Michael Faraday Essay Example for Free

Michael Faraday Essay Born September 22, 1791, he grew up in Newington Butts after his family had moved there from Yorkshire in order to try and make a living. His father, a blacksmith, fell ill and could not earn much money. This meant Michael left school at 13 and knew very little about maths, and almost nothing about science. When he went to work as a bookbinder he got his big chance. While binding books at the shop he would read the contents. Since scientists wrote their findings in books and discussed them, this was a great way to learn about science, and how the world works. Later, due to good luck he was working for a man by the name of Humphry Davy. Davy worked at the royal institution, doing demonstrations and lectures. Faraday belonged to a religious group called the sandemanians, which believed in a literal understanding of the bible. This meant he could not hoard or save money. When he married his wife he received financial help from the royal institution. Faraday offered many contributions to the world of science including electrolysis; generators, magnetic fields and electromagnetism, but his greatest contribution to the world would definitely be the electric motor. Faradays greatest discovery, the electric motor has affected greatly the world we live in and how we live in it. Faraday found that if you took a magnet it would rotate around a wire so long as the wire had current going through it. Through this experiment, Faraday had successfully performed the first conversion of electrical energy (in the wire) into mechanical energy (the moving magnet). He also found that if you fixed the magnet in place and let the wire move, the wire would rotate around the magnet. By studying these experiments, Faraday believed that when current is passed through a wire, a circular magnetic current circles the wire. This was the predecessor of the electric motor. Due to Faradays experiments we can use electric blenders, CD players and much much more. By discovering the circular fields around a wire induced with current, Faraday has greatly contributed to the world of physics. With further research of these circular currents around a wire, Faraday took an iron ring and wrapped a length of insulated wire around one side of it, and then wrapped a second length of insulated wire around the other side of the ring. He anticipated that if he passed a current through the first wire, it would establish a magnetic field in the ring, which would then induce current in the second insulated wire. When he first performed the experiment he believed it was a failure, as it appeared no current was induced in the second wire. But then he made an observation critical to the experiment. He observed that as he turned the current in the first wire on and off, current would be induced in the second wire. Instead of current in the first wire inducing current in the second, he realised that change in current of the first wire induced current in the second. To test his new theory, Faraday took a magnet and moved it in and out of a coil of wire. When the magnet was moving into the wire, the needle on the galvanometer would move one way. And when the magnet was moving out of the coil, the needle would move the opposite way. Next he set up a copper disc between two poles of a magnet. This time when the disc was spun a constant current would be induced. Faraday had created the first dynamo or electric generator. A device, which produces electrical energy from mechanical energy. Commonly used as bike-light generators. Faraday also enjoyed the science of chemistry. He did demonstrations at the royal institute where he would show demonstrations of pyrotechnics, big flashes, physical reactions, and chemical reactions, among other things. By combining his enjoyment of chemistry with his knowledge of physics, Faraday made some very important discoveries in electrolysis, which are still relevant today. Faraday revolutionised knowledge of electrolysis by introducing new words. He replaced the previously used pole with electrode to describe the object dangled into a solution. He described anode as the electrode where negatively charged gases attract, cathode as the electrode, which attracts positively charged chemicals, electrolyte as anything released at either electrode, anions as electrolytes that collect at the anode, and cations as electrolytes that are drawn to the cathode. All these terms are commonly used in electrolysis today, a real test of how good a word is, is the test of time. Probably one of Faradays most famous inventions is the miners safety lamp. During the early 1800s there was a large demand for coal, mine shafts were being used more. This posed a threat as methane collected in the mins. And because the mines were underground the miners had to have lamps. The threat came when the lamps lit the methane, which would light up the whole shaft. Humphry Davy and Michael Faraday, who was working for him at the time, solved this problem with the safety lamps. The safety lamps comprised of a long metal mesh cylinder with a solid, hollow base and a hook at the top, some had lenses to focus the dim light. They were different to normal mining lamps because they did not light the methane the mines produced. This was a safer option for the minors and within a short while they were being used in many mine shafts. Michael Faraday probably wouldnt have been able to imaging how greatly his inventions and discoveries have affected the world. Without Faradays research on magnetic fields we would not have use of the electric motor. Without his simple generator we would not have the use of dynamos or generators. And without his induction ring we would not be able to use transformers. The first person to properly harness the power of magnetic fields. From humble beginnings, with no proper maths or science tutoring, Michael Faraday, by perseverance, made his way up in the world to become one of the most influential people of all time. Without doubt, Michael Faraday was a great man. Died august 25, 1867; Michael Faraday had left the world leaving a great contribution behind him. Note: Michael Faraday was an interesting individual as well as a great scientist. To learn more about his life and particularly his scientific work the reader is encouraged to investigate in depth any of the books listed below. Each while similar, gives a different view of the person, Michael Faraday. ? Agassi, Joseph, Faraday as a Natural Philosopher, Univ. of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1970.?Crookes, (Editor) A Course of Six Lectures on the Chemical History of a Candle: To which is Added a Lecture on Platinum by Michael Faraday, Chicago News Review 1988. ? Gooding, James (editors), Faraday Rediscovered, Stockton Press, London ,1985. ? Jones, Bence, The Life and Letters of Faraday(2 Volumes) Longmans, Green, London, 1870. ? Randell, Wilfrid L. ,Michael Faraday, Parsons, London, 1924. ? Tyndall, J. , Faraday as a Discoverer(4th Edition), Longmans, Green, London 1868. ? Williams, Pearce L. , The Origins of Field Theory, Random House, New York, 1966. ? Williams,Pearce L. , Michael Faraday, Basic Books, New York, 1967.

