History of Michigan Test

Ford's powerful race car. This driver went on to set several speed records in the car. A. Barney Oldie Ransom E. Olds' chief competitor at the turn of the 20th century. F. David D. Buick A wealthy farmer and community leader who ordered all types of violence against railroads, including burning the new Michigan Central depot in Detroit in 1850. B. Able F. Fitch The man who founded General Motors. His vision was to combine several smaller auto companies into one large conglomerate that could offer â€Å"a vehicle for every purse and purpose. C. William C. â€Å"Billy† Duran Prominent Saginaw resident ho illegally gained control of 1 5,000 acres of choice pine land which had been reserved for Indian ownership D. Ezra Rust 4. To find the location of the best timber, lumber companies hired men to walk the forests and mark on maps the sites of stands of choice trees. These men were called â€Å"pine scouts† or _: A) lumberjacks B) timber cruisers C) shanty boys D) axe men 5 . An 1846, the Michigan State Legislature decided to get out of the railroad business.A protest called the â€Å"Great Railroad Conspiracy† resulted when the private companies that took over the state's rail lines announced that they loud no longer afford to continue what policy? A) offering Michigan farmers discounted rates for shipping their crops to market on the train B) reimbursing farmers for the deaths of any livestock that wandered onto the tracks and were killed by passing trains C) reimbursing farmers for crops growing next to railroad tracks that were accidentally set on fire by sparks flying out of the smokestacks of passing trains D) carrying the U.S. Mail on the train 6. Who established America's first automobile company in 1893? A) Ransom E. Olds B) Henry Ford C) Charles and Frank Audrey D) John and Horace Dodge As late as 1883–before the U. S. And Canada established a standard method for telling time–Michigan had at least how many different time zones? A) 4 C) 17 D) 27 8. A significant advance in railroad technology–the automatic lubricating cup– greatly improved railroad efficiency in the late-nineteenth century.It was developed by an African-American inventor and mechanical engineer from Detroit named: A) Elijah McCoy B) Garrett Morgan C) Frederick Douglass D) Otis smith 9. Henry Ford perfected the assembly line technique to increase automobile production, but Ford did not invent the assembly line. What Michigan is reedited with being the FIRST to come up with the idea of building cars on an assembly line? A) William C. ‘Billy† Duran B) J. L. Hudson C) Ransom E. Olds D) Louis Chevrolet E) Horace Dodge 10. Henry Ford became known as the â€Å"workingman's friend† in 1 914 when he did what?A) doubled the salaries of his employees from $2. 30 to $5. 00 a day B) reduced the average work week from six days to five days C) reduced the average work day from ten hours to eight hours D) installed g uarding and other devices to protect workers from getting their hands, hair or clothing caught in the spinning gears, belts and wheels of his factory's shines 11 . Len 1 920, Henry Ford published a series of ninety-one anti-Semitic articles entitled, â€Å"The International Jew: The World's Problem† in what publication? A) TIME magazine B) â€Å"Social Justice,† a newsletter published by another Detroit anti-Semite, Father Charles E.Slouching C) Ford's own newspaper, the DEARBORN INDEPENDENT D) THE JEFFERSONIAN magazine, published by Thomas E. Watson, a George politician and member of the UK Klux Klan 12. Who is credited with driving the first gasoline-powered vehicle through the streets of Detroit in 1896? A) Henry Ford B) Ransom E. Olds C) Goodliest Daimler D) Charles Brady King 13. What was one of the most lasting contributions that Henry Ford made to the automobile industry? A) windshield wipers B) carburetor C) left-hand drive D) electric starter 14.What Michigan city was the boyhood home for Thomas Alva Edison, one of America's greatest inventors? A) Battle Creek B) port Huron C) Mount Clemens D) Mount Pleasant 1 5. Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and in 1908, introduced the car that not only made him famous (and a multi-millionaire), but literally put the world on wheels. What was Ford's car called? A) Model A B) Model N C) Model T D) Model K 6. Like European cathedrals in the Middle Ages, what structures in 1 9th- century America became the symbol of community pride and prosperity?A) railroad depots B) skyscrapers C) court houses D) bank buildings 17. Because of its access to vast quantities of timber, Michigan in the sass led the nation in what industry? A) furniture manufacturing B) ship building C) manufacturing charcoal briquettes D) wooden matches 18. What Michigan city became known as the ‘Vehicle City† in the sass? A) Detroit B) Flint C) Lansing D) Grand Rapids 19. An 1869, the average speed of railroa ds had reached a speed that seemed o be as fast as man should ever travel, although it was not fast enough to propel a train up steep hills.How fast were trains able to go in 1869? A) 38 MPH B) 18 MPH C) 28 MPH D) 8 MPH 20. Ten years after Chicago nearly burned to the ground, the Thumb was ravaged by fire. The monetary loss caused by destruction of crops and timber exceeded $2 million. Senator Conger requested assistance from a newly formed organization whose effectiveness during a disaster had never been tested. What was the name of the organization? A) American Red Cross B) Lignite Way C) Salvation Army D) Volunteers of America 1 -What was the primary method for transporting cut trees from the forests to sawmills?A) loading the logs onto barges being towed by steamboats B) loading them onto horse-drawn wagons C) loading them onto railroad cars D) rolling them into rivers and floating them downstream 22. Although most Of Michigan rail lines Were built in the lower peninsula, a few small ones were constructed in the U. P. These lines typically ran between lumber camps and mines to the nearest harbor. How long was the Lake Superior and Spinning Railroad? A) 10 miles B) 2 miles C) 1/2 mile D) 25 miles E) 5 miles 23. 920 proved to be a pivotal year for John and Horace Dodge, owners of the Dodge Brothers.What happened? A) John and Horse's daughters both got married on the same day. B)John and Horace both got married. C) Both men caught pneumonia and died. D) Both men were inducted into the Automobile Hall of Fame. 24. Americans who were lucky enough to avoid being infected during the great Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919 still had to deal with the public health ordinances enacted to prevent the further spread of the disease. Gauze masks were to be worn in public; retail stores could not hold sales; and unreels could last no more than 15 minutes.Soon there was a shortage of: A) gauze masks, cotton gloves, and Kleenex tissues B) penicillin, aspirin, and sulfa drugs C) adequate supplies of fresh food and uncontaminated drinking water D) coffins, morticians, and grave diggers 25. An the 19-teens, one progressive candidate was elected as Michigan governor. Under his leadership, the legislature passed a number of reform measures, including regulation Of railroads, expansion Of State authority over business, revision of state authority over business, and the passage of the taste's first workmen's compensation law.

Key Principles of Economics

3 Key Elements of Economics There are many key factors that make up the economic system all which must work together in order to effectively direct scarce inputs into wanted outputs. For this purpose the focus will be on 3 of those key elements. this includes the idea of no such thing as a free lunch, transactions as an obstacle to trade, and how the invisible hand directs buyers and sellers toward activities that increase general welfare. All three of these elements are essential for a greater understanding of how the economy thrives. In our market, resources are limited yet humans desire for goods and services is nearly infinite.Because of this there is no such thing as a free lunch. The sacrifice most commonly thought of in receiving lunch is the monetary cost however there are other sacrifices as well. Productivity, which provides the money for that lunch, is a large sacrifice when we stop to take a lunch break as in this explanation. However, the main sacrifice to focus on is th e cost that we pay for any good or service. This sacrifice is something both consumers and producers must face. To say that you did not pay for the lunch you received still does not make it free to you or the person who paid the bill. It simply shifts the cost, it does not reduce it.As consumers we are always looking to get more for less. Yet what we do not see so directly, is how the cost of any given good influences us on what we choose to purchase. With out comparing the cost advantage of given products we as consumers would end up using the money we had intended for groceries perhaps on other items that are not of equal value. Therefore, if Sally goes out shopping with the intent of buying only a few essential items that her daughter will need for the winter weather and does not consider the cost of what she is buying she could easily over spend and have to sacrifice at the grocery store.Or maybe Sally will then not be able to heat her house effectively. Both of these are exampl es of items that are more essential to Sally and her daughter's well being than the brand name of her daughter's clothing. This shows how by purchasing the more expensive clothes for her daughter Sally is no longer able to direct her resources as effectively as she could have had she perhaps taken her daughter to Goodwill and gotten clothes that are just as effective for less money. For producers the cost that most effects them is of the resources they use to make any given product.If a paper mill produces only two types of paper type A and type B Then in order for the paper mill to produce 500 bundles of each type of paper the mill must accrue the cost of only being able to make 500 bundles of type A because they must also make 500 bundles of type B instead of 1000 of type A and none of type B. This also shows cost because 1000 bundles of type A is the cost of 0 bundles of type B. Trade is a voluntary exchange of goods of services however, trade cost the consumer and the producer.T he producer must pay things like time effort, shipping, and negotiations in order to make the sale. These cost then get reflected on to the consumer in order to create a profit. Transaction cost are effected by several factors physical obstacles, lack or information, government taxing and regulations, and middle men. Physical obstacles such as rivers, mountains, and oceans all increase transaction cost because they increase the difficulty of getting the product from the shipping point to the destination. This can be seen in the cost of nearly anything.If John orders a new muffler for his Toyota motor cycle and it has to be shipped from Japan he will incur a much larger transaction cost than if he had ordered the part locally because that muffler must travel across the ocean and possibly some other land barriers. Lack of information is costly in the way of the producer and consumer. If the producer of an anatomy book is looking to find a consumer they producer must spend valuable tim e looking for a consumer because they are unaware of where they might find the consumer.The same goes for the consumer who must look for a producer or other student who has the book he or she needs. This could also involve finding multiple sellers of the right book in order to compare price and get the most value for his or her dollar. This all takes time in which the producer and consumer could be doing more productive things therefore bringing in more income. As most people are well aware of the government increases transaction cost in varying ways including taxes, licensing requirements, price controls, tariffs, and quotas.Every time I go to the grocery store I can look at my receipt and see where I was taxed. Some things only have a 2. 5% tax others have a 5% tax. This increases my cost of trade by the percentage of tax on every item I purchase in a given transaction. Government also increases transaction cost on other nations by enforcing tariffs in which a tax must be paid in order to import the goods shipped here to the U. S. Another example is in licensing. If I want to go fishing legally I must first buy a fishing license. Therefore I must pay in order to go and fish for the good of potentially catching my dinner.The final element of economics that will be covered is the invisible hand, how market prices direct buyers and sellers toward activities that promote general welfare. Every person is out for his or her own gain however, what he or she does not realize is that the â€Å"invisible hand† or market prices promotes the goals of others which leads to greater riches for everyone. For producers the actions of the consumer allows them to know how to adjust to meet the demands of the consumer. It reflects information about a consumers preferences in regards to cost, timing, location and circumstances.For example if people are able to get canned pumpkin all year at the super market but around thanksgiving the demand for canned pumpkin sky rockets in Louisiana then the producer can then tell that they are able to raise the price of the pumpkin in Louisiana and because they raised the price they can also afford to supply more cans of pumpkin with out the fear of the canned pumpkin expiring on the shelf. For the consumer to buy a product the consumer must feel they are getting at least the monetary value of the good they are buying.Therefore, if the pumpkin is priced too high the consumer will reduce the amount that they buy causing spoilage and costing the producer. However, if the price is too low the producer will see a great increase is the purchase of the pumpkin because the consumer now thinks they are getting more for their money than before. This is how the â€Å"invisible hand† directs prices by showing when there is a surplus or shortage allowing for the market to self adjust to cross over clearing where there is very little excess or shortage in the real world.

