Slavery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Slavery - Essay Example In many bygone civilizations, slavery was the mainstay that enabled them to achieve the glory and reputation that they still enjoy to this day. Ancient civilizations such as those of Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire were all built on the backs of thousands of slaves. The modern world’s main superpower would also base its economy, during the early years of its existence, on the institution of slavery. SLAVERY IN THE ANCIENT WORLD Egypt According to Redford, the civilization of Ancient Egypt existed between 5500 B.C. and 332 B.C (Redford 31). During this 4,200-year time line, slaves created numerous structures in the different dynasties; the most famous of which were the pyramids that still remain today. In the course of its colorful existence, the civilization of Ancient Egypt developed an advanced socio-political establishment and even developed schools for its scholars. According to Redford, it is slaves who worked in extremely dangerous conditions, with thousands of them dying in the process, to create structures such as the famous pyramids of Giza (Redford 32). Egyptian records from this bygone era have also shown that slaves were not just presumed to be the property of their masters in the physical earthy life but also their chattels in the afterlife. It was not unusual for the slaves of a rich man, along with his favorite wives, to be murdered upon his death so that they could continue to serve their master in the next life. The most famous account of the existence of slaves in Egypt is found in the Old Testament where the record of the Israelite slaves living in Egypt between 1400 and 1200 BC is documented. It is unlikely that only Jewish slaves were kept in Egypt (Redford 34). There were probably slaves of different ethnicities working in Egypt. From recorded documents, it is evident that there were even instances where poor families sold their children to be slaves in wealthy families. This would ensure that their children were fed constantly while allowing them also to be able to feed the remaining family members. People who ran into debt could also sell themselves into slavery or become the indentured servants of the people whom they owed money. Even though slaves occupied the lowest rung of Egyptian society, the ones who worked for rich masters such as temple priests, wealthy businessmen, or the royal family fared better than the peasants who owned land. This is because peasants had to give a part of their crops as taxes whether they experienced good harvests or not while slaves were dependent on their masters’ largesse. Ancient Greece In ancient Greece, which existed between the Bronze Age and remained until around 1000BC, slavery was also a recognized institution in society. According to Reilly, for every free citizen in Athens there was a slave (Reilly 62). Any male citizen in Greece who had a modest salary could procure the services of a slave to perform duties in his business, as a servant in his home, or even for personal services. In ancient Greece, slaves were often prisoners of war, or people who had been born of slaves. Moreover, there were many slaves who had actually been kidnapped from their home nations and brought to Athens to be sold as slaves or male and female concubines. In city states such as Athens, slaves could aspire to become physicians. They were given more freedom; and, depending on their masters, were treated with respect for the

English-language films Essay Example for Free

English-language films Essay Many people wonder these days if peoples lives revolve around the choices they make. This is absolutely true. Everyone in this world is responsible for who they are today. Their choices and ideas pave the road for their future. A quote from Confucius says this, Peoples lives are the result of the choices they make-or fail to make. The path one takes in life is not arbitrary. Choices and their consequences determine the course of every persons life. All people, whatever their circumstances, make the choices on which their lives depend. Confucius is absolutely right. It is a well-known fact that if you take wrong turns in life, you will end up in a wrong state. The regular human psychology states that when a person goes and ends up in a bad state, they blame others and most of the time never take responsibility for it. Take a look at this scene, and look carefully cause this happens all the time no matter the circumstances. There is no way and it is impossible for a child who takes drugs, does alcohol, doesnt obey their parents to find themselves at an Ivy-League college. Sometimes, people change their paths along the way and somewhat improve. But if you keep going in the wrong direction for your entire life, you will not get anywhere. Think about the people who are successful in this world. For examples, lets observe Mark Zuckerberg. He is the youngest billionaire in the world. He was focused, he was determined. In fact he was so passionate about programming that he dropped out of Harvard, the number one school in America. He used his talents, worked his choices and made Facebook. Not all of his choices were good. Some were actually bad; some choices actually got him into trouble with others. This is where the trouble comes in. Wait if some of my choices are good, and some are bad, then whats going to happen with my life? Nothing will actually. All that matters is that the majority will overcome the system. If you have more bad than good, you are more likely to take a wrong turn. If you have more good over wrong, you will most likely take a good turn. Even I have taken wrong turns and bad choices. Everyone has. Nobody in this world is perfect. In fact, taking all good choices and all good turns in life ends up as a bad choice. Even though nobody is perfect, its your own self that will determine your future, what you want to become, your status in life. Thats why its good to switch your determination in life if you are on a bad path. Stick with someone and change your mood. Change your attitude, fix your choices, and keep yourself organized. If you are a person reading this essay, lets say about 12 or 13, even 14 to 18. You still have time. You have so much future ahead of you, dont give up hope cause your choices sometimes do tell your future. Sometimes these choices of yours will end you up in a bad place if you dont work hard. A wise person, my own father once told me that it doesnt make you a bad person if you take bad choices. It makes you a bad person if you dont learn from your bad choices. He also told me that if you want to be someone when you grow up, work hard. In elementary, in middle school, and in high school, work hard so that you can build your base for the future. He concluded with me that once you pay off all your duties, go to college, and graduate, you have the rest of your life to enjoy. Whether its doing your dream job, making millions of dollars, then retiring into a large estate. This is called a dream. If you have more good choices in life, your dream will come to. Trust me, its always worked before.