Project Report On Head And Shoulders Shampoo Marketing Essay

Project Report On Head And Shoulders Shampoo Marketing Essay INTRODUCTION: Procter Gamble  (PG) is an American  company headquartered in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Its products include foods, beverages, cleaning  and  personal care products. In 2011, PG recorded $82.6 billion dollars in sales.  Fortune  magazine ranked PG at fifth place of the Worlds Most Admired Companies list, which was up from sixth place in 2010. Procter Gamble is the only Fortune 500 Company to issue C Share common stock. As of July 1, 2011, the company structure is categorized into two Global Business Units with each one further divided into Business Segments according to the companys 2011 Annual Report. Dimitri Panayotopoulos is Vice Chairman of Global Business Units. The following segment constitutes of PG business: Beauty segment Grooming segment Health Care segment Snacks Pet Care segment Fabric Care Home Care segment Baby Care Family Home Care segment Manufacturing operations are based in the following regions: United Sates of America, Europe, Canada, China (31 wholly owned factories and other part of Asia, Philippines, Africa, Mexico, Australia, Latin America. About the Brand: Head Shoulders  is a  brand  of anti-dandruff  produced by  PG Matt Elliott got Procter Gamble researchers to start making a new anti-dandruff shampoo in 1950. Nearly a decade of research went into making a new formula, which introduced  pyrithione zinc into the shampoo. It was first introduced to the U.S. market in November 1961 as a blue-green shampoo formula. Head Shoulders is the worlds number one anti-dandruff shampoo. A power brand from PG, this brand made it debuted in India in year of 1997. In the highly competitive shampoo market, which is estimated to be worth around Rs.1800 Cr, HS is a major player in the anti-dandruff niche. The entire shampoo market was dominated by HUL with whopping market share of around 46% when the brand was launched in India, the anti-dandruff market was in its nascent stage and dominated by Clinic-All-Clear. The high profile launch of HS fueled the growth of this specialty market. Now anti-dandruff segment constitute around 15% of the shampoo market moreover PG is the global market leader in the retail hair care market with over 20% of the global market share behind Pantene and Head Shoulders. According to PGs annual report of 2011, the Beauty and grooming market share which primarily deals with the beauty segment constitute of % of net sale of 24% and percentage of net earning account to 23% for PG. The prominent brand is Head and Shoulders in this segment. Strategic Planning Models: SWOT analysis of Head Shoulders: Strength Weakness International brand with great brand equity. Only segmented as an anti-dandruff shampoo whereas the competitor has wide range of shampoos with different features. Strong financial position in market. Mostly perceived as a harsh shampoo. Brand loyalty. Less emphasis on other new research based ingredients and formulas. High quality Services. More specific to male gender. Availability of products in different demographics areas, pricing and market good-will. Large network for distribution. Opportunities Threat With the inclusion of FDI policy, PG can revive its brand equity. Inflation in Indian economy. Expansion of market aimed towards all age groups, including middle aged women which has significant market share. High competitive market with new entrants like Loreal and Dove in shampoo segment. Have a great opportunity in new developing areas of India. BCG matrix of Head Shoulders: BCG matrix stands for Boston consulting group. This is also known as Growth-Share matrix. This matrix helps us to classify a business of a company in four categories namely- Star, Question mark, Cash Cows and Dogs. The details of each are given as follows: Stars: This tiles represents the high growth rate and high market share i.e. the business is leader in its area. Cash Cows: This tile represents high relative market share and low market growth rate. Question mark: Here the growth rate is high but the market share is relatively low. Dogs: This is segment where the growth rate is slow and has low market share as in the business is lagging behind considerably. Head and Shoulder can relatively be positioned in between the cross-sectional area of Question mark and Star. The reason can be: The market share of HS is low but the growth rate is high. HS needs to re-plan and revise it marketing plan as the opportunity is ample which can make into star category completely. Customer Value: Customer value can be defined as the consumer get in return to their money. The performance of a company is measured how the product or services gives the customer value in compare to what the competitor are offering. Here HS claims that the shampoo delivers 100% dandruff-free hairs even with low price, hence we can state that HS delivers good customer value and satisfaction level. The value delivery chains relates it-self to supply chain i.e. how it partners with suppliers and distributions from formulating raw material and distribution of its produced. HS being a PGs daughter company, takes a good leverage of good distribution channel and supply chain. Prominently HS sold in India is mostly shipped from Gulf countries. With the introduction of sachets of denomination Rs.1 and Rs.3, HS reached the rural market easily. With more and more free sample distribution and blind-test, the company is quite successful in value delivery chain. Marketing plan: HS is basically a product for men and women with dandruff and scalp problems. The want to acquire proper hygiene, maintain a healthy scalp and hair to gain the right confidence and have a sense of belongingness as they socialize/interact with other. The gap is that the other shampoo brands focus on enhancing or improving hair-condition. Marketing mix and Strategy : HS removes dandruff and stops it from coming back in just one wash, with a product range that suits various hair and scalp needs. It uses T.V ads, print ads, sponsorship, sales promotion and social media. HS hired actor Saif Ali Khan and actress Kareena Kapoor for their promotional activities. Nationwide distribution of HS is good. Marketing environment- Micro and Macro: There are two types of environment which company deals with macro environment and micro environment. Micro environment are as follows: Customer Stakeholder Media Public Competitor Supplier Employee Macro Environment Political Environment Technological Environment Socio-cultural Environment Economical Environment Consumer Buying Behavior: Men and women need to address their: hygiene, scalp health, social needs, self-actualization needs. They choose HS over other anti-dandruff shampoos because of the following reason: Product awareness, effectiveness, technology used, price, packaging, popularity of endorses, credibility of the manufacturing company. Men and women expect the following when the use HS: Dandruff elimination Revitalize scalp Remove itchy scalp Stop root cause of dandruff Stops dandruff from coming back Cools and refreshes the scalp Remove visible flakes More confidence in interacting and socializing with other people. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs: It probably safe to say the best theory of motivation is Maslows. Maslow hypnotized in every human being there exist a hierarchy of five needs. Physiological Safety Social Esteem Self actualization. Untitled.png Marketing Research: Marketing research tools used by HS- Quantitative tools- HS undertook research to generate new ideas for the product and market development. The researches engaged the customers in detailed discussion over different features of their products. As a result the personal interaction between the researches and the consumers was high, the major qualitative tools used by HS included focus group discussions in-home visits in context visits in-store interviews Focus group discussions: Here, a group of people who uses the HS shampoo in brought under a discussion about the every aspect of it including quality, after-use satisfaction, thoughts of the user etc. The discussion is presided by a moderator who takes notes and feedback of the customers. In-Home visits: This technique is more used in western countries where the product is taken to a home and then feedback is taken from a individual. In context visits: To observe to practical difficulty consumer faces. Apart from gaining information on the way consumer actually uses a product, the researcher elicits theirs opinions on the product and weather they wish to suggest any modification. In-Store visits: HS used this strategy extensively to gather the information from the consumer right from where it buys the product. The surveyor uses some questionnaires to know the consumers opinions