How Ronald Reagan’s Ended Cold War Essay

How Ronald Reagan’s Ended the Cold War with the Soviet Union â€Å"I’ve always recognized that ultimately there’s got to be a settlement, a solution. † —Ronald Reagan, December 23, 1981 President Ronald Reagan initially had a hard-lined foreign policy with the Soviet Union. At the beginning of his administration, he focused on massive reduction of arms, confirmation of agreements between the U. S. and the Soviet Union, series of negotiations regarding arms control specifically to the employment of arms of the Soviets outside their territory and reciprocity (Matlock, 2004, â€Å"Reagan and Gorbachev: How the Cold War ended†). However, these policies have not been effective in promoting changes in the Soviet Union. Soviet leaders were not intimidated by Reagan’s rigid approach that led the Soviets to continue with their communist ways. By 1985, Reagan started to change the direction of his policy. He opted to soften his methods by facilitating negotiations on arms negotiation, preventing the use of Euromissiles, â€Å"compromising strategic nuclear weapons† and complying with the restrictions of the SALT II treaty (Wittner, 2004, â€Å"Did Reagan’s military build-up really lead to victory in the Cold War?†). Because of this, the American public felt that there was a brewing nuclear war between the U. S. and the Soviet Union that resulted to numerous mass protests. The public stir influenced Reagan to make an announcement proposing for conciliatory efforts with the Soviet Union to assure the public that there will be no war. Then, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev forged an alliance in â€Å"implementing disarmament and peace†(Wittner, 2004, â€Å"Did Reagan’s military build-up really lead to victory in the Cold War? †). Reagan’s continuous efforts amid many hurdles, strategic alliance with Soviet leaders and American political transparency have pushed both countries to stop global domination through arms that put an end to the Cold War (Wittner, 2004, â€Å"Did Reagan’s military build-up really lead to victory in the Cold War? †). References Matlock, J. (2004). Reagan and Gorbachev: How the Cold War ended. Random House Publishing. Wittner, L. S. (2004). Did Reagan’s military build-up really lead to victory in the Cold War?. History News Network. Retrieved March 29, 2008 from http://hnn. us/articles/2732. html

Cultural Considerations in Health Care

Introduction One of the greatest things about nursing is that we have the opportunity to share with different cultures and learn about them. Our patients are complex; they each have their religion, culture, and life choices. Delivering health advice and not knowing much about a patient’s cultural background will influence how the patient may perceive the nurses’ advice.The article that I did my research on was published in 2011, by Perez-Avila, Sobralske and Katz; the name of the article is â€Å"No Comprendo: Practice Considerations When Caring for Latinos With Limited English Proficiency in the United States Health Care System†. In the United States, Hispanics form the largest minority. Most of this community has limited English proficiency; the purpose of this article is to teach us how Hispanics feel when catered to by English only speaking healthcare staff.Summary of the Article The article in my opinion was well written, it provides detailed information in reference to limited English proficient citizens in the United States. An example of how detailed the study is â€Å"One study revealed that only 37% of patients with LEP know it is their legal right to have health services offered in their language by a bilingual provider or through the use of professional interpretation services† (Katz & Pares-Avila, 2011, pg. 160).The author could have done a better job by providing more cultural information in reference to Hispanics; their believes and medical practices. Hispanic families believe that the father of the family is the boss; however the spouse takes care of the children. I must add that this is changing as women are becoming more functional in the work force and as professionals. The article focuses on how due to the lack of communication and cultural competence, a certain percentage of Hispanics do not benefit from the best possible care.In fact, the article states that Hispanics have more unnecessary tests done to them due to the lack of communication with health care providers. Many health care professionals decide to document that the patient’s medical history is not available, rather than finding an interpreter to assist them. The article does a nice job describing how this lack of cultural knowledge impacts the Hispanic culture. I chose this article because I find it interesting and of great help to any nursing and health care professional; I am Hispanic myself and constantly looking for better ways to help my community.I personally see my grandmother struggling whenever she needs to see her physician, as she sometimes does not understand what him and his staff are telling her. On another note nursing is an ever changing career and the Hispanic culture is growing at an enormous rate, becoming culturally competent does not only provide the patient with good care but can make the nurses’ job easier and more rewarding. I do feel that there should be more research on this subject; the b est way to learn about a patient’s cultural beliefs is to ask the patient.I think that the population that the author intended to target is health care professionals; however, I know that any immigrant can benefit from reading this article. Conclusion Culture competence is a quality that any nurse should have. The article that I decided to research refers to the impact that language and different cultures have on a patient’s health. It is the duty of health care professionals to attempt to learn about different cultures and to be sensitive to the way patient’s feel about their beliefs.Once the nurse understands a patient’s beliefs, the plan of care can be adjusted to meet the patient’s individual needs. Reference Pares-Avila, J. A. , Sobralske, M. C. , & Katz, J. R. (2011). No Comprendo: Practice Considerations When Caring for Latinos With Limited English Proficiency in the United States Health Care System. Hispanic Health Care International, 9(4), 159-167. doi:http://dx. doi. org/10. 1891/1540-4153. 9. 4. 159

The Vietnam War Memorial

The Vietnam War Memorial, like the war it memorializes, was initially steeped in controversy. It was called unemotional and ‘a black gash of shame’. Criticism was leveled at the artist for her being of Asian extraction. Like the Vietnam War, Americans gradually began to see the other side of the coin and it is now one of America’s most revered art pieces. It is comprised of black granite panels set into ground so that the viewer literally walks into the piece. On the panel is carved the names of the 58,000 plus American war dead (Sands). It is a part of the landscape by design. Lin said, â€Å"I didn’t want to destroy a living park. You use the landscape. You don’t fight with it,† (greatbuildings.com).   A companion piece, a statue of American warriors, war weary and in battle dress was erected at the site. I think the memorial is a moving piece of art, fraught with symbolism that is more apparent when visiting it than it can ever be from photos or descriptions. It is the duty of any nation that sends its young men into combat to remember and honor those who gave the ultimate for their country. I think that while hostilities are ongoing and the deaths are mounting, however, the tribute should take a form different from a cold memorial. I think the man who sent them to the war zone should read us the names of each fallen warrior at the close of day and explain how that warrior died. If he refuses, then each day in the House of Representatives the names should be read, and those names then be carried to the White House. The purpose of a war memorial is not always the same for every war and for every cause. It can be a tribute to the fallen dead in a war that was waged for survival. It can be a piece of propaganda for a war that had no business being waged. It can be designed and erected as a balm to heal the scars of a bitter and divisive conflict. Vietnam divided our nation and nearly brought us into open rebellion with the government that refused to listen to the will of the people. The veterans of the Vietnam War seem to be flooded with memories when they confront the names of fallen comrades whose names are engraved in the polished black granite. Yusef Komunyakaa’s poem, Facing It, described the feeling he had of being back in the war, symbolically being inside the memorial itself. He could see the explosion that killed his friend by reading the man’s name on the wall. â€Å"I touch the name Andrew Johnson; I see the booby trap’s white flash,† (lines 16-17), he says in the poem. At Santa Monica Beach near Los Angeles every Sunday a local chapter of the Veterans for Peace erects a temporary memorial to the fallen dead of the Iraq War (Veterans For Peace). It is called Arlington West for the Arlington National Cemetery in the east.   It is similar to and different from the Vietnam War Memorial. It has a list of fallen Americans as a tribute to them but also it memorializes the dead Iraqis, which the Vietnam Wall does not do for the fallen Vietnamese. Volunteers erect rows of crosses and symbolic flag draped coffins. It is more performance art than a permanent fixture but still emotionally moving, particularly to the families of the dead. Visiting there is a way to express the grief and frustration the same as at the Vietnam Wall. It shows that there is not a single way to create a memorial any more than there a single way to create art. There are different ways to move people. The Vietnam Wall is a vital robust and moving tribute to a nasty war. It has helped to heal a divided nation and bring closure. The Arlington West project is for an ongoing war and can be seen as a protest of that war as much as a memorial to the dead. The idea of requiring the people who send men off to war to read the names of the dead seems to be fitting. They would be forced to see the toll they are taking at least in terms of numbers and perhaps put a face on the dead. For now they are simply statistics. Bibliography Greatbuildings.com   2007   Viet Nam Veterans Memorial Retrieved 4-3-07 From:http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Vietnam_Veterans_Memorial.html  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Komunyakaa, Y. Facing It   Ã‚   HERE INSERT THE FOLLOWING: NAME OF TEXT BOOK, CITY OF PUBLICATION FOLLOWED BY COLON, THEN NAME OF PUBLISHER AND THE YEAR OF PUBLICATION Sands, K.   Jack Magazine   Maya Lin’s Wall: A Tribute to Americans Retrieved 4- 3-07 from:   http://www.jackmagazine.com/issue9/essayksands.html Veterans For Peace  Ã‚   4-07   Arlington West Memorial Santa Monica Retrieved 4-3-07 from: http://www.arlingtonwestsantamonica.org/   

