How many grams of fat can you consume in a day

a. How many grams of fat can you consume in a day and not exceed 30 percent of your calories from fat? Use the CNPP recommendation for your daily calorie recommendation to calculate your answer. How did you do in this area for the day you recorded?On the â€Å"standard† daily calorie intake of 2,200 recommended for very active young women, the upper limit for fat intake is 73 grams (660 calories). If I was to be sedentary man or an active woman, I would roughly have to meet the same requirement, which is not to take in more than 73 grams of fat in a dayb. How many grams of saturated fat can you consume in a day and not exceed 10 percent of calories from saturated fat? How did you do in this area for the day you recorded?  I need to consume only ten percent of calories from saturated fat, meaning, I may not exceed more than 300 mg of saturated fats in day. Saturated fats such as cholesterol, and trans fat which is not only bad for my diet but will also clog up my aorta(major heart vein).c. For the day you recorded your intake if you ate a serving of a high-fat food, for example, lasagna, how could you avoid exceeding the recommended fat intake for the day?  During the event that I eat food containing high amounts of fat, to be able to balance the amount of fat intake, I eat food that contain less fat and eat foods that were boiled, broiled or grilled. In doing so, I end up taking in less fat and still eating a lot. Because even if we avoid frying food it will still most likely contain fat, so I will at least minimize the amount of fat included in everything else I eat.d. If you could substitute a serving of lower fat lasagna for the higher fat choice, what effect would this have on your other food choices and on your calorie and nutrient intakes for that day?  Replacing the lasagna, which contains a large amount of fat with lasagna that contains a lot less, will definitely make it a lot easier for someone to compensate concerning the other food opti ons that I may have. Instead of having to choose low calorie and fat containing food, which may turn out to be bland, I can opt to eat regular food options that can not only fill my stomach but also fill my calorie requirement for the day.e. Considering regular lasagna, which ingredients most likely contribute most to the total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol in the higher fat lasagna selection?  Perhaps lasagna could be included in one’s diet once a week, like on Sundays or special holidays. Making lasagna, with all its calories and fats, a part of one’s daily diet is not only irrational but is also risky when it comes to one’s health.f. How could you change those ingredients to reflect a reduction in fat content?  I can reduce the fat content of lasagna by placing whole-wheat lasagna instead of the regular pasta, decreasing the amount of virgin olive oil that is placed in it, placing less butter, and also using ground chicken rather than ground beef.g. How did the day’s recorded total for calories and vitamins compare with your recommended amounts? Did the day’s meals meet or exceed your need for energy? Describe how your actual intake varied from the CNPP recommendation.  Happily, I was able to exceed the needed amounts for calories and vitamins for the day. As for the vitamins, I was happy to see that I exceeded it because it means that I am eating a healthy diet. Although for the calorie intake, it scares me a bit because eating a calorie pack food without expending it properly will result to added body fats.h. Did your meals present too little of any of the vitamins and minerals listed in the CNPP materials? Which ones?  Actually, my vitamin intake for the day exceeded what was expected from me greatly. I was able to take in more than what was required from me according to CNPP, which means none of them where under-represented.i. What changes in your choices among those foods would have improved the energy o r vitamin or mineral totals for the day?  Improvement when taken in a standard meaning would actually mean to increase, but in my case, to improve my diet I would have to decrease my energy intake and simply maintain my vitamin and mineral intake for the day.j. Did your choices provide enough folate to meet your requirement?  I am glad to say that I actually met the required amount of folate that I had to take in within one day. In fact I was able to take in twice the required amount of 400 micrograms and was able to take in 784.5 micrograms.k. What are the sources of niacin in your day’s meals?  Niacin is not really that abundant in standard food. Niacin can actually be found in whole refined grains. When mills refine grain they are required by law to add folic acid, NIACIN, iron and riboflavin. So therefore eating refined grains at least once a day may add to my Niacin intake.l. What about Vitamin C? What percentage of your daily need of Vitamin C did your meals provi de? Which individual foods were the main contributors? To what food groups do they belong?  I was able to take in a total of 126.78% vitamin C within one day. Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid is abundant in Citrus filled drinks and meals such as lemons, oranges and lime, all of which are in the Fruits part of the Food Pyramid. Also aside from normal food intake, it is easy to receive vitamin C by simply buying it in a local drugstore.m. How did your total energy intake compare with your energy recommendation? Is this consistent with your nutritional goals?  In my food intake, I was able to take 6604 kcal worth energy, which is three times more the recommended 2339 kcal goal for a day. It is very impressive to see that I was able to take in that much energy. However, it is also true that if I am not able to expend that energy within a day, it turns to body fat which is terrible to have.n. Which of your foods are â€Å"vitamin bargains†? Those would be foods which are vitamin-den se, providing the most vitamins for the fewest calories.  Fruits and vegetables of course give me the most amounts of vitamins without having to increase my total number of calories significantly. In fact it can be noted that the best source of vitamins are vegetables because they don’t contain fructose like fruits do, but they contain a minimal amount of starch which makes up a good low calorie diet.o. Breakfast cereals are a great source of vitamins. What characteristic of these foods makes them so rich in vitamins?  Breakfast cereals are made from plants specifically corn, wheat, and grains. Corn in itself is full of vitamins and wheat and grains may contain some vitamins as well. In addition, the fact that when we eat cereals it always comes with full cream or filled milk, which adds a significant amount of vitamins in a persons diet.p. What can you say about your recorded food intake and the vitamins and minerals that you obtained from the foods you ate that day?   I can say that I actually exceed the requirements that are set for a balanced diet. Although this is not such a good thing because too much of certain food groups may cause complications to my health.ReferencesDietary guidelines and the Guide to the Food Pyramid. West Virginia University, December 22, 2007, from http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/infores/pubs/fypubs/WLG_132_Food_Pyramid.pdfDietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, USDHHS, USDA, December 22,2007. from www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelinesKantor, L.S. December 22, 2007, from http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aer772/aer772a.pdfLawrence J. Appel, M.D., M.P.H., Benjamin Caballero, M.D., Ph.D., and Fergus M. Clydesdale, Ph.D. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. December 22, 2007, from www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelinesNational Institute of Mental Health. (1990). Clinical training in serious mental illness (DHHS Publication No. ADM 90-1679). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

