Risk Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Risk Assessment - Essay Example Large organizations tend to spend great number of resources on implementing security measures to keep their informational assets safe but the writer states that there is not much awareness about this aspect in the non-profit organizations that have very limited resources and IT budgets. The author of the chosen paper, Fox (2008) understands the constraint of limited budgets in non-profit organizations therefore devised the methodology that would not cause them any setbacks in their financial system. The following aspects are considered for the development of the respective methodology; inexpensive or free software components that are compatible with Microsoft, no new infrastructure risk is brought about in the system, tools must be simple enough to be operable by volunteers after only few training sessions. The methodology that has been proposed by the author involves a series of steps that should be followed to ensure that the non-profit organization understands the risks that might be present in their IT infrastructure. Fox (2008) proposed the following steps: The series of steps for the risk assessment process is detailed and covers some of the basic considerations that should be involved in the conventional mode of risk assessment for example; the views of the top management regarding the important data that should be safeguarded and the authorities who should have access to the data. However, the implementation of the methodology requires the assessor to be equipped with the knowledge of UML which might pose to be a challenge for the volunteers in the non-profit organization. It requires considerable training to possess the skill of framing real life instances into UML framework. Another aspect of the paper that could have been explained in a better manner involves COBIT and NIST 800-30 security standards. The methodology is claimed to be based on these security standards but the

The Children of Hammerstein Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Children of Hammerstein - Essay Example The three daughters were often grouped together and called the ‘von Hammerstein Sisters’ but the truth was that even though they had their fair share of similarities, they had their own personalities and lived different lives. The main thing they had in common was their stand against Nazism. Till the 1920s in Berlin – the years when they finally came of age – they socialized greatly be it the gymnasium, university, the social and/or political movements and so on. Once the political upheaval rose to great heights, all of them helped the victims in their own ways, not worried about the risk they were taking of their lives by opposing the Weimar Republic and later the Third Reich. Maria Luise was the oldest daughter of the five children. She opposed Hitler by joining the German Communist Party in the late 1920s. In fact, whenever her father departed from the house, she would take the opportunity to go through this safe in hopes of finding documents with import ant information on them. She even told the Soviet Union about Hitler’s political and military plans which he informed to his generals in his secret speech. This made her a traitor to her country but her father was not against it. It was during this time period also that she had a relationship with Werner Scholem but later he was shot dead. Maira Luise decided to remain in her homeland for the duration of the war. It was at some point in the 1950s that she changed her residence to the German Democratic Republic. The second daughter was Maria Theresa and she was quite an activist. She was less ideologically at risk than her sisters but she did empathize with left wing views, especially the educated middle class Jewry. She alerted the Jews if they were in danger of being deported or arrested by extracting the necessary information from her father. She would move the Jews and some Germans to Prague and helped many of the marked to hide. She also brought materials such as newspape rs to the Nazi community over there. Maria Theresa is lauded for saving innumerable Jews from extermination. She got married to a Jewish man in 1934. They travelled to Palestine but had to return and were cross examined a lot of times by the Gestapo. So, they went to exile in 1935 to Japan. Over there also, she was not safe but she managed to survive and had four children. After the war was over, they shifted to the United States of America. Helga von Hammerstein, like her eldest sister Maria Luise, was part of the German Communist Party. She helped out her sister in carrying out her parts. She had a relationship with one man called Leo Roth who lived a very dangerous live and was shot in a prison in 1936. Helga, along with her mother and youngest brother, was held in captivity by the Nazis for the duration of the last weeks of the War. They were first imprisoned at Buchenwald, then at Dachau, and then at South Tyrol. They were interrogated and asked the hiding place of her brotherà ¢â‚¬â„¢s but they did not break. She remained in Germany during the length of the war. After the end of the war, they were given freedom by the Allied Forces in 1945 when they liberated the camps. Franz von Hammerstein was the first son. He was excused from the duty of working for the army due to medical reasons. He was the brother who was imprisoned and questioned by the Gestapo along with Helga and his mother. Later, he was also freed with them by the Allies. After the war

Marketing and Branding Strategies Research Proposal

Marketing and Branding Strategies - Research Proposal Example Moreover, Nike controls around half of the sports foot wear and apparels market and the combined strength of Adidas and Reebok will make them able to attain almost the same market share as that of the Nike. Thus the merger will strengthen the competitive power of Adidas and Reebok. The combined company won't want to cut its own bottom line by launching a price war. Others, however, think consumers may see more products and aggressive marketing from smaller players in the industry as they work to protect their shares. (Petrecca, and Howard). The mergers are often welcomed by the consumers because of their anticipation of good quality products for cheaper prices. The inability to reduce prices may reflect as a weakness of merger among the public. Any time two competitors join forces, there is a tendency to stop competing - a concept that looks good on paper but can be deadly in-market (Howard). It is quite possible that the lack of competition and trust between the companies may force them to reduce their expenditure on advertisement like activities which will negatively impact the marketing activities of both the companies. Moreover, the reduced marketing campaign by these companies will open the doors widely for the competitors like Nike. The companies say they have already identified about $150 m... Hence these companies will get an opportunity to spent more moneys in other markets where previously these companies spent less for advertisements. Threats Often when former rivals join forces there is a tendency to try to change product lines so they don't go head-to-head. "The real danger may be in trying to reposition one brand or another to not compete. ... Both brands could be diluted in the process." (Petrecca, and Howard) The decreased competition between these companies will force them to reduce their activities which may result in spoiling of their popular products in the market. Benefit of the merging Uniting two of the world's top sports companies and creating a much stronger challenge to Nike, particularly on the global giant's home turf: the prime North American market that accounts for about half of the category's sales worldwide. (Petrecca and Howard) It is not possible for either Adidas or Reebok to challenge the supremacy of Nike in North American markets. But the merger made them capable of raising stiff challenges to Nike in these markets as well. Possible marketing strategies Retailers are in an advantageous position because of the opportunity to deal with products two famous brands. Adidas which dominates the soccer shoes market have contracts with David Beckham like soccer personalities whereas Reebok has contracts with global basketball stars like Yao Ming (Petrecca, and Howard). Thus they can utilize these sports personalities in a complementary manner conduct their marketing strategies effectively. In short, the merger between Reebok and Adidas made them capable to compete effectively with their main competitor Nike. Works Cited 1. Howard, Theresa. USA TODAY. 2005. "Adidas, Reebok lace up for

