Critical Lens Essay

Trust is a very valuable thing is one’s life. Without trust, it is next to impossible to go through life. Graham Green happens to agree with this as she had once said, â€Å"†¦ it is impossible o go through life without trust†¦Ã¢â‚¬  One can interpret this quote as trust being an essential aspect to life and in order to go through it, there must be someone or something a person can put his or her faith in. Two works of literature that reflect this quote are The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene and A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. Trust sometimes helps people strengthen themselves to be able to go through tough times in life. John Greene proves so in his book, The Fault in Our Stars. Hazel and Augustus are able to build a strong relationship. The author uses characterization in order to build trust between the two characters. Since Hazel was able to put her faith in Augustus, her character became stronger and started to have more confidence in herself. Augustus, a philosophical teenager, helps Hazel live her life in the limited time that she has although he, himself was dying. Both characters became stronger and were able to live their life as much as they could because of how they made each other feel. Augustus made sure Hazel never looked down on herself. When it was time for Augustus to go, Hazel was strong enough to give him a proper good-bye. In Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, trust is used in order strengthen the relationships within the family. When Mama receives the insurance check that the family was waiting for, Mama decides to buy a house with the money. Doing so creates a conflict between Walter Lee. To make things right, Mama entrusts him with the rest of the money. But, Walter Lee breaks the whole family’s trust by investing the money in the liquor store even though he told not to do so. When his friend runs away with the money, Walter Lee realizes his mistake. It was the family’s faith in Walter Lee, which let them forgive him. The family knew that he truly regretted what he had done and that he would do everything in his power to try and gain their trust. Trust is the key to building relationships and maintaining them. In John Greene’s The Fault in Our Stars and Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, the trust and faith is what keeps the characters headstrong. Hazel and Augustus’s trust helps them stay optimistic through their illness. The Younger family’s trust within themselves helps maintain their relationships with each other and get through tough obstacles in life. Both works of literature prove that trust is essential to life.

Debt Policy and Value

EMBA 8500 #1 Book value of debt Book value of equity Market value of debt Market value of equity Pretax cost of debt After Tax cost of debt rd Market value weights of: Wd Debt We Equity bL Levered beta Rf Risk-free Rate Market Premium RM Ke Cost of equity WACC EBIT – Taxes (34%) EBIAT + Depreciation – Capital expense Change in Net Working Capital Free Cash Flow Value of Assets ( FCF/WACC) CASE # 31 0% Debt 100% Equity $ $ 20,000 $ $ 20,000 7. 0% 4. 62% $ 34% $ $ $ $ $ $ 0 1 0. 8 7% 8. 6% 13. 88% 13. 88% 4,206. 00 1,430. 04 2,775. 96 1,000. 00 (1,000. 00) 0 2,775. 96 19,999. 1 25% Debt 75% Equity $ 5,000 $ 15,000 $ 5,000 $ 16,700 7. 0% 4. 62% 12/2/2012 50% Debt 1) As the firm becomes more leveraged the WACC will change because debtholders have a 50% Equity fixed claim on cash which increases the risk for stockholders. This can cause the stock to go up $ 10,000 and firms can reduce the taxes paid, thereby freeing up more cash. Debt also increases the risk $ 10,000 of bank ruptcy. $ 10,000 $ 13,400 (Debt * Tax Rate) + BV Equity 7. 0% 4. 62% (Pretax * (1-Tax Rate)) 23. 0% 42. 7% 77. 0% 57. 3% 0. 96 1. 19 7% 7% 8. 6% 8. 6% 15. 24% 17. 27% 12. 79% 11. 6% $ 4,206. 00 $ 4,206. 00 $ 1,430. 04 $ 1,430. 04 $ 2,775. 96 $ 2,775. 96 $ 1,000. 00 $ 1,000. 00 $ (1,000. 00) $ (1,000. 00) 0 0 $ 2,775. 96 $ 2,775. 96 $ 21,699. 69 $ 23,399. 66 Added Tax Shield increase value VL = VU + TD MV Debt / (MV Debt + MV Equity) MV Equity / (MV Debt + MV Equity) 0. 8 is the b u b L = b u [1+(1-T) * D/E HAMADA D/E Ratio 29. 94% 74. 63% Ke = Rf + (b L * RM) CAPM WACC = (Wd * rd) + (We * re) EBIT * Tax Rate EBIT – Tax amount V = FCF/WACC M3DISK – Maryann Albert, Mike Arendosh, Mark Jarboe, Dan Pool, Ivo Hegelbach, Sean McPherson, Krista Massell 1

