Monday, December 30, 2019

The Rich Cultural Practices Of Africa - 966 Words

favoured, and having a loud voice and well spoken† (Equiano, 30-31). In this quotation, Equiano is discussing the rich cultural practices in Africa, when it came to naming. Equiano’s narrative offers some great insight to Africa before his village was invaded, the journey through the middle passage, and the harsh realities of enslavement. Yet, Equiano still chooses to be referred as Gustavas Vassa. In his narrative Equiano refers to how he received the name Gustavas Vassa by his captive against his will. As he went from master to master, they named him whatever they chose, as if he was a pet, going from Olaudah to Jacob to Michael to Gustavus. When Equiano’s master told him he would be called Gustavus Vassa, he refused and told his†¦show more content†¦Africans had names for many things around them, the physical and spiritual world. Someone wasn’t considered to be whole until they were bestowed a name, which relates to the importance of naming ceremonies in African culture. From an Afrocentric perspective, â€Å"naming bears spiritual, psychological, and physical significance in the realities of their everyday existence is revered in the African worldview† (Fitzpatrick, 35). In Fredrick Douglass’s narrative, Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass, An American Slave, he discusses naming briefly. He was born as Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. He mentions that as he traveled from city to city he would change his name, â€Å"I started from Baltimore bearing the name of ‘Stanley.’ When I got to New York, I again changed my name to ‘Frederick Johnson,’ and thought that would be the last change. But when I got to New Bedford, I found it necessary again to change my name† (Douglass, 96). Although he mentions that he felt the need to change his name again because there were too many Johnsons in New Bedford, so he sought advice from his friend Nathan Johnson on what he should change his last name to. â€Å"Johnson had been reading Sir Walter Scott’s epic narrative poem The Lady of the Lake . . . [and] picked the name of the leader of the Scottish clan Douglas, one of the poem’s key figures† (Do uglass

Saturday, December 21, 2019

The United Nations Charter Of Human Rights - 1154 Words

The International Community argues that the Sentencia 168-14 is in violation of international law. Upon analyzing the situation, it becomes clear that the DR is in violation of a number of international laws. I will outline a number of Articles of the United Nations Charter of Human Rights and attempt to show how the DR are or could be considered in violation of these laws. Article 9 of the Charter states that: â€Å"no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile†. Reports by Amnesty International have claimed that this has been the case. Many migrants, particularly those of Haitians decent are arbitrarily deported. They are sent to a country that they have never visit. AS presented by the IACHR: â€Å"phenotypical characteristics and a darker skin color were decisive factors when individuals were selected for detention and subsequent expulsion.† This act by the authorities indicates a clear pattern of discrimination. Amnesty International has also made reports of authorities destroying documents of Haitians, which would be able to prove their legal status in the DR. Article 15 of the Charter states that: (1) â€Å"Everyone has the right to a nationality† and (2) â€Å"No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.† This violation is at the center of the Haiti-Dominican situation. The new ruling has left thousands stateless. As aforementioned, many reasons were given for not granting birth certificates and ID cards toShow MoreRelatedThe Us Should Withdraw From The Un1200 Words   |  5 PagesUnfulfilled charter A. World peace 1. Bosnian massacre 2. Somalia 3. Rwanda B. Human rights 1. Membership nations 2. Abuses III. Overburdensome cost A. Percentage paid by US B. Financial stewardship C. Membership corruption IV Sovereign rights A. Membership requirements B. Treaties 1. US Constitution 2. UN Charter 3. Washington’s farewell C. Competing interests V. Global community A. Decreased influence B. Fallacious argument STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To prove that the United States shouldRead MoreThe Western Libya Security Council Resolution997 Words   |  4 PagesThe western Libya Security Council to authorise the use of force against Libya under United Nations Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1973 provided that it protected civilians and it did not lead to a force of occupation of any kind. This essay will critically discuss the proposition that â€Å"UNSCR 1973 changed the law regarding the use of force under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter† prior to discussing the proposition a definition on the law regarding the use of force as provided by ChapterRead MoreInternational Governance: The United Nations Essays1690 Words   |  7 Pagesterritorial expansion. Yet, when applied on the international level, the question arises: by what authority is the right to govern granted? If war is a means to this authority, is it through the blind, tumultuous, violent struggle for power, or is it gro unded in a universal moral absolute? Put another way, do we assert that governance is determined by arbitrary might or by absolute right? In fact, it is precisely this problem that various world powers and political theorists have sought to addressRead MoreUnited Nations Undermines Us Sovereignty1064 Words   |  5 Pagesimportantly, membership in the United Nations undermines US sovereignty. The President of the United States has the power to make treaties with foreign nations provided two-thirds of Congress concur (â€Å"The Constitution of the United States of America,† Article II Section 2). The UN Charter, however, although stating it is based on the principles of sovereign equality, requires members to give assistance to the UN based on its decisions, and prevents any state from assisting a nation against whom the UN isRead MoreIs International Human Rights Activity? Essay1486 Words   |  6 Pageseven a nation. Societies are founded on the idea of dominion and other societies have learned to embrace cultural differences and give credibility to them as a result. However today’s era of globalisa tion has yet to shake off fully the imperialistic attitude that was prevalent up until the 1800. While the intention behind the creation of fundamental human rights – such as the Charter of the United Nations – was an amicable one, the reality has given rise to anomalies when dealing with nations thatRead MoreFailure Of The League Of Nations893 Words   |  4 Pagesthe League of Nations 1. United States Refused to Join A. In 1918, Woodrow Wilson, the president at the time, wrote an open letter suggesting that if the Republicans were to gain control of congress they would give ease to Germany. This accusation was false as the Republicans had backed World War I and because of this they won the 1918 elections and gained control of the Senate and the House. Lodge became the majority leader and demanded compromise on the League of Nations charter before having itRead MoreInternational Organizations And The International Organization Essay1518 Words   |  7 Pagesdevelopment of various nations. These are institutions that are set to uphold the values of certain agendas that are put out there for member nations to embark on in improving a nation’s socio economic development. Some of these agendas and charters do come with costs and these costs includes fines, punishments. It also has benefits, a benefit weaker and stronger nations in achieving certain goals in the global spectrum. International o rganizations set standards for other nations to follow in ensuringRead MoreHumanitarian Intervention Is An Unacceptable Assault On Sovereignty Essay804 Words   |  4 Pagesviolations of human rights that offend every precept of our common humanity? Kofi Annan, Millennium Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, 2000 With this citation the Secretary General of UN took the responsibility to support the humanitarian intervention. The defence of this principle and the realization of this task rely on the UNSC, the only authority accountable of the determination of any threats to the international peace as the article 39 of the UN Charter says: â€Å"The SecurityRead MoreThe Charter Of The United Nations848 Words   |  4 PagesChapter I | United Nations. UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2016. This article was a posting of the first chapter of the Charter of the United Nations. In it, it details the purposes and principles of the United Nations thus allowing me to have a better understanding of why the United nations was created. It was created for the purpose of maintaining â€Å"international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to theRead MoreWorld War II : The Largest And Deadliest War930 Words   |  4 Pagessound, the United States and the Soviet Union. In an effort to prevent another world war from happening and â€Å"to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,† the United Nations was formed (Charter of the United Nations). It has been over seventy years since the United Nations took on the role of international peacekeepers and the world has experienced dramatic changes. However, today’s world is much different than it was in the postwar era of World War II and the United Nations has come

