Alvin Ailey

Ancient Maya Locations, Architecture, Language

Ancient Maya Locations, Architecture, Language The Maya lived in subtropical Mesomerica in parts of the countries that are now Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, Honduras, and the Yucatan peninsula area of Mexico. Major sites of the Maya are located at: PalenqueCopanBonampakTikalChichà ©n ItzYakchilanPiedras NegrasCalakmul. When Were the Ancient Maya? The recognizable culture of the Maya developed between 2500 B.C. and A.D. 250. The peak period of Maya civilization was in the Classic period, which began in A.D. 250. The Maya lasted for about another 700 years before suddenly disappearing as a major force; however, the Maya did not die out then and havent to this day. What We Mean by the Ancient Maya The ancient Maya were united by a shared religious system and language, although there are actually many Mayan languages. While the political system was also shared among the Maya, each chiefdom had its own ruler. Battles between cities and protective alliances were frequent. Sacrifice and Ball Games Human sacrifice is a part of many cultures, including the Maya, and is usually associated with religion in that people are sacrificed to the gods. The Maya creation myth involved a sacrifice made by the gods that had to be re-enacted by humans from time to time. One of the occasions of human sacrifice was the ball game. It is not known how often sacrifice of the loser ended the game, but the game itself was often deadly. The Architecture of the Maya The Maya built pyramids, like the people of Mesopotamia and Egypt. Maya pyramids were usually 9-step pyramids with flat tops on which were perched temples to the gods accessible by stairs. The steps corresponded with the 9 layers of the Underworld. Maya created corbeled arches. Their communities had sweat baths, a ball game area, and a central ceremonial area that may have also served as a market in the cities of the Maya. The Maya at the city of Uxmal used concrete in their buildings. Commoners had homes made of thatch and either adobe or sticks. Some residents had fruit trees. Canals afforded an opportunity for mollusks and fish. The Language of the Maya The Maya spoke various Maya family languages some of which were phonetically transcribed via hieroglyphs. The Maya painted their words on bark paper that has disintegrated but also wrote on more enduring substances [see epigraphy]. Two dialects dominate the inscriptions and are presumed to be the more prestigious forms of the Maya language. One is from the southern area of the Maya and the other from the Yucatan peninsula. With the advent of the Spanish, the prestige language became Spanish.

Communication and Personality Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Communication and Personality Paper - Essay Example Till this day, I have not been able to understand the psyche of the two of them. It happened when I advertised my house for sale. Mr. X approached me with Mr. Y. I welcomed the two and offered them to come into my drawing room. I was wearing a grin on my face and was treating them with utmost respect. I pulled chairs for them, turned on the AC as they had been in the sweltering heat of the sun for quite some time and needed refreshment. Both of my guests were in very pleasant mood. They had dressed up a bit too formally for the level of formality the occasion required. I was in casual dress in my home, wearing a T shirt over the pajamas. It was Sunday and people in general would normally be in bed that early in the morning. I had just been out of the bed. The two of them had approached me too early in the morning, though I did not mind at all. I asked them what would they take – tea or coffee. They asked for coffee. I went inside and asked my wife, Martha to make three cups of coffee. I needed to give them company both in person and in coffee, so I went back towards the drawing room. As I approached them and we were settled. Mr. X began the conversation. Mr. X: So Mr. A, we are interested in purchasing your home that you have recently advertised. Me: Sure. (Mr. Y remained silent all this while and for most part of the communication till the end). Mr. X: Your home is good but its price is too high. We need to bargain. Me: Maybe. What do you want to pay? (Meanwhile the coffee with muffins appeared on the table. I helped them to the coffee and muffins.) Mr. X: I want to buy this house for $50,000. Me: Sorry, that is not even half the demanded price. (Mr. X and Mr. Y exchanged looks. By the time, they had finished their cups of coffee and muffins). Mr. X: But look at your house! It is the cheapest in the whole town. (I was shocked by this sudden change of attitude. My house was certainly not the cheapest one around, and that guy was trying to disdain me and my property unnecessarily.) Me: I am extremely sorry but unfortunately, the price can not be bargained upon. This is the amount I require, and will keep the property with me unless this amount has been paid by a party. I respect your concerns for this house but I have no option to think otherwise. (That was the first time Mr. Y spoke). Mr. Y: If you do not agree to sell your house to us at our desired price, we shall spread the rumor that your house’s foundations are shaken and that it can fall into pieces anytime. (My suspicion was confirmed. They were two blackmailers. Otherwise, there was no point dressing up like that or coming over to my house that early in the morning, or saying things they did regarding my house if they were sincere and really wanting to buy it.). I told the two to leave before immediately and do whatever they think they can. In any communication, visual appearance of the participants casts an important impression upon others. â€Å"Reduced to its ess ence, negotiation is a form of interpersonal communication. Communication processes, both verbal and nonverbal, are critical to achieving negotiation goals and to resolving conflicts† (Barry, Lewicki, Saunders, 2006). Mr. X and Mr. Y were wearing dress pant and coat in the sweltering heat of May and that too very early in the morning. Perhaps, with the sober expression and formal dressing, they wanted to convey that they were to be taken seriously. However, â€Å"It’

