Understanding the Will of God The Shack by William P....

The Shack is a riveting book that presents an answer to the question, â€Å"Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?† The reader learns the communications of three theological truths revealed through Young’s words: revelation, salvation, and the Trinity. The amazing story challenges the reader to understand God’s plan in its entirety. As the novel opens, Young introduces Mackenzie Allen Phillips as the main character. The story unfolds as Mack’s daughter is abducted during a family vacation. Her body is never recovered, though the police find evidence in an old shack to prove that she was brutally murdered by an infamous serial killer. Young illustrates how his daughter’s death ultimately causes Mack to live in the shadow of†¦show more content†¦He finds great understanding from these discussions; and throughout the book, Mack’s relationship is irrevocably strengthened. He talks to â€Å"Papa† about the death o f his daughter, and his relationships with family, friends, and the Godhead. â€Å"Papa† relates to Mack: â€Å"You are the ones who embrace fear and pain and power and rights so readily in your relationships. But your choices are not stronger than my purposes, and I will use every choice you make for the ultimate good and the most loving outcome.† (Young 127) In addition, â€Å"Papa† explains to Mack the enormity of His death on the cross. The Bible is clear that the Cross is the apex of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ ultimately paid the penalty on the cross for the sins of this world. The penalty He faced was the wrath of the Father because of man’s negligence towards the Creator. In turn, Mack’s relationship was dismantled, reevaluated and carefully put back together piece by piece. Mack undeniably leaves the shack as a changed man. Young illustrates deep conversations between Mack and â€Å"Papa† throughout the weekend. Young portrays â€Å"Papa’s† words as Truth as written in the Bible from God. â€Å"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work† (II Timothy 3:16,17). The emotional power of The Shack focuses on the encounter between manShow MoreRelatedThe Shack, a Discussion of Symbolism1504 Words   |  7 Pages2/16/09 The Shack: A Discussion of Symbolism The Shack, written by William P. Young, tackles one man’s quest for faith and reassurance in God through several metaphors, parables and symbols. These symbols are used to compare the story religion itself; and from this comparison it is easier to grasp a deeper understanding. However, with this underlying symbolism, it’s possible to over analyze and disregard the fictitious nature of the book. Despite this, there are many symbols within The Shack that areRead MoreThe Shack Essay2386 Words   |  10 PagesThe Shack The image of God can be interpreted many ways. Most envision Him as a Father Time figure that sits on a cloud thumbing his long, silver beard. Some view God as an uncompromising demiurge, while others choose to believe He is a loving deity with bountiful grace. While some consider the Holy Trinity one being, others believe it to be three separate entities. William P. Young, in his fictional novel, The Shack, takes a very different approach on his view of God. The author personifies theRead MoreEssay on A Horse and Two Goats: Detailed Summary7459 Words   |  30 Pageshis greatest works. Author Biography Rasipuram Krishnaswami Ayyar Naranayanaswami was born in Madras, a large industrial coastal city in India, on October 10, 1906. His family was Brahmin, the highest caste of Hindu society. When he was still young, the rest of his family moved to Mysore, a smaller city in the heart of the country. Narayan stayed in Madras with his grandmother, who read him classic Indian tales and myths from an early age and encouraged his imagination. He was not a serious student;Read MoreRomanticism and Modernism as Strange Bedfellows: A Fresh Look at Jack Kerouacs On the Road12240 Words   |  49 Pagesï » ¿ Romanticism and Modernism as Strange Bedfellows: A Fresh Look of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, But to be young was very Heaven! O time In which the meagre, stale, forbidding ways Of custom, law and statute, took at once The attraction of a Country in Romance! The Prelude—William Wordsworth (Come in under the shadow of this rock), And I will show you something different from either Your shadow at morning striding behind you Or your shadow at eveningRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagesthis book in any other binding or cover and you must impose this same condition on any acquirer Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Edmonds, Ennis Barrington. Rastafari : from outcasts to culture bearers / Ennis Barrington Edmonds. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-19-513376-5 1. Rastafari movement. 2. Jamaica—Religious life and customs. I. Title. BL2532.R37 E36 2002 299†².676—dc21 2002074897 v To Donnaree, my wife, and Donnisa, my daughter, Read MoreThe taste of melon by borden deal11847 Words   |  48 Pagesthe narrator’s perspective ââ€"   interpret characters’ motives 130 Look Closely D E A L When I think of the summer I was sixteen, a lot of things some crowding in to be thought about. We had moved just the year before, and sixteen is still young enough that the bunch makes a difference. I had a bunch, all right, but they weren’t sure of me yet. I didn’t know why. Maybe because I’d lived in town, and my father still worked there instead of farming, like the other fathers did. The boys IRead MoreCOMM292 Case Studies23202 Words   |  93 PagesGriffin groaned, â€Å"I am so sick of talking about the 4 Ps and we are only three weeks into class!† Delery and Martin laughed as Griffin threw his hands up in the air in disgust. â€Å"Well, I heard from a second year,† Prasad smiled and said, â€Å"that understanding the components of a marketing plan will be crucial for the final.† â€Å"Well OK. Let’s just do it, then,† Griffin said. â€Å"So OnStar is being positioned as a luxury item for a few select brands of car. Do we think that is the right move for them to makeRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesOrganizational Behavior This page intentionally left blank Organizational Behavior EDITION 15 Stephen P. Robbins —San Diego State University Timothy A. Judge —University of Notre Dame i3iEi35Bj! Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City Sao Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul Singapore Taipei Tokyo Editorial Director: Sally Yagan Director of Editorial Services:Read MoreHemp Cultivation in China42289 Words   |  170 PagesVIR project has been made, but we are still interested to hear of any other such funding sources. Several of our members have made substantial donations, including: Don Wirtschafter of Ohio Hempery (US$ 500), John Roulac of Hemptech (US$ 250), Dr. J. P. Mathieu of FNPC (US$ 100) and Matthijs T. Huijgen (US$ 100). Generosity such as this, keeps the VIR project alive. Help us by renewing your membership for 1996 now and encourage your colleagues and libraries to join. We are planning to have our membershipRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesedu/tempress Copyright  © 2010 by Temple University All rights reserved Published 2010 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Essays on twentieth century history / edited by Michael Peter Adas for the American Historical Association. p. cm.—(Critical perspectives on the past) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-4399-0269-1 (cloth : alk. paper)—ISBN 978-1-4399-0270-7 (paper : alk. paper)—ISBN 978-1-4399-0271-4 (electronic) 1. History, Modern—20th century. 2. Twentieth

Well Fargo Free Essays

A. Brief abstract / overview of case study Abstract The purpose of this paper is to answer the following questions: How should Wells Fargo Position it self for the future? Should it strengthen its retail presence, grow internationally, or move into the void created by the disappearance of investment banks? Develop Projected Financial Statements that fully assess and evaluate the impact of the proposed strategy. How are the acquisitions / growth financed? Will debt be increased further, or ownership of WFC stock be diluted to raise the capital needed? The author will attempt to answer these questions using chart sand graphs as illustrations and supporting evidence Overview case The paper submitted will contain a proposed plan of action using primarily data from Morning start oshowa proposed acquisition for Wells Fargo. We will write a custom essay sample on Well Fargo or any similar topic only for you Order Now This acquisition will greatly increase the Wealth, Brokerage, Retirement segment of Wells Fargo that has been underutilized and overlooked. This proposal will â€Å"marry† the benefits of TDA meritrade with the Cross-selling strength of Wells Fargo. The primary purpose that TDA meritrade was selected was convenience. Although Charles Schwa band E *TRADE are competitors of TDA meritrade, but they were not selected for varying reasons. Charles Schwabhasa history of refusing overtures for take overs after his disappointing episode of being bought up by a large corporation many years ago. E*TRADE, whom some experts consider having a high erupt side than TDA meritrade, is not nearly as stable or financially sound. Given the current economic uncertainty and the authors’ penchant for avoiding risk, TDA meritrade is the best option available of the large independent retail brokerages. According to Zacks Equity Research, an interesting side note is â€Å"that Wells Capital Management, the wholly owned institutional asset management subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. , and part of Wells Fargo’s Asset Management Group† (Zacks Equity Research, 2011) already owns about 2. 58% of TDA meritrade. (Morningstar. com, 2012) How should Wells Fargo Position it self for the future? Wells Fargo can position it self for the future by capitalizing on its one-stop shopping format for all financial products. Already with one of the highest cross-selling ratios in the world at 5. 81 products per banking household†¦Ã¢â‚¬  this number can and should go higher in the not too distant future. (APAeditorial, 2009) B. Vision Statement To satisfy all of the customers’ financial needs, help them succeed financially, be known as one of America’s great companies and the number-one financial services provider in each market C. Mission Statement We want to satisfy all of our customers’ financial needs, help them succeed financially, be the premier provider of financial services in every one of our markets, and be known as one of America’s great companies. Wells Fargo is committed to strengthening the company and the communities by proactively seeking minority, women, and disabled – owned suppliers, Wells Fargo strongly believe that Wells Fargo’s suppliers must reflect the diversity of team members, customers, and communities. Proactively seek to procure goods and services from minority, women, and disabled-owned businesses. Our Supplier Diversity team assists these businesses to access bid and contract opportunities through a combination of which is actively seek to establish relationships with diverse suppliers through business networking, electronic and print communications, and participation in supplier event nationwide. We encourage and assist suppliers to gain certification of their minority, women, or disabled- owned business status from independent local and national agencies. The Supplier Diversity team advises and guides diverse suppliers to prepare and position their businesses for maximum access to bid and contract opportunities. We actively communicate with minority, women, and disabled-owned suppliers, referring relevant Requests for Proposal and other potential business leads. Internally, the Supplier Diversity team works to ensure that diverse suppliers are represented and considered by Wells Fargo purchasing managers in all sourcing, contracting and procurement decisions. Wells Fargo SWOT * STRENGTH 1. Strong national presence and credible reputation (Strong brand) 2. Widely recognized as industry and market share leader (Industry leader) 3. Servicing for more than 25 million customers through over 6000 stores, the Internet, and other distribution channel across North America and elsewhere internationally (Worldwide service) 4. Values its people as its competitive advantage (Strong HR management team) 5. Values and treats its customer as friends (Loyal customers) 6. Leading innovator in the use of internet and e-commerce (Online growth) 7. Strong balance sheet and the ability to steer through the pitfalls that plagued its competitors (Strong financial position) * WEAKNESS 1. The Wachovia Bank subprime mortgage problems (Over leveraged financial position) 2. Overcommitted in credit swap (Over leveraged financial position) 3. The reduction of Wells Fargo’s debt rating two levels during January 2009 (Weak capital position) 4. Cut its dividend payment in a move to attempt to solidify its balance sheet (Diseconomies of scale) 5. Wells Fargo basically did no securities business after merger (Not diversified) 6. Too much focus on consumer/retail banking (Not diversified) 7. Weak International growth OPPORTUNITIES 1. Increasing its extensiveness through mergers and acquisitions with recently owned Wachovia or with other new bank (MA opportunities) 2. Growth and success of combined Wachovia and Wells Fargo will be one of the great financial services company (National growth) 3. Move the large national bank with an international presence forward or expansion abroad (International growth) 4. The disappearance of investment banking and the Wells Fargo’s announcement to significantly expand its security business (Product service diversification) 5. The use of internet banking and e-commerce (Online growth) Threats 1. Rising interest rates in US. 2. Basel II and compliance costs. 3. Consolidation in banking industry. 4. Competitive Matrix Profile. 5. Consolidation in the US banking industry. 6. Regulation on contingent commission. 7. Rising incident of online scam. 8. Meltdown in US Asset backed Securities market. How to cite Well Fargo, Papers

