to run business effectively and smoothly. Provide them information they need time to time. External communication: External communication takes place between the organisation and the outside world. McDonalds needs to communicate with a range of stakeholders including shareholders, customers, government, suppliers and the community. Communicating with suppliers and customers: * Telephone: The most frequently used form of external verbal communication is telephone. McDonalds uses this form of external communication to contact with their suppliers. Apart from this McDonalds has answering machines to keep in touch with customers. Phone answering machines tape callers messages, which can be played back from a distance by calling the number and typing in a code. * Business letter: McDonalds has its address available on its every website for their customers and also to obtain your copy of the pack you can contact them by sending a letter. * Website: Most companies have an internet website including McDonalds. McDonalds uses this for all external communications purposes and for public relations activities. I also used McDonalds website to do research for my assignment. * Fax: Fax is a form of external communication. Fax machine is used to transmit and receive suppliers to communicate. The purpose of external communication is to communicate with its customers, suppliers and community. Provide them information about the business they want. Benefits: The benefits of using internal communication are: * The benefit of using intranet to business is that it provides a fast and up-to-minute source of information for McDonalds restaurant management and staff. * McNews magazine covers news, activities and events from restaurant around the country. * E-mail system is faster and efficient. Information and reports are confidential. The same message can be sent immediately to many people. * Employee surveys helps to get employee views. The benefits of using external communication are: * Telephone is fast and its great benefit is that it allows people who would find it difficult to meet to converse. And a person who cant read or write can talk over the phone to get information. * The use of business letter saves time for the person whom you are writing to and you can explain in detail. Not everyone has access to internet so if somebody who needs information about the organisation can write a letter to them. * Fax does the same thing its transmitting speed is fast and saves time. Again if somebody need information about the organisation can contact them through fax if has no access to internet. * Website provides a lot of information about the organisation and in detail with pictures and graphs make easier for you to understand. It saves time of both who wants information and the one who is giving. For example if you asking the manager of McDonald about the company but he hasnt got enough time to give you information in detail so when you have time you can go on to McDonalds website and look for the information you need in detail. In order to achieve business objectives McDonalds has created communication channels which all allows the company to communicate effectively both internally and externally. Due to successful communication when looking at the McDonalds UK financial profile form 1998 to 2001. One can clearly see a substation increase in profit during this period. By using effective communication McDonalds meets a range of organisational objectives which are crucial for the business such ads being a market leader, no 1 fast food retailer in the world which is due to the excellent reputation built throughout the year by maintain strong relationships with customers, adapting to new environment investing in new technologies and continuously up-grading systems and improving staff training. All this reflected in McDonalds ability to maximise sales profit and revenues. ICT has an enormous impact on McDonalds business internally and externally. E-mails replaced the old fashioned methods of communication such as letters and phone calls. The company has a very sophisticated network database which replaced the traditional systems of filing, storing information. Computers are used every where in the business to replace a range of standard operations such as maintaining stock levels, organising deliveries, preparing invoices and recording payments etc. The use of the internet website enables McDonalds to reach any place in the world and is a very latest link with the global market for example every body can obtain the information from the website in a matter of minutes. The global net exchange enables McDonalds through electronic data interchange (EDI) system to arrange financials transfer dramatically reducing time, paper work and costs. Poor communication results in mistakes, anxiety, low morale, inadequate control and aggression. Not surprisingly there is concern to improve the quality of communications. First this means improving the communication skills of people within the organisation. Second, it means developing systems of communication. We can identify the skills required by individuals as: o Patience o Discretion o Understanding o Assertiveness where necessary. A clear explanation of how the production process