Analects of Confucius – Analects of Life

Analects of life As â€Å"the greatest single force† in a fifth of the worlds population, Kong Fuzi or Confucius, spread his intelligence on philosophies to try and better the world (pg. 4). The Analects of Confucius is a book that essentially supplies the people of the west with the Chinese code of life in the words of Kong Fuzi. His words and beliefs helped shape Chinese civilization and spread father throughout the west, making Confucius one of the most profound scholars in western history. The book The Analects of Confucius written by Chichung Huang is a translation of the word of the words and beliefs of Confucius.The book focuses on many different themes of life in Chinese culture. Filial piety and good behavior are two major themes in the book that go hand in hand. Family is an extremely important part of Chinese culture. Relationships, loyalty and the institution of family as a whole is one of the highest points of significance of society and in china and throughout th e west family bonds are very sacred and respected. In this culture and throughout The Analects there was especially a great influence and demonstration of a â€Å"son’s love for his parents† (pg. 28). Confucius wrote, â€Å"In serving your parents, be gentle in remonstration.Seeing that they are not inclined to comply, remain reverent, and do not disobey them. Though weary, do not feel resentful,† (pg. 70, 4. 18). A son’s job was to serve his parents at any moment and he was only considered filial after he served his parents in the correct ways, â€Å"When his father was alive, he observed his aspirations, when his father died, he observed his deeds. If, for three years he does not change his father’s Way, he may be said to be filial† (pg. 49, 1. 11). Filial piety was said to be the â€Å"first and foremost of all virtues,† and honoring ones family went much farther than daily life (pg. 8). There was also a big emphasis on respecting parents after they had passed away.Confucius said, â€Å"When your parents are alive, serve them in accordance with the rituals; when they die, bury them in accordance with the rituals; offer sacrifices to them in accordance with the rituals† (pg. 53, 2. 5). Chinese cultures portrayed that for a son to be filial he had to â€Å"serve his parents in three ways: to feed them when they are alive, to morn them when they die and to offer sacrifices to them when mourning is over,† (pg. 28). It was so much of n importance to serve ones parents after death that Confucius himself said, â€Å"There is hardly anything that can make a man spontaneously exhaust his grief. If an exception must be made, it is perhaps a parent’s death,† (pg. 181, 19. 17). By instituting these analects of filial piety so intensely into the west and having them obeyed helped establish good behavior and put an emphasis on roles of the people. Since filial piety was such an essential virtue it was known for helping to â€Å"shape young people into loyal law-abiding subjects† (pg. 29).Social order and good behavior was a prominent throughout the west and taught through Confucianism. In Chinese culture reverence and respect was key and went along with good behavior. Confucius said, â€Å"nowadays filial piety merely means being able to feed ones parents. Even dogs and horses are being fed. Without reverence, how can you tell the difference,† (pg. 53, 2. 7). He was essentially trying to say that if respect isn’t important than what’s the difference between a parent and a dog. Through reverence and family relationships it helped shape young people and instate good behavior.The analects went into great depth of illustrating being an ethical and good citizen. Confucius said, â€Å"Keep wholehearted sincerity and truthfulness as your major principles. Do not befriend those beneath you. When you make a mistake, do not be afraid to correct it,† (pg. 106, 9. 25). He believed it was better to admit you mistakes than try and cover them up. The Chinese culture did not promote negative behavior or disobedience what so ever. They focused on ‘the gentleman’, the most virtuous and talented man, the role model for everyone else.Confucius stated, â€Å"the gentleman helps others achieve their good ends; he does not help them achieve their evil ends. The small man does the opposite,† (pg. 129, 12. 16). The gentleman was essentially the perfect man and promoted good behavior. Having the gentleman in Chinese culture helped uphold and spread the analects and good behavior. Overtime Confucianism and Confucius’ philosophies spread throughout Chinese civilization and the west and became very popular. Even after Confucius’ time his students and followers spread his beliefs.His moral codes and ideals were accepted grew more prominent overtime by Chinese civilizations and were adopted by neighboring countri es. Although his ideals not always followed in every dynasty and period of time they came back in the time of the Han Dynasty and the civil service exam is an example of how the teachings of Confucius was later intertwined with society. Confucius is a critical scholar and philosopher in western history and for the rest of the world. His teachings will never be forgotten and his analects will always be referred to.

Barriers to Changing Personal Health Behavior

The result of the real age test has come as a surprise to me. There is a difference in my real age and the age results shown by the real age test. I have also been surprised by the factors which can affect one health. According to real age study factors such as relationships including having pets and the frequency of the times you have with your friend may affect our health. Thus there is an urgent need to undertake practices and actions which improve my real age. However there are some barriers which inhibit the decision to adopting good health behavior.One of the barriers is readiness to certain changes. In order on to improve on my real age I have to change my eating habit behavior, change my relationship profile and exercise more to improve my fitness level. Some habits such as smoking are not easy to quit. Another barrier is availability of time Sparing time for exercise might be a challenge especially for a fulltime students and the working class. The exercise itself is a sacri fice and requires a lot of discipline on my side.Good health is not seen as a priority and other would rather work for extra hours instead of relaxing provided they earn an extra. Taking good health a priority will be a barrier not only to me but also to other many people. Some of the stress is caused by our working condition. Some of us work very hard and long hours. Since it is the source of our living we cannot do away with it. Thus our work can also be a barrier to personal health behavior. One of the means I intend to use to improve my real age will involve changing my attitude towards things.Taking health as a priority is one of them. Having a positive mind will reduce occurrence of stress. By changing my attitude I will spare time for exercising. I will avoid some lifestyles such as smoking and excessive drinking which negatively affect my health. In order to observe healthy living I will eat recommended amount of food avoiding food and beverages high in calories. I will also adopt an active lifestyle where by I will exercise, walk and jog to avoid gaining excessive weight.The portion distortion quiz also reveals some shocking finding about how our eating habits and the choice of food we eat affect our health. The amount of food in our body is determined by the type of food we consume. There is also a trend revealed by the quiz that as new technology and new methods of cooking food is invented the amount of calories in the food increases. The pizza of 20 years ago has fewer calories compared to today’s pizza of the same quantity. From the finding of portion distortion quiz I intend to avoid food and beverage with high quantity of calories.This will reduce chances of occurrence of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. From the finding it is evident that exercising burns out the excess calories in our busy. I therefore intend to live an active life whereby I will do more than just the daily chores to burn excessive calories. Traditi onal foods are healthier than the new types of food which are very famous nowadays. I intend to avoid unhealthy lifestyle even if it might be the current trend.From the finding it is very easy to increase the amount of calories in your body. However burning them is not that easy. Therefore I will concentrate more on avoiding food with high amount of calories other than exercise to burn them. References Health Canada 2010 overcome barrier retrieved 30 July, 2010 from http://www. hc-sc. gc. ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/maintain-adopt/index-eng. php Health system for home use 2010 secret to live longer retrieved 30 July, 2010 from http://www. healthreviser. com/content/secret-live-longer

Company Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 4

Company Law - Essay Example In the United Kingdom, the enactment of the Companies Act 2006 has created a venue for corporations to return the capital investment to their shareholders to the detriment of their creditors. With more liberal provisions on the distribution of profits to it investors (see UK companies Act 2006 Sections 830 - 831), UK companies have more leeway when it comes to giving out dividends. Like in the United Kingdom, there are also provisions in the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Caption 32) that give companies more room to maneuver the release of funds of the company to its shareholders. Provisions on the maintenance of legal capital, the reduction of capital and shares buy backs in the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance give plenty of options to companies in terms of redistribution of capital shares to shareholders. Moreover, the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance is now going through a review process and during the series of consultation conducted by the government; some sectors believe that the revisions in the Companies Ordinance would make it easier for companies to circumvent the protection of legal capital3. Since there are provisions of the law that give more powers to the company to return capital to its shareholders, there are many sectors that believe that the protection of creditors under the legal capital rules is dead4. Their argument is that if the companies can reduce the amount of capital, buy back their shares of stocks at lower prices and distribute profits to its shareholders even if the company still have to recovered losses from previous years, creditors may not be able to collect their money in due time5. Despite the fact that the protection of creditors under the rules of legal capital has already been eroded, we cannot really say that this protection is already dead or totally useless. We have to understand that under Hong

Organization Development and Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Organization Development and Change - Essay Example More importantly, the wrong intervention may have repercussions in the organization that cannot be resolved. OD practitioners must always think about the impact of the intervention on the organization. How would you as an OD practitioner rule out alternative explanations? What must you understand in order to do this? To avoid alternative explanations as an OD practitioner, I have to understand the â€Å"before and after† of evaluating an intervention. For example, I should understand that the variables and measures involved to properly evaluate the intervention should be considered well. They should be reliable, valid and not just be based on one method. This is the â€Å"before† stage of evaluation. The â€Å"after† stage involves understanding that there are internal and external checks on the validity of the research design or â€Å"the setting up of the conditions for making valid assessments of an intervention’s effects.† (Cummings, T. & Worley, C., 2008, p. 210) I need to understand that the assessment should show if the intervention produced the expected results and if it the intervention would work the same way in other

Chinese Medecine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Chinese Medecine - Essay Example He wrote the book I-Ching also known as book of change which had the power of shaping the thought process of any upcoming book on the Chinese medicine. The first book on the acupuncture appeared in the 204 BC during the rein of Huang Di - The yellow emperor. The books had full details on the needles to be used, acupuncture points in the Body, pathology, syndrome differentiation, treatment, diagnosis and the relationship of man with the nature. Initially, the stone needles were used to conduct the acupuncture and then the bronze, gold, silver needles were used as well. Now a days stainless steel needles are used to puncture the specific parts of the body. Acupuncture has found its use in almost all the diseases but there is a huge debate on the infection caused due to the acupuncture needles and the subsequent impact of the infections on the body. This paper attempts to analyze the acupuncture from the historical perspective and researches the modern application of acupuncture with the application, advantages, and disadvantages. The paper ends with the conclusion obtained as a result of the research and discussions. (Gabriel, 2003) Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice having history which dates back to 8000 years. During the process of evolvement, acupuncture needles were modified from using stones as the raw material to bronze, gold and silver to stainless steels. The first changeover from stone to metal needles had happened during the 421-221 BC which is also known as the Warren States era. In the year 113 BC, nine types of acupuncture needles were discussed in the book The Miraculous Pivot. Nan Jing wrote a book named Book of difficult questions on Acupuncture. During 265 - 581 AD, acupuncture was very popular during the Jin, Northern and southern dynasties as several charts and texts were developed during this time by Xu Xi family to enhance the knowledge of theory and application. Another major development during the ancient world in the fields of acupuncture came during Sui and Tang dynasties. The Tang government commissioned the services of physician Zhen Quan to revise the important text and charts of Acupuncture. Another book which collated the text and charts from other physician was written by Sun Simio. The Acupuncture came to be recognized as the separate branch of medicine during this phase i.e. 650 - 692 AD. The physicians conducting the Acupuncture were known as Acupuncturists and the Acupuncture education became mandatory and was made one the constituents of Imperial medicine bureau. The Acupuncture schools came up and they started conducting formal education on the Acupuncture theory and practice. During the period 1568-1644, also known for Ming Dynasty rule, the knowledge of Acupuncture flourished where several actions like modification of the classical texts were conducted, acupuncture techniques and medication was enhanced, Moxa sticks were developed for indirect treatment, 120 volumes of Encyclopedic work was carried on by Wang Gendung as well as principles of acupuncture and Moxibustion was written by Yang Jizhou. G. Soulie D Morant, who introduced Acupuncture to the European world draw his inspiration from these texts. In the next few years during 1644-1840, the acupuncture was suppressed and the Chinese herbal medicine was promoted

