Pantheon Essays (681 words) - Domes, Pantheon, Rome, Pantheon

Pantheon Pantheon, temple dedicated to all the gods. The Pantheon of Rome is the best-preserved major edifice of ancient Rome and one of the most significant buildings in architectural history. In shape it is an immense cylinder concealing eight piers, topped with a dome and fronted by a rectangular colonnaded porch. The great vaulted dome is 43.2 m (142 ft) in diameter, and the entire structure is lighted through one aperture, called an oculus, in the center of the dome. The Pantheon was erected by the Roman emperor Hadrian between AD 118 and 128, replacing a smaller temple built by the statesman Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa in 27 BC. In the early 7th century it was consecrated as a church, Santa Maria ad Martyres, to which act it owes its survival (see Architecture). The term pantheon also refers to a building that serves as a mausoleum or memorial for eminent personages of a country. The most famous example is the Church of Sainte Genevi?ve in Paris, designed (1764) in the classical style by the French architect Jacques Germain Soufflot. It was later secularized, renamed the Pantheon, and used as a temple to honor the great of France. Built in Rome, AD c.118-28, in the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is the best preserved and most impressive of all Roman buildings. It has exerted an enormous influence on all subsequent Western architecture. The Pantheon asserts the primacy of space as contained volume over structure in the most dramatic fashion. From the time of the Pantheon onward, Roman architecture was to be one of spatial volumes. The Pantheon was designed and built by Hadrian to replace an earlier temple established by Agrippa (the misleading inscription in the entrance frieze refers to this earlier edifice). The existing structure is an immense round temple covered by a single dome, fronted by a transitional block and a traditional temple portico of eight Corinthian columns carrying a triangular pediment. Originally, the awkward juxtaposition of these three sections was softened by a rectangular forum in front of the temple. The temple is deceptively simple in appearance, consisting of a circular drum carrying a hemispherical dome with an inside diameter of 43.2 m (142 ft). The proportions are such that, if extended to the floor, the curve of the inner surface of the dome would just "kiss" the floor; thus, a perfect sphere is contained, a symbolic reference to the temple's dedication to all the gods--pan ("all") plus theos ("god")--in the sphere of the heavens. The drum and dome are of solid monolithic concrete, reinforced with bands of vitrified tile. The vertical gravity loads are collected and distributed to the drum by relieving arches incorporated in the concrete. The wall of the drum, 6.1 m (20 ft) thick, is hollowed out by a series of alternately rectangular and curved niches or recesses. Thus, the drum is transformed into a series of massive radial buttresses, lessening its deadweight without decreasing its strength. The weight of the upper sections, and thus the magnitude of the thrusts, was reduced by varying the density of the filler in the concrete, from pumice in the upper dome to tufa in the middle sections and dense basalt in the foundations. The visually compressive effect of the dome on the inside is lessened by deep coffers (indentations) radiating down from the central oculus ("eye")--9.1 m (30 ft) in diameter--the only window in the building. Because the oculus is open to the sky, the floor is slightly concave with a drain at the center. The building was converted into a church dedicated to Mary (Santa Maria Rotunda) in 609, and therefore it escaped destruction. It is the only Roman building to retain its marble revetments, mosaics, and stuccowork. The huge bronze doors (7 m/24 ft high) are the largest Roman doors to survive in place and remain in use. Leland M. Roth Bibliography: Boethius, Axel, and Ward-Perkins, J. B., Etruscan and Roman Architecture (1970); MacDonald, William L., The Pantheon (1976); Ward-Perkins, J.B., Roman Imperial Architecture (1981).