Investigative Tools and Equipment for Crime Scenes

Investigative Tools and Equipment for Crime Scenes Homicides are punishable criminal acts that involve the killing of an individual by another person. Homicide cases can be either intentional or unintentional. Voluntary homicides are premeditated with the intent to kill such as murders, whilst unintentional homicides occur by mistake or negligence as in cases of fatal traffic accidents. However, these are tackled using the same investigative approach which comprises in using the correct apparatus and techniques to collect evidence from the crime scene, in filing of reports, in conducting searches, in interviewing witnesses and in interrogating suspects in order to arrest, prosecute and punish the offender. Investigative tools and equipment To help the investigator in collecting all available evidence, a list of apparatus that is necessary to keep all proof intact and clean are brought on the crime scene. Universal Precautions such as a disinfectant and disposable gloves, jumpsuits, hair covers, shoe covers, purification masks, and face shields are important to help the investigator in safely touching the environment without tampering evidence and leaving fingerprints. An investigative notebook and stationary such as pens, markers, and pencils are also needed for writing down scene notes. Time reading is very important during the collecting of data such as time of arrival so a wristwatch would be ideal. Official identification of the investigator is also necessary since not everyone is allowed within a crime scene enclosed by crime scene tapes and barrier sheeting (Reno, Marcus, Robinson, Brennan, Travis, 1999). Body bags are brought to the scene to remove the body of the deceased safely from site and ID tags along with evidence seals are attached before removal from site. Cameras are needed to provide visual evidence for later study and measurement instruments such as tape and rulers are needed to record specific lengths or distances. Special containers such as specimen containers are needed to carry and preserve blood, general fluids, and other evidence items to the laboratory. Medical equipment kits are useful for gathering evidence that are complicated to obtain such as scissors to cut clothing samples or cotton-tipped swabs for picking out fluid samples. A trace evidence kit, a first aid kit, a latent print kit, a gunshot residue kit, a blood test kit, a thermometer, local maps, a pair of boots, portable lighting, and reflective vests, are some other important tools for the investigator. Finally, some basic hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, shovels, paintbrushes, and bolt cutter s can help investigators to access areas thoroughly (Reno et al., 1999). The Investigation Process Analysing the crime scene The first responder to arrive at the crime scene is usually a police officer and is in charge of the preliminary investigation. S/he has the responsibility of checking whether the suspect is still armed at the crime scene or in the surrounding area. The first responder must render medical assistance to any injured persons and be prepared to write down notes in case of any dying declarations. In case of the latter, the police officer must ask the right questions (such as built, race, hair and eye colour, clothing ect) to try to determine who the culprit is. Afterwards when the dead body is located, death must be confirmed. Thus, the victims pulse, respiration, and reflexes must be checked. Any witnesses should be identified and asked for personal details such as name, address, and mobile/telephone numbers so that they may be contacted later for investigative purposes. It is important that witnesses be separated in order to avoid discussion of the event of crime and thus, contamination of individual accounts of events (Truro Police Department, 2004). The next vital step is to note all weather and environmental conditions, and to protect the crime scene and the evidence found in it until the investigation team arrives on site. This is done by isolating the crime scene from unauthorised persons and by verifying that no evidence is touched prior to the investigation teams arrival on site. The first responder should also establish physical boundaries, park vehicles securely and safely, remove any animals from site, and control traffic. Scene safety is important for all the people involved in the investigation therefore such environmental and physical threats that can cause injury must be removed prior to the crime scene investigation. However, this should be done without damaging and contaminating the integrity of the scene and the evidence. In addition, it is important that the first responder keep a record of all the people that visit the scene, and only allow persons who are needed in the investigation (Reno et al., 1999). Once the investigation team arrives on site, the first responder must report the details to them as accurately and fully as possible. Each member of the investigation team is assigned a specific task to make sure that all the area is covered adequately and to save time. A scene walkthrough should also be established so that entry and exits paths, physical and fragile evidence, and the deceased are identifiable. Depending on the number of investigators, a spiral, grid, linear, or quadrant pattern should be walked so that no area is left unsearched and location of evidence should be marked, photographed. and sketched. This is also essential to avoid alteration and contamination of fragile evidence that includes blood, body fluids (froths, substances from orifices ect), hair, fibres, and fragile evidence that is easily contaminated, lost, or modified. It is important that photographs and sketches indicate the location and patterns of all evidence that is to be collected, preserved, tran sported, and documented so that it can be admissible in court (Reno et al., 1999). An accurate rough sketch of the crime scene containing the case number, location, and case name, can serve as a map to indicate the position and location of the body and any other evidence. All objects should be tied-measured according to stationary landmarks and measurements of the scene taken. A North indication is always appropriate to help understand the general layout of the sketch. If possible, a scale should be included to help calculate distances and sizes of objects. If the crimes scene is indoors, apertures and furniture should be included, whilst if the crime scene is outdoors, trees, fences, vehicles, or any other structures are to be sketched. Afterwards a finalised and accurate version of the sketch is to be drawn so that it can be presented in court. This can also be drawn using computer design software (Bertino, n.d.). Photographic scene documentation helps in providing instant and permanent images of the scene that can be used to recreate the crime and when in doubt about certain details in the report, witness statements, and position of evidence. It is important to include a wide-angle view of the crime scene in order to make the location identifiable. Photographs should be provided with scales and taken at different angles to provide different views of areas. Triangulation of stationary objects should also be included in the photos as reference points. This will also help to uncover any additional evidence that is not noticed by the naked eye (Reno et al., 1999). In addition, photographs with and without measurements, of the initial position of the body, the face of the deceased, objects removed, and the terrain beneath the body should be taken. This is essential to keep record of the position, appearance, clothing, identity, marks and scars, injuries, and final movements of the victim. A detailed record of the evidence such as weapons, cartridge cases, footprints ect, and any necessary measurements along with its relationship to the body should be taken. Volume, patterns, spatters, and other characteristics of blood and body fluids should also be recorded. This also applies for any odours, lights, temperatures, and other fragile evidence. It is important to note that whilst performing these tasks the condition of the body and evidence should never be moderated. Fingerprints, dental, radiographic, and DNA comparisons; personal belongings; photos of tattoos and physical characteristics can all aid in the investigation as these can lead to rela tives if identification of the body is made (Reno et al., 1999). The cause, manner, and time of death can all be determined from post mortem changes such as state of livor mortis and rigor mortis, degree of decomposition, insect and animal bites, and the difference between the temperature of the body and the environment. Documenting such details can help the investigator realise when the witness statements are corroborated and when the body of the dead was transported from a primary location. When the location of death is different from the place where the body is found, it is important for the investigation team to find such a place. Determining the location of death is important to discover how the body was transported to the secondary scene. This can be found by searching on the body and clothes of the deceased and for any drag marks and post-injury marks (Reno et al., 1999). A record of the details of the person/s who discovered the body; the details of where, when and how the discovery was made; and the details of what was exactly was discovered is also necessary for the subsequent investigation and judicial processes. Documenting pre-terminal medical and mental records, and possible incidents and symptoms prior to death and obtaining the relevant ante mortem specimens is essential to determine the deceaseds condition before death. These also help in distinguishing between medical treatment/disease and trauma/injury, and thus determine the cause and manner of death. Marital, family, sexual, educational, employment and financial information, as well as any routines, habits, friends and associates of the dead all help to develop a profile of the deceased that will aid in establishing the cause and manner of death (Reno et al., 1999). Furthermore, the investigation team is also in charge of making sure that the body is protected from further trauma and/or contamination; that all belongings and clothing of the dead victim are properly inventoried, that all evidence items are identified; that all blood and/or vitreous samples are collected; that the body in the body bag is correctly identified and removed from the scene; and that all of these are securely transported to the adequate laboratories and examining agencies. It is also the investigation teams responsibility to notify all next of kin about the death of their relative and to record this (Reno et al., 1999). Documenting and arranging for the secure transportation of body from the scene for autopsy or storage, maintains jurisdiction and chain of custody over the body by the investigation team. In fact, jurisdiction is only released when the body is given to the funeral director. The next step is to perform exit procedures to make sure that: all evidence has been collected, that no materials used in the investigation were left behind; and that all dangerous items were reported. Finally, the family should be informed of any autopsy and support services, and be given a timetable of events such as that of the time of body release and when the test results will be available (Reno et al., 1999). Evidence Evidence can be either direct such as first hand observations of eyewitness testimonies and confessions or circumstantial. Circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that may prove a link between the crime scene and the suspect. The latter can be divided into physical (fibres, weapons, bullets, shoe prints, blood) and biological evidence (body fluids, hair, plant parts, fingerprints and natural fibres). Biological evidence or individual evidence is many times preferred since this is likely to lead to a specific person, unlike physical evidence or class evidence that leads to a specific group of individuals (Bertino, n.d.). After the evidence is collected from the crime scene, it is usually sent to forensic laboratories to be examined more closely. Test results are important for reconstructing the crime-scene, this means creating a hypothesis to explain the sequence of events from before the commission of the crime to its commission. The investigator should then determine how the evidence fits into the crime and compare it to witnesses statements. Evidence analysis is essential to determine the reliability of such witnesses, to identify suspects, to release any imprisoned innocents, and to verify if the crime scene has been staged (Bertino, n.d.). Evidence such as fingerprints and biological samples from a crime scene can aid in the investigation especially if such biological information is loaded into a database. In this case, links between the new record and a pre-existing record can be established, thus ameliorating detection rates. Such information can then be used to arrest suspects and as evidence in court (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, 2007). Autopsy In cases where the cause and circumstances of death cannot be verified by the investigator or a doctor, the Magistrate in charge of the case may order an autopsy to be performed on the body by a forensic pathologist. An autopsy allows the examination of the dead person both from the outside and inside. This is done to examine any structural alterations, injuries, toxicological substances, and any other biological material such as blood, saliva, semen, and urine to find out the identity of the person and the cause, time and circumstances of death (Chapter 8, n.d.). Searches Sometimes in the investigation of a crime, searches in buildings, vehicles, and other locations as well as on persons must be conducted in order to look for and seize suspicious evidence. Such searches should always be conducted after the issue of a warrant from a Magistrate (Criminal Code Chapter 9, Articles 355E, and 355L (2)). Interviews Witness interviews can be a good source of information for the investigation. Witness interviews should not interfere with human rights. In order to get as much information out of the witnesses as possible, the investigator should interview the witnesses as close to the event as possible to avoid the forgetting of certain details. It is better to create a favourable atmosphere to conduct the interview in order to make the witness as comfortable as possible. Calming down excited and upset persons and conducting the interview in a private and quiet area is also beneficial. During the interview, the investigator must write down notes unless video recording the whole conversation. Although spoken words are important, the investigator must also understand and record any body movements, emotional outbursts, and/or any sudden silence, as these can mean that further probing or clarification is needed on specific topics (Truro Police Department, 2004). Since witnesses can turn out to be the culprits, investigators must be careful not to reveal important case information. Furthermore, it is also important not to ask close-ended questions so that the person is encouraged to open up to the interviewer. In fact when faced with a shy or reluctant witness, the investigator should try to persuade the individual to be truthful and to appear in court. Putting words in the mouth of the witness by asking leading questions and interrupting the witness constantly during the interview is also wrong since this could result in the witness narrating what the interrogator said rather than his/her account of events (New Mexico Survivors of Homicide, Inc.; Official website of the San Jose Police Department). Interrogations Prior to the interrogation, Miranda warnings must be given to the suspect in an unhurried manner and in a way that s/he fully understands his/her constitutional rights. When an advocate is requested by the suspect, the interrogator must wait for such a person to arrive before initiating the interrogation. In cases of language barriers, underage persons, mental infirmity, influence of drugs or alcohol, wounds, and shock, waivers of Miranda warnings may be suppressed (Truro Police Department, 2004). The interrogation of a suspect may be the only chance for the investigator to obtain an admission or confession. Thus, the investigator must establish a good rapport with the suspect regardless of the type of crime committed and the lack of remorse shown by the suspect. This means that no type of coercion, threatening behaviour or bribes shall be used to obtain a confession (Official website of the San Jose Police Department). If the interrogator is lucky, s/he will get a voluntary confession that can be attained either in response to a question or by the free will of the suspect. In this case, the suspect should not be interrupted. On the other hand, if this is not the case, the interrogator should be tactful, patient, and reassuring whilst asking the questions. Furthermore, just like in witnesses interviews the interrogation is best conducted in a quiet and private room. Questions should be in simple and plain language, and asked consecutively without the use of sarcasm, interruptions, or suggestions of answers. A written record or video recording of all interrogations must be kept in all cases and must include the time and place of the interrogation and the names of the people present in the interrogation room (Truro Police Department, 2004). Reports In all stages of the investigation, the investigation team must keep a detailed report of each action undertaken in the course of the criminal investigation. All facts of the case must be reported since an investigation is only complete when it is accurately reported (New Mexico Survivors of Homicide, Inc.). An accurate report is important because without it, it is impossible to have a strong case against the suspect. All written records must include the name and identification number of the person taking action; the place, date and time of the action; details of the persons present; the case number; and the name of the suspect (Chapter 8, n.d.). The report must include a summary of facts in narrative form (so that the reader can see a clear picture of the event before reading the whole report); a list of evidence listed according to size and using consecutive numbers for separate items (include: what, where, and from whom the item was seized, where it is being stored, and any other specifications such as if the item was used for testing and by whom); any processes that have to do with the investigation such as lab testing and search warrants; a list of witnesses, their testimony and connection with the case; copies of preliminary and follow-up investigation reports; statements of victims and perpetrators; background of deceased and defendants; examination results; photos; and status reports. However, the report should not include opinions of the writer and any other irrelevant material (New Mexico Survivors of Homicide, Inc.). Follow-up investigations Sometimes the initial investigation is not enough to close the case and as a result, follow-up investigations need to be conducted. This is many times done after the case report is reviewed and the investigator realises that additional evidence is needed. A follow-up investigation may include: additional interviews and interrogations; reviews of previous case records, analysing laboratory test results; obtaining information from informants; conducting other crime scene searches; checking criminal records for potential culprits; identifying and capturing suspects; and assisting in court prosecutions (Truro Police Department, 2004). Arrests In cases where there is sufficient evidence that lead to one or more persons as being the perpetrators of the crime, the police have the right to arrest such person/s if in possession of an arrest warrant from the inquiring Magistrate. Arrests can be conducted inside or outside of a police station. However, if the arrest is performed outside the police station, the arrested should be taken to the nearest station and the inspector in charge must be informed (Criminal Code Chapter 9, Articles 355v, 355AE). Court processes Once the arrests are made and the investigation is complete, the investigator can present the case to the courts. If the evidence presented is sufficient and well organised to prove the guilt of a suspect beyond reasonable doubt, charges against the person are filed so that s/he will appear in court in front of a jury. On the other hand, if the evidence is not admissible in court, the case is rejected and dismissed. Therefore, it is in the hands of the investigator to compile a good casebook that will result in the prosecution and punishment of the culprit. After all this is the aim of an investigation to collect enough evidence, to identify and arrest the culprit, and to assist in the successful prosecution of the offender in a court of law (Official website of the San Jose Police Department). References (December 2012). New Mexico Survivors of Homicide, Inc. [On-line]. Retrieved from http://www.nmsoh.org/homicide_investigator_checklist.htm (December 2012). Official website of the San Jose Police Department [On-line]. Retrieved from http://www.sjpd.org/BOI/homicide/glimpse.html (n.d.). Chapter 8: Investigation of a criminal offense. Retrieved from http://www.usip.org/files/MC2/MC2-11-Ch8.pdf Bertino. (n.d.). Chapter 2: Crime-Scene investigation and evidence collection. Retrieved from http://www.cengagesites.com/academic/assets/sites/4827/bertino_chapter2.pdf Criminal Code. Chapter 9. Articles 355E, 355L (2), 355V, 355AE. Nuffield Council on Bioethics. (2007). Chapter 4: Criminal investigation. In The forensic use of bioinformation: ethical issues (pp. 37-61). London. Reno, J., Marcus, D., Robinson, L., Brennan, N., Travis, J. (1999). Death Investigation: A guide for the scene investigator. Washington DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. Truro Police Department. (2004). Criminal investigation. Retrieved from http://www.truropolice.org/On%20Line%20Manuals/Criminal%20Investigations.pdf