Bao Viet Insurance

In 2007, Bao Viet launched its Initial Public Offering and became a multi-business financial group. I.The mission, values and objectives of Bao Viet enterprise and the influences of stakeholders: To have a successful business, all companies have to have their own strategies. The first element is that the firm has to show the answer for the question â€Å"why do we exist?† or â€Å"what do we want to become?†. In other words, each company must have their missions or visions which are considered as a magnetic needle for all the people of company such as manager, workers or officers, etc to follow up. As a result, Bao Viet also has their own vision: â€Å"Bao Viet’s vision is to be o-ne of the leading financial groups in Vietnam in life and non-life insurance, investment, securities and other financial services† (Anon., 2008). To achieve this mission, the company wants to set up the high standard in every services that they undertake by innovations in productions and knowledge. In addition, by these activities, Bao Viet will also build up their reputation in Vietnam and have a long-term relationship with the customers, clients and business partners. All the enterprises need to identify their values which they can believe on it to secure their businesses. There are some values of Bao Viet for their goals and aims which is â€Å"innovation†, â€Å"growth† and â€Å"efficiency†. Principal of innovation for this company can be set up by receiving customers’ comments or feedbacks. After that, the company can renew their products or provide for customers a higher standard of service. Whilst, growth and efficiency can be assessed by basing on the business’s profits. For example, total revenue of the company in 1989 was VND 76 billion, after seven years, in 1996, this number increased rapidly at VND 970 billion. Bao Viet also should have some obvious objectives to follow. Bao Viet improves their standards of products and services to satisfy the demands of the clients and hope to have more customers and make more profits. For example, due to the success in the first six months of 2008, Bao Viet’s firm has their objective for the last six months: the business will strive to reach the total revenue of VND 3,150 billion in the whole of 2008. Next, the company should know and recognize the importance of stakeholders towards their business. There are three types of stakeholders. Firstly, we have internal stakeholders such as managers and employees who have immediate influences on the activities of the business. Managers will control all the management of the business, they decide to do or not a project so this position is very important for all the enterprises. Employees are also an major part of a business. They are the people who have the main influences on the success of a company. Employees join in the process of production directly, so if they are received high wages and bonuses to motivate them, the quality of products will improve enormously. On the other hand, if managers or employees do not do their works well, the business may get some loss of profits. The second one is connected stakeholders. Shareholders invest in the business in return of their dividends. In some cases, their investments can make them become the owners of the company if they have the largest ordinary shares of public limited company. In other words, shareholders can affect on the business by raising capital and even becoming the owners. Another part of connected stakeholders is banker who can lend the firm large amounts of cash to increase the capital. However, if the company does not make profits to repay their interest, bankers can confiscate the assets and make the enterprise go bankruptcy. Next, Suppliers who supply equipments for the company will expect to be paid and a long term relationship with suppliers can help the business to have more benefits. The last one is customers who need the products or services. For many enterprises, customers are people who decide what is produced or what price is charged. Their behaviors, feedbacks or complaints will influence on the success of the company directly. Thirdly, we have the external stakeholders. Government has a big position for the success of a business by making the laws and regulations which all the firms have to follow to do the businesses. Local authorities also can affect the business by changing local environment such as increase in road traffic. The next one is professional bodies, who want to ensure that the members of the company comply with professional ethics and standards, also affect the business. II.The extent to which Bao Viet company achieves the objectives of three stakeholders: For internal stakeholders such as managers, they are interested in the company’s continuation and growth. They also have some individual interests and goals, for example, a safe and comfortable working environment and skill and career development, etc. Therefore, to achieve the objectives of internal stakeholders, the company needs to increase the revenue and improve the standards of working environment. Bao Viet was held up in 1964, they have 43 years of foundation and growth. In some first years, their revenue only raised a little, turnovers at that time was VND 800,000 with total assets of VND 900,000 because they only served for some state-owned customers. Now, Bao Viet has widened their nationwide network and developed the business to overseas market. In addition, the income also increase enormously: Its investment income in 2003 reached VND 512 billion from a total portfolio of VND 8,114 billion. These great advances make the company become one of the biggest 25 enterprises in Vietnam. Moreover, on 31st May 2007, Bao Viet was listed on the stock market to sell their shares to the public. After this, the chartered capital of Bao Viet increased at VND 6,800 billion. Bao Viet has 40,000 dedicated agents and 5,000 employees with experienced experts and young, well-trained staff so this company always has a good environment for people to work. Bao Viet also achieves in the services for customers who represent for the connected stakeholders. Customers always want to receive the best products or services for their demands. They can complain or give comments to the business about the products and their satisfaction is very important for the company’s success. As a result, the firm always needs to listen to the customers’ opinions, this will make major influences on the new products or services in terms of quality or price. Firstly, Bao Viet strategy bases on the customer orientation which means the customers will become the centre of all activities. The company has taken over the feedback of customers and pay a large amount of money for the customers who bought their insurance. For example, Anh N of Vietnamnet (2004) said that Bao Viet had paid VND 1,000 billion for people who had got accidents or disasters in 2003. Bao Viet also issued more types of insurance such as personal insurance, river boat insurance or fishing boat insurance, etc to serve the customers’ demands. These types will help the customers in many careers to have more choices and make more benefits for the company. Secondly, because of a huge system of nationwide network over the country, Bao Viet has some difficulties to keep contacting with the clients in some parts of Vietnam. Therefore, the company decided to establish more offices and more officers to improve the quality of services for the customers : â€Å"Bao Viet Da Nang built four regional offices in Thanh Khe, Lien Chieu, Hoa Vang, Son Tra – Ngu Hanh Son and a line-up of 120 people who are willing to guide, provide insurance services for the clients everywhere at every time.† (Ha T., 2004). Moreover, Bao Viet associated with some company to develop the quality of services for the customers such as HSBC Vietnam company. By this communication, Bao Viet might provide products for their customers through branch houses of HSBC Vietnam company. Overall, Bao Viet is improving more and more their system of products and services to serve the customers. Besides the benefits for internal and connected stakeholders, Bao Viet also satisfies the requirement of government, an external stakeholder. Government has some main roles such as passing laws to protect workers and customers, collecting taxes or subsidizing activities, etc. Mr Hoan, Chief executive officer of Bao Viet headquarter stated that in 2003, Bao Viet paid VND 189 billion for the government, increased by 8.2% in comparison with the amount in 2002 (Anh N., 2004). Therefore, Bao Viet achieved the responsibility with the government. Meanwhile, the expansion of Bao Viet will increase the chances for people to have jobs, this activity will help the government to solve the problem of unemployment. In conclusion, Bao Viet succeed to achieve the objectives of all the stakeholders which includes internal stakeholder, connected stakeholder and external stakeholder. III.The responsibilities of the company and strategies employed to meet objectives of stakeholders: The first responsibility of the company is social responsibility. Bao Viet has some responsibilities for the government. For example, Bao Viet must pay tax for their income, in other words, the company must follow all the regulations and laws which the government have issued. Besides, they also make benefits for the local communities such as reducing the ratio of unemployed people in the area. Secondly, we have the ethics and business. Obeying the law is that the company must follow the laws and regulations to do the business. Furthermore, the company has to respect the rights of competitors. The firm has not to criticize or attack the rights of competitors or do everything which can harm the competitors. Business ethics also includes that the organization should protect the employees and consumer from danger of the business. In addition, the company also must not do some illegal activities such as bribery or gifts. The next one is the management responsibilities. The company should have good relationship with all their stakeholders. Now, Bao Viet has their IPO, so they will have more shareholders. In addition, the business has the responsibility to maximize the profits for shareholders. As a result, they will continue to invest in the company and the business will make more benefits. Second one is the employees who keeps the organization in operational existence. They contribute for the company by joining in the production directly so their position is also very important and they should be received a suitable treatment in terms of wages or salary, bonuses, etc. Moreover, the firm also should give the employees a coherent career and a training structure to make them become better and work more efficiently. Meanwhile, the company needs to make a good environment for workforce’s lifestyle and make a good condition for them to express all their talent. Next, I will talk about the responsibility for customers. For Bao Viet, the enterprise has to listen to every feedbacks of the customers, develop the quality of services and keep contacting with them to provide enough information which the customers want to know. For the suppliers, the firm must not delay payment or use the power unscrupulously. In addition, having a long-term relationship or giving new supplier the chance to win new business also makes benefits for both sides. The business also have some responsibilities for the competitors such as the laws of competition about fair trading, monopolies or mergers, etc. The last one is responsibilities for the Community. Each area has their own social and ethical values, so that the firm has to respect these values. Moreover, when the Community needs more capital to hold up an event or charity, the business also should sponsor for them. This way will also make benefits for the company because they have a chance to spread their brand. In addition, the last one is that the enterprise has to respond to complaints for local residents. In this part, I will give some strategies which Bao Viet has followed to meet the objectives of stakeholders. The first strategy is to become o ¬ne of the leading financial groups which has an ability of international competitiveness, providing a wide array of financial services from life and non-life insurance, securities, investment to financial services. This expansion will help the business to widen the market for more consumers. The second one is to become the corporation which is the most popular in Vietnam towards the customers. This strategy will be useful and important for a customer orientation company. Next, the company wants to â€Å"become an organization that can maintain and enhance the â€Å"Prestige† â€Å"Reputation† and â€Å"Honesty and Integrity†, having the â€Å"Loyalty† of customers, and BAOVIET members† (Business Environment textbook, 2008). All of the strategies are based on three gold principles of â€Å"innovation†, â€Å"growth† and â€Å"efficiency†. Reference http://www.vietnamnet.vn/xahoi/doisong/2004/10/340859/ Bao Viet Insurance In 2007, Bao Viet launched its Initial Public Offering and became a multi-business financial group. I.The mission, values and objectives of Bao Viet enterprise and the influences of stakeholders: To have a successful business, all companies have to have their own strategies. The first element is that the firm has to show the answer for the question â€Å"why do we exist?† or â€Å"what do we want to become?†. In other words, each company must have their missions or visions which are considered as a magnetic needle for all the people of company such as manager, workers or officers, etc to follow up. As a result, Bao Viet also has their own vision: â€Å"Bao Viet’s vision is to be o-ne of the leading financial groups in Vietnam in life and non-life insurance, investment, securities and other financial services† (Anon., 2008). To achieve this mission, the company wants to set up the high standard in every services that they undertake by innovations in productions and knowledge. In addition, by these activities, Bao Viet will also build up their reputation in Vietnam and have a long-term relationship with the customers, clients and business partners. All the enterprises need to identify their values which they can believe on it to secure their businesses. There are some values of Bao Viet for their goals and aims which is â€Å"innovation†, â€Å"growth† and â€Å"efficiency†. Principal of innovation for this company can be set up by receiving customers’ comments or feedbacks. After that, the company can renew their products or provide for customers a higher standard of service. Whilst, growth and efficiency can be assessed by basing on the business’s profits. For example, total revenue of the company in 1989 was VND 76 billion, after seven years, in 1996, this number increased rapidly at VND 970 billion. Bao Viet also should have some obvious objectives to follow. Bao Viet improves their standards of products and services to satisfy the demands of the clients and hope to have more customers and make more profits. For example, due to the success in the first six months of 2008, Bao Viet’s firm has their objective for the last six months: the business will strive to reach the total revenue of VND 3,150 billion in the whole of 2008. Next, the company should know and recognize the importance of stakeholders towards their business. There are three types of stakeholders. Firstly, we have internal stakeholders such as managers and employees who have immediate influences on the activities of the business. Managers will control all the management of the business, they decide to do or not a project so this position is very important for all the enterprises. Employees are also an major part of a business. They are the people who have the main influences on the success of a company. Employees join in the process of production directly, so if they are received high wages and bonuses to motivate them, the quality of products will improve enormously. On the other hand, if managers or employees do not do their works well, the business may get some loss of profits. The second one is connected stakeholders. Shareholders invest in the business in return of their dividends. In some cases, their investments can make them become the owners of the company if they have the largest ordinary shares of public limited company. In other words, shareholders can affect on the business by raising capital and even becoming the owners. Another part of connected stakeholders is banker who can lend the firm large amounts of cash to increase the capital. However, if the company does not make profits to repay their interest, bankers can confiscate the assets and make the enterprise go bankruptcy. Next, Suppliers who supply equipments for the company will expect to be paid and a long term relationship with suppliers can help the business to have more benefits. The last one is customers who need the products or services. For many enterprises, customers are people who decide what is produced or what price is charged. Their behaviors, feedbacks or complaints will influence on the success of the company directly. Thirdly, we have the external stakeholders. Government has a big position for the success of a business by making the laws and regulations which all the firms have to follow to do the businesses. Local authorities also can affect the business by changing local environment such as increase in road traffic. The next one is professional bodies, who want to ensure that the members of the company comply with professional ethics and standards, also affect the business. II.The extent to which Bao Viet company achieves the objectives of three stakeholders: For internal stakeholders such as managers, they are interested in the company’s continuation and growth. They also have some individual interests and goals, for example, a safe and comfortable working environment and skill and career development, etc. Therefore, to achieve the objectives of internal stakeholders, the company needs to increase the revenue and improve the standards of working environment. Bao Viet was held up in 1964, they have 43 years of foundation and growth. In some first years, their revenue only raised a little, turnovers at that time was VND 800,000 with total assets of VND 900,000 because they only served for some state-owned customers. Now, Bao Viet has widened their nationwide network and developed the business to overseas market. In addition, the income also increase enormously: Its investment income in 2003 reached VND 512 billion from a total portfolio of VND 8,114 billion. These great advances make the company become one of the biggest 25 enterprises in Vietnam. Moreover, on 31st May 2007, Bao Viet was listed on the stock market to sell their shares to the public. After this, the chartered capital of Bao Viet increased at VND 6,800 billion. Bao Viet has 40,000 dedicated agents and 5,000 employees with experienced experts and young, well-trained staff so this company always has a good environment for people to work. Bao Viet also achieves in the services for customers who represent for the connected stakeholders. Customers always want to receive the best products or services for their demands. They can complain or give comments to the business about the products and their satisfaction is very important for the company’s success. As a result, the firm always needs to listen to the customers’ opinions, this will make major influences on the new products or services in terms of quality or price. Firstly, Bao Viet strategy bases on the customer orientation which means the customers will become the centre of all activities. The company has taken over the feedback of customers and pay a large amount of money for the customers who bought their insurance. For example, Anh N of Vietnamnet (2004) said that Bao Viet had paid VND 1,000 billion for people who had got accidents or disasters in 2003. Bao Viet also issued more types of insurance such as personal insurance, river boat insurance or fishing boat insurance, etc to serve the customers’ demands. These types will help the customers in many careers to have more choices and make more benefits for the company. Secondly, because of a huge system of nationwide network over the country, Bao Viet has some difficulties to keep contacting with the clients in some parts of Vietnam. Therefore, the company decided to establish more offices and more officers to improve the quality of services for the customers : â€Å"Bao Viet Da Nang built four regional offices in Thanh Khe, Lien Chieu, Hoa Vang, Son Tra – Ngu Hanh Son and a line-up of 120 people who are willing to guide, provide insurance services for the clients everywhere at every time.† (Ha T., 2004). Moreover, Bao Viet associated with some company to develop the quality of services for the customers such as HSBC Vietnam company. By this communication, Bao Viet might provide products for their customers through branch houses of HSBC Vietnam company. Overall, Bao Viet is improving more and more their system of products and services to serve the customers. Besides the benefits for internal and connected stakeholders, Bao Viet also satisfies the requirement of government, an external stakeholder. Government has some main roles such as passing laws to protect workers and customers, collecting taxes or subsidizing activities, etc. Mr Hoan, Chief executive officer of Bao Viet headquarter stated that in 2003, Bao Viet paid VND 189 billion for the government, increased by 8.2% in comparison with the amount in 2002 (Anh N., 2004). Therefore, Bao Viet achieved the responsibility with the government. Meanwhile, the expansion of Bao Viet will increase the chances for people to have jobs, this activity will help the government to solve the problem of unemployment. In conclusion, Bao Viet succeed to achieve the objectives of all the stakeholders which includes internal stakeholder, connected stakeholder and external stakeholder. III.The responsibilities of the company and strategies employed to meet objectives of stakeholders: The first responsibility of the company is social responsibility. Bao Viet has some responsibilities for the government. For example, Bao Viet must pay tax for their income, in other words, the company must follow all the regulations and laws which the government have issued. Besides, they also make benefits for the local communities such as reducing the ratio of unemployed people in the area. Secondly, we have the ethics and business. Obeying the law is that the company must follow the laws and regulations to do the business. Furthermore, the company has to respect the rights of competitors. The firm has not to criticize or attack the rights of competitors or do everything which can harm the competitors. Business ethics also includes that the organization should protect the employees and consumer from danger of the business. In addition, the company also must not do some illegal activities such as bribery or gifts. The next one is the management responsibilities. The company should have good relationship with all their stakeholders. Now, Bao Viet has their IPO, so they will have more shareholders. In addition, the business has the responsibility to maximize the profits for shareholders. As a result, they will continue to invest in the company and the business will make more benefits. Second one is the employees who keeps the organization in operational existence. They contribute for the company by joining in the production directly so their position is also very important and they should be received a suitable treatment in terms of wages or salary, bonuses, etc. Moreover, the firm also should give the employees a coherent career and a training structure to make them become better and work more efficiently. Meanwhile, the company needs to make a good environment for workforce’s lifestyle and make a good condition for them to express all their talent. Next, I will talk about the responsibility for customers. For Bao Viet, the enterprise has to listen to every feedbacks of the customers, develop the quality of services and keep contacting with them to provide enough information which the customers want to know. For the suppliers, the firm must not delay payment or use the power unscrupulously. In addition, having a long-term relationship or giving new supplier the chance to win new business also makes benefits for both sides. The business also have some responsibilities for the competitors such as the laws of competition about fair trading, monopolies or mergers, etc. The last one is responsibilities for the Community. Each area has their own social and ethical values, so that the firm has to respect these values. Moreover, when the Community needs more capital to hold up an event or charity, the business also should sponsor for them. This way will also make benefits for the company because they have a chance to spread their brand. In addition, the last one is that the enterprise has to respond to complaints for local residents. In this part, I will give some strategies which Bao Viet has followed to meet the objectives of stakeholders. The first strategy is to become o ¬ne of the leading financial groups which has an ability of international competitiveness, providing a wide array of financial services from life and non-life insurance, securities, investment to financial services. This expansion will help the business to widen the market for more consumers. The second one is to become the corporation which is the most popular in Vietnam towards the customers. This strategy will be useful and important for a customer orientation company. Next, the company wants to â€Å"become an organization that can maintain and enhance the â€Å"Prestige† â€Å"Reputation† and â€Å"Honesty and Integrity†, having the â€Å"Loyalty† of customers, and BAOVIET members† (Business Environment textbook, 2008). All of the strategies are based on three gold principles of â€Å"innovation†, â€Å"growth† and â€Å"efficiency†. Reference http://www.vietnamnet.vn/xahoi/doisong/2004/10/340859/