Civic Engagement At North Eastern State University

We have identified civic battle as a top degree campus-wide precedence through our strategic planning procedure. Our primary barrier to progressing civic battle is a deficiency of campus-wide substructure to back up and capture civic battle activity happening in curricular and co-curricular scenes. The intent of this white paper is to supply a snap shooting of current activity related to civic battle, place a mensurable long-run aspiration, and offer recommendations for traveling frontward. University Planning Group Strategic Plan The University Planning Group sub-committee focused on Culture of Civic Engagement proposed the undermentioned description and definitions to be adopted by the establishment. Civic Engagement at Northeastern State University is the single committedness to prosecute in a shared duty to take attention of the communities in which we live. This is achieved through the survey, contemplation and action necessary to take personal and societal duty in our single Fieldss of involvement every bit good as in the communities in which we live and serve. Civic battle is lending to a larger community ; is caring about the remainder of the universe ; is consciousness of societal, political, and economic issues within the U.S. and globally ; is recommending for a cause ; is active in lending to community. Types of Civic Engagement[ 1 ]: Academic Service Learning – engages pupils in a three-part procedure: schoolroom readying through account and analysis of theories and thoughts ; service activity that emerges from and informs classroom context ; and structured contemplation binding service experience back to specific learning ends.[ 2 ] Volunteerism – committedness and actions to help in a plan or activity that benefits others Community Service – committedness to turn to and function community demands Community Building – physique swearing relationships among persons and groups around issues of common concern Public Education – draw attending to and consciousness of local, national and planetary issues Community Development – identify and increase the human or economic assets of a community Voting and Political Participation – mobilize influence on public policy through formal political channels Civic Leadership – participate in collaborative decision-making for the benefit of the community Public Scholarship – engage in research that serves the public involvement and has community or social benefits Grassroots Alliances – mobilize Alliess with a common involvement to organize schemes for alteration Environment Scan In 2009, NSU participated in two national surveies focused on pupil perceptual experiences and experiences related to civic battle. The National Survey of Student Engagement ( NSSE ) is an appraisal of freshers and seniors to reflect on single clip devoted to assorted learning activities. NSU 2009 NSSE consequences related to civic battle stated: 7 % of NSU freshman pupils often participate in service-learning or community-based undertakings during a given twelvemonth. 80 % ne'er took portion in such activities. By their senior twelvemonth, 44 % of pupils have participated in some signifier of practicum, internship, field experience, cooperative, or clinical assignment. By the clip they are seniors, 56 % of pupils have participated in community service or voluntary work. The Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership ‘s ( MSL ) intent is to heighten cognition sing college pupil leading development every bit good as the influence of higher instruction on the development of pupil leading capacities. Participants are undergraduates, freshers – seniors. Following are answering distributions on specific features linked to civic battle from the NSU 2009 MSL. 38.5 % of the respondents identified take parting in community service. 36.4 % experienced an academic internship. 20 % participated in an academic acquisition community. The 2009 NSU campus stock list for Campus Compact on academic service-learning happening during the 2008-09 academic twelvemonth: NSU semester norm is 20 academic classs that integrate community service with academic content. 402 pupils participated in academic service-learning which averaged 18.1 hours/week across all classs bing 109143 hours. Nonspecific urethritis does non necessitate academic service-learning classs as portion of the class course of study. Snapshot of activity related to civic battle in academic units. College of Business and Technology – Financial Planning seminars for local community, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance ( VITA ) plan College of Education – Reading clinics for kids, Knowledge is Power Program partnership with Tulsa Public Schools College of Liberal Arts – instructor readying plan focused on the Cherokee linguistic communication and civilization College of Optometry – regional optometry clinics, international service trips College of Science and Health Professions – Speech Pathology clinics Snapshot of activity related to civic battle in co-curricular environment. American Democracy Project ( ADP ) chapter. ADP rank is chiefly module and staff. A little group of pupils have late engaged in ADP. We have sent ADP members to the national conference the last 2 old ages. ADP has developed a growing proposal for execution get downing autumn 2010. Recognized Student Organizations ( RSO ) . 96 pupil organisations are recognized by NSU. 38 % of the organisations organize community service activity as identified in their organisation description. Populating Learning Community. Housing hosts a life larning community focused on service. Large Event. The Senator Rozell Scholars coordinate the one-year Big Event, a 1-day community service undertaking. Over 600 pupils participated in Large Event in March 2010. Center for Student Leadership Development and Community Engagement. Student Affairs has designated an office in the University Center lower degree to function as a cardinal location for a freshly formed Center for Student Leadership Development and Community Engagement. A alumnus helper is dedicated to resource and plan development under the supervising of the Director of Campus Involvement. Campus Compact. NSU is a member of Oklahoma Campus Compact. Our activities over the last 4 old ages with Campus Compact include an AmeriCorps VISTA voluntary, MLK Volunteer Project grant receiver, and one-year study of service. Cherokee Nation Community Service Program. Cherokee Nation requires pupils having fiscal aid to finish a set figure of service hours per semester. Several service plans coordinated by Cherokee Nation and NSU entities are presently underway. 2015 Aspiration: Carnegie Community Engagement Classification The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification standards require the followers: Infrastructure: a campus-wide coordinating substructure ( centre, office, etc. ) to back up and progress community battle, establishment have a definition and a procedure for placing Service Learning classs Budget: internal budgetary allotments dedicated to back uping institutional battle with community, external support dedicated to back uping institutional battle with community, and fund-raising directed to community battle Learning results: institutional ( campus-wide ) larning results for pupils ‘ curricular battle with community, departmental or disciplinary acquisition results for pupils ‘ curricular battle with community, outcomes consistently assessed and used Integration in curricular activities: community battle integrated into Student Research, Student Leadership, Internships/Co-ops, Study Abroad, community battle integrated with course of study on an institution-wide degree – Core Courses Graduate Studies, First Year Sequence Capstone ( Senior degree undertaking ) , In the Majors General Education Faculty scholarship: associated with their curricular battle accomplishments, module scholarship associated with their outreach and partnerships activities ( proficient studies, course of study, research studies, policy studies, publications, etc. ) Outreach and Partnerships: Outreach focuses on the application and proviso of institutional resources for community usage with benefits to both campus and community. Partnerships focal point on collaborative interactions with community and related scholarship for the reciprocally good exchange, geographic expedition, and application of cognition, information, and resources ( research, capacity edifice, economic development, etc. , mechanisms to consistently supply feedback and appraisal to community spouses and to the establishment Recommendations for Traveling Forward Make a NSU Civic Engagement Council dwelling of representative from the American Democracy Project, Student Affairs – Center for Student Leadership and Community Engagement, each academic college, Futures Institute, Herb Rozell Scholars ( Big Event ) , NSGA, and Housing – Living-Learning Community on Civic Engagement, Continuing Education and Athletics. Interested campus community members beyond the identified representatives may go to council meetings. The intent of the council is to strategically incorporate civic battle through: Identifying University-wide ends related to % of pupils who participate in civic battle while at NSU. Develop University pupil larning nonsubjective ( s ) linked to civic battle. Create systematic campus-wide trailing or certification mechanisms to enter and/or path battle with the community Develop a systematic campus-wide appraisal mechanisms to mensurate the impact of institutional battle Provide professional development support for module, staff, and pupils who engage with community Supply the community with a cardinal mercantile establishment for a â€Å" voice † or function for input into institutional or departmental planning for community battle Serve as a cardinal communicating hub for civic battle activity happening throughout campus. Develop an academic enterprise that includes the followers: Get down a conversation on the feasibleness of necessitating service acquisition in every major and minor. Create an interdisciplinary child in civic battle with the aspiration of going a major. 12 credits required for a minor to get down with, so construct a major that is interdisciplinary on top of the minor. Necessitate that all pupils must finish at least one class in service larning leading and finish a service larning undertaking as portion of that class†¦ and all of those classs have a service larning constituent available so that pupils could take the class they want. Create a Service Learning Center that includes full-time module who teach required lower division classs in service larning leading, community development, squad and interpersonal relationships, societal and political motions throughout history, societal organisations and societal action, non-profit leading, etc. etc. The basic thought is a section with a major/minor in countries that may pull new pupils, supply a path to hold bing pupils take part in service acquisition. American Democracy Project creates a particular involvement path or certification within the civic battle major and/or child. Designate shared infinite for civic engagement academic and co-curricular plans coordinated through Academic Affairs and Student Affairs in the installations maestro program. This designated infinite could go a paradigm for interdisciplinary plans and services. Long-run end could be a new edifice dedicated to Making Place Matter through acquisition, invention, and outreach.

