The Time Management Project Is Concerned About Integrating...

INTRODUCTION The time management project is majorly concerned about integrating all works that are related to the organization goals. In this system, all incoming work will first be organized, then planned and finally aligned with the busy operating hours of ABC restaurant. The result will be avoiding unnecessary spending, and the money that could have been spent unnecessarily will be used to expand the organization. In addition to that, the system will see that no employee is idle at any given time. Employees who usually have nothing to do when business is slow will find themselves something to do. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM It came to my concern that ABC Restaurant wastes a lot of financial resources on employees who are idle when business is slow. The resources that are spent on these employees could have been allocated to other areas so as to expand the organization. The root problem of all this is based on how time is managed in this organization and also on the role of management. PROPOSED SOLUTION I propose the following to the above problems: Duties and responsibilities of project manager The project manager is the main determinant of the success of the project. He or she is responsible for initiation, design, execution, control, monitoring, successful planning and closure of the project if it fails (Whitten Whitten,2007). They should be ready to adapt to changes that come around as the project goes through the entire life cycle. Notably, the project manager ought toShow MoreRelatedData Warehousing And Information Warehousing1493 Words   |  6 Pageswarehouse concept along with the origin of the data warehouse and the current trends of data warehousing. Various steps involved in the development of the data warehousing project are discussed in this paper. This paper also lists out the challenges encountered while planning, designing and implementing data warehouse projects and the applications of the data warehousing. This paper concludes by discussing the future developments in the data warehousing. Data warehousing Data warehousingRead MoreProject Management : Project Integration Management1236 Words   |  5 Pagesand Manage Project Execution is the process for executing the work defined in the project management plan to achieve the project s requirements/objectives defined in the project scope statement† (comp. PMBOK3, p. 78). The Project Manager helps with the execution of the planned activities, sometimes with the assistance of a project management team for larger projects. This occurs during the execution phase of the project. Figure: Phases of a project When we are completing the work assigned inRead MoreDepartments Strategic Objectives, And Key Services1131 Words   |  5 Pagesthat I have adopted revolves around getting the tools needed to the people that need them. For instance, providing the financial team with a system that allows quickly report information up the chain. 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According to EPA, the ability to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) should not interfere with the airport construction project, which funded by the public (FAA 17). Greenhouse gas emission is global as it postulated the aviation industry contributes to the greenhouse houses. In the United States, it projected that 3.36% of the carbon dioxide are from aviation sector (FAARead MoreRolls Royce Case Study1740 Words   |  7 Pagesexplained in reference to the Rolls Royce Case Study: When change takes place to due to external forces it is called a reactive change. This can be achieved by applying an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to achieve a positive result. Parties concerned include: purchasers, contractors and manufacturers, especially for supply chains. A critical factor to eliminate failure is planning and pre testing the temperament of an ERP. In the past, business measured competition on the price and quality. TheRead MoreCase Study Managing a Systems Development Project Essay1058 Words   |  5 PagesSystems Development Project at consumer and Industrial Products, Inc. Situation Consumer and Industrial Products, Inc manufacture a variety of different products for individuals and businesses. Due to ineffective accounts payable system, Consumer and Industrial Products, Inc started a new project called Payables Audit Systems (PAS). The process of beginning this new project was taken very seriously. Roles were assigned and defined. Ted Anderson was the director of the project. Peter Shaw was assignedRead MoreEssay on A Case Study of Campbell Soup Harmony Project 988 Words   |  4 Pagestheir objectives regardless if the company is a multinational or small entity, they all have a set of resources they depend on to achieve their goals. Part of the resource relied on is Information, and this information needs to be managed to optimize its value to produce the best stakeholder value they can. In order to manage these resources, Information Management systems are put in place. Information Management has to do with capturing information, efficient planning, organizing and evaluating

Critical Analysis High Fidelity s Success - 1689 Words

A major contributor to High Fidelity’s success was that its main themes were focused on the intrapersonal struggles that most people go through at some point in their lives. One of the themes mentioned in the novel is Rob’s insecurity and lack of self-worth and the effects his relationships have on it. In High Fidelity, Hornby attempts to explore this connection between self-worth and relationships by contrasting how the readers perceive Rob’s character versus how he perceives himself and how that perception changes throughout the story. Hornby also highlights the changes Rob’s personality undergoes during and after each relationship. From all of this evidence, Hornby illustrates that superficial relationships ultimately lead to lower self-worth and apathy towards one’s surrounding, while stable relationships improve self-confidence and instill open-mindedness. The reader’s perception of Rob and Rob’s own perception of himself differ greatly from one another throughout the majority of High Fidelity. It is only towards the end of the novel, when he and Laura get back together, that the two perceptions meet somewhere in the middle. When we are first introduced to Rob he immediately dives into a list of his â€Å"top five most memorable split-ups†(Hornby 3), however when describing his past relationships and why they ended, he never puts himself at blame or ever considers how he made his partners feel. This complete lethargy towards other people’s emotions is also evident whenShow MoreRelatedThe Business Forecasting Process766 Words   |  3 Pagesor forecasts do not hold true? What will you do if, during implementation, you find that you overstated your projections? How does sensitivity analysis relate to contingency planning? What are several risk mitigation strategies that you could implement to desensitize thes e variables? 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His theory contains three stages: the unfreezing stage, moving stage, and refreezing stage (Mitchell, 2013, p. 32). Lippitt s theory is based on Lewin s theory and includes seven linked phases the nursing process and uses similar wording (Mitchell, 2013, p. 33). This project will utilize Lippitt’s theory phases that include: †¢ phase 1: diagnose the problem, †¢ phase 2: assess motivation/capacity for change, †¢ phase 3: assessRead MoreUnderstanding Of Fidelity Research As A Comprehensive Approach On The Whole School Whole Child ( Wswc ) Model And8040 Words   |  33 PagesPurpose The primary purpose for this document is to establish a shared foundational understanding of fidelity research as it pertains to the Whole School Whole Child (WSWC) model and create shared language for related concepts. Overview City Year has established the importance of fidelity, or program integrity, by including it in the FY12 Highest Priority Goals (HPG #1d). 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The intent of this analysis is to evaluate hwo Google has been able to create a highly effective differentiation strategy by managing its competitive strengths and innate competitive advantages in the context of market, product and customer segmentation (Hitt, Ireland, Hoskisson, 2011). Using the competitor analysis model provided in the book, Google is analyzed relation to Apple, Microsoft and Yahoo, in addition to analysis of two major competitive challenges facing GoogleRead MoreVariables Affecting Nursing Students’ Competency Scores Essay1841 Words   |  8 Pagesstudy materials provided to them they may still score lower on their competency testing due to their lifestyle or anxiety. Statistically, nursing students are shown to have significantly higher test anxiety in comparison to the general population of high school and undergraduate students (Driscoll, Evans, Ramsey, Wheeler, 2009). However, with different people come different learning needs, though, nursing students will be assisted in the classroom as well in the clinical setting or skills lab throughRead MoreProject Oxygen : Do Managers Matter?2302 Words   |  10 PagesGOOGLE?S PROJECT OXYGEN: DO MANAGERS MATTER? 10 Google?s Project Oxygen: Do Managers Matter? In 2008?Google?s prized engineering team expressed their hatred for managers, both in theory and in practice. ?Most folks in engineering think about management as a necessary evil,? Laszlo Bock, Google?s SVP of People Operations told Forbes in an interview by phone. Determined to appease disgruntled engineers, Bock tasked a subset of People Ops (a three-man team called the People Innovation Lab: PiLab)Read MoreTraditional Behaviorism : An Objective Sub Division Of Psychology1666 Words   |  7 Pagesnew areas, such as teaching people how best to â€Å"relate† to young people (Wolf, 1978, p. 207). Behaviorists emphasize the importance of incorporating the subjective into what had once been an objective sub-division of psychology. In applied behavior analysis behaviorists use techniques such as functional behavior assessment (FBA), to create functionally-based interventions that target maladaptive behavior. The goal of an FBA is to identify the conditions that predict behavior and the consequences thatRead MoreQuantitative Research Article Critical Appraisal. Overview.2706 Words   |  11 PagesQuantitative Research Article Critical Appraisal Overview Multifactorial risk reduction interventions can have a superior effect on risk reduction plans compared to single intervention risk reduction strategies. The use of these multifactorial risk reduction interventions has resulted in improved outcomes for problems involving the geriatric population (Colon-Emeric et al., 2013). Unfortunately, attempts to train nursing home staff to implement multifactorial risk reduction interventions have

The Problem Of Online Dating Essay Example For Students

The Problem Of Online Dating Essay There is no way to eliminate internet dangers completely, but there are ways to significantly reduce them. People continuously lie on their online dating profiles to make themselves more attractive to others. With the security feature of background checks this problem would be eliminated. Jeffrey Marsalis was able to present himself online as a fireman, trauma surgeon, and even an astronaut; this would not be possible if all online dating websites provided background checks on his information (Peters). According to the Time magazine article, â€Å"Major Online Dating Sites to Start Background Checks on Users,† written by Tim Newcomb, background checks are slowly being added to most dating websites (Newcomb). Future background checks will be able to scan the histories of possible clients for sexual assault and identity theft (Newcomb). The increased use of online dating sites has brought an increase in physical abuse and financial scams (Newcomb). A Match.com user sued recently sued the website because she was raped while on a date with a repeat sex offender (Newcomb). Upon further inspection, they found the man had at least six prior sex offense convictions (Newcomb). Background checks would be able to detect that man’s criminal record, preventing him from using the website in the first place. According to the article, â€Å"The rapid abuse reporting systems will give members access to a website, email address and/or phone number to report suspected criminal activity,† so users will have the tools they need to make sure the people they meet online are not offenders (Newcomb). Some dating websites such as true.com, already provides users with the precaution of background checks. However, several popular websites and apps do not. Background c. . popularity of online dating continues to grow every day and will most probably grow towards the future. We live in the digital age. New technologies are being pushed out everyday to improve everyday life. There may even be a point where traditional social interaction and dating methods will become a rarity. Although online dating has provided users with a unique way to meet others, online dating’s lack of privacy, security, credibility, present the risk of emotional and physical danger to it’s users. There is no way to eliminate online dating from society, but there are ways to minimize the dangers it presents. Hopefully through adding safety features to websites, and raising awareness on the dangers of online dating, we can make a safer online dating website experience for people everywhere, to keep predators like Jeffrey Marsalis away from the online dating world.