Friday, December 13, 2019

Hottie Hawgs Bbq Case Study Free Essays

Hottie Hawg’s Smokin’ BBQ Case Study Team 16 Strengths: * NASCAR Partnership * Excellent food * Differentiated brand * Creativity of owners * Excellent marketing * Low infrastructure costs * Mobile restaurant * Little brand competition * Service flexibility * Proprietary recipes * Community support/interests * Professional marketing image Weaknesses: * Lack of cash flow * Leadership working for two companies * Loss of founder means all lies on Vaughn * High travel costs for events outside of Atlanta * Licensing decision reduces the opportunity of franchise income * Limited distribution capabilities Expansion is expensive * Non-centralized staff * Lack of business credit * Limited menu * Use of ACT funds to finance HHBBQ operations pierces the corporate veil. * Limited catering experience Opportunities: * Aramark/Pepsi Center opportunity * NASCAR as growth partner * Growth within Atlanta * Brand awareness through additional licensing and potential franchising * Merchandi se sales * Brick-and-mortar Flagship locations * Popularity of Food Trucks Threats: * Hooters Restaurants * Other barbecue restaurants * Customer reluctance to patronize a polarizing brand * Loss of trade-secret information Legal costs * Economic downturn/slow economic growth * Rising fuel and transportation costs * Pitmasters BBQ uses similar logo and brand image: 1. If you were in Kyle Vaughn’s position, which strategic option would you take? Explain your reasoning. We will write a custom essay sample on Hottie Hawgs Bbq Case Study or any similar topic only for you Order Now Hottie Hawg’s Smokin BBQ was presented with an opportunity for tremendous growth early on in the life of the company that would test the limits of HHBBQ’s ability to raise capital, produce the quantity of food required and maintain the quality of the product while protecting the brand name and mark they had worked to cultivate. The Aramark/Pepsi Center contract would guarantee HHBBQ at least 100 events, projected at 16,000 people per event, and make HHBBQ the exclusive BBQ vendor for the arena. We believe of the two strategy alternatives HHBBQ had, the correct choice would be to pursue the Aramark contract. As a company that is looking to expand, passing up an opportunity of this magnitude might not occur again. Either of these two strategies are viable and possess pros and cons, but pursuing the Aramark contract would grant HHBBQ more potential rewards than passing. HHBBQ has already worked with one professional sport in NASCAR and the opportunity to serve customers of the NBA and NHL are markets that are too valuable to pass on. Once the decision to accept the Pepsi Center deal is made, HHBBQ will face more decisions on how best to handle supplying the needed food for the events. HHBBQ would have to re-locate the â€Å"18 Squeeler†, an open-air smoker on wheels, to Denver to prepare the BBQ or rent a local kitchen until a permanent commissary was set up. HHBBQ faced legitimate concerns regarding the ability of the Squeeler to meet the high food demand of the Pepsi Center and whether the legal costs, potential loss of food quality and possibility of compromising the brand image when dealing with a rented kitchen would make the deal not profitable. From the case study, the first 18 Squeeler was available one week after the initial conversation between Vaughn and Rybka. To meet the demand of the Pepsi Arena, HHBBQ should purchase an additional Squeeler so the food quantity and quality are not compromised. Once cash flow has begun and enough capital is raised to open a Denver commissary, the two Squeelers would be freed up to once again to perform at local events within the community and allow one Squeeler to return to Atlanta to service the home market. These are challenges that service firms face when attempting to match their products to the needs of their target markets (Ferrell Hartline, 197). HHBBQ will experience on the job training while learning how to best forecast the correct amount of food needed to serve the arena and the number of new employees to hire and train to accommodate the number of visitors to the arena. Because most services are dependent upon people (employees, customers), HHBBQ must avoid past mistakes in variations in quality and inconsistency such as overstaffing, food waste, and less than ideal image promotion (Ferrell Hartline, 198) to maintain high service quality and profitability. Although service quality is a subjective phenomenon (Ferrell Hartline, 198),   this particular marketplace would not allow for service customization but allow HHBBQ to focus on food quality and speed of service to meet their customers’ needs. . Comment on the decision to license the Hottie Hawg’s brand rather than enter into a franchise agreement with Seymour. In the company’s situation, is it better to promote easier expansion through franchising or maintain tight control over brand image through licensing? Explain. At this early stage in Hottie Hawg’s Smokin’ BBQ’s history, it is important to cultivate the brand image carefully and with almost obsess ive attention to detail. The offering of tasty barbecue served by attractive women in a fun and laid-back environment is in its introductory stage (Ferrell Hartline, 217), and will soon move into the growth stage if all goes well. Hottie’s must work to grow and build brand equity and establish a differential advantage in the market. This is done through careful management of the product and brand over this time. Public relations, advertising and incentives are critical at this stage in the brands life, as it sets the tone for the growth and maturity stage. Will this be just another barbecue joint or will Hottie’s stand out among a sea of ribs and wings? Rybka initially envisioned a brand so â€Å"extreme and offensive (as) to purposely alienate a large portion of the population† (Ferrell Hartline, 519)   Allowing a franchisee to potentially dilute this brand is a risk they should not be willing to take. The branding strategy employed by HHBBQ depends on the extreme offensiveness they are building, and a franchisee that doesn’t have the same â€Å"tough guts† that Vaughn and Rybka have may not be capable of sticking to their vision. Vaughn has done an excellent job thus far in developing a different style of BBQ restaurant in the southeast, and should protect the emerging brand image fiercely in order to maintain and develop according to the company’s vision. A license agreement, where complete control can be exercised over the quality of the food, the brand image, logos and marketing materials allows Vaughn to control the direction of the company, while realizing income from licensed sales. The brand is the most valuable asset to this emerging company; in fact, the brands image was â€Å"the cornerstone of the company’s success thus far† according to Lee, and therefore, should remain the top priority at this stage in the game (Ferrell Hartlien, 526). It should also be noted that by licensing the product rather than franchising, HHBBQ has been able to avoid many unnecessary expenditures that go along with franchising. Had they sold Seymour a franchise, they may have had to invest more in him in terms of training, product knowledge, and other resources that HHBBQ cannot spare at the current time. Licensing provided Seymour an avenue to invest without much overhead expense, and still provided HHBBQ with licensing revenue and fees. 3. Assume that Hottie Hawg’s is successful with the Aramark/Pepsi Center opportunity. What should Vaughn’s next move be to continue that growth and success? Vaughn’s efforts, with the success of the Aramark/Pepsi venture will have resulted in the beginning of the growth stage of HHBBQ BBQ. This continuing growth stage has happened because sales increases will have been occurring rapidly due to the appeal of the product (Ferrell Hartline, 219). Additionally, Hottie Hawg’s BBQ will want to 1. â€Å"Establish a strong and defensible market position† and 2. Earn profit to repay debts as well as enough profit to justify moving forward with the business (Ferrell Hartline, 219). In order to do this, Vaughn’s next moves should be to pursue one flagship brick mortar location, more   18 squeelers to expand the reach of the product line, look for more venue arrangements that could be profitable, potentially pursue venture capital, and pursue more licensing agreements. Pursuing a flagship brick mortar restaurant should be an important next step for Vaughn. Up to this point, Vaughn has not built a brick mortar location because traditional storefronts require heavy upfront investment costs (Ferrell Hartline, 521). However, with the cash flow that a successful Aramark/Pepsi Center opportunity will bring, it will be the right time to invest in a flagship location. A major benefit to creating a flagship store front in Atlanta, GA will be that HHBBQ will be able to finally focus some resources on the opportunities in Atlanta for local catering parties and events in this major metropolitan area (Ferrell Hartline522). This will create more cash flow for the company, and the increased presence in the Atlanta metropolitan area should help to strengthen the position of the company by fulfilling the event catering need that has not been met there as of yet (Ferrell Hartline, 213). Purchasing more 18 squeelers to increase the reach of the product line should be a next step for Vaughn. The 18 squeeler was one of the first pieces of equipment bought by Rybka and has proven to be invaluable (Ferrell Hartline, 519). This smoker allows HHBBQ to reach out to people over a wide geographic area, resulting in increased brand awareness which helps build more brand equity (Ferrell Hartline, 205). Investing in more 18 squeelers will allow HHBBQ to continue expanding the awareness of its high quality product, which will help set up future associations and increased cash flow. In fact, the food truck industry, of which HHBBQ’s squeeler would be considered part, is growing at a rate of 18. % in North Florida which shows that there are still incredible growth opportunities in this arena, although competition is increasing as well (Haughney, 2). Vaughn should also look for more venue arrangements. These arrangements are great opportunities because they offer tremendous upside potential through solid revenues, profits, and exposure (Ferrell Hartline, 525). Partnering with major arenas such as the Pepsi Center is ideal because massive amounts of people will see and try the product and take that favora ble opinion about the brand home with them. HHBBQ is poised to increase cash flow considerably if they can establish similar arrangements with some of the NASCAR events that they are already affiliated with, other popular arenas such as the Amway Center in Orlando, FL, Turner Field in Atlanta, GA, or busy venues such as major zoos, amusement parks, or even in airports. Venture Capital is another way for HHBBQ may be able to help fund growth after the successful Pepsi Center opportunity. Selling a minority stake of the company for cash may be a very smart move in order to fund future growth. HHBBQ will have enough viability now that there will certainly be interested parties. Venture Capital firms, such as Seed Capital, which provides investment in new start-ups, exist to make a return on their investment (Haughney, 3). HHBBQ could fund major expansion with a large influx of cash, as well as hire more support staff to handle the increased demand for product. Increasing the amount of licensing agreements for HHBBQ is also a smart move. Licensing agreements allow HHBBQ to receive substantial cash flow while allowing the company to maintain quality control over both brand and product (Ferrell Hartline, 524). These controls are still very important, because HHBBQ’s brand image and great tasting food help set the company apart from competitors. Additionally, HHBBQ currently only has a licensing agreement in the Denver, CO area which means that an incredible growth opportunity exists here. Adding a few other major markets would be a wise move to ensure viable cash flows for HHBBQ. 4. If the Aramark/Pepsi Center opportunity turns out to be unsuccessful, what should Vaughn do to ensure the ongoing viability of Hottie Hawgs? If the Aramark/Pepsi decision proves unsuccessful, then Hottie Hawgs would have the opportunity to focus on other investment opportunities. As they do not have an excess of cash flow, it is our belief that Hottie Hawgs would initially benefit from raising capital. This time would also allow the fledgling company to build experience, maturity, and further develop within the growth stage, while having the additional financial flexibility that would come with more capital. Once Hottie Hawgs has raised ample capital, they would then be able to focus on licensing/franchising, and more â€Å"Squeelers†. This capital would also allow Hottie Hawgs to consider the possibility of a brick and mortar restaurant. Hottie Hawgs has already established that they can attain profitability with the â€Å"Squeelers† once they verify the proper amount of food necessary. So the investment or licensing in additional â€Å"Squeelers† units would allow them to effectively manage the company’s growth. If the decision were to prove unsuccessful, Hottie Hawgs could also take that opportunity to move their operations back to closer to their home base. Atlanta, which has a population of over four million, would be a prime location for Hottie Hawgs to grow. Atlanta, which is a major metropolitan market, hosts NASCAR, MLB, NFL, and NBA, all of which could be potential events or venues where Hottie Hawgs could find success. This would also allow Hottie Hawgs to continue to attend successfully proven events, in their proximity, like the Billfish Tournament in Panama City. As noted in the case, Eric Rybka’s initial approach for Hottie Hawg’s branding was to, â€Å"create enough negative publicity to make the brand infamous, and then slowly morph the brand enough to be mainstream†. To ensure viability, Hottie Hawgs can take this unsuccessful decision and turn it an opportunity. They would now have the ability to change their brand to a more mainstream and socially acceptable brand. As we know from our text, a brand is a combination of the company’s name, symbol, and design. Taking an opportunity to refine these would fit well into Eric Rybka’s initial intent and direction of the company. This unsuccessful decision can also be turned into an opportunity for Hottie Hawgs to consider improvements or revisions of existing products. As noted in our text, these improvements or revisions can create a â€Å"greater perceived value† for the customer. In these challenging economic times, Hottie Hawgs could also consider cost reduction strategies. As noted in our text, cost reduction strategies would allow Hottie Hawgs to maintain a level of performance, but do so, â€Å"at a lower price†. This would allow Hottie Hawgs to appeal to the most cost conscious customers, but maintain the level of performance that has brought them initial success. This strategy could be achieved by considering lower cost meat providers, lower priced ingredients, or reducing costs in other facets of the restaurant, such as plates, utensils, cups, or napkins. Hottie Hawgs could also consider a co-branding strategy. Hottie Hawgs could contract and have Coke and Hottie Hawgs brand marks on their cups. They could also co-brand with locally prevalent companies to put their advertising on Hottie Hawgs to-go bags or boxes, along with Hottie Hawgs brand marks. Overall, it is our determination that if the Aramark/Pepsi decision proves to be unsuccessful, Hottie Hawgs still has a multitude of opportunities to maintain viability. Hottie Hawgs can consider licensing/franchising opportunities. They can make a decision to raise capital to obtain more Squeelers. They can consider other venues, like Atlanta, with the reasons that we noted above. Lastly, they can consider reconfiguring some of their strategies, utilizing concepts from the text, that would allow them to refine some of their strategies in an effort to maximize the fulfillment of the customer’s needs, while attracting a greater customer base. Even if the Aramark/Pepsi decision is unsuccessful, that does not mean that Hottie Hawgs is void of alternatives that can allow them to maintain viability and rofitability. O. C. Ferrell Michael D. Hartline: â€Å"Marketing Strategy, Fifth Edition†    2011 Haughney, Kathleen. â€Å"Keep On (Food) Trucking. †   850businessmagazine. com. 850 Business Magazine. Web. 02 March   2013. http://www. 850businessmagazine. com/index. php? option=com_contentview=articleid=601%3Akeep-on-food-truckingcatid=64%3Aq-and-aItemid=1 Couret, Jacques. ‘ARC: Metro Atlanta Population Hits 4. 17 Million† bizjournals. com. Web. August 09, 2012 http://www. bizjournals. com/atlanta/news/2012/08/09/arc-metro-atlanta-population-hits. html? page=all How to cite Hottie Hawgs Bbq Case Study, Free Case study samples