Feeding a Rapidly Expanding Population Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Feeding a Rapidly Expanding Population - Essay Example First, demand for food is changing fast across the globe. This comes as a result of a larger and wealthier population that has cut straight into the global food supply chain. Second, as food producers seek to produce more, they are required to demonstrate and practice acceptable levels of social and environmental responsibility. The third is the need to eliminate hunger among the world’s most impoverished populations. These three dimensions form the ultimate solution to the problem of feeding nine billion people. In an effort to address these three dimensions of the food problem, it is important to come up with better approaches to meeting the global food demand, which should ensure that, while not much of the uncultivated land will be cultivated, more and higher quality food will be produced. The next section discusses the measures that should be taken in an effort to fulfill this objective. Effective Measures As Godfray and his analysis group have noted, the three-dimensional food problem that is facing the world needs to be addressed by significant changes in the process of food production by the producer and food access by the consumer. In other words, it is important, in an effort to solve the food problem, to execute an overhaul in the global food supply chain in an effort to accomplish the extent of efficiency that was witnessed in the previous three centuries. This is a goal that the world food production chain will have to focus on despite the hurdles that come with the constraints of natural resources.

Critique of the service-profit chain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Critique of the service-profit chain - Essay Example The opposite is also true. Unsatisfied customers will still tell others which will lead to loss of customers meaning a loss in revenue. The relationship between services and profits is mainly pegged on the quality of the service, the customer satisfaction and ultimately customer loyalty. There is a major difference between customer satisfaction and quality. Parasuraman claims that while customers usually decide whether they are satisfied after an experience, the quality has to be decided way before the experience (1991). This means that there is no precedent to quality. Customers can learn about the level of service offered by a service provider from a number of sources. However, for them to decide whether the service quality they have learned about meets their standards, they have to experience it themselves. Marketing is a very important concept in the success of any business. Many marketers have realized the role that service quality plays in the overall satisfaction that results from that service (Valerie et al 1996). Service quality and the resultant satisfaction have been described as being â€Å"indices of competitive benefit† (Ruyter 1997). The major point of focus is on the service quality rather than the product quality. This is because while the quality of a product can be predetermined and standardized, the same does not hold true for a service. When service quality has been determined, the customer is then satisfied. This leads to the customer being loyal to that service. Loyal customers usually make the basis for a successful business (Caruana 2002). The loyal customers with their repeat business together with the... The paper tells that the service-profit chain is a good theory that assisted and continues to assist many organizations to make profit through the satisfaction of its employees and in turn its customers. In many sectors like in banking, hospitality and retail, the overall profitability is in most cases pegged on the satisfaction of customers. This is because in these sectors, competition is usually very stiff and many customers who are not satisfied by one operator usually find satisfaction in the competition. However, the service-profit chain is not applicable to the sale of essential products like prescription drugs or in the case of monopolies where there are single products in the market. While arguments and counterarguments have been presented that have been aimed at establishing the viability and validity of the service-profit chain, it is important to recall some simple facts. First, in cases of single business units, there has been evidence of a relationship between the job s atisfactions of employees with the satisfaction of customers. Second, in the researches that have been cited on the validity of the service-profit chain, there has been evidence that the companies that are most focused on the satisfaction of customers are the ones that attract loyalty from customers. Third, there has been no numerical fact that have been cited by all researchers (for or against of the service-profit chain) that suggests whether it hold true or not and all assertions have been hypothetical and lastly, there has been evidence that the service-profit chain does not hold true for all business models.

CD 361 - Language Development in Children - Essay

CD 361 - Language Development in Children - - Essay Example It is quite easy to understand the aspects of information delivery as defined in the article. The article offers a remedy to each dishonest use of information. The article depicts the significance of music in learning by showing how music influences the mind/brain. Moreover, the article confirms that listening to music derives fundamental cerebral advantages that enhance learning by activating neurons and maintaining synapses. The article uses relevant examples and diverse research to show how music improves learning by supporting hemispheric synchronization and enhancing brain coherence. The article resides on a scholarly journal. The authors are scholars with fundamental impact on human growth and consciousness. Professionals and students are the target audience for this article. I am not aware of other works that relate to this source. The work is highly relevant to the selected topic where it derives major contribution to the hypothesis. The book addresses the causes of attention deficit hyperactivity. The book defines the significance of music and other therapies on learning. The book recommends music to children with attention deficit hyperactivity and learning challenges. Indeed, the book defines the scientific basis for music in enhancing learning and attention among children. The author, Gordon Millichap is a medical professor. Medicine students and professionals like neurologists, nurses, psychologists, tutors, and thespians are the target audience for this book. This work relates to the above source since it defines how various aspects of the brain influences attention deficit hyperactivity in children. As such, the work is highly relevant to language development in children and contributes to the hypothesis. The site defines how music education prepares students to learn, facilitates student academic achievement, and develops the creative capacities for lifelong success. The site relied on quality and evidence-based

International Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Accounting - Essay Example Burberry Group Plc. is a multinational company which operates its business in the apparel sector of the textile industry. It is headquartered at London, United Kingdom and was founded in the year 1856 (Yahoo Finance, 2012a). Hennes & Mauritz AB is headquartered at Stockholm, Sweden and was founded in the year 1947. It is also engaged in the business of running retail stores in Sweden and abroad and offers different types of products which mainly includes apparels, footwear, cosmetics, etc. (Yahoo Finance, 2012b). Comparison of environmental disclosures in the annual reports Annual reports of a company are meant for the shareholders and different other stakeholders to help them in their decision making process. According to GRI, every public company is required to present their sustainability report referring to various environmental disclosures in their annual reports. Sustainability reports serve for the purpose of making the public organizations follow practices which would ensure their accountability and responsibilities towards their stakeholders. According to G3 sustainability report guidelines the performance indicators are broadly classified into three categories namely, Environmental, Economic and Social (GRI, n. d.). Six different aspects of the environmental disclosures as mentioned in the G3 sustainability report related to Burberry and H&M has been discussed in details as given below: Materials There are two environmental performance indicators mentioned in the G3 sustainability report that are related to the materials aspect. One such indicator is the materials used by a company in percentage terms that are recycled as input materials. This type of indicator has been devised to measure the ability of the organization to utilize its recycled input materials. If we look at the 2011 annual report of Burberry it can be observed that it has indicated its total recycled raw materials waste which has been recycled in 2011. However it is indicated in absol ute terms as 148 tons of raw materials waste recycled in 2011 (Burberry, 2012). Next the 2011 annual report of H&M indicates that no such indicators have been mentioned. It only talks about the company’s commitment towards reducing wastes that are used in its various production processes. However no such absolute figures or percentage terms related to the amount of recycled waste materials utilized by the company has been disclosed in its annual report (H&M, 2012). Hence, it can be concluded that Burberry complied with the disclosure requirements related to the materials aspect of environmental disclosures but H&M did not comply with the same. Energy There are five environmental performance indicators mentioned in the G3 sustainability report that are related to the energy aspect. One such indicator is the initiatives taken up by an organization to result in increasing use of renewable sources of energy in an efficient manner to help in the reduction of the overall energy req uirements of the company. In accordance with this disclosure requirement the companies are required to report on their existing initiatives that helped for the cause of reducing the energy requirements of the major products produced by them. The 2011 annual report of Burberry indicates that the company has mentioned about some of

Jake Barnes as a Hemingway Hero Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jake Barnes as a Hemingway Hero - Essay Example Cohn likes Barnes so much that he wants to travel to South America, then to the fiesta in Spain. Brett often turns to Barnes for advice. Brett expresses a wish to be with Barnes, if the circumstances were different. Outsiders looking at Jake Barnes’ life would think he had everything. An example would be when Georgette, a girl Barnes’ met one night, commented to him â€Å"You have nice friends† (Hemingway 27). All of these friends did not help Barnes’ misery ebb. Barnes’ misery stems from a World War I wound. This wound has left Barnes impotent. The foremost pain in Barnes’ heart is Brett’s rejection of him based on his impotency. Barnes loves Brett. He would do anything for Brett. However the one thing he cannot provide, intimacy, is what she demands. Another facet of Barnes’ misery due to his impotency is his feelings of unmanliness. Since he cannot consummate any relationship physically, any relationship with Brett or any other woman is out of the question. This depresses Barnes. Most men equate being a man with their sexual prowess. In Barnes’ life journey accepting his impotency and moving on is crucial. Through out this novel, Jake Barnes is searching for the meaning of life or happiness. At first Barnes thinks happiness would only be found by being with Brett. Upon her rejection, Barnes tries to simplify his life in order to find the meaning of life. He goes fishing with Cohn, and then they go onto the fiesta. Every time Barnes gathers his thoughts, or tries to leave Brett to her own devices, she draws him back in. The futility of his life, of just living of being living with no meaning, can be summed up by Brett’s statement of the following â€Å"Oh, Jake . . . we could have had such a damned good time together† and Barnes reply of â€Å"Yes, isn’t it pretty to think so?† (Hemingway 248) Barnes

ICE Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ICE Paper - Essay Example ty in Facebook continues to increase after the guarantee that Facebook is on the lookout for security lapses and always striving to enhance privacy controls. The fact that Facebook works with other security experts to ensure that its privacy controls are updated is proof that the company puts the privacy of its users in the forefront. In the article Our Commitment to the Facebook Community, Zuckerberg says, â€Å"We also work with regulators, advocates and experts to inform our privacy practices and policies† (Tow 1). Consequently, Facebook pursues new privacy monitoring standards as reviewed by the industry players. There are also agreements that Facebook participates in which create frameworks on how internet services company ought to approach security concerns in the U.S and other countries around the globe. It shows that Facebook recognizes the need to keep alert as the internet is prone to changes that may make privacy controls at one time outdated. There is a need to lia ise with other industry players and experts so as to identify the privacy loopholes and devise ways to handle them appropriate. In the end, the biggest beneficiaries are the users as their privacy concerns are taken care of. Facebook has the privacy concerns of its users every time. It conducts security and privacy access checks every day to enhance the experience of the users. Zuckerberg asserts, â€Å"We do privacy access checks literally tens of billions of times each day to ensure were enforcing that only the people you want see your content. These privacy principles are written very deeply into our code† (Tow 1). It is the concern of the user that the material he or she posts be only accessible to intended people. There emerge loopholes that hackers explore to access materials that users want to keep private. The privacy checks are meant to identify these loopholes and acts immediately to seal them. Facebook conducts the checks on a daily basis to handle any emerging problems as early as

