Strategic marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Strategic marketing - Essay Example This is known as the global village where we can connect or communicate to anyone anywhere in the world with internet connection. We can imagine how technology and this new innovation can benefit everyone who has a computer and an internet connection. The internet itself creates a community or a group of people with shared relationships and common beliefs and aspirations (MacLaughlin 2007, 3). Through this created community, we can share experiences and interact with people. Non-profit organizations are into this new stream. In fact, it is these organizations that can benefit the most because there are many individuals and entities that use social networking as a tool to communicate or propagate. Social networking sites are popular to the young and old and to almost every class of society that introducing one’s name or brand comes in handy. We have Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn, Myspace, Myheritage, and many more. These sites are categorized according to the target audience t he founders or makers wished to link or network with. There are sites that are purposely for non-profit organizations, for charity such as SocialVibe, or for business such as Talkbiznow. All these have their target audience and people or users who log in to the sites and have goals which are precisely for networking, interaction and communication. If we want paid advertisement, we can log in to popular websites, ask administrators for information and post your advertisements. But social networking is free. Non-profit organizations can post and register their organizations’ names and in a few minutes, they can have a free website. Facebook provides website features where we can link to friends and various organizations with different motives and goals. Through these free websites, an organization can promote and spread its name and objectives to a wide audience which is the virtual world. There are also websites where we can blog or post articles, photos and videos. A website can have greater visibility if its search engine optimization (SEO) is rightly or adequately managed. This can be done through articles and videos with popular search words. The more a site appears in search engines, the more it is visited by web users and its popularity can spread like wildfire. A website can be searched through links and it is through links that determine the ranking behavior. (Enge et al. 2012, 342) SEO is an internet marketing strategy. It works through search words, for example, if you use Google as a search engine, you type the word of a topic or subject or site you want to search. The typed words can produce a list of websites or links. How an individual or organization manages search words in their website will determine how visible the website is to the virtual world. An effective SEO will make a website viral and a viral state will produce thousands and millions of visitors to your website. But the process of SEO is not easy and requires skill and competen ce. (Jones 2010, 2) 2. You are the Marketing Manager of a not for profit organization and have just hired a Curtin graduate. You want to brief him/her before he/she starts. What in your opinion are some of the most important things that he/she needs to know about working in a not for profit organization. The first thing that a new member should know is the mission of the organization. The mission of a non-profit organization is very much different from the mission of organizations for

Core Values Essay Example for Free

Core Values Essay Inspired by the charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, Notre Dame of Marbel University anchors its faith and life on the following core values as foundational qualities with which the Marist Brothers, Mission Partners, and students approach the entire educational process and academic atmosphere of the University: Family Spirit, Marian, Love of Work, Preference for the Least Favored, Quality Education, Integrity of Creation, and Culture-sensitivity. Family Spirit St. Marcellin Champagnat’s great desire and legacy was in the style of relationship he encouraged between teachers and students- a relationship premised on love and expressed in a style which Marcellin called â€Å"family spirit. † Akin to the characteristic of a good family are: a warmth of welcome, acceptance, belongingness and authentic concern which should prevail where everyone has a sense of being valued and believed in, regardless of their role or their social standing. Marian Mary is for us the perfect model of the Marist Educator, as she was for Marcellin. As a woman, a layperson and Jesus’ first follower, she is our inspiration in living out personal faith and virtue of simplicity. As an educator of Jesus at Nazareth, she inspires our pedagogical approach. The Marian aspect of our spirituality is expressed above all, in our identifying with her attitudes towards others and to God. She is in our midst, a symbol of unity and mission, a witness to God’s solidarity with people in their needs and sufferings. Love of Work Love of work implies a cheerful and careful preparation of all the things one does. It values the dignity of work as a powerful means of self-fulfillment, of giving purpose and meaning to life, and of contributing to the general economics, social and cultural well-being. It is manifested through a deep sense of personal planning and motivation that shows itself in the good use of time, talent and initiative. Preference for the Least Favored Preference for the least favored is to be with those who are excluded from the mainstream of society, and those whose material poverty leads to deprivation in relation to health, family life, schooling, and educational values. With the emergence of social and cultural challenges confronting the world, preference to the least favored means being concerned toward the youth who are affected by the social, political, and cultural problems of the society. Quality Education A Marist school is a center of learning, of life and of evangelizing. It leads students â€Å"to learn, to know, to be competent, to live together and most especially, to grow as persons.† Quality education is characterized as holistic where students are progressively initiated into their life-long challenge of harmonizing faith, culture and life. It provides educational programmes, curriculum contents, and teaching methods that meet the aspirations of students, parents and the community with regard to subject choices, career possibilities and educational needs of the community. It gives emphasis to educating students by teaching them through good examples and inculcating in them the importance of the craft of teaching and its support systems. Integrity of Creation â€Å"Respect for the value of life† and â€Å"care for the mother earth† are two major themes in valuing the integrity of creation. It upholds life-giving values and promotes stewardship of the earth. Culture Sensitivity Culture must be accepted as the gift of every people, the expression of their dignity, liberty and creativity, and the testimony of their unique place in the history of humanity. Culture sensitivity means openness and respect to the different culture of peoples. It promotes dialogue as a way of enhancing unity in diversity. On the individual level, it is a communication between two persons with different views, different values and traditions, to learn from each other in order for them to change and grow. Culture sensitivity as a value promotes respect for the tri-people of Mindanao, develops programs for inter-faith dialogue and upholds advocacy on issues as a result of the emerging culture of the global world.

Children Need to be Encouraged :: Teaching Education Essays

Children Need to be Encouraged As we know, children spend about thirteen years of their childhood (if they graduate) in school around their peers and teachers. Most children go home to busy households where parents do not spend quality time, such as; listening, and disciplining them like they need to. So when these children go into the school the next day, they need and adult to pat them on the back, listen to them, discipline them, and encourage them to keep on trying. Children need to be encouraged so they will try harder. I want to there to give them that extra push that they deserve because many teachers gave me that encouragement to me. These days encourageable, energetic, and determined teachers become evermore important in today’s busy society. Teaching children I would incorporate all of these philosophies such as; perennialism, progressivism, behaviorism, essentialism, existentialism, and social reconstructionism in my instructional curriculum. For example, including perennialism in which, it is necessary to teach elementary students morals, such as; sharing, not cheating, and even playing fair (like in sports). Progressivism will be used in my instruction because cooperative learning activities will take place. I will use reinforcement rewards with computers, stickers, and candy; which will display the philosophy of behaviorism reflected in my classroom. I will encourage free-will in my students by letting them make choices such as; the book they want to read or letting them decide whether or not they want to do extra credit; which would demonstrate a small part of the existentialism philosophy I support. I believe it is also necessary to educate elementary students on other cultures so they will be aware of the similarities and differences compared to their own culture; which is how I will incorporate social reconstructionism into my classroom. However, the basis to hold everything into a functional curriculum I would use the essentialist philosophy; in which I would include all of the basic subjects in every week’s lesson plan to create a structural predictive atmosphere so the students know what is happening next. Students need repetition.