Hygroscopic Definition in Chemistry

Hygroscopic Definition in Chemistry Water is an important solvent, so its unsurprising that there is a term specifically related to water absorption. Definition of Hygroscopic A hygroscopic substance is able to absorb or adsorb water from its surroundings. Typically, this occurs at or near ordinary room temperature. Most hygroscopic materials are salts, but many other materials display the property. When water vapor is absorbed, the water molecules are taken into the molecules of the substance, often resulting in physical changes, such as increased volume. Color, boiling point, temperature, and viscosity can also change. When water vapor is adsorbed, the water molecules remain on the surface of the material. Examples of Hygroscopic Materials Zinc chloride, sodium chloride, and sodium hydroxide crystals are hygroscopic. Silica gel, honey, nylon, and ethanol are also hygroscopic. Sulfuric acid is hygroscopic, not only when concentrated but also down to a concentration of 10% v/v or even lower. Germinating seeds also are hygroscopic. After seeds have dried, their outer coating becomes hygroscopic and starts absorbing moisture needed for germination. Some seeds have hygroscopic portions that change the shape of the seed when moisture is absorbed. The seed of Hesperostipa comata twists and untwists, depending on its hydration level, drilling the seed into the soil. Animals also make use of hygroscopic materials. For example, a species of lizard commonly called the thorny dragon has hygroscopic grooves between its spines. Water (dew) condenses on the spines at night and collects in the grooves, and then capillary action lets the lizard capture water across its skin. Hygroscopic Versus Hydroscopic You might encounter the word hydroscopic used in place of hygroscopic. Although hydro- is a prefix meaning water, the word hydroscopic is a misspelling and is incorrect. A hydroscope is an instrument used to take deep sea measurements. A device called a hygroscope in the 1790s was an instrument used to measure humidity levels. The modern name for such a device is a hygrometer. Hygroscopy and Deliquescence Hygroscopic and deliquescent materials are both able to absorb moisture from the air. However, hygroscopy and deliquescence dont mean precisely the same thing. Hygroscopic materials absorb moisture, but deliquescent materials absorb moisture to the extent that the substance dissolves in water. Deliquescence may be considered an extreme form of hygroscopy. A hygroscopic material will become damp and may stick to itself or become caky, while a deliquescent material will liquefy. Hygroscopy Versus Capillary Action While capillary action is another mechanism involving the uptake of water, it differs from hygroscopy in that no absorption occurs in capillary action. Storing Hygroscopic Materials Hygroscopic chemicals require special care. Typically, they are stored in airtight containers. They may also be maintained under kerosene, oil, or within a dry atmosphere. Uses of Hygroscopic Materials Hygroscopic substances are used to keep products dry or to remove water from an area. They are commonly used in desiccators. Hygroscopic materials may be added to products because of their ability to attract and hold moisture. These substances are referred to as humectants. Examples of humectants used in food, cosmetics, and drugs include salt, honey, ethanol, and sugar. The Bottom Line Hygroscopic and deliquescent materials and humectants are all able to absorb moisture from the air. Generally, deliquescent materials are used as desiccants. They dissolve in the water they absorb to yield a liquid solution. Most other hygroscopic materials (which dont dissolve) are called humectants.

How the banking industry has been affected by online banking Dissertation

How the banking industry has been affected by online banking - Dissertation Example Telecommunication systems and technologies help the bank to reach customers and provide them with not only general information but also the opportunity to perform interactive services of offline banking transactions like payment, receipts and transfer of funds (Aladwani, 2001). However Sullivan (2002) is critical of the technology and advises the banks that adopt internet banking to develop different methods of conducting business and speculates that internet will destroy old models and concepts of banking and will have profound influence on the banking industry. Online banking though offers variety of services resulting in better customer satisfaction giving personal experience (Karjaluoto, et al, 2002), it is often accompanied by risk factors which is why there is a need to carry out a research to study how the online banking has affected the banking industry. Background Traditionally banks used the internet to provide general information about the banks, services offered and other information to the customers. The incredible growth of internet has changed the way banking was processed with the entry of virtual banks like Compubank and Net.B@nk, providing customers with financial services over the internet and low cost or no fees as these banks do not have branches thus reducing the operating and fixed costs by replacing employees with technology (Jun and Cai, 2001). In order to sustain their competitiveness in the market, the traditional banks went online in order to provide better customer service, allow the customer access the services from the internet, make payment, receive and transfer funds online without standing in queue. According to a June 2006 study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 43 percent of internet users or about 63 percent of American adults bank online (Patton, 2006). Online banking allows 24/7 customer service, borderless transactions, speedy service, effective banking transaction assisted with more sophisticated tools and s ervices providing optimum security (Magoon and Vasisth, 2006). According to Plunkett (2008) companies that offer ATMs, physical branches and online services find the combination to be very effective as it costs a great deal less to service a customer who primarily relies on online services to manage accounts and ATMs to withdraw cash. Consumers who use online services seem to be educated, have large bank balances, better credit ratings and create higher levels of profits than customers who opt for traditional banking, the view which is also agreed and found by Sullivan (2000) that bank can generate a large number of Internet transaction if it has sizeable customer base. However, Plunkett (2008) states that maintaining accounts security are the major challenge to online banking as they have often been subject to attacks by hackers, scam artists and virus writers. It is further stated that success in online banking seems to be dependent on physical locations as consumers still wanted a branch to solve their queries. In a study carried out by Rose (cited in Jun and Cai, 2001), it was found that most of the banks, evaluated for service quality, showed an unsatisfactory level of service and argued that online banking has become complicated which may cause many problem than it can solve. Various studies

International Transport Companies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Transport Companies - Essay Example Transport is one of the primary requirements of the modern age since the ability to move from one point on the planet to another gives human beings the chance to engage in many activities that make our way of life possible. In fact, international trade, humanitarian assistance, global commerce and even the process of globalization itself could be completely stalled if the present means of international transport were not there. The IRU (2002) reports that: â€Å"Issues in transport directly concern the whole functioning of international trade system. In fact, any transport network failures may be assimilated to "blood clots" obstructing free movement of people, goods and services, and hindering sustainable development of world economy. (IRU, 2002, Pg. 1)† With the existence of international transport, international laws also prohibit the transport of certain goods from one nation to another and wherever there are laws to prohibit something there is money to be made in breaking the law. This means that there is a thriving underground network of transporters who knowingly or unknowingly are busy transporting humans, drugs, weapons, chemicals and even animals that have certain restrictions placed on them (Wikipedia, 2006). The transport of such goods creates several problems for international transport companies, therefore, the company themselves, as well as the governments they deal with, have to work towards minimizing the associated problems. Fundamentally, if an international transport company of repute plays by the book, then the company knows fully that engaging in the transport of illegal/unwanted goods will have negative effects on the operations of the company. For example, productivity would be hurt because the ratio of goods and services which are provided by the company might need more inputs from the labor and the management to prevent the presence of stowaways or smuggled goods.