Professional standards outline Essay Example for Free

Professional standards outline Essay Professional standards outline the auditors consideration of material misstatements due to errors and fraud. a) What responsibility does an auditor have to detect material misstatements due to errors and fraud? The purpose of assurance engagement is enhancing the reliability of the subject matters. So it is auditors responsibility to provide a reasonable level to assure the financial report is true and fair. Financial report is a data assembling which reflect the position of the business. Therefore these users, including investors, managements, shareholders and the other parties can make decision base on the information provided by the financial report. Then the information which impacts on the process of decision making for the uses of the financial report is defined as materiality (Kimmel, Carlon, Loftus, Mladenovic, Kieso, Weygandt, 2006). The fairness and trueness of the material is important to the users of financial reports. The major task of auditor is to identify the misstatement in the financial report. By definition, misstatement is a difference between the amounts, classification, presentation or disclosure of a reported financial report item and the amount, classification, presentation or disclosure that is required for the item to be in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. There are two kinds of misstatements and they rise from error or fraud respectively (Auditing, Assurance and Ethics Handbook, 2010). But by the limitation of auditing, financial report audit only provides reasonable assurance instead of total responsibility to the fairness and trueness of the reports. The auditors can assure about whether the financial report is prepared in all material respects in accordance with a financial reporting framework. The reason of the limitation is determined by the nature of financial reporting, the nature of audit procedures and the need for the audit to be conducted within a reasonable period of time and at a reasonable cost (Moroney, Campell, Hamilton, 2011). b) What two main categories of fraud affect financial reporting? By definition, fraud is an intentional act through the use of deception to obtain an unjust or illegal advantage. These two main categories of fraud are financial reporting fraud and misappropriation of assets fraud. Generally say misappropriation of assets fraud involves some form of theft. Therefore misappropriation of assets fraud will decrease the assets and increase the expenses then it will reduce the owner’s equity of the company (Auditing, Assurance and Ethics Handbook, 2010). Financial reporting fraud is intentionally misstating items or omitting important facts from the financial report (Moroney, Campell, Hamilton, 2011). In Cendant case, the fraud is the accounting department manipulating the revenues to meet the expectation of Wall Street analyst. Than the company can have more opportunities to merge other companies. The affect of the financial reporting fraud will increase sales therefore increase the profit of the company. The financial reporting with fraud will indicate the future earning ability to the share market therefore rising the share price in the exchange market. c) What types of factors should auditors consider when assessing the likelihood of material misstatements due to fraud? First the auditors should consider the company economical environment to identify whether there are incentives and pressures to commit a fraud (Moroney, Campell, Hamilton, 2011). CUC is in the travel service industry which is highly competitive. And CUCs revenue has dramatic doubled in the mid-1990s. To merge the other company, the companys profit has to keep increasing to meet the analysts’ expectation. So the managements of CUC have pressures to create more profit by fraud financial figures. Second the auditors should look into the financial report whether there are opportunities to perpetrate a fraud. (Moroney, Campell, Hamilton, 2011) In this case, CUC made various year-end adjustments to the general ledger. Those significant adjustments created great opportunities to make a fraud. Finally, attitudes and rationalisation to justify a fraud need to be assessed by the auditors. (Moroney, Campell, Hamilton, 2011)CUC has been required to amend its financial statements by the Securities and Exchange Commission several times for using aggressive accounting practices in later 1980s and early 1990s. And from CUCs high speed expand, the companies top management showed high enthusiasm to maximise the share price. So the top level managements have created a flexible environment for the financial fraud. d) Which factors existed during the 1995 through 1997 audits of CUC that created an environment conducive for fraud? Seeking the incentives and pressures to commit a fraud, material stated in the early and mid-1990s CUC acquired several companies to expand market share. Those acquisitions included Entertainment Publications in 1992, Net Market in 1994, Welcome Wagon International, Home Shopping Travel Club, Privacy Guard in 1995, Sierra On-Line, Davidson Associates in 1996. CUC also came into the new contracts with big companies such as Intel, Time Warner and American Airlines. CUC had doubled revenues from 738m in 1993 to 1.4b in 1996 and at same time CUCs net income rose from 25m to 163m (CUC International Inc. Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on CUC International Inc.). CUC was in highly increasingly competitive industry. To maintain high growth rate hut pressures on the managements. However, for year-end reporting purposes, CUC made various year-end adjustments to incorporate the misstatements into the general ledger. Those adjustments are the opportunities to perpetrate a fraud. Question 2: Entitys 5 interrelated components of internal control a) What responsibility does an auditor have related to each of these five components? Internal control is the process designed, implemented and maintained by those charged with governance, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance about the achievement of the entitys objectives with regard to reliability of financial reporting, effectiveness and efficiency of operations and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Internal control framework is one of the independent reference for auditors to gather. The auditors need to test the five components of the internal control to identify the level of risk to error or fraud. The auditors need to test the effectiveness, consistent, inspection of documents for evidence of authorisation, inspection of documents for evidence that details included have been checked by appropriate client personnel, personnel performing,how they perform their tasks and re-performing control procedures. 1) The control environment The control environment is the attitudes, awareness and action of management and those charged with governance concerning the entitys internal control and its importance in the entity. And the control environment sets the foundation for effective internal control, providing discipline and structure and includes several elements such as, communication and enforcement of integrity and ethical values, commitment to competence, participation by those charged with governance, managements philosophy and operating style, organisational structure, assignment of authority and responsibility, human resource policies and practices. The auditor should consider each of these areas and their interrelationships. Especially, the auditor need to identify the significant deficiencies. 2) The entitys risk assessment process The entitys process for identifying and responding to business risks, in the financial reporting area, is how management find risks in the preparation of a financial report that is true and fair. There are three kinds of risks, inherent, control and detection risks. Inherent risk is the susceptibility of an assertion to a misstatement that could be material, either individually or when aggregated with other misstatements, assuming there are no related controls. Control risk is the risk that a clients system of internal controls will not prevent or detect a material misstatement. Detection risk is the risk that the auditors testing procedures will not be effective in detecting a material misstatement. And auditors need to assess the combined inherent, control and detection risks to evaluate the risk of the material misstatements. 3) The information system, including the related business processes, relevant to financial reporting, and communication. The role of information systems is to capture and exchange the information needed to conduct, manage and control an entitys operations. Auditors will test the information system related to the financial reporting objectives as same as initiating and recording transactions, balance and events. 4) Control activities Policies and procedures that help ensure that management directives are carried out. An audit need to categorise activities such as performance reviews, information processing, physical controls, segregation of incompatible duties. Those activities are easier to be test by the auditors compare those entity-level control activities. 5) Monitoring of controls After establishing and maintaining internal controls, an important responsibility of management is to monitor the controls to assess whether they are operating as intended and modified for changes in conditions on a timely basis. An audit needs to collect evidence about the design and effectiveness of internal controls. Those considerations include periodic evaluation, person in charge, communication channel, management implements, correcting significant deficiencies, implements reports and recommendations from regulators, function of internal audit and evaluations or observations made by the external auditors (Moroney, Campell, Hamilton, 2011).

Order, Disorder and Imagination in John Buck’s Sculptures :: Art Essays

Order, Disorder and Imagination in John Buck’s Sculptures There is always a first impression, a first glance seeping through the corner of your eye. When passing by one can’t help but to notice the overwhelming presence of John Buck’s freestanding sculptures which stand in front of the Gallery. I find myself overwhelmed by both the size and the boldness by which these sculptures speak. Their organized structural nature combines a variety of ideas from branches, birdhouses to molecular structures and globes, and in the middle of it all stands the ringing human form. Initially, the forms and elements I saw in these sculptures impressed me but their composition did not challenge or stimulate my curiosity. So I kept up with the flow of traffic and continued on walking by. I couldn’t quite figure out why I had an aversion to these sculptures. It wasn’t until I started to break down the elements of these sculptures and take a closer look within the walls of the gallery that my first impression faded and a new aur a of his work came into being. A have found an appreciation for both his ways of making and the perceptions he presents. I am a big fan of wood carving, so I am thoroughly impressed by John Buck’s carvings of both his sculptures and woodblock prints. I appreciate the details of his work for instance the visibility of the chip carving and the control he has over the bends of the wood. I am curious to know the techniques he uses to get these details and his methods to making them. I read that John Buck uses a special kind of wood called jelutong. The artist said about working with wood, â€Å" There is an automatic and direct relationship between the nature of the wood and how I am able to work with it†¦In the carving of wood there is a physical activity that is more about nature in the making –not just the concept of the image, but the actual making, is connected to nature.† His connection to nature and the environment go beyond his use of wood as a medium, but are explicit in the stories he tells. In the lecture ‘Pillar to Pole’, Bruce Gunter commented on three forces which he found impacted Buck’s art work, these being: Midwest roots, environmental degradation and relationships to humanity.

How useful is social class Essay

How useful is social class as a variable for segmenting consumer markets? Explore. In the early days of segmentation, according to Schiffman, it was not unusual to apply only one segmentation criterion, e.g. demographic segmentation. Today marketers have realized that it is to simplified to apply only one criterion for segmenting complex markets. Therefore, it is common to combine several criteria to create rich and comprehensive segmentation profiles in order to find the most beneficial target markets for one’s product. Shortly, it can be argued that geographic and demographic variables help to locate a certain target market, whereas psycho-graphic and socio-cultural variables help describe who its members are, how they think and how they feel. Demographic is segmenting customers based on age, income, gender, etc. Geographic is based on the region or country they live in. psycho-graphic is based on their personality and socio-cultural segmentation is segmenting the market based on their subculture, religion, social class, family lifestyle/life-cycle (single, married etc). Currently, we will focus on the importance of segmenting the consumer markets based on their social class. Almost every society has some form of a social class structure. According to Kotler, Social classes are society’s relatively permanent and ordered divisions whose members share similar values, interest, and behaviors. Society is mainly divided into three major classes, Upper, Middle and Lower. But social scientists have identified that society can be classified into seven social classes. They are the Upper Uppers, Lower Uppers, Upper Middles, Middle Class, Working Class, Upper Lower, and Lower Lowers (See Appendix I). Companies need to consider social class as a variable for segmenting the consumer markets because it is useful for them in determining their target market. It helps them in setting the different marketing mix for different  target market based on their social class. For example, a car company like Toyota produces many different types of car with different brands; prices and which are targeted to different people. The expensive cars like Land Cruiser and Celica is targeted to the upper class. While their other brands like Soluna and Toyota Kijang is mainly focused on the middle and working class. Marketers are also interested in social class because people within a given social class tend to show similar buying behavior. It helps the marketers in setting the price and the quality to use for their product. For instance the Upper Uppers way of decision-making of purchasing a product and the product they purchase would be different from those of the Upper Lower. They would prefer to purchase a more expensive product with good quality. They would not go for cheap products thinking that because if it is inexpensive, it is sure an inferior product. For example, in choosing a car. The upper class would prefer to buy something more elite and exclusive like Mercedes and Lexus since it has a class, and is more of a good quality product. They would not go for something like Timor. Therefore, it is vital that marketers consider the social class when segmenting consumers because it influences on consumer purchasing decision-making. Here, marketers know that their upper class consumers see the quality comparing to price. So they have to develop a product with merit features, since the society is affordable to pay for the product. Besides aiming on target market and setting the price, it also helps the marketers in deciding their advertising activities. The way a company advertises for an expensive and exclusive products will be different from the way they advertise a low quality product. I’m sure a marketer would not waste a lot of money in their advertising campaign for an inferior product that is targeted to the middle and lower class. Example, for soap products like Lux and Giv. Lux Company focuses on middle to upper class as their target market. To make it look like a pricier product, they use famous  actresses as their model. At times, the model in the advertising do effect on the consumer decision-making. While Giv Company focuses more on lower class consumers. They are less bother to hire expensive models for their advertising. They would go for a more simple advertising campaign. Overall, I would like to state that if marketers use social classes in targeting their consumer markets, they will be able to easily identify their target, understand their consumer behavior, minimize risk for new products and services and hence can organize successful marketing strategies in which they can sell their products in a better way and can gain more profit. They will also be able to know about the needs of their customers and hence can serve them better in the future.