Biology and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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Woolworths UK Management Challenges Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

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Synthesis paper - Essay Example Parent involvement in the learning process, though largely untapped is a viable resource for schools struggling to offer its students quality instructions while suffering the limitations of diminishing funds. In addition, parent involvement in a child’s learning increases student achievement and enhances a sense of involvement in the child’s education (Coleman and Hoffer, 1987). Parent involvement typically means different forms of participation in the education of a child. Some of these forms include attending school functions and responding to schooling obligations such as parent-teacher conferences. In addition, parents can become more involved in helping their children’s schooling through tutoring, modeling desired behavior and monitoring homework. Perhaps one of the most important schooling practices is parents’ work in the classroom. There are literally hundreds of journal articles, books and stand-alone reports on the subject of parent involvement in the classroom. These writings give expert opinions, offering sufficient information on the topic of parent involvement as a schooling practice. It is apparent that parent involvement in the class and individual student learning is positively linked to achievement. Interestingly, the more a parent is involved in a student’s learning process, the more beneficial the achievement effects are. This holds true for all the aforementioned types of parent involvement in the schooling process regardless of the age of the student. However, the most effectual modes of parent participation are those that involve parents working candidly with their children in learning activities at school. For instance, programs that involve a parent reading with the child, supporting the child’s class work and homework assignments, tutoring the child using materials and instructi ons provided by teachers show exemplarily impressive results in

Sobey's Distribution Department Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sobey's Distribution Department - Case Study Example The following discourse focuses on Sobey in terms of the probable applicability of technology to improve its operations. Introduction E-commerce can be done in two ways. The first is a case in which a company produces goods and services that can be exchanged online. These include such goods as computer software and even books, commonly referred to as e-books. In such transactions, the buyer contacts a seller mainly through the seller’s website and places an order for the given product. After this, the buyer is directed on how to make the payment. This is done online too with the buyer offered a dialogue box in which he enters his credit or debit card number. The card must, in this case, be globally recognized. The transaction takes place in the major currencies which in most cases is the American dollar. After entering the card number, an amount that is the price of the product is deducted. Thereafter, the buyer is allowed to download the product. This is an entirely online pr ocess with the two parties requiring no physical contact (Stefan, Christ and Jochen, 2008). The other model involves the basics of the transaction being done online such as in marketing. In this case, the client and the buyer meet online and the buyer gets to the goods specifications in which he is interested. After this, the buyer makes the payment as would be the company policy and waits for the seller to deliver the goods. This takes place when the goods can not be physically exchanged. Sobeys, given its business nature, thus belongs to the second category. It would only carry out extensive marketing and some of the most basic transactions online. However, the remaining part of the transactions would require physical contact between the seller (Sobey) and the buyers. Primary Data Through interviews and observation of the firm operations, it became eminent that the store has a wide customer base and has in the past placed in place strategies that aim to increase its sales. Some of these include product promotions and some other value added services. Sobeys is a chain distribution department with presence in all the provinces of the country and has two hundred branches currently. It majors in the sale of grocery and other fundamental house wares. The use of ICT is appreciated in the firm as the company has a website and is at advance stage of launching on-line transactions with its clients. The use of social sites such as facebook and twitter is rife as the company runs several accounts and fun pages with which it keeps contact with some of its esteemed customer. They have used the on-line platform to carry out market researches and this has played a part in their determination of yet some newer locations of expansion. From the study on how the store uses technology, the following were determined: Key characters and the difficulties they currently face Among some of the key personalities of the firm is the president who also sums up as the chief executive off icer of the firm. Currently, this position is held by William Bill Mc Ewan. Given the fact that firm has a presence throughout Canada, communication and information flow has proved to be a challenge to its operations. This is a challenge which is well understood by the organization’s CEO. For instance, there are several incidences and transactions always warrant his presence or authorization but due to the job’s nature, the president can not always oversee all these in person. Consequently, he normally delegates some of these

Environmental Studies, Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environmental Studies, Ethics - Essay Example Large-scale farming is more complicated than large-scale industry. Also, the growth pace is very slow. To Karl Marx, capitalism meant a progressive historical stage that would eventually freeze because of internal contradictions, and in the end, making way for socialism. This ideology provides the base for Marxist theory on the impact of capitalism and mechanization on farmers, the transition from peasant-based agriculture towards an agricultural-industrial revolution. The need for revolution was inevitable. The conventional means of agriculture just could not feed the mouths of billions of people. The impact of this revolution cannot be categorized as either good or bad in absolute terms. The peasant domestic industry was the backbone to the system providing protection for laborers. But with the transition this industry vanished and with it the traditional peasant culture. For the same reason, people started to see the benefit of having a small family, which meant fewer mouths to feed in the winters. The need for more money was the primary driving force. Marxs idea about agricultural revolution is defined within the comparison of large-scale farming versus small-scale agriculture. The assumption here is that the rural population will be segmented into strictly defined social classes; a small minority of wealthy farmers living alongside the majority of agricultural workers. This relationship would not be based on equality because the workers would have been always trying to free themselves from the oppression and influence of the authority. Marx proposed the success of transition but suggested that an alliance of industrial and agricultural working class was imperative for the healthy growth of the society. Ultimately, this union could become a force against the capitalists. Kautsky does not limit himself to a narrow debate. Only considering the

