Bossini Research

Company background Bossini International Holdings Limited is an investment holding company which engages in retail, distribution, and wholesale of garments. The investment holding company together with its subsidiaries (â€Å"Bossini†) group carries casual wear products for a wide spread age range from ladies', men’s, teenagers’, kids’ and babies' wear products. Bossini was listed in Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in 1993 with a stock code of 592. It was found in 1987 and launched its first retail outlet in 1987 and it expands its distribution network both locally and internationally in the past two decades. Currently, its distribution network contains more than 1,470 stores, approximate 65% of them are self managed stores and 35% of them are franchised stores, covering 36 countries and regions worldwide. With headquarter in Hong Kong, its market covers all over the world. Nevertheless, its core market is the Asia pacific region including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. Its largest flagship store is situated in Mong kok, Hong Kong. Milestone 1987:1st retail outlet opened in Hong Kong 1998:Launched franchising operation 1993:Listed in Hong Kong Stock Exchange 1st retail outlet opened in Mainland China 004:Launched a new product line, â€Å"Bossinistyle†, in Mainland China Present:Over 1470 stores around the world Branding Bossini’s brand value is â€Å"be happy† and it helps promote a positive and optimistic life attitude. The brand color is green and it represents a spirit of growth. Through the colorful products and outstanding customer se rvices, Bossini successfully cultivate a comfortable and feel like home shopping environment. There are mainly five product lines, â€Å"Bossini†, â€Å"Bossinistyle†, â€Å"Bossini ladies†, â€Å"Bossini kids† and â€Å"Yb† and the major ones are â€Å"Bossini† and â€Å"Bossinistyle†. Business Overview Major markets: The major markets for Bossini are Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore and they are in an order from the highest revenue contribution that covers over 98% of total revenue. The Hong Kong and Singapore markets contribute approximate 55% and 9% of the group’s total revenue respectively and they are quite stable. On the other hand, the Mainland China market keeps contributing more from 2008 to 2011 and it is increased from 19% (2008) to 25% (2011) that represents a 10% average yearly growth. For Taiwan market, the contribution decreases gradually from 14% (2008) to 11% (2011). The revenue contribution can be determined by various factors such as geographic economic performance diversity, geographic brand popularity, and resource allocation, opening more stores can bring in more sales. Therefore, we need to have other analysis to help investigate the cause the revenue contribution up and down. Presently, Hong Kong is still Bossini’s primary market and the major revenue contributor; however, the Mainland China market will be the key growth driver in the long run. Number of shops: The speed of opening new stores in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore is stable except the Mainland China. From 2008 to 2011, the direct managed stores has been jumped from 304 (2008) to 456 (2011). This represents a 14. 5% average yearly growth. It is one of the reasons to explain why the revenue contribution from the Mainland China keeps increasing. On the other, although the number of franchised stores also has a significant increase, from 391 (2008) to 521 (2011), the revenue from these stores is trivial comparing to the total revenue. Net sales per square feet: Even though Bossini has opened lots of stores in the Mainland China, the net sales per square feet in 2011 (HK$1,340/sq feet) is still lower than HK$1,500/sq feet in 2008. It implies that even more stores can bring in more sales to the group, but the marginal benefit is diminishing. The sales growth in the Mainland China cannot catch up the speed of opening new stores. There are many reasons to cause this happen and one of the reasons is some stores are competing each others. That means that geographic area might have too many Bossini stores. However, the management still needs to open more stores due to fierce competition by other brands. If Bossini slows its pace to expand, it might lose its business and the net sales per square feet is even worse. Nevertheless, the net sales per square feet in the Hong Kong market performed extraordinary well and it rises from HK$5,700 per square feet (2008) to HK$11,000 (2011). It is very important since Hong Kong is the one the cities with highest rental cost in the world and a strong sales per square feet can help reduce the pressure of high rental cost. Retail businesses are strongly affected by rental cost. Besides experiencing an upturn from the economic recovery, Bossini has adopted different business strategies focusing on branding and marketing initiatives. One of the best strategies is adopted is the co-branded licensing program. For example, Bossini teamed up with M&M’s, classic cartoon figure and TV show character to launch limited edition items and which can add value to Bossini’s products and boost up both its revenue and profit margin tremendously. These campaigns can also strengthen Bossini’s â€Å"be happy† brand value and enhance overall brand awareness. Financial summary Income statement: The Bossini’s gross profit increased 14% from HK$1,190 million in 2010 to HK$1,354 million in 2011 but the gross margin dropped a little from 52% in 2010 to 51% in 2011. It is slightly lower than the last year owing to the expansion for franchise businesses since the profit margin of them are usually low. From 2008 to 2010, the revenue is quite stable, approximate HK$2,290 million per year on average, and it boosts up in 2011 to HK$2,640 million. Due to global recession starting in late 2008, Bossini was doing quite well to maintain its revenue at HK$2. 3 billion and the honor is given to the right move to develop the Mainland China Market. China is one of the few countries that were being hit by the financial crisis the least and thus Bossini experienced a stable growth and strong domestic consumption in the Mainland China. When we take a look of the gross profit, its trend looks similar to the revenue. Nevertheless, when we take a look of the operating profit, it fluctuates more volatile during 2008 to 2011 comparing to revenue and gross profit because the selling & distribution cost and administrative expense are relatively fixed and usually it is hard to be cut even the revenue and gross profit drop. Overall, the revenue, gross profit and operating profit are extraordinary improved in 2011 due to the economy recovery in Asia pacific region. Balance sheet: Bossini’s current asset weights heavily on the total assets. Cash and cash equivalents, inventory and debtors and bill receivable all together represent 90% of the current assets. The level of cash and cash equivalents represents over 80% of the net current assets (i. e. current asset – current liability) which reflects that Bossini has a strong cash position and it does not has any short term liquidity issue. In general, Bossini is a financially healthy company. However, the high level of stock level makes me concern. The average yearly growth from 2008 to 2011 is 21. 5%. As we have discussed before, the revenue is quite stable from 2008 to 2010 and it is not a very good signal that the inventory level is kept rising. The inventory turnover day is 36 days in 2008 and is 57 days in 2011. In another word, it needs almost two months to clear all its stock on hand. Usually, apparel and fashion industry faced with short product life cycles and cannot afford such a long inventory turnover day. Such a high level of inventory might be caused by enormous product variety to meet different geographic preference. SWOT Strengths Overall business – Bossini is innovative and keen to adopt different business strategies on brand building and marketing initiatives such as adopting the co-branded licensing program. Financial – Bossini has a solid liquidity background that reserves enough resource for it to keep expanding the potential market in the Mainland China. Also, the robust improvement of sales per square feet in Hong Kong market helps reduce the pressure of expensive rental cost. Weakness Overall business – Not every product line is successful under Bossini. It has been expanding pragmatically its â€Å"Bossini† stores while consolidating its â€Å"Bossinistyle† stores as a revamp in the Mainland China market. It opened 72 more â€Å"Bossini† stores but 34 closed â€Å"Bossinistyle† stores in 2011. The operating loss in the Mainland China market was attributable to the â€Å"Bossinistyle† stores consolidation. Financial – an increasing inventory turnover day signals that Bossini is producing more than they can be sold. The product life cycle for apparel is usually short and such a long turnover day will bring it to be an expense finally. Also, a lower operating margin, i. e. 4 to 5%, gives no buffer to the company during economic downturn. Opportunities The co-brand licensing program in Hong Kong market is successful. As the Mainland China market is going to be more and more important to Bossini, the management can adopt something similar as well. Together with the government policies to stimulate domestic consumption in the Mainland China, a successful business strategy can improve sales per square feet. Bossini can enjoy the result of revenue and profit growth even though with slower pace of opening new stores which help restrain operating expense. In the long run, as income in the Mainland China is expected to rise further, the average spending by consumers on retail products is also expected to continue the upward trend. Threats External – The global economy is facing uncertainties by the new European debt crisis and our major markets are expected to experience a slowdown. Internal – Bossini needs to launch a fashionable touch in style that fit different geographic preference. The failure of â€Å"Bossinistyle† in the Mainland Market reveals that Bossini did not target at the Chinese customers well. Financial performance Liquidity Ratio Liquidity ratio reveals a company’s short-term solvency. Current ratio and Acid-Test ratio are commonly used. Current ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. Its main purpose to measure whether a company has enough resources to pay its debts over the next 12 months. Even though Bossini’s current ratios is kept decreasing year to year, but it is still higher than 2. It means every dollar the company owes in the short term has two dollars worth short term assets that is available to convert into cash to meet creditor's demands. Acid-Test ratio is to measure whether a company can pay all its current liabilities if they are due immediately. The formula is similar to current ratio except it only considers those current assets that can be quickly converted to cash (i. e. exclude inventory and prepaid expense). Bossini’s acid test ratio is always higher than 1 means it is able to meet current obligations only using liquid assets). Acid test ratio is lower than current ratio since inventory and prepaid expense are excluded. But still, Bossini is considered to have a good financial strength in short term because both these ratios are higher than one. Activity Ratio Activity ratio measures a company’s asset management efficiency. Inventory turnover and Accounts Receivable turnover are commonly used. Inventory turnover measures the number of times inventory is sold during a year. The inventory turnover is kept decreasing year to year reflects that inventory is more and more difficult to be sold. In 2011, 6. 4 means that Bossini sold its inventory approximate 6 times during the year or it needed approximate 2 months to sell its inventory. Accounts Receivable turnover measures the ability to collect cash from credit customers. In this case, the account receivable turnover is not an important indicator since the average accounts receivable contributes less than 10% of total current asset and only a very small amount of credit sales will be involved. It is common for retail business. Solvency Ratio Solvency ratio measures a company’s ability to pay long term liabilities. The most common solvency ratio is Debt ratio. Debt ratio is calculated by dividing total liabilities by total assets. Its main purpose to show the proportion of a company’s assets which are financed through debt. In general, Bossini’s debt ratio is less than 0. which means most of its assets are financed through equity. It is a highly liquid company and it is financially healthy even creditors demand repayment of debt. However, this advantage is diminishing from 2008 to 2011. It is mainly due to Bossini has a short term borrowing of HKD78M starting in 2009 and gradually raised to HKD128M in 2011. Profitability Ratio Prof itability ratio measures a company’s overall efficiency and performance. Return on Sales, Return on Assets and Return on Equity are the popular profitability ratio. Return on Sales shows the percentage of each dollar of sales that a company can turn into income. It is calculated by dividing net income by net sales. Bossini only enjoys a low return sales which is common for low end products retail business; however, it has been increased from 2. 7% in 2008 to 4. 9% in 2011 reflects it has strived to improve its profitability strength over 80% during these years. Return on Assets shows how profitable a company's assets are in generating revenue. It is calculated by dividing net income plus interest expense by average total assets. An uptrend of Return on Assets reveals that it requires less and less investments to generate the same revenue which is good for Bossini. Lastly, Return on Common Equity shows how well a company uses investment funds to generate revenue. It is calculated by dividing net income net off with preferred dividends by average common equity. Bossini’s sustainable growth, in Return on Common Equity (except in 2009 due to worldwide financial crisis) indicates the management maintains Bossini as a high growth company. Market Analysis ratios Market Analysis ratio is a good indicator for stock valuation. Price/Earning ratio and Dividend yield are widely used. Price/Earning ratio (â€Å"P/E ratio†) reflects a price the market is willing to pay for a share relative to its annual earning. P/E is calculated by dividing market price per share by earnings per share. A high P/E ratio does not mean it is more expensive, it just means that investors are willing to pay more for each dollar of earning compared to one with a lower P/E ratio. There are many factors that investors are willing to pay this premium such as fast growing, unique business model, market sentiment, and many others. For Bossini, the market price per share is pretty stable throughout these years and the high P/E ratio in 2009 is due to the extraordinary low earnings per share caused by worldwide financial crisis. Dividend yield measures the percentage of annual dividend return comparing to a stock’s market value. It is calculated by dividing dividend per share by market price per share. Bossini’s investors can expect to receive more cash dividends in the future from the increasing dividend yield pattern. However, investors have to beware that the dividend yield might be dropped even they receive the same amount of cash dividend because of the market price per share increase. Either way, investors will be appreciated.

Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Essay

Organic chemical compounds contain a vast number of isomers, molecules with the same molecular formula but different atomic arrangement, of which there are three types: structural, geometric and optical. The most closely-linked of isomers are optical isomers, which differ only by the three-dimensional placement of the molecule’s attachments, which renders its mirror images to be non-superimposable. The presence of optical isomerism within a molecule is determined by the existence of a chiral centre—a carbon atom with four different groups (see Appendix, figure 1). Pure optical isomers have identical physical properties such as melting point, boiling point and density, as well as identical chemical properties; thus there are only two ways that they can be distinguished: their interaction with other chiral substances and their interaction with plane polarized light. An enantiomer (one out of a pair of optical isomers) rotates plane polarized light in the opposite direction of which the other enantiomer rotates the plane polarized light, of equal magnitude (see Appendix A, figure 2). An enantiomer that shifts plane polarized light to the left is given the prefix â€Å"L† (levorotatory) or â€Å"S†, while an enantiomer that shifts plane polarized light to the right is given the prefix â€Å"D† (dextrorotatory) or â€Å"R†. Despite their physical and chemical similarities, optical isomers are known to have substantially different behaviours within the human body. This is due to the fact that enzymes and receptors in the body are stereospecific, meaning that they can interact with one enantiomer of certain molecules and not the other. For instance, the human body can only break down D-glucose (dextrose) for energy but not L-glucose, and can only utilize L-amino acids rather than D-amino acids. While one form of a stereoisomer may be beneficial, the other may be ineffective or even harmful, in some cases. Thus, it is crucial that optical isomerism is taken into account during medicinal drug development and usage. For example, the sedative thalidomide was available in Europe in the 1960s for purposes of alleviating morning sickness in pregnant women. However, the drug was sold as a racemic mixture, which contains equal portions of both enantiomers (this would not shift plane polarized light as the two enantiomers shift in different directions),  and while R-thalidomide (see Appendix A, figure 3) works effectively as a sedative; S-thalidomide can cause genetic damage leading to mutation of the fetus. Consequently, 12 000 infants were born worldwide with malformation of the limbs. To further illustrate the importance of optical isomers in drug action, the drug ibuprofen can be explored. Ibuprofen is a drug used for anti-inflammatory purposes such as pain relief, fever and swelling reduction, and is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Derived from propanoic acid in the 1960s by a pharmacy chain called Boot’s UK Limited, ibuprofen was initially launched as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and was awarded the Queen’s Award for Technical Achievement in 1987. It is currently available under a variety of trademarks such as Advil, Motrin, Nurofen, and Brufen, among others. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the enzymatic action of cyclooxygenase (COX1 and COX2) within the body, which catalyzes the conversion of a compound called arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are locally-acting hormones that cause swelling, heat, loss of function, fever and pain, collectively known as inflammation, at a site of injury through the accumulation of white blood cells. Through inhibiting this reaction, painful symptoms can be reduced or eliminated. The IUPAC name for ibuprofen is 2-(4-(2-methylpropyl) phenyl) propanoic acid. It is a carboxylic acid which also contains a phenyl group (see Appendix A, figure 5). Due to its chirality, ibuprofen has two enantiomers (see Appendix A, figure 6): S-ibuprofen, which rotates plane polarized light to the left and is pharmacologically active, and R-ibuprofen, which rotates plane polarized light to the right and has no anti-inflammatory effect (and is thus inactive as a drug, since . However, ibuprofen is sold on the market as a racemic mixture. Thus, a dose of ibuprofen contains only 50% of the active enantiomer, S-ibuprofen. Nevertheless, R-ibuprofen undergoes species-specific chiral inversion within the body, in which approximately 60% of R-ibuprofen is converted into S-ibuprofen. The mechanism of the inversion is through an enzyme, alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) that is present in the liver, the kidney and gastrointestinal tract. A  substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) r eaction must take place (see Appendix B, figure 1), which results in the complete conversion of every molecule of one enantiomer to the other. In this case, only R-ibuprofen is converted into S-ibuprofen (see Appendix B, figure 2). The benefits associated with ibuprofen use include its efficiency as a NSAID in decreasing inflammation, in addition to be non-addictive and affordable. However, ibuprofen often causes stomach irritation, and can impede concentration and cause drowsiness. It may also result in a variety of adverse side effects (see Appendix C, figure 1). An alternative to ibuprofen is the drug acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. Acetaminophen, (see Appendix A, figure 7), is commercially available under brand names such as Tylenol and Anacin (see Appendix A, figure 8). It works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. It does not, however, have any anti-inflammatory action and thus only targets tissue of the nervous system—easing pain without being directed towards the root of the problem. Acetaminophen is known to cause fewer side effects than ibuprofen; however for a list of side effects, see Appendix C, figure 2. Acetaminophen does not have a chiral centre, and therefore does not have any optical isomers. Both drugs are used to relieve headache pains and fever; however their varying properties impact their function and effectiveness in treating specific symptoms. The solubility of ibuprofen in water is 0.0002M. Although its carboxyl functional group is highly polar, the large non-polar component greatly decreases its overall polarity. As â€Å"like dissolves like†, ibuprofen does not dissolve well in water, which is polar. To solve this problem, ibuprofen is reacted with the amino acid lysine (see Appendix A, figure 9), which together forms the salt ibuprofen lysinate. Ibuprofen is then released into the bloodstream in which the reaction can reverse. On the other hand, acetaminophen is highly soluble in water; with a solubility of 0.091M. Because it contains an amide and an alcohol, there is a substantial degree of hydrogen bonding resulting in high polarity (see Appendix A, figure 10). This allows the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream effectively. Ibuprofen has a pKa (acid dissociation constant) of approximately 4.43, while the pKa of acetaminophen is 9.51 and 25 °C, making ibuprofen more acidic. Because neutral substances pass through bodily membranes more easily, acetaminophen is more easily absorbed. Acetaminophen also has more acid stability. Administered orally, an ibuprofen capsule has an enteric coating, which prevents stomach acid from breaking down the drug before it reaches the small intestine, where it is absorbed. A film coating is used on a tablet of acetaminophen, which protects the tongue from the contents, as well as protecting the contents from moisture and light. Within the body, the film can be broken down by saliva or stomach acid, and the way in which the drug is absorbed is not affected. Appendix A: Images Figure 1: Molecule with a chiral centreFigure 2: Plane polarized light beamed through a filter. The two enantiomers shift light in opposite directions. Figure 1: Type of isomer vs. molecule melting and boiling point Type of Isomers Molecules Melting Point and Boiling Point Structural Isomers butane 2-methylpropane MP: -140 °C BP: -1 ° C MP: -159.6 °C BP: -11.7  °C Geometric Isomers cis-butene trans-butene MP: -138.9  °C BP: 3.7  ºC MP: -105.5  °C BP: 0.9  °C Optical Isomers L-2-butanol D-2-butanol MP: -115  °C BP: 98-100  °C MP: -115  °C BP: 98-100  °C Figure 3: The two optical isomers of thalidomide. R-thalidomide works effectively as a sedative, while S-thalidomide can damage the fetus. Figure 5: Skeletal diagram of ibuprofen, with the functional group labeled Appendix A (cont’d): Images Figure 6: Optical isomers of ibuprofen; S-ibuprofen is on the left and R-ibuprofen is on the right Figure 7: Skeletal diagram of acetaminophen, with the functional groups labeled Figure 9: Skeletal diagram of the amino acid lysine, which is reacted with ibuprofen in order to allow it to ultimately dissolve into the bloodstream Figure 10: Polarity of ibuprofen vs. acetaminophen Appendix B: Reactions Figure 1: The process of a substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) reaction Figure 2: â€Å"The mechanism of the enzymatic [chiral] inversion of R-ibuprofen (42) into S-ibuprofen. At first, the carboxylic acid is converted into an intermediate thioester (43a) by acyl-CoA ligase†¦ [This] is then converted to the opposite configuration by an epimerase, and the resultant thioester (43b) is hydrolyzed by a hydrolase, releasing S-ibuprofen.† Appendix C: Tables Figure 1: Side effects of ibuprofen Mild side effects include: upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; dizziness, headache, nervousness; skin itching or rash; blurred vision Serious side effects include: chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; swelling or rapid weight gain; urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or severe headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, and/or seizure (convulsions). Figure 2: Side effects of acetaminophen Mild side effects include: drowsiness Serious side effects include: low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite; dark urine, clay-colored stools; or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) liver failure (with overdose) Bibliography CHAPTER 5: RULES FOR SPECIFICATION OF CHIRALITY. (n.d.). University of Illinois at Chicago-Chemistry. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from tigger.uic.edu/~kbruzik/text/chapter5.htm This source is credible because it is a university website. Chemistry in your cupboard | Nurofen . (n.d.). Royal Society of Chemistry | Advancing excellence in the chemical sciences. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/resources/chemistry-in-your-cupboard/nurofen/3 This source is credible because it is a reputable educational society in Britain. Clancy, C., Farrow, K., Finkle, T., & Francis, L. (2002). McGraw-Hill Ryerson chemistry 12. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson. This is credible because it is a textbook used in class. Cohen, J. S. (2007, December 4). The Little-Known Dangers of Acetaminophen.Life Extension. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/dec2007_report_acetaminophen_02.htm This is credible because it is health journal from a reputable organization. Ibuprofen. (2013, July 18). Livertox: Clinical and Research Information. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://livertox.nih.gov/Ibuprofen.htm This is credible because it is from the United States government. Open Notebook Science. (2013, October 10). Solubility of ibuprofen in organic solvents. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from http://lxsrv7.oru.edu/~alang/onsc/solubility/allsolvents.php?solute=ibuprofen This is credible because it is an educational institution. 1C – http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/02/briefing/3882b2_06_international%20ibuprofen%20foundation.htm 2C – http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/dec2007_report_acetaminophen_02.htm http://books.google.ca/books?id=9xYuQKZSDkIC&pg=PA205&lpg=PA205&dq=how+is+r-ibuprofen+converted+into+s-ibuprofen&source=bl&ots=D4iuQfKoyT&sig=WS9y5uMJa0Hr68Og5FhkJr73OfQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WcZVUoqJDpCi4APKyoDoBg&ved=0CFcQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=how%20is%20r-ibuprofen%20converted%20into%20s-ibuprofen&f=false 2B – http://books.google.ca/books?id=Zgx13oMZaYUC&pg=PA363&lpg=PA363&dq=how+is+r-ibuprofen+converted+into+s-ibuprofen&source=bl&ots=sWD8D0j8HI&sig=L_5r42H68KotX

