Strengths and weaknesses of direct legislation Essay

Strengths and weaknesses of direct legislation - Essay Example Direct legislation is a political process in which the people can vote to effect changes in the socio-economic and political policies without governments say (Little and David 43). It entails referendum, Plebiscite and initiative. One of its strengths is that it helps in establishing policies that represents the desire of the majority. While political representatives can be influenced to sacrifice the people for vested interest, direct legislature ensure that limited external forces distract the electorate from participating in their course. One of the greatest weaknesses of this system is that it is costly and time consuming as civil education needs to be done. It is also vulnerable to indirect political influence as the voters may be induced to take misinformed decision. A comparative analysis of this legislature and professional legislature shows significant differences in terms of cost, staff size and level of commitment. In professional legislature, a member takes the work as fu ll time job. It differs from civilian legislature in which members serve on part time basis while holding other assignments (Little and David 67). Professional legislature investigates critical issues affecting the society and put them within the political debate process. It is comparative cheaper than direct legislature as it requires little time and faster decision making. Although some States in United States use either direct legislature or professional, hybrid is the best in which is a blend of the two are variably used.

Recruitment and retention for qualified staff Essay

Recruitment and retention for qualified staff - Essay Example Moreover, the power of switch over or turnover of the employees might get reduced thereby amplifying the process of retention. Hence, it might be stated that, effective management and control of the human resource is directly responsible for their retention and improvement. This might prove effective in enhancing the level of functioning and competitive leverage of the organization among other new entrants. Literature review According to Sass (2012), human resource acts as the main pillar of an organization. Without which, an organization may not function effectively for longer period of time. As a result, the dominance and effectiveness of the organization might get fader slowly and gradually in all aspects as compared to other rivals operating in the similar segment. Therefore, in order to retain such essential resources, human resource management is extremely essential. Human resource management is the process used in recruiting and presenting training programs to the employees wi thin an organization. Due to which, an employee might become more valuable and worthy for the organization in this age. However, to increase the effectiveness of the employees, they need to be offered with accurate type of job orientation and scheduling programs that might enhance the skills and talents of the employee as well as the total productivity of the organization. As a result, the level of dedication and performance of employees towards job responsibilities of them might get enhanced. It is extremely essential for an employee to enhance his wage rate as well as retention power among other fresh and talented individual of this recent age (White & Drucker, 2013, p. 345-378). Other than this, management of the organization also might try to recruit the exact person for the exact job, so as to enhance the level of efficiency and devotion of the employee. Side by side, it might also help in enhancement of the total productivity and profit margin of the organization in the market among others. Hence it might be depicted clearly that experienced and talented employees are the most valuable assets of an organization, without which it may not prosper in the market (Price, 2011, p. 345-489). According to Price (2011), human resource management comprises of recruitment, development and retention of the experienced and talented employees so as to accomplish the strategic goals and objectives. However, it might be possible only if the employees are presented with varied types of benefits and incentives as per their level of performances. This strategy might prove effective for the employees in enhancing its level of motivation and loyalty towards responsibilities and tasks. Due to which, the level of performance of the employees might get enhanced thereby improving its dominance among other junior employees of the organization. It might also prove helpful for the employee in creating a substantial position (just as a leader) in the organization among others. As a result, these employees (leaders) might help in resolving varied types of disputes thereby implementing uniformity and consistency within the organization. Thus, the level of retention of the experienced employees might get increased thereby reducing the level of attrition (Barrett & Mayson, 2008, p. 346-456). Therefore, retention or recruitment of the experienced employees might help in enhancing the level of productivity and total sale of the