and quality assurance / control system employed by the business help it to add value to its product or service. McDonalds production is a very important process in McDonalds business activities and it involves: o Processing o Manufacturing o Assembly o Craft-based production Processing: Most of the McDonalds products are created by processing which includes food and drinks. Processing involves treatment such as washing, cutting, salting, weighting, heating, grilling and frying etc. The raw materials such as meat, chicken, fish and vegetables etc are passed through a series of processes until the desire form product is produced for example chicken fillet is processed into chicken burgers, grilled and then assorted with salad cream. Manufacturing: Manufacturing involves making boxes, cups, sticks and different childrens toys which McDonalds has special facility to produce techniques include for example producing plastic toys from plastic granules called Polietilen which is put into a machine which is heated and under pressure different shapes are made for toys. The same thing applies for the plastic cups for hot and soft drinks. Assembly: A typical assembly operation for example putting together big Mac and French fries with a cup of soft drink in a paper bag to serve the so-called big meal for à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½4.99. Another example for an assembly is when staff is in the workshop assemble kids toys, which go together with the kids happy meal. Craft-based production: Craft based production involves making individual products by hand for example a birthday cake for McDonalds birthday parties where the parent can request a special shape and decoration for the childs birthday cake. So McDonalds takes individual offers for special cakes. Especially trained staff has the ability and skill to create imaginative and attractive design that suits the individual needs of customers. Craft production in McDonalds for example involves working with material such as icing, chocolate, cream, coco powder and baking powder. Quality assurance: McDonalds is committed to maintaining and developing the best food products in the quick service restaurant market. In order to deliver on this, the company has made a number of other commitments: to food safety, food quality and nutrition. McDonalds first is always the health and safety of customers. The company believes that the food safety standards required by law are only a minimum and the company continually seeks to go beyond this. Because of this belief, McDonalds has developed a food safety policy to help keep the focus of the companys absolute commitment to food safety and quality. All raw materials delivered to McDonalds restaurant must be consistently produced to the highest standards of hygiene and safety. Company systems and procedures must be continuously updated to ensure the highest standards of food hygiene for all customers at all time. All staff receives proper supervision and training in food and safety. The equipment used must be the appropriate for the needs of each restaurant, and must be carefully maintained and carefully calibrated. Following its launch in early 1998, McDonalds continues its programme of sponsoring research grants in food safety. The grants are particularly aimed at supporting the work of researchers in the early stage of their independent research careers, who are working in established UK-based departments and institutions. McDonalds is committed to serving hot, fresh, great tasting, great value food to all customers, every time that they visit a restaurant. McDonalds food has made from the basic commodities: red and white meat, fish, eggs, milk, grain and vegetables. All raw materials are produce to exacting specifications and the highest possible standards of quality and safety, The Company will not use any ingredients unless it is clear exactly where it has come from and that it compiles with all relevant regulations and McDonalds own high standards. Additives are only used to ensure that high quality standards are maintained. Additives are removed or replaced wherever possible, as long as this does not compromise food safety or quality. McDonalds has a highly trained team of quality assurance whose job includes verifying the companys supply chain through audits and site visit. These employees also work with suppliers to maintain and develop product quality and to ensure that restaurants consistently serve hot, fresh food. Independent food safety auditors re also used to assess their key suppliers partners. In 1984 McDonalds became the first UK restaurant company to publish detailed nutritional information on all core menu items. McDonalds highest priority is for the safety of its customers. The company will not any product or ingredient that does not meet their high standards of quality and safety, or has not received the necessary approval by the relevant UK authorities. McDonalds will not work with any supplier who does not adhere to the standard required by UK and EU legislation regarding animal welfare, transportation, husbandry, inspection, and quality hygiene. McDonalds always and will continue to develop new products that satisfy customers expectations for great taste and