WEEK 3 DISCUSSION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

WEEK 3 DISCUSSION - Essay Example Porter is clear in explaining that because a company is profitable and effective at a given moment; that is not necessarily the benchmark of how a company will perform in the future. Like science’s description of life on Earth, the corporation must continually evolve and become more efficient as it maintains a keen eye on its competitors. Most economists like to use the Japanese as a business model when it comes to efficiency and profitability. True the country’s top businesses seized upon a time period where Western companies seemed to be asleep at the switch. Yet their competition has seized upon strategy and in a sense is beating the country’s businesses at their own game and it appears several decades later that the opposition is winning (Porter). In using the Japanese model, Harvard Business Review points out that in 1970 Komatsu was a tiny bulldozer company hardly known outside Japan and had a minute sales fraction of Caterpillar, the American giant in the industry. Fifteen years later, Komatsu had expanded to a $2.8 billion company with as many product lines as their mammoth opposition. As well, they had expanded into the emerging industrial robotics area (Hamel). Did Caterpillar concern themselves with Komatsu in 1970? It is doubtful but had they done a Strategic Intent analysis at the time, they may not have had such a tremendous slice of profit removed in 1985. In a sense, Albani Perfumes is the current Goliath in its market of Latin America. With current sales of $10 million, it is still a relatively small company but has managed to do well against its current competitors. Yet as discussed in Week 2, China is making headway into the market with knockoff perfumes. It could probably be argued that Albani would not win a trade war with the world’s fastest growing economy and this would be rated at zero, Strong Negative

Ethical presentation PowerPoint Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Ethical - PowerPoint Presentation Example where Starbucks promotes equal opportunity in its hiring practices, makes recruiting decisions based solely on job-related criteria and does not use forced labor. To quote Starbucks; b. Ethical Sourcing – Starbucks takes a holistic approach to ethically sourcing the highest quality coffee. Their purchasing decisions includes supporting farmer loans and forest conservation programs to areas where they buy their coffee. Through this ethical purchasing practice, Starbucks is able to help foster a betterfuture for farmers and help create a more stable climate forthe planet. In the business aspect, this ethical practice also helps to provide the company a long†term supply ofthe high†quality beans it has been offering to its customers. c. EnvironmentalStewardship – Starbucks share their customers commitment to the environment. One of its core values is the belief in the importance of caringfor our planet and encouraging others to do the same. It envisions that by 2015, all of its cups will be made up of reusable or recyclable materials. It also endeavors to significantly reduce its environmental footprint through energy and water conservation efforts, recycling and green construction. d. Community Involvement – Starbucks endeavors to be a socially responsible member of its community wherever it may conduct business. Fromthe neighborhoods where its stores are located to the ones where its coffee is grown –Starbucks believe in fostering thriving communities. Bringing people together, inspiring change andmakinga difference in people’s lives – it’s allpart of being a good neighbor. Also, it aims to contribute one million hours each year to the communities in 2015 (Starbucks). Starbucks implement a zero tolerance compliance to its ethical standards. Any suppliers who fail to adhere to Starbucks their ethical practices are discontinued from doing business with the company. During an audit of its suppliers in 2011, the assessment found that 38

Climate change drivers Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Climate change drivers - Term Paper Example Climate change effects have severely affected numerous activities and patterns. First, temperature has not been able to retain its conventional pattern almost in every part of the world. Abrupt changes have not allowed weather and temperature to experience a steady change and natural cycle transformation throughout the world. For example, higher temperatures have numerous ramifications for California water systems as they put effect on Sierra snowpack accumulation and snowmelt along with other hydrologic factors (Kiparsky and Gleick 5). Based on this description, it can be easily deduced that the rise in the temperature does not affect in a single manner. For example, in the mentioned quotation, it is evidently clear that Sierra snowpack accumulation and snowmelt are being affected by the change in the weather patterns and climatic change as well. PrecipitationCalifornia’s unique and different landscape affects precipitation patterns in the state (Carle 4).   The climate cha nge studies have been carried out for last many decades in California and other parts of world in which the environmental scientists have been conducting various environmental tests through observations and experiments. However, till this point of time, the scientists have not been able to accurately provide the impact of climate change on the precipitation. However, it has been highlighted that California receives around 200 million acre-feet of precipitation (Carle 8). Water vapor, water temperature, are those factors that affect the water quality.