Gulf War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gulf War - Essay Example The US military had done away with the war draft and so it is mainly a volunteer army. As such, it relies usually on people who freely and voluntarily join the military service and the people who enter the military are mostly poor people (the traditional party base of the Democratic Party). The sons and daughters of rich people do not join the military service. It is only the poor kids who join as a way out of poverty, get a sure job and obtain education. In other words, it is the lower social and economic classes which had borne the greatest burden of prosecuting the wars in Iraq in disproportionate numbers compared to the rich classes. However, the main reason why labor unions today are opposed to the Iraq war was it was a war that was not properly explained to them. The original objectives of going into Iraq were hazy at best which was to remove Iraq from Kuwait which is a recognized member of the United Nations as a sovereign nation. But more than that, the ordinary Americans are now more wary of getting involved in other people’s domestic affairs when the American citizens themselves are in deep trouble regarding their own issues about the economy, health care, education and many other concerns such as high crime rates. Americans today do not want to get involved because they had a bad experience with the Vietnam War (Brier 1).

Physiotherapy Treatment Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Physiotherapy Treatment Plan - Assignment Example There are moments that deficiencies are experienced in the performance of daily roles, causing problems with mobility, functional ability, and movement potential. As seen in the case, engaging in physical exercise is a common cause of all forms of impairments and disabilities that are recorded against mobility functions (Morillas et al., 2007). Once such impairments and disabilities come about, the work of physical therapists is very much needed in fostering quality of life. Quite importantly, physical therapists do not go about their roles as an event but a process that normally involves other multi-disciplinary team members. The following treatment plan is therefore prepared from a systematic and cross-functional perspective to redeem Mrs. Seddon from her current state of distress. Schoenenberger et al (2011) noted that the clinical features of a patient’s disease are basically the signs and symptoms that are manifested through physical examination and other medical procedures such as laboratory or x-ray workups. With this said, there are a number of clinical features of Mrs. Seddon that can be identified from her case that have direct reference to the etiology and pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease. The following can be listed as part of the etiology and pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease: Any other signs and symptoms are given above and as manifested in the activities and body functioning of Mrs. Seddon makes her prone to the etiology and pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease. These thus account for her clinical features. There are a number of postoperative problems that may be faced by the patient in the first three days of the postoperative period. Whiles some of these problems are potential problems, others are acute problems. Also importantly, these some of these problems may not be immediate but may develop in the nearest future if the most rapid steps are not taken.

Participation Discussion Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Participation Discussion Questions - Essay Example ‘These laws protect the employees in matters such as compensation, working conditions, and retirement benefits. I agree with you that it is imperative for managers to have excellent knowledge of employment laws. Managers lower their business risk by complying with employment laws because a lack of compliance can lead to governmental fines, civil lawsuits, and a loss of brand value. If a corporation fails to comply with basic employment laws such as paying at or above minimum wage they can incur in damages beyond the potential fines. The customer can lose confidence in the corporate behavior of the company and switch to the competition. In the 21st century corporate social responsibility has become an important strategy to achieve business growth. The utilization of hiring practices that foster diversity has positive benefits such as improving creativity and gaining insight into other cultures. If an employee violates employment laws a manager must discipline the person and possible terminate employment if the violates warrants such punishment. Knowledge is power, thus education the workforce on employment will improve the quality and value of the human capital of a corporation. As you mentioned understanding employment laws is a two way process since both employer and employees are affected by them. Applying educational efforts in the corporate world to increase the knowledge of employees of employment laws is a sound investment. The overall business risk of an enterprise decreases as the employees become more knowledgeable of employment laws. Diminishing interpersonal conflict due to a lack of knowledge of employment increases the productivity of the workers. I liked your idea of creating handbooks with information regarding employment laws. Doing so is an initiative that provides documentation the workers can use to study on their own time about employment laws as well as reference

Luxury Paradigm Essay Example for Free

Luxury Paradigm Essay It is generally acknowledged that western consumption of luxury in the 1980s and 1990s was motivated primarily by status-seeking and appearance. This means that social status associated with a brand is an important factor in conspicuous consumption. The baby boom generation luxury consumer has a passion for self-indulgence while maintaining an iconoclastic world view, which is transforming the luxury market from its ‘ old ’ conspicuous consumption model to a totally new, individualistic type of luxury consumer one driven by new needs and desires for experiences ’ . The expression of ‘today’s luxury’ is about a celebration of personal creativity, expressiveness, intelligence, fluidity, and above all, meaning. LUXURY AND POSTMODERNISM Recent arguments have been sounded that aspects of contemporary luxury consumption have reflected the phenomenon of postmodernism. Postmodernity means very different things to many different people’. Postmodernism is essentially a western philosophy that ‘refers to a break in thinking away from the modern, functional and rational’. In terms of experiential marketing, two aspects of the postmodern discourse are most relevant: hyper-reality and image. Hyper-reality refers to ‘the blurring of distinction between the real and the unreal, in which the prefix ‘hyper’ signifies more real than real. When the real that is the environment, is no longer a given, but is reproduced by a simulated environment, it does not become unreal, but realer than real’. The example of Bollywood to illustrate the so-called ‘Disneyfication’ of reality within the context of contemporary Indian society: ‘Bollywood captures not only the imagination in the form of song, music and dance but fairy tale settings, romantic melodrama and heroic storylines immerse the viewer in ‘simulated reality’. Traditional marketing was developed in response to the industrial age, not the information, branding and communications revolution we are facing today. In a new age, with new consumers, we need to shift away from a features- and-benefits approach, as advocated by traditional approaches to consumer experiences. One such approach is experiential marketing, an approach that in contrast to the rational features-and-benefits view of consumers takes a more postmodern orientation, and views them as emotional beings concerned with achieving pleasurable experiences. EXPERIENTIAL LUXURY MARKETING When a person buys a service, he purchases a set of intangible activities carried out on his behalf. But when he buys an experience, he pays to spend time enjoying a series of memorable events that a company stages to engage him in a personal way. Experiential marketing is thus about taking the essence of a product and amplifying it into a set of tangible, physical and interactive experiences that reinforce the offer. Experiential marketing essentially describes marketing initiatives that give consumers in-depth, tangible experiences in order to provide them with sufficient information to make a purchase decision. It is clear that the fact that many luxury goods are almost always experiential puts luxury marketers in a unique position to apply the principles of experiential marketing to their activities. Dimensions of the luxury experience The term ‘involvement’ refers to the level of inter-activity between the supplier and the customer. Increased levels of involvement fundamentally change the way in which services are experienced, that is, suppliers no longer create an experience and pass it to the customer; instead, the supplier and customer are interactively co-creating the experience. The term ‘intensity’ refers to the perception of the strength of feeling towards the interaction. The four experiential zones are not intended to be mutually exclusive; the richness of an experience is, however, a function of the degree to which all four zones are incorporated. Those experiences we think of as Entertainment, such as fashion shows at designer boutiques and upmarket department stores, usually involve a low degree of customer involvement and intensiveness. Activities in the Educational zone involve those where participants are more actively involved, but the level of intensiveness is still low. In this zone, participants acquire new skills or increase those they already have. Many luxury goods offerings include educational dimensions. For example, cruise ships often employ well-known authorities to provide semi-formal lectures about their itineraries – a concept commonly referred to as ‘edutainment’. Escapist activities are those that involve a high degree of both involvement and intensiveness, and are clearly a central feature of much of luxury consumption. This is clearly evident within the luxury tourism and hospitality sector, characterised by the growth of specialised holiday offerings. The launch of the Royal Tented Taj Spa (Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces) at the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur (India) recreates the mobile palaces used by the Mughal emperors of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, with chandeliers, royal pennants and Indian love swings. When the element of activity is reduced to a more passive involvement in nature, the event becomes Aesthetic. A high degree of intensiveness is clearly evident within this activity, but has little effect on its environment such as admiring the architectural or interior design of designer boutiques. The six-storey glass crystal design of the Prada store in Tokyo conceptualised by the architects Herzog and de Meuron has become a showcase for unconventional contemporary architecture.