Macro O Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Macro O - Assignment Example The impressive employment and inflation figures in Germany may be attributed to sound economic policies that the country has held over the years. For instance, by reducing public spending and ensuring high standards of accountability in the government’s system, Germany was able to withstand the turbulent effects of the European debt crisis that affected some European countries, though the debt crises affected other Eurozone members leading to the current inflation rate in Germany. The country has the Euro as its main currency though undervalued compared to Deutschmark’s real value. Moreover, Germany is one of the countries that have managed to raise the working hour flexibility and reduction in structural unemployment. These factors have been critical in sustaining Germany’s economy, leading to a sound job market that translates in a low unemployment rate. Strong fiscal policies in public spending and deficit cuts have led Germany to reduce its debt burdens, a si gnificant step towards controlling its inflation rates. However, Germany’s unemployment rate may be blamed on its transition system of education that holds many youths in vocational schools, which hardly translate to real job opportunities. Such transition schools do not offer skills that are relevant in the market, with graduates from these centres failing to secure jobs. One way to reduce the unemployment rate is to deal with policies that would encourage Foreign Direct investments, FDIs. Currently, FDI in Germany stands at $40.4 billion (Heritage Foundation, 2013). This is not enough for a country with a sound economy and better export terms than its Eurozone members are. By attracting FDIs, more economic activities will spur across the country, suggesting more employment and reduced inflation rates. 2. German fiscal policies are designed with a view to reduce unemployment levels and prevent any recessionary forces in the economy. For instance, in 2010, the government had to cut more than 14 million euros in taxes; in 2011, the government agreed to cut another 24 million in income taxes (Stifftung, 2013). The benefit of tax cuts as a fiscal policy in Germany was that the government managed to close a significant recession gap. The result was stimulated economic growth through encouraged consumption. Furthermore, the economy had a better chance to readjust while the government concentrates more in job creation. This explains why Germany has a stable economy considering the low taxation and increased employment opportunities. However, the disadvantage was that the government through these tax cuts reduced its budgetary allocations to important sectors in the development of the country. The country could have funded social development projects with the huge amounts of taxes forfeited in tax cuts. The European Central Bank is mainly responsible for Germany’s monetary policies (Stifftung, 2013). When the bank raises interest rates to curb rising in flation rates, the result is a change in the cost of living considering commodities will have unstable prices as a response to the interest rates increase. Most Germans would have to save rather than spend, faced increased costs of borrowing that hampered developments and higher interests rates for government debts. The increase would have a negative effect on both the government and Germans in general and may have slowed down development. However, such an increase in interest rates

The End of Western Roman Empire Essay Example for Free

The End of Western Roman Empire Essay The Roman Empire, perhaps the strongest, most evolved and most consistently fascinating empire has been the subject of historical research and discourse than any other empires that the history of the world has seen. Its birth and its rise was a complex process involving a multitude of factors that came together to create a super-power the world had never seen; its decline – more complex still. It is difficult for historians and researchers to pin down the exact chief reason of its decline and highlight the one major cause that led to the downfall of the giant. From foreign invasions to incompetent emperors, from internal strife to crippled economy – all have been cited time and time again as the real culprits. The views are vast and varied and invariably historically supported by facts from the annals of history. However, the causes of Roman decline still remain debatable. Wickham (184) and Goffart (1981) have grappled with the issue of Roman decline in their own separate ways. While the former has recounted the changing economy of the Empire as a chief cause among many, the latter has listed foreign invasions as a major culprit. Wickham, in his article ‘The Other Transition: From the Ancient World to Feudalism’ has delineated the slow but sure changes in the economic fabric of the Roman society as it neared its downfall and the impact these changes had on the social, political, national and ideological front. The Roman Empire’s shift from an empire that thrived on taxes, to an empire that became dependent on the feudal system of governance for its sustenance, is the prime focus. Wickham has analyzed the underlying economic currents that shaped the Roman governance, and ultimately the Roman society, and concentrated solely on the economic process of change and its implications. The mode of production of the Roman Empire was perhaps one of the most important aspects in its economy and its shift from the slave traditions to serfdom and tenancy had deep ramifications. The writer has referred to a valid point once raised by Bloch who discussed how the number of slaves in the Roman Empire did undeniably increase during the great wars of the fifth to sixth centuries A. D but the increase in the number of slaves did not necessarily lead towards increased number of slave plantations. These slaves were primarily forced to participate in wars instead and the view that growing slavery in fifth and sixth century must naturally point towards a strengthening of the slavery structure is essentially flawed. In the early stages of development, Rome had become an exploitative state by nature where the government wealth came to be collected from tributes and taxes from cities, neighbouring states and the general public. This gradually developed into what Wickham calls ‘a wholesale taxation network’ coupled with slave plantations. By the end of the third century however, slave plantations had disappeared and the agrarian production depended more on tenants and the feudal mode of production. However, the Roman Empire, with its mind-boggling vastness, still depended on taxes for its support rather than land rents or serfdom. ‘The dominant source of surplus extraction in the late empire was not rent, but tax. ’ Taxation commanded the economy and was the economic foundation for the Roman State. By the fifth century however, things began to take a slow but decisive turn. The landed gentry, and even the general public for that matter, came under increased pressure as heavy taxes were imposed to not just take care of wartime expenses resulting from skirmishes with the Barbarians, but also to fill the pockets of the urban governments. The private land owners realized that the Roman patronage was too expensive as armies, bound to offer protection against the Barbarians, began to lose ground and military expenses bloated. Peasants too began to adopt rent-paying to powerful land-owners as opposed to paying taxes directly to the State. Wickham writes, ‘Benefits from the state had never justified the weight of taxes in the eyes of peasants, and nor did they any longer for landlords. ’ Hence, both the peasantry and the aristocrats sought refuge in a system that saved them from the back-breaking weight of taxes. When the aristocracy lost interest in the state and developed their own preoccupations, maintaining a feudal system on their lands, the state suffered enormously and when not supported by the peasantry – a group equally wary of taxation systems, the Roman Empire felt the reverberations. Walter Goffart (1981), on the other hand, focuses on an entirely different aspect of Roman decline in his work ‘Rome, Constantinople, and the Barbarians. ’ He admits, and sufficiently cites respected historians to strengthen his case, that the rise of Christianity and the Barbarians had undeniable, deep impact on the last few centuries of the great Rome and elects to focus on only one aspect out of the two. In Goffart’s opinion, the Barbarians put Rome in a complex quandary, yet it was the Romans who shaped the relationship and dictated the terms on which the mutual encounters were formulated. For Goffart, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of the Roman-Barbarian relationship by viewing it from the Roman side of the border. It is important to keep in mind, points Goffart, that the Barbarians were never ill-equipped to handle the Roman Empire and had continuously and with single-minded determination inflicted heavy damages to the vastly superior Roman army, yet it was the Roman Empire itself that gave them numerous openings to inflict losses. Gaining advantages from the internal strife and the preoccupation of the Emperors with politics and inner problems, the Barbarians shrewdly targeted an army that though well-equipped and colossal, was still insufficient to safeguard the vast borders. In addition, the mounting expenses of the armies made emperors reluctant to unleash brutal force on the war-mongering Barbarians as they realized that the tax-payers might be unable or unwilling to pay for wars on the frontier. In addition, as internal strife and rebellion increased, Barbarians were promptly employed by either the Emperor or the usurper to fight the wars on their behalf as Goffart comments, ‘Political competitors invariably occupied a higher place on the agenda than alien enemies; barbarians were the natural allies of emperors and usurpers alike in their fratricidal struggles for power. ’ Interestingly Goffart claims that the ability of the barbarians to assert themselves ‘hinged far less upon their strength and wishes than upon the response that the Roman government could make to them in the short and long run. ’ Even though addressing the causes of the fall of the Roman Empire is a common concern for both historians, it is the approach taken by them that differs. Where on the one hand Wickham believes that the shift in the economic setup of the Roman Empire from revenue-based governance to feudal form of governance brought about major changes and somehow contributed to the decline, Goffart, on the other hand insists that the long winding, never ceasing strife with the barbarians chipped away at the roots of the powerful empire. Admittedly, both agree that the causes delineated by them individually are not the sole ones but chief reasons among countless others. Both writers insist that the decline of the great empire was a slow process and was brought about gradually rather than suddenly. For them, destruction of an empire as vast as the Roman Empire could not have possibly been a sudden incident brought about by calamities or foreign aggression. Both have laid stress on the importance of social, cultural, geopolitical and economic changes brought about by changing internal or external realities to be the real culprit. For the historians, the system of governance and the mindsets of the ruling elite had a lot to do with the decline and waning of glory. For instance, discounting the importance of increasingly aggressive neighbours, internal strife, palace conspiracies or agrarian instability as sole causes, the writers hold that the last nail was hammered down by the supreme powers and their critically strategic mistakes, as in the words of Goffart, ‘The critical element, however, was neither Gothic strength nor deficient Roman means; it was a scale of imperial priorities in which the repose of the many had an absolute preference over the safety of a few. ’ Where on the one hand, both the historians have relied on famous classical historians such as Polybius, Cassius Dio, Herodian, Tacitus etc. , they have on the other hand cited extensively respected contemporary scholarship on the Roman history. Historians such as Piganoil, Haverfield, Haller and Dannenbauer, Hindess and Hirst, Perry Anderson and Finley etc. all are generously cited to support the theses. It is interesting to note that the reasoning employed by both historians is uniquely independent as they have drawn their own conclusions and at times chosen to take entirely differing views from previously accepted notions. For instance, Goffart claims that the common perception that the barbarians migrated towards the Mediterranean as a means of escaping the unfriendly Baltic regions is a flawed perception based solely on misguided views and shaky historical claims. The writer has also stressed on the need for objective analysis and has expressed open approbation of Sulpicius Severus, a much less noted historian, over the more widely respected Polybius, as a more dependent source. Both writers have shed light on issues hitherto neglected and taken a decidedly different stand on issues. Negating the widely held belief that the barbarians were in a way responsible for Roman downfall, Goffart insisted and proved by means of historical evidence that it was in fact the weakness and procrastination of the Emperors, who chose to first give precedence to warring with usurpers and rebels and employed the same barbarians in their internal strife instead of taking a stronger stand and not settling with cutting off portions of the territory in lieu of shaky peace. It was not the barbarian aggression, as is widely believed, that the Romans could not stand but their own errors that weakened them. Accounting the shift from the tax system to the feudal system, Wickham has demonstrated a fresher insight into the long-held and cemented perceptions regarding the economic realities of Rome between the third till the sixth century. Pointing out how the peasants began to avoid state taxes and sought refuge in the feudal system, Wickham has demonstrated the break that happened between the state and the aristocracy, as they now adopted the feudal system as undoubtedly profitable for them. References Goffart, W 1981, ‘Rome, Constantinople, and the Barbarians Author,’ The American Historical Review Vol. 86, No. 2, pp. 275-306. Wickham, C 1984, ‘The Other Transition: From the Ancient World to Feudalism Author,’ Past and Present, No. 103, pp. 3-36.