which helps the company to develop further strategy. Segmentation, Target and Positioning: Segmentation: A market segment consists of a group of customers who share a similar set of needs and wants. Rather than creating the segments, the marketers task is to identify them an decide which ones to target. The available segments of HS can be found based on demography, geography, pshychography or life style. But being an FMCG product a shampoo brand like HS the demographic and geographic segmentation is not as important as it based upon the life-style as well as customer preferences despite of their above segmentation. The core segments are Anti-dandruff black hair shiny hair low-price HS started operating in the anti-dandruff segment. As a added benefit it also emphasized on smooth hair. In India, shampoo of HS mostly segmented on basis of age and their wants. Its choose men and women of twenty to thirty-five age. Here they targeted them with different strategy like mind-set, social need and other factor. Target Market: Target market is the section of consumer which the business has decided to put marketing efforts. Target market is done after segmenting where they filter out the localized group and choose a particular section of consumer so that their product provides adequate brand equity and brand value. The target market for HS are the higher middle class people who are brand conscious, early adopter and who care about the overall health of their hair. HS targets the people of middle age men ( in the beginning) having scalp and dandruff problems. At the initial period of its marketing strategy, it showed advertisement which show the facts with only one use of the product, the shampoo gives almost 100% relief from shampoo. It introduced many other features like menthol, volume boost, hair-fall therapy for the college going youth and young professional with hair conscious. HS took the advantage of physiological mentality of this user group with adopting ads where prominent actors were used. Positioning Brand positioning refers to target consumers reason to buy your brand in preference to others. It is ensures that all brand activity has a common aim; is guided, directed and delivered by the brands benefits/reasons to buy; and it focusses at all points of contact with the consumer. Brand positioning must make sure that: Is it unique/distinctive vs. competitors ? Is it significant and encouraging to the niche market ? Is it appropriate to all major geographic markets and businesses ? Is the proposition validated with unique, appropriate and original products ? Is it sustainable can it be delivered constantly across all points of contact with the consumer? Is it helpful for organization to achieve its financial goals ? Is it able to support and boost up the organization ? HS is positioned as anti-dandruff product which clear flakes with one wash. As the market leader it has successfully acquired the niche market of anti-dandruff segment. The effective distribution channel and deep penetration in the rural market has boosted up the sales in past year making it a leader. According to annual report of HS 2011 the quote states HS was relatively small, primarily north American brand a decade ago. We invested in combination of marketing and product innovations and began to expand the brand globally. Since then w have more than tripled sales and HS is now the largest shampoo brand in the world. Questionnaires How often do you use a shampoo ? a. Daily b. Alternate c. Weekly d. Not in a regular basis From the 5 shampoo listed below which one you use? a. Sunsilk b. Pantene c. Clinic All Clear d. Head Shoulder e. Dove f. If any other, please specify: ______________ While buying a shampoo, which option you keep in mind ? a. Price b. Quality c. Brand d. Hair Type. While buying a shampoo, which of the below listed options, do you consider in hair type? a. Smell b. Moisturizing Capabilities c. Clarifying Capabilities d. Shine factor e. Shampoo Colour f. Volumizing Capabilities g. Other please specify ____________________ How many different shampoos have you used in the past 6 months? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4 e. 5 f. Will you care to specify _______ 6. Do you prefer to buy a sachets or bottled one? a. Sachets b. Bottled 7. Are you concerned about any chemicals that could be considered harmful to your scalp? a. Yes b. No c. Please specify ___________ 8. How do you perceive Head Shoulder brand? Specify ________________________________ 9. Would you be interested in a free sample? a. Yes b. No 10. Have you ever taken a scalp or a hair quality test clinically? a. Yes b. No If yes, would you like to share you outcome? ___________________________________ 11. Who influence you to purchase a brand ? a. Family b. Doctor c. Advertisement d. Self e. Other Name: _______________________ Gender: Male/ Female Mobile Number: _______________ Email ID: _____________________

Marketing Analysis of BQ | SWOT

Marketing Analysis of BQ | SWOT Introduction A strategy is developed by a consideration of the resources of the organisation in relation to its environment, the prime purpose being to add value Dobson (2004). According to Stredwick (2008), Strategic analysis is concerned with the strategic position of the organisation. It consists of the organisations values, culture, resources and its environment. It tackles the following questions: what are the key characteristics of the organisation, what changes are going on in the environment, and how will these affect the organisation and its activities. In addition, a detailed internal and external environmental analysis including an assessment of culture enables the organisation to make a strategic choice and also help in the strategic implementation. Therefore, the report will use different tools such as SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis in relation to Michael Porter five forces analysis to highlight where BQ (UK) is, and the environment it operates in, is strategically and where it could be in the future and the nature of competition. It looks at internal factors, the strengths and weaknesses of BQ, and external factors, the opportunities and threats facing the business. Besides, PESTLE (Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental) analysis is another tool to be used to analyse the macro external environment. Johnson (1992) Cultural web will also be used for the assessment of BQ culture. BQ Profile BQ was the first national DIY retailer and has been in the DIY business for more than 30 years. Richard Block and David Quayle (BQ) wanted to bring value, longer opening hours and a broader product range to everyone. In the 1980s it bought the Scottish DIY chain Dodge City and eventually became part of the Kingfisher Group. Today, BQ is the UKs leading DIY and garden centre retailer and its stores offer approximately 40,000 inspirational home improvement and garden products for the homemaker, occasional to serious DIY and trade professionals. Swot Analysis of BQ UK Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities Threats (SWOT) analysis is a tool of environmental scanning aimed at analysing both the internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external environment (i.e. opportunities and threats) to see whether the organisation can seize new opportunities given its strengths and face new threats despite its weaknesses. Thus, a SWOT analysis is a well-rounded analysis which goes well beyond the internal environment. Strengths Leading brand and good reputation BQ is the number one leading brand in the UK and is twice the size of its competitor. It has a market size of  £31bn as regard to the size of repair, maintenance and improvement market. Being the number one position in the UK market, BQ has a major strength as they are ahead of their rivals. Furthermore, BQs reputation is strong and popular which means people view it with respect and believe in it, for example, BQ is supporting Prince Charles in his Preserve the Rainforest. Increased market share BQ has a market share of 14% where it employs 22,602 employees and has 321 stores in the UK (http://www.kingfisher.