Quantitative An Qualitative Research Methods Essay

Assess the position that in sociological research quantitative research methods are superior to qualitative research methods. Sociologists have a number of different types of research that can be used to acquire data. They can be traced back to Max Weber (1864) regarded as the founder of interpretivism, was opposed to the idea that human behavior is exactly quantifiable. Human behavior is based on the idea that social interaction is surrounded by consciousness action and unpredictability (emotions and feelings). For intrepertivists the social world consists of and is constructed through meanings; for example attending school on a daily basis helps to recreate the structure of education. On the other hand Auguste Comte (1798) is largely regarded as the founding father of positivism; who studied social behavior in ways similar to those used by natural scientists to study behavior in the natural world. Social systems consist of structures that exist independently of individuals. They represent behavior at the intuitional level of society and people experience structures as forces that push persons to behave in ways that shape individual behavior choices. For example the rules of language, structure the way persons socially interact. In social sciences there are two types of research methods’ quantitative and qualitative. They are very popular in the fields of sociology because the need to study society and the people living in and institutions within societies encourage growth and change in both micro and macro systems. The word â€Å"quantitative† express data that is subject to measurements and numbers; it’s basically employ data that is objective generalized and statistical. Durkheim (1895) believes that the analysis of statistical data can indicate both cause and correlation. For example the difference between neighboring states in terms of attitude towards state government, would mostly utilize a quantitative research design which w ould offer comparison and statistics to demonstrate the differences between both states. The general idea of quantitative research is to get information that can be inferred to large populations of people, in this instance it is general favored because they allow for the collection of factual data. On the other hand qualitative research would not serve this type of inquiry well (the example above regarding attitude towards state government). In order to conduct qualitative research with large populations of people is difficult. The idea of qualitative research is to interview or observe a small group of  people to be able to determine what that specific group is experiencing. Therefore the information gathered would not be able to generalize to a large population such as across two states because the sample size would be to small and intimate. However for intrepretivists, â€Å"facts’ about behavior can be established, but these facts are always context-bound; they will not apply to all people at all times, in all situations. They may not even apply to different people in the same situation. Therefore persons should not directly interact with the people they are studying since this might influence their behavior (non-participant observation is acceptable, but participant observation is more problematic). Quantitative research methods are acceptable because they tend to offer higher potential levels of reliability than qualitative research methods, not necessarily superior. On the other hand qualitative research methods have to reflect the fact people consciously and unconsciously construct their own sense of social reality. Conversely; quantitative research methods indicates no personal, state of a person emotions and feelings; unrepresentative samples can sometimes be drown, thus leading to inaccurate and invalid information. Although not compulsory, it is extremely beneficial to use qualitative and quantitative research methods during a research to produce efficient outcomes. Qualitative and quantitative research methods will obtain results that are through, logical, and realistic is several ways. There is no particular rule for which research methods to use in sociology. Like sociologists, try to utilize methods that is ideal for research by obtaining effective results. In sociology, different theories will tend to prefer different data collection methods. For example Barker (1984) research of the unification church, or moonies lead Barker to understand the group because of the use of statistical (quantitative) data and in-depth explanation (qualitative). In some instances, a qualitative research method proves to be more appropriate than a quantitative upon the nature of the subject under investigation. For example if the researcher wants to understand a rape victims’ point of view, an unstructed questionnaire would yield more valid results than say a social survey. However feminist theory often makes use of qualitative research methods to better describe intimate and personal accounts of marginalized women in societies. Remember that both quantitative and qualitative analysis have proved useful and within respective fields and individual studies.

Marketing PowerPoint Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing - PowerPoint Presentation Example On VEBS Oel, which specializes in oil products and petrol distribution. It is also highly successful in the refining sector, for example, selling 6.4 million barrels of fuel daily to gas stations. BP also produces polyethylene, polypropylene and acetylene amongst others. BP is also now involved in the solar energy sector. BP, undeniably a giant, is located in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. (BP 2008). Game theory is responsible for the coordination processes in a given functional structure. Schmidt (2002) explained that these coordination processes usually follow physical flows. Each division (purchasing, production, sales, etc.) is constrained in throughputs by other internal divisions while adapting to local uncertainties (labor, breakdown of equipment, input and output changes with regard to the firm environment, etc.). Routines are used to balance ex ante budgets and define buffer inventories. Chandler pointed to the successive organizational changes which occurred in Du Pont de Nemours from 1907 to 1920, when coordination within a functional firm becomes clearly inefficient and that it was then broken down into parts and that a multidivisional structure emerges. Then much simpler coordination procedures can be implemented under the authority of the division manager while the benefits of the specialization by function are lost (economies of scope). Consider a stylized firm with a functional structure consisting of a purchasing, a manufacturing, and a selling division. It is assumed that manufacturing involves fixed costs, so that it pays to increase the volume of throughput. However, the environment is assumed to be uncertain both in the downstream and upstream markets. This suggests that corresponding decisions should be flexible in order to benefit from favorable market conditions. Altogether these conflicting objectives may endanger the financial

How Does Film In the U.S Influence People Perception of Chinese Annotated Bibliography

How Does Film In the U.S Influence People Perception of Chinese Culture - Annotated Bibliography Example In this research, the article â€Å"Remade In Hollywood† serves as the primary source. Kenneth Chan is an associate professor and a director of film studies in the Department of English at the University of Colorado. His area of interests includes the Chinese cinema, Asian American films, cultural studies and the various movie genres. He is also on the editorial board of Journal of Chinese Cinemas. This makes him a credible source of information. The theme of Wuxia which is being implemented in the American movies is not a clear portrayal of the culture and often falls far from the branch. This is the reason that although these movies have received various awards in Hollywood industry yet they have failed to get appreciation from the Chinese audience. The only possible reason behind this might be because the director created the movies by keeping the audience in mind and did not pay attention to the cultural details and the sensitivity of the genre of the movie. Wuxia genre is governed by certain rules and regulations which only a true Chinese might understand and hence most of these movies are criticized by the purists. The paper is written with a clear set of mind and explains as to how the Wuxia tradition is shown in various Hollywood movies. The popular movies which are based on the Wuxia theme also show a misrepresentation of the Chinese culture as if the movies were directed keeping the audience in mind and not thinking about the Chinese people. This certainly creates a misconception among the viewers of such movies. The Wuxia culture is more than just fights and combats and hence these movies should have been made with a bit more research on the themes. This paper will help to form a strong base regarding the research.

