Zappos Case Analysis free essay sample

USA Today has been an innovative way for customers to receive news on a daily basis since 1982. Their innovation lies within the format of their bright, colorful and eye-catching paper, as well as in their shorter pieces that help to enlighten consumers without over powering them. Owned by Gannett Co. Inc. , a diversified international news, information and communications company, USA Today has every possibility of furthering their success in the news industry. Executive Summary: In reading Case 1, USA Today: Innovation in an Evolving Industry*, it became apparent that USA Today is fighting to stay relevant in today’s news distribution culture. Currently USA Today is still operating with increasing profit margins, however they are losing touch with their intended cliental of Middle Americans. From 1982 until today, USA Today has been able to create a product which is able to adapt to the needs of it’s cliental, but their recent plateau and minor decrease in circulation, could send them into a spiral. We will write a custom essay sample on Zappos Case Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page An increase in technologically savvy consumers, and the fight to produce the most up to date app to appease them places USA Today in a rat race against other leading market competitors. USA Today must push to the next level the fight to remain innovative, as they have for the last thirty years, in meeting their customer’s needs in new and unexpected ways. Their chances to stay on top of their game and innovation will significantly increase f they continue to adapt their marketing strategies, as well as continue their use of value-added strategy to further enhance distribution of its proprietary content and ensure continued product differentiation. Situation Analysis: Internal: Since the first issue of USA Today launched on September 15, 1982, it has been an uphill battle for the company to fight to sustain their relevance and importance in the news world. The newspaper created a mission statement that explained their goal to make the newspaper enlightening, and Enjoyable to the public, informative to national leaders, and attractive to advertisers. More or less, USA Today wanted to create an all-encompassing newspaper for the country to enjoy. From an internal standpoint, the employees of USA Today worked hard to give their readers what they wanted. With an all American staff and little coverage of the outside world, USA Today continued to meet the demands of their customers and fill the gap in the newspaper market. USA Today’s loyal employee base allows them to be quick, innovative and typically the first to make a splash in the news industry. Their late hours for submission allows the company to send out the most current and up to date news, while still providing an outstanding standard of service that helps to achieve reoccurring customers. With employees that listen and take time to understand what the reader wants, USA Today has been able to flourish economically. Customer Environment: The overwhelming majority of USA Today’s circulation is within the United states. Most of the readers work in middle- to upper management positions and are often purchasing decision makers for their offices and households, as well as technology junkies and sports fans. Most of USA Today’s customers participated in a wide range o leisure activities such as attending movies and traveling. The print newspaper’s readers are 69% male and 31% female, with a median age of 50 and a median household income of $91,683. For USA today. com the audience is balanced between men and women, and the median age for readers is only 30 years old. Customers of USA Today are drawn in by the bright colors, short stories and ability to cover important news happening in their country. External Environment: The external environment is what really holds USA Today at a standstill. While, they are still producing print copies and having millions of daily readers- their competition is fierce. Fighting for number one positions against newspapers such a The Wall Street Journal, as well as The New York times leaves USA Today in a bind to find creative ways to stay in contact with their customers. The surge of use of technology, on top of instant access to news all across the world via the Internet for free, has potential to hurt not only USA Today’s print readership, but their online as well. Other external factors that have potential to deplete USA Today’s loyal customer base are things like: cable networks, nationally syndicated terrestrial and satellite radio providers such as Sirius/XM, and even blog sites. It’s going to be important for USA Today to find a niche within all of these potential threats, and once again make a name for itself as a product that can provide something different. SWOT Analysis: Strengths: †¢Loyal customer base of consumers who have consistently purchased USA Today over the last 30 years. †¢USA Today is distributed in all 50 states, Canada and the UK; reaching a wide fan base †¢Known for easy to read, easy to comprehend and up to date news †¢Ability to adapt with changes in technology, i. e putting their newspaper online Weakness †¢Decrease circulation; due to competitors †¢Decrease profits; due to decrease in circulation †¢High cost of printing; bright colors and pictures on every page cost money †¢Printing deadline is 4 hours before WSJ; WSJ will get more up-to-date news for their issues †¢Forced to downsize maintain profits- harmed image Opportunity †¢Generate more revenue by partnering with other websites, like Hampton †¢The creation of a top of the line mobile application †¢Customizable app for your phone/tablet Threats †¢NY Times Wall Street Journal †¢Network and Cable TV †¢TV news websites †¢AM/Satellite Radio †¢Negative online reviews †¢Declining AD revenue Goals, Objectives and Solution: After reading the case it’s apparent that our goal needs to push USA Today in the direction of reinventing themselves as not only a newspaper, but a multimedia application. In order to take USA Today to the next level of a multi-media application several things have to happen. The first thing that needs to happen in order for USA Today to be once again taken as a serious threat, is the need to up the anti by actually creating an app that is accessible to all smart phones, tablets and even the newest rage of â€Å"smart televisions. † The app that USA today needs to create should incorporate the other apps they have out now (games, gas prices, travel prices) and provide an easy to use way for their consumers to access the news, etc. While, the app should remain a â€Å"free app,† something should be put in place that requires the user to pay X amount of dollars either a month, or year, in order to obtain full access to the entire app. By doing this, not only are you bringing in past loyal customers, but creating a new consumer base by offering unique options. Our goal is to take USA Today’s bright and creative ways, and mold them into something that technology junkies can use on a daily basis and receive the same amount of information as if they were subscribed to actual print copies. The way we keep USA Today relevant is by keeping up with things that are actually relevant to their consumers, and technology is a consistent winner. An added bonus to creating a successful application, would be the stimulation of interest for advertising partnerships to be forms. With a formation of these partnerships, USA Today could begin to generate generous profits by selling advertisements to companies that would be accessible on their app. Thus the solution to the decline in readership for USA Today is to take it to the next level and provide outstanding DIGITAL service to their customers.

