How The Black Experience Has Impacted Negatively And...

The black experience has both negatively and positively shaped my life. But all these experiences that I have had, have made me the person who I am today. Growing up as a black female in a white world, it was always difficult for me to balance fitting in with those around me and staying true to my personal beliefs and ideals that often conflicted with those around me. I am from the Dallas suburban city, Frisco, Texas; a city whose majority is white. Growing up most of my friends were white, most of my teachers were white and most of my classmates were white. In my middle school and elementary school years I had absolutely no ties to the black community other than the interaction that I had with my own family. Being detached from the black community led my young self to shamefully look down on the few black students that attended my school. I would look down on them for their grades in school and I would find myself annoyed by their constant loudness and disruption. I would even make snide remarks to my white friends about the black girl students’ natural hair or braids and other protective styles. Not only was I turning against my own people, but I was also forming into a person that I wasn t designed to be. I would relax my hair and constantly straighten it in order to have it look like my friends’. I became so caught up with trying to fit in with the people around me that I didn’t appreciate and embrace the most amazing part of myself. It wasn’t until I got to highShow MoreRelatedAfrican American Daughters And Non Residential Fathers : A Qualitative Exploration9462 Words   |  38 PagesSmith Chapter 1 Introduction I spent the majority of my life being raised by a single mother due to my parents’ divorce. Because of my parents’ divorce, my mother stated firmly that I had changed and became a difficult child. I remember rebelling, suffering with low self-esteem and self-worth and blaming myself for the absence of my father. 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Energy Management Case Study Siemens Free Essays

In June 2009, Siemens took its effort in solar and wind to the next level by leading the Deserted initiative. This transcontinental project aims to generate solar power in North Africa, where it is most abundant, and then transport it to Europe. The project fits particularly well with Siemens because it requires not only experience in the primary wind and solar technology but also in the complementary technologies such as power grids and switchboard. We will write a custom essay sample on Energy Management Case Study: Siemens or any similar topic only for you Order Now Which have traditionally been strong business field for the company. Nuclear energy: 1. Nuclear reactors are the strongest power plants possible and the most economically feasible 2. Recently Siemens has taking up its nuclear activities anew and is expending to become involved in international agreements. With Siemens becoming a potential new partner in the Russian market that holds dozen of new sectors and china that have plans to have 100 new reactors in operation or under construction by 2020 Hydrophone: 1. Harnessing the power of ocean waves has attracted significant attention since ocean cover 71% of the earth surface. 2. US department of energy established the hydrophone program, designed to conduct RD that will improve the technical, societal and environmental benefits of hydrophone and provide cost competitive technologies. Geothermal power: 1. This technology has a major advantage that it can be installed wherever energy is actually needed. Geothermal plants require minimal fresh water and external fuel pupils, and due to their layout are highly scalable. Smart grids: 2. Smart grid technology seems to be a natural opportunity for Siemens, based on the company’s long history with electronic technology and products. Wolfgang Then believes that the market for smart grids will increase due to climate change and economic stimulus programs. 4) Threats: 1) Carbon-based fuel amount to 39% of Siemens profits, facing the reality that fossil fuel are finite, supplies will eventually run out, it Just a matter of when. The threat is that Siemens contingency plan in renewable energy consist of 11% of its profit. ) Alternative energy: Most alternative energy creation methods have one major drawback: they can generate energy only in places were natures provide the required energy input. Wind energy The size of the wind turbine is not scalable due to technological constraints. To increase capacity, multiple wind turbines there for must be spread out over large distance from one another. Densely populated urban areas do not have adequate space to house wind parks, and rural areas have expressed annoyance with the patterns and agriculture productivities. Wind turbines possess limited efficiency. Wind turbines require large and highly specialized assembly facilities. The first ever float turbines main concerns are the durability and maintenance of the equipment against aggressive environmental condition at sea. Siemens is considering to utilize its size, contingency, competency, and cutting edge technology to further increase its market share and global footprint in wind energy. The question is whether wind energy will turn out to be the leading alternative technology, and if it does, whether wind technologies alone can generate enough profit to keep Siemens aloft. Sola r energy Like wind energy solar power most be extracted were it occurs naturally. Solar panels have a low efficiency. Reaching only about 25% under optimal laboratory conditions. Solar panels due too China has become the leader manufacturer of low-cost Combination of cheap labor and available industrial infrastructure; it drove prices Down by almost The method of disposing of nuclear waste in old caves and salt mind is not 100% safe, in addition there has been reports of increased leukemia rates in areas close to nuclear reactors, changes in the micrometer due to the vast amount of steam released into the atmosphere. Hydrophone: For the technology to work, the seashore needs to be flat with only a slight slope, and requires long stretches of littoral waters. Also tide turbines are restricted to uninhabited beaches, since moving parts under the water surface, can create hazards for swimmers, water sports, and coastal ships. Some drawbacks to wave power include the efficiency of current application necessary resistance against hostile environment (storms and salt water corrosion), cost of electricity, possible impact on marine life, and hazards to shipping. ) Candidates such as geothermal energy and hydra power, not to mention next generation nuclear reactor have evolved quite rapidly in recent years and seem poised to pose a serious threat to wind and solar applications, Siemens most relied upon alternative energy source. 4) Siemens is considering multiple options as its gateway from the problem and has to place some significant bets. If Siemens bets badly, the company risks being relegated to the sidelines as newer, more innovator firms squeeze slower-moving incumbents out of the market. Ill) PEST Analysts: 1) Political/Regulatory/Legal: l. Politician from the US and Germany 2 of the biggest industrialized countries in the world are supporting the development of alternative energy. II. A group of 20 Coos recommendations to 68 leaders in their 2008 climate policy: A paradigm shift to low technological innovation, this will open the door for new energy companies to enter the market Ill. Combined with a growing global awareness of the impact of green-house gases on climate change as well as increased concerns regarding energy security. Energy issues are now receiving renewed interest from government and corporation alike. IV. President Obama visited the wind-turbine blade factory in Fort Medicine, Iowa to show his support receiving importing political recognition. V. Producing industrial- call wind turbines requires large and highly specialized assembly facilities. The entry-level barriers are high. VI. The effort of Siemens research in nuclear energy were put on hold in the sass when the German government passed a law that would gradually withdraw the country from nuclear-power generation. However Germany is reconsidering this decision. The German parliamentary election 2009 spawned new hopes that the German nuclear industry might be revalidated. VI’. Russia, China and the US are in the market producing and licensing multiple new nuclear reactor (12, 100, 35 respectively) . VIII. Siemens was recently plagued by a bribery scandal and because the US and the EX. Have lows that make such business practice illegal, Siemens was sentenced to 1. 6 billion in finds by the German and the US authorities. However bribery is commonplace in countries such as Nigeria, Russia and China. ) Economic: l. The prices of oil have been trending upward in recent decades. Crude oil prices spiked at an old-time high of $145. 15 per barrel on July 3 2008(up from $50 only 18 month earlier). II. Solar panels have reached a production cost of less than $1 per k output. Ill. US are Jumping the band wagon partly because they believe that millions of new green Jobs may help to reduce high unemp loyment. ‘V. Chinese companies are entering strongly to the wind energy and solar market due to a combination of cheap labor and available industrial infrastructure. China drove prices of solar panels down by almost 50% from 2008 to 2009. V. The Obama administration set a side funding to build smart-grid technologies as part of its recent economic stimulus plan. 3) Social/Cultural: l. Social awareness of the impact of green-house gases on climate change as well as increased concerns regarding energy security. II. Burning of fossil fuel releases carbon dioxide(CO into the atmosphere, which has linked to global warming. In addition many cities have become contaminated by smoke and people are suffering health problems caused by increased pollution. Ill. US government believes that investing in alternative energy will create millions of new green Jobs. IV. Rural areas have expressed annoyance of the sound made by wind turbines as well as their interference with wildlife migratory patterns and agricultural productivity. V. Nuclear power has serious limitations issues include nuclear accidents like Coherently and Fuchsia and how to store nuclear products which can be harmful to any living organism. L. New alternatives-energy technologies are Wing to replace carbon-based fossil fuels. II. Better materials have enabled specialized companies to build ever-larger wind turbines and new improved solar panels though increasing efficiency and reducing cost. (example: the 3. 6 mm wind turbine, first-ever floating wind turbine, cost efficient Chinese solar panel, turnkey high-tech solar plants). Ill. R in various companies has spurred immense efforts to find optimal ways not Just to capture but also to store and distribute energy generated from natural resources. IV. US department of energy recently announced 40 million dollar in founding to support design and planning work for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NSP). V. Harnessing the power of the ocean waves has attracted significant attention since oceans cover 71% of the earth surface. Furthermore the US department of energy established the hydrophone program designed to conduct R that will improve the technical, societal and environmental benefits of hydrophone and provide cost competitive technologies. VI. The new smart grid technology include self-monitoring ND possibly self-repairing capabilities, smart sensors and meters, and a communication network similar to the internet. V) Competitive Analysis: 1) New Market Entrants: l. A paradigm shift to low carbon economy by 2050 has a potential to drive forward the next chapter of technological innovation, this will open the door for new energy companies to enter the market. II. Since the market of wind energy has high future potential new players are entering the competition most notably from china and In recent years China has become the leading manufacturer and global Japan. Ill. Exporter of l ow-cost solar panels. V. Concerning the nuclear energy I-J, Japan, Taiwan, south scoria and India are difficult market to inter because they possess their own technology and production capabilities and for security reasons. V. Start-ups are investing significant resources in R to engage in smart-grid technologies (2 of these start-ups, Grid Point and Silver Spring Network, have managed to raise $220 million and $170 million, respectively). 2) Supplier Power: l. Sound and wind will not cease to exist within a time frame significant to humanity. II. One of the attractions of wind power and solar turnkey COPS plans is that, once installed, the turbines need constant maintenance which means lucrative long-term service contrast for the original maker and installer of the equipment. Ill. Smart distribution will greatly reduce the current problems with power demands, and can serve to integrate both tradition and alternative energy into a common power supply and distribution network. 3) Buyer Power: K made this market perfectly competitive. II. Knowing that energy from carbon based fuel is still at disposal and at constant price competition in this market will remain high which will give consumer a buying power. 4) Product Technology Development: . Introduction off new 3. 6-Mm wind turbine featuring a 120-meter diameter rotor equipped with 58. 5-meter long rotor blades. First ever wind turbine off the coast of Norway II. The turnkey high-tech solar plans include SSP (concentrated solar power) and CISCO (integrated solar combined cycle system) plants. Ill. The next generation nuclear power plant (NSP). IV. Technologies in hydrophone (e. . , the Appeals Wave Energy Converter) to harness the power of ocean waves. V. The smart grids technologies that will help to avoid power outages, make the grid more reliable, reduce maintenance and save energy. VI. Craig Veneer a key figure in decoding of the human genome, actually view algae as the most promising path in renewable energy source. These microscopic plant cells are present in an infinite supply and can generate energy quickly effectively and in an environmental friendly manner. 5) Competitive Rivalry: l. Siemens leading competitors are ABA, GE and Lastly. Never less it is always intriguing to meet in the same room and talk about collaborative ways to improve worldwide energy efficiency. II. GE launched a multimillion dollar accommodation initiative to leverage its wide-ranging technological capabilities to address problem in he green-energy arena. Ill. Enron (Germany) and Vestals (Denmark) is the major competitor of wind energy in the U and GE in US. While China and Japan are also trying to enter the market in Asia. IV. Rivalry within the solar energy market is strong and almost perfectly competitive. V) Gap Analysis: 1) Customer Gap: One example of a customer gap that may be facing Siemens is when they introduce their floating wind turbine. This gap will expand if the durability and maintenance costs exceed its value. Trying to close this gap Siemens is now testing this technology to evaluate whether it is feasible or not. 2) Provider Gap 1 (Listening Gap): Cutting down the number of sector from 1 dozen to Just 3 helped Siemens close down its listening gap by concentrating on fewer divisions, moreover the energy market is a very complicated buyer and seller will exchange all the details before the buying process is done. It’s so difficult to find a listening gap in this market. 3) Provider Gap 2 (Design Standards Gap): understand customer requirements and the presence of upper management in all transactions ( buying and selling ) to improve focus on customer requirements 4) Provider gap 3 (performance ) Turnkey COPS plants and wind turbines need a long term service provider for Constant maintenance. Siemens will try to narrow this gap by providing a on-duty engineers to maintain a standard in all its plants. In addition working on the new developed Smart-grid will help ensure a positive outcome and narrow this Gap. 5) Provider Gap 4 (Communication Gap): Siemens claimed to be the only company worldwide that support customers with efficient products, solutions, and know-how along the entire chain of energy conversion from the production of oil and gas to power generation and the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. To narrow its communication AP Siemens must maintain these standards and deliver a price competitive product and services. VI) Alternative Courses of Action: The question raised by Siemens is what to do and where to invest? Do they try to improve their current alternative energy projects? Or try to expand to different sources? Will it be efficient to invest in new alternatives source or acquire smaller companies with innovative technologies and promising market segment? 1) Alternative one: Increase investment in research of the algae plant that shows a promising path. Disadvantages: it might turn out to be Just rubbish and all investments made could e lost. Advantages: Siemens could be a first mover in this field of renewable efficient and environmental friendly energy source, which could change the world as we know it. 2) Alternative two: Increase further its footprint in the wind market by introducing multiple giant and floating turbines. Disadvantages: it might turn out to be inefficient compared to its coast and maintenance and another first mover in some other field might be more efficient and resourceful. Advantages: by increasing its footprint in the wind market Siemens will remain the only leader and increase its market share. Alternative three: Giving wind energy its rightful share but increasing investment in solar panels by acquiring new research companies that are currently working on making new improvement in the solar business one kind has a (microscopic forest) that collects liquid water to produce steam. Advantages: Siemens will insure that the investment will pay off on the long run knowing that the sun is there for ano ther 5 billion years. Disadvantages: the initial gains on this technology might not be realized under the Siemens name. W) Recommended Course of Action: Our recommendation lies on the 3rd alternative. VIII) Reason for Choice: By giving wind energy its rightful share and nuclear power a miner share, focusing on solar source innovation is a very desirable choice knowing that first sun is infinite secondly solar panels are very cost efficient which will give a higher ROE than any other source of energy and finally it is environmental friendly and social acceptable. Recommendations: a. What should be done? Siemens should retain all its work flow and progress but focus more on energy coming from the sun as this energy will be the a panacea for the world’s economy as well as environmental concerns. How to cite Energy Management Case Study: Siemens, Free Case study samples