The Blue Hotel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The Blue Hotel - Essay Example The life at the west is of harshness and being unfair to the young men who have no protection. One must defend himself in order to survive at the west when he gets accused of card cheating where by he defends his own personal identity. The father of the son decides not to protect the son and a Swede decides to take the chance and prove his victory. Both the son and a Swede decide to start the fight and discover who the best in the west is. Their fear gives them the confusion of who the winner is and the five men motivate the son to defeat the Swede. The writer is determined to explain how the five characters come together to give the son courage and support to fight at the west and defend his life. The writer also uses a number of styles and themes to prove that there was unity among the five men. In the book, there is the theme of alienation which is the main key in the book. For the men who alienate, they face consequences in their decisions giving out loneliness and they break the bondage unity. One who alienates remains lonely creating a brick with the other members in the society. This makes the lonely person to experience self destructive behavior and be in a state of paranoia. It gives the five men the advantage to come together and rise up idea on how the Swede was to be terminated. Swede who is a stranger in the city just like the other two visitors, Easterner and Cowboy, but he is the odd one out and he really fears on his life of which it is reflected at the end of the story. Honesty is another theme that is depicted in the story which gives unity to the five people in the story to win. Whenever there is lack of trust there is disunity causing dealings on individuals giving them the insecurity motive. One of the characters in the book by the name ‘thieving card player’ is considered to be generous making the

Public relation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Public relation - Essay Example The Boston Bruins ice-hockey team has also organized hockey games with other hockey clubs in order to build the strength of togetherness and to promote their public image in the state of Boston. The Boston Patriots football team has also played exhibition games in Foxboro to show the benefits of team work and the importance of people working together in order to protect their collective interests. In order to further boost their public image, these sporting clubs have also hired the services of great media intelligence solutions. Boston Celtics selected the VMS’s Media Monitoring and Analytics service at the end of 2010 in order to provide the basketball franchise with their media monitoring and analytics service. The three other Boston sporting clubs have also hired the services of media outfits in order to boost their image in the eyes of the public as this is very important in making them a marketable brand. These clubs make use of the monitoring and analytics service of th ese media outfits to keep record of their public relation activities. They also use the media outfits to keep track of their fan base and their followership from social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.

Should Animals be used in Medical Research Term Paper

Should Animals be used in Medical Research - Term Paper Example This essay stresses that in their strong defense proponents of this perspective argue that various measures are in place to ensure animals used in research are handled in the most humane way possible. First, animals should only be used under the condition that the solution can only be found through them, and no other method or way can be applied in such studies to give accurate information. Secondly, to help reduce the harm, three principles are applied. The first one is replacement where researchers should endeavor to find alternatives before they settle on animals as the subjects. In this regard, human volunteers, as well as computer techniques, can be used in place of animals to minimize any likely harm they may be exposed to. This paper makes a conclusion that the question of whether animals should be used in medical research has been clearly answered by the two arguments discussed. As seen, the debate is deeper than it can be imagined. However, what comes out precisely is the theme of morality vs. science. While the first perspective insists that it violates animal rights for the benefit of humanity, the second perspective counter neutralizes this by asking if it is moral to watch humans suffer yet animals can save them. Judging from the justifications presented by the latter, it is proper to draw a conclusion that animals should be used for medical researches especially when the three highlighted principles are observed. This way, the human species will stay healthy to protect the animals.

Reflection 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflection 5 - Essay Example All these principles are meaningful to me in the sense that I can use these in guiding me on how to become a better leader someday. To integrate these seven (7) principles in daily living, I need to make it a habit to practice show more confidence by being optimistic in life. It is equally important to be compassionate and build strong relationship with other people. To practice of good moral reasoning, it is important to think first before making an action. For reinforcement, listening to what other people see me could help me realize how I can further improve myself as a leader. After discussing my life story over the past several weeks, I managed to frame my life story as something that can give me a positive hope and desire to further enhancing my existing leadership skills. Based on the previous exercises, I realized that our past experiences can be used as a benchmark in determining how each individual can develop themselves into a better and more effective leader. By learning from our previous mistakes, it is easier for us to avoid committing the same errors in our future encounter with other people. It will also give us a good insight on what a good leader should be. Being an optimistic person, I prefer to use some of my previous life story in an entirely new perspective. For example, being a generous person, I used to treat my colleagues for snacks just to get them to listen and support me with whatever I wish to accomplish in life. After going through a series of reflection, I realized that being generous is not the only way to win the support of other people. In fact, the use of affect and positive praises can even be more effective in terms of motivating other people to support my desires and goals in life. Internal motivators include expanding my knowledge, improving one’s own personality by being physically and mentally fit, further improvement in communication and interpersonal skills,

Herbal Medicine Essay Example for Free

Herbal Medicine Essay Anything that exists on the earth has a need for survival. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), herbal medicines refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or to maintain well-being. Different types of herbal medicines are widely applied in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to meet primary health-care needs. Herbal medicines have maintained its popularity in most regions of the developing world. The application is also rapidly spreading in industrialized countries. Worldwide, among all the different traditional medicine systems, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is currently the most popular, followed by Indian medicine. Herbal medicine refers to using a plants seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine. It is becoming more main stream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in the treating and preventing disease. Herbal medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer, among others. Herbal supplements are best taken under the guidance of a trained health care provider. Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some part of their primary health care. In Germany, about 600 700 plant based medicines are available and are prescribed by some 70% of German physicians. In the past 20 years in the United States, public dissatisfaction with the cost of prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to an increase in herbal medicine use. Whenever a culture attempts to assimilate alien ideas, social stresses are bound to occur, especially when such ideas threaten the dominion of major economic and political interests. Mistakes are likely to arise while attempting to implement these ideas. In the case of Chinese herbal knowledge, its use by people unfamiliar with its rules and protocols invariably leads to mishaps; either the herbs or formulas fail to work as expected, or worse, side effects may result whenever herbs are used in contraindicated conditions. In the political and economic realms, government regulators unfamiliar with the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine may impose restrictions upon Chinese herbal practice that inhibit its effective application and suffocate its future development within our culture. The effectiveness of modern herbal practice suggests that we begin our search by understanding the complete meaning of herbalism. Herbs are grown and collected from all over the world. There is nothing magical about an herb; effective medicinal herbs can be found everywhere that plants grow. There is indeed a necessity in making life better by introducing natural herbal dietary supplements in the country. Within the past decade, herbal medicine has gained increasing importance, with both medical and economic implications. In developing countries particularly, as much as 80percent of the indigenous population still depends on traditional systems of medicine and medicinal plants for healthcare. Some common herbs and their uses are discussed below. * Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Although not all studies agree, ginkgo may be especially effective in treating dementia (including Alzheimers disease) and intermittent claudication (poor circulation in the legs). * Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is said to elevate mood, enhance well-being and contentment, and produce a feeling of relaxation. Several studies have found that kava may be useful in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and related nervous disorders. * Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is used by more than 2 million men in the United States for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. A number of studies suggest that the herb is effective for treating symptoms, including frequent urination, having trouble starting or maintaining urination, and needing to urinate during the night. * Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular alternative to commonly prescribed medications for sleep problems because it is considered to be both safe and gentle. * Echinacea preparations (from Echinacea purpurea and other Echinacea species) may improve the bodys natural immunity. Echinacea is one of the most commonly used herbal products, but studies are mixed as to whether it can help prevent or treat colds. We chose to have a research study on this topic because I think this can be a way of spreading awareness among people that there can be cheaper way of treating from upset stomachs to headaches. They are also considered natural and therefore healthier and gentler than conventional drugs. So, why is there need to spend so much on expensive drugs uselessly when there is a better option.