Cultural Analysis of France

Abstract The nation of France has provided substantial contributions to both society and culture over the course of history. This essay assesses the French culture with a focus on leadership and business aspects that drive the nation’s philosophy. With results demonstrating the dynamic potential available in the French culture, this evaluation has found many continuing contributions to the international community. This research will be of value to any person studying French culture. Cultural Analysis of France France has long held a position of interest in the area of culture and leadership (Kuhn, 2013). This assessment focuses on leadership elements that provide a clear demonstration of the French philosophy and interactive potential. Beginning with a brief overview that incorporates key components including location, history and social infrastructure will build an easily understood foundation. Next will be an evaluation of cultural and business practices that will serve to outline the French philosophy at work. The combination of these segments will create the opportunity to identify the leadership qualities needed to be successful in French society. Overview Blanchard, Lemaire, Bancel, Thomas & Pernsteiner (2012) describe France as one of the most important actors in Europe. France is recognized as the largest physical nation within the boundaries of Europe with over 60 million French speaking citizens (Blanchard et al, 2012). Featuring regional boundaries created by the passage of time and tradition, each section of France possesses unique religious and social attributes that set it apart making the associated culture complex (Frenchculture.org, 2014). Once flourishing as a colonial empire French holdings extended around the world, directly impacting international development (Frenchculture.org, 2014). With distinct offerings in areas of law including jurisprudence the French contribution to worldwide civilization has been fundamental (Zimmerman, 2014). The Spirit of the Laws, created during the Age of Enlightenment is one of many reflections of value that the French philosophy place on the areas of science and art (Blanchard et al, 2012). Evolving from a monarchy to a modern democratic society, with rule devolving from the population, France created the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen in order to clarify human rights (Zimmerman, 2014). This form of leadership supports the French position of innovation and development in the cultural arena. With territories still extant overseas, the French economy is rated to be the fifth largest in the world, further illustrating the strength and vitality of the French system (Zimmerman, 2014). Cultural Elements Goldhammer (2010) describes the French culture since the revolution of the nineteenth century as a combination of three aspects: Humanist, or the philosophical aspect, the scientific and the industrial. The French culture emphasizes the areas of civil rights and education in a direct effort to increase the overall standard of living (Summerfield, 2013). With past leaders including the conqueror Napoleon contributing directly to the French educational tradition, there is a lasting identification of the French population with the learning arts (Rigby, 1991). Modern evaluation of the French educational system ranks it midway between the highest and the lowest, with many substantial individuals attributing their philosophy to the system (Summerfield, 2013). This lasting identification with art is transferred to the very high rate of tourism in the nation of France, number one in the world, which is in turn credited with spreading of French concepts of education and learning (Zimmerman, 2 014). With premier artists and concepts including Cubism, Impressionism and Symbolism by such renowned artists as Manet, Monet and Renoir long comprising the French ranks, there is a real sense of gravitas to be felt in the cultural inclination of art (Summerfield, 2013). This is demonstrated the by the unrivalled French capacity to attract visitors which then spread their cultural ideals and artistic values. Among the arts and educational values held by the French there is a real sense of scientific and innovative components (Kuhn, 2013). With major universities producing practical applications in the fields of business and economics, the French culture stresses the need to continually revisit and consider new ideas (Zimmerman, 2014). This same element of cultural leadership is exhibited in areas including fashion and advertising (Summerfield, 2013). With several leading institutions including Dior and Chanel, the French society has created a cultural expectation of style and chic (The Economist, 2014). With a positive world outlook, modern French culture boasts one of the very best reputations for trust and integrity on the world stage (Zimmerman, 2014). This fact drives the perception that the society ranks among the best overall systems of governance (The Economist, 2014). Despite the upbeat overall outlook, many internal polls cite the depressed attitude of the culture itself (Frenchculture.org, 2014). With a high moral and ethical standard, yet an open and inclusive society, the French society epitomizes their slogan: â€Å"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity† (Blanchard et al, 2012:43). Leadership and Business Characteristics France has been characterized by significant leaders of both sexes including Napoleon and Joan of Arc; there is a tradition of strong, opinionated leadership (Blanchard et al, 2012). Coupled with a history of monarchies including the reign of notables such as Louis the 14th, there is an expectation of grandiose and innovative concepts from the upper tier (Stephenson, 2011). With the French revolution and the rise of democracy these principles of strength and vision in leadership have carried over, providing impetus for the modern crop of French leadership (The Economist, 2014). With a business culture that recognizes the value of leisure and employee satisfaction, there is a focus on providing the best possible environment in order to produce the best possible result (Rigby, 1991). Conclusion France is a multi-tiered culture that has provided and will continue to be a positive influence on the entire world society. With attributes including practicality, integrity, innovation and adaptation there is a real perception of value to found in the culture. Taking elements that have been refined over the centuries including French art, educational and civil rights philosophies and cultural values the nation of France can be credited with substantial contribution to modern international society. With a need to be forthright, decisive and stalwart in the face of criticism the French leadership and business community have served to drive the nation to the position of prominence that it now enjoys. In the end, past actions, modern practices and future potential combine to illustrate France as a competitive nation that produces well educated individuals fit for leading the international community. With a well-rounded consumer base coupled with a dynamic business environment, there is every reason to expect the French culture to continue to be a leader into the next era. References Blanchard, P., Lemaire, S., Bancel, N., Thomas, D. R. D. & Pernsteiner, A. (2012). Colonial culture in France since the revolution. Frenchculture.org. (2014). French culture. [online] Retrieved from: http://frenchculture.org/ [Accessed: 8 Mar 2014]. Goldhammer, A. (2010). The future of French culture. French Politics, Culture & Society, 28 (3), pp. 97–113 Kuhn, R. (2013). Imagining the popular in contemporary French culture. Modern & Contemporary France, 21 (3), pp. 396–397. Rigby, B. (1991). Popular culture in modern France. London: Routledge. Stephenson, P. (2011). The death of French culture (trans. Andrew brown). Journal Of Contemporary European Studies, 19 (4), pp. 582–583. Summerfield, M. (2013). Wine drinking culture in France: a national myth or a modern passion?. Journal Of Wine Research, 24 (1), pp. 81–82. The Economist. (2014). Bleak chic. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.economist.com/news/christmas-specials/21591749-bleak-chic [Accessed: 8 Mar 2014]. Zimmermann, K. (2014). French culture: customs & traditions. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.livescience.com/39149-french-culture.html [Accessed: 8 Mar 2014].

Effects of Alcohol on the Family Essay

Alcohol Dependence, also known as alcoholism, is a very widespread disabling addictive disorder, affecting 4% of Canadians. Alcoholism may start innocuously, due to the acceptability of social drinking, but over time, can lead to serious health problems, including brain, kidney and liver damage. Although alcoholics seem to be doing the most damage to themselves, they are hurting their families even more. Lesser-known, but just as serious victims of alcohol abuse are the alcoholics’ children. The negative effects start in the womb, where drinking during pregnancy often causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and other defects. After the baby is born, the risks continue, as the children in alcoholic families tend to lack a stable family environment and have a fairly high rate of abuse. These factors, as well as genetic predisposition, are strong precedents to the child developing alcohol abuse problems themselves. These children also tend to show more symptoms of anxiety and depression, and have lower self esteem than children from nonalcoholic families. These factors may also contribute to the likelihood of the child becoming an alcoholic. When a few drinks has turned into a few too many, a few too many times, some may start to suspect alcoholism. This is often how alcohol abuse starts, with acceptable social drinking increasing to the point where the drinker can no longer control their desire and compulsion to drink. Drinking too much alcohol over a long period changes the chemical balance in the brain linked to pleasure, causing the body to crave alcohol. Symptoms of alcoholism are frequent intoxication; drinking and continuing to drink alcohol in appropriate places and times; and often, denial of the problem. Due to the legality and availability of alcohol, it can be very difficult to quit or help another quit drinking, which can result in long-term alcohol abuse. When one has been abusing alcohol for long periods of time, it can cause a number of mental and physical problems, including, but not limited to liver damage, kidney damage, heart disease, alcoholic dementia, brain damage, and a myriad of psychological problems. Alcoholism also comes with a variety of comorbid disorders, most commonly major depressive disorder, and anxiety related disorders (Petrakis, 86). The order of the co-occurrence is not always clear; whether these disorders resulted from the alcoholism, or whether the alcoholism was triggered by the disorders varies accordingly, but regardless, the alcoholic has a much better chance of recovery if both problems are treated together. (Medline Plus) Drinking alcohol during pregnancy has been found to increase health risks to the fetus, especially after the first trimester. Any amount of alcohol may harm a developing baby, no ‘safe amount’ has yet been established; however the more alcohol consumed by an expectant mother, the higher the risks are of the baby developing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FAS. FAS is a series of mental and physical defects that can develop in a fetus during pregnancy if the mother has been drinking. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence states that approximately 5000 babies are born each year with severe FAS, and another 35000 are born with milder symptoms. If an alcoholic woman’s first child has FAS, the risk of her second child having FAS as well is a daunting 70%. The range of birth defects caused by FAS can be minor to major, and are nearly always long term. The infant will be born underweight and with an alcohol dependency. A detox period will follow birth, sometimes lasting for up to several months. These babies tend to have brain and skull deformities, and can have very distinctive facial features, such as small eye openings, thin upper lips, and long, flat faces. (Dozois, and Firestone 249-262) (Davis, and Frost 100-101) As the baby grows, learning problems that will keep the child from progressing normally may become apparent. FAS can cause damage to the central nervous system, which may result in severe learning disabilities. Due to this, the child may have problems learning to walk, being able to sleep, and focusing on motor skills; and have speech problems, hearing impairment, and decreased memory recall. They may have low self-esteem, be hyperactive, and be easily angered or frustrated. Mild or severe retardation, emotional issues, the inability to bond and communicate with other children their age are common traits for a child who suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. It often results in lower and overall academic performance (compared to non-FAS children), and difficulties in reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics. (Dozois, and Firestone 254) Another side effect of alcoholism in the family is the lack of a stable family environment. Alcohol has been known to negatively affect marital relationships, breaking up families, be the cause of suicide, result in unemployment and poverty, and cause or exacerbate child abuse. Over 3 times as many people report to have been previously married to an alcoholic, compared to those currently married to an alcoholic, demonstrating that relationships involving alcohol abuse are less likely to last than sober relationships. Often, if one parent is an alcoholic and the other is not, the sober partner feels that the drinking takes precedence over them and their family. This strongly affects couples with children, as they may effectively lose either parent, or end up being shuttled between them. Worse than losing a parent to divorce is the reality of losing a parent to suicide. The relationship between alcoholism and suicide is very clear, and has been well-documented. Alcohol is a depressant, and can bring on episodes of major depressive disorder. Alcohol abuse is often either self-medication for depression, or the cause of alcoholic depression. Often, alcoholic depression is a combination of the two, a vicious cycle of triggering and self-medicating that worsens one’s emotional state. This despair, combined with possible unemployment; marital, family, and financial problems; and declining health due to drinking, results in more drinking to ‘drink away’ the issues, which can push one over the edge and cause them to take their own life. (Alcoholic. ca) Even if both parents are alive and present in a child’s life, they may not always be the responsible adults and parents they are expected to be. Many severely alcoholic parents are not able to attend to and fulfill their child’s physical and emotional needs, and some may even require the child to prematurely assume the role of the parent and take care of the adult. They may be emotionally and financially supported by their children in cases where their alcoholism is too severe for them to be self-reliant and hold a steady job. If there are younger siblings, the responsibilities of parenting may fall to the oldest child, sometimes in their entirety. This role reversal is unfortunate, but all too common in families where the main caregiver is affected by substance abuse and alcoholism. This also results in the children lacking proper role models to learn from, and as teenagers, are more likely to do poorly in school, or drop out entirely and not pursue post-secondary education. Children of alcoholics have higher rates of truancy, arrest, depression, and addiction than their peers, and are usually more aggressive, obsessive, impulsive, and have lower self-esteem. (Parsons) Child abuse adds to the instability of the life of a child with alcoholic parents. While child abuse, unlike FAS, can also occur in families without alcoholic parents, 4/5 of reported cases involved substance abuse, commonly including alcohol. Alcoholism is also more prevalent among child-abusing parents than those who do not abuse their children, and is more commonly associated with child abuse than any other disorder. The abuse is not limited to physical abuse; it comes in many forms, including sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect. There are many reasons and theories behind the facts, all are true to a certain degree in most situations. Some say that alcoholics are generally more violent and prone to aggression, which makes their children a convenient target. The alcohol might be making them aggressive, or they may aggressive by nature, which is exacerbated by the alcohol. Also, since alcohol and child abuse are connected, many alcoholics were abused as children themselves, and as a result, are more likely to abuse their own children. This abuse puts their children at a greater risk of alcoholism, as well as abusing their future children, perpetuating the cycle. Emotional abuse and neglect commonly occur when the inebriated parent cannot correctly assess their own priorities, emotionally (or physically) abandons their child, or does not treat them as a parent should. Regardless of the reason, child abuse results in the children doing poorly in school, having self-esteem issues, anti-social behaviour, having feelings of guilt and shame, and suffering from depression. Abused children are also much more likely to grow up to abuse their own children, and to have substance abuse issues of their own. (Widom and Hiller-Sturmhofel 52-57) Despite the obvious hope that a child with alcoholic parents will learn from their mistakes and grow up to be an addiction-free adult, the opposite is usually true. The children of alcoholics are far more likely to become a product of their environment and develop substance abuse problems, likely including, but not limited to, alcoholism. Without proper role models and examples to base themselves off of, these children tend to fall into their parents’ habits and imitate their actions. Alcoholic parents are also more likely to have raised their children in an environment where alcohol abuse was more common or more accepted than non-alcoholic parents, where they may have been influenced by their peers. Along with alcohol dependency, these children are at a much higher risk of developing other substance abuses issues and addictions, most commonly to benzodiazepines. They are also likely to suffer from symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and obsessive behaviours. Those who manage to stay sober tend to exhibit these characteristics as well. Some children of alcoholics may fall victim to the same traps as their parents, while others excel, possibly due to a desire to do better in life than their parents. (Brooke, et al 1980-1981) Alcoholism is a very tough habit to break, however anyone who desires to try has a multitude of options. There are certain medications in use that may be prescribed as part of treatment, but these usually accompany group therapy or psychotherapy, which is usually found to be the most effective. Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is the most common program, due to its availability, anonymity, efficacy, and affordability. It is a free international program based on the mutual support of its members, where alcoholics learn to take responsibility for their actions, and support others through their journeys. It is based on the ‘12 Steps’, which are a set of principles and beliefs that focus on admitting to mistakes and addictions, recognizing a higher power, making amends, taking responsibility, and helping others through their addictions. AA famously schools its members that alcoholism is a disease, and that it is not something that they can control. However despite all the available support, unless those who suffer from Alcohol Dependence genuinely have a wish to get better, and are willing to put the in the time and effort required, their problems often do result in lasting effects, both for themselves and others. (Alcoholic.ca) (Alcoholics Anonymous). References Alcoholics Anonymous. â€Å"Alcoholics Anonymous: This is AA. † Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc. , 2010. Web. 28 Nov 2010. . Alcoholics Anonymous. â€Å"Alcoholics Anonymous: Is There an Alcoholic in Your Life?. † Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc. , 2010. Web. 28 Nov 2010. . Medline Plus. â€Å"Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. † Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine, 15 Nov 2010. Web. 26 Nov 2010. . Parsons, Tetyana. â€Å"Alcoholism and Its Effect on the Family. † AllPsych Online. AllPsych and Heffner Media Group Inc. , 14 Dec 2003. Web. 28 Nov 2010. . Widom, Cathy Spatz, and Susanne Hiller-Sturmhofel. â€Å"Alcohol Abuse as a Risk Factor for and Consequence of Child Abuse. † Alcohol research & health: the journal of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 25. 1 (2001): 52-57. Print. Alcoholic. ca. â€Å"Alcoholism and Suicide. † Alcoholic and Alcohol Treatment in Canada. Alcoholic. ca, 2009. Web. 29 Nov 2010. . Alcoholic. ca. â€Å"Alcoholic and Alcohol Treatment. † Alcoholic and Alcohol Treatment in Canada. Alcoholic. ca, 2009. Web. 29 Nov 2010. . Dozois, David, and Philip Firestone. Abnormal Psychology. 4th Ed. , Perspectives. Toronto, Canada: Pearson Education Canada, 2010. 254. Print. Brooke, S, et al. â€Å"Familial Loading for Alcoholism and Offspring Behavior: Mediating and Moderating Influences. † Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 34. 11 (2010): 1980-1981. Web. 28 Nov 2010. . Petrakis, Ismene L, et al. â€Å"Comorbidity of Alcoholism and Psychiatric Disorders: An Overview. † Alcohol research & health: the journal of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 26. 2 (2002): 81-89. Print. Davis, Janet Haggerty, and Wendy Autumn Frost. â€Å"Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Challenge for the Community Health Nurse. † Journal of Community Health Nursing. 1. 2 (1984): 100-101. Print.

