MBIT: What is self-awareness? Essay

Self awareness represents an understanding of our personality or the self. It includes the understanding and discovery of one’s strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Others include understanding our attitudes, values and beliefs. Self-awareness denotes our consciousness and recognition of our self history (Smith, 2008). This means that we understand that we are the same person over time and that we can identify thoughts and actions that we ourselves do. Self awareness is directly related to our ability to communicate. Self awareness is actually developed during our communication with ourselves and others. It is during communication that we learn about what others think about us and what reactions and significance we are likely to cause during communication. The Barnlund’s model illustrates two types of communication: the intrapersonal and the interpersonal communication (Smith, 2005). Intrapersonal communication which is communication with one’s self helps to bring out our innermost qualities through our perceptions, evaluations, inferences, ideas, evaluations and memories. Interpersonal communication which refers to communication with others helps us to understand other people and at the same time discover our strengths and weaknesses. It is only through self-awareness that we can be able to communicate effectively. Self awareness is what enables us to be more strategic in our communication practices. According to Smith (2005), it is only when we understand ourselves that we can be able to gauge and control how we communicate. Understanding others is also essential in our communication and this can only be achieved if we understand ourselves first. For example, a person who does not have self awareness is likely to face challenges when communicating with other people because he is likely to misinterpret other people’s responses to his or her messages. If we do not interact with others and learn our strengths and weaknesses and the contradictions that exist between individuals we may not be able to change our communication behaviors to better express ourselves (Smith, 2005). I have come to realize that my personality may not always allow me to get along with everyone. I am ESFJ according to the MBIT personality tool. I am slightly expressed extravert, slightly expressed sensing, moderately expressed feeling and slightly expressed judging. Since I have more of an average personality, I would have difficulties dealing with aggressive personalities such as the ENTJs. ENTJs will tend to have difficulty seeing things from other people’s perspectives and more likely than not they get impatient whenever others do not see things their way. Better communication with such kind of people would call for proper understanding of their personality and then trying to solve any kind of misunderstanding by expressing my point of view to them. I am slightly expressed extravert which means that I draw energy from action. I prefer processing information through conversing and idleness or inactivity tends to lower my motivation. I am likely to work with introverts who may not be as energetic and who prefer to reflect before acting. I may find that I cannot easily communicate or brainstorm with these kind of people in order to come up with ideas. To deal with this, I would have to be more patient with these people’s personalities. It may mean giving my point of view and then giving them time to act on the idea before making a plausible solution. I tend to make decisions by empathizing with a situation, considering the people involved in the situation and taking a solution that brings greatest consensus. My feelings and personal values must be involved in making important decisions. At my work place, I may meet people who are Thinking (T) instead of feeling (F) as I am. These ones tend to make decisions based on what is reasonable and logical depending on the analysis of the situation. To better interact with these kinds of people, understanding of their personality is essential and sharing my ideas with them will make them understand me better. That way, we can effectively communicate and respect each others’ way of decision making. Word Count: 667 Reference Smith, T. R. (2005). MBIT: On the Path to Self Awareness. London: SAGE

Donald Trump Good Manager or Bad Manager Essay

1. Work Hard – every speaker at every event like this, but the Don gives this more than the usual lip service. He basically said that everyone he knew that made a lot of money and was successful, worked 7 days a week. He suggested to the audience that if they wanted to succeed, they should be prepared for 80 hour weeks for a long time. 2. â€Å"Love† What You Do — Another platitude, but he spoke about this in a passionate way. He discouraged the audience from joining or switching to a hot â€Å"industry† or from going into consulting in favor of getting involved with an industry you love (antiques, baseball, marketing), even if that industry is not currently doing well as a whole. His message was that you will perform so well in your imperfect industry that you will rise above the rest and end up being a star in the top 1% of that industries, but if you joined an industry you weren’t passionate about, you’d end up in the 50th percentile of earners in that industry. He thought the pay in the top 1% of a crappy industry (in a job you love) would top the 50th percentile in a hot industry 3. â€Å"Know† What You Do, Whatever industry you are in and whatever role you play in that industry, work hard to become a world class expert in it. For example, if you are a macro manager in a security software company, he suggested that you should not just focus on getting good at email marketing campaigns, but that you should become an expert in that security industry yourself, so that you can communicate with all levels of people about the technology simply , so that you can have detailed conversations with analysts, so that you can write credible blog articles, so that you can explain the future competitive dynamics to potential investors, etc. 4. Luck — According to Don, â€Å"The harder I work, the luckier I get.† 5. Education — A huge advantage that is expensive in the short run, but cheap in the long run. Don’s perspective when asked about the rising cost of education, â€Å"If you think getting an education is expensive, try ignorance.† 6. Management — Donald fought the platitude pattern and said â€Å"You want to be smarter than your people.† He thought the notion that you should hire people smarter than you was a poor one. 7. Persistence He talked a lot about riding the ups and downs of the real estate market, losing everything, and c oming back. He credited his success and the demise of many of his competitors to being patient and persistent over long periods of time to wait out market fluctuations. This one might be more relevant to Donald’s business than most, but still interesting. 8. Negotiation Always do it face-to-face. In this era of telephones, teleconference, and video conference, Donald suggests that if it’s an important negotiation, you should do it face to face, so you can read the other person’s body language. 9. Middle men — Donald is not a fan of middle men who do not add value and who extract outsized returns. He tells the story of how he â€Å"goes around† a broker on a billion dollar (that’s the number of zeros the Don deals in these days) deal where he was losing a negotiation and flew to Dubai to deal directly with the principal and struck a great deal. I must say, I liked this piece of advice. There are so many industries that have middle men filled with old boys clubs that take money out of your pocket. If you want a good example, try leasing some office space or dealing with a technology analyst. 10. Marriage — Marry someone who understands number 1 above and make sure to get a prenuptial agreement. Donald Trump may not be a jerk as the world makes him out to be. Although it may come as a surprise to most of America, Donald Trump’s long time employees describe him as a strong yet merciful leader. Trump is a far more righteous leader than he is given credit. â€Å"Not only is he fair, when he’s forced to make a decision he thinks about it carefully, and just as he does on the show, Mr. Trump will contact the appropriate people whenever there’s an unproductive or anti-productive issue to be resolved. If he weren’t a successful real estate developer. According to actual Donald Trump employees, he’s very much like the man you see on the show, but he’s also a man filled with genuine compassion beyond anything the cameras could ever show — yet the media never picks up on the good press they always take the bad against him. Trump’s employees say he works hard to keep his kindness out of the spotlight, but in truth he is far more generous than his reputation would lead anyone to believe. On the season premiere of â€Å"The Apprentice,† a member of the winning team asked Donald about the story of a middle aged couple who stopped to help when Donald’s trusty limo broke down on a deserted highway outside New York City. Trump showed genuine signs of humility as the contestant asked if he had really paid off the mortgage on that helpful couple’s home after they rescued him. Almost embarrassed, Trump admitted to the kind act, but most people refuse to believe this stern business tycoon could ever show compassion beyond that of his immediate family and inner circle. So while this man would seem to be lost in most marketers, Donald has turned it into a lot of money and respect. Donald Trump’s leadership style has turned â€Å"The Apprentice† into a powerful magnet for thousands of young entrepreneurs, many of whom credit Trump with teaching them important lessons for business success.

Acnielsen m’sia enters strategic alliance with 99 speedmart Essay

The Malaysian National News Agency KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) — Marketing information provider, ACNielsen and 99 Speedmart retail chain has signed a strategic alliance which will give ACNielsen access to 99 Speedmart point-of-sale (POS) data and provides 99 Speedmart with a suite of reports via ACNielsen’s Retailer Advisor Personal software 99 Speedmart offers a wide and comprehensive range of in-demand, essential and fast moving consumer goods. Its 44 outlets will be increased to 50 outlets by year-end, with an additional five to be added by 2007 ACNielsen Malaysia managing director, Steve Watt said ACNielsen is delighted with the partnership which will enable both organisations to leverage each other’s strength to provide insights to the market The alliance will see ACNielsen providing market information from ACNielsen’s Retail Index service, a continuous monitor of market trends based on retail audit data imput, to assist 99 Speedmart with their st rategic planning and expansion plans. U Mobile Expands Distribution Outlets Through Exclusive Partnership with Leading Mini Market Chain Kuala Lumpur, 10 June 2013–U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s most dynamic and innovative 3G mobile operator, is bringing its products and services closer to consumers through an initial two-year exclusive contract with 99 Speedmart – one of the leading mini market chains in Malaysia. The partnership is yet another innovative and strategic initiative by U Mobile to expand its reach to a broader consumer market and provide greater accessibility of its products to consumers. This fruitful collaboration with 99 Speedmart entails an exclusive distribution of U Mobile prepaid SIM Packs and mobile reloads in over 430 99 Speedmart outlets within Klang Valley. Customers and current U Mobile prepaid subscribers can enjoy greater access to U Mobile products and services as they are now available in outlets closer to their homes or their whereabouts, making it more convenient for th em to top-up and purchase a new SIM pack. Speaking about the partnership, Jaffa Sany Ariffin, Chief Executive Officer of U Mobile said, â€Å"By offering our products at 99 Speedmart, we now address a broader range of customers who normally shop in these outlets. They are part of our target markets for the prepaid segment and the availability of UMobile prepaid products in these outlets will make it convenient for them to stay connected with friends and family.† â€Å"U Mobile is delighted to partner with 99 Speedmart, which has different sets of shoppers and has strong fundamental key retail measurements that our company can leverage on. We are set to see tremendous growth in our prepaid segment this year† he added. 99 Speedmart is a mini market retail chain that carries an assortment of groceries ranging more than 3,000 items in an inviting and well-organised environment with high in-stock position. The collaboration is another addition to the company’s existi ng partnership with other non-traditional distribution channels, including Giant, Singer, 7-Eleven, Cosway, Senheng and senQ stores, making the telco’s total distribution channels to more than 22,000 outlets nationwide.