Structure and Culture of Small Medium Enterprises

‘The category of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is made up of enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million euro, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euro.’ (Definition, 2011) Above explained is the new definition reconstructed by European Commission based on the developments to business environment. This was published in the year 2005 in their website further talking about the importance of SME’s to the European community in the report they issued. Looking further into how and why SMEs plays a major role in the business environment the report explains that, the 25 million SMEs provides 75 million jobs covering 99% enterprises in 25 European union countries. Nonetheless, SMEs has to face difficulties in capital and other important factors such as investment loans especially during the early stage which makes it less stable and short period existence for these types of businesses. (Introduction, 2011) However, some determined minds working through this field tend to survive the obstacles faced in the early stage and carry on with the other phases. Usually SMEs have less than 250 employees. This small community also has to have an intranet among them to be updated and connected to each another. One of the most common tools is paper based communication. Paper based communication requires plenty of paper, more procedure, and more time, which is less reliable and difficult to manage. It also has its advantage of having long time proof of records. But that is not the basic factor highly prioritized in today’s business world. As alternatives keeps the place tidy and stores the record internally in any hard disk or any software. Most importantly, company records are much safer where there is more IT involved. Though, communication is a basic factor in every business organization, not every company has established the latest technology of communication. Different industries or companies have communication process based on their level. Like, huge companies use modern and efficient and/or costly ways of communication whereas; small and medium enterprises (SMEs) use alternative modes which are cheaper and more procedure involved means of communication. This report is based on SME’s highlighting their ways of communication with their stake holders and most importantly, upon how they can improve the method of communication with lower cost. Instead of complicated communication systems these SMEs also could rely on more efficient ways which is more IT related. Among every possible upgrade the key factor for SMEs would be to analyze and go with the minimal cost plan. Executive Summary The introduction of the report explains about what exactly are SMEs. This highlights upon the business culture and structure also the methods they could apply in order to upgrade the existing techniques for an easier method of communication. Alongside, coming up with low cost upgrades as SMEs would not have huge amount in their turnover, moreover it would not be valuable for them for spend abundantly on communication within the organization. Hence, I have shared some opinions which they could rely on and at the same time which would fix into their budget. The report further gives explanations on how the SMEs could grow in its scale by following some method to aware the customers of its existence. And what other IT related yet cheaper ways in which they could keep records like, stock, daily sales and attendance. As far as record keeping is concern in a business organization, SMEs also needs to maintain daily stock report and sales report in a daily basis in order to avoid stock imbalance. If stock is not handled well as a daily/weekly, at the end of the year, missing stocks would be numerous and mysterious. This is going to be a hard task for the company to investigate specially for SMEs. The options elaborated in the report helps to identify some different techniques which help to standardize the majority of work done within the organization. The methods are been separately explained on how each can be utilized and the outcome result of it. Most of it talks about the efficient and effectiveness brought by using the methods. Like how to computerized the stock report and the result in quick search of a transaction or any stock details. Also methods on how the SMEs can reach their customers by spending the least amount on advertising. Structure and Culture of an SME SMEs are usually sole traders who have no more than 250 employees and less turnover of Rs50 million and below. (Fernando, R. 2003) The organizational behavior within the SMEs is less formal than of a larger organization. There are no specific standard followed by the employees. Where attendance maybe the only effective factor for any employee. These types of businesses are usually referred as bureaucratic organization, where the manager/owner has high authority in decision making in every aspect without any recommendation and knowledge by the staffs. For instance, owner decides how a shift would work; if/whether the interior has to be changed and to recruit more staffs and so on. Also he plays the leadership role in deciding how to contact with the customer. Like, if the purchase bills has to be made or not and if so how; printed receipts or manual. Taking a look at why smaller and medium enterprises have a less formal routine is due to cost cutting, result in manual work with cheaper materials to work and also they do not keep a record of day to day business other than the cash-flow. Cash flow records are also maintained in a log book where the cashier list down the items sold, each one separately till the end of the day. And what if a customer needs the receipt? They get a manual receipt with company stamped and purchase details hand written by the cashier, costing more time work and procedure. Meanwhile, the owner keeps a record of bulk purchase in his logbook noting it down after every purchase. This kind of record keeping is difficult to maintain if they want to find something quickly. Moreover, human errors and easy going behavior of a staff may lead to mysterious results of stock imbalance. The external communication; customer communication is preferably poor in SMEs as they do very less advertisements and direct approach to the customers are almost nil regarding its existence. Most of its customers may not know if they have a new stock or introduce a new brand and so on. To be in contact more with the customers is the only way a business can run successfully. But as I have mentioned earlier that SMEs would not prefer any expensive methods of communicating within its organization, below are some upgrades they could bring on in order to connect with the customers and have more efficient way of communicating within the organization. Additionally, some advanced system to keep record. Improved procedure within the business Method 1 Though it has been a tradition to SMEs to keep paper records, they could switch to more IT based information storage. The owner could purchase sales software which is user friendly and easy to train cashiers and/or related department like stores. The registration of the software can be made annually with an annual payment method based on the license to use it. Thus, stock can be maintained in this specific platform at the same time encoding items can result for easy access. Sales software would not be of high cost as it has to be paid annually and compared to the ease it makes in maintaining the majority of the work. Thus, the SME’s would save much time on stock maintaining in efficient way which is more effective; most importantly, with low cost. Method 2 If sales software is considered as high cost per annum simple spreadsheet documentation can be maintained by help of a Microsoft excel expert. Microsoft excel provides a solution to store and calculate the raw data by customized formulas also with the help of the in-built formulas available in the software itself helps to solve minor calculations. It has the potential to create a spreadsheet of raw data into flowcharts, tables and reports to bring a better understanding. The cells are editable which enables to reenter if any changes have to be made. A sales chart can be made in terms of a day, week, month or a year based on their preference. If a company preferred to list down the sales and the stock details in a daily basis, they could include different days tagged in different tabs. While creating different excel documents for different months. Hence, any record can be searched easily with shortcut keys. Meanwhile the SME can keep a good record also record keeping method would be more efficient. SMEs connecting with customers The reason behind low interaction between SMEs and its’ customer is also is to avoid expenses while running business. Bad assumption of SMEs is that communicating to the customers through advertisements are overheads to the company, in fact the attraction gained by the customers would only cause them to have more trade and eventually more profit. To obtain these, SMEs can integrate with modern and IT related communication system which would cost them a lower rate. Method 1 Not only internet can be used as a tool to market but also mobile advertising can be the best and more direct way of approaching to the customer personally. The company can register corporateSMS service from a local telecommunication centre. It helps to forward the same text message with many recipients at the same time. This service can be used to notify the customers for new stock arrivals and so on. News spreads easily, thus a single text message can reach the news to a family and close friends. Overall another 5-10 people would be aware of the news. This makes the direct communication more useful and effective. Method 2 Online marketing is the leading method in modern community. It has become so common that the SMEs also could hire an UI designer to build a platform for their business on the web. This could provide their information regarding the business and products available. Updating the website helps the customers to be familiar with the present availability. There are many web hosting companies which sometimes charge less than $10 per annum. This is quite very few amounts to spend in order to collect more customer and profit to the business. Method 3 Why spend a cent when you can advertise for free? The organization can created a web page about themselves on social networking sites, most common; the Facebook. Owning a page does not require any payment. Numerous amounts of people can search and go through the page as Facebook is in fact, the top rated social networking site where over billions of active users login almost daily. Hence, the chance of more people viewing the page is high and meanwhile, they get to know about the location, service and products available in the organization. The page can be more attractive if company could share pictures of products to make it more helpful the buyers. The details like, history of the organization, mission/vision/objectives and how the customers can contact can also be also included as more details in the information tab provided. Hence this method of online marketing can help to reach more customers without costing any. Method 4 Apart from advertising to the customer, a proof of purchase is required when a customer makes a transaction. In most SMEs a receipt is not provided unless the customer request for it. Hand written slip with a seal of company is how they usually provide it. In my opinion along with sales software they would be able to link to a POS (point of Sales) centre thus a computer generated receipt can be printed through a receipt printer. This method would help both the customer and company to minimize the time of sales. Recommendation Based on the methods mentioned above, my recommendation on how the SMEs could manage their stock is by using a sales software as this is a computer programmed method the chance of mistakes are less compared to using an excel sheet to write down the records manually. Plus, the purchase bill or receipt can be automatically printed after every sales entry if required which leads to a more reliable and quick sale. Thereby, providing the customer a proof and the system detects a sale been done and automatically adjust the balance amount. In the excel sheet this could also be done using the formulas yet it is not reliable if not well maintained. And in most situations daily maintenance cannot be done since the manual work is larger than the automatic level. In case of the sales software technique the normal selling routine goes parallel with the automatic generating of the stock report. It makes the handling procedure much easier and effective. Talking about the marketing point, since Facebook requires none to create a page in the website, this can be easily done to promote its business. This method is the highest effective way because the website is a well-known platform for almost every region. Hence, people around the world will get to know the company and by chance the SMEs could also grow larger in their business according to the income and time. The second best choice I recommend is to register with corporateSMS and to directly approach for customers. This could be done by introducing a visitors’ book and recording the basic information of the customer like; name, contact and preferred item. While the company receives new stock they could text specific group of people with common interest of item, thus the same message can be delivered in bulk. This kind of advertising is more direct and effective. Conclusion Effective communication is the base of the business. If the communication process is reliable then the company can run smoothly. Running a smooth business requires sufficient ways to overcome any conflicts. Any loop holes has to be fixed; starting with the procedure within the company and how to interact with its stakeholders. If a good policy can be retained then the SMEs would also be a well-established part of the society. Rather, having to discontinue soon after starting the business. The success story comes with strong determination; the willingness of a person is all it counts. The report has been highlighted with few methods to improve the existing nature of the SMEs to produce a better procedure to them for their future. Ways in which they could rely on making more profit by spending a small amount of money. Let me conclude by saying that, in my opinion these methods to upgrade the existing techniques followed by SMEs would help them save more time and minimize errors and mistakes from sales maintaining. SMEs can develop their existing communication process within the organization for an efficient and effective system, where they could easily communicate with its customers also within the business community. The opinions mentioned are of low cost also more efficient and convenient to run a small and medium enterprise for a better communication to the organization.

