Moving On Essays - Rafter, Churn, , Term Papers

Moving On Moving On The girls, all dressed in white, uniformly marched up the red, tiled stairs. Their perfectly coiffed pony tails swinging happily behind. They were all different. Shapes. Sizes. Personality. Ability. The tension was as thick as fog on a damp fall night as they crossed into the packed gymnasium. Number 24 turned to me, gave me a quick hug, and whispered, ?This night is ours!? I smiled, knowing she was right. The whistle blew as the over-weight referee tossed the leather ball high into the air. Two, fleshy hands dripping with nervous sweat reached for the sky, desperately hoping that their finger tips touched first. A voluminous roar filled the gym, bouncing from rafter to rafter, as the white angels captured possession of the basketball. This possession, the key to victory, was shared by all. Anxious teammates shouted words of encouragement from their cold, steel chairs. Number 34 launched the ball from way behind the black, three-point arc on the wooden floor. Every sneaker-clad pair of feet lifted off the ground in a joyous, excitement-filled leap. They had scored first, the psychological battle ending with the angels victorious. The devilish opponents never saw their humiliating defeat coming. They were too self-absorbed in their own game plans. They were given no space, not even an inch to breathe or move. The angels dominated every aspect of the game, proving good will always triumph over evil. The devils' coach, clad in a pea-green suit that made the stomach churn, would not look the players in the eye. He was a proud man, with a horrible reputation and temper. After finishing the standard complimentary hand shake, number 24 tapped me on the shoulder. I quickly opened my arms and as we embraced, she whispered, ?This night is ours!? I smiled, a tear of joy streaming down my cheek, knowing that this was my last victory. Creative Writing