Analysis of Nano Energy Water Flask Company

Analysis of Nano Energy Water Flask Company 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Business Idea and Goals CEC Trading Ltd. is a Nano Energy Water Flask trading company in Miri, Sarawak. The products that we sell are water flasks that release charges to the water with high amount of negative ions, which is good for our body. This company intends to be the best water flasks trader in Malaysia. It is because the water flasks that this company is selling are one of a kind. It also made up of good quality and the price is very affordable. Three elements that this company concentrates on in order to reach our goal are our customers, our supplier and our employees. The major shareholder of this company (Vivian Ngu) intended to initiate the business with more than 5 employees and sell approximately 10500 water flasks in the first year which will increase in rational amount in the following month. The company intends to generate at least MYR 294,000 in sales revenue and make MYR 65,200 profit in the end of its first year of trading. 1.2 Marketing The main targets of this business are customers; range from students to workers, most likely everyone. Our company has a warehouse for storing the water flasks and we had chosen a strategic place which is situated at Jalan Bintang, Shop Lot No. 68. On the other hand, our company is selling the Nano Energy water flasks in Parkson, which is located in a shopping mall named Bintang Plaza. The reason we chose Bintang Plaza as the main location for our business is because of the huge flow of customers who visit Bintang Plaza daily. 1.3 Products Nano Energy water flasks can release charges to the water with high amount of negative ions, which is good for our body. It can restore the water’s PH level to the ideal level, which is 7.0 to 7.4. Thus, it will change the water to alkaline water which benefit to health. The Nanotechnology breaks down water molecule into smaller possible size so that they are more easily absorbed by the body. Therefore, the taste of the water is smoother, sweeter and easily absorbed by our body cell as osmosis may occur easily. Drinking energized water regularly also kept us away from suffering different kind of health diseases. Moreover, the energized water penetrates deep into the body cells more easily, transfers nutrients to the body more efficient and takes away un-useful product from our body system, thus making us strong and healthy. 1.4 Sales and Promotion Promotion of the business will take place using a variety of methods, including advertising through distributing flyers from school to school, making banner, emails and telephone ordering. We will pay a few workers to distribute flyers from one place to another place. For examples, Curtin University and always all the secondary school in Miri, Sibu and Kuching. 1.5 Finance CEC Trading is a self-funding company as the initial shareholdings of RM 8000 will be injected by the major shareholder of the company (Vivian Ngu), and RM 5000 by other shareholders (Damilola, Faiznur Dilan, Wong Wen Yi and Wong Soon Siong). The company estimating the business will always show a positive value of cash surplus in every month for the first year of the operation. The company will not apply for any form of loans from outside party including bank in the first year of the operation. 2.0 BACKGROUND 2.1 Mission Statement CEC Trading Ltd. is not only aim to be one of the well-known Nano Energy water flasks traders in Malaysia but also aim to be the best water flasks trader in Malaysia. We want our product which is the unique Nano Energy water flask known as the best water flask in Malaysia as it is a beneficial product and it is made up of good quality. As well as any other company, we also would like to gain profit as much as possible. In order to attain our missions, our company will focus to the followings: 1. The Product: Our good which is Nano Energy Water Flask is made with 304 stainless steel. There is a filter inside the water flask which will be builded up from 13 kinds of natural materials such as tourmaline, zeolites, manifanshi, nano silver powder, kaolin earth, rare earth, far infrared stone, muyu stone, clay and others. The combinations of different kind of natural resources are approved scientifically to give highest efficiency to the water. 2. The Employees: The employees will be trained to do their own role efficiently. They will also be motivated by attending program which then they will produce better performance. 3. The Consumers: We are targeting adult as well as children and ageing people to consume our products since our product is available to any age. We would like to make sure that our customer satisfied with their purchases of the Nano Energy water flasks. For the capital, the amount capital needed to start the business is RM28,000. The amount of capital stated is needed to cover up all of the essential expenses that the business required to set up the business. The sum of capital that stated above is also needed to achieve a positive cash surplus in the first month. 2.2 Company History This is a new business which all started from the observation that we, the shareholders made. We had a discussion and came up with an idea of selling water flasks. The water flasks that our company planning to sell are water flasks with special features and benefits, which are the Nano Energy water flasks. This water flasks release charges of negative ions to the water and it is good for our health. In addition, the reason we chose to sell Nano Energy water flasks is due to the high demand of health products which needs a huge amount of money. On the other hand, we can also save the environment by reducing the use of plastic water bottle. Thus, by combining both of these situations, this company is set up. Furthermore, customers will not have to spend lots of money for their health products; instead they can buy the Nano Energy water flasks which only cost them MYR 28. 2.3 Business Goals The short-term goal of this company is to employ at least 5 persons full time on a salary of approximately MYR 4,900 per month. Our company planned to run our business within Sarawak for a start. The Nano Energy water flasks will be distributed to a few parts of Sarawak which are Miri (the main place of our business), Sibu and also Kuching. Furthermore, our company targeted to sell about 10500 water flasks in a year, which would probably increasing in the following month and gain a net profit at least MYR 65,200 for future investments. For the long term goal, our company wanted to expand the company into a bigger company by selling the Nano Energy water flasks to West Malaysia and Sabah. This is because we want to widen our market range and we would like to gain more profit. In order to achieve our long- term goal, we will analyse our weaknesses and strive to improve our business strategies. 3.0 MARKET CEC company is a trading company that buy product from a manufacturer (whole sellers) then sell to retailers which is to the shop we decided to sell our products. Then we sell our product to consumers. The new product we are introducing into the market is a product from Vuitton Silver Manufacturing Company that sells different types of water flask in Malaysia such as Vacuum water flask and Nano Energy water flask. The product we are introducing is Nano Energy water flask which helps to charge water with high amount of negative ion which are absorb by the body. Due to the fact that more than half of our body consists of water, water is an important element which is needed by everyone. Thus it is important that we consume healthy water daily. Nano Energy water flask can change the water ph level to be alkaline. Other than that, it can also breaks down water molecule into smaller size which then can be easily consume and the taste will be sweet and smooth. Furthermore, alkaline water ca n build up better immune body system thus prevent us from easily infected by diseases. For further information, drinking this energized water often also enhance our body’s metabolism and can concern about our beauty. However, the most important key point in drinking this energized water is keep us away from all kind of diseases. Due to the fact that our warehouse is in the state of Miri, Sarawak, our product can be found in Parkson which is in Sibu, Miri and Kuching. This water flask can be use by children as well as adult. 3.1 Market Analysis Due to the research carried out by the CEC Company, we found out that there is a lot of water flask that were on the market, but their functions are only to keep warm or keep cold. Thus, our company decided to do trading on a new type of water flask, which is for consumers’ health purpose. Another thing that the business concern about is about environmental friendly. 3.2 Seasonality The major of our sales revenues are in February to November. This is because there are no long holidays or school holidays. Thus, the customers might saw the advertisement for our product and purchased them. In the other hand, due to the holiday season such as Celebration or summer break periods, the people might be going out for vacation thus will decrease our sales revenues. 3.3 Competitors There are lots of competitors in the market who have products that perform same function with our product Nano Energy water flask, some of the companies are listed below: I. ENCHANCE PLASTIC INDUSTRY SDN BHD, MALAYSIA II. TAIZHUU GANGLUNG PLASTIC CO.LTD III. KSK GLOBALINK MANUFACTURING SDN BHD IV. ELLEDI (M)SDN BHD V. ZHEJIANG TYSESO INDUSTRY TRADE CO.LTD. VI. YONGKANG SHIQIANG HARDWARE PLASTIC CO.LTD 3.4 Market Overview The major target market of CEC Company is student, workers, athletes and the public in general. Nano Energy water flask produces storages where you can store your water to drink anytime which is tasty. Our product is convenient, easy and collectable, it is also attractive to the eyes as it will be in three colors – silver, red and black which makes the demand for the product higher because it is also affordable in terms of price. Other than that, we also provided telephone ordering for customer’s need. 3.5 SWOT Analysis We carried out an analysis on the market situation on our product with the use of SWOT analysis, which we make improvement in our business. SWOT Analysis represents the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats of the business. Through SWOT Analysis, it can guide the company to work on our weakness and threats where as maintain our performance regarding the strength and opportunities(citation business management). STRENGTH The strength is an initial factor which increases value for our business. The strength of nano energy water flask is to have been strong enough to get them a higher place in the labor market even with various imitations from other competitors who are in the market or wants to come into the market with similar products. It can be measured using internal assessment. Quality of the brand Strategic location Sustainability of the product Health care Light weigh of the product WEAKNESS Weakness is also an internal factor that decreases the value of the business. We need to analyze our company weaknesses so that we can make improvement based on them. Lack of marketing skill Lack of workers Limited budget Lack of advertisement Consistency of supplier OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities are external factors that add value in the business. The business needs strategies to perform better performance. Expose our products in other countries Special promotion during special events Improve the skills of workers THREATS Threats are the external factors that decrease the value in the business. The business need to be aware of the threats that may be occurred. Existence of substitute goods in the market Delayed of the products due to the transportation problems 3.6 MARKETING PLAN 3.6.1 Production/ Service Target Market The 2 main targets of doing this business are to improve the healthiness of consumers and to concern about the environment. Nano Energy water flask is a good product which helps to transform the water into alkaline water which is good for health. It is also convenient in the aspect of shape and size which makes it very easy to be carried around by anyone who needs a flask to store their water to take to either school or workplace and even to sport arenas. It is a stainless steel bottle which makes it more attractive and presentable. The fact that it is a stainless steel does not mean it going to get rust easily. On the other hand, since the product is made of stainless steel, it can be used for at least one year. Thus, we can be environmental friendly by saving the consumption of plastic water bottle. 3.6.2 Place Although the business is doing trading to Miri, Sibu and Kuching, our main business is in Miri. Nano Energy water flask is classified to be a household product, thus it can be found in Parkson, in the department where they sell household products. We also need a warehouse to store all our products. 3.6.3 Price Vuitton Silver Company supply Nano Energy water flask to the business with the cost of RM15 each. This cost will be derived after the deduction of all the money use in the production of the flask, such as buying of the machinery, steels, wages of employees, vehicle for distribution, insurance, rents and other expenses. After doing the analysis, our company tends to charge RM 28 for the product which can provide profits on every sales and this price can be afforded by customers. 3.6.4 Promotion and Advertisement Our company tends to alert the general public about nano energy water flask through various means in other for them to know about the product. A research was done on the strategies needed to promote the product in the market. As a result, we made use of the following promotional tools in the business. fliers and handbills posters and banners emails and telephone contact 3.7 Evaluation of Market CEC Company carried out an evaluation on the market, using the market strategy which is carried out at the end of every year to analyze the sales data of Nano Energy water flask to see it performances in the aspect of the quantity that has been sold and as well as profits made. Based on the cash flow forecast, we have cash surplus of RM 65,200 during the year. This proved that the promotions and sales have been done effectively. 4.0 OPERATIONS 4.1 Legal and Licensing Requirements (a) Business name and legal structure CEC Trading Ltd is a proprietary limited company. The company structure has already been registered and start up with five shareholders: Vivian Ngu Yen Shya (25% shareholding) Wong Wen Yi (18.75% shareholding) Faiznur Dilan binti David Ismadi (18.75% shareholding) Damilola (18.75% shareholding) Wong Soon Siong (18.75% shareholding) Who also serve as the directors of the entity. (b) Operating laws and licenses The business needed a license to run the business legally. 