Adelphia Scandal and Worldcom Scandal Essay

Basic Questions 1. Rigas Entities were entities that shared a common cash management system with Adelphia and Adelphia subsidiaries, which Adelphia controlled and operated. Since the scandal broke, it is commonly referred as off-the-book entities. 2. EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) is essentially net income with interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization added back to it, and can be used to analyze and compare profitability between companies and industries because it eliminates the effects of financing and accounting decisions.-from Investopedia 3. Self-dealing basically refers to when directors of a company improperly uses company finances or resource for personal gain. This can include directors taking company loans that the directors do not intend to repay, using company money for extraordinary personal use, or using company property for personal gain. See more: Is the Importance of being earnest a satirical play essay Advanced Questions 1. Both Adelphia scandal and WorldCom scandal were not prevented by company’s external auditor, though Deloitte and Touche and Arthur Andersen both rated their client as high risk. As for the differences, Adelphia did not have an independent internal auditor. However, WorldCom had an independent internal auditor and blows the whistle. 2. I will say Deloitte and Touche is most responsible for not detecting and stopping. As an external auditor, they should pay attention to organization’s financial records and examine on any mistakes or fraud. At least, Deloitte and Touche should have stopped Timothy Rigas from serving as CFO and Director of Adelphia’s Accounting Committee. After all, it was obviously against the rules. 3. Timothy Rigas received a reasonable prison sentence as we can see from the WorldCom case; Bernard Ebbers was sentenced to 25 years. As for John Rigas, a former CEO who was guilty of more than 15 counts of fraud. Rationally speak ing, it seems to be a fair judgment. However, it sounds too rough to keep an old man who has been suffered from cancer in jail.

I T Project Implementation Failures

HCS 483 Health care Information System University of Phoenix Kathleen Clark Health care institutes usually take some plans or initiatives designed to improve the performance of the institute or move forward policy through the use of new or present information technologies. Many of these projects engage to accomplishment of a major application system, and often these projects called IT projects. Project is including implanting computerized system, registration, and order entry, scheduling and processing the discharge.Role of the management is very important for any organization to lunch new system or updating for exiting system. Research need to done thoroughly before any kind of implementations start. As a matter of fact managements need follow few steps to introduced new system to employees and customers. †¢ Leader ship †¢ Language and vision †¢ Connection and trust †¢ Incentives †¢ Planning ,implanting ,iterating Memorial Health System hospital was not foll owing those steps in order to get success on their plan. As a result Memorial Health hospital system COPE Implementation failed.Leader ship play big role for any organization. Leader need to be more focused on communication. As a leader have to more open about the change and benefit from change. Resources need to be identifying by the leader. Leader all way resolve the issues and alter the direction as needed. Most important part of being a leader, leader must need to make sure after identify the problem monitoring the progress. Language and vision for the employees need to be understood. Employees must know after the change how it will work and play important role in their everyday work life.Organization might describe the vision, out come from the change which will be patients’ service. Example patients should be able to see the doctors with no waiting time or get an appointment in patients’ convenient time. Connection with medical staffs will help more to get succes s in when implanting new system. Staffs will be more educated by knowing what kind of system hospital trying to bring to improve the patient service. All member of organization must trust each other integrity, intelligence as well as skill of leadership. All members in the organization must need to motivate and supported by leader to adopt change.All change need to plan ahead. Implementation of the plan is obviously necessary problem all way occurs during the implementation. Summer of the paper managing the IT project is changing agenda. Before any change management need to clearly define the projects, time and goals for the change in order to get success for new system. References Karen A. Wager, Frances Wickham Lee, John P. Glaser, Lawton Robert Burns, (2009). Health Care Information Systems. A Practical Approach for Health Care Management (2nd Ed. ). : John Wiley & Sons Inc.

CRJS325 U3IP Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CRJS325 U3IP - Research Paper Example Speculations on the steps to be taken by the officer under different subjective inclinations are therefore discussed and a critical eye is applied thereby providing intervention with response to drug courts and possible sentences that the subjects are exposed to. The end is then characterized by statistical review on achievements of complementary processes such as that applied in this context. New York is observed as the state of concern. The Controlled Substances Act was established as law in 1970 thereby providing a statutory framework which the federal government uses to regulate lawful production, possession or distribution of substances that can be summarized as narcotics, anabolic steroids, stimulants and depressants not forgetting hallucinogens. It is also required of individuals that handle these substances as such drug manufacturers, scientific researchers, wholesale distributors, pharmacies, doctors as well as hospitals should register with the office of the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is stated that such registrants must have detailed records with regards to respective controlled substances and their inventories. This is done parallel to establishing adequate security controls hence minimizing theft and diversions (Kohler-Hausmann, 2010). It has been documented as unlawful for an individual to intentionally possess a controlled substance unless it was obtained in a direct manner as pursuant to laid down regulation that validate prescription of the same. As such, the prescription is done by a professional expert with exceptions of authorization as detailed in Section 844 of the Penalties for simple possession. This instigates that since there are prescribed and narcotics in the house where the house arrest was done, Officer Landonio has the responsibility of questioning the occupants of the house at that time as a means of tracking the source of these controlled substances (Lewis, 2007). Failure to which the mode

Effects of Loss Aversion Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Effects of Loss Aversion - Research Paper Example This gives an explanation of curvilinear shape of prospect theory. The same philosophers argue that people prefer risks to exposing themselves to losses. This theory also explains sunk cost theory. The theory applies that, when one lose $100, he will be more satisfied than a person who losses $100 windfall. In reference to marketing, we make use of trial periods or rebates with the aim of taking advantage of the tendency of the buyers. This is to value the gods more than the incorporation in the status quo (Kahneman, Knetsch, & Thaler 10). It is crucial note that, despite the fact that transactions are framed on losses or gains, is significant to have the following calculation. Is there a discount or a surcharge? Change in price is differently framed and has impacts on loss aversion. In reference traditional economist, loss aversion together with other endowment effect is irrational. This is the reason why they ate highly essential in the field of behavioral finance and marketing. Th is effect was demonstrated together with other effects in a customer reaction study, which related insurance policies and price changes. From the study, they found that prices raises customer reaction twice in case of its alteration (Kahneman, Knetsch, & Thaler 10). Research question This proposal encompasses effects of loss aversion. It also contains different ideas relating to the theory. Objectives To lean all the effects and impacts of loss aversion Methodology This proposal entails ideas from different individuals. This is to ensure that the research is all rounded and is suit for further empirical studies. In reference to results from different philosophers, there is a need to apply different methodologies to ensure to enhance reliability and completeness of the research. These methodologies entail questionnaires, experiments, interviews, surveys among others. These methodologies are applied in different fields of study, in respect with their fitness. In this case, questionnai res will be applicable in instances, where there is some level of specification. The setting of questionnaires will be different in reference with the target group. Questionnaires and interviews are the key research methodologies. However, interviewing is effective in areas where the research expected is to be analyzed with some level of formality. Other methods are supplements of the above methodologies. Literature review Colin Camerer is Rea and Lela Axline professor of business economics at California institute of technology. Camerer investigates decision making with regards to psychophysical considerations. His thesis in this journal is that; St. Petersburg paradox might be explained using loss aversion without concave utility. He goes further to defend it by saying it is theoretically useful; is a principle that can explain many puzzles economically, given that it has the correct psychological foundation. This was published by the American marketing association (Kahneman, Knets ch, & Thaler 11). The author’s main interest is in finding out whether; loss aversion is an expression of fear, or a stable preference fear and properties in loss aversion. According to Camerer, prospect theory has the power to explain how people value risk. A fruitful and parsimonious alternative, to the expected theory of utility is introduced by prospect theory. It as well introduces psychophysical and perceptual perspective in thinking about money, goods and risks. In the findings is a

SHORT STORY QUESTIONS Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SHORT STORY QUESTIONS - Assignment Example In the lines â€Å"and thinking nothing of it† (lines 45-46), the poem expresses how the author seems to want to have that innocence of a child, wondering how it is to be an adult, without any idea of the hardships. 2. Sexton’s life and death can make a reader view the poem as an expression of her unspoken sentiments. It seems Sexton relates to the time when she was young and carefree. Since she went through depression stages in her life, the poem could also be an expression of her thoughts on how she, like a child, tried to overcome the obstacles in her life and take giant steps to attain her goals. II. â€Å"To My Dear and Loving Husband† by Anne Bradstreet 1. In this poem, the line â€Å"If ever two were one, then surely we† is a personal favorite because it denotes the happiness and satisfaction of the wife in her married life. She considers herself one with her husband, which means her daily decisions are based on what is good for the household and th e family, and not merely for a specific individual. It also portrays how effectively the spouses are able to work on their marriage since the wife seems to know that her husband is also as happy as she is. It is a personal favorite because this bliss is a widely-coveted feeling in several unions. 2.

Front-end and back-end processes of office automation Essay

Front-end and back-end processes of office automation - Essay Example The back-end system, on the other hand, serves as the back-up system. The main tasks include organization, administration and maintenance of the data pooled in the system from the front-end. Another indispensable task is analysis of data mainly through the creation of programs that can automatically complete the synthesis of information fundamental to the operation. Thus, the back-end system commonly involves the concluding stage of data processing ("Back-end," 2005; Goldfield, 1987). The typical system that is being utilized is that which involves a network of hardware stations. The main job of the front end of the system is to input the raw data regarding the main task of the establishment. The back-end system, on the other hand, concludes and analyzes the processes involved in the system and produced output for the business. The utilization of the system of automation that employs workflow database technology can perform important advantages in any business establishment. One of the benefits of such system is that can adopt on the basis of the scale of the institution or the business. Thus, the applicability ranges from small business to a large scale and complex operations.