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=33 accessed [19/10/10]. Thus, BQ will continue to grow in the home improvement and garden sector. Their increased market share is a key to their success as it boosts reputation, profit and the value of the organisation. Constantly creating new, differentiated, Innovative and wide range of Products BQ offer around 40,000 products in stores. BQ also has its strong own-label such as BQ car boot protector, BQ Foot pump and so on. BQ has innovative, well displayed products and they are also continuing with their renewal programme which includes updating product ranges such as launching their first fair-trade products and designing more eco-products. Thus, BQs innovation keeps it a front-runner in the home improvement and garden centre as it is regularly re-launching and designing new products. Hence, having a product differentiation strategy makes BQ at a better competitive advantage. Sites BQ has some good positions and new opening opportunities. BQ has 321 stores in the UK. They also encourage more eco stores such as their eco flagship store is located in New Malden and boasts innovative developments such as 108 underground bore holes, 100 metres deep which heat and cool the store with energy from the earth. Moreover, for the first year 2010/11 half progress, three large and 1 medium stores revamp (kingfisher strategy progress, March 2010). Thus, this is a strength which shows the overall performance of the BQ. Adding value to the organisation Adopting Michael Porter (1985) value chain concept through all its primary and supporting activities, BQ Delivering Value programme of self-help initiatives is working well, meaning now it generates significantly higher profits and cash flow from its operations and a much better return on capital for its shareholders [www.kingfisher.com]. Technological strengths BQ have embraced technological advancement in their business. For example, it has their own website where customers can shop on line namely, www.diy.com, thus facilitating e-commerce. In addition, BQ intranet facility also helps in improving its internal communication system where policy and procedures of the company can be accessed to all employees. Furthermore, on the 4th august 2010, BQ has launched its first iDIY APPS which makes it easier for customers to get the job done by having BQ experts available for them whenever needed. It is new at apple store and free to download for I phone and I pad users. Moreover, a range of green technologies have incorporated into new stores at BQ. Good customer relationship management More than three million customers come at BQ (UK) doors every week. Thus, BQ has an extensive customer base, which is a major strength regarding sales and profit. Besides, BQ retain their customers by giving them the opportunity to create, design their own product according to their taste. BQ offer different types of discount for regular shoppers which also help in customer retention such as the diamond card which offer 10 % discount off to the over 60s every Wednesday off selected purchases or products, Trade Discount Card which also offers discounts for trade customers and Corporate Gift Cards which receive discounts for bulk spending. Effective Human Resource Practices BQ has been awarded again for the fourth year running the Gallup best workplace award. Besides, on the 22nd June 2010, BQ UK also scoops the top award at institute of internal communications [www.kingfisher.com]. BQ UK is also recognised for its constant emphasis on employee training in order to improve customer satisfaction. For example, 15 500 employees of BQ UK have completed a Retail Skills Level 2 NVQ or Home Improvement Knowledge Qualification awarded by City Guilds. BQ has a very experienced workforce which drives the organisation with knowledge and expertise. In general, we can therefore comment that BQ UK concentrate on the soft side of human resource management. They invest in people through good communications, teaming and training. A participative management style BQ has an organic or flatter organisational structure which reflects its culture. Employees are empowered and have freedom of expressing new ideas. Thus, BQ unlocks the potential of its employees. At BQ, they have been busy laying the foundations for future growth. For example, they recently launched a Dragons Den-style panel to help them filter new innovative and creative ideas from staff which is called the Innovation Den. This, therefore, encourages a culture of entrepreneurship and empowerment. Financial resources BQ has improved their financial performance; this can be proved by the key performance indicators such as the operating margin which has increased from 2.8% in 08/09 to 4.9% in 09/10. Thus, the rigorous focus on generating improved cash flow from operations, reducing the investment in working capital, whilst tightening controls over capital expenditure, has yielded a significant reduction in financial net debt [www.kingfisher.com ] Effective waste and recycling management Reducing waste help to improve efficiency of organisation, thus, so far BQ has 48 % less carbon emitted from waste. They have tried to manage their production in a systematic way through the use of technology. They encourage customers to return old products and packaging for recycling. Low threat of new entrance (one element of Porters five forces analysis) Being the market leader, having a market size of  £31bn, concentrating on product differentiation; economies of scale; having cost advantages; having high capital requirements and being part of kingfisher, the third largest home improvement retailer in the world, BQ, has low threat of new competitors. Bargaining power of suppliers: one element of Porters five forces analysis BQ maintain strong relationship with their suppliers, for instance, ensuring that their suppliers provide them with eco-friendly products. Thus, the bargaining power of their suppliers is low, which makes BQ having a competitive advantage. Weaknesses As per kingfisher business review, august 2010, BQ like to like sales has increased on seasonal products such as garden products; however, one weakness will be that sales of garden product will be reduced due to winter weather which will discourage customers to invest in their gardens. BQ website, diy.com, has a poor e-commerce ratings as they were ranked bottom overall, with customer scans of 50%. In addition, the site got only two star ratings for price and product out of five stars. Furthermore, they also have delivery issues; from over packaging and delays to time slots which shows how BQ is wasting both its time and resources and also reveals their inability to adapt quickly to change. Opportunities BQ is to expand its offer in to the trade market, with the triumphant trial of Trade Point stores in nine of its large UK branches. As customer tastes keep changing, for example many people prefer to use eco-friendly products, thus an opportunity will be to broaden BQs customer by offering several trials of new or expanded product categories. Thus, this will expand the product/service lines by BQ which could help them to raise sales and increase their product portfolio. In addition, products which are cash generators and are at the maturity stage on the product life cycle can finance the rising star at the growth stage and even the question mark that are at the introduction phase. To open more eco-stores, thus, meeting the companys aim of being a sustainable business. Integrate advanced ICT (information communication technology) in business process to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as having an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. Reinforce its web design to facilitate effectiveness e-commerce. Redesigned and reduced the size of packaging on a number of lighting products, removing significant amounts of plastic and polystyrene. This will help in handling waste appropriately. Further international growth. BQ has several stores in the UK and Ireland. It also operates in china. BQ has a number of highly skilled staff, which is an opportunity for them to explore as expertise of their staff can help B Q to bring the business forward. Threats Industry Rivalry (one element of Porter five forces analysis) Focus (DIY) Limited; Wickes and Homebase Limited are the top UK industry rivalry. Homebase limited is the second market leader in home improvement and garden centre retailer in the UK. Homebase with its sister company Argos (750 stores) booming rapidly, shows a recorded sales figure of  £1.57 billion 2009/10 and profit margin was  £41.2 million 2009/10 (www.homebase.co.uk). Although, BQ are going to open some Trade points, Homebase has already a robust supply chain partnership with Argos. Being the first one to introduce loyalty cards, Homebase have an advantage in retaining customers. Homebase allow customers to collect and redeem nectar points. Even BQ has a system of processing nectar points, but this is available only on their website, even though, points are spent, not collected. In addition, Homebase is also recognised for choice, style and customer service across the wider home enhancement market. In addition, according to the Observer (31st October 2010, by Zoo Wood), analysts verdict stated that Homebase is planning to buy Focus (DIY) limited, if the acquisition is confirmed, BQ would be facing big competitive challenges, and may even lose its number one market position in the UK. Thus, the nature of competition where BQ operates is fierce. Tax increases can place additional financial burdens on BQ Changes in the way consumers shop and spend and other changing consumer patterns could be a threat to BQs performance For example, during the recession, many customers buying behaviour pattern changes, most likely, they will not spend money in home improvement or garden products. In addition, wallpapers colour paint can also be changed according to the colour fashion trend. BQ could be threatened by the high bargaining power of customers that they can influence BQ pricing strategies. BQ is susceptible to slowing UK housing market. For example, in the UK, sales declined by 2.6% to  £4.3bn in March 2009, as the recession hit consumers upgrading their homes. In addition, Kingfisher state that UK home improvement market has fallen down which will not only affect the sales, but will also affect the companys profitability and performance. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7965018.stm accessed [19/10/10]. Ultimately, when strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are identified, BQ implement the three strategies which can be formulated: a) matching strategies: match strengths with opportunities; b) conversion strategies: converting threats into opportunities and/or weaknesses into strengths; c) creative strategies: they can also be creative and try to identify hidden strengths. PESTLE Analysis of BQ PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, legal issues and Environmental) analysis is used as a tool to analyse the external macro environment. It deals with those six factors that affect the organisation. Although the items in a PESTLE analysis rely on past events and experience, the analysis can be used as a forecast of the future. Besides, Kotler (1998) claims that PESTLE analysis is a useful strategic tool for understanding market development or decline, business position, prospective and direction for operations Political Factors Employment legislation According to Balchin (1994), For employment legislations, the government supports retailers to provide a mix of job opportunities from flexible, lower-paid and locally-based jobs to highly-skilled, higher-paid and centrally-located jobs. BQ has a flexible workforce of 60%; BQ does provide work for a diverse of people, such as students; people aged 45 plus; and under 25. In addition, increasing the retirement age up to 66 year old by 2020 will make BQ to review its HR policies to formulate new strategies. Besides, due to the increase of tax (VAT 20%), BQ price strategies need to be reviewed. However, BQ has requested to the government and European Commission to reduce the VAT to 5% on energy saving products to make it affordable to all www.diy.com . BQ is working in partnership with the government to promote sustainable growth For example, BQ is helping the Government Launch of the Green Loan Pilot Scheme where BQ is partnering the London Borough of Sutton in an experiment of the governments new (PAYS) Pay as You Save Scheme www.crp-news.com . Besides, BQ is helping the government to provide security equipment at reasonable prices and as affordable as possible to secure 45,000 homes. Government also offers BQ with vouchers to help in preventing burglary (National Security). Thus, having a good relationship with the government may help BQ in the future, such as having tax breaks, good public relations and strengthen their reputation. Economic Factors Economic factors are of concern to BQ, as they are likely to influence demand, costs, prices and profits. One of the most significant factors of the economy is high unemployment levels which have mainly increased due to the recession. The recession causing an increase in unemployment has decreased the effective demand for many goods, adversely affecting the demand required to produce such goods. For example, in 2008 the UK home improvement market declined by around 4% as the economic environment worsened, impacting consumer spending. BQ was badly affected by the weak housing market, that have made them concentrate on different marketing strategies of how to attract; retain or acquire the customers. BQ GDP (Gross Domestic Product) estimates for 2010 is 1.5 % This really shows the contribution BQ has made to boost the economy by producing its product within the countrys border. A positive GDP also indicates an avenue for economic growth which leads to higher living standards and greater prosperity for individuals. It also supports businesses to be profitable, which creates employment and income. Increase interest rates by 4% in 2011 and an increase in inflation rates will affect both BQ and the consumers. Therefore, the economy is likely to experience falls in consumption and investment. Social Factors Shifts in values, culture and lifestyle Norms, values and paradigms form the socio-cultural environment. They have impact on corporate strategies. For example, there has been a shift of lifestyle where nowadays people are more concerned of the environment issues occurring, such as the Green House Effect, the widening gap of the ozone layer, and so on, thus, they are more prone to consume eco-friendly products which help in maintaining a sustainable environment. Thus, to adapt with this socio-cultural shift, has pushed BQ towards the being responsible to the environment and support ethical behaviour. For example, they have designed new eco products and open new eco stores by using green technologies, such as QUEST environmental management system. In addition, BQ social responsibility which can reflect upon its culture, are divided into four section: Their diversity strategy (value of respect for people), Environmental impact (life cycle and make up of products); Ethical (how and where to buy our products) and Community (their better neighbourhood approach). Demographic changes Demographic changes such as the ageing population and an increase in female workers have made BQ to review its employment policy, for example, this made them concentrate on benefits offered to older workforce. In addition, having an ageing population has also influenced BQ in developing different marketing strategies to retain older customers such as the diamond discount card which offer 10 % discount off to the over 60s. Source: Hogarth, T. and Michael C. Barth (1991) Moreover, families are nowadays having fewer children, and having an ageing population, will result in a shortage of skilled labours in the market. Thus, this had led to the recent introduction of legislations such as the entrepreneurs visa, point-based systems and working visa. Therefore, BQ should acknowledged these changes and review its employment policy accordingly. Education In order to promote children skills, BQ has launched its nationwide job done initiative by teaching children DIY skills as a curriculum for the future. In addition, to educate both women and men about the use of DIY tools, BQ has introduced its IDIY apps. Technological Factors Technology is a major micro environmental factor which has influenced the development of BQ products and services. The new technologies benefit both customers and the company: customer satisfaction increases as products are readily available, services can become more personalised and shopping more convenient (Data monitor Report, 2003). BQ utilises the following technologies: New tracking technology: BQ is using TaqMan operation campaign technology Decorating card technology Variety use of low carbon technologies including solar panels and ground source heat pumps for New Malden eco store. And, in the future, solar system can be used in most homes as a replacement for gas and electric heating. BQ joined SEDEX- a web-based system that provides a membership based data exchange where it provides them with greater visibility at all levels of their supply chain. Legal Factors Many government legislations and policies have a direct influence on the performance of BQ. For instance, Kingfisher retail board ensures that BQ adopt the code of practice to guarantee ethical business practices among its employees, suppliers, contractors and investors. For example, BQ has an anti-bribery and corruption policies and procedures in the light of the new UK Bribery Act 2010. The existence of powerful competitors with reputable brands generates a threat of intense price wars and robust requirements for product differentiation. The governments policies for monopoly controls and reduction of buyers power can limit entry to this sector with such controls as license requirements and limits on access to raw materials (Mintel Report, 2004; Myers, 2004). Thus to device politically correct pricing policies, BQ set reasonable prices for its products. Environmental Factors In 2003, there has been greater pressure on many companies and managers to recognise their responsibility to society, and act in a way which benefits society overall (Lindgreen and Hingley, 2003). Thus, in 