Factors Affecting Women Shoppers free essay sample

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development 3. 3 2013 Budget Presentation Speech by Malaysia Prime Minister. 3. 4 The Household Use of Internet Survey,2005 by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commisions. | | | | | CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1Background of the Study The usage of Internet has grown rapidly over the past years and it has become a common means for delivering and trading information, services and goods. Nowadays, internet is not only a networking media, but it is also used as a means of transaction for consumers at global market. Women contribute the large number of Malaysia’s population. Major contribution of women to the nation always been recognized. With the increasing number of career women in Malaysia contribute further enhance of the purchasing power among women buyers. The existence of telecommunications equipment such as smart phones and tablets are not limiting time and place for them to be online. The roles of a shopper’s personal attitudes have been widely acknowledged in consumer decision-making and behavioral intentions (Wu, 2003). We will write a custom essay sample on Factors Affecting Women Shoppers or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In particular, attitude serves as the bridge between consumers’ characteristics and the consumption that satisfies their needs (Armstrong amp; Kotler, 2003). Moreover, consumers’ characteristics, such as personality, as well as demographic and perception on online shopping benefits, have also been found to influence their online shopping behavior (Cheung amp; Lee, 2003). Thus, identifying the relative importance of each determinant of choice towards a given action could be a useful step in understanding such behavior occurs. The main aim of this study is to investigate purchasing intention of women shopper at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), with a particular emphasis on understanding and evaluating the factors which directly or indirectly influence their purchasing intentions by measuring the attitude towards online shopping. 1. 2Problem Statement Online shopping in Malaysia is a new technology breakthrough since it has just begun to assault the Malaysia retailing sector with the online shopping services (Haque et al. 2006). In order to increase online shopping in Malaysia, understanding consumer online shopping behavior and factors affecting this behavior when shopping online should be given priority. With the expansion of career women in Malaysia, women shoppers become one of the important market segments or two reasons; first, this group has money and shopping interest. According to Statistics on Women, Family and Community 2011, shows that number of female employed increased from 2000 until 2010. It shows that women in Malaysia have purchasing power (See Appendix 3. ). Second, this segment of the population has the potential of earning a greater income than other segments of the population. It will be great significance to find out the factors which influence women shoppers’ intention to shop online if we want to expand group of online buyers and the volume of e-commerce. According to to Statistics on Women, Family and Community 2011, Number of female enrollment in University is higher than ma le and the number keep increasing. In 2001, number of male enrollment student in University is 103,747 and female 142,242. In 2010, Number of male enrollment in University is 184,457 and female 278,323 (See Appendix 3. 2). The differences of student become bigger each year. The higher of education background can contribute to higher income in the future. Third, growth of online business keeps increasing. Recently, during the 2013 budget presentation by our Prime Minister has stated that; the Malaysia Government aware women not only important in a family, but also contribute to the development to the national economy. The government allocated 50 million to support women’s role. One of them is, Get Malaysia Business Online Program (GMBO) introduced to help 50 thousand small entrepreneurs, especially women to increase their online sales. Grants of thousand Ringgit Malaysia through the provision of 50 million Ringgit Malaysia by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) (See Appendix 3. 3). A mid-2005 survey by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Corporation (MCMC), only 9. 3% of Internet users had purchased products or services through the Internet during the preceding three months. Among those who did so, airline tickets were the most popular items (43. %) followed by books (15. 6%) and music (6. 8%). Amounts spent on these items were small, however, with 57. 7% of transactions worth less than M$500. Moreover, it is expected Malaysian online sales will increase every year at a high growth (See Appendix 3. 4). Opportunities of online shopping can be restricted by internal and external constraints on behavior. It is important in expl aining human behavior since an individual who has the intention of accomplishing a certain action may be unable to do so because her environment prevents the act from being performed. Moreover, there are some barriers which have contributed to the unwillingness of Malaysians to shop online because they afraid their personal information will be stole or misused by others. Despite the high potential of online shopping in Malaysia, there is still lack of understanding concerning the online shopping and its impact on marketing. Consequently a framework is needed to structure the complex system of effects of these different factors, and develop an in-depth understanding of consumers’ attitudes toward internet shopping and their intentions to shop online. 1. Objectives of the Research The objectives of this study are; 1. To determine women shoppers’ shopping attitudes towards website design. 2. To determine women shoppers’ shopping attitudes towards reliability of online retailer. 3. To determine women shoppers’ shopping attitudes towards online shopping customer service. 4. To determine women shoppers’ shopping attitudes towards trust on online retailer. 1. 4Scope of Study Literature Review Factors influencing online shopping intention toward online shopping have been researched and documented in the context of traditional consumer literature. A review of empirical studies in this area shows that the theories of Reasoned Action (Ajzen amp; Fishbein, 1975) and Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989) are among the most popular theories used to explain online shopping behavior. Therefore the theoretical framework f this study is based in these theories. Online Shopping Perceived Benefit Perceived benefits are advantageous results derived from attributes. The benefit can be physiological, psychological, sociological, or material in nature. Within the online shopping context, the consumers’ perceived benefits are the sum of online shopping advantages or satisfactions that meet their needs or wants. There are many differences between a physical store and its electronic counterpart. Most of the previous online shopping research has focused on identifying the attributes of online stores that promote success (Davis, 1989; Liu amp; Arnett, 2000). Previous studies of online shopping have established two categories of benefits; intrinsic and extrinsic. Both are important in customers’ selections to patronize the online stores. Extrinsic benefits include features such as wide selection of products, competitive pricing, easy access to information and low search costs. Intrinsic benefits include features such as design and color. Research Framework The key components of the research framework for consumer attitude towards online shopping can be seen in Figure 1. Website Design| | Online Shopping| Reliability| | | Customer Service| | | Trust| | | Hypotheses: A series of testable hypotheses were developed from the proposed research model, as shown below: Hypothesis 1: There is a significant relationship between web site design and online shopping. Hypothesis 2: There is a significant relationship between reliability of online retailer and online shopping. Hypothesis 3: There is a significant relationship between customer service and online shopping. Hypothesis 4: There is a significant relationship between trust on online retailer and online shopping. In general, base on the hypotheses, the research framework will be focusing on four factors as independent variables and propensity to shop online will be the dependent variable. . e. for the hypothesis 1, 2, 3 and 4 which are focusing on Web Site Design, Reliability, Customer Service, and Trust, it is hypothesize that there should be a positive relationship that would likely to influence the online shopping. Research Methodology To undertake this project, two types of data will be gathered. i. Secondary data This type of data will be used extensively in literature review to provide the framework of this study. Textbook, journals and internet shopping reports will be the sources of this desk research. ii. Primary data This type of data will be the main instrument used in evaluating the factors affecting women shoppers’ online shopping attitude and purchase intention. The process of gaining this input is discussed next. In doing so, the rest of this section organized into four main areas; the research design, the target population and the sample size, methods for data collection, and data analysis and interpretation. The research design In getting the shoppers data, I choose to employ descriptive research over exploratory or causal research. This type of research is suitable when a study intends to produce accurate description of variables relent to the decision being faced, without demonstrating that some relationship exists between variables. This description fits well with the objectives of this study. In addition, a cross sectional studies is elected over longitudinal studies. The former allow the researchers to assess to a larger number of customers, thus enabling them to produce a more representative data. Through this method, data is typically cross tabulated against each other to answer specific issues. This kind of data is meaningful to companies that appeal to many segments of the markets such as internet shopping. The target population and the sample size In line with the scope of the project, the population refers to the female employee of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP). To further define the population, this study will only examine the behavior of women shoppers in the age bracket 20 to 55 years old. The sample elements will be chosen using systematic sampling. Within this pool of shoppers, a sample of 200 shoppers will be selected. This sample size is considered appropriate. Roscoe (1975) for instance stated ‘samples sizes larger than 30 and less than 500 samples are the appropriate for most research. Likewise, Sekaran (1994) agrees that 500 samples are the appropriate upper limit for the sample size. Methods for data collection Since cross sectional study has been chosen for this study, data will be collected through questioning. Using this method, the respondents will be identified systematically and to aid questioning the shoppers, a set of questionnaire will be designed. The questionnaires will be distributed through online and respondents will be invites through UMP Portal.