Film Adaptation Les Miserables by Victor Hugo Essay

Non-Consequentialist theories of morality are best expressed by the character Inspector Javert. His actions are lead by the theory that it is better to lead a life where rules are followed. It is your duty to obey the laws and it is your duty to always act in this manner. Consequences are not to be considered when judging a persons actions (Thiroux, Krasemann, 2012, p. 46). Inspector Javert’s position in society supports his actions. This man must follow the laws set by his government, and lead his community by example. His duty was to carry out the law which are examples of rule absolutes which offer no room for exceptions (Thiroux, Krasemann, 2012, p. 87). The Inspector becomes obsessed with the capture of Jean ValJean, a criminal who must be caught and brought to justice. The film begins with the story of a man, Jean ValJean, who is first introduced to the viewer in a prison setting, where later you find out he was imprisoned for theft. After serving nine-teen years of punishment in prison for his crime he is then rewarded release on parole. Following his release he encounters another situation where he acts in contrast to those beliefs of a rule utilitarian like Javert. These contrasting characters are examples within their guiding principles. Non-Consequentialist Theories are based on the idea that consequences are not and in fact should not be a factor in determining whether the act is moral or immoral (Thiroux, Krasemann, 2012, p. 46). Where as consequentialism is based or concerned with consequences. Jean ValJean’s guiding principles are more of an act utilitarian who believes that everyone should perform that act which will bring out the greatest good over bad for everyone affected by the act (Thiroux, Krasemann, 2012, p. 37). Utilitarianism is a form of Consequentialism. Javert is a rule utilitarian where his ideas are that everyone should always follow the rule or rules that will bring greater good. T hese ideas are contrasting because it is unsure what actions would bring greater good with or without making exceptions to the rules at hand. Javert being an official of the law encourages the importance of law within the film to avoid loosing control within his community. On one hand ValJean broke the law only to avoid the death of starvation. These situations are the basis of the conflicting approaches to morality by each main character in the film. ValJean encounters the Character of Bishop Myriel who offers him a job and teats him kindly despite his criminal background. The Bishop is a positive influence on ValJean. While working for the Bishop, he makes a promise to become a better man and redeem himself only after being caught once again for stealing silverware from the bishop. The Bishop lies to officers only to save ValJean from returning to prison. With the silver that was stolen and now a gift was he only able to accomplish his promise for a better life. ValJeans commitment led him to later became the owner of a factory and the Mayor of his city. There we are first introduced to the character of Fantine. We discover that she has a child, Cossette, who is in care with another family The Thenardiers. Fantine works hard to provide for Cossette at the factory where she is later fired from, which led to her desperate need to make money. Desperate times cause for desperate measures., like Fantine prostituting to as a mean to make money. Fantine’s unlawful actions lead her to encounter the Inspector Javert. Here is where the feuding theories of morality between Javert and ValJean are once brought to question once again. Should Fantines actions be justified by the idea that prostitution is wrong and unlawful, or is it okay because she must provide for Cossette and her needs? In the end the Mayors position allows Fantine to avoid prison time thus bringing about greatness for her family. His utilitarian approach to the situation causes more conflict with the Inspector who believes she should be inprisoned for breaking the law. More evidence with the personal moral theories conflicting are evident when Jean ValJean promises Fantine that he will take care of her daughter Cossette. He first must escape from Mr. Jovert who is now aware that he is a convict. Javert expressed the idea that a law breaker cannot reform therefore ValJean should not be Mayor. Javert commented on his parents also being criminals when he was a child. Once exposed ValJean escapes once again with Cossette to Paris, where they live in a convent. He feels it is his duty to carry out his promise of a better life. Reparation (prima facie) is a duty mentioned when looking at non-consequential theories (Thiroux, Krasemann, 2012, p. 54). Cossette and ValJean are able to achieve a fulfilled life with security in the city of Paris while at the convent. Cossette ultimately asks to not become a nun and persuades ValJean to live outside the convent. Willing to please Cossette, ValJean agrees to the move. Cossette attracts an admirer while exploring her new surroundings in the character Marius. Marius is a young revolutionary who asks to â€Å"Restore the Republic†. He becomes obsessed and determined to interact with Cossette, very much like he is committed to his revolution. Inspector Javert also resides in Paris where he is the newest Deputy as the reward from exposing the truth about Jean ValJean. The â€Å"cat and mouse game† between Jean ValJean and the Inspector Javert is continued in Paris when he is informed with information about the revolutionists new love interested Cossette. Marius was followed by one of ValJeans informant following the revolutionists. Javert is once again on the hot pursuit to bring ValJean to an end. He is determined to bring justice because it is the right thing for him to do. ValJean unaware of Cossettes relationship with her young suitor opens an opportunity for the Inspector to get close and finally cease the former convict. ValJean now a â€Å"reformed man† refuses to give up without a fight. In the attempt to flee once again ValJean is encountered with the dilemma of Marius and Cossette’s relationship. Her relationship is troubled by the increasing resistance from the revolutionists against the Parisian army. With the city barricaded ValJean must return Marius safely to Cossette. In pursuit for Marius the army injures Cossette’s love and now ValJean must flee the chaos of the city with the injured Marius. Not before once again encountering the persistant Javert. This is a turn of events that gives ValJean to turn on his predator and kill him. This doesn’t happen because ValJean is said to have been merciful towards the Inspector. In the end of this tale the Inspector is surprised by the mercy ValJean showed towards him. The Inspector allowed the convict to aid the Marius to some medical attention and return to his capturer. ValJean also agreed to be turned into the Parisian officials after saving Marius. With Marius alive he would no longer have to worry about his Cossettte. Therefore fulfilling his commitment to Fantine. Upon returning Mr. Javert expressed how his gu iding principles to perform his duty the right way brought him confusion when ValJean showed him mercy in the situation of life and death. Death was the only solution the Inspector had in store to this for this ending. Everything ValJean did was justified when the Inspector decided to kill himself. The Inspector never breaking the law himself saw that there were flaws to his guiding principles and could not live with himself no more. Unwilling to face the consequences he saw fit to end his life thus granting ValJean his freedom. He felt his obsession for the capture of the ValJean would see no end and haunt him forever. At this point he acknowledges the fact that ValJean is a reformed man and not an â€Å"animal† thought to have been created while in the prison system. Before ValJean was a â€Å"difficult problem† to the Inspector himself and he needed bring justice to those acts of the former Mayor. Everyday we are faced with the same if not different situations where we are asked to do the â€Å"right thing†. This is very difficult even to those who appeal to be morally or ethically correct. Rules can be to general and only act as a guide to do the greatest of good while avoiding consequences. It is also difficult in the sense that there acts or rules offer no exceptions. The story of Les Miserables proves otherwise. ValJean overcame many difficulties and while his actions may have been unlawful they did affect those around him positively. His actions in the end brought him security and loving relationship with his â€Å"daughter†, Cossette, all while ultimately keeping his promis to the Bishop Myriel and the late Fantine. His actions throughout the film prove that he is indeed a good man despite his criminal background. ValJean accomplishes reformation which seemed impossible to the characteristics of the Inspector. Ciminals should be brought to jusitice, laws are meant to be followed, under no circumstances can the law be flawed, and no exceptions are to be made. These guiding principles for the Inspector shaped his actions throughout this story. ValJeans actions show that his is a honest, caring, and loving man who is rewarded with freedom. He no longer has the fear of being caught by the Inspector and also rewarded with love from his â€Å"daughter†, Cossette. In the film ValJean states that â€Å"Love is the only future God gives us†. The guiding theories to ones ethical and moral dilemmas can be conflicting with those of others. Here we have actions based on the idea of realizing the consequences for your actions first or not thinking about any consequences and acting on what you feel to be right. Rules should always be followed with no exceptions. The belief that one should not be judged or defined by any action in particularly. Rules are important to a society bringing awareness to consequences by ones actions. It is important to not give up on ourselves because we are all capable of reformation if we want it.

Alternatives To The Instrument Landing Systems Engineering Essay

Alternatives To The Instrument Landing Systems Engineering Essay Pilots have been faced with horrors of not being able to safely carry out the whole flight envelope activities during unfavourable weather conditions. The solution was the idea of somehow aiding pilots with instruments that would help get the job done. The Instrument Landing System (ILS), being the first, did break the ice but its faults and restrictions paved way for alternatives like the MPL, JPAL, IGS and TLS amongst others. It cannot be overlooked though that the ILS is still the most common of all approaches and pilots are tested numerous times on the workings of the ILS during their flight career. The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is an instrument presented, pilot interpreted, precision approach aid. The system provides the pilot with instrument indications which, when utilised in conjunction with the normal flight instruments, enables the aircraft to be manoeuvred along a precise, predetermined, final approach path. [1] Tests of the ILS began in 1929 and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorised installation of the system in 1941 at six locations. The first landing of a scheduled U.S. passenger airliner using ILS was on January 26, 1938, as a Pennsylvania Central Airlines Boeing 247-D flew from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh and landed in a snowstorm using only the Instrument Landing System.[2] The first fully automatic landing using ILS occurred at Bedford Airport UK in March 1964. [3] 1.1 Overview on the Instrument Landing System (ILS) The ILS uses two primary signals: a localizer for lateral guidance (VHF) operating between frequencies 108.10MHz and 111.95MHz; and a glide slope for vertical guidance (UHF) operating between 329.30MHz to 335.00MHz. The localizer provides course guidance throughout the descent path to the runway threshold from a distance of 18 NM from the antenna between an altitude of 1,000 feet about the highest terrain along the course line and 4,500 feet about the elevation of the antenna site. [4] On the other hand, the glide consists of two overlapping beam modulated at 150Hz and 90Hz. The centre line of the glideslope signal is arranged to define a glide slope of approximately 3Â ° above ground level with the beam being 0.7Â ° below the glideslope centreline and 0.7Â ° above the glideslope centreline i.e. 1.4Â ° in total. The transmitter is located 750 to 1,250 ft. down the runway from the threshold, offset 400 to 600 ft. from the runway centreline [5]. 1.2 Limitations facing the ILS The complexity of the ILS localizer and glide-slope system gives rise to its high installation cost. Also, there are topographic limitations with the ILS because of the complex siting requirements due to the sensitivity of both the localizer and glide slope systems. The localizer’s full functionality is limited due to effects from obstructions in the signal broadcast areas like hangers and large buildings and the glide-slope conversely is affected by the terrain in front of the glide-slope antenna. If terrain is sloping or uneven, reflections can create an uneven glide-path causing unwanted needle deflections. Additionally, the ILS only supports straight-in approaches since its signals are pointed in one direction by the positioning of the antennae arrays. Furthermore, the ILS suffers from frequency congestion because of a finite number of available frequencies (only 40 channels in all)[6], and has frequency modulation interference problems in some areas.[7] Also, the fact that it is not easily deployable makes it fall out of favour with the military. These main facts resulted into the development of the Microwave Landing System (MLS) with one intention only, to replace the ILS.

Problem Definition and Developing an Approach Report Assignment

Problem Definition and Developing an Approach Report - Assignment Example has managed to expand its business to more than 35 markets on five continents. The sales of Mary Kay products reached $2.5 billion in wholesale sales worldwide in 2009, and its global independent sales force exceeded 2 million (Mary Kay, n.d.). Mary Kay, Inc. is a private company, founded by Mary Kay and her son Richard R. Rogers and lead by the Mr. David B. Holl, Chief Executive Officer and President (Business Week 2011). The company offers a broad range of its products, including anti-aging, cleanser, moisturizer, lip and eye care, body care, sun care products as well as makeup products for eyes, lips, and cheeks, foundations, concealers, powders, compacts and applicators, and facial highlighting pens (Business Week, 2011). These products are produced at manufacturing plants in Dallas, Texas and China, and are sold in worldwide, including Europe, South and North America, Oceania, and Asia (Business Week, 2011). The key success of the company’s products promotion partially re lates to its staff comprised of sales force and Independent Beauty Consultants. The sales force members represent an integral part of the Mary Kay’s advertising strategy; they work either on door-to-door or in home demonstrations (Mary Kay, n.d.). Thus, the global network of Mary Kay’s consultants enables the company not only to sell its products worldwide but also provide personal support and give beauty advices to its customers. A. Environmental Analysis Political Qatar is politically stable country. Strengthening relations between Qatar and The United States help to set Pro-American climate, favorable for doing international business between these two countries (Wallace, n.d.) The legal environment of Qatar provides relatively favorable climate for foreign investors. The key benefits are referred to: no income tax or social security deductions payable on wages and salaries; corporate tax on foreign companies is 10%; no taxation is payable on exports; customs duties start at just 5% (KMD Consulting, n.d.). However, there are imposed import restrictions of cosmetics in Qatar (Country Codes and International Resources, n.d.). Economic Qatar has a strong economy, driven by revenues from oil and natural gas resources (Wallace, n.d.). This country has shown unprecedented economic growth rate during the last few years (Ministry of Business and Trade, n.d.). According to World Economic Forum of 2010, Qatar has topped other Arab and Middle East countries (Ministry of Business and Trade, n.d.). Due to its highly-efficient and well-performing institutional platforms, effective commodities and stable economic environment, Qatar has topped 139 countries included in the Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) (Ministry of Business and Trade, n.d.). Moving to 17th rank out of 139 countries included in this report, Qatar hit a new record of 5.10 points comparing with its performance during the last few years (Ministry of Business and Trade, n.d.). The country is recognized as one of the highest living standard on earth (Ministry of Business and Trade, n.d.). From the economic perspective, Mary Kay Inc. has profound opportunities to expand its business in Qatar with great success. Socio-Cultural Even though Qatar women wear a covering, they also want to look pretty. This desire is expressed through applying of all modern technologies and innovations presented in cosmetology and surgery. The key issue, Mary Kay needs to take into

