Thursday, October 31, 2019

English literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

English literature - Essay Example He finds his job degrading with long working hours and little time for sleep and rest. His boss is a woman and â€Å"It was funny to have a white woman for a boss in a plant like this one† (Petry n.p.). His lack of interest in work often infuriates his boss. Their stern and hostile behavior makes him angry and it gets hard for him to resist the urge to beat her white employer, saying that he would never beat a woman. Further in the story, Mr. Johnson encounters a white girl working at a coffee shop who refuses to serve him just because he is black; it could be solely Mr. Johnson’s thinking that made him to think that every white person hates the black person. However, he resists his anger with his heart pounding to beat her but somehow; he learns to control his angers and walks out of the coffee shop. Anne Petry further explores how the bad sense of humor that Mae possesses makes Johnson to think that he is a black man with no respect in the society. She jokingly calls him a â€Å"nigger† (Petry n.p.). Her bad sense of humor provokes him to take out his anger, frustration and humiliation he encountered the entire day on her. The story projects that how the evils of racism was a bitter part of reality in American society in 1946. The story revolves around two main themes such as racial discrimination and domestic abuse. The domestic abuse that Mae faced was the outcome of the psychological aggression that was brought into Mr. Johnson due to the humiliation he faced by the hands of two white women. He hated to raise his fist against a woman but his aggression let him do that but this led to the death of his family’s belief, not to hit on any female. Anne Petry explains how our bottled aggressions and frustrations make us to do things that we consider immoral. Johnson is a colorful example of a man who fails to control motions unwinding his sheets of anger and frustration on his

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Sodium Chloride An Important Compound Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sodium Chloride An Important Compound - Essay Example Moreover, it is also found in the ancient bedrock all over the planet in the form of thick layers in places where water bodies used to exist in the form of salt lakes and seas, all of which have evaporated millions of years ago. About 4,700 years ago, the Chinese Png-tzao-kan-mu, one of the earliest known writings, recorded more than 40 types of salt. Ancient civilizations have used salt as one of the vital supplements in diet, with archaeological evidence of Iron Age salt-making largely based upon the discovery of remnants of coarse pottery vessels and supporting pillars recognized as being connected with salt-making and known as briquettage. In Britain, lead salt pans were used by the Romans at Middlewich, Nantwich and Northwich and excavations at Middlewich and Nantwich have revealed extensive salt-making settlements. Moreover, writings on salt no doubt also existed on the clay tablets of Ancient Babylon and on Egyptian papyri. Even without written evidence we can be fairly certain that salt-making and use was a feature of life in all ancient communities. Considering it's chemical and physical properties, Sodium Chloride is usually found as a clear or whit

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Stabilization of Nitrous Acid