Strategic Choice and Evaluation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategic Choice and Evaluation - Assignment Example Every business organization requires growth for its sustainability, profitability retention and increase in the market share. Growth strategies need to be constantly formulated for the retention of the organization in the existing market and also for its survival. The author of the study will deal with the various facets of growth strategies, which affect the survival of the business enterprises. It will deal specifically with the growth strategies to be recommended for Davivienda bank, which is one of the most esteemed banks of Colombo. The study will also highlight the various alternative growth strategies that have the potentiality of generating huge amount of revenue and also maintain its goodwill in the banking industry. Finally, the studies will conclude with recommendations, which provide the bank an opportunity to expand on a large scale without having to implement time consuming and expensive methods. Overview of Davivienda Bank Being one of the most esteemed and well establ ished banks of Colombo, Davivienda has been able to create a niche for itself in the banking industry and also gain the trust of the customers at the same moment (Davivienda, 2013a). Davivienda is a Colombian bank, which was established in the year 1972 and is known for providing credit to the individuals, organization and also in the rural sector (Davivienda, 2013b). It is regarded as a mortgage and saving banks, which has diversified its business of credit card portfolio and also retail banking services (Davivienda, 2013c). The essence of the bank is that, it provides banking services to the rural sectors and to various other corporate organizations for the betterment of the entire society. Presently, it has more than 21 percent of markets share in the banking industry in the credit card portfolio section. It is also regarded as the third largest financial institutions in Colombia itself. Alternative Growth Strategies & its Significance for Davivienda Bank The decline in the sudde n growth rates of the varied banking organizations in Colombo has had a dampening effect on the Colombian economy and also on the neighboring countries. The sudden decline in the growth rate of the Columbian banks has led to decline in the export –import growth rates also simultaneously. Therefore, growth strategies have become essential for the implementation and expansion of the banks on a large scale and offering tailor made financial products for each of the crisis and situations (Perkowski, 2007).The sales of financial products have been declining worldwide because of the sudden economic slowdown, which has made the customers cautious about investing and dealing in securitization, mortgage portfolio etc. To combat the ill effects of the economic slowdown, Davivienda banks need to adopt certain marketing strategies, which had been instrumental for the growth of other banking institutions. Firstly, the need of the growth strategies needs to be identified with the current s ituational analysis of the internal and external environment (Mills, 2001). After the assessment of the external and internal environmental analysis, the various forms and needs of the alternative growth strategies of the banks need to be identified and evaluated (Rice &

Sexual Offenders Registration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sexual Offenders Registration - Essay Example Registering sexual offenders is similar to indication that they are not welcomed back to society even after serving their sentences. Registering sexual offenders with local authorities amounts to interference with their personal freedoms. Sexual offenders should not be registered with local authorities. Sexual offenders should not be registered with local communities after they serve their sentences whether in prison, juvenile centers or probation centers. When sexual offenders are served with sentences, it means that the justice system has given a ruling that is just both to the offender and the person that was offended. Therefore, when the offender serves his or her sentence and comes back to society, the local authorities should not register them because this is a way of indicating that the sentences they served is not enough and that they have not paid for they did the way they should (Meiners 32). The system of registering sexual offenders is approved because it is seen as one w ay that will prevent sexual offenders from repeating the mistake they did because the local authorities will be able to monitor them. However, this is a wrong assumption because when a sexual offender is sentenced, he or she serves the sentence term while undergoing rehabilitation and treatment where he or she learns that a mistake was done and should never be repeated again. Therefore, rehabilitation and treatment programs are enough because if they offer the right treatment and rehabilitation, then the offender should be able to rehabilitate and live a normal life in the society. Therefore, the need to register them becomes unnecessary. Moreover, in case treatment and rehabilitation programs fail, then registering them for the reason of monitoring will not work in any way. This is because registering a sexual offender does not mean that he or she will be followed anywhere he or she goes or anything they do every time. Therefore, when sexual offenders are served with sentences, whi ch they serve, registration with local authorities is not helpful because the justice programs remain with their records (Levenson, et al. 138). Registering sexual offenders is similar to indication that they are not welcomed back to society even after serving their sentences. Each person does a mistake at a certain point in his or her lives whether it is seen as a serious mistake or a minor one or whether a person knows it or not. However, for people to coexist peacefully in society, forgiveness must exist where people forgive each other for the mistakes they do at one point. Without this, the society will be a place of commotions where people cannot live peacefully. Thus, registering sexual offenders with local authorities amounts to stating that the sexual offenders are not forgiven and they are not welcomed back in society. The justice system has a role in the society to provide justice for everyone irrespective of whether one is an offender or the offended person. When the just ice system serves a sentence to sexual offenders, this should be enough for the sexual offenders to serve their sentence, undergo through rehabilitation and treatment and integrate with the society without difficulty. Registering offenders makes them feel unwanted in the society because of a mistake they may have done knowingly or unknowingly. In fact, registering offenders is like putting those who were sentenced wrongly, those who actually did it knowingly, and others unknowingly

Major city recycling initiatives Essay Example for Free

Major city recycling initiatives Essay The population of the world continues to increase dramatically, further pushing the need for our world to adopt resource conservation as a way of life. Between 1950 and 2010, the U.S. population nearly doubled (conner) Recycling efforts must focus on water, energy, paper, metal, aluminum cans, glass, plastic, Styrofoam, steel, junk mail, garbage, tires, and even food. Although there is no federal mandate for recycling, many states have passed laws mandating that communities provide the facilities for people to recycle. Recycling efforts have taken hold in large cities. For example, recycling is the law in New York City. Resident, schools institutions, agencies, and all commercial businesses must recycle. All street evets,including block parties and street fairs, are required to recycle. Non-compliance with recycling regulations is punishable by fines starting at $25 and increasing to $500 for repeat violations (bloom 15-20). Electronic waste is a growing problem for our technological world. Proper disposal of computer, monitors, televisions, cell phone, and other ‘techno-trash’ presents its own challenges. Conservative estimates put the number of obsolete electronics that are simply thrown away at over three billion units per year (chang 40-51). These electronic devices contain heavy metals and other toxins. Harmful toxins which, when released into the environment, can contaminate our water, land and air. Lead, mercury, and cadmium are large cities are working to address this global e-waste crisis caused by improper computer and electronic recycling. Cities all across the country have implemented recycling programs. Since there is no national law that mandates recycling, state and local governments set recycling laws. California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont have passed laws that establish deposits and refunds on bottles and cans for beverages. Cities such as Seattle and New York impose fines for violating recycling laws. What canyou do to advance recycling in your community? Bibliography bloom, mike i., and rose w. arbole. new york gets serious abouts trash. municipal news 12-34.Print chang, arnold t. throing out the pc. new york: cengage learning, n.d.Print conner, john T. our population explosion. 0web28 may 2012 www.epa.gov.