(OutLine) Biography Animal Rights ( Michael Dwayne Vic) Essay

(OutLine) Biography Animal Rights ( Michael Dwayne Vic) - Essay Example He ended up serving 21 months in prison and 2 months in house arrest. d.) After his release, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and basically his life returned to normal, although there are those who do not feel he has learned his lesson and dislike him for his actions. B. It illustrates that there is still a lot more to be done for animal rights since Vick was involved with the torture, abuse, and death of many dogs and was given less time in prison then some people involved with drugs receive. Plus, it shows that Vick was able to get his life back for the most part without too much difficulty. C. Discuss how animals are not really being protected by these laws as they are more about ensuring that humans behave in a certain civilized way. There needs to be more focus on the animals well being than the humans. A. Cases such as Michael Vick’s are important in that it shows how frequent abuse occurs and how widespread it is. It shows that animal abuse is not always perpetrated by the scuzzy lowlife with the beer belly who lives in poverty, but also by an affluent celebrity. B. Animals are beloved in America, but we still do not have enough legislation to protect these animals who many consider to be as important as a family member. If they are so important, why aren’t they receiving the rights and protection that they

Intercultural communication (Porter, Samovar, and Penington) Essay

Intercultural communication (Porter, Samovar, and Penington) - Essay Example It was a friendly dig at each other's culture. Culture is the way we live, the air we breathe, the thoughts we think, the clothes we put on, the glasses we wear and look through (Monippally 2001, p 44-45). Culture is what shapes our perception. It is defined as the complex system of values, traits, morals and customs shared by a society. From 1967 to 1973, while working at IBM as a psychologist, collected and analyzed data from over 100,000 individuals from 50 countries and 3 regions. From the initial results, Hofstede developed a model that identifies four primary dimensions to assist in differentiating cultures: Power Distance1, Individualism2, Masculinity3 and Uncertainty Avoidance4. Hofstede added a fifth Dimension after conducting an additional international study with a survey instrument developed with Chinese employees and managers. That dimension, based on Confucian dynamism, is Long-Term Orientation5 and was applied to 23 countries. These five Hofstede Dimensions can also be found to correlate with other country (See figure 1) and cultural paradigms (Geert Hofstede, 2003). people communicate varies widely between, and even within, cultures. One aspect of communication style is language usage. Across cultures, some words and phrases are used in different ways. For example, even in countries that share the English language, the meaning of "yes" varies from "maybe, I'll consider it" to "definitely so," with many shades in between. Another major aspect of communication style is the degree of importance given to non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication includes not only facial expressions and gestures; it also involves seating arrangements, personal distance, and sense of time. In addition, different norms regarding the appropriate degree of assertiveness in communicating can add to cultural misunderstandings. For instance, some white Americans typically consider raised voices to be a sign that a fight has begun, while some black, Jewish and Italian Americans often feel that an increase in volume is a sign of an exciting conversation among friend s. Thus, some white Americans may react with greater alarm to a loud discussion than would members of some American ethnic or non-white racial groups. 2. Different Attitudes Towards Conflict: Some cultures view conflict as a positive thing, while others view it as something to be avoided. In the U.S., conflict is not usually desirable; but people often are encouraged to

Museum of Art Essay Example for Free

Museum of Art Essay After visiting the Raleigh Museum of Art, I discovered two paintings that conjured up opposite feelings that I will compare and contrast. The painting I liked most was titled, Jungle Camp, 2000 an Acrylic on canvas 72 x 60 in. (182. 9 x 152. 4 cm), from one of North Carolina’s most respected artists, Maud Gatewood. Her paintings record the varied experiences of a wandering life. Writing on the back of the canvas, the artist notes the origins of this picture: Trapped in the Amazon with a bad leg. Confined to a hut, she made the most of the opportunity. The second painting titled, Venice without water, by North Carolina’s artist Donald Sultan was the painting I truly disliked because of the feelings it provoked. Sultan’s painting from 1990 was an acrylic painting and measured 96 x96 inches in dimension. Sultan used Butyl rubber, acrylic paint, and plaster on vinyl composite tiles, which were mounted on four Masonite panels. Both painting represent landscapes captured by the artists’ eyes or through a photograph. These paintings gave me two strong, but opposite, feelings: joy and sadness. I will describe the differences and contrast these two works of art. The two pieces of art works have several differences in style. First, the shape in the painting, jungle camp, is rectangular; while the second painting is square. The choice and use of color in the two paintings are completely opposite. Since color is most important to me, I chose the jungle camp painting due to the variety of bright colors that pop from canvas. The painting from Mrs. Gatewood is colorful, which gave me a feeling of joy and warmth. However, Sultan decided to use contrast instead of colors in his painting. Thus, Sultan’s painting is filled with different tones of grey, black, or white. Gatewood’s painting represents a jungle’s view from a patio or balcony. I can see tall palm trees all stuck to each other in her painting, which gives the impression of abundance and fertility. She chooses many different variations of green. For example, she utilizes certain hues of light green to create an effect of sun reflection. There are two types of curtains on the patio, hanging on a fine line. The first is really colorful, a mix of tropical color, and the second is like a white veil, which you can see trough it. The mix of materials and colors for the curtains, added to the jungle, procures me a sense of evasion, vacation, and relaxation. I was drawn to the atmosphere of serenity and tropic jumbled together, which is the reason that this painting evoked my interest. However, Sultan’s painting is the exact opposite of abundance and excursion. The whole artwork is quite dark and sad. It’s a representation of the well-known Rialto’s bridge, which is an infrastructure between to planes. The first plane is an illustration of wood’s pillars, which surround the Venetian canals; they are use by the gondoliers to park their â€Å"original dinghy†. The second plane is the bridge; it looks pretty scary and dark with no one crossing it. The final plane, which is the background, consists of some Venetian’s buildings. These buildings form a line that converges towards the bridge; which helps my eyes focus on the main subject the bridge. Sultan’s painting does not reflect the Venice that I saw five years ago. When I think about my trip to Venice, I have an enriched memory filled with bright colors from the Carnival. I remember vivid colors on all the masks, costumes, life, and crawl of people. Sultan’s artwork doesn’t have any of my souvenirs. Instead, the painting is more like a sinister version of the beautiful city, Venice. Although I do not like this particular outlook of Venice, I realized after studying his painting that the artist is expressing his environmental point of view of the city, which I completely agree with. As an admirer of this city, I feel concerned by the environmental issue depicted in the painting. The notion that the excess of tourism could be destructive to a fragile city like Venice is a valid concern. The artist conveys his dismay over â€Å"the deteriorating environment with the unused mooring posts, the dry canal bed of mud-like tar, and the melancholy mood of the painting†. I think that colors or tonalities are the essence of the painting, like the rhythm and tunes are for music. In my view colors are strongly subjective, they can have different psychologist effects and symbolist’s significations, they can differ from a culture to another; associating Black with mourning is normal, in our occidental countries, while in Asia it’s the actual opposite, White. In my case the colors are the main cause, on what I think is pretty or not.

Constitutional and administrative laws

Constitutional and administrative laws Constitutional and administrative laws are collectively termed as public law. Public law has a direct impact on each individuals. For example during the passage of a new legislation piece or when an individuals civil rights are abused, the public law gives the legal structure within which the administration functions and the government operates. The laws play a very vital role in regulating the governments structure and its administration in reference to its nationals. It also defines the responsibilities of government workers and the intergovernmental relations. This presents it as a very vital component in the day to day running of the government. Constitutional law entails the study, interpretation, practice and administration of laws which are set by the constitution of a country. The sections contained in constitutional law sets out specific provisions which provides for civil and human rights as well as government entities. It is part of the consumer law which deals with issues relating to producers and consumers in the business world. Issues relating to discrimination and diversity are also underpinned in these laws. In the United States, the constitution acts as the foundation of all constitutional laws. Basically, constitutional laws deal with any legal issue revolving around constitutional rights or their violation. All cases involving constitutional law are dealt with by the Supreme Court of the United States. These cases may involve violation of the constitution or the need to amend or change the existing constitutional law in cases where they seem to conflict with the view of the nation. Judicial review is also a ve ry important subject in constitutional law where the state has to continually review the action of the legislative and executive branches. Administrative law on the other hand incorporates numerous areas of law. These include government agencies regulations and procedures, administrative rules, agency authoritys scope, agencies enforcement power and individual privacy. Basically, administrative law covers laws and legal doctrines which govern the regulation and administration of government bodies and agencies. These may include both state and federal. The Congress delegates power to these agencies prompting them to act as agents. These agencies are formed to protect the interests of the public rather than to protect private rights. The actions of a government agency ma include adjudication, rule making or implementing a particular regulatory agenda. One of the purposes of constitutional law is to ensure that each and every individual living within the borders of the country is protected. This is ensured by the section of the laws which uphold individuals civil rights. These rights are found in definite provisions in the constitution on which the constitutional law is founded. The provisions protect an individuals right from being interfered with by the state and the federal governments. In the constitution the first 8 amendments basically protects the basic civil rights of an individual. A good example is the 1st amendment which protects free speech, assembly and press fundamental rights. Other amendments just add to the scope of protection granted to an individual in regards to his basic rights. Another good example is 14th Amendment which bars a state from violating the immunities and rights of an individual without due process of law. The fair criminal justice system is also advocated for in the Fifth Amendment where it guara ntees a grand jury. The other purpose of constitutional law is protection of individuals property. Constitutional laws also very vital I ensuring that power is not concentrated I one arm. This is ensured through the doctrine of separation of powers which is part of the constitutional laws. According to this doctrine, power is divided among three arms; these are executive, legislature and judicial. The executive is responsible for implementing laws which are made by the legislature. The judiciary plays the all important role of interpreting the law. In this line of thinking, constitutional laws plays a vital role in preventing absolutism which characterizes dictatorship and monarchies. The laws are also very important in ensuring that the individuals rights are protected and checking the use of power. They also ensure that the rule of law prevails in the country by ensuring that individuals live without fear of losing their life arbitrarily or even losing their property. The constitutional laws are very significant because they instill confidence among the people in believing that their representatives will not abuse power. Most importantly, constitutional laws are a major check to laws which officials elected can impose. Administrative law on the other hand has a different approach compared to constitutional law. This is because they do not often relate to everyday life. Administrative law is mainly concerned with ensuring that there is fairness in the public decision making. The decisions must be guided by administrative discretion. This emerges as an advantage to both the government and its citizens. To the government, its status quo will be raised and it will also be able to perpetuate itself. Besides regulating relationship between the state and the citizen, administrative law also enables one of the governments arms to challenge another on the issues of legality of its actions (Stott). The law acts as a weapon used by power holders to ensure that every center of power does not exceed the legal limits of the warranted authority. By virtue of dealing with agencies, the laws made are diverse and dealing with equally diverse issues like workplace safety, environmental protection and environmental protection. Regulatory perspectives also fall in this docket of the law. The administrative laws also make decisions which affect vital aspects of an individuals life like deportation and decisions on healthcare coverage. These decisions are made by federal agencies. Fundamentally, administrative law affects an individual in real life. Its the law which determines how a government functions (good administration). The functioning of the government in this case may involve provision of certain public goods or services. The law plays a very vital role in controlling public utilities, banking, insurance, industry, finance, health and morals, finance, the professions and the response of the government to the whims of the modern society. This has addressed issues like service delivery, the role of technology, research, and economic, social economic and administrative factors. This may require the government to create an agency as stipulated by administrative law. However, it may opt to charter a non profit organization to provide such goods or services instead of creating an agency. This is considering the fact that government institutions cant be considered as government agencies. An administrative action may also be taken through a judicial review to ensure that public decision makers act within the jurisdiction of the law. Administrative law is very significant in addressing legal disputes especially those considered minor by the Supreme Court. Typical disputes involving issues like environmental protection, day to day business operations, administrative and corporate social responsibility, and policy rule and regulation are dealt with at the agency level. This is because they are equipped to deal with every day details of governing. A good example is an issue on environmental protection where a court may lack the needed expertise to decide the exact equipment needed in coal plants to avoid air pollution. However, administrative agencies are better suited to address such an issue amicably. This is because the agencies created via administrative law are able to obtain sufficient details of regulation and they also have the ability to develop expertise in a particular section requiring regulation. This also creates time for the higher courts to deal with other matters prompting attention at that level. One of the limitations of constitutional and administrative laws is their pluralistic conception. This has always put them under heavy criticism from varying directions. Consequently, there is a need for non-delegation doctrine revival to ensure great specifity in articulation the congressional standards. Administrative law is also limited I terms of scope especially because the administrative authorities are inferior to the bodies given the mandate to interpret and execute such laws. This means that administrative law has constitutional limitation.