Destructiveness of garment structure Dissertation

Destructiveness of garment structure - Dissertation Example Deconstruction  -----------------------12 2.2 Identification of Conceptual and Functional Fashion----14 2.3 The Idea of Experimental Design in Fashion-------------15 2.4 Architectural Deconstruction in the Structure of Fashion Apparel---------17 Chapter 3: Case Studies-------------------------------------------------------------24 3.1 The Impact of Japanese Designers-------------------------24 3.1.1 Rei Kawakubo, Founder of Commes des Garcons----------27 3.1.2 Yohji Yamamoto--------------------------------29 3.2 The Influence of Experimental Designers-----------------31 3.2.1 Martin Margiela----------------------------------32 3.2.2 Hussein Chalayan---------------------------------35 Chapter 4: Fashion Collection on Deconstruction of Garment Design: Origami Art and Geometric Patternin-----------37 Chapter 5: Conclusion---------------------------------------------------------------42 REFERENCES----------------------------------------------------------------------43 REFERENCES FOR IL LUSTRATIONS------------------------------------------46 List of Figures Fig. 1a. Sydney Opera House: Section Drawing------------------------------------------19 Fig.1b. Sydney Opera House: Photo-------------------------------------------------------19 Figs. 2a., 2b., 2c.Ozezen’s Dress Designs Inspired by Sydney Opera House--------20 Fig. 3. A-POC Clothing Line by Issey Miyake, 2004-----------------------------------22 Fig.4. Testa’s Carbon Tower---------------------------------------------------------------23 Figs. 5a, 5b. Rei Kawakubo: The Lumps and Bumps Collection----------------------28 Figs. 6a, 6b. Yohji Yamamoto: Spring 2012, Ready to Wear---------------------------30 Figs. 7a, 7b. Maison Martin Margiela: Spring 2012 Ready to Wear-------------------34 Figs. 8a, 8b. Chalayan: Fall...Gill (1998) argues that clothes are not liberated from funtionality because of deconstruction as an external causal force. On the other hand, the elimination of functionality from clo thing is achieved through a complex interaction between bodies, clothing and their different settings of use (Gill, 1998). Salingaros and Alexander (2004) state that deconstruction is a new concept that denotes the breaking up of coherent forms; it takes apart traditional literature, art and architecture. In buidling construction, the concept has become increasingly influential among architects, scholars, educators, decision makers, policy makers, and developers of prestigious construction projects. Deconstruction in architecture is more than mere visual fashion, and contributes extensively to form, function and aesthetics (Salingaros & Alexander, 2004). It is characterized by broken lines and lopsided asymmetrical shapes portraying the destruction of conventional principles. Other possible elements of architectural deconstruction include a building construction of unsuitable scale for human use, either two small or excessively big, disconnected and unrelated components and surfaces, along with highly polished metal work and sparkling glass, state Saligaros & Alexander (2004).

Higher Education in Qatar Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Higher Education in Qatar - Research Paper Example The Sheik is a capable man eager to set the state in continuous motion of self-independence and sustainability in the future should the oil and gas become extinct. In this case, the generation thus created will be able to stand on its feet and enhance innovation through education (Fromherz, 2012). Not only is this the main factor and project, but also the principal transformation through policies geared to motivate research and technology in production sectors. The country being limited by the amount of rainfall cannot thus depend on agriculture, but has come up to be a rich mine of the gas and oil which are the main sources of per capita income and which has now been used to better the education sector in order to raise a generation that can fend for itself in the near future. Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 was implemented towards the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030. The Vision aims to create sustainable economic prosperity, promote human development, creati ng a sound social development and sustaining the environment for future generations (Zellman, 2007). The national strategy is one of the key issues that take into consideration the cultural and religious values of the state with an overall mission of providing a balanced and sustainable growth by the year 2030 (Davis, 2012). Among the key elements that the government factored to be used as a tool for sustainable development was education which was to be made available to all citizen and foreigners cheaply (Boys, 2011). To achieve continuous modernization requires the development of the education system and public institutions which aim at providing quality management and services to the general... Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 was implemented towards the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030. The Vision aims to create sustainable economic prosperity, promote human development, creating a sound social development and sustaining the environment for future generations (Zellman, 2007). The national strategy is one of the key issues that take into consideration the cultural and religious values of the state with an overall mission of providing a balanced and sustainable growth by the year 2030(Davis, 2012).Among the key elements that the government factored to be used as a tool for sustainable development was education which was to be made available to all citizen and foreigners cheaply(Boys, 2011). To achieve continuous modernization requires the development of the education system and public institutions which aim at providing quality management and services to the general public. The aim of the National Strategy is also to highlight the key areas to address t he position of the state in global economic trends and clearly state the roles to be played to enhance both regional and international levels of production. Chapter four of the strategy provides for the human development and highlights the critical issues with regard to education. The main focus here is to realize Qatar National Vision 2030 for education and training, addressing education issues, improving K-12 general education, enhancing higher education, as well as scientific research.

Human Rationalism by Aristotle Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Rationalism by Aristotle - Research Paper Example The soul is not kind of body, but cannot exist independently without a body. According to Aristotle, reason is inborn and exists in human beings through an induction process that begins with a sense experience. For instance, Aristotle demonstrates that experience grants medical practitioners the capability to carry out accurate medical diagnosis when compared with medical theorists of layman. Thesis statement: rationalism leads reason which is the source of knowledge while rational soul strives to attainment of happiness which is the ultimate life goal. Reason is the cornerstone of knowledge while sensations are restricted. Reason deals with ideal aspects of knowledge while senses deal with the material aspects of phenomena. Aristotle recognizes that active reasons lead to objective thoughts while passive reasons receive objects of thought. Reasons support intelligent world thus many reasons are connected to the human being soul. Aristotle asserted that knowledge exists through the i nduction process. Human knowledge is derived from three forms that include sensation, thoughts and desires. Sensation is a passive state of the soul to be changed by external objects while thoughts entail active changes of forms without contact with external objects (Dawn 6). Thoughts entail a common sense without the involvement of sensory parts of the body. In addition, all senses lead to information, knowledge must be acquired rationally through the sense information. Through the use of reason, the universal truths can clearly be discovered and facilitate the deduction of other sciences. In ethics, the fundamental moral virtues are innate in human beings and moral principles can be evident to the rational faculty (Warne 34). Aristotle provides three aspects of the soul that include nutritive soul that cannot experience pleasure or pain. The sensitive soul that occurs when fetus starts to move thus can experience pain and pleasure. The third and important aspect of soul is the rat ional soul that is present in gods and human beings only. The rational soul includes all other soul forms and has the capacity to analyze and make a reasoned decision (Aristotle 3). The rational soul assists human beings in understanding different forms of relationships thus contributing to the knowledge process. According to Aristotle Nicomachean ethics, the rational soul consists of the theoretical part and deliberative part. The theoretical part entails faculty reasons or scientific reasoning activities, while the deliberative part is associated with human decisions. The rational soul is actuality of the body since it has the capability to behave and fulfill desires. The human function follows rational principle and entire soul acts with reason. Reason originates in rational soul since animals do not exhibit moral sense. Moral actions combine both character and intellect that entail development of the desires. According to Aristotle, the three goods which human beings try to atta in include goods of the soul such as virtues, goods of the body such as physical strength and good health and also external goods that entail political power, friends and wealth (Aristotle 8). However, Aristotle concludes that happiness is the last good that human rationalism strives to attain at the end of life. In addition, happiness entails having a good spirit and not simply being amused. It is the possession of a virtue and not sensation and some contributors of happiness include attainment of one’

The start of the parole system Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The start of the parole system - Research Paper Example His release is conditional, contingent upon satisfactory behavior. He is under supervision and treatment by a person trained in parole work. Englands contribution to what later metamorphosed into parole was its program of transportation to the American colonies, a program motivated, not by humanitarian considerations, but by economic pressures. In the sixteenth century, Englands economy was in a decline. There was much unemployment. The labor market was overcrowded. In the colonies, on the other hand, there was need for cheap labor. The British government decided to grant reprieves and stays of execution to convicted felons physically able to work so that they might be shipped abroad and impressed into service. This system of deportation is part of the history of parole in that it involved mitigation of penal sentence and placement of the erstwhile prisoner in the free community. As in parole, the individual was not an altogether free person. The first English transportation law was proclaimed in 1597, authorizing deportation of rogues. In 1619 one hundred "dissolute persons" were ordered to Virginia. The government paid a contractor, usually the shipmaster, about five pounds for each prisoner so shipped. In Virginia, the offenders were put up at auction, the highest bidder winning them as indentured servants. The British government thereafter exercised no further responsibility for the welfare or control of the former prisoners, so long as they did not return to England. If they returned without authorization, they were subject to death. Boatloads of felons came over, but were not sufficient to meet the demand. Virginia thereupon began to import Negro slaves. The labor shortage eased, but the white exiles, despising their lot, fomented unrest among the blacks. This caused consternation among their masters, who could now get along without the transported convicts. Minus the white trouble-makers, they could keep the slaves

Limited companies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Limited companies - Assignment Example This type of company can be formed as partnership and there have to be a contract relationship amid the members as well as firm. However, there is no limit of maximum members in a limited liability company. This type of contract is considered as an agreement for a company and this agreement can be in the form of oral as well as in the form of written. This type of company can be managed by one or two members along with all the members of the firm. The person who manages the company to attain the goals is known as manager. In this form of company the manager can be one or more but it is not necessary that the manager should be a member of the limited company. This type of company helps the business tycoon to save their money as well as reduce the individual risk (Callison & Vestal 2010 280-285). The members of this company are flexible to do their internal work. It is witnessed that minimum of two members are required to establish this company. Limited Liability Company can be managed by its managers as well as members. The Limited Liability Company has all of the features for partnership as well as organization and this feature gives the chance to invest in a project. This company is a separate legal unit and works for a profit motive (Conaway 2012 pp. 32-35). The Limited Liability Company has number of advantages as well as disadvantages. The several advantages of this company include the liability of members is limited. Another advantage of the company is that in case of bankruptcy the obligation of the company is to pay back the debts to the debtors. This company is a separate as well as a different legal unit. This company is separate from its owners as well as members who are involved in it and this can be considered as an advantage. Tax advantage is another benefit for this company wherein the owner of business firm can reduce their individual risk (Muchlinski

FedEx Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

FedEx - Assignment Example This means that the company hopes to gather the greatest amount of market share and become the market leader within the industry. For this, the company has kept up three pillars and those pillars are as follows: The company wishes to bring sustainable growth to its earnings. The company kept a target of maintaining a 10% plus operating margin and an increase in the earnings per share from 10% to 15%. This result was achieved by the company as it achieved a 13% increase in its revenue and 20% increase in its earnings per share. Secondly, the company focused on improving its ethical stance towards the global market and the environment in which it operates and this was practically showed by the company when it donated $5 million in disaster relief work within Japan Finally, the company focused on improving its reputation within the global market and was able to enhance its image successfully. This had been reflected and reported in the Fortune’s magazine when Fedex became a part of 10 most admired companies (Annual Report,

Critique of Kokomo sung by the Beach Boys Essay

Critique of Kokomo sung by the Beach Boys - Essay Example Mike Love added the "Aruba, Jamaica" part and changed the line "Thats where we used to go" to "Thats where we want to go."† (par. 5). The song was played in the movie Cocktail which featured Tom Cruise. It was ranked number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles (DeKnock, 1988). The pitch is an element of tone, determined by the frequency of vibration (Free Dictionary, par. 1). The song was delivered in well balanced vocal tones and vibration accompanied by steel drums, acoustic guitar, bass and saxophone. The pitch of the voice of singers, Mike Love and Carl Wilson, were harmonious and well blended. The intensity or loudness was average with vocals and instrumentation concocted to arrive at a unified musical structure. High quality exudes from the distinctive overtones heard from the drums at the background and the guitar. In an article written by Jones on Understanding Vibrato, he defined vibrato as "slight variation of pitch resulting from the free oscillation of the vocal cords". This free oscillation of the vocal cords results from (1) an open pharynx or what many call the "open throat" along with (2) healthy "closure of the cords" I consider that vibrato is a result of these two opposites working together: open throat and closed cords. (3) Another majo r factor to be considered in regard to vibrato is the even sub-glottic breath pressure.