Business Systems Development in Manufacturing essays

Business Systems Development in Manufacturing essays Riordan Manufacturing is an International plastics company with 3 locations in the United States and a joint venture in China. Over the years Riordan has acquired small specialized companies and as such the company needs to establish systems and procedures that can be used in all locations. The company will benefit in many ways by combining and creating business systems that are the same in all locations bringing cohesiveness, organization and improved efficiency that will be the foundation for the future growth of the company. The company requests the analysis of the Human Resource (HR) department systems to begin the process of updating the Whenever there are plans to make changes to systems there are people that need to be included in the analysis and development of those changes and those people are the stakeholders. Riordan is starting with the Human Resource department for the initial upgrades to the system so the stakeholders will be the director of HR Yvonne McMillan, VP of operations Charles Wilson, COO Hugh McCauley, CFO Dale Edgel and the directors of plant operations for each branch, all of the employees and last but not Using a System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) will help to ensure a successful product will be delivered. The first phase will be the requirements planning phase using the stakeholders, various information gathering methods can be used to achieve this initial step. A one on one interview with the stakeholders will help to get each department's needs and expectations documented. Putting similar job level groups together can help bring out more of the requirements using the collaboration of the members of the group helps to spark ideas from each member as items are discussed. Using some of the needs and requirements being gathered during this initial phase can be the basis for a questionnaire that can be used to survey the employees. Survey Monkey (S...

Breast Cancer Essay Example for Free (#3)