The Failed State of Franklin

The Failed State of Franklin Founded in 1784 with the intent of becoming the fourteenth state of the new United States, the State of Franklin was located in what is now Eastern Tennessee. The story of Franklin - and how it failed - highlights how the victorious end of the American Revolution in 1783 actually left the new Union of states in a fragile condition. How Franklin Came to Be The costs of fighting the Revolutionary War left the Continental Congress facing a staggering debt. In April 1784, the legislature of North Carolina voted to give Congress some 29 million acres of land - about twice the size of Rhode Island - located between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River to help pay its share of the war debt.   However, North Carolina’s â€Å"gift† of the land came with a major catch. The cession document gave the federal government two years to accept complete responsibility for the area. This meant that during the two-year delay, the western frontier settlements of North Carolina would be virtually alone in protecting themselves from the Cherokee Indians, many of whom remained at war with the new nation. Needless to say, this did not sit well with the residents of the ceded region who feared that the cash-starved and war-weary Congress might even sell the territory to France or Spain. Rather than risk this outcome, North Carolina took the land back and began to organize it as four counties within the state. After the war, the frontier settlements west of the Appalachian Mountains and east of the Mississippi had not automatically become part of the United States. As historian Jason Farr wrote in the Tennessee Historical Quarterly, â€Å"It was never assumed.† Instead, Congress gave the communities three options: become parts of existing states, form new states of the union, or become their own sovereign nations. Rather than choosing to become a part of North Carolina, the residents of the four ceded counties voted to form a new, fourteenth state, which would be  called Franklin. Historians suggest that to some extent, they may have agreed with George Washington, who suggested that they had become â€Å"a distinct people† with cultural and political differences from those in the Atlantic states who had fought for American independence. In December 1784, Franklin officially declared itself to be an independent state, with Revolutionary War veteran John Sevier reluctantly serving as its first governor. However, as historian George W. Troxler notes in the Encyclopedia of North Carolina, Franklin’s organizers did not know at the time that North Carolina had decided to take it back. â€Å"The December 1784 constitution of Franklin did not formally define its boundaries,† Troxler wrote. â€Å"By implication, jurisdiction was assumed over all of the ceded territory, and area approximating the future state of Tennessee.† The relationship between the new Union, its 13 Atlantic Seaboard states, and the western frontier territories had gotten off to a rocky start, to say the least. â€Å"There was little concern for western political and economic interests during the Confederation era, especially among the northeastern elite,† Farr writes. â€Å"Some even assumed that frontier communities would remain outside the union.† Indeed, Franklin’s declaration of statehood in 1784 stirred fears among the Founding Fathers that they might not be able to keep the new nation together.   The Rise of Franklin A delegation from Franklin officially submitted its petition for statehood to Congress on May 16, 1785. Unlike the statehood approval process established by the U.S. Constitution, the Articles of Confederation in effect at the time required that new petitions for statehood be approved by the legislatures of two-thirds of the existing states. While seven states eventually voted to admit the territory as what would have been the 14th federal state, the vote fell short short of the required two-thirds majority. Going It Alone With its petition for statehood defeated and still unable to agree with North Carolina over several issues including taxation and protection, Franklin began operating as unrecognized, independent republic. In December 1785, Franklin’s de-facto legislature adopted its own constitution, known as the Holston Constitution, which closely tracked that of North Carolina.    Still unchecked - or perhaps unnoticed due to its isolated location - by the federal government, Franklin created courts, annexed new counties, assessed taxes, and negotiated several treaties with area Indian tribes. While its economy was based mainly on bartering, Franklin accepted all federal and foreign currencies. Due to the lack of its own currency or economic infrastructure and the fact that its legislature had granted all of its citizens a two-year reprieve on paying taxes, Franklin’s ability to develop and provide government services was limited. The Beginning of the End The ties that  held Franklin’s unofficial statehood together  began to unravel in  1787. In late 1786, North Carolina offered to waive all back taxes owed to it by Franklin’s citizens if the â€Å"state† agreed to reunite with its government. While Franklin’s voters rejected the offer in early 1787, several influential citizens who felt disenchanted by the lack of government services or military protection in Franklin supported it the offer. Ultimately, the offer was rejected. North Carolina subsequently sent troops led by Col. John Tipton into the disputed territory and began to re-establish its own government. For several very contentious and confusing months, the governments of Franklin and North Carolina competed side-by-side.   The Battle of Franklin Despite the objections of North Carolina, the â€Å"Franklinites† continued to expand to the west by forcibly seizing land from the Native American populations. Led by the Chickamauga and Chickasaw tribes, the Native Americans fought back, conducting their own raids on Franklin’s settlements. As part of the larger Chickamauga Cherokee Wars, the bloody back-and-forth raids continued into 1788. In September 1787, the Franklin legislature met - for what would be the last time. By December 1787, the loyalties of Franklin’s war-weary and debt-laden citizens to its unrecognized government was eroding, with many openly supporting alignment with North Carolina. In early February 1788, North Carolina ordered Washington County Sheriff Jonathan Pugh to seize and sell at auction any property owned by Franklin’s Governor John Sevier in order to repay taxes he owed to North Carolina. Among the â€Å"property† seized by Sheriff Pugh were several slaves, who he took to Col. Tipton’s home and secured in his underground kitchen. On the morning of February 27, 1788, Governor Sevier along with about 100 of his militiamen showed up at Tipton’s house, demanding his slaves. Then, on the snowy morning of February 29, North Carolina Colonel George Maxwell arrived with 100 of his own better-trained and armed regular troops to repel Sevier’s militia. After less than 10 minutes of skirmishing, the so-called â€Å"Battle of Franklin† ended with Sevier and his force withdrawing. According to accounts of the incident, several men on both sides were wounded or captured, and three were killed. The Final Fall of Franklin The final nail in Franklin’s coffin was driven in March 1788 when the Chickamauga, Chickasaw, and several other tribes joined in coordinated attacks on frontier settlements in Franklin. Desperate to raise a viable army, Governor Sevier arranged for a loan from the government of Spain. However, the agreement required Franklin to be placed under Spanish rule. To North Carolina, that was the final deal-breaker. Strongly opposed to allowing a foreign government to control what it considered to be part of its state, North Carolina officials arrested Governor Sevier in August 1788. While his supporters quickly freed him from the poorly protected local jail, Sevier soon turned himself in. Franklin met its final end in February 1789, when Sevier and his few remaining loyalists signed oaths of allegiance to North Carolina. By the end of 1789, all of the lands that had been part of the â€Å"Lost State† rejoined North Carolina. The Legacy of Franklin While Franklin’s existence as an independent state lasted less than five years, its failed rebellion contributed to the framers decision to include a clause in the U.S. Constitution regarding the formation of new states. The â€Å"New States† clause in Article IV, Section 3, stipulates that while new states â€Å"may be admitted by the Congress into this Union,† it further stipulates that no new states â€Å"may be formed â€Å"within the jurisdiction of any other State† or parts of states unless approved by votes of the state legislatures and the U.S. Congress. Historical Events Fast Facts April 1784: North Carolina cedes parts of its western frontier to the federal government as repayment of its Revolutionary War debt.August 1784: Franklin proclaims itself as the 14th independent state and secedes from North Carolina.May 16, 1785: Petition for Franklin statehood sent to U.S. Congress.December 1785: Franklin adopts its own constitution, similar to that of North Carolina.Spring 1787: Franklin rejects an offer by North Carolina to rejoin its control in return for forgiving the debts of its residents.Summer 1787: North Carolina sends troops to Franklin to re-establish its government.February 1788: North Carolina seizes slaves owned by Franklin Governor Sevier.February 27, 1788: Governor Sevier and his militia attempt to recover his slaves using force but are repelled by North Carolina troops.August 1788: North Carolina officials arrest Governor Sevier.February 1789: Governor Sevier and his followers sign oaths of allegiance to North Carolina.By December 1789: All areas of the â€Å"Lost State† of Franklin had re-joined North Carolina.