The Transcending Characteristics of a Mythical Hero Essay example -- e

The Transcending Characteristics of a Mythical Hero   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although separated by the wide gulf of time and culture, myths involving supernatural characters and gods exist in almost every society throughout the world. While this commonality may not be spectacular by itself, a detailed comparative study of the myths reveals a more striking similarity. Even in cultures as different and antagonistic as those of the Ancient Greeks and the Sumerians, predecessors of the Persians, there exists a startling parallelism in imagery and themes of the myths of the respective peoples. The epics of Heracles and Gilgamesh are an exceptionally good example of these similarities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One cannot know with a certainty whether the original creator of the epic of Gilgamesh, whose name is lost in time, or Shin-eqi-unninni, the scribe with whose version we are familiar today, knew anything of the legend of Heracles. However, while placed in completely different settings, written for completely different audiences, and filled with unique and culturally flavored adventures, the myths of Gilgamesh and Heracles display startlingly similar character traits and common themes. A detailed comparison of these masterpiece epics reveals an undeniable universality of myth and of human mind in general.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Heracles, and later the Latin Hercules, is the quintessential and one of the most renowned and worshiped Ancient Greek heroes, whose life and exploits, capturing the essence of the Greek culture, are the stuff of myth and legend. Son of Zeus and mortal Alcmene, Hercules derived his great strengths and his greatest weakness from his mixed parentage. He was born Alcides, and gained early renown as the mighty warrior and archer, vanquisher of king Erginus’s army, stalwart defender of Thebes, and wielder of Athena’s weapons. Yet, as the illegitimate child of Zeus, he attracted the jealous rage of Hera, who sent insanity upon him. In a blind rage Heracles murdered his wife and children. Upon recovering from the divine curse, he set out to clear his name, which ironically means â€Å"Glory of Hera†, by asking the advice of the Apollo’s oracle in Delphi. He received a prophesy, a concept that was universally accepted, commanding him to perform ten heroic deeds. As an additional reward, he would be granted immortality upon the... ...as a ruler legendary for his power and martial prowess, something that Ashurbanipal emulated very well. And both were valiant, steadfast, intelligent, and motivated. After a close look at these two myths the reader can clearly see that underneath the layer of cultural flourish lies a granite bed of common human traits, shared even by such sworn enemies as Greeks and Persians. It is sad that although people have basically similar values and ideals, the layer of cultural debris prevents them from finding common ground in everyday life. Cultures around the world prize perseverance, resourcefulness, courage, and wits, of that there can be no doubt. And thus, as modern people endowed with intelligence to see beyond the biases and preconceptions, we must instead focus on the common, basic ideas that unite us all. Bibliography Hooker, Richard. â€Å"Gilgamesh.† http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/GILG.HTM (9 September 2004) Perseus Project. â€Å"Hercules: Greece’s Greatest Hero.† http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Herakles/index.html (9 September 2004) Ailia Athena. â€Å"The Labors of Heracles.† http://www.geocities.com/ailiathena/Myths/Heracles.html June 27, 2004 (9 September 2004)

An alternative approach Boots could use is a loyalty card, which means that after every purchase in a Boots store, a customer would receive points

An alternative approach Boots could use is a loyalty card, which means that after every purchase in a Boots store, a customer would receive points. A single point could be the equivalent to a penny so if a customer collects 500 points they would be able to purchase goods worth up to Five pounds. Loyalty cards have advantages for customers and the stores. Customers have the benefit of receiving points, which means discounts on many items in Boots shops so they save money. Boots have the advantage that they will keep customers returning to their shops because of the card. It appears that customers like the idea of loyalty cards, these cards were to be stopped but customers objected. Other businesses have also started using loyalty cards; an example of this is the Nectar card. The Nectar card is a new reward programme created by Sainsbury's, Barclaycard, Debenhams and BP. It has the same idea as a Boots card as when you pay at the till at any of the shops, the Nectar card will be swiped and any points added to your account. When you pay by Barclaycard anywhere in the world your points will be added to your Nectar account each month. The screen shot below shows the Nectar Card. Screen shot 1 Once you've collected enough points for the rewards you want, you can choose from a range of free meals, days out e.g. to theme parks or museums, flights abroad e.g. to European cities or resorts, cinema tickets and discounts on goods, groceries and wine. The points can also be used to save money at Sainsbury's or Argos. If Boots introduced the card then this would increase customer loyalty, as customers will keep returning to the store to make use of the card. Machines in the store will be set up to allow customers to check their points. As customers are receiving points for their purchased products and they can then use these points to buy other items this gives the idea that they are ‘getting something for nothing'. On Boots website there could also be section where customers can check their points. Customers could type in their personal identification number found on the card and then access the information. (See screen shot 1) Another approach could be for Boot's to ‘push' their own products. This means, within Boots stores they could make customers more aware of Boots own brand products e.g. deodorants, shampoo and moisturiser. In a Boots store within the cosmetics section there are stands for Max Factor and Maybelline, Boots also already offer own brand names such as No7, 17 and Botanics. Boots could have their own section for No7 products for example. Sales Assistants as these counters could help customers select cosmetics from Boots own brand items which would mean it is more likely for these items to be bought. Screen shots of some of Boots own products Another way of doing this could be to start offers on selected Boots items. An example of this could be ‘buy one get one free' or if three items are bought get the cheapest one free. Also using the loyalty card suggested in the first alternative approach Boots could have ‘double points' on own brand items. If customers begin to see that Boots products are better than other leading brands, e.g. Boots deodorant compared against Sure deodorant, then they will start buying more of own brand products. This will in turn lead to a bigger turnover for Boots as more customers are buying their items instead of other brands. A benefit of this to Boots employees is within the production process. If more own brand items are demanded then more will have to be produced which means more jobs required for the production process. For the loyalty card to happen, Boots would need to introduce appropriate swipe machines in all shops at each till or cashier desk. This machine would need to be able to read the card to see who the customer is, how many new points have to be added and how many are already on the card. A computer may also be needed for customers to check how many points they have collected. For customers to check the number of points they currently have on the website a number of functions may need to be involved within the business. The ICT department may need to spend a lot of money on maintaining and designing the website. The administration department would need to hold details of the customers and transfer them to the ICT department to be used. Staff would also have to be trained with the knowledge of how to work the swipe machine. They would also have to be able to explain to customers how the card works and how to use the computer for checking points. The may add extra cost to Boots as training and development section of Boots may need to be brought in. In the Administration department of Boots they would have to send out all the paper work to customers with such details of registration forms for the loyalty card e.g. if customers change their name or address. Leaflets and fliers may also be sent out to tell customers about new offers on the points, e.g. double points for selected items. The administration function would also have to do this. For pushing Boots own brand products the layout of the store may need to be changed to put more emphasis on these products e.g. stands to place Boots shampoo on. This may involve the Boots store to be re-arranged. Posters and leaflets may be needed to advertise the products, which would be put up on windows and the ceiling. Administration department would be responsible for sending customers information on special offers concerning their own brand products. All this would cost Boots a lot of money as it involves bringing in new machines and computers to deal with the advantage swipe cards. A lot of expense is needed for the software to deal with customers accessing details on the website. The maintaining of the website would also be very costly to Boots. For new staff to work with the swipe machines would also cost money and time would have to be spent for the training of it. All the paper work and leaflets, which need to be sent out to customers detailing them of special offers, would also cost Boots money. However, customers would be satisfied as they have the advantage of saving money on products with the advantage card and with special offers on the own brand products, which may mean they begin to shop at Boots more often spending money. They also may then begin to shop at Boots for items other than cosmetics e.g. at the Boots opticians or at Boots Photo. Ultimately, Boots would be achieving its objectives as it would be increasing turnover which the increase in sales which these alterative approaches should bring.