Rhetorical Strategies Essays - Linguistics, Logic, Literature

Rhetorical Strategies By: Ryan Riffle Metaphor Definition: A figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance. Example: I tried to climb into Jems skin and walk around in it (57). To Kill A Mockingbird Personification Definition: Providing human characteristics to a non-human/non-living thing. Example: Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it. - To Kill A Mockingbird Tone Definition: The way/attitude in which an author writes. Example: "Atticus was feeble: he was nearly fifty. - To Kill A Mockingbird Claim Defintion: A statement arguable but used as a primary point to support or prove an argument is called a claim. Example: All animals are equal -Animal Farm by George Orwell Anaphora Definition: The use of a word referring to or replacing a word previously used in the sentence, to avoid repetition. Example: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. - A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Parallelism Definition: The use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same: or similar in their construction, sound, meaning, or meter. Example: Like father, like son Juxtaposition Definition: placing two elements or words side by side and letting the reader or viewer compare them Example: Young and Old, Dark and Light Inferences Definition: Used in literature and daily life where logical deductions are made based on premises assumed to be true. Example: Bob knows that Baltimore is known for its crabcakes and Bob is going to a seafood restaurant in Baltimore for dinner tonight. Bob can infer that the restaurant will likely serve crabcakes. Epistrophe Definition: The repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences. Example: Where now? Who now? When now? -The Unnamable by Samuel Beckett Allusion Definition: An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning explicitly. Example: This place is like a Garden of Eden. This is a biblical allusion to the garden of God in the Book of Genesis. Idiom Definition: A set expression or phrase comprising two or more words. Example: Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed Paradox Definition: A statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory. Example: Bittersweet, The beginning of the end Antithesis Definition: A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else. Example: That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. - Neil Armstrong Rhetorical Question Definition: A question asked without expecting an answer; A question with an answer so obvious that a verbal answer is unneeded. Example: Is rain wet? Do dogs bark? Do pigs fly? Parody Definition: When the style of an author is closely imitated or mimicked for comic effect or ridicule. Example: "Austin Powers" (spoof on James Bond movies) Allegory Definition: A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. Example: The lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Hyperbole Definition: Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. Examples: I am so hungry I could eat a horse, Its so cold I saw polar bears wearing jackets!! Ethos Definition: A way of persuasion using appeal and value. Example: Doctors all over the world recommend this type of treatment. Pathos Definition: A way of persuasion compelling to emotion. Example: Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends. And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. -Martin Luther King Jr. I have a dream speech Logos Definition: A persuasion technique using logic and reason. Example: All men are mortal Soccrates is a man Therefore, Socrates is mortal. -The Art of Rhetoric by Aristotle

Blood And Water Essays - Characters In Macbeth, Free Essays

Blood And Water Essays - Characters In Macbeth, Free Essays Blood and Water In William Shakespeare's masterpiece Macbeth, he uses many motifs. Two of these motifs are blood and water. The play is full of images of blood and water, to show the characters' attitudes toward their own guilt at each stage. Both motifs mature and change in their meaning along with the setting and mood of the play. The functions of both are important if the subtleties of the play are to be understood. Blood symbolizes honor, treachery, and guilt. Water symbolizes cleanliness of the soul, as though all it takes is water to wash guilt away. While reading the play, it is noticed that blood comes up repeatedly. This is important to the overall effect of the different usages in the play. The word "blood," or different forms of it, is found forty-two times in the play, along with several other passages dealing with the symbol. The symbolism of blood strangely follows the change in the character Macbeth. Macbeth is first a soldier, very highly revered by the King Duncan. As the play progresses, Macbeth's demeanor and personality declines, as does the meaning of blood. Blood is then viewed as a symbol for treachery and bloodshed, along with the various forms of guilt. The first reference of blood is one of honor, and occurs when Duncan sees the injured captain and says "What bloody man is that?"(I, 2, ln.1). This mention of blood is symbolic of honor, for the brave fighter has been injured in a glorious and ardent battle for his country. In the next passage the captain says that Macbeth's sword ". . .smoked with bloody execution"(I, 1, ln.20), with this he is referring to Macbeth's braveness in which his sword is steaming because it is covered in the hot blood! of the enemy on the cold morning of the battle. This function is important because it shows that at this point in the play the word blood is used as a sign of fighting valiantly. It is a sort of pride to have a bloodied sword, or have bled in battle for your king. After blood has been referred to a few times with reference to honor, the symbol of blood now changes to show a theme of treachery and treason. Lady Macbeth begins the change when she asks the spirits to "make thick my blood, "(1, 5, ln.50). What Lady Macbeth is saying is that she wishes to be remorseless and insensitive about the murders she and Macbeth will soon commit. Also in this area the symbol of blood is changes to one of guilt. Lady Macbeth knows that the evidence of blood is a treacherous symbol, and knows that if they are found with bloody daggers they will be hanged for their betrayal of the king, so she tells Macbeth to "smear the sleepy grooms with blood."(II, 2, ln.64), and Macbeth replies "If he do bleed, I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal /for it must seem their guilt."(II, 2, ln.72-3). When Banquo states "and question this most bloody piece of work,"(II, 3, ln.150) and Ross says "is't known who did this more than bloody deed?"(II, 4, ln.31), they a! re both inquiring as to whom performed the treacherous acts upon Duncan. Once again, blood is used as a sign of guilt. Both use blood as a mark upon a person which would point them out as a sure suspect for the killing of Duncan. Whoever has the blood of Duncan on them is guilty of treason, and more importantly, they are guilty of the murder. It is also here where the theme of water is first brought in. Macbeth is fretting about the fact that it was he who killed the king, and he was beginning to regret the choice he made, saying "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood /clean from my hand?"(II, 2, ln.78) Lady Macbeth, still sure that they will never be caught, says "A little water clears us of this deed."(II, 2, ln.86) This shows that the function of water is to be used as a symbol for an element which can absolve a person of all guilt. This is important because it seems to be the counter, or the antithesis of

Methods That Will Help to Cope With the Tiresome Procedure of Creating a Think Piece

Methods That Will Help to Cope With the Tiresome Procedure of Creating a Think Piece How to Survive the Annoying Process of Writing an Essay Modern pace of life demands from the people to develop certain qualities and habits. Thus, people tend to be more active, ambitious and enterprising in order to survive and be successful. Each time has its rules and peculiarities and today a lot of people can have difficulties with monotonous and annoying tasks which require patience and meticulous work. This problem is especially common for youth. They just cannot put their gadgets aside and spend few hours in the quiet atmosphere collecting thoughts about essay. However, even scrupulous and diligent people experience difficulties while performing writing tasks. What to do if you face the lack of creativity and feel indolence or just do not know what to start with? There are some methods that can help you within any writing assignment and make it more simple and delightful. Work out a plan Careful monitoring of the things minimizes the possibility of unexpected and unpleasant surprises. That is why you need to think through and plan your activities. When you have a plan or schedule, it is easier to cope with the work. Consider deadlines, volume of the essay, your knowledge in the subject and current number of tasks in other disciplines. Actually, plan will encourage you to action and under condition of following it will be the guarantee of timely accomplishment of the task. Plan is the right decision for people, who feel difficulties in starting tasks or performing them in time. Search for ideas No one knows at once about what to write and what aspects should be disturbed. From time to time it happens that you get the topic and feel the complete emptiness in the head. It is quite normal situation. The topic can be new for you or maybe you just have not considered the things from this point of view. There are different ways and sources of obtaining ideas. First of all you should read some information related to the topic. Then if you still have no distinct notion about what to write, just switch to other things and finally the brilliant ideas will come. Try to be original, think perspicaciously and you will succeed. Try to write Another effective and helpful method is to start writing. It does not matter if you do not know yet what to write about or what to start with. You may write about everything you want. The main thing is to start the process and it will gradually lead you to the necessary stream. You should take a piece of paper and a pen and make note about the weather, your mood or absence of desire to write essay†¦ Make reviews It is always significant to write correctly and avoid mistakes. In order to provide an essay of high quality always check it for spelling and punctuation mistakes. Every teacher will be delighted to read content, which is written in a proper way. Moreover, when you reread your paper, some brilliant thoughts and ideas can appear in your head, you can add something or remove and make your work more sophisticated and refined. Be judgmental In regard to any activity and especially writing one should be able to assess his or her work and be open for improvements. It is great to consider your essay and estimate if it will be interesting and informative for other people. The more you demand from yourself the better results you obtain. Additional reading, thinking and criticism towards your own paper will bring desired results and appreciation. There are many ways and methods that will provide you’re a useful assistance in the process of essay writing. You may try all of the above mentioned advices or some of them, you can combine them or extend. Do what you like and create great essays; just remember that with all your actions you should move towards your goals and dreams.