The Environmental Factor Impacting On Mcdonalds Commerce Essay

The Environmental Factor Impacting On Mcdonalds Commerce Essay McDonalds Corporation is the worlds leading food service organization. The corporation started out as a small drive-through in 1948 by two brothers, Dick and Mac McDonald. Raymond Albert Kroc, a salesman, saw a great opportunity in this market and advised Dick and Mac to expand their operation and open new restaurants. In 1961 Kroc bought out the McDonald brothers. By 1967 McDonalds expanded its operations to countries outside the U.S.A. This unyielding expansion led the Corporation to open 23,000 McDonalds restaurants in 110 countries in 1994, producing $3.4 bn in annual revenues. In addition, McDonalds opens a new restaurant every three hours. Also, McDonalds has twice the market share of its closest U.S. competitor, Burger King, representing 7% of total U.S. eating-out sales. Similarly, McDonalds serves about 1% of the worlds population on any given day through its 23,000 restaurants internationally. Big Mac, the worlds most sold hamburger was developed by Jim Delligutti in 1967 t o feed construction workers. Big Mac is the biggest attraction and backbone of the corporation. Moreover, McDonalds maintains its competitive advantage by constantly creating new items to add onto its menu. This shows us that McDonalds practices an analyzer type of strategy, introducing new items and defending its existing ones. McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:  MCD) is the worlds largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving nearly 47 million customers daily. At one time it was the largest global restaurant chain, but it has since been surpassed by multi-brand operator Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell and others) and sandwich chain Subway. In addition to its signature restaurant chain, McDonalds Corporation held a minority interest in Pret A Manger until 2008, and owned the Chipotle Mexican Grill until 2006 and the restaurant chain Boston Market until 2007. The company has also expanded the McDonalds menu in recent decades to include alternative meal options, such as salads and snack wraps, in order to capitalize on growing consumer interest in health and wellness. A McDonalds restaurant is operated by either a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. The corporations revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants. McDonalds revenues grew 27% over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9% growth in operating income to $3.9 billion. McDonalds primarily sells hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken products, french fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes, and desserts. In response to obesity trends in Western nations and in the face of criticism over the healthiness of its products, the company has modified its menu to include such healthier alternatives as salads, wraps and fruit. McDonalds MISSION AND VISION: They serve people with good quality food, fast and at low cost. McDonalds vision is to dominate the global food-service industry. Global dominance means, setting the performance standard for customer satisfaction and increases market share and profitability through successfully implementing our convenience, value and execution strategies. McDonalds brand mission is to be our customers favorite place and way to eat. Our worldwide operations have been aligned around a global strategy called the Plan to Win centering on the five basics of an exceptional customer experience People, Products, Place, Price and Promotion. We are committed to improving our operations and enhancing our customers experience. Main Body Analysis: Environmental Factor Impacting upon MacDonalds: The impact of environmental factors is far-reaching upon the Macdonalds which is being discussed below followed by environmental factor. Environmental Factor: The notion of environment in general systems thinking is a wild, all-embracing and woolly concept. Everything is in the environment. The environment is all yet we are interested in specifics. It is people who decide what is significant in the environment and what is not what the forces are that must (imperative language) be attended to. Thus prevailing pictures of what the environment is are socially constructed. Various definitions and concerns assume the characteristics of propaganda. They are not necessarily neutral definitions and the nature of the elements that supposedly are acting on us in the environment, are difficult to define and measure. Similarly environmental events have to be interpreted and we will often refer to environmental forces of various kinds in our post hoc rational and justification of the decisions we have made. We blame the environment for action we have taken and the results of that action. Finally people e.g. government and powerful decision-makers in business organizations, may intervene to influence and shape events in the environment to their own advantage e.g. speak to the press, lobby for a change, buy up a rival, try to tickle the equities market up and even cooperate with others to ensure that information on the environment is accurate rather than uninformed and misguiding decisions by others than can affect the companys position (vested interests). John Childs concept of strategic choice, and its manifestation in terms of managerial behavior, is significant in this regard. So environment is not what it may seem. Certainly if we here the green lobby speak about environment, they will hold particular values and positions dear to their hearts, some of which others might accept but some of which others might also rebut. However a typical, neutral and managerial description of environmental factors and pressures would cover the following areas (and more). Environmental factors include social-cultural, technological, economic and financial and political-legal events and possibilities. These are often referred to by the mnemonics S.T.E.P. (social, technical, economic and political factors) also PEST or S.T.E.E.P.L.E (social/demographic, technical, economic, environmental (natural), political, legal and ethical factors) The biological and adaptive metaphor comes into play when we argue for business change. Typically, if the business cannot respond to the pressures and influences of its environment then it may not survive. It has to adapt. If it serves the needs of clients or stakeholders and satisfies for example its market mission then it may prosper. A dominant theme in the study of business is that of competition in the market-place. A businesss relationship with its environment is typically founded on its service to key customers and their satisfaction with its performance revealed by buying patterns, new legislation, party conferences, annual general meetings and stock market prices. Learning and adaptation occurs in response to stimulus across organizational boundaries. Any organization that is too inward looking becomes atrophied and can stagnate. In the language of general systems theory any system is subject to the process of entropy. Environmental factors can be political, social, ecological, cultural, technological and ethical in nature. Any organization that develops a product or service that they want to market domestically or globally must consider what the impact each of these factors may have for them. Not considering these factors can result in the failed attempt to market a product, which may be successful domestically, in other countries where there is a significant market potential. Impacting upon MacDonalds: Mainly there are 2 types of factors affecting international business like MacDonalds. 1) Internal factors 2) External factors. 1) Internal factors:- Internal factors of international business include political parties, suppliers, buyers, competitors and consumer of respective country. 2) External factors: External factors of international business are those where you need to examine the whole criteria these are political environment, legal environment, socio-cultural environment, demographic conditions of respective country. Figure: Environmental Factor Analysis the environmental factors impacting upon MacDonalds: To have a clear picture of McDonalds corporation we need to look at its Task Environment, which includes its: .Customers .Competitors .Strategic Allies .Suppliers .Regulators CUSTOMERS: Customers are those who pay money to acquire an organizations goods or services. For many years McDonalds mostly targeted the young people, however this has changed in this decade; McDonalds has turned towards a more general market. By doing this McDonalds concentrates on the family, targeting a diverse market which includes consumers ranging from children to elderly people, using products such as the happy Meal for children and Egg McMuffin for the elderly. McDonalds also realized the changing world we live in and the need for healthier food, since there is an ever changing demographic group, who demand fast, top quality food that is low in calories. McDonalds responded to this opportunity and introduced a new and innovative product. This new product was a regular hamburger that tasted like the real thing but was made of plant material like Soya beans. This same product also targets another demographic group, vegetarians. McDonalds mostly uses psychographic segmentation targeting th e working and middle classes. These are the people that are more susceptible to enter a fast food restaurant, since these are the people that lead a fast moving life and thus require a fast meal. In brief McDonalds customers are of all classes, but largely working and middle classes, and people of all ages. COMPETITORS: A competitor is an organization that competes with other organizations for resources. In our findings, McDonalds has two types of competitors in the Lebanese market: Indirect Competitors: Indirect refers to firms producing one or two products that compete with McDonalds products and therefore be a threat to the company. We have identified four indirect competitors: Henry J. Beans, T.G.I. Friday, K. F. C. and Popeyes. Henry J. Beans offers hamburgers and fries on its menu, therefore competing with McDonalds for customers of these products. However, Henry J. Beans also known as Hanks is a more of a bar restaurant and therefore a hang out place, as a result charging more money for its products. Hanks targets middle to upper class customers, so where most of these customers overlap are in the middle class. T.G.I Friday is another indirect competitor reflecting the same characteristics as Henry J. Beans. Other indirect competitors are K. F. C. and Popeyes, both competing for the chicken nuggets and fries customers. In brief, Hanks and T.G.I. Fridays competes with McDonalds by offering hamburgers and fries, whereas K. F. C. and Popeyes compete with McDonalds by offering chi cken nuggets and fries. Direct Competitors: Direct competitors refer to firms producing the same products or services as McDonalds does. Here we found that McDonalds has three direct competitors: Burger King, Wendys and Hardees. McDonalds closest rival is Burger King, which operates a total of 9644 restaurants in 110 countries. Wendys is McDonalds second largest rival, which is also in the fast food business, where Wendys operates 6776 restaurants in 32 countries. Hardees, McDonalds third largest rival is also in the fast food business and is the only direct competitor apart from Juicy Burger in the Lebanese market. Hardees operates 3080 restaurants in 20 countries. As we have illustrated McDonalds faces stiff competition from three major competitors, Burger King, Wendys and Hardees. Suppliers: Suppliers are an organization that provides resources for other organizations. McDonalds has practiced a backward vertical integration, by replacing most of its suppliers. It has done so for two reasons, 1) To reduce costs, and 2) To ensure that its products are of top quality. These supplies include beef and milk to be used in its products, which it gets from its farms. Other suppliers include local grocery stores that supply McDonalds with fresh vegetables. Soft drinks are supplied exclusively by Coca-Cola, which is also its ally. McDonalds supplies also include raw material such as flour, sugar, yeast, etc.,. Strategic Allies: A strategic ally is an organization working together with one or more other organizations is a joint venture or a similar arrangement. McDonalds has formed a strategic alliance with: Walmart, Chevron, Amoco, Disney and Coca-Cola. Walmart, which is a large shopping mall chain in the U..S. and several neighboring countries, is allied with McDonalds, which offers great opportunities for both companies. McDonalds has restaurants in each Walmart, offering its customers conveniences and excellent fast food at a low cost ease of accessibility. McDonalds corporation describes it best in this scenario: Imagine a busy shopping day at your local Walmart and having the ability to sit down with the kids and enjoy many of our McDonalds favorites, like Big Mac sandwiches, world famous fries and kids favorite Happy Meal. McDonalds understands your busy lifestyles and the demands on your time. Thats why we are making it easier for you to do more things in less time. McDonalds is engaged in an allianc e with two petrol companies, Chevron and Amoco. This alliance represents the ultimate in convenience. At these locations, one finds a full-menu McDonalds restaurant with dining room service. Nothing can be more convenient, because one can fill up the car with gas and get a meal all in one stop. Another important alliance that McDonalds has is with Disney. Here McDonalds has the sole right to sell fast food in Disneys theme parks around the U.S., and other Disney operations in the world. Under the terms of the agreement, McDonalds will operate restaurants and Disney will promote its films through McDonalds. Regulators: Regulators are groups or governmental agencies that can control and influence the organizations policies and practices. An example is Lebanon a few years ago when the U..S. government banned all U..S. citizens and organizations to come or operate in Lebanon. Another good example would be the embargo imposed on Iran where U..S. organizations were banned to operate in this country. Another group of regulators called interest groups can and have influenced McDonalds to treat its animals (cow and chickens) in a much more humane manner, which resulted in the restructuring of McDonalds farms throughout its operations around the world. The summary of the task environment which is by definition a specific organizations or groups that affect the organization, which includes competitors, suppliers, customers, strategic allies and regulators. Here we described the task environments importance to McDonalds, where McDonalds faces both opportunities and has threats in its environment. Emphasis on the key driver of MacDonalds: We shall also explore McDonalds Workforce Diversity and its Total Quality Management to emphasis on the key drivers. These are given below: Workforce Diversity: Diversity exists in a group or organization when its members differ from one another along one or more important dimensions such as age, gender, and ethnicity. Diversity is very important for McDonalds. Here millions of teens start out by working at McDonalds. Here some of the teenagers move on to get various jobs such as movie stars, skilled workers, famous athletes, management positions and other educated positions in society. At McDonalds two thirds of middle and upper management started out as crewmembers in a McDonalds restaurant. There are opportunities for