Company Same Create Competitive Advantage †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Company Same Create Competitive Advantage? Answer: Introducation Value chain analysis is a framework that helps to recognize business activities that can generate value to the company and at the same time create competitive advantage (Gereffi and Fernandez-Stark, 2016). Figure 1: Value chain analysis The above framework shows the value chain of Samsung, here it can be observed with respect to inbound logistics: Samsung mainly supplies in Asia, followed by America, Europe and other places. A number of logistics firms are owned by Samsung as it subsidiaries. Company currently has 540 employees and 8600 partner employees around the globe. Now with respect to the operations it can be observed that company maintained 213 operations hubs globally and this includes subsidiaries, design and research centers. Company mainly depends upon methodology names Six sigma in its operations. Outbound logistics of the company shows that Samsung launch its product in a short span of time to competes with other firms. Thus effective outbound logistics system plays a significant role. Now marketing and sales of company shows that primary activities aim to target buyer section to the competitive advantage of the brand that is linked with high quality and developed functions of products. Finally with re spect to service of the company, Samsung delivers its customer services with highest standards. Survey methods are also conducted by the company (Seleznev,2012). Planning of manufacturing company Successful strategic planning requires three steps that should be followed by companies to increase growth. These steps involve: Focus, Divergence and Compelling tagline. 1) Samsung mainly follows a focus differentiation strategy, broad differentiation strategy and product differentiation strategy (Song, 2013). 2) Samsung by following the three strategies position itself from other competitors. Company offers customer products that are personalized to their requirements. The key purpose of strategies followed by the company is to do perform better compared to other firms. The buyer they provide has an individual preference and exclusive requirements and Samsung always concentrate on these exclusive needs by developing the product that they want. Samsung also follows strategy of diversification with respect to product differentiation. Samsung differentiates their products in terms of attributes, firm linkages and customer relationships. Samsung follows different strategies for different market, for developed market it develops high end carrier specific models and for emerging market, company develops mass market models. Samsung utilizes the product differentiation strategy to expand their operating system. The tagline of the company shows that Samsung plan to leverage its design advantage th at turn out to be ecological one. 3) According to the strategies followed by Samsung, it is aiming to develop ecological products that help to trim down global warming and for this company requires information regarding research and development (Shah, 2012). Company also requires information about the market that are related to advancement of the product so that companys desired level goal can be achieved. Information regarding the strategies followed by other competitive firm is also required by the company as this information will help the company to proceed by saving more on production and obtaining more output (Pyo,2017). Controlling of manufacturing company 1)Samsung a large multinational company has numerous subsidiaries companies with thousands of skilled workers and advanced machines, huge factories and buildings. But this infrastructure does not help the company to monitor its manufacturing units in a proper manner so in order to survive in the competitive market company must follow a controlling process. Thus proper monitoring required and this can be achieved by following different steps. One of the methods followed by company is the interlock system. The routine interlock system is used throughout the manufacturing procedure where it monitors and controls the goods and processes. There are three stages involved in this system. The first step is the Process Recipe Interlock which basically shows control of the inward materials and recipe check (Kent,2012). The next stage is the Equipment Parameter Interlock and final step is the Process Output Interlock where it prevents wrong practice or any probable harm to the procedure or the equipment itself. The other method would be Statistical Process Control. 2)Balanced Scorecard monitors the performance of all part of an organization; it is mainly used to align business activities (Grigoroudis, Orfanoudaki and Zopounidis, 2012). It basically provides framework and helps planners to identify what should be done and how it should be measured. It is mainly implemented by following four strategies which are financial, customer process learning and growth. From financial perspective the company sets the objective of the company is to maximize return of the shareholders, measurement of financial part is done by considering internal rate of return and return on investment capital. Company mainly invest more on product R D thus in this way investing capital helps shareholders to earn money. From customer Perspective Company sets objective which involves accessibility to new and innovative products. Measures taken by company are to focus on groups and customers surveying and reviews and customer retention. For reporting purpose customer reviews should be tracked regularly and reviewed annually. Initiatives thus taken by company are differentiating and advantages over competing substitutes. Finally from learning and growth Perspective Company set the objectives which involve research and developments, new entrants, recognition of current corporate culture, increase in existing shares and brand value. Measures thus taken from company in this perspective are benchmarking, new product percentage and projection of sale. Initiatives thus taken by company are researching new market segments, competitor analysis and increased competitiveness in the market. Decision making of manufacturing company Decision making is a very important aspect of any business (Zionts, 2012). This is because it helps to achieve growth more quickly. Development can be accomplished by any company if right decisions are taken at right time. With respect to Samsung, two decision making process that are visible are the target groups and the product features. Target group is set by the company as it mainly focus on the people who are keen to use the product as per their requirement and at the same time with who are keen to try new features that are introduced by the company. Specific group mainly consists of working population and young population those are very keen to try new products at a reasonable prices. The company also set decision with respect features of the product. Samsung always have the tendency to include latest technology in its products and for including these features company heavily invests on R D. Thus company makes decision process to launching new features of the product makes it different from the potential competitors that it faces in the market. References Gereffi, G. and Fernandez-Stark, K., 2016. Global value chain analysis: a primer. Grigoroudis, E., Orfanoudaki, E. and Zopounidis, C., 2012. Strategic performance measurement in a healthcare organisation: A multiple criteria approach based on balanced scorecard.Omega,40(1), pp.104-119. Kent, R.J., Fabworx Solutions, Inc., 2012.Hub assembly for robotic arm having pin spacers. U.S. Patent 8,336,419. Pyo, J.S., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2017.Method and system for supporting an electronic book application service, and mobile device adapted to the method. U.S. Patent 9,690,758. Seleznev, S.N. and Lee, B.R., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2012.Method and apparatus for providing cloud-based digital rights management service and system thereof. U.S. Patent Application 13/724,419. Shah, R., 2012. Eco-Friendly IT: Greener Approach to IT.Journal Of Management Business Research,2(2). Song, K.B., Chen, E. and Lim, H.L., Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP, 2013.Tablet computer. U.S. Patent D689,481. Zionts, S., 2012, December. MULTIPLE CRTTERTA DECISION MAKING. InMultiple Criteria Decision Making Theory and Application: Proceedings of the Third Conference Hagen/Knigswinter, West Germany, August 2024, 1979(Vol. 177, p. 150). Springer Science Business Media