Different Kinds of Joy Essay Example for Free

Different Kinds of Joy Essay The pursuit of happiness is a reoccurring theme in numerous novels. In the novel, Their Eye’s Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, what brings happiness differs to each character. To the main character Janie, happiness is found in love, but to her grandmother Nanny, happiness is found in security. At first, Janie does what Nanny wills her to. At the age of 16, Janie marries into security. She is safe, but unhappy. Still yearning for love, Janie runs away with Mr. Starks. With Starks, Janie is once again safe, but unhappy. Starks then passes away, and Janie finds her true love, Tea Cake. Through Tea Cake Janie re-realizes her dream of love and abandons Nanny’s dream of security, she descends into the muck with Tea Cake, learning to love life too. To find happiness, Janie has to step down from her pedestal and into the muck. Hurston efficiently uses this reverse metaphor to convey that happiness comes from mutual love, and that this can be found anywhere, even from the muck of society. Nanny’s ideals in life and Janie’s are different. To â€Å"take a stand on high ground† (p16) is the ideal for Nanny. Nanny wants Janie to marry into security. With security, Janie could be safe from the abuse that her grandmother and mother had experienced. At first, this is what Janie does even though it is not what she wants. She wants to be in love, â€Å"to be a pear tree—any tree in bloom! With kissing bees and singing of the beginning of the world! † (p11). When Janie finds this, she realizes what Nanny’s dream had done to her. She realizes that her dreams had been â€Å"pinched it in to [into] such a little bit of a thing that she could tie her grandmother’s neck tight enough to choke her† (p89). With this realization, Janie’s dream rekindles. She realizes that mutual love, him loving her, and her â€Å"wants (wanting) to want him†, is all she needs to find love in life and herself. Janie’s search for love ends with Tea Cake. Janie and Tea Cake are at opposite ends of the social spectrum when they meet. Janie is known as Mrs. Mayor Starks, while Tea Cake is known as a â€Å"player. † Even though Tea Cake can offer her no security, he can offer her love and acceptance. When first meeting, Tea Cake asks Janie to play checkers. Janie â€Å"found (finds) herself glowing inside. Somebody wanted (wants) her to play. Somebody thought (finds) it natural for her to play† (p96). Tea Cake sees Janie as woman, not a trophy wife. And because of this, Janie sees Tea Cake as a lover, not a lowlife. Once Janie is able to love Tea Cake, she learns to love the muck as well. Janie thinks, â€Å"if people think de same they can make it all right. So in the beginnin’ new thoughts had tuh be thought, and new words said† (p115). Janie has to experience new things with Tea Cake, like the muck, in order to love and understand him even more. Once she accepts the muck, she becomes a part of it. Sometimes Janie would think of the old days in the big white house and the store and laugh to herself† (p134). This is because like Tea Cake, the muck accepts her. â€Å"Only here, she could listen and laugh and even talk sometimes herself if she wanted to† (p134). Being in the muck is like being in love, except with place, and eventually with life. Even though the muck has no riches and is the lowest aspect in society, it doesn’t matter to Janie. In the muck, Janie is poor but she is accepted. Janie is loved, and Janie is happy. Janie has a dream of love and happiness, but her grandmother also has a dream of security. At first Nanny’s dreams overpowered her own, leading Janie into a secure but loveless marriage. Janie then becomes Mrs. Mayor Starks, which Nanny would have loved, but joy still eludes her. To find this joy, Janie has to find love. Then Tea Cake appears in her life, becoming her one and only. He gives her what she wants, a mutual love. Janie then moves to the muck with Tea Cake and learns to work. She is no longer Mrs. Mayor Starks, she is Janie. In the muck, she learns that love is trust and acceptance. She learns to find love in everything, even herself. Janie is now truly happy. Even in the lowest part of society.

Price elasticity of demand Essay Example for Free

Price elasticity of demand Essay A. Price elasticity of demand (Ed) is used to determine if percent change price increases will percent change quantity demanded decease. In price elasticity of demand (Ed) there are three possible coefficient categories that can result; elastic, inelastic and unit elastic. Key components to remember when determining coefficient category, the threshold is set at one, there are only absolute values, no negative numbers, and the coefficient can only be categorized as elastic, inelastic and unit elastic. To determine if the coefficient is elastic, inelastic or unit elastic they would have the following characteristics. When price elasticity of demand (Ed) is elastic the coefficient will be greater than one (Ed 1). When a percent price change occurs quantity demanded responds strongly and there will be a large change in quantities consumers purchase. There is price sensitive in this scenario. If price elasticity of demanded (Ed) is inelastic the coefficient will be less than one (Ed 1). When a percent price change occurs quantity demanded doesn’t respond strongly and there’s a small change in quantities consumers purchase. There a weak price sensitive in this scenario. Lastly, if price elasticity of demanded (Ed) is unit elastic the coefficient will be equal to one (Ed = 1).Whenever there is a percent change in price there is an equally matched percent change in quantity demanded. This scenario is rare. The following formula can be used to compute the coefficient before categorizing if it is elastic, inelastic or unit elastic: Ed= %∆Qd _______ %∆Price After plugging in the given particulars and computing an answer for the coefficient, one will determine if the answer is greater, less, or equal to the threshold of one. Then last step the coefficient will be categorized as elastic, inelastic or unit elastic. B. Cross price elasticity (Exy) helps determine how percent change increase of a good or service impact quantity  demanded of another good/service. In cross price elasticity (Exy) there are two possible categories that the coefficients can be placed in; substitutes and complements. Key components are as follows threshold is zero, there is a positive or negative distinction in the coefficient, and if the coefficient is equal to zero, this means there is no impact on the good or service. The goods or services are independent of each other. The elasticity of a good or service depends on how specifically defined is the product. For example the brand of eggs you buy vs. you buying eggs. In cross price elasticity (Exy) if the coefficient is a substitute good or service it would be greater than zero (Exy 0). The more X and Y sales increase together we know they are substitutes, the greater the substitutability between the two goods or services. In cross price elasticity (Exy) if the coefficient is a complimentary good or service it would be less than zero (Exy 0). X and Y â€Å"go together,† increase in price of one of the goods/services decrease the demand of the other, they are complementary goods/services. The larger the negative coefficient, the greater the complementary between the two goods or services. The following formula can be used to compute the coefficient before determining if it’s a substitute or complimentary good/service. Exy= %∆Qd of good Y _____________ %∆Price of good X After plugging in the given particulars and computing an answer for the coefficient, one will determine if the answer is greater, less, or equal to the threshold of zero. Then last step the coefficient will be categorized as a substitute or complimentary. C. Income elasticity (Ei) measures how responsive percent change quantity demand is too percent change in a person’s income. There are two income categories; normal goods, which are also referred to as superior, and other category is inferior good. Two key components to remember are the threshold is set at zero and there is either a positive or negative distinction in the coefficient. In income elasticity (Ei) to determine if the coefficient is normal (superior) good the threshold would be greater than zero (Ei 0). When income rises so does the demand for normal (superior) goods. But also if there is a recession normal (superior) goods are usually hit hardest.