Bata India Essays

Bata India Essays Bata India Essay Bata India Essay This report discusses the detail of 1) Bata’s main line of business. 2) Its main competitors and their value chain comparison. 3) Strategy the company is following. 4) Current Costing System of the company. 5) Decision making on the basis of cost and information. 6) Decisions are being taken using management accounting information. To summarise the above points we know that Bata is the fastest growing footwear brand in the country with a presence across 400 cities.The brand offers a wide range of comfortable, stylish and trendy footwear at affordable prices, ensuring there is something in the collection for everyone. The USP of the brand lies in the fact that they have successfully made fashion and durability so affordable and accessible to all. This explains why Bata India sells over 45 million pairs of footwear every year and serves over 120,000 customers every day. Today, Bata India is the largest retailer and leading manufacturer of footwear in India.Bata’s main com petitors are Mirza Intl, Liberty Shoes, Crew B. O. S; Bhartiya Inter. In this report we have compared the Value chains of Bata India Ltd and liberty Shoes Ltd which says that Bata has a competitive advantage over Liberty shoes. Bata follows backward integration and are not dependent on some third party for procurement of raw materials which makes it cost effective. Apart from this Bata has a huge competitive advantage over Liberty in the area of sales and distribution channel. Bata follows Cost leadership strategy.The company enjoys the highest market share in India and this is evident from the fact that the total retail presence of the company currently is more than thrice that of its closest competitor (Liberty: 381 stores). Bata has over 15% market share in Organized Retail market and around 6. 5% share in unorganized retail. Bata is produces its own raw material to improve its profitability. Bata reduces its cost by demand based production, setting up manufacturing base in tax-f ree locations, using different mix for footwear production with cheaper raw material.Also, they started cutting some cost through sales and distribution network, which is really huge distribution network. Bata earlier concentrated only on manufacturing footwear and selling them anyhow but in recent times it has changed its image of the production oriented company to affordable, market driven, fashion conscious, lifestyle brand and hence the decision to reposition. The Company has been focusing on consumers and market demand which will reduce inventories and improve sales-to-stock turnover. Bata has also adopted cost cutting strategies without any compromise on style, quality and design.Management Accounting Project: Company selected – Bata India Ltd. a. What is the company’s main line of business and which sector? Bata India is the largest retailer and leading manufacturer of footwear in India and is a part of the Bata Shoe Organization. b. Who are the main competitors ? Bata India’s main competitors are Mirza Intl, Liberty Shoes, Crew B. O. S; Bhartiya Inter. Bata has the highest market share compared to all its competitors. c. Try to compare and contrast the value chains of the two companies.Value Chain Analysis describes the activities that take place in a business and relates them to an analysis of the competitive strength of the business. The activities of a business could be grouped under two headings: (1) Primary Activities those that are directly concerned with creating and delivering a product (e. g. component assembly) (2) Support Activities not directly involved in production, may increase effectiveness or efficiency. The following come under support activities: Procurement Technology Development Human Resource management Firm infrastructureIt is rare for a business to undertake all primary and support activities. BATA INDIA LTD. : Operations (Backward integration)- Company’s own tanneries located in Batanagar and Mokame hghat insures uninterrupted supply of raw material. Now they are not dependant on some third party for procurement of raw material. Sales and distribution- Bata operated through exclusive chain of executive own and franchise stores located in prime location country wide. Bata owns network of 300 exclusive wholesalers who serviced 30,000 retail outlets throughout country.Overall it has over 1,600 showrooms, 27 wholesale depots and 8 distribution centers across the country. Technological resources- In 2004, Bata installed point of sale management information system (POS), for providing sales and inventory information across the company’s stores. This provides company to plan production and optimize inventory level. LIBERTY SHOES LTD. : Technology – It has introduced a new material called TPU (Thermo Plastic Urethane), for high quality footwear, into the country. This material has better properties than PVC or TPR (conventional materials used for footwear).Liberty has als o been instrumental in introducing EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate), which is a direct injection moulding used for making sole for the first time in Asia. This technology uses very light material amp; the footwear is made with the direct injection system. Liberty also pioneered the PU (Poly Urethane) Technology in India for the footwear industry. Besides these Thermo Plastic Elastomer has been developed for the first time in India at Liberty. A CAD/CAM design centre is in place at Liberty. The Sympatex waterproof technology in footwear was pioneered by also Liberty.Liberty is also the first company to market PPE products for safety purpose. Operations- Gharaunda is the first plant of its kind in this part of Asia that is equipped with Desma machines for PU Direct Injection Moulding. Using PUF technology and Computer Aided Systems this vertically integrated plant produces Industrial Safety Shoes that are made to European standards. Sympatex TEX booties as well as ordinary booties are also m ade here. Beside these Gharaunda has a design centre where an ambitious team of young designers working in tandem with experienced technologists. . Which strategy do the companies follow? Cost Leadership, Differentiation or Focus? Bata India Ltd. follows Cost Leadership strategy. Cost optimization and margin improvement: The Company is focusing on margin improvement and cost effectiveness programs which have started yielding results. The Company has initiated strict control on costs in purchases and outsourcing and is looking at global sourcing for raw materials to improve the net realization. The Company has also been clearing old merchandize through discount sales, write offs, etc. hich will enable it to focus on improving sales. e. The reflections about the current costing systems of the company? Currently the company is mainly focusing mainly on cost reducing strategies which are as follows: 1. Cost optimization: Strict control on costs in purchases and outsourcing. It is produ cing its own raw materials to improve its profitability. 2. Demand based production: The Company is focusing on consumers and market demand which will reduce inventories and improve sales-to-stock turnover. 3.Tax-free zone manufacturing base: After Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal the company is looking at and negotiating with the third party manufacturing facilities in two other tax-free states of Assam and Jammu and Kashmir. 4. Cost-cutting: Raw material used for used for 33% of total cost. Now Bata identified this problem and started using different mix for footwear production with cheaper raw material. Also, they started cutting some cost through sales and distribution network, which is really huge distribution network. f. How do the companies manage cost and use the information for decision making and control?Cost management in BATA : 1. BATA tried to reduce the costs of raw material. For this it tries to use different mix for footwear production with cheaper raw material. 2. I t also tried to reduce costs through sales and distribution network which is a very huge distribution network. So they continued to invest in expanding retail business. 3. They also tried to generate skilled manpower and cut costs through manpower reduction. 4. They reduced the inventory costs by clearing the existing merchandize by offering discounts. g. What decisions are being taken using management accounting information? 1. Decision to reposition:Bata earlier concentrated only on manufacturing footwear and selling them anyhow but in recent times it has changed its image of the production oriented company to affordable, market driven, fashion conscious, lifestyle brand and hence the decision to reposition. 2. Decision to produce based on logistics and demand: To optimise the utilisation of production facilities the logistics team focuses on obtaining orders from the market for the best selling designs and sizes and ensures that all raw materials are available in the factories we ll in time so that the Company can produce and place in shops the products that consumers want.Thus the Company has been focusing on consumers and market demand which will reduce inventories and improve sales-to-stock turnover. 3. Training and restructuring the frontline sales force: The Company has reorganized its front line sales force. It has undertaken an intensive training programme for its shop assistants and managers to ensure excellence in service to customers. It has also undertaken a rural marketing thrust wherein its reach is rapidly growing. It is recruiting managers with fresh ideas to inspire and empower the workforce with the requisite skills. . Bata uses technology like installation of point of sale management information system to keep an update about the inventory level, sale figure etc. 5. Bata also adopted the cost cutting strategy through use of different mix of raw materials for footwear production and also through sales and distribution but without any comprom ise on the style, quality and design of the product as it endeavours to break the myth of price factor by producing economy range of good quality and stylish products.RECOMMENDATIONS: ) The main recommendation we can give Bata is to repositioning itself. In India we still believe that Bata is just a company which produces footwear for school goers, office goers and regular use footwear like slippers and snickers. Bata is still trying to change its image of production oriented company to affordable, market driven, fashion conscious, lifestyle brand. Today they have a huge shoe line with a huge range of new designs on offer. To name a few they are Marie Claire, Weinbrenner, North Star, Power, Hush Puppies, Dr.Scholls, Ambassador, Bubblegummer etc but only a few segment of people know about this. So Bata must back their campaign through TVC’s, print media and word of mouth. 2) According to the survey conducted by Bata in African continent it was observed that people were not wea ring shoes at all. This means that there is a high scope of marketing shoes in African continent as no one has shoes. References: www. bata. in www. wikinvest. com www. moneycontrol. com www. inrnews. com www. scribd. com

COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE FOURTH OF JULY (AUDRE LORDE) AND SISTER Essay

COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE FOURTH OF JULY (AUDRE LORDE) AND SISTER FLOWERS (MAYA ANGELOU) - Essay Example Lorde’s trip to Washington, and Angelou’s relationship with Mrs. Flowers, are crucial episodes which shape Lorde’s and Angelou’s views of the world around them and define their own self-images and identities. Lorde and Angelou come to these encounters in different frames of mind, are deeply influenced by others and come away with altered self-images. Lorde and Angelou are at contrasting periods in their lives and have different frames of mind at the time of these crucial encounters. Lorde is an eighth grade graduate, who is on the threshold of adolescence. Her trip is a graduation gift and she embarks on it in a spirit of hope and excitement: Washington D.C. is â€Å"the fabled and famous capital of our country† (Lorde, 239). This is her first day-time trip on a train and she looks forward to it. The family makes elaborate preparations for the trip and â€Å"packed for a week† (Lorde, 239). There is a sense of excitement and the happy ambience of a picnic, complete with roast chicken, cakes and peaches. Lorde spends her â€Å"afternoon squinting up at monuments to freedom and past presidencies and democracy† (Lorde, 241). She is very much a normal schoolgirl, confident and secure in the bonds of her family, prepared to enjoy her trip. On the other hand, Angelou comes to the encounter with Mrs. Flowers deeply scarred by her earlier rape. As a result of this, she refuses to talk to anybody except her brother, Bailey, and retreats into a cocoon of silence. She is listless and admits that â€Å"For nearly a year, I sopped around the house, the Store, the school, and the church, like an old biscuit, dirty and inedible† (Angelou, ). She is a little girl of about nine and is desperately shy. When Mrs. Flowers asks her to accompany her home, Angelou â€Å"hung back in the separate unasked and unanswerable questions† (Angelou, ). Haunted by her trauma, Angelou cuts herself off from intercourse. Lorde and

Ancient Intelligence Techniques in Modern Times Essay

Ancient Intelligence Techniques in Modern Times - Essay Example In order to determine the methods of intelligence gathering that used by ancient states, it can be affirmed that gathering valuable information in order to save a nation from the danger of invasion is an important task. The ancient states such as Romans, Greeks and Mesopotamians among others used various unique methods of intelligence gathering in order to save their respective boundaries or geographical area . The oldest form of gathering information was espionage which can be viewed to be mostly used by the ancient states. It can be apparently observed in this similar concern that this particular method or principle of intelligence gathering is also relevant in this modern day context having enhanced operational procedure along with innovative technological advancements. It has been argued that though espionage is regarded as one of the oldest methods of gathering valuable information, the Romans were not viewed to use this method rather they possessed private network. This private network possessed business associates, slaves, informers and agents among others . Specially mentioning, the Romans used certain symbols such as toga and dagger for the purpose of performing their respective foreign along with domestic policy objectives. However, this method is not relevant today in this modern day context due to the introduction of pioneering technological advancements . The use of transcribed messages having codes by the ancient states can be apparently observed to play a decisive role within the sphere of intelligence gathering... Specially mentioning, the Romans used certain symbols such as toga and dagger for the purpose of performing their respective foreign along with domestic policy objectives. However, this method is not relevant today in this modern day context due to the introduction of pioneering technological advancements4. The use of transcribed messages having codes by the ancient states can be apparently observed to play a decisive role within the sphere of intelligence gathering. Moreover, the ancient states often used signals such as flashlight as one of the methods of intelligence gathering5. Usage of Past Methods and Experiences in Modern Situations The intelligence techniques that were used earlier have by the ancient states have their relevance in the modern day context by a certain degree. In this regard, one of the methods i.e. human intelligence which had been used by the ancient states has its importance even today that can be used in modern situations. This can be justified with referen ce to the fact that the quality of intelligence techniques has improved due to broader adoption along with execution of advanced electronic signals resulting in gathering valuable information effectively. The technical advancements eventually made the technique to deal with modern situations along with circumstances wherein the conduct of terrorist activities is quite prevalent. The present method of human intelligence incorporates certain fundamental aspects such as pointing, collecting of data, data analysis of data and broadcasting the information to users that raises its standard and thus used in modern situations4. In order to safeguard any country and most vitally to avoid internal spying, the technique concerning human intelligence has to keep a track of its own