Kudler Fine Foods Computer Information System Essay Example for Free

Kudler Fine Foods Computer Information System Essay Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) is a California-based provider of a variety of high end foods, both local and from around the world, founded by Kathy Kudler in 1998. Since the opening of the first location, Kudler has opened two more locations in the San Diego area; Del Mar in 2000 and Encinitas in 2003 (About, 2011). As a growing business, Kudler’s needs are constantly changing, especially in terms of the company’s information technology and information systems. This paper will discuss the needs of the company in regards to business operations and accounting, as well as discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the systems currently in place. Based on the current technological opportunities, suggestions will be made to further improve these systems, and evaluate any threats that may affect these systems. Primary Findings Business and Accounting Needs Business Needs As a retail company, Kudler Fine Foods needs to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Kathy Kudler budgeted over $50,000 for Smith Systems to select and install the existing finance and accounting system, called Retail Enterprise Management System (REMS). REMS provides an Point-of-Sale module, or POS module, to automate all retails sales made, in detail. This system automatically reports this data to the accounting modules, as well as manages all credit/debit card transactions made in the stores. This helps to eliminate data entry errors by limiting the amount of data requiring manual input by employees (Accounting System Overview, 2011). Accounting Needs REMS also addresses the accounting needs of KFF, by providing applications for the general ledger, accounts payable, bank reconciliation, asset management and accounting modules. Each of these modules is interconnected with the POS, which allows for direct transfer of data between modules (Accounting System Overview, 2011). General Ledger Module. The General Ledger module includes the chart of accounts, and transaction details transferred y the POS system. This data is used to create the company’s budget and financial reporting. Due to the electronic transfer of data from the POS to the general ledger, this module requires minimal manual data entry (Accounting System Overview, 2011). Accounts Payable Module. The AP module allows for the check disbursement portion of the business to be done electronically. This module holds vendor data, tax and freight data, and accepts data from other modules that directly affect purchasing (Accounting System Overview, 2011). Bank Reconciliation Module. Data from the accounts payable, accounts receivable and purchase order modules are compiled automatically by the bank reconciliation module. This data is used in cash flow analysis for financial reporting (Accounting System Overview, 2011). Asset Management and Accounting: There was no module created for this portion of the business. Kudler needs to develop an efficient and economical way to track inventory and other assets, other than relying on the leasing company and spreadsheets (Accounting System Overview, 2011). Strengths and Weaknesses in the Current System Strengths The strength in the existing information system is that the modules that are installed reduce the manual data entry, thus eliminating unnecessary errors to the information, by allowing the modules to share information provided by the point-of sale machines. The POS system itself is a major benefit to the IT system as a whole, due to the number of transactions it is able to detail, catalog and parse to the interconnected modules. Secondly, the network set up at each location supports 3-4 POS terminals, an inventory terminal and a server terminal. Each individual network, for each store is providing enough storage power for the needs of each location (Information Technology, 2011). Weaknesses As previously discussed, the network setup has benefits on an individual store basis. However, the system as a whole is not sufficient in running a cohesive, multi location business. Kudler’s inventory systems are completely separate from one another, which could cause a serious issue in asset management within the company. A second weakness is the lack of policy regarding security within the system. This could lead to vulnerability to an internet attack for customer personal information and identity theft. Also, without back up procedures, there is no way for Kudler to prevent data loss, should the network(s) fail. Recommendations Based on the information above, the recommendation for Kudler and KFF would be to first, establish a set of security policies and back up procedures, in order to prevent hacking and data loss, respectively. In order to do so, Kudler would best benefit by reestablishing a working relationship with Smith Systems. Smith would then set up and maintain an offsite server that will service all three KFF locations, and allow the company to consolidate the three separate inventory systems. The offsite server would then serve as a repository for all accounting, inventory and human resources related items. Doing so will cut down the potential staffing and duplication in the inventory system. Additionally this would reduce the number of servers required, and thus reduce the potential of IT related hardware issues. Conclusion To conclude, Kudler Fine Foods uses and information system established by Smith Systems that sufficiently handles point-of-service retail sales receipts, and disburses the information to the appropriate accounting software modules. The modules receive the financial data from the sales to create financial reports, budgeting reports, and analyze accounts receivable and accounts payable. The system also maintains ordering and purchase order data, however, it does not maintain a single inventory module, which could track the sales of these items after the goods are received in the individual stores. In order for this to occur, Kudler needs to establish a solid set of security measures and procedures in the case of data loss. To address this, Smith Systems can be contracted to maintain an offsite server with security maintenance. This will help to prevent internet attacks by hackers searching for customer identification and credit card information. Once these changes are in effect KFF should see an increase in efficiency in the current systems in use.

Fuzzy Logic Control Implementation On Pic Microcontroller

Fuzzy Logic Control Implementation On Pic Microcontroller Conventional PID controllers were used as a control strategy for various industrial processes from many years due to their simplicity in operation. They used mathematical models to control the plant for different process control applications. Fuzzy logic based control systems were introduced by Lotfi Zadeh to optimize the process control parameters in better way. In this paper, we have implemented a DC motor control strategy with the help of PID controller.Then we will optimize it with the help of fuzzy logic controller. The fuzzy logic control strategy shows the improvement in various control parameters like maximum overshoot, settling time for the DC motor control as compared with PID control strategy. This shows the superiority of fuzzy logic controller over proportional integral derivative controller. I. INTRODUCTION PID (proportional integral derivative) control is one of the earlier control strategies. Its early implementation was in pneumatic devices, followed by vacuum and solid state analog electronics, before arriving at todays digital implementation of microprocessors. It has a simple control structure which was understood by plant operators and which they found relatively easy to tune. Since many control systems using PID control have proved satisfactory, it still has a wide range of applications in industrial control. PID control has been an active research topic for many years. Since many process plants controlled by PID controllers have similar dynamics it has been found possible to set satisfactory controller parameters from less plant information than a complete mathematical model. Fuzzy logic is a method of rule-based decision making used for expert systems and process control that emulates the rule-of-thumb thought process used by human beings. Due to these properties, fuzzy logic can be used to control a process that a human can control manually with expertise gained from experience. The linguistic control rules that a human expert can describe in an intuitive and general manner can be directly translated to a rule base for a fuzzy logic controller. In this paper DC motor is first tuned using fuzzy logic controller and then we will be using fuzzy logic controller to improve the various process parameters follow. II. PROPORTIONAL INTEGRAL DERIVATIVE CONTROLLER The PID controller is the most common form of feedback. It was an essential element of early governors and it became the standard tool when process control emerged in the 1940s. In process control, more than 95% of the control loops are of PID type, most loops are actually PI control. PID controllers are today found in all areas where control is used. The controllers come in many different forms. There are standalone systems in boxes for one or a few loops, which are manufactured by the hundred thousands yearly. PID control is an important ingredient of a distributed control system. The controllers are also embedded in many special purpose control systems. PID control is often combined with logic, sequential functions, selectors, and simple function blocks to build the complicated automation systems used for energy production, transportation, and manufacturing. Many sophisticated control strategies, such as model predictive control, are also organized hierarchically. PID control is u sed at the lowest level; the multivariable controller gives the setpoints to the controllers at the lower level. It is an important component in every control engineers tool box. PID controllers have survived many changes in technology, from mechanics and pneumatics to microprocessors via electronic tubes, transistors, integrated circuits. The microprocessor has had a dramatic influence on the PID controller. Practically all PID controllers made today are based on microprocessors. This has given opportunities to provide additional features like automatic tuning, gain scheduling, and continuous adaptation. Controllers are designed to eliminate the need for continuous operator attention. Cruise control in a car and a house thermostat are common examples of how controllers are used to automatically adjust some variable to hold the measurement (or process variable) at the set-point. The set-point is where you would like the measurement to be. Error is defined as the difference between set-point and measurement. error = set-point measurement The variable being adjusted is called the manipulated variable which usually is equal to the output of the controller. The output of PID controllers will change in response to a change in measurement or set-point. Manufacturers of PID controllers use different names to identify the three modes. These equations show the relationships: P (Proportional) = 100/gain I (Integral) = 1/reset (units of time) D (Derivative) = rate = pre-act (units of time) Depending on the manufacturer, integral or reset action is set in either time/repeat or repeat/time. One is just the reciprocal of the other. Note that manufacturers are not consistent and often use reset in units of time/repeat or integral in units of repeats/time. Derivative and rate are the same. Choosing the proper values for P, I, and D is known as PID Tuning. A feedback control system measures the output variable and sends the control signal to the controller. The controller compares the value of the output signal with a reference value and gives the control signal to the final control element. The equation of ideal PID controller is $$ C(s) = K_{p} + frac {K_{i}} {s} + K_{d}s = frac{K_{d}s^2 + K_{p}s + K_{i}} {s} $$ III. FUZZY LOGIC CONTROLLER Fuzzy logic is a method of rule-based decision making used for expert systems and process control that emulates the rule-of-thumb thought process used by human beings. The basis of fuzzy logic is fuzzy set theory which was developed by Lotfi Zadeh in the 1960s. Fuzzy set theory differs from traditional Boolean (or two-valued) set theory in that partial membership in a set is allowed. Traditional Boolean set theory is two-valued in the sense that a member belongs to a set or does not and is represented by 1 or 0, respectively. Fuzzy set theory allows for partial membership, or a degree of membership, which might be any value along the continuum of 0 to 1. A linguistic term can be defined quantitatively by a type of fuzzy set known as a membership function. The membership function specifically defines degrees of membership based on a property such as temperature or pressure. With membership functions defined for controller or expert system inputs and outputs, the formulation of a rule base of IF-THEN type conditional rules is done. Such a rule base and the corresponding membership functions are employed to analyze controller inputs and determine controller outputs by the process of fuzzy logic inference. By defining such a fuzzy controller, process control can be implemented quickly and easily. Many such systems are difficult or impossible to model mathematically, which is required for the design of most traditional control algorithms. In addition, many processes that might or might not be modeled mathematically are too complex or nonlinear to be controlled with traditional strategies. However, if a control strategy can be described qualitatively by an expert, fuzzy logic can be used to define a controller that emulates the heuristic rule-of-thumb strategies of the expert. Therefore, fuzzy logic can be used to control a process that a human can control manually with expertise gained from experience. The linguistic control rules that a human expert can describe in an intuitive and general manner can be directly translated to a rule base for a fuzzy logic controller. IV. PROBLEM FORMULATION A DC motor is taken as a case study and the control is achieved using conventional PID controller and intelligent fuzzy logic based controller. The comparison of both the controller performance is analyzed.After analyzing,implement it on microcontrollers. V. DC MOTOR CONTROL USING FUZZY LOGIC CONTROLLER In classical control techniques PID controller was used as a standard control structure. Due to nonlinearities in the process the performance of the industrial machinery is greatly distorted and the efficiency is reduced. The new technique which uses fuzzy and PID controllers is considered as the extension of the conventional technique, because it preserves the linear structure of PID controller. These controllers are designed using the basic principle of fuzzy logic control to obtain a new controller that possesses analytical formulas similar to digital PID controllers. Fuzzy PID controllers have variable control gains in their linear structure. These variable gains are nonlinear function of the errors and changing rates of error signals. These variable gains help in improving the overall performance due to their characteristics features like self-tuned mechanism which can adapt to rapid changes of the errors and rate of change of error caused by time delay effects, nonlinearities and uncertainties of the process. VII. CONCLUSION In this paper a DC motor is controlled using fuzzy logic and PID controller. A mathematical model to control the DC motor is developed and the motor is controlled using conventional PID controller. The simulation results so obtained show that the PID controller gives high overshoot and settling time. Hence, fuzzy logic controller design was proposed and implemented using the principles of artificial intelligence. The fuzzy logic control will be implemented and the response will be compared with conventional PID controller. The fuzzy logic control shows a better control of motor parameters as compared with the conventional PID controller VII. ACKNOWLEDGMENT It gives us immense pleasure to express our gratitude to each individual associated directly or indirectly with the successful completion of the report. We would like to express our thanks towards our project Guide Prof. Dr. R.B.Ghongade for his invaluable cooperation and guidance that he gave us throughout our project. We would also like to thank our Head of Department, Prof.P.D.Khandekar for inspiring us and providing us all the lab facilities with the internet, which made the project work very convenient. VIII. REFERENCES [1] Erdal Kayacan and Okyay kaynak, An Adaptive Grey Fuzzy PID Controller With Variable Prediction Horizon, SCISISIS2006 @ Tokyo, Japan (September 20-24, 2006); 760-765 [2] B.G. Hu, G.K.I Mann and R.G Gosine, New methodology for analytical and optimal design of fuzzy PID controllers, IEEE Transaction of fuzzy systems, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 521-539, 1999 [3] Awang N.I. Wardana, PID-Fuzzy Controller for Grate Cooler in Cement Plant, IEEE transaction of fuzzy system, no.7, vol. 32, 2005, 1345-1351. [4] Han-Xiong Li,Lei Zhang, Kai-Yuan Cai, And Guanrong Chen, An Improved Robust Fuzzy-PID Controller With Optimal Fuzzy Reasoning, IEEE Transactions On Systems, Man, And Cybernetics Part B: Cybernetics, Vol. 35, No. 6, December 2005; 1283-1292 [5] Isin Erenoglu, Ibrahim Eksin, Engin Yesil and Mujde Guzelkaya, An intelligent hybrid fuzzy PID controller, in Proceedings of 20th European Conference on Modeling and Simulation, 2006. [6] [6] Leehter Yao and Chin-Chin Lin, Design of Gain Scheduled Fuzzy PID Controller, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 1 2005, 152-156