PESTEL REPORT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

PESTEL REPORT - Essay Example Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environment and Legal issues greatly differ in respect to domestic as well as the global structure. PESTEL analysis provides an overview towards the different external factors that the business or organization has to take into consideration. The Political environment of the country highly contributes to the stability of the nation which is as vital aspect to consider regarding the business development. Political factors include intervention of government policies, labor laws, trade restrictions and tax policies. The Economic influences of a nation or the global environment provide a great impact on the business operation and decision making. These factors include the growth of the economy, inflation rate, exchange-rate, globalization, GDP and GNP growth. The Social and cultural aspects of a region contribute considerably to the products demand and business market. The social factors include population growth rate, career attitudes, age dist ribution safety measures, educational infrastructure and cultural taboos. Technological aspect of the business determines the production level and affects the cost and quality of the products. Technological factors include R&D activity, automation, rate of technological change, emergence of new technologies and impact of communication. Environmental issues directly or indirectly affect the business well-being in regard to its kind. Environmental factors include ecological and environmental aspects such as climatic change, weather. Also environmental awareness creates an impact towards the production of products either positively or negatively. Legal issues are widely taken into consideration when establishing a business in a particular region. Legal factors include consumer law, discrimination law, employment law, and health and safety law. Depending on these factors, a PESTEL analysis should provide a context for the business in relation to its external environment. After having a brief introduction about all these factors, let us take a deeper discussion on the effect and influence of economic factors in business growth and development. Influence of Economic factors on business: The economic environment of a country greatly influences the businesses and their market. Though economic factors are out of control for business, it shows a profound effect on the performance and marketing of the business products. It contributes to the product demand, cost structure, pricing strategies, profitability and various other issues within the concern. In addition, it provides a direct impact on the behavior of the consumer in buying the business products. In case of international business, it is a vital one to consider the economic environment of the region or country as it provides a prominent influence over the business growth and its products market. On the whole, â€Å"the strengthening of an economy will generally benefit industries, but the extent of its effect wil l vary according to which economic factors are most affected.† (Henry 2008). One of the major aspects that impact business and economy is the Gross Domestic Product rate (GDP). A constant and positive level GDP is essential to sustain a good business economy. A business GDP has to be on a constant check and appropriate measures have to be taken to maintain the same. Appropriate changes to the policies will

Advergaming and mobile advertising Research Paper

Advergaming and mobile advertising - Research Paper Example There has been need to have a different cereal than the usual wheat one and hence the introduction of the new chocolate cereals is needed, and the introduction is done through a medium that is liked by children: videogames. The traditional advertising includes the use of television, posters and billboards and children of nowadays do not bother checking out such mediums. All they are interested in is the video games and especially those that are online. Advertising the product online in a videogame is the best way to attract the market for the chocolate cereals whose target is mostly children. The company used Multi-Link Trunking (MLT) technology to help it access several links and servers in order to ensure that as many people as possible get the advertisement through the video game. Permission is not an issue but facilitation to the right channels is necessary when using the internet. Many people got to enjoy this product more since it was introduced to them through a medium they love. Sales of the Choco Krispis should therefore have gone very high due to the fact that the cereal box was fashioned to be used as the joystick in this advergaming. Taco Bell has launched yet another food product beefy nacho burrito and is still using the mobile phone to advertise it. The advert is running through smart iPhones and hence many people with the iPhone have access to the advert through the applications. These adverts have made many people aware of the product and are buying it to try it out (Hasen, 2012). There is need to have advertisements that will reach majority of the target group without the company struggling with the logistics of production of posters of billboards to attract attention of the presence of a new product. Taco Bell has therefore addressed the need for an easy to see advert that reaches majority of the target group with minimal effort. Many people are

Cause and Effect Essay Essay Example for Free

Cause and Effect Essay Essay As a child my mom always taught me to be proud of who I am; to disregard all the negativity that was sure to come my way. As a constant reminder she bought books like Black Beautiful Me and Strong and Black to keep up my self-esteem. It was a good reminder, but because of all the negativity that surrounded me I started to feel bad about who I am. I never thought that I would have been a victim of discrimination moving to such an isolated place, but it comes to show that you will never be rid of the negativity in the world. Moving to a small town where African Americans are hard to find; a lot of racism was always targeted towards my sisters and I. Attending School was the hardest part; I always saw myself as being beautiful, but walking down the hall being called â€Å"that ugly black girl† started to take its toll on my self-esteem. Everywhere I went I ran into discrimination and stereotypes; I was constantly asked if I wanted fried chicken or watermelon, I would have guys tell me â€Å"I would date you if you had lighter skin,† or walking in the store and have the word â€Å"nigger† shouted and not know where it originated from. I didn’t understand why I wasn’t liked or given the chance to prove myself, but I felt unwanted, like I didn’t belong. When I had read â€Å"The Myth of a Latin Woman† I found it quite relatable to my situation when I had first moved to Cortez. Cofer talks about how she was stereotyped when she moved to America; how she wanted to fit in, but found it difficult because of her traditions and culture. She stresses the fact that nobody really understood her, that movies about Latin and Puerto Ricans were the closest understanding people got to her culture. Cofer then states that all the hard times that she had growing up made her stronger, and more successful. She tells the reader to take all the negative experiences and turned them positive so that nothing is stopping one from being successful. The negativity was a struggle for me, I wanted to quit public school and start homeschooling. But, I began to learn how to ignore people and not care how or what anybody thought of me. With that idea I became more at peace with myself. I started to look up when walking down the hallways, I learned  to just smile and at the negativity. Instead of the hurtful words putting me down I used it as fuel to my flame, motivation in other words, to do better and be successful.

Complusive Gambling Essay -- Problem Gamblers Addiction Essays Papers

Complusive Gambling Compulsive gambling is a very addictive disease that can cost you more than its worth. So why do people become compulsive gamblers? In America 2-3% of adults are afflicted by this addiction. Four out of Five compulsive gamblers are men. Over 90% of compulsive gamblers have gambled since their mid-teens. There are many reasons why people become compulsive gamblers. Throughout my paper I will go over many types of research that have been done on this disorder and show you a variety of reasons why people subject themselves to this behavior. Problem gamblers do not ingest, inject, or inhale substances as chemically addicted people do. Just what is it to which they become addicted? The answer to this question is action. Action is an aroused, euphoric state involving excitement, tension, and anticipation of the outcome of a gambling event. It is the thrill of living on the edge. Problem gamblers describe gambling as â€Å"high† similar to that experienced from many drugs. Some experience these sensations when just thinking about gambling, as well as when they are actually gambling. Action also has been described as a â€Å"rush† that may include rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and even nausea. It is not uncommon for problem gamblers to describe being in action as â€Å"better than drugs and better than sex.† When they are in action, they lose track of time and sleep; food, water, and using the bathroom become lower priorities than staying in action. Some doctors believe that gambling is considered an impulse control disorder. Which means that the individual is incapable or resisting his impulses to gamble. Others believe that it is an obsessive-compulsive disorder or a non-pharmacological addiction. This... ... it can turn into a serious problem. National television shows have addressed these problems more frequently, this is important because many people limit their education to that of the TV. Further understanding of pathological gambling and addiction is guided by the development of better theory. Improved theory can guide research more effectively. Bibliography: Goleman, D. (1989, October 3) USA: Biology of brain may hold key for gamblers. New York Times, p11. Pavalko. (1999). Problem gambling. National Forum p28 (5p.). Available: Academic Search Elite http://ehostvgw18.epnet.com[2002, April 10]. Lorez V, Yaffee R. (1986). Pathological gambling: psychosomatic, emotional and marital difficulties as reported by the gamblers. Journal of Gambling Behavior, p40. Marks I.M. (1987). Fears, phobias and Rituals. Oxford University Press, London, p337.

Dilemma: African American and Nonviolence Essay

The omnivores dilemma is a modern problem for all human beings. These days, there are many options for a person to eat, but not all are healthy. Every day people go to supermarkets and feel totally lost because there are so many choices. Source #2 â€Å"Louis Armstrong. † Grolier. Web. 1 Jan. . Source #3 â€Å"Armstrong,Louis. † Grolier. Web. 1 Jan. . Source #4 â€Å"Louis Armstrong. † Facthound. Web. 1 Jan. . Source #5 Raum, Elizabeth,ed. Louis Armstrong : Jazz Legend. 2007. Protesting Nonviolently Did you know that three major figures used the method of nonviolence to change the world? Nonviolence has been a successful way to protest for many years and has provided major changes in life for people. Nonviolence is the best way to protest and make a major point. Gandhi was one of the first people to use nonviolence in a major way. A book tells how Gandhi went to jail instead of others because he did not fear a jail cell and proved he was nonviolent. When Gandhi organized a march officers beat the protesters and injured them severely, but they did not raise an arm to fight back. Gandhi sent a letter to Lord Irwin saying how british rule is a curse and he will stop at nothing to free his people from british rule. Gandhi initiated the first acts of nonviolence and won freedom for the people of India. Martin Luther King Jr. used nonviolent acts to fight against segregation. When MLK was part of a boycott he took full responsibility when he was arrested and said he wasn’t going anywhere or going to fight back. Martin was picking up more volunteers for protesting and said that it was hard not to fight back but they still had to lay down their weapons. The time MLK led the bus boycott he was arrested, people who had participated in the boycott actually walked down to the sheriff’s office to be arrested and to see if their name was on the list. Martin Luther King Jr. used nonviolence to get rights for colored people and followed Gandhi’s example. Nelson Mandela worked fighting racial segregation in South Africa, or apartheid, using nonviolence. Mandela’s organization started out using violence but soon converted to Gandhi’s way of nonviolence which was better morally and tactically. Nelson Mandela took lots of his time recruiting helpers for the cause. Although the work was dangerous, he was convinced that nonviolence was the way to win. Mandela talked about how if he was put to a death sentence his work work and actions would live on. Nelson Mandela adapted Gandhi’s work to help free the people of South Africa from racial oppression. Nonviolence worked to help lots of different kinds of people throughout history and proved major points. Gandhi started nonviolence and became a major figure for lots of people. Martin Luther King Jr. used nonviolence to gain rights for colored people in america and became a pivotal figure in american history. Nelson Mandela became the first South African president and is also a major figure in history. Nonviolence has changed the world majorly and next time you see a picture of Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. , or Nelson Mandela you might think a little more about them.