2008, BQ signed a three year partnership with BioRegional to move towards becoming a One Planet Living business in order to reduce its impact on the worlds resources. BQ is awarded chain-of-custody certification for both Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC). In addition, Graiser and Scott (2004) state that in 2003 the government has planned to introduce a new strategy for sustainable consumption and production to minimise waste reduce consumption of resources and minimise environmental damage. Thus, this has pushed BQ in developing strategies such as making use of a new supplier measurement system call QUality-Ethics-SafeTy (QUEST) to ensure that the green policy is respected in accordance to the sustainability standards. However, BQ commitment is that they will force all timber products to be source certified, and also developed enforcing principles to engage its environmental campaign on suppliers. In this circumstance, question can be asked about power relations between BQ and suppliers: could other companies do what BQ is doing? Do BQ have that much power which it holds over its supply base? According to New (2003), he states that BQ does not have that power to change the way the supplier operates as green purchasing policies would vary between firms context. Assessment of BQ Culture According to CWL Hill G R Jones (2001), an organisational culture is the specific collection of values and norms that are shared by people and groups in an organisation and that control the way they interact with each other and with stakeholders outside the organisation. Cultural Onion What is right and proper? What the organisation should seek to achieve? The basic assumptions of the group The way we do things around hereCulture can be compared to an onion with three layers. Figure : Cultural Onion; source: Trompenaars Hampden-Turner (1997) Cultural Web One of the most commonly used ways of making sense of an organisations culture is to use the cultural web (Johnson, 1992). It is a schematic representation of the elements of an organisations culture in such a way that we can see how each element influences the paradigm. The cultural web theory is also a useful analysis for management as it represents the fundamental assumptions related to political, symbolic and structural aspect of the organisation. Figure : cultural web. Source: Johnson (1992) Cultural web theory application is an effective tool in assessing the cultural environment for BQ. As mention before, the cultural onion contains layers of norms, values, and paradigm and also the ways of doing business within and outside the company. Hence, the concept of cultural web is the demonstration of these actions taken for granted for understanding how they associate and influence the strategy (Veliyath and Fitzgerald, 2000; Johnson and Scholes, 2003). It is also used to bridge the gap between actual and desired culture through adaption of future strategies. Culture can be examined through the interpretations of how the organisation behaves, including, rituals, stories, structures, routines and systems. This shows the clues about the taken-for-granted assumptions (Paradigm). BQ has a very friendly, welcoming and supporting approach in the routine ways that shows how staffs behave towards each other, and towards those outside the company that can make up the way people do things. The control systems and measurements are continually under the management review to display the competence of the staff and bosses decisions. For instance, control systems on its quality of service, its strong environmental supply chain system, and the behavioural control of its staffs by having a good HR policy. The rituals of the organisations life are, corporate gatherings, the special events which BQ stresses what is mostly important and reinforce the way things are done. Symbols represent different basics such as Titles, Logos, uniforms or the type of language and expressions commonly used which becomes a shorthand image of the nature of the organization. BQ has already a recognised eye catching Orange colour as its logo as well as its uniforms. The brand and the logo signify a lot to people inside and outside the organisation. Nevertheless, BQ is recognised for using similar orange colour logo and store layout from the American giant DIY retailer, Home Depot, thus, the question is how innovative and unique is BQ as regard to its logo and brand positioning? What will happen to BQ if Home Depot comes into UK market? Power Structures are the core assumptions that contribute to the paradigm and are likely to be made by the most powerful management groupings in the organisation. And, as for BQ, its power relies in the environmental and ethics department, how to make people more committed to the environment and as well as to develop their core values. Continuous meetings and communication at every level of the organisations hierarchy signify a strong internal environment and a flat (organic) organisational structure. Conclusion The report entails a detailed environmental analysis of BQ including an assessment of culture. BQ had adopted influential identities by making their DIY model into a virus and outlaying it out into the culture via a range of channels: cultural sponsorship, consumer experience, political controversy, and brand extensions. The report has used mainly SWOT and PESTLE to conduct the environmental analysis. Although they are powerful tool for analysis, they do have some limitations. For example, they are only good for the person who makes it. For instance, in SWOT analysis strength can be seen as a weakness by another person. Thus, it lacks of validity and reliability. However, conducting an environmental analysis will help to formulate generic strategies for the company to have a competitive advantage. Furthermore, the industry life cycle can also be viewed as an extension of PESTLE analysis as it is a way of showing how certain PESTLE factors influence the development of an industry over time. For example, it was the changes of PESTLE factors that caused BQ to move from growth to maturity and back again. Besides, due to a dynamic environment, strategy formulation should be viewed as a route to continuous learning. The excellence of a formulated strategy and the speed of its implementation will hence depend on the quality of BQs intellectual and behavioural learning processes.

Indecision, Hesitation and Delay in Shakespeares Hamlet - Needless Delay? :: The Tragedy of Hamlet Essays

Hamlet's Delay The question of why Hamlet delays in taking revenge on Claudius for so long has puzzled readers and audience members alike. Immediately following Hamlet's conversation with the Ghost, he seems determined to fulfill the Ghost's wishes and swears his companions to secrecy about what has occurred. The next appearance of Hamlet in the play reveals that he has not yet revenged his father's murder. In Scene two, act two, Hamlet gives a possible reason for his hesitation. "The spirit that I have seen / May be a devil, and the devil hath power / T' assume a pleasing shape" (2.2.627-629). With this doubt clouding his mind, Hamlet seems completely unable to act. This indecision is somewhat resolved in the form of the play. Hamlet comes up with the idea of the play that is similar to the events recounted by the ghost about his murder to prove Claudius guilty or innocent. Due to the king's reaction to the play, Hamlet attains the belief that the Ghost was telling the truth the night of the appar ition. In Hamlets mind, it is now his duty to avenge his father's murder. This is where the real problem of inaction enters the play. Later that night, Hamlet has a perfect opportunity to kill Claudius, when he sees the King kneeling in prayer. He wonders if this is the time to kill him and get it over with, but decides not to. He claims that he does not want Claudius to go to heaven, so he would rather kill him when he is committing a sin. If this is the case, then why doesn't he simply wait till Claudius has completed his prayer, accuse him of the murder and kill him in his sin of denial. Instead, Hamlet goes to the chamber of his mother and passes up his best opportunity at revenge. The argument can be made, however, that it is not a fear of killing that causes this inaction. He does not display an inability to end someone's life when killing Polonius. He neither hesitates nor capitulates in sending Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their executions. Why then would the prince of Denmark he sitate to kill the one man he most justly could? Many literary believe that his inaction is the result of a vicarious Oedipus complex. Those who concur with this theory say that Hamlet, in his subconscious mind, has a desire to do exactly what his uncle has done; that is, get rid of the king so that he can have Gertrude for himself.