The Influence of Loyalty Programmes on Customer Loyalty in Banking Essay

The Influence of Loyalty Programmes on Customer Loyalty in Banking Sector - Essay Example Due to globalised competition the strategic importance of satisfaction, loyalty and quality has been the core structure in winning over the consumer’s preferences and maintain competitive advantage. Thus the higher the quality of service, the more satisfied and loyal the customers would be. Since customer loyalty is still in a flux in the financial service sector, banks have an opportunity to strengthen the customer relationship by means of rewards programs which are relevant to its customers. About 20% of the banking customers are likely to change the primary institutions and also almost half of the percentage of customers prefers relationship with multiple institutions. Therefore a successful loyalty program would get customers invested in the relationship by rewarding the customers on the most optimal products and services (BAI, 2011). Aims and Objective The aim of the research is to find out the influence of loyalty programmes on customer loyalty in banking sector. The obj ectives of the project are to Analyses the factors that influences the loyalty of the customers in the banking sector To analyses the influence of quality on satisfaction Any changes in the customers loyalty patterns Recommendations on how banks can improve customer loyalty. Research questions The following are the research questions associated with the project: 1. What will be the impact of customers loyalty towards the banks brand image and positioning? 2. Does customer loyalty influences consumer behaviour? 3. How would customer loyalty affect the competitive advantage of the banking sector? 4. What is the influence of loyalty programs in the banking sector? 5. What factors influences the customer’s loyalty in the banking industry?. Literature Review Customer loyalty is about attracting right customers, getting the customers to buy often, allow the customers to buy in higher quantities and brings in more customers for the organization. it is build through means of keeping in touch with the customers, showing the customers that the organization cares for them and rewarding the customers for choosing a particular bank over its competitors. Thus treating the customers the way they want it to be treated (Customer Loyalty Institute, n.d). There are many different approaches towards customer loyalty. Theories of behavioural loyalty were considered as the function of total purchase; function of buying pattern, or of buying probability. These are the approaches that look at the brand loyalty rather than reasons. Loyalty should be evaluated both attitudinal and behavioural criteria (Akhter et.al, 2011, p. 1168). With the availability of ample banking facilities the customers gets influenced and this leads to customer loyalty towards its bank (Fry et.al, 2011). The managers are aware of the fact that quality superiority provides a competitive advantage for the banks and leads to customer loyalty, growth of market share and productivity of the banks. Culture ha s been identified as the key variable that influences the service quality perception that examines the banking sector (Sigala & Christou, 2006, p.381). Brand plays an important role in bank marketing in order to attract as well as retain its customers. Brand building is a costly activity but its benefits