Free Essays on Gimpel The Fool

. During adolescence he is apprenticed to the town baker. At the bakery he learns a valuable trade skill and grows into manhood. As he grows he learns that people tell him falsehoods, yet he continues to believe them. He thinks that anything is possible. He is taught by the word of the Father’s that, â€Å"It is written, better to be a fool all your days than for one hour to be evil. He who causes his neighbors to feel shame loses paradise himself.† Then one day the towns’ people come to Gimpel and tell him of a woman. They say that she is â€Å"virgin pure† but has a limp, though that it is a deliberate act of coyness. Gimpel knows that she is really sexually promiscuous. He proclaims, â€Å"You’re wasting your time. I’ll never ma... Free Essays on Gimpel The Fool Free Essays on Gimpel The Fool A Sense of Redemption Isaac Singer’s Gimpel The Fool is the story of a Jewish man who is as naà ¯ve as a child. Gimpel is portrayed as the town fool and is considered unworldly. For his ignorance he is underestimated and exploited by his peers, yet he always seems to prevail. He shows through his many situations that the meek do inherit the earth. His wife Elka is just the opposite. She is a woman of considerable experience in handling the affairs of life. A calculated woman with a sense of avarice, she is cunning, manipulative, and sinful. She is a Jew though and in the Jewish Orthodox faith there is no redemption; for a sin, there is hell. This faith is based on the Laws of Jehovah and the Pentateuch. This story questions the Law of Jehovah. We are told that the Lord gives no repentance, but in the end Elka comes to Gimpel in near angelic form. Isaac Singer breaks away from Judaism in this story and expresses ideas of Christianity, which show that he may have not held traditional Jewish v alues. Gimpel is an orphan who has lived with his grandfather since an early age. Because of this he never learns the harshness of reality. Instead he learns to trust people and believe in their words. During adolescence he is apprenticed to the town baker. At the bakery he learns a valuable trade skill and grows into manhood. As he grows he learns that people tell him falsehoods, yet he continues to believe them. He thinks that anything is possible. He is taught by the word of the Father’s that, â€Å"It is written, better to be a fool all your days than for one hour to be evil. He who causes his neighbors to feel shame loses paradise himself.† Then one day the towns’ people come to Gimpel and tell him of a woman. They say that she is â€Å"virgin pure† but has a limp, though that it is a deliberate act of coyness. Gimpel knows that she is really sexually promiscuous. He proclaims, â€Å"You’re wasting your time. I’ll never ma...

Black Plauge essays

Black Plauge essays The Black Plague is a type of bubonic plague that traveled throughout Europe, and the Mediterranean Sea killing millions. The Black Plague (or Black Death) is a bacterial infection that causes swelling on numerous parts of the body. Also it causes odd sores in which human flesh is eaten away. If you are infected with this, you have 5 days to be treated before you die. This is carried mainly through a type of rat flea (Yersinia Pestis). The rat flea is of course found on rats but has also been found on marmots, prairie dogs, and other types of rodents. During the five years in which the black plague was at its peak it is estimated that over 25 million people were killed in Europe alone. The Black plague probably originated in China. From there it traveled to the Middle East and throughout southern Russia. It is most likely that it then spread through trade routes along the west. The trade routes lead into Italy along the black sea. Merchants then probably took it Egypt to places like Alexandria. Then it went towards Libya and Damascus and Upper Egypt. Scientists figure that the people who actually brought the Black Death to Europe were either Genoese or Venetian sailors. As the plague spread its destruction into a vaster area through Pisa, it went towards Florence and then onto Bologna and Rome. Later it traveled to: However throughout all this chaos Milan, Italy was virtually unaffected by the disease. The lord of the city ordered that the city gates were to be closed and no outside travelers were allowed in. Especially no travelers from plague areas. Central Germany and a city in Poland also did a similar isolation technique that spared many lives. The doctors who were alive during the plague thought a combination of things. First they believed that the human body lacked fluids, o ...