United States and Multicultural Society free essay sample

Even In this theme there are advantages and disadvantages. Everywhere people discuss about the multicultural society. We have positive and negativ arguments. Conflicts about multiculti society you can hear everywhere. That’s commonplace. But you must respect this what is already optimal? Every topic has her advantages and disadvantages. We live in a multiculti society. That’s everywhere, Germany, Italy, Spain, or in the United Kingdom. I think we must learn to live in a multiculti society. Solution like racism or be quite radically makes nothing short of hurt/dead people. So I list you pros and cons about multicultural society. Pros Multicultural society has many positive aspects. But much is overlooked because it already belongs to the daily life. For example you can learn new religions and traditions; you can get information’s about different states. Or when we speak about your daily meal, what you it? I’m sure that you eat fast food, pizza or doner etc. We will write a custom essay sample on United States and Multicultural Society or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Those are multiculti food. People in Germany can by fast-food (Mc Donalds, USA) and people from the USA can eat â€Å"Sauerkraut and Wurst† (Germany). That’s not all. By living in a multiculti society you can learn different language, for example your friend is an Indian, and you can learn a little bit from your friend. The biggest pro is the economy. International companies boost the economic, for example â€Å"Volkswagen†. They have everywhere a company or a subsidiary. Such and more pro aspects are should not overlook. People who are negative biased, they must respect these. Cons Unfortunately, there are even disadvantages in a mutliculti society. Many people are focused for only negative aspects, so it comes to conflicts between the populations. Residents are complaints that there are many foreigners in their own state or they are scared that their own language developed negatively or changed. Such problems must be overcome by the population and the policies live peacefully, it comes very quickly to conflicts, because the language lacks. They must find a solution together. That’s applies to all countries.

The True Greatness Of Abraham Lincoln Essay free essay sample

, Research Paper The True Greatness of Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln is known as one of the greatest presidents in the history of The United States, chiefly for his emancipation of slaves. But was Lincoln truly an advocator of the rights of inkinesss? Lincoln had the purpose of continuing the Union and fulfilling the American people, yet he was indecisive about his racial positions of mid-nineteenth century America. Although Lincoln freed some slaves, he had a really negative position towards the black race. Lincoln was non a great president because he emancipated the slaves, but a great president because he preserved The Union. Lincoln was indecisive on the issue of bondage. He did non desire to get rid of the full establishment of bondage but he besides did non desire it to distribute. He believed that bondage was a moral incorrect and stated this when he spoke in forepart of emancipationists in Chicago stating # 8220 ; Let us fling all this quibbling about this adult male and the other adult male, this race and that race and the other race being inferior, and hence they must be placed in an inferior place. We will write a custom essay sample on The True Greatness Of Abraham Lincoln Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Let us fling all these things, and unite as one people throughout this land, until we shall one time more stand up declaring that all me are created equal. # 8221 ; But he besides felt that emancipationists were besides incorrect in seeking to make away with bondage. Hofstader provinces that Lincoln believed that # 8220 ; # 8230 ; the establishment of bondage is founded on unfairness and bad policy, but that the announcement of abolishment philosophies tends to increase instead than slake its evils. # 8221 ; This means that Lincoln thought that bondage was incorrect but suggesting to make away with it is besides incorrect because it makes slavery worse. Lincoln besides believed that bondage was incorrect because it might jeopardize the on the job category. Lincoln believed that every individual, no affair how hapless, had a opportunity to win in life. He thought that the enlargement of bondage would jeopardize this. His ideas are shown when he says # 8220 ; # 8230 ; One of the grounds why I am opposed to slavery is merely here. What is the true status of the labourer? I take it that it is best for all to go forth each adult male free to get belongings as fast as he can. Some will acquire affluent. I don ; *t believe in a jurisprudence to forestall a adult male from acquiring rich ; it would make more injury than good. So while we do no suggest any war upon capital, we do wish to let the humblest adult male an equal opportunity to acquire rich with everybody else. When on starts hapless, as most do in the race of life, free society is such that he knows he can break his status ; he knows that there is no fixed status of labour for his whole life # 8230 ; That is the true system. † Lincoln was foremost and foremost a politician. After giving an anti-slavery address to emancipationists in Chicago a few months before, Lincoln reversed his place on bondage and argued for the right of the establishment of bondage to be. Lincoln showed his beliefs on the lower status of the black race in his address to Southern break ones back holders in Charleston. # 8220 ; I will state, so, that I am non, nor of all time have been, in favour of conveying about in any manner the societal and political equality of the white and black races: that I am non, nor of all time have been, in favour of doing electors or jurymans of Negroes, nor of measure uping them to keep office, nor to intermarry with white people # 8230 ; And inasmuch as they can non so unrecorded, wile they do stay together there must be the place of superior and inferior, and I every bit much as any other adult male am in favour of holding the superior place assigned to the white race. # 8221 ; Many people believe that Lincoln fought The Civil War to liberate the slaves but that is far from true. In fact, Lincoln himself stated that # 8220 ; My paramount object in this battle is to salvage the Union, and it is non either to salvage or destruct bondage. If I could salvage the Union without any slaves, I would make it, if I could salvage it by liberating all the slaves I would make it ; and if I could salvage it by liberating some and go forthing others entirely I would besides make that. # 8221 ; Lincoln demonstrated this belief during The Civil War. In the beginning of the war, Lincoln avoided the bondage issue because # 8220 ; He did non desire to lose the support of the war attempt that existed among Unionist slave holders in the boundary line provinces and antiblack citizens elsewhere in the North. # 8221 ; But as the war went on, Lincoln knew that the North needed a cause worthy of the forfeits the war required. The Emancipation Proclamation provided Lincoln with th e cause that he needed. This is the true ground Lincoln freed the slaves. In decision, Abraham Lincoln was a great adult male non for his beliefs on bondage but for continuing The Union. Lincoln did non keep a strong position on bondage and hence should non be known for his determinations on bondage. If Lincoln was non president during The Civil War, he might non hold been viewed and honored as one of the greatest presidents in American History. Bibliography Blum, John M. The National Experience A History of The United States New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers, 1963. Hofstadter, Richard The American Political Experience And The Work force Who Made It New York: Vintage Books, 1948 Neely, Mark The Abraham Lincoln Encyclopedia New York: McGraw Publications, 1982

Charles Darwin and His Voyage Aboard H.M.S. Beagle

Charles Darwin and His Voyage Aboard H.M.S. Beagle Charles Darwin’s five-year voyage in the early 1830s  on H.M.S. Beagle has become legendary, as insights gained by the bright young scientist on his trip to exotic places greatly influenced his masterwork, the book On the Origin of Species. Darwin didn’t actually formulate his theory of evolution while sailing around the world aboard the Royal Navy ship. But the exotic plants and animals he encountered challenged his thinking and led him to consider scientific evidence in new ways. After returning to England from his five years at sea, Darwin began writing a multi-volume book on what he had seen. His writings on the Beagle voyage concluded in 1843, a full decade and a half before the publication of On the Origin of Species. The History of H.M.S. Beagle H.M.S. Beagle is remembered today because of its association with Charles Darwin, but it had sailed on a lengthy scientific mission several years before Darwin came into the picture. The Beagle, a warship carrying ten cannons, sailed in 1826 to explore the coastline of South America. The ship had an unfortunate episode when its captain sank into a depression, perhaps caused by the isolation of the voyage, and committed suicide. Gentleman Passenger Lieutenant Robert FitzRoy assumed command of the Beagle, continued the voyage and returned the ship safely to England in 1830. FitzRoy was promoted to Captain and named to command the ship on a second voyage, which was to circumnavigate the globe while conducting explorations along the South American coastline and across the South Pacific. FitzRoy came up with the idea of bringing along someone with a scientific background who could explore and record observations. Part of FitzRoy’s plan was that an educated civilian, referred to as a â€Å"gentleman passenger,† would be good company aboard ship and would help him avoid the loneliness that seemed to have doomed his predecessor. Darwin Invited to Join the Voyage in 1831 Inquiries were made among professors at British universities, and a former professor of Darwin’s proposed him for the position aboard the Beagle. After taking his final exams at Cambridge in 1831, Darwin spent a few weeks on a geological expedition to Wales. He had intended to return to Cambridge that fall for theological training, but a letter from a professor, John Steven Henslow, inviting him to join the Beagle, changed everything. Darwin was excited to join the ship, but his father was against the idea, thinking it foolhardy. Other relatives convinced Darwin’s father otherwise, and during the fall of 1831, the 22-year-old Darwin made preparations to depart England for five years. Departs England on December 27, 1831 With its eager passenger aboard, the Beagle left England on December 27, 1831. The ship reached the Canary Islands in early January and continued onward to South America, which was reached by the end of February 1832. South America From February 1832 During the explorations of South America, Darwin was able to spend considerable time on land, sometimes arranging for the ship to drop him off and pick him up at the end of an overland trip. He kept notebooks to record his observations, and during quiet times on board the Beagle, he would transcribe his notes into a journal. In the summer of 1833, Darwin went inland with gauchos in Argentina. During his treks in South America, Darwin dug for bones and fossils and was also exposed to the horrors of slavery and other human rights abuses. The Galapagos Islands, September 1835 After considerable explorations in South America, the Beagle reached the Galapagos Islands in September 1835. Darwin was fascinated by such oddities as volcanic rocks and giant tortoises. He later wrote about approaching tortoises, which would retreat into their shells. The young scientist would then climb on top, and attempt to ride the large reptile when it began moving again. He recalled that it was difficult to keep his balance. While in the Galapagos Darwin collected samples of mockingbirds, and later observed that the birds were somewhat different on each island. This made him think that the birds had a common ancestor, but had followed varying evolutionary paths once they had become separated. Circumnavigating the Globe The Beagle left the Galapagos and arrived at Tahiti in November 1835, and then sailed onward to reach New Zealand in late December. In January 1836 the Beagle arrived in Australia, where Darwin was favorably impressed by the young city of Sydney. After exploring coral reefs, the Beagle continued on its way, reaching the Cape of Good Hope at  the southern tip of Africa at the end of May 1836. Sailing back into the Atlantic Ocean, the Beagle, in July, reached St. Helena, the remote island where Napoleon Bonaparte had died in exile following his defeat at Waterloo. The Beagle also reached a British outpost on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, where Darwin received some very welcome letters from his sister in England. Back Home October 2, 1836 The Beagle then sailed back to the coast of South America before returning to England, arriving at Falmouth on October 2, 1836. The entire voyage had taken nearly five years. Organizing Specimens and Writing After landing in England, Darwin took a coach to meet his family, staying at his father’s house for a few weeks. But he was soon active, seeking advice from scientists on how to organize specimens, which included fossils and stuffed birds, he had brought home with him. In the following few years, he wrote extensively about his experiences. A lavish five-volume set, The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, was published from 1839 to 1843. And in 1839 Darwin published a classic book under its original title, Journal of Researches. The book was later republished as The Voyage of the Beagle, and remains in print to this day. The book is a lively and charming account of Darwin’s travels, written with intelligence and occasional flashes of humor. The Theory of Evolution Darwin had been exposed to some thinking about evolution before embarking aboard H.M.S. Beagle. So a popular conception that Darwin’s voyage gave him the idea of evolution is not accurate. Yet is it true that the years of travel and research focused Darwins mind and sharpened his powers of observation. It can be argued that his trip on the Beagle gave him invaluable training, and the experience prepared him for the scientific inquiry that led to the publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859.