Stereotyping of Arab Muslims in the New York Times for the Past Forty Y

Stereotyping of Arab Muslims in the New York Times for the Past Forty Years This study examines stereotyping of Arab Muslims in the New York Times for the past forty years. Theorists suggest that stereotyping of a minority group effects the public's opinion of that group. Other communication media theorists say that only under extreme conditions will the negative stereotypes reflect the publics' opinions of the portrayed minority group. The parallel theory between propaganda and stereotyping by the mass media is examined. Theorists including Thomson, (1977) & Myers, (1992), related to mass media effects strongly agree claiming that repetitive and non-contradictive images in the media are an effective form of propaganda. The research samples are random article reviews of the New York Times for the past forty years. Using every fifth year and 2 random numbers ranging from 1 to 12 is used to select an article search date. Islam was the search term. The Gudykunst & Kim( ? ) method of analyzing a stereotype is used to evaluate the 8 New York Times articles. The r esults indicate 95% of the articles were "vague," labeling entire group rather than individual. Out of the total 100%, 70% of the article used unfavorable trait characteristic labeling. Has the New York Times negatively stereotyped Arab Muslims for the past forty years? The goal of this research project is to reveal the negative stereotypes directed towards Arab Muslims in the New York Times. The critical focus of the research is the consistency of the negative stereotypes. The underlying focus is what theoretical and historical effects result from the negative stereotypes. WHAT IS STEREOTYPING? The operational definition is "an idea, expression, lacking in originality or inventiveness. A simplified and standardized conception or image of a person or group held in common by members of a group." (Dictionary). Theorist's Gudykunst & Kim claims the word stereotype originated from an author named Walter Lippman. In this study, the independent variable is the New York Times and the dependent variable is the Islamic religious group. WHO IS A MUSLIM? "And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones" (Holy Qur'an 2:45). To announce you are a Muslim, you have to follow the five pillars of Islam that are: 1. Pray five times a... ...994, p.9 Fisher, Glen (1989) Mass media Effects on Sex Role Attitudes of Incarcerated Men. Sex Roles, v20, pp. 191-202. Gerbner, G. (1993). Defense and the Media in Time of Limited War. Armed Forces and Society, v20, pp.147-9. Jowett, G. & O'Donnell, V.(1986). Propaganda and Persuasion. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications. Kahn, K. (1992). Does being male help? The Journal of Politics, v.54, pp.498-512. Lamb, D. (1989). The Arabs: Journey Beyond Mirage. The Middle East Journal, v.43, pp.522. Myers, Philip (1992) The Elastic Body Image. The effect of Television advertising. Journal of Communications, v.42, pp.109-33. Ogawa, D. (1993) The Japanese of Los Angeles. Journal of Asian and African Studies, v19, pp.142-3. Rodwell, J. (1909) Translation of the Koran. New York: Dutton. Shaheen, J. (1985). Media Coverage of the Middle East: Perception of Foreign Policy. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, v482, pp. 160-75. Thomson, O. (1977). Mass Persuasion in History. Edinburgh: Paul Harris Publishing. Zillman, Bryant (1982) The Impact of Heavy Viewing of Pornography on Jurors Decision. Journal of Communication, v40, pp.165-7.

Theses Essay -- essays research papers

death of a salesman Biff the Hero? In Arthur Miller’s, dramatic play, Death of a Salesman the Loman family presents its self as being the perfect nuclear family as opposed to their dysfunctional nature. Even though Miller portrays Willy Loman as the main character of the story, his lack of praise worthy traits make it necessary for another to be the hero. This other character comes in the form of Willy’s son, Biff Loman, who may not succeed in regards to Willy’s dreams, but still deserves the honor of being called the hero of the play. Biff shows qualities describing a hero because he grows up with false ideals but later rejects them searching for his true identity. To analyze Biff Loman the most important aspect comes from his change in self-realization that represents his dynamic nature. This dynamic nature shows with his interaction in regards to other characters and with respects to underlying themes in the play. Even though many people have influenced Biff over his life, only h is family has left a significant impact on it. Their presence and importance in his life make it necessary to view the motivating aspects of his interaction with them, whether it is positive or negative. The first character that we must analyze comes in the form of the overbearing but idolized father, who sets the foundation for Biff’s beliefs and way of life. Many different aspects of this relationship can be portrayed in reference to Biff’s ultimate and final realization at the end of the play. In Biff’s youth, he accepts and adores everything that pertains to Willy because that is the nature of a small child. Even though we later realize the err in Willy’s ideology, his initial instincts to teach his son success held no faults. Willy’s hopes and goals were pure (Onger 154). On the other hand, Willy’s excessive need to promote vanity and unfulfilling popularity, sets the stage for Biff’s eventual letdown. Willy provides Biff with an ego because of the high praise given to Biff that makes him conceited. Such great praise prompts Biff’s pride of himself and his family, which leads Biff to feel contentment and fulfillment in his younger years before his dreams come to an end. But, his flaw comes in the form of hubris or arrogance that goes hand in hand with his father's belief in his own greatness. Biff so readily believes his father’s assumptions that he will not work at any ... ...With this in mind Biff forces himself to break the barriers of his fathers confining concepts and to evaluate his own life. Biff’s understanding of Willy’s inability to realize his [Willy’s] identity, proved vital to Biff’s own search for self identification. Willy further proved his inability to understand by finally committing suicide and thinking that it would bring happiness to Biff. Biff shows his dynamic nature in the rejection of false ideals and in the search for true identity. One last proof of his change shows up in a strong symbolic element of the play. When Biff stole footballs in his youth, he felt no shame or sorrow, but that does not hold true in the case of the fountain pen he stole from Oliver. "I took those balls years ago, now I walk in with his fountain pen? That clinches it, don’t you see? I can’t face him like that!" (Miller 88). By regret for his actions, Biff proves the maturity he gains, which no other c haracter can attest for. Because of such amazing development, "†¦Biff, having completed his search for self-identity in the face of the odds which had driven his father crazy, emerges as the true protagonist of this play" (Sharma 79).

Bottled Water vs Tap Water Essay

Water is vital to human life. Humans can live for several weeks on water alone. However, they cannot survive for more than a few days without it. In fact, a human’s body primarily consists of 55% to 78% water (Geri Walton. ) Therefore, we need water. Life cannot exist without water. While some people prefer drinking bottled water, others prefer drinking tap water. In fact, controversy has been placed on the quality and safety of drinking bottled water versus drinking tap water. The bottled water industry has increased tremendously. They offer several brands of water including: mineral water, spring water, purified water and also well water. Water also comes in many different flavors. If you wish, you may also select carbonated water. In order to label these, each brand has to meet certain qualifications. They must be collected and strictly treated. The Food Standards Agency monitors bottled water. They adhere to rigorous guidelines as to what can and cannot be put on the label. Many believe that bottled water is much healthier than tap water. It is free of bacteria. It is free from filthy chemicals. In fact, the levels of lead in bottled water are much lower than those in tap water. Bottled water is free from contamination and safer for drinking. It prevents harmful substances and organisms from entering into the body. Bottled water has to pass through a purification process. Many companies like to include the word â€Å"pure† in their advertising of campaigns and trademarks. They realize that many people find it secure in health benefits over other products. This guarantees high-quality drinking water. Bottled water provides compelling vitamins and minerals to the human body. Sufficient amounts of minerals are important for managing a healthy human system. There are numerous health benefits for drinking bottled water. In some countries, such as Europe, humans believe that bottled waters have medicinal properties. It contains zero fat, calories and sugar. According to the International Bottled Water Association, â€Å"one of the main health benefits of bottled water is that it can replace less healthy beverages, such as soda, sweet tea, hot chocolate and sugary flavored coffees. (Ipatenco, Sara) In today’s society, bottled water may be found any and everywhere, from offices to homes and restaurants across the country. It is rejuvenating, healthy and convenient to carry around. It is great for those on the go. An accessible bottle in your bag will immediately quench your thirst. Having bottled water may result in more fluid intake. Sufficient utilization of water is important for preventing dehydration and for keeping our bodies functioning properly. Although there are several benefits of drinking bottled water, more and more people are questioning if it is actually better than tap water. In fact, many believe that bottled water is not safer or purer than tap water. Many believe that tap water tastes just as good as bottled water. During a blind taste test in New York City, the greater part of the people actually preferred the taste of tap water over bottled water. Tap water is not hazardous or harmful. In fact, it is well-regulated and inspected hundreds of times per month by the Environmental Protection Agency. These agencies make certain tap water is free of harmful toxins and other bacteria. With tap water, you are more likely to know what is in it. Tap water is tested cautiously. Every year, several tests are taken to ensure that tap water is as safe as it can possibly be. With strict standards, they are tested for micro-organisms and other chemicals and metals. It is also tested for water pathogens that could possibly cause intestinal problems. Tap water is composed of fluoride and chloronation. The enamel-protecting fluoride reduces tooth decay and enhances oral health. It is a major ingredient in toothpastes, while chlorination kills bacteria. Tap water is much cheaper than bottled water. It is free! Bottled water is extremely expensive compared to tap water. Bottled water companies make â€Å"tens of billions of dollars† per year. In today’s society, people are paying so much for bottled water when they could actually get tap water practically free. In fact, â€Å"bottled water costs 500 times more than tap water† (MacKenzie, Ashley. ) By drinking tap water, you save a tremendous amount of money. Drinking tap water is better on our environment. Water bottles are thrown into landfills. It takes more than 700 years for plastic to decompose. Reducing the amount of plastic water bottles in landfills can save energy drastically. Drinking water from a glass or using a refillable steel bottle also saves resources. By drinking tap water, you save the planet. Tap water has some bacteria that are actually beneficial to your health. The human immune system automatically strengthens its defenses against any possible harmful bacteria that it is exposed to. Our immune system is familiar with small amounts of bacteria and is equipped to prevent illnesses. For a fact, our bodies need water. Humans lose water every day through breathing, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. In order for our bodies to function properly, it is essential that we replenish it with water. Basically, bottled water and tap water come from the same sources: lakes, springs and aquifers. They each have many benefits. One must decide as to which is best. What type of water will you drink: bottled water or tap water? Make the healthy choice.