Strategic management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 5

Strategic management - Essay Example The beef rearing system is characterised by small farmers who mainly keep less that 10 beef cattle. Kapak should increase the number of retailers and expand own distribution network through Agra trading in order to reduce the bargaining power of the retailers. The company should also segment the market and build strategic partnerships with the farmers. The company can start beef cattle rearing in order to ensure a constant supply high quality beef cattle. In addition, Kapak must enter the emerging markets such as Middle East and South America in order to minimise competition in the saturated domestic and EU market. Table of contents page number 1.0. Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 2.0. Business environment †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.4 2.1. Pestle analysisâ₠¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.4 2.1.1. Political environment†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 2.1.2. Economic environment †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 2.1.3. Social environment †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 2.1.4. Technological environment †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 2.1.5. Legal environment†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...5 2.1.6. ... Kapak’s Value chain†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 6.1. Beef cattle maturation†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.7 6.2. Processing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 7 6.3. Distribution and marketing †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 6.4. Customer base†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 7.0. Strategy appraisal and recommendations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 8 8.0. Conclusion †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 9 9.0. Bibliography †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ . 10 Introduction Kepak history dates back mid-1960s when Noel Keating established a retailer butcher’s business. Keating continued supplying wholesale beef to the food service sector in to the larger market. The retailer was selling beef under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and utilized export credit refunds for large supplies to Middle East and North Africa. The company currently operates nine manufacturing units in Ireland and UK and has employed more than 1,700 employees. In 2010, the company netted about US $ 1 billion in revenues and principal revenue generating activities were animal slaughter and sell of processed meat through the meat division (Bell, McLoughlin and Shelman, 2011, p. 4). The paper will discuss the business env ironment of Kapak, the current strategy, the value chain, and provide strategic recommendations for long-term success and profitability of Kapak. Business environment PESTLE Analysis Political environment The manager of Kepak Convenience Foods has often cited food safety as a major political concern. A major food and mouth

Introduce a new product (you pick product) Research Proposal

Introduce a new product (you pick product) - Research Proposal Example It has fully utilized primary sources like the questioners and personal interviews together with a variety of secondary sources in gauging the demand for the named product in the beverage industry. The analysis obtained positive results whereby most people who like soft drinks more often than not buy cakes or biscuits as they claimed that the combination of the two delivered much fulfilling refreshment. However, others were quite skeptical of the product and therefore much advertisement and sensitization is necessary in order to convince more people to like the product. The proposal also recommends that one method of popularizing the product, by distributing the Cola Biscuits together with other Coca-Cola products like Fanta, Coke, and Sprite. This way they will attract more attention and consequently generate more revenue through increased sales. Case studies have also shown that most Coca-Cola customers usually take the beverages with other snacks like cakes and biscuits. This pres ents a great opportunity for the Coca-Cola Company to expand more by diversifying its products to suit the customers’ needs. Finally, this proposal recognizes the heightened competition that the brand new product will face and recommends for an aggressive marketing strategy to counter similar products from other companies. Since its inception, the Coca-Cola Company has been operating in the beverage industry with its main products being the soft drinks and mineral water. However, there are many supplementary products sold together with Fanta, Daso, Coke, and Sprite. Most people like taking Sodas with biscuits, cakes, or doughnuts but their main allure is the biscuits. In every Coca-Cola retail store, there are these products from other companies meaning that these go hand in hand with the products of the Coca-Cola Company. Therefore, there is need by the Coca-Cola Company to tap into these prospective customers to be able to sell only its products in the retail stores spread

Writing project Part 1 (Memo) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Writing project Part 1 (Memo) - Essay Example Currently†©I†©am†©a†©student†©in†©_____(your major or subject on the blank) and the topic that I am discussing is not only relevant to me but to all students regardless of the course they are taking because we all eat in our cafeterias. This issue had been around for quite some time already and there seems no action done to correct the situation. Raising the issue even through an academic paper will help raise awareness on the issue and hopefully, the kind of food we eat in our cafeteria will improve. I attached the source of Ann Cooper’s talk in Ted for the whole speech to be appreciated as well as related literature and a documentary that will provide more depth about Ann Cooper’s assertion. The related literature is about an article about Michael Pollan’s â€Å"Omnivore Dilemma† where it explained how our source of our food is becoming a factory and is no longer grown the way it used to be. Worst, industrial farm factory and the use of GMOs are even packaged to be a better food source than organic farming. This is supplemented by the documentary film of â€Å"Food Inc† where it provided a vivid display of the transformation of our food from naturally grown to factorization courtesy of big

Discuss the ethics of euthanasia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discuss the ethics of euthanasia - Essay Example This concept of mercy killing has always been a bone of contention in the society. The notion that one is allowed to simply take their or someone else’s life just because they are in pain then the value of life is meaningless. It is believed that if someone is meant to die then they will die if not, then it is our responsibility to ensure that they live for as long as possible. There is a big difference between letting someone die and killing them. Euthanasia gives people the impression that it is okay to relieve yourself of life because the suffering has become too great. In some cases however, the turnout of some events are beyond our control. Some patients go to hospitals in great pain but they are so willing to die that one can do nothing to help their situation. When a patient, for instance, refuses to take their medication and insist on doing away with all the burdensome medical procedures, they are bound to die. However, the doctors cannot be blamed for mercy killing in this case because the patient was difficult. The doctrine of double effect is another occurrence that is usually above the medical staff control that people confuse with euthanasia (Keown, 23). When a person is administered to drugs they are meant to help them get better. This is the common knowledge of how hospitals operate that people are familiar with. However, this is not all true since there are some cases that the doctor might administer medication that help manage side effects of diseases but also cause the patients statues to degrade. This is what is known as the doctrine of double effect. In an accident scenario, a doctor might try to relieve the pain of a victim using a drug that might cause their liver to shut down in the process killing them. However, this person will not die painfully but gracefully slip to oblivion. To most people, the thought of taking a life is something that should not even be put into discussion. While most cultures are very

Cash Flow Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cash Flow - Essay Example helps a company to detect problems with its liquidity because the lack of liquidity may have direct influence of performance of a company even while it is running profitably. A company is also required to prepare the statement as an alternative tool for measuring profitability especially for the profit making companies in the instances when accrual standards of accounting may not be representatives in economic realities. Besides, it illustrates the quality of income where income is interpreted to be of low quality when net income contains much of non-cash items (Kousenidis, 2006). Finally, the statement is instrumental in evaluation of risks in financial products such as the evaluation of a default risk in the company. It is to be acknowledged that an operating company has various ways through which cash is produced while at the same time having various ways through which it spends the funds produced. This therefore explains why a cash flow document contains three main sections where sections on financing and operations indicate the manners in which funds are generated and the section on investment illustrates how funds are utilized (Stoddard, 2013). The cash flow statement comprises three main sections, which are strategic and critical for its essence to a company. The three sections within a cash flow statement are cash flows as emanating from operating activities for the company, flows of cash from activities of investments as well as section on flows of cash from financing activities. Cash flow from operations section is fundamental section within the statement as it outlines gains realized from the activities of the company where changes in the flow would be useful in explaining performances of a company. The amount that companies invest in capital expenditures is the main components illustrated in the investment section while finance sourcing activities especially from outside are reflected in the section on financing activities (Wise,

Persuasive Message Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Persuasive Message - Essay Example As such, we have come up with detailed and more complex ways of handling cleaningness as one of the more imperative outsourcing projects. Apparently, we are aware that numerous companies have claimed to offer cleaning services in the market but have ended up doing the exact opposite. However, at Marcus-Fortune Cleaning Agency we believe that ‘COMFY DEMANDS CLEANINGNESS’. In this regard, we are equipped to offer probation services at affordable fees to act as an expression of our undoubted services upon your approval and cooperation. Marcus-Fortune Cleaning Agency as a cleaning agency offers services such as essential cleaning for offices, hospitals, schools, churches, hotels among other institutions. In addition, it offers moving services for offices and residential places for both private and public properties. Another service that we offer comprises of providing hygiene bins, collecting, and replacing them for use in washroom and recreational facilities in their respected institutions and organizations. It is for this undoubted reason that Marcus- Fortune Cleaning Agency is at your service to ensure that the level of cleaningness has met you comfort. At Marcus- Fortune Cleaning Agency, you are assured of getting the highest level of cleaningness that gives you the utmost comfort required. In addition, we have a dedicated working rot that is willing to retain its professionalism while working towards satisfaction of its potential customers. We have incorporated a comprehensive brochure of the agency, for your perusal. We anticipate for convenient meetings where we could discuss the likelihood of working with you in future. As such, we will contact you sooner than later for the possibility of setting up meetings at your convenience. You can also visit our website at www.marcusfortuneagency.uk for more information on the

Interview of Business Professional Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Interview of Business Professional - Essay Example Although he had a chance of executing the employment alone, he sought to follow the right procedures. The position was eventually filled with the most appropriate person by following employment procedures thus issues of ethical concern were avoided. I would have done the same. The dilemma would have been a violation of the company policy since the company requires that there be at least three possible suitors from which the best is picked. Although I could have had prior experience with the potential employee, following protocols were the right ethical thing to do. In addition, following right procedure would have safeguarded the company and me (Mathis and Jackson 2010). The ethical dilemma did not violate any law or company policy. It is advisable that personal judgment be followed and further official consultations made to avoid ethical conflicts. Choosing between personal conscience and company policies is difficult but it is more appropriate to follow the conscience. Under the same circumstances, I would have acted the same way as my interviewee to avoid ethical

Ice Cream Business Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Ice Cream Business Plan - Assignment Example The company will be located in Yreka Junction Shopping Center in northern California. The company will be the only specialty Ice Cream Shoppe and will take advantage of the lack of competition within 30 miles and will serve many communities in the surrounding area. Located in the shopping center includes two large grocery chains, Wal-Mart and Raley’s as well as other smaller products/service stores. Also located in the shopping center are a few fast food restaurants, Carl’s Jr., McDonalds, and Taco Bell which serve prepared frozen desserts products but don’t offer any type of unique or superior ice cream flavors that my company will offer. Shasta Ice Cream’s primary customers will be drawn from surrounding cities and towns which accumulate close to 15,000 people according to 2010 census and projected to have a 6.5% growth rate each year. I will also take advantage of customers shopping in the Yreka shopping center on an impulse basis during their trips to the supermarkets or finishing meals at the local restaurants. However, the company will have no name recognition throughout the community and I will have to create a strong marketing and advertising plan in order to capture the market. To help staff the store I plan on hiring an accountant to keep track of all the financial, inventory, wages, and manufacturing overheard aspects of the business. I will also find a Lawyer who deals with small companies to ensure all requirements and procedures are being met with different court filings, as well as to write up different documentation used for hiring and contracts for partnerships with companies within the community. I will also hire an assistant manager to help manage daily operations at the store as well as four part time employees to work approximately 20-25 hours a week to provide customer service. Tart frozen yogurts have made a major come back, with many frozen yogurt franchises appearing on market.   The original product has