The Wage Gap essays

The Wage Gap essays Wage inequality has been extensively studied both by Schiller and Becker. These two theorists provide different theoretical explanations as to why there is a prevalent wage gap in society. Becker refers to rational choice as a cause of wage inequality, while Schiller believes the wage gap results from different societal discrimination's. Schiller suggests that wage inequality is rooted in discrimination in the labor market. The three types of discrimination that affect the wage gap are racial, class, and sex discrimination. Discrimination may lead to reduced opportunity and subsequent depressed incomes for certain Racial discrimination is prevalent at the lower ends of the labor market, which results in a concentrated representation of racial minorities in poverty. There are substantial gaps in rates of poverty across race, which could be attributed to discrimination. The gap in average incomes between whites and non-whites is $24,000, and unemployment rates for Whites, Hispanics and Blacks are approximately 4%, 6% and 8% respectively, Racial discrimination manifests itself in a few different ways. In non-market discrimination, differences in incomes are a result of differences in schooling. In past labor discrimination, previous discrimination results in minorities being less experienced, less skilled, and with lower seniority. Finally, there is also current discrimination in Schiller suggests that controlling for years of schooling reduces the gap in earnings, but there are fundamental differences in the quality of schooling received. The wage gap would diminish more if differences in the quality of schooling could be controlled for. Schiller claims that much of the evident disparity in earnings between races can be attributed to prior, non-market discrimination, and that most of the problems of inequality ...

Demonym Definition and Examples in English

Demonym Definition and Examples in English A demonym is a  name for the people who live in a particular place, such as Londoners, Dallasites, Manilans, Dubliners, Torontonians, and Melburnians. Also known as a  gentilic or nationality word. The term demonym -   from the Greek for people and name - was coined (or at least popularized) by lexicographer Paul Dickson. The word was created, Dickson says, to fill a void in the language for those common terms which define a person geographically - for example, Angeleno for a person from Los Angeles (Family Words, 2007). Examples and Observations Often the name of a peoples language is the same as the demonym. Some places, particularly smaller cities and towns, may not have an established demonym for their residents.(Denoting: Webster’s Quotations, Facts, and Phrases. Icon Group, 2008)Barabooians, Fergusites, and HaligoniansA Barabooian is a person who resides in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Someone who lives in Fergus Falls, Minnesota is a Fergusite. A Dane lives in Denmark, and a Florentine hails from Florence, Italy. An indispensable book for the study of demonyms is Paul Dicksons Labels for Locals: What to Call People From Abilene to Zimbabwe (1997). There are some rather complex rules for creating demonyms, but Dickson stated that people in a place tend to decide what they will call themselves, whether they be Angelenos (from Los Angeles) or Haligonians (from Halifax, Nova Scotia) (p. x).(Dale D. Johnson et al., Logology: Word and Language Play. Vocabulary Instruction: Research to Practice, eds. J. F. Baumann and E. J. Kam eenui. Guilford Press, 2003) Hoosiers, Tar Heels, and WashingtoniansOver time I have learned that people are concerned about what others call them. Call a person from Indiana an Indianan or Indianian and you will be told in no uncertain terms that the proper form of address is Hoosier. North Carolinian is acceptable but not to those who prefer to be called Tar Heels, and when it comes to Utah the folks there prefer Utahn over Utaan or Utahan. Phoenicians lived and live in antiquity - and Arizona - while Colombians are from South America, not the District of Columbia, where Washingtonians reside. These Washingtonians are not be mistaken for those Washingtonians who live around Puget Sound.(Paul Dickson, Labels for Locals: What to Call People From Abilene to Zimbabwe. Collins, 2006)Mancunians, Hartlepudlians, and Varsovians[W]hen I happened to be writing about lacrosse in Manchester, England, I worked in the word Mancunian three times in one short paragraph. It was the second-best demonym Id ever heard, almost m atching Vallisoletano (a citizen of Valladolid). The planet, of course, is covered with demonyms, and after scouring the world in conversations on this topic with Mary Norris I began a severely selective, highly subjective A-list, extending Mancunian and Vallisoletano through thirty-five others at this writing, including Wulfrunian (Wolverhampton), Novocastrian (Newcastle), Trifluvian (Trois-Rivià ¨res), Leodensian (Leeds), Minneapolitan (Minneapolis), Hartlepudlian (Hartlepool), Liverpudlian (you knew it), Haligonian (Halifax), Varsovian (Warsaw), Providentian (Providence), and Tridentine (Trent).(John McPhee, Draft No. 4. The New Yorker, April 29, 2013) BaltimoreansThe Baltimoreans are a peculiar people. They love their city with a pious affection, and wherever they roam in search of health, wealth, or pleasure they always turn to Baltimore as to the Mecca of their heart. Yet, whenever three or four Baltimoreans are together, at home or abroad, they abuse Baltimore without stint.(The No Name Magazine, 1890)The Lighter Side of Demonyms[T]he point is that the great majority of Baltimorons saw nothing strange about the proceeding of the cops, and showed absolutely no indignation over it.(H.L. Mencken, The Style of Woodrow. Smart Set, June 1922)If we gave the name Poles to people who live in Poland, why werent the inhabitants of Holland called Holes?(Denis Norden, Words Flail Me. Logophile, Vol. 3, No. 4, 1979) Pronunciation: DEM-uh-nim

Business plan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business plan - Research Paper Example Under Knowledge Store’s strategic marketing plan/approach, it will continuously monitor potential benefits/opportunities offered by the new line of products/books, tapes and DVDs to ascertain its financial viability (Zanoni, 2011). Ansoff Model In order to meet the above objectives, Knowledge Store can use Ansoff matrix/model to make decisions regarding the books, tapes and DVDs marketing growth strategies. It will used to ascertain strategic priorities regarding the launch of this new product line to attract more customers, expand the existing market share and to increase sales revenue earnings (Grewal & Levy, 2011). It helps in creating a logical platform on which the above objectives are developed, following different mix categories shown in the diagram below. Fig. 1.0: Ansoff Model Moreover, Ansoff’s matrix is employed to determine the books, tapes and DVDs e-marketing strategies that will help in meeting the objectives of increasing the customer base and market sha re. This will be facilitated by the use of internet services, which reach more customers segments in different geographic markets across the globe (Kerin, Hartley & Rudelius, 2010). Knowledge Store Marketing Mix The 7Ps of marketing that the store applies currently include, people, product, price, promotion, place, process, and physical evidence. They determine the success of the business if well articulated. In business, the 7ps are called the marketing mix and are available to the authority managing the store affairs. Primarily, the marketing mix combines the product and service aspects, thereby making the 7ps. For the case of Knowledge Store Store, the marketing mix is considered in the situation of books, tapes and DVDs products marketing. The report outlines the various ways, in which the store has used the elements in improving the books, tapes and DVDs products and marketing plan for the business operations (Shimp, 2007). People In reality, the people are the most important a spect of the marketing mix, an issue that the store had recognized. For instance, the use of books, tapes and DVDs products is capable of altering the dynamics, which surround those delivering the books, tapes and DVDs products. Product Through improved books, tapes and DVDs technology, the store has provided a means of delivering new and unique products, which are intended to match many other available products. Besides, the purely new products are presumed to develop new business opportunities for the store. Some of the products they make are in line with the technological development Price Pricing of the books, tapes and DVDs products that Knowledge Store intends to supply is very significant in determining the overall sales volume. Promotion Carrying out promotion is one of the means through which Knowledge Store can create awareness on its new products line. For Knowledge Store Store, the books, tapes and DVDs products provide them with many opportunities for doing promotion to sensitize the public on the products. Place Knowledge Store can create a new interaction place for their consumers so that the communication between them could be cordial, easy and with maximum efficiency, especially on its new product line/ books, tapes and DVDs. Process The issues relating to the process involve the channel through which

Competitive Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Competitive Strategy - Essay Example South African Breweries had acquired Miller Brewing Company in 2002 and had become SABMiller. The third task is to explain the implications of its current strategic position for the future of SABMiller. Finally the paper will recommend the strategies that South African Breweries (and SABMiller) should follow in the coming years. South African Breweries was started in 1895 mainly to cater to the growing mining population in Johannesburg, what is now South Africa. Throughout the existence of the company, it has recorded consistent growth through entry into new markets and acquisitions. The company could also survive the turbulent period of the two World Wars and the eventual abolition of apartheid. In 1962, the company found a new domestic market segment when the government lifted a long lasting prohibition of alcohol consumption by blacks. The company had also entered into other diverse fields such as safety matches, glass making, hospitality, gaming, and textiles. The company also followed its strategic plans by rapidly expanding into Eastern Europe and other developing economies in Asia like China and India. It has presence in markets located in Africa, Asia, Latin America, North America and Europe. SABMiller has more than 200 types or brands of beer and employees nearly 60,000 by the parent company alone. Its breakup of revenue according to markets and type of business is given below. Competitive Strategy: According to the famous management theorist and author, Michael Porter every large organization will have two sets of strategies. One is for expansion of its business referred to as competitive strategy and the other for the survival and growth of the organization as a whole referred to as corporate strategy. (Porter 1998, 117). Competitive strategy is easy to conceive in the mind but difficult to define, because of the sheer diversity in different forms of businesses, markets and the type of leadership or