Algebra Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Algebra - Math Problem Example Solution: Let x = the quantity of Arabica(M) (in kg) and y = quantity of Robusta(H) (in kg) Based on the given information, equations may be set up as: 10.50(x) + 9.25(y) = (9.74)(2500) ---? equation (1) x + y = 2500 ---? equation (2) Graphing each equation on the same xy-plane: By applying substitution method (equation (2) into equation (1)): 10.50(x) + 9.25*(2500 – x) = (9.74)(2500) 10.50(x) + 23125 - 9.25(x) = 24350 1.25(x) = 1225 Then dividing each side by 0.8, x = 980 kgs Arabica(M) And 980 + y = 2500 ---? y = 1520 kgs Robusta(H) Thus, the point of intersection is at (980, 1520) and this pertains to the quantities each of the Arabica(M) and the Robusta(H) that must be present in the bean-mixture so that Matthew is able to satisfy the condition of selling a total of 2500-kg mixture where each kilogram is sold for $9.74. Summary of Learning Besides its flexible range of applications, I have learned that there can be alternative methods in solving a system of equations once each equation has been properly set up with correct algebraic expressions in which variables are made to represent unknown amounts of objects either count or non-count by nature. I appreciate the fact that in Algebra, one is able to verify the existence of a solution by using methods of elimination and substitution wherein one method can be a means to countercheck the other which ought to show the same results. It is quite interesting that equations may be graphed to determine whether real solutions exist as via intersection of lines. Having become acquainted with different function types such as linear, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential, I gain knowledge of constructing relations among dependent and independent variables as well as arbitrary constants based on useful empirical data. Summary of Topic In the model mixture problem, businessmen like Matthew can set constraints in terms of cost, quantity of material or commodity under consideration, selling price, and a dditional concerns that may possibly be incorporated in formulating labels and pertinent equations. Normally, problems of such kind possess linear relationships of variables for which the number of solutions rely on the highest degree of independent variable by which to identify the number of intersection points between the set of equations involved. Alternative Project In its existence and approach, Algebra serves as a base device to higher math such as Calculus which attempts to explore the grounds for the undefined nature of a function and designates a sensible understanding about up to which extent it would exist considering assumptions or applicable conditions. Fundamentals of algebra are essential to the foundation of courses designed to solve multivariable systems through linear programming, matrix applications, and differential equations where there is ceaseless necessity for equations and functions in interpreting problem situations. They are especially of ample advantage a s tools for working chemists and biochemists who deal with cases of radioactive decomposition or rates of reactions for instance. Hence, chemical studies under such field may include the use of exponential function A = A0*e-kt where ‘A’ stands for the element concentration or amount at any time ‘t’

Adolf Hitler was Evil but not Monstrous Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Adolf Hitler was Evil but not Monstrous - Essay Example The entire Germany and the entire army welcomed most of Hitler’s policies. As a leader, he was very effective in perpetuating his foreign policy because the public supported him. Now, does this make the whole German public evil or monstrous as well? There was a desire to raise Germany from defeat and humiliation and Hitler shared this goal. The claim of being evil and being a monster is largely driven by Hitler’s foreign policy because he looked after the welfare of his people. His actions oriented towards the outer world are the ones that could be considered evil and monstrous. But this is even complicated by the fact that Germany was at war and it was bound to commit atrocities and may have partly been compelled to do evil in order to win.Adolf Hitler was also affectionate towards his people; he brought about many reforms and actions that benefit the German public in the local policy making domain. He has also had the capacity for human emotions and the ability to exp ress them. This is excellently depicted in the movie made in 2004 with a title, â€Å"The Downfall† (Palmer). The movie showed Hitler’s last few days during the Second World War. It told us of a complex man with capabilities for affection as he interacted with people and responded to circumstances. The movie depicted Hitler as a man who expresses a wide range of human and positive emotions especially those close to his life. On this account, one cannot argue that Hitler is utterly or completely monstrous.