Ib Theatre Ri Noh Costume Essay Example for Free

Ib Theatre Ri Noh Costume Essay Noh is known as the classical lyrics drama of Japan. Noh is a combination of serveral dance and drama forms that came before it. (Noh and Kyogen) It embraces the peoples love for the religious and cultral traditions that involve the mix of Japanese Dengaku and Sarugaku (which is a mix between a style of dance and mime). (Noh and Kyogen) Noh is fundamentally a symbolic theatre that focuses on the representation and appreciation of ritual traditions and the appreciation of culture. A tradtitional romantic play in Noh theater is Hanjo (Lady Han). The story of Hanjo is about a yujo named Hanago that works in an inn. A man named Yoshida no Shosho came into the inn for the night on his journey east. Hanago and Yoshida no Shosho fell in love and exchanged fans before he leaves for his journey. After Shosho is gone Hanago becomes nicknamed Hanjo becuase of her deranged and obsessive love for Shosho with the only memories of him being his fan. In this love story, the fans are a representation of the giving of their hearts to one another (connecting to the plot of which this story was derived from); in which the only memory that the women has of her lost lover is the fan. Throughout the play Hanjo constantly has Shoshos fan in her posession and the more she waves the fan in the play, the more deranged she becomes thoughout the play. (Keene) One of the main aspects of Noh theater is the use of masks and to a Noh actor, the mask gives the actor behind the mask the responsibilty to be the living embodiment of the qualities he is called upon to represent. Toki) The masks in No theater that are commonly usedare the masks that were created between the fourteenth century and the seventeenth century and are prefered to be used in a performance rather than modern mask for the modern mask lacking in origionality compared to the classic. (Toki) In Noh theater, generally the Shite (main actor/ protagonist) actor is the only actor masked in the play, but in certain instances the Shitez-zure (assistant of the Shite) will also wear a mask but only when representing a female character. Toki) Even though the Shite is the only actor to be wearing a mask, the Shite will not wear a mask when representing a character in a earthly or a realistic piece of work and theatrical make-up is rerely and often not used during Noh performances. (Toki) The most common masks that are used are masks that represent female characters. The female mask are used to represent women of all ages and symbolize at times the beauty of the women or the ghost/ spirits of dead women. Toki) Different masks are used to represent the three main type of women, which are catagorized by age. (Toki) Young women are represented by ko-omote, magojiro, and waka-onna; the middle-Aged women are represented by Shakumi, Fukai, and Zoh; and finally the Old women are represented by uba and rojo. (Toki) Yet on occasion the Hannya mask is used in order to represent the vengeful women and conveys negative expressions and attitude. (Toki) When it comes to the costume design for Noh performances there are four different catagorities that the costumes can be organized into: costumes that are worn as undergarments, those worn over the under garments, costumes resembling skirts, and costumes that divide the actors upper section and the lower section of the body. (Toki) A Shite costume with five layers and outer garment of brocade creates an imposing figure on stage that can be even more imposing when a red or white wig is added. (Toki) A very typical gown style worn by women is the Karaori, which is woven with threads of gold, silver and other colors. Toki) Like most costumes in Noh theater, the use of color is major in determining the characters in the play. (Toki) Using red in the color scheme of any of the costume is best fit for a young character. (Toki) The most common costume for woman characters is the kinagashi (worn flowing), as well as the most common way of wearing kimono. (Toki) The outer robe over the under robe hanging from the shoulds to the ground and tied at the waist. (Toki) Another costume in Noh theater is the nuihaku (embroidery, foil) that can be used for both male and female characters. Komparu) A short-sleeved robed with a gold-foil or a silver- foil woven into the costume and embroidery, taking on the style of the satin-weave base. (Komparu) This costume is worn in the style of the koshimaki and includes the aslpects of being draped down from the waist, also resembling the nugi-sage. (Komparu) The nugi-sage (removed and draped) is a costume that will often symbolize a women that is mad. The right sleeve of the outer robe is removed and draped down the back, representing the decaying mind state of the women that is becoming mentally unfit. Komparu) Karaori (Chinese Weave), even though being influenced by the woven style of Chinese clothing is a good representation of Japanese Noh costumes. (Komparu) The robes can be manipulated in order to classify the different characters. It could either include the traditional color red in order to represent the young women characters or can be used without red in order to symbolise the middle-aged and older characters. In order to create the representation of a womens skin, resort to the surihaku (foil applique). Komparu) Using the same style of the short-sleeved nuihaku with the gold-foil or silver-foil being woven into the costume with red indicates that the character is a woman. (Komparu) Another critical representation of women characters are the styles of katsura (wigs) supported by the katsura obi (wig bands). (Komparu) The narrow bands are long strands that are tied around the outside of the wig and are left hanging down the actors back. (Komparu) The bands still include the aspects of the gold-foil or silver-foil with the choice of red or not. The koshi obi (hip bands) can be used for both male and female characters. (Komparu) This resembles the mizu-goromo or is used with nuihaku in the style of koshimaki (draped from the waist). (Komparu) This costume is wrapped around the hips over a three quarter length. The tradtional styles of wigs that are used to indicate women character are the katsura, which is generally tied back or can be lengenthed to be the naga-katsura- (long wig) by attaching the long hair to a small square cloth and tied onto the actors head then rearranged for the performances. Other styles include the kasshiki-katsura (the religious wig), the midare-bin (untidy or disordered wig), and the uba-katsura (old womans wig). (Komparu) For the costume design for Hanjo there are certain aspects from each of the traditional costumes that could come together to create a beautiful costume along with conveying ,the character, Hanjo going mad without her lover, Shosho. The most fitting costume style would be the mugi-sage (removed and draped), which is generally known for symbolizing the concept of a mad woman with the disordanized and rugged look of the right sleeve of the outer robe slipped of and left to hang down the back of the character. The colors of the robe would include the same aspects of the nuihaku and the surihaku with the silver-foil woven into the fabric and the traditional red to indicate that the character is a young woman. The headress of Hanjo would include the idare-bin (disheveled tresses) style of wig in order to help convey the slow affect of Hanjo becoming mad without her lover; and the traditional katsura obi (wig band) with a red trim will support the headress itself and the concept of a female character. For props, Hanjo will hold bamboo grass in her hand which symbolizes a mad women. Along with the bamboo grass, Hanjo will hold a fan that will be a representation of Shoshos fan that she recieved and will be used to be waved more rapidly to symbolize Hanjos madness.