Stabilization of Nitrous Acid Abstract Nitrous acid (HNO2) was stabilized via supporting on Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) and the thermal stabilization and structure were estimated using thermogravimetric analysis measurement and spectroscopic methods, respectively. Some novel heterocyclic azo dyes were synthesized by selective diazotization of aromatic amines followed by coupling with some susceptible aromatic compounds. The stereochemistry structure of the synthesized dyes were optimized using B3LYP at 6-311 G(d,p) basis set and their electron excitation properties were evaluated using calculations of density functional theory. UV-Visible analysis was applied for Photophysical properties evaluation of the new dyes and compared with computed vertical excitation obtained from TD-DFT. Also, the azo-hydrazone tautomerism of the triazine azo dyes was investigated and the results show that for all of the synthesized dyes both azo and hydrazone tautomeric forms exist, while 3a-5 shows more notable hydrazone form than others. Keywords: Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, Nitrous acid, Azo dyes, azo-hydrazone tautomerism 1. Introduction Nitrous acid as a weak inorganic acid has significant applications in organic reactions such as diazotization, nitrosonation and Sandmeyer Reaction,[1,2] but its instability in temperatures upper 5  °C causes some restrictions to using it. In this work, we stabilized nitrous acid via supporting on polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) and then utilized it in synthesis of some novel azo dyes. However, PVPP has been reported as an efficient support in many cases such as trifluoroboride and nitric acid.[3,4] PVPP-HNO2 has many advantages that make it environmentally acceptable in both industrial and laboratory viewpoints. It is applicable for a long time after preparation and the polymer easily remove by washing with water. In particular, nitrous acid absorbed on polyvinylpolypyrrolidone takes part in azo coupling reaction and the polymer remains almost completely intact. However, the literature describing arylamines conversion to diazonium salts using polyvinylpolypyrrolidone supported nitrous acid (PVPP-HNO2) is not available. Herein, we wish to present a convenient procedure for diazotization reaction using this stable reagent. Azo colorants from aromatic heterocyclic amines have sublimation fastness, excellent light and color strength.[5] They are one of the important groups of synthetic organic dyes. They are applied in various fields such as electronic photography, liquid crystal displays, paper printing, bleaching, polymers, laser technology, dyeing, color formers, data storage and solar energy conversion.[6] They also have been known as antibacterial, antifungal and anti-tumor compounds.[7,8] The compound 1,3,5-triazine has an alternative six-membered heterocyclic ring with an equal number of nitrogen and carbon atoms.[9] The triazines are analogues of benzene rings, which makes them as an aromatic compound like benzene. 1,3,5-Triazine, a common reagent which is used as herbicides and pharmaceuticals.[9] The diazonium salts of triazines derivatives have been reported as a diazotization targets in the synthesis of a variety of heterocyclic azo dyes[10,11] but no report found in direct diazotization of triazines with more than one aromatic amine group. The existence of azo-hydrazone equilibrium in azo colorants having the hydroxyl group at ortho or para position to azo linkage was proved in 1983.[12] In hydrazone form, due to the hydrogen bonding, a coplanar six-membered ring is formed with higher thermal stability than azo form ones.[13] After reductive cleavage, the azo chromophoric system gives carcinogenic amines,[14] while in the hydrazone tautomer will be cleaved the C-N bond instead of N=N bond.[15] The study of azo-hydrazone tautomerism gives the great information for degradation of azo chromophores with least toxicological effect on the environment. Finally, we report preparation of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone supported nitrous acid (PVPP-HNO2) and synthesis of novel azo dyes by diazotization of 6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (1)and 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (2), followed by coupling with hydroxyl and amine substituted of aromatic compounds (Scheme 1). The absorption spectra were obtained using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer and the structures of the triazine azo dyes were confirmed by spectral analysis. Also, DFT calculation was used for study of their azo-hydrazone tautomerism. The structures in azo and hydrazone forms were optimized in the TD-SCF method using B3LYP/6-311 G(d,p) basis sets. 3. Results and discussions 3.1. Stabilization of HNO2 over PVPP PVPP-HNO2 was prepared by a simple route. As regards the nitrous acid is extremely unstable in temperatures over than 5  °C, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone which previously has been applied as an efficient support,[3,4] was used and the spectroscopic and experimental results showed that PVPP can stabilize nitrous acid by formation of PVPP-HNO2. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) investigation of the polymer and PVPP-HNO2 was performed to study their thermal stability (Fig. 1). The thermal decomposition of PVPP starts at near 330  °C and a sharp burning of polymer chains in pure PVPP sample occurs between 360  °C with the weight loss of ~75% of the initial weight. TGA spectra of PVPP-HNO2 demonstrate a mass degradation at 70  °C in PVPP-HNO2, whereas there is no similar situation in TGA spectra of pure PVPP. In other words, TGA spectra of PVPP-HNO2 show that stability of nitrous acid has been increased to 70  °C.   Due to that, the probable hydrogen bonding causes the stability of nitrous acid via prevention of its decomposition to nitrogen oxides. Furthermore the results of acid-base titration show that the PVPP-HNO2 is clearly more acidic than pure PVPP. While pH of the 0.1% solution of PVPP in water is about 7.0, but the same of PVPP-HNO2 is about 2.92. In other word, [H+] is 1.2ÃÆ'-10-3 M and it shows that [HNO2] is about 0.0032 M and it reveals there is about 0.02 g of nitrous acid in 1 g of PVPP-HNO2 which shows good accordance with TGA results. PVPP-HNO2 was prepared in different ratios of PVPP and HNO2.The best result that showed the maximum capacity of acid in the polymer was 20% w/w. The ratios determined by acid-base titration was consistent with TGA degradation analysis. Besides, the synthesis of PVPP-HNO2 was confirmed by FT-IR spectrum. It shows carbonyl band at 1658 cm-1, whereas the same band in pure PVPP has appeared at 1668 cm-1. This can attribute to hydrogen bonding between nitrous acid and PVPP (Figure 2). This type of interaction has been reported between PVPP and polyphenols.[16] The existence of the N-O band stretching at 1380 and 1572 cm-1 in PVPP-HNO2 and absence of this band on PVPP, gives the indication that nitrous acid has been linked to PVPP polymer (Figure 3). 3.2. Synthesis and characterization of azo dyes A simple and facile synthetic route was presented for the preparation of triazine azo dyes. We found that these products can participate in azo coupling reaction to form various and already known azo dyes. Therefore, we treated diazonium salts with 1-naphtol, 2-naphtol and other amino and hydroxy aromatic compounds to obtain a variety of azo dyes in good yields. The compound 4-amino-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2-diazonium was synthesized from mixture of 6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (1)and PVPP-HNO2 in 1 mmol of diamine to 2.0 g of PVPP-HNO2 ratio and further coupled with 1 mmol of 2-naphthol in DMSO to obtain 1-((4-amino-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)diazenyl)naphthalen-2-ol (3a-2)in good yield. Other derivatives have been synthesized by different coupling components (Scheme 2). The chemical structure of the new dyes was confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. 2-naphtholic dyes 3a-2 and 3b-2 contain the hydroxyl group at ortho-position to the azo bridge and have the susceptibility to make a six-membered ring due to intramolecular hydrogen transfer. The result of this type of interaction is chemical shift deshielding of hydroxyl group proton than usual. 1H NMR spectra summarized in Table 1 indicates the dye 3a-5 shows an extra singlet at ÃŽÂ ´ 12.11 ppm attributed to N-H proton which is in hydrazone form.   The protons of NH2 in the heterocyclic ring of series 3a show singlet peaks at ÃŽÂ ´ 8.16 to 8.63 ppm while the same at series 3b appear at ÃŽÂ ´ 6.77 to 6.99 ppm. The 13C NMR spectrum of heterocyclic ring carbons shows down field peaks at ÃŽÂ ´ 180-190 ppm. Except compound 3a-4 which have three non-aromatic carbons, all of the other compounds just have aromatic carbons. 13C NMR spectrum of 3a-4 shows two peaks at ÃŽÂ ´ 96.2 and 151 .3 ppm that attributed to the carbons which have been linked to azo group and the hydroxyl group, respectively and a peak at ÃŽÂ ´ 162.0 ppm which assigned as ester carbon of coumarin ring. Infrared spectra of the synthesized chromophores show the band at 1500-1570 cm-1 related to the N=N bond.   A unique band at 2200 cm-1 in 3a-5 reveals the existence of C=N group which can be another evidence for the existence of hydrazone form in this compound. Electron ionization mass spectroscopy (EI-MS) was used to verify structure of the synthesized azo dyes. The base peak in all of the dyes is due to fragmentation of the molecules in the azo bridge. Series 3a and 3b show a base peak at m/z 171 and 110, respectively which attributed to the ionized heterocyclic rings. 3.3. Photo-physical properties and solvent effects To find out the color properties with structural correlation of the synthesized azo dyes, UV-Visible spectra of the dyes were recorded in solvents such as n-hexane, ethanol, acetonitrile and dimethyl sulfoxide at concentration of ~10-4 M and at room temperature. The results are tabulated in Table 1. Although a moderate bathochromic shift in ethanol and acetonitrile was seen, but generally no significant bathochromic shift was observed.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   The UV-Vis absorption spectra of all of the dyes in all solvents show the main band at 290-330 nm which can be assigned to moderate energy transition of the aromatic ring. All of the 3b series and compounds 3a-2, 3a-4 and 3a-5 in all solvents, two bands are displayed arising from the à Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬* transitions in the backbone. The second bands appear at 360-500 nm can be assigned to azo bridge or intermolecular azo-aromatic chromophore. 3.4. Computational study: Gaussian 03 program package was employed to study Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) and the profusion of the synthesized azo dyes in their azo and hydrazone tautomeric forms.[17] TD-DFT calculations were applied using B3LYP/6-311 G(d,p) basis set with the default convergence criteria and without any limitation on the geometry. The TD-DFT provide the most powerful and effective computational tool for examining the ground and excited state properties of the azo molecules compared with obtained UV-Vis data. Time-dependent DFT method was applied for determination of the UV-Vis spectra, electronic transitions, and vertical excitation energies. 3.4.1. UV-Vis spectral analysis The UV-Vis spectra of azo dyes molecules were measured in dimethyl sulfoxide solution as shown in Figure 4. The calculated absorption maximum wavelength (ÃŽÂ »max), electron transition energies and oscillator strength both in solvent phase (DMSO as solvent) along with recorded UV-Visible data are shown in tables 2 and 3. The main characteristic of the spectra is determined by the general structure of the molecules. Each molecule has a double band Nà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ã‚ N (azo group) which is directly conjugated with a homocyclic and heterocyclic aromatic ring. This group has a wide electronic delocalization. Therefore, it is possible to predict the presence of the main absorption band associated to a à Ã¢â€š ¬-delocalized system that involves the fragment Nà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ã‚ N and other associated internal transitions that emerge from the aromatic and/or heterocyclic system. In this sense and in according with the structure of the compounds, we can determine that the first absorption band ÃŽÂ »1 located in the range of 290-320 nm with low intensity that appears as shoulder is attributed to à Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬* transition that involves the aromatic rings, while the second absorption band ÃŽÂ »2 located in the range of 300-400 nm, attributed to a à Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ à Ã¢ ‚ ¬* transition. This transition involves the azo bridge. The remaining absorption band located at lower energy corresponds to ÃŽÂ »3 and is assigned as the type nà ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ à Ã¢â€š ¬* transition. A similar behavior of the previous transition is observed. In tables 2 and 3, the experimental and calculated maximum absorption and the corresponding orbital contribution are shown. As observed, shorter wavelengths (ÃŽÂ »1) and in some cases ÃŽÂ »2 belong to lower occupied MOs such as HOMO-4, HOMO-6 and HOMO-8 and LUMO while longer wavelengths (ÃŽÂ »3) involves frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs). The description of FMO will be discussed in the DFT section. An example of the involved MOs for compound 3a-2 is presented in Figure 5. The entire former assignations were corroborated using TD-DFT calculations. The involved MOs for all of the synthesized compounds are presented in Figure S1-9. 3.4.2. DFT calculations For prediction of the molecules electronic spectra, the TD-DFT calculation is used because of low computational cost and high accuracy. The electronic structure of the molecule in ground state can be determined from the wave function of the electron moving within molecule because molecular orbital can be treated as electron channels.[18] The Gauss View program is applied to calculate group contribution of molecular orbitals, i.e. the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs). In almost every calculated transitions, the FMO are involved, vide supra. The FMO of all compounds shows similar characteristics as observed in supplementary data (Fig. S1-9). In all cases, HOMO is delocalized over the homo-aromatic ring and azo bridge. The HOMO-1 is composed in every case mainly by the azo bridge. In terms of unoccupied MOs, the LUMO is mainly centered over the homocyclic and heterocyclic aromatic rings and azo bridge. On the other hand LUMO+1 of naphtholic compounds 3a-1, 3a-2, 3b-1 and 3b-2 is located almost over the triazine ring while in other compounds, LUMO+1 attributed to non-triazine aromatic rings. The ionization potential (IP), electron affinity and GAP energies do not follow any trend and the calculated values are similar and do not depend on the substituted coupled to triazine rings.[19] The estimated reactivity indexes such as chemical potential (ÃŽÂ ¼), chemical hardness (ÃŽÂ ·) and electrophilicity (à Ã¢â‚¬ °) are reported for make the approach of the potential reactivity of these synthesized dyes (Table 4). Chemical hardness is a measure of the resistance of chemical species to change its electronic configuration.[19] It is an index of the stability and chemical reactivity of compounds. The highest value of ÃŽÂ · is shown by compounds 3a-5 and 3b-4 in 3a and 3b series, respectively, which have 2-nitroaniline as coupling aromatic agent and are the most electron attracting substituent. On the other hand, the smallest value is shown by 3a-2 and 3b-2 which have 2-naphtol in the structure as a good electron-donor substituent. Chemical potential characterizes the tendency of escaping of electrons from the equilibrium system.[19,20] This index shows an opposite behavior to that of ÃŽÂ ·, where the highest value belongs to 3a-2 and 3b-2 which have electron donor substituent and the smallest value is shown by 3a-1 and 3b-4 which the second compound acts as an electron acceptor substituent while the first can acts as an electron acceptor via induction. Electrophilicity index (à Ã¢â‚¬ °) c ould give information comparing two in which one is nucleophile/electrophile via lower/higher à Ã¢â‚¬ °.[20] For example comparing between 3a-1 and 3a-2 shows that 3a-1 has higher à Ã¢â‚¬ ° and it can attribute to more electron attraction of 4-hydroxy substituent rather than 2-hydroxy in the naphtholic system. Another attractive comparison between 3a-1 and 3b-1 shows more electron attraction in triazine ring in 3a-1. A phenyl group which replaced with the amine group has increased electrophilicity of 3a-1 than to 3b-1. Although some contradictions are found in case 3a-5 that it can appropriate to azo-hydrazone tautomerism that it will be discussed in the tautomerism section. 3.4.3. Optimized geometries of azo-hydrazone tautomeric forms The optimized ground state geometries of the dyes in azo-hydrazone tautomeric forms are shown in figures 6 and 7. Figure 7. Ground state optimized structure of dyes 3a series in their azo and hydrazone tautomeric forms Optimized ground state geometries of the compounds in azo forms are almost planar such as 3a-1 and 3a-2 which show a mild dihedral angular twist less than 5 ° at N15-N14-C11-N12 and at N7-N14-C9-C14. All hydrazone forms show a dihedral angle twist by near 30 ° which follows no trend. Optimized bond lengths of the synthesized triazine azo dyes (3a and 3b) have been calculated. The O-H bond lengths of azo forms for all of the naphtholic series (3a-1, 3a-2, 3b-1 and 3b-2) is 0.960 Ã…. Similarly, the N-H bond lengths are 1.015 Ã… for 3a-1 and 3a-2 and 1.000 Ã… for 3b-1 and 3b-2. This calculated information shows no significant trend to determine azo-hydrazone tautomerism but the obtained N-N bond can signify the single-double bond character of the bond. The N-N bond length in hydrazone form falls shorter to the model value of 1.400 Ã… for single bond.[21] N-N bond length in 3a and 3b azo series are 1.232 Ã… and this bond length in 3a and 3b hydrazone forms are 1.400 Ã… except in 3a-5 which N-N bond length in hydrazone form is 1.330 Ã… and this confirms our 1H NMR observation in the existence of 3a-5 in both azo-hydrazone forms in significant ratio, while in other compounds this rate of ratio is not impressive. 3.4.4. Calculated energies of azo-hydrazone tautomeric forms The free energies (E/hartree) and relative energies (ΆE/ kJmol-1) of the synthesized dyes in both azo and hydrazone forms calculated using the B3LYP/6-311G (d,p) level to check theoretical stability difference between tautomeric forms and the values tabulated in Table 5. Contrary to this expectation that hydrazone forms have relative stability than azo tautomers,[15,22] in our TDDFT calculations, only hydrazone form of 3a-1 shows more relative stability than the same of azo form by 26.26 kJmol-1. 2-naphtholic dyes 3a-2 and 3b-2 show a significant stability in azo forms than hydrazone forms by 1260.48 and 498.94 kJmol-1, respectively. In the other compounds there is no difference between the stability of azo and hydrzone form and it shows that in comparison to experimental data, there is no notable accordance in TDDFT structures energy. 4. Conclusion In summary, we have successfully developed an efficient protocol to stabilize nitrous acid by supporting on polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP). Synthesized PVPP-HNO2 confirmed by simple titration and FT-IR analysis. The TGA results show that the supported system has acceptable thermal stability. In the following, we have synthesized nine heterocyclic triazine azo dyes and they were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR, and mass spectral analysis. UV-Visible spectral analysis was compared with calculated data. TDDFT calculations were performed showing enough adaption with experimental observations. The optimized structure of azo and hydrazone form using B3LYP/6-311 G(d,p) basis set of calculation shows that azo is more stable form in all of the synthesized dyes except 3a-5, which exist in both azo and hydrazone forms. Acknowledgement.   We are thankful to the Yasouj University for partial support of this work. References T. Turney, G. Wright, Chem. Rev. 1959, 59, 497. N. Suzuki, Y. Kaneko, T. Nomoto, Y. Izawa, Chem. Commun. 1984, 22, 1523. M. Mokhtary, S. Refahati, Dyes Pigments 2013, 99, 378. M. Nogami, Y. Sugiyama, T. Kawasaki, M. Harada, Y. Morita, T. Kikuchi, Y. Ikeda, J. Radioanal. Nucl. chem. 2010, 283, 541. H. S. Bhatti, S. Seshadri., Color. Tech. 2004, 120, 151. M. Ghasemian, A. Kakanejadifard, F. Azarbani, A. Zabardasti, S. Shirali, Z. Saki, S. Kakanejadifard, Spectrochim. Acta A. 2015, 138, 643. I. M. Awad, Phosphorus Sulfur 1996, 114, 17. G. Powis, M. Seewald, D. Melder, M. Hoke, C. Gratas, T. Christensen, D. E. Chapman, Cancer Chemoth. Pharm. 1992, 31, 223. W. Hua, E. R. Bennett, R. J. Letcher, Water Res. 2006, 40, 2259. M. A. Satam, R. K. Raut, N. Sekar, Dyes Pigments 2013, 96, 92. D. R. Patel, K. C. Patel, Dyes Pigments 2011, 90, 1. A. LyÄ ka, Collect. Czech. Chem. C. 1983, 48, 3104. Y. Do Kim, J. H. Cho, C. R. Park, J. H. Choi, C. Yoon, J. P. Kim, Dyes Pigments 2011, 89, 1. H. Pinheiro, E. Touraud, O. Thomas, Dyes Pigments 2004, 61, 121. P. G. Umape, V. S. Patil, V. S. Padalkar, K. R. Phatangare, V. D. Gupta, A. B. Thate, N. Sekar, Dyes Pigments 2013, 99, 291. K. J. Siebert, P. Y. Lynn, J. Agr. Food. Chem. 1997, 45, 4275. M. Frisch, G. Trucks, H. Schlegel, G. Scuseria, M. Robb, J. Cheeseman, Gaussian 03, revision C. 02 2008. G. W. Drake, Springer handbook of atomic, molecular and optical physics, Springer Science Business Media 2006. R. G. Pearson, J. Mol. Struc-Theochem. 1992, 255, 261. P. K. Chattaraj, S. Giri, Annu. Rep. Prog. Chem., Sect. C: Phys. Chem. 2009, 105, 13. Y. Ebead, Dyes Pigments 2012, 92, 705. M. S. Deshmukh, N. N. Sekar, Can. Chem. Trans. 1, 2013, 305.