Addisons Disease - Hypocortisolism Essay Example for Free

Addisons Disease Hypocortisolism Essay Addison’s disease, also known as Hypocortisolism, is a disorder in which your adrenal glands produce too little cortisol and often insufficient levels of aldosterone. (Mayo) Addison’s disease is usually caused by a destruction of the adrenal cortex which produces two important steroid hormones, cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol mobilizes nutrients, modifies bodily responses to inflammation, stimulates the rise in blood sugar levels in the liver, and controls the amount of water in the body. Aldosterone regulates the salt and water levels which affect blood pressure and blood volume. Hpathy) in the United State, 40-60 people out of every 1 million will have Addison’s disease. (WebMD) Some risk factors for Addisons disease include autoimmune diseases such as: Chronic thyroiditis, Dermatis herpetiformis, Graves disease, Hypoparathyroidism, Hypopituitarism, Myasthenia gravis, Pernicious anemia, Testicular dysfunction, Type I diabetes, and Vitiligo. (A. D. A. M. ) The symptoms of Addison ’s disease usually begin gradually. Some characteristics of the disease are chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and unusual weight loss. See more: Homeless satire essay About fifty percent of the time, one will notice nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other more serious symptoms include low blood pressure that falls further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting, and skin changes with areas of hyperpigmentation, or dark tanning, covering exposed and nonexposed parts of the body. (MedicineNet. com) Your doctor may suspect you of having Addisons disease from your medical history and physical examination and if blood tests show high potassium, low sodium, and high levels of certain types of white blood cells. If your doctor does suspect Addisons disease, you will have another blood test to determine your cortisol level. If necessary, X-rays, such as a CT scan or MRI, can also be used to determine damages to the adrenal glands. (WebMD) Since Addisons disease is caused by the lack of cortisol and aldosterone, the treatment is to replace these with similar steroids. Cortisol is usually replaced orally by hydrocortisone or cortisone acetate divided into morning and afternoon doses. Aldosterone is replaced by an aldosterone-like synthetic steroid, fludrocortisone tablets given once daily. Since Addisons disease is a chronic condition, daily replacement of medication can never be stopped. Patients with Addisons disease should also be taught to treat minor illnesses with extra salt, fluids and extra hydrocortisone. This is especially important if fever, vomiting or diarrhea is present. (Margulies) Some complications may occur if you take too little or too much adrenal hormone supplement. (Memorial Healthcare System) These complications include Hypoglycaemia and adrenal crisis. NHS Choices) Some homeopathic remedies proven to work for this disease include Thuja, Natrum muriaticum, Belladonna, Calcarea carbonica, Iodine, and Phosphorus. But the most homeopathic of all of these remedies is Arsenicum. (Hpathy) But the prognosis for patients with Addison’s disease who are appropriately treated with hydrocortisone and aldosterone is excellent. These patients can expect to enjoy a normal lifespan. Without treatment, or with substandard treatment, patients are always at risk of developing Addisonian crisis which can be fatal. You should call your health care provider if: you are unable to keep your medication down due to vomiting, you have stress such as infection, injury, trauma, or dehydration, your weight increases over a short period of time, your ankles begin to swell, or you develop other new symptoms. (A. D. A. M. Inc. ) There are, sad to say, no guidelines for preventing Addisons disease. But if you think you are at risk, you should talk to your doctor before it’s too late. (Baptist Health Systems) Addison’s disease can become serious and life threatening, so you should stay alert of signs and see a physician annually.

Micronutrients Plays Significant Role In Plant Growth Biology Essay

Micronutrients Plays Significant Role In Plant Growth Biology Essay Chilli Capsicum annuum L. an important vegetable crop, widely cultivated in Pakistan. Chillies are native to South and Central America. In Pakistan, Kunri is the home of red chillies. It contributes about 85% of red chillies produced in Pakistan and is known as one of the largest production centers for red chillies in Asia (SBI, 2010). It is a perennial small shrub belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is an important agricultural crop, not only because of its economic importance, but also due to nutritional and medicinal value of its fruits. Chillies are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and it also contains Ca, P and Fe (Horticulture, 1994). Chilli is generally adapted to tropical climate and major chilli growing countries are India, China, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, Turkey and Sri Lanka. Chillies are used in salads, chutneys, sauces, pickles and form a key ingredient of diet in every home. It is also used in the preparation of natural colouring agents, cosmetics and pain bal ms (Savitha, 2008). It is realized that crop yield is badly affected by the deficiencies of micronutrients (Bose Tripathi, 1996). Plant nutrition has a great importance in enhancing quality and yield in chillies. If a plant is Zn deficient it can be controlled by direct application of Zn on plant leaves because Zn Salts are easily absorbed by the leaves. Zinc has a great effect on plant life processes, like uptake of nitrogen and protein quality, photosynthesis, chlorophyll synthesis (Potarzycki Grzebisz, 2009). Deficiency symptoms firstly appear on younger leaves than the older leaves. A typical symptom of Zn deficiency is the stunted growth of leaves. Zn is enzymes activator and is essential for the consumption of sugars and carbohydrates transformation (Kirkby Romheld, 2004). Plant requirement of micronutrients like Zn can be fulfilled through soil application but in Pakistan soil pH is too high that limits the micronutrients uptake to plant, so foliar application of micronutrients is preferred over soil application. Foliar application of micronutrients may give 6 to 20 times better results in Pakistan than soil application (Liew, 1988). Foliar application of fertilizers is being used in vegetable and fruit crops. Foliar fertilizers are well-known for immediate delivery of nutrients to the plant tissues and organs (Baloch, Chachar Tareen, 2008). As Foliar nutrition of micronutrients is a simple method and it does not require much infrastructure so it helps in increasing productivity, better fertilizer use efficiency and lessens environmental hazards. The research work will be done with the following objectives. To check the effect of foliar application of Zn on vegetative and reproductive growth of chillies. To standardize the best dose of Zn for foliar application to increase productivity of chillies. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Botanically, Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) belongs to the family Solanaceae. Chilli is an important crop not from economic point of view but also due to its nutritional as well as medicinal value. Growth and development is affected by the deficiency or lack of micronutrients. Due to immense importance of micronutrients in relation to plant growth and development a lot of researchers have worked on foliar application of micronutrients on fruit and vegetables. A brief analysis of reported work is given below. The chilli is supposed to be native to America where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Mexico and Northern Central America is thought to be the centre of origin of Capsicum annuum L. and were first introduced to Indo-Pakistan sub-continent in the 17th century by Portuguese and Spanish explorers through trade routes from South America (Malik, 1994). Baloch, et al., (2008) conducted an experiment to check the effect of foliar application of macro and micronutrients on production of green chillies. They applied Higrow which is composed of Nitrophen (4 %), Nitrogen compound (12%), Iron (2%), Magnesium (2%), Manganese (2%), Boron (2%), Copper (4%), Molybdenum (2%), Potash (8%), P2O5 (12%) and Calcium (8%). They found that the foliar application of Higrow at 7 ml/L of water gave better growth and yield compared to other treatments. Datir, Apparao and Laware (2012) studied the effect of foliar application of organically chelated micronutrients on growth and yield in chilli (Capsicum annum L.). The results indicated that un-chelated micronutrient enhanced the growth and yield and plant characters to 10-15 %, while amino acid spray contributed to 15-20% increase. Whereas amino acid-chelated micronutrients increase the growth and yield contributing characters to 40-100% in chilli. Dongre, Mahorkar, Joshi and Deo (2000) studied the effect of foliar application of micronutrients (Zn, Fe and B) on yield and quantity of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in combination of 0.1%, 0.25% and 0.50% respectively. They found that the treatment (ZnS04 0.50%) showed maximum yield while treatment (FeS04 0.25%) produced maximum number of seeds/fruit. Singh and Singh (2012) investigated the response of foliar application of micronutrients on growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). The results indicated that plant characters like number of fruit per plant, plant height, fruit length, fruit yield, weight per fruit and weight of fruit per plant were higher by the foliar application of treatments 0.2 % iron and 0.3 % zinc as compared to other treatments and control. El-Bassiony, Fawzy, El-Samad and Riad (2010) investigated the effect of potassium fertilizes on growth, yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.). They found that to get the better vegetative and reproductive growth, total fruit yield and chemical composition of sweet pepper could be obtained by foliar application of potassium humate (4 gm/L) or potassium oxide (4 ml/L) as a stimulative dose. Kaya and Higgs (2002) studied the response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) cultivars to foliar application of Zn when grown in sand culture at low zinc. They found that the plants grown in low (0.15 ÃŽÂ ¼mol là ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢1) root zone zinc treatment had higher concentration of P and Fe furthermore plants receiving foliar applications of zinc at 3.5 mmol là ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢1 had higher P in both the leaves and fruit. Zn, Fe, P and K concentration increased with increase of zinc concentration in the nutrient solution and also as a foliar spray. At 7.70 ÃŽÂ ¼mol là ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢1 zinc in the nutrient solution Mg was lower in the roots of plants as compared to all other zinc treatments. They concluded that the negative effect of zinc deficiency can easily be controlled by the foliar application of Zn when it is applied at optimal range. Nasri, Khalatbari and Hossein (2011) conducted an experiment of foliar application of Zn on qualitative and quantitative features in bean (Phaseolous vulgaris) under different levels of N and K fertilizers. They found that the foliar application of Zn on bean had increased all the characteristics like carbohydrate percentage, carbohydrate yield, chlorophyll of leaves, radiation use efficiency, protein percentage and protein yield etc. and also reduced N fertilizer rate without reduction in plant characteristics. Abbasi, Baloch, Zia-ul-hassan, Wagan, Shah and Rajpar (2010) studied the growth and yield of okra under foliar application of some new multi nutrient fertilizer products. The results showed that the plant characters like number of branches per plant, plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit length as well as crop yield of okra found to be maximum by application of all three foliar fertilizers with the recommended soil applied chemical fertilizers. Kiran, Vyakaranahal, Raikar, Ravikumar and Deshpande (2010) investigated seed yield and quality of brinjal as influenced by crop nutrition. The results indicated that the application of NPK 100:100:50 kg/ha + Azospirillum + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) each @ 125 g per ha (root dipping) + ZnSO4 (0.2%) spray gave maximum plant height (89.47 cm), number of leaves (87), number of fruits (20), fruit yield (27.06 t/ha), number of seeds per fruit (1852), number of branches (32), 1000 seed weight (7.90 g), percentage of germination (97), field emergence (91), seed yield (633 kg/ha) compared to other treatments and control. Kanujia, Ahmed, Chattoo, Nayeema, Naryan (2006) studied the effect of micronutrients on growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.). The results indicated that plant height was maximum during both the seasons when foliar application of Zn was applied @ 100 ppm while maximum foliar application of mixture of all nutrients @ 100 ppm gave maximum plant spread, number of non-wrapper leaves, head weight, head yield and head diameter. Anees, Tahir, Shahzad and Mahmood (2011) conducted an experiment to check the effect of foliar application of micronutrients (Fe, B and Zn) on the quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dusehri plants. They found that compared to control all the micronutrients gave better results in term of fruit quality. Whereas trees sprayed with 0.4% FeSO4 + 0.8% H3BO3 + 0.8% ZnSO4 produced the maximum pulp weight (169.2 g), ascorbic acid (150.3 mg/100 ml), total soluble solids (27.9 Brix °), non-reducing sugars (8.83%), and less stone weight (28.13 g) along with low acidity (0.178%) compared to rest of treatments and control. Ghazvineh and Yousefi (2012) studied the effect of micronutrient application on yield and yield components of maize. The results showed that the foliar application of Zn, Fe and Mn with K fertilizer increased the quality and quantity of maize and lessened the high consumption of fertilizers. They also found that the best time of foliar application in maize is at stem elongation stage and cob elongation stage to get the higher yield and efficient use of micronutrients. PLAN OF WORK AND METHODOLOGY To check the effect of foliar application of Zn on growth and productivity of chilli crop through different vegetative and reproductive parameters, a research work will be conducted at University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha. Variables in the Study 1. Dose of micronutrient T1 = Control; T2 = 0.2% Zn T3 = s0.4% Zn, T4 = 0.6% Zn, T5 = 0.8% Zn, T6 = 0.2% Zn (twice applied) T7 = 0.4% Zn (twice applied) T8 = 0.6% Zn (twice applied) T9 = 0.8% Zn (twice applied), T10 = 0.2% Zn (thrice applied) T11 = 0.4% Zn (thrice applied) T12 = 0.6% Zn (thrice applied) T13 = 0.8% Zn (thrice applied) (All other factors or variables will be kept constant.) Research Design and Layout The research work will be conducted according to randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 13 treatments and three replications. Hybrid seeds of chilli variety HP-84 will be sown in the month of Feburary. Firstly seeds will be sown in the pots and to prevent from frost injury and to get early germination pots will be covered with polythene. After two months when chilli plants will attain proper size they will be transplanted to the prepared raised beds with the following dimensions (PÃÆ'-P = 22.5 cm, RÃÆ'-R = 60 cm) and treatments will be applied according to research plan. Foliar application of Zn on chilli plants will be applied with the following doses (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%). The application of Zn doses will be twice and thrice after every 21 days and vegetative and reproductive parameters will be studied. Place of Work and Facilities Available The field work will be conducted at Horticultural Research Area while lab work will be performed at Horticulture Lab., Department of Horticulture, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha. All the resources and services required for conducting the research are available at above mentioned place. Data Collection and Analysis Data about vegetative parameters like plant height, number of leaves, number of nodes, number of branches, fresh leaves weight, dry leaves weight, and data about reproductive parameters like number of flowers, number of fruits per plant, total fruit weight per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fresh fruit weight, dry fruit weight per plant all will be taken. Plant height from zero nodes to tip will be measured in cm with the help of measuring tape. The data about number of nodes, number of leaves, number of branches, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant will be taken by counting. Fruit length will be measured by measuring tape while fruit weight will be taken with the help of vernier caliper. Data about fresh leaves weight, dry leaves weight, fresh fruit weight, dry fruit weight per plant will be taken by weighing balance. For the analysis of collected data computer software will be used. The attained results will be explained through different statistical methods e.g. the means of data collected will be separated by Analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. Significant difference between treatment means will be compared by the Least significant difference (LSD) test at P= 0.05% (Steel, Torrie Dickey 1996).