Business Communication Report of Hotel

Business Communication Report of Hotel Business Communication Report: A case study on King and Queen Hotel Suits Mt. Taranaki Resort Mahendernath Chivukula Contents (Jump to) Introduction 1. Organisational Culture 2. Leadership styles 3. Communicating business information 4. Eliminating barriers in communication within the teams 5. Team Work 6. Conflict Conflict resolution policy Conclusion Works Cited Introduction The King and Queen Hotel suites is a world class boutique hotel in New Plymouth that is offering various facilities to its customers since 2013. Since they are already into this business, now the management and the owners of the company decided to expand their business by opening new hotel Mt Taranaki Resort with recreational facilities along with hotel facilities. This report contains information about the management plans for the development of the business in order to give exceptional service to their customers at both the properties. This report explains how the company and employees absorb different cultures, leadership style, communicating business information, eliminating communication barriers, team work and resolving conflicts between the team members. As the Director of Human Resource it is my responsibility to convey the information efficiently to all the team members who are working with the organisation. To achieve the organisational goals effective communication paly major role. So there should be guidelines to the staff and the management to run the operations smoothly while delivering exceptional service to their customers. 1. Organisational Culture Organisation culture is the values and behaviour that contribute a unique social and psychological environment to an organization. It includes an organization’s expectations, experience and values that hold together. It helps to express its self-image, internal working conditions, interaction with other organizations and future expectations. It is based on attitudes, beliefs, written and unwritten rules that help to develop over time and considered to be valid. It is also called as corporate culture that shows the organisations how it conducts its business, treating its employees, in which extent freedom is allowed in decision-making, encouraging innovations, how the power and communication flow through its hierarchy and how employees are committed to achieve the organisational goals. (Businessdictionary.com, 2015) In hospitality industry where people live and work together with different cultures. It believes values and attitudes define the company. Since the staff directly serves people, so customers can judge our company every time they interact with the staff. So managing our culture is very important to deliver the right image or to leave good impression every time on the company. (Reinhart, 2015) The King and Queen Hotel suites is a world-class boutique in New Plymouth and the owner’s plan to develop the business, taking this into prospect the Mission and values of Mt Taranaki Resort would as followed. Our Mission: Our guest: We should be committed to meet and exceed the expectation of our guest with continuous dedication to every aspect of service. Our Family: we are committed to growth and development of our employees. Our stakeholders: We will create amazing value for our stakeholders. (Oberoihotels.com, n.d.) Our Values: Our team members should follow five core values to achieve the organisational goals and for self-development it is S.C.R.I.P.T S. C – The Spirit of Conquest R – Respect I – Innovation P – Performance T – Trust Our employee should come up with new ideas, their performance should be key to success, respect different cultural background people and last but not the least trust is the base of the management. (Values- Accor, n.d.) As the Director of Human Resource I would incorporate the above mission and values in the King and Queen Hotel Suites Mt Taranaki Resort to all the employees to ensure that both entities have the same brand. I will build this culture by recruiting the right people for the right job and ensure each and every person who recruited will under go an Induction programme were in a training sessions would be conducted on the core values of the organisation and would measure it by collecting feedback from all the employees and look at the end result i.e. to achieve organisational goals. 2. Leadership styles A leader is an individual who leads the group of people in an organisation or a person who as ability to do this. Leadership involves vision, sharing it with his sub ordinates, providing information, knowledge and methods to achieve that vision. To coordinate and balance the conflicts between all the team members. A leader who steps in when there is crisis situation and think creatively to solve the issue. These skills are not taught though it can enhance through training and mentoring. There are different styles, which exist in work environment. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Every organisation has its own leadership styles that are depended on the necessary task to complete the needs. (Businessdictionary.com, 2015) The different leadership styles are as followed. Laissez- Faire Autocratic Participative Laissez – Faire: A leader who lacks direct supervision of employees and could not able to provide regular feedback to those who work under him. Highly experienced employees who require little supervision fall under this style. However not all fall under this style. This leadership style produces no leadership or supervision efforts from managers that lead to lack of control and cost. (Johnson, 2015) Autocratic: This leadership style allows managers to make decision alone without any interruptions. It is also known as authoritative style leads who impose their will to employees. This helps employees who require close supervision. (Johnson, 2015) Participative: This style values the inputs of team members but the responsibility of making decision would be with the leader. This style boost employee morally because employees make contribution to the decision making process. If the organisation wants to do any changes this style helps employees accept changes easily because they participate in the decision process. (Johnson, 2015) As a Director of Human resources of King and Queen Hotel Suites Mt Taranaki Resort, we will ensure that the organisation always encourage participative leadership style and focus on employees by providing training on taking initiative, critical thinking, listening effectively, motivate others, discipline, constant learning, handling conflicts and to be a follower. So a good leadership should have all the essential elements, which are mentioned above to develop in career. And a constant feedback will be provided to the employees. The key for successful leadership is to be participative not authoritative/ autocratic. So we will ensure that all staff at King and Queen Hotel Suites will participate in the development of new hotel Mt Taranaki resorts. 3.  Communicating business information Communication plays a major role in any organisation and there are many ways that people communicate in the workplace. As we work in hospitality industry where we will handle different guest, internal communication plays major role to deliver the service. It is know that 75 to 80 percent of managers in hotel industry spend their time on written and oral communication. To be successful in the industry each and every employee should be aware of different communication methods and to know which one to be used effectively according to task required. The different types of communication used in hotels are face-to-face communication, emails, notice boards, team briefings, departmental meetings etc. (Sheahan, 2015) As the director of human resource manger for King and Queen Hotel suites Mt Taranaki Resort will try to ensure that staff are communicated well with the company’s vision, mission, its objectives and taking there company a level ahead. The communication strategies that can use at King and Queen Hotel suites and Mt Taranaki resorts for effective communication are as followed. Internal communication Marketing communication Communication with stakeholders Monitoring Nonverbal messages Internal communication: In this strategy the organisation has to communicate with their employees, managers and contractors. Jargons should be avoided in emails, notice boards and letters considering the level of knowledge of from bottom level employee to top level. Employees can give feedback or ask any question for the information they received from management. Marketing communication: Communicating marketing information to employees can influence the end result of the organisation. It will improve the business of the organisation. So employees should have information on the development of Mt Taranaki Resort and can give their inputs for growth. Communication with stakeholders: An organisation should have good communication with their stakeholders because they are the key role for the success of their business. Monitoring Non verbal messages: Most of the frontline staff in hotel industry communicates with their guest non-verbally through their body language, appearance, by monitoring non-verbal message the organisation can match non-verbal with verbal ones. (Johnston, 2015) 4.  Eliminating barriers in communication within the teams: There are lot of communication barriers in an organisation. In any workplace there should be clear, open communication. As a manager my job is to break down the barriers to communication within the teams. Steps to over come the barriers are as followed. Encourage awareness of misinterpretation of written words, and insist every employee to crystal clear. Differences in perspective – to over come this barrier we need to mind it before it begins. We have to be clear by outlining clear plans and step-by-step expectations of what required from each and every employee. A lack of trust – to over come this problem team building activities to be conducted to staff. So by building teamwork we can improve over all communication. Distractions – to over come this problem staff has to do everything possible to eliminate distractions within the teams. Information overload – sometimes too much information to staff can lead to misunderstanding and no clarity on message. To over come this barrier information should be essential one, ensuring there is no misunderstanding. (The Managers Minute, 2012) As a HR Manager I would need to be a proactive individual and construct multi-layered environment to take out any boundaries that may emerge and to keep the pattern going on the inn we would need take a gander at a wide range of requirements and needs of the representatives and making them blend with diverse societies so easily that they have exceptionally constrained measure of the obstructions in correspondence. 5.  Team Work Teamwork plays major role in any organisation which increase performance of employees, employee unity and organisation culture. Team members use teamwork to perfect ideas off of one another to develop the organisation goals. It helps to solve the problem-solving situation with help of multiple ideas from team members. Teamwork is the backbone of effective communication within the organisation. It helps to promote conversation between team members to do one task. When employee work together as a team each and every one can learn from one another. Employees from different departments can learn information from each other regarding the limitations and possibilities of those departments. (Marquis, 2015) Team building skills are essential for every employee in the organisation whether he is a manager, supervisor or staff. Basic team building skills can determine the success of an organisation. Our company promotes teamwork to create environment that lead to greater productivity and creativity. Following are the 8 strategies for King and Queen Hotel suites Mt Taranaki for effective team building: Common Goal: An organisation with multiple goals cannot reach its agendas. Our company has single goal i.e. exceeding the expectation of our guest by delivering 100% service. We as a team should ensure that all work towards our single goal to and achieve excellent customer satisfaction. Clarity Goal: All communication passed within the organisation should be clarity so that team members can understand overall purpose. Commitment from each team member: All members should work as a productive team, there has to be a commitment from each team member to achieve the company goal. Do What You Do Best: The purpose of teamwork is to group of people work together to accomplish the task. So each and every individual has to give his or her best out to the team. It’s Not About You: The hardest attitude to handle in assuming a part on a group is that its not about you. It not about your resume, what others will believe, its about assuming a part to fulfil the objective or undertaking that has been given. The hardest test to any task lead or supervisor is getting a gathering on people to capacity as a group and spot their own aspirations to the side. You Have Got to Talk Each Other: It is very important to have good communication within the team members to know about the task given to them. In recent times there are frequent tools that are used to communicate like email, mobile phones, social media and property management system to team members. Work as a Team, Play as a Team: As we all spend most of the time by working together in our company team members have to anticipate what others will do and how they will respond. This can only happen by being together. Everyone cannot Lead: Each task will have a supervisor. There are numerous approaches to pick a supervisor. A few managers decide to choose by a individual area of skill or their capacity to convey and oversee activities and individuals. The perfect circumstance is to delegate to a person that is talented in both ranges. (Finch, 2007) 6.  Conflict Organisational conflict is often result of a disagreement between two or more people in a company. It can also exist outside the organisation this usually involves one or more companies in the business environment. (Vitez, 2015) Conflict resolution policy In our company if there is any presence of conflict it can be serious issue that needs immediate resolution. If team members appear not to be interacting as cooperatively as we think. The company will engage those team members in conflict resolution solution. Our company has some strategies to over come this conflict situation. It will aid the team members in putting them in the following conflict resolution strategies. Discussion – conflict arises due to lack of communication if the team members are not having conversation with their other members. To over come this employee has to set up time for a discussion. Written communication – if any issue escalated one of the employees has lost temper, written communication may effective way of breaking down this conflict situation. Each employee can write a letter to each other by outlining the problem. By writing letter instead of face-to-face conversation benefit is can select careful words. It also make sure that the exchange doesn’t erupt into yelling. Meditation – conflicts cant work it out together without the intermission of third party. It can over come by arranging training sessions by third party to employees. It allows employees to sit down and can assist them in working out their problems. Compromise – employees has to give little and take little by compromising between the two. They can sit down with the manager and discuss the problem between two employees, arranging compromises instead of just choosing one employee interest over the other by this company can reduce likelihood one staff member feels slighted by the way in which conflict was resolved. Voting – simple way to resolve conflict is by voting, it is the most effective method. (Schreiner, 2015) Conclusion An organisation Culture is which empowers an organisation to understand the way of life that needs to be advised to the employees which empowers them to wind up pioneers who can take the organisation to the following level with the assistance of conveying the business data to the workers by diminishing the correspondence boundaries which can never be killed/ overcome for all time as the obstructions could emerge at any given circumstance. Teamwork is one of the vital parts of the business without cooperation no organisation can work through to the goals, mission and vision. Conflict resolution is one of the real territories that need to be determined on regular premise as conflicts could emerge at no given time. An approach has been made and imparted to the staff at the time of joining or at the time of their exchange, with the goal that there can be a determination rather that a huge case. Works Cited Businessdictionary.com. (2015). Retrieved April 2, 2015, from www.businessdictionary.com: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/organizational-culture.html Reinhart, C. (2015). Smallbusiness.chron.com. Retrieved April 2, 2015, from www. smallbusiness.chron.com: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/organizational-culture-hospitality-industry-12969.html Oberoihotels.com. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2015, from www.oberoihotels.com: http://www.oberoihotels.com/about-us/mission-vision.aspx Values- Accor. (n.d.). Accor.com. Retrieved April 3, 2015, from www.accor.com: http://www.accor.com/en/group/accor-company-profile/values.html Businessdictionary.com. (2015). Retrieved April 5, 2015, from www.businessdictionary.com: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/leadership.html Johnson, R. (2015). Smallbusiness.chron.com. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from www.smallbusiness.chron.com: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/5-different-types-leadership-styles-17584.html Sheahan, K. (2015). smallbusiness.chron.com. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from www.smallbusiness.chron.com: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/business-communication-methods-115.html Johnston, K. (2015). Strategies for effective communication. Retrieved from Chron: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/strategies-effective-communication-57218.html The Managers Minute. (2012). nationalseminarstraining.com. Retrieved April 6, 2015, from www.nationalseminarstraining.com: https://www.nationalseminarstraining.com/managersminute/MGRMIN_0612/article3.cfm Marquis, A. (2015). smallbusiness.chron.com. Retrieved April 7, 2015, from www.smallbusiness.chron.com: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-teamwork-organizations-14209.html Finch, D. (2007, August 5). davidsfinch.com. Retrieved April 7, 2015, from www.davidsfinch.com: http://www.davidsfinch.com/2007/08/8-basic-strategies-for-effective-team-building.html Vitez, O. (2015). ehow.com. Retrieved April 8, 2015, from www.ehow.com: http://www.ehow.com/facts_6763652_definition-organizational-conflict.html Schreiner, E. (2015). smallbusiness.chron.com. Retrieved April 8, 2015, from www.smallbusiness.chron.com: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/five-types-conflict-resolution-strategies-19251.html

The Giver :: essays research papers

The Giver Essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Have you ever felt like starting all over again? Many people would like to have the opportunity to make a new beginning. In the book, The Giver, by Lois Lowry, Jonas is making a new beginning by making an end.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jonas is making an end by leaving the community. He leaves with Gabriel because he wants to experience true things outside the community. He was very hurt in the community because he could not share his feelings. He wanted to be able to share and experience his feelings with other people. He feels the community does many things that are bad or wrong. Jonas doesn’t seem to like what happens to people when they are released. He wants to change many ways people in the community are treated. Jonas makes a great a choice by leaving the community.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jonas opens up many opportunities and choices when he leaves the community. â€Å"Jonas sobbed and shouted and pounded the bed with his fist† (Lois Lowry pg 152). Jonas is obviously angry in the situation he is in and with the choices he is given. He wants to have the privilege to make his own choices which he will be able to do outside the community. He can now find peace since he was able to leave and make his own choices . The choices will give Jonas a chance to find a job and other things that are important to his life. Jonas would finally be able to be happy with himself and what he has. It is good for Jonas to be able to have opportunities and choices.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jonas is making a beginning outside of the community. â€Å"Soon there were many birds along the way, soaring overhead calling† (Lois Lowry pg 172). Jonas can finally make his own decisions. Jonas could have all the privileges the community took away.