Commercial Reading Programs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Commercial Reading Programs - Essay Example This essay considers general aspects of these programs, and the various ways they can be utilized in the 8th grade language arts curriculum. The Great Leaps reading program is a commercial reading program that is targeted to improve student fluency, phonics, and motivation. In terms of background elements, the program is recognized as being a research-based program that incorporates education theory and studies in the construction of its instructional methods. It’s indicated that the program has been adopted by a wide-variety of educational programs. Statistical research has also demonstrated that the program has been highly successful in aiding students in special education programs, including students with dyslexia. The program itself is designed to be an efficient means of advancing language arts comprehension. For instance, the student’s in the program spend only ten minutes per day working with the instructor and the materials. This allows for the program to be imp lemented as an after-school or augmented education program that doesn’t overly occupy the student’s time. The program contains a student manual and an instructor manual that are targeted for the learner’s age and reading deficiencies. ... One of the effective uses of the reading program would be for the in-class 8th grade special education language arts curriculum. In these regards, there are a variety of ways the program could be used in this educational context. One of the major ways the program could be implemented is through its incorporation into the main curriculum. In these regards, the program could be implemented to advance student phonics understanding by identifying sounds in isolation. Specific patterns are taught to students in a progressive learning process. Students then advance to the study of prefixes and suffixes. The theory behind this is that these elements allow the educator to imbue the student with critical thinking skills to decode words and phrases they are not familiar with. At a different stage of student education the instructor can incorporate sight phrases to advance student reading comprehension. In these regards, high frequency words are instructed to students. Through this mode of inst ruction the student learns to identify word meanings with these phrases as a means of improving reading efficiency. The final stage of instruction involves reading fluency. In this stage the instructor has the student read age appropriate stories while they listen for aspects of comprehension, fluency, and pronunciation. In the 8th grade special education language arts classroom dividing students into reading groups based on comprehension level could institute this program. The instructor could then implement a teaching assistant or work in rotation with the different groups. This way the students would receive instruction designed for their specific level of reading development in an efficient and effective way. Another prominent reading program is the Reading Blaster program. Whereas

Direct Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Direct Marketing - Assignment Example 1) Cost – As the cost of per target promotion in direct marketing tends to be substantially higher than that in case of mass marketing, marketers must send their message to a limited audience only, as sending the message to general audience at large with very few of them likely to respond positively or getting converted may increase the cost manifold and thus cause a lot of marketing dollar wastage. 2) Customer irritation – As direct marketing communication tends to be longer and more involving i.e. seek active participation of the customer, than traditional mass marketing communication, thus unnecessary and unsolicited message may lead to customer frustration, resultantly eroding brand equity. Thus in direct marketing it is important to come up with a list of the customers who would be most interested in the product offering and thus will be most likely to respond positively rather than non-responding or responding negatively by avoiding further communication. â€Å"Data Mining is the process of discovering interesting knowledge from large amounts of data stored either in databases, data warehouses, or other information repositories. Simply stated, data mining refers to extracting or "mining" knowledge from large amounts of data.† (Han and Kamber, 2006). According to Fayyad et al (1996), Data mining is an important process of discovering novel, implicit, useful and comprehensive knowledge from large amount of data. For Direct marketing it translates in to a description of likely buyers or responders and thus Data mining helps in securing better results, for a direct marketing campaign than a traditional mass marketing campaign For example - To develop marketing and service –delivery strategy, Harrah’s entertainment Inc., the gambling and hotel chain uses Data mining to target customers on individual basis for direct marketing. Using its sophisticated

Security and loss prevention Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Security and loss prevention - Essay Example Fijnaut (1995) attributes growth in private security to economically motivated reactions to increased criminal-related losses. The growth in many private business properties such as recreational parks and mega shopping malls led to an increase in special crime-related problems as noted by Shearing and Stenning (1983). The high increase in crime during this period resulted in many businesses incurring a lot of losses. This prompted the need to use private security to guard the businesses instead of relying state security that did not provide quick response to crime (Fijnaut, 1995). The recent growth in technology has also contributed to the increase in private security. This is due to the facts that new, advanced surveillance technologies could be used which was not the case in earlier times. The new technologies reduced the cost of security, which then stimulated demand for private security services that were (and still are) more cost effective. Fijnaut (1995) also notes that the growth was also attributed to the fact that many large companies in the eighties had economic drives, which led to slimming down of their secondary functions. These companies therefore decided to shift to the use of private security to replace the guards. Privatization of secondary functions by the governments also led to the growth in private security. In this case Fijnaut (1995) notes that government agencies like the prisons and police services began contracting elementary duties such as those of receptionists and access controls and transport to private security firms. In order to promote growth in private security, most governments in Europe introduced legislations regulating private security firms. In this case, private companies are required to fulfill certain requirements before they can be licensed. This is to ensure that individual guards’ criminal records are checked as a selection procedure (Fijnaut, 1995). This enabled those

Direct Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Direct Marketing - Assignment Example 1) Cost – As the cost of per target promotion in direct marketing tends to be substantially higher than that in case of mass marketing, marketers must send their message to a limited audience only, as sending the message to general audience at large with very few of them likely to respond positively or getting converted may increase the cost manifold and thus cause a lot of marketing dollar wastage. 2) Customer irritation – As direct marketing communication tends to be longer and more involving i.e. seek active participation of the customer, than traditional mass marketing communication, thus unnecessary and unsolicited message may lead to customer frustration, resultantly eroding brand equity. Thus in direct marketing it is important to come up with a list of the customers who would be most interested in the product offering and thus will be most likely to respond positively rather than non-responding or responding negatively by avoiding further communication. â€Å"Data Mining is the process of discovering interesting knowledge from large amounts of data stored either in databases, data warehouses, or other information repositories. Simply stated, data mining refers to extracting or "mining" knowledge from large amounts of data.† (Han and Kamber, 2006). According to Fayyad et al (1996), Data mining is an important process of discovering novel, implicit, useful and comprehensive knowledge from large amount of data. For Direct marketing it translates in to a description of likely buyers or responders and thus Data mining helps in securing better results, for a direct marketing campaign than a traditional mass marketing campaign For example - To develop marketing and service –delivery strategy, Harrah’s entertainment Inc., the gambling and hotel chain uses Data mining to target customers on individual basis for direct marketing. Using its sophisticated

Assingment 3 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assingment 3 - Assignment Example A favorable relationship allows the manager to have a task structure that is highly formed and he is able to punish or reward the employees. An unfavorable relationship is usually associated with a poor task structure and the leader has limited authority. 3) Positioning power-, this variable usually measures the amount of power and authority that a manager perceives the organization has granted him for the purpose of rewarding, directing, and punishing of subordinates. Positioning of managers usually depends on the increment of the decision making power of employees. Path goal is a theory that was developed in order to describe the way leaders are able to support and encourage their followers in the achievement of goals that have been set by making the path of success easy and clear (House, 1996). The leader in this case is supposed to, This type of leadership involves the consideration of the follower’s needs, showing concern for their wellbeing and the creation of a working environment that is friendly. This will include the increment of the self-esteem for the followers and enhancing job roles to make work more interesting. This usually works best in a scenario whereby the work is hazardous, boring, or stressful. Directive leadership is the kind of leadership whereby the leader tells the followers what is supposed to be done and helps in guiding them along the way. This will include schedules for specific work and specific time. This involves the consultation of followers and asking for ideas and considering them in the process of decision-making. This approach usually works best in a situation whereby the followers are experts in a certain field. This involves the setting up of goals that are challenging for self-improvement and at work. In this case, high standards are usually expected and demonstrated. The leader should show faith in capabilities of the follower. This approach is best in a complex job