Saturn's Moon Titan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Saturn's Moon Titan - Essay Example The highly successful Cassini/Huygens mission began sending data back to earth in the spring of 2005, and since that date man has documented volumes of data concerning this moon once a mystery to mankind. While Titan is uninhabitable by man, "Scientists believe that Titan's environment may be similar to that of the Earth's before life began putting oxygen into the atmosphere" (Hamilton). The image of a primordial earth has added to Titan's mystique as the Cassini orbiter continues to map and reveal the surface and composition of Saturn's moon, Titan. Understanding the geophysical characteristics of Titan begins with a picture of its chemical composition and the temperature range that it exists in. The atmosphere of Titan, the only moon in the solar system to have a dense atmosphere, is composed primarily of nitrogen and methane (Ocean May Exist). There are also trace amounts of organic chemicals in the atmosphere, though the conditions are far from ideal for the creation of life. The moon has a gravitational force of about 15 percent of earth's and the temperature hovers around a cold minus 289 degrees Fahrenheit (Britt, "Smog on Saturn's Moon"). In 2002, scientists studying Titan believed that, "High in the Titan sky, solar radiation helps fuel chemical reactions that break the nitrogen and methane down into other substances. Eventually, lower down, some of these molecules serve as seeds for clouds. Methane condenses on the seeds to form rain or hailstones that fall to the surface" (Britt, "Smog on Saturn's Moon"). Indeed, thre e years later the Huygens probe would land during a methane rain as it broke through the atmosphere on Titan. These early and initial observations of Titan created more questions than they answered. What was the source of all the methane on the planet In a solar system that is routinely impacted by objects from space, why was Titan' surface relatively smooth, as if it had escaped the force of impacts The Cassini mission and the Huygens probe would provide the data necessary to begin to answer these questions. Much of what we know about Titan came from a descent and landing on Titan's surface of the Huygens probe, a part of the European Space Agency's Cassini program. There has been a keen interest in Titan since the early days of astronomy as scientists speculated on a world that "is extraordinarily like Earth, with rivers, rain, islands, seas and mountains, but is otherwise a totally alien world where geology and chemistry are turned on their heads" (Walker). Launched in 1997, the Huygens probe separated from the Cassini orbiter and entered Titan's thick atmosphere in late 2004. Though it was not designed to be a lander, Huygens survived the descent and continued to relay data back to Earth for approximately 90 minutes. The first images sent back from Huygens were remarkable. According to Eddy, "Huygens landed at the shoreline of what appears to be large body of liquid when it ended a seven-year journey". Landing in a rain of methane, the Huygens probe landed in an area that was typical of Titan's surface. "European Space Agency scientists said at a press conference in Paris that the consistency of the surface was like icy wet mud" (Walker). The Cassini orbiter is still active and continues to survey the moon as it makes passes near Titan

Fashion Business and Family Dynasties Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Fashion Business and Family Dynasties - Essay Example The essay "Fashion Business and Family Dynasties" discovers the business and families of Hermes and Louis Vuitton. Hermes has been associated with the most wonderful luxury brands and is related to the category of women’s handbags, perfumes and jewelries. Hermes is one of the oldest firms in France that has been owned and managed by the family of Hermes. Thierry Hermes is the founder of the Hermes Group. Until 2004, the business of Hermes had been controlled and managed by the family members of Hermes. The family owned group had controlled the family stake and had shown efficient leadership to retain control over the strategic decision of the business within the family. During the period of 1978 to 2004, the Hermes Group was managed under the leadership of Jean-Louis Dumas who was the great-grandson of Hermes. In the year 2006, Jean-Louis Dumas had passed away and Patrick Thomas became the manager in Hermes. He was the ‘first non-family manager’ in Hermes in their entire history of business operations. Patrick Thomas became the first CEO of Hermes but the control was with the family members of Hermes and they retained the control to maintain the family heritage of the business. Hermes is basically known as the bag and scarf maker. They have by no means aggressively pursued any kind off strategy to develop as a luxury conglomerate and constantly remained strong in their individual space of operations. Louis Vuitton is a French based company that deals with fashionable merchandizes. ... family members of Hermes and they retained the control to maintain the family heritage of the business (Bhalla, â€Å"Disintegrating Family Firm: How Well Are You Prepared For the Ultimate†). Hermes is basically known as the bag and scarf maker. They have by no means aggressively pursued any kind off strategy to develop as a luxury conglomerate and constantly remained strong in their individual space of operations (Elite Choice, â€Å"Louis Vuitton Claims to be a Long Term Shareholder of Hermes, Raises Stake to 20%†). Louis Vuitton (Family & Business) Louis Vuitton is a French based company that deals with fashionable merchandizes. Louis Vuitton was established by the founder Louis Vuitton in the year 1854. It deals in the luxury merchandizes (Louis Vuitton, â€Å"About Us†). The Louis Vuitton brand had been famous for its LV logo that features upon most of the merchandizes of Louis Vuitton ranging from luxury chests and leather merchandize to shoes, ready-to-wea r merchandizes, accessories, books, sunglasses, watches and jewellery. Louis Vuitton is known as the leading fashion house in the international market. The merchandizes of Louis Vuitton are sold through the model of standalone boutiques, e-commerce application and lease departments that are departmental stores which represent high-end values (Louis Vuitton. â€Å"The World of Louis Vuitton†). Louis Vuitton and family have managed their entire business in the world. They started in Paris and slowly gained acceptance due to their skillful work. Louis Vuitton had developed the brand uniquely as there was duplication of the products especially in the leather bags category for travelers. After the demise of Louis Vuitton, his son Georges Vuitton controlled the business and managed all its activities. Georges Vuitton

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology Essay

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology - Essay Example Understanding the RFID devices and how they work is critical for analyzing privacy issues that surround this technology. The main components of an RFID system are a chip/tag, reader, and database. A reader scans the tag for data and sends the information to a database, which stores the data contained on the tag (Federal Trade Commission 1-54). In the last several years this technology has gained popularity as a way to streamline different supply chain processes in various settings such as distribution centers, retail stores, hospitals and pharmacies (Davis n.pag [a]). RFID equipment vendors have been confident on the technologys adoption, but the consumers are worried that RFID technology can bring in unknown risks and is not cost-effective enough to be installed in a supply chain network. In reality RFID tags can be read much faster than bar codes indicating that RFID’s scanning capability can result in goods moving through the supply chain much faster than they do when bar codes are used. RFID facilitate quicker, more accurate recalls by enabling the tracking of a product’s origin and its location in the distribution chain. According to a survey conducted by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), it was found that IT resellers and vendors are all set to add RFID solutions to their portfolios. However, the major problem is from their customers who are reluctant and are slow to embrace the technology. According to the survey, 84% of resellers, solution providers, systems integrators, and consultants are prepared to offer RFID products and solutions in the next three years. About 65.6% of them said their customers are yet to implement RFID solutions. This survey also pointed out that the adoption of this technology has been challenged by equipment and tagging costs, murky and unclear return-on-investment for supply chain applications, and a workforce skills shortage. Though the

Eagle's Nest Hotels Case Study - Detailed Implementation Plan Essay

Eagle's Nest Hotels Case Study - Detailed Implementation Plan - Essay Example Some special arrangements need to be made to meet the requirements of the government policy and to fix that an additional cost of US $30 million is required. The original budget was $125 million but that has been reduced to US $75 million. This reduction in our budget is all across the portfolio. How it will affect the operations, let’s take a closure look. Here at our Eagle Nest operations department we have to act accordingly to cope with this challenge. Our plan of action includes budgeting (cost reduction) in the following. The building rented will be hosting a room quantity 120-150 commercial Target Date Even though we are starting the business in January but our target is July to capture the mass tourists market. When they will be coming to visit the Amsterdam Metropolitan in crowds. So we have ample time to get things fully running. Our key areas to focus on are 1) Food production, products purchase technology, menu card planning, supply and consumption control, and occ upational hygiene. 2) Food and Beverage Service (rendering services to clients, wines and beverages purchase, meeting visitors, orders fulfillment) 3) Housekeeping 4) Front office operations (reception and accommodation of visitors and further service rendering). 5) Interior Product description It is a modern fashionable motel in the heart of Amsterdam Metropolitan. ... Key risks and mitigation The key risk that we face is the competition. We don’t need to worry about the reputation or the brand loyalty. There are many huge hotel giants already operating there. Our original budget of $125 million was sufficient to compete with them. But now the budget has been rescheduled. We were aiming for advertisement at a grand level but the budget being reduced has forced us to rethink on that strategy. We will spend very little on TV advertisement. We are taking the route via the internet. Impact on operations Department Just like the other departments, the impact on the operations department will be quite severe. We will be forced to cut down on cost. In terms of percentage, it will be round about 40% of our total original budget. The biggest challenge is to cope with the legal requirements as those cannot be avoided. We are looking for very efficient plans in cost reduction. As we simply cannot compete in such a high profile area such as the Amsterda m Metropolitan without having our arsenal filled with the top quality armoury. Time plan The operations procedure will commence as soon as we get the contract for having the building on rent. Starting with the interior of the hotel. Furniture, china, linen, Kitchen ware, furniture are the major things to get our motel running. Given the area of Amsterdam Metropolitan, we are expecting a very high competition. The key thing to keep in mind is that we cannot start with the state of the art interior and the building outlook. Probably it is very much noticeable at this stage that the budget getting reduced by 40% is very favourable for us. People in the metropolitan area of Amsterdam prefer the culture of that place. Our target guests will include a major percentage of

Annotated bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 9

Annotated Bibliography Example Through examination of existing policies and laws as well as those in previous years, this magazine exposes the loopholes. It also provides a basis for the responsible bodies to effect appropriate actions to deal with negative effects of immigration. Of concern are the high rates of illegal immigrants in United States of America. Matthews, Christopher. "Business & Money." Business Money The Economics of Immigration Who Wins Who Loses and Why Comments. N.P., 30 Jan. 2013. Web. 2 Dec. 2013. . This is a recent news source for the major players in immigration. It covers the native Americans and the immigrants. As such, the effect of immigration on the native Americans is done by assessing the benefits and threats. The plight of immigrants is also covered and the entails of the new environment in terms of economic gains is looked at. In this website, there is maximum attention on the statistics of immigrants over the recent years. The numbers are given as a result of America community survey results from 2009. The data relating to immigrants numbers and their source countries is given. Rivera-Batiz, Francisco L. "Undocumented Workers in the Labor Market: An Analysis of the Earnings of Legal and Illegal Mexican Immigrants in the United States." Journal of Population Economics 12.1 (1999): 91-116. Print. This journal focuses on illegal immigrants especially from Mexico crossing through the U.S-Mexico border. An analysis of financial returns they obtains from the jobs they obtain is present. These returns are compared to legal Mexican immigrants and native born Americans. The disparities in income are explained and their economic relevance highlighted by the authors. This journal addresses the common argument concerning the impact of immigrants on the native-born Americans. The main provisions in this journal explain the reasons why immigrants secure jobs while native