How Could Volkswagen Use Motivation Theories Commerce Essay

How Could Volkswagen Use Motivation Theories Commerce Essay This study was initiated as a result of identifying factors affecting motivation in Volkswagen after the franchise by Nissan Motors. It identified those factors perceived by Volkswagen employees as most important for their motivation to work. A survey containing five questions related to their perception of the factors that motivate them to work. This study will analyze on how to either sustain or enhance the current level of motivation in Volkswagen. Ethics, essentially consist of a set of moral guidelines towards conductance of an appropriate behavior. Such behavior conforms to professional standards of conduct. The corporate code of ethics consists of a set or moral principles and values that govern the behavior of the organization with respect to what are right. A single code of ethics will result in the preservation of consistency and harmony within an organization. A code of ethics will be devised while conducting this study. The code of ethics will compromise of anonymity of respondents. The name, age, and profession of the respondent will not be asked. The respondents opinion about Volkswagen will be respected and will in any case be used against them. Secondly, utilization of research findings will be used as code of ethics. This means that the result of this research will be used to analyze the impact of the takeover on employee motivation and to find a solution to the problem. Justification of the chosen methodology in terms of research question The research design for this study employs a survey method. This is a method whereby the researcher gathers information about a certain phenomenon and the factors influencing it. When conducting a survey, a researcher samples respondents who answer the same questions. Research using primary and secondary research relating to the proposal Primary research is defined as original data gathering from people within target market. They are called fist hand data as they are being collected for the first time for its own needs. Secondary research is the use and analysis of data that already exist. These data were originally collected by another organization, often for a different purpose, and are often referred to as second hand data. For the purpose of this study both primary and secondary data will be collected. Given that previously no study was carried out on the factors affecting motivation in Volkswagen, there was a need to collect primary data. Hence in this case questionnaires will be distributed to the employees of Volkswagen to collect data. The formulation of the research objectives is largely materialized by the availability of secondary data such as leaflets, conditions of service of Volkswagen and among others. Secondary sources of information such as management and psychology journals will be used. Research project The action plan was approved and was qualified as being a good one by the supervisor. Questionnaires were hand delivered and emailed to participants. Questionnaires were filled out by participants and collected by the author. Some participants preferred to use email to return the questionnaires. The objective of this research project is to analyze the impact of the takeover on employee motivation in Volkswagen, and analyze how to either sustain or enhance their level of motivation by using motivation theories. So now we are going to go through some motivation theories such as Maslow hierarchy of needs, Herzberg and the two factor theory, Elton Mayo and so on so as we able to make a conclusion on employees in Volkswagen. Definition of Motivation It is easy to understand why machines, buildings, brand names and financial assets are resources of a business. What is less easily understood or realized is that perhaps the most significant resource of any business is the people it employs. As the world adopts technology at a faster rate with more sophisticated applications and as products tend towards greater similarity there is a growing awareness that a business differentiate itself and its brands by creating a quality, focused and well motivated workforce. For instance, a business organization bequeathed by modern capital, equipment, and highly qualified managers may not necessarily witness success when the labor force is less motivated. Managers should thus be concerned with the what and how workers are motivated. Hence this research project will be dealing with the use of motivation theories so as to sustain employee motivation in Volkswagen. Maslow (1908-1970) and the hierarchy of human needs Abraham Maslows research was not based solely on people in the work environment and his findings have significance for students of psychology and sociology too. He was concerned with trying to identify and classify the main needs that humans have. He also said: our needs determine our actions- we will always try to satisfy them and we will be motivated to do so. If work can be organized so that we can satisfy some or all of our needs at work then we will become more productive and satisfied. Maslow summarized the human need as follow: Physical needs: income from employment- high enough to meet essential needs. Safety needs: offering a contract of employment with some job security. A structured organization that gives clear lines of authority to reduce uncertainty. Ensuring health and safety conditions are met. Social needs: working in teams or groups and ensuring good communication to make workers feel involved. Esteem needs: offer recognition for work done well. Status, advancement and responsibility will gain the respect of others. Self actualization: offer challenging work that stretched the individual- this will give a sense of achievement. The first need is physiological needs. Once this need is fully satisfied, then the employees would be motivated by safety needs. Volkswagen staff will be motivated by safety need only after having satisfied the precedent need. With the takeover by Nissan motors, employees of Volkswagen are looking for job safety, as they fear they may lose their jobs, so the managers should see to it that the employees have job security. After having satisfied the safety needs, then the employees will be motivated by social needs, those needs are acceptance and communication. Managers should communicate with their staff often to give them a sense of belonging to the organization and show them that the situation will be the same after the takeover. Then there is the need which is associated with status and esteem. Here people are motivated to work because they are seeking recognition and self respect. They want other to respect and acknowledge their capabilities. Such needs exist at the top of the pyr amid to show that this is the ultimate aim of an employee. Herzberg the two factor theory Despite basing his research on just 200 professionally qualified workers, Herzbergs conclusions and famous two factor theory have had the greatest impact on motivational practices. His research was based around questionnaires and interviews with employees with the intention of discovering those factors that led to them having very good feeling about their jobs and those factors that led to them having very negative feeling about their jobs. His conclusions were that, job satisfaction resulted from five main factors: achievement, recognition for achievement, the work itself, responsibility and advancement. He called these factors the motivators. Motivators conversely are much more important for motivating workers. Their presence is a must in order to generate positive satisfaction, for example a good management style encouraging consultation and participation can really ignite the will to work. Elton mayo (1880-1949) and the human relations theories Elton mayo is best known for his Hawthorne Effect conclusion. These were based on a series of experiments he and his team conducted over a five year period at the Hawthorne factory of Western Electric Co in Chicago. His work was initially based on the assumption that working conditions, lightings, heating, rest periods and so on, and had a significant effect on workers productivity. The conclusion on Elton Mayos work: changes in the working conditions financial rewards have little or no effect in productivity. When management consult with workers and take an interest in their work then motivation improved. Groups can establish their own targets or norms and these can be greatly influences by the informal leaders of the group. Factors affecting motivation Researchers found different factors of motivation in their research. For some people, pay is not ranked as being the most important factor of motivation while for others it is. According to the hierarchy of needs, pay is an important reward as it provides employees with the means to purchase items which satisfy their physiological needs and esteem needs. Good communication and the role played by the supervisor Communication refers to the passing of information from one person to another, id there is effective communication between the manager of Volkswagen and the staff, then the latter will be motivated. Furthermore, the supervisor should provide feedback regarding performance to be able to set realistic goals and to give them a sense of belonging to the organization. Some workers are frustrated by the lack of supervision and employee involvement in decision making. Different styles of leadership should be adapted to different types or workers, depending upon their level on motivation. Workers of Volkswagen hear that with the takeover of Nissan motors the span of control may become wider thus increasing the time taken to communicate. Fringe benefits Some employees are motivated by benefit for instance medical subsidies, vacations, home loan etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ as these may ensure financial well being. It is believed by Gerhart and Milkovich (1992) that by linking benefits to seniority, workers will be reluctant to change jobs. However with the takeover, the staff of Volkswagen fears that their benefits obtained previously may changed. Training Training is another factor that can impact on motivation, according to some employees. They believe that with the takeover, they should be better trained so as to meet the challenges. People with the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and compatible values will not be frustrated in their work. Equity The workers are motivated by several factors. The managers of Volkswagen should motivate their workers by taking these factors into consideration, as they are feeling apprehensive with the takeover of Nissan motors. Findings The data collection method which has been considered the most appropriate in the research is the written questionnaires as it proceeds in an orderly and specific manner. The factors affecting motivation as well as the level of frustration of the staff with regards to the takeover by Nissan motors, has been discussed. All these findings will be represented below in a bar chart which shows the level of frustration of the employees with regards to their pay level, good communication, the benefits they are receiving, the level of training and the level of equity by the takeover of Nissan motors. Justifications: The number of workers who are frustrated that their level of pay may change is 20. The number of workers who fear that the span of control and the time taken to communicate with their supervisors may increase is 12. The number of workers who fear that their benefits may be affected is 5. The number of workers, who demand training as they want to be better equipped to meet the challenges, is 10. The number of workers who fear that inequity may occur is 3. The total number of workers interviewed is 50. Evaluation on the methodology used and analysis of findings: A bar chart was used to illustrate all the information so that information can be understood clearly. The table below shows the different values in terms of percentages. Factors Frequency Valid % Pay 20 40 Communication 12 24 Benefits 5 10 Training 10 20 Equity 3 6 40%, out of which 15 % are female, are frustrated with regards to their level of pay. 24%, out of which 13% are female, feel that the span of control and the time taken to communicate with their supervisors may increase. 10%, out of which 7.5% are female, fear that the benefits they are receiving may change. 20%, out of which 14% are female, feel that they must get more training so as to better face new challenges. 6%, out of which 2 % are female, feel that inequity may occur with the re-branding process Impact on the performance on the organization A lack of motivation amongst the workforce may lead to a fall in productivity and efficiency: workers are more frustrated and are less willing to give the best of themselves. Hence productivity as well as efficiency may fall, thereby preventing the organisation which is Volkswagen to attain its pre-determined objectives. Motivation induces workers to work harder and also to compete among themselves. However, with a lack of adequate motivation, there will be no competition. As a consequence, Volkswagen may become less competitive both internally and externally. Motivation also promotes more comprehensiveness. Motivated workforces has a favorable attitude and are willing to adapt to changes. However, if workers are less motivated, they will be less willing to accept changes, thus making Volkswagen more inflexible. Recommendations The bright picture is that the majority of people still believe that the future is bright enough and many challenges would be overcome with appropriate training and development. Volkswagen could come up with various incentive packages to motivate its staff and face the fierce competition intelligently and wisely.