Strategic Audit For Nestle

Strategic Audit For Nestle This paper focuses on the Nestlà ©s strategic audit. It views the different business strategies adopted by Nestle in its business. It starts with defining the current position of the company Nestle and carries on with its strategic audit. The paper views different financial facts and figures of the company Nestle in order to strengthen its strategic audit. The paper in order to analyze its internal and external environment carries out different analysis like SFAS (Strategic Factor Analysis Strategy), IFAS (Internal Factor Analysis Strategy) and EFAS (External Factor Analysis Strategy).A PESTEL analysis of the environment in which it breathes is carried out to help find out the strategic alternatives that can be applied by the Nestle. Further the paper has come out with the implementation and control meseares to help out the company. Strategic Audit for Nestle Nestle a Switzerland based organization is leading the world market in food, health and nutrition industry. It all started in 1867 when Henri Nestle made a milk product for an infant to save his life. From there it had unveiled a vast potential in the foods and beverages industry. Today it manufactures and sales a variety of products under its roof with the assistance of different subsidiaries located in the different countries of the world. Current Position of Nestle Over the years the company has expanded its operations along with the increase in its variety of products. Today it offers products from various segments like dairy, food for babies, chocolates and ice creams, confectionery, water and foods, beverages and many more. It has been instrumental with its strategies of product innovation and modification. One of the important current landmarks of Nestle was in the year 2007 when it has acquired three major companies one by one started from Novartis (a health care company), Gerber (Baby food ) and Swiss Water Company, Henniez. These acquisitions gave a new definition to Nestlà ©s health care, baby food care division. Nestle is guided by the principles and values and hence always try to build its image and products around those to earn a long and uninterrupted association with its stakeholders. It enjoys long term gains that are being created with its commitments and values. Nestle has been on the forefront in knowing when customers are in need of which product and accordingly shifts its focus on them. Currently it has been focusing on its core business activity of nutrition segment. Further it has made and customized its products to suit to the needs of different geographical locations and culture. It enjoys a healthy competition in its business with different companies in different areas like in USA it has to deal with Dannon and other competitors. (About Nestle, 2009) Financial Position Nestle has a sales of 52.3 billions CHF (Swiss Currency) for the first two quarters of 2009 with a profit of 5.2 billion CHF approx. Its operating cash flow is around 6.4billon CHF which is up by 3 billions CHF from the first 2 quarters of 2008.Its net profit margin is 9.7% of sales. (Investors relations, 2009) Internal Environment Internal Environment of the company can be analyzed through SWOT analysis. The two components of SWOT analysis i.e. strengths and weakness are internal to the organization and thus can be studied to know its internal environment. Strengths Nestle has discovered many strengths in its sight that makes it internally very strong. Some of its major strengths are It is the leader among the food, health and nutrition industry in the world market. It is operating in different companies through different subsidiaries. It has an extended product line that offers a variety of products. It is a low cost operator. It has an excellent research and development team. Weaknesses It sometimes unable to make people understand that its products are food not drugs. Some of its products are not known by the market. Its marketing approach is not quit well.(SWOT Analysis of Nestle,2009) External Environment External environment of any business is characterized by the opportunities and threats that are around it. Thus it needs to take care of its external environment in order to grasp the potential opportunities and to fight out with its threats. Opportunities Its health care segment has huge potentials to grow as people are now a days getting health conscious. It can still move into the markets that possess huge potentials. Threats It is entering into the markets that are already matured. It has to face intense competition in many regions with the national companies. .(SWOT Analysis of Nestle,2009) Environmental Factors Political Factors Different countries food habits are different and their political environment is different thus companies has to face it. The government is becoming more attentive with the overall food, beverages and health industry and thus the company has to look in it. Technological Factors There is need to bring the latest technology to keep the food and beverages hygiene. It will increase the cost of the company. In this era technological cost to manufacture the food, its packaging and storage will require the latest technology that will cost more. Socio-cultural Factors People now days are getting health conscious thus there will be a need of health care products. Lifestyle of the people are changing thus they are in need of packaged food. Legal Factors The safety measures in food and beverages industry are tightening so as to keep the safety and quality in its products. International standards for food and drugs industries are making the standards and norms tougher while keeping in mind the health and hygiene factors. Strategic Alternatives and Recommended strategy for Nestle Today organizations have to strive more in order to gain something and to make a fight in this competitive environment. Following are some strategic alternatives for Nestle: Renovation and Innovation Strategy Advantages This strategy will help the organization in continuously upgrading its existing products to the new ones. This strategy will help it to fight todays competition. Disadvantages This strategy demands a lot of efforts and cost in continuously upgrading the products and technology. It can shorten its product life cycle. Growth Strategy Advantages This strategy will help the organization in approaching the new markets and help it to gain market share. Disadvantages This strategy can result in company loosing focus from the markets in which it is operating. Recommended Strategy for Nestle From the alternatives the strategy that Nestle should focus is the renovation innovation strategy. As through this it can bring in new light and more improved quality in its products. To support this strategy Nestle has an excellent research and development team. In todays market that is driven by technology the company will gain a substantial advantage through this strategy. Implementation To implement the renovation innovation strategy, the company needs a strong support from all its departments especially from the research and development department. Further the company has to focus that they should implement it on a regular basis. They should keep in mind that they should not overdo it. Thus if the commitment and needs of its different customers followed and applied through this innovation strategy it will sure bring returns to the company. Evaluation and Control Only implementation of the strategy is not enough, if organization wants to keep itself growing it has to continuously monitor and control the strategy. The drawbacks that are found in the strategy should be eliminated to improve the overall process. Further to bring more life in the strategy it needs a control mechanism to follow. Evaluation and Control is the essence of successful strategic implementation Thus Company will enhance and grow more with the effective evaluation and control of the strategy.

Wuthering Heights Essay -- Literary Analysis, Emily Bronte

Born in 1818, Emily Bronte, known as the Laureate of the Moors, feared that people would not read her novel because of her gender. When Bronte turned twenty-seven, she published Wuthering Heights. At approximately the same time, her two sisters, Charlotte and Anne, published their literary works. Looking at Emily Bronte’s Victorian novel, Wuthering Heights, this literary work seems to be yet another book about a grumpy man who tries to take revenge on everyone who hurts him throughout his life. Looking deeper into this novel, readers see that the story revolves around several complex characters who must endure indescribable pain and suffering in their quest for love. The Earnshaw family decides to make Heathcliff who is the primary character in Wuthering Heights, a family member, Mr. Eanshaw’s son, Hindley, starts to beat, to hurt, and to mistreat Heathcliff. However, as Heathcliff begins to spend time with Hindley’s sister, Catherine, their relationship grows, H eathcliff and Catherine develop feelings for each other, and in turn, fall in love. When Catherine decides to marry Edgar Linton, this new turn-of-events devastates Heathcliff. Even though Edgar is a member of a higher social class than Heathcliff, Catherine secretly remains in love with her beloved Heathcliff. To illustrate her love for Edgar and her true passion for Heathcliff, she states, â€Å"I’ve no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn’t have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him: and that, not because he’s handsome, Nelly, but because he’s more myself than I am† (63). The manner in which Catherine, Edgar, and... ...k to him. Cathy does not like him. Once Heathcliff dies she is free to marry whoever she want s and live her own life. She no longer has to be trapped anymore. Bell states that, â€Å"Young Catherine and Hareton, who are led to beleive, eventually come to love with patience and understanding, but only after Heathcliff’s influence is removed†(Bell). No one is trapped anymore. Heathcliff experiences much pain and suffering in his search for true love. Heathcliff endures derision and personal injury from Hindley, insults from Edgar, and profound rejection from his dear Catherine. All of these events contribute to the subsequent anguish that many of the second-generation characters, Cathy, Hareton, and Linton, share throughout the latter part of the novel. After Heathcliff’s demise, Cathy and Hareton are now free from the terror and the tragedy that haunt the moors.

Free Henry IV Essays: The Character of Falstaff :: Henry IV Henry V Essays

The Character of Falstaff in Henry IV The character of Falstaff, in Shakespeare’s play Henry IV Part One, serves as an emblem of frivolity and carelessness within a world filled with social and political significance. Falstaff scorns the world of politics and moral decisions in favor of existing from moment to moment. Though he dislikes this "other world", Falstaff realizes he must sometimes come in contact with it. Falstaff’s famous speech in lines 127-139 of Act V shows us how he regards the Prince’s world of honor and duty. Through this speech, Falstaff places himself firmly out of any moral world concerned with justice or honor, instead living for no other reason than life itself. Falstaff’s speech comes after the King and Prince Hal decide to war against the army of Hotspur. Though they wait on word from Worcester, the probability of conflict seems high. Falstaff knows that when the battle comes, he is going to be in the middle of it. Shortly before his speech on the nature of honor, Falstaff shows fear that he might be hurt. In lines 121-2 Falstaff asks Hal to protect him if he should fall during battle. The Prince’s rejection of the request shows his scorn for Falstaff’s desire to passively preserve only his own life. Throughout the last half of the play, as the Prince drifts away from Falstaff, Falstaff’s role in the action of the play as a whole diminishes. The importance placed upon the idea of honor allows Hal to assume his rightful position beside the King, while Falstaff dims into the background. Falstaff’s idea of honor is directly linked to his sense of time itself. In the opening lines of his speech, Falstaff says,"‘Tis not due yet: I would be loath to pay him before his day." (L. 127-8) In this example, God is being related by Falstaff to someone who has set a schedule determining the time and place of everyone’s death. For Falstaff, one’s role in life is not to stray from the path created by that higher Power. The notion of honor, as he later describes in this speech, is a belief through which one can transgress that natural order. He says,"Yea, but how if honor prick me off when I come on?" (L. 130) In order for one to gain honor, one must risk one’s life. This type of gambling is not for Falstaff, as he decides that his own life is more important than,"A word.

A Good Man is Hard to Find :: essays papers

A Good Man is Hard to Find In â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† Flannery O’Conner tells the story of a family in route to their Florida vacation and the trouble the grandmother gets them in. The grandmother does not want to go to Florida on vacation and tries many methods of changing her son, Bailey’s mind. Although she tries many methods, none of them have the effect on him she desires. Bailey is as stubborn as his mother, completely shutting the door on every proposition his mother makes. When she finally makes some progress in delaying their travels things go horribly. Bailey and his family discover the hard way just how ironic life can be. The grandmother uses many excuses for the family to go to Tennessee instead of Florida on vacation. The first of her many excuses is â€Å"The Misfit†, a serial killer that has escaped from prison and is headed toward Florida, claiming that she would never take her children anywhere near a man like that. This didn’t have the desired effect on Bailey so she explains to him and his wife how the children need more variety and they should take the children to see different parts of the world, East Tennessee for example. Once again her plea to Bailey and his wife had no effect. Even after they had left home she continued to try and divert them from their coarse. Finally succeeding when she convinced the children they would like to visit an old plantation home she had visited during her own childhood. There were many clues as to what was unfolding during the story, although one would have trouble noticing them upon initial reading. The first of the clues was, of coarse, the mentioning of â€Å"The Misfit’s† escaping from prison. As the family was eating at a small restaurant the second clue was given. The owner was discusing with grandmother the criminal nature the society has compared to the old day an example was three men had stolen gas from him only a few days earlier. The next clue came after grandmother and the children persuaded Bailey to turn off the main road in search of the old plantation home. The road had not been driven on in months, suggesting the perfect, deserted, hiding places for escaped prisoners. While traveling down the dirt road grandmother remembered that the house was actually in Tennessee, not Georgia.