Buyer Supplier Relationship in JIT Environment

Buyer Supplier Relationship in JIT Environment Executive Summary The main purpose of this proposal is to outline the research methodology that will be adopted to structure a dissertation on the Buyer supplier relationship in a JIT environment. The research will be mainly made upon a case study of mining company called Vale Inco. The area of focus will be on its UK refinery, based on the outskirts of London. The aim of this dissertation is to establish how lean or JIT manufacturing impacts the buyer supplier relationship in the organisation of focus and how they are evaluated and measured. A framework will be established for buyer supplier relationship model under JIT finally. The research project will follow three objectives to achieve the aim: The various factors involved in the development of buyer supplier relationship will be looked into and analysed. The external situations, the uncertainties surrounding JIT adaptation will be investigated. Furthermore, the conceptual and analytical relationship between JIT, supplier involvement and cooperation, and supply chain integration will be established and examined. The initial literature review has been conducted relating to buyer suppler relationship and JIT purchasing. Although the literature review is not extensive, this will be a continuous process throughout the period of research of this project. An outline of the research methodology that will be adopted is stated at the end. A case study based approach will be the main method of research. The final analysis will be by means of a triangulation method. Finally, a contingency plan is outlined in case of some unforeseen circumstances during the course of research. Introduction The purpose of this proposal is to define the methodology that will be used to structure a dissertation about the Buyer Supplier relationship in a JIT environment and the various factors affecting the supply chain. The research develops around the case study of a Brazilian mining company, Vale Inco, which transforms mineral resources into the essential ingredients of peoples everyday lives. The focus of this dissertation will be on the Acton Refinery based in UK. After presenting the business environment where the company operates, a literature review and a discussion on the chosen methodology will follow. Background Vale  Inco  is a  wholly owned subsidiary  of the  Brazilian  mining company  Vale. It is Vales nickel  mining  and  metals  division and is headquartered in  Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada. It produces nickel,  copper,  cobalt,platinum,  rhodium,  ruthenium,  iridium,  gold, and  silver. Prior to being purchased by CVRD (now Vale) in 2006,  Inco  was the worlds second largest producer of  nickel, and the third largest mining company outside  South Africa  and  Russia  of platinum-group  metals. They have gross operating revenue of US$23.9 billion with net income of US$5.3 billion. The focus of this paper will be on Acton Refinery based in the outskirts of London. The Acton Refinery originally recovered precious metals from the residue obtained from the nickel refinery at Clydach, Wales. However, over its lifetime, Acton has become one of the worlds major refiners of platinum-group metals (PGMs) platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and iridium, as well as gold and silver. It also processes primary mining concentrates and secondary materials such as recycled spent catalysts and electronic scrap. The plant has approximately 120 employees. Recently, Vale has started implementing Lean manufacturing in order to improve efficiency. The objective of lean is to create a system that is efficient and well organised and devoted to continuous improvement and the elimination of all forms of waste. Just In Time (JIT) is the backbone of the lean manufacturing system. Our focus will be on JIT purchasing and the buyer- supplier relationship in a JIT purchasing environment. Aims and objectives The aim of this dissertation is to establish how lean or JIT manufacturing impacts the buyer supplier relationship in the organisation of focus and how they are evaluated and measured. A framework will be established for buyer supplier relationship model under JIT finally. The research project will follow three objectives to achieve the aim: The various factors involved in the development of buyer supplier relationship will be looked into and analysed. The external situations, the uncertainties surrounding JIT adaptation will be investigated. Furthermore, the conceptual and analytical relationship between JIT, supplier involvement and cooperation, and supply chain integration will be established and examined. Literature Review A  literature review  is a body of text that aims to review the critical points of current knowledge and or  methodological  approaches on a particular topic .A review of prior, relevant literature is an essential feature of any academic project. An effective review creates a firm foundation for advancing knowledge. It facilitates theory development, closes areas where a plethora of research exists, and uncovers areas where research is needed. (Webster and Watson 2002). This section will summarize previous research literature on Lean and JIT adaptation, the impact on the firms performance, supplier evaluation and the buyer supplier relationship and related issues. Specifically, the fundamental activities in JIT purchasing, the impact of JIT on the buyer supplier relationship and the supply chain integration will be discussed and reviewed. Lean JIT Manufacturing Heightened challenges from global competitors during the past 2 decades have prompted many manufacturing firms to adopt new manufacturing approaches (Hall  and  Meredith). Particularly salient among these is the concept of lean production (  Womack and Jones, 1996;  Womack et al., 1990). Lean production is a multi-dimensional approach that encompasses a wide variety of management practices, including just-in-time, quality systems, work teams, cellular manufacturing, supplier management, etc. in an integrated system. The core thrust of lean production is that these practices can work synergistically to create a streamlined, high quality system that produces finished products at the pace of customer demand with little or no waste. As mentioned earlier JIT is the backbone of Lean manufacturing. William J. Stevenson, in Production/Operations Management , defines the term just-in-time manufacturing as a repetitive production system in which processing and movem ent of material and goods occurs just as they are needed, usually in small batches (Stevenson, 1996). However, just-in-time (JIT) is more than an inventory system. JIT manufacturing is a philosophy by which an organization seeks continually to improve its products and processes by eliminating waste (Ptak, 1997). Since one purpose of JIT manufacturing is to reduce any waste and inefficiencies that do not add value to a product, it should come as no surprise that the JIT approach was developed in Japan a country with scarce resources and space limitations. Organizations wanting to use the JIT approach to manufacturing must have several building blocks in place. These building blocks were first established in the early 1950s by T. Ohno, former Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Company (Ansari and Modarress, 1990). The building blocks include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ company-wide commitment; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ proper materials at the right time; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ supplier relationships; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ quality; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ personnel. The JIT manufacturing approach can give organizations the necessary benefits required to survive, and perhaps even prosper, in an economy with increasingly scarce resources. The JIT manufacturing process eliminates wasted space and tied-up capital that can be allocated to alternative uses to improve the overall success of the organization (Ptak, 1997). In addition to ordering smaller batches of materials at the proper time, successful JIT organizations should keep the following requirements in mind: Just-in-time manufacturing Overall requirements for proper materials at the right time an acceptable level of quality; on-time delivery schedule; reasonable cost (Galhenage, 1997). According to Ballou (1992,pp.528) the entire supply channel is synchronized to respond to the requirements of operations or customers. The basic concept of JIT is that the material reaches the assembly or production line exactly at the right time and the right quantity. It works on the pull system rather than the conventional push system. In order for this to work the supplier plays a key role in a JIT environment. Buyer Supplier Relationship A competitive advantage exists for companies that are engaged in successful long-term buyer-seller relationships (Anderson and Narus, 1990; Badaracco, 1991; Dwyer, Schurr, and Oh, 1987; Jap and Ganesan, 2000; Ganesan, 1994; Noordewier, John, and Nevin, 1990).This makes it important for companies to understand what factors influence their relationships with other firms. An identification of the relative influence of these factors can be used to focus a companys efforts on the areas that are most important, improving the sustainable competitive advantage derived from that relationship (Takala and Uusitalo, 1996). The factors that influence relationships are reputation, performance satisfaction, trust, social bonds and comparison level of the trust, mutual goals, power/interdependence, cooperation and commitment Trust Trust is a fundamental relationship model building block and as such is included in most relationship models. Most definitions of trust involve a belief that one relationship partner will act in the best interests of the other partner. Below are four of the most often cited definitions of trust: 1. A willingness to rely on an exchange partner, in whom one has confidence (Moorman, Zaltman and Deshpande, 1992) 2. One party believes that its needs will be fulfilled in the future by actions taken by the other party. (Anderson and Weitz, 1990) 3. A partys expectation that another party desires coordination will fulfil obligations and will pull its weight in the relationship. (Dwyer, Schurr and Oh, 1987) 4. The belief that a partys word or promise is reliable and a party will fulfil his/her obligations in an exchange relationship. (Schurr and Ozanne, 