The best of hiring employee's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The best of hiring employee's - Essay Example Managers and business owners should not exercise their managerial prerogative without interference from the other actors in the employment relationship because it will violate rights of employees and threaten their freedoms. The main practices which lead to success are careful analysis of personalities and qualification of employees. Managers state that employees should have the same core values, attitudes and aptitudes as the company. Also, they have experience in business and a great desire to work for the company. Even if employees lack skills and knowledge, the company will teach and educate them in order to develop the right person. Workers can address job issues with their employer through direct communication to bring actual and desired conditions closer together. The voice mechanism is superior to the exit one because, as firms address the concerns of their existing labor force, workers are more likely to remain with the firm. Managers and entrepreneurs admit that if there is less turnover of skilled employees so it helps the company to reduce the cost of hiring and training new employees. The organization could hire employees taking into account their analytical and practical skills.

The Village People not the YMCA guys Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Village People not the YMCA guys - Coursework Example This leads to the creation of new and brighter ideas. Also there is the efficient problem solving. These skills are brought about by the coming together of different minds in the organization. Brainstorming in the organization could help the employees come together and interact and help in the understanding of the company’s objectives. This social approach is also feasible for other organizations. This is because it ensures the overall continuity of the organization and also the overall growth. It also enables the employees of the Organization to have clear communication channels. The communication channels could come from the employees to the management team or the Organization’s board of governance. Effective communication makes the employees feel wanted in the Organization and this leads to an overall increase in productivity. A strategy that would be recommended where all teams involved in the running of the Organization benefit is the democratic style of leadership. This ensures that employees in the Organization are made to understand the objectives and Company’s goals and left to go about it their own way. This boosts the employees’ confidence and also their level of