4.2 Management Details The managing director of the company will be: Vivian Ngu Yen Shya Home address: 175, Phase 2C1, Desa Senadin, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia Ph: (085) 656578 Fax: (085) 656579 Date of birth: 25 November 1991 Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Double Major in Finance and Management) Experience: Management and Financial Advisors and owner of Wealth Spring Consultancies 1997 – 2003 4.3 Organizational Structure and Staffing Most of the job of the business will mainly be done by general manager. A warehouse is needed to store our products. General manager, sales manager and accountant will mainly be working in the warehouse. On the other hand, 3 marketing expertise and 2 drivers are needed in doing sales and also deliverance. General manager  · The duty of a general manager are to manage all business plans and the performance of the employees.  · Salary : RM 1000 à ¼ Sales manager * The duty of a sales manager is to deal and communicate with the owner of parkson in order to know the amount of sales revenue. * Salary : RM 700 à ¼ Accountant * The duty of accountant is to record the business transactions, summarizing and analyzing to produce financial statement in the end of the period. * Salary : RM 700 à ¼ Sales advisor * The duty of sales advisor is to approach customers and advise them to buy our product. * Salary : RM 500 à ¼ Driver * The duty of driver is to deliver the products to the destination and also help to transfer the products to the sales department. * Salary : RM500 4.4 Professional Advisers Accountant Sunlight Accountants 55, Sunshine Park, Tun Hussein Onn Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia Ph: (085) 668 132 Fax: (085) 668 133 Lawyer John Smith 28, Fortune Park, Desa Damai Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia Ph: (085) 636 732 Fax: (085) 636 735 Insurance broker Bank account May Bank Malasyia 279, Bank Street, Pujut Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia Manager: Angeline Tan Ph: (085) 678 588 Fax: (085) 678 579 4.5 Business Premises Location CEC Trading Ltd will acquire a business premise as an office which deals with the paperwork and also warehouse as the storage for stocks and equipments. The ideal location would be located at shop lot where we can store and sell the stock. The premise will be located at Shop Lot 608, Medan Commercial Centre, 98007 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. The price tag for renting the shop lot will be RM 1,500 per month. The shop lot will be repairing and do some painting. The goods that we sell will be distributed to the hypermarket, Parkson in Miri, Sibu and Kuching. 4.6 Equipments Required The equipments that required for the business will be: Computers Printers Scanners Internet connections Fax machines Telephones Furniture (table, chair, shelves) The above equipments are some of the basic needs to run the daily business operation. The equipments required will change from time to time. 4.7 Production Processes Our company will get the stock from the supplier, Vuitton Silver. The estimated amount around 1000 of Nano Energy water flasks will be order from the supplier every month. Therefore, all the stocks will be store in the warehouse. Then, the workers will distribute some of the stock to Parkson. The working hour is from 8am to 5pm every day except on public holidays. There are different types of color of the water flask will be sold such as silver, black and red. The product will be sold at RM28 each for every types of color. The selling price is enough to cover all the expenses as the cost price of each water flask is RM 12. It is a reasonable price as these Nano Energy water flask is good for health and can solve the skin problems. However, the office is used as a place for the process of paperwork and storage of documents and equipments. The ordering of our company products and all the documents and accounts will be recorded down and will be kept. All the works in the office work will be done by the clerk and supervise by the manager. 4.8 Critical risks/Contingency Plans CEC Trading Ltd will organize training program to all staff members for professionalism in running the business and also for contingency plans. The training will be on how they going to promote and sell the water flask. Insurance will be bought for business premises. The aim is to recover some assets in case of any accidents such as fires, accidents and thefts as well. Those liability and car accident will be covered by the professional indemnity insurance. The injury to the managing director will be covered by workers compensation. 5.0 FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS 5.1 Basic Assumptions and Information (a) Calculation of income and expenses Expenses are calculated based on research and management’s knowledge of costs. Income or sales revenue is assumed to be paid within the month issued. The impact of inflation or increases costs is not taking into consideration. Depreciation of equipments purchased and vehicle purchased in June 2010 is calculated using straight-line method, at 10% per annum. Gross cost of goods is RM 168,000. Drawing is RM 200 per month. The projection is for one year and the figures are in Ringgit Malaysia. (b) Financing of the business An investment of RM 28,000 will be invested into the business according to our shareholdings – Vivian Ngu Yen Shya RM 8,000, Wong Soon Siong RM 5,000, Wong Wen Yi RM 5,000, Faiznur Dilan binti David Ismadi RM 5,000 and Damilola RM 5,000. Sales income for June is based on early promotions, thus providing initial cash surplus and avoid the need for any short term debt financing. The operation financing strategy is showing a cash surplus in the bank accounts with total amounts of RM 70,700. The business will open a cheque account that provides electronic funds transfer facilities for customers. A minimum of two shareholder directors is needed to sign all the cheques for security reasons. (c) Distribution of profits Profits in the first year will be retained in the business. In future years, three quarters of the annual net profit after tax will be paid to the directors at the end of the financial year according to their shareholding and the remaining quarter will be kept as retained earnings. The Sales Mix Forecast, Cash Flow Forecast and The Trading Profit and Loss Statement is prepared according to generally acceptable accounting principles and conventions. (d) Goods and services tax All forecasts are net of tax. (e) Loans The firm has no current loans or debts. 5.2 Analysis of Financial Forecasts (a) Net profit margin is used to measure the company’s ability to earn a net income from sales. The net profit margin is calculated based on the first year of the projections. Net profit margin % = = = 22.18% Since this trading company is running the business for the first year, it is normal to get a relatively low figures of the margin. The margin is expected to increase in the next few years. Other than that, the company can use other ratios to do analysis on the financial statements in the coming years. (b) Break-even point Contribution margin is used to determine the amount of profit that is made towards payment of the fixed cost. Considered that cost of goods sold is the variable cost, the contribution margin is equal to sales minus variable costs. Gross profit margin = = = 57.14% The fixed cost is projected to be RM 102,800. Break-even point in value = == RM 180, 350.88 Accounting 062 May 28, 2010 5.2.1 Sales mix forecast 5.2.2 Cash flow forecast CEC CASH FLOW FORECAST for the period July 2010 to June 2011 June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May TOTAL Income Sales revenue RM 12,600 RM 19,600 RM 22,400 RM 22,400 RM 22,400 RM 16,800 RM 19,600 RM 28,000 RM 30,800 RM 32,200 RM 32,200 RM 35,000 RM 294,000 Capital 28,000 28,000 Total income 40,600 19,600 22,400 22,400 22,400 16,800 19,600 28,000 30,800 32,200 32,200 35,000 RM322,000 Analysis of Nano Energy Water Flask Company Analysis of Nano Energy Water Flask Company 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Business Idea and Goals CEC Trading Ltd. is a Nano Energy Water Flask trading company in Miri, Sarawak. The products that we sell are water flasks that release charges to the water with high amount of negative ions, which is good for our body. This company intends to be the best water flasks trader in Malaysia. It is because the water flasks that this company is selling are one of a kind. It also made up of good quality and the price is very affordable. Three elements that this company concentrates on in order to reach our goal are our customers, our supplier and our employees. The major shareholder of this company (Vivian Ngu) intended to initiate the business with more than 5 employees and sell approximately 10500 water flasks in the first year which will increase in rational amount in the following month. The company intends to generate at least MYR 294,000 in sales revenue and make MYR 65,200 profit in the end of its first year of trading. 1.2 Marketing The main targets of this business are customers; range from students to workers, most likely everyone. Our company has a warehouse for storing the water flasks and we had chosen a strategic place which is situated at Jalan Bintang, Shop Lot No. 68. On the other hand, our company is selling the Nano Energy water flasks in Parkson, which is located in a shopping mall named Bintang Plaza. The reason we chose Bintang Plaza as the main location for our business is because of the huge flow of customers who visit Bintang Plaza daily. 1.3 Products Nano Energy water flasks can release charges to the water with high amount of negative ions, which is good for our body. It can restore the water’s PH level to the ideal level, which is 7.0 to 7.4. Thus, it will change the water to alkaline water which benefit to health. The Nanotechnology breaks down water molecule into smaller possible size so that they are more easily absorbed by the body. Therefore, the taste of the water is smoother, sweeter and easily absorbed by our body cell as osmosis may occur easily. Drinking energized water regularly also kept us away from suffering different kind of health diseases. Moreover, the energized water penetrates deep into the body cells more easily, transfers nutrients to the body more efficient and takes away un-useful product from our body system, thus making us strong and healthy. 1.4 Sales and Promotion Promotion of the business will take place using a variety of methods, including advertising through distributing flyers from school to school, making banner, emails and telephone ordering. We will pay a few workers to distribute flyers from one place to another place. For examples, Curtin University and always all the secondary school in Miri, Sibu and Kuching. 1.5 Finance CEC Trading is a self-funding company as the initial shareholdings of RM 8000 will be injected by the major shareholder of the company (Vivian Ngu), and RM 5000 by other shareholders (Damilola, Faiznur Dilan, Wong Wen Yi and Wong Soon Siong). The company estimating the business will always show a positive value of cash surplus in every month for the first year of the operation. The company will not apply for any form of loans from outside party including bank in the first year of the operation. 2.0 BACKGROUND 2.1 Mission Statement CEC Trading Ltd. is not only aim to be one of the well-known Nano Energy water flasks traders in Malaysia but also aim to be the best water flasks trader in Malaysia. We want our product which is the unique Nano Energy water flask known as the best water flask in Malaysia as it is a beneficial product and it is made up of good quality. As well as any other company, we also would like to gain profit as much as possible. In order to attain our missions, our company will focus to the followings: 1. The Product: Our good which is Nano Energy Water Flask is made with 304 stainless steel. There is a filter inside the water flask which will be builded up from 13 kinds of natural materials such as tourmaline, zeolites, manifanshi, nano silver powder, kaolin earth, rare earth, far infrared stone, muyu stone, clay and others. The combinations of different kind of natural resources are approved scientifically to give highest efficiency to the water. 2. The Employees: The employees will be trained to do their own role efficiently. They will also be motivated by attending program which then they will produce better performance. 3. The Consumers: We are targeting adult as well as children and ageing people to consume our products since our product is available to any age. We would like to make sure that our customer satisfied with their purchases of the Nano Energy water flasks. For the capital, the amount capital needed to start the business is RM28,000. The amount of capital stated is needed to cover up all of the essential expenses that the business required to set up the business. The sum of capital that stated above is also needed to achieve a positive cash surplus in the first month. 2.2 Company History This is a new business which all started from the observation that we, the shareholders made. We had a discussion and came up with an idea of selling water flasks. The water flasks that our company planning to sell are water flasks with special features and benefits, which are the Nano Energy water flasks. This water flasks release charges of negative ions to the water and it is good for our health. In addition, the reason we chose to sell Nano Energy water flasks is due to the high demand of health products which needs a huge amount of money. On the other hand, we can also save the environment by reducing the use of plastic water bottle. Thus, by combining both of these situations, this company is set up. Furthermore, customers will not have to spend lots of money for their health products; instead they can buy the Nano Energy water flasks which only cost them MYR 28. 2.3 Business Goals The short-term goal of this company is to employ at least 5 persons full time on a salary of approximately MYR 4,900 per month. Our company planned to run our business within Sarawak for a start. The Nano Energy water flasks will be distributed to a few parts of Sarawak which are Miri (the main place of our business), Sibu and also Kuching. Furthermore, our company targeted to sell about 10500 water flasks in a year, which would probably increasing in the following month and gain a net profit at least MYR 65,200 for future investments. For the long term goal, our company wanted to expand the company into a bigger company by selling the Nano Energy water flasks to West Malaysia and Sabah. This is because we want to widen our market range and we would like to gain more profit. In order to achieve our long- term goal, we will analyse our weaknesses and strive to improve our business strategies. 