What Foreign Aid Is Essay -- Politics Political Government Relations E

What Foreign Aid Is There are two words that many politicians like to shy away from, and those two words are, "foreign aid." Taking a firm stand on either side of this topic is usually side stepped by decision makers. Their opinions are usually based on a case by case analysis. This extremely controversial topic involves whether or not to support the policy of foreign aid to needy or sometimes not so needy countries. What benefits does foreign aid have for the countries that receive it, and does it have any benefits for the countries who give? Some may say that instead of spending money on foreign aid, money should be spent on domestic aid. Those who argue in favor of foreign aid say that it is an investment in the future of both countries that will eventually pay off. There is also another factor to consider when discussing foreign aid: what kind of foreign aid is being offered. There are three different types of foreign aid: first, there is military foreign aid; second, there is foreign aid for the advancement of business; third, there is emergency foreign aid for food and medicine.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Foreign aid to countries can help in many ways. It can be used as a tool in bargaining. For instance a country that has just received foreign aid or is expecting to get their regular installment of foreign aid will be more likely to listen to new ideas. Because some countries are so dependent on their regular installments of foreign aid, they are willing to appease countries such as the U.S who are giving it. When looked at closely, foreign aid may be considered an elaborate system of legal bribery. This becomes evident when countries do what they would normally not consider doing in order to continue receiving foreign aid. The U.S supplies financial foreign aid to many different countries; sometimes this foreign aid is in a form of a loan. For example, recently the U.S. supplied Mexico with a loan in order to save the falling value of the Peso. This loan was denigrated by much of the U.S. population because many people don't understand why the U.S. should care about the falling value of the Mexican Peso. First of all, deflation of the Peso means a loss of jobs in Mexico which would in turn send an influx of illeagal immigrants from Mexico to the United States. In addition, Mexico is a large economy that imports American goods. If the P... ...the relief workers and to distribute the goods. Soon it seemed that the US was not wanted in Somalia, and it seemed as if they were biting the hand that feeds them. With such negative feelings about the US troops staying in Somalia, an ethical decision had to be made. Do we help these starving people, or do we leave to protect ourselves. Somalia was supposed to be a strictly humanitarian effort, but it turned out to be a military effort when the US had to fight against all sides.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When every aspect of foreign aid is looked at, a decision about who is right or wrong by each individual on their own. Foreign aid is most likely a necessary evil for a superpower such as the United States. The US, just because of the sheer size and strength of its economy and military might has to watch over the rest of the world in order to keep balance and peace around the world. When considered, it turns out to be that all the foreign aid combined is such a small percentage of the United States GDP that we really have little to complain about. I believe that foreign aid is blown out of proportion by the media. It is hot topic that generates controversy and kicks up the ratings.