Production of Lightweight Concrete Decorative Tiles

Production of Lightweight Concrete Decorative Tiles 1.2 Aim To produce the lightweight concrete decorative tiles by using waste materials with different attractive colour and pattern. 1.3 Objectives To achieve the properties of lightweight concrete decorative tiles. To assess the purpose and advantages of lightweight concrete decorative tiles. Design mix of the decorative tiles by different ratio with waste materials. 1.4 Problem statement Lightweight concrete decorative tiles are very common use nowadays. But using waste materials to produce lightweight concrete decorative tiles are still very fresh in our country. 1.5 Scope of study The scope of study for this dissertation is concerned on the lightweight concrete decorative tiles. The purpose for this dissertation is to produce decorative tiles with waste materials . 1.6 Background information Nowadays, building materials become more and more important in construction industry. Concrete has become the most important material for large buildings because it is durable, fire resistant, relatively cheap, and an entire structure can be cast monolithically. Lightweight concrete may be structural concrete that weights slightly less than normal concrete and thus reduces the weight of a structure, or it may be much lighter and used mainly for insulation and sound absorption. It is lighter than the conventional concrete. The use of lightweight concrete blocks has been widely spread across countries. Its advantages are that there is a reduction of dead load, faster building rates in construction and lower haulage and handling costs. Decorative tiles have been with us from the earliest days of human civilization with some of the earliest examples of decorative wall tiles coming from 4000 years ago. Traces of this rich history can be found in the contemporary decorative tiles we find nowadays. Many techniques were used to create pictures, figures and patterns on pieces of tile. These techniques include glazed clay, encaustic or inlaid clay, mosaic stone, mosaic clay tiles, hand painted tiles, carved and formed tiles, sgraffito (scratched tiles), metallic overlays and transfer printing. These same methods are all used to make decorative tiles today. These are very similar to the pieces made by ancient tilemakers. In fact art tiles as theyre known in the industry, have become the fastest growing trend in tile design and are as coveted my 21st century designers and customers as they were prized by our ancestors. 1.7 Methodology Stage 1 : Literature review This study will review the relevant literature on the lightweight concrete brick and also clay brick. In order to achieve the entire objective, a systematic literature review shall be conducted which will cover reference book in library, institutional and statutory publication, periodicals and trade/academic journals and so on. A research of the relevant information including an internet searching conduct in order to find out the properties of lightweight concrete brick and clay brick. The entire information search from Internet will keep us informed of the future and presence data. Stage 2 : Pilot study Date collection will take the form of a structured postal questionnaire. However, an initial pilot study will be conducted to test the validity of the questionnaire through in depth test at laboratory. Stage 3 : Testing at laboratory The feedback from pilot study should assist in laboratory experiment . Testing the material that related to my research. Stage 4 : Analysing the experiment result The analysis of the experiment result will take two forms. First is do a comparison with table form. Second is do a result proposal then just do a table and list out the differences between two materials. Stage 5 : Writing the research report This stage involved writing up the content of the dissertation and should cover the chapters proposed in the following section. 1.8 Proposed structure of the dissertation Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Literature review Chapter 3 Research design and methodology Chapter 4 Analysis of the results and discussion Chapter 5 Conclusion and further study evidence CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 What is Lightweight Concrete Decorative Tiles ? 2.1.1 Definition of Lightweight Concrete Jeffrey Girard (2006) states that ‘lightweight concrete mixes are commonly used in the construction industry where weight savings is an important factor. One of the most common uses for lightweight concrete is with floor, roof or bridge decks; others include pavement systems, masonry blocks and offshore oil structures. Lightweight concrete is made by replacing some or all of the normal weight aggregate with lightweight aggregate. Often the coarse fraction is replaced with lightweight aggregate and the fines are normal weight sand. Mat Lazim Zakaria (1978) states that ‘lightweight concrete can be defined as a type of concrete which includes an expanding agent in that it increases the volume of the mixture while giving additional qualities such as nailibility and lessened the dead weight. Mohd Roji Samidi (1997) written that ‘lightweight concrete is lighter than the conventional concrete with a dry density of 300 kg/m3 up to 1840 kg/m3; 87 to 23% lighter. It was first introduced by the Romans in the second century where ‘The Pantheon has been constructed using pumice, the most common type of aggregate used in that particular year. Lightweight are commonly use when weight saving is the important factor such as using in floor, wall, bridge decks or roof. Usually it is made by replacing lightweight aggregate rather than normal weight aggregate to produce lighter in weight and the sand will be remain the same. It also can be made by adding some admixture or expanding agent to increase the volume of the mixture. It will lessen the weight of the concrete. Lightweight concrete can be made to lighter than the conventional concrete up to 23 to 87% still the most common type of lightweight concrete will be replacing the normal aggregate by lightweight aggregate. 2.1.2 History of Decorative Tiles  · Decorative tile has been around since the beginning of recorded history. In fact, some of the earliest records were created on tile that was carved, fired and then preserved in the libraries of kings. Even the glazing of tile has long been practiced, seen in archaeological finds such as the Ishtar Gate of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II (dating to around 575 BC). Tiles were used in mosaics throughout Greece and Italy, often depicting intricate scenes of religious and cultural value. Roman baths were often decorated in tile mosaics, some of which still survive. Early use of decorative tiles was a privilege that was restricted to the upper class and the clergy. The use of ceramic tile became more widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages. Italy was a major producer of such tile, and still is today. Tiles used in cathedrals throughout Europe can still be seen today, a testament to their durability. 2.2 Waste Materials Papercrete Papercrete is a building material comprised of a mixture of Portland cement and recycled paper fiber (a light-weight, insulating concrete) . The maximum insulating value is obtained when the dry matrix includes the greatest density of air pockets. High strength is obtained when the paper fiber is thoroughly coated by the portland cement. Papercrete is mixed with Portland cement to obtain an excellent sound absorption quality, to be flame/fungus retardant, and bug/rodent resistant. Since it is relatively light , it is potentially an ideal material for earthquake-prone areas. It can be used in many ways as blocks, panels, poured in place, used like igloo blocks to make a self-standing dome or applied over a framework to make a roof or dome. 2.3 Properties of Lightweight Concrete Decorative Tiles 2.3.1 Compressive Strength For compressive strength, the performance of lightweight concrete is controlled on lightweight aggregates. Two factors enter into the strength of lightweight concrete are the strength of the aggregates and the strength of the hardened cement-water paste. Among the various types of lightweight aggregate, there are large differences in strength and toughness, and all but the strongest lightweight aggregates are likely to be weaker than hardened cement-water pastes within the usual range of cement contents. (American Society for Testing and Materials,1956 pp.241) As the general rule, the strength of a lightweight concrete will be less than that of a concrete of equal cement content but containing aggregates of normal weight. Also, with a given cement content, the lower the strength of the lightweight aggregates the lower will be the strength of the lightweight concrete. (American Society for Testing and Materials,1956 pp.241) In the truth, lightweight aggregate concrete does not have good compressive strength as the density is low. The strongest of the lightweight aggregate concrete is still weaker than the cement paste. The lower the strength of lightweight aggregate, the lower the strength of lightweight concrete. The benefit for lightweight concrete is light in weight, good in insulation and fire resistance. 2.3.2 Sound Insulation and Absorption Lightweight concrete is a perfect impact and air-borne sound absorbing concrete and thus is highly suitable for partition walls and floor screeds or foundations. The air-borne or air contain in the lightweight concrete has better sound absorption. When there is better sound absorption, the better for the sound insulation. It is suitable to use for partition walls and floors which require better sound insulation. 2.3.3 Fire Resistance Lightweight concrete has a better fire resistance than concrete consisting of normal aggregates, because of its lower heat conductivity, and its lower rate of strength loss with rise in temperature . Lightweight concrete has better fire resistance than conventional concrete because it has lower heat conductivity. When the temperature of the lightweight concrete rise, it does not expand quickly like conventional concrete as the density of lightweight concrete is lower. As a result, the lower rate of strength loss will be for the lightweight concrete. It is to prevent the fire spread faster to cause more injuries or losses. If the fire spread one room to another room, the victims in a fire may not able to escape. It is why the covering elements should be better fire resistance. 2.4 Purpose of Decorative Tiles Decorative tiles can be used in a variety of places around the home and in many different ways. While most people think of floor tiling, there are many other places that can be given a fresh look with tiles. They can also be used on kitchen counters, walls and in bathrooms.   Tiles can be great to put on walls behind kitchen and bathroom sinks or around bathtubs as backsplashes. Using tiles as borders around rooms is an effective way of creating a new look. Replacing an old floor with new tiles can create a floor that is easy to care for and doubles as a piece of  art. Decorative tiles can also be used on an individual basis. Tiles that are decorated with a single scene or picture can double as wall art. A few plain tiles and decorating them by hand is a great way to create one-of-a-kind art, specially tailored to an individual room. 2.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Lightweight Concrete Table below shows the advantages and disadvantages of using lightweight concrete as structure . Advantages Disadvantages rapid and relatively simple construction Economical in terms of transportation as well as reduction in manpower Significant reduction of overall weight results in saving structural frames, footing or piles Most of lightweight concrete have better nailing and sawing properties than heavier and stronger conventional concrete Very sensitive with water content in the mixtures Difficult to place and finish because of the porosity and angularity of the aggregate. In some mixes the cement mortar may separate the aggregate and float towards the surface Mixing time is longer than conventional concrete to assure proper mixing Table 2 : Advantages and Disadvantages of Lightweight Concrete Source : (Mohd Roji Samidi,1997) 2.6 Benefit of Using Lightweight Concrete Decorative Tile Replacing old wallpaper and flooring with decorative tiles can create a whole new look for a room, without dipping too far into the budget. While it is not uncommon to do a whole floor or wall in tile, they can also be used as accent pieces and borders. Decorative tiles are durable and easy to clean. Weathering tiles, specifically made for outdoor use, can be not only extremely resistant to the elements, but a good source of insulation as well. 2.6.1 Weight Reduction Reduced dead load of wet concrete allows longer span to be poured unpropped. This save both labour and circle time for each floor. Reduces the dead weight of a structure from 1/3 to  ½ the weight of normal concrete. 2.6.2 Thermal insulation A less obvious but nonetheless important characteristics of lightweight concrete is its relatively low thermal conductivity, a property which improves with decreasing density in recent years, with the increasing cost and scarcity of energy sources, more attention has been given the formerly to the need for reducing fuel consumption while maintaining, and indeed improving, comfort conditions buildings. The point is illustrated by fact that a 125mm thick solid wall of aerated concrete will give thermal insulation about four times greater than that of a 230mm clay brick wall. 2.6.3 Fire Resistance A 13 to 15 cm (5-6 inch) thick wall made of 1,100 kg/m3 density lightweight concrete has a fire endurance of 5-7 hours. The same degree of endurance is achievable with a 400 kg/m3 density lightweight concrete that is only l0 cm thick. Lightweight concrete is non-combustible, and the air embedded in lightweight concrete attributes to the high fire-rating. 2.6.4 Sound Insulation Lightweight concrete is a perfect impact and air-borne sound absorbing concrete and thus is highly suitable for partition walls and floor screeds or foundations. 2.6.5 Savings in Material A reduction in dead weight contributes substantially to savings in reinforcement steel in foundations. Therefore, the overall quantity of steel reinforcement in lightweight concrete can be reduced by as much as 10%. Savings are also substantial in transportation, crane- and man-handling related activities as well as in raw materials, as no gravel is required to produce lightweight concrete, only the sand and cement mortar/paste subsequently embedded in the foam (air). Casting very slender walls can optimize the amount of concrete used, which also results in using a very thin layer of plaster. For certain applications, no plaster is required, and gypsum putty is directly applied before painting. Walls as thin as 50 mm can also be cast. The high flow ability of lightweight concrete makes vibration unnecessary, and thus requires vibrating equipment/accessories. 2.6.6 Savings in Manpower and Cost Only a few semi-skilled workers are needed to produce lightweight concrete for the casting or pouring of panels, blocks, or even complete walls for houses. In producing lightweight concrete, steelworks, formworks, brick laying and cement renderings do not constitute major site activities, and therefore the related workers are not required. Workers are only needed to set up cost saving and reusable formworks, and then to remove them for the next erection or casting. Reduction of dead load, faster building rates and lower haulage and handling costs. The eight of the building in term of the loads transmitted by the foundations is an important factor in design, particular for the case of tall buildings. The use of lightweight concrete has sometimes made it possible to proceed with the design which otherwise would have been abandoned because of excessive weight. In frame structures, considerable savings in cost can be brought about by using lightweight concrete for the construction floors, partition and external cladding. Most  building materials  such as clay bricks the haulage load is limited not by volume but by weight. With suitable design containers much larger volumes of lightweight concrete can haul economically. Worker can work faster and better, there should be a reduction in labour cost. This can account for up to 80% of the finished cost. Therefore, handling costs may be lower as well. 2.6.7 Life span of Lightweight Concrete Lightweight concrete has a life-time span (minimum 100 years). Previous investigation has shown that sectioned blocks of cellular concrete cast 10 years ago indicated only 75 percent of the hydrated Cement. It is expected that the strength would continue to increase with continuing hydration. The use of lightweight concrete in many cases has eliminated the use of products like clay bricks, conventional concrete blocks and other insulation materials. 2.7 Design Mix of The Decorative Tiles 2.7.1 Papercrete Formulas – Papercrete (Anon., 2010) provided that ‘But a typical starting formula for a 200-gallon batch is 160 gallons (727 liters) of water, 60 pounds (27 kilograms) of paper, 1 bag or 94 pounds (43 kilograms) of Portland cement and 15 shovelfuls or 65 pounds (29 kilograms) of sand. The sand adds thermal mass, reduces flammability and shrinkage, and packs down the slurry for a denser, stronger block. This is a mixing formula for a 200 gallon batch papercrete. It needed 727 liters of water, 27 kilograms of paper, 43 kilograms of cement and 29 kilograms of sand. The purpose of the sand is to reduce flammability and shrinkage of the papercrete. It also packs down the slurry denser and stronger. 2.7.2 Proportion of Design mix In this project I will produce few samples of design mix for papercrete such as lime, cement and paper sludge mix or cement and paper sludge mix or lime and paper sludge mix. These are to find out which design mix is the most suitable to produce a lightweight concrete decorative tiles. The design mix should able to last longer with its properties.

