Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Argumentative Essay On Fast Food - 1766 Words

There is a major debate going on in today’s American society. Americans have access to fatty foods at all times of the day and at a low and or affordable cost. People fail to realize that there is a major concern with the amount of sugar, salt, and fat rich foods that are consumed on a daily basis. Now, one might ask, why are fast foods so addicting? What is in these hyperpalatable foods that we just can’t seem to refuse to pass on? Hyperpalatable foods are rich in sugar, sodium, fats, and overall good looking and tasting foods. Why should we or anyone care? It is important to know that because of these properties in these kinds of foods, one can have psychological and medical health implications. Hyperpalatable foods can be as†¦show more content†¦High fat and sugar foods are easily accessible and are found in every single major food market in the United States. One can go to the super market and easily be tempted in just about every checkout aisle. Hyperpalat able foods also include beverages. According to The Addiction Potential of Hyperpalatable Foods, â€Å"for both rats and humans the dopamine and opioid neural circuitry implicated in drug addiction is also associated with the motivation for food and food-related reward.† The study conducted showed that â€Å"rats†¦..exhibit reward-related neural changes seen in drug addiction, as well as the behavioral signs of withdrawal, tolerance, and continued use despite negative consequences (The Addiction Potential of Hyperpalatable Foods).† The over consumption of these foods lead to addictive behavior and this can eventually lead to increased health risks for humans. Americans should not underestimate the fact that just because these hyperpalatable foods are not chemically the same as drugs and alcohol, that they do not have the same potential to be as addictive. Over eating of high fat, sugar, and sodium foods can lead to obesity and other health conditions as stated ab ove. According to Schulte, Erica M., et al., â€Å"†¦.causes of obesity are multifactorial, one potential contributing factor is the idea certain foods may be capable of triggering an addictive response in some individuals,Show MoreRelatedArgumentative Essay On Fast Food1040 Words   |  5 Pages 1997). Nowadays fast food and junk food consumption has become increasingly popular because it is quicker, more convenient, and generally cheaper than purchasing healthy foods. However, the more we eat, the more it is taking a toll on our health nationwide. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (2010), an unhealthy diet contributes to approximately 678,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. Today I would like to talk about the contents of the food that we consume,Read MoreArgumentative Essay On Fast Food2000 Words   |  8 PagesThe fast food industry provides quick, cheap, and easy access to foods that in the customers opinion, is very delicious, and affordable, however this food which millions of people around the world are constantly consuming, could actually cause major health problems, and weight gain in the long run. Major fast food companies throughout the world know what they are doing when it comes to marketing towards all types of people. Some people will find numerous different things to blame for the epidemicRead MoreArgumentative Essay About Fast Food Industry1359 Words   |  6 Pageseconomy has become fast-paced, and this has forced people to transform their lifestyle in order to adapt to the changing pace. Family structures have evolved drastically with modern mothers having outside careers rather than being housewives. Granted such mothers get out of work worn out with little strength to prepare a proper meal for the family. They often opt for an easier way of preparing a meal for their families. This is the foundation for the thriving of the fast food industry. A number ofRead MoreArgumentative Essays About Ob esity1560 Words   |  7 Pagesthemselves to get that far into bad health(obesity)? (might be more of a Psychology question though..) A good one for looking at arguments relating to the fast food industry is Super-Size me that documentary, that might give you some more ideas about arguments, to look into some of the issues that Morgan Spurlock touches on, (size of food portions, advertising, health related problems of obesity, etc..) Obesity in AmericaWhen people think about health what usually comes up is cancer, or some kindRead MoreAssignment On Income Inequality : Extinction Of The American Dream885 Words   |  4 PagesMy intension for all of my essay assignments during this semester were to have strong supporting examples for the thesis statements, use proper grammar, and choose good advanced words to show more professional mind. With good advises from Smarthinking tutors, my dad, and my peers, I have progressed my papers toward better essays. I have saved my papers individually as I corrected them to show the progressions. In my argumentative essay, Income Inequality: Extinction of the American Dream, I usedRead MoreI Have A Good Writer949 Words   |  4 Pagesfirst essay; a narrative. My narrative was about something that happened years ago that traumatized me. Being able to get out what had happened and express what I needed to was liberating. But aside from feeling better about the event, I had written my first real essay. A real, five page, no bull paper. That was a huge milestone in my writing career. Also, beginning with a narrative was nice because it was simple enough to be easy, but still challenging. Next, we wrote an expository essay. An expositoryRead MoreWriters Reflection Essay1463 Words   |  6 Pageshigh school years writing essays became more complex. For some reason I couldn’t seem to fully understand the different techniques you need in order to write a successful essay. English 49 being my first English college class was at first a bit overwhelming. I felt somewhat intimidated. I thought I didn’t had thev enough knowledge to write a good essay, because of the fact that I didn’t felt like I learned much in high school on how to incorporate good essay writing skills. On theRead MoreGlobalisation Essay610 Words   |  3 PagesGlobalisation – argumentative essay Globalisation is a really widespread topic. There are millions of definitions, opinions, organisations and perspectives because it concerns the whole world. This essay is a try to give some information and to explain my view of the issue. The starting point of globalisation is not defined yet, but most scientists think it started in the sixteenth century, when the first circumnavigation of the â€Å"Magellan† took place. Though, the first sentiment of a â€Å"unitedRead MoreEssay Smoking Tobacco Smoking811 Words   |  4 Pagesalarmingly high number of Filipino youths addicted to smoking and other tobacco products. (Buenavista, 2001). Smo Premium 9375 Words 38 Pages Argumentative Essay on Cigarette Smoking â€Å"Cigarette smoking in the Philippines should be banned because it poses a great threat to the health of the family members† Argumentative essay I. Introduction A. It has been an increasing concern about the effects of smoking in the family. B. Cigarette smoking not only affects Premium 1802Read MoreShhh Essay2170 Words   |  9 PagesJune 13th Percentage of Final Grade: 10% Objective: Write a summary of Crystal’s essay â€Å"2B or not 2B.† Use a template from They Say, I Say to begin your summary. Make appropriate rhetorical â€Å"moves,† such as integrating quotes, choosing strong verbs, and using effective transitions. Most importantly, demonstrate that you understand the what, how, and why: (1) What is the main argument or â€Å"gist† of Crystal’s essay? (2) How does Crystal develop/ support/ illustrate this argument? (3) Why, according

Monday, December 16, 2019

Callaway Golf Canada Free Essays

| Callaway Golf Canada: The Mobile Performance Team| Case Study| | | | Jamie Merrimen 100117777 October 12, 2012 Business 1703 D1 Dr. Conor Vibert | Problem Statement Wayne Mallette is the director of performance management for Callaway Golf Canada, the world`s largest golf club manufacturer. In 2004, Mallette launched the Mobile Performance Team (MPT), a team of 20 consultants who demonstrate the Callaway equipment line as well as measuring customers for custom equipment at private golf courses during the golf season. We will write a custom essay sample on Callaway Golf Canada or any similar topic only for you Order Now Mallette has been asked by Callaway Canada`s managing director to design a plan for the approaching 2008 golf season to make sure that Callaway Canada will stay ahead of its competitors. Mallette is faced with multiple choices for possible improvement, or the option to continue with the current operations. Important Facts * The golf manufacturing market is highly competitive. It is important for Callaway Golf Canada to stay ahead of the competition in order for them to keep their reputation and status, as well as increasing their sales. After the success of Callaway Golf`s Mobile Performance Team, other golf manufacturers are likely to follow lead and provide more service to their customers. * Callaway Golf philosophy states that the company intends to give more golfers more opportunities, by designing, creating, building, and selling the best golf clubs. Callaway Golf also believes that by making golf more enjoyable for the average golfer, the game of golf will grow. * In early 2008 , Callaway Golf was the largest golf club manufacturer in the world. Golf equipment products have a life cycle of about two years, resulting in pressure on companies to release successful new products every year. Failure to release successful new products will result in poor sales in the current year, as well as future sales by hurting the company’s reputation. * Companies in the industry used two strategies: focusing resources on research and development to develop new, innovative products; or focusing resources on securing endorsements from professional golfers on tours, which led to an increase in sales from exposure. Callaway preferred to maintain a small amount of endorsements with high-profile players, while investing and focusing more on research and development. * From 2005 to 2007, nearly 65% of Callaway’s sales occurred during the first half of the year. * Callaway’s customers are players from every ability level and a wide range of socioeconomic groups. * Small golf specialty stores were the Callaway’s biggest customer. Other customers included sporting goods retailers, mass merchants, golf retailers, and pro shops. * The United States Golf Association began to institute policies limiting manufacturer innovation. This leaves manufacturers struggling to find different ways to compete. Other firms had cut prices as a way of competing, which resulted in a loss of margins across the industry. Firms were also focusing more on securing endorsements with tour professionals. * The goal of the MPT is to maximize the performance of each individual golfer, not to maximize Callaway’s sales, even if it means recommending a competitor’s product. * The MPT program costs about $500,000 annually. * Callaway has a sales conversion of about 75% from custom fitting sessions. Alternative Solutions 1) Mallette has many different ideas on how to improve Callaway’s sales. His first option is to leave the MPT program unchanged; as it has been so successful he does not want to jinx it by changing something that could potentially decrease profit for Callaway’s Golf. 2) Callaway Golf does not currently require their mobile performance consultants (MPCs) to be professionally certified. If the MPCs were to be professionally certified, they would not only be able to give a hybrid service of custom fitting, but they would also be authorized to provide official lessons. This would add greater value to the private fitting and consultations if there were to be a private lesson included. Having a professional on site would increase the credibility and effectiveness of the consultations. An inconvenience in this plan is that `to become certified in Canada, an individual must work a minimum of 35 hours per week under a head professional and pass a playing ability test (Jackman, Brett (2008) Callaway Golf Canada. Ivey Cases page 9). 3) Mallette also is considering pairing the MPCs up with professional staff at the club the MPC is working at. This would have the same benefit of having professionally certified MPCs, but there wouldn`t be the one-on-one aspect that many club members enjoy and value. On the contrary, club members may be comforted by having a member of their club`s professional staff present, it may lead the club member to trust Callaway Golf and the MPC more. It would also be beneficial as the club member could consult the club`s staff member if they had any more questions after the MPC had left. The inconvenience in this scenario is that Callaway would have to pay the club staff member as well as the MPC. 4) Another option would be to update the equipment that Callaway Golf MPC`s use during their consultations. They currently are using Accusport Vector machines that are in fine working condition, but the newest model has just been launched, the Vector Pro monitor which would be useful for the golf professionals during lessons as it incorporates video swing analysis into the fitting process. This may also add value to the consultations. The downside to this solution is that each monitor would cost $3,500, as well as bringing all 20 MPCs to the head office for a training day at the expense of Callaway Golf. 5) There is currently only one MPC per territory in Canada. There is an average of 30 different accounts in each territory, and Mallette believes that hiring more MPCs would be beneficial in by being able to give more attention to each account. Mallette says that by doubling the amount of MPCs, the amount of service provided would be doubled. This means that the cost of the MPT program would be doubled as well, considering training and wage expenses. Most fitting days are scheduled for four hours; typically, each golf club currently has one fitting day per month, as there is insufficient demand to require more (Jackman, Brett (2008) Callaway Golf Canada. Ivey Cases page 8). This leads to the fact that there is insufficient demand for Callaway Golf to hire more MPCs. 6) Callaway Golf is focused on working with their current accounts, which are mainly private clubs. If they were to work more closely with public clubs across the country by bringing them MPT program, more sales could potentially be made. This option would only be realistic if more MPCs were hired, as there are many public clubs across the country and the MPT wouldn’t be as successful if they started neglecting their current accounts. Decision Criteria Profitability: Choosing to leave the MTP program the same would result in Callaway Golf`s net income for 2008 to slightly decline or slightly increase. There wouldn`t be much change seeing as there was no change to the MTP program. The cause of decrease would come from the possibility of Callaway`s competitors launching a program similar to the MTP, causing Callaway`s to experience fewer sales. The increase could happen if the competitors programs weren`t a success. Changing the hiring requirements for MTCs would result in a loss of time and money in order to train current employees, or hire professionally certified employees and train them to be MTPs. Since having professionally certified employees would add value to the consultations, Callaway could increase their prices. It isn`t clear if this would generate more income in the end result. This solution would benefit only members of private clubs where the consultations are held, and public club members may start opting for cheaper products if Callaway’s increases its prices, which would lead to lower sales. Pairing MTCs with club staff would cost Callaway more in wages expense. It may result in more sales since customers would feel more comfortable with a club staff member, therefore more willing to trust Callaway Golf and buy their product, resulting in more sales. This solution would benefit only members of private clubs where the consultations are held, and public club members may start opting for cheaper products if Callaway’s increases its prices, which would lead to lower sales. Updating equipment would cost both the equipment price, and the price of training all current MTCs. This would also add more value to the consultations, which would lead to an increase in price of Callaway’s products, which may or may not lead to an increase in long term income. This solution would benefit only members of private clubs where the consultations are held, and public club members may start opting for cheaper products if Callaway’s increases its prices, which would lead to lower sales. Hiring 20 more MPCs would not be beneficial for Callaway Golf, seeing as there is not enough demand. This would lead to a loss in profit since the extra profit would not be sufficient to cover the extra wage expense. Hiring more MPCs to do consultations at public clubs would lead to an increase in sales for Callaway Golf. Looking at how much the net income increased after launching the MTP program in private clubs, it seems it would be beneficial to launch the program in public clubs as well. There are many more public clubs across Canada, so the sales made at all of these clubs would be greater than the wages expense for the new employees. Customer Satisfaction: Leaving the MTP program unchanged would result in the customer satisfaction rate leveling off and eventually declining s competitors improved their programs. Changing hiring requirements to include only professionally certified employees would increase customer satisfaction since there would be more value added to consultations, although this would lead to a price increase which could decrease the customer satisfaction rate if the price increase were too high. Pairing MTCs with club staff would have the same result as hiring only professionally certified staff, although customer satisfaction would likely increase since customers would be more comfortable with a member of the club’s staff. Updating equipment would also increase customer satisfaction because it would be adding value to the consultations. The product price increase may decrease the satisfaction rate. Hiring 20 more MPCs would only lead to customer satisfaction if they were introduced into public clubs. The public club members would likely be very happy to have a private consultation, which leads to a higher rate of customer satisfaction. If 20 more MPCs were hired only to work in private clubs, the unique value of consultations would go down, causing fewer sales and more employees with nothing to do. Recommendation Based on the decision criteria, the best choice for Wayne Mallette to ensure that Callaway Golf Canada stays one step ahead of their competition is to hire more MTCs to work in public clubs. This is the best choice because both profitability and customer satisfaction would increase. It would also assure customers that Callaway Golf is not only a company for intense golf players, but for average players just like the Callaway Golf philosophy states. Starting consultations in public clubs would build Callaway’s reputation even more, increase sales and profit, and customer satisfaction. This is the best case scenario for Mallette to choose. How to cite Callaway Golf Canada, Essay examples