1985) An integral element to achieve the reported benefits from more collaborative supplier relationships is the establishment of trust (Smith, Carroll and Ashford 1995). An interesting perspective on trust is that long term relationships may not require trust; rather the relationship may be based on the necessity of having a supplier or distributor (Kumar, 2005) In a JIT system trust becomes paramount as delivery schedules and quality of incoming material holds the key for the success of the system. Mutual Goals Mutual goal is defined as the degree to which partners share goals that can only be accomplished through joint action and the maintenance of the relationship. These mutual goals provide a strong reason for relationship continuance. Soni and OKeeffe (1994) suggest that mutual goals influence performance satisfaction which, in turn, influences the level of commitment to the relationship. Shared values are similar but broader concept. Morgan and Hunt (1994) define shared values as, the extent to which partners have beliefs in common about what behaviours, goals and policies are important, unimportant, appropriate or inappropriate, and right or wrong. Most likely mutual goals encourage mutuality of interest and it then becomes possible for both parties to achieve those goals. Goals can be better measured as compared to values and norms. Interdependence and Power This is one of the key issues that lead to breakdown in relationships between the buyer and the supplier. Interdependence and power imbalance are important relationship variables. The power of a buyer or supplier is closely related to its interrelationship with each other and its partners. Anderson and Weitz (1990) defined power imbalance as the ability of one partner to get the other partner to do something they would not normally do. Han, Wilson and Dant (1993) found that both buyers and sellers saw the need to increase interdependence on the other. The level of interdependence can be measured with its percentage of purchase or sales according to the framework provided by Hill Hill (2009). Figure1: Customer/supplier dependence. % of a customers purchases that come from one supplier Supplier is dominant Customer and supplier are mutually dependent Customer and supplier are independent of one another Customer is dominant % of a suppliers sales that go to one customer Source: adapted from Hill Hill (2009), p.279 Another school of thought is that the effect of buyer-supplier power on relationships between the two parties is one of both facilitation and constraint (Cox  et al., 2003). If the buyer, for example, is in a dominant position over the supplier (and there is a degree of stability to that dominance) then that dominance will facilitate considerable discretion over the conduct and commercial outcome of the relationship. However, if the buyer is in a dependent position vis-à  -vis the supplier, then that dependence will act as a constraint on its ambitions. For example, the desire by the buyer to initiate collaboration may not be reciprocated by the supplier. Even where it is reciprocated, the supplier may try to take a disproportionate share of the gains of any collaboration. Fig 2 : Buyer Supplier Relationship Style The model that informs this paper is based upon the above principles. There are two main elements to the model (Figure 2). First, there is the identification of the dimensions of buyer-supplier relationships. The model posits that buyer-supplier relationships consist of two main dimensions. On one hand, the way in which the two parties interact the extremes here being arms-length and collaborative. On the other, the manner in which the surplus value from the relationship is shared between the two parties the three generic possibilities being the buyer taking the majority share, the supplier taking the majority share or the surplus value being shared equally. If the ideal-typical scenarios for both dimensions are combined, it can be seen that there are six generic relationship types that can exist between the buyers and suppliers (Cox  et al., 2003). Cooperation Anderson and Narus (1990) describe cooperation as coordinated actions taken by firms in interdependent relationships to achieve mutual goals, and in this manner, both parties cooperate in order to benefit from the relationship. Cooperation requires input from both sides and both sides working to achieve the best solution with coordinated efforts producing outcomes better than one firm will achieve alone (Anderson and Narus, 1990) Cooperation implies an ongoing relationship where the structure or boundaries of that relationship have already been established and where this cooperation must take place in order for that relationship to continue. Commitment Lawler and Yoon (1993) describe commitment as an emotional attachment to a group in which members will tend to remain in the relationship and do things not necessary to maintain the relational exchange Relationship commitment exists when each partner believes that an ongoing relationship is so important as to warrant maximum efforts to maintain it to ensure it endures indefinitely (Morgan and Hunt, 1994) Commitment to the relationship exists as an enduring desire to maintain a valued relationship (Moorman et al., 1992) Methodology Choice of methodology The research strategy will be interpretative and based on the case study of the international enterprise. An inductive approach will be deployed and primary data will be collected through interviews of the organisations employees and senior management; therefore gathered information will be both qualitative (mainly) and quantitative. The methodology of the project has been decided in accordance with the onion scheme provided by Saunders (2009). Adapted from Saunders et al. (2009, p.138) Quantitative and Qualitative study There are two kinds of research methods, as mentioned earlier quantitative and qualitative. It is imperative to choose the appropriate kind of method for the given circumstance. Qualitative methods produce information only on the particular cases studied, and any more general conclusions are only hypotheses. Quantitative methods can be used to verify, which of such hypotheses are true. Quantitative research is generally made using  scientific methods, which can include: The generation of models, theories and hypotheses The development of instruments and methods for measurement Experimental control and manipulation of  variables Collection of empirical data Modeling and analysis of data Evaluation of results   The qualitative method investigates the  why  and  how  of  decision making, not just  what, where,  when. Hence, smaller but focused  samples  are more often needed, rather than large  samples. Qualitative methods produce information only on the particular cases studied, and any more general conclusions are only hypotheses (informative guesses).  Quantitative methods  can be used to verify which of such hypotheses are true. Usually a mix of both methods is used in order to get good results from the research. In qualitative method new theories and structures are built upon existing theories and collected data. While on the other hand quantitative method builds up a hypothesis based on the existing theories and data and then tests its credibility. Data Collection Methods Preliminary Literature review has already been conducted as mentioned earlier. However, further review of the existing literature will be done throughout the period of research until the submission of the draft project. Due to limited time frame review of the research till date and secondary research needs to be conducted within the course of the stipulated time frame. A continuous review process will ensure any new literature will be incorporated to the project and factored into the analysis of the project. Two kinds of data can be collected during a research: primary information and secondary information. Primary information is data collected for the first time by the researcher himself and it is fundamental to make the study be as close as possible to reality. The problem of this kind of data is that the observers influence on an information source, misunderstandings of purposes and inaccurate measurements can affect them. Secondary information is data already gathered and collected in books, newspapers, databases, etc. However it might not be comparable with a new study because of different purposes or conditions it was collected for. Primary information can be gathered in three different ways: interviews, observations and experiments. Case study Yin (2009) defined a case study as an empirical inquiry which investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, without necessarily separating phenomenon itself and context. A case study based approached will be adopted for this particular research with the focus on Vale Inco. After briefly defining the working of the company and its purchase team an interview with its purchase manager and senior buyers will be conducted from where primary data will be collected. This data will be then analysed by means of a triangulation method. Triangulation Method: Triangulation is broadly defined by Denzin (1 978: 291) as the combination of methodologies in the study of the same phenomenon. Given basic principles of geometry, multiple viewpoints allow for greater accuracy. Similarly, organizational researchers can improve the accuracy of their judgments by collecting different kinds of data bearing on the same phenomenon. Thus, the convergence or agreement between more than one method enhances our belief that the results are valid and not a methodological artefact (Bouchard, 1976: 268). . Research Limitations The selected combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches is aimed at reducing the limitation of research. However, the case study based approach gives a one dimensional view of the issue at hand and does not give a general idea of the overall scenario. Also, the interviews with the employees of the considered company gives a one sided perspective of the relationship. Also with the question of supplier co operation comes into picture, as the amount of co operation the suppliers might extend towards this research is unknown at this moment of time. Also in case the company concerned withdraws its interest in the research project or a during the course of the research a road block is encountered, a contingency plan is essential. In such a scenario the focus of attention will be shifted to another company which in most likelihood will be Transweigh Ind Ltd (Indian manufacturing company).

