Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 9

Ethics - Essay Example One common practice includes amniocentesis which is used to determine whether a child will maintain chromosomal problems such as Down Syndrome. Unfortunately, this testing procedure does not identify these genetic abnormalities until the 16th week of pregnancy, long after the child is already well-formed (Ring-Cassidy and Gentles, 2003). A more modern diagnosis process, the Chorionic Villi Sampling method (CVS) occurs during the first trimester however the procedure has been known to cause limb defects (arms and leg) to healthy children (Ring-Cassidy and Gentles). There does not appear to be a viable prenatal testing system which can accurately predict genetic characteristics, plus the long-term damage to both the mother and the child creates a new ethical dilemma. Deemed bioethics, it is the study of whether prenatal, genetic results are sound enough justification for aborting the fetus. This paper describes the ethics behind this controversial abortion practice. Medical screening technology has not yet advanced to where physicians and geneticists can concretely identify future genetic deficiencies in developing fetuses. In a situation where a pregnant woman is relying on prenatal testing results to determine whether to carry a child to full-term, the current stage of medical research simply provides mothers with no viable options other than to prepare for the eventuality of raising a genetically-deficient child or abort the fetus immediately. Kuhse (1998) clearly offers that prenatal diagnostics is wrong at its very foundation, where abortion becomes the only viable alternative to carrying the child full-term. The author suggests that good-spirited attempts to locate genetic defects such as Huntington’s disease or cystic fibrosis will ultimately lead to a social shift where less-critical fetus issues are assessed

Principles and practice of Human Resource Management Essay Example for Free

Principles and practice of Human Resource Management Essay In 21st century, the organization which considers its employees as an asset rather than cost has competitive advantage. The term suggested for employees is human capital. It refers to productive potential of ones knowledge and actions. In todays knowledge economy, efficient management of human capital ensures success for the organization. This tells the importance of human resource management. It is about managing human capital in the same way as asset management or financial management. Actually human resource management acts as a medium of exchange between employees and organization. Employees offer knowledge, abilities, skills, efforts, time, motivation, commitment and performance to the organization in return for job security, empowerment, generous pay for performance, training, promotion and trustful relationship. Thus human resource management is considered as a matching process that is matching organizational goals with employees needs in order to satisfy both optimally. The more formal definition of human resource management is the activities undertaken by the organization to attract, develop and maintain an effective workforce within an organization. (Daft, 1982) Thus attracting an effective workforce for an organization, developing it to its potential and finally maintaining it are the three main goals of the human resource management. And all the strategies are developed by the human resource department for attaining these three goals and these strategies tend to be organizational wide in order to support the overall corporate strategy. The skills required for attracting the workforce includes human resource planning, job analysis, forecasting, recruiting and selecting; skills for developing the workforce includes training and performance appraisal; and skills for maintaining the workforce includes wages, salaries, benefits and termination. Organizations especially perform human resource management in order to tackle the issues related to human resource proactively rather than reactively. ( Price , 2007). Having developed the concept of human resource management, we will now talk about the different approaches taken by the organization for pursing HRM. Read more:Â  Managing The Human Resources The first approach is hard HRM developed by Michigan business school and the second one is soft HRM developed by Harvard business school. (Fombrun, Tichy and Devanna, 1984) Both approaches are opposite as they are based on different sets of assumptions. (Storey 1992) Soft HRM has humanistic edge in managing employees while hard HRM considers employees as resources which have to be managed in the same way as capital equipments and raw materials. That is hard HRM is bit more technical and mechanical in its approach which involves in obtaining as cheap labor as possible that should be fully exploited. Soft HRM advocates unitary perspective which means employees and organization needs and interest are coherent which leads to mutual goals, influence, respect, rewards and responsibility. The outcome is therefore employee commitment and organizational success (Walton 1985). On contrary, pluralist perspective sees differences in employee and organization goals as a cause for conflicts and problems. Management’s task is to induce the appropriate behavior in workers so that their actions accomplish the company’s goals, not their own. This paves the way for showing direction and coercion by management. This perspective underlies hard HRM. .( Price , 2007) Mc Gregor in 1960 gave Theory X and Theory Y about the nature of employees. Theory X depicted employees who dislike work and try to avoid it when they can. People have to be coerced to work and have to be closely directed and regulated thus leading to tight managerial control. On the other hand theory Y depicted employees who like to work and exercise self direction and self control if they are committed to the goals and objectives. In this case there is loose managerial control and managements function is to foster individual growth and development. Apparently soft HRM is associated with theory Y which emphasizes employees commitment through trust, open communication, training and development and autonomous work environment. This will produce employee behavior which is self directed and this is the main reason for organizations competitive advantage. Whereas hard HRM contingent to theory X, focuses on quantitative, calculative and strategic aspects of managing HR as for any other factor of production. The practices of hard HRM consist of strict performance appraisal, supervision and external control over individuals activities. Now we will examine how soft and hard HRM approaches lead to different kinds of activities and outcomes at different stages of human resource lifecycle. The first stage is of attracting the potential employees. This requires human resource planning by forecasting HR needs and matching the individuals with expected job vacancies. The soft HRM will seek to forecast needed employees in order to complete a work unit or finding the best mix of employees for the team in order to elicit commitment from team members by setting of good team norms and strong cohesiveness. Whereas hard HRM will look to minimize the need for additional employees and will try to reduce the head count. This will lead to incomplete work unit. The job vacancies will not be fully matched with potential employees, which will lead to incomplete work outcomes or delays in achieving goals deadlines. However hard HRM is best suited in condition of financial crisis and economic recession. In these conditions companies are incurring losses and they cannot afford hiring of new employees. Hard HRM is helpful in minimizing external hiring and shifting and relocating existing employees within organization. This will make existing employees loyal because they were not laid off by the organization when downsizing is the only option that remains during financial crisis. (Fombrun, 1984). The recruitment and selection is the most important process in hiring of employees. It requires analysis of both job applicants and job itself. We have to look for desired characteristics in applicants so that he must make a good match with particular job requirements. If his skills, education and experience are not adequate for the specific job then it will lead to frustration and confusion. The result will be poor performance, job dissatisfaction and high turnover. Both soft and hard HRM approach will provide realistic job preview and job description so that employees can judge their potential for a specific job. However soft HRM approach will be more insightful as it will look into the hidden personality traits, attitudes and beliefs of the applicants so that they can be better integrated into overall corporate culture, norms and values. Whereas hard HRM will only look to match the applicants skills with the technical specification of the job. Soft HRM give more attention to the human processes such as communication, sharing of knowledge, cohesiveness and trust among employees. Interviews, paper pencil test etc are the most common selection devices and are used by both approaches. However soft HRM approach has additional selection devices such as personality test, psychological test, case studies and different types of surveys. The second stage in HR lifecycle is development of effective workforce which includes training and performance appraisal as the two most important activities. Soft HRM approach will be more inclined towards training for individual advancement and career development. Soft HRM will go for various types of training techniques such as on the job training, class room training, computer assisted instructions, conferences and case discussion groups. Employees will be made to learn multiple skills so that they can be rotated among various jobs in order to reduce monotony and introduce variety. Hard HRM will see training as an expense. It will usually design job which leaves little room for showing discretion and creativity. The job is monotonous and set rules and procedures are there to perform the job. So training is limited to learning those specific job procedures which limits career advancement. This reduces employee motivation and cause job dissatisfaction and high turnover rate because of increase in monotony. The practice of hard HRM is most suitable in assembly line work. However it will fail in work demanding creativity and originality and whose environment is more unstable and uncertain, for example, film industry. While considering the activity of performance appraisal, hard HRM is more stringent in its appraisal process. The poor performance is mostly attributed to individuals lack of ability and no consideration is given to various external factors influencing the individuals performance. External factors are outside individual control and includes pathetic work environment, work place conflicts, distrust, no sharing of information and resources, bad relations and poor communication with top management. (Drucker , 1954 ) On the other hand soft HRM gives objective feedback on employees performance. It also uses the technique of 360 degree feedback that uses multiple raters and self rating to enhance the reliability and credibility of feedback in the eyes of employees. Multiple raters can include customers, co workers, supervisors and subordinates. Employee is also given a chance to explain his point of view and give explanation if his performance is not up to the standard. At the end of the appraisal top performances are also rewarded with bonuses, recognition and promotion. The feedback style of soft HRM is such that employees are motivated to improve their performance further. It enhances employees self efficacy by making clear role expectations and removing role conflicts and role ambiguity. This approach is therefore best suited for organizations whose culture encompasses total quality management. TQM stresses for customer satisfaction by providing better quality product or services through dedication to training, continuous improvement and teamwork. The third and last stage in HR life cycle is maintaining of workforce so that they continue to work for the organization over the long run. This stage consists of four activities such as rewards management, industrial relation, occupational health and safety and termination. In soft HRM approach rewards are such that it recognizes individual’s accomplishment as well as teamwork. Rewards are administered in such a way that it promotes collaboration and cooperation among employees so that they work as a unit for the overall goals of the organization. The focus is on creating the synergy so that different department of organization works coherently and in alignment of corporate strategy. Ivancevich, 2003). Soft HRM approach also gives rewards which increases intrinsic motivation of employees. Intrinsic motivation to work comes from the internal satisfaction and honor one feels when he completes some meaningful work which makes the difference for the organization. These types of rewards increase employees’ sense of meaningfulness, competence, progress and choice. Intrinsic rewards which increase intrinsic motivation are important for increasing employees’ commitment to organization’s goals and mission. The hard HRM has tight control over rewards. Apart from basic salary, less effort is made to recognize individual performance. However calculated yearly bonuses are given when year end profit target is achieved. In other words no effort is made in hard HRM’s reward system to increase employees’ commitment to work. The main problem is that hard HRM follows corporate strategy in rewarding employees and no analysis is done about employee’s needs and desires. Soft HRM is good enough as its rewards system makes a best fit between employees’ needs and rewards. Moreover the other organization dynamics which affects rewards system is employees’ perceived equity of rewards. If the distribution of rewards is not considered equitable by employees then motivating effects of rewards will vanish. There will be feeling of cognitive dissonance in employees and to remove this feeling, he will either alter his inputs to the work or will demand changes in rewards. The soft HRM approach dealing with human processes designs reward system to improve employees’ perceived equity while hard HRM fails to do so. According to Herzberg, working conditions, pay, good company policy and interpersonal relationships are called hygiene factors and their presence removes job dissatisfaction. The hygiene factors are well cared by soft HRM approach. The hard one fails to provide hygiene factors because its main objective is to accomplish a task in most economical terms as possible. It is only the soft HRM approach that has clear and functional policies and procedures about occupational health and safety. (Noe, 2003). Soft HRM approach looks to build long term relationship with employees. It opens all channels of communication such as upward, downward and lateral. Moreover grapevine and management by objective techniques are also used by managers to delve deeper into employees’ problems and requirements. Hard HRM only uses formal and hierarchical communication channel. This is also the cause for many communication breakdown and distortion. The most important feature of soft HRM is of mentoring and socialization which greatly helps in building cooperative and trustful corporate culture and environment.