Report to the Management of Wilson, Tan & Associates

Introduction This report provides an evaluation of the performance of the performance of two U.K companies that operate in the fashion industry with the objective of identifying a suitable takeover target for Wilson & Tan Associates. The report covers the financial performance of the two companies based interpreted in the context of the business environment in which they operate. The two companies included in the report include Supergroup Plc and Mulberry Plc. The analysis is based on the group statement of financial position as at 2011 and 2010 and the group income statement for the years ending 2010 and 2011. The rest of the report is organised as follows: section 2 focuses on analysing the financial performance of both companies in relation to their industry and economic environment; and section 3 provides conclusions and recommendations on which company to take over. Analysis of the Performance of Supergroup Plc and Mulberry Plc Appendix 1 contains the ratios of both companies over the period 2010 and 2011. The ratios cover a variety of areas including profitability, liquidity, management efficiency and long-term solvency.ProfitabilityThe ability of a company to generate a return on invested capital is a critical factor in determining the value of the company. Profitability serves as a measure of the competitive position of a company as well as the quality of the management (Penman, 2007; Robinson et al., 2009). It can be observed from appendix 1 that overall profitability of Mulberry Plc is better than that of Supergroup Plc. Supergroup Plc realised a gross profit margin of 55.82% in 2011 up by 6% from its 2010 figure of 52.58%. Despite this high ratio, that of Mulberry Plc was high. The company realised a gross profit margin of 65.4% in 2011 up 11% from its 2010 figure of 59.0%. The operating profit margin of Supergroup Plc was higher than that of Mulberry Plc for both 2011 and 201. However, Mulberry Plc r ealised a greater improvement in the operating profit margin from 2010 to 2011. If the company continues with this spirit it will soon outperform Supergroup Plc. In terms of the net profit margin, return on assets, and return on equity, Mulberry Plc outperformed Supergroup Plc. In addition, Mulberry Plc witnessed a significant improvement in these ratios from 2010 to 2011 while Supergroup Plc witnessed a significant decline in these ratios over the same period. With respect to profitability, both companies appear to be profitable. However, the performance of Mulberry Plc surpasses that of Supergroup Plc. The high profitability observed for these two companies can be attributed to positive developments in the fashion industry. Despite the poor economic climate, the U.K fashion industry is experiencing a growth in revenue. The U.K remains a major manufacturer of clothing and high quality fabrics. The combined textile and clothing industry in the U.K is valued at ?8.5billion worth of goods. Retail sales in the fashion industry in 2009 were approximately ?285billion. Export sales amounted to approximately ?7.3billion at manufacturer’s prices with the U.S.A, Japan, Russia, France, Italy the Middle East, Hong Kong and China being major export destinations (Fashion United, 2011). Rising trends in both export and domestic sales explain why companies in the industry are experiencing increasing profit margins and return on investment as indicated by the ratios of Supergroup Plc and Mulberry Group Plc.LiquidityLiquidity measures a firm’s ability to meet its current financial oblig ations. It is a measure of how well the firm can pay its short-term creditors with its current assets without having to liquidate its non-current assets. In order words, liquidity measures how quickly the company converts assets into cash (Myers and Brealey, 2002; Penman, 2007). Appendix 1 also presents liquidity ratios for Supergroup Plc and Mulberry Plc. It can be observed that Supergroup Plc has a better liquidity position than Mulberry Plc. Supergroup Plc had a current ratio of 2.81 in 2011 up 1% from 2.79 in 2010. On the contrary, Mulberry Plc had a current ratio of 1.62 in 2011 down 24% from 2010. The quick ratio of Supergroup Plc was 1.59 in 2011 down 17% from 1.91 in 2010 compared to a quick ratio of 0.97 for Mulberry plc in 2011 down 34% from 1.48 in 2010. Considering only the current and quick ratios, it can be observed that Supergroup plc can meet its current liabilities with its current assets better than Mulberry plc can do. The cash ratio for both companies in 2011 was less than 1.0 suggesting that cash and cash equivalents are not enough to meet current liabilities. This means that if both companies suffer a write-down in the value of inventory or an increase in bad debts, they would be unable to meet their current liabilities with their current base of cash and cash equivalents. Overall, the liquidity position for both companies is declining although Supergroup Plc appears to be doing better than Mulberry Plc. The deteriorating liquidity for both companies can be attributed to the current economic climate. Bank lending has declined significantly as a result of the global financial crisis. Arranging an overdraft facility has become more difficult compared to what use to be the case before the global financial crisis. Declining liquidity too can be as a result of the constant change in the fashion industry. Clothing inventory becomes obsolete too quickly. This suggests slow moving inventory can result to liquidity constraints for companies that operate in the fashion industry.Management EfficiencyEfficiency ratios are aimed at understanding how well a company manages its activities especially how it efficiently manages its assets. Appendix 1 illustrates a number of efficiency ratios for Supergoup Plc and Mulberry Plc. The inventory turnover of Supergroup plc declined from by 36% from 3.13times in 2010 to 2.01times in 2011. Supergroup is able to turnover more inventory than Mulberry plc who s aw a decline in inventory turnover by 42% from 3.25times in 2010 to 1.88 times in 2011. The decline in the number of times that inventory is turned over led to an increase in the number of days that inventory is outstanding by 56% from 117 days in 2010 to 182days in 2011 for Supergroup Plc and by 73 % from 112 days in 2010 to 194 days in 2011 for Mulberry Plc. This decline in inventory turnover for both companies helps to explain why the liquidity ratios declined. Both companies have increased the number of days that inventory is held thus increasing the probability that inventory may become obsolete and thus result to a deterioration in its value. As far as inventory turnover is concerned, the management of Supergroup Plc is more efficient. The receivables turnover of Mulberry Plc however, is better than that of Supergroup Plc. Mulberry Plc is able to collect its outstanding receivables faster than Supergroup Plc can do. This is reflected in the lower number of days that its receiv ables remain outstanding compared to Mulberry Plc. The purchases turnover of Supergroup Plc is higher than that of Mulberry Plc. In addition, the number of days of payables of Supergroup Plc is higher than that of Mulberry Plc. This suggests that Mulberry Plc is either defaulting on its payments or has a higher bargaining power over its suppliers. The results for Supergroup Plc suggest that it either has a lower bargaining power or does not default on its short term debts. In terms of Payables turnover and receivables turnover, Mulberry Plc outperformed Supergroup plc indicating that the management of Mulberry plc is more efficient in managing its assets than Supergroup plc. Looking at the working capital, fixed asset, and total asset turnover, it can be observed that the performance of Mulberry Plc was better than that of Supergroup plc.Long-term SolvencyThe solvency ratios indicate that Mulberry Plc is in a better solvency position than Supergroup Plc. The company has no long-term debt which makes its debt-to-equity and debt-to-capital ratios equal to zero. Conclusions and Recommendations One can conclude from the above analysis that Mulberry Plc performed better than Supergroup plc over the 2 year period under investigation. While Supergroup plc appears to have a better liquidity position than Mulberry plc, Mulberry plc is more profitable, has a better management and is in a better solvency position than Supergroup Plc. Given its more efficient management, it can work on its liquidity position and improve in subsequent years. In the light of these findings, this report considers Mulberry Plc a better takeover target and thus recommends that the management of Wilson, Tan & Associates should consider placing a takeover bid for it. References Fashion United (2011) Facts and Figures in the UK fashion industry, available online at: http://www.fashionunited.co.uk/facts-and-figures-in-the-uk-fashion-industry, [accessed: 1st February 2012]. Myers, S. C. Brealey, R. A. (2002). Principles of Corporate Finance. 7th Edition McGraw-Hill. Penman, S. (2007) Financial Statements Analysis and Securities Valuation.3rd Edition. McGraw-Hill. Robinson, T. R., Greuning, J. H., Henry, E., Broihahn, M. A. (2009), â€Å"Financial Analysis Techniques† in Financial Reporting and Analysis, CFA Program Curriculum, vol. 3, Pearson Custom Publishing.