Othellos Tragic Flaw Essay -- essays research papers

Of Shakespeare’s five greatest tragedies, Othello is by far the most passionate and gripping. It is a tale of love, deception, evil, honesty, and virtue. Othello himself is set apart from other Shakespearean tragic heroes by the absolute feeling of affection the audience feels for him even unto the very end of the play. Any discerning reader painfully recognizes the virtue and goodness of Othello throughout the entire play, in contrast to the general degeneration of character so typical of a tragic hero. It is this complete pity that makes the death of Othello so tragic as the audience lends their full hopeful support until the inevitable and unavoidable fall. The evil side of Othello’s tragic flaw came from without, in the form of Iago. The internal flaw exists only in his heartrendingly unshakable goodness and honor. One of the first impressions gained of Othello is that he is a great war hero. Before much else is said of him, tales of his skill and valor in battle are illustrated and he is shown to be a great and famed warrior. He naturally possesses many attributes typically associated with soldiers. From the beginning Othello is noble, quick to act, judicious, trusting, and gives much weight to the importance of duty. These are all traits that serve to make him great at the beginning of the play, and later, ironically become key elements in his downfall. These aspects can be considered the internal causes of Othello’s tragic flaw. â€Å"Othello's nature is all of one piece. His trust, where he trusts, is absolute†¦. Love, if he loves, must be to him the heaven where either he must leave or bear no life. If such a passion as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-night incontrollable flood.† Othello is pure an... ...conduct the night of the wedding feast. Othello is one who believes in justice and fairness and will make no exception, even for the love of his life. Ultimately, he murders her because he is, â€Å"One that loved not wisely but too well.† (V, ii, 398) This, above all, gives the play its powerful end. Othello’s true flaw is not vile, destructive jealousy, but rather pure and prevailing love. He has a very strong character of virtue and nobility that is intact up to the horrid end. Iago’s deceit and trickery are more the cause of Othello’s tragic fall than any fault of Othello himself. This innocence and greatness of the tragic hero unequaled in any other Shakespearean tragedy is what gives the play its terrible irony and passion. Othello plays on the most powerful of all human emotions: faith and love, both embodied to the fullest in the great and honest Othello. Othello's Tragic Flaw Essay -- essays research papers Of Shakespeare’s five greatest tragedies, Othello is by far the most passionate and gripping. It is a tale of love, deception, evil, honesty, and virtue. Othello himself is set apart from other Shakespearean tragic heroes by the absolute feeling of affection the audience feels for him even unto the very end of the play. Any discerning reader painfully recognizes the virtue and goodness of Othello throughout the entire play, in contrast to the general degeneration of character so typical of a tragic hero. It is this complete pity that makes the death of Othello so tragic as the audience lends their full hopeful support until the inevitable and unavoidable fall. The evil side of Othello’s tragic flaw came from without, in the form of Iago. The internal flaw exists only in his heartrendingly unshakable goodness and honor. One of the first impressions gained of Othello is that he is a great war hero. Before much else is said of him, tales of his skill and valor in battle are illustrated and he is shown to be a great and famed warrior. He naturally possesses many attributes typically associated with soldiers. From the beginning Othello is noble, quick to act, judicious, trusting, and gives much weight to the importance of duty. These are all traits that serve to make him great at the beginning of the play, and later, ironically become key elements in his downfall. These aspects can be considered the internal causes of Othello’s tragic flaw. â€Å"Othello's nature is all of one piece. His trust, where he trusts, is absolute†¦. Love, if he loves, must be to him the heaven where either he must leave or bear no life. If such a passion as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-night incontrollable flood.† Othello is pure an... ...conduct the night of the wedding feast. Othello is one who believes in justice and fairness and will make no exception, even for the love of his life. Ultimately, he murders her because he is, â€Å"One that loved not wisely but too well.† (V, ii, 398) This, above all, gives the play its powerful end. Othello’s true flaw is not vile, destructive jealousy, but rather pure and prevailing love. He has a very strong character of virtue and nobility that is intact up to the horrid end. Iago’s deceit and trickery are more the cause of Othello’s tragic fall than any fault of Othello himself. This innocence and greatness of the tragic hero unequaled in any other Shakespearean tragedy is what gives the play its terrible irony and passion. Othello plays on the most powerful of all human emotions: faith and love, both embodied to the fullest in the great and honest Othello.