Essay --

The station which might get to be London first shows up in history as a little military space warehouse utilized by the Romans throughout their attack of Britain, which started in A.d. 43. It was conceivably found as an exchanging focus with the landmass and soon formed into a paramount port. It had turned into the base camp of the Procurator, the official responsible for the funds of Roman Britain, when Boudica, the Queen of the Iceni, a local British tribe possessing East Anglia, blazed it to the ground in A.d. 61 over the span of her grisly rebel against Roman guideline. It was reconstructed by the year 100, and first shows up as "Londinium" in Tacitus' Annals. It quickly got to be both the common capital and the regulatory, business, and budgetary focus of Roman Britain. Its populace by the center of the third century numbered maybe 30,000 individuals, a number which developed in fifty years to about twice that number. They existed in a city with cleared boulevards, sanctuaries, open showers, work places, shops, block fields, earthenwares, glass-lives up to expectations, humble homes and fancy estates, encompassed by three miles of stone dividers (allotments of which still remain) which were eight feet thick at their base and up to twenty feet in stature. Throughout the course of the fourth century, nonetheless, as the Roman Empire started to fall, Roman Londinium fell into indistinct quality as its defensive Legions withdrew; history records no hint of it between 457 and 600. Throughout that time, then again, it steadily turned into a Saxon exchanging town, in the long run one of respectable size. In that century Christianity was acquainted with the city (St. Augustine named a diocesan, and a church was constructed), yet th... ...istfulness for a quickly vanishing provincial past which headed William Morris to establish the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings, and headed him, too, to start his The Earthly Paradise with the accompanying lines: Disregard six provinces overhung with smoke, Disregard the grunting steam and cylinder stroke, Disregard the spreading of the repulsive town; Think rather of the pack-horse on the down, What's more long for London, little, and white, and clean, The reasonable Thames flanked by its enclosures green. . . While near the thronged wharf Geoffrey Chaucer's pen Moves over bills of filling. . . From the mid life years on, and well into the nineteenth century, much of London was vicious and dirty. Throughout the eighteenth century, the poor and the unemployed much of the time involved themselves, as Hogarth exhibited, by drink

Television and Censorship - Violence Rating System Needed for TV Essay

Violence Rating System Needed for TV Programs While society recognizes the detrimental effects of general television on children, parents and other child advocacy groups don't feel as though there is an adequate rating system. Consequences of ineffective rating systems are that children's personalities are being negatively affected. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made legislation to address this issue, but the children's advocacy community is still dissatisfied. This community includes The National PTA, the American Psychological Association, The Center for Educational Priorities and other child advocacy groups. Current discussions include the government and FCC's disregard for parent's feedback on current ratings systems, the violence chip's effectiveness as a simple solution and the current movie-based ratings system. Educational shows like Sesame Street significantly increase general school readiness skills, but the average American child is exposed to 25 hours of television each week and parents demand a sys tem they feel accurately evaluates all television shows. As part of this legislative process for Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law 104-104, statistical research on television's effects was done. For example in 1972, the Surgeon General reported that evidence shows a link between television violence and aggressive behavior (APA 1998). The American Psychological Association goes on to say that these lawmakers aren't responsive enough to feedback done by parent groups. They contend that the government isn't active in enforcing or defining the phrase "educational and informational"(CEP 1997). This results in the entertainment industry gaining profit by continuing to increase detrimental conten... ...~burniske/utopia98/student/causal/smith/www.pta.org accessed October 11, 1998. Center for Educational Priorities "Telecommunication Act of 1996" available online. http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~burniske/utopia98/student/causal/smith/www.cep.org accessed October 15, 1998. Center for Media Education "Children's Television Act Toolkit" available online. tap.epn.org/cme accessed October 28, 1998. Children Now Organization "Summary of Key Differences Between V-Chip Rating Systems" available online http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~burniske/utopia98/student/causal/smith/www.childrennow.org accessed October 26, 1998. Jeremy Craig. "Understanding the Ratings System" Children Now Organization. Available online. (c)1997,1998. http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~burniske/utopia98/student/causal/smith/www.childrennow.org/current_action_alert.html> accessed October 11,1998. Television and Censorship - Violence Rating System Needed for TV Essay Violence Rating System Needed for TV Programs While society recognizes the detrimental effects of general television on children, parents and other child advocacy groups don't feel as though there is an adequate rating system. Consequences of ineffective rating systems are that children's personalities are being negatively affected. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made legislation to address this issue, but the children's advocacy community is still dissatisfied. This community includes The National PTA, the American Psychological Association, The Center for Educational Priorities and other child advocacy groups. Current discussions include the government and FCC's disregard for parent's feedback on current ratings systems, the violence chip's effectiveness as a simple solution and the current movie-based ratings system. Educational shows like Sesame Street significantly increase general school readiness skills, but the average American child is exposed to 25 hours of television each week and parents demand a sys tem they feel accurately evaluates all television shows. As part of this legislative process for Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law 104-104, statistical research on television's effects was done. For example in 1972, the Surgeon General reported that evidence shows a link between television violence and aggressive behavior (APA 1998). The American Psychological Association goes on to say that these lawmakers aren't responsive enough to feedback done by parent groups. They contend that the government isn't active in enforcing or defining the phrase "educational and informational"(CEP 1997). This results in the entertainment industry gaining profit by continuing to increase detrimental conten... ...~burniske/utopia98/student/causal/smith/www.pta.org accessed October 11, 1998. Center for Educational Priorities "Telecommunication Act of 1996" available online. http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~burniske/utopia98/student/causal/smith/www.cep.org accessed October 15, 1998. Center for Media Education "Children's Television Act Toolkit" available online. tap.epn.org/cme accessed October 28, 1998. Children Now Organization "Summary of Key Differences Between V-Chip Rating Systems" available online http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~burniske/utopia98/student/causal/smith/www.childrennow.org accessed October 26, 1998. Jeremy Craig. "Understanding the Ratings System" Children Now Organization. Available online. (c)1997,1998. http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~burniske/utopia98/student/causal/smith/www.childrennow.org/current_action_alert.html> accessed October 11,1998.

The Gaunilo Argument

To what extent does Gaunilo’s criticism of Anselm’s argument succeed in demonstrating that the argument fails? Gaunilo, a Benedictine monk and contemporary of St Anselm was the first to raise objections to Anselm’s idea that God exists by definition, claiming within â€Å"On behalf of the Fool† that Anselm’s argument was not logical and needed to be discredited. Gaunilo famously claimed that Anselm’s conclusion that the non-existence of God is â€Å"unintelligible† cannot show that God necessarily exists.Firstly, Gaunilo argued that the â€Å"fool† character featured in Psalm 53:1 may have been referring not only to God but to any number of other things that do not exist in reality. Gaunilo utilizes the example of someone hearing about a person from gossip; he suggested that the gossip was unreliable and the person and event were made up to trick you. As an idea later developed by Middle Age philosophers who believed you cannot prove from what is said (de dicto) what exists in reality (de re), Gaunilo argued that you cannot define the concept of â€Å"God† into existence.The most famous argument posed by Gaunilo was that of a perfect island which can replace the idea of God in the Ontological argument. Gaunilo argued that anyone can think of the most perfect paradise island for the notion of â€Å"the most perfect island† exists as a concept in our understanding. Gaunilo developed his argument by employing Anselm’s logic to say that for such an island to exist in our minds means that this is inferior to the same island existing in reality. The island must therefore exist in reality as it cannot possess the inferiority that comes from it being only a concept if it is to be â€Å"the most perfect island†.While the most perfect island can be conceived of, this does not mean it exists; we cannot bring something into existence just be defining it as superlative. Furthermore, Gaunilo concluded that Anselm cannot demonstrate that the idea of God as the greatest possible being means that God exists in reality. â€Å"When someone tells me there is such an island, I easily understand what is being said†¦however, he does on to say†¦this island†¦actually exists somewhere in reality†¦I would think he were joking†. John Hick 1990) Despite the blatant credibility of this argument recognized by Anselm who went on to including it in later versions of his own book, Anslem was able to respond to the argument using the claim that God’s existence is necessary. Anslem argued that though Gaunilo was right in the case of the island, the same objections were not valid when the ontological argument was used of God, because the island has contingent existence, whereas God’s existence is necessary.The ontological argument remains credible, Anselm argued, because it applies only to God who exists necessarily and uniquely. Within his â€Å"Libe r Apologeticus Contra Guanilonem†, Anselm rejects Gaunilo’s argument that the island’s existence can be proved from the idea of it alone for the island is not a thing which can be conceived not to exist. Moreover, philosopher Alvin Plantinga suggested that Anselm could also argue that there is no â€Å"intrinsic maximum† to the qualities of scenery that the Gaunilo’s island could have; however great an island is, there could always be one better.Further discrediting the argument posed by Gaunilo, both St Thomas Aquinas and Kant have posed more successful and valid arguments in response to Anselm’s ontological argument. St Thomas Aquinas, unlike Gaunilo, seeks to undermine Anselm’s â€Å"faith seeking understanding† as he was firmly convinced of the existence of God himself. Aquinas rejected the claim that the existence of God is self-evident; human beings cannot fully understand the nature of God, thus â€Å"God exists† i s not an analytic statement.Although we are able to approach an understanding of God, God will always remain unknowable to the finite human mind; â€Å"now because we do not know the essence of God, the proposition is not self-evident to us, but needs to be demonstrated by things that are more known to us† (Summa Theologiae, 1a). Aquinas used the example of the existence of truth to support his argument, suggesting that no one would be able to accept the truth of the statement â€Å"truth does not exist† unless truth actually existed.Though it is impossible to have a mental concept of the non-existence of truth, it is not a contradiction to have a mental concept of the non-existence of God, because people are able to, including the fool who says â€Å"there is no God†. Kant’s argument in opposition to Anslem’s ontological argument stands as more credible than that posed by Gaunilo as it successfully reputed the argument, diminishing the extent to w hich the ontological argument is arguably still valid. Kant argued that â€Å"existence is not a predicate† for it does not tell us anything about that object that would help us to identify it in any way.When we are thinking of God we are thinking of a concept and whether this concept is actualized cannot be resolved simply be adding â€Å"existence† to the different predicates ascribing to the concept. Though the argument could be responded to with the knowledge that whilst everything exists contingently, God exists necessarily and this necessary existence can only be a predicate of God, a sceptic could easily counter this argument by pointing out the circular nature of the ontological argument for we must accept that God exists necessarily in order to come to the conclusion that God exists necessarily.Though Gaunilo’s argument still holds some value as it could be employed by an atheist to support their opposition to the theory, the ease by which Anselm was ab le to counter the argument limits its success in demonstrating the failure of the ontological argument. Later arguments posed by Aquinas and Kant further limit the extent to which Gaunilo’s argument is still credible as they offer more successful and more widely accepted oppositions to the ontological argument, posing questions which could not be so easily countered by a response from Anselm. Beth Albuery