Anti Flag essays

Anti Flag essays Government Intervention For many nations, it is essential to choose a system of organization that successfully and thoroughly meets the needs of all the people. While some countries have supported the idea of communism and strong government intervention in the economy, others have limited the role and power of their governing body in the marketplace. For instance, in the United States, the government has a small role in the planning and monitoring of their economy. Individuals compete heavily against one another to receive the maximum profit for themselves in an sufficient manner. The former USSR, on the other hand, used large amounts of government control to restrict competition and control the output and distribution of the goods they produced. While each country attempted to form a successful economic system for their nation, the systems that they chose to use and the amount of government intervention within these plans varied greatly. By looking at the difference in the amount of government involvement and economic success of various nations, it is apparent that limited state control is most beneficial. For instance, while the former USSR developed an economic system that contained large amounts of government intervention and regulation, it did not successfully deal with the nation's recession, grant individual freedom to its citizens, or promote competition and individual initiative among its people. The United States, on the other hand, has been recognized for its successful solutions to economic crisis, and national promotion for individual growth and competition, all with little government intervention. As demonstrated by the United States, compared with Russia's former command economy, a successful economy is one in which there is little government involvement or restriction. While every nation has experienced a period of economic crisis, the United States is an example of a nation that has dealt with many of them with limited...

Shifts in Values from Renaissance to Modern Age Research Paper

Shifts in Values from Renaissance to Modern Age - Research Paper Example This text explores such differences and similarities between these two ages. In terms of philosophy, it is evident that certain cultural values have changed from the Renaissance to today. Perhaps, it is of uttermost importance to start the text by defining the most crucial terminologies involved. Most historians would describe the Renaissance as a cultural rebirth that commenced in Florence, Italy, before dispersal to the other parts of Europe from approximately 1300 to 1600. During this time, â€Å"Europeans underwent a transformed interest in Roman and classical Greek civilization, and consequently, in learning mathematics, science, philosophy, science, and the arts† (Adams, 2005, p. 87). Christianity took a center stage during the renaissance and its influence can be felt in the dawn of modern science. Men during the renaissance were expected to be outstandingly well-rounded and learned in various subjects. The Renaissance brought about the end of the middle Ages and embrac ed for the first time the ideals of the modern world. For this reason, it is seen as a changeover era between the middle ages and modern times. As Adams (2005) asserts, â€Å"no single ideology or philosophy dictated the intellectual life of the Renaissance period† (p. 143). Humanists during the early days had stressed a supple approach to the issues of society and the fast life in service of all human beings. Renaissance philosophers, during the second part of the 15th century including Marsilio FICINO in Florence, embraced metaphysical speculation. Nonetheless, Plato never replaced Aristotle as the leading philosopher in many universities. However, there was an effort aimed towards philosophical syncretism, to combine conflicting theories and philosophies, and establish common ground for accord with regards to the truth just like Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola. Renaissance science comprised largely of the study of physics, medicine, and mathematics, depending on old masters, such as Aristotle, Euclid, and Galen. Experimental science in alchemy and anatomy led to the invention within and outside university surroundings. It is this invention of the university environment that ushered in the modern times. Many of the philosophical though today happens in the confines of universities and institutions of higher learning. Philosophy has taken the form of a discipline. However, the Renaissance had a darker side. Despite interest in philosophical ideas, violent and pestilent death was frequent, and warfare was widespread. There was lots of interest in things that embraced the occult, astrology, and magic. It is during this time that the formally authorized persecution for witchcraft commenced. A number of intellectuals felt a deep cynicism about the corruptions and evils of society as evident in the frequently savage humanist opposers of Desiderius Erasmus and Giovanni Francesco Poggio Bracciolini. Nicolo Machiavelli, one of the supreme Renaissance thinkers ca me up with a realistic science about human nature with regards to reforming the Italian society and the making of a civil life that is immensely secure. Cassirer & Domandi (2010) state that, â€Å"Machiavelli’s republican ideals influenced by a realistic viewpoint of politics and the inevitability of vibrant change were the most innovative contribution of the Renaissance towards the modern world† ( p. 75). Undoubtedly, the Renaissance Era was influential in that it lived on in instituted standards of literature and taste and an

Business-Level and Corporate-Level Strategies Essay - 8

Business-Level and Corporate-Level Strategies - Essay Example This paper will discuss the business level and corporate level strategies Eni SpA used to remain competitive in the ever-changing petroleum industry. Business level strategy is a set of commitments and actions a company takes to provide good value to customers thereby gaining a good reputation (Ireland, Hoskisson and Hitt, 2011). This may include establishing niches and product improvement to add value to already existing products and services. A successful business level strategy has to consider the five Ws; where, who, when, what and how v. At first, the organization has to determine its clients, the goods and services the client needs, how to deliver the best products and services and the competitors’ price for the same products and services (Ireland, Hoskisson and Hitt, 2011). Eni SpA’s business level strategy is fair pricing and consistency of products. In that regard, Eni had to invest in exploration of oil resources across the world (Maloney, 2012). This would allow Eni to provide petroleum products to its customers throughout. The company was successful in getting some oil reserves in Kazakhstan, Libya and Congo. The oil field Eni SpA struck in Kazakhstan is probably the largest old field the company has ever struck (Maloney, 2012). However, the numbers of oil fields are dwindling by the day. As such, the success rate of getting a good and productive oil field is challenging. With that knowledge, Eni had to acquire oil companies in other countries. This would guarantee Eni’s ability to meet the customers’ demands and expectations (Maloney, 2012). Eni SpA has also focused on the changes in the market dynamics as a business level strategy. In this case, Eni SpA determines whether there are any risks to the business environment in the future (Maloney, 2012). Currently, Eni SpA noted the shift from fossil fuels is gaining momentum. This is likely