Lift, Weight, Thrust And Drag :: essays research papers

One of the first things that is likely to be noticed during a visit to the local airport is thewide variety of airplane styles and designs. No matter what each looks like like they alldepend on the the same four factors which are lift, weight, thrust, and drag Lift is the upward force created by the effect of airflow as it passes over and under the wings. It supports the airplane in flight. Weight opposes lift. It is caused by the downward pull of gravity. Thrust is the forward force which propels the airplane through the air. It varies with the amount of engine power being used. Opposing thrust is drag, which is a backward, or retarding, force that limits the speed of the airplane.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lift is the key aerodynamic force. It is the force that opposes weight. In straight-and-level, unaccelerated flight, when weight and lift are equal, an airplane is in a state of equilibrium. If the other aerodynamic factors remain constant, that airplane neither gains nor loses altitude. When an airplane is stationary on the ramp, it is also in equilibrium, but the aerodynamic forces are not a factor. In calm wind conditions, the atmosphere exerts equal pressure on the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. Movement of air about the airplane, particularly the wing, is necessary before the aerodynamic force of lift becomes effective. During flight, however, pressures on the upper and lower surfaces of the wing are not the same. Although several factors contribute to this difference, the shape of the wing is the principal one. The wing is designed to divide the airflow into areas of high pressure below the wing and areas of comparatively lower pressure above the wing. This pressure differential, which is created by movement of air about the wing, is the primary source of lift.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The weight of the airplane is not a constant. It varies with the equipment installed, passengers, cargo, and fuel load. During the course of a flight, the total weight of the airplane decreases as fuel is consumed. Additional weight reduction may also occur during some specialized flight activities, such as crop dusting, fire fighting, or sky diving flights. The direction in which the force of weight acts is constant. It always acts straight down toward the center of the earth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thrust is the forward-acting force which opposes drag and propels the airplane. In most airplanes, this force is provided when the engine turns the propeller.