Spirit Bound Chapter Twenty-one

THERE WAS LITTLE MORE MIKHAIL and I could say to each other after that. I didn't want him to get in trouble for what he'd done, and I let him lead us out of the guardians' building in silence. As we emerged outside, I could see the sky purpling in the east. The sun was nearly up, signaling the middle of our night. Briefly flipping into Lissa's mind, I read that the Death Watch had finally ended, and she was on her way back to her room–worried about me and still annoyed that Christian had shown up with Mia. I followed Lissa's example, wondering if sleep might ease the agony that Dimitri had left in my heart. Probably not. Still, I thanked Mikhail for his help and the risk he'd taken. He merely nodded, like there was nothing to thank him for. It was exactly what he would have wanted me to do for him if our roles had been reversed and Ms. Karp had been the one behind bars. I feel into a heavy sleep back in my bed, but my dreams were troubled. Over and over, I kept hearing Dimitri tell me he couldn't love me anymore. It beat into me over and over, smashing my heart into little pieces. At one point, it became more than a dreamlike beating. I heard real beating. Someone was pounding on my door, and slowly, I dragged myself out of my awful dreams. Bleary-eyed, I went to the door and found Adrian. The scene was almost a mirror of last night when he'd come to invite me to the Death Watch. Only this time, his face was much grimmer. For a second, I thought he'd heard about my visit to Dimitri. Or that maybe he'd gotten in a lot more trouble than we'd realized for sneaking half of his friends into a secret funeral. â€Å"Adrian†¦ this is early for you†¦.† I glanced over at a clock, discovering that I'd actually slept in pretty late. â€Å"Not early at all,† he confirmed, face still serious. â€Å"Lots of stuff going on. I had to come tell you the news before you heard it somewhere else.† â€Å"What news?† â€Å"The Council's verdict. They finally passed that big resolution they've been debating. The one you came in for.† â€Å"Wait. They're done?† I recalled what Mikhail had said, that a mystery issue had been keeping the Council busy. If it was finished, then they could move on to something else–say, like, officially declaring Dimitri a dhampir again. â€Å"That's great news.† And if this really was tied into when Tatiana had had me come describe my skills†¦ well, was there really a chance I might be named Lissa's guardian? Could the queen have really come through? She'd seemed friendly enough last night. Adrian regarded me with something I'd never seen from him: pity. â€Å"You have no idea, do you?† â€Å"No idea about what?† â€Å"Rose†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He gently rested a hand on my shoulder. â€Å"The Council just passed a decree lowering the guardian age to sixteen. Dhampirs'll graduate when they're sophomores and then go out for assignments.† â€Å"What?† Surely I'd misheard. â€Å"You know how panicked they've been about protection and not having enough guardians, right?† He sighed. â€Å"This was their solution to increasing your numbers.† â€Å"But they're too young!† I cried. â€Å"How can anyone think sixteen-year-olds are ready to go out and fight?† â€Å"Well,† said Adrian, â€Å"because you testified that they were.† My mouth dropped, everything freezing around me. You testified that they were†¦ No. It couldn't be possible. Adrian gently nudged my arm, trying to shake me out of my stupor. â€Å"Come on, they're still wrapping up. They made the announcement in an open session, and some people are†¦ a little upset.† â€Å"Yeah, I'll say.† He didn't need to tell me twice. I immediately started to follow, then realized I was in my pajamas. I quickly changed and brushed my hair, still scarcely able to believe what he'd just said. My preparation only took five minutes, and then we were out the door. Adrian wasn't overly athletic, but he kept a pretty good pace as we headed toward the Council's hall. â€Å"How did this happen?† I asked. â€Å"You don't really mean that†¦ that what I said played a role?† I'd meant my words to be a demand, but they came out with more of a pleading note. He lit a cigarette without breaking stride, and I didn't bother chastising him for it. â€Å"It's apparently been a hot topic for a while. It was a pretty close vote. The people pushing for it knew they'd need to show a lot of evidence to win. You were their grand prize: a teen dhampir slaying Strigoi left and right, long before graduation.† â€Å"Not that long,† I muttered, my fury kindling. Sixteen? Were they serious? It was ludicrous. The fact that I had been unknowingly used to support this decree made me sick to my stomach. I'd been a fool, thinking they'd all ignored my rule breaking and had simply paraded me in to praise me. They'd used me. Tatiana had used me. When we reached it, the Council hall was in as much chaos as Adrian had implied. True, I hadn't spent a lot of time in these kinds of meetings, but I was pretty sure that people standing up in clusters and yelling at each other wasn't normal. The Council's herald probably didn't usually scream himself hoarse trying to bring order to the crowd either. The only spot of calm was Tatiana herself, sitting patiently in her seat at the center of the table, just as Council etiquette dictated. She looked very pleased with herself. The rest of her colleagues had lost all sense of propriety and were on their feet like the audience, arguing amongst themselves or anyone else ready to pick a fight. I stared in amazement, unsure what to do in all this disorder. â€Å"Who voted for what?† I asked. Adrian studied the Council members and ticked them off on his fingers. â€Å"Szelsky, Ozera, Badica, Dashkov, Conta, and Drozdov. They were against it.† â€Å"Ozera?† I asked in surprise. I didn't know the Ozera princess–Evette–very well, but she'd always seemed pretty stiff and unpleasant. I had new respect for her now. Adrian nodded over to where Tasha was furiously addressing a large group of people, eyes flashing and arms waving wildly. â€Å"Evette was persuaded by some of her family members.† That made me smile too, but only for a moment. It was good that Tasha and Christian were being acknowledged amongst their clan again, but the rest of our problem was still alive and kicking. I could deduce the rest of the names. â€Å"So†¦ Prince Ivashkov voted for it,† I said. Adrian shrugged by way of apology for his family. â€Å"Lazar, Zeklos, Tarus, and Voda.† That the Voda family would vote for extra protection wasn't entirely a surprise, considering the recent slaughter of one of their members. Priscilla wasn't even in her grave yet, and the new Voda prince, Alexander, seemed clearly unsure what to do with his sudden promotion. I gave Adrian a sharp look. â€Å"That's only five to six. Oh.† Realization dawned. â€Å"Shit. Royal tiebreaker.† The Moroi voting system had been set up with twelve members, one for each family, and then whoever the reigning king or queen was. True, it often meant one group got two votes, since the monarch rarely voted against his or her own family. It had been known to happen. Regardless, the system should have had thirteen votes, preventing ties. Except†¦ a recent problem had developed. There were no Dragomirs on the Council anymore, meaning ties could occur. In that rare event, Moroi law dictated that the monarch's vote carried extra weight. I'd heard that had always been controversial, and yet at the same time, there wasn't much to be done for it. Ties in the Council would mean nothing ever got settled, and since monarchs were elected, many took it on faith that they would act in the best interests of the Moroi. â€Å"Tatiana's was the sixth,† I said. â€Å"And hers swayed it.† Glancing around, I saw a bit of anger on the faces of those from the families who had voted against the decree. Apparently, not everyone believed Tatiana had acted in the best interest of the Moroi. Lissa's presence sang to me through the bond, so her arrival a few moments later was no surprise. News had spread fast, though she didn't yet know the fine details. Adrian and I waved her over. She was as dumbfounded as we were. â€Å"How could they do that?† she asked. â€Å"Because they're too afraid that someone might make them learn to defend themselves. Tasha's group was getting too loud.† Lissa shook her head. â€Å"No, not just that. I mean, why were they even in session? We should be in mourning after what happened the other day–publicly. The whole Court, not just some secret part of it. One of the Council members even died! Couldn't they wait for the funeral?† In her mind's eye, I could see the images from that grisly night, where Priscilla had died right before Lissa's eyes. â€Å"But was easily replaceable,† a new voice said. Christian had joined us. Lissa took a few steps away from him, still annoyed about Mia. â€Å"And actually, it's the perfect time. The people who wanted this had to jump at their chance. Every time there's a big Strigoi fight, everyone panics. Fear'll make a lot of people get on board with this. And if any Council members were undecided before this, that battle probably pushed them over.† That was pretty wise reasoning for Christian, and Lissa was impressed, despite her troubled feelings for him right now. The Council's herald finally managed to make his voice heard over the shouts of the audience. I wondered if the group would have quieted down if Tatiana herself had started yelling at them to shut up. But no. That was probably beneath her dignity. She was still sitting there calmly, like nothing unusual was going on. Nonetheless, it took several moments for everyone to settle down and take their seats. My friends and I hurriedly grabbed the first ones we could find. With peace and quiet achieved at last, the weary-looking herald yielded the floor to the queen. Smiling grandly at the assembly, she addressed them in her most imperious voice. â€Å"We'd like to thank everyone for coming today and expressing your†¦ opinions. I know some are still unsure about this decision, but Moroi law has been followed here–laws that have been in place for centuries. We will have another session soon to listen to what you have to say in an orderly fashion.† Something told me that was an empty gesture. People could talk all they wanted; she wouldn't listen. â€Å"This decision–this verdict–will benefit the Moroi. Our guardians are already so excellent.† She gave a condescending nod toward the ceremonial guardians standing along the room's walls. They wore typically neutral faces, but I was guessing that, like me, they probably wanted to punch half the Council. â€Å"They are so excellent, in fact, that they train their students to be ready to defend us at an early age. We will all be safer from tragedies like that whi ch recently occurred.† She lowered her head a moment in what must have been a show of grieving. I recalled last night when she'd choked up over Priscilla. Had that been an act? Was her best friend's death a convenient way for Tatiana to push forward with her own agenda. Surely†¦ surely, she wasn't that cold. The queen lifted her head and continued. â€Å"And again, we're happy to listen to you register your opinions, although by our own laws, this matter is settled. Further sessions will have to wait until an adequate period of mourning has passed for the unfortunate departed.† Her tone and body language implied that this was indeed the end of the discussion. Then, an impertinent voice suddenly broke the room's silence. My voice. â€Å"Well, I'd kind of like to register my opinion now.