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Business Models and Development-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Define the Concept of a Business Model. Answer: A business model conceptually in the medium of texts, presentations, tabulations or charts delivers the structure, objectives and adapted procedures of an organization, supporting in the gain of social, economic or cultural stature. Theoretically or practically, the model highlights the insight of any venture by understanding its strategies, customer base, managerial implications, infrastructure, trade policies, outbound and inbound sourcing procedures. Literature reviews provide various informal and formal descriptions of the same, emphasizing on the elaboration of the use of the models in the enactment of commercial promotions. Relative to entrepreneur set up as well as is beneficial for the management department for future improvisation; these are highly practiced in any invested venture (Zeleti, Ojo Curry, 2016). This essay ensures to address to the distinct concepts and relevant investigations in reference to e-business archetypes, active business models and cost or revenue mod el for promising developments. Figure 1: Business Model Aspects. (Source: Amit Zott, 2012). Elaboration on the three distinct models and their concepts is the next topic in discussion. Firstly, elaboration on the E-Business model gives a brief description of the same, stating it is a procedure to conduct a venture on the internet. E-Commerce plays a vital role as a strategic move in this process. Involving purchase, promotion, supplies, and services revolving a product, towards their potential and existing customers are the main objectives. In addition to which the payment procedures, production management and business collaborations are also under focus (Gloor, 2012). The model for this category comprises the basics as well as the revenue it generates and expenses involved. Few aspects surrounding the components of the model are briefed. Code of value proposal: this field highlights the ways a product or the service benefits the customers. Revenue Model: concentrates on the companys profit generation. Market Position: the revenue field helps in charting the competencies and the brand position. Competitors Analysis: this lists down all the potential contemporaries in the same category, identifying the challenges and advantages. Venturing Strategy: this field describes the ways to attract its target audience and Managerial Implications, responsible for the future growth and organizational development are strategized. Proceeding towards the business model on an active perspective enforces the consideration of the existing literature on business models comprising interdependent decisions that surpasses the initiated focus and stretches the limiting points analyzing the possible capabilities to improvise in sense of brand positioning and future collaborations. Advantages of the simulation help to evaluate new procedures and proposed categories. Prior to the implication of any proposal in reality, it examines the impacts and since it provides a reality check, it brings out the possible uncertainties and diversities revolving the probable implications. Relevant researches advices to set two parameters involving structure design and themes that sights the sources for the value generation of the system (Muhtaroglu et al., 2013). Revenue/ Cost architecture in reference to business is a procedure and strategy towards sustainable and evaluated development of a venture (Dudin et al., 2015). This model involves the attention on the strategy of marketing, systems enabling the increment in sales by collaborating channels, audience and the product in consideration and programs to engage a wider market target. The system block also focuses on the technological improvisation as the program-building segment evaluates the entire performance (Goiri, Guitart Torres, 2012).. Two promising ways a business model would prove to be beneficial is by providing clarity and possibility. A model firstly detangles to provide a clear notion your business idea promises (Bohnsack, Pinkse Kolk,2014). This is a tabulated strategy to provide solutions using specific methodologies as pre-described briefly. A network development is involved in decomposing a dynamic problem into segments of static problems and optimizing the performances accordingly (Kiel, 2014). The calculations provided by the model help us evaluate the proposed changes whether suitable for the business structure. The main activities are divided into two slots, primary and secondary. The former directly develops the product and the latter pays attention in the improvisation. The core activities involve sales and production. Classified activities involve outsourcing efforts, such as technology development, management codes; even if they do not directly, impact the value generation still is a vital segment for further development and innovation in an organization. In the revenue and cost building block, the highest cost possible is considered and the organization is fragmented into two groups. Firstly, the cost controlled section, minimizing the cost and secondly, the group with the value-generation objective. Most organizations are in between these extremities. 90.38% companies are recorded to be under the second category, out of which 21% uses the cost model and the value creation model is followed by 78%. Future business models consider a redesign, which would involve the direct communication between the customers and the suppliers. This would proactively ensure a personal connection to the customer base as in case of social media marketing. Few companies involve revenue generation from communities. The models project collaboration with partners that increases the profit figures. Developing models benefits the companies for innovation and solving diverse issues dynamically. With the fluctuating economies, societies and the environment the business world is volatile. Uncertainty and fear of Stepping in an unpredicted prospective could restrict us in the field of innovation yet inventing and transforming is a necessity now (Amit Zott, 2012). Market value of brands experimenting at times is witnessed to earn a hike in comparison to their stubborn contemporaries. Consistency of market positioning in this dynamic world of changes it is needed to create changes with a calculated risk and evaluated probabilities for a general profit. Collaboration is a key activity, which involves a wider range of opportunities. Traditional ways needs to be revised each time to attain most of the benefits. Reconfiguration and innovations in business models is the ultimate benefit in the modern economy to stand through the test of time and changing surroundings. Louis Vuitton is one such global brand expanding, reconfiguring its business strategy each time in accordance with change in economy and demands from its customer base (Chandon, Laurent Valette-Florence, 2016). It has revised its business model for different periods, classified as- Early days, Golden days, Modern age and Present age, each witnessing changes in the business model. The characteristic features of reconfiguration are tabulated as follows in TABLE 1: LOUIS VUITTON MODEL ASPECTS EARLY DAYS (1854-1892) GOLDEN DAYS (1893-1936) MODERN DAYS (1937-1996) PRESENT DAYS (1997-NOW) PARTNERS RAW MATERIAL SUPPLIERS Suppliers local partnership in US. Suppliers, local partnership with known personalities is maintained. Suppliers, local partners, personalities model agencies. CAPABILITIES PRODUCTION New outlets production Globalizing production Globalization, marketing fighting, counterfeit production. KEY SOURCES Warehouse. Warehouse Warehouse Known sources. COST-STRUCTURE Production relative. Production relative Production related. Production relative. VALUE PROPOSITION Luxurious quality Luggage goods Customized orders 1. Timeless quality, status symbol, customized order. 2 .Boxes, luggage trunks. 3. Women handbags perfumes. Same as golden age in addition to that is bags briefcases for Men. Maintained its expertise and in addition fashion goods like watches, shoes, jewelries production. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP Personal engagement Personal lifetime free repair provided. Personal lifetime free repair provided Previous offers exclusive club launched. TARGETED CUSTOMERS High-class society royalty. Imperial families, aristocrats, celebrities, travelers, rallies drivers, high society, loyal clients were targeted. Prestigious clients mainly high class across America, Japan China. Luxurious loyal clients. DISTRIBUTION CHANELS Outlets in France and London. Limited stores, exhibition, gossips newspapers served as medium. GLOBAL campaigns media promotions were done. Global stores, magazines, campaigns and websites. REVENUE Sales. Sales. Sales. Sales. TABLE: 1 Strategizing based on mass marketing, self-production control; maintaining the market status and classifications by products service and channels, it continues in trending and building a market position commendably (Solomon, 2014). Figure 2- Louis Vuitton business model. (Source: Chandon, Laurent Valette-Florence, 2016). Based on the analysis, it is concluded that a business model provides a medium to communicate the objectives to the world and methodically strategize to achieve targets and stature with a transparent motive. It is a documentation of strategies, improvising the venture providing all necessary evaluations and forms the base-camp for innovation utilizing technologies, new concepts supporting financial status and workforce, with correct vision following practical methodology. References: Amit, R., Zott, C. (2012). Creating value through business model innovation.MIT Sloan Management Review,53(3), 41. Bohnsack, R., Pinkse, J., Kolk, A. (2014). Business models for sustainable technologies: Exploring business model evolution in the case of electric vehicles.Research Policy,43(2), 284-300. Chandon, J. L., Laurent, G., Valette-Florence, P. (2016). Pursuing the concept of luxury: Introduction to the JBR Special Issue on Luxury Marketing from Tradition to Innovation.Journal of Business Research,69(1), 299-303. Dudin, M. N., Kucuri, G. N., Fedorova, I. J. E., Dzusova, S. S., Namitulina, A. Z. (2015). The innovative business model canvas in the system of effective budgeting. Gloor, P. (2012).Making the e-business Transformation. Springer Science Business Media. Goiri, ., Guitart, J., Torres, J. (2012). Economic model of a cloud provider operating in a federated cloud.Information Systems Frontiers,14(4), 827-843. Kiel, I. H. (2014). Entrepreneurial marketing. Muhtaroglu, F. C. P., Demir, S., Obali, M., Girgin, C. (2013, October). Business model canvas perspective on big data applications. InBig Data, 2013 IEEE International Conference on(pp. 32-37). IEEE. Solomon, M. R. (2014).Consumer behavior: Buying, having, and being(Vol. 10). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.Theodosiou, M., Katsikea, E. (2012). Antecedents and performance of electronic business adoption in the hotel industry.European Journal of Marketing,46(1/2), 258-283. Zeleti, F. A., Ojo, A., Curry, E. (2016). Exploring the economic value of open government data.Government Information Quarterly,33(3), 535-551