Friday, October 25, 2019

National Debt :: Economy Economics Argumentative Papers

National Debt The national debt is an issue of great concern to the economy. Each year, the debt amounts to a higher percentage of GDP. As we have studied, the debt weighs down the economy, and the interest payments are consuming an ever larger share of the national budget. Something must be done to avert this crisis from coming to a head. We need to begin today, by making spending cuts ACROSS THE BOARD. These cuts must be enacted sensitively, however, in order to keep the economy stable as we move toward a balanced budget. The need for spending cuts across the board cannot be understated. For just one example of how imbalanced our policies are, notice how 63% of all entitlements go to retirees. 93% of these are NON-MEANS-TESTED. Federal spending on the 65 and over age group is 11 times greater than on the 18 and under age group.^1 We must pay off the debt, but the current Republican plan should be votoed. First of all, it leaves welfare for the well-to-do, Social Security, and defense off the table. In fact, the current plan calls for a $34,000,000,000 increase in defense spending.^2 (Doesn't the military have the discipline to learn to be more cost-effective?) At the same time, the Republicans are calling for a $245,000,000,000 tax cut. Their plan is supposed to restrict the growth of Medicare. This is a good start, but they have no definite plans on how to restrict it. Basically, the Republican plan aims to balance the budget entirely at the expense of the young (for whom we are trying to balance the budget), the environment that they will inherit, the poor, and the weak, while sparing the rich, thealready-by-far most powerful military in the world, the elderly (the ones who accrued most of this debt for us),

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Project Report on Education Society

GURUKUL EDUCATION SOCIETY DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR ESTABLISHING AN EDUCATION SOCIETY SCHOOL & COMMERCE INSTITUTE IN INDIA CONTENTS Page No. PREAMBLE CHAPTER I : BRIEF DETAILS OF COLLABORATING PARTNERS. 1. 1. Introduction : 1. 2. Background of the Consultants 1. 3. Technical Education & Industry Scenario CHAPTER II : THE PROMOTING BODY 2. 1. Introduction to its Genesis including its Registration Status 2. 2. Details of its Promoters including their Background 2. 3.Activities of the Promoting Body including a listing of major educational promotional activities undertaken till now. 2. 4. Mission of the Promoting Body 2. 5. Vision of the Promoting Body CHAPTER III : OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAMME 3. 1 Objectives 3. 2 General and Commerce Education Scenario in the State 3. 3 Status at Entry Level 3. 4. Status of Commerce Level manpower 3. 5 Industrial Scenario of the State 3. 6 Scope of the College vis-a-vis the Industrial Scenario and Educational Facilities already av ailable in the State and in this Institute.CHAPTER IV :ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES 4. 1 Basic Academic Philosophy of the Institution 4. 2 Types of Programmes 4. 3. Identified Programmes 4. 4. Phase-wise Introduction of Programmes & Intake 4. 5 Target Date for Start of Academic Programmes 4. 6 Central Computing facility 4. 7 Central Library 4. 8 Affiliating Body 4. 11 Scholarships CHAPTER V: SALIENT FEATURES OF ACADEMIC DIVISIONS 5. 1 Classification of Academic Divisions i. e. Departments,Centres, Schools, Central Academic Facilities. 5. 2. (i) Commerce (120 seats) 5. 2. (i) 1 Academic Objectives 5. 2. (i) 2. : Areas of Focus . 2. (i) 3. : Academic Programme 5. 2. 4 : Faculty Requirement & Phase-wise Recruitment 5. 2. 5 : Requirement of Laboratories, Space and Equipment (cost) 5. 2. 6 : Requirement of other Space like Class Rooms,Faculty Rooms, Departmental Office. CHAPTER VI : LINKAGES IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION 6. 1. : Introduction 6. 2. : Linkages with Industry 6. 3. : Linkages with the Commu nity 6. 4. : Linkages with Institutions of excellence such as the IIMs and ICAI. 6. 5. : Linkages Abroad CHAPTER VII : GOVERNANCE 7. 1. : Philosophy of Governance 7. 2. : State & Central GovernanceCHAPTER VIII : ACADEMIC & ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT 8. 1. : Organizational Structure & Chart for day-to-day Operations & Management 8. 2. : Role and Responsibilities of Key Senior Positions 8. 3. : Methods/Style of Administration/Management CHAPTER I : BRIEF DETAILS OF COLLABORATING PARTNERS. A. Gurukul Education Society In the following pages brief details of collaborating parteners 1) ——— and 2) ——- are given B. INTRODUCTION To meet the increasing demand of qualified manpower in the field of emerging areas of commerce and Industry.And to provide the Primary education facilities to common man in village, Gurukul Education society, pune is formed with the approval of All India council for Education, Govt of india. It is affiliated to Pune University and P une Board. In todays World of 21 century, our country is on the road map of Globalization, hence more and more industries are attracting towards India and specially towards Rural Area. As they are considering there rural area as beneficial investment. Hence Gurukul Education society is planning to open a Primary School and Commerce college in Pune District at Yavat.C. Backround of the Counsultants. Solution Provider pvt. Ltd. are appointed as consultants to regularize & assist for project completion. The Solution Provider are serving various clients for last 25 years. They have very good goodwill in market & commitment complier. CHAPTER II : THE PROMOTING BODY 2. 1 Introduction to its Genesis including its Registration Status Gurukul Education Society, registered in 1998 in pune has established Gurukul Institute of commerce in Pune. Whose members include well-known Industrialists, Businessmen, Professionals and Educationists.The people associated with the Society are engaged in rend ering social services in Pune and Mumbai. The members of the society are committed to provide the investment needed for the education with global competitiveness. No compromise is made in ensuring the high quality of education in the Institute. 2. 2. Details of its Promoters including their Background The promoters consist of Industrialists, Businessmen, Professionals Educationists. The list is given on the following pages. In there are a large number of members in the following categories: (i) Founder Members : 44 ii) Members : 39 (iii) Aajiwan Sahyogi : 156 (iv) Donors : 21 2. 3 Activities of the Promoting Body including a listing of major educational promotional activities undertake till now. The promoters of the society have been involved in various activities related to basic and professional education, health care and have established a number of educational institutions consisting of Engineering College, Polytechnic, ITI and are also managing Five Public Schools at various lo cations in Maharashtra. 2. 4 Mission of the Promoting Body The missions are mentioned below: 1.To arrange, establish, run and manage Nursery, Primary Higher Secondary and Higher Education in Commerce Institutions. Colleges for all types of higher education; preparation for various competitive examinations and civil services and to provide education to the General Public, poor and needy children, SC, ST Community and other sections of the society and to provide education as per the Policy of the Govt. of India. 2. To arrange, establish run, manage, control, lookafter, and super-vise Commerce Educational Institutions, Colleges, Lecture halls, part time Coaching Education Centre n Charitable basis and other establishments or Institution for advancement of education and knowledge in arts, science, social science, knowledge of public hygine, literature and humanities, etc. 3. To establish environment preservation and pollution control centres to restrain the spread of pollution and to co nduct such programmes which aim at preservation of environment, improvement and control of pollution. 2. 5 Vision of the Promoting Body †¢ To provide for excellence in Commerce Education and Research. To provide computers as: an aid to study, an object of study, a professional tool, an intellectual tool, an instrument of social change. †¢ To develop strong communication skills in the students †¢ To create awareness for social, historical, ethical, cultural and human values. †¢ To create a culture for self and life long learning. †¢ To create an intellectual spirit and capability for critical judgement. †¢ To establish a symbiotic relationship with industries. †¢ To develop entrepreneurship programmes and promote student entrepreneurs. †¢ To develop continuing education programmes. To create an awareness for development with equity and environmental values. †¢ To undertake resource generation and provide consultancy services. CHAPTER III : OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAMME 3. 1 Objectives 3. 1-i GURUKUL SCHOOL. * To promote preliminary education * To open Marathi medium & English medium school * To promote extra circular activities such as, sports, social activities, art etc. * Enhancement of quality of education to students 3. 1-ii GURUKUL COMMERCE COLLEGE. * Access to modern course material of international level. Enhancement of quality of education to students. * Enhancement in avenues for jobs to the student. * Enhancement in value addition to the existing programme. * Initiation of post graduation education. 3. 2 General and Commerce Education Scenario in the State Pune can be rightly called an Educational city. There is One Central Universities, and a number of Deemed Universities. 3. 3 Status at Entry Level Gurukul School Child completed 3 years of age can start Pre preliminary house followed by Preliminary & secondary school life. Gurukul Commerce College 0+2 students in Commerce stream opt for C ommerce Courses. The number of seats available in Pune per thousand students compared to other states is very low. This imbalance needs to be corrected. CHAPTER IV: ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES 4. 1 Classification of Academic Division The following major divisions/departments exist in the school & college. * Pre preliminary * Preliminary (Std. 1st to 4th ) * Secondary ( Std. 5th to 10th ) * Higher Secondary ( Std. 11th & 12th ) * Graduation in Commerce ( B. com) * Post Graduation in Commerce (M. com) 4. 2 Entrepreneurship:Entrepreneurship is the greatest service to the society. The fruit of Commerce is harvested by the entrepreneur and served to the society in different baskets and packages. The prosperity of the society is directly linked to the successful entrepreneurs. 4. 3 Liberalization and Globalization: If a society is compelled to single out one determinant of competitiveness, in the era of globalisation based economy, one has no option but to choose commerce education since in the e nd people are the ultimate assets in global competition. This Institute imparts education for global competitiveness. . 4 Computerization of Learning Process : As already mentioned, Computer is the central medium for the learning process viz, (i) Visualization of concepts and processes through graphics and multimedia in multidimensional continuum, (ii) Analytical details under changing parameters and environment, (iii) Tutorial software for deeper understanding of the subject, (iv) Self paced learning, which normally can not be created without computers. The Institute provides seamless opportunities for innovative learning. CHAPTER V: SALIENT FEATURES OF ACADEMIC DIVISIONS 5. 1. :Academic ObjectivesThrough this course of School & college students are well versed in Commerce & being made aware of the endless opportunities opened by the application of academic knowledge & information technology for a total integration of system spanning and global scenario. There is a great demand for such manpower as the industries are moving for a higher level of globalisation. 5. 2. : Areas of Focus Globalisation & finance transferency. 5. 3:Faculty Requirement & Phase-wise Recruitment For the collaborative programme with the University all faculty members will must have Ph. D. degrees.For the collaborative programme with the University the following key faculty members have already been identified to be appointed. (i) Professor Yogesh Mathur Accounts (ii) Professor V. P. Srivastava Financial Management (iii) Professor M. M. Bhutani Corporate Law (iv) Professor Suresh Chandra Computer (v) Dr. C. R. Roy Humanities (vi) Dr. Krishan Kumar Costing Others will be appointed in consultation with key faculty members through proper advertisements. 5. 4: Requirement of Laboratories, Space and Equipment For school we require to have laboratories & no need to have laboratories for commerce college.Space requirement for such laboratory will be substantial. All equipments required are of h igh quality & will be ordered from reputed suppliers. CHAPTER VI : LINKAGES IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION 6. 1. : Introduction School & commerce college education is based on societal needs of today and tomorrow. Society is seamlessly becoming dependent of Information Technology, All aspects of human endeavour is taking new shapes and directions for a higher level of productivity, efficiency for over all development. 6. 2. : Linkages with Industry The Institute promotes the activities in co-operation with the Industries.Students and Faculty members are sent to visit Industries. With M/s. Laxmi Iyer, a more compact relationship has been undertaken as specified by them. 6. 3. : Linkages with the Community : The requirements of the Community have been well studied and crystallized. Accordingly, educational programs have been designed. Pune is becoming metropolitan city. Hence, the needs of the community here are different from the rural community. The education at the Institution provides dee p knowledge & computer skills. 6. 4. : Linkages with other Institutions in the region :There is initiative to linkage with all the Commerce Institutes in India like ICAI, ICSI. This will help students to per sue professional education while taking formal education with Institute. 6. 5. : Linkages Abroad Efforts are made to have linkage with abroad universities/Institutes, as the infrastructures and faculty are no less than any foreign institutes. Therefore, this collaboration will bridge this gap and help students to be globalise in every aspect be it education or job. CHAPTER VII: FINANCIAL ASPECT 7. 1: Organisational structure and chart for day to day operation and management.President/secretary (chairman) HEAD OFADMINISTRATIVEEXAMINATIONLIBRARIAN DEPARTMENTOFFICERBRANCH/INCHARGE FACULTYSUPERINTENDENT ATTENDANCESTAFFDEPARTMENT OF STAFF HOUSE KEEPING DATA ENTRYATTENDANT TELEPHONE OPERATOR OPERATOR STORE INCHARGE CLERKS ELECTRICIAN CANTEEN 7. 2: SCHOLARSHIPS. Institutes believes, it has responsibility towards society in which functioning and also provides help to students of weaker section of society especially SC/ST/NT. * State government provides scholarship to weaker students whose income is below average. Arrange for education loan to needy students from banks. * Issue free books to meritorious students. * Also help meritorious but poor, physically challenge and orphan students. * Grants provides by university grant commission. 7. 3: PHASEWISE FINANCIAL REQUIRMENT. Financial requirement for building, furniture, library, labs and workshops, teaching and non-teaching staff is on the following lines. The cost analysis is based on the current rates. 7. 4: Salary: – teaching and non-teaching staff is as follows. particulars| Amount(in rupees p. m)| Principal| 75,000| Professor| 50,000| Assistant professor | 35,000|Lecturers | 25,000| Lab assistant| 15,000| Maintenance staff| 13,000| Office assistant| 13,000| Librarian| 10,000| TOTAL| 2,30,000| 7. 5: Land , Building & Infrastructure Facility Land| 130,00,000| Building| 100,00,000| Lab & workshop| 40,00,000| Computer Lab| 25,00,000| Furniture| 20,00,000| Library| 15,00,000| TOTAL| 330,00,000| 7. 6: Strategies for Financial Mobilization * Some promoters are businessmen and have their own commercial institutes & construction Institute. * Any shortage, the financial mobilization will be through unsecured loan from non-financial institutes. * Interest free loan from promoters. After completion of eligibility and all documents, Central Government and State Government will provide grants for continuing such project. * Donations will be accepted from public. CHAPTER VIII: GOVERNANCE AND ACADEMIC & ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT: 8. 1: Philosophy of Governance It is said the best governance is that which does not govern. But the underlying Meaning of this is not chaos by but order. This concept of governance bestows Autonomy in decision making with responsibility and Co-ordination. There is a Tota l freedom for innovative measures and a total Co-ordination from top to Bottom.The decisions are taken at the top but with inputs from the lower rungs So, the governance ensures total participation across the various hierarchies. Head of the Department. Is helped by the faculty members. The Dean is helped by the HODs and faculty members both Director is helped by the Dean, HOD and Faculty members. The Chairman/General Secretary are helped by the Directors And Dean. 8. 2: Methods/Style of Administration/Management The administration is participative. Every faculty member has certain responsibility Delegated to him. 20 students are attached to one faculty member who is designated Group Counselors for that set of students.Group Counselors meet their respective Groups once in a month to know the problems being faced by students Group Counselor Provide the briefs of the meetings to the Director, Director (E) and Dean on matters Related to education, administration and emotional support t hat the students need. Thus, the problem identification is done at the grass-root level and administrative remedial steps are taken of the appropriate lands. Similarly, grievances of Faculty and Staff are also resolved in a transparent manner. 8. 3: RULES AND REGULATION OF GOVERMEND IN INDIA REGARDING OPENING OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. FIRST STEP:Schools and college cannot be set up by private entities. They have to be run by a society formed under the Societies Act of 1860, or a trust under Public Trust Act as existent in different states, or by forming a Company under Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956. In other words, a school and college have to be set up strictly as a non-profit business. At least that is the theory. Setting up a school and college is not just about constructing physical infrastructure in the form of building classrooms and setting up libraries and laboratories. It does involve obtaining permissions and licenses from concerned authorities at various stages.It s tarts with the setting up of a trust or a society, with a Governing board of five or six members, with a president, chairperson, and a secretary duly identified, as specified under the law. This article will focus primarily on identifying the various steps involved in Opening a school, providing facility for the study for students. SECOND STEP: Once the governing entity, whether a company, trust, or society, comes into existence, it will have to Look for land. There are two possibilities—one, if the society or trust has a land of its own, or, second, When the governing entity decides to buy a land for the proposed school.Buying land from the Government requires permission in the form of a no-objection certificate from the Department of Education of the concerned state. The no-objection certificate, called Essentiality Certificate (EC), Certifies the requirement of a school and college in a particular area. The logic behind the practice is to make Sure No two schools and colle ge compete with each other and one becomes redundant. The EC comes with a Rider that construction must commence within three years, failing which the society will have to reapply for the same.One can apply to the concerned municipal corporation for land for the school and college with the EC. Land is supposed to be allotted to the governing entity at subsidized rates is usually allotted through auction. LAW APPLICABLE Originally, education was a state subject under the Constitution. In 1976, by a constitutional Amendment, education came in the concurrent list, the joint responsibility of the central and state governments. â€Å"It is almost impossible for a new entrant to get land. Land is normally granted to established players with a chain of schools and colleges.Even if a member on the board of a governing entity has land that the entity wants to use for setting up a school and colleges, a no-objection from the Department of Education stating the requirement of a school and coll eges in that area is required. The major education boards of the country, namely, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Council for the Indian School Certificate examinations (CISCE), UGC and state government boards, have clearly laid down norms for land requirements for schools and colleges. This, in most cases, is 2 acres, except for hilly regions and metropolitan cities, where the requirement is less.Construction can take place only on a part of the land, and a playground has to be created in the rest. While conceiving the idea of a school and college, one has to assess the potentials of a location, kind of competition possible, and the target group—the lower middle class, upper middle class or the rich class—the school and colleges will cater to. From the time of forming a governing entity to a school and colleges actually starting up, one normally requires about a year, though taking more than two years is also not unheard of.Normally the infrastruc ture required to start up can be constructed within a period of six to seven months. Once the construction is over, school and college authorities need to apply for recognition. Up to Class 5 recognition from municipality is all that is required. For Classes 6 to 8 recognition comes from the Department of Education. Recognition for anything above this also comes from the Education Department, but after a minimum gap of two years. School authorities are free to seek affiliation to CBSE or CISCE or ugc. In that case, the school will have to follow the guidelines of the board it is seeking affiliation to.The school will need to follow the syllabus, books prescribed by the affiliating board, and pay specified salaries to the teachers. If it is not a government school, affiliation for schools normally comes in stages. Initially, for Classes 1 to 6 a temporary affiliation is given and guidelines are laid down for schools by the concerned education board. Once things are in place according to the guidelines, an inspection is conducted. If things are to the satisfaction of the board authorities, permanent affiliation is bestowed on the school. ays inspections are not so rigorous after permanent affiliation is granted, but a school has to be run according to the rules of the board. LICENSES AND DOCUMENTS Setting up a school involves a lot of legal processes from the very beginning. While forming a society, trust, or company, one has to have a Memorandum of Association, a document needed almost at every stage later. Like for any other business, a detailed project report for the school is also needed. In addition, details of land and building, auditor’s statement, bank statements of the governing entity and their members and auditor’s statements are needed at some point or the other.Once the school and college building is ready for initial use, a certificate of recognition has to come from the state government, issued by the municipality for the junior clas ses, and by the Department of Education for middle school. If high school is to be added subsequently, certificate of up gradation is required which is again issued by the Education Department. Affiliation from either the CBSE or CISCE or UGC is also done through a set process. Things do not stop here, as schools and college need Certificates for hygiene, water, and completion of the building from the municipality.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