Breast Cancer Essay Is it true that wearing ‘underwired’ brassieres bring about cancer? Can breast cancer be treated? Are there signs and symptoms that individuals can check to know if breast cancer really occurs in them? These are just some of the essential questions that this paper will attempt to answer. It will also attain to reintroduce breast cancer’s definition, history of recovery, signs and causes, statistical information, diagnosis, breast cancer myths, risk factors, as well as, treatment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A 34-year-old woman, named Susan has been told by the family doctor that she has a breast cancer. When she asked about it, the doctor initially explained it as â€Å" a type of cancer that forms in tissues of the breasts, typically in the ducts or the areas where milk goes through till it reaches the nipple, as well as, the lobules or the glands which produces milk † (National.. n.p.). The doctor also told Susan that the aforementioned disease has been observed in Egypt way back in approximately 1600 BC (Wikipedia n.p.). Back then he stated that, â€Å" tumors of the breasts were addressed or treated by cauterization through an instrument they technically refer to as the fire drill though they openly admitted that there is no cure for such † (Wikipedia n.p.). The doctor also added that, centuries later experts found â€Å" a relationship between the lymph nodes found in the armpits and cancer of the breast, in fact, Jean Louis Petit and Benjamin Bell were the first ones to get rid of the lymph nodes, breast tissue, as well as, a primary muscle in the chest † (Wikipedia n.p.). The doctor, to make Susan stay calm, mentioned that such surgery has been very successful thus it was also done by William Halsted during the next century or 1882 to be exact, in fact, until the 1970’s, this procedure remained to be the most successful surgical procedure to address the aforementioned condition (Wikipedia n.p.).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since Susan was complaining about the physical changes in her body that she observed prior to be being diagnosed as having breast cancer, the doctor also told her that the signs and symptoms of breast cancer include the following: First of all, if there is a lump in the breast then there is a possibility that a person has breast cancer (Mayo.. n.p.). Second, there is also a probability that breast cancer may occur if the nipple/s of an individual discharges blood and has a lump that goes along with it (Mayo.. n.p.). Third, there may be an occurrence of breast cancer if there exist a â€Å" retraction, flattening, or indentation of the nipple † (Mayo.. n.p.). Fourth, if the size of the breast and its contours changes, then it is possible that breast cancer is in existence (Mayo.. n.p.). Last but not least, redness of the skin on the breast area may signify breast cancer as well (Mayo.. n.p.). Upon hearing the aforementioned, Susan remembers that she mainly complained about sign & symptoms number one in the right breast, something she has been complaining about for about 16 months.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Susan has been feeling weird and a little scared and so she decided to look into medical and health magazines, internet sites, as well as, books to check if she is going to make it or not, if she’s going to die etcetera and here’s a statistical information that she stumbled upon: 1) â€Å" Deaths brought about by breast cancer already reached forty thousand four hundred sixty (40,460) for females and four hundred fifty for the males (450 )† (National.. n.p.); 2) â€Å" Unfortunately, there are new cases reported as well, there are one hundred seventy eight thousand four hundred eighty (178, 480) females and two thousand and thirty (2,030) males now who currently have breast cancer † (National.. n.p.). And the aforementioned is in the United States only (National.. n.p.); 3) â€Å"In the United Kingdom, on the other hand, twelve thousand four hundred (12,400) individuals or more die each year because of breast cancer† (National.. n.p.). In fact, in 2003 alone, there were forty three thousand and seven hundred fifty six women and there were three hundred thirty five (335) men who were diagnosed and reported to have breast cancer (National.. n.p.).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During that time, Susan was also in denial that is why she researched on her own. She found out that: Breast cancer may be diagnosed through the following: 1) breast self-examination; 2) clinical breast exam; 3) mammogram including screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms; 4) computer-aided detection; 5) digital mammography; 6) magnetic resonance imaging; 7) â€Å"ultrasonography†; 8) ductal lavage; 9) molecular breast imaging; 10) diagnostic procedures like ultrasound; 11) biopsy including fine-needle aspiration biopsy, core-needle biopsy, stereotactic biopsy, wire localization, surgical biopsy; 12) estrogen and progesterone receptor tests; 13) staging tests; and 14) genetic tests (Mayo.. n.p.).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During this time, she was already prepared to believe that she really does not have breast cancer because she had a mammogram performed in March 1989 and again in February 1999, wherein, the results both showed that it is normal. Although, she had to try to accept it or at least entertain that it might be true when an ultrasound was also carried out where it was detected that a fibrocystic lump exists and that it was benign. After the detection of the fibrocystic lump, Susan began to reflect on her way of life, what could have caused the lump to exist inside of her body†¦she actually thought that it may be because of her use of deodorants, ‘underwired’ brassieres, stress from work, as well as, injury to the breasts which she got from playing basketball when she was in college and still a part of a varsity team. It is not very surprising that Susan thought of those as the primary reasons for the lump since there are so many myths that are related to breast cancer and some of the most popular ones are the following: First of all, some individuals claim that deodorants bring about breast cancer, however, currently, no studies have been carried out yet that may confirm or deny such belief of some people (Breast.. n.p.).   Second, some people think that wearing ‘underwired’ brassieres bring about cancer (Breast.. n.p.). Just like the first myth though, no evidence have been found to conclude such a statement (Breast.. n.p.). Third, there are individuals who think that stress can bring about breast cancer, however, research studies have not yet been able to establish an extremely clear link to conclude that such is really possible (Breast.. n.p.). Fourth, there are people who claim that â€Å" living near electricity pylons cause breast cancer † but no evidences have been presented ever since that breast cancer may be associated to electricity pylons (Breast.. n.p.).    Fifth, some individuals say that an injury to the breast augments the probability that breast cancer may occur (Breast.. n.p.). However, no evidences have been presented to back up such claim (Breast.. n.p.). Sixth, people claim that females who are young are more likely to be detected with breast cancer (Breast.. n.p.). Well, statistical information denies this, in fact, eighty percent of all the cases in the UK occur in females who are already fifty years old and above (Breast.. n.p.). Seventh, there are individuals who believe that if a person feels pain or discomfort in his or her breasts, then it is already safe to say that an individual is suffering from breast cancer (Breast.. n.p.). However, experts explain that there are so many reasons why breasts may be painful, for instance, this may be related to the menstrual cycle (Breast.. n.p.). Eighth, some people say that getting pregnant increases the probability of suffering from breast cancer later (Breast.. n.p.). On the contrary, experts have found evidence linking early pregnancy to breast cancer risk being reduced (Breast.. n.p.). They also reiterated that the more babies a woman gives birth to then the lower the risk of getting such cancer (Breast.. n.p.). In light of the detection of the lump, instead of getting more focused with the myths, Susan should have gotten a second opinion. If in case she did that, and the biopsy results will show that an â€Å" infiltrating lobular carcinoma † already exists and that it is already in stage IIa then a more extensive treatment would be provided to her. The aforementioned are really just myths, they were never provided with evidences to establish that those are really linked with breast cancer. Susan was told by her doctor that the main risk factors for breast cancer, actually, include the following: 1) age; 2) age of menarche; 3) age at birth of first-born child; 4) biopsies of the breast; 5) family history; 6) occupation; 7) race; 8) hormone replacement therapy, as well as, 9) alcohol (Hales 105). Susan is only thirty four years old, never had any children, used to engage herself in binge drinking during college, and an aunt of hers had breast cancer years ago. As we can see, most of the risk factors are present in Susan’s case. According to the experts Susan spoke to, â€Å" Breast cancer may be annihilated and for that to occur: 1) either lumpectomy or mastectomy should be carried out; 2) radiation may also be helpful; 3) drugs like taxol, taxotere, and herceptin may be taken; 4) chemotherapy; as well as, 5) hormonal therapy may be undergone by the patient † (Hales 105). Because her treatment options have been clearly explained to her, she decided to have a â€Å" right modified radical mastectomy † following a reconstruction immediately (Hales 105). During the surgery â€Å" eight lymph nodes were annihilated and the biopsy gave out a negative result † (Hales 105). After which Susan underwent chemotherapy as part of her post-surgical treatment which made her experience side effects including loss of hair and anorexia (Hales 105). Last but not least, she was also made to take in drugs named Cytoxan and prednisone (Hales 105). Breast Cancer Care. Statistics and Facts About Breast Cancer. 2004. Cancer Research, UK. Hales, D. An Invitation to Health, Eleventh Edition. Boston: Thomson Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Breast Cancer.   29 December 2006. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/DS00328/DSECTION=2 National Cancer Institute. Breast Cancer. n.d. n.a. 15 June 2007   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast Wikipedia. Breast Cancer. 14 June 2007. Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 15 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer#History Breast Cancer. (2017, Mar 14).