Business Models and Development-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Define the Concept of a Business Model. Answer: A business model conceptually in the medium of texts, presentations, tabulations or charts delivers the structure, objectives and adapted procedures of an organization, supporting in the gain of social, economic or cultural stature. Theoretically or practically, the model highlights the insight of any venture by understanding its strategies, customer base, managerial implications, infrastructure, trade policies, outbound and inbound sourcing procedures. Literature reviews provide various informal and formal descriptions of the same, emphasizing on the elaboration of the use of the models in the enactment of commercial promotions. Relative to entrepreneur set up as well as is beneficial for the management department for future improvisation; these are highly practiced in any invested venture (Zeleti, Ojo Curry, 2016). This essay ensures to address to the distinct concepts and relevant investigations in reference to e-business archetypes, active business models and cost or revenue mod el for promising developments. Figure 1: Business Model Aspects. (Source: Amit Zott, 2012). Elaboration on the three distinct models and their concepts is the next topic in discussion. Firstly, elaboration on the E-Business model gives a brief description of the same, stating it is a procedure to conduct a venture on the internet. E-Commerce plays a vital role as a strategic move in this process. Involving purchase, promotion, supplies, and services revolving a product, towards their potential and existing customers are the main objectives. In addition to which the payment procedures, production management and business collaborations are also under focus (Gloor, 2012). The model for this category comprises the basics as well as the revenue it generates and expenses involved. Few aspects surrounding the components of the model are briefed. Code of value proposal: this field highlights the ways a product or the service benefits the customers. Revenue Model: concentrates on the companys profit generation. Market Position: the revenue field helps in charting the competencies and the brand position. Competitors Analysis: this lists down all the potential contemporaries in the same category, identifying the challenges and advantages. Venturing Strategy: this field describes the ways to attract its target audience and Managerial Implications, responsible for the future growth and organizational development are strategized. Proceeding towards the business model on an active perspective enforces the consideration of the existing literature on business models comprising interdependent decisions that surpasses the initiated focus and stretches the limiting points analyzing the possible capabilities to improvise in sense of brand positioning and future collaborations. Advantages of the simulation help to evaluate new procedures and proposed categories. Prior to the implication of any proposal in reality, it examines the impacts and since it provides a reality check, it brings out the possible uncertainties and diversities revolving the probable implications. Relevant researches advices to set two parameters involving structure design and themes that sights the sources for the value generation of the system (Muhtaroglu et al., 2013). Revenue/ Cost architecture in reference to business is a procedure and strategy towards sustainable and evaluated development of a venture (Dudin et al., 2015). This model involves the attention on the strategy of marketing, systems enabling the increment in sales by collaborating channels, audience and the product in consideration and programs to engage a wider market target. The system block also focuses on the technological improvisation as the program-building segment evaluates the entire performance (Goiri, Guitart Torres, 2012).. Two promising ways a business model would prove to be beneficial is by providing clarity and possibility. A model firstly detangles to provide a clear notion your business idea promises (Bohnsack, Pinkse Kolk,2014). This is a tabulated strategy to provide solutions using specific methodologies as pre-described briefly. A network development is involved in decomposing a dynamic problem into segments of static problems and optimizing the performances accordingly (Kiel, 2014). The calculations provided by the model help us evaluate the proposed changes whether suitable for the business structure. The main activities are divided into two slots, primary and secondary. The former directly develops the product and the latter pays attention in the improvisation. The core activities involve sales and production. Classified activities involve outsourcing efforts, such as technology development, management codes; even if they do not directly, impact the value generation still is a vital segment for further development and innovation in an organization. In the revenue and cost building block, the highest cost possible is considered and the organization is fragmented into two groups. Firstly, the cost controlled section, minimizing the cost and secondly, the group with the value-generation objective. Most organizations are in between these extremities. 90.38% companies are recorded to be under the second category, out of which 21% uses the cost model and the value creation model is followed by 78%. Future business models consider a redesign, which would involve the direct communication between the customers and the suppliers. This would proactively ensure a personal connection to the customer base as in case of social media marketing. Few companies involve revenue generation from communities. The models project collaboration with partners that increases the profit figures. Developing models benefits the companies for innovation and solving diverse issues dynamically. With the fluctuating economies, societies and the environment the business world is volatile. Uncertainty and fear of Stepping in an unpredicted prospective could restrict us in the field of innovation yet inventing and transforming is a necessity now (Amit Zott, 2012). Market value of brands experimenting at times is witnessed to earn a hike in comparison to their stubborn contemporaries. Consistency of market positioning in this dynamic world of changes it is needed to create changes with a calculated risk and evaluated probabilities for a general profit. Collaboration is a key activity, which involves a wider range of opportunities. Traditional ways needs to be revised each time to attain most of the benefits. Reconfiguration and innovations in business models is the ultimate benefit in the modern economy to stand through the test of time and changing surroundings. Louis Vuitton is one such global brand expanding, reconfiguring its business strategy each time in accordance with change in economy and demands from its customer base (Chandon, Laurent Valette-Florence, 2016). It has revised its business model for different periods, classified as- Early days, Golden days, Modern age and Present age, each witnessing changes in the business model. The characteristic features of reconfiguration are tabulated as follows in TABLE 1: LOUIS VUITTON MODEL ASPECTS EARLY DAYS (1854-1892) GOLDEN DAYS (1893-1936) MODERN DAYS (1937-1996) PRESENT DAYS (1997-NOW) PARTNERS RAW MATERIAL SUPPLIERS Suppliers local partnership in US. Suppliers, local partnership with known personalities is maintained. Suppliers, local partners, personalities model agencies. CAPABILITIES PRODUCTION New outlets production Globalizing production Globalization, marketing fighting, counterfeit production. KEY SOURCES Warehouse. Warehouse Warehouse Known sources. COST-STRUCTURE Production relative. Production relative Production related. Production relative. VALUE PROPOSITION Luxurious quality Luggage goods Customized orders 1. Timeless quality, status symbol, customized order. 2 .Boxes, luggage trunks. 3. Women handbags perfumes. Same as golden age in addition to that is bags briefcases for Men. Maintained its expertise and in addition fashion goods like watches, shoes, jewelries production. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP Personal engagement Personal lifetime free repair provided. Personal lifetime free repair provided Previous offers exclusive club launched. TARGETED CUSTOMERS High-class society royalty. Imperial families, aristocrats, celebrities, travelers, rallies drivers, high society, loyal clients were targeted. Prestigious clients mainly high class across America, Japan China. Luxurious loyal clients. DISTRIBUTION CHANELS Outlets in France and London. Limited stores, exhibition, gossips newspapers served as medium. GLOBAL campaigns media promotions were done. Global stores, magazines, campaigns and websites. REVENUE Sales. Sales. Sales. Sales. TABLE: 1 Strategizing based on mass marketing, self-production control; maintaining the market status and classifications by products service and channels, it continues in trending and building a market position commendably (Solomon, 2014). Figure 2- Louis Vuitton business model. (Source: Chandon, Laurent Valette-Florence, 2016). Based on the analysis, it is concluded that a business model provides a medium to communicate the objectives to the world and methodically strategize to achieve targets and stature with a transparent motive. It is a documentation of strategies, improvising the venture providing all necessary evaluations and forms the base-camp for innovation utilizing technologies, new concepts supporting financial status and workforce, with correct vision following practical methodology. References: Amit, R., Zott, C. (2012). Creating value through business model innovation.MIT Sloan Management Review,53(3), 41. Bohnsack, R., Pinkse, J., Kolk, A. (2014). Business models for sustainable technologies: Exploring business model evolution in the case of electric vehicles.Research Policy,43(2), 284-300. Chandon, J. L., Laurent, G., Valette-Florence, P. (2016). Pursuing the concept of luxury: Introduction to the JBR Special Issue on Luxury Marketing from Tradition to Innovation.Journal of Business Research,69(1), 299-303. Dudin, M. N., Kucuri, G. N., Fedorova, I. J. E., Dzusova, S. S., Namitulina, A. Z. (2015). The innovative business model canvas in the system of effective budgeting. Gloor, P. (2012).Making the e-business Transformation. Springer Science Business Media. Goiri, ., Guitart, J., Torres, J. (2012). Economic model of a cloud provider operating in a federated cloud.Information Systems Frontiers,14(4), 827-843. Kiel, I. H. (2014). Entrepreneurial marketing. Muhtaroglu, F. C. P., Demir, S., Obali, M., Girgin, C. (2013, October). Business model canvas perspective on big data applications. InBig Data, 2013 IEEE International Conference on(pp. 32-37). IEEE. Solomon, M. R. (2014).Consumer behavior: Buying, having, and being(Vol. 10). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.Theodosiou, M., Katsikea, E. (2012). Antecedents and performance of electronic business adoption in the hotel industry.European Journal of Marketing,46(1/2), 258-283. Zeleti, F. A., Ojo, A., Curry, E. (2016). Exploring the economic value of open government data.Government Information Quarterly,33(3), 535-551

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Wap Site Evaluation UbMobileCom Essay Research Paper free essay sample