What is the role of hedge funds in the financial market

There has been rapid growth in the number of edge funds and their assets under management, suggesting they provide economic value to investors that is not available in other investment instruments. Their main aim is to reduce risk and volatility whilst attempting to preserve capital and deliver positive returns under all market conditions. They used a range of aggressive methods to invest in a wide array of assets to generate returns which have a very low correlation with traditional asset classes, creating a diversifying effect on a portfolio.This means they get a constant level of return, regardless of what the market does. Hedge funds tend to be illiquid as investors are limited in terms of when and how much money they are able to take out, therefore they are long term propositions. Originally, hedge funds were not subject to the public disclosure or regulatory reporting requirements that apply to other financial institutions, thus they had little or no regulatory oversight. But s ince the financial crisis, more regulations have been introduced, such as reporting under AIFMD; The Alternative Investment Funds Managers Directive.Also, from February 2014, they will have to report under Emir. Policy director in the BBA's Capital Market and Infrastructure division, Andrew Rogan, recently said â€Å"If [funds] don't comply with Emir, there are real consequences to how a business can use derivatives to protect itself from risk†¦ and you may even be shut out of the market completely. † The purpose of regulation is to protect investors. Although an element of secrecy between funds is kept in order to keep investment strategies to themselves, they can't do whatever they like with other peoples' money, so regulation had to be introduced.Markets function best when investors use ifferent information and strategies to manage, or hedge against, risk. Private investment companies provide valuable liquidity to financial markets in normal market conditions. In â₠¬Å"Hands Off Hedge Funds†, Sebastian Mallaby states that â€Å"by buying irrationally cheap assets and selling irrationally expensive ones, they shift market prices until the irrationalities disappear, thus ultimately facilitating the efficient allocation of the world's capital. † (Mallaby, 2007). Consequently, hedge funds can be less volatile than individual stocks or mutual funds.With the freedom to nvest wherever the managers believe they can perform better than the market, hedge funds broaden the use of investment strategies, increasing the number of investors, and enlarging the capital pools available and strengthening capital markets. Through flexibility, they are able to trade different securities in several markets at once, so opportunities for returns are maximised, improving risk management and encouraging innovation ot strategies, as well as financial products and services.There is also a competitive advantage as hedge funds attract human nd financial capital , contributing to a stronger economy. They can act as an incentive for businesses and individuals to invest because they offer the chance for money to be invested in a range of products, free from fraud and over-regulation, and increases in investment can influence economic growth and stability. Hedge funds also improve the efficiency of capital markets by helping to price securities more accurately. This minimizes market distortions, which in turn leads to better allocation of capital, financing growth, innovation and Job creation.Short selling, for example, may be a technique used by hedge funds and is sometimes seen as playing an essential part of the price discovery mechanism. Some researchers believe short interest is an indicator of poor stock performance, and that short sellers exploit market mistakes. Hedge funds have many different benefits such as diversification, flexibility and liquidity, but to the larger financial system they can provide innovation, reduction of mispri cing, gains in both growth and employment, and the provision of capital for technological and economic development.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

why i quit the comapny. relate this article why i quit the company to your life

why i quit the comapny. relate this article why i quit the company to your life [Type text] [Type text] [Type text]Jordan JohnsonD13ENovember 3, 2014Work Controls my LifeWhen I was younger I couldn't wait until I was done with school and I got a real job. But as soon as I got a job I wished I didn't have to work anymore. Just like in the article " Why I Quit the Company" by Tomoyuki Iwashita, I too feel like my job controls my life. Also the article "Help! Work Is Taking Over My Life" by Carimah Townes relates to how I feel about working.In the article "why I quit the company" Tomoyuki Iwashita talks about how he works for a very prestigious company and how whatever he does, doesn't represent him it represents the company. So if he does a bad job or something he's not supposed to do the company looks bad not Tomoyuki. So some people would say that his job is controlling him because it doesn't allow him to do certain things if it does not fit with the way the company is runs.I can relate to this because I work at an after school Program with kids from the ages of 5-14. So if I get in trouble outside of work its going to look bad on the company that I work for because they hired me and they told the parents I was qualified to work with Their children. So if I do something wrong the company might lose the trust of the parents. Causing them to take their kids out of the after school program. Also I live in the area where I work at so a lot of the people I work with and the kids who attend the after school program. So even when I am in my neighborhood I...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Essay on A Wagner Matinee Essays