Parental Care and Responsibilities

The notion statement: Should one of the parents stop working for a while to be with their children at home? I would like to support the notion that one of the parents should stop working at least for some time to be with their children at home. As we very well know, a good family system helps to nurture children into responsible adults in the future. There is a great need for bonding, intimate child care and guidance more so during their infancy stages.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Parental Care and Responsibilities specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Times have changed and the world of today is so immoral and corrupt starting from homes to schools to social sites, media and websites are full of malice, violence and vulgar talks that may easily corrupt the young minds and if no adequate parenting responsibilities and discipline are reinforced onto the children during their early stages of development, they may ea sily fall prey of these vices. There is a great need to foster unity and harmony in the family by having quality time together and bonding freely with each other. This will eliminate any fear or boundaries between parents and their children and will enable them to freely open up to their parents whenever they face challenging situations in their social, academic or even spiritual lives. Another main reason is the need for prenatal and postnatal care more so for mothers who have given birth. If such parents are working, there is a great need to seek for maternity leave so that they can rest at home and take proper care of their babies. In the United States of America, there is a Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 which provides job security of up to twelve weeks for employees who have reason enough to keep them from work like pregnancy, child care or other pressing family issues. One may also choose voluntarily to withdraw from work for some time just to be with their families more so for the young families to set the right foundation for their toddlers. One of the partners preferable the wife, may choose to stay at home while the husband goes to work to sustain the daily family needs. At the end of the day they would have achieved much and covered milestones putting ethics and family matters in mind. Recent research has shown that most of the burglary and theft cases registered in the country have all to do with the victims’ background and family system hence erecting strong foundations in our family systems will go a long way to fight the many incidences of illegal practices and uncouth behaviors portrayed by our young generation. When one parent stays back at home to attend to family matters, it fosters accountability between the partners as each one knows what is expected of them and works tirelessly towards meeting their responsibilities and at the same time complementing each other. It also avoids misunderstandings in the home since most of these conflicts arise when everyone seems to be too busy with their office work hence neglecting their responsibilities back at home.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another advantage of one of the parents being at home with the kids is the certainty that their children are in safe hands under the custody of their mother as opposed to families that employ servants to keep watch of their homes and take care of their children. Most of these servants end up influencing the children negatively and in case of a misunderstanding between them and their masters, they may redirect their anger and frustrations to the children. Some of them cause conflicts and misunderstandings between family members or even go to the extend of having affairs with one of the partners hence bringing down the marriage institution. Hence having a wife to take care of the home can really save a lot of drama and tro uble in the family or marriage institution. Despite all these pros about one of the parents staying back at home to take care of the family, there are also cons that come with it for example for families that are not well off financially may find it hard to cope with the ever rising cost of living which is to be shouldered by one partner while the other sits back at home to take care of the children. In the case where both work, at least one supplements the other as they pull their resources or income together to meet all their family needs but when one partner takes up the responsibility of fending for the family, other special needs may go unattended for hence making life miserable. In such a case, it is only logical for both parties to be involved in fending for, and taking care of the family. Parents should not stop working in order to take care of their children because of financial security purposes. Families where one of the parents is the sole breadwinner, stands a high risk of plunging into deep economic disparities should the breadwinner die or be incapacitated hence the need to have both parents working so that in case of a misfortune, the other partner will be able to stand in the gap and help meet the needs of the family. In families where both parents work, there is some sense of respect for each other and no single partner seems superior over the other. This creates respect, harmony and understanding and also fosters appropriate decision making since both partners are involved before settling to do something. In conclusion, a good family system should always be upheld so as to establish an appropriate foundation for their children for the way a child is raised will really influence or determine the course he or she will take in their future lives.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Parental Care and Responsibilities specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More One also has to first examine the situation of his or her family before deciding the most appropriate way to handle family matters for what may work for one family may not be successful with the other. In my opinion, I support the notion that one parent should stop working for some time to take care of the family. This essay on Parental Care and Responsibilities was written and submitted by user Sky Santos to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Effective Dialogue in Fiction

Effective Dialogue in Fiction The art of great dialogue is a skill that- when authors master it- holds the key to changing a mediocre story into a great one. Dialogue is what draws readers into the moment, and what gives that sensation of time and place, allowing us to hear what the characters are saying as if we are there with them.Just as good dialogue is an essential ingredient to a good story, bad dialogue can ruin an otherwise great narrative. The difference between good and bad dialogue is often a matter of one or two words, and those words are typically modifiers. Yes, most authors have it- that fatal attraction to the adverb when writing dialogue:But, in art, how do you create without descriptors, she said despairingly.Art tends to overcomplicate itself, he replied, with a knowing smile.The above examples show one of the most common mistakes writers make. Adverbs tend to show hesitation, self-doubt, even fear that what you are writing needs validation. The overuse of adverbs and adjectives, particularly w ithin the structure of dialogue, is the mark of a timid author who believes that what his characters say isnt revealing enough for effective characterization.When dialogue is right, we know. When its wrong we also know- it jags on the ear like a badly tuned musical instrument.Stephen KingStephen King, one of the most prolific novelists of our time by the sheer quantity of successful books he has written, points out that the first step to creating good dialogue is to listen to others talk. In his book, On Writing, King begins his foray about bad writers and equally bad dialogue with this simple advice: The job [of writing good dialogue] boils down to two things- paying attention to how the real people around you behave and then telling the truth about what you see.Readers subconsciously (and sometimes consciously) pick up on disingenuous conversation between characters. Its the reality in which fiction is based, and one that is necessary to hold together a good story. King points out that often, what people say reveals more about them than they realize. The rule is: the more authentic your character seems, the more your reader will connect with him or her. The same goes for dialogue; when what the character says is authentic, the adverbs that decorate he said or she said not only become unnecessary- they become distracting. Which takes the greater talent: describing to the reader how something is said, or guiding the reader to fill in that subtext correctly on his or her own?Then, there is always the cardinal rule of writing great fiction, which states that a writer should never say what he or she can show. If your character is a poorly educated one, the words he says can let your reader know:Them aint got no sign on the door, he said.A writer might be tempted to follow those words with he said dumbly or he drawled, but what is the point? This is when dialogue is honest and revealing at once, and stands on its own to provide enough characterization without the addition of modifiers.If the words of your character cant convey the message you want, before resorting to the adjective or adverb, let their actions tell the rest of the story.You can do what you want, she said, as the frayed thread on her shirt suddenly became more interesting than his response.We know from this excerpt that the woman is cutting the man off, that the conversation is over- the readers imagination is then led to supply the subtext. We dont need a she said nonchalantly or a she said coolly. The authentic words followed by revealing action say all that needs to be said.Despite the dos and donts mentioned above, some writers are simply born with a natural ability to create believable, engaging dialogue. Although many readers cant pinpoint exactly what it is that they like about a certain author, good dialogue is usually what draws them into a story and keeps them there. The authors who tend to write great dialogue are not usually the loner type- they like to have conve rsations with people and like to observe the way people speak, to whom they speak, and what they say.Stephen King points to a great example of H.P. Lovecraft, a writer who is hailed as a master storyteller but has never been known for his great dialogue. King credits this unfortunate truth with Lovecrafts personal life, stating that although Lovecraft was able to communicate with acquaintances via correspondence, he did not like conversation and spent much of his life as a recluse.Lovecrafts example proves that a writer is more or less limited to his ability in the craft of writing. Some things can be taught, while others can only be accepted. Lovecrafts lack of believable dialogue might have been what kept him from having a wider audience, but his writing still has an almost cult following. Lovecraft accepted his limitations and focused on poetically dense descriptions and startling plot twists rather than authentic characterization.If you want to create better dialogue, and dont m ind leaving your house, your best bet would be to get out in public, attend a party, and find every way possible to listen to others speak, observe how others respond, and memorize the brutally honest details. This simple exercise could do wonders for your ability to write effective dialogue.