3.0 MARKET CEC company is a trading company that buy product from a manufacturer (whole sellers) then sell to retailers which is to the shop we decided to sell our products. Then we sell our product to consumers. The new product we are introducing into the market is a product from Vuitton Silver Manufacturing Company that sells different types of water flask in Malaysia such as Vacuum water flask and Nano Energy water flask. The product we are introducing is Nano Energy water flask which helps to charge water with high amount of negative ion which are absorb by the body. Due to the fact that more than half of our body consists of water, water is an important element which is needed by everyone. Thus it is important that we consume healthy water daily. Nano Energy water flask can change the water ph level to be alkaline. Other than that, it can also breaks down water molecule into smaller size which then can be easily consume and the taste will be sweet and smooth. Furthermore, alkaline water ca n build up better immune body system thus prevent us from easily infected by diseases. For further information, drinking this energized water often also enhance our body’s metabolism and can concern about our beauty. However, the most important key point in drinking this energized water is keep us away from all kind of diseases. Due to the fact that our warehouse is in the state of Miri, Sarawak, our product can be found in Parkson which is in Sibu, Miri and Kuching. This water flask can be use by children as well as adult. 3.1 Market Analysis Due to the research carried out by the CEC Company, we found out that there is a lot of water flask that were on the market, but their functions are only to keep warm or keep cold. Thus, our company decided to do trading on a new type of water flask, which is for consumers’ health purpose. Another thing that the business concern about is about environmental friendly. 3.2 Seasonality The major of our sales revenues are in February to November. This is because there are no long holidays or school holidays. Thus, the customers might saw the advertisement for our product and purchased them. In the other hand, due to the holiday season such as Celebration or summer break periods, the people might be going out for vacation thus will decrease our sales revenues. 3.3 Competitors There are lots of competitors in the market who have products that perform same function with our product Nano Energy water flask, some of the companies are listed below: I. ENCHANCE PLASTIC INDUSTRY SDN BHD, MALAYSIA II. TAIZHUU GANGLUNG PLASTIC CO.LTD III. KSK GLOBALINK MANUFACTURING SDN BHD IV. ELLEDI (M)SDN BHD V. ZHEJIANG TYSESO INDUSTRY TRADE CO.LTD. VI. YONGKANG SHIQIANG HARDWARE PLASTIC CO.LTD 3.4 Market Overview The major target market of CEC Company is student, workers, athletes and the public in general. Nano Energy water flask produces storages where you can store your water to drink anytime which is tasty. Our product is convenient, easy and collectable, it is also attractive to the eyes as it will be in three colors – silver, red and black which makes the demand for the product higher because it is also affordable in terms of price. Other than that, we also provided telephone ordering for customer’s need. 3.5 SWOT Analysis We carried out an analysis on the market situation on our product with the use of SWOT analysis, which we make improvement in our business. SWOT Analysis represents the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats of the business. Through SWOT Analysis, it can guide the company to work on our weakness and threats where as maintain our performance regarding the strength and opportunities(citation business management). STRENGTH The strength is an initial factor which increases value for our business. The strength of nano energy water flask is to have been strong enough to get them a higher place in the labor market even with various imitations from other competitors who are in the market or wants to come into the market with similar products. It can be measured using internal assessment. Quality of the brand Strategic location Sustainability of the product Health care Light weigh of the product WEAKNESS Weakness is also an internal factor that decreases the value of the business. We need to analyze our company weaknesses so that we can make improvement based on them. Lack of marketing skill Lack of workers Limited budget Lack of advertisement Consistency of supplier OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities are external factors that add value in the business. The business needs strategies to perform better performance. Expose our products in other countries Special promotion during special events Improve the skills of workers THREATS Threats are the external factors that decrease the value in the business. The business need to be aware of the threats that may be occurred. Existence of substitute goods in the market Delayed of the products due to the transportation problems 3.6 MARKETING PLAN 3.6.1 Production/ Service Target Market The 2 main targets of doing this business are to improve the healthiness of consumers and to concern about the environment. Nano Energy water flask is a good product which helps to transform the water into alkaline water which is good for health. It is also convenient in the aspect of shape and size which makes it very easy to be carried around by anyone who needs a flask to store their water to take to either school or workplace and even to sport arenas. It is a stainless steel bottle which makes it more attractive and presentable. The fact that it is a stainless steel does not mean it going to get rust easily. On the other hand, since the product is made of stainless steel, it can be used for at least one year. Thus, we can be environmental friendly by saving the consumption of plastic water bottle. 3.6.2 Place Although the business is doing trading to Miri, Sibu and Kuching, our main business is in Miri. Nano Energy water flask is classified to be a household product, thus it can be found in Parkson, in the department where they sell household products. We also need a warehouse to store all our products. 3.6.3 Price Vuitton Silver Company supply Nano Energy water flask to the business with the cost of RM15 each. This cost will be derived after the deduction of all the money use in the production of the flask, such as buying of the machinery, steels, wages of employees, vehicle for distribution, insurance, rents and other expenses. After doing the analysis, our company tends to charge RM 28 for the product which can provide profits on every sales and this price can be afforded by customers. 3.6.4 Promotion and Advertisement Our company tends to alert the general public about nano energy water flask through various means in other for them to know about the product. A research was done on the strategies needed to promote the product in the market. As a result, we made use of the following promotional tools in the business. fliers and handbills posters and banners emails and telephone contact 3.7 Evaluation of Market CEC Company carried out an evaluation on the market, using the market strategy which is carried out at the end of every year to analyze the sales data of Nano Energy water flask to see it performances in the aspect of the quantity that has been sold and as well as profits made. Based on the cash flow forecast, we have cash surplus of RM 65,200 during the year. This proved that the promotions and sales have been done effectively. 4.0 OPERATIONS 4.1 Legal and Licensing Requirements (a) Business name and legal structure CEC Trading Ltd is a proprietary limited company. The company structure has already been registered and start up with five shareholders: Vivian Ngu Yen Shya (25% shareholding) Wong Wen Yi (18.75% shareholding) Faiznur Dilan binti David Ismadi (18.75% shareholding) Damilola (18.75% shareholding) Wong Soon Siong (18.75% shareholding) Who also serve as the directors of the entity. (b) Operating laws and licenses The business needed a license to run the business legally. 4.2 Management Details The managing director of the company will be: Vivian Ngu Yen Shya Home address: 175, Phase 2C1, Desa Senadin, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia Ph: (085) 656578 Fax: (085) 656579 Date of birth: 25 November 1991 Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Double Major in Finance and Management) Experience: Management and Financial Advisors and owner of Wealth Spring Consultancies 1997 – 2003 4.3 Organizational Structure and Staffing Most of the job of the business will mainly be done by general manager. A warehouse is needed to store our products. General manager, sales manager and accountant will mainly be working in the warehouse. On the other hand, 3 marketing expertise and 2 drivers are needed in doing sales and also deliverance. General manager  · The duty of a general manager are to manage all business plans and the performance of the employees.  · Salary : RM 1000 à ¼ Sales manager * The duty of a sales manager is to deal and communicate with the owner of parkson in order to know the amount of sales revenue. * Salary : RM 700 à ¼ Accountant * The duty of accountant is to record the business transactions, summarizing and analyzing to produce financial statement in the end of the period. * Salary : RM 700 à ¼ Sales advisor * The duty of sales advisor is to approach customers and advise them to buy our product. * Salary : RM 500 à ¼ Driver * The duty of driver is to deliver the products to the destination and also help to transfer the products to the sales department. * Salary : RM500 4.4 Professional Advisers Accountant Sunlight Accountants 55, Sunshine Park, Tun Hussein Onn Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia Ph: (085) 668 132 Fax: (085) 668 133 Lawyer John Smith 28, Fortune Park, Desa Damai Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia Ph: (085) 636 732 Fax: (085) 636 735 Insurance broker Bank account May Bank Malasyia 279, Bank Street, Pujut Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia Manager: Angeline Tan Ph: (085) 678 588 Fax: (085) 678 579 4.5 Business Premises Location CEC Trading Ltd will acquire a business premise as an office which deals with the paperwork and also warehouse as the storage for stocks and equipments. The ideal location would be located at shop lot where we can store and sell the stock. The premise will be located at Shop Lot 608, Medan Commercial Centre, 98007 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. The price tag for renting the shop lot will be RM 1,500 per month. The shop lot will be repairing and do some painting. The goods that we sell will be distributed to the hypermarket, Parkson in Miri, Sibu and Kuching. 4.6 Equipments Required The equipments that required for the business will be: Computers Printers Scanners Internet connections Fax machines Telephones Furniture (table, chair, shelves) The above equipments are some of the basic needs to run the daily business operation. The equipments required will change from time to time. 4.7 Production Processes Our company will get the stock from the supplier, Vuitton Silver. The estimated amount around 1000 of Nano Energy water flasks will be order from the supplier every month. Therefore, all the stocks will be store in the warehouse. Then, the workers will distribute some of the stock to Parkson. The working hour is from 8am to 5pm every day except on public holidays. There are different types of color of the water flask will be sold such as silver, black and red. The product will be sold at RM28 each for every types of color. The selling price is enough to cover all the expenses as the cost price of each water flask is RM 12. It is a reasonable price as these Nano Energy water flask is good for health and can solve the skin problems. However, the office is used as a place for the process of paperwork and storage of documents and equipments. The ordering of our company products and all the documents and accounts will be recorded down and will be kept. All the works in the office work will be done by the clerk and supervise by the manager. 4.8 Critical risks/Contingency Plans CEC Trading Ltd will organize training program to all staff members for professionalism in running the business and also for contingency plans. The training will be on how they going to promote and sell the water flask. Insurance will be bought for business premises. The aim is to recover some assets in case of any accidents such as fires, accidents and thefts as well. Those liability and car accident will be covered by the professional indemnity insurance. The injury to the managing director will be covered by workers compensation. 5.0 FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS 5.1 Basic Assumptions and Information (a) Calculation of income and expenses Expenses are calculated based on research and management’s knowledge of costs. Income or sales revenue is assumed to be paid within the month issued. The impact of inflation or increases costs is not taking into consideration. Depreciation of equipments purchased and vehicle purchased in June 2010 is calculated using straight-line method, at 10% per annum. Gross cost of goods is RM 168,000. Drawing is RM 200 per month. The projection is for one year and the figures are in Ringgit Malaysia. (b) Financing of the business An investment of RM 28,000 will be invested into the business according to our shareholdings – Vivian Ngu Yen Shya RM 8,000, Wong Soon Siong RM 5,000, Wong Wen Yi RM 5,000, Faiznur Dilan binti David Ismadi RM 5,000 and Damilola RM 5,000. Sales income for June is based on early promotions, thus providing initial cash surplus and avoid the need for any short term debt financing. The operation financing strategy is showing a cash surplus in the bank accounts with total amounts of RM 70,700. The business will open a cheque account that provides electronic funds transfer facilities for customers. A minimum of two shareholder directors is needed to sign all the cheques for security reasons. (c) Distribution of profits Profits in the first year will be retained in the business. In future years, three quarters of the annual net profit after tax will be paid to the directors at the end of the financial year according to their shareholding and the remaining quarter will be kept as retained earnings. The Sales Mix Forecast, Cash Flow Forecast and The Trading Profit and Loss Statement is prepared according to generally acceptable accounting principles and conventions. (d) Goods and services tax All forecasts are net of tax. (e) Loans The firm has no current loans or debts. 5.2 Analysis of Financial Forecasts (a) Net profit margin is used to measure the company’s ability to earn a net income from sales. The net profit margin is calculated based on the first year of the projections. Net profit margin % = = = 22.18% Since this trading company is running the business for the first year, it is normal to get a relatively low figures of the margin. The margin is expected to increase in the next few years. Other than that, the company can use other ratios to do analysis on the financial statements in the coming years. (b) Break-even point Contribution margin is used to determine the amount of profit that is made towards payment of the fixed cost. Considered that cost of goods sold is the variable cost, the contribution margin is equal to sales minus variable costs. Gross profit margin = = = 57.14% The fixed cost is projected to be RM 102,800. Break-even point in value = == RM 180, 350.88 Accounting 062 May 28, 2010 5.2.1 Sales mix forecast 5.2.2 Cash flow forecast CEC CASH FLOW FORECAST for the period July 2010 to June 2011 June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May TOTAL Income Sales revenue RM 12,600 RM 19,600 RM 22,400 RM 22,400 RM 22,400 RM 16,800 RM 19,600 RM 28,000 RM 30,800 RM 32,200 RM 32,200 RM 35,000 RM 294,000 Capital 28,000 28,000 Total income 40,600 19,600 22,400 22,400 22,400 16,800 19,600 28,000 30,800 32,200 32,200 35,000 RM322,000