The Pilgrimage of Grace - Protesting Henry VIII

The Pilgrimage of Grace - Protesting Henry VIII The Pilgrimage of Grace was an uprising, or rather several uprisings, that took place in the north of England between 1536 and 1537. The people rose against what they saw as the heretical and tyrannical rule of Henry VIII and his chief minister Thomas Cromwell. Tens of thousands of people in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire were involved in the uprising, making the Pilgrimage one of the most unsettling crises of Henrys most unsettled reign. Key Takeaways: The Pilgrimage of Grace The Pilgrimage of Grace (1536–1537) was an uprising of tens of thousands of people, clergy and conservatives, against King Henry VIII.  They sought the reduction of taxes, the re-establishment of the Catholic church and the pope as the religious leader in England, and the replacement of Henrys main advisors.  None of their demands were met, and over 200 of the rebels were executed.  Scholars believe the rebellion failed for lack of leadership and conflicts between the demands of the poor versus those of the gentry. The insurgents crossed class lines, uniting commoners, gentlemen, and lords together for a few brief moments to protest social, economic, and political changes they observed. They believed the issues resulted from Henrys naming himself the Supreme Head of the Church and Clergy of England. Historians today recognize the Pilgrimage as growing out of the end of feudalism and the birth of the modern era. Religious, Political, and Economic Climate in England How the country came to such a dangerous place started with King Henrys romantic entanglements and search to secure an heir. After 24 years of being a jovial, married and Catholic king, Henry divorced his first wife Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn in January of 1533, shocking Catherines supporters. Worse, he also officially divorced himself from the Catholic church in Rome and made himself head of a new church in England. In March of 1536, he began to dissolve the monasteries, forcing the religious clergy to give over their lands, buildings and religious objects. On May 19, 1536, Anne Boleyn was executed, and on May 30th, Henry married his third wife Jane Seymour. The English parliament- deftly manipulated by Cromwell- had met on June 8th to declare his daughters Mary and Elizabeth illegitimate, settling the crown on Janes heirs. If Jane had no heirs, Henry could pick his own heir. Henry did have an acknowledged illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy,1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset (1519–1536), from his mistress, Elizabeth Blount, but he died on July 23rd, and it became clear to Henry that if he wanted a blood heir, he would have to acknowledge Mary or face the fact that one of Henrys great rivals, the King of Scotland James V, was going to be his heir. But in May of 1536, Henry was married, and legitimately- Catherine died in January of that year- and if he had acknowledged Mary, beheaded the hated Cromwell, burnt the heretic bishops that allied themselves with Cromwell, and reconciled himself with Pope Paul III, then the pope would have most likely recognized Jane Seymour as his wife and her children as legitimate heirs. That is essentially what the insurgents wanted. The truth was, even if hed been willing to do all that, Henry couldnt afford it. Henrys Fiscal Issues Jervaulx Abbey was one of the great Cistercian abbeys of Yorkshire, founded in 1156. It was dissolved in 1537, and its last abbot was hanged for his part in the Pilgrimage of Grace. Dennis Barnes / Photographers Choice / Getty Images Plus The reasons for Henrys lack of funds were not strictly his famed extravagance. The discovery of new trade routes and the recent influx of silver and gold from the Americas into England severely depreciated the value of the kings stores: he desperately needed to find a way to increase revenue. The potential worth raised by the dissolution of the monasteries would be a huge influx of cash. The estimated total revenue of the religious houses in England was UK  £130,000 per year- between 64 billion and 34 trillion pounds in todays currency. The Sticking Points The reason the uprisings involved as many people as it did is also the reason they failed: the people were not united in their desires for change. There were several different sets of written and verbal issues that the commoners, gentlemen, and lords had with the King and the way he and Cromwell were handling the country- but each segment of the rebels felt more strongly about one or two but not all of the issues. No taxes during peacetime. Feudal expectations were that the king would pay his own expenses unless the country was at war. A peacetime tax had been in place from the mid-twelfth century, known as the 15th and the 10th. In 1334, the amount of the payments was fixed at a flat rate and paid by the wards to the king- the wards collected 1/10th (10%) of the moveable goods of the people living in the urban areas and paid it to the king, and the rural wards collected 1/15 (6.67%) of those of their residents. In 1535, Henry steeply raised those payments, requiring individuals to pay based on periodic assessments of not just their goods but also their rents, profits, and wages. There were also rumors of taxes to come on sheep and cattle; and of a luxury tax for people making less than 20 pounds per year on such things as white bread, cheese, butter, capons, hens, chickens.The repeal of the Statute of Uses. This unpopular statute was of vital importance to wealthy landowners who held estates owned by Henry, but less so to the common folk. Traditionally, the landholders could use the feudal dues to support their younger children or other dependents. This statute abolished all such uses so that only the oldest son could derive any income from an estate owned by the King The Catholic church should be reestablished. Henrys divorce from Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn was only one problem the people had with Henrys changes; the replacement of Pope Paul III as a religious leader to a king who was perceived as a sensualist was inconceivable to the conservative parts of England, who truly believed the switch could only be temporary, now that Anne and Catherine were both dead.The heretic bishops should be deprived and punished. The basic tenet of the Catholic church in Rome was that the supremacy of the king was primary unless to follow his will was heresy, in which case they were morally obligated to work against him. Any clergy who refused to sign an oath siding with Henry was executed, and once the surviving clergy had recognized Henry as the Head of the Church of England (and were, therefore, heretics) they could not go back.No more abbeys should be suppressed. Henry began his changes by taking down the lesser monasteries, describing a laundry list of evils being perpetrated by the monks and abbots, and decreeing that there should be no more than one monastery within five miles of another. There were nearly 900 religious houses in England in the late 1530s, and one adult man in fifty was in religious orders. Some of the abbeys were great landowners, and some of the abbey buildings were hundreds of years old, and often the only permanent building in the rural communities. Their dissolution was a dramatically visible loss to the countryside, as well as an economic loss. Cromwell, Riche, Legh, and Layton should be replaced by noblemen.  People blamed Henrys advisor Thomas Cromwell and other of Henrys councilors for most of their ills. Cromwell had come to power promising to make Henry the richest king that ever was in England and the population felt that he was to blame what they saw as Henrys corruption. Cromwell was ambitious and smart, but of the lower middle classes, a clothier, solicitor, and moneylender who was convinced that an absolute monarchy was the best form of government.The rebels should be pardoned for their insurrection. None of these had a reasonable chance of success. The First Uprising: Lincolnshire, October 1–18th, 1536 Although there were minor uprisings before and after, the first major assembly of dissident people took place in Lincolnshire  beginning around the first of October, 1536. By Sunday the 8th, there were 40,000 men gathered in Lincoln. The leaders sent a petition to the King outlining their demands, who responded by sending the Duke of Suffolk to the gathering. Henry rejected all of their issues but said if they were willing to go home and submit to the punishment that he would choose, he would eventually pardon them. The commoners went home. The uprising failed on a number of fronts- they had no noble leader to intercede for them, and their object was a mix of religion, agrarian, and political issues without a single aim. They were patently afraid of civil war, probably as much as the King was. Most of all, there were another 40,000 rebels in Yorkshire, who were waiting to see what the Kings response would be before moving forward.   The Second Uprising, Yorkshire, October 6, 1536–January 1537 The second uprising was far more successful, but still ultimately failed. Led by the gentleman Robert Aske, the collective forces took first Hull, then York, the second largest city in England at the time. But, like the Lincolnshire uprising, the 40,000 commoners, gentlemen and nobles did not advance to London but instead wrote to the King their requests. This the King also rejected out of hand–but the messengers bearing the outright rejection were stopped before they reached York. Cromwell saw this disturbance as better organized than the Lincolnshire uprising, and thus more of a danger. Simply rejecting the issues might result in an outbreak of violence. Henrys and Cromwells revised strategy involved delaying the rabble at York for a month or more. A Carefully Orchestrated Delay While Aske and his associates waited for Henrys response, they reached out to the Archbishop and other clergy members, those who had sworn allegiance to the king, for their opinion on the demands. Very few responded; and when forced to read it, the Archbishop himself refused to assist, objecting to the return of papal supremacy. It is very likely that the Archbishop had a better understanding of the political situation than Aske. Henry and Cromwell designed a strategy to divide the gentlemen from their commoner followers. He sent out temporizing letters to the leadership, then in December invited Aske and the other leaders to come to see him. Aske, flattered and relieved, came to London and met with the king, who asked him to write up the history of the uprising- Askes narrative (published word-for-word in Bateson 1890) is one the main sources for the historical work by Hope Dodds and Dodds (1915). Aske and the other leaders were sent home, but the prolonged visit of the gentlemen with Henry was cause for dissension among the commoners who came to believe they had been betrayed by Henrys forces, and by mid-January 1537, most of the military force had left York. Norfolks Charge Next, Henry sent the Duke of Norfolk to take steps to end the conflict. Henry declared a state of martial law and told Norfolk he should go to Yorkshire and the other counties and administer a new oath of allegiance to the King- anyone who did not sign was to be executed. Norfolk was to identify and arrest the ringleaders, he was to turn out the monks, nuns, and canons who still occupied the suppressed abbeys, and he was to turn over the lands to the farmers. The nobles and gentlemen involved in the uprising were told to expect and welcome Norfolk. Once the ringleaders were identified, they were sent to the Tower of London to await trial and execution. Aske was arrested on April 7th, 1537 and committed to the Tower, where he was repeatedly questioned. Found guilty, he was hung at York on July 12th. The rest of the ringleaders were executed according to their station in life- noblemen were beheaded, noble women were burned at the stake. Gentlemen were either sent home to be hung or hung in London and their heads placed on stakes on London Bridge. End of the Pilgrimage of Grace In all, about 216 people were executed, although not all the records of the executions were kept. In 1538–1540, groups of royal commissions toured the country and demanded that the remaining monks surrender their lands and goods. Some didnt (Glastonbury, Reading, Colchester)–and they were all executed. By 1540, all but seven of the monasteries were gone. By 1547, two-thirds of the monastic lands had been alienated, and their buildings and lands either sold at market to the classes of people who could afford them or distributed to local patriots. As to why the Pilgrimage of Grace failed so abysmally, researchers Madeleine Hope Dodds and Ruth Dodds argue that there were four main reasons. The leaders were under the impression that Henry was a weak, good-natured sensualist who was led astray by Cromwell: they were wrong, or at least wrong in understanding the strength and persistence of Cromwells influence. Cromwell was executed by Henry in 1540.  There were no leaders among the rebels with unconquerable energy or willpower. Aske was the most passionate: but if he could not convince the king to accept their demands, the only alternative was to have Henry overthrown, something they could not conceivably succeed in doing on their ownThe conflict between the interests of the gentlemen (higher rents and lower wages) and those of the commoners (lower rents and higher wages) could not be reconciled, and the commoners who made up the numbers of the forces were distrustful of the gentlemen who led them.  The only possible uniting power would have been the church, either the Pope or the English clergy. Neither supported the uprising in any real sense. Sources There have been several recent books on the Pilgrimage of Grace over the past few years, but writers and researching sisters Madeleine Hope Dodds and Ruth Dodds wrote an exhaustive work explaining the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1915 and it is still the main source of information for those new works. Bateson, Mary. The Pilgrimage of Grace. The English Historical Review 5.18 (1890): 330–45. Print.Bernard, G. W. The Dissolution of the Monasteries. History 96.4 (324) (2011): 390–409. Print.Bush, M. L. Enhancements and Importunate Charges: An Analysis of the Tax Complaints of October 1536. Albion: A Quarterly Journal Concerned with British Studies 22.3 (1990): 403–19. Print.-. Up for the Commonweal: The Significance of Tax Grievances in the English Rebellions of 1536. The English Historical Review 106.419 (1991): 299-318. Print.Hope Dodds, Madeleine, and Ruth Dodds. The Pilgrimage of Grace, 1536–1537 and the Exeter Conspiracy, 1538. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1915. Print.Hoyle, R. W., and A. J. L. Winchester. A Lost Source for the Rising of 1536 in North-West England. The English Historical Review 118.475 (2003): 120–29. Print.Liedl, Janice. The Penitent Pilgrim: William Calverley and the Pilgrimage of Grace. The Sixteenth Century Journa l 25.3 (1994): 585–94. Print. Schofield, Roger. Taxation Under the Early Tudors, 1485–1547. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2004.

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Lewis and Clark Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Lewis and Clark - Essay Example ("Lewis and Clark Bicentennial," 2001) The expedition marked a key event in the course of the nation’s history. This is acknowledged during the bicentennial celebrations of the event that transpired in 2005. On the occasion of the event, a government commissioned Bicentennial Council was set up to educate the public as well as to promote research on the event. The Federal Interagency Lewis and Clark working group is another testimony to its importance. This essay will argue that Lewis & Clark Expedition played a key role in shaping the subsequent history, culture and geopolitics of the nation. In the early days of the American republic, literature pertaining to natural history was an esteemed medium of information. It combined scientific and spiritualist approaches to the study of American geography. The copious descriptions and classifications contained therein served as essential tools to â€Å"contain the immensity and incomprehensibility of American nature, a subject Amer icans knew little about.† (Lewis, 2004) The early accounts of the discoveries in western expanses were crucial for forging in people a sense of rootedness to their land. It encouraged early republic Americans †to celebrate the complexity of the natural world, and by extension God, through an intimate understanding of its products. This scientific-spiritualist approach crossed boundaries of class and education, jumped denominational lines, and assuaged guilty consciences over the racial genocide that accompanied expansion across the continent.† (Lewis, 2004) Hence, it is clear that Lewis & Clark has a profound socio-cultural relevance. One of the other achievements of the expedition was its completion of an overland journey through and across river systems in Missouri. By virtue of this feat, vast unchartered tracts of the West were opened up. The pioneers extended their interest well and beyond cartography. For example, they collected samples and specimens of plant s and animals – some of which they’ve never encountered before. They actively studied the culture and social structure of native Indian tribes that they happened to pass by. The comprehensiveness of the expedition is highlighted by the fact that basic civil administration tasks were also performed. These include conducting diplomatic councils, forming trading relationships with tribes and recorded weather data. It is not unfair to claim that the team led by Lewis and Clark went beyond the obligations of their contract. This is attested by the fact that the team created Camp River Dubois on the Wood River at the confluence of the two great rivers, Mississippi and Missouri, north of St. Louis. The captains then â€Å"recruited young woodsmen and enlisted soldiers who volunteered from nearby army outposts. Over the winter, they prepared the men, whom they called the Corps of Discovery, for the frontier.† (Conry, 2004) The team led by Lewis and Clark spent twenty ei ght months exploring, studying and recording the magnificent American landscape beyond erstwhile frontiers. It is a landmark event in American history because it captures the essence of challenges to westward expansion. For example, one area of challenge is on account of international diplomacy, where American