Competition in the Golf Industry

An Analysis of â€Å"Competition in the Golf Industry† It is unknown when the game of golf originated, but it is believed that people began playing in Europe during the middle ages. In the United States, golf was a sport primarily played by the wealthy individuals until tournaments began being televised. Since then, golf has grown to be a very lucrative industry with over 27 million golfers nationwide by the end of the 1990’s. â€Å"Competition in the Golf Equipment Industry,† a case study written by John E. Gamble of the University of South Alabama, is an overview of the problems currently facing major companies in the golf equipment industry: technological limitations (due to golf’s governing organizations), a decline in the number of golfers, and the economic recession, and the threat of counterfeit products. These limitations are causing leading competitors in the golf industry, namely Calloway Golf, to rethink their strategies in 2010. PLAC Analysis for Calloway Golf Ely Reeves Calloway Jr. , Calloway’s original owner, CEO and President, bought a manufacturing company of hickory shaft wedges and putters in 1983. Calloway, originally restricted to reproducing antique golf clubs, has extended its product breadth across the golf equipment industry. Calloway Golf now encompasses drivers (with the introduction of Big Bertha), putters (with the acquisition of Odyssey), irons (designed to compete against Titleist), golf balls (with the acquisition of Top-Flite), footwear and clothes branding, and GPS units (with the acquisition of UPlay). See Timeline in Appendix 1. Calloway has differentiated itself from its competitors by its innovation, beginning with the success of their driver, Big Bertha, which initiated the technology race among firms. Calloway and its’ competitors introduce more innovative products every 12-18 months to remain competitive. Furthermore, Calloway has acquired several firms since its origination in 1983 in order to expand its product breadth. Although in 2009, Calloway Golf Company was the â€Å"second largest seller of drivers and fairway woods,† revenues have declined by 17% in 2009 compared to the first six months of 2008. Challenges facing this firm will be assessed in the SWOT analysis. SWOT Analysis for the golf industry, Calloway Golf & Recommendations See Appendix 2 for Matrix Strengths: Calloway’s technological innovation in making a driver that pushed the limits of USGA standards shows motivation to become the best. Marketing to recreational golfers in an attempt to help them enjoy the game more by offering an opportunity to drive 6-10 yards further was a benchmark and pushed Calloway’s product to the best golf product of the century by a two-to-one margin. Calloway’s recognizable name also gives them a competitive edge. Weaknesses: Although these technological advances may have boosted sales, there is still little evidence that these advances help golfers lower their scores. Another weakness of the industry is sustainability. With the development of new products every 12-18 months, it is crucial that companies market their products and have strong sales shortly after introduction. Also, a weakness with Calloway’s golf balls was their brand image with the acquisition of Top-Flite golf balls, which quickly coined the game â€Å"Rock-Flight. † Opportunities: Although sales have declined 5. 7% during 2008, continued marketing efforts and remaining a household name could prove beneficial to all firms after the recession has subsided. Due to the recession, discretionary spending has declined and savings has risen, but this could quickly change after a turn in the economy. Furthermore, Calloway has recently cut their endorsements of PGA professionals to only encompass 10 men’s PGA professionals and 5 women. If they expanded these numbers, it would give them more brand exposure and possibly higher revenues since many recreational golfers base their decisions on the type of equipment successful, professional golfers are using. Threats: There are a number of threats affecting the golf industry as a whole: effects of technological limitations by USGA, a decline in the number of golfers due to the economy and lack of leisure time, and the rise of counterfeiting. The state of the current economy paired with the decline in the number of golfers, has caused companies to focus more on price and volume. Counterfeiting is largely attributable to the decisions by executives to outsource for cheaper labor to manufacturers in China; who can produce a golf club for less than $3 per club. Recommendations Companies currently operating within the golf industry, specifically Calloway Golf, must change their current marketing approaches and strategies to withstand the recession and threats facing the industry. Although Calloway has a strong R&D department that tends to remain competitive with products and technology, there have been little results in reference to scores. It is imperative that if companies are going to market a product that will help golfers drive further and straighter that the results depict this so that not to damage the brand name of a product. Secondly, due to the decline in equipment sales and the number of golfers, prices are dropping and companies are outsourcing to maintain the volume needed to remain competitive. Companies must be cautious and aware so that counterfeiting may be reduced. This reduction would also allow companies to reduce their pricing and have more sales without the competition of these cheaply priced knock-offs. In the instance of Calloway, an increase in marketing and endorsements would boost their sales due to brand recognition. Calloway has recently fallen to second place in the amount of sales of drivers. In aiding in cutting down on counterfeiting, lowering prices, and increasing marketing and endorsements, Calloway may have the opportunity to reposition themselves as number one in the marketplace. Appendix 1 Calloway Timeline 1983- Ely Reeves Calloway, Jr. purchased a 50% interest in a Temecula, California manufacturer and marketer of hickory shafted wedges and putters for $400,000. 1985-Ely Reeves Calloway, Jr. , hired aerospace and metallurgical engineers to design the most technologically advanced golf clubs. 1991- Introduction of Big Bertha 1996- Acquisition of Odyssey (leading brand of putters)