Puritan Women

Rights for women In the Puritan community were very scarce. The women lacked rights because men were seen as superior to them. Even though men were the ultimate leaders of the Puritan community, women still played a vital role throughout their society. With the limited rights women possessed, they impacted the Puritan community in many ways. Puritan women had little to no rights back then; however, they did play an important role in the Puritan society through their everyday duties/ oleos, marriage, and religion.The duties and roles of the Puritan women differed from that of their husband's. In the patriarchal lifestyle, where men were the head of the household, women transferred subordination from their father to their husband (Themes and Variations In Men's and Women's Roles In Colonial America). Women were not to challenge men, have a temper, or be Insubordinate to their husbands. Even though It was a patriarchy, husbands soul entrusted the women with a wide range of practical res ponsibilities and viewed them as â€Å"deputy husbands† (Religion, Women, and the Family in Early America).As a housewife, they were expected to fulfill various duties throughout the day. The major duties were made up of food and clothing production, childbearing, the health of the family, and child-rearing. Being a mother was the most important role for a Puritan woman. As a mother, women had direct authority over their children. It was the Puritan women's responsibility to bring up the children of their society correctly. Religious piety, manners, discipline, and affection were a few of the many things that the women taught their children Childbirth and Motherhood).Through the act of child-rearing, women were able to gain social status based on their skill. Under a patriarchy, the Puritan women were still able to obtain and uphold particular rights. The deferent tasks that the women were expected to perform set them apart from the role of Puritan males. The privileges withi n marriage were different for women than they were for men. With marriage, harsh consequences followed along for the women. The legal person's of women were completely subsumed under their husband's identity (Westerners 4).Puritan women literally became the property of their husbands. Wealth was a major determinant in marriage. It was easier to marry off a woman with wealth because Puritan men were eager to marry for money. Without a great deal of dowry, women were not seen as desirable in the eyes of the men. In marriage, the severity of punishments for women was worse than the punishments for men. In the Puritan community, the act of adultery could be brought to court. If women were brought to court by their husbands on a charge of adultery they could be sentenced to the death penalty (Female Discontent).Hester Prone Is a prime example for how the courts treated women In the Puritan society. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, descriptively describes one of the Puritan's c ourt orders for adultery. The the pillory platform, and then and thereafter, for the remainder of her life to wear a â€Å"mark of shame† upon her chest (Hawthorne 54). Even though men and women had incomparable rights in marriage, some common ground was trying to be attained. Religion encouraged affection, monogamy, and friendship within marriage (Marriage).The women of the Puritan community were viewed in a patriarchal manner through the eyes of religion. The structure of patriarchy was upheld within churches. Churches believed that women had to subject themselves to the authority of man. The Holy Scriptures preached about a husband – wife relationship (Westerners 14). The spirituality of Puritan women was shunned throughout churches. Every aspect of a woman had to be scrutinized by men. Churches deemed women incapable of understanding or interpreting the work of the Spirit in their own souls (Westerners 20).Theologians and religion had the same views of women. Theol ogians believed that woman courted heresy and blasphemy (Westerners 25). This resulted in the intellectual weakness of women religiously. In reaction to the criticizing from churches, women came together to discuss these matters. Anne Hutchinson, the leader of these discussions, encouraged the Puritan women to voice their religious opinions (Barber 1). In the end, the courts banished her from the colony for â€Å"wrongdoing,† and women continued to follow the subservient expectations of the Church and the Puritan community.The role of women in the Puritan society was one of limited to no rights. Women were inferior and subservient to their husbands. They were considered more to be property than person. Anything they owned became the property of their husband's including them. The most important role of women in the Puritan community was that of wife and mother. Their only ability to gain social status was through successful child-rearing. Puritan women had no voice in their m arriage or their religious worship. Even in legal matters, they were treated differently than men, especially when the women's fidelity as questioned.The sentencing for Puritan women breaking the law could be severe as death. The Puritan society allowed women to fall off in most aspects, which led to their intellectual decrease in life. The life of Puritan women was very strict. There were only three areas in their life that held great importance: marriage, religion and children. Collectively and independently those three factors held great pride for Puritan women. Death was the only means of ending the continuous patriarchal cycle of their life. The women's life and soul existence was commitment to the husband and family.

Shapes of Ice

Shapes of ice do depend on how fast they felt, no doubt about it. Here is what people ask. â€Å"Does the shape of an ice cube affect the rate at which the ice cube will melt?†, and the answer to that question is a definite yes.Have you ever looked at an ice cube and just watched it melt?It is surprisingly very, very interesting. All of us have better things to do besides that, but if you have, you won't regret it. Anyway, the answer to that experiment is yes because it is scientifically proven. Many scientists in the world have wondered this same question, and they all have turned out to get the same answer. When these people finally got their answer, they all have gotten close, if not the exact same answers if they have chosen the shapes to form. Scientists have done this experiment in many ways, such as choosing different shapes to form and melt, choosing the amount of water to freeze, and the temperature of the room they have to melt the cubes.( University of Illinois, 2007). One important thing that is looked at is the scientists' hypotheses. Many scientists' hypotheses are very different, knowing it is an educated guess, but the end result shows they all come up with nearly the same answer, and that is the rectangular ice cube will melt the fastest, no matter how large they make the cube. ( Zimmermann, 2017). The most complicated question behind this experiment is why is it the rectangular shape that melts the fastests. The rate at which the ice cubes melt is also called the fusion rate. Ice melts when a warmer medium, such as air or water comes into contact with the ice surface. Also, in order to know exactly which shape melts the fastest, they need to have the same volume, or the experiment will be pointless. An important thing to know is the greater the surface area, the quicker the ice cube will melt. Other people's experiments have been slightly different than what we have here, but they are known to choose the rectangular shape as one of their shapes the majority of the time. (â€Å"Ice Melting†, 2013). It also states that each scientists went through about the same struggles during the process of the experiment. ( l Zimmermann, 2017.). The most simple struggle was getting the particular shape out of the container without having it break or making it deformed. Because the shapes weren't the normal shape, it is tricky to get it out of the ice cube tray. Many scientist have had a question, and that is the exact opposite of the question people usually deal with. Not how fast they melt, but how fast they freeze. All in all, the rectangular shape, because it is flat and has more surface area than the others, will melt the fastest. If you think and picture in your mind, the larger the surface area is, the more heat will get to it at the same time, and of course heat melts ice. ( David Zimmermann, 2017.) ( â€Å"Shapes of Ice Cubes†, n.d.)

The Advantage and Disadvantage of Using Social Media Essay

The advantages: Based on my own experiences, there are several advantages for marketers to use social media as part of their marketing communications strategies. Social media represent a revolutionary new trend in communication. More and more people begin to use social media to communicate. It is freer, more convenient, faster and cheaper than the old ways, people also can get more information what they want, what is more, people can get in touch with their friend easier. For the company, it can face to their target market precisely. Social media hold a great deal of customers’ information, through the information that people share, company can easily know customers’ hobbits and the goods they like. Social media also increase the communication between customers and marketers. Company can get lots of users’ feedback information and use that information to improve their product. It also help the organization leave a good impression in customers’ minds. One of the most important things is that social media not only can help companies advertising well but also nearly have no costs. What social media bring for the company cannot be measured but the cost of it is really low. It lowers the company’s advertisement costs. Read more:  Essay on advantages and disadvantages of social media Disadvantages: Based on my own experience, the disadvantages or risks for marketers in using social media as part of their marketing communications strategy are as follows. Company’s web page can be attacked by hackers and viruses; it may lose company’s important information, company may lose their competitive advantages. Customers can be deceived by the false information online and the extra information may let them get annoyed. The negative comments may damage companies’ image. The use of the internet may cause the reduction of production efficiency, because employees may busy use the internet to solve the problem online or update their software so that waste times. Company should learn how to handle a social media and that may waste company’s time. Because the social media is not a â€Å"face to face† communication, so it can have many incredible situations, the information may be not real, the likelihood of people been fooled are greatly increased.

A Review of Intelligence for an Age of Terror (Treverton, 2009).