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Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management - Assignment Example Fromt his paper it is clear that for the business plans that are externally focused, tend to include what is relevant to the external stakeholders, especially financial stakeholders. The externally focused business plan will be more focused on the team driving the business plan and financial performance. Internally focused business plans are intended to focus the organization in meeting their intermediate goals. These plans may include plans to develop new products, introduction of new services, internal restructuring, partnerships etc. that is required to reach the external goals. They may cover the development of a new product, a new service, a new IT system, a restructuring of finance, the refurbishing of a factory or a restructuring of the organization.This study outlines that business plans can be used as decision making tools. Business plans in this case can help the organization stay focused in meeting its goals. During conflicts of investment directions, the business plan can be used to guide new investments, since the business plan is a representation of all the business aspects as it will show the marketing, operational, financial and human resourcing plan.  The preparation of a business plan draws people from diverse fields as one field is not sufficient enough to achieve the objectives of any business. Disciplines involved in the development of a business plan include: marketing, operation management, finance, management, and human resource, supply chain management, etc.... The preparation of a business plan draws people from diverse fields as one field is not sufficient enough to achieve the objectives of any business. Disciplines involved in the development of a business plan include: marketing, operation management, finance, management, and human resource, supply chain management, etc. Therefore the development of any business plan should be inclusive so as to gain from the knowledge and expertise of other fields (Stevenson & Gumpert, 1985, pp.85-94). 2. Idea generation A business idea can be defined as a concept to be developed and used to start a commercial venture. The concept can be about a service or a product that can be transformed into revenue generation. The business idea is the seed for a business venture without it, there is no business. Not everyone is endowed with business idea generation capabilities, idea scan be generated by an individual or as a group. The idea has to be modelled to make it viable for a business venture. Before start ing a business, an idea has to be developed and tested. Ideas can be tested by feasibility studies and piloting. If the tests prove viable then the business can start. Feasibility studies helps to sharpen business ideas as it brings the idea closer to reality from an idealistic position. At the same time, an idea can be good, tested and proved to be viable, however if the timing of implementation is bad, then the business will fail. Therefore the timing for business start should also be right (Stevenson & Gumpert, 1985, pp.85-94). 3. Strategic objectives The strategic objectives part of the business plan is focused on addressing how the company intends to get where they are going, defines the broad approach to the achievement of the

Lewis and Clark Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Lewis and Clark - Essay Example ("Lewis and Clark Bicentennial," 2001) The expedition marked a key event in the course of the nation’s history. This is acknowledged during the bicentennial celebrations of the event that transpired in 2005. On the occasion of the event, a government commissioned Bicentennial Council was set up to educate the public as well as to promote research on the event. The Federal Interagency Lewis and Clark working group is another testimony to its importance. This essay will argue that Lewis & Clark Expedition played a key role in shaping the subsequent history, culture and geopolitics of the nation. In the early days of the American republic, literature pertaining to natural history was an esteemed medium of information. It combined scientific and spiritualist approaches to the study of American geography. The copious descriptions and classifications contained therein served as essential tools to â€Å"contain the immensity and incomprehensibility of American nature, a subject Amer icans knew little about.† (Lewis, 2004) The early accounts of the discoveries in western expanses were crucial for forging in people a sense of rootedness to their land. It encouraged early republic Americans †to celebrate the complexity of the natural world, and by extension God, through an intimate understanding of its products. This scientific-spiritualist approach crossed boundaries of class and education, jumped denominational lines, and assuaged guilty consciences over the racial genocide that accompanied expansion across the continent.† (Lewis, 2004) Hence, it is clear that Lewis & Clark has a profound socio-cultural relevance. One of the other achievements of the expedition was its completion of an overland journey through and across river systems in Missouri. By virtue of this feat, vast unchartered tracts of the West were opened up. The pioneers extended their interest well and beyond cartography. For example, they collected samples and specimens of plant s and animals – some of which they’ve never encountered before. They actively studied the culture and social structure of native Indian tribes that they happened to pass by. The comprehensiveness of the expedition is highlighted by the fact that basic civil administration tasks were also performed. These include conducting diplomatic councils, forming trading relationships with tribes and recorded weather data. It is not unfair to claim that the team led by Lewis and Clark went beyond the obligations of their contract. This is attested by the fact that the team created Camp River Dubois on the Wood River at the confluence of the two great rivers, Mississippi and Missouri, north of St. Louis. The captains then â€Å"recruited young woodsmen and enlisted soldiers who volunteered from nearby army outposts. Over the winter, they prepared the men, whom they called the Corps of Discovery, for the frontier.† (Conry, 2004) The team led by Lewis and Clark spent twenty ei ght months exploring, studying and recording the magnificent American landscape beyond erstwhile frontiers. It is a landmark event in American history because it captures the essence of challenges to westward expansion. For example, one area of challenge is on account of international diplomacy, where American

I Just Wanna be Average by Mike Rose Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

I Just Wanna be Average by Mike Rose - Essay Example According to Rose, how does coming from a working-class background shape one's identity? Mike Rose had come from a working-class family which had sacrificed a lot to enable their son to join a Catholic school in expectation of enhanced education. However, Rose was put in the vocational education by mistake and his parents also could do nothing about it since they had no idea about the standardized education system of America. According to Rose, if a child belongs to the working class in a vocational education, he is treated in a guarded manner. In other words, he is considered‘ slow’ by the school, he is given a curriculum which doesn’t liberate rather restrains him from gaining knowledge and even if some training is provided it is always below the esteem level of the society (Rose, 1989). 3. According to Rose, how do students act "average'? Students who are unable to cope up with the vocation education system often defend themselves by acting â€Å"average†. ...These vocational schools trigger them to act ‘average’ because instead of giving them a better education to rectify their disabilities, they provide them a below average education from under-qualified teachers (Rose, 1989). 4. What does Rose mean by "students will float to the mark you set?" By saying â€Å"students will float to the mark†, Rose wants to imply that the attitude a teacher carries for the student, the same attitude will be replicated by the students. In other words, if a teacher does not put any endeavor in teaching the students a lesson, the students will also not put any endeavor in comprehending it. For instance, a teacher who is tedious and delusional and exerts only verbal power cannot teach anything to his students and as a result, the students will also not show any interest and effort towards learning. Higher the willingness and quality of teaching of the teacher, higher will be the degree of an outcome of the students (Rose, 1989). 5 . What does Jack MacFarland offer Rose that finally helps him learn? MacFarland saw great potential in Rose and swayed him to pursue a college education. It was under the tutelage of MacFarland that Rose developed the passion for learning, reading, and writing. The influence of MacFarland helped Rose recognize his true inner self and what he wanted to be. Owing to hard work and the complete support of MacFarland, Rose was finally able to attend college (Rose, 1989). 6. Can you, as a former high school student, relate to any parts of this article? Explain. As a former high school student, I can definitely relate to the hardships that these working-class students or those with learning disabilities have to go through.

A sense of self-direction Essay Example for Free

A sense of self-direction Essay There may be personal information that you want considered as part of your admissions application. Write an essay describing that information. You might include exceptional hardships, challenges, or opportunities that have shaped or impacted your abilities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Discipline is one of the issues being faced by most teenagers anywhere in the world. A lot of these people find it hard to inculcate in themselves the self-control and self-responsibility they ought to have. A sense of self-direction is one of the many ways that teenagers can employ to have that bite of discipline in their systems.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I am a seventeen year old and a non-religious middle class man. Unlike many other men of my age, I am proud to say that I am well-disciplined. And I owe much of this to sports. Sports actually helped me and still continue to help me become a disciplined man, especially when I stepped into high school. A lot of my wonderful memories and lessons in life are attributable to my experiences as a person inclined in many sports. For four years now, I am part of the tennis varsity team of my school, of which I was given the honor to rank third in state in my small league. That was one of the best days I ever had in my sports life. Days of training and practice were all paid off after receiving such recognition. This award does not stop me from training and practicing more as days pass by. Instead, this achievement inspires me to do a lot better than I did so I can be the best tennis player I can be. It inspires me to do more so that I can be able to become more of a tennis player†¦more of a person. With my inclination in sports, I learn to be focused on things that really matter. I do not waste my time to non-productive activities, thus I become productive as a person. With sports, I learn how to be a team player, which would really help me a lot by the time I have my own career in whatever field I choose. I know and I believe that learning how to be in a team, may it be as a leader or just an ordinary member, will surely get things done with ease and victory. Tennis games and practices are training grounds for me not just to become the best tennis player but more to become the best person that I can be.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Aside from tennis, I also am interested to other sports like basketball and soccer. I play for these sports during my sophomore and junior years. I enjoyed every single day I spent for practices. I find a different sense of fulfillment whenever I play sports. It makes me happy to be with my teammates and play not just the games on court but also the game of life. Sports have become special parts of me because through them, I feel and believe that I became a much better person than I ever was before.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Surely sports leave a big impact to my life. I would not have learned become a disciplined, mature, responsible, and productive person if not for it. I would never have developed my interpersonal and social skills if I was not part of a team. I would never have been the person I am now if I become attached to other activities aside from sports.