Effects of Different levels of T.V Violence on Aggression Essay

Abstract EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF T.V VIOLENCE ON AGGRESSION: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of different levels of television violence on grade school children. Since some studies show that younger children are more prone to aggression than older children. This study is designed to show how violence plays a role in aggression. The intention is to show that violence causes different aggression levels between males and females. The second purpose of this study is to show if there are any significant differences between males and females and aggression induced by violence. The information on gender difference and aggression is controversial. All the children were mixed in this experiment combined the male and females children in mixed groups. Each group randomly received 10 males and 10 females. One of the groups was the control group which viewed the non-violent video and the second group was the experimental group, which viewed a violent video. Girls and boys who had about the same level of aggression were chosen for th e experiment. Two televisions shows that contained different levels of violence were used in this study. Two volunteer teachers were present while the children viewed the videos. Measurement of aggression will be gathered from each student using a picture aggression test. Aggression levels were rated on a scale of 1 though 11, 11 being the highest level of aggression. The statistical results from group A, the boys who viewed Power Rangers, showed the mean of their level of aggression was 8.4. The variance, the precise measure of variability, of this group (1.64) was a significant difference. Group B for girls, who viewed Sesame Street, their mean was 1.6 and their variance was 0.16, also another significant difference. When comparing the numbers between the boys and girls in group A, the boys did appear to have a higher aggression level, than the girls in the same group, when they viewed the Power Ranger. In group B, the aggression level was higher for the girls than for boys in the same group, when they viewed Sesame Street. EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF T.V VIOLENCE ON AGGRESSION: POTENTIAL GENDER DIFFERENCES Violence in the United States has risen to alarmingly high levels. Whether one considers assassination, group violence, or individual acts of violence, the decade of ... ...of Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 283-290. Berkowitz, L. (1993). Aggression: its causes, consequences, and control. Philadelphia: Temple University Press Boyatzis, C.J., & Maitllo, G.M. (1995). Effects of â€Å"The Mighty Morphine Power Rangers† on children’s aggression with peers. Child Study Journal, 25 (1). Retrieved 24 February 2005 from http://web12.epnet.com/ciatation.html. Fox, R. (1977) "The Inherent Rules of Violence," in Social Rules and Social Behavior, ed. P. Collette. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. Molitor, F., Hirsch, K.W. (1994). Children’s toleration of real-life aggression after exposure to Media violence: A replication of the Drabman and Thomas studies. Child Study Journal, 24 (3). Ridley-Johnson, R., Surdy, T., & O’Laughlin, E. (1991). Parent Survey on television violence viewing: Fear, aggression, and sex differences. Journal of Applied Development Psychology, 12, 63-71 Scott, J. (1975). Aggression 2d ed., rev. and expanded. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Surbeck, E. & Endsley, R.C (1979). Children’s emotional reactions to TV violence: Effects of film character, reassurance, age and sex. The Journal of Social Psychology, 109 (2), 269-28.

Essay --

a) Economic: KFC Holdings (Malaysia) Bhd is currently the market leader in the fast-food industry of Malaysia. The company has developed a rigorous marketing strategy and marketing plan to retain its market share. Company has developed a marketing strategy and marketing plan to maintain the tight market. One of them is via development of products. Therefore, the effectiveness of this strategy is the long awaited for stakeholders. The latest world economic recession had also struck Malaysia inevitably. To sustain their performance, KFC has launched strategies to cope with the economic slowdown. They launch one new product every quarter with hope that KFC will achieve double-digit growth in the future. The current economic growth allowed for other form of food related business to bloom Newer blooming franchises such as Kopitiam, Oldtown and others offer heavy competition to KFC thus in order to stay in line they came up with strategy that includes reduced price of the food during certain hour of the day. The breakfast value meal sets, the lunch sets and dinner set. Thus by selling the products for a cheaper price during specific time where working adults usually go out to eat, they managed to gain customers and increase sales while the losses due to reduce price are mitigated with more purchase, resulting a net profit. Hence, by applying economic principle concerning demand and sales, they are able to offer the same quality of meal for a lesser price for the enjoyment of the community. b) Technology: Look in to the marketing strategy, KFC advertising itself Online and providing directories online of the nearest outlets and having a webpage dedicated to showing of its current promotions serves as an important aspects to ... ...s. KFC KLCC audited and certified by the competent certification body since 2005. All established Critical Control Point (CCPS) is now included in the Daily Operations Checklist which is used by all the KFC restaurants in the country. Quality control starts from supplies all raw materials. KFC conduct annual supplier audits, Audit STAR which is a proprietary program by YUM, similar in many ways to approach ISO. STAR Audit consists of two versions its the Food Safety and Quality System Audit. Either STAR Audit conducted by an international audit firm appointed third party YUM or from their own team of professional food technology from the Department of Quality Assurance KFC. KFC chicken supplier Ayamas is monitored closely by Department of Veterinary Service and has obtained the VHM (Veterinary Health Mark) Logo. It is also an ISO 9001 certified company.

Freedom VS Security Essay

Many theories and assumptions have been fabricated upon the basis of man’s desires and beliefs. H. L. Mencken wrote, â€Å"The average man does not want to be free, only to be safe. † However, this observation does not correlate with what has been witnessed over the course of contemporary society. Since the 18th century, man has sacrificed safety for a reward that is much more paramount, freedom. Patrick Henry, an orator for freedom in the middle to late 1700’s, knew that liberty was a vital necessity in every man’s life, and that one must do whatever it takes, including sacrificing their security, in order to achieve it. In his speech to the Virginia House of Burgesses, he is most memorably quoted for his concluding antithesis, â€Å"Give me liberty, or give me death! † Henry conveyed to his audience, as well as the entire nation, that freedom is a virtue worth dying for. Mencken’s allegation fails to attribute this instance, even though Patrick Henry was able to convince a whole nation that their liberty was worth dying for. In the past we have had many examples of security vs. freedom. During the civil war we had soldiers and people fighting to be free. They risked their own life everyday stepping out on the battle field just so they could have their own rights. This also happens in the American Revolution; people fight and risk their lives for freedom. Many events in history show how much people truly care about their freedom. Our Founding Fathers created this nation so we wouldn’t have to be living in a society full of regulation. Freedom vs. Security is a non-stop debate in our country. However, freedom is unalienable. Freedom is what keeps the common man happy. Freedom allows us to treat every day as a new day, knowing that we can do and accomplish anything because we are free. On the other hand, while safety is what keeps man calm and secure, it is not what our nation thrives off of. Security is a blanket, while freedom is a threshold. Therefore it is desired, while security is expected. No man cries out for safety, but the same cannot be said about freedom. Freedom gives us hope and excitement, while security gives assurance. Both are essential, yet only one is craved. Mencken’s presumption of what man wants, and what man deserves are in disarray. Freedom is everything, and not even safety can over shadow it.

Kite Festival

Rino Bnao EN 101-4 Karen Millam Sep 14, 2012 Taiwanese Kite Festival Kite Festival is the event where people made different kind of kites to fly them. Few days ago I went to Delap to attend the kite festival. I really enjoyed the event and although there are many reasons why I like about the kite Festival, few major facts why I like the event the most and catches my attention. First reason why I like the event is that the Taiwanese allowed the kids to fly and played their kites. Each kid that I saw during the event was really happy.They enjoyed playing with the different kind of kites. The Taiwanese even gave the kids each a small kite that they can play with it and fly it around and enjoyed the day. Another reason why I like the event is the Kites. There are about ten to fifteen kites that flying in the air. Each kite shape like different kind of animals and that one thing that catches my attention. I even asked myself why is all the kites shape like an animal. Later on after interv iewing or talking with one of the team member, I found out that an animal is the best shape that they used.He said that the every entire kite they fly will always be an animal’s shape. Each kite has different kind of color and they look bright with their color. Finally I like the event because I learn something from it. First thing that I learn is how to make it and what materials that used to make a kite. According to them, Bamboo stick and silk is the best material to make a kite. They show us how they made it and it was really awesome seeing them making a kite for the kids.I also learn that the event is really important because they bring back the Taiwanese or Chinese history and of course bring flying sport to Marshall Island. Also learned what are the kite for and there are many things that they can use for the kite. For example they used the kite for sport and also for war. Small or big kites can be both useful for many reasons. In conclusion, I really admired the color ful kites that surrounded me. I enjoyed the event because I learn good thing about kite and how useful, colorful, awesome they are. This entire thing catches my attention. I was surprise when I saw them.