Wap Site Evaluation: Ub-Mobile.Com Essay, Research Paper The intent of this paper is a an in-depth reappraisal of a nomadic metropolis usher: uB-Mobile. First, some background information on uB-Mobile will be briefly reviewed. Following, the intent and map of uB-Mobile? s WAP site will be examined with peculiar attending paid to the? user experience? . Finally, some recommendations for betterment will be made. Background of uB-Mobile Harmonizing to uB-Mobile, it is a # 8220 ; taking supplier of enabling merchandises and services in the nomadic environment with focal point on the media industry # 8221 ; ( uB-Mobile Home, 2001 ) . The company began its concern in 1989 by supplying Global Positioning Systems ( GPS ) solutions for pilotage and Short Message Service ( SMS ) applications for vehicle trailing and traffic information. uB-Mobile? s entry into the nomadic web application sphere was a natural. Then, in 1999, they rapidly took a dominating lead in the industry and in 2000 signed a contract with AOL UK to do their metropolis ushers available on the AOL United Kingdom portal. We will write a custom essay sample on Wap Site Evaluation UbMobileCom Essay Research Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page uB-Mobile? s City Guide came in first topographic point for the most advanced and entertaining nomadic web application during the 2001 Cellmania WAPPY Awards? ( Gold for uB-mobile, 2001 ) . uB-Mobile is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Purpose and Function One of uB-Mobile? s most known applications is their nomadic metropolis usher for wireless devices. It efficaciously combines mobility and instant entree to information to internet enabled nomadic phones. The rating of this nomadic application ( http: //www.ub-wap.com ) was accomplished utilizing the Openwave SDK, WAP Edition 5.0 ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.openwave.com/products/developer_ products/ ) . This application was approached for rating as a user would utilize it? to acquire some utile or required information. This trial began with a conjectural holiday trip to London, England. While in London be aftering day-to-day activities, information on Tours of Buckingham Palace, the Home of Queen Elizabeth, might be required. Using uB-mobiles City Guide and an cyberspace enabled cell phone, the undertaking began. The most informations entry / key tablet intensive activity of the whole exercising was come ining the URL for uB-Mobile? s WAP site: www.ub-wap.com. After that, all choices were menu driven. The? place? page ( Figure 2 ) for the WAP site has choices for uB-City? s top five metropoliss or alphabetical choice list for taking the coveted metropolis. uB-Mobile presently covers 46 worldwide travel desinations ( Gold for uB-mobile, 2001 ) . uB-Mobile? s usher for London could be found either by looking at the top five metropoliss ( Figure 3 ) , which lists the major capitol metropoliss of Europe, or scrolling through the list of metropoliss in the J, K, fifty choice. An surfeit of information was found after geting at uB-London WAP site ( Figure 4 ) . Choices ranged from dining to amusement to land and air transit. The undertaking at manus of happening out about Tourss of the Queen? s house led to the Discover London bill of fare point. Again, an extended sum of information was available about touring London ( Figure 5 ) . The Sightsing choice was chosen. Once more, a really generous list of sightseeing locales was offered including the celebrated Madame Tussauds wax museum and Buckingham Palace ( Figure 6 ) . After merely six WAP cards, the coveted circuit information was found. In add-on, a huge sum of information on London that is available at the touch of a finger was besides discovered. Further probe on this site would turn up the same measure and quality of information. See Figure 7 and the full text of Figure 7 for an illustration of the quality of information provided. User Experience Most users are traveling to happen uB-Mobile on the universe broad web before happening them on the nomadic cyberspace. The initial feeling of the user O n both the wired and wireless cyberspace is first-class. One ground for this is because uB-mobile offers their ain WAP simulator ( Figure 8 ) to let users to utilize and research their radio site before hitting the route and paying roaming charges. Site pilotage is clear and simple, with adequate classs and subcategories so it is by and large easy to happen coveted information without doing eccentric intuitive springs. On pages that have long text that extends off the screen, the text scrolls to maintain the user from manually scrolling horizontally. Another clip salvaging characteristic is a call now link on pages that have telephone Numberss associated with them. For this illustration, upon making the Buckingham Palace card, a call now nexus was present to originate a call to the tourer information centre at Buckingham Palace ( see Figure 7 ) . The format for all the states listed is standardized leting for a more pleasant experience for people who travel frequently. A noteworthy characteristic of uB-Mobile? s City Guide is the Mood Matcher? . The Mood Matcher? allows the user to choose a # 8220 ; Location # 8221 ; and a # 8220 ; Mood # 8221 ; from a list. It so searches available constitutions or activities to run into the user? s demands. For illustration Hungry + Covent Garden would bring forth extra standards, the user can so take from such as Indian, Nipponese, or Vegetarian. Temper Matcher? guarantees a consequence and will ever do a suggestion ( uB-Wap Features, 2001 ) . Other helpful characteristics include a This Week In page that list particular events traveling on in the metropolis and pages with other assorted information such as wireless Stationss, currency exchange, and exigency telephone Numberss ( Dan, 2000 ; Rudkin, 2001 ) . Recommendations for Improvement uB-Mobile? s City Guide is highly good designed with merely several really minor issues that detracted from the overall experience. A characteristic that is perceptibly absent on most pages is a? back? button, although this is offset by some extent by a? travel to? ? button that allows the user to steer between different bill of fare degrees ( Dan, 2000 ; Rudkin, 2001 ) . Although the Search map is placed on the first page of each City Guide, it appears at the terminal of the list which may do users who know what they are looking for to scroll unnecessarily. Decision uB-Mobile? s City Guide has everything that a nomadic metropolis usher should hold. Easy, intuitive pilotage of pages that are full of information. uB-Mobile is invariably updating and adding new metropoliss in their usher. Bing this system is designed for and used in Europe, the lone existent drawback is traveling to be prohibitory high roaming fees. Equally shortly as the European Community chainss out continent broad Mobile phone entree, uB-Mobile? s service will be indispensable! Bibliography Mentions Dan. ( November 30, 2000 ) . A Regular Library of Guidebooks. Retrieved October 9, 2001 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.coolwapsiteoftheday.com/113000.phtml. Johnson, Simon. ( September, 2001 ) Gross sharing: The lone digesting inducement. OPENWAVE WML Pulse Europe. Retrieved October 9, 2001 from hypertext transfer protocol: //wmlpulse-europe.openwave.com/ document.asp? document_id=21 A ; chunk_id=71. Gold for uB-mobile. ( March 3, 2001 ) Retrieved October 9, 2001, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ub-mobile.com/news.shtml. Rudkin, Charles. ( March 3, 2001 ) . Site reappraisal: Ub-mobile. Retrieved October 9, 2001, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.wap.com/share/osas/cache/artid550422.html. uB-Mobile Home. ( 2001 ) . Retrieved October 9, 2001, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ub-mobile.com/index.shtml. uB-WAP City Guides. ( 2001 ) . Retrieved October 9, 2001, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ub-mobile.com/wap_city_guides.shtml. uB-WAP Features. ( 2001 ) . Retrieved October 9, 2001, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ub-mobile.com/wap_features.shtml.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Symbols in Reqiuem for a Dream essays

Symbols in Reqiuem for a Dream essays In Requiem for a Dream the viewer bears witness to the rise then quick fall and self-destruction of the characters within the story. The director Darren Aronofsky tries to make the viewer realize the situation the characters are in foreshadowing and dropping symbols in the play to hint at what is going to happen, and all while making the viewer feel as though they were there. A major part of the film is the seasons that are used not only as part of the setting but as a way of symbolizing the current state of their lives. Other important and unique techniques used are visuals, including the camera angles, lighting, and music. In a book it is very common to have the author describe to the audience what the setting looks like, how the characters feel, and so on. With a movie it is totally different and description is not needed since ninety five percent of it is visual. Aronofsky uses different angles and shots to get the mood and feeling set along with an original score that compliments this mood and is used to make you feel like your part of the movie. These devices are used so that the audience may connect with the movie and understand the emotion that is felt by the characters. Without these devices any movie would be dull and boring, with no real entertaining value. Symbolism is a strong tool used in not only literature but also in the movies as a way of communicating a point that the author or director wants to strongly get across. In Requiem of a Dream there are quite a bit of symbolism used to carry ideas through the story, but the biggest and most important of the movie is the symbol of the seasons. Each season not only marks a different section of the movie, but also a portion of the characters lives. The first season shown in the movie is the summer season. This is for two reasons, the first being summer is the biggest section of the movie because it sets the stage for what happens later on. The second...

Friday, November 22, 2019

A Collection of Classic Love Poetry for Your Sweetheart

A Collection of Classic Love Poetry for Your Sweetheart The feelings of romantic love are pretty universal even if it seems like nobody could ever have felt the way you do; thats universal, too. And thats why songs and poems often say just what youre feeling only better than you can express it. If you want to tell your sweetheart just how you feel about him or her, whether its Valentines Day or any old day, but you cant quite find the just the right  words, maybe these classic poems from some of the greatest poets in the English language might fit the bill or give you some ideas. Heres a line that is so famous and expresses such universality that it has become part of the language. Its from Christopher Marlowes Hero and Leander, and he wrote this in 1598: Whoever loved, that loved not at first sight? Timeless. Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare Shakespeares Sonnet 18, written in 1609, is one of the most famous and quoted love poems of all time. Its obvious use of metaphor in the comparison of the subject of the poem to a summers day is hard to miss the subject being much superior to that grandest of seasons. The poems most famous lines are at the beginning, with the metaphor in full view: Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?Thou art more lovely and more temperate:Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,And summer’s lease hath all too short a date ... A Red, Red Rose by Robert Burns Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote this to his love in 1794, and it is one of the most quoted and famous love poems of all time in the English language. Throughout the poem, Burns uses simile as an effective literary device to describe his feelings. The first stanza is the most well-known: O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,That’s newly sprung in June:O my Luve’s like the  melodie,That’s sweetly  play’d  in tune. Loves Philosophy  by Percy Bysshe Shelley Once again, a metaphor is the literary device of choice in a love poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley from 1819, a prominent English Romantic poet. He uses metaphor again and again, to great effect, to make his point which is crystal clear. Heres the first stanza: The fountains mingle with the riverAnd the rivers with the Ocean,The winds of Heaven mix for everWith a sweet emotion;Nothing in the world is single;All things by a law divineIn one spirit meet and mingle.Why not I with thine?- Sonnet 43  by Elizabeth Barrett Browning This sonnet by Elizabeth Barrett Browning,  published in the collection Sonnets From the Portuguese in 1850, is one of 44 love sonnets. This one is without a doubt the most famous and most quoted of her sonnets and also in all of the poems in the English language. She was married to the Victorian poet Robert Browning, and he is the subject of these sonnets.  This sonnet is a metaphor upon metaphor and extremely personal, which is likely why it resonates. The first lines are so well-known that nearly everyone recognizes them: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.I love thee to the depth and breadth and heightMy soul can reach, when feeling out of sightFor the ends of Being and ideal Grace. In Excelsis  Ã‚  by Amy Lowell In this much more modern take on the poetic form, written in 1922, Amy Lowell uses simile, metaphor, and symbolism to express this most powerful feeling of romantic love. The imagery is more potent and elemental than that of earlier poets, and the writing resembles the stream of consciousness style. The first few lines give a hint of whats to come: You- you- Your shadow is sunlight on a plate of silver;Your footsteps, the  seeding-place  of lilies;Your hands moving, a chime of bells across a windless air.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Research Paper Outline Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Research Paper Outline - Assignment Example Groves (2010) argues that schools that do not have a policy for dressing usually have problems in the sense that students tend to put on all manner of clothing, some of which border on indecency and controversy. Some clothes worn by students to schools conflict the school policies in terms of dressing code and ethical standards. In this regard, means that the school administrators have a hard time trying to ensure that all students dress appropriately while in school. It implies that much of the precious time that would have been used on instructional leadership is spent on attending to and solving dressing issues. According to (Mathison & Ross, 2008).  Some of the clothing-related conflicts arise from difference in socio-economic status of students that determine the brands of clothes that they wear. Allowing school uniforms to be mandated for public school systems will minimize the wear of baggy clothing that can be used to hide weapons.  Additionally, uniforms eliminate the wear of â€Å"gang related colors† which can lead to becoming and unknown target of opportunity.   Baron (2013) gives a classic example of the student who wore baggy clothing unleashing more than ten guns that he had hid in his clothes. In the age of school violence, especially in America, school administrators should not allow baggy clothes and oversized shorts in the school compounds. The boy hid ten kinds of different ammunitions in his oversized shorts and perhaps the trend is even more serious in other schools without the uniform policy. While the supporters of school uniforms agree that schools uniforms significantly reduce incidences of violence and crime in public schools, some parents and students see this policy as an infringement to personal freedom (Alexander & Alexander, 2012).  They argue that the uniform policy where all students must be clad in navy pants or skirts and white shirts is

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Conflict Management Mediation Arbitration case 5 Essay

Conflict Management Mediation Arbitration case 5 - Essay Example This, as expressed is a voluntary process and this means that the settlement cannot be imposed or forced on the disputants by the mediators. Arbitration on the other hand has been defined as ‘A process in which a disagreement between two or more parties is resolved by impartial individuals, called arbitrators, in order to avoid costly and lengthy litigation’ (Investor Words – Arbitration, 2009). This is a procedure, where a third party holds a meeting for the disputants. This meeting is normally a ground for the disputants to state the issues, facts, to provide witnesses and also any possible evidence for the positions (Herrman, 2006). There is also an existence of a combined strategy. An example if that of mediation – arbitration, which consists of two stages. Firstly, mediation and then followed by arbitration. In certain cases it has been noted that mediation alone does not provide for a solution for the argument and it is then that the third party would need to bring in arbitration as well. Here the third party would act as both an arbitrator as well as a mediator (Kagel, 1976, as cited in (Herrman, 2006)). There however has been a fairly new strategy which is a combination of the two and is referred to as arb – med. This has been noted to have three phases: "In phase one, the third party holds an arbitration hearing. At the end of this phase, the third party makes a decision, which is placed in a sealed envelope and is not revealed to the parties. The second phase consists of mediation. The sealed envelope containing the third partys decision is displayed prominently during the mediation phase. Only if mediation fails to produce a voluntary agreement by a specified deadline do the parties enter the third phase, called the ruling phase. Here, the third party removes the ruling from the envelope and reveals the binding ruling to the disputants (Cobbledick, 1992; Sander, 1993, as cited in (Herrman, 2006)). To ensure