Suicide And Suicidal Behaviours Health And Social Care Essay

AbstractionSuicide is a major cause of mortality worldwide. It is a human calamity that accounts for an estimated one million deceases yearly. This translates to at least one decease ensuing from self-destruction every 40 seconds. The magnitude of the job is farther compounded by the fact that the incidence of attempted self-destruction is about 25 times more than that of completed self-destruction. Every act of suicide impacts on at least six other persons. Suicide rates have increased by approximately 60 % over the last 45 old ages, therefore representing a major public wellness load. These rates are grossly underreported globally and many developing states, including Nigeria, do non hold meaningful records of deceases and their causes. There is dearth of information as respects the incidence of self-destruction and self-destructive behavior in Nigeria, with the exclusion of a few recent surveies. A systematic online reappraisal of published literature on self-destruction and self- destructive behavior in Nigeria was conducted and relevant articles reviewed. This article chronicles the development of research on self-destruction and self-destructive behavior in Nigeria, from isolated studies in the 1960s to more recent, large-scale epidemiological studies in the last decennary. It farther high spots the demand for an efficient system of wellness records with efficient certification of deceases and their causes, and a alteration in the state ‘s statute law with regard to suicide and suicidal behaviors.WritersDr. J. O. AbdulmalikConsultant Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.Dr. O.O. Ayinde,Senior Registrar, Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan.Alabi Omolabake OluwadamilolaConcluding Year Medical Student, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.Alabi Adeleke Ifeoluwa,Concluding Year Medical Student, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. All correspondence to: jfutprints @ yahoo.com, labek125 @ yahoo.comIntroductionMental, neurological and substance usage upsets make a significant part to the planetary load of disease ( GBD ) , which is estimated with the disability-adjusted life old ages ( DALY ) metric, assigned to each disease/disorder. The DALY is the amount of two composite steps: the old ages lived with disablement ( YLD ) and the old ages of life lost ( YLL ) due to a specified disease within the entire population. Suicide accounted for 1.8 % of the entire disease load as at 1998, but is projected to lift to 2.4 % by the twelvemonth 2020. [ 1 ] Mental and behavioral upsets are common, and will impact one in every four individuals at some clip during their lives. [ 2 ] The World Health Organization ( WHO ) defines suicide as ‘the act of killing oneself, intentionally initiated and performed by the individual concerned in the full cognition or outlook of its fatal result ‘ . [ 3 ] While several definitions exist, suicide merely means the knowing act of stoping one ‘s ain life. Suicide is the 3rd prima cause of decease among immature people, aged 15 to 44 old ages, and ranks second for striplings between ages 15 and 19 old ages old. [ 4 ] These studies have prompted the WHO to go smartly involved in runing to convey the public wellness load and impact of self-destruction to the attending of authoritiess, policymakers and the populace through the bite and airing of statistics, and the development of preventative plans. It is estimated that globally, about one million deceases occur from self-destruction every twelvemonth ; which approximately translates to one self-destruction decease every 40 seconds. The incidence of attempted self-destruction is 25 times more common than completed self-destruction. It is besides the most of import cause of violent decease worldwide, accounting for 49 % of all instances. Other major subscribers to violent deceases worldwide include homicide ( 32 % ) ; with struggles and wars doing up the staying 19 % . It should be borne in head that the act of perpetrating self-destruction, is neither a disease nor a pathological status ; but mental upsets are often found to be associated with it, particularly depression. [ 5 ] Beyond numbering the Numberss of self-destruction and suicidal efforts nevertheless, is the frequently undiscovered psychological load from feelings of guilt, sorrow and torment, which is frequently experienced by the household members and close associates of persons who commit self-destruction. Every act of self-destruction, affects averagely six other people, at the really minimal. [ 5 ] This impact becomes amplified, when a self-destruction occurs in a public state of affairs, such as in a school or work environment. Non-fatal suicidal ideas and behaviors normally precede successful suicide Acts of the Apostless and should be seen as of import calls for aid and intercession, when they occur. They may be classified into three classs: Suicidal ideation, which refers to ideas of prosecuting in behaviour, aimed at stoping one ‘s life. Suicidal program, which refers to the preparation of a specific method and readyings towards stoping his ain life. Suicidal effort, which refers to engagement in potentially self-injurious behavior with some grade of uttered purpose to decease.EtiologyThe undermentioned factors have been found to be associated with self-destruction. [ 6 ] Sociable: These include factors such as the absence of meaningful household ties or societal interactions which could ensue in egocentric self-destruction. Alienation or a interruption in the relationship between an person and the society due to societal or economic diverseness may ensue in alienated self-destruction ; while inordinate integrating and submergence into a given society may take to selfless self-destruction, supposedly for the greater good of that society. Psychological: This includes aggression and ill will turned inward against the ego, as stated by Sigmund Freud ; overpowering feelings of hopelessness as suggested by Aaron Beck ; and cognitive bottleneck of picks as observed by Edward Scheidman among persons with self-destructive inclinations. Biological: Self-destructive behaviors have been linked with lessened degrees of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the cardinal nervous system. Post mortem findings besides indicate low degrees of 5-hydroxytryptamine and some non-specific alterations in the noradrenergic system of self-destruction victims. Familial: Suicidal behaviours may run in households. A positive household history of self-destruction increases the hazard both for attempted and completed self-destruction. Medical: Chronic and enfeebling physical unwellnesss may increase the hazard for self-destruction. Mental upsets besides belong to this class and represent the most of import associated factors in self-destruction. Examples include depression ( associated with over 90 % of instances ) , intoxicant maltreatment, personality upsets, and schizophrenic disorder. Completed self-destruction is more common in males ; nevertheless suicide efforts and consider self-harm ( DSH ) are commoner among females and include Acts of the Apostless of toxic condition, cutting, and firing. Suicide is barely of all time the effect of a individual ground, but may instead result as a consequence of a multiple factors moving in concert to convey about such an act. These hazard factors have been classified into single, socio-cultural and situational factors, as depicted in Table 1. [ 1 ] Table 1: Hazard factors for suicidea? °IndividualSocio-culturalSituationalMental upset Stigmatization of health-seeking behaviour Fiscal troubles Alcohol or drug maltreatment Lack of entree to healthcare services, including mental wellness Social losingss and dislocation of important emotional relationships Hopelessness Cultural and spiritual beliefs lauding self-destruction as a baronial mercantile establishment in the face of personal troubles Ready entree to lethal agencies Previous self-destruction effort Exposure to suicidal behaviours, through the media and the influence of others who have died by self-destruction Nerve-racking life events Isolation and deficiency of societal support Aggressive inclinations Impulsivity History of injury or maltreatment Acute emotional hurt Major physical or chronic unwellnesss Family history of self-destruction a? °Modified from the WHO publication, â€Å" Public wellness action for the bar of self-destruction: a model, WHO ; 2012 † .GLOBAL SITUATION AND TRENDSSuicide rates have increased by 60 % worldwide, in the last 45 old ages, with an estimated planetary incidence rate of 16 per 100,000. [ 7 ] This tendency is happening despite the betterments in the acknowledgment and direction of depression and other mental upsets, and the increased handiness of newer medicines with better and more tolerable side effects. The incidence of self-destruction is normally reported as a rate per 100,000 on a state footing. States such as Sri Lanka, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus which record 30 or more deceases per 100,000 are classified as high rate states. States with Numberss runing from 10 to 29 per 100,000 such as Japan, Hungary, and China have in-between rates ; while those states with fewer than 10 suicide deceases per 100,000 ( e.g. Syria, Jamaica, Egypt ) are classified as low rate states. [ 7 ] However, these rates may really be misdirecting as they do non convey the true extent of the job. For illustration, China has a suicide rate of about 25/100,000, which places it in the in-between scope but it accounts for the largest figure of human deceases from self-destruction yearly, with 287,000 reported suicide deceases ; therefore accounting for about a 3rd of the planetary mortality from self-destruction in a twelvemonth. [ 8 ] Similarly, India ‘s rate of 10/100,000 topographic points it marginally in front of states with low rates, but India is 2nd to China in the figure of suicide deceases recorded per twelvemonth, with reported figures of about 110,000 suicide deceases. [ 9 ] Khan, illustrated the deceptive nature of trusting wholly on these rates, without seting them in the larger context of the state ‘s population. He utilized comparative analysis utilizing the available figures, and showed that four states with high self-destruction rates: Lithuania, Russia, Estonia and Latvia have a combined entire figure of suicide deceases that is less than the entire figure of suicide deceases from India entirely, which is hardly above a low rate state. [ 10 ] Unfortunately, similar country-wide informations is non uniformly available across the Earth. Indeed, several states, including Nigeria, do non routinely cod decease records and have no describing systems to document the causes of decease. These non-reporting states exceed 50, and include states with populations totaling over 100 million people such as Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. [ 11 ] There is a dearth of research on self-destruction from developing states. Very small is known about self-destructions in many African states, including Nigeria. [ 12 ] Mental unwellness is seldom mentioned or is implicated in merely a little figure of self-destructions. The bulk of available studies in developing states are based on hospital necropsy studies or constabularies informations, neither of which would normally document psychological factors involved in self-destructions. Suicide is no longer a condemnable offense in any developed state but continues to be criminalized in many developing states, including Nigeria. Religious and societal factors besides continue to act upon the diagnosing and registering of self-destructions. Families do non unwrap the true nature of the act, for fright of torment by constabulary and the attendant societal stigma that would accrue from such revelations. Alternatively they are more likely to declare the decease an accident or in some instances, a homicide. [ 13 ]THE NIGERIAN CONTEXTThere is dearth of information about the epidemiology of self-destruction in Nigeria. Suicides are by and large reported to be rare in less developed states. This is partially attributable to the routinely hapless records of decease and its causes. In a survey that evaluated medical examiners ‘ studies over a four-year period ( 1957-60 ) in the Western Region ( now broken down into several provinces ) of Nigeria, Asuni concluded that the self-destruction rate in Western Nigeria was really low. He reported higher rates of self-destruction in the rural countries compared to urban parts. [ 14 ] Some of import hospital-based surveies have besides provided utile penetration into this job. A reappraisal of reported instances of attempted self-destruction from the three largest infirmaries in Benin City ( Specialist, Uselu Psychiatric Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital ) indicated that the incidence had non increased over the four-year period crossing 1978 to 1981, during which the norm petroleum suicide effort rate was 7 per 100,000. The commonest age group was among adolescents aged 15-19 old ages ( 39.4 % ) , while about nine out of 10 triers ( 87 % ) were aged 30 old ages and below. The most of import predisposing factors reported were mental unwellness ( 32 % ) and parental struggle ( 24 % ) . There was no important gender difference. [ 15 ] In a six-month prospective survey of 39 instances of deliberate ego injury reported in the three major infirmaries in Ibadan, Nigeria ; Odejide et al. , found that about eight in 10 ( 76.9 % ) were under the age of 30 old ages ; and merely over half ( 51.3 % ) were pupils, while 25.6 % were manual workers. The commonest methods used were consumption of chemicals and psychotropic drugs. [ 16 ] Nwosu and Odesanmi, in a survey carried out in the Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, that was based on medico-legal necropsy studies, reported the self-destruction rate as 0.4 per 100,000 populations, with about four times as many males perpetrating self-destruction when compared to females ( ratio of 3.6:1 ) . The bulk of the self-destructions were committed by the consumption of Gammalin 20 and usage of the local Dane gun. [ 17 ] Large-scale epidemiological surveies have been late conducted among grownups. A nationally representative epidemiological survey, covering 21 out of the 36 provinces in Nigeria was conducted by Gureje et al. , among 6752 grownups, to measure for self-destruction related results, and their association with mental upsets and a history of childhood hardship. They reported prevalence of self-destructive ideation, program and efforts were 3.2 % , 1 % and 0.7 % severally. The presence of mental upsets, particularly temper jobs significantly correlated with suicide results, while a history of early childhood hardship was identified as a hazard factor for life-time self-destruction effort. [ 18 ] Uwakwe and Gureje besides examined the relationship between comorbid mental and substance usage upsets with self-destructive behaviors in the Nigerian study of mental wellness and wellbeing. They found that individuals with lifetime self-destruction efforts were more likely than those without efforts to hold experienced lifetime DSM-IV upsets. Lifetime triers were besides more likely to hold comorbid conditions. Eleven per centum of individuals with a lifetime history of self-destructive effort had three or more co-occurring upsets, as compared with merely 0.4 % of individuals with no history of life-time efforts. Controling for the effects of comorbid conditions suggests that while temper upsets may be independently associated with self-destructive results, comorbidity partially explains the association of anxiousness upsets and about to the full histories for the association of substance usage upsets with self-destructive results. The writers hence concluded that comorbidity is an of import factor in the association of mental and substance usage upsets with self-destructive behaviour in this environment. [ 19 ] Furthermore, Oladeji and Gureje, besides established a relationship between parental mental upsets and suicidal behavior in their progeny. The presence of panic upset and substance maltreatment in the parents were found to be associated with self-destructive ideation in the progeny, but merely parental panic upset was found to be related to suicidal efforts. The suggestion therefore, is that upsets of anxiousness and impulse control may play some function in the ascertained form of familial suicidal behaviors in their progeny. [ 20 ] Large graduated table surveies have besides been conducted among immature people in Nigeria. Omigbodun et al. , conducted a survey to set up the prevalence and associated psychosocial correlatives of self-destructive ideation and efforts among immature Nigerians, which revealed that, of the 1,429 young persons who were assessed, over 20 % reported self-destructive ideation and about 12 % reported that they had attempted suicide in the preceding twelvemonth. The survey reported the rates of both self-destructive ideation and efforts as care towards the upper bounds of acceptable rates for young persons. [ 21 ] The 2nd survey evaluated the presentation and psychosocial issues associated with preadolescent suicidal attempts utilizing the ‘hanging ‘ method in Nigeria, and reported the being of the undermentioned mental wellness jobs: depression, behavior jobs, oppositional defiant upset and impulse control jobs. Other factors found to be associated with these self-destructive behavior included nerve-racking life events such as household break, physical maltreatment, and strong-arming at school. [ 22 ] The form of attempted self-destruction in the Nigerian military context has besides been studied by Okulate. He described the features of patients who attempted self-destruction and examined the differences between the self-destruction triers and a group of non-suicidal, affectional upset patients at the Department of Psychiatry, Military Hospital, Yaba, Nigeria. The survey revealed that self-destructive effort patients constituted 0.37 % of all admittances during a five-year period, and 60.8 % of them were under the age of 30 old ages. The Numberss of male and female patients were about the same. Depression and acute emphasis reaction were the normally associated diagnosings. While military dependants often ingested substances in their self-destruction efforts, military forces used more violent methods such as hanging and self-stabbing, but none used pieces. Compared with non self-destructive patients, suicide triers were more likely to be single and to hold a household history of m ental upset. [ 23 ] The highest hazards for passage from self-destructive ideation to planning, and from be aftering to attempted self-destruction normally occurs within the first twelvemonth of holding either the ideation or program. Other hazard factors for a life-time self-destructive effort include dysfunctional household backgrounds ; such as drawn-out separation from biological parents, high degrees of domestic struggles, childhood hardship, physical maltreatment and being nurtured by a adult female with a history of depression, anxiousness or self-destructive effort. [ 18 ] Refering the hazard and methods of suicide employed in Nigeria, new forms appear to hold emerged. HIV/AIDS has emerged as an extra hazard of self-destruction. [ 24,25 ] Other emerging hazards include the cyberspace and societal media every bit good as terrorist act and self-destruction bombardment which though foreigner to Nigerian society, appears to hold come to remain. Burning with kerosene [ 26 ] , cutting one ‘s pharynx [ 27 ] and bring downing perforating abdominal stab hurt on oneself [ 25 ] are besides new but upseting methods of trying and finishing self-destruction in Nigeria.Prevention STRATEGIESSuicide bar is having increased attending in many developed states, but remains mostly ignored in developing states like Nigeria. There are no easy solutions to the job of self-destruction in developing states, given the serious deficiency of resources and low precedence given to mental wellness. There is besides the extra job of limited research on self-destruction in develo ping states, doing it imperative to trust on bar schemes that have been proven to work elsewhere but non in developing states. Furthermore, due to the unfavorable attitude towards self-destruction and mental unwellness, every bit good as the punitory legal demands for self-destructive behavior, self-destruction continues to be under reported in developing states, doing it hard to carry on research or develop and prove bar schemes. The World Health Organization has identified suicide as an progressively of import country of public wellness and has issued guidelines to member provinces in order to develop and implement coordinated and comprehensive national and international schemes. It has besides included self-destruction as one of the nine precedence conditions in the late launched mhGAP Intervention manual for scaling up services for mental and neurological conditions globally. The mhGAP manual is designed to function as a preparation manual for non-specialists in the designation and proviso of intercession for precedence mental wellness conditions, as a manner of cut downing the immense intervention spread in several parts of the universe. [ 28 ] There is grounds for the effectivity of two major schemes for forestalling self-destruction. [ 29 ] These include limitation of entree to lethal agencies and developing programmes for primary attention physicians to heighten early acknowledgment and intervention of depression with or without self-destructive ideation. Both attacks should be utile in our scene, but the latter attack to heighten the ability of general practicians, primary wellness attention workers and all other cells of wellness professionals to acknowledge and offer intercessions for depressive upsets is of important importance. Suicidal behaviors are besides strongly associated with the presence of mental upsets. In a underdeveloped state like Nigeria an of import measure towards suicide bar will be to cut down the stigma associated with mental wellness jobs. A reappraisal of the state ‘s Mental Health Policy and Legislation, to comprehensively turn to the current challenges of mental upsets, and their complications, including self-destruction and self-destructive behavior is long delinquent. These attempts should besides take for the decriminalisation of self-destructive behaviors in our Torahs. These stairss will be meaningless, if our wellness records and describing systems are non reformed to include mortality rates and the certification of the causes of deceases. This should assist in determining the self-destruction rates in the state, and supply a platform for utile planning and the execution of suicide bar schemes. Focused research in this country should be promoted, particularly with regard to placing hazard factors, get bying mechanisms, protective factors and possible intercessions to minimise the calamity of self-destruction and self-destructive behavior in this environmentDecisionIn this work, the writers have demonstrated that self-destruction and suicidal behavior are a public wellness issue, merely like in other states of the universe. Like in other parts of the development universe merely a modest volume of research has been conducted on the topic in Nigeria, reflecting the deficiency of involvement of clinicians, research workers, policy shapers and, possibl y, research grant suppliers on the topic. For better self-destruction research which should ensue in better bar schemes, it is imperative that self-destruction be decriminalized. Cultural and spiritual factors forestalling people from describing and stigmatising self-destruction should besides be addressed through public enlightenment runs. An betterment in the mortality records, that besides specifies the causes of decease should be ensured at all degrees of attention. It might besides be helpful if the WHO could leverage on member states to roll up and supply one-year self-destruction rates in their legal powers. Finally, self-destruction is a public wellness job that requires a multidisciplinary attempt at question, bar and direction. The earlier this is realized in the Nigerian context, the better for our emerging mental wellness attention..