Introduction This book by Treverton (2009) is argued here to be a vitally important area of work that looks specifically at the way in which the use of intelligence has naturally had to change as a result of modern society. Interestingly, although there is a clear aim not to apportion blame specifically for the recent atrocities, the author indicates that he feels there is a link between the United States and their flawed approach to intelligence and the high profile terror attacks that have taken place in the US. Significantly, the author is very careful not to apportion blame or finger point and maintains a balanced and critical approach when trying to establish a link and to look at the role of intelligence. Main Arguments Presented In this book, the author actually goes on to break down the failures, in order to try to identify the impact that the specific shortcomings are having on the magnitude and nature of the target of the threats. He recognises in this analysis that, in many cases, the intelligence approaches are enshrined in the Cold War security approaches of looking at the organisation and the tactical decisions of the intelligence offerings, rather than focusing on the actual threats that are being faced in the current climate (Riley et al 2005). One of the main aspects of the book which provides added value to the information that is being presented is that, although the author spends time identifying the failings, he also spends some considerable time looking at the way in which the changes he suggests could be implemented, in practice. As a professional with experience in the field, this shows and adds considerable value to what would otherwise be a potentially academic discussion. In order to achieve this, the author takes a very pragmatic view, with the initial stage being to look at the nature of the risks that are looking at being targeted from intelligence operations. He states that recognising the threats is the first step towards then being able to r ecognise the way these should be handled. It is this pragmatic approach which looks at both the practical reality and the academic study that makes this book so informative in the area of intelligence being used in the terror context. The author follows themes and after identifying them he then goes on to look at how intelligence should be reformed to deal with the modern challenges. In order to identify the best way to deal with intelligence and to look at the reform of intelligence culture, there is a need first to consider the actual route of the threat and where it emanates from. One underlying argument and theme which is presented by the author here and which adds particular value to the discussion, in the opinion of the reviewer, is to look at the role of the nation state as being at the root of the changing dynamic. For example, during the Cold War, the focus of terror attacks was typically nation states and as such the intelligence gathering focussed on these entities. As ti me has passed, the nation states have become much more than simply target areas. Nation states can often offer a great deal of information that adds to the knowledge and understanding of the general issues of intelligence. Increasingly however in the modern context, the non-state actors play a vitally important role and it is argued by the author here that much of the role of the modern intelligence officer is to look at understanding the distinctions and various nuances that exist within these non-state actors, in such a way that their own motivation and actions can be better understood (p.141) Linked to this thread of discussion and again a vitally important aspect of the role of intelligence is that there are considerably more individuals, groups and entities that are involved in the area of intelligence gathering to prevent terrorism. With this increased number of people involved, the author places a great deal of focus on the idea that, whilst agencies may well have the technol ogy to share information, they do not necessarily have the appropriate policies in place and therefore the underlying policies need to be reviewed, if modern challenges are going to be dealt with. As an overall position, the author maintains that there needs to be a reasonable means of supplying information across all relevant actors and to ensure that the information which is being presented is relevant and measured, so that the correct people can react quickly and appropriately. By focusing on some of the practical difficulties faced in the current climate, it is argued here that the author gains a much higher degree of legitimacy than other academic analyses in this area may achieve; in particular, the author recognises that it is necessary to take a balance between the need to improve security, but also to provide privacy and security for individuals’ information (Snowden, 2002). He notes that paying attention to legality and legitimacy is in fact increasingly important t o the anti-terror efforts and that there then needs to be a total review of the policies associated with anti-terror activities as the main way of managing and combating such issues. He supports this by suggesting that factors such as encouraging intelligence authorities to create a method whereby they can share information with other entities in a constructive and balanced manner is as important, if not more so, than the actual intelligence itself. Conclusions On balance, it is argued that this book presents an interesting and well informed opinion on the modern challenges facing the intelligence industry. By being an author who has practical experience in this area, it is suggested that this allows the text to gain legitimacy and also to take a more rounded view of the challenges being faced. Finally, providing practical and well backed up suggestions for the future means that this text presents real value to the area of intelligence and counter terrorist activities. It is concluded, therefore, that this is a well-balanced and informative text that fills a gap within the current understanding of the intelligence industry. Reference Riley et al., (2005) State and Local Intelligence in the War on Terrorism, Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation Snowden, D (2002) Complex Acts of Knowing: Paradox and Descriptive Self-Awareness, Journal of Knowledge Management, Special Issue, September. Treverton, G. (2009). Intelligence for an Age of Terror. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Heart Disease and Stroke Screening Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Heart Disease and Stroke Screening - Essay Example (Sudano et al., 2010) An example of Screening is where you measure the CRP (C-reactive protein) levels In one’s blood. As a role of the human resistance system, the CRP levels become elevated due to infection. This test is crucial as it helps to determine the risk of one getting stroke or heart diseases. An institute (Lankenau Hospital) in Philadelphia conducts heart illness and stroke with carotid artery ultrasound, ankle brachial index (ABI), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening, peak systolic velocity (PSV), heart rhythm electrocardiogram (EKG), mass body index and pressure check in blood at a cost of $50 (Mainlinehealth.org, 2015) The screening tests as per now are very effective and efficient, and I could recommend that everyone does screening test regularly as it very healthy, From study assessment of screening affirms by demonstrating that that individuals with higher cardiovascular illness danger components that did the tests  changed their lifestyle i.e, reduced their cholesterol intake and start to excise. Particular dropout (specific whittling down) inclinations are also affirmed , whereby individuals with more way of life danger components (smoking, higher liquor utilization, overweight) tend to return for subsequent arrangements and follow-up of their conditions. In the long run, regular screening checks help save lives (Sudano et al., 2010) In my opinion there is no need for changes in the screening process as they have and are still providing valid results.Changes may only be nessecessarly in the nearer future when the existing screening test are declared void.The screening programs should be made free since the have a vast range of positive impacts Sudano, I., Flammer, A. J., Periat, D., Enseleit, F., Hermann, M., Wolfrum, M., Ruschitzka, F. (2010). Acetaminophen Increases Blood Pressure in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. Circulation.

Team and Teamwork Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Team and Teamwork - Essay Example With the suggestions that teamwork increases business activities, there is no clear empirical support as to such evidence. However, according to managers and employees the effectiveness of teamwork is great (Allen & Hecht, 2004). There are numerous articles that state about the term team, which consists of two or more individuals, who are entitled to specific assignments and roles, and whose task is to perform interdependent tasks. However, being adaptable to numerous changes within the organization and outside it, they are able to follow and share a common goal. To work effectively together, team members should have specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes, such as the ability to monitor the performance of others, knowledge of own and teams responsibilities and a certain attitude toward being as part of a team. Such skills are crucial for teamwork. Moreover, according to the extensive research on teamwork showed that along with the skills necessary for the effective teamwork, there also should be a set of interrelated skills that assist performance of all the tasks of the organization. Teamwork differs from task work, for example, a surgical skill. However, teamwork and task work require teams to be effective in complex environments. In addition, knowledge and skill at the task are not enough in health care system for example. Teamwork depends on each team member’s ability to meet the needs of others, to be able to adjust to others actions and have a general realization of how a certain goal should be achieved (Baker,  Day &  Salas, 2006). It is also important to mention that skills are all individual acquisition of team members and can be opposed to team-level competencies. It means that team members bring personal skills to their teams engaging in the work. Competencies are not unique to the team.To bring up the positive and working environment within the team, there are many ways that leaders and team members can use to increase their contributi on. The first and the main factor are to have a responsible and effective leader of the task or the project. The person who is in charge should be not a micromanager and use its excessive power to dominate others. The ability to be tactful and to encourage others is important traits of the effective leader and should be a must. Such leader will be able to values each team member and everyone’s contribution to true consideration. There is also a need to invite a stakeholder in the task or a project because it will bring the team feeling of meaningfulness toward the people and sides engaged in the process. The other important factor for the team to work efficiently is to praise the team and its individuals as well. Every piece of work and every contribution should be appreciated and recognized in the form that each member would consider good for one. Some credit toward teamwork and its members will motivate people to more accomplishments.

World regions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

World regions - Essay Example The nature of yin-yang lies in interchange and interplay of two components. The alternation of day and night or coldness and hotness is an example. The Taoist belief system holds that the best way an individual can improve his life is by learning how to create his own yin-yang power. Yin Yang power permeates our world. There is a way to balance it to our advantage. These two different states will alter into each other under definite circumstances. For example, in the process of affliction from an illness, a person will experience a high fever, turmoil, and uneasiness. All of a sudden, the fever will slough off. A period of listlessness will then engulf the patient. This is the example of the yin succeeding the yang. The yin and yang are even used to explain the functions of the human body. When speaking of the yin and yang of the body, the upper part, is the yang and the lower part is the yin. The skin is the yang, and the body viscera are the yin (Bishop, 2010). The vital energy that courses through the body to strengthen man is the yang. The liquid life force that bears that energy through the body and to various organs is the yin. What this seeks to portray is that all forces of nature work together to render the balance that is necessary for survival. All opposites that an individual will experience such as wealth and poverty or illness and health, touch on the yin yang reality. They can be explained in relation to the short-term dominance of one theory over another. Since no one principle dominates eternally, it means that all the conditions are subject to change. It is a way of nature to process through periods of flourishing and decline. The Chinese view opposites as evolving and declining. There is neither right nor wrong but a balance, transformation, interaction, and dependent opposition. Both sides are needed to maintain a balance. Since one principle produces the

Organization and planning assumptions for the Community Disaster Essay

Organization and planning assumptions for the Community Disaster Relief Plan.M1S - Essay Example Some trade goes on, as does logging in the expansive forest, lying in its outskirts. The people in Chloe-land live mainly off the logging and the timber factories, with lumberjacks being the town’s most treasured people. Many residents have no formal employment and work in the timber industry, and it is a very religious town. There are two major disasters that these people are most vulnerable to, wild fires in the forests and massive landslides for those who live on the hill-slopes (David & Cleland, 2006). The plan is to allow one to modify effects of the disaster. Therefore, it is imperative to use social units in an effort aimed at disaster reduction. How successful these efforts are will rely on the level of understanding of the social structure of Chloe-land (David & Cleland, 2006). Social assumptions are important, especially three underlying ones. Presuppositions that steady emergency planning contemporarily, the issues that relate to institutionalizing of measures against forest fires in Chloe-land and the evacuation and temporary settlement of the inhabitants of Chloe-land as a way of reducing future risk ((Dewar, 2002). The community organization structure would include the local police department, the local pastor and priest as well as the head of the lumberjack umbrella body. The captain of the local baseball team, a well-respected young man, would be a help with the younger generation. This would support the CDRP well enough until the authorities come in to join

Assessment Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Assessment Strategies - Essay Example This makes it flexible for students who come from different backgrounds to attend classes at a time most convenient to them while they execute their duties in their workplace. Since the students have different learning styles, the course allows evaluators to come up with mechanisms of addressing needs of each and every student. Students with special needs are well taken care of, with evaluators being in a position to guide them accordingly. As opposed to the old system of education, educators are restructuring the learning models to cater for every potential learner. This is indispensable in that there has been improvement and democratic space in the education sector, and which broadens competence and experience in the contemporary world. Through innovations, students have diverse ways of learning that suits their needs. With this kind of trend, it is apparent that the future of education is bright and more professions will continue to be produced. This translates to a more developed