Macro-Environment Analysis of Italy and 12 C Frameworks

Executive summary The assignment starts with an introduction and Macro-environment analysis of Italy and 12 C frameworks. Macro environment is based on economic factors, social cultural forces, political and technological things that affect the organisation inside. It is important for a company to identify the possible political risk s in the country. Political risk is based on changes in the political environment that may have a direct impact on business.The political factors have influence on the tax that the business has to paid, the currency of the country and the business procedures that need to be carried out in order to be able to open a business in Italy. The economic factors are indicative of the economic stability of the country and are based on the GDP, the global rank of doing business, the influence of tourism. The social environment includes the cultural differences between Italy and the US and is based on people behaviour, the capacity to pay and the employment recruit ment process.The report shows that people have changed their habits and life style to lower-cost activities as a result of the recession. The technology factors describe the advantages of using e –marketing. The clothes/apparel market is analysed. This is an important factor as it shows who the main leaders in the market are. Porter Five Forces Module helps to identify the competition based on potential entrants, buyers power, substitutes, suppliers and competitive rivalry. The second part describes the principal challenges that the Italian market presents to the company in selling its products.The third part is about the possible entry module for Forever 21. The entry module is often selected according to the organisational development. The final part is about the marketing mix and the elements that Forever 21 needs to adapt to. List of contents page Executive summary 2 List of contents 3 Introduction 4Geographical area 4 Political factors 4-5 Economic factors 5-6 Soci al environment factors 7 Technologies factors 8-9 Foster five forces 9 Task 2 9-10 Task 3 Module entry 10-11 Task 4 Marketing mix 10-11 Bibliography 12-13 Appendix 1: Starting a business in Italy 14 Appendix 2: Business procedures 14 Appendix 3: Country comparison 14 Graph 1 Europe retail industry segment 2009 14 Graph 2 Italy Apparel industry 15 Appendix 4 Hofsteade module of culture 15 Appendix 5 Advertising media in Italy 16 Introduction Forever 21 is a fashion shop which is aimed at the 16-to 35-year-olds. The target customers are the teenagers and the young adults. The company is specialised in the retailing of clothes, footwear and accessories for women. Forever 21 is looking to open a store in Italy.To be able to do this it needs to analyse the Italian market. The use of macro environment analysis and 12 C framework will help the business decide whether or not to open a store there. Geographical area Italy has an important geo-political location. It is situated in South -Central Europe. To the North it borders with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, which means easy access in terms of doing business with these countries. It is a member of Europe Union (BBC article country profile 2011). Forever 21 can use ship vessels or air transportation to transfer their products to Italy. Political factors The Prime Minister of the country is Silvio Berlusconi.The current government of Silvio Berlusconi has a majority in Parliament, which makes it possible for him to carry out a number of reform measures and make the main decisions for the country (Data Monitor 2011). Developing close ties with theUS The Italian government has been co-operating with the US in the formulation of defense, security and peace-keeping policies. This shows that these two countries enjoy good relations. This is an advantage for Forever 21 because this company originally came from the US , so that it shouldn’t be a problem for an US Company to open a store in Italy. Curr ency The currency that is used in Italy is the Euro.This mean as that it wouldn’t be difficult for the company to exchange US dollars into Euros because Forever 21 has already had experience in this aspect in Dublin. There are various policies that need to be followed in order to sell apparel in Italy. The foreign investment laws of Italy are similar to those of other EU countries ( Datamonitor 2011). So it shouldn’t be a problem for a foreign company from any of the EU member countries to operate a business there. Taxes VAT is another important factor that any business has to face. VAT is indirect taxation which is collected for the government by the seller who is able to add percentage to the basic price of the product.Italian value-added tax (VAT) is at a standard rate of 20% which is applied on the sales value of all goods (Economic Watch 2011). VAT is payable by all manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and most service and transport businesses. Contractual obliga tion These are the procedures that need to be observed in order to start a business in Italy. The normal commission that needs to be paid is a deposit of 25% of the amounts contributed in cash with a bank. The other thing is to pay a government grant tax to the post Office which costs 310 euro and finally register online with the Register of Enterprises. Appendix 1 shows that Italy is ranked on 68-th place in starting a business.Appendix 2 shows the business procedures, times and days that have to be observed. Economic factors Since 2008, the country has been under the influence of the global recession. The economic record shows a negative growth rate of -1%. The recession has had a negative impact on the country by declining exports and reducing consumer spending. In 2010, the economy showed some signs of recovery based on the GDP growing at a rate of 0. 6 compared to -1% in 2008. In 2011, the economy expects to rise by 1 % ( Datamonitor 2011). Appendix 3 shows that Italy is ranked on 8-th place with relation to GDP. â€Å"The Economy Set to Go from Worse to Bad†. This means the economy doing well, it has managed to recover after the recession.Italy has been playing a significant role in the world economy and is one of the founding members of the EU community. It is the seventh largest economy in the world and the fourth in Europe in terms of GDP, which stood at $1. 11 trillion in 2009 (Datamonitor 2011). This can serve as evidence that the country has a good economic stability. The World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Global Competitiveness Report for 2010/2011 ranked Italy 48th out of 139 countries. As a world seventh largest economy, located within the European Union, there is a strong competition for a market share in all Italian industries and service sectors. This means it could be difficult for Forever 21 to deal with the high competition.The World Bank’s Doing Business Report 2011 ranked Italy 80th out of 183 countries. This shows that the re are good conditions for doing business there. The high ranking includes the legal environment for businesses and the easy way that a business may be formed and operated in the country. Tourim The country’s main economic sectors are tourism, fashion, motor vehicles and food. Tourism is one of the fastest growing and profitable sectors of the country: with 43. 7  million international tourist arrivals and total receipts estimated at $42. 7  billion, Italy is the fourth highest tourism earner and the fifth most visited country in the world (BBC country report 2011). This makes tourism a big contributor to Italy’s economy.This intensive tourism is an advantage for Forever21 because tourists could be some of their customers, taking into consideration that lower-price items are offered by the company. If the company attracts tourists as buyers, this will facilitate its popularity because more people may hear about this brand and thus make it easily recognised around t he world. The Italian economy is separated into a developed industrial North, dominated by private companies and a less developed South. Italy's northern region is the richest and one of the most expensive in Europe, while the southern region is known as the â€Å"Mezzogiorno†, where there is high unemployment. This means it may benefit the company if it opens a store in the southern parts.This will create job opportunities for unemployed people and the costs of operating the business should be less expensive in this area (World Fact Book 2011). It is very important for a business to carefully choose the location because on it will depend how profitable and successful this business can be in future. Comparatively high tax The tax rates in Italy are very high. The local tax rate is 3. 9%, this making the effective tax rate 31. 4% which is higher than the other EU countries where the average is 25. 04% ( Datamonitor 2011). This means that when the company opens a store in Italy it will have to pay higher taxes than in other EU countries. Social and environment factors CultureCulture has an important impact on how effectively the organisation operates and has an important implication as to employee motivation. Culture can differ from business to business. Failures can increase significantly when dealing with people whose values, beliefs, customs and first language are different from your own (Hoecklin 1995). However, if a company can manage amidst different cultural environments, this could lead to innovative business practices faster and provide tangible benefits which can be used competitively. It is important for Forever 21 to identify the cultural differences between the US and Italy in order to be successful with the business. Hofsteade 1995 module helps to analyse the differences based onPower Distance, Long Term Orientation, Individualism, Masculinity and Uncertainty Avoidance. In Appendix 4, it is shown that the US have high rank on Individualism, which means that in a business perspective an organisation is not expected to look after its employees – rather the employees are expected to defend their own interests. Italy has a high rank on Uncertainty avoidance, which means that Italians are less risk-taking people. These are some aspects that are specific for the Italian culture. The official language that is spoken there is Italian. It will be difficult to start a business in Italy if you don’t know the Italian language (Hofsteade1984).According to Lewis analysis, the saying ’’Time is money† is not a popular phrase in Italy. They do not make business decisions quickly, they do take their time. All foreign businesses should be aware of the fact that it could take longer time before they come to a decision. Italy has developed a reputation for producing high quality luxury goods. Fashion and fashion designs are trademarks of Italy. Therefore, in the business world, good clothes are a signature of success (Hofsteade 1984). This is based on consumer behavior analysis. That brand loyalty exists is a fact. This shows that Forever21 clothes may not be very successful in the Italian market.However, the recession has affected the consumer habits, as the Italian economy has been slow to recover and the unemployment rate continued to rise from 6. 2% in 2007 to 8. 4% in 2010. Appendix 3 shows that the country takes the 98-th place in terms of high unemployment and that there is 1. 4% inflation. Opening a store there would create job opportunities. Capacity to pay Italians have adapted their habits and lifestyles to lower-cost activities during the economic downturn, which benefited supermarkets or hypermarkets (The World Fact Book 20110). In 2010, consumers became more price sensitive, in both the grocery and non-grocery channels. This is an example of switching costs, it means consumers are able to transfer their customs to new players.Employment recruitment process Hiring employ ees in Italy must be taken into account before starting a business. You must enter into a contract under the Italian Labor Law and employees enjoy extensive rights. If you buy an existing business, you may be required to take on existing staff who cannot be dismissed, otherwise high redundancy compensation have to be paid. It’s very expensive to hire employees, because, in addition to salaries, you must pay an additional amount of around 50% in social security contributions, 13 and possibly 14 months’ salary, five or six weeks paid annual holiday, plus pay for public holidays, sickness, maternity (Datamonitor 2011).This shows that hiring employees in Italy will be more expensive than in the other EU countries in which Forever 21 has already opened stores. Technologies Internet retailing experienced the highest value growth of all retail channels in 2010. A significant proportion of sales shifted from store-based to Internet retailing. The main underlying reason for thi s was that the Internet is still considered as a low-price retail channel, based on fact that Internet retailing enjoys the lowest travel and transport cost, and allows price comparisons between many competitors (Euromonitor 2010). The benefit of using e-marketing in selling goods and services online allows you to enter the global market and is saving you money in terms of overhead charges (Gaudin 2002).A well designed website with friendly pages may persuade users. Forever 21. com is an example of a well designed web-site. It is divided into various sections, according to the items that the company sells, such as shoes, dresses, featured items, sales, accessories, etc. This makes it easy and quick for customers to find what they are looking for (Forever21). Choices It is important for the company to analyse the clothes market for this will help the business identify how risky it may be to open a store there. The retail industry includes all menswear, women’s wear and childre n wear such as: tops, underwear, coach, jeans, jackets, dresses and skirts for girls.Graph1 shows that Italy holds 17. 4% of the clothes market. This grants the country the second place in Europe in the retail industry, after Germany which has 19. 5%. The European apparel industry is an important economic factor, based on trade, employment, investment and revenue all over the world (Dtamonitor 2010). Concentration – Market value Women’s wear is the largest segment of the apparel retail industry in Italy, accounting for 54. 9% of the market value in comparison with men’s wear, which has 31. 7% ( Datamoninor 2010) – see Graph 2. This means women buy more clothes than men do. This is a good factor for Forever 21 because their products are not targeted at men.The retail industries in Italy have declined in 2008 and are expected to recover over 2011 (Datamonitor 2010 ). This is a result from the recession – as consumers’ incomes fail, they have l ess money to spend on clothes than before. There will be a growing demand for discount apparel retail stores that provide low-cost output fashion. Porter five forces module can help identify the degree of competition based on potential entrants, buyers power, substitutes, suppliers and competitive rivalry. This analysis will reduce the risk of high competition by identifying the competitors strategies for the future. Forever21 can apply some of these strategies and use them in their own business. SuppliersKey suppliers in this industry are clothing manufacturers and wholesalers, with retailers able to source from both. There is a risk of choosing low chain supplier such as it may not be able to deal with changes in demand, industry, changing in fashion as well. Substitutes While there are no substitutes for women’s wear, they are alternatives to retail. These include buying directly from manufacturers as opposed to the conventional distribution chain, something which is facil itated by the growth of online sales. All major women’s wear retailers now have their own online store so many people prefer to buy products online. This has increased the buyers power on the market (Dunning 2008).This is a good factor because Forever 21 has their own website where people can shop online. Retail The retailer strategy is based on price by providing low-cost products during the recession period. This is their strategy, to recognise the price sensitivity of their target customers and compete on price selling clothes as cheap as possible and as other suppliers. Buyers All buyers are individual consumers who have different styles and preferences. Buyer behaviour plays an important role for customer choice based on different factors such as: home-made clothing, different colours, brand loyalty, price , designer label, quality, supply reliability, fashion, culture, believes, friends and family influence.Competitors These are some of the main players in the retail in dustries in Italy that will have a direct influence to Forever21 in terms of price, similar target audience and products. These companies also have their own web-sites where customers are able to shop online. These are famous brands companies that sell quality clothes for the young audience. H&M Strengths H&M is a retailer which is targeting its products at women, men, teenagers and children. The company offers national brands and private label merchandise in many categories, including cosmetics, accessories and footwear. H&M operated 1,738 stores in 33 countries in November 2008.H&M adopted the concept of regional grouping with purchases and distributes the merchandise to a region. Their strategies involved transferring the central design, buying, logistics and stock-keeping functions to the new company. The company also has its own web-site where customers are able to shop online, to see what’s new in a store, compare prices, etc. Weaknesses: There is a high competition as companies such as TopShop, Bershka and Terranova are famous brands that sell similar products on the Italian market and are based on fashion, quality price and the same target audience. The weaknesses for Forever 21 will be the same. Strengths: Industria S. A. s created from various different companies, including Zara, Bershka, Pull and Bear, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius. All of these companies have a similar culture. All of them are in the clothes industry. However, these companies don’t have a direct competition between each other because their product style is differs from one another. Breshka clothes are cheap and their audience is the 16-to-25-year age group. Zara is more specialised in the young professionals group. Zara is present in 73 countries, with a network of 1,341 stores located in major cities. Bershka sales format has 626 stores in 41 countries. Bershka stores are large and spacious. All of these companies produce quality clothes and follow the latest trends in fashion (Mintel 2011). Task 2The analysis of the retail clothes industry on Italy shows that it will be advantageous for the company to open a store there. The key elements of the research are the strong economic stability of the country, the high tourism, the technologies factors and the place that the Italian market for clothes occupies in Europe. The country has managed to recover from the big recession since 2008. This is an advantage for any foreign business that would like to invest in Italy. There are good conditions of doing business there. The market value shows that the women dominate in the clothes market. The women retail market has 61. 3% of the total market by selling clothes and accessories (Datamonitor 2010). There is a monopolistic competition within the clothes retailers.This means many firms sell products that are similar but not identical based on brand, quality, designer†¦ The environment factors show that consumers have adapted their lifestyle to discount retailers. It will be an advantage for the country to have a retailer of non-designer women’s wear, especially for customers with lower disposable incomes. The good relations between the US and Italy also plays an important role for opening a business in Italy. The Italian government has played an important role in the industry by attracting foreign investments to the country through low-barriers entry. It is said in the report that the government uses similar restrictions as are used in Europe.The Italian government welcomes foreign investments in most industries especially when they create jobs. All factors show that it will be challenging for the company to open a store in Italy and adapt to the Italian culture. But then, isn’t doing a business a challenge in itself! Task 3 – Module entry International Franchising is the possible module entry to Italy that is appropriate for the company based on all factors described in the report. The Franchising method wil l be easy to transfer to foreign locations. The licensing agreement and franchising agreement are put on formal contract with typical terms. ’’ Franchising is a method of distributing goods and services by licensing a business idea or concept to another. ’ (Amerilawyer 2011) International Franchising is a faster form of international business. A firm sells limited rights to the use of its brand name to a foreign firm in return for a sum payment and share of 50% of the profits. There are a lot of advantages of using the franchise. The Franchise can establish a well know product and operating system, good reputation, support services and it can expand internationally. The Franchise will reduce the risk and cost of module entry and easier time securing financing because the Franchisor typically has an established trademark and good marketplace experience. These are the reasons why Forever 21 should take it into consideration.The franchise also involves some local m arket customs and culture from the host country (Griffin and Pustay 2010). However, there are some disadvantages of the franchising agreement such as the profit needs to be shared, there is dependence on the licensee as to how to sell the products including policies, potential loss of control of manufacturing and marketing. The Franchisor controls any advertising conducted by the Franchisee. Task 4 – Marketing Mix The Marketing Mix includes Product, Price, Promotion and Place. In order to achieve their marketing objectives, Forever 21 needs to have a strategy that includes different elements – the various parts of the marketing mix. ProductClothes normally have short life cycle based on seasonal factors and fashion. The brand is very successful and well known in the US. However, it will be new for the Italian market. It may take a long time for the company to create a strong brand name there. According to Lynch 1994, it will take it at least five years to establish a b rand and short-term reimbursement should not be expected. The brand is an important part of any business because this is the thing that makes the products different from the competitors’ and are easy to be recognised as a design and a way to an established product position in the market. This makes it easy to buy or sell products.A strong brand speaks about the function and charter of the product and helps consumers decide whether this is their kind of product, specially when new and untried products are considered. Creating brand loyalty and creating something special to consumers mind makes it difficult for the competitors to â€Å"touch it† (Brassington and Pettitt 2007). The Italian culture shows that quality plays an important part in the consumer behavior in Italy. It will be an advantage for the company to improve the quality of its products in the first stage and, on the next stage it may increase the price so that it may compete on the Italian market with othe r companies. Using sales advisor will be another advantage which could make more people prefer to go shopping in the Forever 21 stores. PricingPricing is an important part of the Marketing Mix because it is a balance between serving to customer’s needs and wants and serving the needs of the organisation to cover its costs of manufacturing, marketing and making a profit. The company is famous with the fact that it produces clothes that are not expensive and many people can afford them. The environment factors show that consumers in Italy are prepared to pay more but to wear quality clothes. The company has to come with pricing strategies to increase the price of the products and create better quality or to keep the same as it is now. The choice of a launch price should take into account the future plans for the pricing and positioning of the product. Penetration pricing is one of the possible price strategies that Forever 21 may use.Penetration pricing is used when entering a big market for a short period of time and then the organisation may price aggressively below the existing competition. However, this method could be a risky strategy because it could establish a poor quality brand image. The latter may lead to a situation where it will be difficult to raise the price (Brassington and Petitt 2007). The company may consider using 20% discounts for students because their target audience is based on young people. This will surely attract more customers. Promotion The power of the media has a big influence on building a brand. Brand advertising may increase the buyer power. These are some of the leading media groups in Italy: Mediaset is one of the leading commercial television operators with 32. % of the Italian media; Gruppo Editoriale L'Espresso has 14. 0%. These companies are concentrated on publishing, radio, advertising, internet businesses and national television, newspapers and magazines (Datamonitor 2011). Appendix 5 shows that people in Italy a re more influenced by the TV adverts and newspapers. This means it will be a good idea if Forever 21 uses TV commercials to advertise the opening of the new store in Italy. However, this is the most expensive method and will cost a lot of money to the business. Using online advertising will help the company attract the right audience by using Facebook, Yahoo! and MSN because these web-pages are part of everyday life of the young people. PlaceThe company has to decide in which part of Italy it would be feasible to locate the store, in the North or the South. Most businesses are located in the northern region. However the company has to find a big place with an average area of 5,000 sq. m. This will be very expensive in the North and could be difficult for the company to afford it. For this reason, the company may open an out- of- town store, which would be cheaper than the town centre location and also could offer a big parking facility for the customers. A product sold out- of- town is likely to be cheaper than in a store located in the town centre. Bibliography Amerilawyer(2011)Franchise agreement (Internet)Available from: http://www. amerilawyer. om/agreements/agreementindex/assetpurchase/franchise. htm Access on 17 April 2011 Brassington,F and Pettitt,S(2007)Essential of Marketing:, 2nd edition Personal Education Limited april,p242 Datamonitor (2009) Europe retail industry segment (Internet) Available from www. Datamonitor. om Access on 15 April 2011 Datamonitor(2010) Italy apparel retail industry(Internet )Available from www,Datamonitor. com Access on 15 April 2011 Datamonitor(2011) Italy Country analysis report In-depth PESTLE Insights(Internet)Available from www. Datamonitor. com Access on 16 April 2011 Doing Business( 2011) Italy making a difference for entrepreneurs (Internet )Available from http://www. doingbusiness. rg/~/media/fpdkm/doing%20business/documents/profiles/country/db11/ita. pdf Access on 13 April 2011 Dunning, J. H. , Lundan, S. M. (2008) Multinational Enterprises and the Global Economy 2nd edition, Edward Elgar: Cheltenham Hoecklin L. (1995) Managing Cultural Differences. Stage for Competitive Advantage. addison-Wesley Publishers Hofsteade G. (1984) Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work Related Values. Beverly Hills, California: Sage Publications Gaudin,S. (2002)’The Site of No Return’, (Internet) Available from www. cyberatlas. internet. com Access on 5 January 2011 Griffin W and Pustay. W( 2010)International business Global Edition 6th edition Personal EducationEconomic watch (2011) Value Added tax, (Internet) Available from http://www. economywatch. com/business-and-economy/italy. html Access on 10 April 2011 European country( 2011) Italy (internet)Available from http://europa. eu/abc/european_countries/eu_members/italy/ Access on 11 April 2011 Euromonitor International( 2011) Retailing in Italy Available from http://www. euromonitor. com/retailing-in-italy/report Access on 14 April 2011 International VAT service(2011) Italian VAT (Internet)Available from http://www. tmf-vat. com/vat/italian-vat. html Access on 12 April 2011 Lynch ,R(1994)European Business Strategies: The European and Global Strategies of Europe’s Top Companies,Kogan pageMintel Global Market navigator (2010) Italy – Advertising: Market segmentation by value (Internet)Available at www. Mintel. com Access on 17/04/2011 The world bank doing business (2011) Ease of Doing Business in Italy (Internet) Available from http://www. doingbusiness. org/ExploreEconomies/? economyid=96 Access on 10 April 2011 Worldwide tax (2011) Italy VAT ant other tax (Internet)Available from http://www. worldwide-tax. com/italy/ita_other. asp Access on 13 April 2011 The world fact book (2011)Europe Italy( Internet)Available from https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it. html Access on 15April 2011 Appendix 1Start a business |Doing Business 2011 rank | |Starting a busi ness |68 | |Register property |95 | |Getting credit |89 | |Paying taxes |128 | (Doing business 2011) Appendix2 Business procedures |Procedure number |6 |days |6 | |Cost of income per capital |18. 5% | |Paid minimum capital |10. 1% | Appendix 3 Country Comparison |Rate2010 |Country comparison | |GPD 1. 1 |8 | |Unemployment rate 8. |98 | |Public debit 118. 1% |8 | |Inflation1. 4% |36 | Graph1 . Europe retail industry segment 2009 [pic](Datamonitor 2009) Graph 2 Italy apparel retail industry [pic] (apparel retail in Italy Datamonitor 2010) Appendix 4 Hofsteade module of culture differences [pic] Appendix 5 Advertising media [pic] (Mintel Global Market Navigator 2010) Segment 2009 (m EUR)