Invention Synopsis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Invention Synopsis - Essay Example Many alternative fuel sources like electricity, LPG, CNG etc. have been discovered and develop but the problem doesn’t seem to go away. Something needs to be done about it. During the mid and late 1970’s, Elsbett of Germany began works on a new type of fuel for automobiles, Vegetable oil. The concept of SVO (Straight Vegetable Oil) was born. It is the concept that diesel engines can also run on vegetable oil (Addison, n.d). This oil can be unused or recycled. Recycled vegetable oil must be clean, free of any water or particles. Vegetable oil serves as a substitute for diesel fuel which is the prime fuel source for heavy transport such as trucks and busses. These make up a large percentage of commercial and private transport. Converting these vehicles to run on an alternative source could save millions of dollars on oil purchases. Apart from commercial vehicles, a significant percentage of private vehicles are also diesel powered. If converted to SVO, this could further improve the situation. Furthermore, there are conversion kits and services available for gas/petrol powered cars. People, who do not own diesel powered cars, would definitely want to convert seeing the sharp drop in fuel prices. SVO fuel is cheaper than diesel and much cheaper than petrol. So, what’s the catch? Until now, the vehicles that have used vegetable oil fuel have done it privately or individually. Companies do provide conversion services and filtering and recycling of used vegetable oil on a small scale, but nothing is being done on a scale comparable to other primary fuel sources. Maybe this is the reason why it’s not getting popular. My idea is to provide this service on a bigger scale. A company that has a contract with local restaurants and food outlets to purchase this used oil at low prices, filter and recycle it and provide it to the general public. With the growing fuel prices today, a proper outlet for a cheaper fuel source would be a welcoming