Mastering How to Write a Research Essay †Don’t Re-Invent the Wheel

Mastering How to Write a Research Essay – Don’t Re-Invent the Wheel Mastering How to Write a Research Essay Dont Re-Invent the Wheel There is some discussion today about what constitutes a research essay and what constitutes a research paper. The biggest difference between these two pieces of writing is length, for both require research and the use of that research to support a thesis. But generally, essays are shorter in length. So, as you are struggling with producing a research essay, understand that the processes are the same as for writing a good research paper. With that in mind, lets take a look at the steps involved and how that process can be streamlined and made easier. Selecting a Topic Topic selection is certainly significantly impacted by the length requirements of the instructor, and it is critical for how to start writing a research paper. If your topic is too broad or too narrow, you will be in trouble once you start to write the piece. Here is one of the best tips for topic selection. Choose a topic area that really interests you, and then get online. Look for sample research essays or papers that have been written in the same topic area, and find those specific topics that resulted in a paper that is the length yours must be. Of course, you will NOT use that paper plagiarism is serious and you will be caught, considering the sophisticated scanning software now in use. But you will have refined a topic that meets the length requirements. Doing the Research The biggest issue with the research is organizing it as you go along. If you organize the information you collect by sub-topics areas as you actually do the research, you will save yourself hours of time in the end, trying to do this. So, you need to have your sub-topics identified before you start your research. This is one of the most important tips for writing a research paper that you should use. To get those sub-topics, again, look at how existing research papers on the same topic are organized. Doing this will allow you to develop your own sub-topics in advance. Then, as you conduct your research, use note cards, list the source at the top of each note card along with the sub-topic for the information. Once the card has been filled with information, put it in the stack for the appropriate sub-topic. When all of your research is completed, it is already completely sub-divided. Organizing for Writing Each of your sub-topics is a major heading of any outline or other organizer you may use. Here is where you take each stack of notecards and harvest out the details that you will be included. These should then be listed in the order in which you will cover them within that sub-topic. Rough Draft, Revision, Final Copy You are certainly familiar with these three steps. You write your rough draft from your outline/organizer, and be careful here. You need to make note of the sources used as you go along, so that you can properly cite them in your final draft. Revising that rough draft is not fun, especially if you are not really skilled in grammar and composition. You may need to pay someone else to do this. Once you are ready to write your final draft, be sure that you follow the required format style. Research essays and papers writing is not your favorite coursework assignment, to be sure. They take time, lots of organization, and solid writing skills. These research paper tips, however, should make the process somewhat less painful.

German Immigrants and America essays

German Immigrants and America essays The 19th century was a time of rapid growth and change in America. It was a century of Westward expansion, and the building up of new cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. It was a time where people from far off places packed up their belongings and sought out new opportunities as they immigrated to the United States. Immigrants brought with them their cultural backgrounds, traditions, and traits to their newly adopted land. The Irish, Italian, German, Polish, British, and Jewish were just a few of the different cultures that dominated the United States in the 19th century. The largest group of immigrants that came to the United States in all but three of the years between 1854 and 1894 were the Germans. By the end of the 1800s over five million Germans arrived and during the 1900s another two million came. The German immigrants came from a wide geographic area and for several different reasons (19th Century, 1998, para. 1). German immigration into the United States was a big movement during the 18th and 19th centuries and the Germans left their native land for several reasons. Upon their arrival into the United State they faced difficult challenges and had obstacles to overcome. Once the Germans arrived in the United States they moved westward, toward the Mississippi River. Many of them settled in several large midwestern cities, including Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Detroit, St. Louis, and Chicago. There they established ethnically homogeneous neighborhoods-called kleindeutschlands, or Little Germanys-that continued to grow with the arrival of new immig rants (Marger, 2003). By the late nineteenth century, Germans were the second largest ethnic group in the society, exceeded only by the British (Marger, 2003). Immigration to the United States was happening from several European countries during the nineteenth century. These immigrants came to United States for several reasons. The largest number of German imm...

PM Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

PM Case Study - Essay Example During this time frame the activity where slack or float time is observed can be delayed by a certain extent without delaying the overall completion of the project (Chitkara, 2007). It is evident from figure 1 and 2 given above that float time or slack is associated with activity D and E. This indicates that activity D and E can be delayed by a definite extent without delaying the overall completion of the project. The float time for activity D is 140 weeks and that of activity E is 115 weeks. Therefore, the total float time for activity D and E is 255 weeks. Critical Path: The longest path in a project is referred to as the critic path (Clarke, 2008). The project related activities which falls within the critical path cannot be delayed by any means as delaying these activities would mean delaying the overall completion of the project (Crawford, Pollack and England, 2008). In figure one and two given above, the project based activities highlighted in red are the critical tasks. Taking into account the fact that there is a delay of 6 weeks in activity H, it can be seen that a delay of such scale and magnitude will certainly delay in the completion of the project. The major reason behind that is the fact that activity H is a critical task that falls within the critical path of the project and henceforth project managers cannot afford to let loose anything which might result in a delay in any of the critical tasks. However, a project is always associated with external factors and therefore uncertainty. There are various risk factors that can push the overall duration of a project. Therefore, it is the duty of the project managers to adopt appropriate counter measures in order to be prepared for any adverse scenarios which in turn will allow them to prevent the overall delay of the project. In this case a delay is noticed on activity H (user acceptance testing). Multiple courses of actions can be taken in order to prevent delay

Diabetes Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Diabetes - Research Paper Example al., 2010). The use of pig cells for the purpose of treating diabetes was originally researched and practiced in treating Australian and oceanic region patients ailing from the disease (Soto-Gutierrez et. al, 2011). However, it has been increasingly used in treating patients suffering from the disease through the injection of cells that produce insulin throughout the globe. These cells are taken directly from pigs which are healthy and are mainly utilized on patients suffering from type 1 diabetes (Lopez-Larrea, et. al., 2012). The cells injected into humans are collected from the pancreas of pigs which are coated with the seaweed gel. The cells are then implanted into human abdomens for the purpose of producing insulin that later on helps in controlling the amounts of sugar in the blood stream (Soto-Gutierrez et. al, 2011). Reports indicate that when using the technology, all risks of infections from the animal cells should first be examined and eliminated to ensure that patients receiving the treatment are safe from animal infections. In the previous tests carried out on the use of these cells, the patients developed no side-effects and were seen to be staying away from the usual insulin injections that were expensive for most of them (Hakim et. al., 2010). Subsequently, the new method of treating the ailment has enabled patients who have been suffering from an unstable diabetic condition to seek adequate treatment since the use of injected insulin has become uncontrollable (Soto-Gutierrez et. al, 2011). In the recent past, many diabetes patients have been able to abstain from utilizing insulin in the treatment of the disease since they received the pig cells. The cells have benefited the patients by producing extra amounts of insulin to aid in the absorption of the glucose found within their bodies (Hakim et. al., 2010). The use of