Greek conception of woman, citizen and family Essay Example for Free

Greek conception of woman, citizen and family Essay The Greek tragedy ‘Medea’ by Euripides examines the Greek conception of woman, the foreign, family and citizenship. He emphasize on the subjugation and the oppressive condition of women in general in Greece. Thus he reveals the existence of ancient cultures (other than Greece) that were more generous in their treatment of women. Medea is also in some respect, different from general Greek women. She is clever and resourceful and also has the courage in her endeavor to take revenge on Jason for his wrong deeds. Also, through the character of Medea, Euripides exposes the bankruptcy of popular Greek ideas of heroism. My granting a woman the qualities that were considered heroic, he questions the sacred ideas of heroism. The element of the foreign in the play comprises of the foreign, the exotic, the unknown and the feared. He also showed that the foreign is not external to Greek and there is much for the Greeks to know about themselves. Medea represents the foreign, the attractive and the priceless possession of Jason. The foreign also represented the adventure undertaken by the Greek heroes. The foreign also symbolized danger and which could lead to chaos. Medea, a foreigner and an outsider to the normal order is free to behave without restrain or morality. Thus she manages to commit the dreadful crime of murdering her own children. Through the elements of the foreign, uncivilized and barbaric, Euripides questions the concepts and definitions of civilizations, primitiveness, ethics and morality. Whereas Jason seeks power, Medea, the foreigner longs for love and caring. Greek valued family and the exile from his was horrible to the ancient Greek. A person’s city-state was his home and protector and to wonder without friend and shelter was thought as a fate as horrible as death. Medea exiles herself because of her love and passion for her husband. Her position in Corinth is double grave as she is both married to be exiled from family and also as she herself has broke connections with her family to be with Jason. Also, she is a foreigner who will remain a barbarian in the eyes of the Greeks. However, Madea forces Jason into exile by wiping off his entire family. Greek law forbade Greek men to marry any other than Greek women. Also the children of Greek man and foreign woman were not considered as official citizens of Greece. Similarly, the children of Jason and Medea were not official citizens of Corinth, but Creusa and Jason’s offspring would fully enjoy the benefits of Corinthian citizenship. So Jason is justified in his argument that to gain power and position and to protect and their position, he married into the royal family. Thus these elements of the foreign, plight of Greek woman, citizenship and family combine to propel the action of the tragic play ‘Medea’. In the Greek tragedy ‘Medea, Euripides elaborates on the status of woman in Greek society. The Greek women in general had few rights. According to the men, the purpose of women in Greek society was to engage themselves in household duties like cooking and cleaning and giving birth and taking care of children. They did not have the right to vote or own property. They could not go outside without an escort. They had to be represented by men in all legal proceedings. Greek women only under exceptional conditions could obtain a divorce, but any Athenian man could get rid of his wife by simply publicly renouncing his marriage. Marriages were arranged by the parents without any participation of the daughter; thus Medea’s flight with Jason was scandalous. If the family was wealthy, the daughter came with a substantial dowry. After marriage, the woman served her husband the entire life by caring for the children and slaves, the legal property of her husband. They were not given any education and lived in separate quarters, away from their husbands. The ideal woman â€Å"spoken little as possible among men, whether for good or for ill†. Greek women never experienced independence during their lives and in some respect they were just like slaves. Medea accurately describes the conditions of married life for women when she says how a woman has to adjust to the new rules and customs of the new home and work hard to understand her husband and consequently live in peace. However if the marriage does not work, then death is the only solution for the woman. When Jason decides to terminate his marriage with Medea and marry the princess of Corinth, Jason cast aside Medea as if they were never married. This type of action was accepted by Greek standards, which reveals the subordinate status of woman who did not have any say in these matters. Even though some actions of Medea are not similar to that of average Greek women, she posses certain attitudes and emotions which are common among women. Medea in her first speech to the Chorus (when she comes out of her house) expresses the plight of women in society: â€Å"For a divorce loses women all respect, yet we cant refuse to take a husband†, (Euripides, lines 271-272). She further adds that when a man gets tired of the company at home, he can seek relief outside the home, but a woman have to always look at one man. It is likely that this attitude was shared by most Greek women as evident from the reaction of the Chorus Leader who sympathize with her: â€Å"Im not surprised you grieve at these events†, (Euripides, Line 310). The nurse reveals the fact that Medea out of her love and deep passion for Jason has retrieved the Golden Fleece for him and defied her household. In return, she is deserted by Jason who betrayed her by breaking the vows of marriage and now â€Å"She calls out to the gods to witness/ how Jason is repaying her favours†, (Euripides, lines 30-31). However, her situation worsens further when Creon informs her that he is forcing her into exile. The Chorus identifies with the pitiable condition of Medea. It recognizes the heroic traits of Medea and admires her as an avenger for all women. Chorus soothes Medea’ sorrow by saying that God will be with her in her endeavor. Thus the chorus believes her cause is good and worthy of Gods support. Medea as a victim of ill fate is supported by the Chorus. Even though the Chorus makes this statement before finding out Medea’ brutal scheme, it should be noted that the Chorus reaffirms its support for Medea after she reveals her plan. After the monologue of Medea, where she reveal her plan and think of ways to implement it, the chorus delivers an ode on the oppression of women: â€Å"The waters in the sacred rivers/are flowing in reverse. /And all well-ordered things/are once more turning on themselves. / Mens plans are now deceitful,/their firm trust in the gods is gone†¦. /Honours coming to the female sex. /slander will no longer injure women, (Euripides, Lines 487-496). Through this ode, the chorus condemns the oppression of women and encourages Medea to carry out her plan. It views her plan as a rare opportunity for women to avenge all the wrongs done by men on them and to turn the hierarchy around, putting the men at the mercy of women. In the play it is evident that the Chorus support Medea in her endeavor to avength the betrayal of Jason till the section where she thinks of ways and machinery to make her plot successful. But the Chorus withdraws their support the point where Medea reveals her plan to murder her own sons. After the verbal fight between Jason and Medea, the Chorus asks for moderation: â€Å"I pray that moderation,/the gods most beautiful gift,/will always guide me†, (Euripides, Lines 756-758). After they come to know Medea’s plan to kill her children, they try their best make her understand her folly in her taking such an action and they urge her not to commit such a crime : â€Å"I want to help you,/holding to the standards of human law†, (Euripides, Lines 963-964). Euripides by examining the treatment of women in the play ‘Medea’, points at the injustices of his society. He recognized the fact that the subordinate position of women to their male counterpart is impossible to extricate from the core of social order in Greece. The typical explanation offered by the admirers of Greece is that all ancient societies were sexist and dependent on slave labor. This generality is untrue as there were many societies who were more generous in their treatment of women than the Greeks and many societies functioned in the ancient times, without slave labor. Euripides who was aware of these hypocrisies, often pointed out how Greek society attempt to excuse the injustices perpetrated by them. Jason tells Medea that no Greek women would have done as she has done. In this respect, the Chorus should be considered who stood by mutely and allowed the slaughter to take place. However, Medea shows some heroic qualities that were not common among Greek women. Medea is clever, resourceful and has the courage to stand against Jason and take revenge for his betrayal. She does not stay long inside her home as a subjugating housewife lamenting and shedding tears for wrongs incurred on her. She comes out her hearth and faces the Chorus and Creon. She acts like a man and plots and execute her plan. Euripides goes farther, through the character of Medea, he exposes the bankruptcy of popular Greek ideas of heroism. Medea has many traits that would be admirable, if only she were a man. She is ruthless, brilliant, cunning, and powerful. But she is in a weak position: she is not a ruler or a warrior of any battlefield. Euripides gives the qualities that are considered heroic, in a woman and thus reduces the scale. He makes the playing field one of marriage and spurned love. The fine Homeric speeches of warriors on the verge of combat are reduced to the bickering of an enraged wife and a petty husband. Euripides in this play, questions our sacred ideas about heroism. Consider, for example, the