ACT Math Strategy

Plugging in Numbers A Critical SAT/ACT Math Strategy SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips As we mentioned in our math strategy article on plugging in answers, neither the SAT nor the ACT measures how you arrived at your answer. On standardized tests, all that matters is whether your answer is correct or not. There is no such thing as partial credit on a standardized test and no one is looking over your shoulder to see if you solved the question the â€Å"proper† way. This means that finding the right answerno matter the processis the only thing that matters. And there are plenty of short-cut techniques you can use to find that correct answer without the need to create and solve complex equations. This guide will take you through the strategy of plugging in your own numbers, one of simplest processes for working out the answers to several different kinds of standardized math questions. In this guide, we’ll give you a complete walk through on the strategy of plugging your own numbers (PIN) for math questions.We’ll go through the whys, hows, and, most importantly, whens of using PIN your standardized test(s), as well as take you through several real SAT and ACT practice problems. The other best strategy for working around problemsplugging in the answersis covered in a separate guide. Why Use Plugging in Numbers? Sometimes you may find yourself confronted with a problem that you have no idea how to approach. Sometimes you may just think it will take too long to solve the problem algebraically. And other times,you maybegiven so many different variables in a single problem that you want to make absolutely sure you have the correct solution. When this happens, plugging in your own numbers can often help get you to the right answer. It can be intimidating to begiven a question or answer choices with multiple variables, especially when you are on a strict time crunch. But if you use real numbers in place of x or y or a or k(or any other variable), it can make a previously obscure problem turn into one that it quite simple. Using numbers in place of variables can make the more theoretical questions become more practical and easy to visualize, which will allow you to solve them much more easily. For example, (We'll walk through how to solve this question in the next section) It can be very easy to forget that you have the power to replace variables with your own numbers while you’re taking the test. So remember to relax and know that solving a question via complex algebra is not your only option; you have other avenues available that are often much easier to work with. Use any and all advantages you have when battling standardized testing. How to Use Plugging in Numbers So now that you know why plugging in numbers can come in handy, let’s go through exactly how to do it. The basic idea of plugging in your own numbers is that you provide real numbers in place of variables or unknowns in your problem. This technique can work for any problemalgebra or geometryin which you are presented with several unknowns, or variables. The best way to tell if you can use PIN on a question is to look and see if the question, the answer choices, or both involve variables. When the question and/or answer options include variables (especially multiple variables), you can most likely use PIN. Because these kinds of questions are asking about the relationships between numbers (or objects or degrees, etc.), these relationships will be constant, no matter what actual numbers are used. As long as your numbers follow the rules you are presented with in the question, then you can find the right answer using your own numbers. Then, once you’ve picked a number to represent a variable, use that number to solve the original equation. Then use the number you chose for your original variable to replace that same variable in your answer options. By doing this, you can test your answer options and see which answer choices match the result you got for your original equation when you plugged in your own numbers. Don’t worry if this doesn’t make any sense to you yet. We’ll break down the steps using an actual math problem example: We are told that themathematical relationships described above work for all numbers $x, y, z$. This means we are allowed to pick any numbers we would like for $x, y, z$ because any and all numbers must work. We have multiple variables and a complex series of equations. Let's make life easier on ourselves and give each of these variables a number. Let's say that: $x = 2$ $y = 3$ $z = 4$ Now, let's solve our problems in accordance with the rules we were given and see if the equations are equal. The first is: $x⊕y = y⊕ x$ Let's take the left half of the equation first and replace our variables with numbers. $x⊕y$ $2⊕3$ Well, according to our rules, this would be: $2⊕3 =(2)(3) + 2 + 3$ $$ The left half of our equation is. Now let's look at the right half to see if it is equal. $y⊕x$ $3⊕2= (2)(3) + 3 + 2$ $$ Both sides equal , so option I is correct. This means we can eliminate answer choices B and C. Now let's try the equation for option II, using our same numbers for our variables. $(x - 1)⊕(x + 1) = (x⊕x) - 1$ Again, let's take the left side of the equation first. $(x -1)⊕(x + 1)$ $(2 - 1)⊕(2 + 1)$ $1⊕3$ $1⊕3= (1)(3) + 1 + 3$ $7$ So the first half of the equation equals 7. Now let's see if the right half is equal. $(x⊕x) - 1$ $(2⊕2) - 1 = ((2)(2) + 2 + 2) - 1$ $7$ Both sides equal 7, so option II is correct. We can eliminate answer choice A. Finally, let's test the last equation. $x⊕(y + z) = (x⊕y) + (x⊕z)$ Looking at the left side of the equation, we have: $2⊕(3 + 4)$ $2⊕7$ $2⊕7= (2)(7) + 2 + 7$ $23$ The left side of the equation equals 23. Now let's test the right to see if it matches. $(x⊕y) + (x⊕z)$ $(2⊕3) = (2)(3) + 2 + 3$ $$ And $2⊕4 = (2)(4) + 2 + 4$ $14$ We are told to addthe two together, which gets us: $ + 14 = 25$ The left half of our equation was 23 and the right half was 25. The two expressions not equal, so option III is incorrect. This means our final answer is D, I and II are the only correct equations for all values of $x, y, z$. Again, we were able to choose all of our own numbers for this problem, but this will not universally be the case. Always pay attention to when you have the leeway to choose your own numbers for multiple (or all) variables, and when you must choose a number for only one variable and solve for the rest. The reason we were allowed to choose numbers for every variable above was because the problem told us the equations were true for all numbers. This meant that any numbers we chose followed the rules as outlined by the problem. You will be able to tell when you can plug in numbers for multiple variables because the problem will specifically tell you that "all numbers" or "all integers" must work in place of yourvariables. This gives you free reign to pick your numbers with impunity. If you don't see the words "all numbers" or "all integers"in the question, then you may only use your own number for one variable and solve for the rest. This will keep the variables following their defined rules and keep the relationships between them intact. Now let's look at a problem where we CANNOT pick our own numbers for every variable: Because we are not told that this problem works for "all numbers," we know we must choose our own number for just one variable and solve for the rest. In this problem, I've chosen to replace$v$ with my own number. Why $v$? Because $v$ shows up in the middle equation and so will be usefulfor finding our other variables. We can also see that $v = 4t$, so let's give $v$ a number that is divisible by 4. (Note: we do not HAVE to make $v$ divisible by 4, but it makes lifeeasier forus, as it means we will bedealingwith integers rather than decimals.) Solet's just say that $v = 8$. If we replace every $v$ with the number 8, our first equation would look like: $x = 3v$ $x = 3(8)$ $x = 24$ So we know now that, when $v = 8$, $x = 24$. Now for our second equation: $v = 4t$ $8 = 4t$ $t = 2$ So, when $x = 24$ and $v = 8$, $t$ will be 2. And finally, let's look at the last equation using our newly found numbers for $x$ and $t$. $x = pt$ $24 = p(2)$ $p = 12$ So $p$ equals 12. But wait! Maybe you think $p$ equals 12only in this this one instance and that it would equal something else had we chosen a different number for $v$. Well let's test it. Let's say that $v = 20$ instead of 8. $x = 3v$ $x = 3(20)$ $x = 60$ And our second equation: $v = 4t$ $20 = 4t$ $t = 5$ And finally, our last equation: $x = pt$ $60 = p(5)$ $p = 12$ As you can see, no matter what value we choose for one of our variables, $p$ will always equal 12 as long as we keep the relationships between the variables intact. So our final answer is 12, $p = 12$ Using PINcan be like having your own personal decoder ring. Tips and Tricksfor PIN Now that you know how PIN works,you can use it more quickly and accurately by using these tips for your ACT and SAT math questions: Tip 1) When using PIN, your best bet is to testeach and every answer choice, even after one of the answers matches the one you got for your original equation. Why should we do this? Because sometimes when we choose our own numbers, we can get multiple answer options that work. Let's say for this problem that you randomly chose 95 to be your two digit number for $x$. If: $x = 95$, then the tens digit $t = 9$, and the units digit $u = 5$. We are told that $y$ is the number found by reversing the digits, so when $x = 95$, $y = 59$. And finally, we are searching for the value of $x -y$. Using our numbers: $x - y = 95 - 59$ $x - y = 36$ Now let us test our answer options using the numbers we have found for our variables and see which one matches 36. F. $9(t - u)$ $9(9 - 5)$ $9(4)$ $36$ Answer F works! (We can also eliminate answer choice K right now, because $36≠  0$). G. $9(u - t)$ $9(5 - 9)$ $9(-4)$ $-36$ Answer G has been eliminated. H. $9t - u$ $9(9) - 5$ $81 - 5$ $76$ Answer choice H has been eliminated. J. $9u - t$ $9(5) - 9$ $45 - 9$ $36$ Uh-oh! We found 36 for both F and J. When this happens, we must choose a different number or set of numbers in order to eliminate the answer that only works sometimes. Our goal is to findthe answer that works always and no matter what. But now that we have chosen a different set of numbers, do we have to test each answer choice again? Nope! We already know that G, H and K didn’t work last time, so they won’t be our final answer. Again, weare looking for the answer that works every time. Only test F and J again. Instead of $x = 95$, let's say that $x = 43$ (Again, this number is entirely random and can be anything you'd like). If $x = 43$, then $t = 4$ and $u = 3$. It also means that $y$, as the reverse of $x$, will be 34. $x - y = 43 - 34$ $x - y = 9$ So now we are looking for the answer choices that match 9. So let us once more test F and J. F. $9(t - u)$ $9(4 - 3)$ $9(1)$ $9$ Looking pretty good for answer choice F. But let's look at J as well. J. $9u - t$ $9(3) - 4$ $27 - 4$ $23$ Success! We can eliminate answer choice J now and feel confident that F (and only F) will work no matter our values for $x$ and $y$. So our final answer is F, $9(t - u)$ Tip 2) When plugging in your own numbers,avoid using the numbers 1 or 0. It can be very easy to get multiple right answers or very screwy answers when using 1 or 0, so it is best to avoid them. For example, let's look again at the first problem we saw: Now let's say that we had said $x = 0$, $y = 1$, and $z = 2$. For the sake of saving time, the first two equations are still correct, but now let's look at the third. $x⊕(y + z) = (x⊕y) + (x⊕z)$ First, let's look at the left half of the equation: $x⊕(y + z)$ $0⊕(1 + 2)$ $0⊕3$ $0⊕3= (0)(3) + 0 + 3$ $3$ Now let's look at the right half of the equation: $(x⊕y) + (x⊕z)$ $(x⊕y)$ $0⊕1 = (0)(1) + 0 + 1$ $1$ And $(x⊕z)$ $0⊕2 = (0)(2) + 0 + 2$ $2$ So when we add them together, we get: $1 + 2 = 3$ This means that both sides of the equation are equal, which would mean that I, II, AND III were all correct. And we already proved when we did this question earlier that III is actually incorrect. (Remember, the answer choices must work every single time.) If we had used 0 and/or 1 in place of our variables, we would have gotten the question wrong. We would have chosen answer E, when really answer D is correct. Tip 3) Good numbers to use when working with percentages are 100 or 10, as most percentages questions involve you having to manipulate them around. Using nice, round numbers can make life easy for you. Alice has been collecting sea shells for many years. From 2009 to 2010, she increased her collection by 30%. From 2010 to 2012, she added another 20% to her collection. But in 2014, she had to move away and get rid of 50% of her collection. What percentage of her original shell collection did Alice end up with? 75 78 100 150 156 Let's say, for