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Benefits of the Design Thinking-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: What does Design Thinking mean to you? Answer: Introduction Design Thinking s the process of eradicating the issues in the business organization by analysing various strategies in the organization. The current thinking of the expertise regarding the decision thinking is a positive behaviour of employee of company in the market. This presentation deals with the importance of the design thinking in the organization. There are different steps of the decisions making discussed in the presentation. This presentation outlines specific types of design thinking that helps in understanding the concept of the design thinking in the organisation in the market. Design thinking The thinking process of an individual in the society has been going through drastic changes. The design thinking is a holistic approach of human that deals with the problems of organization in the market (Oxman, 2017). This shows various logistic approaches of human that deals writing the solution of problems of company. The design thinking is the man approach o the organization that helps in maintaining a proper decision making approach of the employee in the company. There are five stages of the design thinking mentioned below: Empathy The initial step of the design thinking deals with the proper planning of the solution to the problems (Goodman, Schneeweiss Baiocchi, 2017). A proper listening and communication helps in understanding the problem of the company. A both way communication helps in gathering proper data and information about the problems in the company. The logistic approach of the employee helps in maintaining a proper understanding with the problem. A broader way of gathering knowledge is developed in this stage (Serpes Menon, 2017). This helps in gathering more data and information regarding the problems in the organization. Define The identification of problem is followed up by defining the problem in a way to understand by the other employee. This helps in defining the factors involved in the problems occurring in the company (Hernndez Leo et al., 2017). There are various strategies prepared for obtaining the solution to the problems that helps in maintaining the definition of the problem in the company. A good point-of-view focuses on the problems and finding the solution of the problem of the companies. Ideate This mode helps in designing the strategies based on the data and information gathered in the first step. The ideate mode helps in creating new ideas related to solution of problem occurring in company (Huq et al., 2017). There are different types of ideas are generated to solve the problem of company. The employee of the company generates these ideas during any meeting or seminar. This helps in identifying different way to solve the problem in the company. Prototype The prototype mode helps in creating a prototype of the progress in the design thinking. It focuses on the findings of the process and creates a template addressing all the important points discussed in the process (Chase, 2017). A prototype helps in maintaining a record of the findings and ideas for solving the problems the organization. A clean and simple prototypes helps in proper communication with clients of company and make understand to them about the problems of the company. This prototype includes all the experiences of the process involve in the design thinking (Oxman, 2017). Test The testing of the processes involved in the design thinking helps in analysing the errors and risks involved in the process (Serrat, 2017). The test of the process of design thinking helps in maintaining the quality of the solution developed for the problems of the company. The testing process involves receiving the feedbacks of the solution by the employee of the organization that helps in analysing the loopholes and gaps of the solution prepared for the company in the market. Benefits of the design thinking The design thinking process provides proper logical solution to the problems rising in the organization. A modern technique helps in maintaining the problems of the company there are various benefits of the design thinking (Gottlieb et al., 2017). The use of proper body poster helps in transferring proper message to the opponent and communication becomes transparent. Therefore, design thinking helps in channelizing a proper message to the clients. The design thinking focuses on the probem and solves it in a logistic way. It includes various creativity and innovation that helps in seeking design principles. It helps organization in creating new values in the market regarding the problems and finding the solutions of the problems (Mubin, Novoa Mahmud, 2017). It helps in navigating the project up to a new level and finishes it within allocated time. It helps in working in a team and completes the task to find the solution to the problems in the company (Miller, 2017). Conclusion It can be concluded that the design thinking helps in maintaining the problem of company in market. There are various steps involved in the design thinking that helps in preparing the steps of the problem solving approach. The five steps are discussed in the presentation that helps in maintaining the proper posture of the company in the market. The planning of the solution is made initially by gathering data and information about the problems. The defining of the problem is done after that to create new ideas and thoughts regarding the solution to the problems. There are various benefits of the design thinking discussed including improvement in the communication process of the clients References Chase, S. (2017). Design Thinking in Action: Changing the Public Service Model.OLA Quarterly,22(3), 15-19. Goodman, S. N., Schneeweiss, S., Baiocchi, M. (2017). Using design thinking to differentiate useful from misleading evidence in observational research.Jama,317(7), 705-707. Gottlieb, M., Wagner, E., Wagner, A., Chan, T. (2017). Applying Design Thinking Principles to Curricular Development in Medical Education.AEM Education and Training,1(1), 21-26. Hernndez Leo, D., Agostinho, S., Beardsley, M., Bennet, S., Lockyer, L. (2017). Helping teachers to think about their design problem: a pilot study to stimulate design thinking. Huq, A., Huq, A., Gilbert, D., Gilbert, D. (2017). All the worldsa stage: transforming entrepreneurship education through design thinking.Education+ Training,59(2), 155-170. Miller, P. N. (2017). Is design thinking the new liberal arts?.The Evolution of Liberal Arts in the Global Age, 167. Mubin, O., Novoa, M., Al Mahmud, A. (2017). Infusing technology driven design thinking in industrial design education: a case study.Interactive Technology and Smart Education, (just-accepted), 00-00. Oxman, R. (2017). Thinking difference: Theories and models of parametric design thinking.Design Studies. Oxman, R. (2017). Thinking difference: Theories and models of parametric design thinking.Design Studies. Serpes, C., Menon, G. (2017, January). A Conceptual Model for Introducing Design Thinking in Management Schools. InInternational Conference on Research into Design(pp. 987-997). Springer, Singapore. Serrat, O. (2017). Design thinking. InKnowledge Solutions(pp. 129-134). Springer Singapore.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Marijuana Essays (744 words) - Cannabis, Herbalism, Medicinal Plants

Marijuana Cannibis Sativa Throughout history marijuana has been used to serve various purposes in many different cultures. The purposes have changed over time to fit in with the current lifestyles. This pattern is also true in American history. The use of marijuana has adapted to the social climate of the time. Marijuana, whose scientific name is cannibis sativa, was mentioned in historical manuscripts as early as 2700 B. C. in China. (Grolier Electronic Encyclopedia, 1995). The cultivation of the marijuana plant began as far back as the Jamestown settlers, around 1611, who used hemp produced from the marijuana plant's fibers to make rope and canvas. It was also used in making clothing because of it's durability. These uses fit in with the social climate of the time, because the main focus was on survival rather than for psychoactive purposes. During the prohibition, marijuana was widely used because of the scarcity of alcohol. Prohibition was repealed after just thirteen years while the prohibition against marijuana lasted for more than seventy five years. This double standard may have resulted from the wishes of those in power. Alcohol prohibition struck directly at tens of millions of Americans of all ages, including many of societies most powerful members. Marijuana prohibition threatened far fewer Americans, and they had relatively little influence in the districts of power. Only the prohibition of marijuana, which some sixty million Americans have violated since 1965 has come close to approximating the prohibition experience, but marijuana smokers consist mostly of young and relatively powerless Americans (American Heritage, pg 47). Alcohol prohibition was repealed and marijuana prohibition was retained, not because scientists had proved that alcohol was the less dangerous of the various psychoactive drugs, but because of the prejudices and preferences of most Americans (American Heritage, pg 47). In 1937 the government issued the Marijuana Tax Act, which levied a dollar an ounce tax on marijuana, coupled with fines of $2,000 for drug posession and jail sentences for evasion of the tax. For this reason marijuana use in the United States appears to have gone into decline in the late 30's (Grolier Wellness Encyclopedia, pg 54). Then marijuana was outlawed in 1937 as a repressive measure against Mexican workers who crossed the border seekingjobs during the Depression. The specific reason given for the outlawing of the hemp plant was it's supposed violent "effect on the degenerate races" (Schaffer, pg. 86). Beginning in the 60's marijuana use saw a resurgence which may be attributed to many causes. One of the main causes was the rebellion of youth against the Vietnam War. They used marijuana as an escape from war to peace. It was easy at this time to depict marijuana as a beneficial and completely harmless substance whose effects were far less harmful than those of legal drugs such as alcohol and nicotine because there was not enough scientific research done during the 60's (Grolier Wellness Encyclopedia, pg 54). Another cause may have been the discovery of the psychoactive component of marijuana- tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. Users found the relation between the doses and the effects (Grolier Electronic Publishing, 1995). The current atmosphere provides for doctors to suggest synthetic marijuana (THC) in a pure and standardized form by perscription (called Marinol) for the treatment of nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy. Also, although there is no scientific evidence that shows marijuana is beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma, it may prevent the progression of visual loss. Marijuana, along with alcohol and a host of other substances, can actually lower intraocular eye pressure. The mediction however, must be carefully tailored to the individual to prevent further eye damage. The evidence has clearly shown that marijuana has been around for a great deal of time and has served multiple purposes throughout history. Karen Sipes Dana Pentoney Jeni Roane Sources Grolier Electronic Encylopedia, Electronic Publishing, Inc., 1995 Grolier Wellness Encyclopedia, Drugs, Society & Behavior. Vol. 3, 1992. Ethan A. Nadelmann, American Heritage Magazine, Feb-Mar, 1993. Medical Marijuana, http://www.lec.org/Drug_Watch/ Public/Documents/Med_Marijuana_Paper.htm, 1995.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Free Essays on Reverse Discrimination