Financial Market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial Market - Essay Example The value of the Euro to the dollar has shown the success in gaining value over the US dollar. In January 2009 the exchange rate was 1Euro/USD 1.3866, in January 2010; the rate changed to 1Euro/USD 1.4389. This upward trend shows that the Euro is getting stronger in the forex market as compared to the US dollar. In 2012, the value of exchange dropped to 1Euro/USD 1.2458. Despite this drop, the value of the Euro is still higher than that of the US dollar. The Japanese Yen is the domestic currency used in Japan. The Yen has developed a relative stability and its recent reputation has led to investors opting to use this currency as a secure investment for the dollar. In 2001 the exchange rate was 1$/Yen 121.2, in the year 2005, the Japanese Yen gained against the US dollar in the forex market where the exchange was 1$/Yen110.2. The trend continued where the Yen continued gaining against the US dollar. Even though today’s exchange rate for the Yen to the dollar is still high at 1$/Yen79.8 the Yen has shown its success by increasing its value and minimizing the spread (Euromonitor International). The Canadian dollar is also gaining popularity among the investors across various parts of the world. As part of its success, its increasing use in the forex markets has shown that investors have recognized its stability. This currency has a remarkable use in transactions and enjoys over 4% of all transactions in the foreign exchange market daily. This is remarkable success in the forex market for this currency. For instance, the exchange rate for the Canadian dollar in 2001 was 1$/CAD1.5 while in 2005, the exchange rate changed to 1USD/CAD1.2; while in 2012, the exchange rate is 1USD/CAD1.0. This shows that the Canadian dollar gained strength against the US dollar to exchange thus it can be termed as a success to the Canadian dollar at the expense of the US dollar. The Swedish dollar is the Sweden’s currency. Its transactional use is above

Introduction to Immunoglobulins: Structure and Research

Introduction to Immunoglobulins: Structure and Research Basharat ali OVERVIEW OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS INTRODUCTION The immunoglobulins or antibodies are a group of proteins present in the serum and tissue fluids of all mammals. Antibodies are produced by cells (B type) on interaction of membrane antibody with antigens. Secreted antibodies moves in the blood; and serve as the effectors of humoral immunity by neutralizing antigens. They therefore also constitute an element of the adaptive immune system. Secreted antibodies circulate in the blood stream where they acts as the effectors of humoral immune response by searching and neutralizing or eliminating antigens. The immunoglobulins are present in highest concentration and most easily obtained in large quantities from blood serum. The antibodies produced are specific to each of the epitope. BASIC IMMUNOGLOBULIN STRUCTURE PROCEDURES OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN MEASUREMENT: The development of Molecular Biology and production of mono-clonal antibodies have allowed us tohave diagnostic tools with a great sensitivity and specificity. They are known as KITS, which are both easy and simple to use and read. The techniques developed in recent years are: Among the above methods available now, we can point out,those that have more possibilities of performing serologic studies on a large scale level, and without the need of highly technical resources. The popular methods used are: ELISA IMMUNOELECTROTRANSFERENCE OR WESTERN BLOT INDIRECT IMMUNOFLUORESCENCEOR IMMUNOPEROXIDASE SERONEUTRALIZATION ELISA: Few types of ELISA are used for the detection of ANTIGENS and ANTIBODIES. So far the following types of ELISA are used for the detection of specific antibodies: INDIRECT ELISA. COMPETITIVE ELISA. INDIRECT ELISA It is the common method used for antibody detection.It involve thecoating of the ELISA plate with the antigen against the specific Ig’s that may be present in the serum. The antigens can be from viral or bacterial product, and or even whole virus molecules. It is more common to use only those proteins with immunological interest, instead of using all the antigenic mixture.Thenext steps will include the addition of serum, incubation and washing;addition of the conjugate, incubation and washing and at last, the addition of the substrate, stopping the reaction and reading the results. COMPETITIVE ELISA This technique is also very common for the detection of specific antibodies. We have an I.G (monoclonal of polyclonal) of a known antigen. This antigen has previously been bound to the plate.It is known as competitive ELISA because the serum is incubated with the antigen previous to its incubation with the antiserum bound to the plate. Therefore, both compete for the antigen. IMMUNOELECTROTRANSFERENCE / WESTERN BLOT Immunoelectrotransference, Immunoblotting or western blotis an immune-enzymatic technique used for the detectionof specific antibodies.This method is recommended whenever it is necessary tostudy a large number of sera which have not given proper results using other techniques. Fig. Required objects to perform Immunoelectrotransference Technique:antigen-nitrocellulose sheets, PBS tampon, +ve / -ve control sera, conjugate, substrate solution and plastic plate. In order to obtain the antigen-nitrocellulosesheets, proteins are first separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Later, these proteins are electrically transferred from the gel to the nitrocellulose sheets. These sheets are then cut and will act as the antigen substrate. Each one of these pieces are then incubated with the test sera and washed. Then, a labelled anti-immunoglobulin (IgG or IgM) is added. If there is any antibody bound to the antigenic protein, they will be revealed by the addition of the conjugate.One or more specific precipitation lines will be observed depending on the existence of specific Ig’s against one or more proteins. It is a very sensitive and easy technique to perform and to understand. No special equipment is needed. This technique is especially for the study of small numbers of sera.As it does not require special tools, it is possible to perform it in laboratories with little equipment. Fig. The last step of the method. We can observe thedifferent lines where testand control serum have reacted. INDIRECT IMMUNOFLUORESCENCEOR IMMUNOPEROXIDASE Indirect immunofluorescence or immune-peroxidase are techniques that use the specifity of histology and the sensitivity of the immunological methods. These techniques usually involve the use of cell cultures infected with the virus or bacteria from which we need to know whether or not the unknown sera have antibodies. In the case of Ig’s being present in the unknown sera, after an incubation period, those antibodies will bind to the infected cells. This reaction can be observed with a fluorescence or ordinary microscope after the addition of an anti-immunoglobulin labelled with peroxidase respectively. Fig. Indirect immunofluorescence technique. Mammalian cells infected by the swine fever virus. Antibodies bound to the infected cells can be seen, the areas of the cell with higher viral replication have more bound Ig’s and therefore, a higher light intensity. SERONEUTRALIZATION This method is known asthereference method for every serological study. The use of this technique has made it possible to measure the capability of Ig’s present in the test sera of neutralizing the biological activity of an antigen. Inseroneutralization, we go a step further, and the potential of the serum of neutralizing the biological activity of an antigen can also be known.These tests are very common in labs when theassessment of the capability of a serum against microbial toxins, or viruses is needed. They are however, highly specific and sensitive and are considered as reference methods for every serological evaluation. In the case of viruses, we can determine the capability of a given serumfor neutralizing the virus infectivity on a susceptible cell line.A viral solution, of a uniform concentration and which has previously been in contact with different dilutions of the test serum, is added to the cell culture. The observation of the cells at different times allows one to see if these cells are being infected or not by the virus, using either conjugated dyes or looking for the cytopatic effect. We can measure, in this way, the serumcapability for neutralizing the virus. Fig. Infected cell layer. Laboratory techniques for monoclonal immunoglobulin measurement Following arelaboratory methods used to identify and quantify monoclonal immunoglobulins. SERUM PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS The serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) method determines specific proteinsin the blood to help identify some diseases. Serum protein electrophoresis uses an electrical field to separate the proteins in the blood seruminto groups of similar size, shape, and charge. Blood serum contains two major protein groups: albumin and globulin. Both carry substances through the bloodstream. Using protein electrophoresis, these two groups can be separated into five smaller groups: Albumin. Alpha-1 globulin. Alpha-2 globulin. Beta globulin. Gamma globulin. Each of these five protein groups moves at a different rate in an electrical field and together form a specific pattern. This pattern helps in identifying diseases. Fig.Schematic of serum protein electrophoresis.The position of polyclonal Ig’s in normal serum and the anode (+) and cathode (-) are indicated. CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS This method is an alternative way to agarose gel electrophoresis for the measurement of serum proteins. Protein separation is performed in a liquid buffer system. The separated proteins pass an U.V detector that measures absorbance at 200 to 215 nm to determine the protein concentration. Fig. CZE.(A)Normal serum.(B)Monoclonal protein peak in ÃŽ ³-region, indicated by a small arrow on right. IMMUNOFIXATION ELECTROPHORESIS For this method, a patient’s serum is applied to several wells of an agarose gel, and after electrophoresis, specific antisera are overlaid on individual lanes of the gel. These antisera are typically against IgG, IgA, IgM, and ÃŽ », although other specificities may be useful for identifying unusual bands. A lane fixed with acid is also included for comparison. Following removal of the antisera, gels are washed and stained with Brilliant Blue or Amido Black. Although IFE is non-quantitative, it is regarded as the â€Å"gold standard† method to confirm the presence of a monoclonal protein and to distinguish its heavy and light chain type. Fig. Serum immunofixation electrophoresis. (A)Normal serum.(B)Monoclonal IgGÃŽ » intact immunoglobulin.(C, D)Monoclonal IgDÃŽ » intact immunoglobulin with ÃŽ » FLCs. FÃŽ »: anti-free ÃŽ » antisera. IMMUNOSUBTRACTION: Immunosubtraction can be used in place of IFE for typing the majority of monoclonal bands, but it is less sensitive. In this technique, Ig’s against IgG, IgA, IgM, are incubated with serum aliquots, then CZE is performed to determine which reagent remove an electrophoretic abnormality. Fig. IgGÃŽ º immunosubtraction example.The monoclonal protein peak is removed with addition of anti-IgG and -ÃŽ º antibodies. URINE CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS The measuring of urine proteins by CZE is more challenging than serum analysis because urine have electrolytes, organic acids and other metabolites that can interfere with the test. To prevent this, urine samples need to be pre-treated by filtration, or dialysisand for this reason, the routine use of urine CZE is limited. Reason for Immunoglobulin Measurement Measurement of Ig’s is performed for two reasons: Detection of immunodeficiency Determination of the nature of a paraprotein in monoclonal gammopathies History of Procedures ELISA: Before 1970s, a radioimmunoassay using radioactively-labeled antigens or antibodies was the only test available. In a radioimmunoassay, the radioactivity provides the reporter signal indicating if a specific antigen or antibody is present in the sample. WESTERN BLOT Western blotting evolved from Southern blotting (Ref 1), invented byEdwin Southernat University of Edinburgh in 1975. BACTERIAL AGGLUTINATION: Two scientists, Herbert Edward Durham (-1945) andMax von Gruber(1853–1927), discovered specific agglutination in 1896. RIA: In 1950s, the radio-immunoassay (RIA) was developed by Rosalyn Yalow and Solomon Berson.  This group was later awarded the Nobel Prize in 1977 for developing an RIA to detect and measure blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. REFERENCES: http://autoimmunityblog.com/2011/09/28/orgentec-autoimmune-diagnostics-history-of-indirect-immunofluorescence-technology-ift/ http://www.sanidadanimal.info/cursos/inmun/quinto1.htm#ELISA https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/sects/clinpath/test/immun/igs.cfm http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Analytical_Chemistry/Instrumental_Analysis/Capillary_Electrophoresis http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?term=Fluorescent+Antibody+Technique