everybody in McDonalds from teenagers to elderly workers, and from people just entering or reentering the job market. Moreover, McDonalds offers special jobs for people who have disabilities, such as people who are in wheel chairs and those who must use crutches permanently. Furthermore, McDonalds offers their workers flexible working hours. For example, hours for people seeking just a few hours of work per week and those wh o seek full time positions. The work force at McDonalds also have some say in their working hours, such as if they prefer the morning, mid-day, or evening shifts in the restaurant. So, McDonalds uses diversity to create a good atmosphere in their work places among workers and management. Here they offer work to all kinds of people without discrimination and the workers have flexible hours that provides customer satisfaction. Top Quality Management: Quality is the entirety of features and distinctiveness of a product or service that stand on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. For McDonalds, total quality management (TQM) involves that the employees are at work on time, are neatly dressed, and are clean. The employees must make sure that the customers constantly receive safe food, which implies that the employees must wash their hands often to remain clean. Moreover, the employees must follow certain Standard Operational Procedures, so the customers always receive exceptional quality and service. This includes the employees using plastic gloves when they prepare the food, that the meat and fries are properly fried, and that the vegetables are thoroughly washed when used in the food. Another TQM is that the employees rely on teamwork and high energy to get the job done, so that the customers do not have to wait long for their food. Furthermore, McDonalds management emphasizes that their restaurants should be clean. Th is involves that the restaurants are tidy, sparkling and spotlessly clean. As McDonalds illustrates the quality is that the employees delivers fast, accurate and friendly service with a smile. External and Internal Factors Affecting McDonalds The purpose of this paper is to discuss external and internal factors affecting McDonalds management functions. This will be accomplished by explaining how McDonalds deals with each of the external and internal factors. There were three factors that were chosen to outline the success of McDonalds corporation. The first factor is globalization, which is define as closer contact between different parts of the world, with increasing possibilities of personal exchange, mutual understanding and friendship between world citizens. Diversity, the difference among people and cultures, is the second factor discussed in the paper. The final factor is ethics, which can be defined as a set of principles of right conduct. This paper explains how the McDonald Corporations uses the factors to conduct business around the world. In todays society, corporations and enterprises are expanding their businesses in the global markets. Globalization is necessary for success and survival in the worldwide market; however, global competition is not easy (Bateman Scott, 2004). By the end of the twentieth century, the list of Fortune 500 companies was no longer only United States corporations due to an increase in international companies joining the list (Global Capitalism, 2005). As a leading food service retailer, McDonalds joins those corporations with restaurants in 119 countries (McDonalds, 2004). Important strategic decisions are a key factor to their success with consideration for both internal and external factors. When considering the foreign market, companies need to consider there are risks. There must be local marketing to appeal to the local consumers and also to build relationships and trust (Bateman Scott, 2004). Therefore, the strategic planning for marketing has to be effective. McDonalds caters its m enu in other countries to the cultures of the regions. For example, in India, the non-vegetarian menu includes chicken and fish items only (Welcome, n.d.). Beef is not on the menu in India because are considered sacred. Global marketing decisions are no different than those made domestically but the decisions are unique to each country (Sister Sister, 2005). Furthermore, operating on a global scale allows a companys employees to experience working in different cultural environments. This is a good marketing strategy for recruiting employees. McDonalds has a global core curriculum for its restaurant management (McDonalds, 2004). Paula Doherty, a general manager states, Ive had incredible experience in different countries andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦culturesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦as a trainee manager from Poland to Israel to the Philippines and more. Doing the job successfully has given me a real sense of achievement This business strategy speaks to their commitment to a diverse workforce. McDonalds commitment to diversity is established on the foundational belief that diversity is not just a moral and ethical issue, but also a business issue (McDonalds, 2005). Due to the global expanse of McDonalds business, diversity has become an integral part of the internal company culture. McDonalds has over 30,000 restaurants around the world, which means franchise owner/operators, employees, and customers represent just about every culture, religion or ethnicity on earth. In addition, McDonalds promotes the use of local suppliers and based on their policies of diversity, expects and retains suppliers that have a similar diversity culture. Knowing and understanding the local customs and traditions of the communities where McDonalds has established businesses, integrating people from these communities into the company, and adapting locally to the tastes and cuisines of the community, has made McDonalds the leader in their industry. In the United States alone, McDonalds has won numerous awards and received national recognition for diversity. According to McDonalds website, www.mcdonlads.com, awards include; PUSH-Excel Corporate Partner Award, Corporate Achievement and Image Award, Nullities Corporate Award, Corporate Vision Award, and the Circle of Inclusion Award. These awards and recognitions are not the result of a surface attempt to appease the critics. They are the result of McDonalds embracing and integrating diversity into their company ethos as an asset and an ally. McDonalds realizes that having diversity as an asset greatly enhances the profitability of the company. Diversity is a direct reflection of a companys interpersonal relationships. These relationships, if positive, result in a rewarding venture. Conversely, if the relationships are negative, the companys morale declines and if not addressed, leads to the deterioration of the company. This deterioration directly impacts the companys income and the communitys acceptance of the business. However, McDonalds leadership encourages diversity through their policies and programs. McDonalds proven success with leveraging the advantages of diversity can be attributed to their core value of ethics. McDonalds success is built on the foundation of personal and professional integrity (www.mcdonalds). From the beginning, McDonalds has based its reputation on trust and dependability, and their commitment to the community made them a household name. Founder Ray Kroc, believed in giving something back to the community in order to make the world a better place. Throughout the 1970s, McDonalds became involved with a lot of charity work. In 1974 established a charity called Ronald McDonald House. The purpose of this program was to provide temporary housing for the families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since the 70s, more than 10 million families around the world benefited from the comfort provided by Ronald McDonald Houses (www.rhmc). In addition to their community involvement, McDonalds has a long-standing commitment to environmental protection. Restaurants around the world have innovative programs for recycling, resource conservation, and waste reduction. The environmental achievements of this corporation have been recognized by organizations such as the Audubon Society, Conservation International, Keep America Beautiful, the National Recycling Coalition, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.mcdonalds). McDonalds is also an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer McDonalds ensures that employees and job applicants are selected, trained, and promoted without discrimination to race, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. The company promotes their employees based on their relevant skill, talents, and performance. In support of this McDonalds promotes and sustains a working environment, which is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and bullying. Employees are regarded as members of a team where everyones opinion is valued and respected. The Human Resources department monitors the effectiveness of the discrimination policies at regular intervals and takes corrective action as necessary to ensure that they being complied with (www.mcdonalds). Employees who feel that they have been treated unfairly are encouraged to use the remedies outlined in the Companys handbooks. McDonalds ethical standards, as well as their strategies for globalization and diver sity are instrumental to the overall success of the company. The purpose of this paper was to discuss external and internal factors that have affected McDonalds. This was achieved by explaining what the factors are where and how McDonalds dealt with each of the external and internal factors. The factors discussed were globalization, diversity, and ethics. The paper illustrates how globalization is necessary for success and survival of McDonalds in the worldwide market. The paper also shows how diversity integrated people from different communities into the company, and adapted tastes and cuisines of the community. McDonalds showed ethics by being an active leader in the communities. There are many different values to the dollar around the world, many issues that have occurred in many of those regions/websites, and about 119 countries served by McDonalds that rely on the functions of management to succeed. Critical Evolution the current strategy of MacDonalds: The current strategy involve of SWOT analysis as well as SWOT matrix or strategies which is given below accordingly. SWOT Analysis Framework Environmental Scan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  / Internal Analysis  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  External Analysis /   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  / Strengths  Ã‚  Ã‚  Weaknesses  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Opportunities  Ã‚  Ã‚  Threats | SWOT Matrix Figure: SWOT Analysis Framework SWOT Strategies of Macdonalds: The SWOT Matrix A firm should not necessarily pursue the more lucrative opportunities. Rather, it may have a better chance at developing a competitive advantage by identifying a fit between the firms strengths and upcoming opportunities. In some cases, the firm can overcome a weakness in order to prepare itself to pursue a compelling opportunity. To develop strategies that take into account the SWOT profile, a matrix of these factors can be constructed. The SWOT matrix (also known as a TOWS Matrix) is shown below: SWOT / TOWS Matrix Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities S-O strategies W-O strategies Threats S-T strategies W-T strategies Figure: SWOT / TOWS Matrix S-O strategies: S-O strategies pursue opportunities that are a good fit to the companys strengths. As like MacDonalds expands their Chinese market and increasing advertising and restaurant location because Chinese population is increasing day by day .In addition their car ownership is growing rapidly which is another opportunity for MacDonalds to expand their market development. Horizontal integration is the another opportunity which is tuned into strength for MacDonalds because by acquiring Krispy Kren Corporation they captured the market of them .As well as the advantages of horizontal integration is expansion of a firm within an industry in which it is already active for the purpose of increasing its share of the market for a particular product or service. Cost minimization, raw material availability, quick delivery and others factors are the advantage of horizontal integration which is adopting MacDonalds as a current strategy. It can adapt to the needs of the societies and undergo an innovative product line which might be the good opportunity for MacDonalds to transform into strength. It would be the remarkable opportunities to turn in to strength. Researching green energies and green packaging solutions and incorporating these findings as a part of their marketing strategy and advertisements which would be another opportunity to transfer into strength. Create new product offerings. Continue to use technology to influence revenue strategy: possibly use text messages to deliver specials offers to individuals who sign up for such services .These also might treated as opportunity which can be concerted in to strength. W-O strategies: W-O strategies overcome weaknesses to pursue opportunities. As MacDonalds weakness is lack of menu development so they have to work hard with this strategy and currently they are working with that as well which is being convert to pursue opportunity. They are currently doing menu development as well as product development of healthy lifestyle and Hispanic food lines which were weakness of them. In addition MacDonalds has several weakness which might be tune in to pursue opportunity if they overcome that weakness.Like- It uses advertising that mostly targets children. High employee turn-over. It has yet to accomplish going on the trend of organic food. Price competition with the competitors resulting in low revenue. Lack of innovative products. S-T strategies: S-T strategies identify ways that the firm can use its strengths to reduce its vulnerability to external threats. Macdonalds are increasing their number of restaurant as well advertisement in the Disney and Ocean Park as well as key markets to avoid the external threat of competitors like Burger King, Starbucks, Wendys Taco Bell, and KFC. Moreover there are numerous strength which can use its strengths to reduce its vulnerability to external threats. . It takes steps in adjusting the Ingredients and product offerings in order to comply with the upgraded health standards deemed necessary by the USDA. Its recognized as one of the worldss most recognized logos.It has branded menu items i-e Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, which further promote McDonalds. Active Childrens Charity: The Ronald McDonald House. It is recognized as a socially responsible and community oriented firm. Globalization: 31,000 restaurants serving 120 countries. Of the 31,000 restaurants at least14, 000 restaurants in the US. It has located itself in major airports, cities, highways, tourist locations, theme parks. Earns revenue not merely by fast food sales, but also as a property investor, a franchiser of restaurants. It earns revenue by fast food sales as well as a property investor and a franchiser of restaurants. W-T strategies: W-T strategies establish a defensive plan to prevent the firms weaknesses from making it highly susceptible to external threats. As Macdonalds concentrate their development of product and redesign of website which is being user friendly. In addition they are increasing their sales promotion and advertisement to reduce external threat.