TOM BEAUCHAMP "THE JUSTIFICATION OF REVERSE DISCRIMINATION" P.366 First we need to get clear on the distinction between reverse discrimination and affirmative action. This distinction may not be universally recognized, but this is how we will use these phrases. Reverse discrimination is a more radical policy. Affirmative action at a university, for example, involves the following, in employment and admission. (See page 370) (1) Universities may not advertise positions as open only to or preferentially to a particular race or sex, except where sex is a legitimate occupational requirement. (2) The university sets standards and criteria for employment, but if these effectively work to exclude women or minorities as a class, the university must justify the job requirements. (3) An institution may not set different standards of admission for one sex, race, etc. (4) There must be active recruitment of women and minorities, as gauged by the availability of qualified members of these classes. However, the relevant government officials have made it clear that (1) quotas are unacceptable, either for admission or employment. (2) A university is never under any obligation to dilute legitimate standards, and hence there is no conflict with merit hiring. (3) Reserving positions for members of a minority group or women is not allowed. Reverse discrimination goes further than this: it can reserve particular jobs for women and minorities even when other groups could perform the job equally well. It can allow lowering of admission standards for particular groups such as women and minorities and it can allow quotas for admission or employment. Beauchamp (pronounced Beech-am) argues that reverse discrimination is not inconsistent with plausible principles of justice. His main point is this: even though some injustices can occur as a result of reverse discrimination, when all the pros and cons are considered, it turns out that greater ju... Free Essays on Reverse Discrimination Free Essays on Reverse Discrimination TOM BEAUCHAMP "THE JUSTIFICATION OF REVERSE DISCRIMINATION" P.366 First we need to get clear on the distinction between reverse discrimination and affirmative action. This distinction may not be universally recognized, but this is how we will use these phrases. Reverse discrimination is a more radical policy. Affirmative action at a university, for example, involves the following, in employment and admission. (See page 370) (1) Universities may not advertise positions as open only to or preferentially to a particular race or sex, except where sex is a legitimate occupational requirement. (2) The university sets standards and criteria for employment, but if these effectively work to exclude women or minorities as a class, the university must justify the job requirements. (3) An institution may not set different standards of admission for one sex, race, etc. (4) There must be active recruitment of women and minorities, as gauged by the availability of qualified members of these classes. However, the relevant government officials have made it clear that (1) quotas are unacceptable, either for admission or employment. (2) A university is never under any obligation to dilute legitimate standards, and hence there is no conflict with merit hiring. (3) Reserving positions for members of a minority group or women is not allowed. Reverse discrimination goes further than this: it can reserve particular jobs for women and minorities even when other groups could perform the job equally well. It can allow lowering of admission standards for particular groups such as women and minorities and it can allow quotas for admission or employment. Beauchamp (pronounced Beech-am) argues that reverse discrimination is not inconsistent with plausible principles of justice. His main point is this: even though some injustices can occur as a result of reverse discrimination, when all the pros and cons are considered, it turns out that greater ju...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Social Movement Communities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Social Movement Communities - Essay Example From the essay it is clear that discrimination based on sexual orientation highly targets the homosexual and bisexual individuals than heterosexuals. Because of the international and UK‘s existing laws to protect the disabled and homosexual individuals, discriminative members of the society may use indirect methods to fulfil their functions, which may put them at a particular disadvantage. According to the discussion findings BCODP has worked with different committees and locals DPOs to run and manage campaigns especially those concerning social service provisions. One of the most remarkably involvement of the organization in campaigns was for the initiation of the direct payment scheme back in the late 80s. According to the social security Act of 1948 that existed in the time, it only guaranteed the disabled people to receive local care and perhaps welfare benefits for the poor administered nationally, but made it illegal for local authorities to provide cash payments to them. While some counties in UK had implemented the scheme before, lack of clarity in the law led to it ban severally to early 90s. In order to change the law, BCODP independent living committee was formed whose purpose was to ensure disabled people had access to the independent living scheme that had begun across Europe. This committee had led the campaigns for direct payment and backed it up with prove research of its benefits and satisfaction to the disabled people than local services would achieve.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Impact of Education on Veterans Empowerment to Enhance Careers and Job Essay

Impact of Education on Veterans Empowerment to Enhance Careers and Job Satisfaction - Essay Example Soldiers of the World War II spent a considerable period of their lives in the battle field. Incidences taking place in the battle field caused psychological torture and trauma on these soldiers. During their homecoming, the process was characterized by a mixture of feelings and emotions. While those left in their homes advanced academically and improved in the social class, particularly friends and relatives, the soldiers were less educated, with their education stagnating. The civilians acquired higher education and got married, changed their lifestyles among others. On the contrary, the war soldiers came back to start their lives, some from destroyed families and others stalled careers. These problems they faced right on their return were too hard to bear. To solve them, they required economic, financial and psychological support. As a congratulatory message, they were presented with a range of benefits after completing the GI program. Education largely featured among these benefi ts. The potential of education in bringing the soldiers back to normal life as well as putting them in the same social class contributed to this emphasis. Many scholars undertook to conduct studies on the effects of these benefits in transforming the lives of these soldiers. While some argued that these were of no use in changing their way of life, others were confident that they would adequately change them. It is due to these conflicting studies and arguments that I will conduct this study. Its main intent wil

Monday, November 18, 2019

Better speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Better speech - Essay Example Stating â€Å"an unjust law is no law at all’ (King 1), he argues that oppressed citizens have a moral obligation to break unfair laws. King believes that direct non-violent action will â€Å"dramatize the issue of non-violent action so that it can no longer be ignored† (2). The community, represented by their leaders, will thus have no option but to confront the issue through negotiation (king 2). This shows that though coming from a racial group that has been oppressed for hundreds of years; he has faith in the possibility of the white power structure to rise from â€Å"the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood†. Unlike king who portrays unshakeable faith in America’s ability to use dialogue in dealing with the unfairness brought about by segregation, Malcolm X, in â€Å"The Ballot or The Bullet†, conveys the image of a bold and outspoken man. His speech proposes a paradigm shift in the thinking of civil rights activists. He expounds the benefits of Black Nationalism to the audience and portrays â€Å"Uncle Sam† as unwilling to lift the black man from oppression. He points out â€Å"America’s conscience is bankrupt† (Malcolm 1). This statement is indicative of his disillusionment with the government. He believes that the white man’s aim is to keep him in a permanent state of subjugation. He makes it clear that if the blacks are not empowered through participation in elective democracy (the ballot); they will have no choice but to seek empowerment through violence (the bullet). He urges the audience to wake up to the fact that neither the courts nor a ny form of dialogue within America will help solve the problems of the black community. Malcolm X (1) notes, â€Å"The entire civil rights struggle needs a new interpretation†. He informs the audience that they should no longer look for