Travel and Tourism Industry of London Assignment

Travel and Tourism Industry of London - Assignment Example Chapter 3 Methodology 25 3.1 Introductions 25 3.2 Quantitative research 26 3.3 Qualitative research 27 3.4 Analysis 28 3.5 London: A Haven for Connoisseur 30 Chapter 4 Questionnaire (Finding and Analysis) 31 4.1 Introductions 31 4.2 Front Office Manager 31 4.3 F&B Manager 32 4.4 Kitchen 32 CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION 33 Bibliography 34 Appendices 36 ALL THE TABLES AND FIGURES Tables and figures 1.0 Introduction The travel and tourism industry is among the oldest and largest industry in the world, and the industry has been growing significantly faster than most other industries. Globalisation has led to the increase in travel across the globe, and to meet additional demands for accommodation and food, hotels and motels have come up in a big way. The general economic vitality of a country is an important consideration because an indication of its economic condition will be reflected in such factors as consumer demand and prices. In scanning the economic environment, the following factors deserve consideration: 1. Gross National Product (GNP). This refers to the total market value of goods and services produced in a country per year and its growth rate. 2. Income distribution refers to the level of consumer's income and his/her buying power 3. Foreign exchange rates are an essential component of the traveller, as he/she will have to carry foreign exchange during travel between countries. 4. Monetary and fiscal policies and exchange controls must be considered, as there are countries that limit the amount of money that can be withdrawn from their country as well as impose large payments for international transactions, like joint ventures and entry into a... There are many business tactics that can be employed to bring about operational changes to manage talent effectively, such as identifying role models, eliminating biased policies and procedures, providing equal opportunities, training and development, and conducting workshops for employees to increase performance and production (David Pappie, p.103, 2006). The travel and tourism industry is among the oldest and largest industry in the world, and the industry has been growing significantly faster than most other industries. Globalisation has led to the increase in travel across the globe, and to meet additional demands for accommodation and food, hotels and motels have come up in a big way. The general economic vitality of a country is an important consideration because an indication of its economic condition will be reflected in such factors as consumer demand and prices. In scanning the economic environment, the following factors deserve consideration: 4. Monetary and fiscal policies and exchange controls must be considered, as there are countries that limit the amount of money that can be withdrawn from their country as well as impose large payments for international transactions, like joint ventures and entry into a country. 5.

Work Health Safety Act Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Work Health Safety Act - Essay Example The Work Health and Safety Act can only be effectively maintained in a workplace with coordination from HR personnel and also incorporating this act into business operations. The NT regulators of this act are responsible for the overall regulation of the key objectives of this act in every territory or region. The Work Health and Safety Act in the Northern Territory in Australia have the major responsibility of regulating all the territories in this region. The main objective of this act is ensure safety and health of workers at the workplace, electrical safety, to provide protection to the workers against dangerous goods, and focuses on worker’s compensation and rehabilitation. The WHS act was majorly formulated so that the workers can be given a workplace atmosphere that is not only full of harmony but takes care about smaller aspects related to the workers (Mayhew, 2007, pp. 67-68). The objectives can be further extended such as the first main objective of this act is to secure the welfare, health and safety factor of all the individuals who are a part of an organization. It prohibits any organization from over exploiting workers or rather does not take active measures towards the health and safety of the workers (Loewenson, 2001, pp. 94-95). The second objective of this act is to protect the lives of those workers who can be subjected to various risky activities that can take place in the workplace. The other objective of this Act is to control the use, acquiring and also keeping stocks of flammable or highly explosive substances in the workplace. This objective mainly takes into consideration the safety of the workers that should be treated as one of the priorities by an organization (Sherriff and Tooma, 2010, pp. 72-73). The next objective of the legislative act is to provide protective facilities and guidelines and also to have

The summary of Million Dollar Arm Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The summary of Million Dollar Arm - Movie Review Example To finance the trip, training and all the other requirements for the scheme, Bernstein convinces an investor and extremely wealthy business owner, known as Mr. Chang to help them. Bernstein convinces the investor to create and support a show called â€Å"Million Dollar Arm†, which they will use to get the right, skilled players that they are looking for once they go to India. Once the two partners arrive in India, Amit, a local man who likes baseball befriends them and Bernstein hires his as his interpreter. In addition, Bernstein ensures that he goes to India with a major league scout called Ray. Bernstein believes Ray will help him in eliminating through the thousands of candidates who are there to compete. At first, things do not seem to be going as planned. Contrary to his luxurious life that he used to in United States, Bernstein is shocked to see the overcrowded cities in India and traffic that did not seem to end (Million Dollar Arm). The overcrowding and traffic made it harder for the group to move from one city to the next, looking for new players. He also learns that since most of the candidates are cricket players they have different pitching techniques from those of baseball players. In addition getting players who were willing to train and become baseball players within a year was not easy. It was only after a prolonged search he found two young men that were eager to try out the new pitching motions in an entirely new sport. The two new prospects, Dinesh and Rinku are trained by a baseball coach known as Tom House (Million Dollar Arm). Bernstein takes them back home for more training. After training vigorously and participating in different ways when in front of professional scouts and the media from around the world, they fail. The investor almost gives up on Bernstein’s plan, when he learns that the two players cannot

International Business Environment & Trade Essay

International Business Environment & Trade - Essay Example The remedies are not determined easily as they may be complicated when the contracting parties originate from countries that have different legal systems. The codes of law from different countries contain legal principles which are upheld and enforced by courts. Legal frameworks exist from scratch borrowed from civil law system and may incorporate the common law principles. This paper attempts to explain the complexity that is involved in harmonizing the international trade through international transaction for the sale of goods. The international transaction for the sale of goods to harmonize the laws on international sales. This serves as a code for the common law and incorporates the principles outlined in common law, civil and socialist laws. This strikes a compromise between the principles from various legal systems but criticisms have been leveled against it. However, there has been a shortcoming which must be applauded as worthwhile attempt towards harmonizing in place of diversity that otherwise would prevail. The CISG provides common rules that govern the international sales. This does not apply to all transactions involving sale of goods. CISG only governs formation of sale contracts and outlines the rights and duties of both buyer and seller. This has altered the established law o sales. Nevertheless, this does not allow for terms of usage and validity of the contract. The scope of CISG application is contained in articles 4 and 5. Similar to other conventions that aim at harmonizing certain secti ons of the law, CISG has not been able to provide a comprehensive code regarding the regulation of the matters falling within certain spheres of application. Some matters have been termed as controversial due to the difference between national laws making it hard to harmonize various approaches (Burnett, 2004). In its move to ensure maximum support, drafters decided to neglect some issues outside the scope by CISG and opted for a highly acceptable

Work Health Safety Act Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Work Health Safety Act - Essay Example The Work Health and Safety Act can only be effectively maintained in a workplace with coordination from HR personnel and also incorporating this act into business operations. The NT regulators of this act are responsible for the overall regulation of the key objectives of this act in every territory or region. The Work Health and Safety Act in the Northern Territory in Australia have the major responsibility of regulating all the territories in this region. The main objective of this act is ensure safety and health of workers at the workplace, electrical safety, to provide protection to the workers against dangerous goods, and focuses on worker’s compensation and rehabilitation. The WHS act was majorly formulated so that the workers can be given a workplace atmosphere that is not only full of harmony but takes care about smaller aspects related to the workers (Mayhew, 2007, pp. 67-68). The objectives can be further extended such as the first main objective of this act is to secure the welfare, health and safety factor of all the individuals who are a part of an organization. It prohibits any organization from over exploiting workers or rather does not take active measures towards the health and safety of the workers (Loewenson, 2001, pp. 94-95). The second objective of this act is to protect the lives of those workers who can be subjected to various risky activities that can take place in the workplace. The other objective of this Act is to control the use, acquiring and also keeping stocks of flammable or highly explosive substances in the workplace. This objective mainly takes into consideration the safety of the workers that should be treated as one of the priorities by an organization (Sherriff and Tooma, 2010, pp. 72-73). The next objective of the legislative act is to provide protective facilities and guidelines and also to have

International Business Environment & Trade Essay

International Business Environment & Trade - Essay Example The remedies are not determined easily as they may be complicated when the contracting parties originate from countries that have different legal systems. The codes of law from different countries contain legal principles which are upheld and enforced by courts. Legal frameworks exist from scratch borrowed from civil law system and may incorporate the common law principles. This paper attempts to explain the complexity that is involved in harmonizing the international trade through international transaction for the sale of goods. The international transaction for the sale of goods to harmonize the laws on international sales. This serves as a code for the common law and incorporates the principles outlined in common law, civil and socialist laws. This strikes a compromise between the principles from various legal systems but criticisms have been leveled against it. However, there has been a shortcoming which must be applauded as worthwhile attempt towards harmonizing in place of diversity that otherwise would prevail. The CISG provides common rules that govern the international sales. This does not apply to all transactions involving sale of goods. CISG only governs formation of sale contracts and outlines the rights and duties of both buyer and seller. This has altered the established law o sales. Nevertheless, this does not allow for terms of usage and validity of the contract. The scope of CISG application is contained in articles 4 and 5. Similar to other conventions that aim at harmonizing certain secti ons of the law, CISG has not been able to provide a comprehensive code regarding the regulation of the matters falling within certain spheres of application. Some matters have been termed as controversial due to the difference between national laws making it hard to harmonize various approaches (Burnett, 2004). In its move to ensure maximum support, drafters decided to neglect some issues outside the scope by CISG and opted for a highly acceptable