Examine the ways in which attempts are being made to address the Outline

Examine the ways in which attempts are being made to address the problem of cyber bullying in the criminal justice system of England and Wales - Outline Example I will begin by looking at the theories of criminology, the historical/social context of cyberbullying, and analysing the current situation and the possible reforms that will help curb cyberbullying, concluding that cyberbullying should be curbed using stringent measures by law. This essay seeks to examine the attempts that are being made to address the problem of cyber bullying in the criminal justice system of England and Wales. Understanding why an individual chooses to commit a crime can assist the authorities know how to assimilate the criminal.Other theories of criminology attribute crime to the criminal while others state that the community is to blame(WINFREE, &ABADINSKY, 2010). The choice theory, otherwise known as the rational choice theory, is the conviction that people decide to commit crime, considering the possible opportunities ahead, assessing the benefits vis-a vis the penalty and making a choice whether to go on or not to (TIBBETTS, 2012). The positivist theory acts on the proposal that the person committing crime cannot ethically understand how wrong his actions are (TIBBETTS, 2012). This person’s mind has been set in a way that the individual has no ability of making a sensible sane decision to conform to the law. This theory shows how the criminal’s mind works and the impact the thoughts have on the victims. With the massive growth of social media sites, children and the young people are more vulnerable to cyberbullying. With Facebook and Twitter as the most popular networking sites, about 35 million of Facebook and 15 million Twitter users are in the UK. This makes cyberbullying rampant in England and Wales. Cyberbullying in England and Wales is considered an offence under law. In relation to cyber bullying, the choice theory explains the way a criminal’s mind leads to a crime. The bully decides out of his own will to bully an online user to the point that the user,

Rupee Depreciation: Challenges for Indian logistics Sector

Rupee Depreciation: Challenges for Indian logistics Sector Abhinav Goyal Article Rupee depreciation creates challenges for Indian logistics sector Depreciation of  Indian Rupee  against the  US Dollar  has created a challenging environment for the  Indian logistics sector, owing to the increased costs of operation for both international shipping companies  and the  domestic transportation companies, and increased costs of services for end users (manufacturing and distribution companies) within the country. The challenges for logistics end users are primarily in case of international  shipments  since  importers  and exporters  need to pay the shipping charges in US Dollars and hence, additional amount has to be paid for the same shipments, making  international trade  less profitable for the companies. On the export front, Indian exporters will be viewed as the most price competitive , however, they will be faced with high freight costs, subsequently hitting their profit margins. Owing to the risk of losing international customers to competing exporters from other international markets, Indian exporters may be forced absorb the increase in freight charges and work with lower margins. In the event of failure or capability to absorb such additional freight costs, the exporters and importers may avoid/abstain from international trade. This could lead to an overall decline in the international trade volumes from India that would prove to be challenging for the shipping and freight forwarding companies. Especially for the shipping companies focused on Indian industries, a decline in international trade volumes from the country would result in idle capacity or shipments with not-fully loaded ships, resulting in lower revenues as well as higher operational costs per customer consignment. On the domestic front, Rupee Depreciation against US Dollar would lead to increase in fuel costs (already increased once within last 2 weeks), thus resulting in higher operational costs for cargo transporters, which would invariably be passed by them to the end users. In this case end users are on the losing side due to the impact of depreciation. In cases where logistics service providers (LSPs) and users are bound in long term contracts with charge revisions permitted only once in a year or a half year, service providers have to absorb /bear the increased costs of operations and hence are likely to incur erosion in profits or even losses in some cases. LSPs with business interests in port terminals are likely to benefit to some extent, given that a significant share of shipping and port related services are charged in dollars, but that gains could also be negated by the decreased trade volumes. The sharp increase in the price of aviation turbine has already resulted in a proportional rise in airfare. Air freight services are premium logistics services and will now be even costlier owing the increased fuel cost. The impact is not only on LSPs and end users, but also on the end consumers of goods due to the cascading effect. In majority of the cases, however, the depreciating rupee largely affects end consumers of imported goods. The LSPs and end-users alike may choose to work on decreased margins for a short period of time with the intent to spare their customers from increased prices, however, this will not be sustainable in the long term. Eventually, the increase cost of logistics services will be passed down to the end consumer. On the whole, the depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar will impact all the key stakeholders of the logistics sector in India. The primary impact of this will be borne by the LSPs, particularly the transporters and the freight forwarders, and the end-users. COMMENTARY The depreciation of indian rupee against US dollar has hard hit each sector of the economy .One such sector is Logistic sector where the cost of production has increased invariably and revenues have decreased .This article is the study of pathetic conditon of logistic service provider . In India road transport has occupied a pivotal position in all the transport system existing in India .The sector is growing at the rate of 10% per annum1. There are many factors attributed to the growth of logistic sector in India such as rapid growth of many sectors like FMCG , retail , pharnmaceuticals and automobiles and the change in taxation system by the governement .The sectors of aviation , mining and consumer goods are investing a huge amount of money in this sector . The market has more competiton now than before because of the concept of outsourcing and this has made positive impact on logistic sector in India. The Indian logistic sector is facing a number of problems today which includes infrastructure in India and it is the main hindrance in the development of this sector .Poor infrastructure includes bad road conditions , problems with railways , inland water transport , domestic aviation , lack of proper connectivity and incapable ports are posing challenges for this sector . The loopholes in infrastruture has made the cost per transaction veryu high for the logistic sector in India and this has caused several other problems such as low economy of scale , the companie can not hire skilled labours and the industries are widely fragmented . In india one of the major problem faced by this sector ins the scattered customer base . Recently this sector if posing the challenge of depreciation of rupee (the fall in the value of rupee in the market ) against dolar as it has not only made international shipping very costly but has made a bad impact on domestic transportation very costly .Depreciation has increased the cost per transaction . In case of international shipments the fall in the value of ruppe will increase the cost of freight which will reduce the profit margin as the exporters will be compelled to absorb the rise in price and thus they will be less interested in getting more contracts .Eventually the business will be hit hard business will be hit hard . Graph 1 shows the impact of depreciation on the international shipment The decline in trade volumes will result in will result in idle capacity which will cause low income for the sector and high cost of operations . In the country the depreciation will increase the cost of fuel and this will make the service costlirr for the customers who will be paying money in the end thus the business will become less lucrative for the owners .In some cases the companies work on contract basis and with the higher operational cost the companies may end up reaping loss only. The sector has hope of earning profit from ports if the volume of trade is high while if the volume will be lower the company will again end up getting loss only .A rise in the price of air turbines will cause a rise in the price of airfares which will subsequently lead to the rise in cost per transaction. All the above discussed reasons will cause a fall in aggregate demand of logistic services in the economy. Graph 2 shows that the AD will fall if the depreciation will continue thus leading to more loss for logistic companies . The government can play a key role in helping logistic sector in this time of great challenge .There are need of stringent measure for solving the problem of depreciation in the country .The government can also reduce the tax rates so as to make this service cheaper for the national and international consumers . 1. http://logisticsweek.com/column/2013/04/challenges-faced-in-logistics-sector-in-india/