A Multinational state

Through this, each nation is granted with certain powers within the state. The positive side in this is that it is easier to regulate, since these nations manage themselves. However, it could lead to problems resulting to competition between these nations. They should be given proper delimitations to avoid further conflicts (Xhaferi, 1998). Another method to maintain peace in a multinational state is the secession or the withdrawal of a nation within the state. This is achieved by complete separation of the nations. An example would be the separation of Czechoslovakia where Slovakia has seceded thus leaving Czech Republic. The positive side of this secession is that the nations become completely separated. They become individual nations which is greatly different back when they are still merged with the other nations. The problem however, is that division of these nations would take them back to scratch, wherein they would have to work on becoming an individual nation. It is like starting a new country or nation from square one. This would require the attention of the whole nation wherein their cooperation is the biggest help in the success of their newly separated nation. They will also have to work on establishing their international relations (Xhaferi, 1998). There is also another method to maintain peace in a multi-national state. This involves public mobility which could lead to civil wars. This would force the nation to take action which would lead to the formation of federations or the initiation of secession. This would however be very costly as well as damaging for those who will engage in the civil war. A Multinational state Through this, each nation is granted with certain powers within the state. The positive side in this is that it is easier to regulate, since these nations manage themselves. However, it could lead to problems resulting to competition between these nations. They should be given proper delimitations to avoid further conflicts (Xhaferi, 1998). Another method to maintain peace in a multinational state is the secession or the withdrawal of a nation within the state. This is achieved by complete separation of the nations. An example would be the separation of Czechoslovakia where Slovakia has seceded thus leaving Czech Republic. The positive side of this secession is that the nations become completely separated. They become individual nations which is greatly different back when they are still merged with the other nations. The problem however, is that division of these nations would take them back to scratch, wherein they would have to work on becoming an individual nation. It is like starting a new country or nation from square one. This would require the attention of the whole nation wherein their cooperation is the biggest help in the success of their newly separated nation. They will also have to work on establishing their international relations (Xhaferi, 1998). There is also another method to maintain peace in a multi-national state. This involves public mobility which could lead to civil wars. This would force the nation to take action which would lead to the formation of federations or the initiation of secession. This would however be very costly as well as damaging for those who will engage in the civil war.

What economic advantages did the Europeans gain from their conquests Essay

What economic advantages did the Europeans gain from their conquests in the new world - Essay Example The 19th century can be attributed to the big boost in regards to the economic power experienced by the countries within Europe. This is the time that colonization was taking effect. It is during this time that countries such as Britain, Germany, Italy as well as France emerged as powers entailing industrialization and as such, due to this industrialization, the population in respective countries became high and production rose. During this colonialism era, social Darwinism was becoming increasingly popular and as such, it was natural that these four economic super powers were engaging themselves in fierce competition towards survival. The driving force that led to colonization by these countries was to strengthen themselves in an effort towards securing a competitive edge in regard to the underlying competition between them (Milios 2004). The main reason behind colonialism, regardless of the country colonizing, was to exploit their subjects as well as the individuals who were residing within the boundaries of the colonies in an effort towards generation of the colonizer’s wealth in regards to the economy for the colony as well as the corporations of that colony. The push for generation of the economic power is what led to the presence of slavery, particularly in Africa. People within the colonies being colonized became subjected to coerced labor, that is, slavery or a system of labor characterized by indent. Most of the areas, which were being considered vast in regard to the natural habitats, became cleared and as such, they were being transformed into monoculture plantations (Milios 2004). Therefore, this paper will put a focus on the colonialism endeavors in regard to the European countries during their conquest of the new world and thereby establish what economic gain that these countries actually achieved out of this conquest. In addition to this, the paper will also access the driving force that led to the European countries

Are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence Thesis

Are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence on oil - Thesis Example As such, it is necessary to emphasize the fact that the environmental crisis is not only about environmental problems, but it is about the intertwined concerns regarding politics, economics, society and ideologies (Bodley 2008, p. 43). In this regard, this research will try to address one of the most urgent environmental issues that we are facing: are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence to oil? This is a crucial question because the reality of human dependence to oil is attested by the fact that countries all over the globe have to ensure energy security to sustain their economies and in case they fail, the threat of conflict becomes inevitable (Moran and Russell, 2008). Furthermore, as of 2009, 85 percent of total primary energy consumption involves the use of fossil fuels – oil, natural gas, and coal (Statistical Review of World Energy, 2009) and this is a critical issue because oil is finite. In addition, the peril of global warming coupled with the probability of the increase in consumption in the coming years creates urgency in addressing the question are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence to oil? Everybody, in one way or another, is concern with global warming and in finding the answer on how consumption of fossil fuels may be reduced. Alternative sources such as oil sands, heavy oil, and wood/other biomass, coal hydropower, shale oil, solar energy, gas hydrates, wind energy, nuclear fission, wave energy, geothermal tidal power, fusion, ocean thermal energy and conversion are all considered as alternative sources of energy. However, can they end human dependence in oil? First, as mentioned, oil is finite. There is a need to come up with alternative sources of energy because the reality of diminishing fossil fuel supplies is a fact. The fossil fuel that the world is currently using is built on 500

Phenomenological and positivist approaches Essay Example for Free

Phenomenological and positivist approaches Essay The research seeks to study in-depth the Kuwaiti family by determining the impact of working parents on the socialization of their children based on the perceptions of the parents. In doing so, the research seeks to identify and describe the contemporary defining features of the Kuwaiti family, as contribution to the wider research on the family, being made in different countries. The study also looks into the child rearing practices of Kuwaiti families with both parents working and with one parent assuming the role of a full-time carer. The research draws the perceptions of parents on the socialization process of their children in the context of the family structure, with both parents working or with one parent serving as full-time carer, as well as on the effect of hiring foreign nannies on the socialization of their children. To achieve the purpose of the study, the research process utilizes approaches and methods selected to support the collection and analysis of appropriate sufficient and accurate data. Research Design The study uses the phenomenological approach, which applies to investigative attempts to understand the perspectives or views of selected participants regarding social realities (Easterby-Smith, Thorpe Lowe 1991; Morris 2006). Understanding the phenomenological approach better requires a comparison with the positivist approach, which lies at the other end of the spectrum opposite of the phenomenological approach. The comparison is not intended to undermine one approach over the other but to explaining the phenomenological approach and justifying the appropriateness of employing this approach to the present study. The table below summarizes the distinctions between the phenomenological and positivist approaches. Source: (Easterby-Smith, Thorpe Lowe 1991; Morris 2006) The distinctions show that the phenomenological approach is applies to investigations that consider human or social interest in providing in-depth explanation and deriving meaning of phenomenon as distinguished from the positivist approach of focusing on facts, theories or principles, and hypothesis testing. Phenomenology is the appropriate approach of the present study because the purpose of the investigation is to draw in-depth understanding of the contemporary Kuwaiti family in terms of the relationship between the working status of both parents and the socialization of their children. The study is subjective because it is interested in the perceptions of parents over their working status and the effects on the socialization of their children. The research process is grounded on social interest and subjectivity. The present study employs qualitative research, which involves the derivation of accounts or descriptions from the participants or respondents to provide an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon subject of the study (Creswell 2003). Again, to understand qualitative research and to justify its appropriate application to the present study, the table below summarizes the distinctions between qualitative and quantitative research.