great value. Around the country, thousands of people form a network of dedicated suppliers involved in the day-to-day operation of McDonalds business. The responsibility of serving more than 2.5 million customers each day makes quality a consistent goal. McDonalds work with leading suppliers across the UK from potato farmers in Lincolnshire and Norfolk to dairies in the south and midlands-to bring the customers the tasty products they expect from McDonalds. It is McDonalds policy worldwide to purchase supplies from local producers wherever possible, providing that they can meet exacting product and hygiene regulations, operate responsibly and humanely and are competitive. McDonalds strives to ensure quality from crop to counter. To that end, McDonalds requires the highest standards and specifications, not just product ingredients every detail of production, transport, delivery, preparation and service is also exhaustively monitored. McDonalds also recognises the importance of a balanced diet and lifestyle and continues quality new products, which satisfy customers expectations for taste and value. A focus on quality permeates every aspect of the business. McDonalds standards lead the industry, and will continue to work with government and health officials to investigate improvements. Quality control: Quality control in McDonalds involves all kinds of inspection system for checking the raw materials, the food processing, customer service and management. The company carries out different types of testing the raw materials as well as the ready made meal and drinks for example the cooking oil in which the French fries are cooked is changed twice a day. Each restaurant manger and supervisor inspects daily the premises, the safety of the equipment and the expiry date on stored product such as milk, cream etc and general hygiene on the premises including McDonalds car park and the neighbouring areas. In the company mission statement different policies are allocated such as health and safety, food hygiene, manual handling, customer service, litter control, recycling and environmental policy for example McDonalds is a member of the environment council, the corporate responsibility group of Earth watch Europe, the industry council for packaging and the environment (INCPEN), and greeting the high street, a group of retailers who have come together to develop recycling in the high street. Another example is that McDonalds takes a sensitive approach to its built environment, working closely with planning and conservation officers to preserve buildings of architectural merit and to improve the townscape. In many towns, McDonalds has invested considerable sums in restoring old buildings, often putting back architectural details that have been lost. York, Chester and Stratford-upon-Avon are prime examples. McDonalds has supported the tidy Britain Groups annual National clean activities. Since 1988 and support its campaign just Bin it. In addition to corporate funding, restaurant throughout the UK organise and support activities to clean up their local environment in conjunction with local youth groups. o McDonalds is one of the countrys leading sponsors of council litterbins. o All packaging carries the Tidy Britain Groups Tidy Man symbol. o Many McDonalds restaurant organise litter-related competitions with local schools and youth groups. o McDonalds was a founding sponsor of Going of Green, a nationwide awareness campaign for sustainable growth. In 1997 at the TIDY Britain Groups Queen Mothers birthday Awards for environmental improvement, McDonalds received the top award, the Queen Mothers Birthday Trophy. o 100% recycled used for happy meal boxes, take away bags, take away trays, napkins, kitchen rolls and toilets. o All McDonalds tray liners are made from 100% fully recyclable and biodegradable materials. o All McDonalds suppliers have to use minimum recycled content of 50% in their corrugated containers. o All McDonalds offices recycle waste paper and also use recycled paper. o The majority of McDonalds restaurants recycle their cardboard and used cooking oil.

Advantages Of Geothermal Energy

Advantages Of Geothermal Energy Green organizations in Dhahran aim to save environmental energy as possible as they can. Green organization found in Dhahran 2007 , from that time , organization prepare to start this huge project in 2010 to conserve energy in Saudi Arabia . In our project team we separated our team with respect to our majors. So, we end up with five parts to work on energy conservation. The main problem in our environment that we concern on , is environment pollution and conventional energy wastes. In Saudi Arabia they uses only one source to produce electricity by using fossil fuels, and we all know that is harmful and produce a lot of waste. Moreover, conventional energy has a limit of source , so over the time we may not have these sources to produce electricity. However, in our organization we found some powerful solutions, and as a Mechanical Engineer in this organization I found that the suitable energy we can use is the renewable ones, So, I found geothermal energy is the most powerful type. Many of kinds of energy we use in our daily life , in home, cars, etc. are not renewable forms of