Booker T. Washingtons Influence on Historically Black Colleges Essays

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON: THE AMBIGUITY OF INFLUENCE ABSTRACT My paper will discuss the continuing influence of Booker T. Washington's writings on historically black colleges. While my paper will focus on the ways in which the historically black college continues to adhere to the model provided by Washington, it will also explore the ways in which it diverges from the early Hampton-Tuskegee ideal. According to James D. Anderson in The Education of Blacks in the South, both contemporary observers and later historians have portrayed the white south as taking a monolithic view of black education. However, many secondary schools in the south did not emphasize the kind of industrial education advocated by Washington. In the same manner, the historically black college no longer places the emphasis on vocational training it did at one time. However, there are still advocates for Washington's model although the training under discussion is in technical fields. Washington's influence can also be found in the importance often placed on action in hi storically black colleges, such as mine, which can undermine attempts on the part of faculty to pursue a life of the mind. At the same time, stimulating new influences emerging from African-American studies are changing and enhancing the campus culture enriching both students and faculty. My paper will conclude by considering the influence of honors programs as well as multi-ethnic and multi-cultural student bodies and faculties on the future directions of the historically black college. INTRODUCTION The freedmen and women of the Ante-Bellum South had a thirst and hunger for knowledge known by few; often learning from another freedman who had just learned to read himself, freed... ... bonds to a past and to an American tradition erase all personal feelings of self-aggrandizement and intellectual pride, a place where the self encounters the struggle of America's past, a place where the soul grows deep like the rivers. WORKS CITED Anderson, James D. The Education of Blacks in the South, 1860-1935. Chapel Hill: U of North Carolina P, 1988. Du Bois, W. E. B. The Souls of Black Folk. 1903. New York: Penguin Books, 1989. Sims, Serbrenia J. Diversifying Historically Black Colleges and Universities: A New Higher Education Paradigm. Westport: Greenwood P, 1994. Washington, Booker T. A Sunday Evening Talk. Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. 15. Jan. 1911. Washington, Booker T. Up From Slavery. 1901. New York: Doubleday & Co., 1963. Willie, Charles V., and Edmonds, Ronald R. Black Colleges in America. New York: Teachers College Press, 1978.