the sake of a nice round number and a good one to use with percentages, that Alice started out with 100 shells. If she increased her collection by 30% from 2009 to 2010, then she would have $100 + 100(0.3) = 130$ shells in 2010. If she then increased her collection by another 20% from 2010 to 2012, she woud have $130 + 130(0.2) = 156$ shells in 2012. Now, she must get rid of 50% (half) of her shells. $156 - 156(0.5) = 78$ So she is left with 78 shells. And, since we used 100 for her original amount, we do not have to fiddle with finding percentages. We can simply see that she is left with 78% of her original collection. So our final answer is B, 78. One day Alice may feelthat she has enough sea shells. Today is not that day. When to Use Plugging in Numbers Because it is best to test out each answer option when using PIN, it can often take longer to solve a question this way than by using algebra alone. Sometimes you can check all the answers at a glance, which will save time, but whether or not using PIN will eat up more time than it saves truly depends on the question This question would be a slow PIN. If you don't remember how to FOIL and you are fuzzy on your rules for multiplying and subtracting integers and variables, then go ahead and use PIN here. But if you are at all comfortable with the above mathematical concepts, then simply work with your variables and save using PIN for another occasion. As a demonstration, see how fast it is to use algebra here: $(4z + 3)(z - 2)$ $(4z *z) + (4z * -2) + (3 * z) + (3 * -2)$ $4z^2 - 8z + 3z - 6$ $4z^2 - 5z - 6$ So your answer is J. On the other hand, look how slow the process is using PIN: Let's say our $z$ value is 4. $(4z + 3)(z - 2)$ $(4(4) + 3)(4 - 2)$ $(19)(2)$ $38$ So we are looking for an answer choice that matches 38. F. $4z^2 - 5$ $4(4^2) - 5$ $64 - 5$ $59$ Option F is too large, so we can eliminate it. We can also eliminate option G because we can see that it would be 58, which is still too large. H. $4z^2 - 3z - 5$ $4(4^2) - 3(4) - 5$ $64 - 12 - 5$ $47$ We can eliminate option H, as it is still too large. J. $4z^2 - 5z - 6$ $4(4^2) - 5(4) - 6$ $64 - 20 - 6$ $38$ We have found an answer that matches our original equation. This could be our right answer, but let's look at option K to make sure we don't have duplicate correct answers. At a glance, we can tell that option K ($4z^2 + 5z - 6$) would be too large, because we would be adding 20 to 64. This means we can comfortably eliminate it. So our final answer is J. Though we were still able to find our answer, it took noticeably longer using PIN. Basically, don't be afraid to use PIN to help you through a test, butmake sure you useit in places that will help you the most and get you to the right answer in the shortest amount of time. Now let's look at a quick PIN problem. This is a problem you can mostly do in your head using PIN. For example, give $a$ and $b$ small numbers and then you can work out your answer choicesfairly quickly. Let's say that $a = 2$ and $b = 3$. Using those numbers, we know then that the absolute value of $a - b = 1$. Why? Because $a - b$ = $2 - 3 = -1$ and absolute values make anything contained in them positive. (For more info on this, check out our guides to advanced integers on the ACT and SAT) So we can tell straight away that F is incorrect, as that would be 5. This means G is also incorrect, as it would be -5. H would be an imaginary number, as it is the square root of a negative. J would be a negative number. Only K makes sense and we can see for ourselves that it is correct. $-(2 - 3) = +1$, which is the answer we are looking for. So our final answer is K. See how we were able to solve thesecond questionnoticeably faster using PIN? As you do more and more ACT and SAT math practice problems, you'll better be able to intuit when to use PIN (and when to use algebra or skip the question entirely) as you go through your test. As a general rule, if you have a lot of spare time per section, then go ahead and use PIN! It may even save you time going back and double-checking your work (though it never hurts to be extra sure and double-check anyway). If, however, you find yourself running short on time, you may want to save using PIN for these circumstances only: 1) You cannot find a way to solve the problem without using PIN If you have absolutely no idea how to approach a problem, definitely use PIN! If you forget a math rule or equation, you can still find the answer with PIN. Often, you won’t have to know the rules for manipulating multiple variables or the rules for exponents, etc., if you can circumvent the question entirely by going straight to using your own numbers. 2) You have enough spare time that you can spend the extra using PIN If you’ve gone quickly and accurately enough through earlier sections, go ahead and let yourself have the extra seconds per question that PIN uses. Though the difference between an algebraic solve and a PIN solve may not be more than 30 or 40 seconds, that time can add up fast. Always be sure you are using your time to your best advantage to get the most points possible across the board. If you feel you are completely running short on time, however, check out our articles on how to buy yourself extra time on both the SATand the ACT. 3) You want to double-check your answer PIN can often act as its own question double-checker. This can sometimes help off-set the extra time PIN eats up, but don’t always count on this. Because you found the answer by testing it out using real numbers instead of variables, you don’t have to plug more numbers into the equation to make sure it worksyou already know it works! You’ve both solved your question and double-checked to make sure it was accurate all in one. 4) You feel that you may have found the wrong answer using algebraic methods Maybe you started in on the question right away with algebra and got halfway through before you felt that you had taken a wrong turn somewhere. Maybe you know you tend to get distributing questions or exponent questions wrong. Maybe the algebra equation you set up spit out an answer that didn’t come close to any that were provided (or worsemaybe the answer you found was just slightly off). If questions with multiple variables tend to trip you up, this means it’s probably a good idea to switch your method and try using PIN. 5) The question lies in a question range in which you have previously made several errors If you have taken a practice SAT or ACT and discovered that you generally start to make mistakes around the halfway or three-quarter mark, switch your tactics to PIN instead of algebraic methods in this section in order to increase your score. It can be slower, but it will be more accurate and you won’t have to spend as much time double-checking your work. The more practice you get using PIN, the more you'llknow when to hold 'em (and use PIN) and when to walk away. Can I Always Use Plugging in Numbers? Unfortunately some questions can NOT be solved by plugging in answers. Again, when the question and/or answer options include variables, you can oftenuse PIN. If, however, your answers use numbersintegers, decimals, or fractionsyour best bet is probably to use the strategy of plugging in answers. Most questions (though not all) can be solved using one of these two strategies. To demonstrate the broad range of question types that both PIA and PIN can cover, let us look real SAT and ACT math questions and how to solve them using PIA and PIN. Test Your Knowledge: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)In the figure above, $z = 50$. What is the value of $x + y$? 90 130 180 210 230 Answers: A, B, D, E Answer Explanations: 1) In this first problem, we are dealing with the costa boat for $x$ amount of dollars split first 3 ways and then 4. To make life easier on ourselves, let's pick a number for $x$ that is divisible by both 3 and 4, so that we do not have to work with decimals. So let's say that the cost of buyinga boat ($x$) is 120 dollars. Now, we are asked how much less it is per person to divide the cost by 4 instead of by 3. So let us divide 120 by both and find the difference. $120/3 = 40$ $120/4 = 30$ $40 - 30 = 10$ So, when the boat costs 120 dollars, each member of the group will pay 10 dollars less when the cost is split 4 ways instead of 3 ways. Now let us test our answer options to see which one matches 10 dollars. A. $x/12$ $120/12 = 10$ Answer A matches the answer we got. But before we celebrate, let us look over the other answer options to make sure there are no duplicate right answers. Options B and C would be too large. Ifour number for $x$ divided by 12 was perfect, then that same number divided by 3 or 4 would be much larger. Option E would also be enormous and far greater than 10 (as it is $x$ multiplied by 7), so that is out as well. We can also and finally eliminate option D. We found our correct answer simply by dividing our $x$ value by 12. If we multiplied and then divided, that number would be much larger. So our final answer is A, $x/12$ 2) We need to find 75% of $m$ and $k$ percent of 25 (which we are told are equal). Instead of using decimals and fractions (and potentially getting ourselves confused), let us assign a number for $k$. If we say, as a random choice, that $k = 60$, then we are finding 60% of 25. $25 * 0.6 = 15$ And we know that this number (15) is 75% of $m$. So, to find $m$, we would say: ${15 * 100}/75 = 20$ So we have: $k = 60$ $m = 20$ Now, we are asked to find $m/k$ $20/60 = 1/3$ So our final answer is B, $1/3$ 3) Here, we need to know the difference between $t$ and $t^2$. So let us say that $t = 3$. (Why didn't we use 2 for $t$? Because, occasionally, using 2 for questions about squares and roots can give us duplicate right answers. For now, we are using 3 to reduce the possibility of needing to start over and select a different number, but we will look over what would have happened had we used 2 at the end of the problem.) So, if $t = 3$, then $t^2 = 9$ The difference, then, between $t$ and $t^2$: $9 - 3 = 6$ So we are looking for an answer option that matches 6. Answers A, B, and C are all eliminated for being too small (answer C $= t = 3$). Answer D is $t(t - 1)$ $3(3 - 1)$ $3(2)$ $6$ Answer D is correct, but let's look at answer E to make sure D is our only correct answer.Answer E is $(t - 1)(t + 1)$ $(3 - 1)(3 + 1)$ $(2)(4)$ $8$ This does not match, which means D is our only possible correct answer. So our final answer is D,$t(t - 1)$ (But what would have happened if we had used $t = 2$ instead of $t = 3$? Well $t^2 = 2^2 = 4$ and the difference between $t^2$ and $t$ would have been $4 - 2 = 2$. So answers B, C, and D would have all been correct. When this happens, simply choose a different number, like $t = 3$ and test B, C, and D again.) 4) PIN can be used for both straight algebra problems and for geometry problems. As long as the numbers we choose follow the rules of geometry, then we should always get the right answer. So here we have a triangle and we know one angle measure ($z = 50$). So let us give a value for each of the other angles inside the triangle. If $z = 50$, then the other two angles have to add up to $180 - 50 = 130$. So let's call the angle next to $x$ 100, and the angle next to $y$ 30. If the angle next to $x$ is 100, and it createsa straight line with $x$, then $x = 180 - 100 = 80$ And if the angle next to $y$ is 30 and it creates a straight line with $y$, then $y = 180 - 30 = 150$ $x = 80$ and $y = 150$ Together, they equal: $80 + 150 = 230$ So our final answer is E, 230. Remember to always give your brain time to rest and recover while studying. You worked hard, so don't be afraid to take a little break. The Take-Aways The strategy of plugging in your own numbers can be invaluable if you find yourself confronted with a problem you don’t know how to solve algebraically, or if you want to make absolutely sure you have the correct answer. The drawback, however, is that PIN can eat up extra time. If you make sure to use your plugging-in strategies wisely and save them for times in which you need them most, you will likely find yourself solving problems you were never able to before. What’s Next? Now that you’ve gone through the ins and outs of PIN, make sure you know the other techniques for navigating standardized math questions. Be sure to check out our article on plugging in answers (PIA) to get a complete picture for how to circumvent using complex algebra on the SAT and ACT. Running out of time on ACT or SAT math? Look no further than how to buy time on SAT math and how to buy time on ACT math. Want to get a perfect score? Check out our article on how to get an 800 on the SAT math section and how to get a 36 on the ACT math section, both written by a perfect scorer. Want to improve your SAT score by 240 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Consumer Privacy (Marketing Planning and Strategy) 2 Assignment