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In Veterans :: Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD

As with many other diseases, early detection and treatment of mental disorders are key components to rehabilitation and a cure. The prognosis for a better quality of life for veterans suffering with PTSD is increased through early intervention. The VA has developed the Seamless Transition program for the target group of soldiers that served in Iraq and Afghanistan (Currey, 2007). The focus of the program is to deliver the highest level of care in a timely manner, according to Dr. Roswell, M.D. (Currey, 2007). A holistic approach is taken by social workers to treat the whole person and not just the symptoms. Social work practice often requires advocating and navigating for clients within bureaucratic systems. New soldiers entering the war are at risk of being exposed to trauma, which increases the chance of being diagnosed with PTSD. Other target groups at heightened risk for PTSD are those required to serve multiple deployments and female service members. According to the NADCP (2007) 1 in 5 veterans report symptoms of a mental disorder. These figures can be utilized to predict and implement future treatment needs and funding requirements. Streamlining the application process, by allowing timely access to benefits, can result in reduced benefit necessities. A policy which improves access to benefits for veterans is supported by veteran’s organizations everywhere. A recent change in the policy removes the requirement for veterans to submit written documentation of a stressful event during military service. The most critical support for this change is that of U.S. politicians who make policy decisions. President Obama, in his speech on July 10, 2011, expressed his support for veterans, specifically those suffering with PTSD. He understands the plight of soldiers of war, whether in combat or non-combat, being affected by the war’s trauma. President Obama understood the necessity for new policy as the old policy prevented many of those with PTSD from receiving the care they needed. As stated by the President â€Å"I don’t think our troops on the battlefield should have to take notes to keep for claims applications† (The White House, 2010). The Texas Veteran Commission, realizing the growing number of vete rans with PTSD, is optimistic in its view that the new policies will allow this vulnerable group easier access to benefits (Cervantes, 2010). B. Christopher Frueh, a professor of psychology and director of the Division of Social Sciences at the University of Hawaii, is not a supporter of the rule change.