Essay on A Wagner Matinee Essays Essay on A Wagner Matinee Essay Essay on A Wagner Matinee Essay Vicki Glenn ENG 232 Mr. O September 26, 2011 â€Å"A Wagner Matinee† It has been said that, Sacrificing your happiness for the happiness of the one you love is by far, the truest type of love. † However, walking away from everything that makes you happy in life, in order for another to be happy should not be required of love. Relationships should be built on mutual respect and consideration for one another. Although compromise in a relationship is a necessary component for its success, denying the core of who you are is not. Speaking from experience, in the end, there will be nothing but resentment and identity-conflict. â€Å"A Wagner Matinee† by Willa Cather relates to my life in many ways as it exposes the results of sacrificing one’s true self and the disturbing consequences of physical hardship, emotional distress, and regret. The story of Georgiana Carpenter was narrated by her nephew, Clark, and he relayed that his aunt was a highly educated music teacher living in Boston during the mid-1800s. Continuing on he said, â€Å"One summer, while visiting in the little village among the Green Mountains where her ancestors had dwelt for generations, she had kindled the callow fancy of my uncle, Howard Carpenter, then an idle, shiftless boy of twenty-one† (1784). When Georgiana returned to Boston, Howard followed her, and as a result of this infatuation, she eloped with him. Then against the advice and criticism of her friends and family, she followed him to the Nebraska frontier to take up a homestead since he had no money. Meanwhile, in the story of my life, I was a young student living in Norfolk, Virginia during the 1970s. One summer, while visiting relatives in a little village near the middle of nowhere, I too â€Å"kindled the callow fancy of an idle, shiftless boy. † However, when I returned home shiftless did not follow me; nevertheless, he called endlessly begging and pleading for me to return since he was no longer able to endure his life without me. Naturally, as a result of this infatuation I eloped with him. Then, against the advice and criticism of my friends and family, I followed him to his home, near the middle of nowhere to live with his parents since he had no money. Georgiana left Boston as well as her friends, family, and most importantly her beloved music to endure a life of hardship on the Nebraska frontier. Life on the frontier was nothing like her previous life in the city where her job was teaching music. She worked long hours cooking, cleaning, mending and caring for her children. Clark told how his aunt would often stand until midnight at her ironing board while he recited his lessons. Her duties also included caring for the animals, milking cows and hauling water from a lagoon. Years later, her nephew would notice the change in her physical appearance and most specifically in her hands, as he stated, â€Å"Poor hands! They had been stretched and twisted into mere tentacles to hold and lift and knead with- on one of them a thin, worn band that had once been a wedding ring† (1786). The author used this line to express that the years of hard work had taken a physical toll on he character. Because Georgiana had given up her job in the city and the music that she truly loved, in order to follow her husband, her life became one of extreme physical hardship. Of course I too left my home in the city, family and friends to endure a life of physical hardship in the middle of nowhere. Life at my in-laws home, in the middle of nowhere, was nothing like my previous life in the city where my only job was going to school and listening to music with my friends. When I lived in the city, if I wanted food, I went to the grocery store and bought it; however, I quickly learned that the garden and various living creatures would be my new source of nutrition. The garden was a lot of hard work planting, weeding, hoeing, and picking vegetables in the blistering hot sun. Next, came the washing, peeling, dicing, snapping or shucking until your fingers bled in order to freeze, can, or preserve the food for future use. The men were in charge of killing the various living creatures, but the women had to clean and prepare the meat. After that, I temporarily became a vegetarian, and I fell into bed each night exhausted from the day’s work and weak from lack of protein. Because I had given up my life in the city as a student, and my education in order to follow my husband, my life also became one of physical hardship. The isolated location on the frontier and all of her responsibilities prevented Georgiana from participating in the life to which she had been accustomed, with the symphonies, concerts and sweet melodies that occupied her very being. Clark remembered, â€Å"She taught me my scales on a little parlor organ which her husband had bought her after fifteen years during which she had not so much as seen a musical instrument† (1784). For someone whose very life was about music, fifteen years was a long time without hearing a note or seeing an instrument. Clark also recalled that once while h was playing a song, â€Å"She came up to me and, putting her hands over my eyes, gently drew my head back upon her shoulder, saying tremulously, â€Å"Don’t love it so well, Clark, or it may be taken from you† (1786). Using the word tremulously, the author conveyed that Georgiana felt turmoil, anguish, and emotional suffering over the loss of her heart’s desire. The isolated location in the middle of nowhere and numerous responsibilities hindered me from participating in the life to which I had been accustomed, with the schools, books, libraries, and reading which occupied my very being. In my new life, there was no time for books or reading, work and drudgery dominated my days. Conversely, my new husband was quite content hunting, fishing, and going out with the boys while I remained imprisoned at home with his mother. After a few months, I mentioned that I wanted to return to school in order to complete my education; however, shiftless was totally against the whole idea and wanted to hear no more on the subject. His mother completely agreed with him because it was her job to make sure that he always got everything that he wanted, and she was good at it. A few weeks later I happily discovered that I was expecting my first child. This development temporarily ended any thoughts I had previously entertained about escape from my miserable existence in the middle of nowhere. Even though I was happy about the baby, I was saddened over the loss of my heart’s desire, which was to finish my education. Many years later Georgiana returned to Boston on business and her nephew surprised her by taking her to a Symphony only to discover the regret which filled her soul. After witnessing her reaction to the music, Clark realized that it had broken a silence of thirty years for his aunt and tells that, â€Å"There came to me an overwhelming sense of the waste and wear we are so powerless to combat†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1786). The author used these words to express that Georgiana was powerless, whether through love or obligation she choose to give up her passion in order to make a homestead with her husband on the frontier. Georgiana wept quietly and continuously throughout the concert, and when it was over she remained in her seat making no effort to leave. When Clark spoke to his aunt, she burst into tears and sobbed pleadingly, â€Å"I don’t want to go, Clark, I don’t want to go! † Georgiana realized how empty and void her life had been without her precious music. Clark understood her remorse as he remembered, â€Å"The tall naked house on the prairie; black and grim as a wooden fortress†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1786). Thirty years of silence and longing while living in isolation had left Georgiana sobbing with the regret of all that she had missed. As for me, the years passed swiftly by while raising children, working, waiting, and praying for the shiftless boy to grow into a responsible man, and then one day realizing that he never would. Looking back at my life, I grew resentful of all the wasted time spent trying to please my husband and his family while in reality none of them ever cared if I was happy. I had tried so hard for years to satisfy everyone until I had somehow forgotten about myself. After many heated arguments we were divorced, and I was free to go on with my life. I continued to work and raise my children, and I was finally happy again. Living my life to please others had only led to misery and regret. As it turned out, Georgiana Carpenter and I had quite a lot in common. We both endured a life of physical hardship due to the fact that we both eloped with shiftless boys. We both suffered through years of mental anguish and emotional distress as a result of giving up our heart’s desires. Finally, we both realized that we regretted wasting the better part of our lives living solely for the benefit of another, and in the process lost our true selves. I am not sure what ever became of Georgiana after she stopped crying, the story does not tell us. Margaret Deland, an American novelist once said, â€Å"Self-sacrifice which denies common sense is not a virtue. Its a spiritual dissipation. † As for myself, when the crying was finished I enrolled in a few classes, and I started searching for my identity which had been lost somewhere along the way. Cather, Willa. A Wagner Matinee. Paul Lauter et al. The Heath Anthology of American Literature. Boston, MA: Patricia A. Coryell, 2004. 1783-1787.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

10 College Majors That Lead to the Highest Salaries

10 College Majors That Lead to the Highest Salaries If you’ve heard any of the dismal stats on student loan debt- like that 44 million Americans owe more than $1.3 trillion in student loan debt- then suddenly that college degree might not seem like the great idea it once did. (As a former English major, I feel that pain.) You shouldn’t let that scare you away from higher ed, though. If you’re a student deciding where to focus, or if you’re thinking about going back to school, the best asset you can have is knowledge of what your game plan is. That means finding a post-school job that will let you pay off your school debt. It also means picking a field of study that will set you up well after you walk off with that hard-earned degree. Salary isn’t the only thing to consider when you’re planning you’re future, but let’s face it- it’s awfully important. While there is some diversity among the highest-paying majors, the main theme is that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering , and Mathematics) careers are among the hottest out there right now. Let’s look at 10 of the highest-earning majors, based on a survey conducted by Glassdoor, and what you can do with them. Spoiler alert: most of them are in the sciences and technology.1. Computer ScienceMedian salary: $81,430Spotlight job: Web DeveloperWeb developers design and create websites, as well as maintain the day-to-day operations, improvements, performance, and traffic. Developers need to have strong skills in design and computer programming. The median salary for web developers is $64,790 per year, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field will grow 27% by 2024 (much faster than average).Spotlight job: Software DeveloperSoftware developers handle the creative side of computer programming. They design apps, programs, interfaces, and the underlying systems. Software developers work with user feedback and teams of other computer specialists to create, refine, and improve progra ms. The median salary for software developers is $100,960 per year, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 17% growth by 2024.2. Electrical EngineeringMedian salary: $68,438Spotlight job: Electrical EngineerElectrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment.  They work in many different industries, from manufacturing to telecommunications to government agencies. The median salary for electrical engineers is $95,230 per year, and although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting gangbusters growth between now and 2024, the field is expected to stay steady.Spotlight job:  Systems Engineer3. Mechanical EngineeringMedian salary: $68,000Spotlight job: Mechanical EngineerMechanical engineers are true multidisciplinarians- this is one of the most versatile and varied engineering fields. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. The median salary for mechanical engineers is $83,590, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5% growth by 2024.Spotlight job: Industrial DesignerIndustrial designers create designs for manufactured products (including cars, appliances, toys, and consumer products). Industrial designers combine concepts from engineering, business, and art/design perspectives to create user-friendly and attractive products. The median salary for industrial designers is $67,130, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts modest growth of 2% by 2024.4. Chemical EngineeringMedian salary: $65,000Spotlight job: Chemical EngineerChemical engineers work on the production and use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products, as well as designing processes and equipment for manufacturing, planning and testing production methods, and directing facility operations. They apply chemistry, physics, and engineering principles to their products and processes. Chemical engineers can be found in research facilities, industrial plants, and other laboratory settings. The median salary for chemical engineers is $97,360, and the field is expected to grow about 2% by 2024.5. Industrial EngineeringMedian salary: $64,381Spotlight job: Industrial EngineerIndustrial engineers work to make production and manufacturing processes more efficient. They create systems that coordinate resources (people, machines, materials, information, and energy) to make a product faster, cheaper, and more effectively. The median salary for industrial engineers is $83,470, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts modest changes of about 1% by 2024.6. Information TechnologyMedian salary: $64,008Spotlight job: Information Security AnalystInformation security analysts are the first line of defense for an organization’s computer network and information. They devise and implement security strategies to gu ard against data theft, cyberattacks, and other digital threats. The median salary for information security analysts is $90,120, and as the number of cyber threats rise, so do job opportunities: the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 18% growth by 2024.Spotlight job: Network and Computer Systems AdministratorWith everything going digital these days, network and computer systems administrators have key roles in nearly every organization. They are responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and development of a company’s digital infrastructure. The median salary for network administrators is $77,810, and the field is expected to grow at least 8% by 2024.7. Civil EngineeringMedian salary: $61,500Spotlight job: Civil EngineerIf you’ve traveled on a road, been through an airport, or used a public water system, you’ve enjoyed the handiwork of a civil engineer. These engineers design and supervise construction projects in both the public and private sectors. This can i nclude roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and public utilities like water supply and sewage treatment. The median salary for civil engineers is $82,220, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that there will be 8% more civil engineering jobs by 2024.8. StatisticsMedian salary: $60,000Spotlight job: StatisticianStatisticians collect and analyze data, and use it to help solve real-world problems in business, finance, healthcare, engineering, or other areas. Statisticians are in high demand in both the private and public sectors- for example, insurance companies and government agencies. As we move more and more into a data-driven society, the need for qualified professionals to make sense and strategy out of that data grows by the day. The median salary for statisticians is $80,110 per year, and the field is expected to grow rapidly- 34% by 2024.Spotlight job: Market Research AnalystMarket research analysts are the ones who can tell you if your product is like ly to be a hit or a flop. They analyze complex market factors, and predict sales for a particular good or service. Their research leads to decisions about what products should be, who would buy them, and what price the market will bear. The median salary for market research analysts is $62,150, and the field is expected to grow by 19% by 2024.9. NursingMedian salary: $58,928Spotlight job: Registered NurseThe healthcare field is as strong as ever, and excellent nurses are always in high demand. Nurses coordinate and provide direct patient care, working with patients in many different healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, schools, facilities, home care, hospices, etc.). The median salary for nurses is $67,490, and demand will grow by 16% (much faster than average) by 2024.Spotlight job: Nurse AnesthetistNurses in this highly specialized area can administer anesthesia before procedures, monitor patients’ vital signs, and oversee patients’ recovery after surgery. They w ork with surgeons, physicians, an anesthetists as part of the surgical care team. The median salary for nurse anesthetists is $160,250, and the field is expected to grow much faster than average, in line with other nursing careers.10. FinanceMedian salary: $54,900Spotlight job: Financial AnalystFinancial analysts are often the voice of financial reason, providing expertise on markets and business to help clients and companies make investment decisions. They monitor the financial markets very closely, particularly the performance of stocks, bonds, funds, and other investment types. The median salary for financial analysts is $80,310, and by 2024 the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects there will be 12% more jobs for financial analysts.Spotlight job: AccountantAccountants are responsible for preparing and analyzing financial records, including taxes and daily financial operations. They oversee day-to-day financial operations to ensure that a company is running efficiently and on budget . The median salary for accountants is $67,190, and the field should grow by at least 11% by 2024.If you’re already in college, or just thinking about it, these majors could be a great option for you if you’re seeking a stable, well-paying career path.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Chose a subject of popular culture and analyze this subject using Essay