Organizational Culture Essay Example for Free

Organizational Culture Essay Organizational culture is the sum total of the organization’s past and current assumptions, experiences, philosophy, and values that hold it together and are expressed in its self-image, inner workings, interactions with the outside world, and future expectations. It is based on shared attitudes, beliefs, customs, express or suggest contracts, written and unwritten rules that the organization develops over time and that have worked well enough to be considered valid. Culture is a very powerful force at the workplace, which is consciously and deliberately cultivated and is passed on to the incoming employees. It reflects the true nature and personality of an organization. Basically, organizational culture is the personality of the organization. Culture is comprised of the assumptions, values, norms and artifacts of organization members and their behaviors. Members of an organization will sense the particular culture of an organization soon. Culture is one of those terms that are difficult to express distinctly, but everyone knows it when he or she sense it. For example, the culture of a large profit corporation is quite different than that of a hospital which is quite different from that of a university. You can tell the culture of an organization by looking at the arrangement of furniture, from employees behavior, what members wear, and many more. Similar to what you can use to get a feeling about someones personality. Corporate culture can be looked at as a system. Inputs include feedback from, for e.g., society, professions, laws, stories, heroes, values on competition or service, and many more. The process is based on our assumptions, values and norms, e.g., our values on money, time, facilities, space and people. Outputs or effects of our culture are, e.g., organizational behaviors, technologies, strategies, image, products, services, appearance, and many more. The concept of culture is particularly important when attempting to manage organization-wide change. Practitioners are coming to realize that, despite the best-laid plans, organizational change includes not only changing structures and processes, but also the corporate culture. Theres been a great deal of literature generated over the past decade about the concept of organizational culture particularly in regard to learning how to change organizational culture. Organizational change efforts are said to fail the majority of the time. Usually, this failure is credited to lack of understanding about the strong role of culture and the role it plays in organizations. Thats one of the reasons that many strategic planners now place as much emphasis on identifying strategic values as they do mission and vision. To a lesser degree, an organizational structure can get in the way of, or support, the overall success of your projects. This is a lesser problem because, to a certain extent, you can change your organizational structure. In fact, you can change the organization chart frequently, and some companies do just that. Culture, on the other hand, is not easily changed. It can take years for a large organization to develop a culture of excellence. Some organizational structures can definitely impair your ability to deliver projects. First are those organizations whose project teams are doing to support work. If your project organization does support as well, it usually means that support issues will pop up and take the focus away from the project. A lot of multitasking and thrashing takes place as you move from support work to project work to support work. It’s usually very difficult to prepare good estimates and meet your scheduling commitments. You may be forced into this structure if your staff is small. For example, a company for instance, has 15 people who worked on support, projects, and enhancements. However, they didn’t have enough people to specialize in either support or project work. This made it difficult to meet all of the project commitments. Instead, employees had to do a good job of managing expectations. Organizational structure may also prevent the ability to share resources. For instance, if your project team needs a resource with a specific expertise, you may not be able to easily share that person with another functional area. Some of this is also related to your culture. Ask yourself whether a different organizational structure would help. If it would, you may have an organization problem. If it wouldnt help, your culture is probably not supportive of resource sharing. Creating positive culture in an organization is a competitive advantage. Organizations with a positive culture are proven to be more productive. Many organizations are implementing participative management. More recently, the concept of empowerment has added to participative management by encouraging employees to internalize their organizations culture and make independent decisions. Empowerment can be an integral element of organizational culture change. Good leaders and good followers are necessary for empowerment to be influential in developing an organization with a strong culture. Experts suggest managers with empowered people on their staff are more effective. They achieve more of their objectives and they achieve them more easily. Empowerment embodies the concepts of internal motivation, internal justification for decision making, shared responsibilities, and integration for problem solving. As employees mature in an organization, they gain more knowledge, internalize justification for the actions they take, and become more intrinsically motivated. Besides this internalization process, employees tend to take a more active role in intervening in the actions of newer employees and offering feedback regarding culture-consistent behaviors. Managers should recognize this model in their organizations and manage their employees accordingly. Reference Jeffrey Kerr. (1987). Managing corporate culture through reward systems. Academy of management Executive, 1(2), 99-108. Daft, R.L. (2008). Management. Canada: Nelson Education. Heithfield, Initials. (2006). culture enviorment. Retrieved from http://humanresources.about.com/od/organizationalculture Freeman, Initials. (2008). Environment ethics and business . 5-10. Schachter, Initials. (2005). The importance of understanding organizational culture. Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FWE/is_6_9/ai_n1