Prostate Cancer and Nutrition

Prostate Cancer and Nutrition Anand Somasundaram Contents (Jump to) Plant Based Diets: Fish Oil Vitamins and Minerals Dangers of Meats, high fat diets and Nitrites Conclusion Works Cited Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer of men and the third most common cause of death from cancer. Prostate cancer usually occurs in men above the age of 50. Many men who have prostate cancer, do not show any symptoms. Screening for this cancer is usually done by a Digital rectum exam (DRE) and/or Prostate specific antigen test (PSA). Digital rectum exam is the palpation of the prostate through the anus to check the size of the prostate. Prostate specific antigen test is a blood test to check if the prostate is releasing this specific antigen in the blood stream which can be a strong indication of prostate cancer. Research has been done on preventing and reducing the risk of obtaining this cancer. In these studies, nutrition can play a vital role in reducing the chances of getting this cancer. Diets that high in fruits and vegetables, low in fat especially fat from meats are shown to decrease the risk and development of prostate cancer. Plant Based Diets: Specific food groups have shown in several studies to be a crucial tool in preventing and slowing the progression of this disease. One group of foods that have shown a significant reduction in avoiding prostate cancer is plant based foods. Plant- based foods are shown to contain high amounts of vitamins and elements known to reduce cancer cell. For example, plant- based food contains vitamins and phytochemicals such as carotenoids, flavonoids, phytoestrogens and isothiocyanates (Ma Chapman, 2009). These phytochemicals have shown to regress cancer cell development and stop tumor promotion. Furthermore plant based diets are high in antioxidant. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is the reason behind the production of free radicals. In addition, antioxidants reduce the damage to DNA by binding to these free radicals and eliminating them from the body. Free radicals damage the structure of DNA which can lead to tumor growth. An important carotenoid and phytochemical is lycopene. Lycopene is found in fruits such as tomatoes. Lycopene is known to reduce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signing. IGF-1 is protein that has found to promote prostatic cancer cells and allow the prostate to be susceptible to cancer. Cruciferous vegetables such cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and bok choy all contain a compound call glucosinolate. Glucosinolate have shown in studies to reduce DNA damage, induce apoptosis and inhibit prostate cancer cell (Ma Chapman, 2009).They also possess phenethyl isothiocyanate, sulfophorane and indole-3-carbinol, which are compounds that have potential anti-cancer properties. Their mechanism of action involves the inhibition of  cytochrome P450  enzymes, which oxidize compounds such as  benzo[a]pyrene  and  polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons  (PAHs) into more polar  epoxy-diols. Cytochrome P450 enzyme is a known agent to cause mutation and cancer growth Another vegetable that constitutes an impact on tumor cells is soy bean. Soy beans contain isoflavones*. Isoflavones are organic 3-phenylchromen-4-one structure substances that natural occur in different types of foods. They inhibit enzymes associated with transmission of signals for tumor cell growth. `Tea especially green has been found to have similar effects to consuming vegetables and fruits. Polyphenol compounds in green tea have also been found to have the same effects as the cruciferous vegetables. They prevent metastases of the cancer, induce apoptosis and inhibit cell growth. Studies have shown that green tea inhibits tumor growth, therefore, leading to lower prostate-specific antigen levels and lower IGF-1 levels (Ma Chapman, 2009). One of these polyphenolic compounds is epigallocathechin-3 gallate (EGCG). EGCG is known to attach to urokinase, Urokinase is an enzyme that helps tumor cells grow. In the current market, there is a drug called amiloride and is used Amiloride can only have a maximum dose of 20 mg EGCG while normal cup of green can have upwards of 150mg EGCG. Another benefit is that green tea can be consumed at much higher rate than amiloride and not have physiological effect on the body (Jankun ,1997, p561) . Fish Oil The next groups of food that have shown to inhibit tumor cell growth are fish oils. Fish oil contains n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to reduce serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein expression (Ma Chapman, 2009). PSA is produced by the prostate gland and is used by the body to liquefy semen. The body uses excretes PSA in semen but sometimes in the presence of cancer, the PSA escapes to the blood stream. There two main groups of fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. , Omega 3 fatty acids protect from cancer, while omega 6 fatty acids have been found to promote cancer when consumed in excessive amounts. One reason why omega 6 promotes cancer is because of its ability to promotion inflammation. (Tandon et al., 2008). Vitamins and Minerals Another antioxidant that has shown significant effect on prostate cancer cell growth is vitamin E. Vitamin E is considered as an intracellular antioxidant and an antiprostaglandin. * Antiprostaglandins are a group of molecules that reduce the production of mediators of the inflammatory process. As with any fat soluble vitamins, too much can have harmful effect. Intake of over 400 IU can be harmful to the body (Ma Chapman, 2009). In addition another vitamin that is important in inhibiting tumor cell growth is vitamin D. In studies, vitamin d has shown in both regular cells and cancerous to convert vitamin d into an active hormonal state. In this state, vitamin D has shown to inhibit tumor grow especially prostatic epithelial cells. (Tandon et al., 2008). Another substance besides vitamins that can help in the fight against is minerals. Minerals differ from vitamins in that vitamins are organic and contain carbon while minerals do not and are consider inorganic. A particular mineral, selenium, has been proven to be a protective agent. It reduces cellular proliferation, causes apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis. (Ma Chapman, 2009). Angiogenesis is the growth of new capillary blood vessels in the body. In preventing blood vessel formation; the tumor cannot grow or spread (Li, Smith Li, 2011). Dangers of Meats, high fat diets and Nitrites All the foods discussed above have shown to decrease the instance of prostatic cancer cells. On the other hand, there are groups of food that are now known to promote prostate cancer cells. For example, meats especially cooked at high temperatures contribute to the production of cancer cells. When a meat is cook at high temperature, it releases carcinogens. Carcinogens are known to alter DNA which can lead to two results, apoptosis or promotes uninhibited cell growth. The two carcinogens that are produced during this process are Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). (â€Å"Why Carcinogens Cause Cancer†, n.d.). A way to reduce HCA and PAH formation in cooked meats is to reduce the amount of time the meat is cooked on an open flame. This can be done by continuously flipping the meat or using a microwave to shorten the cooking time on the stove. Another carcinogen that is found in meat is N-nitrosocompound. This carcinogen is found in bacon, hot dogs and anything containing sodium nitrate. Sodium nitrate is preservative added to food to not only preserve but also to add flavor to. N-nitroso is formed when the sodium nitrate combines with the amines in the meat to form this carcinogen. These N-nitroso compound attacks cells and can cause mutation to the molecule’s DNA (Mehdad, 2010). In another study, there was evidence that a high fat diet contribute to prostate cancer. In this study, men consumer high types of monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats significantly increase their chances of getting prostate cancer (Crowe et al., 2008). Men who were consuming 45 grams of total fat in a day have 10-20 percent increased risk of getting cancer (Park, Murphy, Wilkens, Henderson, Kolonel, 2007). In another study, there was a strong correlation between obesity and prostate cancer. In a study of eighty-seven men with prostate cancer, 89 percent of these men were overweight or obese. Ninety- seven percent of them had a body fat of twenty five percent or higher (Mehdad, McBride, Grillo, Camilo, Ravasco, 2010). Obesity increases the body’s production of IGF-1 which discussed early leads to cancer cell proliferation. Conclusion As with anything, specific groups of foods need to be taken in moderation. Daily activity and a balanced meal can contribute greatly to not only prevent cancer growth but living a healthy happy life. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Eating foods high in antioxidants, phytochemicals such as vegetables and fruits can lead to the reduction of prostatic cancer cell forming. In addition, avoiding diets high in preserved meats, diary and cooking at high temperature all can additionally reduce men’s chances of getting prostate cancer. Works Cited Crowe, F.L., Key, T.J., Appleby, P.N., Travis, R.C., Overvad, K., Jakobsen, M.U., Riboli, E. (2008). Dietary fat intake and risk of prostate cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87: 1405-1413. Jankun, J. (1997, June 5). Why drinking green tea could prevent cancer. Nature, 381, 561. Li, W., Hutnik, M., Smith, R., Li, V. (2011). Understanding Angiogenesis. Retrieved from http://www.angio.org/ua.php. April 4, 2014. Ma, R.W.-L. Chapman, K. (2009). A systematic review of the effect of diet in prostate cancer prevention and treatment. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 22:187-199. Mehdad, A., McBride, E., Grillo, I.M., Camilo, M., Ravasco, P. (2010).Nutritional status and eating pattern in prostate cancer patients. Nutricion Hospitalaria,2 (3): 422-427. Park, S., Murphy, S.P., Wilkens, L.R., Henderson, B.E., Kolonel, L.N. (2007). Fat and meat intake and prostate cancer risk: the multiethnic cohort study. International Journal of Cancer, 121: 1339-1345. â€Å"Prostate Specific Antigen†. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/ prostate_specific_antigen/article.htm . April 4, 2014. Tandon, M., Siddique, R.A., Avrind, R., Singh, N.K., Ambwani, T., Rai, S.N. (2008). Anti-cancer diet: reviewing the role of nutrition in cancer prevention. Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, 6(2): 67-82. â€Å"Why Carcinogens Cause Cancer†. Retrieved from http:// www.edinformatics.com/interactive_molecules/dna.htm. July 10, 2010. World Cancer Research Fund / American Institute for Cancer Research. Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective. Washington, DC: AICR, 2007 Jankun, J. (1997, June 5). Why drinking green tea could prevent cancer. Nature, 381, 561.

The Azores :: essays research papers

The Azores is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in between North America and Europe. Azores is a region not a country. The main language is Portuguese. The archipelago is 760 miles from Lisbon and 2,110 miles from New York.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Azores is made up of nine beautiful and fascinating islands, Corvo, Flores, Faial, Graciosa, Pico, Sao Jorge, Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, and Terceira. A group of islands like this is also called an archipelago. They are divided into three groups. The Eastern group is made up of Santa Maria and Sao Miguel. The central group is made up of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, and Faial. The western group is made up of Flores and Corvo.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The capital of these islands are: Corvo, Vila Nova do Corvo, Flores, Lages, Faial, Horta, Graciosa, Santa Cruz, Pico, Lagis, Sao Jorge, Vila das Velas, Sao Miguel, Ponta Delgada, Santa Maria, Vila do Porto, and Terceira, Angra do Heroismo.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All the islands have there own little story on which they tell their history and important facts and this all makes up the history of the Azores.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First I will start with the island of Sao Miguel: which is also known as the Green island because color given by the Forests. Sao Miguel is the most populated of the nine islands, and has an area of 297 square miles and a population of 250,000. The discovery of this island took place sometime between 1426 and 1439.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Santa Maria: The island of Santa Maria has an area of 42 square miles. It is the southernmost island in the archipelago and its major settlement is Vila do Porto its capital. Its exact date of discovery is still a matter of discussion today. It is believed that it was discovered between 1427 and 1432. The settlement of the island took place during the course of the 15th century. Santa Maria is exceptional for the way its white painted cottages with their unusual chimneys are scattered over the landscape.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Terceira: The island of Terceira has an area of 250 square miles. Its called Terceira because it was the 3rd island to be discovered. About 1450 a Fleming, Jacome de Bruges, began to colonize the island.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Owing to its privileged location, the island was then the port of call for Portuguese ships sailing the Atlantic. Angra was the 1st settlement to be razed to the status of township (1534).