Loyalty Program Essay

We go through 7 strategy steps to design a loyalty program for Cabo San Viejo which are as follows:   Before we suggest a customer rewards or loyalty program, it is important to understand what is the company’s long term vision, For whom this program is to be implemented i. e. who are the company’s best customers, what are their needs and expectations, the reasons for having such a program and the expected outcome. So the first question is: What is Cabo San Viejo’s long term vision? Was the company directing its activities in overall achievement of this vision? The vision of the company was to help people live healthier lives. Initially there was a gap between the operational objectives of making people lose weight by way of low calorie diet and the vision of getting people to live healthier lives by inculcating sustainable lifestyle ways. However, this gap had been bridged but the positioning gap remained. Who were Cabo San Viejo’s targeted customers? Was there any gap between targeted and actual customers? If we go by the vision statement, anybody wanting to live a better and healthier life was Cabo San Viejo’s targeted customers. These could include smokers, obese men and women, even obese children, stressed couples or singles, workaholic professionals, over worked top executives and managers etc. However, Cabo San Viejo was attracting mostly females (70%-80% of the guests) with an increasing average age over the years, the last average being 57 in the year 2004. Thus, mostly older females were visiting the resort who wanted to indulge themselves and feel better about their body and themselves. Also, their household income was high. Comparing this with the summer guests, the latter group had less income and was also comparatively younger in population. Thus, we can link the age, income level and affordability. Usually younger people are less wealthy and thus find such vacations expensive. Not only this, the perception of Cabo San Viejo first as a fat camp and then as a boot camp was discouraging people to come there. Also, 67% of guests came through word of mouth indicating that the above line marketing was performing poorly. Campaigns targeting specific groups of people showing indulgence in activities of their interest like hiking for young crowd, spa treatment for women, consultation for couples etc would be likely to bring out the varied health solutions offered by Cabo San Viejo. What were the needs of the guests at Cabo San Viejo? Was there any gap in meeting the needs or their expectations? The individual needs of the customers varied quite a lot. To understand and cater to the needs of the customers, the company had efficiently trained its reservation staff who helped customers choose the appropriate package as according to their goals and objectives. The very fact that 95% of the customers rated their experience as either very good or outstanding shows that Cabo San Viejo was operating efficiently. However, if Cabo San Viejo was to target a more demanding and younger customer base in future, it would have to exceed is current delivery promise. The needs have been met but the expectations of repeat customers have not been satisfied some of whom have expressed their resentment for not being rewarded for their continued patronization. Therefore we have recognized: Perception of Cabo San Viejo as a boot camp needed to be changed. †¢Young customers needed to be attracted. As they had higher expectations and smaller pockets, loyalty program needed to focus on value proposition by means of discounts etc. †¢Older customers were mostly wealthier and would not be looking for a value deal like the younger customers. Cabo San Viejo had around 5000 repeat customers each year which a healthy figure is making up about 60% of the total arrival figure. Around 3500 new guests arrive each year of which 32% revisited within 5-6 years and 62% of repeat visitors returned again within 5-6 years. The primary reason for not returning was the high costs. Here we reiterate that to attract more repeat customers, value must be offered. Why does Cabo San Viejo need a customer loyalty program? †¢Retention: One of the primary reasons for most loyalty programs is o retain the loyal customers by appreciating them and the business they generate for the company by making them feel special and good about their association with the company. †¢Offer enhanced value proposition: A loyalty program which offers a value deal to its customers who need it will get Cabo San Viejo more patronization. However, it is to be understood that not all customers need or expect value deals. Enhanced Satisfaction: Recognition by way of loyalty program makes a customer feel good and thus enhances satisfaction which in turn leads to more positive word of mouth. †¢Positive Word of Mouth: Around 60% of Cabo San Viejo’s customers called in for inquiry based on word of mouth. †¢Enhance image as a responsive company: Cabo San Viejo explicitly encourages customers to complain if unsatisfied. It is through such feedbacks that Cabo San Viejo has got to know that customers expect such a program implementation. Whenever a company asks for and receives complaints, it is best to respond or may lead to customer resentment. Counter Competition: If not rewarded for loyalty, customers may switch to other competitors. How much is the desired/expected impact? Having analyzed this, we now estimate the impact. The impact of a loyalty program is usually incremental and observed over a period of time. The expected increase in retention is say, 10%1 over a period of say, 5 years2. Also, people coming from reference is expected to increase over the years enabling the company to cut marketing costs elsewhere. 1The expected retention percentage is found either based on internal company data or industry expert advice.

Brant Case Analysis

CASE: BRANT FREEZER COMPANY Question 1: When comparing performance during the first five months of 2004 with performance in 2003, which warehouse shows the most improvement? St. Louis is the only one showing any improvement, using cost per unit shipped as the performance criterion. The cost for the first five months of 2003 was $9. 97 and for the first five months of 2004, it fell to $9. 07. Question 2: When comparing performance during the first five months of 2004 with performance in 2003, which warehouse shows the poorest change in performance?The worst change is the company’s own warehouse (located in Fargo), where costs per unit shipped increased 31%. Among the public warehouses used, Denver was the worst in terms of cost per unit handled. It is also the most expensive public warehouse that Brant uses. Question 3: When comparisons are made among all eight warehouses, which one do you think does the best job for the Brant Company? What criteria did you use? Why? Using the cost per unit handled criterion, St.Louis does the best job, closely followed by Chicago. Question 4: J. Q. is aggressive and is going to recommend that his father cancel the contract with one of the warehouses and give that business to a competing warehouse in the same city. J. Q. feels that when word of this gets around, the other warehouses they use will â€Å"shape up. † Which of the seven should J. Q. recommend be dropped? Why? Denver has the lowest volume and highest unit costs among all the public warehouses used.In addition, it had been closed by a strike which must have inconvenienced the Brant Company. It may be that the warehouse workers’ unions are strong in the Denver area. J. Q. should probably check out rates and productivity measures of other Denver warehouses before deciding to drop its current warehouse there. Question 5: The year 2004 is nearly half over. J. Q. is told to determine how much the firm is likely to spend for warehousing at each of the e ight warehouses for the last six months of 2004.Do his work for him. There is not enough information to do a very precise forecast. J. Q. assumes that the proportion of costs occurring during the first five months of 2003 should be in the same proportion in 2004. (1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (4) Warehouse location| % 2003 costs occurring in first five months| Actual costs for first five months of 2004 ($)| Projected total costs in 2004 ($)| Projected costs in the last six months of 2004 ($)| Atlanta| 22. 88| 40,228| 175,822| 116,204|Boston| 44. 00| 29,416| 66,885| 32,085| Chicago| 53. 43| 141,222| 264,312| 105,556| Denver| 35. 00| 14,900| 42,571| 23,714| Fargo| 54. 00| 9,605| 17,787| 7,012| Los Angeles| 72. 20| 93,280| 129,197| 30,781| Portland| 49. 30| 42,616| 86,442| 37,559| St. Louis| 44. 80| 19,191| 42,837| 20,265| The p rojected costs in 2004 (column 3) are calculated by dividing the actual costs for the first five months of 2004 (column 2) by the percent of 2003 costs that occurred in the first five months (column 1).For example, Atlanta’s actual 2004 costs of $40,228 divided by 2003’s 22. 88% yields projected 2004 costs of approximately $175,822. The projected costs in the last six months of 2004 (column 4) are calculated by subtracting the actual costs for the first five months of 2004 (column 2) from 2004’s projected total costs (column 3). This gives us the projected costs for the last seven months of 2004. However, we are only interested in the last six months of 2004, so this number is multiplied by 6/7, or . 857.Continuing with Atlanta, 2004’s projected total costs of $175,822 minus the first five months’ actual costs of $40,228 equals $135,394. Multiplying this by 6/7 yields projected six months’ costs of approximately $116,204. Question 6: When co mparing 2003 figures with the 2004 figures shown in Exhibit 13-A, the amount budgeted for each warehouse in 2004 was greater than actual 2003 costs. How much of the increase is caused by increased volume of business (units shipped) and how much by inflation? There are several ways to approach this question.One involves calculating the volume difference and inflation difference for each warehouse, as follows: Volume difference = 2003 unit costs x (2004 units shipped – 2003 units shipped) Inflation difference = 2004 units shipped x (2004 unit costs – 2003 unit costs) For example, Atlanta’s volume and inflation differences are: Volume difference: $8. 99 x (18,000 – 17,431) = $8. 99 x 569 = $5,115 Inflation difference: 18,000 x ($9. 97 – $8. 99) = 18,000 x $. 98 = $17,640 Question 7: Prepare the firm’s 2005 warehousing budget, showing for each warehouse the anticipated number of units to be shipped and the costs.Again, this can be done in severa l ways. One is to assume that the 2004 to 2005 increases will be exactly the same amount as the 2003 to 2004 increases (with units shipped rounded to the nearest hundred, and costs rounded to the nearest $500). This would yield the following results: Warehouse location| Differences in units shipped b/w 2003 and 2004| Units shipped  in 2004| Projected units shipped in 2005| Difference in warehouse costs b/w 2003 and 2004 ($)| Warehouse costs in 2004 ($)| Projected warehouse costs in 2005 ($)| Atlanta| 600| 18,000| 18,600| 21,000| 178,000| 199,000| Boston| 300| 7,200| 7,500| 9,500| 73,000| 82,500|Chicago| 1,900| 30,000| 31,900| 38,500| 285,000| 323,500| Denver| 100| 3,100| 3,200| 3,000| 31,000| 34,000| Fargo| 0| 2,000| 2,000| 500| 17,000| 17,500| Los Angeles| 500| 17,000| 17,500| 24,000| 176,000| 200,000| Portland| 700| 9,000| 9,700| 12,000| 85,000| 97,000| St. Louis| 2,100| 8,000| 10,100| 4,000| 56,000| 60,000| Another method would use percentage changes. Question 8: While attendin g classes at the university, J.Q. had learned of logistics partnerships. Should Brant Freezer Company attempt to enter into a partnership relationship with these warehouses? If so, what approach should it use? Assuming that a partnership approach was to be used, Brant would have to think of some sort of sharing of potential risks and profits. Offhand, the case does not provide much information to go on, other than cost containment or reduction is an issue.