Harnessing Solar Energy

Harnessing of Solar Energy: Photosynthesis versus Semiconductor Based Solar Cell Photosynthesis and semiconductor-based solar cells are both used to harness solar energy from the sun – photosynthesis for plants and semiconductor based solar cells for human beings. Photosynthesis consists of light reactions and dark reactions. It is a process in which carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O) and light energy are utilized to synthesize an energy-rich carbohydrate like glucose (C6H12O6) and to produce oxygen (O2) as a by-product.Simply put, photosynthesis is a process that transfers energy from the sun (solar energy) into chemical energy for plants and animals. Photosynthesis is a vital process among plants, algae and some bacteria that are able to create their own food directly from inorganic compounds using light energy so that they do not have to eat or rely on nutrients derived from other living organisms. A semiconductor-based solar cell is devised to convert light to electric curr ent.The solar cell directly converts the energy in light into electrical energy through the process of photovoltaics (a field of semiconductor technology involving the direct conversion of electromagnetic radiation as sunlight, into electricity). Solar cells do not use chemical reactions to produce electric power, and they have no moving parts. Most solar cells are designed for converting sunlight into electricity. In large arrays, which may contain many thousands of individual cells, they can function as central electric power stations analogous to nuclear, coal-, or oil-fired power plants.The conversion of sunlight into electrical energy in a solar cell involves three major processes: absorption of the sunlight in the semiconductor material; generation and separation of free positive and negative charges to different regions of the solar cell, creating a voltage in the solar cell; and transfer of these separated charges through electrical terminals to the outside application in th e form of electric current. Comparisons Photosynthesis and semiconductor-based solar cells both get their energy from the sun and convert it into a form that is needed either by plants or humans (Vieru, 2007). The first two steps of photosynthesis involve capturing photons released from the sun and using that energy to create a flow of electrons. From there, photosynthesis involves using that electrical energy to create chemical energy† (Stier, 2009). The products of photosynthesis are sugars to feed plants. Semiconductor-based solar cells also capture photons that use energy to create a flow of electrons which create electrical energy. A final similarity between photosynthesis and solar cell technology is that â€Å"a semi conductor has solar cells that trap energy from the sun and convert it into electricity.Plants have cells that trap energy from the sun and convert it into useful products† (Haile & O’Connell, 2005). Contrasts The first contrast is in the conv ersion of energy trapped by the sun – photosynthesis converts solar energy to chemical energy used by plants and semiconductor-based cells convert solar energy into electricity used by humans. The solar panels for semiconductors are manmade and photosynthesis comes from a natural process. Finally, photosynthesis has been around for billions of years making it the oldest technology on earth (Stier, 2009).Charles Fritts created the first solar panel in 1883 which means the semiconductor has been around for about 229 years – a mere zygote to photosynthesis. Thermodynamics Semiconductor-based solar cells and photosynthesis both use the laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is the study of the conversion of energy between heat and other forms, mechanical in particular and it has three laws. The first law of thermodynamics says that energy is conserved, it is neither created nor destroyed but can change form. This is called energy conservation.The second law of thermodynami cs says that systems always tend to be in states of greater disorder. As disorder in the universe increases, the energy is transformed into less usable forms. The third law of thermodynamics is usually stated as a definition: the entropy of a perfect crystal of an element at the absolute zero of temperature is zero. Thermodynamics apply to photosynthesis by plants transforming sunlight energy into food – this is an example of the first law. During the process of photosynthesis plants also lose energy because they to not convert all of he energy trapped from the sun into food. Some of the energy is lost in the process – this demonstrates the second law of thermodynamics. Plants needing to trap energy from the sun constantly demonstrates the final law of thermodynamics because the cycle is repeated. In semiconductor-based solar cells energy from the sun is converted to electricity – this is the first law. Because energy is lost in the conversion, the second law of thermodynamics is applied here. Finally, the cells have to continually obtain energy from the sun which obeys the third law of thermodynamics (Heckert, 2007).Solar energy has been around for billions of years whereas semiconductor-based solar cells have only been around a little over 200 years. In writing this, I have discovered that solar energy is harnessed by both photosynthesis and semiconductor-based solar cells to convert energy into food and electricity to be used by plants and human beings. Both photosynthesis and semiconductor-based solar cells utilize all three laws of thermodynamics by converting energy, losing energy, and trapping energy constantly. This shows the many similarities and differences between photosynthesis and semiconductor-based solar cells.