The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 14

Micha We end up racing home. I let her win, even though I'd love to have the favor, which would include lots of dirty things that she's not ready for. So now I owe her a favor and she tells me she has to think about it, with this little tease in her voice that makes me grin. We part ways at our houses and she leaves me with the promise she'll try to come over later tonight. She's slowly changing back into the girl I know, although that night still haunts her eyes, but I'm not sure she'll ever really get over it completely. It's still raining and lightning like hell, which means the party's going to have to take place inside. Ethan and I drag the wet keggers inside and stand them on the kitchen table. There's a note tacked on the wall from my mom, telling me she's going to be home late. Ethan starts rummaging through the cupboards for some food. â€Å"What band's playing?† â€Å"Naomi's.† I head to my room to change and get my guitar. â€Å"Answer the door if anyone knocks.† In my room, I tug on a grey t-shirt and pull a black pin-striped shirt over it. I slip on a pair of black jeans and put on a studded belt. Then I grab my guitar and text Naomi. Me: When u planning on heading over?† Naomi: Soon. Why? You waiting on us to tell us some super exciting news. Me: I haven't decided yet. Naomi: Don't turn it down. It's a great opportunity. Me: I'm not sayin yes or no. See u in a bit. When Naomi took me backstage at the coffeehouse, she first proposed the idea that I should replace their guitarist and hit the road with them. At first, I was all for it. It's what I've wanted to do since I was twelve and rocked out with Ethan and Dean in the garage. But then I thought back to Ella's sad eyes and doubts washed over me. The doorbell rings and I head to the living room to get the party started and clear my head for one night. Ella By the time I decide to go over to Micha's, things are already getting out of hand. Cars are parked on the lawn, and garbage cans are tipped over. Someone's even sitting on the roof. Lila talks me into going and we run up the driveway with our arms over our heads to shield our hair from the rain, but the crowded foyer overwhelms me and I start to back out. â€Å"Stop being a baby and go in there,† she says, giving me a gentle shove forward. â€Å"I want to see the tough girl everyone keeps talking about.† â€Å"No, you don't. Trust me,† I tell her. â€Å"She was mean and she would have never been friends with you.† â€Å"Okay, then show me a happy medium.† She has a dark blue, strapless dress on that matches her shoes and her blonde hair rests on her shoulders in curls, which have slipped loose because of the rain. â€Å"You can change yourself without losing your identity completely.† I turn away from the crowd toward her. â€Å"Why have we never talked like this before?† She smiles sadly. â€Å"Because you would never let us.† She says something else, but the music stifles her words. I fan the smoke from my face and step into the kitchen. Holding the bottom of my black skirt, I maneuver through the crowd toward the table. I lose Lila for a moment, but when the crowd thins, Lila stumbles out, stomping on a guy's foot with her high heel. She curses, fussing with her hair. â€Å"Has Micha ever heard of a little thing called air conditioning?† â€Å"He probably forgot to turn it on!† I shout over the music. â€Å"Wait here. I'll go turn it up.† I squeeze through the crowd toward the living room and the band. The music is deafening and I realize it's Micha playing with Naomi. They're sharing the microphone and he looks like he's enjoying himself. I stop in the middle of the room and watch him from the crowd. He's gorgeous under the light with his hair hanging in his eyes as he spills out his lyrics to people and strums on the guitar. I back through the room and into the hall. There's a couple making out in front of the thermostat. The music quiets down and then starts up again as I gently guide them over and they move out of my way without breaking their lips from each other. Fanning my face, I turn up the cold air. Suddenly, long arms encircle my waist and the scent of him fills my chest. â€Å"I thought you were playing,† I yell over the music with my hand pressed to my heart. â€Å"I was, but I took a break to see you.† His breath smells like beer. I scrunch up my nose. â€Å"Are you drunk?† â€Å"I've only had one beer,† he says. â€Å"I'm just excited to see you.† â€Å"And to be playing again,† I state. His smile is huge and it makes me happy for a moment. â€Å"Yeah, that too. I saw you watching me.† I shrug, playing it off. â€Å"I'm glad you're happy. You looked sad earlier at the drive-in.† His hand finds my hip and he grips it tightly, sending heat through my body. â€Å"I'm even happier now that you're here.† I relax against the wall. â€Å"You know I've heard you use that pickup line on girls before, right?† â€Å"Come on, let me have some fun with you,† he begs with a tease in his voice. â€Å"Pretend like you don't know any of my moves.† â€Å"You want me to pretend like I'm someone else?† I question. â€Å"Haven't you been telling me to do the opposite?† The reflection of the light dances in his eyes as he leans forward and wisps of his hair brush my cheek. â€Å"Just be the girl I used to know. The one that had fun and laughed all the time.† â€Å"That girl would have never pretended with you, even if you requested her to.† â€Å"I know that.† His other hand finds my waist and his body slants toward me. Glancing from left to right, I slide my hands up his firm chest and link them around his neck. Then I pull myself onto him and hitch my legs around his waist. His expression is stoic, but he lets out a growl and his lips come down hard on mine. Our chests press together as he thrusts his body into me. Our tongues connect, feeling each other thoroughly. My back is pressed into the thermostat and my skirt barely covers the top of my thighs. My head falls back against the wall as he trails kisses down my neck. My breathing is rapid and so is my pulse. What is he doing to me? The music stops and Naomi's voice rises over the speakers. â€Å"Micha Scott, get your ass back up here and play right now.† Micha pulls away, breathless. â€Å"I have one more song to play and then you and I are going to pick right back up with this.† Before I can answer, he leaves me in the hall. Touching my lips, I watch him weave back to the stage, knowing if he does pick it up, I'm not going to be able to stop it this time. Struggling with the loss of control over my own body, I wander back into the kitchen. Lila's over by the cooler, sipping on a drink and talking to Ethan. Straightening my shoulders, I march up to the counter and pour myself a drink. Lila and Ethan's eyes are on me as I knock it back. The alcohol burns my throat as I slam the cup down on the counter. â€Å"Who's up for a game of quarters?† *** Two hours and three shots later, I'm feeling pretty good. The band has finished playing and Micha has joined our game at the table. â€Å"Sail† by AWOLNATION beats through the stereo, soft lyrics and a sultry rhythm and it takes me back to another time. â€Å"I think I'm going to go dance,† I announce to the table. â€Å"Ah ha, I knew you secretly liked to dance.† Lila slams her hand down on the table and then hiccups. â€Å"Oh, excuse me.† Ethan laughs at her like she's the cutest thing in the world. â€Å"Are you reaching your limit little girl?† Lila narrows her eyes impishly at Ethan. â€Å"I'm not the one who missed the last three shots.† He replies with a comeback, but I don't hear it as I rise from my chair anxious to dance. Micha watches me inquisitively as I make a path through the crowd. Faceless people bead with sweat and the air smells like salt and is lit with desirable heat. The farther I descend into the crowd the hotter it gets. By the time I'm in the center, my skin is damp with sweat and the thin fabric of my strapless shirt is sticking to my back. There's a darkness inside my chest, like the devil hidden inside me is about to make a grand appearance. I raise my hands and sway my hips, letting my hair fall down my shoulders and back. I breathe freely, just like I use to. The more the music plays, the more relaxed I become. My head falls from side to side and my eyelids drift shut. I feel someone move up behind me and they smell of desire mingled with an earthy scent and something mouthwatering. Micha places his hands on my hips, his hands domineering. He nearly melts me as he spreads his fingers around my waist and presses his body against mine, wanting as much of me as he can get. â€Å"I thought you didn't dance anymore,† he whispers in a feral voice, his warm breath touching every part of me. I lean back into him, comfortable, and breathe in his familiar scent. â€Å"I guess I'm a liar.† â€Å"You didn't use to be.† He sweeps my hair to the side and implores our bodies closer as he moves with me. Through the fabric of our clothes, I feel the heat radiating off him like the sun. â€Å"In fact, you used to be the most honest person I knew.† I slant my head back against his chest. â€Å"I know, and I'm working on getting it back.† â€Å"Good, I'm glad.† His hands slide down my hips and don't stop until they reach the hem of my skirt. â€Å"Weren't you and I supposed to finish what we started in the hall?† I start to pull away, but he intensifies his embrace and restrains me against him so we're bonded in every way possible. I feel the hardness of his chest and the heat emitting off every single God damn part of him. It makes me want to moan. â€Å"You're fucking driving me crazy. You know that?† He whispers through a groan as his fingers slip underneath the side of my skirt and up my thighs. â€Å"I want you, pretty girl. Badly.† He's not lying. His desire is pressed up against the back of my waist. I should stop him†¦ He's practically got his hand up my dress and we're surrounded by a ton of people, but I give in to him, subsiding in his arms, and let his fingers inch higher up my skirt. Slowly, he kisses my skin, before parting his lips and nipping my neck, sucking, tasting, driving my body mad. His other hand wanders upward on the outside of my shirt and over the curve of my breast. I practically come undone in his arms. Without warning, I turn around, slipping out of his grip. I secure my arms around his neck. His eyes darken as he welds our bodies back together. My head falls back, allowing him access as I put my weight into his lean arms. He holds me tightly, tracking kisses down the hollow of my neck, licking my collar bone, delving lower and lower as his hand sneaks for the bottom of my skirt again and the palm of his hand caresses the back of my thigh. He groans, cupping the back of my head with his other hand, then suddenly he pulls away. â€Å"How drunk are you?† I glance from left to right like there's an answer hidden in the crowd. â€Å"I don't know.† He sighs and drags his fingers through his hair. â€Å"You're killing me, you know that?† â€Å"I'm sorry.† I pout. He laughs and directs me back over to the table. â€Å"Go meet up with Lila and I'll be there in a bit, okay.† â€Å"Why? Where are you going?† I ask. He rubs his hand across his face and lets out a breathy laugh. â€Å"I have to go take care of some business.† We part ways and I go back to the kitchen like he told me. Lila's eyes are accusing as I sit down at the table. I try not to smile, but I'm too intoxicated to care. â€Å"Look at you,† Lila says. â€Å"All smiley.† I start to say something, but spot Micha talking to Naomi in the middle of the crowd. She laughs at something he says and then the two of them head toward the hall where his bedroom is. I guess that was the business he had to take care of. I get up from the table and without another word I run outside into the rain. Micha Ella is killing me tonight. I've got a hard on so bad, it's probably going to take an hour in an ice-cold shower to calm me down and she's drunk, so I can't take it any further. I head back to my room, to take care of the problem myself, when Naomi meets up with me. She waves her finger at me and then laughs. â€Å"You and I need to talk.† â€Å"I still haven't decided!† I shout over the music. She takes me by the arm and tugs me down the hall, bumping people out of the way until we reach my room. She shuts the door and flips on the light. â€Å"Alright, please explain to me why it's so hard to make the decision about something you've always wanted to do?† â€Å"I'd rather not.† She throws her hands in the air, exasperatedly. â€Å"I don't get you. All you used to talk about in high school was playing in a band on the road.† â€Å"I still do,† I say. â€Å"But I'm not sure if I can leave people behind. Her face relaxes and her hands fall to her side. â€Å"I actually get that. I was worried to leave my dad alone, but I talked to him and explained why and you know what? He understood.† â€Å"Mine's more complicated, Naomi.† I sit down on the bed, wishing she'd leave. â€Å"It's not just my mom I'm worried about.† She sits down on the bed beside me and crosses her legs. â€Å"It's because of Ella.† â€Å"Fuck, am I that obvious,† I say. â€Å"Because I always thought I was subtle.† She snorts a laugh. â€Å"You've never been subtle. And it's not just you. It's both of you. But you know what, you can't center you're life around one girl. You gotta move on and live life the way you want to.† She doesn't get it. â€Å"Yeah, let's not talk about this.† â€Å"Alright.† She holds her hands up. â€Å"Sorry, I'll let you be. I just wanted to give you something to think about.† She pats me on the knee before heading out into the hall. Once the door shuts, I fall back onto my bed. Maybe she's right. Maybe it is time to let go of her. â€Å"Fuck.† I need resolution. My eyes wander toward Ella's house. It is dark, except for one light. The bathroom where her mother died. That light hasn't been on for eight months. Why is it on now?