Friday, November 15, 2019

Bartleby the Scrivener Life in the Iron Mills

Bartleby the Scrivener Life in the Iron Mills English Exam – II Bartleby the Scrivener Life in the Iron Mills The two books up for analysis are Herman Melville’s Bartleby the Scrivener and Life in the Iron Mills by Rebecca Harding Davis. Neither work can be called a Novella, as both are short stories. Explicit similarities and differences highlight the superficial aspect of both stories. The more implicit ones underline the actual meat of the stories. Both works were produced at around the same period of the late 19Th century, and both feature plots both engrossing, yet unconventional, but contemporary (in the case of Bartleby, the Scrivener). In order to write a comparative analysis, required are comparisons between Bartleby and Hugh as workers, their working conditions in their respective jobs, and the moral responsibility of other characters in the stories towards the respective two protagonists. To begin with, the setting of both the stories plays an important part in explaining the job and the working conditions each protagonist faces. Herman Melville’s story takes place in the bustling New York City, which is still up-and-coming during the 19th century.[1] The setting in Life in the Iron Mills was influenced by the mills nearby in Wheeling, Virginia on the Ohio River during the factory world. Another major influence is the ongoing Industrial Revolution.[2] Life in the Iron Mills tells us the story about Hugh Wolfe, a young labourer in the Iron Mills of Wheeling.[3] Hugh is a poor Welsh descendent who turns pig iron into wrought iron by a process called puddling.[4] Along with several other labourers, that’s his main job there. But, Hugh is also highly gifted in the art of sculpting, and in his spare time, sculpts a woman out of Korl, the refuse from iron smelting. His cousin, Deborah-who loves him dearly-brings him dinner every day, forsaking her own meal. She is a hunchback, and the other workers make fun of her relationship with Hugh. Hugh’s working conditions weren’t exactly too habitable. As was the ‘custom’ during the Industrial revolution, immigrants working in factories and warehouses would be exploited by the owners. Low paying jobs, horrible living conditions just contributed to their misery. Hugh’s life in the Iron mills was no different. He had to toil day in and day out, with barely any time to even eat. In all the ‘darkness’ surrounding his life, the only source of ‘light’ was his Korl figure, which distinguished itself from his other creation, the crude, dark Iron from the smelter. Bartleby’s world is New York City circa 1860. And in utter contrast, though, during around the same time as Life in the Iron Mills, he works for a lawyer on the booming Wall Street of Manhattan. The difference between Bartleby’s and Hugh’s working conditions is so substantial, that, at first look, it’s almost ludicrous how Bartleby refuses to do a lot of work tasked to him, in spite of his grade-A working conditions. Bartleby is a scrivener, a copier, who, at first completes his task with utmost dedication. His eating habits are peculiar. He just eats snacks-specifically Ginger-nut cakes- and skips dinner and lunch altogether. His polite refusal to do a small task intrigues the lawyer, and he gradually discovers that Bartleby’s work rate diminishes to the point where he literally doesn’t do any work, and just sits around the lawyer’s office. One point which can be made exclusively for the comparison of both stories is the American Dream. Though it’s not the main theme in either of the books, I can’t help but define Hugh’s actions to be solely for the purpose of achieving the American dream, to be wealthy, to make a name for himself. As for Bartleby, he works in the city of endless opportunities – New York. It’s Ironic that the American dream is closer within his grasp than it is in the case of Hugh in the Iron Mills, and yet he does naught about it. But then again, that can be explained too, after the revelations at the end of the book. Both are completely different kinds of workers. Hugh, a hard-working yet unsatisfied one, whereas, Bartleby a mentally affected one, which makes his work sloppy as time passes. Endings of both stories are quite similar. Both end on a morose note, and that’s where a major point of comparison comes into light. Bartleby, due to being a liability on the author is arrested and jailed. The lawyer isn’t exactly too excited to have put him behind bars, but he did it anyway to protect his business. At the end of the story, the lawyer visits Bartleby in jail for the second time, only to find him dead. One can perceive his death to be induced by the lawyer’s actions, and the same can be said about Hugh Wolfe. Deborah steals a wealthy man’s wallet while he is visiting the Iron mills and hands it over to Hugh. Not knowing what to do with it, he eventually succumbs in his greed for money. When the man finds out about the theft, he has Hugh arrested and jailed. This causes Hugh to slash his wrist one day, and commit suicide. In my personal opinion, the deaths of the protagonists in both stories would not be directly, and intently because of the actions of other character. And as such, I would believe that Hugh’s death was caused by his own greed, or selfishness. Although Deborah was the one who stole the money, Hugh had a choice to either take it, or refuse. He took the check, and his dream of having a better life, of being in a better social standing caused his greed to get the better of him. Considering that a large sum of money was stolen, Mitchell obviously wouldn’t allow that to go unnoticed and unpunished. His moral obligation towards Hugh is little, or none. It is only fair that he wished to see Hugh punished for the theft of his money. Though, if only he would have known that Deborah was the one who stole the check, then probably he would have been wrathful towards her instead of Hugh. The only error Mitchell committed was the misdirection of his finger. Maybe, the story would have ended differently if the theft would have been thoroughly investigated. In the case of Bartleby, I would think that the lawyer was not responsible for his death. As the story tells us, Bartleby had started to become a burden on the lawyer. He spent all of his time, quite literally too, in the lawyer’s office doing nothing. His customers remarked upon that, and the lawyer realised that Bartleby was bad for business. And that is only fair of him. He has no moral obligation towards prioritizing Bartleby’s well-being instead of his business. He shifted his office, but the workers still complained of Bartleby, and finally he had to-albeit reluctantly-turn him in to the police. Bartleby died in the jail. The lawyer hears a rumour about Bartleby having worked in a dead letter office, and maybe Bartleby was mentally affected due to the extremely sad nature of his work there. And maybe that does justify his actions in the lawyer’s office, but at the end of the day, the lawyer’s business was at stake. I would believe that the lawyer was in no way morally responsible for Bartleby’s death. To analyse, are three literary works – The narrative of Henry David Thoreau, Frederick Douglass and the Scarlet Letter. All three works highlight their protagonists in various ways, using different themes and settings. They were written in around the same time period as well, the late 1840s and 50s. The main protagonists have an unconventional livelihood for some part of their life, and this is most often reflected in their stories. In the case of Frederick Douglass and Henry Thoreau, this unconventional life of theirs forms the basis for their narratives. After reading all three books, the readers can make out the fact that all three protagonists disagree with some aspects of their society, and it’s this disagreement that forms the basis for this analysis. Henry Thoreau is repulsed by the materialism in the society then, and Douglass strongly disagrees with slavery and its social, economic and moral effects, whereas, Hester Prynne is shunned, or deemed as an outcast by the society. This is the major similarity between all three protagonists Isolation from conventional society. Frederick Douglass’s narrative is set in the America of the early 19th century. Before and during the American civil war, when slavery was rampant the country. Douglass was probably the son of Captain Anthony, a white slave owner, who was also his first owner. Throughout his life as a slave Douglass is looked down upon as inhumanely as possible by his white slave masters. He is inhumanely treated, beaten, and deprived of the basic necessities in life. From his very birth, he is labelled as a ‘slave’, throughout a long period of his life, he remains one. He is a unique character in his story, as he doesn’t fit in the regular description of both the social standings at that time – The slaved blacks, and the free citizens. He is not free only in his mind, and not physically. And he takes an interest in reading and writing, after he learns from Sophia Auld. He takes it upon himself to continue reading and writing after Sophia cruelly stops teaching him. Most slaves weren’t literate then, and that’s what set him apart from them. The constant mistreatment he suffers sets off a spark in him, a spark of deep hatred against slavery, it leads him to devise plans to escape, to find his way to more liberal parts of the country. He creates his own opportunities. Opportunities to create, and increase awareness about anti-slavery. He becomes an eloquent writer and orator, recording his life in his narrative, his beliefs and his thoughts about the evils prevalent in the society. Douglass, exercising his new-found skill becomes actively involved in the abolitionist movement, doing what his deepest wish was to. When comparing Douglass to Hester Prynne and Thoreau, the readers can notices that there is no physical restriction applied to the latter two protagonists. It’s rather social and psychological. But like Douglass, Hester Prynne too does not fit in the society. She married an elderly man in England who sent her to America, where she lived in a puritan settlement in Boston. The reason why she is held like an outcast in the society is because she had an affair with a young minister – Arthur Dimmesdale, and had a child out of wedlock. The society frowned upon this incidence and Hester Prynne was an outcast, who was punished for her sin and secrecy. She had to wear a Scarlet coloured letter ‘A’ on her breast. It was a symbol of adultery, one which she bore throughout her time in the society. She was never a regular citizen, and lived her life in isolation in small cottage with her daughter Pearl. When her husband surfaced in the puritan society, he was malevolent towards her former lover Dimmesdale, which eventually caused them to plan to flee to Europe and settle there as family. But before they could do so, Dimmesdale kills himself due to the anguish caused by Chillingworth (who wanted revenge against him).[5] Hester and Pearl do escape the society, but only after Chillingworth’s death a year later. As a result of her experiences in the puritan society, she becomes a kind and compassionate figure, caring the poor and wounded. Her charity work eventually makes her a mother-figure in the society, and when she returns back to Boston from Europe, the scarlet letter which she still wears is no longer a sign of shame. Like Douglass, Hester contemplated about the evils present in the society, the treatment of women in general, and the society’s outlook towards her. She made a better person out of herself as a result, and forged a better future for herself and her daughter just like Douglass did. Henry David Thoreau lives an isolated life for two years. Similar to Hester Prynne, he is fairly cut off from civilization in Walden Pond, except for the occasional visitors (and the fact that concord is of walking distance). The reason why Thoreau went to live in this recluse of his is because he wanted to experience more of his life. Unlike, Douglass and Hester Prynne, his isolation wasn’t inflicted on him due to societal norms and conventions. He chose to live in isolation to find a new side of the society. Henry’s beliefs were mostly critical towards the then modern society. The materialism present in the society thoroughly irked him, and he considered tangible assets and money to be the evils in the society. He believed that every material muse was a burden for the society and that a life in recluse was the purest form of contact with the nature. His almost biased criticism was not only limited to money and wealth, but also to technology. The main similarity between the three protagonists is their shared beliefs towards the societal ills. Although, their issues are different, they point towards a better version of a society in their mind.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Ratio Analysis Essay -- essays research papers

Companies strive from day to day to make their business publicly strong, financially strong, and appeasing and profitable for its shareholders. Shareholders as well as the company’s management use several tools to determine a company’s health and direction. These tools are better known as ratio analysis. Ratios are among the more widely used tools of financial analysis because they provide clues to and symptoms of underlying conditions.2 Ratios help measure a company’s liquidity, activity, profitability, leverage and coverage.1 These five measured sections show how ratio analysis is used in decision-making, how a firm can measure its financial situation and financial performance, and the strengths and weaknesses of the company. The term ratio analysis can be broken down into smaller sections. The first is a current ratio which is the ratio of current assets to current liabilities. This ratio shows how well a company’s current liabilities are covered.1 Even though this ratio is used often, it does have its limitations. Since it shows all current assets it does not differentiate among the assets with regard to their degrees of liquidity, show it can show skued results .Another commonly used ratio is the acid-test ratio, also known as the quick ratio. This ratio shows an investor how the short-term liquidity, or how quickly the company’s assets can be turned into cash.2 Inventory turnover is an important and often overlooked ratio that indicates inventory levels. A low turnover...