Current Applications Of Software Agents Essay

If you have made a purchase at Amazon, you would have noticed that as soon as you complete your purchase procedures, Amazon presents you with a list of books that customers who purchased the same item as you did also bought along with this item. During your next visit, you will find a list of books that are similar to the ones you purchased previously that you might be interested in buying. Another popular site eBay displays a list of similar products that other customers who did the same search looked at. The above two sites are examples of two ways of implementing software agents. A software agent is a computer program that is capable of intelligently and autonomously executing a given task based on the instructions provided by the user. It basically operates on behalf of its owner. The goal of a software agent is to maximize the owner’s interests which it does by maximizing a particular utility function. Most software agents can learn from experience and adapt themselves based on the feedback obtained from the environment thus making it an autonomous process with no human intervention. A multi-agent system involves multiple software agents. Software agents are ideally suited for a wide variety of applications, in particular, process and workflow automation, electronic commerce, distributed problem solving and Internet applications (Acronymics, Inc. 2004). Some application examples include agent-based supply chain management, personal or user agents, e-business systems, e-market, e-banking, and e-investments, etc. Merchandise management in the retail industry is one area of application of the software agent. Merchandise management involves selection of desirable merchandise, disposal of slow-selling ones and ordering and distributing them appropriately. The competition is fierce with the eCommerce making it even more difficult due to diverse customer preferences low merchant loyalty. The only way to tackle this problem is by understanding the changes in customer demands quickly and responding appropriately through merchandise management. However, due to the sheer number of merchandise and brands, managing merchandise effectively becomes an impossible task. This is where software agents are helpful by performing the merchandise managers’ jobs autonomously, continuously and efficiently. These software agents help in evaluating and selecting merchandise and predicting seasons and building purchase schedules autonomously. An effective merchandise management helps reduce the inventory level while increasing sales and profits. (Jae Heon, P. , Sang Chan P. 2003) Rob Meijer describes the following commercial applications in his article: 1. Watcher agents – These autonomously look for the specified information and provide personalized versions based on the end-user’s preferences, an example is personalized versions of newspapers. To generate a personalized paper, a user must first provide with relevant personal information, preferences, and special interests. The agent then provides personalized news based on these details. With each visit, the agent improves and provides personalized newspaper without much human intervention. Fishwrap (MIT) and Newshound are examples of Watcher agents. (Meijer, R. 2005) 2. Learning agents – Based on the behavior of their user, they can learn to tailor their performance. Examples of the same are Firefly, Similarities Engine, WegHunter, Open Sesame, and InterAp. Similarities Engine was a Web-based music recommending system that worked similar to Amazon’s recommedations of new books; the technology has now been purchased by Microsoft. (Meijer, R. 2005) 3. Shopping agents – These agents are capable of comparing and finding the best price for an item. BargainFinder is an example of Shopping agents that searches the inventory of vendors on the internet to find the lowest prices on the desired product helping you save both time and money. (Meijer, R. 2005) 4. Information retrieval agents – These agents search for information intelligently and are capable of summarizing the information as well. Netsumm is an example that can provide an abstract of the most important sentences of a web page. (Meijer, R. 2005) The Intelligent Software Agents Lab (The Robotics Institute – Carnegie Mellon University) has created an information retrieval agent for Aircraft Maintenance. Considering the searching of relevant information along with time constraints, the mechanics are provided with wearable computers based on RETSINA infrastructure. When a discrepancy is encountered, all he needs to do is fill out a form on his computer and the agents would seek relevant information. â€Å"The advantages of wearable computers with agents include automatic location and retrieval of information relevant to repairs, utilization of historical repair data, increased efficiency of access to information from manuals, and reduction in average time for repair. The overall result is timely, quality maintenance. † (The Intelligent Software Agents Lab, 2001-2009) Another example on their site is WebMate which is a personal digital assistant that â€Å"provides URL recommendations based on a continuously updated user profile; offers ever more relevant web documents based on the ‘Trigger Pairs Model’ approach to keyword refinement; responds to user feedback by selecting features from documents the user finds relevant and incorporating these features into the context of new queries; compiles a daily personal newspaper with links to documents of interest to the user. † (The Intelligent Software Agents Lab, 2001-2009) 5. Helper agents – These are generally used for network management and standard maintenance functions. LANAlert is an example of Helper agent. (Meijer, R. 2005) Agents can also help automate the bargaining process i. e. based on the user preferences, products and services along with related conditions (like warranty and delivery time) can be made flexible to meet the client’s expectations. (Gerding, E. H. 2004) Google AdWords is an example of such an agent. On typing search keywords, it provides recommendations to users as sponsored links. First of all, there are limited ads that can be displayed on a search result page. The ads are displayed only on certain keywords selected by the advertiser. Also, since limited ads are there and also the order of displaying the ads (from top to bottom) makes a difference, advertisers have to compete for these spaces. This is done by choosing the best keywords based on the information provided by Google regarding search counts and setting an upper limit on the amount that you would pay if you have a visitor. The advertiser with the highest bid wins in this case. Gary Anthes provides the examples of the following companies who have been successful in utilizing software agents for complex processes: †¢ Procter & Gample Co. (P&G) used software agents to convert their supply chain management into a supply network connecting to 5 billion consumers in 140 countries saving $300 million annually. (Anthes, G. 2003) †¢ Southwest Airlines Co. optimized cargo routing using software agents. †¢ For Air Liquide America LP, software agents helped reduce both production and distribution costs. (Anthes, G. 2003) †¢ Software agents helped Merck & Co. find more efficient ways to distribute anti-HIV drugs in Zimbabwe. (Anthes, G. 2003) †¢ Simulation of buyer preferences using software agents helped Ford Motor Co. come up with car options that â€Å"optimized the trade-offs between production costs and customer demands†. (Anthes, G. 2003) †¢ Software agents helped Edison Chouest Offshore LLC to optimize service and supply vessels deployment in the Gulf of Mexico. (Anthes, G. 2003) Supply Chain Management through software agents not only help save costs but also help in inventory management through reduced inventory, and improved customer service. (Anthes, G. 2003) Gary Anthes also explains how software agents have helped P&G. Basically, each component of the supply system from trucks to drivers to stores was represented by a software agent. Using rules, they defined the behavior of each component that represented its actual behavior such as â€Å"Dispatch truck when full†. P&G then used the simulations to perform what-if scenarios and checked out inventory levels, transportation costs and in-store stock-outs. Many alternate rules were considered such as on ordering and shipping frequencies, demand forecasting etc. (Anthes, G. 2003) Through the use of these agent-based models, P&G realized that while sending trucks with less than full loads increases transportation costs, frequency of in-store stock-outs often resulting in lost sales is reduced. Similarly P&G relooked into many of its rigid rules and relaxed them to improve the overall performance of the supply chain. They also had to be more flexible in manufacturing – instead of one product at a time, they had to be able to produce every product every day, reducing stock-outs. Flexibility in distributing products within 24 hours instead of the customary 48 to 72 hours was another change that software agents helped P&G realize and change. (Anthes, G. 2003) References Jae Heon, P. , Sang Chan P. 2003. Agent-based merchandise management in business-to-business electronic commerce. In Decision Support Systems (Volume 35 , Issue 3 , June 2003). Elsevier Science Publishers B. V. Amsterdam. http://portal. acm. org/citation. cfm? id=794070 This article explains how an agent-based merchandise management system can help retail companies better manage their merchandise. Gerding, E. H. 2004. Autonomous Agents in Bargaining Games: An Evolutionary Investigation of Fundamentals, Strategies, and Business Applications. PhD thesis, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven. http://eprints. ecs. soton. ac. uk/15640/ This article explains how autonomous software agents could be used in the bargaining process and some of its applications. WebMate. The Intelligent Software Agents Lab. The Robotics Institute. Carnegie Mellon University. http://www. cs. cmu. edu/~softagents/webmate. html This article explains WebMate, a personal digital assistant, a real-life application of software agents. Aircraft Maintenance. The Intelligent Software Agents Lab. The Robotics Institute. Carnegie Mellon University. http://www. cs. cmu. edu/~softagents/aircraft. html This article explains how the aircraft maintenance issues have been resolved using software agents. Anthes, G. 2003. Agents of Change. In Computerworld. http://www. computerworld. com/action/article. do? command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Software+Development&articleId=77855&taxonomyId=63&pageNumber=1 This article provides examples of successful implementation of software agents by several companies and how it has helped them improve their processes as well as their thinking. Meijer, R. 2005. Intelligent Software Agents: Perspective for business. In The IPTS Report (Issue 5). http://ipts. jrc. ec. europa. eu/home/report/english/articles/vol05/art-it1. htm This article provides types of commercial applications of software agents along with implemented examples. Acronymics, Inc. 2004. Why, When, and Where to Use Software Agents. http://www. agentbuilder. com/Documentation/whyAgents. html This article provides an overview on software agents.