Robert Browning Essay -- essays research papers

The Jealous Monk Robert Browning’s, â€Å"Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister† involves a jealous monk with much hatred of, Brother Lawrence, the â€Å"perfect† monk. Irony, diction, and syntax are clearly evident in this dramatic monologue. Throughout the poem the nameless monk is constantly expressing his anger and sarcasm through the use of syntactical irony. This particular monk is angered at a fellow monk, as evidenced by "If hate killed men, Brother Lawrence, God's blood, would not mine kill you!" which seems ironic knowing he is a religious monk. He is taking out his anger to a great extent, which is not good church practice. Obviously it seems that Brother Lawrence is good at what he does, and the jealous monk hated him for that. The monk goes back and forth thinking to himself as to what makes Brother Lawrence so perfect. Brother Lawrence is in the church’s secluded Spanish garden where he tends to all the gardening needs while unaware of his presence, watches for any mistake he may make. â€Å"He-he! There his lily snaps,† his sarcastic laugh shows he is mad and does not make sense. He describes Brother Lawrence’s every move during and after dinner as he cleans his plate, lay s it on â€Å"own shelf†¦(his) fire-new spoon†¦goblet†¦rinsed like something sacrificial†¦marked with L. for our initial!† He rambles on about tedious things that Brother Lawrence does. He mocks how he sets his forks and knives not "cross-wise,...

Maintain Your Ideal Weight Without Losing Your Mind

Within the last decade, weight has become an obsession for most Americans. Yet, most people try dieting and still find themselves fluctuating in weight. Diets fail because they are a short term fix. They often restrict a lot of food to get fast results. When one comes off a diet, weight rapidly packs back on. What most people do not know is that maintaining ideal weight is a lifestyle change with an appropriate frame in mind. In order to lose and maintain weight, people need to undergo a lifestyle change, not a short term fix.Choosing the right foods to eat is an essential factor in losing and maintaining proper weight. The best foods are natural. Processed foods often take too long for our bodies to break down, causing slow digestion, which burns fewer calories. Therefore taking in foods that aid digestion is significant. The perfect example is the food pyramid. Although it recommends that fruit and vegetables be taken in moderation I have found that snacking on them when I am hungr y, without condiments, is not a problem.High-protein foods are ideal because protein nourishes muscles that eat away at fat. When choosing breads, whole wheat and multigrain breads are best; they have more fiber and protein than white breads. At first, they may taste bland but they are fulfilling and promote digestion. The more one feels satisfied with the foods they eat the more likely they are to maintain their healthy eating habits. Most importantly, one should not resist any type of food because it eventually causes a food binge.When craving junk food, it is fine to have a taste or two of it with moderation. It is impossible to completely avoid what generations have grown to love. Eating junk food can be like an addiction; one slowly has to wane themselves out of it. Food should be considered as a daily nutritional value and not as a short term solution. The second key is, maintaining an active lifestyle. Being active can increase metabolism which burns calories. The more calori es one burns the less likely they are to store fat.The ideal way of dealing with this matter would be to exercise; however, many of us do not have time to fit it into our busy lives. Keeping fit does not have to be a something we add to our schedules; instead it can be a part of them. On the other hand, we have become a society dependent on technology. Although it is useful, it also makes us fat. If we chose to meet with a friend face to face instead of using mediated communication, we would take a lot more steps in life.Even simple things like taking the stairs instead of an elevator can be considered as part of an active lifestyle. Wanting to lose weight cannot become a problem in life. You want to lose and maintain proper weight without it controlling your life. Diets fail because they are a short term fix. They often restrict a lot of food to get fast results. When one comes off a diet, weight rapidly packs back on. It is simple, but often not easy, in order to lose and maintain proper weight one has to make some adjustments to their lifestyles.