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Genetically modified Essay

Throughout my time enrolled in this course, I have learned many valuable lessons. However, the most important lesson that I have learned is how to be a better writer. By completing the various assignments in this course, particularly the substantiation assignment, I have learned how to better explain my opinions as well as support them. However, one of the major challenges that I faced in this course was properly citing my work. Since I have used a different style of citation throughout high school, it was difficult for me to adjust to the new citation rules at the university level. With regards to assignment six, I enjoyed completing this assignment. Part of the reason why I enjoyed it was that it was a topic that I really liked. However, the tricky part of the assignment, according to me, was coming up with facts to support the essay. Nevertheless, I believe that I did a pretty good job finding enough evidence to support the thesis. Overall, I was pretty satisfied with this course. Although I did not achieve the mark I desired, I still learned valuable lessons throughout the course of this subject. One specific quality that I liked about this course was the use of Turnitin. It was a very helpful tool which made handing in assignment very easy and convenient. Another aspect of the course that I really admired was the availability of the Catalyst. Due to its easy access, I was able to learn key skills to help strengthen my assignments. Last but not least, the use of peer review was very beneficial as well. It was a very unique tool to help students improve their essay. One thing that I do recommend for the future is to provide the students with a grading criteria. Often times, I was confused as to what I need to incorporate to ensure I receive the proper marks. Nevertheless, this is a very educational course and I highly recommend it to future students. I wish to thank you for reviewing my assignment. If you have any question please contact me at ahmed12q@uwindsor. ca and (519)-251-1776 to reach you at. Sincerely, Danish Ahmed Student Number: 103323080 Business Administration DA ENCLOSURES: Assignment #6 COPY: FILE Genetically Modified Foods The release and use of genetically modified (GM) crops and GM-derived ingredients has caused debates in many parts of the world. Moreover, many experts, despite having conflicting views, share a good deal of common ground on certain features of the GM debate: in particular, the GM foods’ unknown long term effects. In other words, experts agree that many issues, like potential health, ecological, and economical hazards, concerning GM foods merit attention due to the current, uncertain results of GM food technology. GM crops come under the broad category of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and defined as organisms whose genetic information has been altered by DNA Recombinant Technology (a technique that allows the artificial combination of genetic material of different individuals) (Whitman 1). Although this scientific technique is fairly recent, it has, nevertheless, revolutionized the agricultural industry. Scientist are now able to produce new species of rice, maize, soy bean, corn and many other staple crops with resistance to drought, herbicides and many pests (Campbell and Reece 406). As such, it holds the potential to increase crop yield as fewer crops are destroyed due to environmental conditions. However, it was not until 1998 when GM crops’ initial drawbacks were realized. Genetically modified foods, including both raw crops and processed ingredients, impose serious health risks, both to humans and other organisms. Moreover, there is evidence that genetic modifications can trigger uncontrollable genetic interactions amongst the host genes, endangering many agricultural species. In August 1998 the first controversy was sparked, especially in Europe, by a report from a leading nutrition researcher, Dr. Arpad Pusztai, concerning the safety of GM foods. Pusztai claimed that GM food fed rats showed stunted growth and weak immune systems. His report, however, was greatly criticized and rejected by many scientists because of lack of substantial evidence (Pusztai 1). Nevertheless, the report opened up an area of contemplation. In May 2005, a report published by Monsanto, a leading biotech firm, confirmed differences in kidney sizes and blood composition of rats fed with GM corn (Lendman 1). Although these documented reports are limited to laboratory settings, the results do point to a possibility of health hazards in the long run. It is evident that GM foods require more research before they are safe for consumption because if the symptoms do arise, it will affect a wide range of consumers and the damage will be impossible to overcome. Apart from direct health hazards, there are concerns over the emergence of insecticide resistant weeds and pests because of GM foods (Weaver 160). Since certain species of GM crops are resistant to insecticides, they allow farmers to spray more chemicals in order to avoid weeds and pests from destroying their harvests. However, since all living organisms are biological entities subject to the natural processes of evolution and ecology, any insecticide designed to kill an organism adds selective pressure for resistance on that target organism. According to S. A Weaver and M. C. Morris of the Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Ethics, this theoretical concern has been repeatedly demonstrated with the emergence of antibiotic resistance bacteria in human medicine and in the evolution of resistance to chemical pesticides in agriculture (Weaver 161). There are over 500 species of insects known to be resistant to insecticides, and the numbers will steadily grow if not controlled (Bergman 1). Insecticide resistance poses severe effects to agriculture and health. If pests become resistant to conventional insecticides, more quantities of more powerful chemicals may have to be used. This increased use of insecticides will, in turn, increase chemical exposure on other forms of life in the surrounding area, including humans, and will have adverse effects on soil and water due to run offs (National Research Council 2). These effects are amplified in regions where GM crops are planted as GM crops, unlike conventional crops, do not absorb or breakdown any of these chemicals. As such, more chemicals are left over in active form. Nevertheless, the lives of humans and other organisms are endangered. Another potential health concern in using GM foods is the possibility of allergic reactions in humans due to the insertion of exotic genes into plants. This hazard came into notice in 1993 when Pioneer Hi-Bred International, another biotech firm, developed a soybean variety with an added gene from a Brazil nut. A study later done by the University of Nebraska revealed that the added gene could cause allergic reactions in humans (Leary 1). The second category of risks is that to the environment, especially by insecticide-resistant GM crops. Insecticide-resistant crops make up the largest segment of GM crops. According to statistics, nearly 81% of all GM crops harvested worldwide contained a gene for insecticide resistance (Sustainable Agricultural Network 3). Since all agricultural systems exist within an overall ecosystem, there is concern among scientists that numerous complex interrelationships amongst natural organisms can become disrupted by the introduction of GM crops. This concern became particularly important in a study done in the United Kingdom in May 2005 which proved that biodiversity was lower in fields with insecticide-resistant crops when compared to the conventional varieties (Weaver 169). The reason for the shocking results was attributed to the physical differences between insecticide resistant plants and conventional crops. Insecticide resistant plants have immunity to chemicals and pests because they produce a form of toxic protein called Bt protein (Weaver 160). During conventional insecticide spraying, only the above ground part of the plant is exposed to chemicals. However, in the case of insecticide resistant GM crops, toxin is present throughout the plant, even in the roots. When the GM crops are harvested, the remains of the roots release these Bt toxins. Thus, the concentration of toxins in the soil is increased, endangering even the beneficial organisms of the area. The effect of toxins expressed through GM crops is, therefore, of real concern. However, the biggest environmental concern associated with genetic modification is the inability to prevent exotic genetic material from transferring into the wild population. Many experts are concerned that the genes inserted into GM crops to increase their yield might transfer into weeds by complex genetic movement pathways (Pandey 1). This would cause the spread of â€Å"super weeds. † Such weeds will become immune to the chemicals normally used to control them, resulting in the use of stronger chemical controls (Randerson 1). The surrounding population of organisms, including humans, will inevitably be affected with increased toxicity in the environment. There is also a concern that insect resistance genes in GM plants may escape into the wild, leading to the more rapid development of resistance in insect populations, or to insect resistance in wild plants. Nevertheless, the delicate relationship that exists in the ecosystem will be disrupted, as the normal insect-plant relationship will be altered. Although these are one of the first instances of genetic transfer, scientists are now beginning to question GM foods’ implications on the environment. The third category of risks is that relating to economics. Despite increased yields, GM crops remain an economical concern, especially to the third world. This concern is highlighted by the development of a highly controversial genetically modified food technology – the terminator seed. The terminator seeds are genetically modified to produce plants that bear infertile seeds, which the biotech companies feel will reduce gene transfer into the wild (McDonagh 1). However, analysts feel these seeds could devastate small farmers everywhere and give multinational biotech companies an even stronger grip on world food production since terminator technology will force farmers to buy new seeds every season instead of reusing seeds from their crops (Mooney 1). Even if terminator technology is outlawed, GM crops will still not allow third world nations to compete with the developed countries in the area of agriculture. Since all of the major genetically modified seeds are patented by multinational biotech companies, the prices of these seeds are controlled by such corporations (Nestle 1). Struggling economies, whose major financial resources depend on agricultural exports, are unable to purchase these seeds. Moreover, conventional crops are no match to the increased harvests of GM crops. As such, most of the market share is owned by developed nations who harbour major biotech companies. Hence, the global economy is affected due to the sanctioning of GM foods. In conclusion, the concern about the genetic modification of food is an issue that involves complex area of study, like health, ecology and economics. The combination of theoretical knowledge and empirical data provided clearly outlines the associated risks of genetic modification of food/crops in the long run. Unlike conventional crops, GM crops are inherently unstable in expressing their genetic information and exhibit abnormal proteins which cause fatal allergic reactions and other health risks in humans and other organisms. Moreover, the genetic transfer of information from GM crops to the wild can promote the evolution of â€Å"super weeds† and insecticide resistant pests, causing disturbances in delicate ecological relationships and increased use of pesticides. Furthermore, the decision to release GM foods holds important economic concerns that must be addressed when assessing the risks of GM foods. The terminator seed technology as well as increased involvement of biotech corporations in the agriculture business can bring about changes in the global economy, some of which could be catastrophic for the developing nations. Works Cited Bergman, Jerry. Pesticide Resistance in Insects: Bad News for Macroevolution Theory. Association of Alberta. April 2004. Web. 28 Nov 2010. Campbell, Neil, and Jane Reece. Biology. San Francisco: Pearson, 2005. Print. Leary, Warren. Genetic Engineering of Crops Can Spread Allergies, Study Shows. New York Times. 14 March 1996. Web. 28 Nov 2010. Lendman, Stephen. Health Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods. Rense. 22 February 2008. Web. 28 Nov 2010. McDonagh, Sean. The Pros and Cons of GE Foods. Columban. 2003. Web. 28 Nov 2010. Mooney, Pat. Terminator Seeds Threaten an End to Farming. Third World Traveler. 1998. Web. 28 Nov 2010. National Research Council. Ecologically Based Pest Management: New Solutions for a New Century. Washington DC: National Academy Press, 1996. Print. Nestle, Marion. One Company. Lots of Patented Seeds. Most of Your Food. The Daily Green. 12 March 2010. Web. 28 Nov 2010. Pandey, A. Genetically modified food: Its uses, future prospects and safety assessments. Science Alert. 21 October 2010. Web. 28 Nov 2010. Pusztai, Arpad. Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health?. ActionBioscience. June 2001. Web. 28 Nov 2010. Randerson, James. Genetically-modified Superweeds â€Å"not uncommon† . New Scientist. 5 February 2002. Web. 28 Nov 2010. Sustainable Agriculture Network. Clarification on the Prohibition of Genetically Modified Crops. Sustainable Agriculture Network. July 2008. Web. 28 Nov 2010. Weaver, Sean. â€Å"Risks associated with genetic modification: An annotated bibliography of peer reviewed natural science publications. † Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Ethics 18. 2 (2005):157-189. Print. Whitman, Deborah. Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?. ProQuest. April 2000. Web. 28 Nov 2010.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Gambling In The United States Essays - Gambling In The United States