The Natural History of Mahogany :: Botany

The Natural History of Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla and S. humilis are referred to as Mahogany, a tropical evergreen or deciduous tree that can attain heights of 150 feet. Mahogany is a member of the Meliaceae, which includes other trees with notable wood for cabinet making. Swietenia macrophylla is world renowned for its beautifully grained, hard, red-brown wood. It has been harvested since 1500 A.D. for its wood, with large branches being in higher demand than the trunk. This is due to the closeness of the grain in the branch's wood. Mahogany is used for furniture, fixtures, musical instruments, millwork, cars, ships, boats, caskets, airplanes, foundry patterns, veneer, and plywood (Hill, 1952). In Costa Rica, the only population of Mahogany exists in the Guanacaste-Puntarenas region where the tropical dry forests occur. Both of the species' ranges overlap in this region, with Bigleaf Mahogany, S. macrophylla, extending from the Bolivian Amazon up the Atlantic and Gulf Coast to Mexico, while Pacific Coast Mahogany, S. humilis, ranges from Mexico down the Pacific Coast to 9 degrees N in Costa Rica. The two species defy taxonomy and interbreed to form a hybrid. The hybrid grows quicker than either parent species, has intermediate characteristics, and high quality wood (Everett, 1982). Mahogany is never very abundant, even in undisturbed forests, with a density of only one tree per hectare. This, along with the destruction of tropical forests has added to the growing scarcity of Mahogany. The normal habitat of S. macrophylla and S. humilis is lowland tropical or subtropical forest, with average annual rainfall totals between 1 and 2.5 meters. If the tree is in tropical moist or wet forests, it will lose its leaves briefly. However, in tropical dry forests, such as Guanacaste, the tree will be leafless for a few months. Mahogany has pinnately-compound leaves composed of 4 to 6, ovate-acuminate leaflets. The leaf is often without a terminal leaflet. The bark has vertical scales, giving it the appearance of Silver Maple or White Oak bark. The flowers are imperfect, with greater numbers of male than female flowers. Each flower is small, yellow-white, and borne in a panicle at the end of the dry season. The fruits of the Mahogany will ripen during January-March in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. They are 4 to 6 inch woody capsules which contain up to 40 wind-dispersed seeds, similar to those of an Ash tree.

Immigration to the United States and America

Immigration Jennifer Lippert ENG/102 March 12, 2012 Dr. Kimberly Stanley In the United States of America, we live in a sea of opportunity. Many people come from other countries to live in America to explore those opportunities, but the laws governing immigration have failed to change with the ever-increasing immigrant population. We watch as Border States deal with the rising costs to support immigrants and wonder whether this was what the founding fathers had in mind when the first Immigration Laws were passed.We wonder about the effects on America’s economy as our immigrant population work in this country then send these U. S. dollars to their home country to support their families. We observe an ever-changing landscape continually affected by the legal and illegal immigrants who land in our great country. We contemplate whether America is the land of opportunity and the land of the free, or simply a place for immigrants to land and live for free. As citizens, it is not only our right, but also our duty, to question our leaders and our laws particularly when those laws no longer appear to fit America’s vision.Immigration laws have remained stagnant for far too long and, although immigrants were the founding fathers of our nation, it is time to examine America’s position before the social and economic costs become insurmountable. America’s founding fathers believed that immigration was necessary to increase the population of our country, but also believed that they must prove a loyalty only to America to become citizens. Beginning with George Washington, in the late eighteenth century, a statement was made that immigrants should be integrated into American life so that Fonte  Ã‚  (n. . ) â€Å"by an intermixture with our people, they, or their descendants, get assimilated to our customs, measures, laws: in a word soon become one people. â€Å"This then became a new basis for immigration. In this case, the term â€Å"assimilates † means to conform to a way of life. In a 1790 speech to Congress about immigration, James Madison argued that America should welcome those immigrants who could be incorporated into our society, but exclude those immigrants that could not readily assimilate.Thomas Jefferson was convinced that immigrants were not prepared for the new society America was building and thought the country should wait another 27 year before opening its shores. In fact, when addressing immigration in Notes on the State of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson wrote: Fonte  Ã‚  (n. d. ) They will bring with them the principles of the governments they leave, imbibed in their early youth; or, if able to throw them off, it will be in exchange for an unbounded licentiousness, passing, as is usual, from one extreme to another. It would be a miracle were they to stop precisely at the point of temperate liberty.These principles, with their language, they will transmit to their children. In proportion to their number s, they will share with us the legislation. They will infuse into it their spirit, warp and bias its direction, and render it a heterogeneous, incoherent, distracted mass. In other words, by allowing a mass immigration into such a new society, America could be allowing the immigrant population to distort the principles established by our new laws and policies. To some degree, Alexander Hamilton echoed the thoughts of Thomas Jefferson, but his emphasis was on the threat to national safety.His concern was in granting citizenship to every immigrant upon arrival in the country. He believed that there should be some proof of allegiance to America before any rights were given to new immigrants. However, both Jefferson and Hamilton shared the same beliefs that immigrants should conform to the ways of America and leave their old government attachments behind. After much debate, it appeared that Jefferson and Hamilton could claim a small victory. The Naturalization Law of 1795 was passed, wh ich required that before becoming American citizens, immigrants would have to â€Å"renounce under oath† all previous sovereign allegiances.This â€Å"renunciation clause† remains part of the naturalization law and part of the oath to the U. S. Constitution that all new citizens must take. (Fonte,  n. d. ). Changes in immigration laws over the past two centuries have certainly contributed to the overall rise in U. S. immigration statistics, but it would take almost a century before the first amendment to that law would take shape. The Naturalization Law of 1795 required five years of residence and a three-year waiting period before citizenship was granted. This allowed new immigrants the opportunity to assimilate and demonstrate allegiance to America. However, by 1868, with he end of the Civil War, the population was burgeoning with ex-slaves and their descendants who had been brought to this country without the rights of citizenship. In fact, in 1857, the Supreme Co urt ruled that African Americas were not citizens and were not entitled to the rights and privileges of citizenship. In order to rectify the situation, the Fourteenth amendment was passed which granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States of America. Interestingly enough, it would take another war and its devastation to bring about a new amendment to U. S. immigration law in 1921 with the Emergency Quota Act.Following World War I, the country faced widespread unemployment and an anti-immigration uprising. This Act limited the number of immigrants allowed to enter America from any country on an annual basis to three percent of the number of residents from that same country according to the 1910 census with the hope of maintaining the ethnic composition of America. While the quota system remained in effect until 1965, there was one additional revision to the Emergency Quota Act in 1952 with the Immigration Act of 1952, which revised the quotas and elimin ated racial distinctions from immigration policy.National quotas were eventually abolished entirely in the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1965 at the height of the Civil Rights movement, changing the face of America, as it was then known. According to 2011 Census statistics, the U. S. immigrant population continues to change the face of America. Not only do non-whites account for ninety two percent of the U. S. population growth in the past ten years, but also forty million foreign-born individuals now reside in the United States, making up almost thirteen percent of our population.Most of this population lives in metropolitan areas rather than the suburbs, with estimates as high as fifty percent of the population in twenty-two large cities across America. In fact, nine metropolitan areas saw their immigrant population double in the last ten years, but the five cities with the largest immigrant populations (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Houston) actually d ecreased their share of this part of the population over the last ten years dropping to a total of 38 percent of the population in 2010 compared to 43 percent in 2000.In some areas of the country, rapid growth in immigration population may create policy backlashes, which could ultimately threaten these places’ long-standing economic comfort. Given the current economic climate and high unemployment rates, do the most recent census figures show any relationship with rising immigration levels? The best available evidence suggests that neither legal nor unauthorized immigration is the cause of high unemployment, and that the higher wages and purchasing power which formerly unauthorized immigrants would enjoy were they to receive legal status would sustain new jobs (American Immigration Council,  2012).In order to make informed decisions regarding immigration reform, however, we cannot limit our assessment to the changing face of our nation; we must also examine the economic cos t to the United States. Recent studies have shown that the United States spends $113 billion annually to support both legal and illegal immigrants, but much of the total U. S. burden is borne by only a few Border States. California, for example, reports spending close to ten billion dollars a year to support its immigration population, which now accounts for almost forty three percent of its total population.Texas reports spending $4. 