Female Entrepreneurs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Female Entrepreneurs - Essay Example The importance of women entrepreneurs has been greatly felt across the globe in the last decade. Interestingly, in developed countries, women own 25% of total businesses and are starting up new ones at a faster rate than men (Woldie and Adersua, 2004). In fact, besides making a contribution to the economy, women through their different management styles have been adding innovation, diversity, and choices to the business organizations they own. While studies done in the past have improved the understanding about female entrepreneurs, the issues which have not been addressed in-depth are – What are the management styles adopted by women and how do they affect or have an impact on various aspects of organizational performance.This paper, will, therefore, focus on the growing number of women entrepreneurs in the last decade, their management styles, the impact of their management strategies on the success of the organization and whether their style is different from their male cou nterparts or not.The purpose of this report is to provide information on this research topic which will be used as a basis for my third-year project for the BA Honours for a Business degree with a management minor at Croydon College. As a woman in business, I have spent over twelve years conversing and engaging in business activities with many other women and it has intrigued and inspired me to investigate, explore and examine a few of the variables that make a woman into a successful entrepreneur.... 1. Introduction The importance of women entrepreneurs has been greatly felt across the globe in the last decade. Interestingly, in developed countries, women own 25% of total businesses and are starting up new ones at a faster rate than men (Woldie and Adersua, 2004). Infact, besides making a contribution to the economy, women through their different management styles have been adding innovation, diversity and choices to the business organizations they own. While studies done in the past have improved the understanding about female entrepreneurs, the issues which have not been addressed in-depth are - What are the management styles adopted by women and how do they affect or have an impact on various aspects of organizational performance. This paper, will, therefore, focus on the growing number of women entrepreneurs in the last decade, their management styles, the impact of their management strategies on the success of the organization and whether their style is different from their male counterparts or not. The purpose of this report is to provide information on this research topic which will be used as a basis for my third year project for the BA Honours for Business degree with a management minor at Croydon College. As a woman in business I have spent over twelve years conversing and engaging in business activities with many other women and it has intrigued and inspired me to investigate, explore and examine a few of the variables that make a woman into a successful entrepreneur. As part of the research, I also want to investigate management styles to understand if there are any particular types of management styles which assist the women in becoming successful and how do they differ from management styles adopted by their male counterparts. I have personally

Quantitative research Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Quantitative research - Assignment Example The population is one hundred and three pregnant teenagers attending antenatal care within the problem statement. The problem statement includes the part of the population that relates to the study or research. The part of the population affected in this case is the youth section and specifically teenagers. The problem relates to nursing perfectly. This is because the issue of pregnancies is on the health sector and health officers or nurses should come up with a method that will effectively control this situation. Nurses have the mandate to organize workshops that educate youths on the appropriate use of contraceptives in order to avoid unwanted pregnancies. The main purpose of this study was to find out the factors that facilitate the rise of teenage pregnancies in a village of the Capricorn district that is located in the Limpopo province. Some of the factors include: The ignorance boosted by cultural taboos to discuss sex appropriately with parents always perceive peer pressure. This makes young girls in such communities to acquire unnecessary pregnancies (Babbie & Mouton, 2009). The independent of dependent and independent variables are appropriately reviewed in this research. The dependent variable is because of output while the independent variable is because of input. The review of these elements is in the research whereby the age of the teenagers represents the independent variable and the result or pregnancy represents the dependent variable. Strengths generate from within the organization. The strengths of this study based on the availability of information needed since they were operating in one village. This situation did not require many resources. The study had weaknesses in that it was unable to spread the project and relevant information to other villages within the district. There is a clear linkage of the dependent and independent variable in this study. The link arises at the point where