Consumer Privacy (Marketing Planning and Strategy) 2 - Assignment Example On the other hand, in the off-line sphere, the client has a chance to know the firm, personnel, or company that is on the receiving end as well as accepting or declining the idea to share their personal data. One can still argue that transmission of personal data in the offline world also travels by electronic means in numerous cases. For instance, the act of making a transaction with a credit card similarly involves data transmission electronically sometimes in the transaction. The difference is that the client is initially meddling with a firm or an individual. Although this does not alleviate the risks experienced by the consumer, it presents some real knowledge of the firm, or persons involved in the given transaction (Spiekermann, Grossklags & Berendt, 2001). From the above discussion, it is more rational to state that online world creates more privacy issues than offline. This is due to safety issues, since privacy information in a given database that was hacked or infiltrated might be utilized for criminal activities, a factor not possible in offline world (Ribbink et al, 2004). Spiekermann, S., Grossklags, J., & Berendt, B. (2001). E-privacy in 2nd generation E- commerce: privacy preferences versus actual behavior. In Proceedings of the 3rd ACM conference on Electronic Commerce (pp. 38-47).

Managing financial resources and decisions Essay - 1

Managing financial resources and decisions - Essay Example We also need to determine the implications and related advantages and disadvantages of the sources of finance. Apart from this, Mrs. Jessica Bell wants to purchase a property of 350000 pounds for the business purpose and for this she is considering a long term loan for 12 years and a mortgage of 25 years. She has 70000 pounds for initial deposit for the property. Now we need to calculate and analyze that which one will better option for her for buying the property. Apart from this she needs to understand the meaning and importance of financial planning and the information that are needed about a business by the investors and shareholders. We also need to describe the different types of budgets and the importance of budget analysis in decision making process. we will also analyze the financial statements of a profit making organisation. Venture capital funds support growing firms during their inception stages and before they are going for initial public offerings of shares. Firm will get venture capital as a form of equity capital. It represents a highly risky investment in the hope of earning higher return in future. It typically invests into equity or quasi equity instruments in financial market which will be able to share the risk and profit of the investee firm. Venture capitalist not only invests in the new company but also guides the firm actively in taking major decisions. Financial burden of the assisted firm tends to be low. Venture capitalist normally close it position by liquidating the investment from the assisted firm after 7 years. (Chandra, 2011, p.436). Personal or commercial loans from banks and financial institutions are one of the most popular forms of financing. It includes long term and short term loans. Long term loans are useful to finance fixed assets and large expenses like buildings, property and machinery. Short term loans are having duration of one year or less. These are