energy. The major source of these types is fossil fuels, as we know that fossil fuels took millions of years to form, so its impossible to make it now. Unfortunately, these kinds of energy has limited amounts of sources. Moreover, these sources cannot be renewed , when they are gone they cannot be used again .So, we need as a green organization and as a part of people live in our environment to save these energy as much as we can . However , there are many other kinds of energy called renewable energy .These types of renewable energy always can be renewed or restored. Unlike fossil fuels , which harm the environment, renewable energy has much less effects to our environment. In this report I will introduce one of the most powerful type of energy , not harmful , renewable , and good efficiency . Heat is form of energy , and the heat that inside the earth is the major source of the renewable energy that I will talk about. The part of the heat inside the earth that people can use it and exploits it to form energy is called Geothermal Energy . I will give you a brief history ,then I will talk about current status of geothermal energy activity in the world, and I will give you some idea about the resources , then Ill explain how geothermal energy plants work , then I will talk about advantages disadvantages and make some comparison , after that Ill give you some numbers statistic , moreover , talking about future of this energy will be exciting. Finally I am going to list some of the milestones of geothermal energy power plant. . -Brief History: The thermal phenomena , volcanoes ,and hot springs must led our ancestors to believe that the interior part of the earth is hot . Moreover, when the first mines were excavated to about few hundred meters between the sixteenth and seventeenth century , the man who dig he recognized that as he go more deep as the temperature increase . By 1904, the first electricity generating attempt was being made from geothermal steam; again, it was to take place at Larderello, Italy (Figure 1). Figure 1 , Mary H. Dickson and Mario Fanelli Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, CNR , Pisa, Italy Prepared on February 2004, The engine used at Larderello in 1904 in the first experiment in generating electric energy from geothermal steam, along with its inventor, Prince Piero Ginori Conti. This experiment was successful and it was indication of the industrial value of geothermal energy. Moreover, Larderello in Italy succeed in commercial electricity generation. And by 1942 the installed electricity which generated by geothermal energy reached 127,650 kWe . However , other several countries start follow Italy , for example , in 1919 Japan drilled there first wells in Beppu, 1921 in USA , 1958 in New Zealand , and in 1959 in Mexico, and followed by many other countries. From that time the geothermal studies applied to earth . And the thermal energy now increase ,but mankind can only use fraction of this energy until now. -Current Status : The thermal energy increases with time, and so far the uses of this energy is limited to areas where water in the liquid phase or steam . If we take USA status now , we can see that geothermal energy is not powerful , because USA has a special case where there are some reasons for that. First, in competing generating technologies , prices of fuels used are decreased. Moreover , demand for electricity has a slow growth. Another reason that has been a surplus of electricity in USA . On the other hand , we can get benefits from that repudiation of geothermal energy in USA . KSA has different conditions about electricity generation , we have only one source of electricity and the demand on that increases relative to time. So as a green organization we can contract with these companies that worked in USA , so we can get the experience and they can reactivate there work here in KSA. Resources of Geothermal Energy : Complex processes lead to heat concentration at accessible depth under the earth , this is the main source of geothermal energy. However, there are many different forms of geothermal energy resources , such as hydrothermal, hot dry rock, geopressured, magma, and earth heat. As an example , temperature of highly viscous or partially molten rock is between 1,200 and 2,200Â °F , these can be exist everywhere under the earth surface at depth of 80 to 100 kilometers. There are different characteristic of geothermal resources . First, hydrothermal resources, these are steam or hot water where we can drill and reach these reservoirs and deliver the heat to earth surface to generate electricity. Second , hot dry rock (Figure2) , these rocks stores heat at very high temperature and the plant inject cold water to these areas and extract this water after being hot from other well. Third, geopressured resources consist of deeply buried brines at moderate temperature that contain dissolved methane, however , this resource are not economically competitive currently, so no funds are directed toward accessing these resources. Fourth, magma , this resorce give extremely high temperature but there is no technology to get that heat energy until now. Finally, we can use earth heat as a resource and it is proven technology. Types of Geothermal Power Plants: There are three types of geothermal power plant, depend on the way that electricity generated. Here are the three types: 1- Dry Steam Power Plant: These plants uses the hot steam which extracted from the earth by wells to rotate the turbine that generate electricity. 