Summer Reading Project on the Shades of Gray

In the beginning of â€Å"between shades of grey†, Jonas, his sister Lina, and mother are paid a late night visit from the soviet secret police. Father wasn’t there to protect his family, so by force, the family has to get packed and ready to leave out the door in five minutes. Lina packed clothes and essentials, so did her younger brother Jonas. But their mother knows what has happened, and starts smashing valuables outside of the police’s sight that she has worked for, almost as if she will never see them again. Jonas and Lina saw their mother smashing dishes and expensive china, so do the police.The mother says â€Å"sorry it was an accident† but Lina and Jonas saw her breaking with rage. They now know that home is no longer a place of comfort, their mother destroyed the valuables because the home and everything in it was now the property of the police, and she wanted them to not have all of it, so she smashed things to make what they were taking would be less valuable. Brother Jonas and sister Lina, totally oblivious to the reasoning behind their abduction, spend their imprisoned days and nights learning to share and work with others.In the struggle of having a father in a train cart, Lina, Jonas and Andrius, cope with each other and striving to save their loved fathers. I think that according to the book â€Å"between shades of gray† I would match up the best with, Jonas. Jonas Is oblivious to the circumstance an just â€Å"goes with the flow†, an plays it on the safe side. Like me, being the youngest, you have to listen and follow. While imprisoned in their cold, crowed, train cars, Lina has to associate with strangers. Lack of food, spirit, patience, and warmth keeps stress tensions high.Lina is trapped with over 10 people in a train car, one man has an injured leg who needs a lot of attention. They are very limited on food, almost a loaf of bread to feed the whole cart. If one were to get an illness that is dead ly, the whole cart has a greater possibility of getting it too, because they are all crammed, and are practically touching shoulder to shoulder. Team work is one of the many keys to getting along in the small, crowded place that was forcefully given to them.

Environmental Analysis Of Landis Lund Essay Example

Environmental Analysis Of Landis Lund Essay Example Environmental Analysis Of Landis Lund Essay Environmental Analysis Of Landis Lund Essay The basic stakeholder objectives of any supplier are to be paid for providing a product or service, but the objectives are usually more complex than this. Our suppliers can be categorised into suppliers that serve the business needs (paper, stationary, car hire), and those that serve the product (grinding wheels, gauges, sensors). The suppliers we use for the business dont really get changed that often as we generally use standard products. Unless the supplier introduces an unjustified price increase, we will remain with that supplier. With the advent of the Internet I feel we could reduce costs if consumables within Landis Lund. As well as there being many price comparison websites, that allow you to choose, there are also sites that are basically mail order via the web, they dont incur high labour costs as they dont have any high street shops to finance. This approach has been mentioned to senior management but they feel, at this moment in time, the administrative costs to Landis Lund to setup an new supplier account, set up payment terms etc, do not justify the time spent searching for a cheaper alternative than what we already use. The objectives then of our business suppliers are to receive regular business from Landis Lund as we stay in business, the amount of revenue they will generate is not really dependant on busy we are, just as long as we are in business The business objectives of the product based suppliers differ in the fact that the more machines we produce, the more business they will receive from us. Their objectives are to produce reliable goods for Landis Lund so we will continue to use their product. We have very few reliability problems with suppliers as they are also providing complex equipment, so the investment and research into these products is of a very high standard. Our product dependant suppliers are either chosen by our engineers or chosen by our customers. As machines are always variations on a theme, the knowledge of suppliers components is high so our engineers can design assemblies using products they know. Headaches can occur when a new supplier insists we use their preferred supplier that we have never used before. The functions of the components this new supplier provides will usually be the same, but if they are cosmetically different then some reengineering has to be done. Landis Lund has in the region of six hundred and fifty, but only around fifty are vital to the company. These fifty are responsible for supplying the key equipment for our machines, equipment that has had huge investments in the form of RD. Over the years we have built up excellent partnerships with our main suppliers and we both benefit from them prototyping their products on our machines. The prototyping allows the suppliers to recreate real life scenarios, in which to evaluate their products. These suppliers are market leaders in their industries, allowing Landis Lund to capitalise on being the first users of such products and maintain our technological advantage. Unfortunately the budget for RD has been slashed in order to reduce costs, while we are still out in front in terms of technical superiority we are losing orders to low bid. The reduction in our RD budget has meant that the prototyping has to be done on live projects, resulting in some embarrassing longevity problems once the machines are out in the field. While the majority of these live tests are serving us well, it may only be a matter of time until they cause a serious headache for the customer and ultimately a loss of future orders. The supplier payment process has recently been changed as well. What was happening was that the Financial Director was only allowing a fixed amount per month to be allocated to supplier invoices. The purchase clerk always sorted invoices into supplier name order, and worked through the invoices until the allocated amount had been reached resulting in suppliers starting A, B, C etc getting paid every month. This process continued until we got put on stop from some major suppliers with company names lower down the alphabet. While some suppliers are chosen for us through customer specifications, our continued collaboration with our preferred suppliers is vital for Landis Lunds survival. Stakeholder analysis of employees While our partnership with major suppliers is vital to our technological leadership, its the employees within Landis Lund that enable this synergy to be created. The objectives of Landis Lund employees is the same of a supplier; they expect to be paid for the service they provide to the company. Again, this needs to be expanded. Different employees have different objectives: Some employees want to do as little as possible, go through the day doing only what is asked of them, and at the end of the week collect their wage. Others feel like they have more to offer and a better work ethic, they seek ways in which to improve the company, they understand that if they can be more efficient and productive, the company will become more efficient and productive, while very few see Landis Lund as a stepping stone to greater things, using Landis Lund to gain experience and knowledge that they will use elsewhere. Every single manager apart form the Finance Director has completed a Landis Lund apprenticeship. This allows the continued evolution of grinding machine know-how to be passed down. The technical knowledge of our engineers has resulted in many machine tool related patents being accredited to Landis Lund. The excellent working conditions and wages that Landis Lund provides results in a very low rate of staff turnover. The highest rate of staff turnover is during the apprenticeship when you know one way or the other if a life of engineering is for you. Landis Lund is always quick to implement any new legislation regarding employee welfare, this maybe to do with being influenced by our US parent company, where the blame culture there can result in employees suing their employers for failure to provide the latest safety equipment. Landis Lund provides free eye tests for VDU operators, free safety glasses, free protective clothing and footwear depending on risk. While the current crop of managers and engineers will stand Landis Lund in good stead for at least a generation, the recruitment of apprentices whose passion is engineering is slowly declining. Indeed we have lost several key apprentices lately who wanted to pursue a university degree as well as still working at Landis Lund. But in their wisdom senior management failed to see the value add that this extra knowledge can provide and made them choose, hardly surprising that they opted for university. Apprentices are usually split into craft and technicians, craft apprentices are trained up to work in the machine shop, while technicians are trained up to work as service engineers or in the drawing office. If the UK manufacturing industry keeps reducing the way it is, both types of apprentice could become scarce. The craft through outsourcing to low labour countries and the technicians could not be as high calibre as is required. Landis Lund employees objectives are fulfilled across the workforce, for those that are here just to get paid, providing they complete what is asked of them, they are OK. If you want to better yourself and the company, training is available where appropriate (workers in the machine shop do not get funding for IT courses and accounts staff dont get trained on the fork lift truck). Stakeholder analysis of Overseas Sales agents Agents play a pivotal role in the customer relations process. They are mainly used in countries where English is not the primary language. We have long standing partnerships with many agents in different countries. This has allowed the agent to become very familiar with Landis Lund machines so explaining the specifications to a potential customer is easier. The objective of a Landis Lund overseas sales agent is to get paid for a service he provides. The service he provides is to be a link between the customer and Landis Lund. The agent is tasked with chasing the customer for outstanding items and to act as mediator in any dispute. We let the agent front any contact with the customer, this is to allow then to communicate effectively what we are trying to achieve. Our philosophy is to use one agent per country within the EU. We have agents in France, Germany, Spain and Italy. The same agent can be used in different countries, Polack for example are our German agents as well as our Swedish agents. As well acting in a sales capacity, some agents also work as service engineers. The agents come to Landis Lund for their service engineering training. This liaison allows the agent full cycle involvement; From the quotation and sale of the machine, through machine build and acceptance and then installation. As agents are on commission it is in their interest for Landis Lund to be successful, it also allows a more aggressive form of sales within the agents country. Unfortunately due to this commission (usually 3%), then this is obviously a loss in profits for Landis Lund. But for this 3% they do provide an excellent service, a service that we would find very hard to replace with our long established agents. Not only do they have tacit knowledge of our products, but the customer relations skills they have maybe hard to instil in a Landis Lund employee. While it has been suggested that we try and phase out agents in favour of training up our service engineers to speak another language, the risk in a loss of customer relations is too high to take. Our recent penetration into China has reversed our agents philosophy. We are trying to use as many agents as we can to spread ourselves further and hopefully increase awareness of Landis Lunds products. At each end of the economic spectrum you have pure capitalism and socialism. Pure capitalism is only an economic theory and doesnt actually exist in real life. Capitalism Also known as Free Market, in this market money is king, both to the consumer and to the supplier. Private investment and entrepreneurs are the norm. Companies sell products at the price they want, to who they want. The same goes for the consumer, they are free to spend their money on what they want. In capitalist societies there is little or no barriers to entry, anybody with an idea and some capital can start up a business. This is a huge benefit to consumers as the fierce competition between suppliers, forces down prices and increases quality. In a free market there is no involvement from the government, the State does not interfere in how businesses are run and regulated. The individual or the company does their own planning, they are free to set their own agendas, create strategies and make plans that are tailored to suit their needs. Capitalism forces many different levels of personal wealth as companies and consumers are free to buy and sell at any price. Nearly every product has examples at either end of the price scale, from houses and cars, to clothes and electrical items. In fact, if youve got the money, you can buy virtually anything you want. An excellent example of this is using the auction website eBay, where everything and anything is for sale. A quick search shows that I could purchase a $24,000 grinding machine! Although capitalism promotes growth, competition and efficiency, there is also a downside. Companies and industries that are out to make a quick gain can end up making huge losses. In the search for profit, resources can quickly become scare, forcing the closure of factories and companies. These closures can have a knock on effect on the local economy, businesses that were created to compliment these large industries may also have to close. Unemployment quickly gathers pace throughout the region. Outside investment ceases, businesses that were there due to high population relocate. No-one can afford to move house, and no-one wants to buy a house in these areas. Social standards can drop and crime levels increase. The closest pure capitalist economy is considered to be America where people are able to buy and sell almost anything, resulting in wealth for some and poverty for others. This can be seen in the state of California, where the so called Silicon Valley, if treated as a separate economic market would be the worlds fifth largest, where as in the slums of Compton deaths by firearms are one of the highest in the world. Socialism Where as Capitalism promotes business to be profit orientated, Socialism shares the wealth. The government runs socialist economies. It is they who decide what is to be made, who is to make it and with what. (Also known as Planned Economies). Every citizen works for the country, there is no unemployment as there is always something to be done. The exclusive way in which the government controls the economy can cause great inefficiencies. It is perceived that the government are experts in business and therefore have the ability to make fundamental economic decisions. It is because of this central planning that socialist governments only produce a limited range of goods, goods whose production are easily managed. The businesses are usually entered around agriculture, raw materials and mass production of basic, low quality products. As there is little or no imports, if the product cannot be made from materials within the country, it isnt usually made. While pure capitalism is only a hypothetical economy, there are a number of socialist countries. Large, highly populated countries such as China and Russia, with an abundance of labour and materials are good examples. Although many westerners see socialism as an oppression or inefficient way to run an economy, it removes boom and bust cycles, the decomposition of social values in areas in areas of high unemployment and the corruption that can be created due to peoples obsession with money. This isnt to say that socialist countries are free from corruption; usually there is a strong black market in these countries for western products, such as Levi jeans. Black markets begin because the State controls the price of products, if they set the price artificially high, then the demand of getting these products at a cheaper value in created. The inefficiency of the import/export market of socialism also creates black markets for products as the government will not import goods that can be manufactured in its own country. An economic system isnt either capitalist or socialist. For non-socialist economies the economic system is said to be mixed. The mixture comes about by companies being free to run their businesses how they see fit, but the government provides the rules and regulations within which they operate. The government usually controls the businesses that are seen to be for the people; the trains, water, electricity, refuse collection. For the U.K many of these people business were privatised under the Thatcher government, the privatisation was a process in which the government palmed off decaying infrastructures that needed heavy investment, allowing them to become more efficient through business savvy people running operations as opposed to politicians and also to generate extra funds for the government. Workers in mixed economies also contribute to the countries welfare by paying taxes through their wages and purchases. It is in the governments interest to create an economic system that allows businesses to flourish and keep people in jobs. The more workers, the more tax is paid through wages and the more disposable income citizens have, spending more and contributing more taxes, and the more workers there are, the less the government have to give back in the form of benefits. The UK is an example of a mixed economy. It is within this mixed economy that Landis Lund operate. We also benefit from having the capitalist funding from our US parent company, as well as making inroads into socialist economies such as China.