Core Conditions Essay Example for Free

Core Conditions Essay During the 1950’s Carl Rogers developed three core conditions. These conditions continued to be developed by Rogers in the intervening years until his death in 1987. The aim of this essay will demonstrate an understanding of each condition and briefly discuss how they are applied in practice. The role of empathy will be reflected on and critically appraised. Carl Rogers developed three core conditions, Emapthy, Congruence (realness) and Unconditional Positive Regard. These conditions are at the core of person centred counselling.The effectiveness of these conditions are based upon the counsellors skill, knowledge and application in practice, it is not something that can be turned â€Å"on and off†, but a way of being . To avoid unconditional positive regard, the counsellor has to act in a certain way when working with clients, demonstrating certain feeling for all humanity and have an awareness to always work within the conditions even during circumstances where there maybe interpersonal difficulties . Empathy is a process, not just something a counsellor will do. It involves sensing and perceiving how the client is feeling. It involves appropriate use of touch such as a hand on the clients shoulder, tone and pitch of the voice and in some instances it can be demonstrated through crying at times when the client does but equally having an awareness of boundaries within the session, meaning, the client not feeling that they are â€Å"coununselling† you. To demonstrate empathy the counsellor must also be aware of their own journey. In relation to recording this skill maybe at times to demonstrate.   Congruence, the next core condition was reffered to by Roger’s as the most important element as he beleived â€Å"it is the realness of the therapist in the relationship which is the most important element† (Mearns. D Thorn. B, 2007, pg . 95). To be congruent, is to be natural and oneself. What works for M. a. (2000). Person-centred therapy today. London: Sage Publications. one therapist may not necessarily work for another. It is about being the same with all people, and not pretending to be something that they are not. The final core condition is unconditional positive regard. This maybe perceieved as the most difficult condition to grasp. It is not concerned with liking the client or agreeing with how they feel, but more about the attitude of the counsellor. The counsellor who has unconditioanl positive regard, is one who has respect for humanity and their client alike, regardless of what they have to say and the way they live their life. It is said in Mearns and Thorns, Person – Centred Counselling in Action, â€Å"the attitude manifests itself in the counsellors consistant acceptance of and enduring warmth towards her client†. It explains, that it maybe easier for a counsellor to get along with the hard working client, but can be challenging when working with the client who has a high level of self loathing and disgust for themselves. As a counselling skills user, reflecting on my practice I find applying the core condition of empathy can be quite challenging concept to grasp. This is due to the fact that it takes a counsellor to be extremely self aware to lay aside their own thoughts and feelings to tap into the emotions of their clients. Because empathy stems from an understanding of what the client is going through, it may be difficult in some situations for the counsellor to really be on the receiving frequency that the client is on. It may be a bit of a struggle for the counsellor to understand and really equate empathy, because it is a process, not a skill that can be learned. Works Cited Mearns.D and Thorn.B(2000). Person-centred therapy today. London: Sage Publications.

Buddhism and Christianity in the same light Essay -- essays research p

A community, a system of belief, a tradition and a way of life- Catholicism and Theravada Buddhism are all of these and many more. There are many affinities between Theravada Buddhism and Catholicism, but each tradition is marked with its own unique origins. Thus it is valuable to explore Buddhist rituals, practices, ethics and morals comparatively to those Catholic, but equally important to examine those features that are uniquely their own religion. Every religion that strives to achieve its own way of life chooses distinctive practices and rituals to reach their desired spiritual goals. When considering Catholicism and Buddhism, the two main forms of worship are prayer and meditation. While Nirvana is the ultimate spiritual attainment, most ordinary Buddhists show their commitment to the Buddha through several religious practices. The basic motives behind Buddhist practices mirror with those behind the Catholic tradition (Seay (2001,p.58). Both traditions aim to create togetherness within their community by developing a sense of communion with all present through a group activity. Some of these activities include group prayer/meditation and group singing/chanting. Another motive behind some Buddhist and Catholic practices is the principle of suffering, a significant element of religious tradition. This principle was formed on the basis of the suffering endured by Saddartha Gutama and Jesus Christ and is put into practice through traditions like achieving Nirvana and Le...

Business Plan: Paper Recycle & Reuse

Business Plan: Paper Recycle & Reuse 1. Introduction a. The name of my business is â€Å"All Papers†. b. The business is about recycle and reuse paper 2. Business Description a. The company will collect the second hand paper, cardboard box and textbooks then turns into pencil, gift box and white papers. b. Paper is one of the most common daily use, recycle paper will have a low cost to get the processed materials and low risk. c. The main goal for this business is to reduce the paper waste, and protect trees. 3. Sale and Marketing a. Students in school, and young group of people is our target market. . We will sell the recycle pencils, gift boxes and clean A4 papers in every stationary store like Staples gift shops and school shops. 4. Conclusion and Summary a. The most important aspects for this plan is â€Å"Recycle†, the technics to recycle the products are the key point for this business, as Szaky said, â€Å"We’re on the edge of bankruptcy and of being a hu ge success at the same time† so the procedure for recycle can not cause any kind of pollution, if we recycle papers, and we create pollutions, no one will no longer trust us that we are an environmentally friendly company.However Furthermore, all the products are using the recycle materiel, so the price in the stationary store will have more competitive power compare with other new product. Thus, I believe this investment will win in the market competition. www. starkstate. edu

Using an example of an organisation, identify how the change in legislation was implemented and evaluate the impact of this on the service delivery

Our role as social workers is one of an empowering nature; we are or should be committed to equality and re-establishing equal power bases. Promotion of independence is fundamental to our role, for this reason I have decided to look at the implementation of the Direct Payments scheme, for disabled people; brought in under the Community Care (direct Payments) Act 1996. This was brought in as legislation, because of disabled peoples pressure groups, and in order to give disabled people further ‘independence and choice' (Abbot, D (2003)) further to this the Disabled Children Act 2000 extended the access to Direct Payments to 16 – 17 year old disabled people. Within this paper I will analyse the role of social services departments for disabled people before and after the implementation. In analysis I will identify issues that have arisen from this change in relation to the organisation of social services, the social workers and service users, analysing issues of interpretation, and cultural change. The legislation empowered local authorities to set up ‘Direct Payment' Schemes for disabled people that are entitled to community care services, under the community care act but discretion was given to local authorities on how to implement it. (Community Care, (1999) sept, 8th). Because of this discretion the take up and the manner of take up to the scheme differed which resulted in very little movement for a number of years. Husler (no date given) states ‘this legislation is permissive, which means councils can not ignore it, but they have discretions on how to implement it' (Ibid). This lack of guidance to implementation led to discrepancies in the implementation of the Direct Payments scheme Prior to the implementation of the direct payments scheme, the role of social services was to assess the needs and risks of the disabled person, and through this process of assessment seek to minimise or control risk and elevate need. This was done through the provision of services directly controlled or distributed from central government of local social services departments. We see in this situation the relationship of power was one of retention by the social worker within a culture of ‘Role' and ‘task' rather than person. Although many would argue with this point and state the cultural work base of this time was one of a ‘person' culture as defined by Burnes (2000)p.164), where the service users needs and wishes are prominent with the minimisation of the structural highrachy base. Handy (1986) would disagree with this notion and further argues that western organisations work predominantly from a role or task orientated cultural work base. This is evident in many of the recently published documents on working practices and guidelines on legislation interpretation, such as the ‘Working Together Document 2000 and the Assessment Framework 2000. Further, if look back to the development of the social services and the then Charity Organisation Society (COS) founded in 1869 we see evidence of similar practice in relation to current assessment of needs. This was also done by a COS worker who made judgements based on his of her knowledge, this is clearly an earlier form of means testing (Glasby & Littlechild (2002)). From this assessment a payment was given to the person or which then was referred to as ‘relief.' This was technically abolished in 1834; it continued to be paid in practice well into the twentieth centaury, as a range of complex measures for the support of the poor as unemployment soared (Thane. P (1996). The Poor Law was finally abolished in 1948 putting an end to payments to the poor by social services departments, and replaced by a national scheme for the payment of social security benefits and the provision of welfare services to the elderly and the Disabled. This allowed the practitioner to distance themselves from cash payments and the stigma of poverty, further this led to as Becker (1993) states ‘practitioners having little poverty awareness (p93) and further viewing money problems as being the problem of other agencies (Davies & Wainwright (1997) quoted in Glasby & Littlechild p 61) This desire for the social work profession to distance it self from the nineteenth centaury roots has, resulted in the resistance to the implementation of the Direct Payment Schemes. Although the Direct Payment Scheme is very different from the early payments made by the COS and earlier forms of social services departments. This resistance has been from the shop floor social workers to MPs such as Virgina Bottomly, who wrote to the MP introducing the Private members bill prior to its introduction to legalise direct payments â€Å"Social services legislation is concerned with†¦.services and not with direct payments which is the province of the social security system† (Quoted In Hatchett W, (1991): pp 14 – 15). Governmental ideology for the implementation of the Direct Payments scheme was to reflect the principles of participation, inclusion and equality through offering choice and independence. Because of the lack of clear guidance on interpretation this agenda has been misinterpreted and further resulted in the slow take up of the scheme. Roles and procedures have changed in departments which require operational changes, and a further shift in the approach to the concept of risk and control (Dawson (2000) quoted in Carmichael & Brown (2002) p.804) The involvement in service users lives by social workers has shifted away form one of assessment and the in house provision of services, to one of assessment and the provision of monies to purpose individual care form the quasi market place. This can be tailored to meet the individual needs and life of a person, rather than the one ‘size fits all' attitude of previous service provision (Glasby & Littlechild (2002)) this is in comparison to earlier payments being made by the Independent Living Fund indirectly through third parties (Brindle, D. (2000)) further key points to the misinterpretation and slow take up of the scheme is due to the ambiguous wording of the legislations guidance the ‘willing and able criteria' (Clark & Spafford (2002)) this point argues the service users must be able to ‘choose' direct payments, problems such as ability the to choose have arisen from this guidance as well as to whom the allocation of payment should be made. Who should have control over the money? Is a question the local authorities have struggled with when assessing people with severe disabilities and people with mental incapacitates. Authorities have taken this grey area of the legislation and effectively excluded people with mental incapacities because of the legal implications which resulted in the rejecting of an application. Further to this councils have adopted a top down model in which local disability organisations are not closely enough involved within. This bureaucratic model is arguably necessary because of the complexity of the system, the workforce need clearly structured role, responsibilities and lines of command for effectiveness (Coulshed & Mullender (2001)) this is for the purposes of accountability and stability in the system (Ibid).although this can restrict professional autonomy and offer further resistance to change (Aldridge (1996) quoted in Coulshed & Mullender, p 31) With the implementation of this scheme, there was a shift away from the old system of social worker control to that of user control, which social workers saw as a danger and who have voiced concerns of â€Å"vulnerable people managing their own services and whether it is right to risk such payments' (Snell, J. (2000)). This is clear indication as Cyert & March (1963) state ‘confusion over how political constraints on policy make a rationalist approach to decision making impossible (quoted in Burnes. B (2000)) This has led to social workers becoming uncertain as to what is needed from them, because of the role and responsibility change, as well as the cultural change in the departments, which has further left social workers feeling disempowered. Power and control is reduced from the social worker, and rebalanced with the service user, social workers have seen this as a perceived loss of their identity and status. (Clark & Spafford (2002) p 252) Confusion and lack of participation in the planning stages of the delivery of services has left social workers resenting the direct payments scheme, this has further led to slow take up and slow information distribution to service users. Etienne d'Abouuville (1999) states the schemes are floundering because local authorities are using social workers to advice on direct payments, rather than Disabled peoples organisations which can provide peer support. This is further evidence in the change of role change in the role of the care manager Glasby & Littlecihild (2002) argue workload implications and the low ratio of staff is a strong and potential barrier to the independence of disabled people. Mullins (1993) comments on this and states ‘commitment and cooperation to organisational goals will depend on how these are perceived to be in their own interests'. If we look at this in the context of the social worker who has been giving advice to the service user on, employers' responsibility, obligations and legal ramifications without training and on top of their ‘normal' workload we see why social workers are feeling stressed. Further too this reluctant to work in with the scheme (Hosler (1999)). Social worker having little involvement in the change has led to this resistance; this is perpetuated with the burdening of further responsibility on the worker. Mullender and Coulshed argue ‘where structures are going through change this is adapted to more quickly where there are open lines of communication and decentralised structures. If we analyse the impact of the organisational change to the service user we see a clear recondition of the social model of disability which as Oliver argues ‘It is not people impairments which limit people's ability to participate in society and to exercise their rights, but the organisation of society it self which causes the disability† (Quoted in Stainton, T. (2002) p 752) This social model articulates not how to find a way of compensating for the natural disadvantage, but how society can accommodate a range of differences (Ibid). Service users have stated they have rights and autonomy furthering the ability to be recognised as full citizens (Stainton, T (2002)). Many disabled people prior to the introduction of the Direct Payments Scheme were given little or no choice in relation to who provided the care, and to what extent. This was reflective of the funding structures and mechanisms of the social services departments (Statinton, T (1998)), here the departments or the family would access and commission the service, which resulted on many occasions being put on a waiting list. In this analysis we see little or no choice or control on the part of the service recipient, and further if criteria for service were not met then no service was offered. This coupled with resource constraints and tightly specified service contracts can together restrict the remits and activities of services (Glendininig, C, (2000)) With the new system the service user retains overall control on who to commission to carry out the work and for what period of time, the service user defines what needs are to be met and to what extent. A shift away from the social worker led assessment. With a recondition of the Disabled person's rights the Direct Payments Scheme also brought with it the responsibility of being an employer and with that obligation to contractual agreements. This could be seen as a potential barrier, but many disabled people have commented, â€Å"All the stress is worth having control of your own care† (Clark and Spafford (2002)) In conclusion we see how the change has resulted in a cultural change within the social services departments and further a shift away from the ethos of the social worker as the expert. This is welcomed by Disability groups who have campaigned for the Direct Payments Scheme, but resented by those whose job's it has affected with added workload and change in role. Change is a natural occurrence and some would argue inevitable to human evaluation, it is about recognising where sociality shortfalls are and actively seeking to rectify them. As with a majority of pieces of legislation they are based on social justice principles, but interpretation results in oppression and discrimination