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Hereditary fructose intolerance Essay Example for Free

Hereditary fructose intolerance Essay Enzymes are proteins that increase the rate of chemical activity. Their three dimensional structure determines their function, and is made of chains of amino acids that have folded into a specific shape with a unique property. Enzymes lower the activation energy needed for a chemical reaction, therefore speeding up the process. Multiple enzymes work together in metabolic pathways, taking a product (end result) of one metabolic reaction as a substrate (substance or molecule at start of process) for another reaction. Metabolic pathways create the avenue for fructolysis, the breakdown (catabolism) of fructose, occurring in the liver, and in muscle and fat tissue. Most of fructose obtained by diet is metabolized in the liver, where the enzyme fructokinase is abundant. This enzyme phosphorylates the substrate (fructose) into fructose-1-phosphate, which is then split into glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone phosphate, both three carbon molecules that can enter the glycolytic pathway for further oxidation and energy production. Enzymes are specific to a substrate, meaning they have an active spot on the enzyme that will only work with a specific shape of a particular substance (substrate). Aldolase B deficiency Aldolase B is an enzyme found predominantly in the liver that plays a major role in fructose metabolism. In hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), individuals have a build up of fructose 1- phosphate (F1P), due to the absence or deficiency of aldolaseB, necessary to break down F1P into the two three carbon molecules utilized in the glycolytic pathway. The F1P is toxic to cells and tissues in the body, causing phosphate to become unusable, and depleting phosphate storage and energy. The decreasing phosphate levels cause glycogenolysis in the liver to halt, affecting blood sugar levels. Persons with HFI can exhibit symptoms of vomiting, trembling, nausea, lethargy, hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), and jaundice after consuming foods containing fructose. These persons must avoid fructose to avoid the build up of F1P in their body, having a deficiency in aldolase B needed to metabolize the F1P. Fructose 1-phosphate Fructose is a monosaccharide, and has the same chemical formula as glucose, but a different structure. Fructose, a simple sugar found in honey, fruits, or even table sugar, is phosphoylated in the liver by the enzyme fructokinase, or in cells by enzyme hexokinase, to form fructose 1-phospahate. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) supplies the phosphate group for both reactions. Aldolase B further breaks down the product (F1P) of fructolysis, (similar to glycolosis, just with fructose, instead of glucose) into two trioses. Role of aldolase B in breakdown of fructose Aldolase B is located mainly in liver of body and ensures second part of fructose metabolism is carried out. Aldolase B breaks down fructose-1-phosphate into two trioses, glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone phosphate (USNLM, 2012). Both of these three-carbon molecules are needed for further enzymatic processes in our bodies. Case 2- Mitochondrial disease Mitochondrial disease is a complex failure of mitochondrial functions. Mitochondria supply most of the energy utilized in the body, and when not functioning properly, decreased energy production cause system failure that create cell injury and cell death. The person with this affliction faces serious health concerns, as there is no cure for mitochondrial disease, only symptom management. Cori cycle The Cori cycle occurs in liver cells, cells lacking mitochondria, and is important part in anaerobic glycolysis. Pyruvate, a product of glycolysis, is converted to lactate through anaerobic respiration. Anaerobic glycolysis produces lactate from breaking down glycogen in muscles. The lactate produced in skeletal muscle by anaerobic glycolysis is transported to liver after being released into bloodstream, for conversion to glucose. Then glucose is returned to muscle in blood for energy and glycogen replenishment (King, 2012). Glucose being consumed and resynthesized at the expense of ATP and GTP hydrolysis is termed by scientists as a â€Å"futile cycle† because it takes more energy (ATP) than is produced, with a net loss of 4 ATP (Wiley, 2012). This indicates that if the conversion of lactate to glucose occurred in same cell, the energy reserves of the cell would be depleted, because the 2 ATP produced by glycolysis would be offset by the 6 ATP needed for a gluconeogenesis, to convert lactate into glucose for muscle replenishment. This continued cycle would cause an energy deficit, as the muscles glycogen stores are minimal, so the energy reserves would be depleted rapidly. Citric acid cycle During step 5 of the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), a phosphate is bonded to the succinyl complex, once containing coenzyme A. This phosphate is then transferred to a GDP molecule, to be converted into a GTP molecule. This GTP molecule will give a phosphate to ADP to make an ATP for energy. A defect in this step would prevent an increased conversion of ADP to ATP when energy needs rise. Initially, acetyl CoA combines with oxaloacetate to make a citrate molecule. The citrate is isomerized to form isocitrate, which then is oxidized by NAD. This creates an unstable molecule that releases a CO2 molecule, creating alpha-ketoglutarate. Now, the acetyl CoA that was released in first step returns to oxidize the alpha-ketoglutarate and initiate conversion to succinyl-coenzyme A complex. A free H2O donates its hydrogen to the coenzyme A, and a free phosphate comes in to replace the coenzyme A. This newly bonded phosphate will be transferred to GDP molecule as indicated previously, for conver sion to GTP, then ADP, and finally ATP for energy. Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 ( CoQ10) is found in cell membranes, and is critical in all cells in producing ATP (energy) for the body. CoQ10 carries electrons from enzyme complex I and II to complex III in mitochondria. This transfer of electrons in the electron transport chain (ETC) pushes hydrogen through the inner cell membrane to make a proton gradient needed by ATP synthase to make ATP (Wikipedia, 2012). CoQ10 is the lone molecule that does this task in ETC, and is vital to this function of ATP production in cells. References King, Michael W, PhD. (2012). Gluconeogenesis: Glucose synthesis. Retrieved from The Medical Biochemistry Page website: http://themedicalbiochemistrypage.org/gluconeogenesis.php U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2012). ALDOB. Retrieved from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/ALDOB Wikipedia. (2012). Coenzyme Q10. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenzyme_Q10 Wiley, John. (2012). Interactive Concepts in Biochemistry: The Cori Cycle. Retrieved from http://www.wiley.com/college/boyer/0470003790/animations/cori_cycle/cori_cycle.htm

Thursday, November 14, 2019

National Identity in Eric Amblers Journey into Fear Essay -- Journey

National Identity in Eric Ambler's Journey into Fear In his novel A Coffin for Dimitrios, Eric Ambler writes: "A man's features, the bone structure and the tissue which covers it, are the product of a biological process; but his face he creates for himself" (269). This distinction between the physical flesh and the face, the "devil mask" is for Ambler a crucial metaphor of "duplicity" (269). It is "a screen to hide [the] mind's nakedness...though they understand instinctively that the mask cannot be the man behind it; they are generally shocked by a demonstration of the fact" (269). If we extend this notion of the face to other external indicators of the man beneath, such as clothing and nationality, we begin to see the politics that imbue Ambler's characters. Graham, the hero of Journey into Fear, plays the role of the innocent Englishman in a duplicitous world of false identity and "devil masks" (269). As the act of identification occur, both of the mask and of the mind behind the mask, Graham's relation as the Englishman to th e other characters becomes a politicized commentary on England's role in the early stages of the Second World War. In Journey into Fear, Graham is presented to us as an embodiment of the Englishman. To the members of his society, Graham presents nothing more than the epitome of their national identity, to the extent that they are unable to recognize Graham as anything but unremarkable. Entrenched in their own culture, he presents nothing more than what they expect. Insofar as he possesses characteristics particular to him they are necessary only for driving the plot forwards. Beyond providing an alibi for his presence in Turkey, Graham is characterized by the inability of his peers, "the ... ... or so away from the car's tank" and fires at it (262). It is this act of identification of the situation and the action that follows that allows Graham to prevail over the German agents. Ultimately, Journey into Fear reads as a commentary on the political situation of England in the beginning stages of World War II. The nationalist and supra-nationalist identities speak to the necessity that Ambler saw of England first recognizing the situation, being able to identify the ape beneath the mask of national identity and subsequently acting upon it. The hero, Graham in this case, must identify, as Ambler's the painter does, the mind through the face and become aware of the inherently duplicitous nature of that mask. References Ambler, Eric. A Coffin for Dimitrios. Random House: New York 1939. Ambler, Eric. Journey into Fear. Random House: New York 1940.

Monday, November 11, 2019

How to Deal with Stress

HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS? Stress is the natural strain which we feel when we have to cope with difficult, unpleasant or dangerous situations. We can’t completely remove it from our lives but we can learn how to deal with it. There is a lot of techniques to cope with stress starting with relaxing massages and ending with yoga. But the most helpful are these methods which are simple, possible to do by everyone and easy to remember. To achieve success in the fight with stress we should remember about a few simple things: 1) Be well prepared and well organized to your task ) Be aware of your choices – you always have choice, think about it and decide what to do 3) Stop worrying about things that you cannot change 4) Take a deep breath and realize that you have the power to control your life 5) Do not expect perfectionism from yourself, sometimes no matter how hard you try, some things are just impossible 6) Don’t take things too seriously, give yourself a chance to ha ve a little bit of fun 7) Use a positive self – talk, repeat to yourself â€Å" I can handle this, I will manage, I am the best† 8) Chew gum – it is proved that the action of chewing can reduce stress. ) Get enough sunlight 10) Treat your body right – you will have more self-confidence and energy. Follow a sensible diet, eat a healthy breakfast, drink a lot of water, don’t drink too much coffee because caffeine is known to boost stress levels. Beware also of junk food. Get fit – exercise a little every day. This release endorphins that can lower stress levels, eat chocolate because it release endorphins too. The most important – get enough sleep. If your life is too fast, slow down, take a rest. Remember that you are a unique individual, worthy of love and stress is just a temporary feeling .