Pablo Picasso Essay Example for Free

Pablo Picasso Essay Every artist demonstrates their thoughts and point of view of nature and of the Earth. Their masterpieces portray their artistic identity, mastery, skills and techniques. Some of them have been the founder(s) of a particular art movement, which greatly affects other artists of the world. Pablo Picasso, one of the most renowned modern artists in history, is one of the pioneers of Cubism, along with Georges Braque, who strongly exemplifies and reveals the mentioned art movement and style in his Les Demoiselles D’Avignon, The Guernica and the Three Musician, each of which would be formally evaluated and analyzed. The artistic intelligence of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) created a great impact in the development of modern and contemporary art. His masterpieces include over 20,000 works including paintings, drawings, sculptures, theater sets, prints, ceramics and costumes that delineate a number of intellectual, social, political, and ardent messages. His styles has gone beyond and transcended realism and abstraction, Cubism, Expressionism, Surrealism and Neoclassicism. Pablo Picasso was born at Malaga Spain in October 25, 1881 to Jose Ruiz Blasco and Maria Picasso Y Lopez. At the age of eight, he started to paint but his drawings were very much different from the children of his age. Even when he was young, Picasso already had a highly systematic approach to art. At the end of 1897, he studied in Madrid but later on, he dropped out of school because his teachers could not help him solve the technical problems he had. Furthermore, he endeavored to become a Classical painter similar to Rembrandt or Velasquez; however, no matter how good he was at the age of 16, still he could not contest the old masters. In the year 1899 and 1900, his style was altered radically. His works showed a more romantic manner. Since then, he began to flourish, absorbing all the dominant styles of his epoch. Nevertheless, it was in between 1907 and 1914 in Paris when he discovered a new style by which the French art critic Louis Vauxcelles referred as â€Å"Cubism. † His masterpiece entitled Les Demoiselles D’Avignon divulged that style in 1907. Picasso’s Les Demoiselles D’Avignon expresses and exhibits his ground-breaking style and distortion which is anchored from African Art. In the painting, the figures are arranged similar to Cezanne’s composition of bathers but it reveals an influence of primitivism. It manifests through the angular planes and well-defined outlines that create the entire solidity of the images. Moreover, it is composed of five females, all of which are depicted with angular body. The color of the figures are not confined to flesh rather there are red, blue and orange. The title of the painting, which is given by Picasso’s friend, pertains to the cabaret or maison publique on the Avignon Street, Barcelona. It showcases an expression of violence and barbaric intensity of the five women. On the other hand, his Guernica articulates the same form but it is more meaningful and more caricature in style. The themes signify death, bullfight and crucifixion. The figures are more complex as well as the content of the painting, which is illustrated by diverse and mixing images. The painting itself is a representation of the tragic events that occurred in Spain during the year 1937. It is full of political message and thus, summons the very idea of warfare as a heroic incident and renders it as a cruel and atrocious act of self-destruction. However, Picasso’s art possesses a trademark that any symbol can portray many and frequently contradicting meanings. According to Picasso when asked to explain the symbols, â€Å"It isn’t up to the painter to define the symbols. Otherwise it would be better if he wrote them out in so many words. The public who look at the picture must interpret the symbols as they understand them. † Another painting that depicts Cubism is the Three Musicians. It is a large painting with three figures made up of geometric shapes. The central figure is a Harlequin playing a guitar while on his sides are two musicians. On the left part, is a visible figure of a dog. The work delineates a lively appearance due to its color, orange dominates the plane. The images are figuratively rendered but it can be pulled that they are people with musical instruments with them. They are painted in a way similar to a group performing on stage. Pablo Picasso’s style known as Cubism, as well as his masterpieces, has contributed much to the depiction and understanding of abstract art and modernism. His works portray figurative images wherein every art objects is dominated by symbols that carry a myriad of interpretations and meanings. Because of his discovery of Cubism, paintings have appeared to be a three-dimensional picture plane. His works exhibit harmonious colors and biomorphic sensuality which is exemplified in his Les Demoiselles D’Avignon. Moreover, Picasso paints in such a way that is very much different from other well-known artists of his time because he does not employ in his works landscapes or well-depicted everyday scenes. He upholds in his artistic career his identity of not copying nature and not utilizing traditional techniques, and perspectives. He learns to emphasize his viewpoints of the world through geometry, lively utilization of colors, and somehow calculated perspectives. He demonstrates his activism and political comprehension through symbols too and it is evident in his Guernica. Furthermore, because of his artistic career, identity and discovered style (Cubism), he had been renowned in the world of art. Bibliography â€Å"Guernica: Testimony of War.† (2008). Public Broadcasting Service. Database online. Available from http://www. pbs. org/treasuresoftheworld/guernica/gmain. html. [06 April 2009] Harris, Mark. â€Å"Guernica. † (1996). Web. org. uk. Database online. Available from http://web. org. uk/picasso/guernica. html. [06 April 2009] â€Å"Pablo Picasso, Life and Work,† (n. d). Pablo Picasso Cubism. Database online. Available from http://pablo-picasso. paintings. name/biography/. [06 April 2009] â€Å"Pablo Picasso Painting. † (n. d). Artquotes. net. Database online. Available from http://www. artquotes. net/masters/picasso/pablo_musicians1921. htm. [06 April 2009] Rewald, Sabine. â€Å"Cubism. † (2004). Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art. Database online. Available from http://www. metmuseum. org/toah/hd/cube/hd_cube. htm. [06 April 2009] Voorhies, James. â€Å"Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). † (2004). Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art. Database online. Available from http://www. metmuseum. org/toah/hd/pica/hd_pica. htm [06 April 2009]