I disagree totally because there are many different types of Christians Essay Example

I disagree totally because there are many different types of Christians Essay Example I disagree totally because there are many different types of Christians Essay I disagree totally because there are many different types of Christians Essay I disagree totally because there are many different types of Christians, even if we split them into the three main groups (pacifists, just war believers and crusaders). So it is virtually impossible that all these Christians to have the same point of view.Obviously pacifists are always against the nuclear war due to their beliefs, they believe to never resort to violence what ever the cases may be. Just War believers; cant agree with it either because they only believe in a war that is Just and nuclear war can never be Just because it breaks one of the main rules of Just War, a Just War must be waged with all moderation possible (without massacres, excessive violence, etc). Crusaders could believe in Just War in some cases, if it is carried out as a last resort in the best intention to avoid more violence.Some Christians believe that to use nuclear weapons, could be justified. Because if a country is in the possession of such weapons, it prevents other countries form attacking them, due to a fear of a nuclear war to take place. That is probably a reason why no major European war has broken out since 1945. Another reason for them to justify the keeping and using these weapons, is that if they did not keep or use these weapons, and a group of fundamentalists from that country got hold of such weapons. This group could now have enough power to take over this country with no nuclear weapons. The last reason for justifying the storage and use of nuclear weapons is that if we stopped keeping them and making them better for greater use, then thousands of people would lose their jobs due to the great importance the nuclear weapon industry is to be countrys national economy.Many Christians are against the keeping of nuclear weapons because the more weapons that are created the more the chance of launching one. If we did use one it would destroy Gods creations both human life and the nature of the world.Some Christians believe that you should love everyone and not bring harm to anyone, if you are keeping these weapons it is going against God whole theory of,love thy neighbour as yourselfMany Christians are also against nuclear weapons because they are very expensive to build and to keep improving them. Nower days, a lot more money is spent on the keeping of nuclear weapons than the development aid to poorer countries. All the wasting of money that people are doing concerning nuclear weapons could be spent on something with better use, like better schools better hospitals better police force etc.Many Christians are also against the keeping of nuclear weapons because if a country has no nuclear weapons then it is not giving out a threat to any other countries there for it will have less chance of being attacked.Some Christians like crusaders believe that a nuclear war can be justified if the government thinks that it is a good idea. Because in the bible God tells us that we should respect all government authorities.Be subject to governing authorities Other Christians are against what the governments say because in the bible, it also says,We must obey God, not menIf the government says that nuclear war is right, but we believe that God thinks it is wrong we should not encourage it.The Christians, who believe in the just war theory, cannot support nuclear war because a war can never be just. It can never be just, because nuclear weapons are so explosive, that you could not distinguish between non-combatants and combatants. Also another reason to not use nuclear weapons, is that the damage and grief caused by such a weapon can never be equalled in damage and grief from a common war with common weapons such as guns.Therefore different types of Christians from the main three groups (pacifists, just war believers, and crusaders) can think differently about justifying a nuclear war. On over all I think most Christians are strongly opposed to justifying nuclear war. So on overall, most Christians are opposed to it, because they think of it as a blasphemy against God.