Organizational Direction of British American Tobacco Nigeria limited

Organizational Direction of British American Tobacco Nigeria limited The purpose of this report is to discuss current organisational direction of British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATNL) and explore competitive business plan for BAT Nigeria with strategic dimensions ranging from 2009 to 2012. The body of the document offers an analysis of the external, transactional and the internal environment of the company. Subsequently, the report considers the companys core competencies and its key competitors, in order to deliberate courses of action that will enable BAT Nigeria to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The recommendations aim to enhance BAT Nigerias existing competencies, this will add value to all the stakeholders. Disclaimer: This report only considers British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited as a legal business entity and does not intend to endorse consumption of tobacco products in any form. 2. Executive summary This report aims to critically analyze the option that will ensure that British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATNL) remain market leader by sustaining its competitive advantage in a highly competitive industry. Becoming no.1 in the market is hard work, but maintaining that position is far more difficult. In the light of this, I have critically examined the plausible scenarios and arrived at an option which will strengthen BATNLs current market position. The company today is facing the uphill task of dealing with threats from new market entrants, operational limitations caused by limited international suppliers, lack of availability of locally sourced sun cured tobacco, stricter legislative restrictions and challenges to further increase market share. This report suggests to management an option of forming a system of consistent market dominance and build sustainable competitive advantage. The option consists of an action plan which includes forward and backward integration of supply chain, capacity utilization and development of Nigerian production facilities as an export Hub to West and Central African countries. The backward integration of supply chain involves sourcing the Virginia tobacco from a wider international supplier base in order to prevent raw material out of stock (OOS) situation of super premium, premium and international VFM (Value For Money) brands. Similarly, local sourcing of sun cured Tobacco for VFM production should be expanded by involving larger numbers of small rural farmers in BATNLs business sphere in order to meet raw material requirements for the continuously growing demand of the VFM segment. The forward integration includes developing a wider and more efficient distribution network by means of integrating identified front end strategic customers into electronic distribution system and by providing financial assistance. The strategic location of the country can be exploited so as to establish it as an export hub to other West and Central African countries. It would ensure cost saving advantages to the group, especially in terms of cheaper labour, freight and import taxes. Securing forward and backward integration along with both the manufacturing factories in Nigeria acting as export centres, would make it feasible to proceed with capacity utilization, thus reaping the benefits of economies of scale. In the current scenario, it is going to be very hard to increase share of the existing pie, so the endeavour should be to augment the size of the whole pie rather than poach on the share of competitors. Migration from other brands seems a largely uphill task considering the large market size BATNL enjoys now. To enhance sales, the modus operandi should be concentrated towards capturing the increment in the market as a whole. The incorporation of the above discussed ideas would ensure a sustained competitive advantage, with the aim of increasing rent. 1. Organisational Strategic Aims and Objectives: 1.1 Current Strategic Aims and Objectives: In the early 1990s, BAT decided to grow our business by focusing solely on tobacco a decision which regularized and transformed the Group. In 1995, BAT set itself the credible vision of regaining leadership of the global tobacco industry and established a strategy to get there. In this section summarises the key elements of BATNLs strategy which group believes can enable it to continually build a sustainable business in tobacco industry. Ultimate Strategic Aim Achieve Leadership of the Tobacco Industry BATNLs vision is to achieve leadership of the tobacco industry in order to create long term shareholder value. Leadership is not an end in itself, but a company that leads its industry, is the preferred partner for key stakeholders and is seen to have a sustainable business, should be valued more highly. Company defines leadership in both a quantitative and qualitative sense. Punitively, it seeks volume leadership among our international competitors and in the longer term, value leadership. BATNL recognises that its success will depend on adult consumers and that, therefore, we must be consumer driven.   But the hard, quantitative measures do not in themselves address all the things it must do as a company. Taking a long term view, focusing on the quality of its business and how it work. As a result, qualitatively, company seeks to be recognised as industry leaders and to be the partner of first choice for governments, NGOs, investors and potential employees. BATNL pledges to do this by continuing to demonstrate that it is a responsible tobacco Group, with a sustainable business, outstanding people and superior products.  Ã‚   In order to deliver company vision, BATNLs strategy for creating shareholder value has four elements Growth, Productivity, Responsibility and Winning Organisation. 1.2 Component Parts to achieve Ultimate Strategic Aim 1.2.1- Winning Organisation: To deliver company vision it must have the right people and the right working environment. That is the essence of BATNLs Winning Organisation strategy. By the right people, group mean outstanding people those with the ability and desire to drive and deliver competitive advantage and superior performance. Company endeavour to attract, develop and retain high calibre talent. BATNL also puts emphasis on making it an organisation that is constantly learning. This learning culture shares knowledge quickly, learns from its mistakes and replicates success formulas quickly. To be a winning organisation British American Tobacco must also be a great place to work. This requires an open, confident culture that encourages change and innovation, is shaped by companys Guiding Principles, inspiring its people to perform to their best and importantly, enjoy their work. Finally, Winning Organisation strategy requires that company develops leaders, at all levels in the organisation, with a clear vision for the business, who foster innovation, and can align, energise and enable their teams to contribute to the building of our global enterprise (B) Growth: BATNL seek to increase its volume and value share of the West African tobacco market through both organic growth and mergers and acquisitions. For organic growth, company is concentrating on the key strategic segments of the market that offer the best prospects for long term growth, including Premium and International Brands. BATNL continues to focus on the growth of its Global Drive Brands as well as being prepared to exploit opportunities for profitable volume growth in Value for Money and Low Price Segments.   Company also wish to sustain or develop strong positions in priority markets simply defined as the largest and most profitable ones. BATNL believes that it is important to continue to develop and utilise innovative, differentiated products and to offer its consumers added value from its brands. (C) Productivity: BATs overall approach to productivity is about using its global resources to increase profits and generate funds for reinvesting in its business. Today, all companies are trying to cut costs. BATs approach is integrated aiming to establish a lower cost base while improving the quality of products and the speed they get to the market, as well as our effectiveness in terms of how it can deploy its people and capital. As a Group BATNL is focused on its consumers, marketing is a large part of what it does and company is working to ensure it effectively and efficiently deploy its marketing resources.  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to maintain a strong balance sheet, capital effectiveness is an important part of its productivity strategy and includes a focus on inventory levels, utilising its assets, financing and other uses of capital. (D) Responsibility: BATNL continues to balance its commercial objectives with the expectations of a broad range of stakeholders, thus ensuring a sustainable business. Company communicating with all stakeholders about its Business Principles, which explain the way we expect its businesses to be run in terms of responsibility, and demonstrating how group is following them. Companys three Business Principles, Mutual Benefit, Responsible Product Stewardship and Good Corporate Conduct are each underpinned by a number of Core Beliefs. In the regulatory arena, BAT continues to promote sensible tobacco regulation that: balances the preferences of consumers with the interests of society establishes an open minded and objective approach to harm reduction as a policy Ensures that its businesses can compete and prosper. BAT manufactures products that can be harmful to the health of its consumers and have publicly stated its aim to reduce this harm to meet both consumer needs and societal expectations. Company proposes to do this by: the progressive reduction in the tar and toxins in its products the successful launch of a new generation of tobacco products with critical mass appeal that are recognised by scientific and regulatory authorities as posing substantially reduced risks to health. 1.3. Factors Affecting the Strategic Plan 1.3.1- Contextual Environment  [1]   Nigeria gained independence in 1960 but since the first military coup in 1966, Nigeria has been ruled by military for over 35 years up until 1999. Since then democratically elected civilian governments are ruling Nigeria. Under the new constitution adopted in 1999, a strong presidency appoints a federal executive council, comprising government ministers and ministers of the state from each of Nigerias 36 states. Although the 36 governments enjoy greater autonomy than under the former military administration they remain dependent on the federal government for funding. This set up creates a system of distributed power centres, with the highest authority lying with the president, making lobbying with political powers a complicated issue. Estimated GDP for 2006 is $116.7 billion whereas economic growth rate is believed to be 5.4%. This economic performance is severely offset by high rate of inflation (8.7%). Since 1999 under the rule of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) has boosted non-oil sector growth and improved macro-economy. Increased government spending on roads and ongoing efforts to reform and attract investments into the power sector could improve infrastructure modestly. Only minimal progress is likely with port reform. Both these aspects would have a positive effect on BAT Nigerias supply chain. Corporate profits except for oil companies are taxed at 30%. VAT on tobacco product is 7.5% whereas for other commodity product its charged at 5%. In governments effort to curb smoking, promotion of cigarette sales through billboards has become illegal since January 1st 2004. Federal government is under further pressure from whom and other NGOs to put a ban on tobacco products promotion through electronic and print media. In addition, various pressure groups are raising concerns against tobacco farming as it renders land unusable for cultivation of other crops. 1.3.2- Transactional environment Nigeria has a total population of 140 million and out of these only 2.9 million adults smoke, it indicates a huge growth potential for Tobacco industry. Given the scenario, though BAT Nigeria is catering to very comprehensive range of markets and consumer segments, further avenues for increasing market penetration of companys products have been identified through various analysis. The present market size of AFS is only 14% which explicitly shows growth potential. To grow and capture this segment, requirement for development of brands targeted especially to Adult Female Smokers (AFS) is identified. On the other hand, according to strategic group analysis premium brands have a need to expand their geographical reach and increase market penetration. Super premium product line should be prevented against brand dilution and their market presence should be enhanced with the help of specialized channels of HoReCa. On critically evaluating product offerings extended by the BAT Nigeria across different segments, few potential offerings for A class, B, C and D segments  [2]  were recognized like, pipe tobacco and cigar, limited editions and flavoured and VFM brand variants, respectively. Supply chain of BAT Nigeria has a weak link in procurement part of Virginia tobacco due to limited number of international suppliers (especially from Argentina and Brazil). Whereas, local procurement of sun cured tobacco has limitations of inadequacy of land conducive to tobacco farming, partial segment of farmers involved in tobacco farming and threats from pressure groups. With recent acquisition of Gallaher Group by Japan Tobacco Inc., JTI has the second largest market share in Nigeria (14.4%), after BAT Nigeria (85.1%). Still we perceive the major threat to BAT Nigeria coming from Philip Morris Inc. (PMI). Looking at the history of PMIs entry to new markets, they capture major share of the market within 3 years, like in Benin. Though, global drive brand for PMI is Marlboro Lights, PMI is expanding its roots in Nigerian market indirectly through Kraft Foods, subsidiary of its corporate parent Altria Inc. The competitor analysis  [3]  shows that key strength of BAT Nigerias products against other competitors and especially PMI, as perceived by the customers, lies in their availability. 2. Stakeholders Influence and Progress towards Strategic Aim 2.1- Core Resources  [4]   In 2009 BAT group reported  £1896m of profit, attributable to shareholders equity. This explicitly indicates financial strength of the BAT group. As operations of BAT Nigeria are directly funded by parent corporate body, access to adequate finances, as compared with other competitors, puts BAT Nigeria in the elite club of organizations with formidable financial resources. Since BAT signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2000 with the federal government, it has enjoyed status of most favoured company and leveraged rapport with the government in establishing local production facilities in Zaria and Ibadan. These state of the art production units are quite unique resource to BAT Nigeria, considering that no other tobacco company has cigarette factory in Nigeria. Further, BAT Nigeria has strengthened its portfolio of core resources by investing funds and efforts in developing dedicated supply chain intermediaries. 2.2- Core Competencies  [5]   Though the MoU expired in April 2007 with end of PDP presidency, strong relationship with the government has been instrumental in developing country wide distribution network and in increasing domestic tobacco farming. BAT Nigeria has improved efficiency and integration of distribution network by implementation of SAP (ERP module) and Siebel (CRM module). Integrated electronic supply chain with local access to raw material is the core competence of BAT Nigeria. Under this process and with continuous efforts to exercise CSR, BAT Nigeria has developed a sound social relationship and local knowledge. Benefits of BAT Foundation have been exploited to meet these strategic requirements. Apart from these local factors, BAT Nigeria has benefited from legacy and technological expertise of parent. Thus, process evolved quality of BAT products is been key source of competency. 3.1: Futuristic Strategic Position: Way to Sustainable Competitive Advantage  [6]   After analysing contextual transactional environment, core resources and competencies of BAT Nigeria, I propose an option which comprises of recommendations for strengthening upstream and downstream supply chain  [7]  , capacity utilisation, developing Nigeria as export hub to west African countries and exploiting BAT foundation in mutually beneficial way (to BAT Nigeria and stakeholders), in order to provide BAT Nigeria with a sustainable competitive advantage. While suggesting the options compatibility, suitability, acceptability and feasibility of recommendations with BAT Nigerias current business model and low exposure to risk has been considered. Production of international brands of Premium and VFM cigarettes is based on Virginia tobacco imported from Argentina and Brazil. Reliance of production of international Super premium, Premium and VFM brands on foreign suppliers subjects upstream supply chain to political, economical and ecological factors evolving in exporting nations. To counter power vested in international suppliers and remove raw material quantitative bottleneck, supplier base of Virginia tobacco should be increased by importing the same quality Virginia from alternative source countries like Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Tobacco export being major trade activity of these countries, international tobacco trade regulations are quite liberal and no major hurdle could be seen in setting up trade channels. Geographic location of alternative source nations would not impose any significant extra freight charges. For local brands of VFM cigarettes cultivation of sun cured tobacco needs to be increased. In this process, firstly, BATNL should lobby with the government to pass Land Use Decree, to facilitate farmers in gaining possession of land. Secondly, with ownership of land and providing the farming community with help in taking mortgage loans, latest farming technologies and better tobacco seeds, farmers can be driven to come in a legal two way contract with BAT Nigeria, in regard to secure local cultivation and supply of sun cured tobacco and promising buying guarantee in return. 3.2: Justifying the strategic option As analysed by competitor analysis, in consumers perception, apart from poor availability, value offered by PMIs products is at par or better than that of BATs products. Thus, to sustain BATNLs existing system of dominance, it is of paramount concern to have a wide, efficient, dedicated and controlled distribution network. Apart from strategic tie-ups with Global Brand Nigeria Ltd. (GBNL) and Global Apex Ltd., downstream members of distribution channel need to be integrated with electronic distribution platform of SAP and Siebel (CRM). Financial and technological assistant to channel intermediaries in this regard would benefit BATNL in two ways: higher channel control efficiency and financial binding of down stream channel members to BATNL. The SWOT analysis  [8]  highlighted that BATNLs current practice of cash sales is its Achilles heel. To prevent competitors from breaking logistics net of BATNL, BATNL would have to forgo privilege of cash sales and start giving credit facili ties to wholesalers and distributors. Further, and as underpinned by mobility barriers  [9]  analysis, to hold on to market share as high as 85.1%, the premium brands are the key and should be pushed deep into nation with associated promotional activities and rewards/rebates attributed to selling channel. At the same time, super premium brands should be prevented against brand dilution and their image of brand ambassadors should be continued further. For proliferation of super premium brand products, upmarket specialised HoReCa  [10]  channel showed substantial potential for growth. The current problem of low co-operation from HoReCa owners, realising the dependency of BATNL on them for promotional purposes, can be overcome by offering them half yearly or annual contract of brand association, instead of event based approach. To motivate rural small-holder Nigerian farmers interest in the tobacco farming and business with BATNL, BATN Foundation needs to concentrate on issues pertaining to lack of access to modern agricultural machineries, training on new agricultural practices and innovations, production credit, fair and transparent marketing opportunities. Currently, both local production facilities are not utilized up to their full capacities, partly due to relatively less demand in comparison with full production capacity and rest due to bottlenecks in supplies of raw tobacco. Together with improvement in the supply of raw tobacco (international and local), developing Nigeria as export hub to cater neighbouring West and Central African countries would assist BATNL in building up sustainable competitive advantage by gaining economies of scale (capacity utilization), and becoming regional power in tobacco industry. Appendix 1 EMBED PowerPoint.Slide.8 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5 Appendix 6 Appendix 7 Appendix 8 Appendix 9 Appendix 10