Comparing Alcoholism in Grace and Dubliners :: Comparison Compare Contrast Essays

Alcoholism in Grace and Dubliners What does it mean to be in a state of drunkenness? A person who is inebriated views his surroundings in a surreal fashion; reality exists on the periphery. The drunk is by default interacting with the world on an inferior level as opposed to those who are sober. Alcoholism is also a chronic debilitating disease. It resonates outward from the individual to all those that he has contact within his life. Joyce utilizes the character of the drunk in many of the stories in Dubliners, hardly a story skips a mention of drink. Among despair, isolation and dependence, alcoholism is a theme that runs through all the stories. Alcoholism is the focus in "Grace" where Joyce takes the symbolic alcoholic and shows us what Joyce believes is a part of the problem plaguing Dublin. When we first meet Tom Kernan, we are not even told his name. Kernan is an anonymous being-a drunk that is not differentiated from any other drunk. In his alcohol-induced state he is barely human. "He lay curled up at the foot of the stairs down which he had fallen...his clothes were smeared with the filth and ooze of the floor on which he had lain...a thin stream of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth" (Joyce 150). Kernan has quite literally fallen but also has fallen morally and spiritually. The crowd that surrounds him fairs better only in comparison to him. Instead of seeking immediate help, they all query as to what is his name. Who he is, is obvious, he is a drunk. Yet there is an unwillingness to address this by the crowd. The reason why he is lying on the floor is present but not acknowledged. Is this evasion part of the essence that makes up the people of Dublin? Surely it is for repeatedly the reader is shown or referenced alcohol but direct acknowledgment does not come. "'That's ugly'" (Joyce 153) we are told by Mr. Powers who has just been shown Kernan's bitten tongue. What exactly though is ugly? Solely the bitten tongue or the defeated man or the inhabitants of Dublin? Perhaps it is all of them. Kernan's physical maladies are demonstrative of his mental affliction. At first he has fallen, then his anonymousness persists because he cannot speak. He cannot speak at first because of the level of intoxication but also as we learn because of his bitten tongue.

Roland Barthes and the Hermeneutic Code

French literary theorist, philosopher, linguist, critic, and cosmetician. He had very well-established ideas and theories on how narrative texts use components of their structure to affect the audience's reading and interpretations while bringing out the multiple meanings and connotations within them. According to Berates, all narrative texts share structural features that each narrative weaves together and uses in different ways. These structural features are known as his â€Å"five codes†, and Berates used them to analyses the different dimensions of story-telling and realism.The appropriate and hermeneutic codes are two of Berates' five codes. They were established by Berates when he wished to determine the forces within a story which drive the narrative and furthermore the audience's desire to keep reading. They are the two ways in which suspense is created within a narrative text. Hermeneutic (the voice of truth) is the code of enigmas or puzzles. It refers to the suspens e caused in a narrative by unanswered questions and unsolved resolutions Plot elements in the narrative raise questions for the audience, and the audience is generally not satisfied until the questions are answered and all â€Å"loose ends† are tied.The lack of explanation of the hermeneutic code right away creates a tension, which engages the audience, and leads it to some sort of prediction about what will happen at the end. Usually, a narrative will towards its end explain the previous events and solve any previously unanswered questions. The best example of a narrative which operates on the hermeneutic code Is the detective story. We are introduced to the unsolved mystery at the beginning of the story, and the rest of the narrative is devoted to the detective uncovering clues and piecing them together to determine the solution and solve the puzzles Introduced In the Initial scenes.