The Why, Where, and How of Writing for the Christian Market

The Why, Where, and How of Writing for the Christian Market Writing for Christian markets may not be at the top of your write-for list. I grew up in church, so it seemed a natural place for me to begin my writing career. I was already familiar with publications and what types of stories and articles they used. As with any freelance market, you want payment for your effort, so all the publications listed here do pay, and most I have written for many times over the years, selling fillers, devotionals, articles, and stories. A serious freelancer is always on the lookout for new markets. Many Christian publications, especially Sunday school take home papers, publish weekly so the number of manuscripts they need is greater than a traditional monthly magazine. They accept a variety of pieces; fillers, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and devotionals. The age range is diverse. There are publications for the smallest of children up to adults. Our Little Friend is for children from ages 1-5. They seek true-to-life stories one or two pages long. One story I wrote for them was about kids making fun of each other. Mature Living is for those facing retirement. Many older people feel as if they are used up. I offered encouragement and gave examples of things anyone could do to help others in a list article. Devo’Zine is a devotional market geared toward teens that Ive written for using lessons from teaching young people at church. Youth leaders are always looking for great activity ideas to use with their kids, and Insight Youth Resources has paid me for ideas our youth group did. ParentLife is a magazine that has published multiple funny saying from my kids as fillers. Do you work with women in the church? Today’s Christian Woman  needs articles that offer strength and encouragement for everyday women. Need more market ideas? An invaluable tool for finding these markets is the Christian Writer’s Market.   You can also ask friends for help. Do they attend a church that hands out take-home papers? Do they subscribe to Christian magazines? Ask to borrow copies and research to see if those publications accept freelance work. You could also Google â€Å"Christian magazines,† â€Å"Christian publications,† or â€Å"Christian writers wanted.† I have found some regular writing employment doing this. When considering topic ideas, note that many of the publications follow a theme list. Lookout and Youth Worker both do. Theme lists give basic ideas of what the editors want during certain times of the year. Once you repeatedly write for these publications, many will come to you with an urgent need, when something on their theme list hasn’t been fulfilled, and they know you are dependable. Some Christian publications just want to hear your story. I have used many of my own experiences, especially when it came to the teenage years, mine and my children’s (Guide). Guide wants true stories, and many of my teens experiences ended up on their pages. And keep in mind that not all Christian publications are overtly religious. Some of the children’s publications simply want stories with a moral lesson. But be aware of the diversity amongst denominations and their beliefs. For example, some conservative publications want women to wear dresses, if clothing happens to be mentioned in your story. Some denominations worship on the Sabbath, which is actually Saturday, not Sunday. Others won’t include anything about drinking. Here is a site with helpful information on denominations. Don’t underestimate the power of the Christian market for your writing. You can stretch yourself, get some new

Employee Turnover and Retention Strategies Essay

Employee Turnover and Retention Strategies - Essay Example Every department, be it operations, finance, human resources, or sales and marketing, must invest in motivating, training, and retaining their best human resources to make a difference through their core competencies. As Susan Heathfield said: "Managers readily agree that retaining your best employees ensures customer satisfaction, product sales, satisfied co-workers and reporting staff, effective succession planning and deeply imbedded organizational knowledge and learning." Today organisations are willing to look upon their staff not so much as employees or workers but as 'knowledge workers'. As Peter Drucker observed, "while the more than fifty-fold increase in productivity of the manual worker was the greatest achievement of the 20th century manager, the most important work of the 21st century is to increase the productivity of the knowledge worker." (Pottruck and Pearce, 131). The more competent workers your company or organisation loses, the more will it set your clock back in finding and training suitable replacements at much greater costs. In the meantime your loss becomes your competitor's gain, which again has adverse implications on the success of your operations. Among the major causes that propelled employees to quit an organisation, the following conditions mostly relating to work culture have been identified as contributing to employee dissatisfaction and consequent exit: Lack of clarity in company policies, practices, and procedures Excessive controls and autocratic leadership Bureaucratic work environment with lack of trust Inadequate remuneration and unjustified cost cuts Poor quality of supervision Lack of opportunities for growth Absence of facilities for training and development Lack of scope for utilization of skills and talents Poor communication (with the employee not knowing what is expected of him daily) Lack of rewards, recognition and encouragement Unfair and inequitable treatment of employees Overbearing attitude and threatening by supervisors The Case of Solution's Solution's began operations on a small scale in 1967 as a recruitment agency for social care specialists. Headquartered in London, Solution's expanded in a big way in four decades to establish itself as the largest social care agency in the UK, with 160 employees spread over18 branches. The year 2004 proved to be a disappointment for the company in terms of financial performance, compelling it to slash commissions given to consultants for recruitment mostly in branches located in London. The weak performance also resulted in the retrenchment of up to 15 branch administers, apart from the voluntary exit of many employees who signed up with rival agencies. An analysis showed that the major cause for high employee turnover (91%) in 2004 was the cost reduction strategy adopted by the company. With a view to putting the operations back on rail, the company opted for a change of leadership at the top. A new managing director joined the board in January 2005 with a mission to improve the health of the company in general and the turnover situation in particular. He believed that the key to success through increased sales lay in ensuring employee satisfaction. Accordingly he straightway set about implementing certain remedial and innovative measures for a

Basketball as Religion in He Got Game Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Basketball as Religion in He Got Game - Essay Example After six years since then, Jesus has worked hard to become a brilliant prospective basketball player just at the age of eighteen. Several colleges are interested in him with lucrative offers of scholarship, and making a career with the NBA also remains an option. However, the Governor wants to sign Jesus with his alma mater, the Big State. With his power and influence, he releases Jake on parole for a week. If Jake is able to convince his son Jesus to play for Big State his sentence would be drastically reduced setting him free. Otherwise, he would be sent back to jail. Now an emotional tug of war begins. Jake seeks to convince his estranged son. Martha (Lonette McKee), who is Jesus’ younger sister, wants a better life and suggests his brother to look for more profitable opportunities. Jesus’ girlfriend, Lala (Rosario Dawson) plays a double dealing role in the complex environment with a ‘not so innocent’ approach. The characters like Jesus’ uncle, a unt, coach, etc. appear as both selfish and empathetic in the course of the drama. As Jake returns to his family, Jesus has to confront him and go through emotional ups and downs. On the other hand, he faces the contradictions, glamour, challenges, and dark realities of the multi-billion dollar basketball sports industry of America. At times, he is at the dilemma of horns, but the young athlete is a good-natured son who ultimately seeks reunion and peace with his lonely and troubled father. Basketball craze is a huge factor in the sports culture of American life. It has emerged as a multi-billion dollar business in the American sports industry. Almost all the resourceful and reputed colleges of the country are rivaling each other in order to leave a mark in the various basketball leagues. This helps them to levy high amounts of profits. On the other hand, there is the celebrated NBA, where several

Positivist, Interpretive and Constructivist Approaches in Social and E Literature review

Positivist, Interpretive and Constructivist Approaches in Social and Educational Studies - Literature review Example Reference to two chosen research articles will be used to illustrate how research styles are used today.   Those articles are,† Does the Auditory Saltation Stimulus Distinguish Dyslexic From Competently Reading Adults?† by Joanna Kidd and John Hogben (2007) and â€Å"In Maturation of Visual and Auditory Temporal Processing School-Aged Children† by Piers Dawes and Dorothy Bishop (2008). The attempt will be made through discussion to determine whether the approach used was positivist, interpretive or constructivist or a combination thereof.   The articles will also be compared to the qualitative and quantitative methods and whether they are empirical or non-empirical in a method. Ethics will be touched on as a necessary part of any research that is done today. To begin, let us discuss the different methods presently available for use in designing and carrying out research such as that noted above. In any research, there is a method used and though we would often think that the scientific method would always be used, that may not be true. The method of study is usually determined prior to the study being done. Will the study be empirical or non-empirical? Will it be Quantitative or Qualitative? What about positivist or interpretivist or maybe constructivist?   Sometimes the study itself will determine the method to be used. Sometimes there is a particular method or paradigm particularly appreciated by the researcher. Interpretive research is oftentimes seen as descriptive or summarizing in the method. This type of research obtains its data indirectly through other than direct research methods. The data may come from such places as academic books, policies, laws, or regulations (Xinping, 2002). Most of this type of research is done in a library with resources found there. The interpretive approach is described as often speculative, philosophical or impressionistic. The results of the research are not often used as any direct assistance to any future work.