Picornavirus Life Cycle and Processing of Proteins

Picornavirus Life Cycle and Processing of Proteins Introduction Picornaviruses are small positive strand RNA viruses with single stranded genomic RNA capable of causing various diseases in humans (Porter, 1993). The picornavirus RNA genome has 3 poly(A) tail and a virus encoded particle Vpg at the 5 end. Unlike other RNA genome viruses, picornavirus doesnt contain a 7- methyl guanosine cap at the 5end intead they contain VPg a viral protein linked at the 5 end of the genome (Bedard and Semler, 2004). IRES (Internal ribosome entry site) is a clover leaf secondary structure at the 5 non-coding region and in the polypeptide there is a 3 noncoding region which contains the poly(A) tract required for the synthesis of minus RNA strand for RNA replication and translation. The minus strand RNa increases the efficiency of RNA replication and translation. The structural and non structural proteins are found at the polyprotein and the polyprotein is divided into three regions such as P1, P2, P3 where P1 contains the structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP 4) required for capsid formation and the non structural proteins P2 and P3 are required for replication and membrane rearrangement. The P2 and P3 region contains proteinase 3C and viral RNA dependent polymerase 3D (Stanway, 1990). There are 11 mature polypeptides with three main cleavage intermediates. UTR- Untranslated region; IRES- Internal ribosome entry site; VPg- Viral protein genome-linked (Lin et al, 2009). Processing of proteins The processing of proteins starts from the primary cleavage occurring between P1 and P2, mediated by viral protease 2A containing the cysteine nucleophile and it cleaves P1 and P2 leaving the viral polyprotein at cis. The P2 and the P3 precursors are separated from P1 region. For aphthovirus self cleavage takes place at the P1 domain region of the polyprotein by L proteinase at the cis whereas the L proteins in cardiovirus possess no proteolytic activity and hence in aphthovirus the cleavage of P1 is initiated by proteinase 3C. 2A proteinase also cleaves the cellular factors in entero and rhinovirus where eIF4G, a cap binding complex is cleaved and due to this even the there is a shut off in host translation. The L proteinase also cleaves eIF4G in aphtho virus during primary cleavage (Ryan and Flint,1997). There are four structural proteins in Picornavirus capsids such as VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP4 where the VP4 protein is inside of the capsid. The VP4 proteins are formed by the cleavage of VP0 precursor, late during the assembly and are modified after translation by the covalent attachment of myristic acid at the amino terminus (Cann, 1997). Picornaviruses consist of three types of proteinase L, 2A and 3C. the aphtho or F M D V polyproteins are processed by more than one proteinase. The L proteinase are available in two forms Lb pro and Lab pro. L pro possess the same function as 2A proteinase of entero and rhinovirus which cleave the host cell protein eIF4G but the major difference between L pro and 2A is that the L pro cleave in between Gly479 and Arg470 residues whereas 2A cleave in between Arg486 and Gly487. Lb pro plays a major role in substrate binding and also in shut off host cell translation like that of 2A proteinase (Ryan and Flint,1997). 2A proteinase cleaves at its own N terminus and the primary cleavage is carried at the P1 capsid protein precursor. The nature of 2A proteinase is unclear and the sequence similarities led to the understanding that 2A pro catalytic triad composed of His20, Asp38 and also an active site nucleophile of cysteine. 2A pro can be inhibited by active thiol proteinases such as iodoacetamide and N-ethylmaleimide. 2A proteinase also inhibits the host cell protein synthesis which mediated the cleavage of eIF-4G, a 220K Da polypeptide but it was later understood that the 2A pro just initiated as an activating factor for another proteolytic activity to cleave eIF-4G. Generally 2A pro shuts off the host cell translation because eIF-4G deals with cap dependent mode of translation in host cell. In poliovirus, 2A acts a trans activator of translation at IRES when host cell is not imhibited. When 2A pro was mutated it led to loss of cleavage activity in trans but not in cis, and no replication of vira l RNA was seen hence this confirms that 2A pro is required for viral RNA replication. The aphtho and cardiovirus 2A proteinase show no sequence similarity to entero/rhino virus although 2A protease are similar in size. The primary cleavage of hepatovirus and echovirus does not take place by the cleavage of 2A proteinase and the 2A protein in hepatovirus and echovirus showed no proteolytic activity (Ryan and Flint,1997). 2B and its precursor 2BC is a viral protein consisting of two hydrophobic regions with ÃŽ ± amphipathic a-helix domains leading to the alteration of membranes in the infected cells. The virus induced vesicles are formed when 2B and its precursor 2BC enter into the host membrane of Golgi and ER complex by altering the permeability of plasma membrane to form virporin complex. Once the 2B and the precursor 2BC enters the host there is an imbalance in Ca2+ homeostatis mechanism and blocks protein transport from ER to Golgi and also initiates anti-apoptosis property. The 2B protein also blocks the activation of IRF-3 in Hepatitis A virus through which the cellular IFN-ÃŽ ² gene transcription is inhibited so that there is no harm to Hepatitis A virus in the host. (Lin et al, 2009). The vi ral RNA was anchored for the spatial arrangement required for replication by the 2C protein. The mutagenesis experiments confirmed that the 2C proteins are involved in strand separation of viral RNA while replication (Porter, 1993) Secondary cleavage: The secondary cleavage is carried out within the viral proteins and hence it is mediated by 3C proteinase which plays a very important role in protein processing and RNA replication. The replication proteins are generated within the P2 and P3 precursor proteins when 3C self cleaves at the P3 region of the polyprotein. 3C proteinase or the 3CD precursors cleaves the poly(A) binding protein to inhibit viral translation during late poliovirus infection. 3C also cleaves the host cell protein required for transcription. The key processing step for the viral protein processing cascade is initiated by 3C proteinase. The 3CD proteins also play a major role in carring out important functions during RNA replication (Bedard and Semler, 2004). The major function of 3C proteinase in secondary cleavages is that it process the capsid and the replicative protein precursors. The processing of capsid in poliovirus is done by 3CD proteinase and not 3C proteinase. The 3C proteins are also used to cleave various number of host cell proteins such as histone H3, transcription factor IIIC, TATA binding protein and microtubule-associated protein 4. The 3CD proteinase depends on the host cell protein EF-1 ÃŽ ± and the host cell factor is replaced by 3CD forming 3AB:3CD proteinase complex to bind at the 3 end of the poliovirus genome (Ryan and Flint, 1997). The 3A protein inhibits the cellular protein function and also presents the membrane proteins during viral infection. When the poliovirus 3A protein was mutated, the uridlylation of VPg was affected and also inhibited the viral RNAs plus strand initiation (Porter, 1993). 2B is a viral protein which is required for virion release by altering the cell membrane increasing permeability which is required for poliovirus RNA replication. 2C proteins and its precursor 2BC is necessary for the re-arrangement of intracellular membranes and also for the viral induced cytoplasmic vesicles. 2C binds with the minus strand of poliovirus RNA at the 3 non coding region and hence it plays a role in positive RNA viral strand synthesis and also in minus strand RNA synthesis. 3C and 3D protein helps in immune response interference and also in viral RNA replication. 3A protein is very much important because these proteins help the picornaviruses to escape from MHC-I ( Major histo compatability) expression and intracellular membrane transport by inhibiting both the MHC-I and intracellular membrane transport of the host cell. 3B protein also called as VPg is linked to the 5 end of both the positive and negative strand RNAs. 3AB, 3C, 3CD and 3D are required during the proces s of assembly in replication and also initiates viral RNA polymerase 3D and self cleavage of 3CD. 3C and 3D are involved in binding viral RNA, protein processing and RNA replication. The cloverleaf structure of poliovirus virus and coxsackievirus consist of stem loops in which the viral polymerase precursor, 3CD binds to the stem loop I. 3CD also binds with the host cell protein poly r(C) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) to help only in RNA replication. 3D is responsible for VPg uridylylation and RNA chain elongation while synthesising viral RNA because it contains RNA dependent polymerases and even tends for error prone and mis-incorporation of 1-2 nucleotides per replication (Bedard and Semler, 2004). VP1, VP2 and VP3 are the three larger capsid proteins folded into eight stranded antiparallel ÃŽ ² barrels and a small fourth protein called VP4 is located inside the capsid. The 3C protease cleaves VP3, VP1 and VP0 at the P1 region. The amino termini of VP0, VP3, VP1 initiates the assembly of the virion particle. VP0 peptides are cleaved into VP2 and VP4 at the final stage of processing and assembly. VP4 and VP2 are adjacent to each other at their ends when cleaved. The infection of the host is initiated when the capsid proteins bind to the receptor on the host membrane. ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) is the receptor molecule for the major rhinovirus which binds the cell to adjacent substrates. Poliovirus receptor molecule is an integral membrane protein consisting of one variable and two constant domains and this receptor molecule attaches to the host cell to initiate replication process. The general receptors used by the various picornaviruses are poliovirus receptor f or poliovirus attachment, ICAM-1 receptor for major rhinovirus, LDL-R for minor group rhinovirus, CD55 or DAF receptor for some echoviruses and group B coxsackie B1-B6 receptors. A deep cleft known as canyon is formed by flanking the monomers, VP1, VP2 and VP3 which helps the virus to escape the immune response by the host cell. The interaction of capsid proteins with the intracellular host factors affects the induction of apoptosis (Lin et al, 2009). Host cell shut off mechanism The mRNA of picornavirus is uncapped and hence the translation takes place by directly introducing ribosomes at internal ribosome entry sites (IRES). The cleavage of eukaryotic translation initiation factor, eIF4G by 2A protease inhibits the cap dependent mRNA translation of the host cell. When poliovirus is introduced into the host it inhibits the host cell translation leading to apoptotic cell death. The eIFGII is more resistant to the infection of poliovirus than eIFGI. The death inducing proteins encoded by cellular mRNA were translated by cap independent translation leading to apoptotic death. The cleavage of eIF4GI by caspase 3 also induces apoptotic cell death but differs from poliovirus 2A protease process. Severe inhibition of translation leading to apoptosis is seen by both the caspase 3 activity and 2A protease. IRES elements in mRNAs encode proteins which regulate apoptotis. Even poly (A) protein and dystropin protein are also cleaved by 2A protease.. Hence, the cleavage of poly(A) binding protein by 2A protease cause apoptotis and the cleavage of dystrophin protein can induce apoptotic process due to cytoskeleton disruption (Goldstaub et al, 1999). The enterovirus 2B protein suppresses apoptotic pathway of the host cell by controlling intracellular Ca2+ homeostatis. The apoptotic responses are initiated by the 3C and 2A proteinase to inhibit cellular transcription and cap dependent translation. When the 2B proteins are suppressed by caspase-3 activation it leads to apoptotis (Campanella et al, 2004). The cellular mRNAs encode for the death inducing proteins which are translated by cap independent translation. When eIF4GI and eIF4GII are cleaved by 2A protease it leads to apoptotic death because it inhibits cap dependent translation. The 2A proteins also cleave the poly(A) binding protein and the dystropin protein which leads to apoptotis through a translational mechanism (Goldstaub et al, 2000). The eIFE is the component of cap binding complex of cap structure at 5 end of mRNA. The 40 S ribosomal subunit checks at the 5 non coding region until it finds the initiating codon or the the authentic start codon AUG and then sends a signal to the 60S to form a complex. For translation to occur in mRNA the 5 non coding region with the cap end should bind with the eIFE and once it binds to the cap the 40 S ribosomal subunit scans for the authentic initiation or start codon AUG and once it finds the AUG codon it gives a signal to 60 S ribosomal subunit to form a complex with 40 S and initiate the translation along with initiation factors (Bedard and Semler, 2004). In picornavirus the 5 end of mRNA in the non coding region is not capped and hence to initiate translation, the cap independent mechanism is required. Hence in picornavirus, the 40 S ribosomal subunit scans for ribonucleo protein complex at 5 non coding region and initiation take place to recognise authentic start codon. The eIF4G is cleaved by viral proteinase 3C and 2A which shuts off the host cell translation (cap dependent) and also cleaves poly(A) binding protein (PABP)and hence it inhibits the host cell translation. When the host cell is infected by Foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), the eIF4G subunit which is responsible for the cap dependent translation of the host is cleaved by the L protein and for the Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), the cap dependent translation of host is blocked by a repressor protein 4E-BP1 which binds at the 5 cap region and hence the repressor protein 4E-BP1 blocks the binding of eIF-4E which is the cap binding subunit and hence the host translation is shut off. The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) does not shut off the host translation because it requires eIF4G for its translation (Bedard and Semler, 2004). All picornavirus consist of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and are mapped to the 5 non coding region. There are four types of IRES seen in picornaviruses based on the RNA secondary structures. The enterovirus and rhinovirus comes under the Type I IRES. Aphthovirus and cardiovirus comes under the Type II IRES and the Hepatitis virus comes under the Type III IRES. The porcine reschovirus comes under the Type IV elements. The IRES mediated translation is initiated by two factors Canonical initiation factors and IRES trans-activating factors. Canonical initiation factors to initiate IRES mediated translation: The IRES elements of poliovirus and EMCV are similar and require the initiation factors to be primed at the 40S ribosomal subunit. The IRES mediated translation is initiated by certain canonical factors such as eIF4G and eIF4B to bind to the viral RNA and also certain other subunits such as eIf3 and eIF2 to pre-bind to the 40 S ribosomal subunits. The IRES translation of poliovirus and EMCV is promoted by the poly(A) binding protein (Lin et al, 2009). Noncanonical initiation factors to initiate IRES mediated translation: The polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB) is a 57 KDa mRNA splicing factor which increases and promotes the activity of IRES in poliovirus. The molecular switching from translation to the replication of poliovirus is done by the proteolytic cleavage of PTB. The PTB also functions as RNA chaperon by stabilizing the type II IRES of FMDV and EMCV. Lupus autoantigen (La) is a 52 KDa of nuclear protein which binds to certain distinct parts of HAV IRES and with small interfering RNA and hence the HAV IRES translation and replication is suppressed. Poly(rC) binding protein (PCBP2)bind to the type I IRES of picornavirus and hence it leads to internal initiation of translation in type I IREs elements. The heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) is an RNA binding protein which binds to the 5 UTR of HRV2 and regulates transcription (Lin et al, 2009). The picornavirus infection has lowered the level of host cell transcription and hence there is a increase in the number of viral RNA molecules. The nuclear localization signal (NLS) present in the poliovirus 3D protein targets the 3CD precursor to the nucleus for autocatalytic final maturation and allow the release of 3C protease (Bedard and Semler, 2004).) Picornavirus RNA replication: The new positive and negative strand viral RNA are synthesised by using the viral encoded RNA dependent RNA polymerase 3D. The RNA dependent RNA polymerase 3D acts as a protein primer and forms VPg-pU-pU which initiates the viral RNA replication and the process is known as VPg uridylylation. When VPg uridylylation is done, the poly(A) tract at the 3 end acts as an initiation site for the synthesis of negative strand RNA synthesis. The negative strand developed act as a template for the synthesis of new viral positive RNA strand by cap independent translation. Many or numerous copies of positive viral RNA strand can be synthesised from a single negative strand. In picornaviruses, there are numerous RNA sequences and secondary structures within the 5 non coding region which are essential for the RNA replication. The viral protein 3CD and the host protein, PCBP binds at the 5 cloverleaf structure of the non coding region. The cellular host protein PCBP binds to loop b and the 3CD binds to loop d of the 5 cloverleaf structure. A ternary complex is formed when 3CD and PCBP2 binds with the cloverleaf structure along with the viral RNA to form RNA replication. When PCBP2 was depleted, there was poor RNA synthesis in poliovirus and hence it was recognised that PCBP2 play a vital role in RNA replication. PABP is a cellular protein which binds to the poly(A) tract at the 3 end of viral RNA interact with 5 cloverleaf structure of PCBP2 and the viral protein 3CD. When the PABP at the 3 end interact with PCBP2 at the 5 end, the viral RNA may interact and hence there is an initiation of replication process. Even the 3AB and 3CD proteins interact at the 5 cloverleaf structure to each other there by initiating viral RNA replication. The cis-acting replication element (cre) was found within the coding region of picornavirus genomic RNA which is required for viral replication and viability. In aphthovirus the cre structure is at the non coding region of the 5 end. The cre sequence AAACA was found in the conserved hairpin structure at the coding region of picornaviruses required for RNA replication. The cre elements act as a binding site for viral replication proteins and also as a template for VPg uridylylation. At cre element, VPg is more efficient than at the poly(A) tract and uridylylation on cre structure leads to only positive strand RNA synthesis and for uridylylation and replication initiation of the minus strand uses the poly(A) tract. The interaction between 3CD with cre and cloverleaf RNA may arrange the viral RNA structurally for efficient RNA replication. The 3 NCR and the 3 poly(A) tract forms the site of replication for minus strand RNA synthesis. The poly(A) tract at the 3 end functions for virus viability, impart stability and also for the efficient RNA replication by interacting with viral RNA at the 5 end (Bedard and Semler, 2004). The negative strand is first formed by using the VPg protein primer and the VPg plays an important role in replication. The enzymatic activity of 3D polymerase has lead to VPg uridylylation which covalently couples with the tyrosine residue in the VPg protein. The 3 poly (A) tract template may also involve other host proteins for replication. The 2C bind at the 3 end the negative strand showing ATPase activity. The RNA polymerase 3D unwinds to develop viral RNA synthesis (Bedard and Semler, 2004).