EEA environment of evolutionary adaptation Essay Example

EEA environment of evolutionary adaptation Essay Example EEA environment of evolutionary adaptation Paper EEA environment of evolutionary adaptation Paper Since males are motivated to maximise their reproductive success also, they need to first display their willingness and ability to provide what the choosy female needs, from which they may be selected as suitable this is known as INTRA-SEXUAL selection, whereby males must compete amongst themselves to be selected by the female i.e. the female has evolved to become the choosier of the sexes, since she has more to lose. However, the male, in attempting to maximise his reproductive success must also safeguard his investment (time, effort, resources, etc) by selecting a female who can give him what he needs beautiful and healthy children who will survive to reproduce themselves. However, reproduction is not the sole motivator for relationships because some couples may not want to have children and in some other relationships (gay and lesbian relationships) it is physically impossible to have offspring naturally, also couples that have children from previous relationships may not want to have any more children, therefore the theories can not be applied in this situation. INTER-SEXUAL selection may also be used to explain human mate choice and gender specific preferences, whereby each sex has evolved success criteria for the opposite sex, based on what they need from one another. From here, both males and females accept or reject a potential mate, i.e. since females have evolved to become choosier, males might be motivated to display such characteristics, whilst females must also indicate their viability as a potential mate to ensure her own reproductive success. Such selection in both sexes leads to definite preferences for a mate males use indicators of viability and fertility and so look for signals of this, including youthfulness and health. Females, in contrast motivated by their need for provision search for indicators of this, looking for status and resources, together with a willingness to invest. This is, again thought to be based on sex differences in parental investment. Buss (1999) to some extent magnified the gender differences and failed to highlight the many similarities between genders, e.g. the fact that kindness and inelligence were rated as equally important by both genders. The links to a criticism levelled at many evolutionary psychologists, which is that they are highly selective in their use of research evidence, which brings its validity into question. Since it seems that both males and females have definite preferences in mind, and given that when advertising themselves in lonely hearts males and females tend to emphasise what it is we think the opposite sex wants, it is worth noting that certain signals are given out by both males and females in their everyday lives. For example, waist to hip ratio (valued by men) can be emphasised by women using belts, shapewear, etc. Upper body strength in males can be shown by tighter fitting clothes, shoulder pads, etc However, a lot of signals can be dishonest and therefore indicate a good body, youthfulness and trying to make yourself seem more attractive, examples of these dishonest signals is plastic surgery, you can cover up wrinkles and ageing by having plastic surgery this can trick your potential partner to think you are more attractive and younger than you actually are. Makeup can cover imperfections and attract males. The origins of human reproductive strategies is thought to be the EEA environment of evolutionary adaptation. During this time, males who mated with young ( therefore more fertile) females would have enjoyed greater reproductive success. Similarly, females who selected high status males who were capable and willing to invest their resources would have, in turn, become more reproductively successful. Therefore modern day reproductive behaviours operate by accepting or rejecting potential mates on their perceived ability to fulfil our evolutionary needs.

Term Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Term Paper - Essay Example Virtual collaboration is the act of working mutually from different locations with limitations of time, space and organization. Additionally, this way of collaboration is supported by modern information technology (Hossain & Wigand, 2004). This paper presents a detailed analysis of the virtual collaboration. The aim of this research is to discuss and investigate some of main aspects of the virtual collaboration technology, its working, and the analysis of virtual collaboration for corporate use. This research will also outline the potential benefits of the virtual collaboration. The utilization of digital tools and technologies that allow or facilitate corporations or individuals to collaboratively prepare, plan, create, control, and research services, products and new IT and electronic commerce applications, is acknowledged as virtual collaboration or electronic collaboration. However, the virtual collaboration can include non-commerce activities, but the term nomally acknowledged as collaborative commerce, since it engages collaboration among business associates, partners and stakeholders. Additionally, the virtual collaboration also refers to the utilization of ICT (information and communication technologies) to support the business cooperative interface among various parties concerned to business operations. It is assessed that virtual organization is an important requirement for making sure of an extensive level of virtual collaboration. As a result, the sustainability and development of virtual collaboration can be directed to achieve frequent busines s objectives. This, in order, will make sure the connection between organization structure, ICT and geographical dispersion (Darlagiannis & Georganas, 2000; Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005, p. 146; Qiu, Tay, & Wu, 2009). Additionally, the example of virtual collaboration would be a corporation that is communicating electronically with a merchant that designs whole product or

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 164

Essay Example This happens as a result that the managers tend to be motivated by their own self-interest and their interests differ most with the stakeholder’s interest. In this case the stakeholders are the principal while the managers are the agents. This problem is referred to as principal-agent problem. I agree with this claim because managers use the power and authority allocated to them by the shareholders for their own personal benefits. This problem is very difficult to deal with in most cases. However, the cost of dealing with this problem is far much expensive that the shareholders may end up losing a lot of money in the effort to ensure that they deal with the problem and eradicate it completely. Trying to do away with this conflict may outweigh the results of the managers. Therefore, the principal who are the shareholders opt to use several mechanisms to reduce this problem through several mechanisms which ensure that the results of the managers who are the agents in this case are not outweighed. In a company, shareholders expect the managers to maximize their wealth by making good decisions in the interest of the shareholder. However, the managers work hard and make decisions that that will best suit them and maximize their own personal wealth. There are several mechanisms that can be of good use to solve this conflict. One of the mechanisms used to solve this principal-agent problem is through the use of incentives types of compensation based on performance of the managers. This motivates the managers to work hard and make decisions that lead to maximization of the shareholder’s wealth. This mechanism ensures that the managers understand the risk of undertaking any costly actions which may lead to losses. The second mechanism of solving this problem is the threat of firing of the managers if they do not perform in the best interest of the shareholders. This mechanism helps in shaping the Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 38 Essay Example