2- Flash Steam Power Plant: This is the most common type of geothermal power plant. These plants extract hot water from the earth at 360 Â °F, pressure decrease as water flows up through wells , as a result of pressure decreases, water converted to steam . So, steam is used to rotate the turbine. 3- Binary Cycle Power Plant: These plants uses the heat from lower-temperature reservoirs to boil the working fluid which vaporized by heat exchanger and used to power a generator. The remaining water which never comes into direct contract with working fluid is injected back to the ground by injection wells. Procedure of Geothermal Energy in Details: Water in underground reservoirs is heated to high temperature by magma , production wells drilled up to 3 kilometers below the earth surface tapping to this hot fluid. Under its own pressure ,fluid flows up through these wells towards the surface , as it travels , the pressure decrease causing small amount to become steam. Then, hot fluid and steam move through a surface pipeline to a well head separator where the pressure in reduced, here, most of the fluid vaporizes and flashes into high pressure steam. After that, any fluid not flashed into steam moves to a standard pressure crystallizer to produce standard pressure steam . Then, remaining fluids is flashed at a lower pressure to create low-pressure steam. Finally, all steam created in the plant is sent to a turbine onside. The force of the steams spins the turbine plates which turns a shaft connected to an electronic generator. As a result, an electric charge is created and directed to a transformer , where the voltage is increas ed. However, any fluid not flashed into steam return to the underground reservoir where in time they will be reheated and reused. Advantages of Geothermal Energy: There is no consumption of any type of fossil fuels. Moreover, geothermal energy doesnt product any type of greenhouse effect. Also, if we talk about energy consumption, geothermal energy does not consume any energy since its renewable energy, so there is no limit of using geothermal energy. Furthermore, it is great for protecting the natural environment since the power plant shouldnt be huge. Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy: There are several disadvantages to geothermal energy. First, you cannot build the power plant in any vacant land, there must be studies on the area , and the area chosen should consist of hot rocks to get the geothermal energy as we want. Also, not any type of rocks we can drill into, there are some kinds which is possible to drill into. Advantages of Geothermal Energy Compared With Other Conventional Energy: * Fewer more easy to control emissions of atmospheric pollutions. * Fewer amount of wastes. * Demands of areas for a power plant is much less than other conventional plants. * Continues circle , renewable. Cost of Geothermal Power Plant: In general, economically competitive geothermal power plant cost $3400 per kilowatt. However , the cost of construct new geothermal power plant is higher than natural gas facilities, but over a long term they are similar in cost. This is because natural gas construction costs one third of the total price and remaining two third of the cost represented by fuel. While, construction of new geothermal power plant cost two third of the total price. So, initial investment for geothermal power plant is high, but with time it is economically comparable with natural gas plant. If you wondering that is the cost of geothermal power plan fluctuating like other fossil fuels, I can say no, because whenever you build a geothermal plant you should know most of power production and few market parameter can modify them. There many factors effect the cost of a geothermal power plant cost. First in construction period, steel and metals effect the price of the plant. Also, drilling price varies. Moreover, place of the plant effect the price because of connection of electric grid. Buy or rent land will raise the cost, because to fully study and explore a geothermal resource you need at least 8 km2. Energy and investment costs for electric energy production from renewables (from Fridleifsson, 2001) Current energy cost USÂ ¢/kWh Potential future energy cost USÂ ¢/kWh Turnkey investment cost US$/kW Biomass 5 15 4 10 900 3000 Geothermal 2 10 1 8 800 3000 Wind 5 13 3 10 1100 1700 Solar (photovoltaic) 25 125 5 25 5000 10 000 Solar (thermal electricity) 12 18 4 10 3000 4000 Tidal 8 15 8 15 1700 2500 Future of Geothermal Energy in KSA: Green organization always try to save our environment as possible as they can. After talking about the geothermal energy in detailed I think this is the time to conserve energy for our environment. So, KSA companies and government always accept new idea which conserve our environment. I think Saudi Arabia will have huge improvement in geothermal energy ,since the land behavior and hot climate and the increment of electricity demand as we see in figure below. Some Famous Milestones of Geothermal Power Plant: Here are some famous geothermal power plant milestones where Saudi Arabia can get benefit from there experience . Early 1900s First geothermal electricity commercialization Conversion of high-grade hydrothermal resources to electricity began in Italy in the early 1900s. 1960 U.S. commercialization The first commercial-scale development tools were placed at The Geysers in California, a 10-megawatt unit owned by Pacific Gas Electric. 