character of Agamemnon as portrayed by Aeschylus in the Oresteia. Agamemnon also kills his own child; and although he is not admired for this act, after his death Aeschylus grants him his due of a great man and hero. The reaction of the audience to Medeas infanticide is that of horror. Euripides gives unlimited self-absorption and ruthlessness to a woman and thus exposes the true worth of these traits. The audience becomes aware of the double standards that we use for heroes and heroines. In Greek mythology Medea was princess of colchis and the granddaughter of Helios the sun God. She had affinities with magic and was the priestess of Hecate. Medea helped Jason to steal the Golden Fleece from her father and even dismember her brother to delay the pursuers of her lover. Also, she turned the daughter of Pelias into murderers to win back his rightful place in Iolcus, In return, Jason betrayed her trust and re-married into the royal family. The fact that Medea is a foreigner is emphasized from the beginning. The Nurse, in the opening lines, tells the audience that Medea hails from a distant and exotic land. Certain points should be remembered while reflecting on this aspect of the play. The foreigner or the Others is a complex and multifaceted concept: it comprises of the foreign, the exotic, the unknown and the feared. The foreign is also essential for self-definition of the Greeks. The Greeks ascribe certain traits to barbarians in opposition to certain traits about themselves. Barbarians are savage but Greeks are not. Barbarians are superstitious while Greeks are rational. But Euripides through the play undermines these easy binaries. He shows that (the foreigner) is not something external to Greek. Also, there is much for the Greeks to understand about themselves Moreover, the (the foreign, the exotic, the terrifying) is an essential for adventure. Jasons quest, and also the quests of other Greek heroes, would not be possible without their visit to strange and fearsome lands. Medea’s foreignness may be the reason behind Jason’s attraction for her. Although we cannot be sure if Jason was really attracted to her or used her for his own ends or both. May be Jason was drawn to her by her uniqueness. The play stresses on the fact that Medea is different from Greek women. Jasons marriage to Medea can be seen as an attempt on his part to bring the adventure home. Medea describes herself as something he won in a foreign land. The marriage can also be seen as Jasons attempt to subordinate the foreign to the Greek, woman to man. In Medea, the foreign lead to chaos. Medea as a foreigner is also terribly free. As she is an outsider to normal order, she behaves without restraint or morality. Her genius is thus used for personal revenge. She sends gifts of a finely woven robe and a tiara of twisted gold smeared with deadly poison and succeeds in killing both Creon and his daughter. Next she murders her two sons to teach Jason a lesson that the oppressed can also take actions against the oppressors. Medea as a foreigner comes from a tribal nativity, where sophistication is not the normal thing. She does not know how to â€Å"well behave† and speak â€Å"with a soft tongue†. Her culture and race is primitive and for this she is often blames by Jason. However, while Jason seeks power, Medea longs for love and caring. She leaves behind her culture, native land, parent, and the family as a sacrifice to marry Jason. So the ‘uncivilized ’Medea cannot accept nor understand Jason’s argument in favor of his second marriage and Jason posses all the skills required to argue in his favor. This raises several questions regarding the concepts and definitions of civilizations, primitiveness, ethics and morality Another factor is the Greek conception of family and the separation or exile from them. Modern audiences can find it difficult to understand how important family and how horrible exile was for the ancient Greek. A persons native land was his home and protector and to wander without friends or shelter, was thought of as a fate horrible as death. The chorus chants: â€Å"theres no affliction worse/ than losing ones own country†, (Euripides, Lines 774-775). Medea made herself as exile for the sake of her husband. Medea tells about her plight to the Chorus: â€Å"you have a city, /you have your fathers house, enjoy your life/with friends for company. But Im alone. /I have no city, and Im being abused/by my own husband. I have no mother, brother, or relation,/to shelter with in this extremity†, (Euripides, Lines 291-299). Additionally by her overzealous advocacy of her husbands interest, she made their family exiles in Corinth. Due to her actions in Iolcus, Jason is unable to return home and so their position is vulnerable. Jason who is the hero of the Golden Fleece (of course with the help of Medea) became a wanderer. He is very shrewd and calculative in his decision to marry into the royal family. The Tutor points out in the beginning of the play that men always act for their own interest: â€Å"What mortal man is not? Dont you know yet/all men love themselves more than their neighbours†, (Euripides, Lines 107-108). Thus the character of Jason is revealed as an opportunist, a selfish man and the anti-hero who manipulates others for his own ends. Euripides in his play ‘Medea’, links the elements of exile and the lower position of women by emphasizing on the circumstances that women faced after marriage. She has to leave her home and family and live among strangers. In this respect, Medea reminds us of the conditions of exile. However, her position is doubly grave, as she is an exile in this sense as well as in the sense that she herself has broke all connections with her family. Also, she is a foreigner and will remain a barbarian in the eyes of the Greeks. Greeks valued their family and the close blood relationship they share with the family members. Also they had certain expectation from their family. Similarly I the play, Jason want his sons to grow up and become leaders in Corinth along their new brother, the sons he wishes to beget from his new bride. He also wants his sons to mature into young men and win victory over his enemies. On the other hand, Medea has few expectations as well. In return for her pains of child birth and the hardship she faced in raising them, she hoped that they will look after her in old age and prepare the corpse with their own hands as all parents’ wishes. However, she sacrifices her expectations and also separates Jason from his family by killing her two sons and Jason’ new bride. She takes her revenge on Jason by poisoning the royal bride and thus depriving Jason of his wife and the children he wished to beget from her, his family. Also she kills her sons and prevents the fulfilling last hope of Jason, his wish to unite with his family, his sons. She also deprives him of the burial rights of his sons. Instead she performs the rights. In this way, Jason is exiles from his family as Medea was exile from her native land and family. Medea lost her family after she married Jason, in similar way, Jason losses his family at the end of the play. Another element emphasized in the play is the Greek conception of citizenship. Greek law forbade Greek men to marry no other than Greek women. However, it was common practice among Greek men to keep foreign concubines who were often more educated than the Greek women in general. But the children born from these unions were not considered as official citizens of Greece. Similarly, the children of Jason and Medea were not official citizens of Corinth, whereas Creusa and Jason’s offspring would fully enjoy the benefits of Corinthian citizenship. Jason may be a shrewd and manipulative man and it is also true that he betrays Medea by breakings the vows of marriage and re-marrying into the royal family. However, the fact remains that Jason was a wonderer and he wanted to gain power and position by creating a relationship with the royal family. Moreover, he was aware of the fact that his children were deprived of the benefits of Corinthian citizenship. As he mentions to Medea, it may be true that he married Creon’s daughter not because he felt attracted towards her as a woman but rather to protect Medea and their children. Also that he wanted to serve their own interest by having children (royal princes) from his royal bride and thus securing their position in Corinth and giving their children similar power. The Greek conception of woman, the foreign, citizenship and family as examined in the play help in the progress of the tragic action. Medea represents the suppressed and oppressive condition of Greek woman who is cheated by her husband. The foreign element in her character, the exotic, the dangerous and the barbarian instigate her take revenge against Jason. Jason’s argument in favor of his action is the power and position he wants to achieve for himself and for Medea and their children. He is aware that his and Medea’s children will be deprived of the benefits of Corinthian citizenship. Her separation or exile from family because of Jason infuriates her further and she in turn separates Jason from his family. Work Citation: â€Å"Analysis of Medea as a Tragic Character†. 8 December 2002. Michael Kliegl. 9 July 2008 http://www. gradesaver. com/classicnotes/titles/medea/essay1. html â€Å"The Concept of Citizenship†. 9 July 2008 http://library.thinkquest. org/C004203/political/political02. htm â€Å"Euripides by Medea†. 9 July 2008 http://malaspina. edu/~johnstoi/euripides/medea. htm â€Å"Medea (Criticism). Carole L. Hamilton. 9 July 2008 http://www. answers. com/topic/medea-play-8 â€Å"Major Themes†. 9 July 2008 http://www. gradesaver. com/classicnotes/titles/medea/themes. html â€Å"Medea (Indian adaptation of the greek classic†. 9 July 2008 http://www. lokadharmi. org/medea. htm â€Å"Summary and Analysis of Lines 1- 356†. 9 July 2008 http://www. gradesaver. com/classicnotes/titles/medea/section3. html