Henry James The Art of Fiction Essay -- Henry James The Art of Fictio

Henry James' The Art of Fiction In an essay written in response to an essay written by Walter Besant, both titled "The Art of Fiction", Henry James provides both a new understanding of fiction and greater understand of his own works. James analyses, however briefly, the process of creation of a work of fiction, readers' responses to it, and the requirements of the work and the author. James' language within this essay may be in need of some levity, but he does occasionally break through the haze to make a very strong and effective point: "[T]he only condition that I can think of attaching to the composition of a novel is†¦that it be sincere" (161) There is point in which over-analysis takes away from the intention, the point in which talk of theory wanders away from the actual work of art. This is as true today in the critique of fiction as it was in James' time. In analysis we often place requirements of a piece of work. We state that for something to be this, it must then have that. These restrictions and guidelines can hardly be placed on fiction. We cannot presuppose the c...

Mother’s love Essay

The relationship of a daughter and mother who is kindhearted and caring towards her daughter is one of the most valuable person a child has and should take for granted. In the short story by Anna Quindlen called â€Å"Mothers† is about a nineteen year old girl who her name was never mentioned in the story. The narrative has lost her mother and is trying to accept the reality that she is gone. The nineteen-year-old girl describes her life situation as if her mother was still alive, mentioning, â€Å"taking care of the wedding arrangements, or come and stay for a week after the children were born.† The young girl is conflicted over the thought of fantasies and reality, realizing that if her mother were still alive she would have strongly bonded with her and value every single moment. The short story begins with the nineteen-year-old girl, observing two women at a corner table in the restaurant. It was an older woman with her daughter spending quality time. The narrative d escribed her-self as â€Å"kind of vest pocket†, meaning she emotional feels empty and is stuck with no were to go. The narrative was wishing she had valued that moment with her mother when she had that opportunity. The girl seemed that she holds a regret inside of her because she did not have a good relationship with her mother.

Material Science Essay

Abstract In this assignment I will be defining the 3 essential properties of every material and describing those. I would also be describing how silicon-based semiconductors revolutionized computing. I will also define what microchips are and how they relate to integrate circuits. Since the pressing questions about the increasing ability of computers to quickly process large amounts of information is whether a computer can be built that is considered â€Å"alive† or â€Å"conscious.† I will also be defining artificial intelligence and telling the difference between the human brain and the central processing unit of a computer. Material Science There are three essential properties of every material that scientists use as a foundation for most every study. First it is the kind of atoms that is made up from the material. There are the neutral elements and the compound elements. The neutral elements would have the identical amount of protons and electrons; this would essentially terminate one another, which would leave the protons and electrons neutral. The compound element is when there is a combination of more than one element. The atoms are second in the way that they are arranged. A great way to explain this is by relating atoms of liquid and atoms of solids. For example the atoms of liquids move around allowing the atoms of solids which are packed together. The way that atoms are attached together is number three. These are the key properties when understanding the study of materials. The strong point of the material, this is the capability to endure forces being useful to it without breaking, this is first. The materials elasticity is second, which is the capability to flex while returning to its original form. Number three is the materials plasticity; this is the ability to change its shape forever. Thanks to the starter of semiconductors, computers have developed over a billion times faster than one of the first built in 1946 (ENIAC). Describe how silicon-based semiconductors revolutionized computing. Since silicone semiconductors are capable to move easily through the solid component it is more proficient than copper based conductors. Silicone based conductor’s makes holes which produces and fills a space constantly. This means electrons jump from one atom to another. This will also change the silicon through a process called doping by adding either phosphorus or aluminum the desired effect is achieved. When adding phosphorus to silicon it develops n-type which is negative-semiconductor. When adding aluminum to silicone it develops p-type semiconductors. These are both essential parts functions efficient electrical devices microchips, which are used in computers. Microchips are positive and negative type semiconductors. Microchips do a detailed function. A microchip is individual diodes and transistors will play a big part of the essential function in modern electronics, although these strategies have been mainly replaced by much more complex arrays of P- and N- kind semiconductors, known as microchips. Microchips may join hundreds or thousands of transistors in one integrated circuit, particularly intended to do a specific role. They are related to integrated circuits this is why. Combined circuits (microchips) are the main component in devices such as microwave calculators, and other devices. An integrated circuit microprocessor lies on modern technology. Modern technology is occupied with electrical integrated circuits. Such as, Televisions, MP3 players and computers all contain integrated circuit which allows them to perform specific functions. Also known as microchips or microprocessors, these circuits keep track of all the information being transferred within the device, in essence giving it life. Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce are both who take credit with inventing the integrated circuit, both coming up with the idea within a year of each other while working for separate companies. Artificial Intelligence is a division of science which deals with helping machines and finds explanations to complex problems in a more human like manner. This normally contains borrowing features from human intelligence, and applying them as procedures in a computer friendly way. A more or less well-organized approach can be taken depending on the necessities recognized, which impacts how artificial the intelligent performance seems. (http://ai-depot.com/Intro.html) The 2 essential differences between human brains and the central processing unit of a computer is the brain-computer metaphor has served intellectual psychology well, research in intellectual neuroscience has revealed many significant changes between brains and computers. Escalating these differences may be crucial to understanding the mechanisms of neural information processing, and eventually for the creation of artificial intelligence. (http://scienceblogs.com/developingintelligence/2007/03/27/why-the-brain-is-not-like-a-co/) One difference is that brains are analogue and computers are digital. For instance one of the primary devices of information communication appears to be the amount at which neurons fire a fundamentally unbroken variable. Likewise, networks of neurons can fire in relative synchrony or in relative confusion; the coherence affects the strength of the signals received by downstream neurons. Lastly, inside each and every neuron is a leaky integrator circuit, composed of a diversity of ion channels and endlessly changing membrane potentials. (http://scienceblogs.com/developingintelligence/2007/03/27/why-the-brain-is-not-like-a-co/) Another difference is short-term memory is not like RAM. While the superficial similarities between RAM and short-term memory encouraged many early intellectual psychologists, a closer examination reveals strikingly important differences. Although RAM and short-term memory both seem to required power, short-term seems to hold only to long-term memory however. RAM holds data that is Isomorphic which is having similar appearance but different ancestry. Not like RAM, the capacity limit of short-term memory is not fixed, the capacity of short-term memory seems to vary with differences in processing speed as well as with expertise and understanding. (http://scienceblogs.com/developingintelligence/2007/03/27/why-the-brain-is-not-like-a-co/)