Dunkin Donuts

44577001079500 Women's Campus College of Business Administration BUS351 International Business Course TERM 172 GROUP PROJECT: FINAL DRAFTDUNKIN DONUTS Working in the Quick Service restaurants industry gave Dunkin' Donuts a huge challenge to face globally, when entering new markets using one mode of entry, â€Å"the Franchising†, it meant establishing a local base for a global business, and great opportunities exist in the Saudi Market, yet great challenges to prove ability of continuing business. For 31 years, Shahia Food Limited was the franchisee global DD selected to represent the brand in the Kingdom, it applied a localized industry by promoting Saudi terms related to the brand, and was massively supported by the government to keep satisfying the Saudi taste, through its 200 shops across the Saudi land. KeywordsDunkin' Donuts, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, franchising, franchisee, joint venture, entry modes, entry determinants, 2030 vision. IntroductionRecently, Saudi Arabia has been the spotlight of the investments internationally. According to 2030's vision, Saudi is attracting new investors every year. The market in Saudi is attractive and has significant attributes. In order to satisfy the Saudi taste and Saudi consumption trends, the company must meet what Saudi clients want, which will ensure an international success in the heart of the global world. Dunkin' Donuts is considered one of the top ten companies worldwide, with more than 12,000 branches in all over the world. Dunkin' Donuts is managed through maintaining a strong position in all its targeted markets, by using the modes of the entrance and proper strategies with an experience of nearly hundred years of offering baked goods and drinks. Overview of the IndustryQuick service restaurant (QSR) industry was established in 1921, which offers previously prepared food immediately to the on-the-go consumers that were defined as a new type of restaurants. Donuts were created in 1847, and it has been developed to be combined with a variety of flavors through years and associated with hot drinks, to please the American taste with sugary products. The size of the market globally is predicted by more than 3 Trillion Dollars, due to the massive number of workforce around the world, fixed assets spread worldwide, and size of activities practiced. The market of QSR maintains a small industry in it, for baked goods and coffee, maintains multiple international brands that operate in this field, and this industry is approximated in more than 1 Trillion Dollars annually, and the market is divided primarily between 4 brands as follows: Company BackgroundIn 1948, William Rosenberg initiated his first shop for coffee and doughnuts, the â€Å"Open Kettle†, which was based on a 40% of revenues, William was able to reach from his food in-plants outlets and food trucks, which was the impending trend of fast food, introduced to the world. In 1950 William Rosenberg chose Dunkin' Donuts as a new name of â€Å"Open Kettle†, to be the first Dunkin' Donuts shop in Quincy, Massachusetts, USA, the shop offered 52 flavors, and William was able to open 6 more Dunkin' Donuts shops during its first five years constructing a chain. In 1960 the International Franchising Association (IFA), was originated to franchise the brand globally and locally. At the moment, Dunkin' Donuts is based in Canton; Massachusetts, USA, Dunkin' Donuts is part of the Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. family of companies.So far, Dunkin' Donuts was able to achieve success, which maintains more than 11,300 shops in 44 countries (8,500 in the 41 US states, and 3,200 worldwide), offering everyday a stop for baked goods and coffee, setting the brand as a market leader globally.In 1971, William was diagnosed with lungs cancer, he passed the business to other Dunkin' Donuts leaders. An English businessman, Nigel Travis is the current CEO for Dunkin' Donuts, who has been running Dunkin' Donuts since 2009. Dunkin' Donuts founder:William Rosenberg (1916-2002) was American entrepreneur who was the founder of Dunkin' Donuts. Rosenberg attended a public school. Because of financial problems Rosenberg was forced to leave his school in the eighth grade to support his family. At the age of fourteen, Rosenberg worked as a delivery boy for Simco. At the age of twenty-one, Rosenberg raised from delivery boy to national sales manager, supervising the production, cold storage, shipping, and manufacturing. In 1948, the Open Kettle was started by Rosenberg which is a coffee and doughnuts shop. Later, Rosenberg renamed it to Dunkin Donuts. Dunkin Donuts was popular offering fifty-two types of doughnuts over six stores. In 2001, Rosenberg published a book which is â€Å"Time to Make the Donuts: The Founder of Dunkin Donuts†. William Rosenberg's vision is kept until today under the name â€Å"the philosophy of Dunkin' Donuts†: â€Å"Make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.†Regarding Dunkin' Donuts values, Dunkin' Donuts attains twelve values applied perfectly to franchise owners, and they are as follows:Honesty  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The truth is always the major key to success.Transparency  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ sharing thoughts fluency. Respect  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Give individuals their nobility and win others' regard.Fairness  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Do what is right even if it is hard to do.Humility  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ helping less fortunate individuals. It is about the team and the society as a whole.Responsibility- Be accountable for the outcome whether the situation is good or bad. Integrity  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Character indicates when no individual is looking.In 1990, Allied Lyons the owner of Baskin Robbins purchased Dunkin' Donuts that was renamed to Dunkin' Brands in 2004. Dunkin' Donuts reached the first rank in customer loyalty of coffee category by Brand Keys for 10 years successively.Dunkin' Donuts's major competitors worldwide: Starbucks: Starbucks is obviously the leader of all Competitors of Dunkin' Donuts. It competes with Dunkin' Donuts by offering a variety of baked food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. McDonald's: McDonald's is one of the main fast food chains in the industry and one of the top Competitors of Dunkin' Donuts. Offering a variety of food items and drinks at low prices with quick service.Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme offers doughnuts and coffee, which means the toughest competition with Dunkin' Donuts.Dunkin' Donuts's major competitors in Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia market, Dunkin' Donuts has a variety of competitors both international competitors and local coffee shops. International competitors are Starbucks, Krispy Kreme and McDonald's. The local coffee shops are Coffee Day, 12cups, Alchemy. As a result, Dunkin' Donuts should adopt and understand the Saudi culture to compete with their competitors. Furthermore, selecting some reasonable areas that most of the locals may not have the capacity to manage the cost because of their limited budgets, Dunkin' Donuts can gain a competitive advantage.Entering to the Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaGlobalization enabled local companies to become international, by giving them accessibility to invest in foreign markets, expanding their sizes, assets net worth, and targeted segments of customers. Also, it gave governments better opportunities for developing communities.Entering KSA as an international business is an easy process, but must be applied with accuracy and professionalism. The competitive investing climate attracts investors to be on this land, and only the most creative innovative could last, since the mid-1970s as of recently.In 1986, Shahia food Limited Company wins the contract of Dunkin' Donuts franchise and was able to introduce the brand Dunkin' Donuts to Saudi Arabia. Dunkin' Donuts is keeping spreading in KSA over thirty-one year. the first branch was established in Al Olaya. Nowadays, the company has more than 200 branches in all Saudi regions, starting from:Riyadh Region (King Khalid Intl Airport, Wadi Laban, Al Muzahimiah, Diriya, and more). Western Region, which includes (Mecca, Jeddah, and Madinah) Eastern Region (Khobar, Dammam, and Jubail)Qassim Region (Buraydah, Badiah, Bakeereya Unayzah, and Zulfi) Saudi employees versus Foreign employees:Dunkin' Donuts employes an acceptable number of Saudis. Its main purpose of having many Saudi employees is because of the policy of its industry, that employing Saudis to easily serve Saudi consumers will help to reach Dunkin' Donuts products. Moreover, Saudi employees can realize their nation consumption habits more than foreign employees. KSA modes to enter Saudi market:There are many modes to enter Saudi market. every type serves organizations, governments, and customers, reaching their objectives. Methods can be summarized as follows:Exporting: a country (exporter) sells goods and services and distributes them to another country (importer).Piggybacking: Selling goods services to local businesses, but they market the vendor globally.Buying a company: is the most expensive method of entering a country, it is about purchasing a local company. Turnkey Projects: Forming a project from the ground, and selling it to local companies to warranty an indirect existence. Contracting: either through licensing, joint ventures, or partnering, it refers to a contractor assists to introduce the brand to the local market. The percentage of involvement the contractor obtains is different from a contract to another.Greenfield Investments: means a project where a firm builds operations in a foreign market beginning from scratch. This mode has a large cost and local lows control it.A number of elements, such as expenses, local laws, necessities, desired quality, and industry will affect the company choices of these modes. Dunkin' Donuts has chosen since 1960 using the franchising model to enter America and worldwide markets, and Dunkin' Donuts used it in KSA too through Shahia Foods Limited that held the franchising method. Dunkin' Donuts KSA has its own vision statement that sequel the overall Dunkin' Donuts vision: â€Å"To be always the desired place for great coffee beverages and delicious complementary donuts & bakery products to enjoy with family and friends† As well as Dunkin' Donuts Mission:†To be the leading provider of the wide range delicious beverages & baked product around the kingdom in a convenient, relaxed, friendly environment, that insures  the highest level of quality product and best value for money. We provide our guest, the elegant service, and unforgettable experience to meet their expectations in every single visit.?†These strategic management tools state that Dunkin' Donuts KSA works under the localization theme, because of Saudi community privacy, that Dunkin' Donuts exists to make its enjoyable moments with delightful pastries and drinks, it is general in food firm to follow the localization theme because of the dependence of the food fields on the local tastes. The localization method is tracked through the Dunkinha and Dunkawy cards terms that support the customer's loyalty, and a customized menu made by Dunkin' Donuts for only Saudi Arabia. Conclusion It is apparent that KSA was for Dunkin' Donuts an important market, that's why it was chose from the beginning to be located in. Saudi's location, the type of consumption trends the society maintains, the support of the government received by international market players, and the encouraging purchasing power obtained by the Saudi people all these and other considerations, were the reason why 31 Dunkin' Donuts existed in KSA. The unique mode which is franchising is used by the company worldwide, this method was used due to the nature of the industry maintained by Dunkin' Donuts, which is QSR, that means it is a must to have the food on demand, this point cannot be done by other types of entry, it should be done through actual existence, and to reduce cost and time of studying national taste and its trends. To represent the company in the kingdom Dunkin' Donuts preferred to have a national local franchisee. The choice of this franchise was distinctive, due to the 31 years position of ruling the QSR in backed food and drinks industry in KSA, accomplished by Shahia, where the total market share reached is 49% of total market, compared to 29% for Starbucks and 22% for MacDonald's'. Discussion Questions and Answers:Why choose Saudi Arabia? Dunkin' Donuts is considered as the quick service restaurant industry., it is situated in Canton, Massachusetts, USA, it chose to invest in KSA because of its high concentration on building up the company's points of interest by existing in Saudi Arabia the heart of the world, which means rising the abroad experience. Moreover, it strongly supports the fact of investing where it can be focused on expanding resources, inattentive of having power. However, having the ownership flexibility, and publicizing risk.How the investment in Saudi Arabia? The comprehensive advantage of investment in KSA is known as stable. There is no need to concern about the nationalizing of the international businesses because of the encouragement practiced by the Saudi government towards foreign investors and the supporting for liberal ownership in the Saudi market. How do political ; global policies affect your business?The high rate of return, and the taxation system, for foreign investors in KSA, were factors of attracting the international business. The kingdom of Saudi has many advantages for foreign investors which are the highest digits for GDP in the region, controlled inflation rate, the size of the Saudi market, and finally the size and support given for the infrastructure. These great advantages are not only to attract Dunkin' Donuts to Saudi Arabia but all types of investors.Entering KSA as an international business is considered an easy process?Entering KSA as an international business is an easy process, but must be applied with accuracy and professionalism.What were the difficulties you faced to enter the Saudi market? Studying and analyzing the Saudi customer needs, was one of the greatest work done by Dunkin' Donuts KSA. One of its studies stated that employing Saudi Staff, and practicing the Saudization, will give the Saudi clients a more pleasant and stratified experience. SWOT Analysis:Strengths:The industry's most fundamental point of strength that makes it worth to persist the business through the past years is â€Å"the time-saving rule†, which means the industry reaches what regular restaurants can't offer, all these restaurants guarantee fast processes and quick purchase of food. Weaknesses:Staff who work in low conditions, with low wages, are considered from the weaknesses this industry face, which gave it a bad reputation among people worldwide. Opportunities:Due to globalization every year there are new markets added to the demand forces as a huge opportunity to the industry. Threats:Consumer demand for healthier food is increasing the threat in this industry, which will keep these restaurants under the consumer satisfaction indexes pressure. Appendix Interview questions ; answersWho are your national ; global competitors? Our competitors are other businesses operating in the same industry as we are. Which are: Krispy Kreme, McDonald's and the main competitor is Starbucks.Does Dunkin' Donuts buy from other countries or make the products?No, the raw material comes from America and Dunkin' Donuts produces the products in Saudi.How is your marketing methods different here in Saudi Arabia to other countries?Marketing methods are different in each country because of cultural differences. In Saudi Arabia, Dunkin' Donuts understands and respects the culture and religion of the region by following the regulations and guidelines for advertising the company.What is the entry mode that Dunkin' Donuts use (Franchising, licensing, joint venturing, exporting, turnkey projects or wholly owned subsidiary?Licensing with Franchising, as a combined mode used by the company worldwide.How do political ; global policies affect your business? It impacts Dunkin' Donuts by having many barriers to entry in different countries. Each country has its own policies that Dunkin' Donuts needs to follow in order to operate the business there. These days, Saudi is becoming more strictly by developing new regulations regarding operating businesses. In strategic positioning, does your business choose differentiation or low-cost methods for their products in order to create value for Dunkin' Donuts products?No, Dunkin' Donuts likes to keep up with the standards in order to offer high-quality products to the customers. After the value-added tax, Dunkin' Donuts just added one riyal to all products and make more offers to attract customers.Do you have different methods of choosing your employees here from other countries?Dunkin' Donuts likes to follow the government requirements regarding the Saudilization. As well as to have non-Saudi employees as a percentage of the staff, but to be able to speak English and Arabic as well. The interviewee information: Name: Gilhesh Paul Position: Area Supervisor. Phone number: 0560-213-910 Email: [email  protected] ReferencesDunkin' Donuts. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2017, from http://www.dunkinbrands.com/about/donutsG. (2017, December 07).Dunkin' Donuts franchise. Retrieved December 10, 2017, from http://worldfranchise.eu/franchise/dunkin-donutsMarket Entry Strategies. (n.d.).Retrieved December 11, 2017, from http://www.tradestart.ca/market-entry-strategiesNigel Travis. (n.d.).Retrieved December 10, 2017, from https://news.dunkindonuts.com/about/leadership/nigel-travisSaudi Arabia – Market Opportunities Saudi Arabia – Market Opportunities. (n.d.). Retrieved December 11, 2017, from https://www.export.gov/article?id=Saudi-Arabia-Market-Opportunities(n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2017, from http://www.dunkindonuts.sa/English/Dunkawy/Pages/default.aspx12,000Global Locations And Still Growing. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2017, from http://www.dunkinfranchising.com/franchisee/en.html Dunkin Donuts What are the stages in a product life cycle? What are the marketing implications of each stage? From my studies it has been provine that the product life cycle is a great marketing concept that focus on the revenues from the sales of a product. The product life cycle is drawn like a bell curve. The life cycle is divided into four stages they are introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. Introduction-It takes time of a new product to begin selling in volume. There may be manufacturing or logistics issues to contend with. The marketplace may be unfamiliar with th product and creating awareness takes time. Consequently product sales show a slow growth during the introduction phase. Growth- The growth space is characterized by a rapid increase in sales volume. This is created by increased product demand when customers are buying. Manufacturing and logistics issues are likely resolved and the market is far more aware of the product. Maturity-The maturity phase is established by sales volumes leveling off. At this point competition is strong and margins may begin to suffer. Signs of getting to this stage are that competitors may start advertising more strongly or using other promotional means to increase sales. Decline-Is when a product sales begin to decrease and it is at this point that some serious marketing decisions need to be made. It is sometimes possible to extend the life of a product by changing some of its product attributes, repositioning it or by packaging it with other products. Dunkin Donuts What are the stages in a product life cycle? What are the marketing implications of each stage? From my studies it has been provine that the product life cycle is a great marketing concept that focus on the revenues from the sales of a product. The product life cycle is drawn like a bell curve. The life cycle is divided into four stages they are introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. Introduction-It takes time of a new product to begin selling in volume. There may be manufacturing or logistics issues to contend with. The marketplace may be unfamiliar with th product and creating awareness takes time. Consequently product sales show a slow growth during the introduction phase. Growth- The growth space is characterized by a rapid increase in sales volume. This is created by increased product demand when customers are buying. Manufacturing and logistics issues are likely resolved and the market is far more aware of the product. Maturity-The maturity phase is established by sales volumes leveling off. At this point competition is strong and margins may begin to suffer. Signs of getting to this stage are that competitors may start advertising more strongly or using other promotional means to increase sales. Decline-Is when a product sales begin to decrease and it is at this point that some serious marketing decisions need to be made. It is sometimes possible to extend the life of a product by changing some of its product attributes, repositioning it or by packaging it with other products.