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Biopsychosocial Model of Addiction Essay

The Biopsychosocial Model of Addiction is easily the model that appeals to me most. This model states that addiction is the result of multiple, interacting variables, the strength of which vary between individuals. When I was observing each of the models, I found myself agreeing with two or three of the different standpoints from which they were presented. Then I stumbled upon this model, clearly stating that there is not merely one certain model that explains addiction properly, but yet several different ones. As the Biopsychosocial model simply incorporates the other models into a single model, I am quite easily able to explain my point of view. See, I agree with each the Moral, Sociocultural and Biopsychosocial models of addiction. I do believe that addiction is the consequence of personal choice, but that external conditions such as culture, ethnicity, religion and environment also play a big role. Simply put, I believe that everyone is capable of making his or her own choices. From a personal experience of mine, I have been around drugs since the sixth grade. I’ve always been the person that kind of stuck with those who needed help, so that’s the crowd that I just happened to be a part of. And even though my own life at the time was very much in the pits, I never found a reason to join the crowd. It was always a matter of telling myself that it was not something that I wanted to be a part of. Even as I tried to share my knowledge with that group of people who were only doing it because, â€Å"they had a lot going on and just didn’t know how to handle it†, they were still making the conscious choice to choose wrongly. It doesn’t matter what background a person has or what addictions run in their family; if a person wants to avoid addiction then it’s up to them to never put themselves in the situation to get addicted, it’s simple. On the other hand, it’s easy to get caught up in what society finds a trend, especially in this generation; and unfortunately the bigger issue is that people use their own downfalls in life as an excuse to pick something up. Too often people let what their culture says or what the  world says decide who they are. Personally, I could care less what the world says. If I don’t want to bandwagon what’s â€Å"cool† or â€Å"socially acceptable† then I’m not going to do it, regardless of whatever backlash I’ll get. What bothers me most about people today is that everyone has an excuse for their wrongdoing. It’s, â€Å"well my dad was an alcoholic so that ‘s why I am† or well I grew up in Detroit where drugs were bad, so it’s just what I’m used to doing†. No, that’s crap. If a person doesn’t want to give in to addiction then don’t do it! So yes, it’s obvious to say that I definitely lean more towards the Moral Model of Addiction, but I am also partial to understanding the Sociocultural side of it as well. You may not be able to choose where you come from, but you can decide where you go from here. Addiction all starts as a choice, and the level of addiction may be influenced by a number of factors, but the pressing issue is what people allow to define them. It’s unfortunate today that more times then not, people are allowing any bump in the road be their reason to give in to such addictions.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Abraham Lincoln Quotes Everyone Should Know

Abraham Lincoln Quotes Everyone Should Know Abraham Lincolns quotations have become a part of American life, and for good reason. During years of experience as a courtroom advocate and political stump speaker, the Rail Splitter developed a remarkable knack for saying things in a memorable way. In his own time, Lincoln was often quoted by admirers. And in modern times, Lincoln quotes are often cited to prove one point or another. All too often the circulating Lincoln quotes turn out to be bogus. The history of fake Lincoln quotes is long, and it seems that people, for at least a century, have tried to win arguments by citing something supposedly said by Lincoln. Despite the endless cascade of fake Lincoln quotes, its possible to verify a number of brilliant things Lincoln actually did say. Here is a list of particularly good ones: Ten Lincoln Quotes Everyone Should Know 1.  A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. Source: Lincolns speech to the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois on June 16, 1858. Lincoln was running for U.S. Senate, and was expressing his differences with Senator Stephen Douglas, who often defended the institution of slavery. 2.  We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. Source: Lincolns first inaugural address, March 4, 1861. Though the slave states had been seceding from the Union, Lincoln expressed a wish that the  Civil War would not begin. The war did break out the next month. 3.  With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in. Source: Lincolns second inaugural address, which was given on March 4, 1865, as the Civil War was coming to an end. Lincoln was referring to the imminent job of putting the Union back together after years of very bloody and costly warfare. 4. It is not best to swap horses while crossing the river. Source: Lincoln was addressing a political gathering on June 9, 1864 while expressing his wish to run for a second term. The comment is actually based on a joke of the time, about a man crossing a river whose horse is sinking and is offered a better horse but says it isnt the time to be changing horses. The comment attributed to Lincoln has been used many times since in political campaigns. 5. If McClellan is not using the army, I should like to borrow it for a while. Source: Lincoln made this comment on April 9, 1862 to express his frustration with General George B. McClellan, who was commanding the Army of the Potomac and was always very slow to attack. 6. Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Source: The famous opening of the Gettysburg Address, delivered November 19, 1863. 7. I cant spare this man, he fights. Source: According to Pennsylvania politician Alexander McClure, Lincoln said this regarding General Ulysses S. Grant after the Battle of Shiloh in the spring of 1862. McClure had advocated removing Grant from command, and the quote was Lincolns way of disagreeing strongly with McClure. 8. My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that. Source: A reply to editor Horace Greeley published in Greeleys newspaper, the New York Tribune, on August 19, 1862. Greeley had criticized Lincoln for moving too slowly in bringing an end to slavery. Lincoln resented pressure from Greeley, and from abolitionists, though he was already working on what would become the Emancipation Proclamation. 9. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it. Source: The conclusion of Lincolns speech at Cooper Union in New York City on February 27, 1860. The speech received extensive coverage in the New York City newspapers and instantly made Lincoln, a virtual outsider to that point, a credible candidate for the Republican nomination for president in the election of 1860. 10. I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day. Source: According to journalist and Lincoln friend Noah Brooks, Lincoln said the pressures of the presidency and the Civil War had prompted him to pray on many occasions.

Monday, November 4, 2019

40 Connection between Writing and Sleeping

40 Connection between Writing and Sleeping Various people were told it is best to express your feelings and thoughts on paper. Bottling up your emotions and keeping them inside, could cause major stress on your body. That’s where the subject of diaries and journals come in to position. They are made to help others who can’t express their feelings verbally, express their feelings by writing them down. Writing however, does have a significant connection to sleep. Writing can affect how we sleep in multiple ways. â€Å"Forty percent of American adults say they have difficulty falling asleep at least a few times each month. The most common reason is an inability to stop thinking aboutwhatever it is you can’t stop thinking about.† (Denworth, 2018). Almost everyone has had trouble falling asleep either because they were worried about something or someone, or they constantly can’t stop thinking about a situation. Studies shows that if we write down our thoughts before we go to bed, then you’ll be able to fall asleep faster at night. â€Å"There’s something about the act of writing, physically writing something on paper, that tends to offload it a little bit, or help us hit the pause button on it. The outcome seems to be [that] you decrease cognitive arousal, and you decrease rumination and worry† (Denworth, 2018). Cognitive arousal comes from a theory that was created by Stanley Schachter and Jerome E. Singer. This theory is known to the cause of misinterpret thoughts because it is based off two factors: cognitive label and physiological arousal. To sum this up, writing your feelings down before bed, will help you fall asleep faster but it will also decrease the chance of misinterpreting your thoughts. Not only does writing before bed helps you fall asleep quicker but writing a to-do list versus a completed list, will also affect how you sleep. â€Å"If you test people’s memory for things that were unfinished versus things that were completed, people remember the things that were unfinished a lot better. It seems that unfinished tasks rest at what we call a heightened level of cognitive activation† (Denworth, 2018). Cognitive activation is the idea of stress. It is about learning new ways to solve problems and focusing on the steps that was taken to solve the problem. Not so much of focusing on the answer itself but the action. When something is not done, our mind tends to drift off towards that because we consistently think about ways we can complete that project. We think of events that will happen the next day that will affect how the project gets done. From personal experience, I can recall a time where I had a major mid term project due. Of course, I was a procrastinator, so I waited till the day before it was due to fully complete it. It was late in the night and I told myself that I was going to finish it in the morning. Moral of the story, I was up all night and I didn’t get any sleep because I was thinking about this unfinished project that I still had to complete. The next day I was drowsy, and I didn’t feel very well. I did finish my project but because of my lack of sleep, my presentation did not reflect my best work. Thinking back, some ways I could’ve took to avoid this situation would include; not waiting until the last minute to finish or taking a few minutes before bed to write down exactly what I needed to do in order to complete it. Based on the reason of not having that completed or written down, I lost a very much effective sleep and major points on an important assignment. Don’t be like me. Write your thoughts down. Researchers and readers still have unanswered questions pertaining to writing and the affects of sleep. The two main questions Denworth is being asked are, did to-do lists improve sleep in other ways? If so, do you think the effect can be sustained? Her response was â€Å"We haven’t tested that. It could be, yes, because each night you’ve got this big to-do list. But [it’s also true that] the to-do list fluctuates, and how much you accomplish during the day also feeds into that. So maybe it’s going to be most effective on the nights when you have a whole lot of stuff to do, and it’s more likely to be eating at you if you don’t write things down† (Denworth, 2018). During this study, I believed she used an experiment for only one night. The goal of this study is more so understanding because we are having the ability to understand the connection between writing and sleep. You write down your day’s thoughts, you get a longer sleep. Structuralism is an idea founded by Wilhelm Wundt and his ideas was focused more on the structure of mental life into the building blocks of life (personal experiences). This study corresponds more with structuralism because the connection between writing and sleep is reflecting off your pass experiences and analyzing them into your mental life, to determine the amount of sleep your will get. In this experiment, the dependent variable is the amount of time it takes for that individual to fall asleep. The independent variable is taking five minutes before bed to write down your thoughts, feelings, or your to-do list. In conclusion, taking a little time before bed to reflect on your day is very effective. It will determine how your body act towards sleep. Remember our body need as much energy as it can get, so we should treat it with care. Even the littlest thing, can affect how much sleep we can receive. Our brains are always working, so it is highly recommended that we clear our mind while we are sleeping to get that full stock of energy for the next day. One way to achieve that is to write.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Assignment 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 9

Assignment 2 - Essay Example In his book, Diamond argues against this notion, and in its stead, he proposes the environmental and geographical theory. In his postulates, he attributes Eurasian success on various environmental and geographical factors that played a significant role in their civilization’s development and advancement. These attributes are reflected in the book’s title, in the sense that their civilization produced guns, steel and germs that were used as weapons against other lesser civilizations. The dog is scientifically referred to as Canis lupus familiaris and as ‘man’s best friend’ due to the fact that it is a widely accepted that it was the first animal to be domesticated by man. Archeological evidence indicates that man began domesticating wolves approximately 33,000 years ago (Diamond 94). According to Diamond (88), dogs are a subspecies of the gray wolf, with DNA evidence indicating that there was an evolutionary split between wolves’ and dogs’ lineage at around 100,000 years ago (Diamond 211). This is attributed to disruptions and variations in climate, and the subsequent changes in the environment that led to genetic and morphological adaptations to facilitate continued survival of the species. This is reflective of Diamond’s postulate that the environment played a key role in influencing the supremacy of the Eurasian civilizations. Dogs are used for various purposes, uses and needs in the daily lives of humans, where they have been kept for working, as pets, for hunting, protection and in assisting handicapped people. The initial domestication of dogs was to aid in man’s hunting activities, which was one of his basic modes of acquiring food, with the other method being foraging or gathering of wild fruits, seeds, tubers and roots. According to Diamond (162), the Eurasian region was geographically conducive for the domestication of more wild animals than other in the world. The earliest signs of dog or wolf

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Sexual politics in adolescent Speech or Presentation

Sexual politics in adolescent - Speech or Presentation Example Usually these physical changes occur after the puberty period. A man is taller and heavier than an average woman is. Similarly, a scientific research study shows that the strength of a male is 30% more than females. Women have more fats in the body as compare to men. Usually teenage girls are not fat but as the puberty signs show they used to put on some weight. The difference in the levels of hormones is also considerable in both female and male body. In addition to puberty, there are some other considerable changes in the human body as the individual grows into an adult. A male brain consists of more brain cells and tissues as compare to females. Females’ sense organs are more sensitive to sound signals as compare to men. A male body skin is more thick and oily as compare to a female one. Major body organs like lungs and heart are larger in men. Bone development is faster in females as compare to males (Main 2010). After the puberty starts, the brain development is faster in the individuals. The developmental changes in the brain helps them to further feel their hormonal changes also. Like other organs, there is a difference in the brain structure of men and women. Males’ brains are larger and denser as compare to the female brain. Research studies show that the difference in the sex hormones can be witnessed during the 26th week of pregnancy. The language use and the motor skills are more developed in a female as compare to male because of the efficiency in that particular part of the brain. Learning disabilities occur in boys frequently as compare to the girls. The signs of puberty start signaling in girls earlier as compare to boys. But the brain maturity is faster in boys as compare to girls. An author is of the opinion that men and women behave differently when they become powerful after puberty changes (Lowen 2013). These differences can be discussed under the