Fool Chapter 17

ACT III Jesters do oft prove prophets. – King Lear, Act V, Scene 3, Regan SEVENTEEN REIGNING FOOLS, HAILING NUTTERS â€Å"Blow, wind, crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!† thundered Lear. The old man had perched himself on the top of a hill outside Gloucester and was shouting into the wind like a bloody lunatic, even as lightning raked the sky with white-hot claws and thunder shook me to my ribs. â€Å"Come in from there, you bloody decrepit old looney!† said I, huddled under a holly bush nearby; drenched and cold and at the end of my patience with the old man. â€Å"Come back to Gloucester and ask shelter from your daughters.† â€Å"Oh, ye heartless gods! Send your oak-cleaving thunderbolts down on me! Burn me with your sulfurous and life-ending fires! Singe my white head and reduce me to a pillar of ash! Strike me dead! Let your wrath take fiery form and smite me! Take me, spare no violence! I do not blame thee, thou art not my daughters! I've given you nothing and expect no quarter! Do your horrible pleasure direct, To a poor, infirm, despised old man! Crack the sky! Strike me dead!† The old man paused as a thunderbolt split a tree on the heath with blinding fire and a noise that would send statues to shitting themselves. I ran out from under my bush to the king's side. â€Å"Come in, nuncle. Take some shelter under a shrub, if only to take the sting out of the rain.† â€Å"I need no shelter. Let nature take her naked revenge.† â€Å"Fine, then,† said I. â€Å"Then you won't be needing this.† I took the old man's heavy fur cape, tossed him my sodden woolen cloak, and retreated to my shrubbery and the relative shelter of the heavy animal skin. â€Å"Hey?† said Lear, bewildered. â€Å"Go on,† said I. â€Å"Crack the sky, fry your old head, mash your balls, et cetera, et cetera. I'll prompt you if you lose your place.† And off he went again: â€Å"Mighty Thor, send your thunderbolts to cease this weary heart! Neptune's waves, beat these limbs from their joints! Hecate's claws, tear my liver and sup upon my soul! Baal, blast my bowels from their unhealthy home! Jupiter, strew the land with my shredded muscle!† The old man stopped his tirade for a moment and the madness went out of his eyes. He looked to me. â€Å"It's really fucking cold out here.† â€Å"Like being struck by a bolt of the bloody obvious on the road to Damascus, innit, nuncle?† I held open the great fur cloak and nodded for the old man to join me in it under my shrubbery. He crept down the hill, careful not to slip in the rivulets of mud and water that cascaded by, and ducked under the cover with me.† The old man shuddered and put his skeletal arm around my shoulders. â€Å"Rather closer than we're accustomed to, eh, boy?† â€Å"Aye, nuncle, did I ever tell you that you are a very attractive man?† said Jones, poking his puppety head out of the cloak. And the old man began to laugh, and he laughed until his shoulders shook and the laughter broke into a jarring cough, and that continued until I thought he might expectorate vital organs. I caught some freezing rain in my cupped hand and held it for him to sip. â€Å"Don't make me laugh, boy. I'm mad with grief and rage and I've no stomach for jests. You should stand clear, lest a thunderbolt scorch you when the gods heed my challenge.† â€Å"Nuncle, begging pardon, but, you arrogant old tosser! The gods aren't going to strike you down with a thunderbolt simply because you asked them. Why would they accommodate you with a thunderbolt? More likely a carbuncle, festered and gone fatal, or perhaps a thankless child or two, being how the gods love their irony.† â€Å"The cheek!† said Lear. â€Å"Oh yes, cheeky gods they are,† said I. â€Å"And you named off a bushel of them, too. Now if you are struck down we won't even know who to blame unless lightning brands a signature in your old hide. You should have dared one, then waited an hour perhaps before calling fire down from the whole lot at a go.† The king wiped rain out of his eyes. â€Å"I've set a thousand monks and nuns to pray for my forgiveness and the pagans slaughter goats by the herd for my salvation, but I fear it is not enough. Not once did I act in the interest of my people, not once did I act in the interest of my wives or my daughters' mothers – I have served myself as god and I find I am little forgiving. Be kind, Pocket, lest you one day face the darkness as I do. Or, in absence of kindness, be drunk.† â€Å"But, nuncle,† said I. â€Å"I do not need to be cautious for the day when I become frail. I am frail now. And on the bright side, there may be no God at all, and the evil deeds you've done will be their own reward.† â€Å"Perhaps I don't even rate a righteous slaughtering,† sobbed Lear. â€Å"The gods have sent these daughters to suck out my life blood. It is punishment for how I treated my own father. Do you know how I became king?† â€Å"Pulled a sword out of a stone and slayed a dragon with it, didn't you?† â€Å"No, that never happened.† â€Å"Sodding convent education. Buggered if I know then, nuncle. How did Lear become king?† â€Å"My own father, I murdered him. I do not deserve a noble death.† I was speechless. I had been in service of the king over a decade and never had I heard of this. The story went that old King Bladud had handed the kingdom over to Lear and went to Athens, where he learned to be a necromancer, then returned to Britain and died from the plague in service of the goddess Minerva at the temple at Bath. But before I could gather my wits for a reply, lightning cracked the sky, illuminating a hulking creature that was making its way across the hillside toward us. â€Å"What's that?† I asked. â€Å"A demon,† said the old man. â€Å"The gods have sent a monster to take their revenge on me.† The thing was covered in slime, and walking as if it had just been constructed from the very earth over which it slogged. I felt for the daggers at the small of my back and pulled one from its sheath. There'd be no knife throwing in this downpour – I wasn't even sure I could hold the blade steady for a thrust. â€Å"Your sword, Lear,† said I. â€Å"Draw and defend.† I stood and stepped out of the shelter of the shrubbery. I spun Jones so his stick end was at the ready, and drew a flourish in the air with my dagger. â€Å"Come hither, demon! Pocket's got a coach ride back to the underworld for thee.† I crouched, thinking to leap aside as the thing lunged. Although it described the shape of a man, I could see long slimy tendrils dragging from it, and mud oozing off of it. Once it stumbled I'd leap on its back and see if I could cause it to fall and slide down the hillside, away from the old king. â€Å"No, let it take me,† said Lear. Suddenly the old man shrugged off his fur cloak and charged at the monster, his arms wide, as if offering his very heart to the beast. â€Å"Slay me, ye merciless god – rend this black heart from Britain's chest!† I could not stop him and the old man fell into the beast's arms. But to my surprise, there was no tearing of limbs or bashing of brains. The thing caught the old man and lowered him gently to the ground. I lowered my blade and inched forward. â€Å"Leave him, beast.† The thing was kneeling over Lear, whose eyes were rolled back in his head even as he twitched as if in a fit. The beast looked at me and I saw streaks of pink through the mud, the whites of its eyes. â€Å"Help me,† it said. â€Å"Help me get him to shelter.† I stepped forth and wiped the mud away from the thing's face. It was a man, covered with mud so thick it even ran out of his mouth and coated his teeth, but a man just the same, vines or rags, I couldn't tell which, trailed off his arms. â€Å"Help poor Tom bring him out of the cold,† said he. I sheathed my dagger, retrieved the old man's cape, and helped the muddy, naked bloke carry King Lear into the wood. It was a tiny cabin, barely enough room to stand in, but the fire was warm and the old woman stirred a pot that smelled of boiling meat and onions, like breath of the Muses it was, on this dank night. Lear stirred, now hours since we brought him in from the rain. The king reclined on a pallet of straw and skins. His fur cloak still steamed by the fire. â€Å"Am I dead?† asked the old man. â€Å"Nay, nuncle, but ye were close enough to lick death's salty taint,† said I. â€Å"Back, foul fiend!† said the naked fellow, waving at the very air before his eyes. I had helped him wash away much of the mud, so now he was merely filthy and mad, but no longer misshapen. â€Å"Oh, poor Tom is cold! So cold.† â€Å"Aye, we can tell that,† said I. â€Å"Unless you're just a crashingly large bloke what was born with a willie the size of a raisin.† â€Å"The fiend makes Tom eat the swimming frog, the tadpole, lizards, and ditch-water – I eat cow dung for salads and swallow rats and bits of dead dogs. I drink pond scum, and in every village I am beaten and thrown into stocks. Away, fiend! Leave poor, cold Tom alone!† â€Å"Blimey,† said I. â€Å"The loonies are in full bloom tonight.† â€Å"I offered him some stewed mutton,† said the old woman by the fire, without turning, â€Å"but no, he had to have his frogs and cow pies. Right fussy eater for a naked nutter.† â€Å"Pocket,† said Lear, clawing at my arm. â€Å"Who is that large, naked chap?† â€Å"He calls himself Tom, nuncle. Says he's pursued by the devil.† â€Å"He must have daughters. See here, Tom, did you give all to your daughters? Is that what drove you mad and poor even until you are naked?† Tom crawled across the floor until he was at Lear's side. â€Å"I was a vain and selfish servant,† said the nutter. â€Å"I slept with my mistress every night and woke thinking of putting it to her again in the morning. I drank and caroused and made merry, even while my half brother fought a crusade for a Church for which he held no faith. I took all without thought for those who had nothing. Now I have nothing – not a stitch, not a crumb, not a coin, and the devil dogs me to the ends of the earth for my selfishness.† â€Å"You see,† said Lear, â€Å"only a man's cruel daughters could drive him to such a state.† â€Å"He didn't say that, you daft geezer. He said he was a selfish libertine and the devil took his kit.† The old woman turned now. â€Å"Aye, the fool's right. The younger nutter has no daughters, 'tis his own unkindness that curses him.† She crossed the cabin with two steaming bowls of stew and set them before us on the floor. â€Å"And it's your own evil hounds you, Lear, not your daughters.† The old woman, I'd seen her before. She was one of the crones from the Great Birnam Wood. Different togs and somewhat less green, but this was surely Rosemary, the cat-toed witch. Lear slid to the floor and grabbed poor Tom's hand. â€Å"I have been selfish. I have thought nothing of the weight of my deeds. My own father I imprisoned in the temple at Bath because he was a leper, and later had him killed. My own brother I did murder when I suspected him of bedding my queen. No trial, not even the honor of a challenge. I had him murdered in his sleep without proof. And my queen is dead, too, for my jealousy. My kingdom is the fruit of treachery, and treachery have I reaped. I do not deserve to even wear clothes on my back. You are true, Tom, that you have nothing. I, too, shall have nothing, as is my just reward!† The old man began to tear off his clothes, ripping at the collar of his shirt, tearing more of his parchment-like skin than the linen. I stayed his hand, held his wrists and tried to catch his eye with my own, to pull him back from madness. â€Å"Oh, I have wronged my sweet Cordelia!† the old man wailed. â€Å"The only one who loved me and I have wronged her! My one true daughter! Gods, tear these clothes from my back, tear the meat from my bones!† Then I felt claws clamp on my own wrists and I was pulled away from Lear as if I had been drawn by heavy iron shackles. â€Å"Let him suffer,† hissed the witch in my ear. â€Å"But I have made this pain,† said I. â€Å"Lear's pain is of his own making, fool,† she said. With that I felt the room spinning and I heard the voice of the girl ghost telling me to sleep. â€Å"Sleep, sweet Pocket.† â€Å"Who's the muddy naked bloke snogging the king's noggin?† asked Kent. I awoke to see the old knight standing in the doorway with the Earl of Gloucester. The storm still raged outside, but by firelight I could see the naked nutter Tom O'Bedlam had wrapped himself around Lear and was kissing the king's bald head as if blessing a newborn babe. â€Å"Oh majesty,† said Gloucester, â€Å"can't you find better company than this? Who is this rough beast?† â€Å"He is a philosopher,† said Lear. â€Å"I will talk with him.† â€Å"Poor Tom O'Bedlam, is he,† said Tom. â€Å"Eater of tadpoles, cursed and damned by demons.† Kent looked to me and I shrugged. â€Å"Both mad as cat herds,† said I. I looked around for the old woman as a witness, but she was gone. â€Å"Well, snap to, majesty, I bring news from France,† said Kent. â€Å"Hollandaise sauce, excellent on eggs?† I inquired. â€Å"No,† said Kent. â€Å"More urgent.† â€Å"Wine and cheese complement one another nicely?† I further queried. â€Å"No, you rasp-tongued rascal, France has landed an army at Dover, and there's rumor they've forces hidden in other cities around the British coast, ready to strike.† â€Å"Oh, well, that does trump the wine and cheese news, then, doesn't it?† Gloucester was trying to pry Tom off King Lear, but having a hard time doing so while keeping mud off his cloak. â€Å"I've sent word to the French camp at Dover that Lear is here,† said Gloucester. â€Å"I've made the case to the king's daughters to let me bring him in from the storm, but they will not relent. Even in my own home my power has been usurped by the Duke of Cornwall. Regan and Cornwall have taken command of Lear's knights, and with them, my castle.† â€Å"We come to bring you to a hovel at the city wall,† said Kent. â€Å"When the storm breaks, Gloucester will send a cart to take Lear to the French camp at Dover.† â€Å"No,† said Lear. â€Å"Let me talk to my philosopher friend in private.† He pawed at mad Tom. â€Å"He knows much of how life should be lived. Tell me, friend, why is there thunder?† Kent turned to Gloucester and shrugged. â€Å"He's not in his right mind.† â€Å"Who can blame him?† said Gloucester. â€Å"After what his daughters have done – his very flesh rising up against him. I had a beloved son who conspired to murder me, and just the thought of that nearly drove me mad.† â€Å"Do you nobles have any reaction to hardship besides going bloody barking and running off to eat dirt?† said I. â€Å"Hitch up your bollocks and get on with it, would you? Caius, what of Drool?† â€Å"I left him hidden in the laundry, but Edmund will find him when his mind turns full to the task. Right now he is distracted by trying to avoid the sisters and conspiring with Cornwall.† â€Å"My son, Edmund, he is still true,† said Gloucester. â€Å"Yes, right, milord,† said I. â€Å"And mind you don't trip on the honeysuckle sprouting from his bum when you next see him. Do you have means to get me into the castle without Edmund knowing I'm there?† â€Å"I suppose. But I take no commands from you, fool. You are but a slave, and an impudent one at that.† â€Å"You're still angry over my jesting about your dead wife, aren't you?† â€Å"Do the fool's will!† boomed Lear. â€Å"His word is as mine.† A slight breeze then would have knocked me off my feet, so shocked was I. Oh, there was still madness glowing in the old man's eyes, but so was the fire of his authority. A feeble, babbling wretch one moment, the next a dragon deep inside the old man barked fire. â€Å"Yes, your majesty,† said Gloucester. â€Å"He's a good lad,† said Kent, by way of easing the bite of Lear's command. â€Å"Nuncle, bring your naked madman and let us go with Gloucester, to this hovel by the city wall. I'll retrieve my nitwit apprentice from the castle and off we'll be to meet up with the bloody frog King Jeff at Dover.† Kent rubbed my shoulder. â€Å"A sword in support then?† â€Å"No, thank you,† said I. â€Å"You stay with the old man, get him to Dover.† I pulled Kent over by the fire and bade him bend down so I could whisper in his ear. â€Å"Did you know that Lear murdered his brother?† The old knight's eyes went wide, then narrowed as if he were in pain. â€Å"He gave the order.† â€Å"Oh, Kent. Thou loyal old fool.†