Problem solving Essay

Issue 7 â€Å"All nations should help support the development of a global university designed to engage students in the process of solving the world’s most persistent social problems. † I agree that it would serve the interests of all nations to establish a global university for the purpose of solving the world’s most persistent social problems. Nevertheless, such a university poses certain risks which all participating nations must be careful to minimize–or risk defeating the university’s purpose. One compelling argument in favor of a global university has to do with the fact that its faculty and students would bring diverse cultural and educational perspectives to the problems they seek to solve. It seems to me that nations can only benefit from a global university where students learn ways in which other nations address certain soda] problems-successfully or not. It might be tempting to think that an overly diversified academic community would impede communication among students and faculty. However, in my view any such concerns are unwarranted, especially considering the growing awareness of other peoples and cultures which the mass media, and especially the Internet, have created. Moreover, many basic principles used to solve enduring social problems know no national boundaries; thus a useful insight or discovery can come from a researcher or student from any nation. Another compelling argument for a global university involves the increasingly global nature of certain problems. Consider, for instance, the depletion of atmospheric ozone, which has wanned the Earth to the point that it threatens the very survival of the human species. Also, we are now learning that dear-cutting the world’s rainforests can set into motion a chain of animal extinction that threatens the delicate balance upon which all animals–including humans–depend. Also consider that a financial crisis—or a political crisis or natural disaster in one country can spell trouble for foreign companies, many of which are now multinational in that they rely on the labor forces, equipment, and raw materials of other nations. Environmental, economic, and political problems such as these all carry grave social consequences–increased crime, unemployment, insurrection, hunger, and so forth. Solving these problems requires global cooperation–which a global university can facilitate. Notwithstanding the foregoing reasons why a global university would help solve many of our most pressing social problems, the establishment of such a university poses certain problems of its own which must be addressed in order that the university can achieve its objectives. First, participant nations would need to overcome a myriad of administrative and political impediments. All nations would need to agree on which problems demand the university’s attention and resources, which areas of academic research are worthwhile, as well as agreeing on policies and procedures for making, enforcing, and amending these decisions. Query whether a functional global university is politically feasible, given that sovereign nations naturally wish to advance their own agendas. A second problem inherent in establishing a global university involves the risk that certain intellectual and research avenues would become officially sanctioned while others of equal or greater potential value would be discouraged, or perhaps even proscribed. A telling example of the inherent danger of setting and enforcing official research priorities involves the Soviet government’s attempts during the 1920s to not only control the direction and the goals of its scientists’ research but also to distort the outcome of that research—ostensibly for the greatest good of the greatest number of people. Not surprisingly, during this time period no significant scientific advances occurred under the auspices of the Soviet government. The Soviet lesson provides an important caveat to administrators of a global university: Significant progress in solving pressing social problems requires an open mind to all sound ideas, approaches, and theories—respective of the ideologies of their proponents. A final problem with a global university is that the world’s preeminent intellectual talent might be drawn to the sorts of problems to which the university is charged with solving, while parochial social problem go unsolved. While this is not reason enough not to establish a global university, it nevertheless is a concern that university administrators and participant nations must be aware of in allocating resources and intellectual talent. To sum up, given the increasingly global nature or the world’s social problems, and the escalating costs of addressing these problems, a global university makes good sense. And, since all nations would have a common interest in seeing this endeavor succeed, my intuition is that participating nations would be able to overcome whatever procedural and political obstacles that might stand in the way of success. As long as each nation is careful not to neglect its own unique social problems, and as long as the university’s administrators are careful to remain open-minded about the legitimacy and potential value of various avenues of intellectual inquiry and research, a global university might go a long way toward solving many of the world’s pressing social problems.