Over-education in the graduate labour market Essay

Over-education in the graduate labour market - Essay Example Observing the actions taken by the regulatory bodies and the Government of UK, it can be observed that, over-education is a long term phenomenon and is hampering the work enthusiasm of the graduates. The situation of the labour market of UK is still suffering from the after effects of the global financial meltdown. Although, the corporate sector is growing all over the world, the job market has changed in terms of demand and recruitments processes. Moreover, the educational systems are also changing and focusing on designing courses that are suited more professionally, rather than the traditional learning style (Walker and Zhu, 2005). One of the major issues in the contemporary job market scenario is over-education of the candidates and the jobs being offered. This is reducing the potential limits of the students and is also hampering their future prospects. This study is based on evaluating the influence of the graduate workers in the UK. Majority of the scholars such as Walker and Zhu (2005) and Buchel, de Grip and Mertens (2003) have pointed out that, the primary factor behind the increase of over-education is the limited numbers of suitable candidates available in the job market. However, Dolton and Vignoles (2000) observed that the changes in the operational style of the corporate segment have also caused a rise in the number of over-educated employees. Most of the large scale business houses have segregated their work process into small and specific parts. This has limited the amount of skill required for employment and also reduced the scope of growth. Hence, the educational qualifications of the employees are often, more than their existing job profile. On the other hand, the limited number of jobs in the industry is also forcing the graduate candidates to work at lower level employment criteria adding to the factor of over-education among the graduates. Budria and Moro-Egido (2009) opined that, the overall in crease in the cost of living has

Causes and Effects of Divorce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Causes and Effects of Divorce - Essay Example Most of the marriage counselors highlight excessive intolerance, high temperaments, and poor communication to be the major causes of a failed marriage which are discussed in this paper along with the broad range of socioeconomic and psychological effects produced on both men and women by a failed marriage. Research done on poorly working marital relationships between husbands and wives presents the fact that women are emotionally much better groomed than men and they think that emotional handling is hugely important for appropriate maintenance of the marriage. They like to talk things over with their husbands and naturally demand suitable responses from them as well. On the other hand, most of the husbands are found completely oblivious to the difference in the emotional realities existing between men and women. Though, they do communicate with their wives at the beginning of the marriage as a way of maintaining a sense of closeness with their wives, they become less and less communicative with the passing time due to which the wives helplessly develop an inner void that is completely inescapable. The growing silence on the part of husbands also leads the wives to develop fake illusions like they may have lost charm due to which their men no more find them attractive and worth talking -to. Obviously, women squabble about the state of their marriages much passionately than men so and as they are more vocal about various problems which they encounter, the reduced responsiveness of their men proves to be an infuriating culprit which causes divorce. Incompatibility between partners, in terms of emotional and intellectual grooming, is also a major cause of divorce. Abusive relationship between husband and wife also leads them to destroy each other’s mental well being which leads them to initiate divorce settlement. (Rowd).