Essay Sample on English Writing How to Write Properly

Essay Sample on English Writing How to Write Properly The importance of using logos, pathos and ethos correctly What makes an argument great depends on whether one correctly uses logos, ethos and pathos. Logos, pathos and ethos are various ways of arguments. Ethos is a term used to describe reliability with an audience. Logos is engaging the logical part of a person. Pathos defines the emotional point of an argument. In using pathos, emotions are used to gain attention from an audience or a reader. Pathos argues through emotion. These are three crucial elements that one should address while writing. If a writer lacks credibility, an audience or a reader will not take the work seriously. On the other hand, if the writer did not show logic in his work, the writing does not have any meaning. If the work showed no emotions, then the message would be lost. if an author fails to exploit these three concepts in his writing, the reader will not meet the author’s expectations. Therefore, it is important for an author to use, as well as, write to the audience’s expectations. Tone and style selection Tone and style selection is not only important in the medical field, but also in any other profession or field. For example, a certain notary public has the permission of advertising its services in other languages and in English. However, in California it is forbidden for a notary to use Spanish terms such as â€Å"Notario Publico† or â€Å"Notario† while advertising or in other forms of communication. This is because Notario refers to a person with the responsibility of giving legal advice, for example, an attorney. A notary public means he/she can certify legal documents. Proper structuring of tone and style while addressing a specific audience is important, in order to avoid any fines or other problems. The process of writing Combining the process of writing, with focus and determination on the purpose of writing, is important to any piece of writing. It is important to always remember the audience one is targeting. First, one should consider the audience that will be reading that piece of work, be it students or other individuals who may be of a different generation. One should be careful while addressing individuals from a different generation as it is easy for a writer to lose this group, if his/her work does not have a common ground. Proper writing is important while communicating in a business setting, as well as, any other profession.

Essay on The Image of Villain in Ramayana

Essay on The Image of Villain in Ramayana Essay on The Image of Villain in Ramayana Essay on The Image of Villain in RamayanaThe book â€Å"Ramayana† by Narayan reveals the topic of villains and their impact on people along with the possible resistance of people to villains and effective ways, which people can use to defeat villains. In fact, the entire book raises the problem of the clash between good and evil and villains stand on the evil side. They personify evil and cause the average people woe and problems preventing them from the normal life. At the same time, the book gives implications that villains are defeatable and good can always win and defeat the evil. This topic becomes very important for the book, while the image of villains and their actions are subjects to the particular attention of the author.The demon Ravan personifies the image of the villain, who wants to play people like puppets and whose power makes him even crueler. In such a way, the author of the book gives implications that the person, who has the power can turn into villain, whi le the villain, who has the power can increase his cruelty, if he finds no resistance and sees the inability of people to confront him as is the case of Ravan. The cruelty turns out to be one of the distinct features of the villain in â€Å"Ramayana† because villains are truly evil by their nature (Narayan, 2012, P.152). Therefore, they commit evil acts since their cruelty rules their decisions and actions and they run people, play their fates, and implement their evil and cruel plans.Using the image of the demon Ravan, the author attempts to show the villain character that causes harm and troubles to the average people and how defenseless people may be in face of such villains. The villain is ambidextrous and can pretend to be a different person than he/she really is: â€Å"I came in several times and spoke, but perhaps you were asleep when I thought you were awake’† (Narayan, 2012, P.185). In such a way, villains are very dangerous since one can never know wha t they plan and what they are going to do as is the case of Ravan. He acts in a treacherous way and people can never know what to expect from him. Therefore, one of the distinct features of villains is hypocrisy. Being ambidextrous, they can pretend to be good, while they have evil plans at the same time. Such trait of character is apparently the attribute of the villain because the lack of transparency and sincerity of villains makes them really dangerous for other people, who cannot foresee their actions. Villains are particularly dangerous, when they have wicked plans but pretend to have good plans and intentions and, thus, deceive people.At the same time, the author of the book shows that the prince Rama, who is Vishnu reborn protects people from the evil demon and, thus, personifies the opponent of the villain. The presence of the positive character fighting against the villain uncover the vulnerability of villains because the villain turns out to be unable to confront the oppo nent, who is equal to him in power, force, or intellect. In fact, villains cannot confront opponents in the open struggle because they are too weak (Narayan, 2012, p.169). At any rate, they do not have the spirit power that would guide them through the open fight against their opponents. Obviously, the open and fair fight or struggle are not the methods villains can and do use in their life. On the contrary, they try to do their evil acts secretly, making complex schemes and uncovering the essence of their evil nature. At the same time, their unwillingness to confront their opponents in the open and fair struggle proves the fact that villains are cowards in their essence. They fear the defeat and they do not rely on their own physical force or spiritual power, when they have to fight openly. Instead, they tend to use their complex schemes to undermine the power of their opponents and, thus, defeat them.Therefore, the book reveals the negative impact of power on villains, who become extremely cruel, if they see that they can exercise their full power, while humans cannot resist to such villains, unless they have the spiritual power and the support of authorities, both divine and civil ones. The author of the book shows that the unlimited power makes the main villain of the book even worse and people cannot cope with the villain without the assistance of the authorities that is one of the main messages of the book. At the same time, villains are deceitful, ambidextrous, hypocritical, and evil by their nature. At any rate, the villain depicted in â€Å"Ramayana† has all these features. Villains cannot confront their opponents in the fair struggle. Instead, they are scheming, deceiving and corrupt their opponents to win.