† Inside my head, Lissa was shouting: Sit down, sit down! But I was already on my feet, moving toward the Council's table. I stopped at a respectful distance, one that would let them notice me but not get me tackled by guardians. And oh, they noticed me. The herald flushed bright red at my rule breaking. â€Å"You are out of line and in violation of all Council protocol! Sit down right now before you are removed.† He glanced over at the guardians, like he expected them to come charging forward right then. None of them moved. Either they didn't perceive me as a threat, or they were wondering what I was going to do. I was also wondering this. With a small, delicate hand gesture, Tatiana waved the herald back. â€Å"I daresay there's been so much breach of protocol today that one more incident won't make a difference.† She fixed me with a kind smile, one that was apparently intended to make us look like friends. â€Å"Besides, Guardian Hathaway is one of our most valuable assets. I'm always interested in what she has to say.† Was she really? Time to find out. I addressed my words to the Council. â€Å"This thing you've just passed is utterly and totally insane.† I considered it a great feat on my part that I didn't use any swear words there because I had some adjectives in mind that were much more fitting. Who said I didn't understand Council etiquette? â€Å"How can any of you sit there and think it's okay to send sixteen-year-olds out to risk their lives?† â€Å"It's only two years' difference,† said the Tarus prince. â€Å"It's not like we're sending ten-year-olds.† â€Å"Two years is a lot.† I thought for a moment about when I'd been sixteen. What had happened in those two years? I'd run off with Lissa, watched friends die, traveled around the world, fallen in love†¦. â€Å"You can live a lifetime in two years. And if you want us to keep being on the front lines–which most of us willingly do when we graduate–then you owe us those two years.† This time, I glanced back at the audience. The reactions were mixed. Some clearly agreed with me, nodding along. Some looked as though nothing in the world would change their minds about the decree being just. Others wouldn't meet my eyes†¦. Had I swayed them? Were they undecided? Embarrassed at their own selfishness? They might be the keys. â€Å"Believe me, I would love to see your people enjoy their youth.† This was Nathan Ivashkov speaking. â€Å"But right now, that's not an option we have. The Strigoi are closing in. We're losing more Moroi and guardians every day. Getting more fighters out there will stop this, and really, we're just letting those dhampirs' skills go to waste by waiting a couple years. This plan will protect both our races.† â€Å"It'll kill mine off faster!† I said. Realizing I might start shouting if I lost control, I took a deep breath before going on. â€Å"They won't be ready. They won't have all the training they need.† And that was where Tatiana herself made her master play. â€Å"Yet, by your own admission, you were certainly prepared at a young age. You killed more Strigoi before you were eighteen than some guardians kill their entire lives.† I fixed her with a narrow-eyed look. â€Å"I,† I said coldly, â€Å"had an excellent instructor. One that you currently have locked up. If you want to talk about skills going to waste, then go look in your own jail.† There was a slight stirring in the audience, and Tatiana's we're pals face grew a little cold. â€Å"That is not an issue we are addressing today. Increasing our protection is. I believe you have even commented in the past that the guardian ranks are lacking in numbers.† My own words, thrown back at me from last night. â€Å"They need to be filled. You–and many of your companions–have proven you're able to defend us.† â€Å"We were exceptions!† It was egotistical, but it was the truth. â€Å"Not all novices have reached that level.† A dangerous glint appeared in her eye, and her voice grew silky smooth again. â€Å"Well, then, perhaps we need more excellent training. Perhaps we should send you to St. Vladimir's or some other academy so that you can improve your young colleagues' education. My understanding is that your upcoming assignment will be a permanent administrative one here at Court. If you wanted to help make this new decree successful, we could change that assignment and make you an instructor instead. It might speed up your return to a bodyguard assignment.† I gave her a dangerous smile of my own. â€Å"Do not,† I warned, â€Å"try to threaten, bribe, or blackmail me. Ever. You won't like the consequences.† That might have been going too far. People in the audience exchanged startled looks. Some of their expressions were disgusted, as though they could expect nothing better of me. I recognized a few of those Moroi. They were ones I'd overheard talking about my relationship with Adrian and how the queen hated it. I also suspected a number of royals from last night's ceremony were here too. They'd seen Tatiana lead me out and no doubt thought my outburst and disrespect today were a type of revenge. The Moroi weren't the only ones who reacted. Regardless of whether they shared my opinions, a few guardians stepped forward. I made sure to stay exactly where I was, and that, along with Tatiana's lack of fear, kept them in place. â€Å"We're getting weary of this conversation,† Tatiana said, switching to the royal we. â€Å"You can speak more–and do so in the proper manner–when we have our next meeting and open the floor to comments. For now, whether you like it or not, this resolution has been passed. It's law.† She's letting you off! Lissa's voice was back in my head. Back away from this before you do something that'll get you in real trouble. Argue later. It was ironic because I'd been on the verge of exploding and letting my full rage out. Lissa's words stopped me–but not because of their content. It was Lissa herself. When Adrian and I had discussed the results earlier, I'd noted one piece of faulty logic. â€Å"It wasn't a fair vote,† I declared. â€Å"It wasn't legal.† â€Å"Are you a lawyer now, Miss Hathaway?† The queen was amused, and her dropping of my guardian title now was a blatant lack of respect. â€Å"If you're referring to the monarch's vote carrying more weight than others on the Council, then we can assure you that that has been Moroi law for centuries in such situations.† She glanced at her fellow Council members, none of whom raised a protest. Even those who'd voted against her couldn't find fault with her point. â€Å"Yeah, but the entire Council didn't vote,† I said. â€Å"You've had an empty spot in the Council for the last few years–but not anymore.† I turned and pointed at where my friends were sitting. â€Å"Vasilisa Dragomir is eighteen now and can fill her family's spot.† In all of this chaos, her birthday had been overlooked, even by me. The eyes in the room turned on Lissa–something she did not like. However, Lissa was used to being in the public eye. She knew what was expected of a royal, how to look and carry herself. So, rather than cringing, she sat up straight and stared ahead with a cool, regal look that said she could walk up to that table right now and demand her birthright. Whether it was that magnificent attitude alone or maybe a little spirit charisma, she was almost impossible to look away from. Her beauty had its usual luminous quality, and around the room, a lot of the faces held the same awe for her that I'd observed around Court. Dimitri's transformation was still an enigma, but those who believed in it were indeed regarding her as some kind of saint. She was becoming larger than life in so many people's eyes, both with her family name and mysterious powers–and now the alleged ability to restore Strigoi. Smug, I looked back at Tatiana. â€Å"Isn't eighteen the legal voting age?† Checkmate, bitch. â€Å"Yes,† she said cheerfully. â€Å"If the Dragomirs had a quorum.† I wouldn't say my stunning victory exactly shattered at that point, but it certainly lost a little of its luster. â€Å"A what?† â€Å"A quorum. By law, for a Moroi family to have a Council vote, they must have a family. She does not. She's the only one.† I stared in disbelief. â€Å"What, you're saying she needs to go have a kid to get a vote?† Tatiana grimaced. â€Å"Not now, of course. Someday, I'm sure. For a family to have a vote, they must have at least two members, one of whom must be over eighteen. It's Moroi law–again, a law that's been in the books for centuries.† A few people were exchanging confused and surprised looks. This was clearly not a law many were familiar with. Of course, this situation–a royal line reduced to one person–wasn't one that had occurred in recent history, if it had ever occurred at all. â€Å"It's true,† said Ariana Szelsky reluctantly. â€Å"I've read it.† Okay, that was when my stunning victory shattered. The Szelsky family was one I trusted, and Ariana was the older sister of the guy my mom protected. Ariana was a pretty bookish kind of person, and seeing as she'd voted against the guardian age change, it seemed unlikely she'd offer this piece of evidence if it weren't true. With no more ammunition, I resorted to old standbys. â€Å"That,† I told Tatiana, â€Å"is the most fucked-up law I have ever heard.† That did it. The audience broke into shocked chatter, and Tatiana gave up on whatever pretense of friendliness she'd been clinging to. She beat the herald to any orders he might have given. â€Å"Remove her!† shouted Tatiana. Even with the rapidly growing noise, her voice rang clearly through the room. â€Å"We will not tolerate this sort of vulgar behavior!† I had guardians on me in a flash. Honestly, with how often I'd been dragged away from places lately, there was almost something comfortably familiar about it. I didn't fight the guardians as they led me to the door, but I also didn't let them take me without a few parting words. â€Å"You could change the quorum law if you wanted, you sanctimonious bitch!† I yelled back. â€Å"You're twisting the law because you're selfish and afraid! You're making the worst mistake of your life. You'll regret it! Wait and see–you'll wish you'd never done it!† I don't know if anyone heard my tirade because by then, the hall was back to the chaos it had been in when I entered. The guardians–three of them–didn't let go of me until we were outside. Once they released me, we all stood around awkwardly for a moment. â€Å"What now?† I asked. I tried to keep the anger out of my voice. I was still furious and worked up, but it wasn't these guys' fault. â€Å"Are you going to lock me up?† Seeing as it would bring me back to Dimitri, it would almost be a reward. â€Å"They only said to remove you,† one of the guardians pointed out. â€Å"No one said what to do with you after that.† Another guardian, old and grizzled but still fierce looking, gave me a wry look. â€Å"I'd take off while you can, before they really have a chance to punish you.† â€Å"Not that they won't find you if they really want to,† added the first guardian. With that, the three of them headed back inside, leaving me confused and upset. My body was still revved for a fight, and I was filled with the frustration I always experienced whenever I was faced with a situation I felt powerless in. All that yelling for nothing. I'd accomplished nothing. â€Å"Rose?† I shifted from my churning emotions and looked up at the building. The older guardian hadn't gone inside and still stood in the doorway. His face was stoic, but I thought I saw a twinkle in his eye. â€Å"For what it's worth,† he told me, â€Å"I thought you were fantastic in there.† I didn't feel much like smiling, but my lips betrayed me. â€Å"Thanks,† I said. Well, maybe I'd accomplished one thing.