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

BUS503 - Org. Change and Transformation Mod 4 SLP Essay

BUS503 - Org. Change and Transformation Mod 4 SLP - Essay Example ices, structure and leadership of the organization, redesign of the upper management structure, improving the accountability of present leadership, full evaluation of external factors relating to staff going elsewhere after training, and becoming a learning institution with good knowledge management. These are not easy changes and the commitment to make such changes must come first (Banker & Alban, 1997), as the configuration of the organization is changed. This is an organization in trouble at this time and it is very possible that the Human processual approach will not help at this time due to the slow incremental scale of the change. This change needs to happen more rapidly. The technostructural approach will need to be used to approach the changes in accountability for the different jobs and the job descriptions. The structure of the organization must change, removing silos and building a team structure. Multi-faceted approaches include as many different groups as possible and the is the approach that will need to be used most often here. There are many departments in a hospital and they all depend on each other to provide quality patient care. It will be important to include each of these departments in the process of change or run the risk of on providing a change that does not completely blanket the institution (Caluwe & Vermaak, 2004). The large groups approach will need to work hand in hand with these multi-faceted groups. All of the symptomology noted in the original case study relate to such things as external environment, leadership, organizational culture and structure as well as management practices. The Burke- Litwin model best suits this case because it incorporates all of these variable. The suggested changes in this paper are designed from the needs shown in the original study and the ability of the Burke-Litwin model to deal with those. With those things in mind, the management structure must change, the senior team needs updated management

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Relationship between Accounting Information and Market Risk