1970 Reinjection of geothermal fluids Injection of spent geothermal fluids back into the production zone began as a means to dispose of waste water and maintain reservoir life. 1972 Deep well drilling Technology improvements led to deeper reservoir drilling and access to more resources. 1977 Hot dry rock demonstrated In 1977, scientists developed the first hot dry rock reservoir at Fenton Hill, New Mexico. 1978 Federal research and development (RD) funding exceeds $100 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding for geothermal research and development was $106.2 million (1995 dollars) in fiscal year 1978, marking the first time the funding level surpassed $100 million. It remained above $100 million until fiscal year 1982, when it was reduced to $56.4 million (1995 dollars). Currently, the budget is in the $30 million to $40 million range. 1978 Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) enacted PURPA mandated the purchase of electricity from qualifying facilities (QFs) meeting certain technical standards regarding energy source and efficiency. PURPA also exempted QFs from both State and Federal regulation under the Federal Power Act and the Public Utility Holding Company Act. 1980 First commercial binary system The first commercial-scale binary plant in the United States, installed in Southern Californias Imperial Valley, began operation in 1980. 1980s California Standard Offer Contracts Californias Standard Offer Contract system for PURPA QFs provided renewable electric energy systems a relatively firm and stable market for output, allowing the financing of such capital-intensive technologies as geothermal energy facilities. 1982 Hydrothermal generating capacity of 1,000 megawatts Geothermal (hydrothermal) electric generating capacity, primarily utility-owned, reached a new high level of 1,000 megawatts. 1989 Geopressured power plant demonstrated In 1989, DOE and the Electric Power Research Institute operated a 1-megawatt demonstration plant in Texas, extracting methane and heat from brine liquids. 1990 Drop in Federal funding for geothermal RD to $15 million DOE funding for geothermal energy research and development declined throughout the 1980s, reaching its low point in fiscal year 1990. 1991 Magma drilling project reaches a depth of 7,588 feet The worlds first magma exploratory well was drilled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains to a depth of 7,588 feet. It did not encounter magma at that depth inside the caldera. 1994 Industry consolidates and looks at new markets California Energy became the worlds largest geothermal company through its acquisition of Magma Power. Near-term international markets gained the interest of U.S. geothermal developers. 1985-95 Capacity outside The Geysers exceeds 1,000 megawatts Since 1985, U.S. geothermal developers have added nearly 1,000 megawatts of geothermal electric generating capacity outside The Geysers. 1995 Worldwide geothermal capacity of 6,000 megawatts Worldwide geothermal capacity currently totals 6,000 megawAtts in 20 countries. Conclusion: After we see the advantages of geothermal energy, and after we know that geothermal energy have nothing to emission to the environment. Moreover, geothermal energy is the best type of renewable energy in terms of cost , efficiency ,and safety. Consequently, I think the most powerful alternative type of energy in KSA is geothermal energy. As I said, its renewable, so we will not lose any energy and this is enough to start geothermal energy production in KSA.

Essay on Hardships on Cold Mountain -- Cold Mountain Essays

Hardships on Cold Mountain  Ã‚  Ã‚   The events one goes through in his or her life often shapes the person he or she becomes.   The challenges faced early in life work to strengthen one’s personality and enable them to live and flourish. In the novel Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier the reader learns about the many obstacles Ruby has had to face while growing up.   These hardships added to the person that she became and made her strong enough to face the obstacles that come later in life.   In being faced with many obstacles in life Ruby was able to learn from them, become a stronger person and therefore survive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Because of her lack of love and parenting, Ruby was forced to mature and learn how to survive at unimaginably young age.   Not only did Ruby grow up motherless, she practically grew up without a father.   Stobrod did not only abandon her physically he was never present her for emotionally, and often disclaim her as his own.   He told her the story of how her mother would say â€Å"he had no part in the baby and that its cause was a tall blue heron.† (Pg. 194)  Ã‚   To gr...