Technology and Power :: Essays Papers

Technology and Power TV-Y: All children. The themes and elements in this program are specifically designed for a very young audience, including children from ages 2-6. TV-PG: Parental guidance suggested. The program may contain infrequent coarse language, limited violence, some suggestive sexual dialogue and situations. TV-M: Mature audiences only. This program may contain mature themes, profane language, graphic violence, and explicit sexual content (Craig ). These are just a few examples of the new rating system passed by the US Federal Communications Commission in January 1997. What television shows are appropriate for different age groups has been decided by the government. Is it not still up to the parents to decide what television their children will watch? In addition to the TV ratings that are now displayed at the start of each show, in the upper left-hand corner, they now have extra defining ratings. These include such things as V for violence, L for offensive language, and D for dialogue†¦sexual innuendo (Craig). At first glance, these types of ratings may seem like a good idea. All the responsibility of regulating a child's television viewing is gone, but this is not the case. "Each rating is assigned by the show's producer's, but there is no formal set of guidelines to apply." (NCTV). So it is not the government regulating television shows and setting standards for FCC ratings, it is the show's producers. This is something that many people may not realize when they sit down to watch a show and await the icon to appear in the left-hand corner of the television screen. There are many criticisms that go along with the validity of these ratings. For starters, violence, sex, and language are all placed in one category, for mature audiences. This gives us an extremely jaded view of what the show actually contains. There is violence in almost every news broadcast, which do not use the rating system, and some may feel a show containing a similar amount of violence is not categorized as mature. Also, each TV icon is displayed for only thirty seconds during the opening credits of the show. How many of us actually get to see the opening credits of every television show we watch? Media analyst, George Gerbner has established a set of four major problems with FCC television ratings. First, it does not work.

Teenage Smoking in Canada Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In a society where it is not unusual to see a ten year old child smoking a cigarette in public, where large tobacco companies sponsor all big sporting events and where smoking advertisements are everywhere you look, how can it be understood that what is going on is a form of suicide. Smoking is comparable to a serial killer; a cigarette acts as the weapon used by tobacco companies and its victims subjecting themselves by their own free will to participate in the crime.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The governments of the United States and many other countries have chosen to regulate addictive substances, like cigarettes, via taxation; minimum-age purchase laws; restrictions on consumption in schools, the workplace, and public places; and stiff fines for driving under the influence of alcohol. The prices of these substances will rise because of taxation; other forms of regulation, and bans. Thus, measuring their responsiveness to price is important in determining the optimal level of taxation and the impacts of legalization. Contrary to conventional wisdom, studies find that the consumption of addictive substances is quite sensitive to price.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Teen smoking has been increasing since 1991. There are economic, psychological and sociological factors that play an important role in this increase.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Economically, cigarettes are highly advertised, extremely affordable and accessible to practically anyone. As for the advertisement aspect in the sale of cigarettes, tobacco companies spend billions of dollars per year to advertise their brands. This money is spent on the actual advertisement, and also on manipulating the subconscious minds of teenagers. (Reynolds, 1999) Billboards and magazines lure teenagers to smoke, by using teen idols and appealing photos in their ads. The Canadian Government has been attempting to put a stop to tobacco industries using teen idols in selling their products, by passing Bill C-71, a legislation that forbids tobacco companies from putting up signs for events in which they sponsor. The car racer and teen idol, Jacques Villeneuve can no longer be advertised in his car racing suit as Rothman's cigarettes advertisements are highly visible on it, as this would give off a negative message to teens who look up to him. The only exceptio n to this law however, is that the signs may be put up at the site of the event, in bars or in newspaper... ...by the behavior of their parents is central to many considerations of health and social behavior. Many teenagers begin smoking to feel grow-up. However, if they are still smoking when they reach 30, the reason is no longer to feel like an adult; at this point, they are smoking from habit. Goodwin, D. W., Guze, S. B. (1984).Young children who see older children or family members smoking cigarettes are going to equate smoking with being grown up. Patterns of both drinking and smoking, which are closely associated, are strongly influenced by the lifestyles of family members peers and by the environments in which they live. Minimal, moderate, and heavy levels of drinking, smoking, and drug use, among family members are strongly associated with very similar patterns of use among adolescents.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To conclude, one can look economically at the cost of cigarettes, the accessibility of cigarettes, and the amount of money put into advertisements for tobacco. Also psychologically at the effects and real meaning of ads and at females ideas and misconceptions about smoking. And, finally sociologically, peer and family influence play a huge role in the increase of teen smokers.