Mathematical and Physics Concepts in Computer Games

Mathematical and Physics Concepts in Computer Games Introduction A two part assignment was distributed and part one was run a simulation of a given differential equation using numerical integration techniques i.e. Euler and 4th order Runge-Kutta methods. Also continued as part one a table showing the results of the simulation was to be produced and each value was to be to 3 decimal places. Two graphs where to be produced a) a plot of each simulation result and the exact solution b) a plot of error values in each simulation and a short analysis of the results was to be produced. Part two a little more complicated than part one was to implement realistic physics of a rocket movement in earth atmosphere. Part 1 To calculate the exact solution was the simplest of equations mostly because it was provided it was a matter of processing the data. In simple terms to calculate the exact equation was displayed such as 1/(1+t), whereas t is time and increments by 0.25 each solution, therefore the equation would look like 1/(1+0.25) = 0.8 and the next step is 1/(1+0.50) = 0.667, furthermore is quite easy to calculate this equation. From the results appendix [a1] there are noticeable differences between Euler and the exact solution, first of all for Eulers method I used y-1+-(y-1^2)*(h), loosely translated into simpler terms y-1 is the previous y coordinate + -previous y coordinate to the power of 2 multiplied by h which in this case h was equal to 0.25. After having solved the equation for each t i.e. the x coordinate a significant difference was noticeable. After calculating Eulers results next was to calculate Eulers errors including the first y coordinate which was equal to 1 therefore the exact solution for the first y coordinate was also equal to 1 so there would be an error equal to 0 as the result. However the rest of the results varied but still remained below their equal t (x) coordinate for example t 0.250 was equal to y 0.800 in the exact solution and 0.750 in Eulers, after analysing the rest of the results prior to the calculation it was clear each Euler y result was lower than the exact solution y coordinate and was fairly easy to come to the error by simply exact solution y Euler solution y. Upon summing up all of Eulers results it gives a solution of 0.761 and dividing that by 41 gives a solution of 0.019. The reason it was divided by 41 is because there are 41 y coordinates including the first y coordinate which is equal to 1, therefore revealing the average number Euler error, suggesting Eulers method missed out on the exact solution at an estimate of 0.019, this does not seem a big difference but when trying to implement real physics in a game it makes all the difference. The graphs in appendix [a3] shows the simulation for Eulers method and the exact solution where it is easy to see each y coordinate and each error coordinate whereas [a4] shows the closer Eulers line and the exact line get to each other as t (time), (x coordinate) ascends, this suggests that Eulers method becomes more accurate over time and after using Eulers method for a long period of time eventually Eulers wouldve matched the exact solution at some point. Having viewed [a3] and [a4], [a8] shows the linear line for the exact solution and the linear line for Eulers method. 4th Order Runge-Kutta method was more complicated than Eulers mostly because as shown in [a1] the solution is more accurate because of the slopes that must be calculated in order to solve each y coordinate see [a2] for each slope solution. First and foremost we start by solving the first slope as k1 which was calculated as -(y-1^2) and like Eulers method translate to minus (the previous y coordinate to the power of 2) thats how k1 was solved. K2 has bit more calculation to process which looks like -(y-1+(0.5*k1-1*h))^2) translated to simpler terms is minus(previous y plus (0.5 multiplied by previous k1 multiplied by 0.25)) to the power of 2) this is how the second slope is discovered, solving k3 is much simpler because k1-1 is replaced with k2-1 the previous k1 solution that was just solved and k4s calculation becomes smaller -(y-1+(k3-1*h)) to the power of 2) just like k2 and k3, k4 using k3s previous solution that was solved. The fun part is finding y+1 which is the next y coordina te per t coordinate the calculation used is (y-1+((1/6)*(k1-1+2*(k2-1)+2*(k3-1)+k4-1)*h)) a significantly long calculation but reliable as it will get close to the exact solution result, translated it is (previous y coordinate plus(1 divided by 6) multiplied by (previous k1 solution plus 2 multiplied by (previous k2 solution) plus 2 multiplied by (previous k3 solution) plus (previous k4 solution) multiplied by 0.25). The sum of RK4 errors are 0 and the average was equally 0 that is an incredibly accurate method but more complicated to solve as Eulers method is the simplest RK method (first order) which is why RK4 is more accurate as it is a multi-stage method. See appendix [a5] for each y coordinate because RK4 method was incredibly accurate the exact solution coordinates cannot be seen but the data types are there to see and the legend is also there to show the different styles between each coordinate, appendix [a6] show the curve without any coordinate markers on them, again the c urves cannot be distinguished from each other because of RK4s incredible accuracy. See appendix [a7] to see the error coordinates for each integration technique on the same graph; it is quite easy to see which method is much more accurate but again this is because Eulers method is a first order method whereas Runge-Kutta is a fourth order method, Runge-Kuttas method has more steps in solving the equations therefore providing for a more accurate solution and producing less error values, whereas Eulers method only has one step and will always provide an error value each time. See [a9] for the linear line of the exact solution and RK4 estimation, it is extremely difficult to see because RK4 method is so accurate. Part 2 After using RK4 in part 1 an understanding it had taken some time to put it into physics, however the following scenario seems to be correct. The equation for acceleration is a = (Force Rocket + Force Drag) mass. The equation for Force drag is force drag = -0.5 * (0.2^3) * (0.2) * (20^2) * (2^2) ^2 The time step that is used is 1 i.e. 1kg m^2 because that is how much it can increment or decrement by with the user input. Time will go up to 60, the max the rockets force can go up to is 20kg m^2 and because acceleration is a derivative of velocity k1 = (time + velocity) i.e. the x and y positions. To find k2 the equation was k2 = (time + 0.5 * h, velocity + k1 * h), to find k3 is the same as k2 except the k1 in the equation is replaced with k2. K4 the last slope is calculated as k4 = (time + h, velocity + k3 * h). Lastly acceleration is calculated as a1 (next acceleration value) = (a-1 (previous value) + 1/6(k1 + 2 * k2 + 2 * k3 + k4) * h). The hard part is getting the equations correct after that it is a matter of using a loop in game to calculate the players position; the players position is equal to 5 metres. Pseudo Code for in game: Declare Static Class 4th Order Runge-Kutta { Do Declare Delegate double RK (x, y) variables declared as doubles (timer and velocity) Declare a static variable to calculate 1/6 as fS (fraction sixth) Declare rocket position as 5 Declare timer Declare a static double rk4(double x, y, h, RK f) x, y and h are doubles, r is called from delegate variable) { Declare half of h as halfh Declare Double k1, k2, k3, k4 Declare acceleration equals 0 y = acceleration K1 = (x plus y) K2 = (x plus halfh multiplied by h) plus (y plus k1 multiplied by h) K3 = (x plus halfh multiplied by h) plus (y plus k1 multiplied by h) K4 = (x plus h) plus (y plus k3 multiplied by h) Return (y plus fS multiplied by (k1 plus 2 multiplied by k2 plus 2 multiplied by k3 + k3)) RK acceleration equals y^2 ^^^ Returns acceleration } Declare Force drag kg to the power of 2 = -0.5 multiplied by (1.2 to the power of 3) multiplied by (0.2) multiplied by (20 to the power of 2) multiplied by (y to the power of 2 per second) because y is velocity Acceleration = (timer + force drag) / mass (decrement mass by 1 every second)) Player position plus acceleration every second If key pressed equals up Increment acceleration by 1Else if key press equals down Decrement acceleration by 1 Print timer, player position, acceleration and y While timer is less than 60 } Flowchart Critical analysis of the use of numerical integration techniques to solve similar situations in game development In the context of differential equations no numerical integration method is known as the method that is the best method to solve any and all ordinary differential equations. It all depends on the type of equation that is presented. When discussing gaming physics the solution to the differential equations plays a big part in games taking on more realism for example if a player fires an arrow in the air from a crossbow depending on velocity, gravity and wind etc. When and where will the arrows new position be within the game environment? Physics can be found almost anywhere whether it is in Skyrim shooting an arrow that will eventually drop or sniping in Battlefield that also includes bullets descending over time which is incredible and makes the games more realistic and much more difficult. Before using any method some basic equations must be known first for example force = mass multiplied by acceleration and acceleration = force divided by mass, standard equations that can be learned just using a search engine. Next the derivative of velocity is acceleration and the derivative of acceleration is position, a derivative is something which is based on another source [1] There are several methods to choose from when it comes to differential equations: First order integration Higher order integration First order integration Eulers Method One of the rather simpler methods that game developer can use although as already seen above it is not the most accurate. [2] Just like the previous ordinary differential equation that was solved in part one a developer takes the initial position and velocity and calculates the next position and velocity over time, a time step is used to calculate the next position and velocity such as the previous one that was used 0.25, once the first value is calculated the method is simply repeated to calculate the next one. An equation could look like this Vn+1 = Vn + (An *dt) whereas V is velocity and A is acceleration then the position could be calculated like Pn+1 = Pn + (Vn *dt) whereas P is position. Although this is a simpler method to use an error value will always be return because it is not the most accurate to produce solutions. Using any method can produce error values which is why the numerical integration methods provide estimations and not exact solutions whereas as the error value calculates how far off the estimation was from the exact solution. According to Bourg [3] instability is eliminated or minimized by smaller step sizes however larger steps size seems to make the problem much more complicated than it needs to be. Stability plays an important part for calculating equations more calculations will be processed if the step size is significantly small however this results in more stability. Bourg [3] mentions an adaptive step size where after a predicted amount of error the step size is changed as calculations are being processed. To use adaptive step size method it has to be based on the errors given from the estimations by doubling the step size, Heidts [4] mentions in his abstract the adaptive step size method works considerably well with second-order split-step Fourier integration scheme and can be greatly improved when using it alongside 4th order Runge-Kutta method. Unless the error values provided by Eulers estimations causes a serious change in a games physics then there should be no problem using Eulers method for simpler equations [2]. The simplest way to estimate the exact solution is using Eulers method, when using the method and there is a big difference between y1 and y-1, setting aside the curvature the linear extrapolation will not match up to it. Higher Order Integration 4th Order Runge-Kutta Runge-Kutta is more commonly used in physics [2], this integration method is incredibly accurate from what has been displayed already in part one of this report due to the method have many more steps to solving equations. The accuracy is second to none because RK4 calculates equations estimations in four steps thus given the name 4th Order. In order to achieve this accuracy a price must be paid and the price is more calculations need to be processed to calculate the physics; it has many more computations than other integrator techniques [2]. These types of calculations only need to be considered when accuracy is a must in games like bouncing a grenade of a doorframe in call of duty, therefore not all physics in games will require RK4 to calculate physics because physics is different in all games and some will only require Eulers method. So using the example of the Rocket in earths atmosphere a = Fr + Fd / m translates to acceleration = (FORCE rocket + FORCE drag) divided by mass. The rocket force increments by 1kg/m2 every time the user presses the UP key on the keyboard. Fr is calculated as Fd = -0.5.P.Cd.A.v^2 so basically force drag = minus 0.5 multiplied by P (airdensity) multiplied by Cd (Drag coefficient) multiplied by A (frontal area of the rocket) multiplied by v (velocity) squared. Conclusion All in all no numerical integration technique is better than the other it all depends what kind of physics in games needs to be produced, if its simple physics where the estimation does not make a major impact on the outcome Eulers method is the way to go for its quick computations it can make having simulations processed rather quickly, as for games where more complicated physics is involved 4th Order Runge-Kutta is the next best thing although it takes many more computations to be calculated the estimates are near perfect, RK4 is second to none when it comes to accuracy because of the extra work that needs to be considered. For example in games like battlefield RK4 is most likely to be used for those physics because the estimations need to be as accurate as can be, this takes into account bullet drop and flying aircrafts. Appendix [a1] [a2] [a3] [a4] [a5] [a6] [a7] [a8] Euler [a9] Rk4 References [1]https://www.google.co.uk/?gfe_rd=crei=xfluWI62OrLS8AerrruIDAgws_rd=ssl#q=what+is+a+derivative (Accessed: 18 December 2016). [2] Dickinson, J. (2015) Numerical integration in games development. Available at: https://jdickinsongames.wordpress.com/2015/01/22/numerical-integration-in-games-development-2/ (Accessed: 20 December 2016). [3] Bourg, D.M. (2001) Physics for games developers. United States: OReilly Media, Inc, USA (Accessed: 25 December 2016).. [4] Heidt, A.M. (2009) Efficient Adaptive step size method for the simulation of Super continuum generation in optical fibres, Journal of Light wave Technology, 27(18), p. 1. doi: 10.1109/jlt.2009.2021538 (Accessed: 2 January 2017).