Jose de San Martin Essay Example for Free

Jose de San Martin Essay In Argentina war of independence was fought from 1810 to 1818 by Argentine forces under Jose de San Martin against royalist forces loyal to the Spanish crown. On July 9, 1816, an assembly met in San Miguel de Tucuman, declared full independence with provisions for a national constitution. Chile This war of independence was an armed conflict between the people of Chile and Spanish colonial authorities, which started on September 10, 1810 and extended until 1821. A declaration of independence was officially issued by Chile on February 12,1818 and formally recognized by Spain in 1840, when full diplomatic relations ( conducting negotiations between representatives of groups or states) were established. Peru The Napoleonic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula should have led to a degradation of royal power, but since nearby Upper Peru was under the attack of armies from Buenos Aires, the Peruvian oligarchs supported the royalist cause. Fear of indigenous rebellion also remained from the 1780-1781 revolt that was headed by Jose Gabriel Tupac Amaru Condorcanqui. Finally, the viceroys of Peru traditionally had the support of the Lima oligarchs because of their opposition to the commercial interests of Buenos Aires and Chile. Therefore, the Viceroyalty of Peru became the last redoubt of the Spanish Monarchy in South America. Nevertheless, a Creole rebellion arose in 1812 in Huanuco and another in Cusco between 1814 and 1816. Both were suppressed. These rebellions were supported by the armies of Buenos Aires. Peru finally succumbed after the decisive continental campaigns of Jose de San Martin (1820–1823) and Simon Bolivar (1824). While San Martin was in charge of the land campaign, a newly built Chilean Navy led by Lord Cochrane transported the fighting troops and launched a sea campaign against the Spanish fleet in the Pacific. San Martin, who had displaced the royalists of Chile after the Battle of Maipu, and who had disembarked in Paracas in 1820, proclaimed the independence of Peru in Lima on July 28, 1821. Four years later, the Spanish Monarchy was defeated definitively at the Battle of Ayacucho. After independence, the conflicts of interests that faced different sectors of Creole Peruvian society and the particular ambitions of the caudillos, made the organization of the country excessively difficult. Only three civilians—Manuel Pardo, Nicolas de Pierola and Francisco Garcia Calderon—acceded to the presidency in the first seventy-five years of Perus independence. The Republic of Bolivia was created from Upper Peru. In 1837 a Peru-Bolivian Confederation was also created but was dissolved two years later due to Chilean military intervention