Gambling In The United States Essays - Gambling In The United States Gambling in the United States In the last year Americans have wagered $482 billion dollars in the United States. Over eighty-five percent of this wagering took place in casinos which are now legal in twenty-seven states. In the past decade there has been incredible growth in the gambling industry. Twenty years ago if a person wanted to gamble they had to go to Nevada. Nowadays, there are only six states in which no form of legalized gambling exists. Proponents of the gambling industry feel that this growth is a good thing a nd that it is helping the national economy. However, there are many opponents that feel that gambling is hurting families and society. Indeed, there needs to be a limit to the growth of the gambling industry, although, this industry does have some merit s they don't outweigh the costs to society. Proponents of the gaming industry insist that gambling is good clean fun, and that so many people enjoying something can't be wrong. In fact, proponents are quick to point out that fun is not the only issue; in addition, these new casinos have created thousands of jobs. Furthermore, not only have casinos created new jobs, but there has been an increase in tax revenue for the cities that have casinos. Indeed, the increase in tax revenues has helped to rebuild some rundown inner cities and river fronts areas. These people argue there is little reason to worry about gambling as most people will only lose a small amount of money and will have a fun time losing it. However, opponents insist that most of the jobs created are low paying and offer little opportunity for the worker to progress. Furthermore, the creation of these casino jobs have taken away jobs from other areas of the economy. For inezce, restaurants near casinos are being forced out of business by the cheep buffets that casinos offer to draw people in. Many people argue that casinos have not created any significant increases in the number of jobs. Some analysis's point to a four percent growth in areas with legalized gambling this is nearly the same as the rest of the nation. Additionally, it seems that most of the business for these new casinos is coming from the surrounding areas bringing in few tourists. Consequently, there is no real growth and all this doe s is move money around in the same economy. Indeed, many of the people that are spending their money gambling are the same people that can least afford to lose it. For inezce, the lottery is most heavily advertised in poor neighborhoods where it is advertised as a way out of poverty. Opponents feel that gambling is like a tax on the poor. The poor, those making under ten thousand a year, are spending more money in proportion to their income than any other group. These people, who can least afford it, are spending money on a dream. The proliferation of casinos and legalized gambling promotes the dream of "striking it rich" rather than the tried and true methods of achievement, education and hard work. Proponents may argue that gambling is fun, but with this fun comes many problems to society; wherever there is a large amount of money and alcohol there is going to be crime. Indeed, whenever casinos move into an area so do criminals. Opponents say that in most cases where casinos have been built the crime rate has risen. The rise in crime has cost cities money they have to hire more police officers and build jails. However, this is not the only cost to society, for example, gambling can take a heavy toll on the family. Most people can spend a small amount of money on gambling and then quit, but there are a subeztial number of people that can't control their gambling. To these people gambling is an addiction that can't be controlled and has been compared to alcoholism. In a survey of gamblers anonymous, twenty-six percent said they had been divorced or separated because of gambling; thirty-four percent had lost or quit a job; twenty-one percent had filed for bankruptcy; sixty-six percent had contemplated suicide, and sixteen percent had attempted suicide.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns in Spanish

Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns in Spanish I hit myself. Bill hurt himself. They saw themselves. Did you find yourself? What do the above sentences have in common? Obviously, they all have pronouns that end in -self or -selves. Less obviously, but as a corollary, they all use pronouns that stand for the subject of the sentence. In other words, the subjects and objects of the verbs in the above sentences refer to the same person. Another way of putting this might be that the subject of each sentence is engaging in some action that affects the same person or persons. If you can comprehend that, you understand the basic concept behind the grammar of reflexive pronouns and verbs in Spanish. Reflexive pronouns in Spanish are closely related to direct and indirect-object pronouns, following the same rules of word order and using most of the same pronouns. The Reflexive Pronouns of Spanish Here are the reflexive pronouns in Spanish with a simple example of each and a translation: First-person singular: me - myself - Me oà ­. I heard myself.Second-person singular familiar: te - yourself - Te oiste. You heard yourself.Second-person singular formal, third-person singular: se - yourself, himself, herself, itself, oneself - Ella se oyà ³. She heard herself. Èl se oyà ³. He heard himself.  ¿Se oye usted? Do you hear yourself?First-person plural: nos - ourselves - Nos oà ­mos. We heard ourselves.Second-person plural familiar: os - yourselves - Os oà ­steis. You heard yourselves.Second-person plural formal, third-person plural: se - yourselves, themselves - Se oyeron. They heard themselves. Verbs Used Primarily or Only in the Reflexive One major difference between Spanish and English in this matter is that in Spanish many verbs exist only or primarily in the reflexive form. There is only one common English verb that shares this characteristic: to perjure oneself. Examples of verbs that exist primarily or frequently in the reflexive form are acostarse (to go to bed), divertirse (to have a good time), ducharse (to take a shower), enamorarse (to fall in love), enojarse (to get angry), levantarse (to get up), sentarse (to sit down), sentirse (to feel), and vestirse (to get dressed). It is also common to use the reflexive form when performing some action on a part of the body. Examples include secarse el cabello (to dry ones hair) and lavarse las manos (to wash ones hands). Note that the infinitive form of reflexive verbs is usually stated by placing -se at the end of the infinitive. Translating Reflexive Verbs Note that for many of these verbs it is not necessary to translate the reflexive pronoun into English. Se acostà ³ a las nueve, she went to bed at 9. Me siento triste, I feel sad. But with many verbs, especially those that are less frequently used in the reflexive, the pronoun must be translated.  ¿Te ves en el espejo? Do you see yourself in the mirror? And in still other cases, you can translate with or without translating the pronoun. Se vistià ³ en su coche, he got dressed in his car, or he dressed himself in his car. Sometimes, the reflexive can be translated using each other when in the plural form. Nos miramos, we looked at each other. Se escucharon, they listened to each other (or to themselves, depending on the context). Romeo y Julieta se amaron, Romeo and Juliet loved each other. As usual, context should be a key guide when translating to English. In some cases, putting a verb in the reflexive form can make it more intense, as we do sometimes in English by adding a particle. For example, ir means to go, but irse is usually translated to go away. Similarly, comer means to eat, but comerse might be translated as to eat up, as in se comià ³ cinco tacos, he ate up five tacos. Often in Spanish the reflexive form is used where in English we would use a passive form of a verb. Se cerrà ³ la puerta. The door was closed (a literal translation would be the door closed itself). Se perdieron los boletos, the tickets got lost. Translating "-self" to Spanish Sometimes in English we use the reflexive pronouns as a means of emphasizing the subject rather than as a true reflexive, as in the sentence, I myself performed the task or I performed the task myself. In such cases, the reflexive form should not be used in the Spanish translation. The first sentence would typically be translated using mismo: Yo mismo hice la tarea. The second sentence also could be translated by paraphrasing its meaning: Hice la tarea sin ayuda (literally, I did the task without help). Key Takeaways In reflexive sentences, the direct object pronoun of a verb represents the same person or thing as the subject.Spanish reflexive pronouns are used much like English -self words such as myself or ourselves when those words are used reflexively.Many Spanish verbs are used only or mostly in the reflexive form.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Killing Us Softly 4 - movie review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Killing Us Softly 4 - movie review - Essay Example According to Hook, black women positively responded to Sapphire film which negated black female representation by showing how frustrated and violent black women are as well as terming black women as bitches? Interestingly, the black females instead responded to the movie by saying that it exactly portrayed what their characters and behavior are (Hooks 120-121) Women tend to copy perfection shown on the advertisements yet these flawless are not real and cannot be achieved by the advertisers themselves. Advantages portray models as people with slim perfect look hence making the audience to try to lose weight and gain smooth skin just like the image seen in the advertisement. It is interesting to note that failure for the audience to achieve or resemble the image of the celebrity is treated as let down (Kilbourne Film). The message Kilbourne communicates is that no matter how much we try to idolize other people, we can never be perfect at all. Women should just accept their normal looks without imitating others. Advertisement and the media do not show us reality and this is even evident when the celebrities portrayed as beautiful also dispute the media imaging. There is no photograph of a woman that is not photo shopped and beauty is depicted by a white ideal that includes light skin and straight hair (Kilbourne Film). Advertisements normally dismember women bodies by focusing only one part of the body such as breast, unlike men whose bodies are not scrutinized and criticized.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Biomedicine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Biomedicine - Essay Example Source en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomedicine The basic underlying principle of the health care system is to treat disease on the basis of diagnoses arrived at by using symptoms and investigations. However, the effectiveness of treatment based on this rationale has been questioned. This process, which often overlooks patients' specific environments, everyday experiences, social conditions and the external environment, has been reviewed with a different angle. During the last few decades, there has been much criticism associated with this rationale. A number of 'new' concepts have been introduced in the medical discussions, such as illness, health, life quality and function. This has heralded a need for change in the everyday practices of parts of the health care system. This healthcare system that consists of general practitioners, public health personnel, nurses and paramedics has been changing so subtly, that it has not kept pace with the momentum of change in the medical arena made more complex by the population explosion and healthcare issues. This is especially true of the initial diagnostic visits between the patient and the doctor where the primary encounters occur. This is also ripe for change in the preventive health care segment where a lot of earlier sidelined concepts have now started to emerge. Recently, concepts of health and illness have been changing from before. The comprehension of health and illness has been changing due to input fuelled by perspectives from many disciplines. Health has now become a more holistic concept and has benefited by the increasing acknowledgement of other sources like biology, environment, social position, and the role of the mind, culture, spirituality, race, and sex, that influence health and well bein g. These have served to widen the realm of focus on the issues of health and illness. The health care systems are now more of a social model of health and this could explain the reasons for the increasing use of alternative therapies such as homeopathy, natural healing methods, acupuncture etc. Last, but not the least, stress has been accepted to be a major causative factor, and prevention and stress management methods seem to be a great approach to managing health proactively. This creates more focus on prevention than cure and more reasons to treat the causative factors rather than the symptoms of the disease. The main influences that have initiated a need for the reformulation of biomedicine may be attributed to a number of causes, some of which have been discussed as follows. Rising costs of health care are not matched by corresponding gains in population health; in particular health inequalities seem to take an upward trend. (Hallam, 2003) Managed health care has become so commercialised that it has become a luxury rather than basic need to be able to access medical care when essential. Modern investigative medical tests and treatments are expensive, rendering it unaffordable to a lot of people in the society. Individuals are bereft when they are unable to afford the huge insurance premiums, especially, the lower socio economic groups. This results in postponement of a visit to the doctor until really chronic, thereby not only missing opportunities to diagnose serious illnesses earlier than later but adding to the burden of the healthcare system by the extensive treatment that would now be required. Since