Foundation’s Edge CHAPTER TWENTY CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION Mayor Harla Branno had every reason for satisfaction. The state visit had not lasted long, but it had been thoroughly productive. She said, as though in deliberate attempt to avoid hubris, â€Å"We can't, of course, trust them completely.† She was watching the screen. The ships of the Fleet were, one by one, entering hyperspace and returning to their normal stations. There was no question but that Sayshell had been impressed by their presence, but they could not have failed to notice two things: one, that the ships had remained in Foundation space at all times; two, that once Branno had indicated they would leave, they were indeed leaving with celerity. On the other hand, Sayshell would not forget either that those ships could be recalled to the border at a day's notice – or less. It was a maneuver that had combined both a demonstration of power and a demonstration of goodwill. Kodell said, â€Å"Quite right, we can't trust them completely, but then no one in the Galaxy can be trusted completely and it is in the self-interest of Sayshell to observe the terms of the agreement. We have been generous.† Branno said, â€Å"A lot will depend on working out the details and I predict that will take months. The general brushstrokes can be accepted in a moment, but then come the shadings: just how we arrange for quarantine of imports and exports, how we weigh the value of their grain and cattle compared to ours, and so on.† â€Å"I know, but it will be done eventually and the credit will be yours, Mayor. It was a bold stroke and one, I admit, whose wisdom I doubted.† â€Å"Come, Liono. It was just a matter of the Foundation recognizing Sayshellian pride. They've retained a certain independence since early Imperial times. It's to be admired, actually.† â€Å"Yes, now that it will no longer inconvenience us.† â€Å"Exactly, so it was only necessary to bend our own pride to the point of making some sort of gesture to theirs. I admit it took an effort to decide that I, as Mayor of a Galaxy-straddling Federation, should condescend to visit a provincial star-grouping, but once the decision was made it didn't hurt too much. And it pleased them. We had to gamble that they would agree to the visit once we moved our ships to the border, but it meant being humble and smiling very broadly.† Kodell nodded. â€Å"We abandoned the appearance of power to preserve the essence of it.† â€Å"Exactly. – Who first said that?† â€Å"I believe it was in one of Eriden's plays, but I'm not sure. We can ask one of our literary lights back home.† â€Å"If I remember. We must speed the return visit of Sayshellians to Terminus and see to it that they are given the full treatment as equals. And I'm afraid, Liono, you will have to organize tight security for them. There is bound to be some indignation among our hotheads and it would not be wise to subject them to even slight and transient humiliation through protest demonstrations.† â€Å"Absolutely,† said Kodell. â€Å"It was a clever stroke, by the way, sending out Trevize.† â€Å"My lightning rod? He worked better than I thought he would, to be honest. He blundered his way into Sayshell and drew their lightning in the form of protests with a speed I could not have believed. Space! What an excellent excuse that made for my visit – concern lest a Foundation national in any way disturbed then and gratitude for their forbearance.† â€Å"Shrewd! – You don't think it would have been better, though, to have brought Trevize back with us?† â€Å"No. On the whole, I prefer him anywhere but at home. He would be a disturbing factor on Terminus. His nonsense about the Second Foundation served as the perfect excuse for sending him out and, of course, we counted on Pelorat to lead him to Sayshell, but I don't want him back, continuing to spread the nonsense. We can never tell what that might lead to.† Kodell chuckled. â€Å"I doubt that we can ever find anyone more gullible than an intellectual academic. I wonder how much Pelorat would have swallowed if we had encouraged him.† â€Å"Belief in the literal existence of the mythical Sayshellian Gaia was quite enough – but forget it. We will have to face the Council when we return and we will need their votes for the Sayshellian treaty. Fortunately we have Trevize's statement – voiceprint and all – to the effect that he left Terminus voluntarily. I will offer official regrets as to Trevize's brief arrest and that will satisfy the Council.† â€Å"I can rely on you for the soft soap, Mayor,† said Kodell dryly. â€Å"Have you considered, though, that Trevize may continue to search for the Second Foundation?† â€Å"Let him,† said Branno, shrugging, â€Å"as long as he doesn't do it on Terminus. It will keep him busy and get him nowhere. The Second Foundation's continued existence is our myth of the century, as Gaia is Sayshell's myth.† She leaned back and looked positively genial. â€Å"And now we have Sayshell in our grip – and by the time they see that, it will be too late for them to break the grip. So the Foundation's growth continues and will continue, smoothly and regularly.† â€Å"And the credit will be entirely yours, Mayor.† â€Å"That has not escaped my notice,† said Branno, and their ship slipped into hyperspace and reappeared in the neighborhood space of Terminus. Speaker Stor Gendibal, on his own ship again, had every reason for satisfaction. The encounter with the First Foundation had not lasted long, but it had been thoroughly productive. He had sent back his message of carefully muted triumph. It was only necessary – for the moment – to let the First Speaker know that all had gone well (as, indeed, he might guess from the fact that the general force of the Second Foundation had never had to be used after all). The details could come later on. He would describe how a careful – and very minor – adjustment to Mayor Branno's mind had turned her thoughts from imperialistic grandiosity to the practicality of commercial treaty; how a careful and rather long-distance – adjustment of the leader of the Sayshell Union had led to an invitation to the Mayor of a parley and how, thereafter, a rapprochement had been reached with no further adjustments at all with Compor returning to Terminus on his own ship, to see that the agreement would be kept. It had been, Gendibal thought complacently, almost a storybook example of large results brought about by minutely crafted mentalics. It would, he was sure, squash Speaker Delarmi flat and bring about his own elevation to First Speaker very soon after the presentation of the details at a formal meeting of the Table. And he did not deny to himself the importance of Sum Novi's presence, though that would not need to be stressed to the Speakers generally. Not only had she been essential to his victory, but she gave him the excuse he now needed for indulging his childish (and very human, for even Speakers are very human) need to exult before what he knew to be a guaranteed admiration. She did not understand anything that had happened, he knew, but she was aware that he had arranged matters to his liking and she was bursting with pride over that. He caressed the smoothness of her mind and felt the warmth of that pride. He said, â€Å"I could not have done it without you, Novi. It was because of you I could tell that the First Foundation – the people on the large ship†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Yes, Master, I know whom you mean.† â€Å"I could tell, because of you, that they had a shield, together with weak powers of the mind. From the effect on your mind, I could tell, exactly, the characteristics of both. I could tell how most efficiently to penetrate the one and deflect the other.† Novi said tentatively, â€Å"I do not understand exactly what it is you say, Master, but I would have done much more to help, if I could.† â€Å"I know that, Novi. But what you did was enough. It is amazing how dangerous they might have been. But caught now, before either their shield or their field had been developed more strongly, they could be stopped. The Mayor goes back now, the shield and the field forgotten, satisfied over the fact that she has obtained a commercial treaty with Sayshell that will make it a working part of the Federation. I don't deny that there is much more to do to dismantle the work they have done on shield and field – it is something concerning which we have been remiss – but it will be done.† He brooded about the matter and went on in a lower voice, â€Å"We took far too much for granted with the First Foundation. We must place them under closer supervision. We must knit the Galaxy closer together somehow. We must make use of mentalics to build a closer co-operation of consciousness. That would fit the Plan. I'm convinced of that and I'll see to it.† Novi said anxiously, â€Å"Master?† Gendibal smiled suddenly. â€Å"I'm sorry. I'm talking to myself. – Novi, do you remember Rufirant?† â€Å"That bone-skulled farmer who attacked you? I should say I do.† â€Å"I'm convinced that First Foundation agents, armed with personal shields, arranged that, together with all the other anomalies that have plagued us. Imagine being blind to a thing like that. But then, I was bemused into overlooking the First Foundation altogether by this myth of a mysterious world, this Sayshellian superstition concerning Gaia. There, too, your mind came in handy. It helped me determine that the source of that mentalic field was the warship and nothing else.† He rubbed his hands. Novi said timidly, â€Å"Master?† â€Å"Yes, Novi?† â€Å"Will you not be rewarded for what you have done?† â€Å"Indeed I will. Shandess will retire and I will be First Speaker. Then will come my chance to make us an active factor in revolutionizing the Galaxy.† â€Å"First Speaker?† â€Å"Yes, Novi. I will be the most important and the most powerful scholar of them all.† â€Å"The most important?† She looked woebegone. â€Å"Why do you make a face, Novi? Don't you want me to be rewarded?† â€Å"Yes, Master, I do. – But if you are the most important scholar of them all, you will not want a Hamishwoman near you. It would not be fitting.† â€Å"Won't I, though? Who will stop me?† He felt a gush of affection for her. â€Å"Novi, you'll stay with me wherever I go and whatever I am. Do you think I would risk dealing with some of the wolves we occasionally have at the Table without your mind always there to tell me, even before they know themselves, what their emotions might be – your own innocent, absolutely smooth mind. Besides†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He seemed startled by a sudden revelation, â€Å"Even aside from that, I – I like having you with me and I intend having you with me. – That is, if you are willing.† â€Å"Oh, Master,† whispered Novi and, as his arm moved around her waist, her head sank to his shoulder. Deep within, where the enveloping mind of Novi could scarcely be aware of it, the essence of Gaia remained and guided events, but it was that impenetrable mask that made the continuance of the great task possible. And that mask – the one that belonged to a Hamishwoman – was completely happy. It was so happy that Novi was almost reconciled for the distance she was from herself/them/all, and she was content to be, for the indefinite future, what she seemed to be. Pelorat rubbed his hands and said, with carefully controlled enthusiasm, â€Å"How glad I am to be back on Gaia.† â€Å"Umm,† said Trevize abstractedly. â€Å"You know what Bliss has told me? The Mayor is going back to Terminus with a commercial treaty with Sayshell. The Speaker from the Second Foundation is going back to Trantor convinced that he has arranged it – and that woman, Novi, is going with him to see to it that the changes that will bring about Galaxia are initiated. And neither Foundation is in the least aware that Gaia exists. It's absolutely amazing.† â€Å"I know,† said Trevize. â€Å"I was told all this, too. But we know that Gaia exists and we can talk.† â€Å"Bliss doesn't think so. She says no one would believe us, and we would know that. Besides, I, for one, have no intention of ever leaving Gaia.† Trevize was pulled out of his inner musing. He looked up and said, â€Å"What?† â€Å"I'm going to stay here. – You know, I can't believe it. Just weeks ago, I was living a lonely life on Terminus, the same life I had lived for decades, immersed in my records and my thoughts and never dreaming anything but that I would go to my death, whenever it might be, still immersed in my records and my thoughts and still living my lonely life – contentedly vegetating. Then, suddenly and unexpectedly, I became a Galactic traveler; I was involved with a Galactic crisis; and – do not laugh, Golan – I have found Bliss.† â€Å"I'm not laughing, Janov,† said Trevize, â€Å"but are you sure you know what you're doing?† â€Å"Oh yes. This matter of Earth is no longer important to me. The fact that it was the only world with a diverse ecology and with intelligent life has been adequately explained. The Eternals, you know.† â€Å"Yes, I know. And you're going to stay on Gaia?† â€Å"Absolutely. Earth is the past and I'm tired of the past. Gaia is the future.† â€Å"You're not part of Gaia, Janov. Or do you think you can become part of it?† â€Å"Bliss says that I can become somewhat a part of it – intellectually if not biologically. She'll help, of course.† â€Å"But since she is part of it, how can you two find a common life, a common point of view, a common interest†¦Ã¢â‚¬  They were in the open and Trevize looked gravely at the quiet, fruitful island, and beyond it the sea, and on the horizon, purpled by distance, another island – all of it peaceful, civilized, alive, and a unit. He said, â€Å"Janov, she is a world; you are a tiny individual. What if she gets tired of you? She is young†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Golan, I've thought of that. I've thought of nothing but that for days. I expect her to grow tired of me; I'm no romantic idiot. But whatever she gives me till then will be enough. She has already given me enough. I have received more from her than I dreamed existed in life. If I saw her no more from this moment on, I have ended the winner.† â€Å"I don't believe it,† said Trevize gently. â€Å"I think you are a romantic idiot and, mind you, I wouldn't want you any other way. Janov, we haven't known each other for long, but we've been together every moment for weeks and – I'm sorry if it sounds silly – I like you a great deal.† â€Å"And I, you, Golan,† said Pelorat. â€Å"And I don't want you hurt. I must talk to Bliss.† â€Å"No no. Please don't. You'll lecture her.† â€Å"I won't lecture her. It's not entirely to do with you – and I want to talk to her privately. Please, Janov, I don't want to do it behind your back, so grant me your willingness to have me talk to her and get a few things straight. If I am satisfied, I will give you my heartiest congratulations and goodwill – and I will forever hold my peace, whatever happens.† Pelorat shook his head. â€Å"You'll ruin things.† â€Å"I promise I won't I beg you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Well, But do be careful, my dear fellow, won't you?† â€Å"You have my solemn word.† Bliss said, â€Å"Pel says you want to see me.† Trevize said, â€Å"Yes.† They were indoors, in the small apartment allotted to him. She sat down gracefully, crossed her legs, and looked up at him shrewdly, her beautiful brown eyes luminous and her long, dark hair glistening. She said, â€Å"You disapprove of me, don't you? You have disapproved of me from the start.† Trevize remained standing. He said, â€Å"You are aware of minds and of their contents. You know what I think of you and why.† Slowly Bliss shook her head. â€Å"Your mind is out of bounds to Gaia. You know that. Your decision was needed and it had to be the decision of a clear and untouched mind. When your ship was first taken, I placed you and Pel within a soothing field, but that was essential. You would have been damaged – and perhaps rendered useless for a crucial time – by panic or rage. And that was all. I could never go beyond that and I haven't – so I don't know what you're thinking.† Trevize said, â€Å"The decision I had to make has been made. I decided in favor of Gaia and Galaxia. Why, then, all this talk of a clear and untouched mind? You have what you want and you can do with me now as you wish.† â€Å"Not at all, Trev. There are other decisions that may be needed in the future. You remain what you are and, while you are alive, you are a rare natural resource of the Galaxy. Undoubtedly there are others like you in the Galaxy and others like you will appear in the future, but for now we know of you – and only you. We still cannot touch you.† Trevize considered. â€Å"You are Gaia and I don't want to talk to Gaia. I want to talk to you as an individual, if that has any meaning at all.† â€Å"It has meaning. We are far from existing in a common melt. I can block off Gaia for a period of time.† â€Å"Yes,† said Trevize. â€Å"I think you can. Have you now done so?† â€Å"I have now done so.† â€Å"Then, first, let me tell you that you have played games. You did not enter my mind to influence my decision, perhaps, but you certainly entered Janov's mind to do so, didn't you?† â€Å"Do you think I did?† â€Å"I think you did. At the crucial moment, Pelorat reminded me of his own vision of the Galaxy as alive and the thought drove me on to make my decision at that moment. The thought may have been his, but yours was the mind that triggered it, was it not?† Bliss said, â€Å"The thought was in his mind, but there were many thoughts there. I smoothed the path before that reminiscence of his about the living Galaxy – and not before any other thought of his. That particular thought, therefore, slipped easily out of his consciousness and into words. Mind you, I did not create the thought. It was there.† â€Å"Nevertheless, that amounted to an indirect tampering with the perfect independence of my decision, did it not?† â€Å"Gaia felt it necessary.† â€Å"Did it? – Well, it may make you feel better – or nobler – to know that although Janov's remark persuaded me to make the decision at that moment, it was the decision I think I would have made even if he had said nothing or if he had tried to argue me into a decision of a different kind. I want you to know that.† â€Å"I am relieved,† said Bliss coolly. â€Å"Is that what you wanted to tell me when you asked to see me?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"What else is there?† Now Trevize sat down in a chair he had drawn opposite her so that their knees nearly touched. He leaned toward her. â€Å"When we approached Gaia, it was you on the space station. It was you who trapped us; you who came out to get us; you who have remained with us ever since – except for the meal with Dom, which you did not share with us. In particular, it was you on the Far Star with us, when the decision was made. Always you.† â€Å"I am Gaia.† â€Å"That does not explain it. A rabbit is Gaia. A pebble is Gaia. Everything on the planet is Gaia, but they are not all equally Gaia. Some are more equal than others. Why you?† â€Å"Why do you think?† Trevize made the plunge. He said, â€Å"Because I don't think you're Gaia. I think you're more than Gaia.† Bliss made a derisive sound with her lips. Trevize kept to his course. â€Å"At the time I was making the decision, the woman with the Speaker†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"He called her Novi.† â€Å"This Novi, then, said that Gaia was set on its course by the robots that no longer exist and that Gaia was taught to follow a version of the Three Laws of Robotics.† â€Å"That is quite true.† â€Å"And the robots no longer exist?† â€Å"So Novi said.† â€Å"So Novi did not say. I remember her exact words. She said: ‘Gaia was formed thousands of years ago with the help of robots that once, for a brief time, served The human species and now serve them no more.† â€Å"Well, Trev, doesn't that mean they exist no more?† â€Å"No, it means they serve no more. Might they not rule instead?† â€Å"Ridiculous!† â€Å"Or supervise? Why were you there at the time of the decision? You did not seem to be essential. It was Novi who conducted matters and she was Gaia. What need of you? Unless†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Well? Unless?† â€Å"Unless you are the supervisor whose role it is to make certain that Gaia does not forget the Three Laws. Unless you are a robot, so cleverly made that you cannot be told from a human being.† â€Å"If I cannot be told from a human being, how is it you think that you can tell?† asked Bliss with a trace of sarcasm. Trevize sat back. â€Å"Do you not all assure me I have the faculty of being sure; of making decisions, seeing solutions, drawing correct conclusions. I don't claim this; it is what you say of me. Well, from the moment I saw you I felt uneasy. There was something wrong with you. I am certainly as susceptible to feminine allure as Pelorat is – more so, I should think – and you are an attractive woman in appearance. Yet not for one moment did I feel the slightest attraction.† â€Å"You devastate me.† Trevize ignored that. He said, â€Å"When you first appeared on our ship, Janov and I had been discussing the possibility of a nonhuman civilization on Gaia, and when Janov saw you, he asked, in his innocence, ‘Are you human?' Perhaps a robot must answer the truth, but I suppose it can be evasive. You merely said, ‘Don't I look human?' Yes, you look human, Bliss, but let me ask you again. Are you human?† Bliss said nothing and Trevize continued. â€Å"I think that even at that first moment, I felt you were not a woman. You are a robot and I could somehow tell. And because of my feeling, all the events that followed had meaning for me – particularly your absence from the dinner.† Bliss said, â€Å"Do you think I cannot eat, Trev? Have you forgotten I nibbled a shrimp dish on your ship? I assure you that I am able to eat and perform any of the other biological functions. – Including, before you ask, sex. And yet that in itself, I might as well tell you, does not prove that I am not a robot. Robots had reached the pitch of perfection, even thousands of years ago, where only by their brains were they distinguishable from human beings, and then only by those able to handle mentalic fields. Speaker Gendibal might have been able to tell whether I were robot or human, if he had bothered even once to consider me. Of course, he did not.† â€Å"Yet, though I am without mentalics, I am nevertheless convinced you are a robot† Bliss said, â€Å"But what if I am? I admit nothing, but I am curious. What if I am?† â€Å"You have no need to admit anything. I know you are a robot If I needed a last bit of evidence, it was your calm assurance that you could block off Gaia and speak to me as an individual. I don't think you could do that if you were part of Gaia – but you are not You are a robot supervisor and, therefore, outside of Gaia. I wonder, come to think of it, how many robot supervisors Gaia requires and possesses?† â€Å"I repeat: I admit nothing, but I am curious. What if I am a robot?† â€Å"In that case, what I want to know is: What do you want of Janov Pelorat? He is my friend and he is, in some ways, a child. He thinks he loves you; he thinks he wants only what you are willing to give and that you have already given him enough. He doesn't know – and cannot conceive – the pain of the loss of love or, for that matter, the peculiar pain of knowing that you are not human†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Do you know the pain of lost love?† â€Å"I have had my moments. I have not led the sheltered life of Janov. I have not had my life consumed and anesthetized by an intellectual pursuit that swallowed up everything else, even wife and child. He has. Now suddenly, he gives it all up for you. I do not want him hurt. I will not have him hurt. If I have served Gaia, I deserve a reward – and my reward is your assurance that Janov Pelorat's well-being will be preserved.† â€Å"Shall I pretend I am a robot and answer you?† Trevize said, â€Å"Yes. And right now.† â€Å"Very well, then. Suppose I am a robot, Trev, and suppose I am in a position of supervision. Suppose there are a few, a very few, who have a similar role to myself and suppose we rarely meet. Suppose that our driving force is the need to care for human beings and suppose there are no true humans beings on Gaia, because all are part of an overall planetary being. â€Å"Suppose that it fulfills us to care for Gaia – but not entirely. Suppose there is something primitive in us that longs for a human being in the sense that existed when robots were first formed and designed. Don't mistake me; I do not claim to be age-old (assuming I am a robot). I am as old as I told you I was or, at least, (assuming I am a robot) that has been the term of my existence. Still, (assuming I am a robot) my fundamental design would be as it always was and I would long to care for a true human being. â€Å"Pel is a human being. He is not part of Gaia. He is too old to ever become a true part of Gaia. He wants to stay on Gaia with me, for he does not have the feelings about me that you have. He does not think that I am a robot. Well, I want him, too. If you assume that I am a robot, you see that I would. I am capable of all human reactions and I would love him. If you were to insist I was a robot, you might not consider me capable of love in some mystic human sense, but you would not be able to distinguish my reactions from that which you would call love – so what difference would it make?† She stopped and looked at him – intransigently proud. Trevize said, â€Å"You are telling me that you would not abandon him?† â€Å"If you assume that I am a robot, then you can see for yourself that by First Law I could never abandon him, unless he ordered me to do so and I were, in addition, convinced that he meant it and that I would be hurting him more by staying than by leaving.† â€Å"Would not a younger man†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"What younger man? You are a younger man, but I do not conceive you as needing me in the same sense that Pel does, and, in fact, you do not want me, so that the First Law would prevent me from attempting to cling to you.† â€Å"Not me. Another younger man†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"There is no other. Who is there on Gaia other than Pel and yourself that would qualify as human beings in the non-Gaian sense?† Trevize said, more softly, â€Å"And if you are not a robot?† â€Å"Make up your mind,† said Bliss. â€Å"I say, if you are not a robot?† â€Å"Then I say that, in that case, you have no right to say anything at all. It is for myself and for Pel to decide.† Trev said, â€Å"Then I return to my first point. I want my reward and that reward is that you will treat him well. I won't press the point of your identity. Simply assure me, as one intelligence to another, that you will treat him well.† And Bliss said softly, â€Å"I will treat him well – not as a reward to you, but because I wish to. It is my earnest desire. I will treat him well.† She called â€Å"Pel!† And again, â€Å"Pel!† Pelorat entered from outside, â€Å"Yes, Bliss.† Bliss held out her hand to him. â€Å"I think Trev wants to say something.† Pelorat took her hand and Trevize then took the doubled hand in his two. â€Å"Janov,† he said, â€Å"I am happy for both of you.† Pelorat said, â€Å"Oh, my dear fellow.† Trevize said, â€Å"I will probably be leaving Gaia. I go now to speak to Dom about that. I don't know when or if we will meet again, Janov, but, in any case, we did well together.† â€Å"We did well,† said Pelorat, smiling. â€Å"Good-bye, Bliss, and, in advance, thank you.† â€Å"Good-bye, Trev.† And Trevize, with a wave of his hand, left the house. Dom said, â€Å"You did well, Trev. – But then, you did as I thought you would.† They were once more sitting over a meal, as unsatisfactory as the first had been, but Trevize did not mind. He might not be eating on Gaia again. He said, â€Å"I did as I thought you would, but not, perhaps, for the reason you thought I would.† â€Å"Surely you were sure of the correctness of your decision.† â€Å"Yes, I was, but not because of any mystic grip I have on certainty. If I chose Galaxia, it was through ordinary reasoning – the sort of reasoning that anyone else might have used to come to a decision. Would you care to have me explain?† â€Å"I most certainly would, Trev.† Trevize said, â€Å"There were three things I might have done. I might have joined the First Foundation, or joined the Second Foundation, or joined Gaia. â€Å"If I had joined the First Foundation, Mayor Branno would have taken immediate action to establish domination over the Second Foundation and over Gaia. If I had joined the Second Foundation, Speaker Gendibal would have taken immediate action to establish domination over the First Foundation and over Gaia. In either case, what would have taken place would have been irreversible – and if either were the wrong solution, it would have been irreversibly catastrophic. â€Å"If I joined with Gaia, however, then the First Foundation and the Second Foundation would each have been left with the conviction of having won a relatively minor victory. All would then have continued as before, since the building of Galaxia, I had already been told, would take generations, even centuries. â€Å"Joining with Gaia was my way of temporizing, then, and of making sure that there would remain time to modify matters – or even reverse them – if my decision were wrong.† Dom raised his eyebrows. His old, almost cadaverous face remained otherwise expressionless. He said in his piping voice, â€Å"And is it your opinion that your decision may turn out wrong?† Trevize shrugged. â€Å"I don't think so, but there is one thing I must do in order that I might know. It is my intention to visit Earth, if I can find that world.† â€Å"We will certainly not stop you if you wish to leave us, Trev†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I do not fit on your world.† â€Å"No more than Pel does, yet you are as welcome to remain as he is. Still, we will not hold you. – But tell me, why do you wish to visit Earth?† Trevize said, â€Å"I rather think you understand.† â€Å"I do not.† â€Å"There is a piece of information you withheld from me, Dom. Perhaps you had your reasons, but I wish you had not.† Dom said, â€Å"I do not follow you.† â€Å"Look, Dom, in order to make my decision, I used my computer and for a brief moment I found myself in touch with the minds of those about me – Mayor Branno, Speaker Gendibal, Novi. I caught glimpses of a number of matters that, in isolation, meant little to me, as, for example, the various effects Gaia, through Novi, had produced on Trantor – effects that were intended to maneuver the Speaker into going to Gaia.† â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"And one of those things was the clearing from Trantor's library of all references to Earth.† â€Å"The clearing of references to Earth?† â€Å"Exactly. So Earth must be important – and not only does it appear that the Second Foundation must know nothing about it, but that I must not, either. And if I am to take the responsibility for the direction of Galactic development, I do not willingly accept ignorance. Would you consider telling me why it was so important to keep knowledge of Earth hidden?† Dom said solemnly, â€Å"Trev, Gaia knows nothing about such clearance. Nothing!† â€Å"Are you telling me that Gaia is not responsible?† â€Å"It is not responsible.† Trevize thought for a while, the tip of his tongue moving slowly and meditatively over his lips. â€Å"Who was responsible, then?† â€Å"I don't know. I can see no purpose in it.† The two men stared at each other and then Dom said, â€Å"You are right. We had seemed to have reached a most satisfactory conclusion, but while this point remains unsettled, we dare not rest. – Stay a while with us and let us see what we can reason out. Then you can leave, with our full help.† â€Å"Thank you,† said Trevize. THE END