Just in Time Concept

Financial AccountingS. Das Income Measurement and Accrual Accounting Recognition and Measurement in Financial Statements DEFINITIONS Revenues:inflows of assets or reductions in liabilities from selling goods and services Expenses:outflows of assets or increases in liabilities used up in generating revenues. Recognitionformal recording of an item in financial statements, in words and numbers Measurementquantify the effects of economic events numbers unit is money – dollars historical cost – recorded for simplicity, verifiability, reliability Current cost-relevant but less reliableOnly an estimate until item is sold Net income= Revenues-Expenses. Incomeamount of resources available for consumption at the end of a period and yet be as well off as it was at the beginning of the period. CASH BASIS Versus ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING So if we DEFINE PERIOD to be lifetime of a firm (which can only be defined for a firm with a finite life) then we are only interested in the earnings of a firm over its lifetime. In that case: a. just wait until the firm dissolves. b. Add up all the cash inflows over its lifetime other than those for sale of own stock. c.Add up the cash outflows over its lifetime other those for stock repurchase or dividends. d. Find the difference between cash inflows and outflows and YOU HAVE NET INCOME. e. THE ABOVE IS ALWAYS TRUE. However, if you DEFINE PERIOD TO BE ANY INTERVAL SMALLER THAN THE LIFE TIME when you wish to get information on earnings as intermediate feedback, then there is the following problem: -transactions may not be complete on a cash to cash basis – because the earnings process is continuous – Period1buy inventory for $5 Period2pay for inventory Period3sell and deliver inventory for $15Period4receive payment from customer. KEY QuestionWhen should revenues and expenses be recognized? One possibility is the cash basis recognize revenues at time of receiving cash and recognize expenses at the time of paying cash. E xample: A toy retailer starts business on January 1, 2000. The retailer Mr. XYZ pays two months rent in advance on his store for $2000. He also purchases and pays for toys worth $35,000. However, during the month of January, he sold no toys. During February, he sells all the toys he has for $45,000 but collects only $5000 of that in cash.He expects the neighborhood children to pay the remaining $40000 in March. JanFebruary Revenues—————– Less: Expenses Cost of toys—————– Rent—————- Total Expense—————- Income—————– Limitations of Cash basis 1. expenses are not aligned in time with the revenue that they produce. 2. recognition of revenue is unduly postponed. A Second possibility is the use of Accrual basis – depends upon when some critical event occurs. What happens to income (accrual basis) using same example? JanFebruary Revenues—————– Less: Expenses Cost of toys—————–Rent—————- Total Expense—————- Income—————– Comparing the Cash And Accrual Bases of Accounting -Basic difference one of timing Recognize Revenue whenRecognize Expense when Cash Basis cash is received cash is paid Accrual Basisrevenue is earned it is incurred Exhibit 4-2 transparency Accrualmatching of expenses with the corresponding revenues OR match resources used (expired assets- expenses)to generate revenue. The accrual concept forces accountants and managers to focus on changes in owner’s equity rather than merely reporting changes to the cash or other assets.The realization concept underlies the decision rules that accountants use in determining when revenues should be recognized and expenses matched to them. The Revenue Recognition Principle Revenue:Increase in Asset Or Decrease in Liability from Delivery of Goods Or Services Realized:Goods Or Services Exchanged for Cash Or Promise of Cash . Earned:Revenue earned when realization is complete or no significant obligations left How are Revenues recorded? †¢At the same time as cash is collected. †¢Before the time cash is collected. †¢After the time cash is collected. Possible Interpretations of Recognition Principle:Percentage of Completion:For long term projects, revenue recognized as stages are completed, based upon proportion of total cost incurred, Franchises: Initial fee recognized as revenue only FAS 45 â€Å"substantial performance† of its obligations B&J 32 Production MethodCommodities – Traded at established price; so revenue recognized when they are produced. Installment Method:opposite of production method: no reasonable basis to estimate collectability, so revenue on sale recognized as cash is collected Continuously:such as rent and interestThe criteria used in accounting to decide the recognition of revenues is : †¢A firms has performed all, or a substantial portion, of the services it expects to provide. †¢The firm has received cash, a receivable, or some other asset whose cash equivalent it can objectively measure. Expense Recognition and the Matching Principle The matching concept relates revenues and expenses so that owner’s equity is neither overstated nor understated at any points in the steam of events that constitutes operations. Expensewhen an Asset Has No Future Benefit i. e. It Is Used Up [Or] a Liability Is Incurred.Matching:Associate Revenues with Costs (expenses) Necessary to Generate them UnexpiredSometimes not done with specific items of product sold, but with period in Assets which they were sold eg. sales clerks' salaries are expensed in the period in which employees worked. Expired Some things never go through asset stage, since benefit is seen to expire as soon Assets as costs expended (purchased) = Period Costs; eg. utilities costs, telephone, fuel for vehicles (not asset) Two examples: 1. Expired asset versus 2. Expensing of benefits/ resources that never went through asset stage.A. Depreciation Expense estimated useful life and eventual salvage or resale value Manipulation to increase or decrease income Salvage deducted before calculating periodic expense because it is expected to be recovered and will remain an asset. B. Research ; DevelopmentDell Computer in its 1995 Annual Report list â€Å"Research, development and engineering† of $65,361,00 as operating expense on Income Statement. – an expense is an asset whose usefulness to the company is complete – it is deemed that R;D has no future benefit left hence out right expense without going through asset stage.For an accrual based company, Statement of Cash Flows provides information on Sources and Uses of Cash. Accrual basis necessary because we divide the earning of income, a process that takes place over a period of time, into artificial segments (reporting periods). Example: In the 1995, Income Statement Maytag Corporation had a net loss of $20,476,000. Their Statement of Cash Flows showed an increase in cash equivalents of $30,811,000. Cash provided by operating activities was $319,979,000. How can a company with a net loss have a gain in cash?This is possible if expenses exceeded revenues since Income statement is on accrual basis. It contains revenue amounts that may not have been realized in cash (still in accounts receivable) and expenses that may not have been paid for such as depreciation, and unpaid purchases. Also look for income from continuing operations versus loss due to extraordinary items and disposal of existing business. (As was the case in Maytag 1995) Accrual Accounting and Adjusting Entries: at end of period – Four Types: 1. Deferred Expense: Cash Paid before Expense Is In curredAsset created; as asset expires it becomes an expense, via adjusting entry Entry DuringAsset End of Expense period Cash period Asset eg. * prepaid rent becomes rent expense, a month at a time * Depreciation allocates cost of asset over its useful life – does not measure decline in value ? Based on estimates of salvage value and life of asset ?Periodic expense= [actual cost – est. salvage value]/estimated life ? debit is depreciation expense ?credit is not to asset account, which will always reflect cost, ? but to accumulated depreciation- contra account that is, an asset account with a credit balance 2. Deferred RevenueCash Received before Revenue Is Earned Liability Created Because Goods Or Services Still Owed EntryDuringCashEnd of Liability period Liability period Revenue ?Eg. unearned â€Å"the other company† from deferred expense entries ? for example, The landlord who received the prepaid rent has a deferred revenue ? liability is reduced, revenue inc reased, as time passes ?magazine subscriptions received in advance, earned as magazines mailed 3. Accrued LiabilityExpense incurred before Cash Is PaidOpposite of deferred expense EntryDuring-End of Expense period- period