Chose a subject of popular culture and analyze this subject using course concepts - Essay Example ra of Swing music, and thus this paper helps to give an insight about the musical genius’ life and subsequent contributions towards culture and also how the socio-economic, political and historical factors played a role in making significant changes towards the same. Bessie Smith’s inherent passion for music was discovered fortunately at a very young age as she and her brother took to the streets of their local neighbourhoods in Chattanoonga, as they sang and danced in order to earn money for their meals. However, her brother soon left her to join a professional troupe and she was left behind due to being very young. Soon enough, her brother arranged for a meeting and interview for Bessie for the Stokes Troupe and she was hired as a dancer but not as a singer, thus her true potential had yet not been realised. In 1915, the singer left and became a part of the Theater Owners Bookers Association, an African American performance group and this became the milestone in her career. The group helped her to gain popularity all over and become a recognised singer. Following this, offers began coming in for Bessie to be part of musicals and one of her firsts, titled ‘How Come?’ made its way to Broadway as well. Here, Bessie co starred with Sidney Bechet. Looking at her success and getting motivated by the same, Smith moved on to working in theatre, mostly Black theatres as they accepted her better, and in 1923 she landed with her first recording contract. Soon enough, Bessie became one of the highest paid black women in her field however, the money did not make much difference to her life then and she realised she wanted to sing all her life. Smith’s voice, mellifluous and harmonious, was something she was able to practice and develop on her own. She did not receive any formal training from anywhere, and with the practice she had had since her early years, she dedicated and devoted more time to get even better than what she was and all that she had

Friday, October 18, 2019

Foreign and Domestic Policy Issues from the 60's and Today Research Paper

Foreign and Domestic Policy Issues from the 60's and Today - Research Paper Example The first issue that president Obama needs to deal with is terrorism. Although terrorist threats on the US reached their height during the reign of George W Bush, Obama needs to devise new strategies of dealing with the problem. Terrorism is a global issue since it is still a problem in other parts of the globe. This indicates that the president needs to deal with the problem as a global issue and not an American issue. It is difficult for America to deal with terrorism without support from other countries. Although America has the military capabilities of dealing with any form of terrorism, the country still require collaboration with other nations (Koontz 107). For instance, the tactical arrest of Osama bin Laden proved America’s capabilities of dealing with terrorist criminals. However, the issue raised questions concerning lack of Pakistan involvement in the arrest. Thus, Obama needs to establish diplomatic relationship with leaders from other countries in order to solve t he current problems related to terrorism. President Obama also needs to address the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq since it is affecting America’s credibility on the global stage. George W Bush was behind the war in his efforts to stop terrorism. These wars have similarities with the Vietnam War in the 1980s. Wars have no benefit to a country. In addition, there is no an absolute victor from a war. Thus, the president needs to reconsider America’s position on these wars. Like in the Vietnam War, America is losing millions of dollars due to its involvement in the war (Ellen web). In addition, the war has resulted into massive destruction of lives and property. America has lost hundreds of its soldiers in the wars. The latest incidence is increasing number of suicide cases among soldiers fighting in these countries. The continued involvement of America in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars is contributing to the problems been experienced by the country. America needs to create a systematic withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan and Iraq within the shortest time possible. The role of regime change that America has played in the two countries should be left the UN. The US also needs to separate its war against terrorism from war against Islam. Although most terrorist have an Islamic background, Islam and terrorism have no relationship. There have been allegations that America is fighting Islam through its global efforts to eliminate terrorism. President Obama has an obligation to free America from these allegations by ordering the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, America needs to be accountable for the crimes committed by its forces in the two countries (Brook web). This will free America from accusations of double standards in dealing with crime against humanity. Gay marriages and gay rights have also remained a controversial issue in America. Although America is a multicultural society, it has a global socia l obligation. In addition America is been looked upon by the rest of the global population. Thus, mistakes committed by Americans are likely to be repeated by the rest of the globe. Gay people have the rights to live as other ordinary individuals do. In addition, they have the rights of upgrading their relationship into marriages. America has high social standards and integration than the rest of the world. Thus, Americans needs to reconsid

Transition Of Corporate Power And How It Effect Fashion Industry Assignment

Transition Of Corporate Power And How It Effect Fashion Industry - Assignment Example The paper "Transition Of Corporate Power And How It Effect Fashion Industry" discusses Transition Of Corporate Power And How It Effect Fashion Industry. In the fashion sector, the corporate should be focusing on the governance so that they maximize residuals and in thecases of investor-owned firms, theyhave to make a pro datadistribution to theshareholders. The pro-data distribution allows accountability when it comes to government subsidies and the role of labor laws and community interest. An example of a transition of corporate power in thefashionindustry is China. China is one of the largest consumers of textile with its population of 400 million, giving a high demand for textile. In the past, the fashion industry has faced problems starting from insufficient raw materials and inadequate technology. In 1950, the Chinese government started it five-year plan with the construction of cotton mills, printing and dyeing plants. The plan was not only meeting the demands of the growing p opulation but also to provide employment. The government solely embarked on the production, structure and distribution. It however failed to meet the requirements of its population, so the government introduced a modernized method of the open policy. Therefore, allowed foreign direct investors to do businesses in China. It also enabled China to renovate its outdated industry rapidly and also make new economic ties with other countries. The result was a transformation of the intermediate products like thread.

Real estate development Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Real estate development - Coursework Example Pollutants are thus deposited on the land from the water course. Fly-tippers are also a chief cause of the current state of the land. Their illegal dumping activities have further worsened the state of the land. Dangerous materials are as a result strewn all over the land and would be one of the major obstacles in development of the land. An old windmill is also present in the middle of the site which would cause inconveniences during the construction. In addition buried power cables that are at unknown locations in the land are also a possible hazard for people wishing to undertake any activity in the land. The school is the major party involved with the development project and their main objective is the construction of a new sports’ center. The local council which offered land to the school however has a condition that flats as well as commercial use (artists’ studios) should be developed in the land. Due to these two projects, careful planning should be done before the project is started to prevent any complications of construction. The location of the site is the first major statutory issue that is facing the project. As described the land â€Å"is bordered on one side by the river Wandle, a small water course that has become silted up and polluted†. This location is a very unsuitable area for human dwelling. Working in such an area therefore has a multitude of risks which include being in the wrong side of the law according to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974). The windmill in the middle of the site dates from the mid-19th century and its demolition would be illegal without consultation of the local planning authority according to the Town and Country Planning Act (1990). This is because it is described to appear in the local list as a building of historic interest. Fly-tipping is an illegal activity according to the Environmental Protection Act

Thursday, October 17, 2019

The War on Drugs in America Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The War on Drugs in America - Research Paper Example However, researchers agree that criminal activity in America and the rest of the world is strongly associated with drug availability and usage (Dobkin & Nicosia 2009). During the 90’s youth gangs surged all over United States. Interestingly, during the same time crack cocaine also became the drug of choice for many. Youth gangs high on crack brought the third and inevitable problem; gang related violence. In the 1960’s gangs were not involved in drug trafficking or abuse, but the rapid growth in the number of cocaine users led to the gang members not only becoming drug abusers but also getting involved in the trade of drug. This in turn brought crack cocaine in easy access of the masses, as even the street corner gangs started thinking of drug trade as an easy way of making money. Studies show that by the 1990’s gang members were involved in higher levels of drug use as compared to non-gang member population (Howell & Decker 1999). Of course, preceding decline in manufacturing jobs did not help the situation. Selling drugs was and still is considered a way of making quick money. Most of the new jobs created in the 80’s and 90’s were in suburbs. This left the inner city residents to fend for them and drug marketers were the only one providing work. Drugs affected the social life of these gang members in other ways as well. Firstly, their new economy forced them to rethink their pathways in life. The traditional work, marriage and family lifestyle was now out of question for many. These young gang members would no longer be influenced by norms and traditions. Instead, their gangs acted as families with social control over its members. This was followed by the violence. Gangs ferociously guarded their areas and turf wars broke out. Research into the relationship between drugs and violent crime has outlined three ways in which drugs can lead to violence. First, the pharmacological effects of a drug can make its user violent and se condly, violence occurs when an abusers is forced to commit violent crimes in order to secure financing for their expensive habit. Lastly, violence is the product of the drug system in which it is the only way of ensuring expansion of drug market share and protection from other market participants (Howell & Decker, 1999). Another side effect of drugs being sold on the street corner is that those who were already dealing with the harsh realities of life found an easy way out of their problems, even if it was for a little while. This led to many women to abuse drugs as well. The increase in prostitution can also be coincided with the increase of drugs in the American society. It is too, a never-ending cycle as prostitutes use drugs to deal with the humiliating aspects of their profession while indulging in it to finance their expensive habit of drug abuse (Young, Boyd & Hubbell 2000). Many people think that drug addicts simply lack the will to leave their addiction or they are morally corrupt because they consciously want to do all the bad things that happen. The reality is that drug addiction is a disease that alters the brain chemistry of a person making it impossible to simply wash the addiction away. Every year more than $600 billion are spent in health and crime costs related to drugs. However, even these numbers are insufficient to explain the harm caused by drugs to our society, as

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Innovation & Creativity and Enterprise Research Proposal

Innovation & Creativity and Enterprise - Research Proposal Example Bilton and Cummings (2010) have exemplified many incidents where companies have excelled and outnumbered their competitors through their capability of being creative and innovative. Birla (2013) has also revealed that as the ideas and innovations are rapidly progressing, inclusion of all such creative ideas and technical innovations in the business operations is required for a company to gain a competitive edge in the industry segment. However, Lockard (2010) has expressed his doubt on the scope available for companies operating in Gulf region to incorporate ICE in their business process. For conducting the research, secondary data collection method should be obtained (Creswell, 2013). Thus information regarding incorporation of innovative technologies and establishing the scope for creativity within the enterprise will be acquired from various relevant journals and magazines, annual reports of Zain Telecom, industry reports etc. Qualitative research approach should be taken so that intrinsic reasons, outlook and motivation can be derived from all available information (Krathwohl, 2008). An organization striving for adding value to the products and services, building broader business networks and establishing long enduring relationship with national and international clients, must establish and exercise the foundation of ICE. Though it is believed that Gulf region is deprived from many technological and other innovative considerations, the research is undertaken for establishing the fact that in this modern age of globalization, the companies operating in this region, such as Zain Telecom, have also managed to incorporate innovation, creativity and enterprise to establish and strengthen their global

The War on Drugs in America Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The War on Drugs in America - Research Paper Example However, researchers agree that criminal activity in America and the rest of the world is strongly associated with drug availability and usage (Dobkin & Nicosia 2009). During the 90’s youth gangs surged all over United States. Interestingly, during the same time crack cocaine also became the drug of choice for many. Youth gangs high on crack brought the third and inevitable problem; gang related violence. In the 1960’s gangs were not involved in drug trafficking or abuse, but the rapid growth in the number of cocaine users led to the gang members not only becoming drug abusers but also getting involved in the trade of drug. This in turn brought crack cocaine in easy access of the masses, as even the street corner gangs started thinking of drug trade as an easy way of making money. Studies show that by the 1990’s gang members were involved in higher levels of drug use as compared to non-gang member population (Howell & Decker 1999). Of course, preceding decline in manufacturing jobs did not help the situation. Selling drugs was and still is considered a way of making quick money. Most of the new jobs created in the 80’s and 90’s were in suburbs. This left the inner city residents to fend for them and drug marketers were the only one providing work. Drugs affected the social life of these gang members in other ways as well. Firstly, their new economy forced them to rethink their pathways in life. The traditional work, marriage and family lifestyle was now out of question for many. These young gang members would no longer be influenced by norms and traditions. Instead, their gangs acted as families with social control over its members. This was followed by the violence. Gangs ferociously guarded their areas and turf wars broke out. Research into the relationship between drugs and violent crime has outlined three ways in which drugs can lead to violence. First, the pharmacological effects of a drug can make its user violent and se condly, violence occurs when an abusers is forced to commit violent crimes in order to secure financing for their expensive habit. Lastly, violence is the product of the drug system in which it is the only way of ensuring expansion of drug market share and protection from other market participants (Howell & Decker, 1999). Another side effect of drugs being sold on the street corner is that those who were already dealing with the harsh realities of life found an easy way out of their problems, even if it was for a little while. This led to many women to abuse drugs as well. The increase in prostitution can also be coincided with the increase of drugs in the American society. It is too, a never-ending cycle as prostitutes use drugs to deal with the humiliating aspects of their profession while indulging in it to finance their expensive habit of drug abuse (Young, Boyd & Hubbell 2000). Many people think that drug addicts simply lack the will to leave their addiction or they are morally corrupt because they consciously want to do all the bad things that happen. The reality is that drug addiction is a disease that alters the brain chemistry of a person making it impossible to simply wash the addiction away. Every year more than $600 billion are spent in health and crime costs related to drugs. However, even these numbers are insufficient to explain the harm caused by drugs to our society, as