The Concept Of Pricing

The Concept Of Pricing This module introduces the concept of pricing and discusses its importance and significance to organisations. With a view to the relative significance of pricing on organisations profits and sales, appropriate pricing policies needs to be formulated strategically. The various pricing decisions that organisations need to make are price setting, adapting price and managing price change which is dealt in this module. Pricing Strategies Introduction This lesson discusses pricing and its importance to organisations and the various factors to be considered while formulating pricing policies: Define the concept of price Explain the factors influencing pricing decisions. Discuss the process of price setting. Explain how organisations adapt prices. Discuss the price change management policies adopted by organisations. Understanding pricing Price is the amount of money at which a product or service is offered in the market. It is the exchange rate of a product or service in terms of its monetary value. Pricing is an important decision area for an organisation. The pricing and sales volume of the product put together determines the profit for an organisation. The sales volume itself depends on the type of pricing policy adopted by the organisation. Profits too are dependent on the pricing policies. Hence organisations have to formulate pricing policies strategically. Pricing also determines the acceptance of the product in the market, one can say that it determines the products future success in the market. IKEA pricing strategy is to provide quality products at low prices to its customers. Internet advertising through Google ads, Pricing is an important aspect not only for the organization producing the product, but also for the consumers as well as the society. Price represents the value of the market offering to the consumers, it also indicates the quality of the product. Increase in price could be perceived favourably by the consumers by interpreting it as a consequence of improvement of quality. (for reference only) The factors affecting pricing policies of an organisation are: Internal Factors While making pricing policies, marketers need to take into account several factors which are the result of company decisions and actions. To a great extent these factors are controllable and alterable by the company. Internal factors are as follows: Objectives of the organisation Positioning sought by organisation through pricing Nature of product Price elasticity of the product The stage of Product life cycle of the product Usage and repurchase level of the product Cost of production Product distinctiveness and positioning Other ps of the marketing mix and their influence on the pricing Composition of product line of the firm External Factors There are a number of influencing factors which are external to the firm and cannot be controlled by the firm but will impact pricing decisions. External factors are as follows: Market structure Consumer behavior Bargaining power of consumer groups Bargaining power of major suppliers Competitors policies Government controls/regulations Other legal aspects Social considerations cartels Setting the Price The organisation has to think over several factors while setting its pricing policy. The process of setting the price is as follows: Deciding the pricing objectives: The organisation has to first of all analyse its position of offering in the market. If the organisational objectives are clearly set, setting price becomes easier. The major objectives that organisations look to pursue through pricing policy are sustenance, profit maximization, market share maximization, market skimming and quality leadership. Organisations would adopt sustenance policy, if there is too much competition and changing in trends due to changes in customer taste and preferences. Here the organisation would generally be looking to cover some variable and fixed cost of production and a marginal profit. This kind of policy is useful only in the short run, in the long run firms would have to add value to its offer or face extinction. Setting the pricing policy : (for reference only) In case the organisational objective of the firm is profit maximization, the firm will then choose that price which will give it maximum profits, cash flow or maximum rate of return on investments. For such a strategy the firm has also to take demand situation into consideration. In case where the main objective of the organisation is market share maximisation, they would generally set a low price so that market can be penetrated easily. Low pricing or penetration pricing policy is applicable in the following situations: Consumers are price sensitive There is possibility of market penetration with the help of low prices Production and distribution cost fall with higher production level and experience Competition is discouraged due to the low prices in the market Skimming price is adopted by firms to gain higher profits in the short run and is applicable in the following situations: High demand exists in the market due to product being a pioneer product Not much competition exists in the market Consumer perception is that, high price indicates quality (for reference only) Determining demand: The different prices set by organisations will lead to difference in demand for the product in the market. The demand curve shows the different quantities demanded by customers at varying prices. Universally, as demand and price of the products are inversely related, according to the law of demand at a higher price lesser the quantity demanded and at lower price higher the quantity demanded. Only in exceptional cases it can be seen that with increase in price of product, demand too increased, especially seen in cases of prestige goods such as perfumes, diamonds etc. (Fig 1.1 Demand Curve) (For reference) Figure 1.1, in the first case shows elastic demand and the second case it shows inelastic demand. Price Sensitivity: The demand curve shows the markets sensitivity to the changes in prices of the product. It shows the response of customers to changes in prices. Generally customers are more price sensitive to products that cost much such as speciality goods and those goods which are frequently such as staple goods. They are less price sensitive to goods which are brought infrequently or such products, the cost of which is insignificant to the customer. Products which would have less price sensitivity are: Distinctive products Where there very few substitutes to the products or customers are not aware of substitute products Quality comparison of substitute products are not easy The price of product is insignificant to the consumers income It is a complementary good to an earlier purchase The product is assumed to be of higher quality, prestige. It is not possible to store the product. The advent of internet has led to an increased price sensitivity in the society. Internet has made it possible for people to compare prices instantly and go for the lowest prices available. Firms have to understand the price sensitivity of their target market and accordingly formulate pricing policies. Demand estimation and forecasting is an important function to be carried out by organisations for determining the demand for their products. There are various methods that can be used to arrive at demand estimation and forecast. Where different variables of the price are identified statistical analysis can be undertaken, data for these variables collected and then analysis is done by using various statistical methods to arrive at the demand forecast. Experimentation method is another way in which demand can be estimated at various price levels. Here the prices of the products are charged differently in different markets or in the same market different prices are introduced at different times and then the result is analysed to arrive at the demand. Another method is doing customer surveys and interview to gauge the customers response to varying prices. Price elasticity of demand: Elasticity of demand is to extend the responsiveness of demand to the different prices charged. The marketer needs to have an idea of how responsive the market demands are, to various prices set by the firm. If with the change in price the demand for the product changes substantially then we can say that the demand is elastic to price. If with a change in price there in very less or no change in the demand for the product the demand would be said to be inelastic. Demand would usually be less or inelastic in the following situations: There is no competition or substitute products in the market Habits Necessity goods Where the price of product is small or insignificant to the consumer Price elasticity depends on the degree of change in prices. Elasticity would be less in case of low level price change and would be more if the price change is significant. For example consumer durables like television and washing machines, with a slight increase in their prices the demand for these product would not fall significantly but with a substantial increase in their prices the demand can come down considerably. If price elasticity differs according to the time period under consideration, in the short run the elasticity would be different than in the long run. This happens because in the short run certain determinants remain static which can be varied in the long run. For example Habits of people can be changed in the long run, competitive scenario can change in the long run. Cost estimation: Pricing policies of firms significantly depends on the cost of production and other related costs incurred by the organisation for offering the product in the market. Firms generally would charge a price which covers the production cost as well as a fair profit for the firms effort and risk. There are different types of cost related to production of a product : Fixed cost which are fixed in nature and do not vary with the level of production or sales. For example rent, interest on capital invested etc. Variable cost vary directly with the level of production of the firm. For example wages, power consumption etc. Total cost can be said as the sum total of the fixed and variable costs for the total production level. Average Cost: can be said as the total cost divided by the total number of units produced. The firm would want to charge at least a price which would cover the total production cost. To develop adequate pricing policies the management needs to know how cost varies with different levels of production. Cost of production would also change according to its production scale and experience. Over the period of time, the experience gained by organisation leads in making more effective and production scheduling policies leading to lower costs. As well as with the expansion of plant and machinery, i.e large scale production helps organisations to lessen the cost of production considerably. Organisations now a days try to adapt their offering as per the requirements of different buyers. A manufacturer may set different terms and prices for different retail chains according to their requirements. Certain retailer may not want to stock too much inventory of a particular product, in that case the delivery that has to be made to this retailer would be much frequent. On the other hand a retailer who has the stocking facility may want deliveries less frequently, accordingly the pricing and profit levels of the manufacturer would differ too. Some companies adopt target pricing, here first of all through market survey the firm arrives at the product features and design. The next step would be to determine at what price the product will be sold. On the basis of the price, a percentage is deducted as profits and the rest would be the cost of production. Hence the organisation has arrived at the cost at which production should happen and that is the target cost at which production should happen. Competitors pricing policies analysis : Competitors policies have significant effect on the firms own policies and strategies. The firm has to have a good knowledge of the competitors policies and their possible response to the firms pricing policies. In case the firm is offering product features which are exclusive and not provided by its competitors then their price should be set accordingly. If competitor provides additional features then their worth to the customers should be evaluated and subtracted from firms price. Selecting a pricing method : The various pricing methods that organisations can use as follows : Mark up Pricing : The most widely used pricing technique is to add a standard mark up to the products cost. Mark up is expressed in terms of percentage. Here, either the cost price or the sale price is taken as the base for determination of the mark up. Eg. Cost price of travel bag Rupees 2000 Mark up Rupees 400 Therefore selling price Rupees 2400 Mark up based on cost price = 500/2000 = 25% Mark up based on Selling price = 500/2400= 20.8% Mark up pricing: Example : Shopkeeper buys goods for Rupees 300/- at a wholesale rate. His cost based mark-up is 25%. Hence sale mark-up price = 100-30 = 75% or 0.75%. Therefore sales price = 300/ 0.75 = 400 While determining any pricing policy current demand, value of product perceived by customers, competition existing in the market has to be considered. Mark up price would only be useful if it brings in expected sales. Mark up price is quite is popular due to the following reasons : Determining cost is quite easy than estimating demand It is a much simpler way of pricing If all firms in industry use this pricing policy then price would be similar, leading to less intense price competition. It is believed that cost pricing is fair for both customers and producers, where customers are not exploited and producers get a fair enough return. Rate on return pricing The price is determined on the basis of a planned rate of return on investment made by the organisation. The total cost of one financial years standard production is estimated and taken as the standard cost. The mark up percentage of profit is obtained by multiplying capital turnover by estimated rate of return. Perceived value pricing : Here the valuation of the product is done on the basis of how much the customers are willing to pay, instead of considering the production and related costs. (for reference) Value pricing : Here the firm charges a fairly lower price for high quality products thereby winning loyal customer. Tesco, UK is one of the largest retailers in UK. Tescos key competence is its pricing policy. It keep its product prices low so that sales can be maximised. Lot many customers were attracted to its products due to its value added low priced products. Tesco launched the unbeatable value campaign in the 1996, it made massive reductions in its prices during this campaign. Tesco adopted a low daily low price strategy alongside its promotional programs. This stragegy stressed on regularising low prices for its customers on a regular and daily basis. Going rate Prices : Going rate pricing emphasises on market conditions. The firm adjusts its own pricing policy to the price structure existing at the industry level. This kind of pricing is usually seen in oligopolistic market structure, where the prices are mutually decided by the firms. Also in cases where costs are difficult to be determined, firms tend to follow the going rate price because it reflects the entire industries price rate. Examples would be petroleum and oil. Auction pricing or price bidding: This type of pricing methods has emerged in the recent years especially due to the growth of Internet. These kind of pricing strategy is mostly seen in electronic goods market, selling a diverse range of products and services by auctioning them through the bidding process. The important function of auction is to dispose of excess products existing with the firm. There are three major auction type pricing. These types are: Ascending bids, (English auctions) : One seller and many buyers. The seller puts up the product or auction and the buyers bid prices, the highest price is accepted. Descending bids (Dutch auctions) : One seller and many buyers or one buyer and many sellers. In this kind of auction the buyer quotes a higher price and then decreases it gradually till a bidder accepts the price. In the other case the buyers lets know his intention to buy a particular product and then the sellers bids the prices by offering lower prices. Sealed bid auctions: Here the suppliers can submit only one bid and do not know about other bids. From the submitted bids the most feasible bid is selected (for reference only) While selecting the final price, additional factors has to be considered by the firm such as : Psychological pricing : Psychological pricing a marketing practice which is based on the theory that certain kind of prices have psychological influence on customers minds. The prices are expressed as odd prices: e.g. Rs. 299.00 or Rs. 499.00. Gain and Risk sharing pricing : This type of pricing is used for pricing complex, high valued products or services. Many times buyers refrain from accepting sellers proposal due to the high risk if the promised value is not delivered. In order to provide some form of risk sharing or price protection as new drugs are adopted into formularies biopharma companies and payers are entering into agreements. Onyx/Bayers Nexavar (sorafenib) and Pfizers Sutent (sunitinib malate) both anti-cancer drugs; Novartis Aclasta (zoledronic acid), and Sanofi-Aventis/Procter Gambles Actonel (risedronate sodium), both osteoporosis drugs are some of the best known drugs. In Germany,Italy and the US, manufacturers have agreed to provide drugs free of charge if no progress is seen after the first treatment, or to recompense health plans, say for instance if bone fractures occur despite the osteoporosis therapy. While setting the final price, firm has also to consider the brand quality, advertising, company pricing policies. Firms also need to consider the distributors and agents, sales persons, competitors, suppliers response to the prices of the product. Finally, firms also need to consider the legal implications while setting their prices. Adapting the price : Organisations generally set different prices according to variations in geographical demand and costs, market segment requirements, purchase time period, order levels, frequency of delivery, guarantees and various other factors. Various price adaptation strategies are as follows: Geographical pricing: It involves the pricing of products to different customers in different locations and countries. Taking into consideration the transportation costs example shipping / cargo costs for distant customers. Also the firm needs to lower the prices of its product/s from sales promotion point of view to retain or expand its business. Considering the export of products to countries abroad where the payment from buyer becomes crucial, should he lack payment he may offer other items. This practice also recognised as countertrade. Countertrade accounts approximately up to 25 percent of current world trade. Usually this trading is done as Buyback agreements, Barter, offset and Compensation deals. Countertrade deals may become complex for example an A company in Europe sells 50 yachts to Turkey and accepts in exchange 150 Turkish made cars, which it sold to Pakistan for Rice, which in turn sold to America and achieved payment in dollars . Such deals are carried by a separate department within the organisation. Other companies may depend on barter houses or countertrade specialists. Most companies give discounts and allowances in order to receive early payments on volume purchases and off-season buying. This may lead to decreased profits, hence an assumptive price of the products needs to be worked out with planning. Marketing researchers have found that up to 35 percent of buyers in most categories are price sensitive. Higher income people are more interested in buying products with added features, customer service, quality and brand. Hence its essential for a strong brand not to get into price discounting in order to react to low price attacks. A company can gain some concessions, if a customer agrees to sign a contract for a bulk years example 3-5 years or if an order is placed in a larger quantity or if an order is placed online thus saving the company money. It is necessary to maintain and monitor all records regarding discounts such as the quantity of customers receiving discount and average discount, etc. It is essential for higher levels of management to conduct a net price analysis in order to get the real price offered. However the realised price is affected not only by discounts, also but by firms average promotional spendings, advertising spendings to retailers to back the product, thus the listed price of the product and so for the net price of the product are two ends of the same thread with couple of other expenses in between. However companies in an overcapacity tend to offer their branded products at a deep discounted rate. Firms should avoid offering discounts to retailers in the long term which in turn would decrease theirs profits in an effort to meet short term volume goals. In order to stimulate early purchase of a product firms can use several pricing techniques. Examples could be found where branded products are offered at a discounted price in order to stimulate extra purchases of other store products. This pays only if the revenue is generated by selling other products in proportion to the lower margins on the loss -leader product. In certain seasons and occasions of festive periods example every June there are back -to-back school sales and during Diwali, Christmas and New Year special prices will be established on products. In order to clear inventories without affecting the listed price, auto companies and other consumer goods companies offer cash rebates to help purchase of products during a certain period. Some auto companies offer the product with an attractive finance scheme such as zero interest rate or in case of consumer durable goods buy now and start paying after six or nine months instead of cutting its price. Equated monthly instalments may be stretched over a longer period in order to lower them, here the consumer focus is on affording to pay back in instalments rather the rate of interest. This can be in cases of auto companies and consumer durable goods etc. Often auto companies offer an attractive warranty and servicing contract in order to promote their sales. Many a times products price is listed at an artificially high price and then offered with a discount .This creates a psychological discounting in minds of consumers that they have purchased the product at a considerably lower price and have gained but in fact havent. Often in order to accommodate differences in customers, products, locations, etc firms adjust their basic price. Thus price differentiation arises where a product is sold at two or more prices without any proportional difference in costs. Customers are charged depending on their intensity of demand. Buyers would be charged at a lower rate depending on the volume of buying. In case of Museums or places of historic importance there is lower admission fee to children, foreigners, etc. A firm charges 30 Rs for adding 150 gms sugar in a Rasgulla tin pack sweet, however it charges 35 Rs for adding the same quantity of sugar for a Kala Jamun pack sweet. A firm can price the same product at two different levels based on image differences. A detergent manufacturer can put detergent in one packet, name it with an image, and price it at 50 Rs. It can put the same detergent in another packet with a different name and image and price it at 75 Rs. Soft drinks prices often differ in an A grade restaurant, vending machines or when sold in canteens or general stores. Same product is priced differently at different locations even though the cost of offering at each location is the same. A concert audience is charged variably for seating as per their preferences for different locations. Prices differ by season, day or hour etc. Electricity as an important public utility source is charged differently by time of day in United Kingdom. Restaurants and Clubs in United Kingdom charge less during happy hours. Airlines have different fares on same flight for same class for instance its economy class, which also is known as Yield Management / Revenue Management system. They have child fares, adult fares, seasonal fares etc. Extra luggage price by an airline for a single kilo differs from Dubai to London as opposed to travelling the other way back from London to Dubai. Websites have coupled up different sellers product together such as Car Insurance, Consumer durable goods, home insurance, medical insurance etc, which allows buyers to discriminate between sellers by comparing their prices. Responding to price changes : Many time organisations have to go for price cuts and increase as per the situation. Price Cuts : It is a possibility that organisation may go for price cuts due to existence of price cuts, also where even with added effort the sales have not increased or due to declining market share. Price cuts can lead to price wars in the market. Lower price can be used by firms so as to dominate market. Organisations may also have to cut down the prices in case of recession. Price Increase : Price increases are undertaken by organisations when there is cost inflation. With rise in cost of production the organisations profits lessens, hence they need to go for price increase to earn normal profits. Many times organisations increase their prices more than the increase in cost due to anticipation of further cost increase. Price increase can also happen when there is too much demand for the product and the supply is less. Price increase can be done in the following ways : Final price is not set, until the product is delivered to the customer. Generally seen in construction and heavy equipment industries. Here firm wants customers to pay current price and all or part of any cost inflation that can happen before the delivery of the product. Here the price is kept same but some elements are separated from the product and priced individually. Example in case of automobiles, accessories, other additional features come with extra cost. Discount if any, could be reduced to maintain profits. Organisation also can tackle high cost and over demand without raising prices as follows : Reducing the amount offered without increasing the prices By substituting raw materials with less expensive materials wherever possible Lessening the product features to lessen its cost Lessening product services Usage of less cost packaging Creating economy brands Reacting to changes in prices : Price changes can have a reaction from customers, competitors, distributors, suppliers and governments. Customers may perceive and respond to price cuts in different ways. Price cuts may be interpreted as lower quality product or faulty products. Price rise would generally carry some positive indications to customers. The product is considered to be of high quality and having added value when prices increased. Competitors may also respond in various ways to price changes. To contemplate competitors reaction organisations have to access their financial situation, sales scenario, market share and their objectives. In case the competitors objective is to increase market share then they will change their price in response of firms price changes. If its objective is profit motivation then it will increase its promotional activities to maintain its sales. Responding to competitors price changes : It is an important decision on how firm should react to price changes by competitors, the products could go for product augmentation having homogenous characteristics. If product augmentation is not possible then they would have to go for price cuts to counter the competitors price cuts. If price is increased by the competitor in the homogenous market, then other firms may not increase their prices until it is unavoidable. If price change happens in a heterogeneous market then the various aspects needs to be considered before responding to the price change : What is the reason for competitors price cuts is it due to over capacity of production, rise in costs of production or the intention is to increase market share. Is the price change temporary or permanent What will be the scenario if the firm does not respond to competitors price change Are other competitors going to respond to the price change and if yes how? Market leaders many a times have to face price changes from new entrants in the market or smaller competitors. There are many ways in which a market leader can respond to competitors price changes: Maintain price Market leader my decide to maintain its current price and profit due to the belief that : Too much profits will be lost if prices are decreased It would not lose too much market share It is possible to regain market share when required Maintain price and add value to its offering The product could be augmented, its services and communication improved. Reduce price : Leader may go for price cuts to match the competitors price cuts due to following reasons : As the market is price sensitive it would lose market share It would be difficult to build market share once lost Its costs reduces with higher volume in production Increase price and increase quality: The leader may decide to initiate price increase and also increase quality of product and also introduce new brands or innovative products. Introduce low priced product line : It could contemplate adding a low priced product line to