HCA Hospitals Essays

Medicare Fraud Scandal with the Columbia/HCA Hospitals Essays Medicare Fraud Scandal with the Columbia/HCA Hospitals Paper Medicare Fraud Scandal with the Columbia/HCA Hospitals Paper One of the most pressing issues affecting the health sector is Medicare fraud. Based on the events that rocked the health community, which involved Columbia Health Hospitals, America has decided that it is high time to pay closer attention to one of the reasons why the Medicare is bleeding to death. This paper will try to look into the events that shaped the most controversial and biggest Medicare scandal that has awakened government to act before it is too late. To assist the readers, this paper will be divided into several parts: (a) Background of the paper where information about the case being examined will be provided. In addition, an introduction of the major issue(s) to be analyzed will also be presented; (b) Analysis Section will provide a detailed analysis of the situation(s) being examined and will outline recommendations for how the issue(s) could have been handled more effectively; finally, the (c) conclusion section where we will try to summarize the purpose of the project, the issue(s) examined and the major findings/conclusions/recommendations. II. Background For this particular paper, we will look into the kind of fraud that Columbia allegedly committed against Medicare and its members. To do so, we will need to first define what fraud is and how it is particularly committed. More importantly, we will look into how Columbia/HCA Hospitals allegedly committed the fraud and how it ultimately affected the American public as well as the American government. One fateful day in July of 1997, a series of raid launched by the government against a particular hospital conglomerate shocked America’s health care system and brought into the nation’s attention one of the biggest scandal that involved Medicare benefits of Americans. https://healtheappointments.com/private-hospital-vs-public-hospitals-essays/ In a raid conducted by federal and state agents, the main target was Columbia/ HCA hospitals in Florida. At issue were allegations that Columbia had defrauded Medicare, the deferral health insurance for the elderly and the disabled. Medicare was created by Congress in 1965 as a means to provide health benefits to Americans over the age of 65 and for the seriously disabled. In the beginning, it was said that Medicare had no effective cost control and while it did help the people it was meant to help (i. e. the elderly and the disabled), it also cost Uncle Sam a lot of taxpayer’s money. In the beginning, hospitals were reimbursed on a cost plus basis meaning that Medicare paid for the cost of service plus a fee for administrative overhead. However, in 1983, Congress passed the first significant effort to curb the skyrocketing costs of Medicare. Congress adopted a payment system based on diagnostic related groups (DRGs). Under the DRG system, hospitals would be paid per admission with an amount determined by the diagnosis instead of per day or per service. This new system helped check increasing Medicare costs but it also hurt hospitals and made them bleed profusely –at least on financial aspect. And while many hospitals saw this new change as a disadvantage, Columbia/HCA had another vision. They saw this new change as a way to increase their profits, albeit in a more fraudulent manner. In 1997, investigations were underway with regard to the alleged fraud practices employed by Columbia against Medicare. At issue in the investigation were several possibly fraudulent practices by Columbia/HCA and its managers. Among these were upcoding, cost shifting, unethical practices to pressure acquisition targets, and financial relationships with doctors. III. Analysis First things first: what is fraud and what act or acts constitutes fraud? When does one commit fraud? According to the definition of the Department of Health and Human Services, fraud is the intentional deception or misrepresentation that an individual knows to be false or does not believe to be true and makes, knowing that the deception could result in some unauthorized benefit to himself/herself or some other person. The most frequent kind of fraud arises from a false statement or misrepresentation made, or caused to be made, that is material to entitlement or payment under the Medicare program. The violator may a physician or other practitioner, a hospital or other institutional provider, a clinical laboratory or other supplier, an employee of any provider, a billing service, beneficiary, Medicare carrier employee or any person in a position to file a claim for Medicare benefits. Under the broad definition of fraud are other violations, including: the offering or acceptance of kickbacks, and the routine waiver of co-payments. According to the Find Law website, fraud schemes range from those perpetrated by individuals acting alone to broad-based activities by institutions or groups of individuals, sometimes employing sophisticated telemarketing and other promotional techniques to lure consumers into serving as the unwitting tools in the schemes. Seldom do perpetrators target only one insurer or either the public or private sector exclusively. Rather, most are found to be defrauding several private and public sector victims, such as Medicare, simultaneously. In Medicare, the most common forms of fraud include: Billing for services not furnished Misrepresenting the diagnosis to justify payment Soliciting, offering, or receiving a kickback Unbundling or exploding charges Falsifying certificates of medical necessity, plans of treatment, and medical records to justify payment Billing for a service not furnished as billed; i. e. , upcoding (Find Law, 1998) Now that we have an idea of what constitutes fraud, particularly the kind that can be committed against Medicare, we can now look more closely into the case that involved Columbia/HCA hospitals. Unlike many hospitals, Columbia/ HCA hospitals were obviously managed by a profit-oriented leader who put more emphasis on the money-yielding power of health care instead of the healing and caring aspect of the business. One key element that could have fostered the fraudulent behavior of the Columbia/HCA management is the company’s strategy of doctor ownership. Doctors were given the opportunity to become shareholders in the company –thus giving motivations to physicians to refer patients to its hospitals instead of its competitors. Moreover, as shareholders of the hospital, doctors had more incentives to hold down costs or to comply with managerial directives. It is, thus, not surprising to see how fraud could happen in such an environment. If doctors and hospitals are in it for the money, then there is no limit as to what they can do to get more financially. Just looking at the company vision or strategy of Columbia/HCA hospitals, we will see that ethics is clearly absent in the vision of management. Instead of aiming to provide quality health care to its patients, the doctors and management of Columbia/HCA are more interested in gaining more profit for the hospital and the corporation instead of giving excellent health care. While this may not be a bad gesture in the over all scheme of things, it still says a lot about the ethics of Columbia management. It would seem that the managers and doctors have lost the essence of their profession. Let me qualify that there is nothing evil in wanting to work for money. What constitutes evil is applying fraudulent means to get more profit. Now that we have an idea of what the problem is and where it lies, one recommendation that can be forwarded is the strengthening of ethics and values formation in the medical community. Doctors as well as everyone involved in the medical profession should understand that medicine is a calling, a vocation where money should come secondary to quality health care. Second recommendation would be to pressure government into providing stricter procedure for health care, particularly for Medicare. As noted by the Concord Coalition website, wherever medical guidelines are hazy and judgment calls are required, it tries to ration claims through arbitrary rules, creating a feast-or-famine reimbursement policy. It imposes huge compliance costs and produces capricious results. Worst of all, despite the estimated 45,000 pages of regulations, the system careens toward bankruptcy as costs keep rising. (Concord Coalition, 1997) More importantly, it is important to set harsher penalties for Medicare fraud cases. This is to ensure that hospitals like Columbia/HCA will learn from their mistakes and will serve as an example to all. Penalties must send the message that fraudulent acts will not go punished and will be dealt with severely by the government. IV. Conclusion It goes without saying that the controversy surrounding Medicare, Columbia/HCA, and the health system in general is a disease that needs immediate diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to heighten awareness of the problem affecting our health care industry with the ultimate goal of finding the perfect solution to the problem. Needless to say, Medicare fraud hurts not just the beneficiaries or the members but the taxpayers in general. In other words, it affects all Americans. The raids that took place in the hospitals of Columbia/HCA should serve as a reminder that criminal acts will, sooner or later, be revealed and perpetrators will be brought to justice. In addition, we have learned from the case presented to us, that there is still need for improvement in terms of implementing the Medicare system. More importantly, we have seen that ethics plays a huge part in the Medicare scandal. It would seem that the management behind Columbia/HCA has forgotten the real reason behind their organization. It is the belief of this author that a strengthening of ethics formation in the medical community will help in changing the tides of Medicare fraud. References: Find Law, 1998: Medicare Definition of Fraud [online] Available at: http://library. findlaw. com/1998/Feb/19/131383. html [cited on: June 14, 2006] Kansas Medicare, 2006: Medicare Fraud [online] Available at: kansasmedicare. com/policy/fraud. htm [cited on: June 14, 2006] Medicare, 2005: Medicare Fraud [online] Available at: medicare. gov/FraudAbuse/Overview. asp [cited on: June 14, 2006] Mutual Medicare, 2006: Help Reduce the Impact of Medicare Fraud [online] Available at: mutualmedicare. com/fraud/ [cited on: June 14, 2006] Senior Health, 2006: Medicare Fraud and Abuse Detection and Prevention Tips [online] Available at: http://seniorhealth. about. com/library/medicare/blfraud. htm? once=true [cited on: June 14, 2006] The Concord Coalition, 1997: Medicare Fraud: A Symptom, Not the Disease [online] Available at: concordcoalition. org/facing-facts/ff_fax42. html [cited on: June 14, 2006] The Qui Tam Online Network, 2006: Common Types of Qui Tam Fraud [online] Available at: quitamonline. com/fraud. html [cited on: June 14, 2006] United Government Services, 2006: Fraud and Abuse [online] Available at: ugsmedicare. com/about_ugs/fraud_abuse. asp [cited on: June 14, 2006]

Free Essays on Game Cube Vs PS2

Nintendo Game Cube vs. PlayStation2 Which One Since the 1990’s people have been enjoying the interactive challenge of video games. Nintendo has been around almost since the beginning with the original Nintendo system and the Game Boy. Years later followed the Sega System and PlayStation. Recently Sony and Nintendo have both announced the development of totally new and â€Å"revolutionary† systems. Nintendo has announced the release of the Nintendo Game Cube ( aka. The Dolphin ). The Game Cube is a â€Å"highly† advanced system that is â€Å"the ultimate TV game machine and the first of its kind†. The Game Cube features an IBM Power PC Gekko Micro processor unit, 1T-Ram Technology and the LSI Mixed Memory. This compact system is about 15% smaller then the N64 and features accessories like the cordless controller, the Modem adapter, the Digi Card, SD- Digi card and the Broadband adapter. The cartridges have also changed to discs, allowing for better graphics, sounds and game play. Sony has also announced the development of the PlayStation2. The PS2 is designed to bring together movies, music and games to form a new form of computer entertainment. The PS2 supports both audio CD and DVD along with old PS games. â€Å" PS2 is charting a path toward the future of networked digital entertainment† says President Ken Kutaragi of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. As for games, over 89 publishers have signed licence agreements to develop content for PS2. A new accessory to go with PS2 is the Dual Shock 2 controller which features transfer rate up to 250 times faster. The PS2 is going to be available in Fall 2000. So as the release dates come closer, people are anticipating the release of these platforms to finally find out what is the ultimate gaming platform. If you would like to read more on the Game Cube go to www.nintendo.com and if you would like to read more on the PlayStati... Free Essays on Game Cube Vs PS2 Free Essays on Game Cube Vs PS2 Nintendo Game Cube vs. PlayStation2 Which One Since the 1990’s people have been enjoying the interactive challenge of video games. Nintendo has been around almost since the beginning with the original Nintendo system and the Game Boy. Years later followed the Sega System and PlayStation. Recently Sony and Nintendo have both announced the development of totally new and â€Å"revolutionary† systems. Nintendo has announced the release of the Nintendo Game Cube ( aka. The Dolphin ). The Game Cube is a â€Å"highly† advanced system that is â€Å"the ultimate TV game machine and the first of its kind†. The Game Cube features an IBM Power PC Gekko Micro processor unit, 1T-Ram Technology and the LSI Mixed Memory. This compact system is about 15% smaller then the N64 and features accessories like the cordless controller, the Modem adapter, the Digi Card, SD- Digi card and the Broadband adapter. The cartridges have also changed to discs, allowing for better graphics, sounds and game play. Sony has also announced the development of the PlayStation2. The PS2 is designed to bring together movies, music and games to form a new form of computer entertainment. The PS2 supports both audio CD and DVD along with old PS games. â€Å" PS2 is charting a path toward the future of networked digital entertainment† says President Ken Kutaragi of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. As for games, over 89 publishers have signed licence agreements to develop content for PS2. A new accessory to go with PS2 is the Dual Shock 2 controller which features transfer rate up to 250 times faster. The PS2 is going to be available in Fall 2000. So as the release dates come closer, people are anticipating the release of these platforms to finally find out what is the ultimate gaming platform. If you would like to read more on the Game Cube go to www.nintendo.com and if you would like to read more on the PlayStati...