Roosevelt and the Great Depression Essay -- History Politics Historica

Roosevelt and the Great Depression The Great Depression of the 1930’s was a great blow to America especially after the seeming prosperity of the twenties. The depression was a result not of false prosperity in the twenties, although the distribution of wealth was very uneven the affluence was very real, but rather from a lack of economic and political maturity to address the problems either before 1929 or as a cure post 1929. The Great Depression is often seen as a result of the twenties when rather it was a failure of the thirties. If the necessary policies had been drawn up in the twenties there would have been widespread hatred for these policies by the wealthy ruling class. This would have made them impossible to implement. It is only during the depression that they became a remote political possibility. Since most of these measures were never tried by either Hoover or Roosevelt we can only speculate as to the level of political acceptance such measures would have encountered. Roosevelt's main measure in combating the Great Depression was the implementation of the New Deal. When Roosevelt excepted the presidential nomination he said â€Å"I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people†. The New Deal, which was never clearly defined, became the label for the measures undertaken to combat the depression. This New Deal sparked off one of the most concentrated bursts of legislation in American history. In 1933 Roosevelt took up office in the face of an economic crisis. Massive unemployment had swept the country and a banking sector in crisis. â€Å"The New Deal was already in the oven, only half-baked, but it had to be served quickly† it was perhaps for this reason that the barrage of legislation lacked a cohe... ... reversing the policy of fiscal conservatism into one of increased defence spending which brought a boom to many industries. Many of the gains of Roosevelt’s actions are in the long term. Even though many of his government agencies ceased to exist some key reforms were made, especially with regard welfare and the banking sector. The New Deal, though of dubious economic value, set in motion long-range trends toward governmental expansion and modernisation. Works Cited: Burns, J.M. 1956, Roosevelt the Lion and the Fox 1882-1940: Volume One, Harcourt, Brace & World, New York Conkin, P.H. 1968, The New Deal, Routledge American History, London. Graham, O.L. 1967, An Encore for Reform: The Old Progressives and The New Deal, Oxford University Press, New York. Hill, C.P. & Fell, G.H. (eds), 1975, Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal, Edward Arnold, London

How Much Is the Effect of Acid Rain Environment? Essay

Acid rain is mixed with certain chemicals, including Hydrocarbons. Nitrogen Oxides are created naturally from bacteria, volcanoes and lightening. From the burning of fossil fuels we get chemicals like Sulphur Dioxide, Sulphur Trioxide and Carbon Dioxide. When Carbon Dioxide is mixed with water we get Carbonic Acid. When Nitrogen Oxides are mixed correctly with water it can create Nitric Acid. When Sulphur Dioxide is mixed with water it creates Sulphurous Acid. And when Sulphur Trioxide is mixed with Sulphur Dioxide and water it can create the lethal Sulphuric Acid. Ozone Depletion also impacts on this as its releasing CFC’s which then add to the impact from acid rain. Â  Acid rain can corrode metal structures such as railway tracks and overhead power cables. It can also erode cement, marble and especially limestone buildings. It can take a longer time in some cases due to what the material is, but the evidence is shown a lot of most buildings. Acidic water affects the growth and health of fish and other aquatic life, by reducing the pH of the water and impacting the health and breeding success of the fish and aquatic invertebrates. Death of aquatic organisms due to damaged exoskeleton development as the calcium compounds become more soluble. So there is less calcium in the food chain (for fish bones and birds egg shells). PH5 mucus on fish gills, pH4 species decline. It also dissolves metals out of sediments and rocks to increase the metals (lead) in the water. These can be taken up by the plants and contaminate the associated seeds or fruit. Phytotoxicity is a toxic effect by a compound on plant growth. Such damage may be caused by a wide variety of compounds, including trace metals, pesticides, salinity, phytotoxins or allelopathy as acids damage enzyme function cells in stomata, root hairs. Seed germination is inhibited by acidic conditions. Lichens are especially sensitive to acids. Osmosis, in the water, will affect the aquatic life as well as respiration in the fish themselves, it can harm them. Acid rain impacts crop growth and soil structure. It can affect the growth of plants as many plants have a specific soil pH for optimum growth. In addition it can leach nutrients out of the topsoil, into the groundwater and into the water table. The leaching of nutrients from the soil makes them unavailable to plant life. Acid precipitation can change the ionic balance in clayey soils, affecting their structure. The pollutants that cause acid rain, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, are inhaled and cause an increase in heart and lung conditions (and premature death). Respiratory illness such as asthma and bronchitis are more common and can lead to pulmonary (heart) disease. Acid rain can also harm organisms by causing other changes that are harmful to living organisms. Soil can be deflocculated by acids where the particles that form peds separate causing the peds to collapse, filling the soil spaces and making the soil less permeable. Lime soils are less affected. Acids increase solubility of ions of metals such as Ca2+ and Al3+ ions which poison organisms. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are more soluble under acidic conditions, this bio accumulates and bio magnify. (Affect animal’s nervous systems, liver and kidneys) Organisms have an increased susceptibility to pests and disease, waxy cuticles of leaves are removed. Nutrient recycling is reduced as soil bacteria are killed by acid and heavy metal bioaccumulation. Plant diversity is affected, less tolerant species removed first. The Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, often abbreviated as Air Pollution or CLRTAP, is intended to protect the human environment against air pollution and to gradually reduce and prevent air pollution, including long-range transboundary air pollution. The whole point of this organisation is to gradually reduce and prevent air pollution. Parties develop policies and strategies to combat the discharge of air pollutants through exchanges of information, consultation, research and monitoring.

Marketing mix in a business

Paraded Sahara Part 1 (a) The marketing mix is a strategy tool used to formulate a plan for product development and promotions in a business. Examining the mix for the company Bottle Green may help Simon Speers, Company Owner, see the strengths and weaknesses of the business whilst considering its growth potential. The four core elements of marketing mix are product, place, price and promotion.Products: A range of cordial drinks, mostly elderflower but has a growing range including flavors such as, ginger and lemongrass, Cox's apple and Victoria plum. The product is tangible and has a core benefit of quenching thirst. The quality, brand name and packaging may also be a benefit to a consumer who considers their image and how others perceive them. The product life cycle as many others will go through the five phases; development, introduction, growth, maturity and decline. This is why it is important for the company to have new products lined up in order to boost sales.Place: Bottle Gr een distributes to and sells products in supermarkets, Waitress being he single biggest customer, also to tea rooms and small outlets. The company also exports to Sweden and Canada at present. Bottle Greens distribution is out-sourced, this may be a benefit as having another company deal with the logistical area of the business could save time and enable that time to be focused on a more valuable area, such as promotions. Price: Bottle Green Cordial drink is priced Just under E, I assume this is a cost based price.Simon Speers describes the bottle as ‘chic' and hopes for it to be on the dinner tables of the nations middle class. With this premium rand image and quality product it has a competitive price when comparing it to other rival brands. For example, the sparkling soft drink produced by company Seller is currently priced at E. 25 for a mall bottle and Bottle Greens price for a similar product is E. 39 for a mall bottle. Promotion: Bottle Green has a good brand image and has built up brand awareness amongst customers.Not only does the business have a great social media profile, it also sends out samples and recipes to TV chefs who are key influencer in the public eye. Jamie Oliver and Delia Smith being two TV hefts who have given positive feedback and influenced sales to rise. Another area I would like to focus on is purchasing. The bulk of Bottle Greens elderflower comes from the company farm in Clotheshorse and the rest is imported from Hungary. Sugar forms the basis of the cordial drink and this is a problem for Speers.Currently purchasing sugar at Euro-sugar price which is higher than world-sugar price by approximately 2% per tone. At present the business is purchasing at a fixed price but any movement in the wrong direction on the foreign exchange markets will mean further expense for Bottle Green. Part 1 (b) Expert Jeanine Woodcock, managing partner at Bottle Green has some suggestions which mainly focus on promotions of the business. Engaging with customers through the social media profile where customers can discuss stories in reference to the products was one suggestion.This will encourage existing and new customers to advertise the business via word of mouth and the internet. By doing this alongside another of Woodcocks suggestions, researching current customer interests and behavioral patterns, Bottle Green will have a deeper understanding of its statistics and core demographic. This will enable the business to see its strengths and weaknesses in promotions and take action where necessary. The expert also suggests sponsoring a typically British unique and authentic event. This could potentially engage more customers and raise brand awareness which should in turn increase sales.Another expert Joe Whiteouts, deputy director at Bottle Green makes suggestions that focus on product, place and promotion. One suggestion was elderflower capsules that could be added to water and be sold where water based drinks are prepared, for example, offices that use water dispensers. This product development will enable the business to target a new market with a unique new product. Another suggestion was to target the vending machine market, this would put the product in a new place where it would compete with the competition of other soft drink retailers.The final suggestion was to supply schools with recipes in May and June when elderflower is in blossom. The idea that this campaign could be competition based would give potential customers an incentive to engage with the product. It was also suggested that the idea could be pitched as a new healthier alternative to the normal range, this would allow the business to branch out into yet another area of the market. These suggestions could possibly raise brand awareness and bring new customers which would in turn bring more revenue.The business would also have new products in the market beginning a new life cycle. Part 1 (c) The weaknesses I can see in Bottle Greens marketing mix are a lack of product range, the high purchase cost of sugar and the lack of promotion. Firstly I would take the advice of the expert Joe Whiteouts and introduce a new product and a healthier alternative range. This would bring interest from new areas in the market and potentially increase sales. Secondly I would work on the current promotional schemes, I would take the advice of both experts when it comes to promoting the business.Using the social media profile is possibly the quickest, most efficient way to advertise and promote the company in a finance friendly manner. Thirdly sponsoring events and school campaigns are also good ideas, not only British events and British schools but also International events and schools to encourage the potential growth overseas. Fourthly I would branch out and advertise on TV, this is a age opportunity to reach out to millions of potential customers. Finally I would do extensive research on sugar suppliers and try to find a cheape r alternative, this could save the company money and also increase gross profit.I would achieve these goals by working with specific areas in the business such as, the product development team, purchasing team, marketing and promotions team and also the two experts to create new products with a marketing strategy to launch the business into its next level. If all the suggestions were carried out and successful I believe that with rotgut development, increased brand awareness and promotional advertising the business would be in a better financial position and potential growth not only in the I-J but also overseas would look encouraging.