Free Essays on Porters Five Forces

International Business Analysis Explain how Porters Five Forces determines the attractiveness of an industry? What are the implications of the five forces on a firm’s strategy? Is there such a ting as an unattractive industry? Although Michel Porter’s Model of Five Competitive Forces is subject to critique, it still remains, some twenty five years after its conception a valuable tool in that stimulates managers to conceptualise their current situation and proposed changes in a structured way. Classical economic theory suggests that rates of return (risk-adjusted) will be constant across firms and industries. The most profitable companies have a strong competitive position in a highly profitable industry with the less profitable companies having a weak position in weak industries. It is the level of competition within an industry that affects the profits. There is an inverse relationship between profit margins and the intensity of competition: as the intensity of competition goes up, margins and returns are driven down. By nature some industries will be potentially more profitable than others, principally because their competitive position is stronger and are placed within a more profitable industry. Businesses strive to develop markets in which they can achieve ‘super profits’- to reduce the intensity of competition. To achieve this they must utilize strategies that place them at on advantage over their real or potential competitors. Porters Five Forces is an analytical tool that lays the foundation for the development of such strategies. Porters Five Forces is founded on microeconomics. It takes into account supply and demand, complementary products and substitutes, market structures and the relationship between volume of and cost of production, Four of the forces, the bargaining power of customers, and of suppliers, the threat of new entrants, and the threat of substitute products combine with other va... Free Essays on Porters Five Forces Free Essays on Porters Five Forces International Business Analysis Explain how Porters Five Forces determines the attractiveness of an industry? What are the implications of the five forces on a firm’s strategy? Is there such a ting as an unattractive industry? Although Michel Porter’s Model of Five Competitive Forces is subject to critique, it still remains, some twenty five years after its conception a valuable tool in that stimulates managers to conceptualise their current situation and proposed changes in a structured way. Classical economic theory suggests that rates of return (risk-adjusted) will be constant across firms and industries. The most profitable companies have a strong competitive position in a highly profitable industry with the less profitable companies having a weak position in weak industries. It is the level of competition within an industry that affects the profits. There is an inverse relationship between profit margins and the intensity of competition: as the intensity of competition goes up, margins and returns are driven down. By nature some industries will be potentially more profitable than others, principally because their competitive position is stronger and are placed within a more profitable industry. Businesses strive to develop markets in which they can achieve ‘super profits’- to reduce the intensity of competition. To achieve this they must utilize strategies that place them at on advantage over their real or potential competitors. Porters Five Forces is an analytical tool that lays the foundation for the development of such strategies. Porters Five Forces is founded on microeconomics. It takes into account supply and demand, complementary products and substitutes, market structures and the relationship between volume of and cost of production, Four of the forces, the bargaining power of customers, and of suppliers, the threat of new entrants, and the threat of substitute products combine with other va...

Bernard Matthews Farms

Bernard Matthews farms Bernard Matthews farms is the largest turkey producer in the UK. The business has grown substantially since its relatively humble origins in 1950, when entrepreneur Bernard Matthews bought 20 turkey eggs and a second-hand incubator. Twelve turkeys successfully hatched from this initial batch and, before long, the young entrepreneur was able to give up his insurance job and concentrate full-time on rearing turkeys. Today, Bernard Matthews farms rears over seven million turkeys every year. Thirteen million UK households buy a Bernard Matthews farms branded product each year. Despite the size of its operations, the company remains close to its roots in East Anglia, with its farms located across Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. Bernard Matthews’ vision is ‘to make turkey the preferred choice of protein for every day and every occasion’. The company’s product line featured affordable, tasty and convenient food choices. Bernard Matthews farms operates in a competitive and fast-changing environment. Consumers are faced with a huge choice of foods to suit different lifestyles, diets, and tastes. However, in recent years, buying patterns have changed as consumers have become more concerned about healthy eating, food safety, and animal welfare. Chance events can have a significant impact on a food business. For example, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s high-profile campaign in 2005 to improve the quality of school meals identified foods such as Bernard Matthews farms’ Turkey Twizzlers as being unhealthy. In 2007, there was an outbreak of bird flu at a Bernard Matthews farm in Suffolk. At that time, the media also discovered that the company imported some of its turkey from abroad. The press published stories suggesting that the imports could have been directly related to the outbreak, a theory that was never proven. Initially, Bernard Matthews farms did not speak up and defend its product range against Oliver’s accusations. This resulted in adverse press coverage and the company lost credibility with the media. When bird flu hit, relations with the media were at an all-time low. The companys immediate reaction to the crisis was to focus on eliminating the disease, which it did successfully. Communications came low on the list of priorities. This meant that the resulting information vacuum was soon filled with damaging and often inaccurate news reports. Another issue surfaced during this time period. Two of the company’s workers were convicted of animal cruelty in 2006, having been secretly filmed hitting turkeys with a pole. Others had been filmed playing ‘catch’ with turkeys. Bernard Matthews farms’ spokesperson initially gave â€Å"no comment†, saying he hadn’t seen the video, although he had been shown pictures of the abuse. The company nonetheless claimed it was ‘committed to the â€Å"highest standards† of animal welfare’. The employees defended themselves by saying that they were influenced by the â€Å"culture† at the plant. Yet, in June 2007, employees were again caught and filmed in acts of animal cruelty – this time kicking turkeys. When the company realized the extent of the damage and finally opened up to the press it was too little, too late, as all trust had been lost. As a result, Bernard Matthews farms’ sales in the UK fell by 35% and the company went into a loss position for the first time.