Management case Example

Management case Example Management case – Essay Example Case – Newell Company: Corporate Strategy One challenge that Newell faced in the late 1990s was the emergence of large-scale retailers. The three main retailers were able to extend their dominance of the market from 70% in 1992 to 80% in 1998. Because of the size of the market controlled by these retailers, Newell had to find a way to increase efficiency in its supply chain and distribution systems. Another challenge that Newell had in that time was partly due to its own actions of making acquisitions. These acquisitions were risky to some people because of the vast size of them. Typically when a company acquires another company, the new acquisition is considerably smaller. Newell had to get these acquisitions through the Newellization process in a short amount of time so Newell can make gains in those markets.2. One resource that Newell has is its Newellization process, which helps to bring new acquisitions into the brand and get them up to speed. The brand name is strengthen ed because of this and customers become loyal to the Newell brand. This process also helps new firms to follow the same basic management principles across all sectors, and this helps to ensure that Newell is the market leader in all of its markets. Another distinctive resource that Newell has got is the different products offerings. Because Newell separates its products into different market levels, this allows customers of all financial backgrounds to afford the products. This has a knock-on effect of creating strong brand presence and loyalty, two traits that will serve the company over the long term.3. Newell has a centralized administration, which helps to ensure no miscommunication between departments. Newells strong corporate structure is based on each division focused on its own operations and leaving the major decisions to top management. This makes Newell a company that is decentralized but also with a strong top management focus. Other areas of Newells good corporate struc ture are is annual meetings and financial reviews. These things help Newell to keep focus and make sure that no part of the firm is slacking off. Lastly, with high demand for positions within the company, it shows that there is competitiveness there and also employees feel satisfied being part of the team.4. Both the acquisition of Calphalon and Rubbermaid make sense because they have something to offer Newell. Newell already has a good process for integrating new acquisitions, and the company can improve both companies even better than they were when the acquisitions were made. Once the acquisitions go through the Newellization process then there are many advantages that these brands can bring. Both acquisitions already have good customer markets that Newell does not have great access to, so there is a potential for expanding here. Calphalon has good customer connections due to its focus on customer services, and this is a strategy that has served Newell well over the years. Also, Newell can expand its global presence with the acquisition of Rubbermaid, which already has good brand equity.