Your Guide to Selling Trees in an Urban Yard

Your Guide to Selling Trees in an Urban Yard Although you may be able to market and sell your yard trees, you still have to attract a local timber buyer with trees that get a higher market value. Trees like grade oak, black walnut, paulownia, black cherry, or any other high-value tree in your area are mandatory for a buyer to be interested enough to make an offer. Remember this key requirement: in order for a timber buyer to be interested in purchasing a yard tree(s), the tree or trees must have value with sufficient volume to exceed the purchase cost. There has to be value to offset costs to the timber buyer to bring equipment (log truck, skidder, and loader) to the property, cut the log, haul the log(s) to a mill, pay the landowner for the tree(s) and still make a profit off the end product. Just that simple. Woods-Grown Trees Are More Valuable As a general rule, woods-grown trees are more valuable than trees grown in a yard in terms of hard dollar economics. They have the advantage of access without property damage, easier equipment operating conditions, and there are usually more trees. This will typically yield more volume and a better economic situation for the timber buyer. Remember that in many cases, a yard tree has important non-timber values through the life of the tree, which includes energy savings, air quality improvement, water runoff reduction, and increased property value, to name a few. Problems With a Yard Tree Sale Yard trees that are open grown tend to have grade-lowering short boles and large, limb-laden crowns. They are also subjected to negative human pressures. Yard trees can have nails affixed to their boles, mower and weed whip damage to the base of the tree, and wire fences and clotheslines attached. They are less resistant to natural elements, such as wind or lightning damage (which can cause defects). Often, a yard tree is difficult to get to. There may be structures, power lines, and other obstacles in the way that would hamper cutting and removal. Attracting a Yard Tree Buyer Even though selling a tree in your yard is not an easy thing to do, it is not impossible. Try some excellent tips from the Indiana Department of Forestry to improve your chances of selling a tree in your yard: Know the tree species. Consult a tree identification book to identify the tree or check with your county forester. You will have a better chance of selling if it is a valuable species in your area. It is also good to have more than one tree.Know the trees circumference. Bigger trees mean more volume and will have a better chance of attracting a buyer. Measure with a household tape and convert inches to Diameter at breast height (DBH). To do this, measure the circumference and divide by pi (3.1416). Measure the tree at 4.5 feet (DBH) above the ground.Know the height of the tree. With a yardstick, pace 50 feet on a parallel plane. Hold the stick 25 inches out and parallel to the tree. Every inch represents 2 feet of height.Know if the location of the tree is one that large, heavy tree harvesting equipment can get to. What structures and infrastructure are in the path of the trees removal? Is there a septic system, structures, other trees and plants, power lines, underground pipes? Woul d it be expensive (or even possible) to transport and run harvesting equipment onto your property? Finding a Yard Tree Buyer Some states only allow licensed timber buyers to buy trees. Other states have logging associations who can help you and every state has a forestry department or agency. These departments of forestry have lists of potential timber buyers who are often interested in purchasing excellent-quality yard trees. Whenever possible, use multiple bids with a winning contract. Sources Growing Walnut for Profit and Pleasure. Walnut Council, Inc., American Walnut Manufacturers Association, 1980, Zionsville, IN. Timber Buyers, Their Agents, and Timber Growers. Article 14, Appendix B, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, May 27, 1997.

Introduction to management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Introduction to management - Essay Example This scenario may be referred as dynamicity of the environment. The shorter termed opportunities and speculation points cannot be integrated in the previously designed strategic plan of the organization (Steed, 2013). Conventional strategic plans are not flexible to absorb the environmental developments while the previous plan is being implemented. The strategic plans are result oriented, but the minor flexible slots can provide the short term advantage to the competitors. The environment of the organization apparently remains unchanged and stationary. The previously stated phenomenon creates rigidity because of mission and vision statements. Mission and vision statement are the guides for future time period. The frame work for future time is usually for longer time period and once it is created, no one can add newer dynamics into the objectives’ timeline. However it is not a rule of thumb because some strategic plans have the capability to recognize the importance of the envi ronment but only to the extent of locked in objectives. The extent of absorbability is not significant to compete over the cutthroat bases (Burus, 2013). Strategic planning possesses vital importance in the strategic success of an organization. There are meaningful rationales behind creation of strategic plans. Foremost, the strategic plans provide an enlightened way to create the organizational goals fulfilled. It puts the synergy in to the organizational energies by providing a leading path definition. The leaders within the organizations have clear idea of expected output from the subordinate and the employees gain a transparent spirit of anticipations. The exchange of expectations creates a bridge like roadmap through which the organization personnel lead their tasks. The concept of cross functional work teams and self managed teams has significantly twisted the scenario. Increasing competition has augmented the need of organizational commitment and innovative environment. For e xample, Google Incorporation provides one an hour to its employees which is spare of the routine tasks so that they can have a brain storming session and come up with the innovative ideas. Recognizing the importance of the strategic planning, we cannot recommend letting the strategic plans go. It needs to create integration with dynamicity of the environment with the organizational strategic plan (Steed, 2013). Leading innovative organizations in the world are leaning to transfer their organizational structures from mechanistic to organic ones. The flatter organizational hierarchies provide a wider room for innovation and dynamicity absorption. At the same time it is required to create linkage between external changes and the current organizational strategy. However it still prevails like a major decision to be taken in the milieu of large organizations. The cultural and team work constraints are enough significant that organizational strategy has a little space to roll over the sma ll changes (Slezek, 2013). Dynamicity absorption is suggested to attain through flexible mission and vision statements. In the conventional settings, it almost seems to be impossible to stick with the environmental changes along with implementing a rigid, long term and result oriented organizational

Evaluation of an argument through analysis Essay - 1

Evaluation of an argument through analysis - Essay Example To aggrandize on this judgment, it is wise to relate the aspect of rational and irrational factors; while the latter can be related to women, it can as well be used to justify why women speak much. Irrational persons tend not to take close precaution while speaking and factors can be related to their superior speaking techniques which in most cases are situation and theoretically assembled (Holmes, 38). Nevertheless, rational talk attributed to men is based on attributes of honesty, factual and being concise. However, Holmes argument is not based on the amount of words spoken but on the quality of the talk. She challenges women to construct a formidable talk in order to counter balance patriarchy. Primarily, Holmes present women talk based on social factors such as friendship and trivial relationships, compared to male talk which focused on critical global arguments. To justify the above description, it is wise to note that Holmes essay is based empirical evidence in critical examina tion based on science, environment and demagogy principles. The essay has applied strong literature dogmas; for instance, of humor, proverbs, imagery/ symbolism, simile/ metaphors and as well borrowing close examples. This essay will counter examine Holmes essay by; firstly, close checking on the claim and subsidiary claims. Secondly, the essay will base its principles on hilarious practical evidence presented. Thirdly, the essay will examine on technical presentation applied by Holmes; primarily focusing on opposing views, credibility, language, organization and the tone of the essay. Finally, the conclusion will establish whether the argument â€Å"women talk too much is valid†. Claim What is the main claim presented in the essay? Is it clearly stated the essay does it reflect the purpose of the essay The main claim in the essay is the argument against the quality of talk compared between sexes and what governs the talk. While men uses talk to exemplify power, women uses ta lk to express emotions and relations. Women are more interested on trivial elements; for instance, of how the society perceive them as individuals and not what men argues out; how the society perceive the general concept life and how it affects mankind, what are the necessary changes and solutions to challenges. The essay categorizes men as discreet and in very unique cases they would speak out their problems but women are more interested in speaking out their lives to access comfort. According to Holmes (43), men are interested in presenting a certain social point of view and debating on it, while women are more concerned whether the point of view does directly affect them What are subsidiary claims presented in the essay? In other words what claims are used to support the main claim? Are the claims clear and valid? And they related to the main claim? Holmes aggrandizes on the main point of view, literature aspects have been categorically employed to empower the main point. Subsidi ary claims presented stretch from literature, psychological, gender and biological claims. For instance, according to the essay women are more interested to hear their own voice than the validity of what they are talking about. Consequently, biological claims prove that; while a male is developing before conception, the testosterone hormone alters the brain (Brizendine, 2011 56). The hormone is significant in