Glucose Tap Water Essay Example for Free

Glucose Tap Water Essay 1. Monosaccharides and polysaccharides are two classes of Carbohydrates 2. Long chains of amino acids make up Proteins_ and contain the atom _Nitrogen which is unique to this macromolecule. 3. Fats like triacylglycerols are the macromolecule ___lipids_____. 4. You just reviewed type of carbohydrates. Glucose is a simple sugar called a monosaccharide , whereas starch contains compound carbon chains and is a polysaccharide . 5. Polysaccharides are formed by a dehydration synthesis reaction between monosaccharides. What does this mean? Water molecules are removed from the bond. 6. For each of the following tests, please circle which substance would give a positive result: a. Benedicts test glucose tap water oil (lipid)) starch protein b. Starch test glucose tap water oil (lipid)) starch protein c. Sudan IV test glucose tap water oil (lipid)) starch protein d. Biuret test glucose tap water oil (lipid)) starch protein 7. All proteins contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and what other element? Nitrogen 8. When one glycerol molecule covalently bonds via dehydration synthesis with three fatty acid molecules the resulting macromolecule is called a __lipid_________. 9. What are the two general categories of carbohydrates? Starch and cellulose ID the test: Sudan IV, Benedicts, Biuret, Starch 10. The cloudy, orange color that shows a positive result for the __Benedict’s____ test is due to simple sugars reducing cupric ions to cuprous ions which oxidize to form copper oxide. 11. If a solution contains macromolecules that test positive for the Biuret test, light refracts from copper-containing rings to produce a violet color. 12. The reagent used in the _Sudan IV__ test is soluble in lipid, but not in water. Adding ethanol to test solutions is necessary. Uses of Macromolecules 13. Explain the difference between lipids and carbohydrates with respect to energy use and storage. Lipids store energy as â€Å"backup energy† to be used when the carbohydrates are all burnt up. Carbohydrates are less complex and therefore easier to break down than lipids. The body stores lipids as fat cells were carbohydrates are stored as sugars. 14. Fully describe at least five uses of proteins in the body. -Motion of cells depends on proteins -They catalyze reactions in cells -Transportation of material in body fluids is dependent on protein. -They form receptors for sending signals throughout the body. -Proteins are stored in muscle tissues 15. Fully describe the differences between DNA and RNA. RNA is responsible for transporting genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosomes. DNA stores the genetic code so it does not travel and therefore can be safe in the nucleus. DNA contains the genetic instructions while RNA transports the proteins needed to create the genetic instructions. Without RNA there would not be any DNA.

Essay on Colonialism: Comparisons Between Things Fall Apart and Histori

Nigerian Women and Colonialism: Comparisons Between Things Fall Apart and Historical Accounts. Chinua Achebe is arguably the best known African writer of the twentieth century. And more than any other writer, he has shaped the world's idea of what African literature is. As Rose Mezu states, "Things Fall Apart is significant because it began the vogue of African novels of cultural contact and conflict" (Mezu 1). This is a highly influential position for a single writer. So what was Achebe's purpose in writing his novels? What does he hope to accomplish? According to Cora Agatucci's summary of Achebe's essay, "The Novelist as Teacher," she writes, " Achebe describes a dual mission to educate both African and European readers, to reinstate a sense of pride in African cultures and 'to help my society regain belief in itself and put away the complexes of years of denigration and self-abasement'" (Agatucci). So Achebe's purpose for writing is to overcome the stereotypes of Western readers that Africans are primitive savages with no sense of culture or history, and to combat the internalization of these stereotypes by his fellow countrymen. So where does Achebe's purpose for writing his novels leave women and are the gender roles as described in Things Fall Apart culturally accurate? Before this question can be accurately be answered; gender roles both in history and in Achebe's novel must be addressed. Specifically, what roles did men and women play in society in all three stages of Nigeria's more recent history? In the last 200 years of Nigeria's history, there have been basically three distinct phases in government: pre-colonial rule overall by Muslims (there were some tribes unaffected by this rule), colonial r... ...~womanist/1995/mezu.html "Nigeria." Encarta Encyclopedia. 3 July 2001. http://encarta.msn.com/find/concise.asp? mod=1&ti=761557915&page=2 "Nigeria." U.S. Department of State, Human rights Reports for 1999. 30 June 2001. http://www.state.gov/www/global/human_rights/1999_hrp_report/nigeria.html Ogunsuyi, Austin. "Women in Africa." African Cultures Page. 30 June 2001. http://africancultures.about.com/culture/african cultures/library/weekly/ aa011401a.htm Rojas, Maria. "Women in Colonial Nigeria." African Postcolonial Literature in English in the Postcolonial Web Page. 30 June 2001. http://landow.stg.brown.edu/ post/nigeria/colonwom.html ----- "Women in Pre-Colonial Nigeria." African Postcolonial Literature in English in the Postcolonial Web Page. 30 June 2001. http://landow.stg.brown.edu/ post/nigeria/precolwon.html