Total Quality Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Total Quality Management - Assignment Example Empirical results are expected to show that there would be a marginal increase in performance over a 4-year and 6-year period, respectively, upon installing ISO and TQM programmes. This means that unless firms maintain and sustain the TQM drives continuously, there will be a decline in competitiveness. One of its main objectives is to identify an implementation order concerning tools and techniques. Data from survey show there has been continuous decline in the number of new ISO 9000 registrations in the manufacturing industry since reaching its peak some 4-5 years (up to and including survey year, 1996) ago. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ISO 9000 and TQM either singly or in combination on the performance of companies. It also explores the order of implementation, which was not addressed previously. In the process, the relationship of practice and performance is investigated and the practices and performance of firms with or without TQM and ISO 9000 in the manufacturing industry is examined. Saraph et al. (1989) were among the first to attempt to organize and coalesce the various TQM prescriptions. They identified eight critical factors of quality management: the role of management leadership and quality policy; the role of the quality department; training; product/service design; supplier quality management; process management; quality data and reporting; and employee relations. Operational measures of these factors were developed and were found to be reliable and valid. By using such measures, decision-makers can assess the level of quality management in their organization in order to devise strategies for further improvements. Starting from a strategic perspective, the work by Flynn et al. (1994) identified and accentuated seven key dimensions of quality management that included top management support, quality information, process management, product design, workforce management and supplier and customer involvement. These dimensions were then tested for reliability and validity and, by doing so, described a clear framework for subsequent research and established a standard by which practitioners could evaluate the effectiveness of their quality management programmes. Through a detailed analysis of the literature, Ahire et al. (1996a) identified 12 constructs of integrated quality management strategies, namely, top management commitment, customer focus, supplier quality management, design quality management, benchmarking, SPC, internal quality informatio

End of Course Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

End of Course - Assignment Example Third is the aspect of the balanced scorecard that would help the company improve its operations. Last are the benefits and drawbacks of zero-based approach to budgeting for the business. This section contains the analysis of the Brown Bear Leisure’s financial statement, using relevant ratios, for the two-year period (2014 and 2015). The ratios are as follows: profitability ratios, liquidity ratios, and efficiency ratios. Net profit margin- this ratio shows how well a company manages its operating expenses such as the administrative costs and interests on borrowed funds. The higher the ratio, the lower the operating expenses of the enterprise. Concerning Brown Bear Leisure Company, the net profit margin for the year 2014 and 2015 have been determined as 7.07% and -0.53% respectively. The ratio interpretation for the fiscal year 2014 means that only 7.07% of the company’s revenue were net profit, whereas, remaining 92.93% were consumed by the operating expenses. However, in the year 2015, the ratio is negative reflecting the loss made by the company during that period. Net profit margin decreased between the two periods due to a sharp decline in the profit from positive to negative (Loss). Based on the analysis, the company’s operating expenses are excessively high, which indicates the ineffectiveness of the company’s cost management methods. Therefore, it is justified to mention that the company’s value creation ability is dwarfed by the high level of operating costs (Baker & Powell 2005, pp. 3-10). Gross profit margin- the ratio indicates a company’s financial health after meeting the cost of sales. It also shows the company’s ability to pay for future operating costs. Concerning Brown Bear Leisure Company, the gross profit margin for the year 2014 and 2015 have been determined as 41.24% and 34.46 % respectively. The ratio interpretation for the fiscal year 2014 means that 41.24% of the company’s revenue were gross

Pointing Fingers in Refugee Responsibilities Assignment

Pointing Fingers in Refugee Responsibilities - Assignment Example ghts convention acts as the foundation of asylum and states that according of the basic rights to persons considered refugees in a foreign territory is important as it would aim at their well being. Such rights include prohibition from all manner of discrimination, procedural safeguards on situations of expulsion, protection of their private and family life and protection against any ill-treatment. In the case of Germany, denying the woman asylum was a violation of the refugee convention as her home country was in a state of turmoil engulfed in an ethnic civil war. The Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki Moon had described the situation as a serious crisis that had led to the displacement of thousands of people. The lower administrative court’s decision to deny the woman asylum implied that she had to leave Germany and make a return to her home country, Libya. Germany, in that light, had out rightly violated the refugee human rights convention which granted the woman asylum. The doctrine of the Universal human rights declaration protects the right of refugees by allowing for individuals to seek asylum in areas they consider safe as opposed to staying in their home countries (Forsythe & David, 2009. 89). Furthermore, most of the asylum seekers in Germany arrive through the use of dangerous paths which involve sailing through the Mediterranean sea by use of packed boats, a situation that leads to many of them getting lost and even drowning. The adopted criterion is, however, not legitimate because before arriving in Germany, they go through various countries considered safe states. It is equally important to note that the appellant was right in challenging the Federal Administrative court’s decision as denying her asylum amounted to a violation of her right as well as the obligation of non-refoulement. Meanwhile, Germany on her part acted to counter the escalating influx of refugees in its territory and was vocal in stating that the clause of non- refoulement

Healthy people 2010 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Healthy people 2010 - Essay Example Health disparities – also known as ‘health inequality’ is defined as health inequality related to age differences; or â€Å"the lack of equality in terms of opportunity for treatment†. (American Heritage, 2000) In U.S., the use of the term ‘health disparities’ may refer to the â€Å"health outcomes that are unavoidable, potentially avoidable, unfair, and unacceptable† because of lack of education, health care equipments, clean air, and water which contributes to unhealthy living condition. (Carter-Pokras & Baquet, 2002) African Americans, Hispanics and other the minority groups like the Pacific Islander and Asians as compared to the White Americans are reported to frequently experience health disparities based on the ten leading health indicators such as: (1) Physical Activity; (2) Overweight and obesity; (3) tobacco use; (4) substance abuse; (5) responsible sexual behavior; (6) mental health; (7) injury and violence; (8) environmental quality; (9) immunization; and (10) access to health care. (Healthy People 2010, 2008b) (See Table I – Summary of Health Indicators in the United States on page 3) The main cause of health disparities is poverty and lack of education. Lack of education makes people unable to find job. In the absence of financial resources, millions of people will have no access to health care facilities. Promotion of Healthy People 2010 is not enough to prevent health disparities in the U.S. To minimize health disparities, the government should support the educational needs of the under-served population. AmericanHeritage. (2000). American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. 4th Ed. in Carter-Pokras O. & Baquet C. (ed) What is "Health Disparity"? 2002. Public Helath Reports. 117(September - October):426 -