The Role And Importance Of The Sun Philosophy Essay

The Role And Importance Of The Sun Philosophy Essay We know that the sun is very important to us but the main question is why. We all understand that the sun supplies Earth with never ending energy that we use in multiple ways. The energy comes in as heat and light and we transform the energy in different ways to create electricity. But how is the energy created and how it gets to Earth? The formation of suns energy lies within its core and radiates outward and travels out to Earth and the rest of the solar system. Our sun is the central part of our solar system; if the sun didnt exist several things wouldnt occur: the process of photosynthesis would not take place, oxygen cannot be created, therefore, life cannot be present. The sun and its sunlight give us access to many resources. Sunlight helps the plants produce oxygen and overtime create fossil fuels. The importance of the sun is both positive and negative, the more we study and understand the sun we learn to advance our society. The suns positive effects help us find and progre ss ways to gain renewable resources, such as creating wind power, dams and solar energy. The negative effects of the sun include climate changes and damaging of the ozone, and harmful effects on humans that result in sunburn, eye damage, and damaging of the skin: skin cancer and premature aging. The sun produces two different Ultraviolet Radiations (UV rays), UVA and UVB. The sun effects earth in many ways to carry on life and thats why it is very important. It gives us the privilege to energy: heat and light, oxygen, water, electricity, and many more. Its truly amazing how this star of gas can create many things to save our lifes and it is important that we understand the reasons why, and not always take it for granted. Who knows scientist say that after another 5 billion years there may not be a sun anymore. The sun plays the most essential role for all living species on Earth, without the sun there would be no existence of life on Earth. Without the sun what would happen to Earth? What will happen to the rest of the Solar System? The questions are important to know and answer. The sun is important in many ways, not only does the sun provides Earth with heat and light, it gives us various things that allow us to live. The understanding of how the sun works, and provides Earth with so many different resources that is significant in our everyday lives. The sun supplies energy through heat and gives Earth light, it is the number one reason we are alive because it helps create oxygen, in which we breathe in order to live. The importance of the all the things the sun offers Earth are positive and negative. Almost all of the energy used on the Earth comes originally from the sun. Astronomers studied the sun in several ways, understanding its functions and applying it to our world today. The st udy of the sun has led us to many understandings in science and advanced us in technology development. The more we understand the sun the more appreciative we become. It is believed that the sun is 5 billion years old star; it formed when gravity drew together an enormous cloud of gas and dust. This gravitational pull released energy and heated the Sun. The sun is huge and has a continuous release of energy; Earth only receives a small portion of that energy. The suns energy is produced by hydrogen fusion which is the sequence of thermonuclear reactions in which four hydrogen nuclei combine to produce a single helium nucleus. This fusion process in the sun is known as the proton-proton chain. (Cooke, 1985) Today, the sun still consists of mostly hydrogen. This means that the fuel supply which has burned through the first 5 billion years should be good enough for another 5 billion for the future. Fusion is the energy source that can only provide this energy rate for more than 5 billion years. Fusion requires high temperatures and high pressure to begin and carry out the process. Energy is transferred in the sun, through gamma rays photons that are produced by fusion in the core. Then energy is carried away from the suns core by radiative diffusion and convection. Radiative diffusion is the energy that is transported by photons flowing from hot, bright regions to cold, dark regions. Convection zone is farther away from the core of the sun. The Convection zone carries energy up to the surface. It allows hot fluids rise and the cold fluids to sink, overturning and bubbling like a boiling pot of water. The photosphere is heated and light is released from the sun; it takes about 1 million years for the light to be released and 8 minutes for that light to reach Earth. Earth receives Light and heat created by the sun. Starting from outside of earth and in our solar system, the sun already begins to have a very important position. Everything in our solar system orbits the sun. If that sun were not to exist, all the planets would have nothing to orbit around. But if there was no sun, nothing would keep all the planets in orbit. It is the gravity of the sun allows pulls all the planets in its orbit. The same as the moon orbiting the Earth, the moon is pulled in Earths orbit. Earth travels in an elliptical orbit around the sun because the velocity of Earth moves in a perpendicular path due to the force of the suns pull. If the sun wasnt present, Earth would travel in a straight line. (Jordan, 2003) Due to the presents sun and its gravity, it causes Earth to travel around the sun, in almost a circle. Without the sun the Earth will be dark, and cold. We wouldnt be able to even survive in extremely freezing weather and permanent darkness. As we know the sun produces light and heat, these two products are very essential to Earth in several ways. The sun helps produce a significant product for all life to occur, oxygen. Without sunlight green plants cannot exist because the process of photosynthesis cannot occur. Photosynthesis is a chemical process which water and carbon dioxide combine together (only in the presence of both sunlight and chlorophyll the chemical that makes the leaves in plants green) to produce glucose and oxygen. (Perles, 2011) Plants take in sunlight, convert it to food to live on, and grow. During the process that plants convert the sunlight to food, plants release oxygen, in which we breathe. If there were to be no existence of sunlight, then the process of photosynthesis cannot take place. Plants could not produce energy for them to survive, which means they c annot produce oxygen and they would disappear. Not only would plants disappear but people and animals would also vanish, because they depend on green plants for food and oxygen to breathe. A simple way to put it is, the food chain begins with plants to animals to humans and without the process of photosynthesis there could be no life on Earth. The sunlight did more than just allow plants to drive out the process of photosynthesis. But after the plants decay and millions and millions of years pass, buried under the ground is their decomposed organic materials: coal, petroleum, and natural gas. (Perles, 2011) Sunlight is a major factor for fossil fuels. The sunlight allowed us to have access to fossil fuels that are very important in our everyday life; we use fossil fuels as one of our energy sources. As we discovered the importance of the sun to the Earth, yet the effects that the sun creates on Earth are both positive and negative. Some positive features of the sun are mainly from its release of energy. The sun is the starting point of the water cycle. The sun heats Earths water bodies (oceans, seas, lakes, rivers) and that causes the water to evaporate. The water vapor transforms into clouds (condensation), and then the water descend from the clouds as precipitation and back into the bodies of water or on land and the cycle starts over again. Another positive result we gain from the sun is wind; wind is created through the method when sunlight heats the bodies of water and land. Earths atmosphere also heats, the warm air rises and the cool air moves to replace the rising warm air. During this transition of warm and cool are is what makes the wind blow. (Stern, 2004) Understanding and studying the sun in its production of wind and water helped us advance in new technology. Through studies of the wind and how it is created by the sun, studies lead us to use the wind to generate electricity to use. Wind is classified as a solar energy and is a renewable resource, because it is ever ending. Wind power or wind energy is the conversion of wind into mechanical or electrical power. Wind turbines is the system that runs the technology, giant windmill devices that are placed in windy locations called wind farms. (EPA, 2010) The turbines twirl and as the wind blows and creates electricity that power generators and produces electrical power. Two other forms of technology that creates electrical power are dams and solar cells. Dams or hydropower is another renewable energy source. Hydropower is the renewable energy source that produces the most electricity in the United States.(EPA, 2010) Hydropower depends on the water cycle that the sun carries through. Th e energy is carried in the flow of water in the river. Water is carried through pipes (penstocks) and then pushed up against a blade of a turbine that turns and spins a generator to produce electricity. The sunlight can be transformed to electricity directly by using photovoltaic cells (solar cells). Photovoltaic cells are electrical devices that convert energy in the sunlight directly into electricity at the atomic level. (Stern, 2004) This is a newer form technology that is advancing our lives today. Photovoltaic cells are used for solar heating on houses. They are placed on the roof of the home to heat the home and water. More recent technology that is becoming very popular is electric cars. Photovoltaic cells are advancing our world because it helps reduce the use of our non-renewable resources. Aside from all the positive results of the sun, the sun has many negative results on Earth. Studies show that the sun is the cause of climate change and some damage of the ozone. Both activities of humans that take place on Earth and the solar output from the sun are found to cause climate change. (Danny, 2008) The sun is massive and powerful, both the pollution and gasses released from the people and the power of the sun created a large hole in the ozone layer. In the past half century climate temperatures have gone up in result of this. Climate will change due to the damage the sun is causing to the ozone, the temperatures on Earth will continue to rise and natural disasters will become stronger. The sun negatively on the humans too, giving them sunburns, eye damage, and damaging the skin leading to skin cancer and premature aging. Ultraviolet Radiation (UV rays) is the light that is projected by the sun; the UV rays are what is responsible for the sunburns, skin cancer and eye damage. The atmosphere is responsible for determining the amount of UV light that is received. There are two types of UV rays that are projected by the sun. UVA rays are less harmful rays but they are not absorbed by the ozone layer. These rays are long wavelengths that cause skin tan, and age prematurely. They are dangerous because they penetrate deep into the skin. UVB rays are more severe than UVA rays, even though these rays are partly absorbed by the ozone layer. They cause sunburn. Overtime the more exposure to these rays cause skin cancer. The light from the rays damages the DNA of the skin cells, which disables the cells from making proteins. (Mazzucco, 2006) Ultimately the DNA transforms compl etely, the new DNA is duplicated and causes cancer. UVB rays also help your body create vitamin D, which is important because it helps keep bones from becoming fragile. Even though vitamin D is in some foods, vitamin D from the sun is quicker and efficient for the body. Moreover the fact that vitamin D is produced by the sun and our bodies need it, the risks that lie in the rays of the sun are hazardous. Our exposure to the sun needs to be monitored to save our health. The sun is a powerful and prominent star in our solar system. The sun does so much for Earth; life cannot carry on without it. The sun provides us with so much and the more we understand the sun the more we are able to advance from our findings. We are able progress in our society and live better lives as we know where to use our resources. As time proceeds, we may find findings to overcome the negative effects of the sun. The more we learn about our brilliant sun we also learn to be grateful for it more and not to always take it for granted, because in about 5 billion years it is presumed that the sun will die and Earth will no longer live.