Germany during and after World War II Essay

The Second World War was a global war that was fought between 1939 and 1945. The war essentially begun when Nazi Germany together with other members of the â€Å"axis† went on the rampage and were seeking ways of spreading their occupation on other countries. Such countries like Great Britain, Australia, Denmark, Canada, and later the U. S felt threatened and formed what would be known as the allied powers with the sole purpose of defeating the fast advancing Nazi Germany. (Weinberg G. L. 1994) On 1 September 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, it marked the beginning of the Second World War and Poland’s allies in the West that included Australia, United Kingdom, and New Zealand declared war on Germany on September 3. The allies were later to be joined by such countries as Canada, France, South Africa and many others. The U. S joined the War later after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. (Weinberg G. L. 1994) The War is rated as the most expensive war that has ever been fought with an estimated cost standing at about 1 trillion U. S Dollars worldwide as at 1944, and is also rated as the most deadly conflict with an estimated loss of 60 million people. Of these Countries, Germany suffered the most severe devastation to be ever witnessed in the country’s history. It suffered greatly politically, socially and economically especially after its humiliating defeat by the allies and its eventual surrender on 7th May 1945. (Weinberg G. L. 1994) This paper is going to discuss some of the impact that the War had on Germany and how quickly it recovered. Political Impact Adolph Hitler was the undisputed leader of Nazi Germany who had the ambitious plan to expand the Third Reich to occupy the whole world. This expansion idea is what led to the eruption of the Second World War. The expansion strategy had obvious implication of the strength of the leadership in the occupied areas. However when the Allies’ closed in on the Germany Forces, Hitler committed suicide on 30th April 1945 and Germany was left without a leader. This led to the occupation of Germany by the Allied forces who divided the country into four occupation zones between 1945 -1949 these zones included The American zone of occupation, British zone of occupation, Soviet zone of occupation, and the French zone of occupation. However, tension grew between the west and the Soviet Union, which led to the merger of the American, French, and British zones on one hand and the Soviet Union zone on the other. Germany was now divided into two zones of East Germany under the Soviets to form the German Democratic Republic and West Germany under the commonwealth to form the Federal Republic of Germany. Economic and social impact During the War Germany was heavily bombarded by the Allied Forces who concentrated their bombing on the on the industrial parts of Germany. The exercise was aimed at incapacitating completely Germans sources of revenue, which was fueling the War. Between 1940-1942 the English RAF, concentrated much of the bombings on such industrial facilities like oil, aluminum, transport and aero-engine plants. By the end of the war therefore the countries economy was totally dilapidated and the infrastructure had totally collapsed. In total in Dresden alone, with approximately 1300 raids and about 3900 tons of highly explosive bombs there were heavy losses where the cities were completely shattered and many lives lost. By the end of WWII Germany alone had lost approximately 600,000 people who included civilians alone. (Coleman, P. 1999) Coincidentally the war was taking place when the holocaust in Germany and the occupied states was at its highest. Hitler sought to cleanse the areas he occupied of all the Jews and other races that he considered inferior; this alone was to cost the region approximately 6 million lives. There high number of lives had a great impact at the social and cultural front because most of those who lost their lives were young and energetic men that the country would have needed to recover. (Coleman, P. 1999) Recovery Although Germany suffered great losses and the devastation was complete the recover was equally fast and dramatic. This fast recovery was witnessed especially in West Germany, which had now become The Federal Republic of Germany. (Kitson A 2001) The fast recovery was termed an â€Å"economic miracle† by the Times Magazine and was attributed to the United States’ economic aid to Germany and the Marshal plan that was instituted by the Allied countries. However the fast recovery was witnessed because of the currency reforms of 1948, which saw the replacement of the Reichsmark as the legal tender with the Deutsche Mark. The later reason was an effective means of ensuring that runaway inflation was contained once and for all. (Kitson A 2001) By 1990, the west and the East German united and worked together and by December 2nd 1990, there were elections for the first time. Today German has been the center of the European union. It is also rated as the third richest economy, which is set to continue growing. The aftermath of the World War II helped Germany rise economically and unite with other European countries like France. (Kitson A 2001) REFERENCE Coleman, P. (1999) â€Å"Cost of the War,† World War II Resource Guide: Gardena, California: The American War Library Kitson, Alison (2001): Germany 1858-1990: Hope, Terror, and Revival: Oxford University Press Weinberg, Gerhard L. (1994): A World at Arms: A Global History of World War II: New York: Cambridge University Press.