Risk Management Bachelor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Risk Management Bachelor - Essay Example (European Airline industry-strategies for the new Millenium-sky Tech Solutions accessed from the website www.skytechsolutions.com and Global Market Forecast, The future of flying, 2006-2025, (2006), November, Accessed from the website www.airbus.com). Now it has been evident that aviation market in Europe has been increasing especially for low-cost carriers and therefore our airlines Blue Star will be started as soon as possible to take the advantage of booming air travel market. The proposed airlines "Blue Star" is willing to start operations from Vienna (Austria), whose location is more central to Eastern Europe and have the potential to cover Baltic nations (Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania), Poland, Czech & Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Germany etc. The next important fact that founding partners of the Airlines are from three nationalities and around 45 years of age with 15 years of experience in managing an airlines which will prove successful in the long run. Another important fact that airline is starting with 10 same size/carrying capacity and most probably the same type of planes. It becomes easy to handle / upkeep the same type of plans for pilots and other staffs. It any reduce turnaround time and reduce maintenance expenses and training costs. An important fact in starting Blue star is that it is leasing those airports and concentrating on those destinations which are not expensive due to their landing fee or heavy traffic and where national carriers make competition more intense. The most important fact that airlines proposed that its starting capital of $ 100 million consists of only 50% from borrowing in which bank borrowing/short term is only $ 25 million and rest 25% is through long-term bonds. By adopting this method, airline ensures that instant debt-service has to be kept at minimum. These are the above five important facts, which Blue star kept in its mind to start with and will prove to be successful in the long run. The next important step is to choose the first 10 destinations, where the passengers' flow is maximum and risk of bad weather; security or political stability is at minimum. In Europe Most of the airlines are trying to operate in the east. Due to integration of Europe, Vienna is the place / hub for most of the airlines in central Europe joining West Europe and Eastern Europe. The Baltic nations, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus are the new found destinations where low-cost airlines trying to reach out. Most of the passengers from Western Europe are (Businessman) moving in the Eastern Europe market exploring new opportunities where as persons living in Eastern Europe moving Western Europe to find new job oppourtunities. So Blue star has to choose its all the ten destinations keeping in mind the passenger's availability. Three Baltic nations are at first place. They have to start with three airports namely Parnu in the Estonia, Liepaja in Latvia and Kaunas in Lithuania. In choosing the thre e airports we had not taken the respective countries main airports i.e. Tallinum, Riga and vilnius due to airline policy to lease those airports have low leasing costs and potential competition from major carriers as well as more waiting time.

Compensation And Employment Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Compensation And Employment Ethics - Essay Example You don't necessarily know the inherent assumptions which went into the design of the software, nor do you know with certainty what its limitations are. These computer programs and the computers themselves are wonderful tools but don’t use them blindly. The E&C contractor lost the job, one that was worth over $500 million. I don't know but I would not be surprised if some engineers also lost their jobs – they should have. In this case, blind faith in a piece of software cost the firm a lot of money. In another set of circumstances, this type of error could have cost lives. Protection of the public, the basis for requiring the engineering â€Å"seal† in the first place, is only afforded when an engineer qualified in the relevant discipline is responsible for all aspects of planning, design, and field supervision of the project. Engineering is an exciting field, and one of the best things about it is the wide range of career opportunities it affords. However, as professionals, engineers must remain vigilant so that they do not overestimate their abilities in fields outside their chosen discipline. The American Society of Civil Engineers serves my field of study. In order to be a member of the society, one must be certified as a land surveyor or engineer intern and licensed in the US as an L.S or P.E. additionally, one must have a bachelor’s and master’s degree from an ABET/EAC accredited civil engineering school. the society requires engineers to comply with the ASCE code of ethics It was ethical for Most to decline the job since someone cannot be forced to undertake a job he feels uncomfortable with. Also, Ball acted ethically by highlighting that Most had the required qualifications. This is because lying to the administrative board would have been unethical.

The four seasons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The four seasons - Essay Example Effects of the sun are therefore stronger. The temperatures are high with heat waves and the season brings drought and dry winds. These restrict people’s activities such as agriculture that depend on particular weather conditions. The season also identifies weathering of plants leaves in response to the dry condition so that the plants can minimize water loss to the atmosphere. The weather season also forces people to wear light cloths in order to maintain fair body temperatures. Autumn is another weather season that comes after summer. It is characterized by relatively shorter days than summer is. The weather is cooler and the environment has frost in the morning. It is a transition between summer and winter and can have mild characteristics of either the summer season or the winter season. Shading off tree leaves is another important characteristic of the season. Because of the cooler weather in summer, people change their dressing styles to heavier cloths that suit the moderate weather because changed weather does not favor the light summer cloths. The change in weather and anticipation of less dry conditions also means that people can engage in agricultural activities. The gradual change in weather condition that is witnessed in autumn increases in winter and extreme weather is experienced. The winter season is for example cold and snows are common. Rainfall is more frequent and the low temperatures make it snowy. These extreme environmental factors restrict people’s activities such as movements and means of transport are adversely affected. People are also forced to change their dressing styles to heavier clothes and may have to warm their rooms and houses in order to avoid negative effects of cold. Because of the adverse weather conditions, people restrict their movements and only travel when necessary. Spring follows winter and has less adverse weather conditions. The sun shines more than it does in winter and temperatures are relatively higher.

Fairytail analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Fairytail analysis - Essay Example On the other hand, Cinderella does not cease doing good and being compassionate towards those who mistreat her. Finally, although she did not have fine linen like her sisters to attend the kings ball, her godmother comes to her aid and makes it happen. Later, she ends up being the beautiful princess that the king marries. Her good nature overrides the evil against her, and she ends up the most successful of all. Perraults ‘Cinderella’ is modest, depicting that humility uplifts the less fortunate and warning us through its moral that pride comes before a fall. In his story, Perrault exclusively illustrates humility and its consequences and what can consequently happen to the proud. Humility, compassion and kindness have been depicted throughout the story. Cinderella’s mother dies leaving her under the care of her evil step mother who continuously mistreats her. Her step sisters are no good either. Despite her circumstances, she at no time stops doing good. ‘The poor girl suffered silently, and never said a word to her father.’ She did all the house chores as her sisters adorned themselves; slept in the worst place while the rest enjoyed the luxury of well furnished rooms. None of these made her complain; instead, she kept all the pain to herself and not a single time did she stop carrying out her chores. Cinderella is not invited to the ball and has no quality linen to dress for the occasion; however, this does not stop her from helping her sisters choose the best dress for the occasion. She even goes ahead to make their hair in the best way possible. Perrault asserts, "She had exemplary ideas and marvelous advices on how they could fix their hair and dress appropriately" (Perrault). When the king throws a ball, her step sisters spend their entire time chatting about it and preparing themselves. They even make fun of her that she would be the laughing-stock if she appeared at the ball. Although they despise her,

The four seasons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The four seasons - Essay Example Effects of the sun are therefore stronger. The temperatures are high with heat waves and the season brings drought and dry winds. These restrict people’s activities such as agriculture that depend on particular weather conditions. The season also identifies weathering of plants leaves in response to the dry condition so that the plants can minimize water loss to the atmosphere. The weather season also forces people to wear light cloths in order to maintain fair body temperatures. Autumn is another weather season that comes after summer. It is characterized by relatively shorter days than summer is. The weather is cooler and the environment has frost in the morning. It is a transition between summer and winter and can have mild characteristics of either the summer season or the winter season. Shading off tree leaves is another important characteristic of the season. Because of the cooler weather in summer, people change their dressing styles to heavier cloths that suit the moderate weather because changed weather does not favor the light summer cloths. The change in weather and anticipation of less dry conditions also means that people can engage in agricultural activities. The gradual change in weather condition that is witnessed in autumn increases in winter and extreme weather is experienced. The winter season is for example cold and snows are common. Rainfall is more frequent and the low temperatures make it snowy. These extreme environmental factors restrict people’s activities such as movements and means of transport are adversely affected. People are also forced to change their dressing styles to heavier clothes and may have to warm their rooms and houses in order to avoid negative effects of cold. Because of the adverse weather conditions, people restrict their movements and only travel when necessary. Spring follows winter and has less adverse weather conditions. The sun shines more than it does in winter and temperatures are relatively higher.