Immune Responses of Cytokine Adjuvented DNA Vaccine

Immune Responses of Cytokine Adjuvented DNA Vaccine KOTLA SIVAREDDY Title for the Ph.D Thesis â€Å"Study on Immune responses of Cytokine Adjuvented DNA vaccine (genes coding for structural proteins) for FMD delivered by cationic PLG micro particles†. Objectives: To clone gene coding for structural protein of FMDV in eukaryotic expression vector (pC DNA) under CMV promoter. To clone bovine interleukin 18 gene in suitable cloning vector and express the same in Bacterial/yeast expression system for characterization of expressed recombinant protein. To construct a vaccine construct consisting of FMDV P1 (structural), 3C (Viral protease), and Bovine interleukin 18 genes in eukaryotic expression system under CMV promoter (pC DNA). To study the expression of the vaccine constructs in vitro in BHK-21cells. PLG micro particles’ preparation and characterization. To study the immune responses of the DNA vaccine in experimental animals (guinea pigs / cattle). Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) caused by foot-and mouth disease virus (FMDV) is an infectious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, and poses a serious threat for animal health and exacts an economic toll on the livestock industry. FMD viral genome is a positive-sense single stranded RNA of approximately 8.5kb. The viral RNA genome is translated as a single polypeptide precursor that is subsequently processed by virus-encoded proteases 2A and 3C to produce the structural and non-structural proteins required for virus assembly and replication. One of the initial polypeptide cleavages, mediated by the 2A protein, is a co-translational cleavage at its own C terminus to release it from the 2B protein. The viral 3C proteinase subsequently processes the structural protein precursor, P1-2A, into the capsid proteins, VP0, VP3, and VP1, and the non structural peptide, 2A. These proteins then self assemble to form empty icosahedral capsid particles that contain 60 copies of each protein. Immu nological studies have identified linear and conformational sites that are present on both empty capsids and virions, and antiserum raised against either form has the same serological specificity. Thus, the structural protein precursor, P1-2A, and the 3C protease of FMDV are desirable immune antigens for new vaccine development. In countries where disease eradication has not been achieved, vaccination plays a crucial role in its control. Although inactivated virus vaccines effectively prevent FMD, they have several limitations like short duration of immunity, incomplete viral inactivation and virus escape from vaccine producing facilities. As a result, alternative approaches are being investigated, including the construction of modified live virus, subunit vaccines, synthetic peptides, naked DNA plasmids. DNA vaccination which offers several promising features i.e., DNA is convenient to manufacture and store, its production is safe, sequences from circulating strains can be easily i ncorporated in the vaccines, and it also allows the discrimination of the infected from the vaccinated animals. Several reports have shown the efficiency of DNA vaccination to induce protective immunity in the mouse model. However, the primary difficulty with DNA vaccination is its poor immunogenicity in target species. Cytokines are being used as molecular adjuvants by co administering with DNA vaccines to improve the efficacy of the vaccine. Cytokines play an important role both in the development of a functional immune system as well as in the responses of the organism to infection. Interleukin18 (IL18) is a potent interferon ÃŽ ³ (IFNÃŽ ³) inducing factor (IGIF), enhances Th1 immune responses. Recent studies have shown that IL18 also promote Th-2 type responses and increases dendritic cell (DC) number in lymph nodes in mice. In addition, IL18 has been used as an adjuvant to DNA vaccines for classical swine fever virus, pseudo rabies virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory sy ndrome virus.IL18 was co expressed along with FMDV VP1 in Pichia as fusion protein has enhanced humoral responses and marginally the CMI response in mice. Recombinant fowl pox co-expressing FMDV P1 2A3C and IL18 enhanced the immune responses and gave higher protection in swine Many other studies have shown the positive effect of plasmid encoding the IL-18 as a molecular adjuvant on DNA vaccinations. Efficacy of DNA vaccine could be improved by the inclusion of adjuvants and good vaccine delivery systems. Importantly, cationic microparticle with adsorbed DNA induced enhanced immune responses in comparison to naked DNA and this enhancement was apparent in all species evaluated, including nonhuman primates. Cationic PLG microparticles appear to be effective predominantly as a consequence of the efficient delivery of the adsorbed DNA into DC. Following administration, the micro particles are also very effective at recruiting DC to the injection site, and the micro particles also protect adsorbed DNA against degradation in vivo. A second useful property of micro particles is that they can present multiple copies of antigens on their surface, which has been shown to be optimal for B cell activation. The main advantage of this type of association is the efficient immobilisation of plasmid DNA on the microparticle surface without compromising its integrity. Moreover, after administration, the release of cationic DNA complexes from the surface appeared to facilitate the transfection of cells .At this point, it is not completely understood, whether the adsorption on cationic micro particles can protect plasmid DNA from cleavage through endonucleases after administration in vivo. Nevertheless, release of cationic DNA complexes is expected to provide better protection as compared to release of free DNA. Beside their inherent safety and ease of administration, they improve the DNA capture by antigen presenting cells (APC) and stimulate APC maturation. DNA delivery via PLG has been successfully used to vaccinate against several infections in mice, guinea pigs and even in macaques models. 1. AMPLIFICATION and cloning of gene sequence coding for P12A 3C FMDV serotype ‘Asia1’ gene coding for the polyprotein, P1-2A (2.3 kb) was amplified from viral genome, of the serotype ‘Asia1’ polyprotein gene, using VP4L (Bac) and 2AR (E.coR1) primers. Cloned in to pC DNA at E.co R I, BamHI sites. Ligated and transformed in to DH alpha 5 cells. Transformants are screened by colony PCR by using insert specific primers. Orientation was checked by PCR. Insert release was confirmed by RE digestion by using E.co R I, Bam HI. 3C coding sequences were amplified from clone available in lab. 0.6 Kb was amplified .The purified amplicon was digested and ligated in to p C DNA and transferred in to competent DH5à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¡ cells upon screening by PCR and by re digestion positive clones were conformed. 2. Cytokine amplification (IL18) and cloning in prokaryotic / yeast pC DNA expression vector and characterization of expressed protein. Interleukin 18 (IL18) modulates immune functions by inducing interferon–Î ³(IFN-ÃŽ ³) production and promoting Th1 immune responses. In the present study I amplified and cloned the sequence (582 bp) encoding full length bovine IL18 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with Phytohaemoglutinin (PHA). Nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequence of the cloned IL18 showed an identity of 86-98% with IL 18 sequences of the other ruminants compared. The insert was sub cloned in to eukaryotic expression vector (PcDNA) .The specificity of the expressed IL 18 was confirmed by western blotting. The insert was sub cloned in to pET 32a vector and expressed in E.Coli as fusion protein of 42kDa. The specificity of the expressed IL 18 was confirmed by western blotting. The biological activity of the purified protein was analysed for its ability to induce IFN-ÃŽ ³ production in PBMC as measured by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative polymerase cha in reaction (qPCR). IL18 anti FMD viral activity was conformed in vitro in BHK-21 cells by using plaque assay; viral replication was quantified by Real time PCR, ELISA and titration assays. 3. Study of the expression of the constructs in vitro in BHK-21 Cells Expression of cloned P12A3C and IL18 genes were studied in mammalian expression system for confirming the frame and intactness. The P12A3C, IL18 genes cloned under Eukaryotic promoter was transfected in BHK 21 cells with lipid based lipofectamine. Subsequently, the proteins were confirmed by Western blotting by using using anti FMDV serotype ‘Asia’, serum from experimentally infected cattle. IL18 transfected cell lysate showed 18 KDa by using human IL18 Mab. 4. PLG microparticles preparation and characterization The PLG/CTAB micro particles were prepared using a solvent evaporation technique essentially as described previously and briefly, the micro particles were prepared by emulsifying 10ml of a 6% (w/v) polymer solution in methylene chloride with 1ml of TE buffer at high speed using an soniprep. The primary emulsion was then added to 50ml of distilled water containing CTAB (0.5%, w/v). This resulted in the formation of a water/oil/water emulsion which was stirred at 6000rpm for 12h at room temperature, allowing the methylene chloride to evaporate. The resultingmicro particles were washed in distilled water by centrifugation at 10,000 Ãâ€" g and freeze dried. The plasmid construct was adsorbed onto the microparticles by incubating 100 mg of cationic microparticles with 100 mgs (1 mg/ml solution) of plasmid DNA at 40C for 6 h. The coated microparticles were then separated washed with TE and freeze-dried. Amount of plasmid adsorbed on PLG particles was quantified by eluting the DNA by 0.2 N NaOH (incubation for 10 h at 4 0C and measuring the Optical Density (OD) at 260 nm. Blank PLG micro particles controls were run simultaneously to deduct background value. The size distribution of the micro particles was determined using a particle size analyzer and electron microscopy. 5.A. Evaluation of the Immunological response of various DNA vaccine constructs in guinea pigs. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) can be controlled by regular vaccination and restricting the movement of animals infected in the endemic countries.. DNA vaccine construct was made with P1-2A3C coding sequences of serotype Asia1 in p C DNA. To evaluate the optimal dose of the construct in guinea pigs, the plasmid was coated on cationic Poly Lacto-co-Glycolide (PLG) micro particles was injected in to guinea pigs at 2,5,10,15,20,30 ug doses intramuscularly. Sera samples collected from the vaccinated animals at 21st dpv were evaluated for immune response by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Serum neutralization test (SNT) and MTT assay. Maximum ELISA / SNT titers and MTT stimulation indices were observed at 10  µg dose which also gave 83% protection when the guinea pigs were challenged with homologues virus. 10ug was found to be the optimal dose to guinea pigs. P12A3CpCDNA and bovine IL-18 pcDNA plasmids were constructed under CMV promoter and the coated with Cationic PLG microparticle, immune response of the co administered constructs was evaluated in guinea pigs. Both the plasmids constructed under CMV promoter and 10 µgs each of the plasmids were inoculated intra muscularly in guinea pigs with a booster dose at 21st day post vaccination (dpv). Both humoral and cellular immune response were analysed by IgG1, IgG2 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Serum neutralization test (SNT) and MTT assay. Th1, Th2 cytokine profile was analysed by real time PCR and the phenotyping of T cell sub population in the peripheral blood was performed by flowcytometry. The results have sown significantly higher humoral and cell mediated immune responses in P12A3CIL18+PLG group than P12A3C IL18, and inactivated virus vaccine inoculated groups. Similarly, higher CD4, CD8 population and Th1, Th2 cytokine levels were seen in former group. P12A3CIL18+PLG vaccine protected all the six animals when challenged with homologous virus compared to five in inactivated virus vaccine group respectively. These results have shown that the plasmid encoding for P12A3C pcDNA when co inoculated with IL18 and PLG induce higher and protective immune responses, suggesting rBoIL-18 and Micro particles has a potential to enhance the efficacy of vaccine against FMD. 5. B Evaluation of the Immunological response of various DNA vaccine constructs in Cattle. Healthy male cattle calves of local breed ( Hallikar Breed) of 6 months to one year age group were purchased from local village shandy( cattle market). These animals were housed in healthy animal shed facilities available at IVRI Animal experimental station at Yelahanka , Bangalore. After initial quarantine the animals were bled and the sera were screened for FMDV antibodies for serotype Asia 1 by SNT. The FMD antibody free animals were divided in to 6 groups of six animals each namely Group I to Group IV. All the group were vaccinated with each construct with 200 ug injected by intramuscularly except conventional vaccine group injected with 2 ml of FMDV Inactivated vaccine. One group kepted for control group (vaccinated with PBS) .After 21 st days of first vaccination with same amount booster dose was injected P12A3CpCDNA and bovine IL-18 pcDNA plasmids were constructed under CMV promoter and the coated with Cationic PLG microparticle, immune response of the co administered constructs was evaluated in guinea pigs. Both the plasmids constructed under CMV promoter and 200 µgs each of the plasmids were inoculated intra muscularly in calves with a booster dose at 21st day post vaccination (dpv). Both humoral and cellular immune response were analysed by IgG1, IgG2 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Serum neutralization test (SNT) and MTT assay. Th1, Th2 cytokine profile was analysed by real time PCR (ÃŽ ³IFN, IL4, IL2, ÃŽ ±IFN, IL12, IL25,TLR-4,TLR3,TLR-2,IL8,IL10) and the phenotyping of T cell sub population (CD4 and CD8) and intracellular cytokine molecules (ÃŽ ³IFN, IL4, IL2) in the peripheral blood was performed by flowcytometry. The results have sown significantly higher humoral and cell mediated immune responses in P12A3CIL18+PLG group than P12A3C IL18, and inactivated virus va ccine inoculated groups. Similarly, higher CD4, CD8 population and Th1, Th2 cytokine levels were seen in former group. P12A3CIL18+PLG vaccine protected four out of six animals when challenged with homologous virus compared to 3 in inactivated virus vaccine group respectively. Non structural proteins,ELISA conformed in challenged animals.These results have shown that the plasmid encoding for P12A3C pcDNA when co inoculated with IL18 and PLG induce higher and protective immune responses, suggesting rBoIL-18 and Micro particles has a potential to enhance the efficacy of vaccine against FMD Journal papers and conference/seminar papers from Doctoral research work 1. Expression of Bovine (Bos indicus) interleukin-18 inEscherichia coli and its biological activity.Kotla Siva Reddy, Dowlathabad. Muralidhar Rao, Hosur Joyappa Dechamma,Veluvarthy V.S. Suryanarayana and Golla Ramalinga Reddy.Published in Microbiology and Immunology 2010; 54: 564–567. 2. Enhancement of DNA vaccine (P12A3C-pcDNA) efficacy against Foot- andMouth Disease by co-administration of Interleukin-18 expressing (IL18pcDNA) plasmid in Guinea Pigs. Siva Reddy .K. Muralidhar Rao.D., Badrinaryana.M. Suryanaryana.VVS. and Reddy G.R. Accepted in FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology. Dec -2010 1–9. 3. Dose optimization of Cationic PLG micro particle coated DNA vaccine against Foot and Mouth Disease in Guinea pigs. Siva Reddy, K.,Rashmi., B.R., Muralidhar Rao, D., Dechamma H.J., Banumathi .N., Suryanarayana V.V.S and Reddy .G.R. accepted in J.of Life science.(Article in press) 4. Cytokine profile studied by Real time PCR in FMDV antigen stimulated Bovine PBMC cells. Siva Reddy .K., Muralidhar Rao,D.,PrabhuDas,K., Suryanaryana.VVS., Reddy ,G.R. Accepted in Journal of Biotechnology , Bio engineering and Bio –Informatics. (Article in press). 5. Bos indicus Interleukin 18 complete coding sequence published in NCBI Gen bank .SivaReddy,K., Muralidhar Rao,D., Dechamma,H., Banumathi,N.,Suryanaryana,V. and Reddy,G. Acc.No. FJ985771 6. Enhancement of DNA vaccine (P12A3C-pcDNA) efficacy against Foot- andMouth Disease by co-administration of Interleukin-18 expressing (IL18pcDNA) plasmid in Guinea Pigs. Siva Reddy .K. Muralidhar Rao.D., Badrinaryana.M. Suryanaryana.VVS. and Reddy G.R. Presented in Society for applied biotech biotechnology (SAB) annual conference at Dharmapuri Dec 17,18 7.Bovine Interleukin -18 inhibits Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus Replication in BHK- 21 cells. K. Siva Reddy, D.Murali Dhar Rao, Kakoli Ahmed, H.J Dechamma N.Bhanumathi ,VVS Suryanarayana ,G.R Reddy presented at VIROCON 2010 XIX National Conference RECENT TRENDS IN VIRAL DISEASE PROBLEMS AND MANAGEMENT SVU Tirupathi, Mar 18-20 ,2010 . 8. Cationic Micro Particle (PLG) coated DNA vaccination Induces a long term immune response and Protective Immunity against Foot –and-Mouth disease virus. K. Siva Reddy, Rashmi Dechamma N.Bhanumathi ,VVS Suryanarayana ,G.R Reddy Presented at VIROCON 2010 XIX National Conference RECENT TRENDS IN VIRAL DISEASE PROBLEMS AND MANAGEMENT SVU Tirupathi, Mar 18-20 ,2010. 9. Dose response studies of ID- p VAC (SECRETORY VECTOR CONSTRUCT) coated on cationic PLG micro particles against FMDV in guinea pigs. Siva Reddy K., Reddy G.R. Presented at SBC Annual conference Impact of Basic and Translational Research on Medicine, Agriculture and Industry, IIT Madras 18-20 DEC -2008. Communicated Articles 1. Cationic Micro Particle (PLG) coated DNA vaccination induces a long term immune response and Protective Immunity against FMD in GuineaPigs. Siva Reddy ,K ., MuraliDhar Rao,D.,Rashmi, B.R., Dechamma H,J., Banumathi.,N., Suryanarayana V.V.S and Reddy G.R Communicated in to Vet Immunology and Immunopathology(Under review). 2. Bovine Interleukin 18 inhibits Foot and mouth disease virus replication in BHK-21 Cells. K. Siva Reddy, D.MuraliDhar Rao, K.PrabhuDas, VVS Suryanarayana,G.R Reddy communicated in to Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry. 3. Enhanced efficacy of a Foot and mouth disease DNA vaccine (P12A3CpcDNA) by adsorption onto cationic PLG microparticle in guinea pigs .K. Siva Reddy, D.MuraliDhar Rao, K.PrabhuDas, VVS Suryanarayana ,G.R Reddy communicated into International journal of Immunopharmacology.

Litter Control :: Environment Ecology Littering

Litter Control Litter control is not only an important issue to me but to this state and country. Programs such as Keep America Beautiful and adopt-a-highway are designed to promote a clean environment by educating people and creating projects to help improve the environment (Keeping America Beautiful). Growing up I learned the importance of having a clean environment. It improves the quality of life, it increases your confidence level, and it makes you proud of your community. I feel strongly about this issue because there are a lot of people who just do not care. South Carolina has a goal of making people aware of the environment. The state government has started a campaign called Palmetto Pride (Diane Marlow). The promotion tactics that they use includes South Carolina officials and well-known people promoting beautification of the state. I also have a goal of making people aware of the environment and I decided that creating a project with children would be very effective. I always thought children were excellent people to work with. They are eager to learn and to show enthusiasm. My plan was to work with the children of St. Lawrence’s Place. That idea was sparked from my University 101 instructor. There I hoped to design a trash-pickup program similar to the one that the adopt-a-highway program had. Along with the program, I would have educated the children about litter prevention and the importance of a clean environment. Instead of walking along a highway collect trash we would wander around St. Lawrence’s Place looking for trash and items to be recycled. Unfortunately, the program could not be carried out because of scheduling problems. Luckily, there was an adopt-a-highway project going on in my hometown during the time of fall break. Adopt-a-highway is a program of public service for volunteers to collect trash along the highways of America. The group agrees to pick up trash at the minimum of three times per year. There is an age limit for this program. Those that are interested must be at least twelve years of age to participate in the trash pick-up. The adopt-a-highway program also educates people about litter prevention and recycling (Adopt-a-highway). On October 15, I arrived on Main Street with some of my friends and former classmates. Main Street is a very busy road that connects to a highway.