The Last Of The Mohicans Essay -- essays research papers

In The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, historical romance is apparent through settings, characters and plots. Cooper is considered by many critics to be the father of the American historical romance. Fred Lewis Patee said, 'Not only was Cooper the pioneer (of the historical romance) in America, and thus worthy of the highest praise, but in many respects his romances have never been surpassed.'; (212) Cooper celebrated the creative spirit of the individual and had a deep appreciation for nature. He was a romantic who enjoyed the mysteriousness and exoticness of the frontier. He favored the use of emotions over reason. Through his romantic writings, Cooper is able to captivate the reader and led them on journey through his imaginary world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The setting in The Last of the Mohicans exhibits Cooper's historical romantic writing. The novel takes place in the American frontier. It is a place of '…wild and virgin nature.'; (Roundtree 52) The immense beauty and threat of danger from its' terrain creates an exotic impression on the reader. The mystique of the frontier entices the reader and allows their imagination to soar. Fred Lewis Pattee expresses his feelings on the use of the setting in 'The Historical Romance: Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans,'; when he says: At every step throughout the romance the reader finds himself in dim, mysterious forests that stretch on every side into the unknown. All of the nameless thrills of a wild life under the open sky sweeps over him. In some mysterious way Cooper makes us feel his environments, and catch to the full all that they hold of mystery and romance. It is a new world that he takes us into, with a language all its own. We are permitted to learn the alphabet of this language… We are taught to catch the sounds of wild life in the woods; and we tremble to feel that perhaps all about us are malignant beings from whom it is impossible to hide… His descriptions are in reality lyric poems. (213) Cooper's descriptions of the natural scenery is picturesque and striking. (Parkmam 194) Cooper describes the frontier so vividly that the reader feels transported into the novel. Through his descriptive writings of nature, Cooper shows his deepened appreciation of nature. His descriptions create '…an atmosphere that is vast and satisfying.'; (Pattee... ...ories of heroism and fighting. Critic Fred Lewis Pattee calls the novel a 'book of rescues in the nick of time.'; (212) This nick of time rescue can be seen when Hawkeye, Chingachgook, and Uncas save Alice and Cora on the summit of a mountain. (212) As one of the Huron Indians raises his knife to kill Heyward, Hawkeye fires his rifle to save the girls. This last minute rescue is not logical to the reader. However, the reason is not questioned because the reader is engrossed in the emotions from the chase scene. Cooper portrays his characters to do impossible feats. His plots favor emotions over reason. James Fenimore Cooper captivates the reader by his use of a romantic plot. James Fenimore Cooper is considered by many to be the father of the American literary movement. His writings put American literature on the level of the distinguished European literature. His romanticism was seen through plots, settings, and characters. Through these techniques, Cooper was able to express his romanticism in a new American way that still fascinates critics all over the world today. James Fenimore Cooper is one of the greatest American literary figures the world has ever seen. Word Count (1033) The Last Of The Mohicans Essay -- essays research papers In The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, historical romance is apparent through settings, characters and plots. Cooper is considered by many critics to be the father of the American historical romance. Fred Lewis Patee said, 'Not only was Cooper the pioneer (of the historical romance) in America, and thus worthy of the highest praise, but in many respects his romances have never been surpassed.'; (212) Cooper celebrated the creative spirit of the individual and had a deep appreciation for nature. He was a romantic who enjoyed the mysteriousness and exoticness of the frontier. He favored the use of emotions over reason. Through his romantic writings, Cooper is able to captivate the reader and led them on journey through his imaginary world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The setting in The Last of the Mohicans exhibits Cooper's historical romantic writing. The novel takes place in the American frontier. It is a place of '…wild and virgin nature.'; (Roundtree 52) The immense beauty and threat of danger from its' terrain creates an exotic impression on the reader. The mystique of the frontier entices the reader and allows their imagination to soar. Fred Lewis Pattee expresses his feelings on the use of the setting in 'The Historical Romance: Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans,'; when he says: At every step throughout the romance the reader finds himself in dim, mysterious forests that stretch on every side into the unknown. All of the nameless thrills of a wild life under the open sky sweeps over him. In some mysterious way Cooper makes us feel his environments, and catch to the full all that they hold of mystery and romance. It is a new world that he takes us into, with a language all its own. We are permitted to learn the alphabet of this language… We are taught to catch the sounds of wild life in the woods; and we tremble to feel that perhaps all about us are malignant beings from whom it is impossible to hide… His descriptions are in reality lyric poems. (213) Cooper's descriptions of the natural scenery is picturesque and striking. (Parkmam 194) Cooper describes the frontier so vividly that the reader feels transported into the novel. Through his descriptive writings of nature, Cooper shows his deepened appreciation of nature. His descriptions create '…an atmosphere that is vast and satisfying.'; (Pattee... ...ories of heroism and fighting. Critic Fred Lewis Pattee calls the novel a 'book of rescues in the nick of time.'; (212) This nick of time rescue can be seen when Hawkeye, Chingachgook, and Uncas save Alice and Cora on the summit of a mountain. (212) As one of the Huron Indians raises his knife to kill Heyward, Hawkeye fires his rifle to save the girls. This last minute rescue is not logical to the reader. However, the reason is not questioned because the reader is engrossed in the emotions from the chase scene. Cooper portrays his characters to do impossible feats. His plots favor emotions over reason. James Fenimore Cooper captivates the reader by his use of a romantic plot. James Fenimore Cooper is considered by many to be the father of the American literary movement. His writings put American literature on the level of the distinguished European literature. His romanticism was seen through plots, settings, and characters. Through these techniques, Cooper was able to express his romanticism in a new American way that still fascinates critics all over the world today. James Fenimore Cooper is one of the greatest American literary figures the world has ever seen. Word Count (1033)