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Natural Resources Essay Example for Free

Natural Resources Essay Adequate water supplies of high quality are necessary both for community use and local ecosystems. Communities and jurisdictions must work together to assure an adequate water supply to meet future needs. This section presents resources to aid in that effort. * Energy Communities require energy. Nonrenewable sources for power generation, home and workplace, and transportation cause pollution and its harmful impacts. Energy conservation and the use of renewable fuels provide cost-effective and more sustainable alternatives. This section contains resources available to make energy use more efficient. Air and Climate Both the natural ecosystem and human health can be adversely impacted by declining air quality and climatic change. Communities can preserve air quality by limiting or eliminating the discharge of harmful chemicals into the air and by minimizing the sources of air pollution. This section contains resources and approaches that address air quality and climate change. * Biodiversity Biodiversity is particularly important for creating sustainability because of the specialized roles each species plays in maintaining ecological balance. Communities can promote healthy wildlife by supporting integrative approaches for managing, protecting, and enhancing wildlife populations and habitats appropriate to their area. Some examples are given here. * Land, Forests, and Ecosystems While providing a protective covering for soil, water, and the atmosphere, forests are also renewable sources of an endless variety of products. In a healthy ecosystem, policies and programs must balance economic and conservation needs. This section highlights cases where communities have developed land use practices and businesses that both conserve ecosystems and enhance local economies. Read more:Â  Essay on Natural Resources and Their Conservation

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Strategies Of Marketing Mix Marketing Essay