Hypermedia website Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hypermedia website - Essay Example There are always different views to everything, and the use of twitter handle in the hypermedia website is to enable one to create a social network with people in your niche and to be able to know who is talking about your website and what is being discussed (Webdesigner Depot, 2012). Twitter is used in the hypermedia website because it is an appropriate way to conveniently get in touch with this generation that is technologically advanced and social sites are a way of everyday life. Coincidentally, most of these students are bloggers hence it forms a good platform and a communication medium with the user in regard to the topic. Twitter attracts interested parties, so it is bound to bring in more followers to the topic. The emphasis and briefness make the content on the web attractive to read (Iofilm.co.uk, 2012). This is because reading from a screen is more difficult than reading from paper. The usage of fewer texts in the hypermedia website encourages the youngsters to read and hence encourages more persons to join. This is so because the usage of long texts may encourage ambiguous writing which is not good for the website promotion. The homepage is also simple. Research shows that most people look at the homepage of an advert hence the homepage of the hypermedia website is simple. This is so because its simplicity attracts more readers to the website. The use of photo slides in the hypermedia website is to help the high school students relate to the animals found in the rainforests. In addition, a tool (photo slides) enables them to be able to distinguish them from other animals in other parts of the world. The photo slides are used to easily what cannot be put across by use of words alone (Piechnick, 2012). The use of an external search engine will help the student be dynamic in a way that they can outsource material from other sites and enrich their knowledge on

Knowledge Is Power Essay Example for Free

Knowledge Is Power Essay Knowledge is Power, but knowledge does not always come with power. Knowledge is the state of awareness or understanding gained from experience or study learning specific information about something. This means a person has the resourcefulness to obtain and criticize useful and informative information in order to become well informed citizens who can make intelligent decisions based upon their understanding and awareness of everyday situations. Does this make them powerful? Is a question that creeps into ones mind? Well, power is said to be the ability or capacity to act or perform effectively. Without knowledge, how can this ability to perform effectively, be possible? Indeed, it cannot. This proves that knowledge is very much a necessity to gain Power. Education is the key to success is one of the sayings that one hears throughout their college life. It is invariably true that every person who is knowledgeable leads a successful life. Education plays an important role in promoting a nations economic growth, as well. When you look at Americaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s rise to power during the past war era it is easy as well as trivial to attribute it to the abundance of natural resources and surplus number of new inventions. But, really we must consider how those inventions came about and how those natural resources were utilized to a productive end. More importantly than what made America the most powerful country in the world is why it became the most powerful country. It wasn’t luck, or coincidence or the fact that they had abundant resources but because they laid a firm foundation for their people by educating them and making them valuable members of the society who could meet the demands of the competing world. Investment in higher education is worthwhile because how much you spend on it right now definitely will make up for the amount it makes you gain later in life.

Exploring Why We Enjoy the Anti-Hero Essay -- The Rise of the Anti-Her

There is no doubt that the popularity of the anti-hero as we know it has increased in recent times. With unlikely, yet popular moral gray protagonists like Jack Bauer, Dexter, and Gregory House leading some of the most popular TV shows and characters like James Bond, Lisbeth Salander, Tyler Durden (from Fight Club), and Jack Sparrow being some of the most memorable in movies, it is not surprising that there has been an increased interest to understand what causes this characters to be so popular (Peter Jonason in et al., 193). What is it that makes them as likeable, if not more, than a normal hero? How come we relate to characters that perform actions that, if done in real life, would cause us to see them in a whole different light? My argument is that an increased understanding in the human psyche has enabled us to see through our preconceived moral standards to accept and, in many cases, admire these anti-heros. Under the right circumstances, almost any action is permissible (albeit not necessarily right or wrong). The readers, however, must undergo a process of exposure to the anti-hero and the world she inhabits before they permit her actions. This process of â€Å"disengagement† (presented by Daniel Shafer and Arthur Raney) is what enables the reader to change his preconceived moral standards, at least in the anti-hero’s universe, to actually enjoy the story. Before explaining the big picture, however, I think it is important to understand how the enjoyment of stories can be weighted. The enjoyment of most narratives is measured through the affective disposition theory (ADT). Shafer and Raney explain that: â€Å"ADT is generally considered the most comprehensive theory explaining the process through which enjoyment is derived ... ...mpathy, understand her flaws and what lead her to be the way she is, and feel those appeals to our primitive feelings related to the Dark Triad of personality traits when she kicks some butt, we can finally enjoy the positive emotions which would be condemned as wrong in the real world. Works Cited Funk, C. and Gazzaniga, M. â€Å"The functional brain architecture of human morality†. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 19 (2009): 678-681. Web. Hemley, R. â€Å"Sympathy for the Devil, What to Do About Difficult Characters†. Creating Fiction (1999): Edited by Julie Checkoway. Story Press. Jonason, P. â€Å"The Antihero in Popular Culture: Life History Theory and the Dark Triad Personality Traits†. Review of general psychology 16.2 (2012): 192-199. Web. Shafer, D. and Raney, A. â€Å"Exploring How We Enjoy Antihero Narratives†. Journal of Communications 62 (2012): 1028-1046. Web.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee :: To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

Scout Finch is not the stereotypical girl from the 1930’s. Agents the wishes of everyone around her, she grows up in overalls instead of dresses. Scout plays in the dirt and sand, instead of in the kitchen. In the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee, Scout is the wild spirited narrator, growing up in the small town of Maycomb. As she gets older, she learns mostly from her father Atticus how to interact with people. Scout learns to show dignity and respect to everyone, under any circumstances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the beginning of the novel, the reader finds that Scout Finch is not the most peaceful girl. She fights boys quite often, and never backs down from a fight. One day Cecil Jacobs approached Scout and was taunting her because her father is â€Å"defending niggers†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I drew a beam on him, remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped my fists and walked away.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It was not until Atticus had told Scout not to fight on his behalf, that Scout found the courage inside her to walk away. Her actions here show her respect for Atticus, and her dignity. She realizes now that fighting is not always the best way for her to solve her problems. Even after all the kids were calling her a coward, she had enough dignity to follow her father’s wishes and not fight.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Boo Radly often became the target of the children’s taunting. Scout had a set image of Boo in her head as a blood stained squirrel eater, even though she had never so much as seen him. That changed as she grew up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"When we were small, Jem and I confined our activities to the southern neighborhood, but when I was well into the second grade taunting Boo Radly became passà ©.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As Scout grows, she starts to see Boo as a person, as apposed to some sort of an evil creature. By stopping her games, and the tormenting of Boo, she shows respect for him and shows dignity in herself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Near the end of the novel, a mob of men from the town gather in front of the jail to lynch Tom Robinson. To there surprise Atticus is waiting there for them. Later Scout, Jem and Dill joined them. This was a very awkward situation for everyone there, and Scout tried to ease the tension by starting conversation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Atticus had said it was the polite thing to talk to people about what they are interested in, not about what you are interested in.