University of Phoenix Online MBA Program Essay Example

University of Phoenix Online MBA Program Essay Example University of Phoenix Online MBA Program Essay University of Phoenix Online MBA Program Essay The University of Phoenix is the largest private university, the university that understands the need to be managed to family and work obligation and offers an online MBA program. Students who applied to this university can be found at more than 100 locations. And that’s exactly why this university offers innovative technology that gives support and assistance for every step that is made through the learning process. The MBA online programs that this university is offering are helping students to be prepared for the functional areas of business. It will further allow them to develop skills that are necessary for the effectiveness in the rapidly changing business environment. There are more business degrees that can be found there such as Master of Business Administration, Associate of Arts in Accounting, Associate in Arts in Foundation of Business, Master of Management, Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Management and Bachelor of Science in Business. However, not all of these programs are available at all locations. The University of Phoenix Online MBA Program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and is also a member of the North Central Association. When it comes to the program, it is important to know that it gives you the flexibility and freedom to balance and manage your own time. Thanks to the year-round enrollment, the students can start their program whenever they want. The program is designed to help the students keep their competitive skills in their professional life and also to be effective in fast-changing business world. The knowledge they will get from this program will also help them how to apply critical analysis in time of uncertainty and how the values can impact the final decisions that need to be made. It will also help them manage and motivate personnel, meet changing organizational needs and integrate knowledge and reach decision while there are incomplete or limited available information. Another thing that can be learned is evaluating the risk that is so important into the business world. The students of the University of Phoenix that have decided for the online MBA program can reach too many academic resources that will help them while learning. Another thing that is worth mentioning is that all graduate applicants must possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited college. Also, they need to have cumulative average point of 2.5 and also a verification of a minimum three years of full-time work experience. Available concentration for the online MBA program on this university can be found in the areas of Accounting, Health care Management, Global Management, Human Recourse Management, Energy Management, Marketing, Project Management, and Technology Management. The cost of this program is $26,640 and it requires a minimum of 36 credit hours and a minimum time of commitment is 24 months. Regarding the concept of learning on the University of Phoenix, the students can use their accumulated knowledge and use it in the university, upgrade it, and then use in practice in their workplace and also in their environment. Thanks to that, they will all be available to stay current in their professions and be successful in every field.

How to Find the PHP Document Root

How to Find the PHP Document Root The PHP document root is the folder where a PHP script is running. When installing a script, web developers often need to know the document root. Although many pages scripted with PHP run on an Apache server, some run under Microsoft IIS on Windows. Apache includes an environment variable called DOCUMENT_ROOT, but IIS doesnt. As a result, there are two methods for locating the PHP document root. Finding the PHP Document Root Under Apache Instead of emailing tech support for the document root and waiting for someone to respond, you can use a simple PHP script with getenv (), which provides a shortcut on Apache servers to the document root. These few lines of code return the document root. Finding the PHP Document Root Under IIS Microsofts Internet Information Services was introduced with Windows NT 3.5.1 and has been included in most Windows releases since then- including Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10. It does not supply a shortcut to the document root. To find the name of the currently executing script in IIS, begin with this code: print getenv  (SCRIPT_NAME); which returns a result similar to: /product/description/index.php which is the full path of the script. You dont want the full path, just the name of the file for SCRIPT_NAME. To get it, use: print realpath(basename(getenv(SCRIPT_NAME))); which returns a result in this format: /usr/local/apache/share/htdocs/product/description/index.php To remove the code referring to the site-relative file and arrive at the document root, use the following code at the beginning of any script that needs to know the document root. $localpathgetenv(SCRIPT_NAME);$absolutepathrealpath($localPath);// fix the Windows slashes$absolutepathstr_replace(\\,/,$absolutepath);$docrootsubstr($absolutepath,0,strpos($absolutepath,$localpath));// an example of useinclude($docroot./includes/config.php); This method, although more complex, runs on both IIS and Apache servers.

Conditional Forms and Sentences in English

Conditional Forms and Sentences in English Conditional forms are used to imagine events in certain conditions. The conditional can be used to speak about real events that always happen (first conditional), imaginary events (second conditional), or imagined past events (third conditional). Conditional sentences are also known as if sentences. Here are some examples: If we finish early, we will go out for lunch. - First conditional - possible situationIf we had time, we would visit our friends. - Second conditional - imaginary situationIf we had gone to New York, we would have visited the exhibit. - Third conditional - past imagined situation English learners should study conditional forms to speak about past, present and future situations that depend on other events happening. There are four forms of the conditional in English. Students should study each of the forms to understand how to use conditionals to speak about: Something that is always true if something happens - conditional zeroSomething that will be true in the future if something happens - conditional one or real conditionalSomething that would be true if something happened in the present - conditional two or unreal conditionalSomething that would have been true in the past if something had happened - conditional three or unreal conditional At times it might be difficult to make the choice between the first and second (real or unreal) conditional form. You can study this guide to the first or second conditional for more information on making the proper choice between these two forms. Once you have studied conditional structures, practice your understanding of the conditional forms by taking the conditional forms quiz. Teachers can also use the printable conditional forms quiz in-class. Listed below are examples, uses and formation of Conditionals followed by a quiz. Conditional 0 These situations are always true if something happens. Note: This use is similar to, and can usually be replaced by, a time clause using when (example: When I am late, my father takes me to school.) If I am late, my father takes me to school.She doesnt worry if Jack stays out after school. Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma the present simple in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If he comes to town, we have dinner. or: We have dinner if he comes to town. Conditional 1 Often called the real conditional because it is used for real - or possible - situations. These situations take place if a certain condition is met. Note: In the conditional 1 we often use unless which means if ... not. In other words, ...unless he hurries up. could also be written, ...if he doesnt hurry up.. If it rains, we will stay at home.He will arrive late unless he hurries up.Peter will buy a new car, if he gets his raise. Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma will verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If he finishes on time, we will go to the movies. or: We will go to the movies if he finishes on time. Conditional 2 Often called the unreal conditional because it is used for unreal - impossible or improbable - situations. The conditional 2 provides an imaginary result for a given situation. Note: The verb to be, when used in the 2nd conditional, is always conjugated as were. If he studied more, he would pass the exam.I would lower taxes if I were the President.They would buy a new house if they had more money. Conditional 2 is formed by the use of the past simple in the if clause followed by a comma would verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If they had more money, they would buy a new house. or: They would buy a new house if they had more money. Conditional 3 Often referred to as the past conditional because it concerns only past situations with hypothetical results. Used to express a hypothetical result to a past given situation. If he had known that, he would have decided differently.Jane would have found a new job if she had stayed in Boston. Conditional 3 is formed by the use of the past perfect in the if clause followed by a comma would have past participle in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If Alice had won the competition, life would have changed or: Life would have changed if Alice had won the competition.

The history of the concept of limit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The history of the concept of limit - Essay Example Yet, the role these equations are paramount in modern society’s foundational circuitry. Few among us see the tiniest fraction of the actions of mathematical limits that buzz within and around the tools and highways and Satellites around us, allowing all of them to run smoothing and on time. This being the case, they dismiss these calculus driven equations as droning fodder, which has no practical use. Yet, they praise and cannot bear to think what life would be without any of their high tech gadgetry. Greece was the epicenter of philosophic thought in the ancient world. It was the pinnacle of theoretic genius among the by-gone nation. Hence, math was no stranger to its people. In fact, the first to make steps toward this concept was the Greek philosopher Zeno. Zeno was famous for his paradoxes which often involved the limiting of a process. The paradox where the building block of limits and infinity are derived from is his dichotomy paradox. He states the as an object moved toward another object the space between them must be divided if they have to arrive close to each other. Archimedes is more than just an innovator of the ancient world. He is held today as one of the four greatest mathematical minds to have lived on our planet. Even today, we are finding out more and more about him and discovery just how much ahead of his time he was. The king was suspicious of a new crown that had been made for him. It felt a bit too odd to authentic. He suspected the craftsmen used or mixed cheaper metals during its crafting to cut costs, yet he had no way of proving this was the case. In response to his personal query, he offered a reward to anyone who could solve this conundrum. Archimedes dared to take on this crowning dilemma. The legend has it; he solved the puzzle when he was bathing. While in the tub, he noticed, as he stepped into it, the levels of water on the side of the tub rose as he stepped in and resided and he stepped out. He connected the submersion

Consumer Buying Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Consumer Buying Behavior - Essay Example It has been further highlighted by Chiu et al. (2006) that consumer buying behavior is about asking key questions. For example, one might engage with the questions of why consumers buy or how consumers buy and what influences their purchasing. There is a mix of internal and external factors surrounding consumers that help shape and define their buying behavior and preferences. According to Pelsmacker et al. (2006), these internal factors include a perceptual filter, knowledge about products, attitude towards the brand, personality of the consumer, lifestyle of the consumer, perceived roles of consumer, and their overall motivation for making the purchase. It is also distinguished by the fact that the external factors include: group or segment membership of consumer and purchase situation or cultures of the consumer. For example, culture is one of the most important factors affecting the consumer’s buying behavior; because the consumer’s preference will be according to t heir beliefs and backgrounds. However, both internal and external factors are interconnected and play a vital role in the consumer’s buying behavior. This leads the reader to understand that a consumer’s choice and buying behavior is localized and will not be the same among individuals and businesses need to understand how to target the consumers from various backgrounds and lifestyles.The factors that have been mentioned help to identify the main reasons why people purchase products in general (Harper, 2005).