The Strategies Of Marketing Mix Marketing Essay There can be many reasons for wanting to be internationalized like saturation in the home market, the desire of export your product and catch new type of customers in new markets, little opportunity to growth in the own countryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ HM wanted to get a strong brand and arrive to the best cities and establish their shops. They are looking always for the best cities and places to build their shops in order to get more and more customers all over the world. When they decided to internationalized, their wish was to become in a great famous brand, and finally they got it, because as I said, it is a well-known company situate in 47 different countries which is also planning to build new shops in more different ones. (See appendix2) Target Market HMs primary target market is based on consumer both men and women between 18-34 years old. In order to satisfy the target customer, they produce good design clothes with good quality and all of that in very cheap prices, so that, the customers of HM are very satisfied with it because it offers them everything they want. (See appendix 3) Market Selection Criteria (Keegan, W., J. and Schlegelmilch, B., B., 2001) When a company wants to be internationalised in a new country it must answered this question so as to know exactly where to establish their brand: (See appendix 4) Which market is the best? Philippines Portugal As it can be seen in this two graphics, without a shadow of doubt it can be said that the most secure country to enter in is Portugal. First of all, although this graphics not shows the complete reason, it is the main reason for choosing Portugal. As it can be seen, in Portugal the corruption is really high, the government is not as competent as in Portugal, the infrastructure is not as prepare as in Portugal to be able to build storesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Finally, making the positive and negative points of each country, it is clear that Portugal is the best option not only because of these results, but also because the geographic location of the country. (Global Competitiveness Report, 2012-2013) (See appendix 5) Portugal OPPORTUNITIES THREATS POLITICAL Parliamentary representative democratic republic ECONOMIC High income mix economy The financial crisis ECOLOGCAL Many land hectares Ecology conservation Laws TECHNOLOGICAL Pioneer of technology The financial crisis FASHION INDUSTRY Growth in the industry The financial crisis LEGAL REGULATORY Control competition Not allowed aggressive competition (Technology Portugal, 2009) (Economy of Portugal, Wikipedia, 2012) (Politics of Portugal, Wikipedia, 2012) (See appendix 6) Competitors (See appendix 7) Indirect Competitors HM does not have many Indirect Competitors in the sector, however, there someone that are strong and that they are gaining presence in the online shopping: (See appendix 8) HM ASOS Direct Competitors As everywhere nowadays, in Portugal also there are many fashion retailers that are establishing their shops in many cities so as to get more benefits and became much more international brand. In the case of HM, it would have many competitors, and the main one it would be Inditex. (Retail Index, 2012) (See appendix 9,10,11,12) HM vs. Inditex The major competitor of HM is Inditex, this table shows what main differences are between them: Outsourcing of Core Activities Group Model Competitive advantage Segmentation Communication No own factories 80% is produced in Asia Cheaper Major margins 39,7% of cost upon sales Need to create collection well in advanced Single chain Major margins in the short run Collaborations with Luxury brands, singersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Own industries 40% is produced in Europe Major flexibility Major ability for growth 44,3% of cost upon sales New collection every 2 weeks Different Chains Major dynamism and growth in the long run Collaborations with new designers, actorsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Moda Rapida, 2012) Customers in Portugal In all countries the customer do not have the same purchasing habits, how are the shopping habits of Portuguese young consumers? Factors that influence in clothing purchasing At the time of purchasing clothes, young consumer In Portugal prefers not to have anybody behind them asking all the time if they need any help, that is, they prefer to go to big stores and have a look for everything and then if they need any help ask to a staff although they think that are really impersonal places. They prefer to be free, they want to be comfort when they are shopping. Shopping Behaviour and the influence of others Portuguese young consumers prefer to go shopping alone for many different reasons: More freedom of movements: They like to go alone as they dont need to be all the time calling to the other persona come here, go there and so on. More independence in choice: Young consumers do not like to be influenced by anyone; they like to buy things without any other opinion, if they like it they would buy it without having anybody prejudicing them. Individual decision: As it is individual decision, nobody would be saying anything bad about the clothes. Purchasing choice criteria What are looking for the customers at the time of buying clothes? They based their purchase in some factors that finally are the ones that makes one to take the decision of buying one thing or another. Low Price Comfort Good Design Good Quality Brand Name Does not have any influence in purchasing criteria as nowadays almost all brands are equal. (Information sources and clothing,2012) (See appendix 13) Perceptual Map Low Quality High Price High Quality Low Price INDITEX CORTEFIEL MODALFA CA HM PRIMARK MANGO GAP In order to create the perceptual, I use my perception about the fashion brands in the world, that is, I collocated each of the company in the position that I perceive. As it cam be seen, in the same square we can find HM and Inditex, but for my point of view, although the price of it is more expensive, the quality is much better so that its positioning is greater than HMs one. Apart from this, it can be said that for young people, Cortefiel and Mango are so equal in the quality and in the prince and also GAP and CA although being so expensive, their quality is very high. Finally, as for the brands with the lowest quality, although their low price is so attractive for punctual occasions, customers prefer to buy in companies that offer them a major quality. Recommendation I really recommend HM to go to Portugal as it can offer many advantages to HM starting with its geographical location. Although the financial crisis is affecting many consumer, as HM has very low prices it can be a very good opportunity for the young people to get fashion clothes with their low income, so as nowadays the physical aspect is gaining importance, HM would find a very good opportunity in Portugal (About HM, 2012) Appendices Appendix: HM 1980/90 Stores open in Germany and Netherlands. Stores open in France, and the use of celebrities to the advertisements 1947 1977 1976 1974 1968 1964 1952 Sales of cosmetic started. First store opened outside Scandinavia, In London. Listed on the Stockholms Stock Exchange Hennes buy the fish store Mauritz Widforss, and the name is changed to Hennes and Mauritz. First store opened in a foreign country, in Norway. Hennes open in Stockholm First store open in Và ¤steras (Sweedem), with the name of Hennes 2012 Plan to open Bulgaria, Latvia, Malasya, Mexico and Thailand. 2011 HM open in Romania, Croacia and Singapore. 2010 First stores open in Soth korea and Turky. Monki goes to Asia, HM home open in Sweden. 2009 First store open in Russia and in Beijing. HM home is launched, Weekday and Monki open in Germany 2008 First store open in Tokyo. Adquisition of Weekday, Monki and Cheap Monday brands. 2007 First Asian store in Hong Kong and in Shanghai. Expansion of online sales. COS stores launched. 2006 Major expansion of online and catalogue sales 2004 Initiates designer collaborations with luxury brands 2000 Stores open in US, Spain and in many European countries. HMs presence all over the world HM world map.   Ã‚   300+ stores   Ã‚   200+ stores   Ã‚   100+ stores   Ã‚   50+ stores   Ã‚   20+ stores   Ã‚   10+ stores   Ã‚   1+ stores   Ã‚   Upcoming stores (HHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HM_world_map.svgHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HM_world_map.svgM world map, Wikipedia, 2012) HM Group HM as Inditex is completed by many different brands, that is, HM is group that is composed by some different brands: HM: It produces a broad and diverse range of fashion for men, women, youth and children, furthermore, it also sales cosmetic, accessories and products for home. COS It offers customers a combination of timelessness and distinctive trends, for both women and men. Monki: It is a very creative brand that offers to the customer the opportunity to express itself. Weekday: It offers urban fashion for men and women always at the best price. Cheap Monday: Cheap Monday combines influences from street fashion and subcultures with a catwalk vibe. HMs expansion strategy HM is so conscious at the time of opening new stores in other countries, that is, it thinks that the stores should make much stronger the brand and attract customer giving them the best shopping experience as possible. When HM is moving to a new country, so as to see if it would be profitable or not to enter in it analyses the political, economic, demographic, and infrastructural environment. It creates very modern stores in all the countries that it establishes its business so as to offer a great shopping time to the customer. Furthermore, it is working in making its stores much more ecological so as to save the world and do not damage it. HM is looking for a great expansion in the future; it is planning to open many new stores in many different countries, so as to create a very strong brand. HM SWOT analyses Strengths Brand recognition: Low Price and style: It has presence in al over the world and people know it because of the fashionable clothes that sales in a very cheap price Operational efficiency: As it has a great control in the logistic area, it is able to have low cost and maintain really good margins. Opportunities Untapped potential in emerging markets: As the lifestyle is changing everywhere, people is much more aware of its physical aspects, so that, the fashion is gaining presence. Internet retailing: The fashion industry is increasing every day, and nowadays with the help of internet they can growth in an incredible manner, it gave them a great opportunity to growth. Weaknesses Reliance on outsourcing: The reliance of Inditex products put HM in critical situation as Inditex appeals much more to customers. Modest presence in emerging markets: It a well-known brand in the whole world, but the major presence is only in Europe and in North America. Threats Non-food expansion of grocery retailers: Many supermarkets like Tesco, are thinking in competing in the clothe industry with HM. Fast fashion becoming more competitive: Its major competitor is Inditex, that also does fast fashion, but new competitors also are appearing very strong (Ryerson, 2009) Vertical Integration HM has a vertical integration strategy in which was pioneer establishing it some years ago. Due to this strategy, the company is now able to collect information about the sales and customers and use it in order to make a better strategy always so as to get more profits for the future and catch much more customer. (Europa.eu,2012) LCCP, GCCP or FCCP? In the case of HM, it can be said that this company is GCCP( Global Culture Cultural Positioning), as they are a multinational that they sale their self saying that the customer is part of the global family. Although they need to adapt maybe their strategy in each of different country, they sale their brand as a global company; actually all their products are the same in all countries, they offer the same products for the customers of different places, Being the part of the global family is the message that they are selling to the customers mind. Appendix: Internationalization Motives There are 2 kinds of motives that prompt the companies to internationalised, Proactive and Reactive motives. In the case of HM there some points inside those factors that do not have any sense, so only the main points are going to be explained. Proactive Motives Profit and growth goals All companies want to growth, and so as to get that the best option is to go abroad and establish their brand in new countries. This is one of the main reason why the companies want to internationalized, in order to become i and bigger and be well known in the whole work. Managerial urge It is a motivation that the managers of the business have; their motivation is to be part of a company that works all over the world. Foreign market opportunities/market information HM could see many opportunities to growth in foreign markets as is a company that have great presence all over the world. However, it is not established in all countries, so if it wants to become a bigger brand, it should observe what opportunities offered each country and see if it is profitable or not. Economies of scale-learning curve Being internationalized, offers HM the advantage of the economies of scale as it could produce high amount of clothes at the same time. (Hollensen, S., 2007) Reactive Motives Competitive pressure HM could be scared for example of the competitive pressure of Inditex as it has a great strategy that helps it to continue in the top level. If the company see that other brands are growing all over the world and that are gaining customers and getting profits, the no internationalised company also would want to get all that. So for that reason, HM would like to enter in more and more countries so as to be a great company. Domestic market: small and saturated HM was created in Sweden many years ago, but as the market was becoming so small to compete there, it decided to enter in new countries so as to growth its presence. Extend sales of seasonal products As maybe the demand in the home country is not very big and it does not give the opportunity for the company to get the desire profits, they would find new opportunities to get what they want in foreign countries. (Hollensen, S., 2007) Appendix: How to choose the target market? Targeting is the action of evaluating and comparing the different groups of consumers and chooses which is the most suitable for the company. Companies have to base their research in 3 points: Current segment and the growth: It will be enough profitable to the company to centre only in that segment? Competitive intensity and potential competition: If that segment has a great competition, it is suitable to enter in? Compatibility and feasibility: If that segment give problems to the companies, could another company catch them? (Keegan, W.J. and Schlegelmilch, B.B., 2001) When HM creates its brand he had surely been thinking about these points at the time of creating its designs. When the companies are creating their collections they must be thinking on the target market as they are the wanted customers and they should create those clothes that appeals to them. Appendix: Market selection Criteria Market Potential Here the company should analyse if the market satisfied completely the customer and also if the customers has the necessary ability to purchase the product that the old retailers offer them. (International market selection, 2004) Market Size: The companies need to observe how much of the market it can expect to could afford. Market growth: They have to observe how much have grown this sector in that country during all the years so as to know if they would find and increase or a decrease in the industry. Competitive Intensity: The Company have to make a great research relating with the competitors of the industry in that country so as to know in what position they are and how strong are the competitors. Entry Barrier: In all countries are entry barriers to foreign companies so as to protect the future of the home country industries. They should make many deals so as to finally get into a new market. Political Environment The government of a country affects a lot the business life because of the changing policies, regulations and laws. Furthermore, the government of each of the country is who choose which businesses will receive protection and which is going to face an open competition. Furthermore, the political stability of a country will affect the action that government will take, and finally that actions will have many influences in an enterprise. (Sirkeci, I. and Cawley, R., 2012) Economic Environment Nowadays the economy has change radically, due to that factor all countries are now potential targets for every company. When a company has to make research in global marketing, the economy dimension of the world is crucial as it has great influence in this point. (Keegan, W.J., Schelegelmilch, B.B., 2001) Demographic Structure The company should observe how has change the demographic in the objective country so as to control the evolution of the Target customer. Purchasing Power It has to know how is the purchasing power of the objective customer so as to know if they are going to get benefits or loses in that country. Infrastructure The retailer need to observe if the infrastructure of the country is good or not so as to build and factories in that country. The country must have strong infrastructure so as to build powerful companies, strong social, economic, aerialà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦infrastructure. Appendix: Philippines and Portugal So as to choose the most appropriate country to enter in, many things must be analysed as it can be seen in the paper. However, not only those shown points are important, there many other things like the GDP, unemployment rate, population, innovationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ that should be take into account when an enterprise want to be opened in that country. Philippines Population: 93,6millions GDB per capita: 2,007$ Infraestructure: 3,1 Macroeconomic environment: 5 Goods market efficiency: 4,1 Labor market efficiency: 3,9 Having a look to these different score between 1-7, it is clear that Portugal it is clear that Portugal is much more secure country to establish their company. Although the most relevant dates had been explained before in the pages, this also are very important at the time of choosing the country to enter in. so finally, Portugal is the country that will be analysed for the report. Financial market development: 4 Technological readiness: 4,6 Portugal Population: 10,7 millions GDP per capita: 21,559$ Infraestructure: 5,5 Macroeconomic environment: 4,2 Goods market efficiency: 4,3 Labor market efficiency: 3,8 Financial market development: 4 Technological readiness: 5,3 (The Global Competitiveness report, 2012-2013) Appendix: Portugal Political Environment Portugal has a constitutional republic and a parliamentary system in which a semi presidential regime is establish. The prime minister is elected every four years and is the person who led the government, furthermore, the president of the government is elected every five years. (Doing business in Portugal, 2012) Economic Environment There can find many industries that has established their main company in Portugal, for example, in the case of Inditex, it has one factory there as the production is cheaper than in Spain. But although been a developed and high income country, it has the lowest GDP in Western Europe, and besides, the population has the lowest purchasing power of the European Union. (Economic of Portugal, Wikipedia, 2012) Regulatory Environment The Law 18/2003 In Portugal is create to maintain a competitive economy, not to have an unfair competitive and so heavy one. The law prohibited the company to make agreements that would affect the competition between economic agents in national territory. In addition to this, the companies are not allowed to make a very aggressive competition so as not to affect the sector in that country. (Doing business in Portugal, 2012) Fashion industry Nowadays the textile industry in Portugal represents just under the 10% of outputs. The situation in Portugal is not the best, but the companies that are surviving are having great profits, so people is seen as an optimist market. Many different brands produce their clothes in Portugal like Fred Perry, Inditex, Paul Smith because of the process is not as expensive as in other European countries, , however, although the industry is surviving, all the companies has suffered losses during the financial crisis. Every type of industry are suffering now due to the 2008 financial crisis, in many countries many companies closed their factories, nevertheless, the textile industry in Portugal is growing up again so slowly but is growing, every brand are getting now profits, so for HM it could be a great opportunity as the industry is having good results nowadays. Besides, it must be said that HMs strategy is very similar to Inditex ones, its clothes are so cheap and finally a country that is s uffering a lot because of the crisis , population wants to have the opportunity to buy cheap fashionable clothes. Inditex is having great results in the country, so as HM prices are cheaper, why it would not get many profits? Portugal as I said, can offer HM many great advantages. (UK reuters, 2012) Barriers to enter in country There many barriers in all countries for different companies that wants to establish their brand there are (Hollensen, S., 2007): General Market Risks The main barriers are the great competitiveness that HM could find in Portugal, the different culture and language, because the Swedish and Portuguese people are so different at the time of working and also the language is totally different. In addition to this, it is no easy to find a new distributor in a foreign country, they should make alliances an all of that work so as to get a great position, and finally, it must be said that it is a very difficult work to adapt all the company for that new culture and make a great company overseas. Commercial Risks Although Portugal is in Europe too, there are always delays in the delivering of the export products or some damages in them. Beside this, there are always changes in rates and that could have a great influence in the cost of a company. Political Risks This subject is a little bit special; companies have to take caution as politics have great influences in all countries. HM have to take into account how is the law of the exports in Portugal, what type of restrictions have impose the government, the thoughts of the citizensà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Opportunities of entering in the Portugal Investing in Portugal it would give companies many advantages for many different reasons (Doing business in Portugal, 2012): Strategic access to market Due to the Portugal economic openness and also because of its strategic geographical position it can offer great opportunities to different companies between EU and also different markets. As it has relations with Brazil and is near Africa, it offers great advantages so as to make exports and imports. Cost competitive, qualified and flexible workforce The Portuguese employers are known for having great attitudes at the time of adapting their self to new technologies, strategies and so on. Excellent environment to live and work It is a country that offers the companies very secure areas and ensure the security for their production, and so on as it is very pacific place. Infrastructure As during the last year Portugal has made great investment so as to modernizing its communication infrastructures, it is great country to establish a company as it can be adapted very easily to the new technologies that the company will bring with it. Appendix: Competitors Market 5 forces Threats of New entrance Rivalry among existing competitors Threat of Substitute products or services Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers (Keegan, W.J. and Schlegelmilch, B.B., 2011) Referring to HM, although it is a great company, its major competitor is doing everything much better than HM does. HM it would be the new entrance in that country and of course all those competitors like Inditex, Cortefiel and so on would be threat of it as they would need to fight with one more company. However, knowing that new entrance, those companies may start making much more deals with the suppliers so as to have the ability to offer much better products and service to their customers and not to lose them. Finally, HM has a great positive factor to the consumers that could be a great advantage to its competitors. It makes many alliances with famous designers like Versace, Moschinoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ so as to create new collection that are attractive to young consumers as they feel with higher status. Inditex should be worry about that as luxury brands are so attractive to consumers, but if it continuous doing a hard work it will be as everywhere the winner of the sector also in P ortugal. Appendix: ASOS ASOS is an online beauty store that provides the customer many products of different brands in very cheap prices. That is, the consumer can buy in the same website clothes from many different brands like Adidas, Armani, Topshopà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ it sales hundreds of brands, thats why it became so attractive to the customer, because it can find in the same place clothes from everywhere. ASOS was created firstly in United Kingdom in 2000, but them while it was gaining presence in whole Britain; it started going abroad and gaining presence in many countries of Europe. After that, the market of US was prepared to ASOS arrival as everyone wants to have the opportunity to buy many brands product in the same place. (ASOS, 2012) Appendix: MOFALDA Modalfa is a Portuguese fashion brand that offer the customer very fashionable clothes in a cheap prices. In Portugal, as I explained before, it is a great competitor for HM as it offers the customer similar opportunities as HM do. (Modalfa, 2012) Appendix: CORTEFIEL Cortefiel is the first brand created by Cortefiel group in 1946, which offer the customer an elegant and comfortable style with very high quality. With this personal style, Spanish brand has open its road to many countries and it is very strong competitor for many other companies. Its target customer is based on men and women between 35-45 years, and although HM is addressed to young people, finally all consumers are important for every company. (Cortefiel, 2012) Appendix: CA CA is a fashion company that has presence in 20 different countries of Europe. People have a very good perception about CA, it offers 10000 different products in all the countries, and although its high prices, the products have very high quality, the clothes lasts for years so people do not mind to pay more for those clothes. (CA, 2012) Appendix: Inditex The Inditex group is the most powerfull competitor of HM and as it, has many different brands inside that are very famous and makes the more and more strong everyday: ZARA: Zara has presence in 85 countries and it has opened 1671 stores in the best places of the cities. For Zara there is no any limit, they want to be in all the countries of the world in the future, and due to its great strategy it can get it as it is opening new stores every day. Pull Bear: It was create in 1991 especially for young people as it has very juvenile style. Is it one of the most profitable brand in terms of Urban clothes as every young people go there to get urban style clothes. Massimo Dutti: It has 567 stores spread in 53 different countries. It offers Urban and casual styles both for men and women, its target market is based on men and women adults, thats why the growth of the prices and the change in the style comparing with other brands. Bershka: It was launched in 1998 and nowadays it has 839 stores in 63 different countries, and as it is known, it appeals basically to the young target market. Stradivarius: It produces clothes, accessories, shoesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ and its clothes are combination of elegant and hippie clothes that appeal a lot for young people. Oysho: Oysho sells the latest fashion trends in womens lingerie and intimate apparel Zara Home: It is specialised in home decoration and linen things that attract so much to women because of it reasonable prices. Uterqà ¼e: It is the newest brand of Inditex and it is the most expensive brand of the group. (Inditex group, 2012) Zara is the most powerful brand of the group, is the main competitor of HM alone as I said. In the above image appear where Zara has its stores. (Zara targetmap, 2012) Appendix: Customers The culture in which the consumers have been grew up have many influences in the priorities that the customers give to different activities an