Marketing Assignment

We want from our target market to make a habit of eating their meals in our restaurants. If we are able to reach them, this will help us to grow at the end of the first year. In addition to this, we have another objective which is to decrease the number of people who are not aware and people who are resisting to not purchase our goods. In this case, we are planning to encourage them to taste our products and take their opinions about them to adjust our goods according to their needs and wants. Stressing our competitive advantage to our target customers is our another goal which makes them loyal to our restaurants.Identify the marketing segment for the product and explain why this segment was selected. Because we are producing healthy fast foods for different diet programs, mass marketing does not fit our marketing strategy. Therefore we segment the market based on Demographics. For example, if gender is taken into consideration, woman and man should take different amount of calories per day in order to carry on their daily activities. Besides, amount of calories are taken by young people, adults, and elderly people changes as well according to their heights, weights, and activity levels.Therefore when our customers come to our restaurants, they should be able to find a food that best fits their diet in order to be satisfied. Moreover, we also segment the market based on geographic as well. In this case, we are planning to run our business in United States because there is a high demand for healthy foods since people want to live healthy and longer. Discuss the target market and why these customers will be targeted. We segmented market according to people’s ages and genders. We decided to target people whose ages are between 18 and 64 or more and tried to figure out the market size.According to US and World Population Clocks in the US Census Bureau web page, there are 309,092,421 people living in America now. Again, according to the report posted on US Ce nsus Bureau, Meyer (2001) stated that people whose age is under 18 is 26 percent, people whose age is between 18 and 64 is 62 percent and people whose age is more than 64 is 12 percent of US population. So if we assume that the percentage of people whose ages are between 18 and 64 or more remain unchanged from 2000 to 2010, the total population of young people, adults and elderly people is now 228,728,319. 62%+12%=74%, 309,092,421? 74%). Moreover, if we assume that 50 percent of this amount is woman and 50 percent of it man. So we have 114,364,159 men and 114,364,159 women whose ages are between 18 and 64 or more. This is a huge number and it seems that targeting this segment is profitable. Furthermore, this market size can grow in the future because in 2000 the total US population was approximately 281 million according to US Census Bureau 2000 report. (Meyer 2001). Today, as I mentioned above it is nearly 309 million. Conduct a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and treats an alysis for company.One of our strengths is offering healthy foods. Our menu contains foods that they are rich in terms of protein, vitamins, mineral etc. which play an important role in the structure of human body. Secondly, while we are preparing our menu, we consult nutritionists about the ingredients, the types to enhance the variety and cooking techniques. In addition to this, our customers can benefit from the dietician service on every Mondays, and Fridays between 1-5pm. They can ask their questions and have a chance to take medical support. Moreover, we are using organic and fresh foods while we are cooking and these vegetables and ruits are produced and picked diligently. This is also one of our strengths that help us to meet our customers’ expectations. Unfortunately, we have also some weaknesses as well. One of the most important weaknesses of our healthy fast food restaurant is our prices. To produce organic vegetables and fruits is very costly. Therefore this is r eflected in prices of those kinds of products. Because organic foods are crucial ingredients of our foods, we also have to reflect the prices of vegetables and fruits to our food prices in order to make profit.In addition to this, because we do not offer any unhealthy foods such as fried chicken, fried potato, hamburger etc. our foods may not fit the people’s tastes. Beside our strengths and weaknesses, we have also some opportunities coming from macro environment. Firstly, people love eating in Unites States and they like to know about different and new foods. In addition to this, United States is the best place to run a fast food restaurant because of being a home country of fast food industry. Secondly, number of obese people is increasing day by day in United States because of overeating fast foods.Since these kinds of meals are unhealthy and they can cause serious health problems, this makes people more conscious while they are making decision about food choices. Therefo re they tend to eat more healthy foods. Thirdly, organic food industry is growing in Unites States and people tend to consume organic foods because of being healthful compared to regular vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, number one fast food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, etc. do not offer rich healthy meals alternative to unhealthy ones. In this case, consumers are in pursuit of healthy food restaurants.Lastly, in United States technology is advanced a lot to prepare fast and healthy foods. This leads fast food restaurants to work more efficient. We also have some threats caused by macro environment as well. For example, people may not have enough purchasing power to buy healthy foods. In this case unhealthy foods seems cheaper to them. Therefore they may tend to prefer unhealthy fast food restaurants. Besides, organic foods are expensive. As a result, restaurants that are not using organic foods charge lower prices to their meals compared to restaurants that use those kinds of egetables and fruits. Moreover, eating hamburger, fried potato, fried chicken, cheese burger, etc. can seem more attractive to customers. Therefore customers may prefer places that offer those foods. Describe the market position for your product and service When we are positioning our product, the quality and the price are taken into consideration and we compared our product with the one that is produced by our competitors. In the fast food market, we have many competitors; however our number one and well known competitors are McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and others.In figure one, circles which are depicted closely represent our competitors and the upper circle represents our fast food company. The competitors’ circles are depicted closely because they are perceived more or less the same by consumers. For example, their menus and prices are more or less the same. They are using nearly same strategies. For instance, both Burger King and McDonalds have the dollar menus. Although our competitors offer some kinds of healthy foods such as salads, grilled chicken, etc. they are still selling unhealthy foods.On the other hand, our company’s number one strength is always serving healthy foods to our customers. Besides, we are offering free dietician service for our customers. Our customers can ask their questions and get a customized service. In light of these facts, our product quality is high relative to our competitors. price X’s Healthy Fast Food Restaurant Low qualityHigh quality Our competitors Figure 1 Perceptual Map In addition to our product quality, our products’ prices are also higher than the average prices as well. Because organic foods’ prices are high, we have to reflect this to our prices.According to figure 1 it can be seen that our competitors dominate us in terms of prices. However, we also dominate them in terms of product quality as well. Recommendations Service is an i ntangible product and X’s Healthy Fast Food Restaurants are producing both tangible product (i. e. food) and intangible product (i. e. dietician service). In service industry customer satisfaction is very important. If a company satisfies their customer’s needs and wants, they become loyal.Therefore management should know whether their customers are happy with the service provided or not. This is the case that X’s Healthy Fast Food Restaurant can be face with. Therefore we should do some surveys to measure the satisfaction level of our customers about the service quality. There are many tools to do this. For example, Winner (2004) stated that â€Å"One of the most popular approaches to measuring service quality is the SERVQUAL instrument† (p. 418). In this type of questionnaire there are several questions that measure the quality of service.If we put servqual surveys on customers’ table and request to fill them after they finish their meal we can m easure the satisfaction level of our customers by looking the results and this helps us to improve our service quality. Because service is an intangible product, customers may not know what they are buying until they buy. One author said that â€Å"†¦the service provider’s task is to make the service tangible in one or more ways† (Kotler 1999 p. 648). In this case, we should find some ways to make our product tangible.For example, if we give importance to keep our restaurants clean, our customers may think that we prepare our foods diligently. Providing a qualified and quick service can be another way to make our product tangible. If consumers see how we deliver our service quickly, they always prefer us.References Kotler, P. (1999). Principles of marketing. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Winner, S. R. (2004). Marketing management: New Jersey Pearson Prentice Hall Meyer, J. (2001). Age:2000. US Census Bureau. Retrieved April 8, 2010 from http://www. census. gov/prod/20 01pubs/c2kbr01-12. pdf Marketing Assignment International market segmentation (International market segmentation) is the concept of market segmentation in the use of international marketing. Its concept is by comparing the domestic and international market for more buyers, a wider distribution. With businesses having limited power, it is usually very complex to meet the needs of worldwide customers. A market segment is defined as â€Å"a group of customers who share a similar set of needs and wants†. In this case its HSBC trying to target potential customers. The first key consideration is the benefits of segmentation. This segmentation uses customers as a point of reference.The firm can then focus on their marketing resources and it gives them competitive advantage by being able to serve more according to customer segments. There are four level of segmentation, first one is preference segments. Some consumers have a very different taste for the things that they want. Consumers are free to prefer HSBC or other banks ava ilable in the market. A group of people gathered their preference will show the natural segments. Second level of segmentation is niche. It is defined as a more narrowly defined customer group seeking a distinctive mix of benefits.HSBC in this case targets consumer niches with distinctive products and services. It is proved by having a pet insurance product, growing at a 125% per year. Third level is local,which involves local customer groups in trading areas, neighborhoods and even industrial stores . HSBC is actually focusing at serving local markets. They maintain to have local presence in the area with the tagline which is â€Å"world’s local bank†. Last level is individual, customer with HSBC bank card, etc will get a ride in the BankCab. The next step is to segment the consumer markets.The fundamentals to consider are geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural. Geographic segmentation means dividing market into different geographical units such as nat ions, states, regions, cities or neighbors. HSBC demonstrated its local knowledge with marketing efforts dedicated to specific locations. In 2005, it set out to prove to jaded New Yorkers that the London-based financial behemoth was a bank with local-knowledge. Demographic segmentation means â€Å"dividing by age and life cycle, life stage, gender, income, generation and different social class†.HSBC offered a â€Å"smart card† and no frills credit cards to the underserved student segment and targeted high-value customers with special â€Å"Premium Centers† bank branches. Psychographic segmentation is segmentation depending on the person itself on primary motivation such an ideals and achievements. Last element is behavioral segmentation. This is segmenting â€Å"based on decision roles such as intiator, influencer, decider, buyer and user. † As for behavioural it consists of occasions, benefits, user status, user rate, buyer-readiness, loyalty status and attitude. The second key to be considered is target marketing.It develops measures of market attractiveness and select target segments. For example, â€Å"selecting the most profitable segments to focus on†. HSBC target student segment by offering â€Å"smart card† and high-value customers with special â€Å"Premium Centers† bank branches. Steps in segmentation process include need-based segmentation, segment identification, segment attractiveness, segment profitability, segment positioning, segment acid test and market mix strategy. â€Å"To be useful, market segments must rate favorably on five key criteria which are measurable, substantial, accessible, differentiable and actionable. †The third key to be considered is the market positioning. Positioning is done by targeting segments and develops a marketing mix for each segment. For example â€Å"creating an image or position for the brand with competitors’ brands†. For example HSBC wants to be known as the â€Å"world’s local bank†. This tagline reflects HSBC’s positioning as a globe-spanning financial institution specialised on serving local markets. Strategy for positioning includes, â€Å"Identifying a set of possible competitive advantages on which to build a position†, choosing the right competitive advantages and selecting an overall positioning strategy

Improving Performance & Effectiveness of your Company

A year ago, the administration has met the top eight managers of the company for a thorough departmental evaluation. The conference yielded outstanding overviews of where the company is, where it should be going, and how it can get where it should be. Each department head devised a plan on how to contribute to the vision of the company, which each department was able to materialize.A year later and the goals have been met. However, the overall state of the company stayed the same. If it moved forward at all, the move was too little and subtle to affect the company vigorously.This is why the management has decided to create an action plan which will homogenize the departmental plans that were created and now being observed so that the positive effects aid the company in moving forward. EXAMINATION OF THE VARIABLES The initial evaluation made by the managers is sufficient to zero in on department-specific issues and concerns. Initially, these issues and concerns of the individual emplo yees and the small group (departments) were considered the best determinant of the company’s progress meter. From these evaluations, the managers identified the problems and devised ways of solving them.Likewise, they uncovered opportunities that were not used before. Lastly, action plans have been created. While the managers succeeded in their implementation of their action plans, it did little for the company. The company remained stagnant as a whole even if the departments soared at meeting goals and exploiting opportunities. Solving problems, Meeting goals One important aspect of the process was identifying the problems in detail by specifying those which bothers each department. By looking into the details, the managers ensured building a strong foundation for the company.It is also by looking at these minute problems that the bigger ones are avoided. With a better foundation, a company is stronger and small problems are sure to not affect it. The identification of probl ems led to an evaluation for coming up with solutions. This further resulted in slating several goals which will keep the employees focused. Goals are important as it unites all the different activities that happen in the background of the company. The goals of the company became the guide line for the employees and managers alike. Opened opportunitiesThe evaluation also enabled the opening of opportunities which the departments have not identified before. By looking at these opportunities and exploiting them, the company was able to minimize the wastages. The opportunities also helped maximize the advantageous edge that the company already enjoys. Heterogenous However effective the departmental initiatives were, the problem was that the initiatives were definitive. Instead of helping the company as a whole, each department strived at achieving their own goals which were rather specific for their areas rather than focusing on the goals of the company as a whole.Thus, the positive re sponse received upon the action plan of the managers did little to grow the company. CONCLUSIONS The process, recommendations, and actions were good, but they were not good enough. The managers were effective on the task given to them, but putting off the focus on the company and concentrating on the areas was a bad choice. Instead, the vision and mission of the company as a whole should be a chief consideration for all initiatives big and small. With this, every little inch in which the company grows will be monumental and evident. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is worth for the initiatives of the managers to be carried on. Given that they have been effective in their respective areas, they should also be introduced in other departments in which they may also be needed; even though the need might not be obvious or immediate. To do so, another meeting with the managers should be called to order. Then, the managers will be prompted to share to the group the successes of their respective departmen t. From these sharing, the managers will be encouraged to adapt the initiatives of another department that are not yet applied in their own area.However, the initiatives that will be adapted should be fit to the department who is also adapting it. Meanwhile, marketing and advertising should be made available as well to boost sales which is primarily important for the business. EVALUATIONS A twelve-month recourse will be put into place, after which an evaluation will be made as to the progress of the company. If the company improved, the initiatives will be continued and even propagated with new ones. If not, a new proposition should be looked at.One would be evaluating for problems in the company as a while instead of by-area. The managers should also introduce new breakthroughs. Employee participation may also be encouraged later on, where the employees will be given the chance to voice out what they think and feel about improvements that can be made to the company. Employee welfar e will also be considered. With all the follow-up initiatives, a focal vision will give every action plan the effectiveness it needs. In return, it will also give the company the effectiveness it deserves.