Readers Have Responded Differently to Being Told That the Story Happened Long Ago. How Do You Respond?

Readers have responded differently to being told that the story happened long ago. How do you respond?Initially ‘The Eve of St Agnes’ is set in a medieval period ‘long ago’, which you can determine from the distinct use of archaic language; ideas of chivalry and patriarchy are evoked at the use of this time period thus the ongoing theme of the supernatural, demonstrated by Madeline’s firm belief in The eve of St Agnes, serves to induce in the reader thoughts of an alternate immortal life, an idea that is further established through the way in which Madeline and Porphyro are able to escape the castle full of people who would kill and abandon the couple, which one would think to be impossible.Furthermore Keats’ describes the two focal characters as ‘phantoms’ of which one interpretation could be that life goes on and that death is a mere inconvenience, which again further adds to the concept of immortality in the poem. The references to supernatural folklore; ‘elfin grot’ and ‘faery land’ conceptualise the idea of Porphyro and Madeline idealistically untouchable. However, the final stanza, in which the beadsman dies, destroys the immortality image that Keats had previously built up; reminding the reader that death is for everyone.Furthermore, this idealism entering into realism is perhaps indicative of awaking from a dreamlike state in which the reader becomes more aware of the danger that Madeline is maybe in. Linking to this fear of Madeline that is newly instilled in the reader is the abrupt and ironic dismissal of love after the forty first stanza, which demonstrates the idea that love itself was ‘long ago’.The fact that previously in the Eve of St Agnes Porphyro’s heart was ‘on fire’ for Madeline leading him to risk his capture and death for her initially provided a positive image for the reader allowing one to trust his character, however the fort y first stanza utilizes a significant amount of cadaverous imagery through the Baron ‘dreaming of many a woe’ and the idea of Angela dying with ‘meagre face deform’ which simply dismisses the whole theme of love and is perhaps representative of Madeline’s resignation to her fate – either run away with Porphyro or stay and be disgraced and abandoned by her family – that is typical of a patriarchal society. The abruptness with which love is dismissed is a dramatic conclusion to the poem that leaves a foreboding atmosphere as to Madeline’s fate, and it is this ‘[ash] old’ atmosphere that perhaps attempts to capture the suppressed and ‘nightmar’d’ existence that women experienced in medieval times owing to being treated as possessions by men, another interpretation is that Madeline and Porphyro’s ‘[fleeing] into the storm’ is them escaping these social conventions leaving behind th e ‘dark, cold’ world. The baron’s dreams of ‘witch and demon and large coffin-work’ are perhaps symbolic of Madeline and Porphyro as characters, foretelling the formidable end that is to come to the couple, or more generally maybe the failure of escaping from patriarchal society. The negative outcome of her escape with Porphyro serves to contradict the so called escape that the two had from the castle. And in turn this is suggestive that whilst one can attempt to escape social confines and convictions – such as St Agnes herself attempted – these attempts always fail eventually, much in the way that St Agnes was later burned for heresy.