Melvilles White Jacket as Public Forum on Corporal Punishment :: Melville White Jacket Essays

Melville's White Jacket as Public Forum on Corporal Punishment Author, Herman Melville utilized many of his literary works as a public forum for politics. Subsequently, the nineteenth century became a time period of great outspokenness among authors who condemned many of societies woes. Authors such as: Thoreau, Longfellow and Emerson all voiced their opposition to these tragedies. Melville wrote openly about slavery, abuse, and many other social injustices. In his novel, White Jacket, Melville wrote against corporal punishment aboard United States Naval Frigates. He cited many instances of flogging, imprisoning sailors, and other humiliating procedures endured by navy men at the hands of commanding officers. Unfortunately, corporal punishment was a legal means of punishment as governed by the Articles of War. Melville interjected a positive feeling into the narrative, White Jacket, by introducing three humanitarians. These included: Mad Jack, Colbrook, and Jack Chase. Each of these characters spoke out against corporal punishment in the narrative; however, the ultimate decision to punish the men remained in the hands of the unforgiving captains at sea. The main character of the novel occurred as White Jacket. Unfortunately, he committed an unwitting offense and was to be subjected to flogging. In his frantic last moments prior to flogging, White Jacket envisioned himself grabbing Captain Claret and flinging them both over the side to the more forgiving sea. Fortunately, humanitarians, Colbrook and Chase, both stepped forward at great risk to themselves and saved White Jacket from humiliation and abuse. White Jacket's desperate attempt to elude punishment conveyed to society the drastic measures needed to induce change. In the end, it remained obvious that Melville likened the ship to a wo rking model of society. He observed that naval discipline was not compatible with democratic ideology. Author Eleanor Simpson stated in her essay, "Melville and the Negro," that Melville attacks all forms of arbitrary government and legalized brutality. Though his immediate target is the military machine as codified in the Articles of War, his whole stance is one of democratic rebellion against the law or act of government, which undermines or simply ignores the dignity and rights of men. Melville stated, "He knows the same law which impels it-the same law by which the culprits of the day must suffer; that by that very law he also is liable at any time to be judged and condemned.

Biography of Louisa May Alcott Essay -- Louis May Alcott Writers Essay

Biography of Louisa May Alcott Louisa May Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, an educator and philosopher, and Abigail May, the energetic, philanthropist. Louisa grew up in Concord and Boston, suffering from poverty as a result of her selfish idealist father's inability to support his family. Bronson Alcott habitually sacrificed his wife and daughters by refusing to compromise with a venal world, most conspicuously when he subjected them to an experiment in ascetic communal living at Fruitlands farm in 1843. However, the Alcotts' intellectual environment was rich and stimulating: Louisa's parents assidously encouraged her writing, and her friends included leaders in abolition and women's rights, including the Transcendental philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Henry David Thoreau. Louisa took nature walks with Thoreau and had the run of Emerson's library. By the time she had reached her teens, she felt a responsibility to help her mother and older sister provide for the family. She taught, sewed, worked as a domestic and a companion, and wrote fairy tales and romantic thrillers. When the Civil War broke out, she was eager to participate, animated by her dislike of female passivity as well as her hatred of slavery. She enlisted as a nurse ans served for three weeks in an army hospital in Washington, D.C., until she contracted typhoid fever. She was treated with mercury, which permanently undermined her health. The experience did, however, provide material for her Hospital Sketches, which vividly combines heartbreaking pathos in death of a gental, stoical blacksmith, indignation at male official callousness and mismanagement, and humorous self-portrayal as the warmhearted, hot- tempered, down-to-earth Nurse Tribulation Periwinkle. In that year, she proudly recorded in her journal, she earned almost $600 "by my writing alone," of which she "spent less than a hundred" for herself. From then on, she provided the major financial support for her family, while remaining obligated to help them with the heavy housework and nurse them when ill. She never married. Later on, a publisher approached Louisa to do a girls' book, she accepted the offer only because she needed the money. The result was Little Women , one of the bestsellers of all time. Within four years it had sold 82,0... ... her characters who rebel against conventionally defined female goodness. Alcott, however, did not let her resentment surface in behavior: she constantly sacrificed her personal comfort and the artistic quality of her works to the demands of her family. She "plunged into a vortex" to write Work but had to stop to nurse her sister Anna through pneumonia; when she finished the book, it was "Not what it should be,-too many interruptions. Should like to do one book in peace, and see if it wouldn't be good." When her father was dying, she regularly dragged herself out to see him, although very ill herself; two days after his death, free at last of family obligations, she died in Boston. Alcott will always be remembered for Little Women , the classic American story of girls growing up. In her own time, it established her reputation as a purveyor of perceptive and sympathetic, but always morally uplifting, literature for young people. The subversive, feminist element in her books has only recently been clearly recognized. We now see not so much "the Children's Friend" as a deeply conflicted woman whose work richly expresses the tensions of female lives in nineteenth-century America. Biography of Louisa May Alcott Essay -- Louis May Alcott Writers Essay Biography of Louisa May Alcott Louisa May Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, an educator and philosopher, and Abigail May, the energetic, philanthropist. Louisa grew up in Concord and Boston, suffering from poverty as a result of her selfish idealist father's inability to support his family. Bronson Alcott habitually sacrificed his wife and daughters by refusing to compromise with a venal world, most conspicuously when he subjected them to an experiment in ascetic communal living at Fruitlands farm in 1843. However, the Alcotts' intellectual environment was rich and stimulating: Louisa's parents assidously encouraged her writing, and her friends included leaders in abolition and women's rights, including the Transcendental philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Henry David Thoreau. Louisa took nature walks with Thoreau and had the run of Emerson's library. By the time she had reached her teens, she felt a responsibility to help her mother and older sister provide for the family. She taught, sewed, worked as a domestic and a companion, and wrote fairy tales and romantic thrillers. When the Civil War broke out, she was eager to participate, animated by her dislike of female passivity as well as her hatred of slavery. She enlisted as a nurse ans served for three weeks in an army hospital in Washington, D.C., until she contracted typhoid fever. She was treated with mercury, which permanently undermined her health. The experience did, however, provide material for her Hospital Sketches, which vividly combines heartbreaking pathos in death of a gental, stoical blacksmith, indignation at male official callousness and mismanagement, and humorous self-portrayal as the warmhearted, hot- tempered, down-to-earth Nurse Tribulation Periwinkle. In that year, she proudly recorded in her journal, she earned almost $600 "by my writing alone," of which she "spent less than a hundred" for herself. From then on, she provided the major financial support for her family, while remaining obligated to help them with the heavy housework and nurse them when ill. She never married. Later on, a publisher approached Louisa to do a girls' book, she accepted the offer only because she needed the money. The result was Little Women , one of the bestsellers of all time. Within four years it had sold 82,0... ... her characters who rebel against conventionally defined female goodness. Alcott, however, did not let her resentment surface in behavior: she constantly sacrificed her personal comfort and the artistic quality of her works to the demands of her family. She "plunged into a vortex" to write Work but had to stop to nurse her sister Anna through pneumonia; when she finished the book, it was "Not what it should be,-too many interruptions. Should like to do one book in peace, and see if it wouldn't be good." When her father was dying, she regularly dragged herself out to see him, although very ill herself; two days after his death, free at last of family obligations, she died in Boston. Alcott will always be remembered for Little Women , the classic American story of girls growing up. In her own time, it established her reputation as a purveyor of perceptive and sympathetic, but always morally uplifting, literature for young people. The subversive, feminist element in her books has only recently been clearly recognized. We now see not so much "the Children's Friend" as a deeply conflicted woman whose work richly expresses the tensions of female lives in nineteenth-century America.

Capitalism vs. Communism :: Compare Conrast Comparison

Capitalism vs. Communism For many years the United States as looked upon communism as an evil and must not spread to other countries. The Cold War is a perfect example of this; we spent 40 years in terror due to this way of thinking. Now we understand that communism is not an evil just another way of organizing a country. Capitalism and Communism has its own ideas on how a government should run, whether it’s through advancement of people According to Minsky capitalism is not just the market economy, but it is also a financial economy (1). Minsky states that there are two sets of prices, first is the prices of current output, and second consist of the prices of assets (1). Capitalism is an economic system characterized by freedom of the market (essay.com 1). Capitalism is different from many other economic ideas by the fact that capitalism gives individuals freedoms with minimal government interference. In a market capitalist system, capital and land are private property (Haramis 1). From this enterprises can be formed by individuals by attaining land and equipment. An enterprise organizes and directs production. The United States is known as a post-industrials economy, this means that the United States is a service economy. There has been several different types’ capitalism that has influenced the world. First was Adam Smith’s idea about capitalism, which is proprietary capitalism. During this era of capitalism there were few corporations and probably none as we know them in our times (Haramis 1). The second form of capitalism is the progressive capitalist economy. In this form of capitalism, investment outputs are part of the current output (Minsky 2). Although capitalism has been through several changes throughout the years the capitalistic economy system has been the most influential economical as well as political system. Like capitalism communism also has many benefits for its people. First everyone has a job and is treated the same. Communism can be defined as an economic and political system in which facts of production are collectively owned and directed by the state (essay.com 1).

Researched on magazines Essay

My magazine is called â€Å"Flava† and it is aimed at teenagers, as when I researched on magazines I found this one was quite popular. I spent 4 weeks on my magazine and put a lot of effort into it. Before I started to produce my magazine I planned out how I was going to set it out and what type of things I was going to include in it. I chose the above features, as they are the basic things included in a teenage magazine. I used Microsoft Publisher for the majority of it but I also used Microsoft word for things such as my real life stories. I found Publisher better because you get a wide variety of different backgrounds and formats whereas in Microsoft Word it is more basic. I used a number of different formats and fonts. I did a lot of research on the Internet using Yahoo and Google. I worked with another pupil in my class, Khiley Williams, and we both came up with our own ideas. The pages I produced was the, â€Å"Dear Angel† problem page, the album review of Christina Aguilera’s Stripped, dish of the day page, the real life story of â€Å"How I coped with Anorexia†, the front cover, the celebrity page (all the celebs dressed in black), and the whats hot and whats not page. The page which required the most research was the real life story but I also put a lot of effort into the front cover as I wanted to make it eye catching and interesting. I used Christina Aguilera on my front cover as she is hot and sexy and catches peoples eye as they look at the magazine. She is also a role model for a lot of young people so they would want to read anything that they see her on. The front of my magazine is bright pink as this also helps to draw people’s attention to it and would hopefully be intrigued as to what is inside it once they start looking over the cover. I used the band â€Å"Busted†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœs logo on my front cover as well as there is a feature on them inside the magazine. To get the logo I went onto the Official Busted website, www. busted. com, and had to cut, copy and paste it onto publisher. I then had to fill in its original red background with pink to match the background of my front cover. Also on the front cover, I have included the price, a barcode and a logo, â€Å"Girls with taste get Flava†. For my barcode I used the search engine â€Å"Google† and typed in barcodes. I found one and cut copied and pasted again.