The Art of Choosing Well by Pierre Wolff

Discernment is defined to be the act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgment. Interestingly, the bible is rife with accounts and teachings how important discernment is to the people of God. Apostles, for example, were witnesses how Holy Spirit gave them the gift of discernment in the New Testament. The action of the apostles of continuing what Jesus told them to do was discernment in itself; discernment in action, that is. â€Å"Discernment can be defined to be the calling on the Holy Spirit to lead or give direction on a matter,† says Spirithome.com.Moreover, Jesus Christ himself was a discernment personified. In Luke 11:9 he says to His people, â€Å"So I say t you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. † The words alone are an encouragement that people always have the good judgment of everything, and that in their judgment blessings await. Author Pierre Wolff in his book The Art of Choosing Well talks about this very thing – discernment. Wolff presents the ways of choosing and deciding wisely rooted in the different works of St.Ignatius of Loyola. Seeking God, St. Ignatius believed, is not meant to wait for visions, but had to seek Him in an intelligent and humble way and then by His grace and time, everything will be given and answered. Moreover, Wolff never fails to be practical and at the same time simple. He stresses different basic principles applicable to contemporary people, such as taking adequate time to listen to both your heart and mind, and clarify your most innermost held values.Although his teachings rooted in the Catholic-based faith, this, however, can be applicable to people of different faith (or lack thereof). Discernment or decision-making, to begin with, is a universal trait necessary for us as we deal our life. There are so many things to put to consider when discerning about something. In 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3, discernment is characterized to be governed by love, for it is not, it’s worthless. 1 Corinthians 12-3 is bolder in its emphasis of Christ, discernment â€Å"centers us onto Jesus the Christ and Lord, and His good news.†But Ephesians 4:11-12 is more general and more empowering; discernment it says â€Å"builds up the church and its members, giving it power, wisdom, character, boldness, and unity. Other people sometimes mixed up their decisions with their own veiled interests. Wolff summarizes some of St. Ignatius works to know if we are truly discerning the right things thus: We must desire to do God’s will, open to God at the moment of discerning, know what God is like, and we must be a person who prays.Furthermore, there are three ways of making a choice: Revelation (or God is speaking to you), Reasoning (Weighing the pros and cons of our choices and putting yourself on someone’s shoes to be able to know better the right thing), Discernment (or the time where â€Å"much light an d understanding are derived through experience,† says Ignatius. ) True enough, discernment is more than just a skill and process. It is a gift from God, from the Holy Spirit†¦ and this can be acquired and developed through asking God and continuing it through training and experience.Growing in discernment is a challenge for everyone. And the price is a peace of mind. To grow in discernment requires everyone to work on it like prayer; to know deeply what’s inside our thoughts – if it’s God’s or if it’s not. One way of nurturing it is through Daily Consciousness Examen, which is recommended by the Church. This basically can be done through asking the Holy Spirit to guide you always, to look back on your day and recognize the blessings God has given you, asking God to teach you, and asking yourself if you’re acting what the Lord told you to do.

Cell Phone Safety - Avoiding Accidents essays

Cell Phone Safety - Avoiding Accidents essays The use of cellular phones has spread like wildfire in the last ten years. It has become a part of everyday life for many American citizens, and a good number of people depend on them to carry out daily operations. Unfortunately, many of these daily operations occur while the individual is driving. As a result, many accidents have taken place in the last ten years due to the use of cellular phones while on the road. This leads me to believe that if people can't concentrate on the road while talking on a cell phone they shouldn't talk at all while driving. Rather than restricting access, the goal should be to provide in-vehicle information systems and safer means to using your cellular phone while driving. I understand that restricting cell phone usage while driving all together isn't the best means to solving the problem. Many good aspects come from cellular use in the car. For example, accidents get reported to 911 rapidly, traffic updates occur more often because citizens call and report back ups, and drivers who need to be taken off the road because of being intoxicated or just plain reckless will be located quicker and easier. I do, however, believe that more safety precautions need to be taken for individuals who will be talking on their phones while driving. Phones are being created by Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia today in which offer a hands-free cell phone so that you can keep both hands on the wheel while driving and talking. Some of these come in the form of headsets and give the user a voice activated sequence, which allows you to talk into the speaker, and the number will instantly be dialed. All ready this has eliminated the chance of your hands being off the wheel and depleted the act of dialing the phone. Both which allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. One of the most recent advancements in cellular technology comes from [Brightcell Technologies]. It is called the Triflex Hands-free phone ...