Nestlé and Nestlé Malaysia

Nestlà © and Nestlà © Malaysia EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The existing company that has selected is Nestlà © (Malaysia) Berhad. This report starts with an introduction and a brief history about Nestlà © and Nestlà © Malaysia. This report includes the vision and mission of Nestlà © and how Nestlà © is going to achieve them. This report also includes a brief summary of Nestlà ©s market segmentation with examples provided. It discusses the strengths and problems of the company followed by the solutions to solve the issues. In the end, there are some suggestions recommended by our group and a conclusion of this whole report. TABLE OF CONTENTS Assessment Criteria..2 Plagiarism Report..3 Executive Summary. 4 Table of Contents..5 Content Introduction..6 Market Segmentation7 Strengths8-9 Problems and Solutions.9-11 Recommendations..11-12 Conclusion.12 References.13 Appendix14 CONTENT INTRODUCTION Nestlà © is a multinational company and is of the worlds largest in food and beverages industry. Heinrich Nestlà ©, whom also known as Henri Nestlà ©, was the founder of Nestlà © Company (Nestle. 2010, Introduction, Nestlà © [Online] available at www.nestle.com), which headquarter is in Vevey, Switzerland in the year of 1866. Nestlà © Malaysia was established in the year of 1912 in Malaysia as Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. Nestlà © Malaysia head office is now located in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and has 6 sales offices with more than 5000 employees nationwide. Besides, Nestlà © manufactures its own products in 7 factories and markets over 300 Halal products across the nation. (Nestlà ©. 2010, Nestlà © in Malaysia, Nestlà © [Online] available at www.nestle.com.my) Nestlà © specialized in foods and beverages industry, a few of the many well known brands Nestlà © has in Malaysia includes Maggi, Nescafà ©, Milo, Kit Kat, Nesvita (formerly known as Ne stum), as well as pet care products such as Purina and Friskies. Nestlà ©s vision (Nestlà ©. 2010, Corporate Philosophy, Nestlà © [Online] available at www.nestle.com.my) is to be the leader in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness Company by delivering world-class products of the highest consistent quality, reliability, and convenience based on business excellence principles throughout the operation. Nestlà ©s mission (The Nestlà © Corporate Essence Our roots and wings 2007, p.4) is to enhance the quality of life with good food and beverages, everywhere, so people could live a healthier life. In order to achieve their vision and mission, Nestlà © Nutrition Research Centre (Nestlà ©. 2010, Research Development, Nestlà © [Online] available at www.nestle.co.jp) pays great attention to understand the consumers nutritional and emotional needs and utilise todays world superior science and technology to produce high quality products to the world. MARKET SEGMENTATION Every consumer has different needs. Hence, it is not possible to satisfy every customer using a same marketing segmentation, which is also known as mass marketing by offering a single marketing mix to all consumers. Moreover, as a global market has become extremely competitive, and consumers are increasingly demanding which is very difficult to satisfy. Therefore, Nestlà © uses target marketing for every product to their customers. For example, in consumer product, Nestlà © baby milk product such as Nestlà © Neslac Excella Gold is segmented only to infants and toddlers. However, baby does not have the capacity or capability to buy the food they needed. Therefore, to market this baby milk product, Nestlà © does not fully focusing on babys basic need which is hunger, but also to the babys parents in terms of how the nutrition provided will give their children the best possible advantages in the childrens life and development. Another example is Nestlà © Milo, the milk beverage with chocolate and malt. Don Howart, the executive director of Nestlà © and Singapore Coffee and Beverages claimed that Milo remains popular among the young and has a 90% (The Sun. 2010, Milo with ProtoMalt to get through the day, Sun2Surf [Online] available at www.sun2surf.com) market share among chocolate malt drinks in Malaysia. Besides the youngsters, old people and active people are also part of the target markets of Nestlà © Milo drinks. However, at first, Nestlà ©s business was launched internationally and realised the fact that food products have to be taken into account to the local eating and social behaviour due to the particular countrys practices, cultures, and traditions. Therefore, (1) Nestlà © has always shown respect for diverse cultures and traditions and trying to integrate itself as much as possible into the cultures and traditions, adding also to the local environment its own set of values. Therefore, (2) Nestlà © embraces cultural and social diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of origin, nationality, religion, race, gender or age. (The Nestlà © Management and Leadership Principles 2006, p.9) STRENGTHS Nestlà © is a multinational company, not to mention Nestlà © is also the largest industry in foods and beverages, hence Nestlà © has every capability to attract more consumers compare to the local companies. On account of its high market share and high financial power, Nestlà © also has greater financial capability in altering existing products in terms of packaging, the formula of the particular product and others or creating new products, as well as to adapt or upgrade latest information system technology in manufacturing, order processing and other related fields in order to sustain their competitive advantage by delivering lower cost of goods and services than their competitors in this dynamic environment. Secondly, Nestlà © has quite an effective strategic marketing capability. For example, Nestlà © Maggi instant noodles has built a stable patent and is very well known in many countries especially in Australia and Malaysia. This is because Maggi instant noodles is easy to be differentiated from its competitors such as Cintan Instant Noodles. Moreover, Nestlà © has also developed a very strong brand name for Maggi instant noodles because of strong advertising, which has indoctrinated most of the people to name the other brands of instant noodles as Maggi instant noodle instead of the brands original name. Furthermore, Nestlà © also has a strong Research and Development operations that helps the company to achieve cross-border synergy such as packaging its global products to local preferences. Nestlà © also emphasises on using todays information technology, which Nestlà © believe it will present a long-term opportunity for them to smoothen the companys operation or to increase efficiency in packaging, among any other companys operations. Besides, Nestlà © also has better technological capability, for instance, to renovate the existing products to be more innovative, higher quality, and much healthier product as Nestlà © realised that consumer-centred innovation and renovation is the most important pillar of Nestlà ©s worldwide strategy, which would accelerate Nestlà © to advance from good to better. (The Nestlà © Corporate Essence Our roots and wings 2007, p.34) And because of Nestlà ©s commitments, more people trust on the products delivered by Nestlà © because of its prope r health and safety measures. Besides, Nestlà © also has great leadership attributes. The leaders such as the top executives, branch managers, and others are responsible in building organisation capability. For example, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlà © S.A., Peter Brabeck, (Castelarhost. 2005, Nestlà © LC1 S.W.O.T Analysis, Castelar Articles [Online] available at www.articles.castelarhost.com) emphasises internal growth worldwide, which means to achieve higher volumes of sales by adding value to the products, renovate existing products, and innovate new products, to keep pace in the industry because of rapidly changing of consumer expectations. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS Nestlà © produces hundreds of products, has a global network of suppliers, and multiple distributions and selling channels. Hence, to anticipate and respond in this rapidly changing in market demand condition is very difficult. When forecasting a market demand, Nestlà © will need information to detect shifts in demand early so they could adjust for trends and send the right messages to the suppliers, shippers, and distribution centres before they are flood with unwanted or defective goods or shortages. (Manhattan Associates. 2010, Planning and forecasting: Anticipate and Respond to Changes in Demand, Manhattan Associates [Online] at www.manh.com) However, every company has its weakest links, so is Nestlà ©. The weakest links are issues they are unable to control. (Labs. 2010, Supply Chain Efficiency Starts at the Top, Food Engineering [Online] available at www.foodengineeringmag.com) Firstly, the most common problem is the sources of supply of raw materials. This is due to a sudden and unexpected increased in demand, which will cause extreme supply shortages for commodities that will result in major price increases. For instance, bad weather and natural disasters have always been an issue affecting incoming raw materials. Secondly, the inaccuracy of orders received in inventory. No company can ever achieve the requirement of zero defects especially in foods and beverages industry. For example, when the purchasing department of Nestlà © ordered 10,000 of mixed berries yoghurt from its dealer, but what the retailer received was only 8,000 of mixed berries yoghurt, or on another occasion they might received defective inventori es. Another example is, when Nestlà © tells its dealer that they needed extra orders of a particular product to be shipped right away because of unexpected increased in demand, but in fact, the supplier may already has orders from other customers. This usually happen during special occasion such as Chinese New Year, the demand of Nestlà © Cornflakes cereal will increase because many people will buy this product to make cookies. This will causes Nestlà © to encounter a great loss because of inaccurate order of magnitude because they could not produce the actual output needed. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, it is crucial for Nestlà © to engage with multiple suppliers or dealers in that particular region, so they could acquire inventories from multiple dealers, which will definitely decrease the risk of shortage due to incontrollable situation. Besides, Nestlà © should also base on their demand and purchase planning on last couple of years of sales to forecast current year of demand and supply. Other than that, mutual trust and strong relationship with all the dealers are needed in order to increase the flexibility of material supply management, as well as to enhance the bargaining power of Nestlà ©. However, if there is a surplus, Nestlà © may need to plan a promotion to clear their inventories, otherwise Nestlà © will encounter a great loss such as paying high material handling cost, waste of warehouses space, or inventories that are not sold became defective and may need to be disposed which no profit will earn. Therefore, when there i s a big event organized such as Jom Heboh Carnival. Nestlà © will set up a booth at the carnival to sell its products, which are close to the expiry date at lower price such as Maggi products, Nescafà ©, Milo, yoghurt drinks, Nestlà © ice creams and so on. People often buy the products in big quantity because of the lower price than the market price. As a result, Nestlà © could clear their inventories rather fast and save some space in the warehouses. which is a win-win situation. Thirdly, even though Nestlà © has a logistics department but it doesnt deal with transportation logistics. Nestlà © outsourced its supply chain transport to the third-party logistics (3PL) as Nestlà © tries to cut their supply chain costs and to concentrate more on their in-plant operations. Although Nestlà © doesnt have a transportation logistics department, but they do have a delivery team to cooperate with the third-party logistics in routing protocol. Nestlà © is using a Dynamic Source Routing (DSR), which is a simple and efficient routing protocol designed specifically for use in multi-hop wireless ad hoc networks of mobile nodes. The protocol is composed of the two main mechanisms of Route Discovery and Route Maintenance, which work together to allow nodes to discover and maintain routes on-demand to arbitrary destinations in the ad hoc network. (Maltz. 2003, The Dynamic Source Routing Protocol CMU [Online] available at www.cs.cmu.edu) Therefore, the delivery team is there to help Nestlà © and the 3PL that DSR is working as per company direction as well as DSR performance. Next, it is the poor partnership relationship between dealerships and consumers. Dealers need these capabilities because they, in close partnership with manufacturers Nestlà ©, are a connecting hub of services for the consumers, and other stakeholders. However, Nestlà © solved this problem by using the Dealer Management Systems (DMS) as well as their dealers. DMS is a software solutions that provide tools for managing sales, services, parts and inventory management, business management, integration, and core architecture. DMS help manufacturers and dealers create integrated marketing campaigns to offer inventory to target markets. This will integrate innovations into traditional in-store sales and service processes and offer technologies for non-traditional merchandising, sales, and service strategies through alternative channels for consumer engagement via Web, by phone, or in-vehicle. (Microsoft Corporation. 2008, Microsoft Offers the Dealer Management Solution Microsoft [Online ] available at www.microsoft.com/automotive) RECOMMENDATIONS After the reviews stated above, those were not the only solutions that are available. MDZ has come up with a few recommended suggestions that may work or solve the problems that were encountered by Nestlà ©. Instead of just finding or having multiple suppliers, Nestlà © could acquire the inventories from the other outlets from the other region. Because some regions have different demographics, for instance, race. Some areas have higher percentage of Malays such as Kuantan, Pahang, and some may have higher percentage of Chinese such as Ipoh, Perak. The Chinese New Year (CNY) example stated above, in Kuantan area, there might be less demand during CNY, so to prevent shortage, Nestlà © could just acquire the inventories from Kuantan. However, if there is a surplus, and unable to clear the inventories at a short time, Nestlà © could consider donation for short-run purpose, this could help to clear the old stocks, as well as to help the donation receivers and build better goodwill and name of Nestlà ©. Secondly, Nestlà © is a multinational company; it definitely has the capability in owning a transportation logistics department. Because of the hundreds variety of Nestlà ©s products, 7 manufacturers in Malaysia, as well as thousands of customers such as retailers, wholesalers, distributors and so on, Nestlà © could handle its own transportation service. Nestlà © could gain the whole power in such as mode selections, routing, and others. They could do almost anything such as consolidating different type of products but to the same outlet. Besides, they could save every penny they use in transportation cost compare to third-party logistics (3PL) because 3PL charges according to the quantity, inventory storage space, value added processes such as special handling, and more. It may benefit in the short run, but definitely not in the long run, as Nestlà © centred in the long-term business and strives to achieve effectiveness and efficiency. Lastly, Nestlà © could use both manual and automation system in managing sales, services, and others. This is because one cannot trust wholly to a machine, as it may not be documenting the steps in its own processor. Because some steps cant be automated and may required operator intervention to prevent the escapement processing steps, even though adapting advanced technologies could help saving cost as labour cost is reduced, but if there are still problems occur, it will affect the business such as loss of customers because of the mistake. Therefore, Nestlà © must update the system software regularly and full utilisation of available technology as well as the manual operators, which will effectively increase the efficiency and dependability of the supply chain systems. CONCLUSION Nestlà © exerts great efforts to achieve its visions to be the leader in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness Company by producing better quality of products to the consumers. Nestlà © also study about the consumers needs from time to time and satisfy the consumers as much as possible. Nestlà ©s strengths such as high financial capability, effective strategic marketing capability, strong research and development, as well as great leaderships have helped them through the obstacles. Above all, Nestlà © focuses on its missions and ensures consistency by making the right decisions to manage and build its business to deliver the promise of Good Food, Good Life all over the world.