Pros and Cons of Kyoto Protocol Essay

Kyoto Protocol is an attempt of global community to encourage industrialized countries to lower on emissions of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions was signed in 1997 and till date there are multiple debates going on whether or not it was a step to foster a global cooperation to address current environmental issues or just a governmental endeavor to take under control a free market spot. First, the protocol is seen as a starting point for effective collaboration aiming to achieve global good and face climate change (Hamish McRae). The journalist is sure that the deal has shown the commitment of countries to sacrifice their short-term needs at micro level in order to follow the â€Å"long-term global environmental aims†. In contrast, Kyoto Protocol is poorly designed and does not have any clear influences in perspective â€Å"unlike the Montreal Protocol, which had a clear objective and clear benefits†, notes the author. All things considered can help to draw a conclusion that the Protocol is rather controversial in its future perspectives but is a significant leap of â€Å"a wider global process of conservation† (Hamish McRae). Second, carbon is traded like any other commodity: the treaty expects the countries that do not exceed their carbon emissions limits to sell the surplus to the countries which due to their industrial needs are beyond the allocated quotas. On the other hand, â€Å"carbon market† has plenty of opponents ready to state that even though the carbon trading is being constantly advertized as a key solution to coping with climate change, it is just a small part of the dilemma. Tamra Gilbertson and Oscar Reyes are sure that â€Å"today’s climate challenges require a paradigm shift in our thinking and approaches† (3). The Carbon Trade Watch researchers state that the adoption of proposed schema was a way to â€Å"make climate problems fit market solutions† (9). In any case, despite its bright perspectives in reality Kyoto Protocol leaves very less room for adequate decisions in environment pollution control and gives a way to corporations and governments to speculate on their emissions targets. Third, it is worthy to take a look at nowadays situation and whether or not â€Å"Son of Kyoto† can be considered a success reaching its initial targets and objectives. The recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP18/CMP8) prolonged the lifeline of â€Å"of the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012 keeps it alive as the sole legally binding plan for combating global warming† for eight more years (Alister Doyle and Barbara Lewis). This can be seen as a constant struggle of humanity to overcome or at least control the situation with growing GHG emissions in spite of all the imperfection and criticism of the Kyoto initiative. Some of Doha decisions were questioned by Russia as well as neighboring Ukraine and Belarus asking to â€Å"be allowed extra credit for the emissions cuts they made when their industries collapsed† (Roger Harrabin). However, the query was not given a credit which left Russia no room for objection. This fact claims that there is still no unity in common decisions and universal outlook on the problem of climate change preventive measures. On the whole, Kyoto Protocol is rather controversial instrument in global climate change arena. The deal should be taken as a serious step toward improving the future generations living conditions as well as preventing possible natural disasters. At the same time its coherence should be periodically reviewed and corrective actions taken based on the comprehensive scientific and environmental research not only on pure calculation and monetary estimates. Works Cited Doyle, Alyster and Barbara Lewis. UN climate conference throws Kyoto Protocol a lifeline. http://www.theglobeandmail.com. 08 Dec 2012. Web. 20 Jan 2013 Gilbertson, Tamra and Oscar Reyes. â€Å"Carbon Trading – How it works and why it fails†. Critical Currents no.7 (2009): 3-9. http://www.tni.org/. Web. Jan 20 2013 Harrabin, Roger. UN climate talks extend Kyoto Protocol, promise compensation. http://www.bbc.co.uk. 08 Dec 2012. Web. 20 Jan 2013 McRae, Hamish. Can Kyoto really save the world? http://www.independent.co.uk. 16 Feb 2005. Web. 20 Jan 2013

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Case Study Example Hence the only available option is $1250 thousand dollars. 5. The formula to calculate terminal value using the perpetuity method is given as: FCFn X (1+g) / WACC –g, where FCFn is the FCF for the last 12 months of the projection period, g is the perpetuity growth rate and WACC is the weighted average cost of capital. Using this formula, 6. Total interest expense from 1971 to 1976, based upon Exhibit 7 equals 3049 thousand. The actual Interest tax shield (interest expense X tax rate) in a given year equals the minimum of the calculated Its and the projected taxes before the ITS is applied. ITS for each year is thus given as follows: 7. The Adjusted Present Value method may be calculated as the sum of the FCFs discounted by the cost of the assets plus the interest tax shields which are discounted at the cost of debt. The present enterprise value of the corporation for 1971: The free cash flow available in 1971 is $726 thousand. The terminal value is $10,010. Therefore, the sum of PCF and TV is 10726. The interest tax shield available in 1971 is $99372; hence the present adjusted value of the enterprise is $10825372 or about $10 million. 8. Since the investors are prepared to provide $4750 thousand at the rate of 9%, the interest payable amounts to $2,137,500. In order to ensure that the investors are motivated to offer the large amount of capital, the company needs to make sure that they are allowed purchase at least 6 million shares as

Week 6 Discussion Questions and Participation Questions Essay

Week 6 Discussion Questions and Participation Questions - Essay Example As a manager of a business I would optimize the utility of my human resources by investing in education and training. When employees improve their knowledge and skills they are able to produce more. The company can offer its employees a yearly education expense retainer between $5000-10000 a year. The money would reimburse the employees for educational expenses which include tuition, books, and other materials. Training is an effective wait to transmit knowledge to a large pool of participants in a short period of time. I have participated in company sponsored training initiatives. These trainings have helped me become a better professional through the acquisition of knowledge. My opinion is that the benefits of growth out weight the costs. Americans citizens enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. Due to this prosperity millions of people come to the country legally and illegally in search of a better future for themselves and their families. China is an example of a country that has ripped the benefits of economic growth during the last 30 years. The economy of China has achieved double digit economy growth during the past three decades. There are some costs to economic growth. Humanity has to protect the environment and the natural resources. As a manager I would pay close attention to the concept of implicit and explicit costs. The most common implicit cost is opportunity costs. I would evaluate different alternatives or opportunities in order to determine which can increase the profitability of the company the most. Another concept from the article that I would use in my managerial career is that people response to incentive. To increase the revenues of the company I would sell the merchandise online. A price discount of 15% on online sales is a way to increase the revenues of the company. FedEx and UPS are having record high quarters – I would interpret that the economy

Advantages of dynamic pricing over fixed pricing Essay

Advantages of dynamic pricing over fixed pricing - Essay Example The advantaged groups are the internet savvy because they can manipulate algorithms that sensitize them to be price sensitive, therefore the dynamic pricing may set lower prices for them. Dynamic pricing is very advantageous as it allows sellers to use large amounts of information that directly assist them to make decision (Hartline 85). The seller therefore makes informed business decisions. The seller is also able to increase the price within the threshold of the buyer’s upper limit because of the availability of the historical data to the buyer. This makes the seller increase the profit margins. The fixed pricing is less advantageous compared to the dynamic pricing, as the price of commodities is inflexible to meet the changing demands. The sellers are not in position to maximize profits in case of buffer seasons. The dynamic pricing has limitations. For example if the potential buyer proves the track record of price sensitivity and becomes well informed of the product†™s market price, he may force the dynamic pricing to offer better deal. The critical information about the buyer considered by the sellers like current inventory, supply chains, and competitors’ pricing may affect the price charged to the buyer as at that time. This incidence makes the seller realize no very little or no profits (Hartline 158). A firm practicing dynamic pricing program may sometimes offer discounts to grouped purchases due to excess inventory hence benefitting the buyer more. Dynamic pricing may make upcoming or infant business deteriorate or become insolvent due to increased unhealthy on-line competition from the established businesses. Consortia e-marketplaces These are electronic market places differentiated from other configurations. They mainly focus on the provisions of the internal efficiencies and collaborative benefits of supply to chain members (Rendell 214). Consortium e-marketplaces have many accrued benefits for the organizations that use its s ervices. The market future for the consortia e marketplaces is to influence other organization to join the service. The benefits of participating in consortia e-marketplaces are distinct for buyers and the suppliers (Adrian 189). It improves operational efficiency for the, managerial efficacy, and strategic effectiveness for both the buyer and the supplier of any organization which is deeply integrated in its services. Therefore, it is considerably wise to endorse my organization to this service to obtain the international competition. To evaluate the exchange validity of the consortia e-market place I would analyze critically its function and analyze the operational strategy. Consortia e-marketplaces are joint ventures that operate independently from their producers and have a completely different operation with an independent CEO and management board. The consortia e-marketplace emerges typically in vertical supply chain where such situations like the purchasing side consolidates for dominant players and community supply has fragmentation or is unreliable (Adrian 289). In this situation, the consortia e-marketplace intervenes and become the reliable source for the community products. The consortia e-market place also may emerge where the existing supplier sources products from a small company. The consortia CEO selects a new market place and contracts the market for the existing supplier. This analysis shows the importance my organization may accrue for joining the consortia e-marketplaces. Enterprise resource planning ERP is a method of using computer to link the various functions like accounting, inventory control and the entire company. This method intends