5 to $6 billion per year sustaining its illegal immigrant population and Arizona drops $2. 7 billion on its immigrant population. While Border States would likely argue for more stringent laws to limit the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country in order to lessen their burden, there are also States that would argue against reform to the immigration system due to its projected adverse effect on their economy. For instance, Kansas has reported that it could possibly lose up to $57. 3 million in their income if stricter immigration laws come in to affect.They claim that with change in immigration laws only comes a higher tax for their state. Kansas also claims that the State will lose millions of dollars in court costs alone if the law makes it difficult for immigrants to live and work in their State. As staggering as these numbers are, other studies show that immigrants have actually boosted the U. S. economy by bringing in $245 million to the gross domestic product. This estimate, however, is nothing compared to estimated wages of foreign employees working in the United States for less than one year which grew from $550 million in $1980 to $8. billion in 2003. These earnings, in turn, are partially returned to immigrant workers’ home countries to help support families in the form of remittances out of the United States. In fact, a study by the Bureau of Economic Analysis in 2003 reported that â€Å"a considerable share of all immigration is motivated at least in part by the opportunity to send home remittances. à ¢â‚¬  According to the study, workers’ remittances from the United States went from $4. 1 billion in 1981 to $25. 5 billion in 2003. While these reported numbers sound staggering, remittances are not considered to have a negative impact on the U.S. economy. In fact, the study also notes that remittances exceed U. S. government provided development assistance to developing countries and may be partially responsible for keeping the cost of such assistance down. America is the land of opportunity. When we look at current immigration laws, our founding fathers’ vision for growth in this country remains intact. In fact, the ideas brought forth by Jefferson and Hamilton for allegiance to the country is still a part of the renunciation oath taken by all new citizens.By the numbers, there is evidence to support immigration reform and there is evidence that the influx of immigrants to the United States actually help our economy. Until the country can come together as a whole t o fully support immigration reform, it is likely that it will take another catastrophic event to catapult immigration to the forefront of American policy reform. References Kerwin, D. (2011). Fixing Immigration. (cover story). America, 205(18), 12. Fonte, J. (n. d. ). To â€Å"Possess the National Consciousness of an American†. Retrieved from http://www. cis. org Frey, W. H. , Berube, A. , Singer, A. & Wilson, J. (2011, December). Five things the census revealed about America in 2011. State of Metropolitan America, 48, 3-4. Retrieved from http://www. brookings. edu Shackleton, R. , Palriwala, A. , & Gordon, A. (2005, May). Remittances: International Payments by Immigrants. The Congress of the United Stated congressional budget office. Retrieved from http://www. hsdl. org Bad for Business: How Anti-Immigrant Laws Can Hurt the Kansas Economy. (2011). Retrieved from http://immigrationpolicy. org American Immigration Council. (2012). Immigration Reform and Growth. Retriev ed from http://immigrationpolicy. org

My interersting travelling Essay

The advantages of group learning As students are trained in the form of credits you probably already know and familiar with concepts such as group exercises , group discussions , group work †¦ But not with any student or group of students who also exploit the positive approach of this study . The cause of this situation comes from the students who , or sometimes from the other objective reasons . The advantage of this method of learning is almost always students aware and undeniable . Learning environment group will actively promote the learning of individuals , creating cohesion in a community . While working in groups , the contradictions that arise from student to resolve † conflicts † . From there , they will have the ability to resolve conflicts , to convince others of the situation may be encountered in later life . The spirit of learning and the ability to listen to others and will be what students will learn . These skills are very important when you step out of the work environment and this would be a good premise to know how to work in a team environment . Work , group discussions, not merely at the request of teachers set for students , but more importantly it is the study of student research . Study groups will gather opinions of individual creativity , from which the product will be rich academic creativity . The best method will be selected from the comments yet. Learning products will now also be the result of all the members . School groups are not effective , why ? The positive aspects of group learning methods is undeniable . But no group of students also achieved the highest results with this method of learning , even sometimes some students feel it brings a lot of forms and achieve less effective than individual work people . So the reason why ? First, a number of students considered that the group work exercise of  collective psychology so often † not my job † , everyone except himself . As a result, † no one common father cry .† Many think that school groups will be very comfortable as it is a form of learning by playing , learning to speak , † thrown across his back turned † another thing about this table †¦ It ‘s so wrong . Since you are self- wasting his time in vain . Second, learning requires self-discipline team of each team member . The work is similar to the operation of a production line . Lines will not work , or work less effective if a part does not work or does not work properly function . If a team member does not work as assigned will result in the group will work stalled . The third reason , which is the division of labor is not clear . Sometimes a team member to take on too much work , while members have nothing to do . The work of the group is often put too much for the leader , sometimes even product is the result of individual rather than the leader of the group of products . Conversely , sometimes the leader † hug † too much work for her to lead the others † self-love † and the result is uncooperative . How to learn good team ? There are many causes of this learning method is not effective . Both objective reasons and from the school itself . So how to approach learning the most effective team ? First of all assigned work is reasonable . This depends on the role and ability of the leader to direct . When the work is clearly divided for each member they will be aware of his role , is responsible for completing the work . It is especially important to say to the self- consciousness of individuals in groups , students should find themselves responsible for a part of it , and the finished product has a contribution herself . A group is only effective when the members have self-consciousness : self-awareness of time , homework , self-awareness † speech † †¦ Only when each student develop  highly independent spirit , think about issues that need to provide learning research group that studies the group , the new group is promoting effects . And finally , the spirit of learning , listening hard , hard for that team will be the key to a successful exercise group . School performance group only when it is done on the basis of preparation of the content and methods of all members of the organization . With a networked computer , you can voice chat to discuss , study groups with friends everywhere just to save time , to be effective ! Please prepare yourself for a serious academic attitude and an effective group ! I hope to share on your part to help the students gain interest in learning groups , especially the effectiveness of learning with this method !