SODIS in Winter Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

SODIS in Winter - Lab Report Example The plastic bottles were then shaken for a period of twenty seconds followed by filling the bottles completely. One bottle was directly taken to the lab for the initial E.Coli count of the available raw water sample. The remaining eight bottles were labelled as 1, 1F, 2, 2F, 3, 3F, 4, 4F with the numbers on the bottles corresponding to the number of days of heat and sunlight exposure. In this case, F was used to mean foil. Then the F bottles were all wrapped in a foil in ensuring that the samples were prevented from receiving sunlight and thus limited to receiving heat. After being exposed in the heat in the first day, the one and 1F bottles were brought to the lab for purposes of carrying out a E.Coli analysis. This procedure was repeated for the second, third and fourth subsequent days of exposure. In this experimental set up the control experiments were water without the UV-A exposure or sunlight and water without heat or solar reflector. In essence, this was just but raw water sa mple Observations In this experiment the observation were noted following a certain chronological order. In the first day in which the experiment was carried out outside for a period of 2 hours and thirteen minutes, starting at 12.17pm extending to 2.30 pm with the conditions of the day characterized by a cloudy sky with light snow furries along with a little sun shine, it was such that from 1pm to13:40pm, a cling wrap was inserted on the opening in helping prevent snow from interfering with the solar reflector. It was observed that the cling wrap inside surface steamed up necessitating the removal of the cling wrap. In day two in which the experiment was carried out inside and behind glass given that snows were falling outside. In this second day of experiment, the experiment was carried out starting at 12.28 pm extending to 4.40 pm conditions being such that there was no direct sunlight or SNOWING. On day three of the experiment, the experiment was carried out behind glass. From 1 1 am extending to 1 pm, there was a cloudy sky. However, the experiment was not facing the sun’s direction since the direction of the sun could not be determined. From 1 pm extending to 1:30 pm light rain was observed and the experiment was halted at 3.30pm following heavy downfall. On the last day of the experiment, which was on day four, the experiment was carried out from 12:30pm extending to 4:30pm and it was behind glass given that it was slightly snowing outside. As was observed on this day, the bottles had a green/brown colouring sediment and was not attached on the plastic bottle, though as observed it was somewhat denser than water. Results The data wereplotted in table 1 Table 1showing number of E. Coli (in Colony-Forming Units or CFU) and the exposure time (sunlight and heat) for the SODIS Method Experiment E.Coli J+1 J+2 J+3 J+4 Traite UFC/100ml 202 95 96 18 Controle UFC/100ml 427 418 205 241 Discussion According to the graphical representation of the experimental results in F1 above, it was clear that the heat treatment group had fewer E. Coli relative to the raw water sample (control group). More evidently, the sunlight, as well as the treatment group h

Applied research methods Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Applied methods - Research Proposal Example Perhaps most importantly in this era of transition, leaders themselves must understand that their real legacy will not be the past performance of their financial services organisation, but its sustainable success. Helping leaders learn how to get results by being boundary-less thinkers, network builders, diplomats, and interpreters is a first step in meeting this challenge. Holding them accountable for getting results today and developing next-generation leaders for tomorrow is the quantum leap. The intention of this research proposal is to analyse and evaluate the managerial effectiveness of 'the management', and the perception of leadership and culture within Pembroke Consulting (PC) and the impact on employees and the organisation. Furthermore, it will be argued that the human relations management concept that entails the participation and involvement of all hierarchical levels has not been operative within PC. By examining the Company Background, it will be seen that both management and rank-and-file staff have difficulty coping with and adjusting to the series of transitions that have taken place in their organisation that contributed to its "stalemate" status. It is also shown how financial growth does not correspondingly translate into real development for an organisation or for the growth of the most important resource of any business group, - people. Various research methods will be used to determine perceptions, effectiveness and culture, and a 'way forward' will be proposed in the subsequent dissertation. Since downsizing and restructuring are often just euphemisms for wholesale layoffs, this is a prospect that most Asian financial services organisations and workers have a culturally determined difficulty taking seriously. Sometimes it seems as if some Japanese and Korean financial services organisations would rather close their doors altogether than carry out significant personnel cuts. That's how strong the sense of group identity is in the East. Company Background Pembroke Consulting is a financial services company providing access to financial markets, principally, futures and options, through electronic and other means. It is financial advisors, accountants and general insurance specialists and based in Weybridge, Surrey, UK. Since its inception, the company has undergone tremendous growth both organically and through acquisition, however, it was not, until recently, that the company became an active market-player. Three major company mergers brought about this evolution over the last eight years. Because of which, various aspects of the company including its work volume, staffing and market position all increased exponentially. The mergers contributed predominantly to a great success in terms of the bottom-line but operationally speaking, the outcome has been a disappointing failure. The organisation failed initially to integrate the significant changes brought about by the first two mergers until the last tree years. This was the latest i n a chain of events in the history of Pembroke Consulting