Data Collection Essay

* The Rough was excluded during the calculation of the mean as the rough was a trial to indicate the general whereabouts of the end point, which is inaccurate of the exact end point. Table 2. Observations collected during the experiment. Table contains observations which were recorded during each trial of the experiment. Trials Observations Before trials * When water was added to the crystals of oxalic acid, it dissolved almost instantly with a light stirring of the beaker. Rough * When two drops phenolphthalein was added to the solution of sodium hydroxide, the solution turned pink. * After adding about 20.8dm3 of oxalic acid into the sodium hydroxide solution, while swirling the conical flask, the solution turned completely clear – the oxalic acid was filled up to 21dm3 to have a rounded rough end point to work with. 1 * When two drops of phenolphthalein was added to the sodium hydroxide solution, the solution turned pink. * After adding about 20dm3 of oxalic acid solution, while swirling the conical flask gently, each drop of oxalic acid solution began to turn the pink solution slightly clear. * After about 20.6dm3 oxalic acid solution was added, the pink solution turned completely clear. 2 * Two drops of phenolphthalein was added to sodium hydroxide solution, producing a pink coloured solution. * After about 20dm3 of oxalic acid solution was added, each drop began turning the pink solution slightly clear. * After adding around 20.4dm3 of oxalic acid solution, the pink solution turned completely clear. 3 * Two drops of phenolphthalein was added to the sodium hydroxide solution, turning the solution in the conical flask pink. * After adding about 20dm3 of oxalic acid solution, each drop began turning the pink solution slightly clear. * When about 20.3dm3 of the acid was added, the pink solution turned completely clear. Data Processing 1. Write an equation for the reaction. (COOH)2 + 2NaOH –> 2NaCO3 + 2H2O 2. What amount (in moles) of NaOH is present in 20.0 cm3 of 0.097 mol dm-3 sodium hydroxide solution? c = n/v c = 0.097mol dm-3 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.001 = 0.097mols à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ (0.001/0.097 x 100%) = 0.097mols dm-3 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.03% v = 20.0cm3 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.04 = (20.0/1000) à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ (0.04/20.0 x 100%) = 0.020dm3 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.2% n = ? n = c x v n = 0.097 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.03% x 0.020 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.2% n = 0.00194 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ (1.03 + 0.2)% ? n = 0.00194 mols à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.23% 3. What amount of oxalic acid was present in the average volume required to react exactly with the sodium hydroxide solution? Using the molar ratio of 1:2 for acid : base respectively: 0.00194 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.23% / 2 = 0.00097 mols ? amount of oxalic acid present = 0.00097 mols à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.23% 4. What amount of oxalic acid was present in your 250 cm3 volumetric flask? Concentration of acid in 250mL is the same as the concentration of acid in 1L. Therefore the concentration of acid in 1 dm-3 of acid solution is the same as concentration of acid in 250mL: c = n/v c = 0.0119à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.03% / 0.25 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½(0.15/250 x 100%) c = 0.0476 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ (2.03+0.06)% ? c = 0.05 mols dm-3 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.09% (concentration of acid) c = n/v 0.05à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.09% = n / 0.25 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.06% 0.05à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.09% x 0.25à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.06% = n ? n = 0.0125 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ (2.09 + 0.06)% ? moles of oxalic acid in 250mL solution = 0.0125 mols à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.15% 5. What is the mass of one mole of oxalic acid? n = m/MM MM = m/n MM = 1.5g à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.02 / 0.0125mols à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.15% MM = 1.5 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½(0.02/1.5 x100%) / 0.0125à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.15% MM = 120 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½(1.33+2.15)% MM = 120 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% m = n x MM m = 1 x 120à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% ? mass of one mole of oxalic acid = 120g à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% 6. How many molecules of water of crystallisation are present in one mole? MM of (COOH)2 = 2(12.01 + 32 + 1) = 90.04 MM of H2O = (2.02 + 16) = 18.02 (COOH)2.xH2O = 120g à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% ? 90.04 + 18.02x = 120g à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% ? 18.02x = 120g à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% – 90.04 ? 18.02x = 29.96à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% (/18.02) ? x = 1.6626à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% ? Molecules of water of crystallisation = 1.66à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.06 Conclusion and Evaluation Discussion 1. Estimate the degree of uncertainty in your readings using the balance, the volumetric flask, the pipette and the burette. How accurately can you quote your answer? Balance = à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.02g Volumetric flask = à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.15mL Pipette = à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.04cm3 Burette = à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.15cm3 The equipments used were relatively accurate as the uncertainties compared to the collected values are small. 2. Compare your answer with the correct answer and work out the percentage error. Percentage error = [(experimental value – actual value) / actual value] x 100% = [(1.6626 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% – 2) / 2] x 100% = 16.87% à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.74% 3. Suggest any other reasons for possible error. Other reasons for possible error include the uncertainty of equipments, human errors and mistakes, possibility of contaminated solutions, air bubbles and transference of solution between equipments. This experiment was conducted to find the ratio of water in hydrate oxalic acid crystals. This included calculations of the theoretical and experimental values for the ratio of water in the hydrate oxalic acid crystals and the percentage errors of values compared. The equation for the reaction between the sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) and the oxalic acid solution ((COOH)2) was worked out, with the product being a salt (NaCO3) and water (H2O). As the oxalic acid solution is a dibasic acid solution, the reaction ratio with sodium hydroxide is 1:2. The amount of NaOH, in moles, was also calculated by multiplying the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution and the volume of sodium hydroxide solution used. The equation c = n/v was used to calculate this. The result was 0.00194 moles of NaOH in the sodium hydroxide solution with an uncertainty of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.23%. The amount of oxalic acid presented in the average volume required to react exactly with the sodium hydroxide solution was also calculated; by dividing the moles of NaOH (0.00194à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.23%) by 2, based on the 1:2 reaction ratio stated before. The result was 0.00097 moles with an uncertainty of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.23%. The amount of oxalic acid present in 250cm3 was also calculated. The concentration of acid in 250mL is the same as the concentration of acid in 1L, therefore, the concentration of acid in 1dm-3 of the oxalic acid solution is the same concentration as the acid in 250mL. With this understood, the equation c = n/v was used once again. The ‘concentration’ was first calculated by dividing the moles of NaOH by 0.25dm3. The result (0.05mols dm-3 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.09), was used in further calculations to determine the moles of oxalic acid by multiplying the previous calculated concentration (0.05mols dm-3 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.09) with 0.25dm3, resulting in the moles of oxalic acid in the 250mL solution as 0.0125mols à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.15%. This value was used in the calculation of the mass of one mole of oxalic acid. The equation n = m/MM was used in this calculation. The MM (molar mass) was first calculated, dividing the mass of oxalic acid crystals by the moles of oxalic acid (1.5 / 0.0125). The mass (m = n x MM) was calculated with the result of this (1 x 120à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48%), resulting in the mass of one mole of oxalic acid being 120à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48%. Finally, the molecules of water of crystallisation presented in one mole were calculated. This was done by using the mass of one mole of oxalic acid (120à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48%), subtracting the MM of (COOH)2 (90.04) from it and dividing the result by MM of H2O (18.02). The final result of the number of molecules of water in crystallisation equalled 1.66 with an uncertainty of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3.48% or 0.06. With this final result, the percentage error was calculated, being 16.87%à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.74%. All the uncertainties within the values used were calculated into percentage through dividing the uncertainty by the value and multiplying it by 100%. The uncertainties were converted into percentages before doing calculations were done. There were several limitations found during this experiment which would have been the cause of an inaccurate final result – the variation between the theoretical value of 2 and the experimental value of 1.66à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.06. These limitations include the uncertainties of the equipment, human errors and mistakes, possibility of contaminated solutions, air bubbles found in solutions and the transference of solution between equipments. The significance of these errors and the improvements are listed in the table below. Limitations Significance Improvements Uncertainty of equipments Uncertainties were obtained during the experiment through the use of equipments. The inaccurate recording of data would have affected the results in the end. Eg. The readings on the electronic scale weren’t fully stable and consistent at one value, it varied – increasing and decreasing slightly. In the case of the electronic scale, it was suggested that the variation in weight value was due to the air-conditioning blowing down on it. The air-conditioner could be turned off to reduce the uncertainties and variations. Students could also prevent themselves from breathing heavily down onto the scale while measuring, this could have contributed to the variation as well. Human errors and mistakes Mistakes could affect the outcome and accuracy of results. Eg. While adding water into the volumetric flask to dissolve the oxalic acid crystals, a student accidentally added a little too much, over the 250cm3 that was intended. This would have over diluted the oxalic acid. This could have been avoided through patience while adding the water into the volumetric flask. This could also have been done slowly and carefully, probably using a pipette towards the end – at the 250cm3 mark. Reading the measurement of the pipette, burette and volumetric flask could have been inaccurate, causing results to be inaccurate and in turn affecting the calculations. Inaccuracy could have been due to improper way of reading the measurement. Students should have bent down slightly with the measurement at eye level. Student`s heads should not be tilted but level with the equipment as well. The measurement should also be read at the parallax, not above or below it. Possibility of contaminated solutions The experiment was conducted with the use of several different solutions. These solutions could have accidentally been mixed in with each other, causing the solution to be contaminated. The results obtained due to this could have been inaccurate, affecting the final results. Being careful with the solutions used would help avoid this. Using clean equipments for each different solution, making sure the solutions that are not meant to be placed together do not get mixed with each other. After the use of some of the equipments, they were to be washed and reused for another solution. The equipments were not dried before being used again; this could have diluted the solution and contaminated it. Drying the equipment each time after it is washed/cleaned would prevent access water and dilution of solutions. Air bubbles When transferring the dissolved oxalic acid into the burette, there were some tiny air bubbles. This would have because the measurement to be inaccurate as the air bubbles would have caused the reading of the solution to be greater than it actually is. Over time when the bubbles removed itself from the solution which would have caused a decrease in solution. The inaccurate measurement reading would have affected the final results of the experiment. The burette could have been left alone for awhile to allow the bubbles to float to the top. Whatever the amount the bubbles made up for, fill the burette up again with the use of a pipette. Transference of solution between equipments When transferring solutions between two or more differing equipments would have caused an increase of decrease in measurement. An inaccurate amount of solution would have affected the results or recorded data. When using a funnel during the transference of solution into the burette, it caused some increase in the desired amount. This is due to the tip of the funnel having some drops of solution left in it and when the funnel was removed, the movement could have caused those drops to drop into the burette, causing an increase in amount of solution. This could be prevented by either slowly removing the funnel or using the funnel up to a certain mark, remove it and fill up to the desired amount with the use of a small pipette – drop by drop. When using the 20mL pipette to transfer the sodium hydroxide into the conical flask, the tip of the nozzle had a drop that was tempted to drop out of the pipette. Avoid touching the sides and move the pipette over the flask slowly would reduce the chances of it dripping out and altering the volume of solution. A small amount of the solution was also stuck at the tip of the nozzle after being emptied. By touching the tip to the side of the flask would help that tiny bit of solution flow out. If possible have the nozzle flat on the side of the flask, this would allow it to flow out smoothly. To avoid or reduce these significant errors, these solutions and improvements should be taken into consideration during future repetition of this experiment. The experiment overall was invalid. Though the values in data collection may have been to a 0.10cm3 difference, the final calculation of the percentage error, 16.87%à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1.74%, was much greater than the desired 1% causing the experiment to be invalid.