Liability Eg. taxes, payroll, utilities; interest for short term loan paid at maturity with principal 4. Accrued AssetRevenue Earned before Cash Is Received Opposite of deferred revenue EntryDuring-End of Asset period-periodRevenue ?both rent and interest are earned as time goes by, regardless of when cash received ? need adjusting entry if payment is not received. Exhibit 4-5 (text pp. 165) Example: P4-2 REVISITING THE ACCOUNTING CYCLE Steps taken to collect the necessary information to prepare financial statements (Exhibit 4-8) . Collect and Analyze 2. Journalize Events 3. Post to Ledger Accounts(Results in Unadjusted Trial Balance) 4. Journalize and Post adjustments(Results in Adjusted Trial Balance) 5. Prepare Financial Statements 6. Journalize and Post Closing Entries(Results in Post-Closing Trial Balance) 7. Post Closing Trial Balance 8. Optional: Reversing Entries The Closing Process: Two types of accounts:Balance Sheet= real accounts = permanent Income Statement= nominal accounts = temporary (Includes Dividend account) Purpose of closing entries:-Close temporary accounts -transfer net income (loss) to retained earningsProcess of closing: Debit Each Revenue Account: Sum Up a Single Credit to Income Summary. Credit Each Expense Account, Sum Up a Single Debit to Income Summary. Debit Income Summary If It Has a Credit Balance (Company Had Net Income) ORCredit Income Summary If It Has a Debit Balance (Company Had Net Loss) Credit Dividend Account, Debit Retained Earnings Exhibit 4-9 (text pp. 171) Example 1:E4-23. Ben ; Jerry’s Example 2:Let us look at McDonald’s Corporation’s 1998 Statement of Income shown on Page 139 of your text. Notea. Retained Earnings at the beginning and end of 1998 were $12,569 and $13,879. mil lion respectively. b. Total dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders were $239. 5 Use the numbers from the Income Statement to Reconstruct the relevant account balances. Then Close them to Income Summary and from there to Retained Earnings. EXAMPLE P4-10 Post-closing Trial Balance will only contain Balance Sheet accounts.When is a sale a sale? In an article concerning troubled MiniScribe Corporation (The Wall Street Journal September 12, 1989 – MiniScribe’s Investigators Determine That â€Å"Massive Fraud Was Perpetrated†. ) it was stated that â€Å" †¦ he company dramatically increased shipments to three warehouses, booking $56. 4 in sales and gross profit of $5. 4 million. † (Note that the warehouses being shipped to belonged to MiniScribe) The volume of shipments only called attention to the problem – it was not the problem. Problem is it is not Customer’s warehouse but MiniScribe’s – shipping goods to ones? own warehouse is not a sale – but a relocation of inventory – must be an arm’s length transaction.This was one among many violations – MiniScribe was also shipping bricks to an fictitious company, and recording them as sales revenue. 1. Claiming Tomorrow’s Profits Today, Forbes, October 17, 1988, p 78. Case 4-1:Ben ; Jerry’s Revenue Recognition – Initial Franchise Fee Footnote on 147 of text. FASB SFAS 45 allows franchisor to recognize initial franchise fee as revenue only when â€Å"substantial performance† of its obligations and when collection of the fee is reasonably assured. Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes franchise fee as †¦.. when services required by the franchise agreement have been substantially performed†¦. 1. Consistent with SFAS 45.The footnote refers to certain mandatory services that the company promises to perform for the new stores. Performance of these services is the basis for recognizin g the fee as revenue. Note that the footnote specifically uses the wording substantially performed. 2. The company recognizes the franchise fees as revenue in proportion to the stores for which the required services have been substantially performed. 3. Franchise fees are not large relative to net sales in any of the years. Franchise fees are less than 0. 4% of net sales in each of the three years. Unearned Revenue: Realizability Vs.Earned criteria – realized BUT has it been earned?. 1. Case 4-2:Gateway- Revenue Recognition Refer to page 30 of Gateway’s Annual Report, under â€Å"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies† 1. Gateway recognizes revenue from product sales when products are shipped. Revenue from separately priced extended warranty programs is deferred and recognized over the extended warranty period. 2. â€Å"Extended warranty programs† are contracts to service products for a period beyond the original warranty. These contracts are purchase d for an additional amount above the product purchase price. . The revenue from the extended warranties is recognized over the warranty period because it is earned over the entire period, as coverage is provided. 2. Case 4-3: Sears, Roebuck, ; Company – Revenue from Service Contracts. 1. Under the accrual basis, revenue should be recognized when it is earned, rather than when cash is received. Since the retailer incurs costs to repair damages over the life of the service contract, the revenue from the contract is also earned over the life of the contract. 2. Revenue to be recognized each year: Year 1 Year 2Year 3Sales Revenue Service Contract Total revenue Typically, for service contract you receive cash or payment, for future services, that creates a liability. Thus one has an unearned revenue account. In this particular example, the liability account would contain XXX at the end of year 1 and XX at the end of year 2 reported under current liability as unearned revenue on th e balance sheet. Sears, Roebuck, ; Company 1998 Annual Report Footnotes to Revenue Recognition The Company sells extended service contracts with terms of coverage between 12 and 36 months.Revenue and incremental direct acquisition costs from the sale of these contracts are deferred and amortized over the lives of the contracts. Costs related to servicing the contracts are expensed as incurred. 3. American Airlines: 1996 total revenues of $17,753 million. Balance sheet reported ? Air traffic Liability? of $1,889 million. – unearned revenue (~~11%) from ticket sales. -when retired – Retired when ticket holders are provided transportation. -Refundability a factor -What if carrier cannot provide service due to strike or storm. -When is revenue earned ? – when ticket is bought when passenger boards – when plane takes off – when the round trip is complete. AMERICAN AIRLINES 1998 Annual Report (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) (Note 1) PASSENGE R REVENUES Passenger ticket sales are initially recorded as a component of air traffic liability. Revenue derived from ticket sales is recognized at the time transportation is provided. However, due to various factors, including the complex pricing structure and interline agreements throughout the industry, certain amounts are recognized in revenue using estimates regarding both the timing and the amount of revenue to be ecognized. Actual results could differ from those estimates.In 1998, American showed revenues of $17,449 million and recorded â€Å"Air traffic liability† of $2,163 million on its Balance Sheet. Time Warner Inc. According to Annual Report they publish 26 different magazines. At end of 19985 unearned subscription revenue was $741 million. -included in their is your paid subscription to Time for issues that you have yet to receive. -magazines are sold at different rates depending on how you subscribed and for how long. – how to keep track of when earned. when does the earnings process complete When subscription received – if main source of revenue is advertising. When production is complete and delivery is made. A combination of these two. Note that Time does not have difficulty to keep track since subscription price variations and customer records are all kept by computers – closely monitor the process from payment to through unearned revenue to delivery and revenue earned. Time Warner Inc. 1998 Annual Report (Note 1) The unearned portion of paid subscriptions is deferred until magazines are delivered to subscribers.Upon each delivery, a proportionate share of the gross subscription is included in revenues. E 4-81. AugustCash Subscriptions Received in advance (Unearned Revenue) To record collection of 900 subscriptions Assets =Liabilities+ Owner’s Equity 2. August 31. Unearned revenue Subscription revenue To record subscriptions earned during August. Assets=Liabilities+Owner’s Equity 3. Net income for t he month of August would be under stated / overstated by XXX if the accountant forgot to make the entry to recognize revenue earned. (Self Note: Also see Magazine Subscription case) E 4 -9