Costco Wholesale Essay

1. Executive Summary Costco Wholesale Corporation founded in 1983 by Jim Sinegal in Seatle Washington with a vision & mission â€Å"to continually provide members with quality of goods and services at the lowest possible price control inventory.† Part of their strategy include direct buying relationship that ensures an efficient & strong SC management, high standard staffing plans, high quality products at lower prices and assessable to members who are considered more loyal. Efforts are made to develop strategic options in line with these strategies while focusing on the supply chain parameters that span from order placement to receipt of goods at the warehouse and made available to customers in the warehouse shop floor using the most cost effective processes in order to ensure they support the mission of the company. By assessing Costco’s external opportunities and threats as well as the internal strengths and weaknesses (using SWOT & Porter’s Five Forces analysis), one can infer they are doing well within their industry. More options were generated to increase sales and awareness of the retail warehouses. The report concludes with recommendations for Costco to sustain it’s market edge and advance by expanding into the European & Asian markets more as their presence is still very weak in these regions as well as add other services & goods to their already existing list. 2. Introduction Costco Wholesale Corporation founded in 1983 within the retail industry is the largest warehouse club in the world based on sales volume. A major wholesale business offering three levels of membership and the largest wholesale club operator in the US with membership/warehouse locations spread across Asia, Europe, North & South America with headquarters based in Washington, US. Their main competitors operating membership warehouses include Sam’s Club & BJ’s wholesale club. Jim Sinegal, the founder defines the company vision as â€Å"giving the best to the customer at the best value possible†. Here best value (in quality of goods & services offered) at low prices are the driving force. Costco backs up it’s products with a return policy within a time frame of average 90 days, a highly endearing attraction to it’s members. The business model focuses on low prices & volume purchase in order to achieve profit at low margin with stores offering discounts on an average of 4,000 products out of which roughly a thousand are ‘treasure hunt’ referring to goods that are scarcely available for purchase always. Volume purchase from few vendors yielding further reduction in price and lowers cost in marketing. With low prices, quality goods in limited selection based on forecast lead to quick turnover in inventory. The high volume purchase and efficient network distribution yield efficiency in operations for Costco. With a stipulated membership fee, Costco warehouses are designed to help small to medium size businesses reduce purchasing costs as well as serving large families with the goods packaged in bulk ranging from alcoholic beverages, electronics, fresh food/produce, household & office supplies, pharmaceuticals & tires. Also available are special memberships with services like car & home insuranc e, mortgage and real estate services, and packages for travels. 3.Purpose and Main Areas Of the Research (Concepts & Techniques) Analyzing the supply chain operations at Costco wholesales, in line with the business focus while limiting to it’s supply chain operations strategy for maintaining a competitive edge as it relates to SC operations (from sourcing to arrival on pallets and or display at their various warehouses racks), their challenges and options for improvement will be the focus of this report. The following issues will form questions that will give a frame for this report: †¢ What are the key issues facing Costco in line with (efficient) Supply Chain Operations? †¢ What would be options to compete with these issues?  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ Which options best suits the business focus and would yield better growth financially? The sections thereafter will consider trying to answer the questions above by applying SWOT analysis (see appendix 1) and Porter’s five forces framework (see appendix 2). Areas needing improvement will be obvious from such, options that would generate better performance after localizing issues peculiar to Costco. These would ultimately lead to clear recommendations for Costco’s improvement. Due to inaccessibility of authentic and current data for successive years on sales, further analysis could not be carried out to compare Costco for accurate sales assessment in the last three years or compare with the other two leading club wholesalers (Sam’s & BJs). Identifying, analyzing key parameters with Supply chain operations processes at Costco and suggest areas of possible improvement. Inventory Management: Since good are moved straight to the selling floor and inventory is not held by Costco but managed by vendors, inventory & labor cost of handling is avoided. In their meat & grocery section for instance, they focus on low-price & high volume strategies hence, Costco carry very limited amounts of grocery & perishables whereas Wal-Mart is known to have weakness in the area of perishables (Petrak, 2006) Partnership/Collaboration with suppliers: Costco has buying relationships with many producers of national brands and are supplied directly from suppliers routing to the warehouses of docking points that serve as distribution points. Partnership market is an attribute of Costco, for instance by partnering with American Express to create a Costco-AMEX credit card, discounts & cash cards as offered to customers while Costco markets Amex cards, thereby helping them to acquire more customers. Distribution Strategies/Transportation: The redesign of product packages to fit into pallets and thereby maximize space has led to reduction of trucks used to transport goods. Cross-docking of goods by delivering directly to Costco stores while some are kept in the distribution centers saves a lot of time & cost along the SC. Utilization of buzzers for truck drives at delivery points to indicate when trucks have been unloaded can save time as against the truck driver’s physical movement within the warehouse is a time saver. Their warehouses are not situated on prime locations hence cost is saved from unnecessary high property cost; again, they own over 80% of the warehouses. Green Logistics: Costco Kirkland signature has launched eco friendly cleaning products. It maximizes the use of solar power in it’s warehouses, it’s delivery trucks are better packaged to allow maximization of space so as to reduce fleets of transportation and hence environmental pollution. Energy is better conserved with timed lighting and construction of warehouses that can maximize skylight during the day. Food products are packaged in recyclable and more environmentally friendly materials. Customers are paid to recycle their old electronics at the green sight. Information Technology: This retailer prides itself in it’s connection of all warehouses to the headquarters in Washington. By using the EFIM which provides real time information, manages control systems and inventory management system. The ECR is used to achieve profitability, improvement in efficiency, logistics, procurement and overall cost control. Kumar (2008) records that approximately $6 billion in a year is lost in the USA by supermarkets due to out of stock products among 25 top retailers as a result of inefficiency in their logistics. Vertical Integration: Costco practices a partial vertical integration with it’s cross-dock distribution. By gaining control of either its inputs or its outputs or both in sourcing directly from suppliers they have more control over innovation & delivery of those services. Cost is also reduced which is ultimately transferred to customers. Further optimization of operational performance through SC operations options that can sustain a competitive edge and improve customer satisfaction through service improvement and cost reduction. 4. Description Of The Separate Areas 4.1Description of The SC Operations Performance & Improvement. The measurement of SC performance can be based on profit, customer service or sales maximization (Chow, 1994). While the traditional method majorly measured product costs, identification of costs related to customer service is key. Elimination of various extraneous costs like plastic shopping bags, fewer shop floor staff, limited product variety & brands on shelf and also slowing down on capital expenditure like expansion, Costco has been able to focus on improving buying power for achieving greater output. Since inventory rates are quickly turned over, payments to suppliers is fast tracked hence they are able to benefit from discounted early payments. Cost is involved in sourcing products from suppliers, shipment to depots & warehouses, distribution to warehouses & storage in inventory. By considering the concept of avoidable cost (possibly considering packaging & storage), efforts can be made to improve on SC performance by implementing better SC integration program. Partnering with more suppliers and or service providers for better flow of operations as well as building keener competition can enhance better efficiency leading to more profit in the long run. More side business services can be added at Costco like money order and cash transfers to attract more customers and make Costco a one stop store. Aside from email messages being sent to existing members on promotions, greater awareness can create a more organized means to lure more customers on the expanding array of products & services such that new & more revenue streams are attained. 4.2 Issues Affecting Supply Chain and Possible Solutions Analysis of SC at Costco using SWOT analysis (appendix 1) reveals Costco is doing really well. Growth opportunities exist for business by entering the European & Asian markets as these have not been exploited. From present methods of operations, the high staff salary and low margins maintenance amongst other issues need to be looked into for future prospects. The aging and close exit of the CEO along with growing competition and other threats in intended foreign markets such as political and religious wars, foreign exchange & bank issues are threats to consider. In dealing with these issues, it will be important to assess briefly lead time management, product handling, transportation, quality, inventory as well as possible process solutions. Where possible, promotions should be done to enhance more sales though with the low prices and already highlighted low margin & high employee, this may eat into the profitability but if well planned can create more publicity for the company which can yield quick inventory turnover. Since low overhead & tight operation is the practice, better savings can be passed on to customers in form of promotion or otherwise. Exploration of overseas market is still a strong force and will yield greater profit considering the existing reputation Costco has and understudying how business is executed in such regions. Development of more private labels on wider product range and increased focus on customer loyalty programs are worth considering as well. It is advisable the board of management put in place a business plan before the exit/retirement of the CEO. Porter’s Five Forces analysis (see appendix 2) could identify an overall attractive industry, with the following power and threat situation: The buyer power was determined to have a positive potential impact on Costco business as it portray that buyers have the requisite level of expendable incomes to provide effective demand for goods & services. In a similar manner, low threat of new entrants and substitute products portray an attractive industry whereas moderate internal rivalry and supplier power have a positive impact on Costco operations as it kept the company alert and devoid of complacency. 4.3 Analyzing The Contribution Of SCOM to Competitive Business Performance To further highlight the role of SCOM in enhancing business performance and maintaining a competitive edge, a few activities like volume purchasing, efficient packaging & distribution, supplier integration & customer integration have contributed to give a close picture of Costco capabilities and business level performance with each activity having unique benefits and detriments. Again, constant review of SCM practices may further help management in Costco to further match demand with SC requirements like efficient, lean SC (Cook et al , 2011). Their Network design, JIT resource planning distribution, optimization of transport & replenishment policies have impacted positively and should be subject to constant review for sustaining a competitive edge. 5. Conclusion Finally, it is believed that some useful contributions are being developed to improve supply chain and it’s operation in line with the objective of Costco in delivering quality at lowest cost to customers on time with the aim of sustaining a more competitive advantage. Some useful SC options have been suggested above which support these objectives. While the ultimate goal remains to sustainably increase market share by achieving more qualitative growth and at the same time expand on the earning base through exploitation of the European market and already existing markets, Mascarehas et al (2004) adds that â€Å"competitive advantage must be won again and again† in other words, giving the current ever changing business world we live in, customer tastes and priorities are changing hence the need for Costco to be better positioned in order to respond always to it’s members needs while expanding on new fronts.