Vaccine and Medicine Essay Example for Free

Vaccine and Medicine Essay According to Company Spotlight, GlaxoSmithKline (2011), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a renowned UK-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company. GSK is rated as the second largest among the biggest pharmaceutical and healthcare companies in the world. This company engages in a range of business activities including manufacturing of pharmaceutical products such as the anti-infectives, medicines used for central nervous conditions, respiratory conditions, oncology issues and gastrointestinal conditions. GSK is also famous for producing vaccine products. In addition, it is concerned with the management of the consumer healthcare operation. This service is mainly focused on the production of nutritional drinks, over the counter drugs and other healthcare items (Weise, 2013). GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) SRL (2012) reports that this company had been formed after unity between Glaxo Well come company and SmithKline company. Since its inception, GSK has remained a pertinent player in the pharmaceutical industry where it has researched on medicines and vaccines that have been rated as the top priority by the World Health Organization. This company owns 7% of the total global pharmaceutical products. It has penetrated many countries including developing the world where its products sell cheaply. Noteworthy, this company enjoys the strongest global presence, as it is available in 70 countries. GSK sells its products in three distinct categories such as consumer healthcare, prescription medicines and vaccines (GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) SRL, 2012). Therefore, this report has focused on medicines and vaccines business unit in GSK. Both internal and external business environment affecting the company is also considered, with reference to appropriate theoretical frameworks. In addition, the current strategies deployed are also considered. Eventually, this report gives proposed strategies, vital in enhancing the business unit’s performance. 2. External Environmental Analysis on Vaccine and Medicine Production2.1 PESTLE  AnalysisPESTEL analytic tool is a model used in conducting analysis on a business organization in regard to the external environmental factors. This tool helps the business organizations in identifying some of the potential environmental aspects that affect their operations and performance. The factors of analysis in this framework include Political issues, Economic issues, Socio-cultural issues, Technological issues, Legal issues and the Eco-Environmental issues (Pestle Analysis, 2014). Figure 1: PESTEL Model Figure: PESTEL model Source: Arnold Oakley, 2013 2.1.1 Political FactorsGSK depends on the UK-government legislation on production and trade. Although the government of United Kingdom is one of the stable governments, GSK has experienced significant political challenges that have affected the rate of operation. For instance, the implementation of GSK marketing strategy depends on the trade laws in the UK (Andersen, Denrell Bettis, 2007). It has been noted that some of the trade regulations on the pharmaceutical products, mainly introduced by China and India affect the competitive nature of the company. Introduction of legislation by the government of UK has also affected the operations of GSK in manufacturing of vaccines and medicines. Ideally, UK laws that focus on consumerism, taxation, environmental issues, health and safety measures and consumer protection laws have influenced the activities of the company (Arnold Oakley, 2013). 2.1.2 Economic FactorsThe biggest economic challenge to GSK Company is the trend in international trade on pharmaceutical products. The high rate of economic growth in countries such as China and India remains a bigger challenge to GSK in UK (Datamonitor: GlaxoSmithKline Plc, 2011). This is because India and China have both joined the market with highly competitive ambition. In addition to this, the current economic changes in the UK that have affected GDP continue to suppress the performance of GSK on their production of drugs and vaccines. On the other hand, high inflation rates have affected the sale and production of pharmaceuticals. For instance, while China and India are enjoying a robust economic growth, UK experiences an economic slump. This makes the UK-based companies such as GSK less competitive when it comes to manufacturing of vaccines and medicines (Shakhshir, 2014). 2.1.3  Social-Cultural FactorsSocial, cultural issues include consumer lifestyles, shift in the consumer attitudes towards a particular product as well as consumer opinions. Since the UK-population comprises of the aging majority, the choice on pharmaceuticals is greatly affected. One of the major problems that GSK faces is the issue on the large profits that they have made from sales of their medicines and vaccines. Customer resentment by GSK is a major social problem that a ffects the performance of GSK despite the fact that it is one of the major pharmaceutical companies in the UK. On the other hand, availability of the other pharmaceutical products has also influenced the competitiveness of the company (Bass, 2008). 2.1.4 Technological FactorsThe trends in technology used in the pharmaceutical industries affect the operations of GSK in producing vaccines and medicines. Due to the unwavering changes that occur in drug manufacturing plants, GSK meets stringent regulations that in turn, influence their performance. On the other hand, GSK experiences hard time when it comes to licensing and patenting of newer drug production technologies. The government also ensures that the levels of developing the industry technologies meet the standards that are required. This major hurdle affects the development of the industry technology for GSK (Shakhshir, 2014). 2.1.5 Environmental FactorsSince GSK is a manufacturing company, it faces the challenges that most of the industries face. For example, GSK faces the challenges of global warming as well as the challenges attached to industrial waste disposal. One of the main problems that this company faces is the reaction of the stakeholders on the impact of wastes produced by GSK (Ienciu, 2012). 2.1.6 Legal FactorsLegal issues affecting GSK include the direct and indirect regulations and laws that affect the company’s operations as well as the local markets where this company sells its products. The European and international trade rules, regulations and agreements affect the operations of GSK in production of medicines and vaccines (Robson, 2013). 2.2 Porters 5 ForcesPorter’s Five Forces model is a tool used by various companies to study the external forces that affect a company’s competitive position. Porter’s five-force diagram is shown below in figure 2. Figure 2: Porter’s Five-Force Model Source: Koo, Koh Nam, 2004 2.2.1 Threat of New EntrantsGSK enjoys competitiveness since the costs of producing vaccines and medicines are too high for most of the companies in the UK. This phenomenon has made entrants into the pharmaceutical industries too small. It has been noted that development of newer medicines and drugs, involves painstaking research and investment that most of the companies in UK may not afford. The action of the federal laws together with the influence of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have also created barrier for most of the companies that intend to join pharmaceutical industry. In addition to this, new entrants avoid the recurrent renewal of the patents that expire after every 20 years. Since GSK is an old player in the pharmaceutical industry, it has garnered insurmountable trust and connection with the customers on its brand names. This makes it hard for newer entrants in the market to compete against GSK (Azadi Rahimzadeh, 2012). 2.2.1 Threat of SubstitutesThe introduction f many generic drug medicine has been a threat to GSK medicines and vaccines. Such generic drugs have substituted some of the GSK products thus creating replacement for the medicines produced by GSK. Complimentary Alternative Medicine (CAM) is also considered as a reliable substitute for the GSK medicines. Given individuals in UK, believe that the effects of the medicines and vaccines produced generically are similar to the GSK medicines; people often prefer the generic products whose costs are relatively cheaper (Koo, Koh Nam, 2004). 2.2.3 Bargaining Power of CustomersAlthough GSK is one of the pharmaceutical companies that produce vaccines and medicines, it does not rely much on the power of buyers. This is because GSK has a large customer base that translates to lower bargaining power. Noteworthy, vaccines and medicines have lower number of customers. This makes GSK to experience high customer bargaining power. GSK focuses on research and development of newer vaccines and medicines, which are then consumed, by the doctors, patients, pharmacists and other healthcare facilities (Azadi Rahimzadeh, 2012). 2.2.4 Bargaining Power of SuppliersGSK supply market comprises of labour, raw material suppliers, trial staff, patients in clinical trials, investigators and other marketing distribu tors. Contrary to customers, the suppliers have strong bargaining power that can affect the operation of the company. Whenever the suppliers withhold the supplies or change the quality of the supplies that they trade to GSK, the company risks losing the quality  of its medicines and vaccines. This will in turn affect the competitiveness and the performance on the company in the pharmaceutical industry (GlaxoSmithKline Plc SWOT Analysis, 2012). 2.2.5 Intensity of RivalryPharmaceutical industry has many players leading to increased rivalry. Since there is unending patterns of newer products in the pharmaceutical industry, firms and companies forced to thrive competitively for market shares. Product differentiation has also led to introduction of alternative products that are cheaper. This has led to competitive advantage for certain firms. This trend propagates competitive rivalry that leaves only the strongest and adherent company in the market. However, reports indicate that GSK uses an accurate forecast that helps it in positioning itself at a point where it can sustain rivalry in production of medicine and vaccines from the other companies for a long time (Juliano, 2013). 3.0 Value Chain AnalysisGlaxoSmithKline value chain is a resourceful tool that is applied by the managers to identify major activities that are operational within the firm. The primary activities that are undertaken at GlaxoSmithKline have potential capabilities of defining the firm competitive advantages (Griffin, 2012). The competitive advantage of the company lies within the capability to undertake some of the vital activities that are carried across the value chain with the aim of being better that the business rivals. Figure3: Value Chain Analysis Model Source: Ienciu, 2012 Firstly, GlaxoSmithKline value chain has been able to combine values of the firm key activities with the functional parts. The assessment that is undertaken in the principal activities defines the organization overall additional values that are created. Under its value chain, the company has been able to differentiate its main primary activities that are directly related to the production and the supporting activities that are directly related to effectiveness and efficiency of GlaxoSmithKline operation. GlaxoSmithKline primary and support activities are discussed in details (Shakhshir, 2014). The company has taken a consideration of its inbound activities. Inbound activities in GlaxoSmithKline are concerned with the process of receiving materials from suppliers that are used in the  production of drugs and medicines. As well, storing of these raw materials in the warehouse and handling them within the company is an art of the essential activities that play a crucial role in the va lue chain. In addition, GlaxoSmithKline has a consideration of operation activities. This incorporates all activities that have direct relationship with production, services and product that are within the firm. Outbound logistic is another primary activity that the company has highlighted its concern. These activities involve distribution of the medicines and vaccines (final product). This has been entailing the manner at which the company has been distributing its products to the customers, distributors, chemists, hospitals and other business-related areas (Juliano, 2013). Additionally, GlaxoSmithKline has a functional area that relate to sales and marketing. This is a crucial area that analyze all the need and wants if the clients. As well, this operational are is wholly responsible for the creation of awareness of the firm product among the target group. The company has been using some marketing techniques such as advertisements and sales promotion to ensure they attract more customers to use their products (Koo, Koh Nam, 2004). Finally, GlaxoSmithKline has undertaken a vital supporting activity that considers the function of procurement. Procurement incorporates functions that are directly accountable for purchases of materials that are significant for the production. GlaxoSmi thKline has an efficient procurement department that is capable of obtaining the highest quality raw materials at the best prices that are favourable for the company (Shakhshir, 2014). 4. SWOT Analysis Some of the internal strengths and weaknesses affecting GSK can be analysed using the SWOT analysis tool. This tool will identify and analyse some of the internal environmental opportunities as well as the strengths that GSK has. This SWOT analysis will ensure that GSK’s maximum strength and opportunities are highlighted. However, this analysis will minimise on the threats and the weakness that the company has. This analysis will help in explaining GSK’s position in the market, the reason for its position and the possible plans and strategies that can be used to improve the company’s position in the market (GlaxoSmithKline Plc SWOT Analysis, 2014). Below is a diagram of SWOT analysis. Figure 4: SWOT analysis Source: GlaxoSmithKline Plc SWOT Analysis, 2014 4.1 StrengthsGSK being a large company has robust resources and funds that can fuel both the sales, as well as strong marketing mechanism. GSKs strong marketing and sales mechanism has placed it at an accessible ground for the customers. This company has richly invested in both tele-visual and printed media to promote its products. This has placed GSK on top of the other smaller pharmaceutical companies. GSK is rated as the biggest financier of most of the research and development projects in the UK. This places it at a dominant position in the pharmaceutical industry. It has also ensured proper resource utilization with over 97,000 employees who help in the exploration of newer markets. 4.2 WeaknessDespite being a pharmaceutical major in the UK, GSK also has weaknesses that affect its operations. With its robust production of medicine and vaccines, this company make losses due to expired pharmaceuticals. In addition, some sporadic cases of safety affect the company’s image in relation to their customers. The research and development issues have also affected the quality of some pharmaceuticals that this company produces. Ideally, some cases of poor quality, expiry dates and quantity of products have affected the production of medicines and vaccines. Therefore, these weaknesses continue to dent the image of this big company in the UK (GlaxoSmithKline Plc SWOT Analysis, 2012). 4.3 OpportunitiesGSK has the opportunity of engaging into the production of oncology products, biologics as well as the preparation of various antibodies. Through its robust existence, it can facilitate productive mergers, as well as acquisition using its influential financial stance. On the other hand, the increase in demands for healthcare products such as medicines and vaccines has placed GSK at a greater opportunity ground. With its resources and significant fund, GSK has better laboratories that give them the opportunity for expanding and leveraging the production of medicines and vaccines (GlaxoSmithKline Plc SWOT Analysis, 2014). 4.4 ThreatsIn as much as GSK thrives to be a pharmaceutical major in the UK, reports have indi cated that this company faces threatening situations. Ideally, the risks involved in the introduction of newer products affect the ability of the company to maintain its image. With the introduction of more regulations, this company  finds it hard to maintain precision in its operations (Research, 2012). On the other side, slowdown in the European markets remains a serious threat in the marketing of the medicines and vaccine products from this company. In addition to this, the availability of conventional medicines has affected the demand for the medicines produced by this company. Overall, the cases of complacency, subject to the marketing leadership that the company has earned in the past years have placed it under thorough scrutiny by the UK government. This makes it difficult for this company to be able to follow all the stringent rules and regulations (BBC, 2012). 5. Current StrategyGSK is a large business that relies on the strategic priorities such as increasing the growth of the company, reducing the risks as well as increasing the long-term financial performance. This company has focused on growth of the company as their main idea of improving their performance. This large company has ensured their second place in the pharmaceutical industry. It has managed to leverage its p roduction where it produces up to 7% of the global pharmaceutical products. Their large scales and resources have provided them a robust growth in the pharmaceutical sphere. With their growth strategy, GSK has created balanced businesses and product portfolio that have leveraged their sales growth mainly centred on vaccine and medicines in United Kingdom (Azadi Rahimzadeh, 2012). GSK has also relied on the successful commercialising and launching of newer products. They have targeted the emerging markets for vaccines and medicines. GSK have improved their performance in developing newer oncology medicines, antibiotics as well as vaccines. GSK has increased investments in emerging markets for Medicine and vaccines as a strategy to remain viable. Moreover, this company seek further opportunities for optimisation of the product value (Shakhshir, 2014). Additionally, GSK has managed to improve the research and development organisation making it able to handle robust products whose effects have changed lives. Their efforts have injected newer medicines and vaccines that have also increased the rates of return. GSK also uses its resources to invest in many parts of UK to improve their returns and penetration of the markets. Responsibility remains a central strategy in GSK, making them able to ensure success in delivery of vaccines and medicines (Juliano, 2013). 5.1 . Proposed StrategyIn their future strategy, GSK could employ Bowman’s strategy to leverage its  competitiveness. Ideally, this approach helps companies to be able to identify its competitive edge by meeting their customer’s needs. In this case, the strategy allows a company to be competitive against other companies in the same market. For instance, GSK should consider that many pharmaceutical companies sell medicines and vaccines with negligible differences from their pharmaceuticals. Therefore, GSK should focus on the prices and degree of success in their products so that they may become more competitive than the other companies may (Arnold Oakley, 2013). GSK should rely on generic strategies, which are, cost leadership, product differentiation and market segmentation. The strategies will help GSK to ensure that their pharmaceuticals are low-priced, useful and provided with the customers’ specifications. Whenever their vaccines and medicines will sell lower than the other companies will, GSK will become more competitive Price and value of pharmaceuticals is a major concern when it comes to competitiveness in the pharmaceutical industry. GSK should ensure that their products meet the recommended value specifications demanded by the customers (Morrow Jr. Sirmon, Hitt Holcomb, 2007). Using the Bowman’s strategy, one can adjust the three porter’s positions to eight while explaining the benefits of value and cost of the products. Therefore, GSK should embrace Bowman’s strategy in improving their competitiveness in the pharmaceutical industry (Koo, Koh Nam, 2004). 6. ConclusionGlaxoSmithKline remains the leading pharmaceutical and healthcare company in the sector of Vaccines and Medicines in United Kingdom. This company enjoys a robust growth despite the dynamism in the pharmaceutical markets. Despite its successful performance in production of vaccines and medicines, GSK has also faced several challenges such as competitive pharmaceutical companies, stringent political issues and economic downturns. GlaxoSmithKline is a renowned pharmaceutical company whose products are common in the pharmaceutical industry. The primary goal of GSK is to achieve a competitive nature. However, this will require improvement of the quality and value of the products as it eliminates the weaknesses and threats. GSK must utilize its opportunities with the aim of delivering first-class safe and quality drugs and vaccines. On the other hand, GSK has a task of pioneering safety of medicine and vaccine use through the media. This company should focus on production of quantities that can feed the markets without unnecessary surpluses that  affect the returns to the company. Growth of market all over the world is also a good idea that should be embraced by the company. Idyllically, GSK remains one of the largest pharmaceutical companies whose products are distributed throughout the world. Noteworthy, GSK has a strong position in the pharmaceutical industry.   References Andersen, T. J., Denrell, J., Bettis, R. A. (2007) ‘Strategic responsiveness and Bowmans risk–return paradox’, Strategic Management Journal, 28(4), pp. 407-429.Arnold, D. G., Oakley, J. L. (2013) ‘The Politics and Strategy of Industry Self-Regulation: The Pharmaceutical Industrys Principles for Ethical Direct-to-Consumer Advertising as a Deceptive Blocking Strategy’, Journal of Health Politics, Policy Law, 38(3), pp. 505-544. Azadi, S., Rahimzadeh, E. 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