Sustainable transportation Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Sustainable transportation - Dissertation Example This paper shall discuss sustainable transportation, including its essential elements and applications in the current society where oil fuelled transport is the dominant form of transport. This portion of the research seeks to link the previous elements on sustainable transport in the Riyadh region, where the first part discussed scenarios, Delphi and the strength of combining them. This paper is being undertaken in order to establish the importance of sustainable transportation including its application in Riyadh and how improvements in its application can be implemented. Body Definition In general, it is easy enough to understand what sustainable means. If something can be sustained, it can also be maintained and it can therefore endure. At present, sustainability is about establishing a balance between economic, social needs, and the environment in the hope of securing healthy and equitable lifestyles and tools for future communities (Deakin, 2001). Sustainability also highlights the importance of environmental quality, economic wellness, and social equality. Economic and social development must not impact on the environment within the worldwide context, instead, such developments must improve it (Deakin, 2001). Sustainable economics ensure that there is a distinction between growth or increased quantity and development of increased development; in other words, the notion of quality over quantity. Under this context, sustainable transport refers to transportation which fulfils mobility needs while preserving and supporting human and environmental health, economic progress, as well as social justice not just for the current, but also for the future generation (Deakin, 2001). Planning for sustainable development seeks to achieve these three goals all at the same time in a just manner, ensuring access and mobility in the process (Deakin, 2001). The idea of sustainability came from various meetings and reports in the 1970s and 1980s where in 1972, at the UN Stoc kholm Conference on the Human Environment, the first international meeting was set discussing the impact of human activities on the environment and humans (Hopwood, et.al., 2005). The 1980 World Conservation Strategy set by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as well as the UN Environment Program and the World Wildlife Fund established the idea of environmental protection. In 1987, the UN supported Brundtland Commission published the report Our Common Future where they discussed concerns related to the environment and poverty in various parts of the globe (Hopwood, et.al., 2005). The report expressed that although economic development cannot be stopped, its course must be changed in order to fit environmental and ecological limitations. The report also gave credence to the term sustainable development which the commission defined as: development which supports current needs without endangering the ability of future generations to secure their own purposes and need s (Hopwood, et.al., 2005). Much attention on sustainability was seen at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro (Sustainability Report Program, 2000). This conference gathered senior officials from 179 countries; this conference also included the Earth Summit which is considered to be the largest ever gathering of world leaders (Sustainability R

Creative and media strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Creative and media strategy - Essay Example Each of the topics has been focused in the means of communication and data related to the media. Advertising is one of the effective means and the most desired action taken by the marketers to attract the customers. For an effective advertisement, creativity is very much essential, advertisements is all about creativity. Creativity also requires planning, the need to advertise, and the marketing and promotion objectives. Today the marketers are trying to capture the minds of the customers by creating an emotional appeal. The marketers are using the techniques of emotional appeal which have succeeded and customers have become more brand conscious. In the second part of the project report under the heading campaign development, an advertisement has been chosen from the Coca Cola company where the advertisements also tends to apply the technique of emotional appeal to attract the customers. Section A Section A deals with two topics one concerned with radio as a multi media opportunity a nd secondly on media-multiplier and simultaneous consumption of media. The brand which is chosen for radio is Pringles crisps. This section would deal with the opportunities that exist in connection with the radio and for a better understanding, one of the radio station of UK would be analysed. And in case of simultaneous use of media a term known as media stacking has been explained and it has been said that the simultaneous use of media has been proving to be an advantage for the people as well as for the marketers. Radio as a multi-media opportunity Pringles crisps are considering the use of radio for the next campaign. Pringles a brand of Procter and Gamble (Pringles, 2011) have decided to introduce radio as a means of communication in their new campaign in UK. For an effective media it is necessary to target the right audience and the right means of communication. It has been rightly said that novelty is the key to an effective advertising. Novelty in media, message, product, t arget segment and especially in the fields of creativity is more likely to increase the sale. Another factor that would lead to success is the emotional advertisements which are more likely to appeal more to the customers. Emotional appeal is the most effective means in advertising (Tellis, 2004, p.22-23). The form of communication chosen by Pringles is radio. Radio may seem to be the least glamorous of media but the reality is that radio has been an important part of the media and forms an integral part in the media plans. Radio has some of the unique features and because of its qualities the advertisers are investing about $7billion per year in radio advertising in order to reach the local and national audience (O'Guinn, et.al, 2011, p. 485). Therefore the opportunities lies with the radio station and its audience is wide and with the help of new digital aspect, the marketers are more widely using radio as means of communication. Pringles thus have adopted the new and most famous tools of media which is radio. There are different radio options available to an advertiser to reach its target audiences. The advertisers can choose from the categories such as syndication, networks, satellite, AM versus FM and through internet and mobile. The advertisers can choose from the options and communicate the message accordingly. In Syndication, the radio provides complete programs to stations on