Hiral Patel Essays (409 words) - Cruise Ships, Shipbuilding

Hiral Patel Essays (409 words) - Cruise Ships, Shipbuilding Hiral Patel BA 2196 Section 703/Paul A. Evangelista Crisis Communication, Spring 2017 On February 10, 2013, the Carnival Triumph cruise ship's engine caught fire, stranding 3,100 passengers. The engine fire left the cruise ship floating in the Gulf of Mexico for nearly five days (Thomaselli, 2013). Shortly after the outbreak, worried passengers discovered that the ship's maintenance and inspection reports stated that a disaster was developing and the ship should have never set sail (Griffin, 2013). The ship's diesel generator that caught fire, No. 6, was long overdue for maintenance and Carnival was well aware of that (Griffin 2013). The company's documents also stated that leaks were visible in the fuel lines. One of Carnival's ships had caught fire in February 2012 due to a fuel leak (Griffin 2013). Carnival Cruise Lines continuously told the media that the fire outbreak was merely an accident. The company had also agreed to invest money in safety upgrades. For five days, passengers had limited food, power, and raw sewage. Their vacation trips turned into nightmares . Passengers sued the cruise line for an unsafe trip and inadequate food and supplies. However, the company pointed out that the ticket contract did not specifically guarantee adequate food, and safe living conditions. Despite the proof of the ticket contract, Carnival offered all passengers a full refund and $500 compensation (Cahill 2013). Carnival appropriately handled this crisis because its CEO Gerry Cahill agreed to offer full refunds and compensation that lend credence to the company's attempts in restoring passengers' faith in the cruise line. Carnival inappropriately handled this crisis because it allowed Carnival spokesperson Joyce Oliva to tell media that the company has no plans at the moment to reassure its passengers of the disastrous trip. References Bartlett, D. (2013, February 15). How Carnival can clean up the PR mess. Retrieved March 8, 2017, from cnn.com/2013/02/14/opinion/bartlett-carnival-pr-mess/ Bly, L., Clark, J. (2013, February 15). Cruise industry braces for rough waters after Triumph. Retrieved March 9, 2017, from usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2013/02/15/carnival-triumph-cruise-travel-bookings-prices/1922915/ Cahill, G. (2013, February 15). Public Relations Expert: Carnival's Poor Reaction Will Hurt Company, Cruise Line Industry. Retrieved March 9, 2017, from http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2013/02/15/public-relations-expert-carnivals-poor-reaction-will-hurt-company-cruise-line-industry/ Thomaselli, R. (2013, February 14). Carnival Doesn't Shy Away From Triumph Crisis But Is Damage Done? Retrieved March 8, 2017, from http://adage.com/article/news/carnival-cruises-pr-response-triumph-crisis/239819/

buy custom Jamaica essay

buy custom Jamaica essay Introduction This research is based in Jamaica and it analyzes the global problem of racial discrimination. Racial discrimination refers to the act of showing prejudice or an offensive behavior towards a person who belongs to another race. In Jamaica, racial discrimination occurs when the white community shows a high level of prejudice towards the black community or vice versa (Stone 212). The main motive of racially abusing someone is the fact that the varied characteristics that each race has gives good reason for their discrimination. Racial discrimination is an act that can be seen in various forms. When the whites show open hatred toward the black community or when the blacks show open hatred to the white community, it is considered to be racial discrimination. Similarly, racial discrimination is evident when there is massive exploitation of a particular race by another race; it can also take the form of mass murder of a particular race by another race. Hate crimes or terrorism attacks launched against a particular race by another race is also considered as a mode of racial discrimination. In addition, racial discrimination can also be in the form of giving hate speeches against the other race or contesting for racial supremacy (Stone 212). Background Jamaica is an independent country which is in the Caribbean Island. The country is regarded as one of the members of the British Commonwealth Countries. Jamaica is regarded as the third biggest island in the Caribbean. Out of the diverse population in Jamaica, the Afro-Jamaicans compose a greater number of the entire population. As per the results of the census conducted in 1991, the entire population had about 90.5 percent of blacks, 0.2 percent of whites, 1.3 percent of Indians and 0.3 percent of Chinese. People from minor descents accounted for 7.3 percent of the entire population (Miles 42). Jamaica gained independence in 1962 and the great diversity of the population culminated into the framing of the Jamaicas motto which says: Out of Many, One People. The motto is supposed to mean that even though the Jamaican people hailed from different ethnicities or races, all of them should live as one united big family. However, despite the assertions of the Jamaican motto, racism has quickly crept into the nation. The white community, despite their small number, has increasingly become more racially superior over the blacks. This is considered as the biggest contribution to the modern day racial discrimination between the black and the white communities in Jamaica. The picture below shows the map of Jamaica (Miles 42). The Global Problem When people are separated through social partitions into classes with the aim of differential treatments, it is considered to be racial discrimination. In Jamaica, for instance, racial discrimination is so much evident in the workplace. Many employers belong to the white community, thus, when it comes to offering employment positions, the whites are given an upper hand over the black community. Alternatively, in the workplace, which is mainly dominated by the whites, the black people do not stand a good chance in terms of competing for bigger positions in the organization or getting better pay (Reilly, Kaufman, and Bodino 52). Similarly, in social institutions racial discrimination is very evident. For instance, in schools that are considered to belong to the white community, the black students do not receive a fair treatment and vice versa. Many teachers in these schools perceive the black students as criminal minded and thus they are blamed for all the bad happenings in the school. The policemen also portray a huge element of racial discrimination in case a black person is in the vicinity o a crime scene. Several of them have been arrested or suspected to have been involved in crime yet they are so innocent. In the hospitals, the white doctors are so reluctant to attend to the black patients; normally, they find a way of blaming the blacks for spreading the various contagious diseases (Reilly, Kaufman, and Bodino 52). The Jamaican Motto signifies the varied cultures that come from the multi-racial population and forms the basis of identifying the nation. In as much as the motto emphasizes on harmony and unity among the people, the countrys image is still soiled by increased cases of racism or discrimination with regards to color of the skin. Jamaica is a country that has a huge history in terms of coming out of slavery, yet the act of racial discrimination still proves to be an act of modern day slavery (Reilly, Kaufman, and Bodino 53). The wide gap between the rich white community and the impoverished black community has contributed in a huge way toward the existence of racial discrimination. Many whites employ the blacks as casuals or laborers in their farms. They perceive the blacks as well efficient in doing the dirty works which require less skills or training, thus, attracting a very meager remuneration. In the modern day Jamaica, a high number of the whites have recounted on how they have been treated preferentially in several social institutions, while at the same time, several blacks have recounted on how they have been treated harshly by their white counterparts in social places. These all happen because of the notion that the blacks are poor people and, thus, disadvantaged in the society. On account of this, the blacks have begun to fight back in order to prove their worth in the society. With the increasing cases of racial discrimination in Jamaica, the black people are the majorly affected. As a result, quite a number of them have resorted to actions such as bleaching their bodies so as to lighten their skin color. A majority of the blacks have succeeded in getting acceptance by the whites as a result of bleaching (Reilly, Kaufman, and Bodino 53). The conflict between the dark skinned and the white skinned has proved to be a major global catastrophe. It has disentangled the unity of Jamaica due to the fact that the whites perceive the blacks as their enemies while at the same time, the blacks perceive the whites as their enemies and their main stumbling block to triumph. In consequence of this, the gap between the whites and the blacks has increasingly widened and in certain towns the whites and the blacks do not see each other eye to eye. Racial discrimination has also found its way in politics, whereby a potential candidate for a leadership position can fail to clinch the leadership position because of his or her racial orientation. For instance, a black candidate who is vying for a political position in a region mainly dominated by the whites can find it very hard to clinch that position especially if the opponent is white (Reilly, Kaufman, and Bodino 53). Consequently, racial discrimination has also found its way into the religious field. The black people do not want to go to churches that are dominated by the white people and the white people are too reluctant to go to churches dominated by the blacks. This has caused the people to be divided along religious lines, thus, further fuelling additional tensions and pressures. Besides, racial discrimination is also evident in the field of sports whereby some games are set aside for the white community while other games are dominated by the black community. In games such as soccer, the blacks refuse to mix with their white counterparts, thus, the whites are highly prejudiced when it comes to getting a position in a soccer game. Actually, many sporting clubs are owned by the rich white people, and in many instances, the blacks find it very hard to gain membership in these clubs (Reilly, Kaufman, and Bodino 54). Solutions to the Global Problem Racial discrimination is a major vice in the society. Several measures have been put in place by various non-profit organizations with the aim of eliminating this vice. It is very beneficial when the racist activities are shut off completely so as to promote peaceful co-existence of the people in the society. Peace Corps is one of the non-profit organizations that preach peace and tranquility with the aim of eliminating racial discrimination. They hold the view that showing hatred toward somebody with regards to his or her racial origin is a sin and is contrary to Christian values. They further elaborate that every person should emulate Jesus Christ who never discriminated anybody and loved His enemies equally. Therefore, every person should change his or her heart so as to be friendly to the others; this aims at promoting peace and tranquility in the society. The Peace Corps, therefore, aim at fostering peace in the churches through preaching and conducting sermons with the belief t hat people will change their hearts (Peace Corps 2011). The United Nations, through UNICEF, have come up with a cause named International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day is observed on 21st March of each year. On such a day, there are various events or activities aimed at creating awareness that racial discrimination is a backward behavior and should actually be a thing of the past. In addition, people are reminded to observe and stick to their role of abolishing anti-racial behaviors in the society. The events and the activities that take place on this day aim at encouraging the people, especially the young ones to speak out in one voice, to battle racial discrimination, and to promote peaceful and friendly co-existence among the diverse population. Various United Nations leaders all over the world also speak out on this day and their messages is also aimed at promoting peace and harmonious existence by the members of the society (United Nations 2010). The World Bank has also contributed towards eliminating racial discrimination through funding various causes that aim at eliminating the vice. In Jamaica, the various movements that are spearheaded by non-governmental organizations so as to fight racism have been funded by the World Bank Group. The top management of the World Bank have also aired their voice against the rising cases of racism and called upon the various leaders to take the step to organize programs or activities that enhance peaceful co-existence among the diverse members of the society. A person should not, therefore, be looked down upon on the basis of his or her racial origin. According to Ashoka, the previous emperor of India, racial discrimination is regarded as a social evil and should be eliminated at all cost. Ashoka played a vital role in fostering unity among the people through his religion as a Buddhist. He developed several doctrines that were practiced by his followers regardless of their race. His teachings concerning racial discrimination pertained to how the vice could lead to war if it was left unattended to, thus, the fight against racial discrimination starts with every single individual. It is upon the individual to realize the magnitude of the problem and come up with quick solutions to counter it. No individual should look down upon the other because of his or her racial orientation (Krause and Knight 63). Conclusion Racial discrimination contributes to the moral decay of the society. When it is allowed to persist, much hostility and tension could arise among the warring members of the society. It is very beneficial to exist peacefully with all the members of the society regardless of their race. Various non-profit institutions have spearheaded programs in Jamaica to combat racial discrimination as a result of the urgency of the matter. Buy custom Jamaica essay