Discussion Board 3-1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion Board 3-1 - Essay Example In that line, assessment plan should prioritize clients with mental disorder and subject to medical management. This population represents 15% of the 75% of the people with mental health disorder. The reason for prioritizing this population is that the nature of treatment (medical management) is less complex. At this level the assessment may involve reviewing compliance to prescription if available and response to medication. The next population in the assessment plan should be the 30% population with mental health disorder and subject to individual psychotherapy only. Assessment of this population will involve interviews of the clients and analysis of behaviors of the clients. Due to the bigger size of the population, the activity will consider three-quarter of the population as sample. Following will be the 15% of population with mental health disorder and subjected to family therapy. Assessment of this population will also involve interview of the individual clients and family members. In addition, assessment will analyze behaviors of the clients to determine any changes. The plan will then consider the 30% population with mental health disorder and subject to individual psychotherapy and medical management. Assessment of the population will combine techniques used in assessing both the treatment techniques (individual psychotherapy and medical management). Since the population is somewhat big, the as sessment will take three-quarter of the total subjects. The next in the plan will be the 10% population with mental health disorder and subject to both individual psychotherapy and family therapy models of treatment. Assessing the population at this position is important since the evaluator will benefit from the already explored issues when assessing the techniques individually. The task will be less complex and less confusing as would be if conducted earlier before considering the individual

Tort assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Tort assignment - Essay Example ? to all his lawful visitors, except insofar as he is free to and does extend, restrict, modify, or exclude his duty to any visitor or visitors by agreement or otherwise.† It also applies to a person who enters the premises in order to fulfill a contractual right. This is the law that is applicable as we review the facts of the case that we are presented with. In this case, Peter, who owns Rawley House, decided to have the house redecorated and employed a local electrician, Steven, to install new wall lights in the long gallery. After Steven had finished the installation, Peter employed Thomas, a decorator, to paint the walls of the gallery. While painting the walls Thomas suffered severe burns as a result of touching a live wire which Steven had left protruding from the wall. After work was completed, Peter allowed the local Historical Society to visit the house. In the entrance hall of the house is a notice which states: "The owner welcomes visitors to the property but cannot be held responsible for any injuries sustained by person or property during the course of the visit." Just after the Historical Society arrived at the Rawley Hose, Victor, a poacher, climbed over the wall onto Peters land. Victor caught his footing in a trap set to cat ch foxes. On hearing Victors screams. Peter, and his visitors, rushed out of the house. During the commotion Sam, aged 5, wandered into the garden. he climbed up a rotten rails trellis, which was lodged against the garden wall, and fell through a glass roof severely injuring himself. Sams father, who had brought him on the visit to Rawley House, found the injured boy thirty minutes later. Thomas has a right to claim damages from Peter by virtue of the employer-employee relationship. However, under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, he may have to seek damages against the local electrician, Steven, who is an independent contractor, absent any showing that Peter acted negligently in the hiring and selection of Steven as his

Incentives and Disincentives for Corporations entering the Texan Research Paper

Incentives and Disincentives for Corporations entering the Texan financial industry compared to other U.S. states in general - Research Paper Example The outstanding leadership of Governor Rick Perry has promoted the growth of the Texas State and eventual recognition of the Texas model for economic development. The no income tax policy, minimal government interference, and maintaining fiscal discipline has promoted an increase in population and newly created jobs. Texas State has been so successful that Governor Perry has been flaunting the Texas economic benefits and openly luring businesses from California, Maryland and other states to â€Å"think Texas† and relocate to the Lone Star State. Introduction In the  United States of America, Texas State  is the  second largest  and has the second highest number of inhabitants out of all the  50 states.   (Hess and Sauter, 2013) observe that the 2012 US national economy grew, and Texas and California, some of its largest state economies grew more rapidly. California has the largest state economy, closely followed by Texas. According to the International Monetary Fun d 2011 rankings, Texas has a GDP of $1.2 trillion, that is, 8 percent of the total U.S. GDP. It is further recorded that the 2012 Texan GDP went up by almost twice the 2.5% of the total U.S. GDP. ... compared to other states, it leads in the agriculture , space and biomedical sciences, computers  and  computer electronics, energy and petrochemical firms. The mining industry, the largest in the U.S. that consists of oil and gas extraction has energy firms such as ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil is based there. American Airlines is based in Fort Worth while Southwest Airlines is based in Dallas. The Lone Star state is the pillar of the U.S. Air Force and lots of others all over the world as it makes its own fighter jets and has massive quantities of weapons-grade plutonium near Amarillo. The NASA Johnson Space Center, an aerospace center, the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans football teams, the  Texas Rangers  and the  Houston Astros baseball teams and the  Houston Rockets, the  San Antonio Spurs, and the  Dallas Mavericks basketball teams and the Dallas Stars hockey team are all based in Texas State.   Population growth and energy manufacture in Texas have incre ased the Texan GDP rate by 4.8%. In 2012, population grew by about 1.7% and the energy industry accounted for $123.3 billion of the nation's $285.2 billion output (Hess and Sauter, 2013). Just like Florida, Nevada, South Dakota and Washington, Texas is a no income tax state (Wood, 2013). Among the 50 states, Texas ranks relatively low in terms of tax burdens and taxation on consumption. Texas  Governor Rick Perry has always been enticing Americans to relocate to Texas using the â€Å"no state income tax† tag line and pointing out the benefits of residing in the Lone Star State. The Texas’ economy is entirely diversified and not reliant on any one industry. As countless states are still tussling to develop their finances, Texas not only has all it needs for its critical roles, but also upholds a fiscally

Consumer choices regarding food and other items related to their Essay

Consumer choices regarding food and other items related to their income and social status - Essay Example The main query behind all the research effort was to determine how social inequality dictates the consumption of products. To answer this question, the research questions posed were as follows: 1. How does the lower-income buyer view their consumption habits in relation to government, politics, or corporate employment? 2. What role, if any, does television usage (volume and content) dictate lower-income buyer preferences and consumption behaviours? 3. In relation specifically to food, how do food insecure individuals view the food products they purchase in relation to needs or environment? 4. What is most important to the lower-income buyer- peer opinion or price sensitivity and to which types of products does either/or apply? In other words, this sociological research project is expected not only to draw a relationship between income, consumption and lifestyle but also to determine how the lower class of society respond to the jobs provided to them in terms of daily living, purchasing and consumption activities. Obviously the highly relevant factors of media advertising and peer group recommendations had to be included as these factors cannot be ignored in the consideration of modern lifestyle choices- no matter what strata of society we are dealing with in a typical Western economy. The methodology involves first of all the creation of a Food Log, followed by a multi-purpose Survey covering the purchasing habits of the lower class families in selected areas. The multipurpose survey will have three distinct sections- one about general consumption behaviours, the second about the influence of television and peers on decision-making, and the third about any physiological restrictions that each participant maintains in their lifestyle. These surveys were distributed by the researcher in an environment where low-income shoppers frequented in the region, while guaranteeing anonymity to the participants. However the expected sample to be collected was 50-100 individuals of varying demographics and socio-cultural backgrounds to gain a broader perspective of what drives product consumption as it relates to their social inequality as compared to other more resourceful consumers. The data gathered from the study was then analysed and correlated

Incentives and Disincentives for Corporations entering the Texan Research Paper

Incentives and Disincentives for Corporations entering the Texan financial industry compared to other U.S. states in general - Research Paper Example The outstanding leadership of Governor Rick Perry has promoted the growth of the Texas State and eventual recognition of the Texas model for economic development. The no income tax policy, minimal government interference, and maintaining fiscal discipline has promoted an increase in population and newly created jobs. Texas State has been so successful that Governor Perry has been flaunting the Texas economic benefits and openly luring businesses from California, Maryland and other states to â€Å"think Texas† and relocate to the Lone Star State. Introduction In the  United States of America, Texas State  is the  second largest  and has the second highest number of inhabitants out of all the  50 states.   (Hess and Sauter, 2013) observe that the 2012 US national economy grew, and Texas and California, some of its largest state economies grew more rapidly. California has the largest state economy, closely followed by Texas. According to the International Monetary Fun d 2011 rankings, Texas has a GDP of $1.2 trillion, that is, 8 percent of the total U.S. GDP. It is further recorded that the 2012 Texan GDP went up by almost twice the 2.5% of the total U.S. GDP. ... compared to other states, it leads in the agriculture , space and biomedical sciences, computers  and  computer electronics, energy and petrochemical firms. The mining industry, the largest in the U.S. that consists of oil and gas extraction has energy firms such as ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil is based there. American Airlines is based in Fort Worth while Southwest Airlines is based in Dallas. The Lone Star state is the pillar of the U.S. Air Force and lots of others all over the world as it makes its own fighter jets and has massive quantities of weapons-grade plutonium near Amarillo. The NASA Johnson Space Center, an aerospace center, the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans football teams, the  Texas Rangers  and the  Houston Astros baseball teams and the  Houston Rockets, the  San Antonio Spurs, and the  Dallas Mavericks basketball teams and the Dallas Stars hockey team are all based in Texas State.   Population growth and energy manufacture in Texas have incre ased the Texan GDP rate by 4.8%. In 2012, population grew by about 1.7% and the energy industry accounted for $123.3 billion of the nation's $285.2 billion output (Hess and Sauter, 2013). Just like Florida, Nevada, South Dakota and Washington, Texas is a no income tax state (Wood, 2013). Among the 50 states, Texas ranks relatively low in terms of tax burdens and taxation on consumption. Texas  Governor Rick Perry has always been enticing Americans to relocate to Texas using the â€Å"no state income tax† tag line and pointing out the benefits of residing in the Lone Star State. The Texas’ economy is entirely diversified and not reliant on any one industry. As countless states are still tussling to develop their finances, Texas not only has all it needs for its critical roles, but also upholds a fiscally