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Korean Economic Crisis Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Korean Economic Crisis - Term Paper Example (OECD 2009) The Korean government's role on developing the economy was more pronounced during the earlier years of the republic. This was particularly during the period of Park Chung Hee's rule. During this time, the government instituted reforms that bore the hallmarks of state capitalism and free market economy. The result can be considered successful as this pushed the Korean economy to modernization and progress. However, in the succeeding years, the national governments that ruled the country after Park introduced measures that made the economy freer from state intervention. The policies of liberalization were carried onwards to these current times by the incumbent administration of President Lee Myung-bak. However, the Korean economy was not immune to crisis. In the late 90's, the country suffered an economic turmoil, which led to the closure of several of its key industries. Many economists view it as a result of the vestiges of the protectionist policies initiated by the Park administration in the 60's the 70's. However, there were opposing views also by other economic experts. They insist that protectionism of Park is not the culprit in the crisis but the economic dependence towards the world market and the reduction of government role, both in the name of liberalization. Nevertheless, the government at that time, under Kim Dae-Jung, started out reforms in the country's financial sector, which include borrowing heavily from the International Monetary Fund. Before the end of the 90's, particularly in December 1999, Kim declared the crisis as over. In 2007 until 2009, roughly ten years after, another crisis hit the economy. The debate between analyses of what can be the root cause of the late 1990's crisis was again revived. Those who insist that Korea's economic liberalization is problematic are now raising a new but related argument. They believe that the economy's vulnerability to the global crisis is due to its overdependence on foreign markets. They assert that there are no basic differences in the crisis of the late 90's and the current on wracking the economy. Therefore, they push for reforms that are also much different to those introduced by the Kim administration. Currently, the Lee government has yet to institute any significant steps toward solving the new crisis. As solutions that will make a long-term positive effect on the economy are still to be found, it is necessary to fuel such debates and to seek out the best ideas that can come out of it. These ideas may be better extracted if a thorough comparison of the previous crisis and the current one is made. This paper aims to present an objective comparison between the crisis of the 90's and the current crisis of the Korean economy. This also aims to provide an in-depth analysis on the root factors of both crises. In so doing, it hopes to introduce suggestions on how the current crisis should be addressed. The method is based on the idea that by understanding the lessons of past problems and the solutions pushed, new and more effective remedies may be discovered for the present crisis. II. A Background of the Korean Economy In order to understand best the

Monday, October 28, 2019

Discussed from Paperco, Inc. Essay Example for Free

Discussed from Paperco, Inc. Essay This case study is discussed from Paperco, Inc. point of view of whether they should avail the tax benefits and cost savings in replacing the mechanical drying equipment. Recommendation Based on the analysis below in this memo, Paperco should purchase new mechanical drying equipment now in advance in anticipation of the passage of new tax legislation. Purchasing the equipment now maintains a positive Net Present Value for the capital project if the legislation is not enacted, or if the new legislation is enacted and the capital project is contracted early enough so that it is grandfathered in. With tax legislation grandfathered, the project gets the benefit of the new lower corporate tax rate and the old ACRS depreciation method. Although when presented with this project one year ago in 1984, Paperco was able to be postponed this capital project since it was merely â€Å"moderately attractive†. The prospect of new tax legislation being enacted as rumored makes the Net Present Value of the project comparatively more positive if the tax law changes are enacted, so Paperco should act now before tax law changes make this project infeasible. Background In November 1985, Jane Rogers a marketing representative of Pressco, Inc. approached Paperco, Inc. to sell its mechanical drying equipment at a price of $2.9 million. This new equipment would replace less efficient facilities that had been placed in service late in December 1979. According to Roger, the total cost saving (exclusive of depreciation charges) from the proposed installation of new equipment amounted to $560,000 per year. Of this amount, $360,000 in savings was expected to come from more efficient fuel utilization. One year earlier, Rogers had been unsuccessful in interesting Paperco’s management in purchase of new equipment. Paperco felt that the investment in  new equipment as moderately attractive at that time. However, beginning 1986, new tax legislation had been rumored to: (1) eliminate the investment tax credit for new equipment; (2) extend depreciation lives for new equipment, and (3) reduce the corporate tax rate from 46% to 34%. Paperco’s senior management was concerned that the basic thrust in the firm’s sales of mechanical drying equipment. Paperco’s management suddenly expressed significant interest in moving forward with the purchase of new equipment and seemed anxious to sign a binding contract. Discussion and Analysis We need to analyze when is the best situation for Paperco, Inc. to replace the old facilities with new drying equipment that will enable the Company to avail greater tax benefits and cost savings. There are three alternative courses of action available to Paperco, Inc. to decide whether to buy the new drying equipment or not. I. Buy the new equipment yet no legislation is enacted Advantages Continue to use a 5 years ACRS depreciation model with higher depreciation expense Efficiency in operations due to new equipment Disadvantages Retain all tax credits due to using 5 year ACRS depreciation model in equipment with useful life of 7 years Tax rate continued at 46% II. Buy the new equipment when the new tax proposal is enacted and bind the contract soon enough to be grandfathered or before the enactment of the law Advantages Continue to use a 5 years ACRS depreciation model with higher depreciation expense Efficiency in operations due to new equipment Investment tax credit that will reduce Paperco’s taxes Tax rate reduced to 34% from 46% Disadvantages Depreciation life of the equipment will not be extended III. Buy the new equipment when the new proposed tax is enacted but do not bind the contract in time to be grandfathered or after the enactment of the law Advantages Efficiency in operations due to new equipment Tax rate reduced to 34% from 46% Depreciation life of the equipment will be extended by 2 years Disadvantages MACRS depreciation model will generate lower depreciation expenses than the ACRS depreciation model No investment tax credit due to binding the contract after the law was enacted Option I in which the rumored tax proposal is not enacted and that the new equipment replaces the old equipment in December 1986. Paperco would retain all tax credits due to the fact the machine has been in service for 84 months, and use a 5-year ACRS depreciation model for the new equipment. This option has a positive NPV of $2,619,745. Option II in which the new tax proposal is enacted. The new equipment is installed in December 1986. Paperco signs a binding contract soon enough to be â€Å"grandfathered†, this allows Paperco to receive the 8% tax credit and use ACRS depreciation. At the same time, their tax rate would fall to 34%. Paperco would benefit from this more favorable â€Å"grandfathered† tax approach. Option II has a positive NPV of $3,414,104. Option III in which the new tax proposal is enacted and Paperco installs the new equipment in December 1986, but they do not sign a binding contract in time to be â€Å"grandfathered† and receive the 8% invest ment tax credit and use ACRS depreciation. The company will use MACRS and a depreciation period of 7 years. The NPV of the project with this timing and structure is $3,228,044. Without the â€Å"grandfathered† tax allowance, the new tax legislation makes the project unattractive based on lower Net Present Value. Calculations Re-affirmation There are three options available to Paperco, Inc. with respect to this capital investment: Option I: New legislation is passed and Paperco qualifies for â€Å"grandfathering,† Option II: New legislation is passed and Paperco does not qualify for â€Å"grandfathering,† Option III: Buy the new equipment when the new proposed tax is enacted but do not bind the contract in time to be grandfathered or after the enactment of the law Last year (1984) investment in new drying equipment pursuant to Option I was not pursued despite its attractiveness as a viable capital project, perhaps because it was possible that a better alternative might arise. However, given the impending tax legislation, the possible alternatives are now known, and they are not good. Under the new tax legislation without grandfathering, the project is not viable. Paperco should invest in the new equipment (with binding contract) because not doing so soon enough, the project will not a viable alternative, while investing in the equipment is a viable alternative (i.e., the Net Present Value of the project in Option II is higher than other alternatives).