William Faulkner :: essays research papers

William Faulkner was born in New Albany, Mississippi, as the oldest of four sons of Murray Charles Faulkner and Maud (Butler) Faulkner. While he was still a child, the family settled in Oxford in north-central Mississippi. Faulkner lived most of his life in the town. About the age of 13, he began to write poetry. At the Oxford High School he played quarterback on football team and suffered a broken nose. Before graduating he dropped out school and worked briefly in his grandfather's bank. After being rejected from the army because he was too short, Faulkner enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and had basic training in Toronto. He served with the RAF in World War I, but did not see any action. The war was over before he could make his first solo flight. This did not stop him later telling that he was shot down in France. After the war he studied literature at the University of Mississippi for a short time. He also wrote some poems and drew cartoons for the university's humor magazine, The Scream. "I liked the cartoons better than the poetry," recalled later George W. Healy Jr., who edited the magazine. In 1920 Faulkner left the university without taking a degree. Years later he wrote in a letter, "what an amazing gift I had: uneducated in every formal sense, without even very literate, let alone literary, companions, yet to have made the things I made." Faulkner moved to New York City, where he worked as a clerk in a bookstore. Then he returned to Oxford where he supported himself as a postmaster at the University of Mississippi. Faulkner was fired for reading on the job. He drifted to New Orleans, where Sherwood Anderson encouraged him to write fiction rather than poetry. The early works of Faulkner bear witness to his reading of Keats, Tennyson, Swinburne, and the fin-de-sià ¨cle English poetry. His first book, THE MARBLE FAUN, a collection of poems, appeared in 1924. It did not gain success. After spending some time in Paris, he published SOLDIER'S PAY (1926). The novel centered on the return of a soldier, who has been physically and psychologically disabled in WW I. It was followed by MOSQUITOES, a satirical portrait of Bohemian life, artist and intellectuals, in New Orleans. In 1929 Faulkner wrote Sartoris, the first of fifteen novels set in Yoknapatawpha County, a fictional region of Mississippi - actually Yoknapatawpha was Lafayette County. William Faulkner :: essays research papers William Faulkner was born in New Albany, Mississippi, as the oldest of four sons of Murray Charles Faulkner and Maud (Butler) Faulkner. While he was still a child, the family settled in Oxford in north-central Mississippi. Faulkner lived most of his life in the town. About the age of 13, he began to write poetry. At the Oxford High School he played quarterback on football team and suffered a broken nose. Before graduating he dropped out school and worked briefly in his grandfather's bank. After being rejected from the army because he was too short, Faulkner enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and had basic training in Toronto. He served with the RAF in World War I, but did not see any action. The war was over before he could make his first solo flight. This did not stop him later telling that he was shot down in France. After the war he studied literature at the University of Mississippi for a short time. He also wrote some poems and drew cartoons for the university's humor magazine, The Scream. "I liked the cartoons better than the poetry," recalled later George W. Healy Jr., who edited the magazine. In 1920 Faulkner left the university without taking a degree. Years later he wrote in a letter, "what an amazing gift I had: uneducated in every formal sense, without even very literate, let alone literary, companions, yet to have made the things I made." Faulkner moved to New York City, where he worked as a clerk in a bookstore. Then he returned to Oxford where he supported himself as a postmaster at the University of Mississippi. Faulkner was fired for reading on the job. He drifted to New Orleans, where Sherwood Anderson encouraged him to write fiction rather than poetry. The early works of Faulkner bear witness to his reading of Keats, Tennyson, Swinburne, and the fin-de-sià ¨cle English poetry. His first book, THE MARBLE FAUN, a collection of poems, appeared in 1924. It did not gain success. After spending some time in Paris, he published SOLDIER'S PAY (1926). The novel centered on the return of a soldier, who has been physically and psychologically disabled in WW I. It was followed by MOSQUITOES, a satirical portrait of Bohemian life, artist and intellectuals, in New Orleans. In 1929 Faulkner wrote Sartoris, the first of fifteen novels set in Yoknapatawpha County, a fictional region of Mississippi - actually Yoknapatawpha was Lafayette County.

America

Dry. Genera Bole As Americans we strongly believe in having the right to do what we please. After all, this is a free country. So if we want to smoke around our kids, build a fast food diet, or Just be plain lazy we can go right ahead and do it and who will tell us otherwise? No one. We can continue to slowly kill ourselves through all of our bad habits and ignorance in health and then pass on this gift onto our children. Something needs be done soon before it is too.Americans should take better care of their health by developing better eating habits, focusing on future health issues, and y not being so lazy. It is no secret that America is look at as a fat country. If other countries were to compare themselves with us they might represent the USA with a big McDonald's symbol or something similar. And for good reason. With fast food being so convenient and Just about anywhere it is so easy to a busy American to Just use that drive though and the Burger King and pick up some food.Ther e is no second guessing something easy that tastes good. Say an American doesn't eat so much fast food and shops for themselves. Just look at the prices of Junk or processed food in comparison to organic and healthier food. How can it be possible to sell something with added chemicals cheaper than something off the earth? According to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (KIDDUSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States over the past 20 years .Similarly, in 1990, no state had obesity rates higher than 15%. By 2005, only 6 states had an obesity rate less than 20%. Obesity has been directly linked to hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and depression. Each year, over 300,000 adults in the U. S. Will die from obesity related causes. Minefield, Charles E, Peeved profile; Dotty, Nicole, MPH; Fletcher, Autumn, PhD, APRON, CUFF-BC. BAND Journal. 3 (Summer 2008): 83-8. Although It is understandable that lower income families don't have the funds to buy all the organic food.In 2011, the low-income threshold for a family of four with two children was $45,622. Between 2007 and 2011, the share of working families who are low income increased from 28 percent to 32. 1 percent (Annie e. Casey 2014). In 2011, the top 20 percent of working families received 10. 1 times the total income received by the bottom 20 percent of working families, up room 9. 5 in 2007. The same goes for busy families who are Just looking to eat whatever is easiest. Is America targeting certain families? Is there more money in junk than in organic food?Or is it Just the ignorance of a people not concerned about future health. Issues in health later on in the future seem to be at the bottom of the charts when it comes to what Americans worry about. It is all about the here and now that's important. That is until someone comes down with a life altering health issue. â€Å"We cannot treat our way out of the canc er problem,†. New cancer cases will rise from an estimated 14 million annually in 2012 to 22 million within two decades. Over the same period, cancer deaths are predicted to rise from 8. Million a year to 13 million â€Å"More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally. † By Tim Hum and Jean Christensen, CNN Feb. (2014). It seems as though the only time health is important is when life is at stake. The crazy thing is, life was at stake and being damaged from the day any harmful substance was consumed or a bad habit was formed. Today's youth has a mindset of live fast die young but it is not entirely their fault for having this thought process.It's the fault of the generation before them. Our youths parents or anyone who the they look up to is to blame because chances are that generation had bad health habits and passed it down whether they knew it o r not. Today's children have lost the ability to pretend and imagine. This is most definitely to no fault of their own. Children do not have to create their own fantasy worlds because they have an pad, a big screen TV or a WI to do it for them. Taylor Finn, Iowa State Daily (2014). What we do know will affect us later on in life and in some cases might even effect someone else.Forming unhealthy habits doesn't stop at diet choice, ignorance, or lack of caring. Finding an easier way for things causes a bigger issue. And that issue is Laziness. Too much of our lives too easy. In fact, everything is made to be easier or shrouded with the word â€Å"convenience†. Americans can Just go to a drive through for food or even order food and there is no need to even get out of the house. Media has taken over the life of Americans as well. Americans of all ages these days cannot stray too ar away from their home for fear of their smart phone dying or there not being any Wi-If.Youth spend their days behind tablets, televisions, and smart phones rather than using imagination outside or being active. Videotapes can be looked at as a way to pass the time but for our youth it could possibly be causing them to be desensitizing to the world and can hinder their ability to use their own imagination for entertainment. America is focused on the easy way out of things rather than taking the time out to educate themselves about lifestyle, diet, and exercise. If it squires activity outside of the normal sedentary house life it is almost shunned and thought of as nonsense.Without the will to understand and learn about what a good diet is, how to make changes to avoid future health issues, and how to get away from the normal lazy lifestyle America will continue its downward spiral in to cancers, a poisoned youth, and obesity. Simple things like looking at the ingredients of food normally consumed, or getting out once in while Just walk for a half hour can be enough to chance a lif estyle. We as Americans need to find a way for lower income families to be able to arches food healthier to themselves and more importantly their kids.Many families are very busy and have no time to think of the issues of grab and go foods and should consider creating a plan to eat better while on the move. Most important is America's youth. Higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with increased IBM and considered a contributing factor of childhood obesity. From 1989 to 2008, there has been a significant increase in total per capita consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, from 130 to 212 collieries (kcal) per day, in children 6- 1 years of age.Placing an emphasis on reducing the empty energy intake from sugar-sweetened beverages and increasing the intake of nutrient-dense beverages, such as low-fat milk, is an essential component to decreasing the prevalence of obesity in children. Higher levels of education and positive parental behaviors, such as parent support and limiting weekly fast-food intake, are associated with lower intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages. Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity (2013) Why should our youth suffer from the actions of the current enervation when simple changes can make a difference In our future.