Health Law and Regulations Paper

Organizational Responsibility and Current Health Care Issues HCS/545 August 27, 2012 Charles Barron Organizational Responsibility and Current Health Care Issues Health care fraud and abuse is a current issue affecting everyone in the United States costing billions of dollars annually. This fraudulent crime is committed when dishonest consumers and providers submit false or misleading information to turn profit. It affects the United States by hampering the ability to provide affordable access health care and good quality of care to Americans.The Affordable Care Act prevention resources and tools are working to stop fraud before it occurs. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a health news situation affecting the health care system and evaluate the effect of organizational structure and governance, culture, and social responsibility. Recommended resources to preventing this situation in the future and recommended changes in future prevention will be discussed. Health News Situation A 38 year old Miami Florida resident, Sandra Jimenez, admitted to participating in a Medicare fraud scheme affecting assisted living facilities, half way houses, and home health agencies. The fraud schemes were orchestrated by the owners and operators of American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC); its management company, Medlink Professional Management Group Inc. ; and the American Sleep Institute (ASI)† (Department of Justice, 2012, para. 2). In January 2012, Jimenez pleads guilty to counts of committing conspiracy of health care fraud and frauding the United States in receiving illegal health care kickbacks. The various owners, doctors, managers, and therapists of ATC and Medlink were charged with health care kickbacks, money laundering, and fraud of millions of Medicare dollars. The Medicare fraud scheme resulted in the submission of more than $200 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare† (Department of Justice, 2012, para. 1). An example of the fraud committed by Jimen ez and co-conspirators is submitting medically unnecessary services that were billed through Medicare and then laundered. Jimenez as a marketer solicited the beneficiaries and then paid the illegal kickbacks to assisted living facility owners in exchange for the beneficiaries. If convicted Jimenez and co-conspirators are facing maximum penalty prison time and fines.Corporate Structure and Governance, Culture, and Focus on Social Responsibility Social responsibility in the United States is to ensure organizations adhere to state, federal, and local laws, it ensures consumers and providers are held accountable. A sound corporate structure and governance ensures there is a standard of excellence, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of the organization. References Department of Justice. (2012). Miami-area resident pleads guilty to participating in $200 million medicare fraud scheme. Office of Public Affairs. Retrieved from http://www. justice. gov/opa/pr/2012/January/12-crm-063 . html

Gerontology and Societal Mind Sets

A man's life is normally divided into five main stages namely infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. In each of these stages an individual has to find himself in different situations and face different problems. The old age is not without problems. After a certain age health problems begin to crop up leading to losing control over one's body, even not recognizing own family owing to Alzheimer are common in old age. It is then children began to see their parents as burden.It is these parents who at times wander out of their homes or are thrown out. Some dump their old parents or grandparents in old-age homes and don't even come to visit them anymore. Focusing more on lack of work, lack of facilities for utilization of leisure time and a general feeling of loneliness â€Å"talking to walls†. The problem here did not seem to be lack of money but lack of time by the â€Å"others† for the older persons. †lack of emotional support† from family mem bers. Failing Health It has been said that â€Å"we start dying the day we are born†.The aging process is synonymous with failing health. Failing health due to advancing age is complicated by non-availability to good quality, age-sensitive, health care for a large proportion of older persons in the country. Vision – As people grow older their eyesight begins to fail making it difficult to certain jobs. Keeping medications straight – Old people suffer from memory loss, which causes lots of problems. e. g. (Keeping medicines straight) medical bills – Due to frequent illnesses and health complications, their medical bills are very high.Loneliness – It is sad that most old people spend their last years alone in a big empty house as their children and grandchildren are either abroad or in some other city. Getting along with others – Most people find it difficult to get along with others as they become stubborn, suspicious and unwilling to adapt t o change. Boredom – Being all alone and physically unable to do what they want to, old people generally feel very bored and wish for any diversion from the dull routine of their lives. The problem occurs due to forced inactivity, withdrawal from responsibilities and lack of personal goals.Isolation, or a deep sense of loneliness, is a common complaint of many elderly is the feeling of being isolated. Isolation is most often imposed purposefully or inadvertently by the families and/or communities where the elderly live. Isolation is a terrible feeling that, if not addressed, leads to tragic deterioration of the quality of life. Economic Insecurity- The problem of economic insecurity is faced by the elderly when they are unable to sustain themselves financially. Many older persons either lack the opportunity and/or the capacity to be as productive as they were.Increasing competition from younger people, individual, family and societal mind sets, chronic malnutrition and slowing physical and mental faculties, limited access to resources and lack of awareness of their rights and entitlements play significant roles in reducing the ability of the elderly to remain financially productive, and thereby, independent. Abuse-Mistreatment and abuse of the elderly is a major social problem. As expected, with the biology of aging, the elderly sometimes become physically frail.This frailty renders them dependent on others for care—sometimes for small needs like household tasks, and sometimes for assistance with basic functions like eating and toileting. The elderly are highly vulnerable to abuse, where a person is willfully or inadvertently harmed, usually by someone who is part of the family or otherwise close to the victim. It is very important that steps be taken, whenever and wherever possible, to protect people from abuse. In addition, the elderly may suffer from emotional and mental abuse for various reasons and in different ways. Ok I got some problems fa ced by the society 😀An old person does not have the physical ability of a young person. Walking can be an effort. Crossing a road can be impossible without assistance. On many occasions’ old men and old women who just could not cross a busy road that had no pedestrian crossing. No driver stopped for them. It is common to hear of old people being knocked down by vehicles on the roads. They just cannot handle the traffic anymore. This busy world is certainly not kind to old folks. Getting onto a bus is another. The old person is usually the last to get on, if he manages. Conductors telling the elderly to wait for the next bus because his bus was full.If the old man does get on, the likelihood is that he will have to stand, which does no good for his old bones. Rarely does anyone give up his seat for an old man, or old woman. In the old days, most people did not go very far from their birth-place and thus families usually stayed together. The family unit was strong and p ractical. Today the family unit is breaking apart as young men and women travel widely in search of better jobs. So the chances are that the old folks will be left alone and neglected. Sometimes they are not wanted by their children at all.The luckier ones may have a child or two staying with them. The less fortunate ones may have to pine their lives away in an old-folk home or in their empty house that once was filled with the sound of children’s laughter. This neglect is a very real problem in our society and it is what the old dread the most – being unwanted and uncared for in the time of need. There are other problems old folks face, but none can be as bad as the indifference and neglect of the young. The young have no time for the old even though the old have virtually no time left. Soon they will die and the young will take their place.

Avocado Leaf Plasticity Essay Example for Free

Avocado Leaf Plasticity Essay INTRODUCTION: Phenotypic plasticity, or differing phenotypes from one genotype in different environmental conditions, is a way for sessile organisms to adapt to changing environmental conditions (Valladares et al., 2007). Plasticity was expected to be abundant, however, it did not occur as often in nature due to resource limitations and environmental stress (Valladares et al., 2007). An experiment by Matos tested the phenotypic plasticity to light availability in shade and sun leaves of coffee trees (Matos et al. , 2009). Their research indicated that â€Å"compared [to] sun leaves, shade leaves had a lower stomatal density, a thinner palisade mesophyll, a higher specific leaf area, and improved light capture†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Matos et al., 2009). The sun leaves were described as â€Å"generally thicker with an enhanced quantity of palisade mesophyll† (Matos et al., 2009). Our objective was the presence of phenotypic plasticity in avocado trees based on the differences in the morphology of shade and sun leaves. In our study, we asked whether there is a difference in surface area, length-to-width ratio, mass, specific leaf mass, and color between shade leaves and sun leaves in avocado trees. We hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in surface area, length-to-width ratio, mass, specific leaf mass, and color between shade leaves and sun leaves. METHODS: We collected our seventy samples of avocado tree (Persea americana) leaves, in equal amounts of sun and shade leaves, at an avocado tree grove located north of Building 3 and University Drive at Cal Poly Pomona on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 9:00 am. They were randomly and interspersedly collected throughout the grove. We split the grove into five areas, split into five teams of two, and was assigned to one of the five areas. Each team picked a number for the trees in their region and a random number was selected from a random number table to select a tree corresponding to that number. A random number table was used to pick the corresponding quadrant, branch, and leaf.  This process was done twice on each tree in the understory for shade leaves, and in the canopy for sun leaves. Each leaf was measured for its surface area, length-to-width ratio, mass, specific leaf mass, and color. Surface area was measured by a leaf area meter in squared centimeters. Length-to-width ratio was measured by measuring the length (vertically along the bridge of the leaf) and the width (horizontally on the widest part of the leaf) with a ruler in centimeters, and dividing the length by the width. Mass was calculated by a balance in grams. Specific leaf mass (thickness) was measured by dividing the mass by its surface area in grams per squared centimeter. Color was measured by having three reference leaves provided by the instructor, indicating light (L), medium (M), and dark (D) leaves and compared our collected leaves. After recording all of the data, these data were then input into a statistical program called StatCat to determine normality through a normality test. The data for surface area, length-to-width ratio, mass, and specific leaf mass for sun and shade leaves were both normal, therefore, we chose a paired sample t-test for all of them. A normality test was not needed for color for sun and shade leaves due to it being a nominal scale data. The number of light, medium, and dark shade leaves were tallied up according to color, and the same was done for the sun leaves. A contingency table was made in Excel, and used in StatCat to test our hypothesis. The paired sample t-tests were also done through StatCat, which then gave us the appropriate results to test our hypotheses. RESULTS: Shade leaves had a significantly larger surface area than sun leaves (t = -3.7313, P = 0.00069; Table 1). Shade leaves had a significantly larger length-to-width ratio than sun leaves (t = -2.7162, P = 0.01031). Shade leaves had no significant difference in mass than sun leaves (t = -1.4871, P = 0.1462). Shade leaves had a significantly smaller specific leaf mass than sun leaves (t = 5.82093, P = 1.5Ãâ€"10-6). Shade leaves were significantly darker than sun leaves (X2 = 18.417, P = 0.0001). Avocado Leaf Plasticity. (2018, Oct 27).