Marketing Management – Coca Cola India

Coca Cola India's Thirst for the Rural Market Coca Cola India's Thirst for the Rural Market: ‘Thanda' Goes Rural In early 2002, Coca-Cola India (CCI) (Refer Exhibit I for information about CCI) launched a new advertisement campaign featuring leading bollywood actor – Aamir Khan. The advertisement with the tag line – ‘Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola' was targeted at rural and semi-urban consumers. According to company sources, the idea was to position Coca-Cola as a generic brand for cold drinks. The campaign was launched to support CCI's rural marketing initiatives. CCI began focusing on the rural market in the early 2000s in order to increase volumes. This decision was not surprising, given the huge size of the untapped rural market in India (Refer Exhibit II to learn about the rural market in India). With flat sales in the urban areas, it was clear that CCI would have to shift its focus to the rural market. Nantoo Banerjee, spokeswoman – CCI, said, â€Å"The real market in India is in the rural areas. If you can crack it, there is tremendous potential. However, the poor rural infrastructure and consumption habits that are very different from those of urban people were two major obstacles to cracking the rural market for CCI. Because of the erratic power supply most grocers in rural areas did not stock cold drinks. Also, people in rural areas had a preference for traditional cold beverages such as ‘lassi'6 and lemon juice. Further, the price of the beverage was also a major factor for the rural consumer. CCI's Rural Marketing Strategy CCI's rural marketing strategy was based on three A's – Availability, Affordability and Acceptability. The first ‘A' – Availability emphasized on the availability of the product to the customer; the second ‘A' Affordability focused on product pricing, and the third ‘A'- Acceptability focused on convincing the customer to buy the product. Availability Once CCI entered the rural market; it focused on strengthening its distribution network there. It realized that the centralized distribution ystem used by the company in the urban areas would not be suitable for rural areas. In the centralized distribution system, the product was transported directly from the bottling plants to retailers (Refer Figure I). However, CCI realized that this distribution system would not work in rural markets, as taking stock directly from bottling plants to retail stores would be very costly due to the long distances to be covered. The company in stead opted for a hub and spoke distribution system (Refer Figure II). Under the hub and spoke distribution system, stock was transported from the bottling plants to hubs and then from hubs, the stock was transported to spokes, which were situated in small towns. These spokes fed the retailers catering to the demand in rural areas. CCI not only changed its distribution model, it also changed the type of vehicles used for transportation. The company used large trucks for transporting stock from bottling plants to hubs and medium commercial vehicles transported the stock from the hubs to spokes. For transporting stock from spokes to village retailers, the company utilized auto rickshaws and cycles. Commenting on the transportation of stock in rural markets, a company spokesperson said, â€Å"We use all possible means of transport that range from trucks, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and hand carts to even camel carts in Rajasthan and mules in the hilly areas, to cart our products from the nearest hub. â€Å"7 In late 2002, CCI made an additional investment of Rs 7 million (Rs 5 million from the company and Rs 2 million from the company's bottlers) to meet rural demand. By March 2003, the company had added 25 production lines and doubled its glass and PET bottle capacity8. Further it also distributed around 2,00,000 refrigerators to its rural retailers. It also purchased 5,000 new trucks and auto rickshaws for boosting its rural distribution. Through its rural distribution initiatives, CCI was able to increase its presence in rural areas from a coverage of 81,383 villages in 2001 to 1,58,342 villages in August 2003. Apart from strengthening its distribution network, CCI also focused on pricing in rural market. Affordability A survey conducted by CCI in 2001 revealed that 300 ml bottles were not popular with rural and semi urban residents where two persons often shared a 300 ml bottle. It was also found that the price of Rs10/- per bottle was considered too high by rural consumers. For these reasons, CCI decided to make some changes in the size of its bottles and pricing to win over consumers in the rural market. In 2002, CCI launched 200 ml bottles (Chota Coke)9 priced at Rs 5. CCI announced that it would push the 200 ml bottles more in rural areas, as the rural market was very price-sensitive. It was widely felt that the 200 ml bottles priced at Rs. 5 would increase the rate of consumption in rural India. Reports put the annual per capita consumption of bottled beverages in rural areas at one bottle as compared to 6 bottles in urban areas. The 200 ml bottles priced at Rs. 5 would also make CCI competitive against local brands in the unorganized sector. It was reported that in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat the local cola brands such as Choice and Tikli cost only half the price offered by CCI, which gave them the advantage in garnering the major market share before CCI came out with Chota Coke. CCI also targeted the rural consumer aggressively in its marketing campaigns, which were aimed at increasing awareness of its brands in rural areas. Acceptability The initiatives of CCI in distribution and pricing were supported by extensive marketing in the mass media as well as through outdoor advertising. The company put up hoardings in villages and painted the name Coca Cola on the compounds of the residences in the villages. Further, CCI also participated in the weekly mandies10 by setting up temporary retail outlets, and also took part in the annual haats11 and fairs – major sources of business activity and entertainment in rural India. CCI also launched television commercials (TVCs) targeted at rural consumers. In order to reach more rural consumers, CCI increased its ad-spend on Doordarshan. 12 The company ensured that all its rural marketing initiatives were well supported by TVCs. When CCI launched Chota Coke in 2002 priced at Rs. 5, it bought out a commercial featuring Bollywood actor Aamir Khan to communicate the message of the price cut and the launch of 200 ml bottles to the rural consumers. The commercial was shot in a rural setting. In the summer of 2003, CCI came up with a new commercial featuring Aamir Khan, to further strengthen the Coca-Cola brand image among rural consumers. The commercial aimed at making coke a generic name for ‘Thanda. ‘ Of the reason for picking up the word ‘Thanda', Prasoon Joshi, national creative director – McCann Erickson, the creator of the commercial, said, â€Å"Thanda is a very North India-centric phenomenon. Go to any restaurant in the north, and attendants would promptly ask, ‘thanda ya garam? ‘ ‘Thanda' usually means lassi or nimbu pani, ‘garam' is essentially tea. Because the character, in itself, represented a culture, we wanted to equate Coke with ‘Thanda', since ‘Thanda' too is part of the popular dialect of the north, thus making ‘Thanda' generic for Coca-Cola. With the long-playing possibilities of the ‘Thanda' idea becoming evident, ‘Thanda' became the central idea. Once we decided to work on that idea, the creative mind just opened up. â€Å"13 Between March and September 2003, CCI launched three commercials with the ‘Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola' tag line. All the three commercials aimed to make rural and semi-urban consumers connect with Coca-Cola. The first ad featured Aamir Khan as a ‘tapori' (street smart); in the ad he makes the association between Coca-Cola and the word ‘Thanda. ‘ The second commercial in the series featured Aamir Khan as a ‘Hyderabadi shop-keeper'; here again he equates the word ‘Thanda' with Coca-Cola. The third commercial featured Aamir Khan as a ‘Punjabi farmer' who offers Coca Cola to ladies asking for Thanda. The three commercials showed progression in associating ‘Coke' with ‘Thanda' in a rural/semi-urban context. In the first commercial the connection of Coke with Thanda was made, in the second one there was a subtle difference, with the shopkeeper asking customers to ask for Thanda instead of Coke, and the third commercial showed that when one asked for Thanda, one would get Coke. Analysts said that all the three commercials succeeded in make rural consumers connect to Coke and increased awareness of the brand among them. Along with TVCs, CCI also launched print advertisements in several regional newspapers. Future Prospects CCI claimed all its marketing initiatives were very successful, and as a result, its rural penetration increased from 9% in 2001 to 25% in 2003. CCI also said that volumes from rural markets had increased to 35% in 2003. The company said that it would focus on adding more villages to its distribution network. For the year 2003, CCI had a target of reaching 0. 1 million more villages. Analysts pointed out that stiff competition from archrival PepsiCo would make it increasingly difficult for CCI to garner more market share. PepsiCo too had started focusing on the rural market, due to the flat volumes in urban areas. Like CCI, PepsiCo too launched 200 ml bottles priced at Rs. 5. Going one step ahead, PepsiCo slashed the price of its 300 ml bottles to Rs 6/- to boost volumes in urban areas. (Refer Exhibit III for Pepsi Co's rural marketing initiatives. ) In early 2003, CCI announced that it was dropping plans to venture into other beverage businesses. Company sources said that increasing volumes of cola drinks had made the company rethink its plans of launching juice and milk-based beverages. In 2002, CCI had announced plans to launch beverages such as nimbu paani (lemon juice), fruit juice, cold coffee, and iced tea in collaboration with Nestle India. 14 Though CCI was upbeat because of its early success in its drive to capture the rural market, the question was whether the company would be able to take this success further. A major media setback occurred in August 2003, when the Delhi-based Center for Science and Environment announced that it had found high pesticide content in soft drinks manufactured and sold by both cola majors. Around same time BBC Radio in its program – ‘Face the Facts' alleged that Coke's plant in Kerala was making excessive use of groundwater resources in the region and was also contaminating the groundwater through discharge of toxic elements, thereby harming the land, water resources and also the food chain in the region. Though CCI refuted these allegations, the company reportedly experienced a considerable decline in sales after August 2003. With many social and political groups becoming active against the cola companies in rural areas, it remains to be seen whether CCI will be able to quench its thirst for the rural market.