Comparing Ageing in A Crabbit Old Woman and My Grandmother Essay

Ageing in A Crabbit Old Woman and My Grandmother The two poems, 'A Crabbit Old Woman' and 'My Grandmother' portray the experience of ageing in very different ways. In 'A Crabbit Old Woman' the poem is written from the old woman's perspective when 'My Grandmother is written from the narrator's point of view. The beginning of the poem 'The Crabbit Old Woman' starts when the woman is old in a nursing home and she is expressing her annoyance at the nurses. "What do you see, nurses? When you're looking at me." The old woman then tells us about each stage and change of her life. When she does she uses brief descriptions in the short line. "A bride now at twenty My heart gives a leap" This suggests that she seems regretful that life has passed so quickly and she had wished she had stopped at the time to enjoy what she had. During, and at the end of the poem a variation of the following lines is repeated: "Is that what your thinking, Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, You're not looking at me." This draws in the attention because it is like the poet is really asking the reader the question, and gives the reader a chance to think about what has just been said. The tone changes frequently during the poem, even when she is describing the life she loved there are a few lines that almost seem to bring the fantasy back ... ...s is probably because I had though that girls would be more sympathetic and understanding to their Grandmothers. I know this is isn't fair and rather discriminating but I just got the feeling that the narrator was a boy. In conclusion, these two poems portray old age as a time in your life when your quality of life deteriorates. 'The Crabbit Old Woman' tells us about how the old women feels about herself and the people who are around her and look after her. On the other hand 'My Grandmother' tells us how the people around an old woman view her and her ways. After reading these poems I feel that I will look at old people in a different way from now on, and realise they that they were all my age once.

ERP Systems Essay

1.Explain the conditions or circumstances that would lead a company to use the IWM features available within SAP ERP. What capabilities does IWM add to the features available within the Sales and Distribution, Materials Management, and Production Planning and Execution areas of SAP ERP? The conditions and circumstances that would lead a company to use the IWM features available within SAP ERP are due to increased cost pressure, higher customer expectations, shorter cycles of innovation and high differentiation of consumer goods within the same industry. Additionally, customers are demanding more efficient ways of delivery. IWM features are able to improve timeliness and flexibility of deliveries. IWM has the capabilities to support increasingly complex supply chains. There are many capabilities provided within the Sales and Distribution, Materials Management, and Production Planning and Execution areas. Some capabilities include the ability to track orders and inventory in real time, display inventory value, control the movement of goods internally between plants, initiate the transfer of goods, and creating sales orders pertaining to materials management and warehouse management. Additionally, running bin status reports of goods in the warehouse, purchasing/selling goods internally by STOs and controlling the fulfillment process. 2.What is the purpose of using a â€Å"stock transport order†? Why would a â€Å"stock transport order† be used rather than an ordinary â€Å"stock transfer,† or a combination of â€Å"sales order† (sending plant) and â€Å"purchase order† (receiving plant)? The purpose of a stock transport order (STO) is to request materials from another plant within the same company code instead of procuring the material from a normal vendor. Hence, one plant is purchasing materials from another plant that sells the materials. Additionally, the IWM process is triggered by the STO from the manufacturing facility to a warehouse managed storage location. STOs are more complex in nature and can be performed with deliveries, without deliveries, and with deliveries and billing. A STO would be used instead of a â€Å"purchase order.† This is due to the plant purchasing goods from the other plant as a transport under the same company code. A purchase order is purchasing goods/materials from a normal vendor, not a plant within the same company code. The same reasoning applies to the sales order. The sending plant is sending goods/materials to their customers, not a plant within the same company code. As for a stock transfer, they are used to transfer materials within a company from one location to another. Movements include within one plant, between plants, and etc†¦Stock transfers are a simple way of moving goods, not internal purchasing/selling of goods like STOs.