Relationship between Accounting Information and Market Risk Financial theory describes risk assessment as one of the most important part in an investment decision making process.  However, for a risk to be known, it is important for investors to interpret information flowing on the market. This study aims to examine the association between accounting information and the market risk over time. It also evaluates how far the beta value and accounting variables can be useful for investors in Mauritius. Beta estimates are calculated using Capital asset pricing model and accounting risk variables are derived from theoretical foundations and prior empirical findings. The relationship between the financial ratios and the level of systematic risk is obtained by regressing the variation in the beta against changes in the accounting variable. The empirical evidence shows that beta is valid on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM). However, the power of beta is relatively low in capturing the systematic risk. This finding is in line with Campbell (1995) who obtained similar observation for emerging equity market and with Bundoo (2000) who noted same result. Finally the result shows that a strong association exist between accounting variables and market risk and it also observed that this relationship is consistent over time. Accounting variables like growth rate, debt ratio, asset size, liquidity, profit margin and accounting beta are able to capture market risk where beta generally provides a high explanatory power of systematic risk. The findings contradict the some of the association between the market risk measures and accounting risk measure obtained Beaver et al (1979).   1  Introduction The growth experienced in the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) during the years 1989 to 2007 was with no precedence. Stock prices of quoted companies on the SEM boomed, causing a high influx of capital which caused the market to rise to its peak with a net market capitalisation of MUR 173 billion in the end of the financial year 2007. Local investors who had investments in fixed deposits from local commercial banks shifted some of their investments to the SEM, with view of higher return. But Stock prices started to fall soon after the end of the month of February 2008 and within a year the SEMDEX reached a position which was a low as the values experienced in September 2006. While this fall was largely attributed to the morose international situation, as a result of the international financial crisis; there is also the question whether the SEM effectively capture risk which is inherent by companies quoted and how far investors in Mauritius used the publish financial information to evaluate and predict the level of risk in the operating environment. Financial markets serve a key purpose in an economy by allocating productive resources among various areas so as to enable an efficient resource allocation, across different firms, investors assess the security and market expected prospects and risks and form a portfolio of investments based on their assessment. Security analysis usually involves an evaluation of the financial position and performance obtained from the financial statements published periodically by companies. In an efficient financial market the share prices is expected change to the fair value of the firm as new information flows into the market. Financial theory describes risk assessment as one of the most important part in an investment decision making process. The return of a stock is often considered to be narrowly related with the risk which the investor is taking while holding that stock. This makes the generally accepted principle that the higher is the risk in investing in an asset, the higher should be the asset’s expected return. This implies that there is a positive correlation between risk and expected return in holding a stock. 1.1  Problem Statement The analysis of stocks return is intricately linked with the analysis of risk. Empirical studies carried by Graham et al (2001) has shown that the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), (an asset pricing tool which uses risk as a basis to calculate assets return) is used, by more than seventy five percent of the chief financial officers, as primary tools in the portfolio selection process. However some authors in the capital markets literature (Campbell (1995) and Chan et al (1991)) have argued that in the case of emerging stock exchanges the CAPM is inapplicable and beta is not significant. However, for a risk to be known, it is important for investors to interpret information flowing to the market. Fama (1963) described three generic forms of market efficiency based on the market reaction to inflow of information. Markets which react to all past information are said to be in its weak form, those markets which react to all past and publicly available information are referred to as semi-strong efficient markets and those which react to all past, public and private information are considered as strongly efficient markets. A study made by Bundoo (2008) showed that Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) has the characteristics of a market in its weak form. This implies that the SEM effectively responds to past information. Yet there is absence of empirical research which evaluates whether market return and risk are effectively pictured through accounting ratios. 1.2  Aims and objectives This paper aims at analysing the share prices in the SEM and key accounting ratios to evaluate the financial position, performance of a sample of companies quoted across various economic sectors of the SEM with the view of answering the above question. It also seeks to test whether investors can trust beta in their decision-making process on the SEM. The paper also aims at: understanding the relationship between the financial ratios, market return and risk; estimating the level of systematic for different business segment where financial market information is not available; and to guide investment in measuring the systematic in private and non listed companies in Mauritius. 1.3  Organisation of this paper The paper is organised as follows: Chapter 2 provides a summary of literatures concerning risk measures, accounting tools and market-based models to measure the performance and risk; It also surveys the empirical researches on the SEM  and similar markets; Chapter 3 develops the models which are to be used in the analysis of the relationship between systematic risk and accounting ratios; It also outline the methodology and sample data which is used in the analysis; Chapter 4 presents the key findings from the study and Chapter 5 concludes the paper. 2  Literature review Risk and return of a firm are the two most important factors in the development of financial strategy for both individual investors and firms. Risk is inherently multi-dimensional and as such it has multiple characteristics which may be classified as financial and non financial. These characteristics make up the risk profile of a security, which is generally observed as changing with time and at different levels of a market. These changes in turn, impact on the return of the investors either by creating value or destroying the initial value before the investment.   Modern financial theories have proposed different models which are founded on sound theoretical analysis which can be used to estimate the different degree of riskiness of a particular security. These risk measures are then used in valuation models to estimate the return which an investor, with a defined risk attitude, can expect from an investment. As described in chapter 1, above, the applicability of such financial theories remain untested in many emerging markets. This chapter reviews the financial models which are commonly used by practitioners for estimating of the risk of stocks and stock market and their corresponding returns. It also summarises the main financial ratios which are used to analyse the financial risk, financial performance and the value of the firm. Finally a summary of the accounting tools and market-based models to measure return is also presented. 2.1  Risk It has always been difficult for practitioners to reach a consensus on the definition of risk. Moles (2004), nevertheless, provides a simple definition which is taken in this paper as basis for risk measurement. He defines risk as â€Å"the chance (or probability) of a deviation from an anticipated outcome†. With this definition it is implied that risk is made up of at least these 3 elements: 1.  probability: which means that risk can be quantified and expressed as a parameter, number of value; 2.  deviation from anticipated outcome: which is extent to which the actual result may deviate from that which is expected; 3.  anticipated outcome: this means that it is the consequence of the actual results deviating from the expected results that leads to risk. Newbold et al (2003) states that probability can be measured using past data by considering the proportion of times that an event occurred. For the case of an investor the anticipated event would be the financial return which he or she can expect by holding an asset. The measurement of the deviation from the anticipated return is normally done using the standard deviation of returns generated by an asset with regard to the expected return. 2.1.1  Systematic and unsystematic risks The deviation from the anticipated return is caused by is explained by 2 levels of risk: systematic risk and unsystematic risk.  The sum of these two main categories of risk is the total risk to which an investor is exposed to. Systematic risk is associated with overall movements in the general market or economy and therefore is often referred to as the market risk. The market risk is the component of the total risk that cannot be eliminated through portfolio diversification. Unsystematic risk which is a component of the portfolio risk that can be eliminated by increasing the portfolio size, the reason being that risks that are specific to an individual security such as business or financial risk can be eliminated by constructing a well-diversified portfolio. 2.2  The Capital asset pricing model Markowitz (1952) constructed a mean-variance model to observe the trade-off between risks and return. The model mathematically proved that return can be maximised, while minimising the overall risk, by holding a diversified portfolio. The idea was based on the concept that securities that are inversely correlated or having coefficients which are less than one. Such negative or low correlation coefficient results in a low covariance between securities in the portfolio. The low covariance implies a comparatively low level risk. However, Sing et al, (2001) observed that the model ignore the general risk-averse attitude of most investors. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), developed by Sharpe (1964), is based on the framework set out by Markowitz (1952) which considers that investors invest their money in a portfolio of assets. The CAPM states that the return which a risk averse can expect from investing in a risky asset is a risk premium over the risk free rate. The formula 1 below states the formula which can be used to calculate the expected return. E(Ri)  = Rf +  i  (  E(Rm)   Rf  )  (2.1) where: E(Ri)  Ã‚  expected rate return of stock I; i  Ã‚  relative risk of share I; E(Rm)  Ã‚  expected rate return of the market portfolio; and Rf   risk-free interest rate. Sharpe (1964) and Lintner (1965) explained that the correct measure of risk of an asset is its beta factor, a standardised measure of the systematic risk and that the risk premium per unit of riskiness is the same across all assets. CAPM has been developed by considering some assumptions such as normal distribution of assets return, perfect divisibility of assets and return, the existence of a risk free rate, perfect market conditions, inter alia, which might not exist in the real world. Despite the fact that most of the above assumptions are neither valid nor fulfilled, the CAPM has become an important tool in finance. It is widely used by finance practitioners for assessment of cost of capital, portfolio performance, portfolio diversification, valuing investments and choosing portfolio strategy among others. The ÃŽ ² factor in the equation 2.1 measures the volatility of the specific asset with regard to the volatility in the market, that is, the market risk. Mathematically it is expressed as in equation 2, below: (2.2) where: systematic_riskasset = covariance of the asset and that of the market market_risk is the volatility in the market portfolio, it is measured by the standard deviation of prices of the market portfolio. 2.2.1  Empirical review of Capital asset pricing model The empirical studies undertaken by Jensen et al. (1972) found supportive evidence for CAPM. The authors found that the actual return, for a sample of companies quoted on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), were consistent with the predictions of the CAPM.  They noted that the relationship between the average return and beta was very close to a linear one and that portfolios with high betas had high average returns. The same result was confirmed by Black et al. (1972), who studied of all the stocks on the NYSE over the period 1931-1965. Black et al. (1972) formed portfolios of stocks and analysed the abnormal return with regard to the beta factor, and found a linear relationship between the average excess portfolio return and the beta. Black et al (1972) observed that the beta factor measured the responsiveness of the share return to changes in the returns of the market. Stocks with high positive betas had stock price which rose faster than the market. This implies that high beta stocks bear a higher degree of risk compared to stocks which have their beta factor as negative. Stock with negative beta behave negatively to changes in the market, as such, in a bearish market, it is more attractive to invest in these stocks as it helps to preserve the value of the investor. Fama et al. (1973) also observed a larger intercept than the risk-free rate when analyzing the return against risk. They confirmed that there is a linear relationship between the average return and the beta, even over longer period. They further investigated whether the squared value of the beta and the volatility of assets returns explained the residual variation in the average returns across asset and found that, in addition to portfolio risk, there are other variables that affect expected return. 2.2.2  Critics against Capital asset pricing model There has been also several criticism of the applicability of the CAPM in many markets. Empirical research undertaken by Basu (1977) proposed other factors which have to be considered instead of relying wholly on a single variable, beta. According to Basu (1977) the price earnings ratio has a great influence in market return. Banz (1981) challenged the model by indicating that firm size have a considerable impact on the average returns of a particular stock and thus firm size could better explain the volatility than the market beta. The author observed that the average return of small firms were higher than the average returns on stocks of large firms. Chan et al (1991) made a further observation, on the Japanese market, that stocks with high ratios of book value of common equity have significantly higher returns than stocks with low book to market equity. In this respect, book to market equity started to be regarded as being an important variable that could produce dispersion in average returns. Fama and French (1992) came up with the conclusion that a more realistic approach of the risk in the market is the multi-index models. Their study concluded the findings of Basu(1977), Stattman (1980), Banz (1981) and Chan et al (1991) who argued that size of the firm and the books to market equity ratio are far superior in explaining asset returns. In contrast with CAPM which can be considered as a single factor model, Ross (1976) proposed a multifactor arbitrage pricing theory (APT).  Groenewold et al (1997) examined the validity of the model for Australian data and compared the performance of the empirical version of the APT and the CAPM. They concluded that APT outperforms the CAPM in terms of within-sample explanatory power. The APT, however, is a generic model and does not specify any factor which has to be considered in analysing return with regard to risk. 2.2.3  The ongoing debate on the applicability of Capital asset pricing model Nevertheless, there is no consensus in favour of CAPM due to the disparities in the empirical findings and the debate continues. In general, the studies challenge the data used by Fama et al (1993). Kothari et al (1995) argue that the findings of Fama et al (1993) depend essentially on how the statistical findings are interpreted. Amihudm et al (1992) and Black (1993) supported the idea that the data are too noisy to invalidate the CAPM and showed that when a more efficient statistical model is used, the relationship between average return and beta is positive and significant. The author further suggested the findings in respect of size effect could be simply in a sample period effect and that it may not be noted in another period. Similarly, Berk (1995) questioned the findings of Chan and Chen (1991). The author emphasised that stock prices (and market value of the equity (MVE)) depend on the expected future cash flows which is used by investor to estimate the risk and the required rate of return. Therefore, if two companies have a higher discount rate and consequently its price and MVE will be lower. In this sense, MVE captures the information about the company’s risk, since any change in investors’ perceptions of risk is immediately reflected in the stock prices. Furthermore, when the expected return of a firm is defined as the expected cash flow divided by its MVE, the relationship between MVE and return is clearly negative for companies with equivalent cash flows. Berk concludes that for companies of similar cash flows, the higher the risk of the cash flow, the higher the discount rate investors apply to it, which causes price to decrease and expected return to increase. This concept has contradicted the findings of Chan and al (1991), which attribute higher returns to smaller companies. Owing to its intuitive appeal, the CAPM has become an important tool in finance for assessment of cost of capital, portfolio performance, portfolio diversification, valuing investments and choosing portfolio strategy among others. However, there is no consensus in the literature as to what a suitable measure of risk is, and consequently, as to what is a suitable measure for evaluating risk-adjusted performance (Galagedera, 2007). As such, the debate for robust asset pricing models continues. Other studies (Ball and Brown (1969) and Beaver, et al (1970)) have focussed on accounting variable to convey information about the market risk. 2.3  Accounting variables as a measure of systematic risk Research in accounting variable as a measure of risk has increased considerably since the last forty years with a number of published papers by Beaver et al (1970), Lev et al (1974) , Bernard (1989), Ohlson (1995), and Kothari (2001). Beta measures the relative risk whereby risk itself is determined by some combination of firm characteristics, market conditions, and the sensitivity of the firm stock to market conditions. As such, understanding the relationship between the accounting variable and the systematic risk can provide an alternative basis to a market based estimation and prediction which will in turn guide the accounting policy formulation and investment decision making (Brimble et al, 2007). The study by Beaver et al (1970)  was the most quoted research in accounting and financial research. The author had improved the perdition of systematic risk by considering the firm specific characteristic and they identified significant association between market risk and firm specific accounting information. The financial statements of firms were mostly used in providing considerable information that could be used to measure the inherent risk. In fact, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (1983) stated that the objective of financial reporting is to provide information that is useful to present and potential investors and creditors and other users in making rational investment, credit, and similar decisions. A number of studies investigated how financial information becomes impounded in security prices and affects investment decisions. These accounting data are converted into the financial constructs, such as growth, operating leverage, profitability, liquidity, and efficiency. There is considerable evidence that since the late 1800’s ratio analysis has been widely used in the valuation of published financial data (Connor, 1973). Researchers and investors use mainly financial ratios for risk modelling purposes based on different criteria of comparison which are discussed as follows: Time series analysis: It also known as trend analysis and it is used to compare financial ratios over a period of time. Ratio analysis for one year may not present an accurate picture of the firm (Rao, 1989).  As such, to appraise a firm’s performance, the present ratios need to be compared with the past ratios. Cross-sectional analysis: This method compares ratios of one firm to the ratios of some other selected firms operating in the same industry at the same point in time (Pandey, 1999). Such comparison indicates the comparative financial position and performance of the particular firm. Industry analysis: According to Pandey this type of analysis helps to ascertain the firm’s financial standings and capacity vis-à  -vis other firms in the same industry. A study conducted by Beneda (2006) indicated that commercial lenders often consider the use of industry ratio analysis to be critical with regard to the potential success of the business. The main shortcoming of this analysis is that it is difficult to obtain the average ratio of an industry and if available the average ratio is composed of both strong and weak firms. Financial ratios were used for locating possible takeovers and mostly to predict major events such as corporate failures (Scott, 2004). Other studies reported on an association between accounting ratios and market risk measures, and proposed that certain accounting ratios can be used as proxies in predicting future security (Beaver et al. 1970; Elgers and Murray, 1982). 2.3.1  Usefulness of accounting variables The use accounting as means of estimating the systematic risk will allow the user of the financial statement to assess the investment alternative in terms risk, return and the value of the firms. Ryan (1997) has widely discussed the motive for relating accounting research to measures of market risk: The volatility of market betas over time indicates that the ex post measure of systematic risk is does not provide meaning full information in estimating the future risk. As such, understanding the relationship between accounting variables and systematic risk could indeed be useful in measuring and predicting the actual and upcoming market risk. Market based measures of risk, like the capital asset pricing model, fail to consider most of the firm specific characteristic such as the operational factors and environmental contingencies which influence risk. The accounting risk based information gets closer to the identification these economic fundamentals. Therefore accounting model provides an actual risk determinants rather than just determining the level of risk. Accounting risk model overcome the conventional problem were ex post measure of risk can not be applied due the fact that historical security returns is not available or insufficient like in the case non listed entities and for initial public offering Accounting variable are not affected by the noise found in traditional risk estimates which rely on past trading histories whereby significant variation in one period subsequently affect the overall risk level ; The development of trading strategies and the construction of portfolios with the desired level of risk. 2.3.2  Theoretical and empirical review of the relationship between individual accounting variable and systematic risk. Researchers on the association between systematic risk and accounting ratios were primarily initiated by Beaver (1970). The ratios used by the author were dividend payout, growth rate and leverage ratio, liquidity ratio, variability of earnings and co-variability of earnings. Other studies have further elaborated on these ratios and they also added other accounting based to measure the systematic risk. All these ratios aim at measuring the operating risk, financing risk and growth risk. The theories and empirical finding between these two variables are discussed as follows: Dividend Payout Corporate dividend policy has been the object of lively discussions in finance literature. The debate has revolved around the question of whether companies with generous distribution policies are less risky and whether there exists an optimal payout ratio. Theoretically, it is often asserted that firms with low payout ratios are more risky.  This is because that cost for external finance is relatively high for risky firm than firm with low risk. In this respect, risky firms rely on the utilization of their own reserves to carry out business activities. Dividend payout also affects the systematic risk by the information perceived by variation in the dividend policy. The original idea behind the information content of dividends, was developed by Lintner (1956) who claimed that managers only increased dividends when they believe that the levels of the firm’s earnings have permanently increased. He argued that decrease in dividend may be interpreted as cash flow or liquidity problem. Miller and Modigliani (1961) have argued, on the other hand, that dividend policy is irrelevant to the market value of shares. In a model which disregards taxes, they conclude that the payout policy which the corporation adopts, has no effect on the price of shares. Similarly Watts (1973) and Gonedes (1978) found no evidence that changes in dividend policy contain new information regarding firms future earnings. Gordon (1963) further pointed out that an increase in the proportion of retained profit now means higher cash dividends in the future and therefore conservative dividend policy has no effect on the risk factor. Still, Veikko (1967) explained that the higher the retention rate, the further in the future cash dividends are moved and the greater the uncertainty about their actual amount. Empirical evidence by Edward et al (1998) further showed that a significant negative relationship exists between the dividend pay out ratio and risk element. Growth rate Growth affects the systematic risk in two main ways as identified by Beaver et al (1973).  Firstly, where a firm earns excessive earning opportunities, that is, where the expected rate is higher than the cost of capital. Growth is normally attained by an expansion in the assets size either through the acquisition of new plants or by creating new product line or by takeovers.  The excessive earnings stream derived from these operations is argued to be more uncertain (i.e. volatile) than the normal earnings stream of the firm. In this respect the authors stated that a positive association exists between growth rates and risk. However, Harrigan (1984, 1986) have deepened this analysis and the author has observed different level of association over different industry life cycle characteristics. Harrigan argued that growth strategies, through takeovers and new product development, may be quite risky during an embryonic stage due to the high degree of product, process, and market uncertainty. In contrast, growth strategies may be less risky during times when demand conditions are growing in a stable manner. Finally, growth strategies are expected to become quite risky again as an industry is in transition to maturity because of the cut in the excessive earning streams. The second argument is related to the logic developed about the dividend payout ratio. Additional capital, utilized in the growth of the firm, would reduce the firm earnings in two main ways. If the expansion in asset is financed by the external debt, the firm earning would be eroded through finance cost. Whereas if the growth is financed through the retained earning, a sharp cut in earning attributable to the shareholder is expected. Both methods will ultimately lead to a reduction in dividend payout and thus increase the systematic risk. Asset Size Theoretically, larger firms are less risky than smaller firms. This is because large firms have better access to capital market, management skills and expertise and greater market liquidity. These factors provide opportunities to diversify and to seize new market opportunities to reduce operating risk which will impact on a lower beta than small firms. The studies of Dun et al (1970) reveal that the frequencies of failure are lower for large size firm than firm with low asset capitalization. Horrigan (1966) has shown that the most single important financial statement variable used to predict the bond rating of a firm was total assets. The author observed that if the asset returns are independent, the variance will decrease in direct proportion to the difference in asset size that is, as firm size doubles, the variance of the rate of return will be cut in half. Empirical work by Alexander (1949) observed that as firm size increase, the volatility in the earning streams decrease accordingly.   Moreover firm with wide operating activities are required to make more disclosure. For example the Mauritian companies act, 2001, stipulate that firms with Turnover above MUR 30 Million are required to file a complete set of financial statements with the Registrar of Companies. This information may be consulted by the members of the public upon payment of a nominal fee. Thus, more information is available to evaluate risk level. Collins et al (1987) have identified that small and recently incorporated firms have a high probability of financial distress. Accounting beta Research about the association between the market based beta and an accounting beta originated with Ball and Brown (1969). Accounting beta measures the degree of co-variability of firm earnings and the market earnings. Beaver et al (1970) argue that, if beta is being the used as the market determined concept of risk, then the most direct approach would be to compute the beta value on accounting earnings. Bowman (1969) demonstrated that the higher the accounting beta, the higher the systematic risk. Hence a positive relationship is expected between the two variables. Earning Variance The important relationship between earnings and the market beta is their covariability, accounting beta, is shown in the above. However, the empirical research has generally shown earnings variability to be superior to an accounting beta. Beaver et al (1970) found in a model that use accounting variables to forecast market risk that earnings variability was the most significant variable and that accounting beta did not make a statistically significant contribution. The relationship established by Ball and Brown (1969) is therefore theoretical. Empirical results may differ from theory for two main reasons as advanced by Bowman (1969). The assumptions (i.e there are only pure equity firms (no debt) in the market portfolio) of the theory may not be applicable to the universe being tested. Secondly, t