Strategic Management Report on Acer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Strategic Management Report on Acer - Essay Example The general trends and strategy of the industry and the strategy of Acer will be compared and contrasted briefly. Reasons for Acer's growth and some recommendations for the strategic direction of Acer will be discussed. Towards the end of the paper the success and the factors that accounted for Acer's success will be put in the picture. There are more than a dozen PC manufacturers who lead the computer industry. In such a competitive environment only that manufacturer can survive who has got competitive edge over its competitors. When Acer first entered the PC industry, there was already fierce competition in the industry. Price cutting was the major trend in the 1990s, instead of differentiating their products from others, the players in the industry indulged into price wars. Technology in the PC industry was changing rapidly; observing competitor's moves and strategic responses to those moves were changing the global PC industry. Strategic direction of most of the producers of PC at that time was to design their own PC and sell it through their distribution channels according to the demand forecast. As the existing players in the industry were in the business for several years now, they marketed their product with competitive price and fresh technology. And now after so many years in the market of notebooks and PCs, Acer is able to reduce its costs to levels beyond that of Dell and HP. It was able to do this because it distributes the products through only retailing and e-tailing, while others use direct selling and corporate selling. Acer has also outsourced its manufacturing and assembly to reduce costs. Now Acer has competitive edge of price over its customers and Acer is following price cut strategy to win over Dell and HP. Acer is a Taiwan based company, and as all Asian produces inherited cost advantage over the companies based in Europe and US, Acer also had advantage of lower costs because of availability of labor, no heavy taxes from government and no propriety laws. The first product that Acer started producing was Microprocessor I, then after a few years it established a new company which manufactured and supplied computer parts to other companies in the industry. Acer wanted an independent brand name; to achieve it, Acer established a retail computer chain too. With a retail chain of its own and a parts supplying company under its brand name, Acer eliminated any dependencies on other firms. Acer's success was driven by product innovation; it started producing new technology ahead of IBM. The Acer's OEM business Acer Peripherals Inc. was of a huge advantage to Acer in the global market. Acer could speed up the deliveries of PCs and cut cost of its PCs because it was producing the parts itself. While Acer was self-dependent, other companies in the industry such as IBM and Compaq were getting their supplies from Acer Peripherals. Through its innovation and self-dependency, it created competitive edge in the form of fast deliveries and lower costs, and by 1990 it became 13th largest manufacturer of PCs. In the beginning, Acer was cunning enough to not confront global PC producers such as IBM and Compaq, and it mainly marketed its products in Europe and Asia. But in late 1980s it entered the US market and partnered with two companies to establish the

Overview of The Republican Theory Research Paper

Overview of The Republican Theory - Research Paper Example The Republican idea of freedom encompasses negative liberty, which in essence, roughly encompasses no interference by other individuals or even at least any interference that may be deemed to have been negligent, sufficiently intentional, indifferent or reckless to count as culpable or blameworthy. The notion of a republican liberty can thus be seen to be negative as is the case with the standard liberal idea. The way republicans perceive freedom has roots which can be traced back to the day of the Roman republic. According to the Romans, the simple fact of one not suffering any interference did not warrant to be considered as liberty, they argued that one could in effect be a slave without any master whatsoever, but still be viewed as not being free. According to the Romans, being free was to be of equal or even full party to the Roman law, a free person was an individual who happened to be protected in the same respect as all other persons by the Roman law and in effect was considered to be wholly incorporated as a citizen into the Roman body politic (Braithwaite & Pettit, 2002). Under the republican theory, a person could be considered to fully enjoy negative liberty if the person happens to be exempted from all the constraints that may happen to be imposed by the blameworthy or intentional actions of others in choosing specific given options. These options may include things such as hobbies which he is able to perform with his own intelligence and strength, in effect, these options are those things that the person is capable of doing without any benefit from any unique circumstances or from any of his colleagues. An individual may be said to enjoy full dominion if the person happens to enjoy the same prospects of liberty as all the other citizens, if it is common knowledge to all that the person enjoys this