The Human Impact Of Climate Change

The Human Impact Of Climate Change Climate change concerns to a statistically momentous deviation in either the mean state of the climate or in its variability, remaining for an extensive period (normally decades or longer) (What is climate change, 2001). Climate change is term that adverts to any major and long-term change in average weather in a specified region or whole Earth. Fundamentally important variability of average weather over longer time period can be depicted as climate change. Climate change is due to natural internal procedures or external pressures, or to relentless anthropogenic alterations in the composition of the atmosphere or in land utilization. Earlier in the beginnings of earths history climate changes were normally induced by different vibrant processes on earth but recently it is caused by human activities. This is the reason that in our everyday talks the term climate change refers to climate change caused by global warming. The most disposed signs of climate change are glaciers that are presently melting at rapid level which entails climate change has already began. This time, climate change is only due to the recent human activities and had resulted in global warming process. Today, Global warming has become synonym for climate change due to its role in climate change. Undue emission of injurious greenhouse gases into atmosphere is causing a raise in average temperature that in turn is affecting the climate on Earth (What is climate change, 2001). The use of fossil fuels as a dominant aspect is continuing to emit CO2 and other greenhouse gases into atmosphere that is causing even more grave effects to climate change. With the rise in temperature globally effects like severe changes in weather patterns, climbing sea levels and increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather is been experienced. The world most susceptible areas are around Earths poles and Africa and these areas had already started experiencing momentous increase in average temperature. The depressing fact is that one cant stop climate change and can only make attempt to adjust to it and not making it worse with its own activities. Our own activities induced global warming and at this time all of us are confronted with the climate change as our most prominent environmental challenge. Although, all of us are already aware of climate change but still lacking in our activities to stop further increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. For dealing with this present environmental challenge, there is a need to work vigorously for a global agreement to control climate change and to take possible domestic actions to attain satisfying diminutions in our own contribution. Discussion Significance Scope of the Issue The management of the severe environmental challenge is essential as otherwise it could direct us towards drastic results. Already climate change is responsible for 300,000 deaths a year in accordance to former UN secretary general Kofi Annans think tank, the Global Humanitarian Forum. The study generated by the Global Humanitarian Forum also claims that approximate 300 million people in a year are affected by the outcomes of climate change (The Human Impact of Climate Change, 2009). Climate change is not only an all-encompassing menace but it is also an arbitrary threat-multiplier. With the affects of climate change a number of vulnerable communities of this planet can get destroyed (2009 Forum-Human Impact of Climate Change, 2009). The devastating effects of our development and measures for national, regional and global security are not measurable presently, but slowly or gradually its affects will start appearing along with destruction. The different studies done in this field projects that the increasing severity of events, like flooding and storms due to climate change will be accountable for approximately 500,000 deaths a year by 2030. Currently climate change is stimulating losses of over $125bn a year that is greater than the last year total of world aid. Anticipations exhibit that by 2030, losses could be around $600bn a year. With this weather related disasters problems like hunger, disease, poverty and lost livelihoods can increase (The Human Impact of Climate Change, 2009). If within coming 25 years, emissions are not brought under control the 310 million more people will start suffering with unfavourable health consequences connected to temperature gains, 20 million more people will fall under poverty and 5 million more people will be expatriate by climate change (The Human Impact of Climate Change, 2009). These statistics regarding the effect of climate change demonstrates that in present this is most significant environmental challenge that the world is facing. This need to be managed as soon as possible for everyone as otherwise it could lead to pressurize food production, decrease sanitation, and block economic development and degradation of ecosystems. Specific causes of Climate Change Climate change is the result of both the natural and human factors, but from some past decades it is mainly due to the subsequent human factors: The most prominent reason of climate change is releasing of greenhouse gases and aerosols into the atmosphere. From last two hundred and fifty years, the concentrations of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide have increased due to the burning of fossil fuels for energy production. The more the countries are moving towards industrialization and development, the more they are affecting their environment, which is resulting in the climate change (Climate Change, n.d.). Another prominent reason of climate change is deforestation, which is related with agriculture and urban development and harvesting timber for fuel, construction and paper. When the ecosystems are altered and vegetation is either burned or took out, the carbon stored in them is relinquished to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (What causes global climate change, 2005). Sulphate Aerosols and Black Carbon are other two crucial instances of anthropogenic forcings. Current industrial activities have recently increased the concentration of sulphate aerosols and black carbon in the atmosphere that is making imperative effect on our climate in the form of drastic weather events. Critical Analysis Evaluation of Environmental and Ecological Consequences Earlier, the Earths atmosphere was changed very little. The temperature and the equilibrium of heat-trapping greenhouse gases were appropriate for humans, animals and plants to stay alive but presently everyone is confronting problems in maintaining the balance due to increasing industrialization and development activities. For our own comfort of life and economic development, all of us are making increasing use of fossil fuels from heating our homes to creating energy (Shah, 2009). This is adding more and more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere that in turn is raising the warming potentiality of the natural greenhouse effect. This enhanced greenhouse effect is causing environmental and ecological concerns as it has the potency to warm the planet at a range that has never been went through in human history. This warming of the climate is resulting in more extreme weather patterns, chances for several ecosystems to adapt naturally are decreasing, sea levels are rising, glaciers are melting, ocean acidification is increasing and agricultural outputs are failing resulting in hunger. All these consequences are related with the use of fossil fuels that is the significant reason for CO2 emissions. The use of fossil fuels in turn is closely linked to economic growth, lifestyle and our culture. In present every human being is contributing to the CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere (Climate Change, n.d.). Though, the persons lifestyle and culture determines the amount emitted by him. The more flourishing a countrys economy is the superior is its fossil fuel consumption, ensuing in higher greenhouse gas emissions. Success of Solutions Proposed Applied Climate change is affecting the whole world. Number of developed and developing countries are working together to discover the solution of environmental challenge of climate change. From the time, this issues has emerged a number of efforts had been done some of which had attained success and some had failed. In June 1992, 154 countries signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) that corresponded to alleviate the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at levels that would not cause destruction. In Kyoto, in December 1997, Japan, Canada and 160 other industrialized nations committed to cut down their greenhouse gas emissions, as component of an international agreement on climate change identified as the Kyoto Protocol. This eventually came into force throughout 2005 (Climate Change, n.d.). Till the time these efforts had not attained immense success but with these efforts modest emission reductions had been encountered from industrialised countries. Countries are trying to reduce their emissions as now they had become aware with its severe results. Conclusion With the detailed discussion it can be said that in present climate change is with us. A decade ago, it was only an assumption but currently the future is unveiling before our eyes. Canada is experiencing it in the form of vanishing Arctic ice and permafrost. Latin America and Southern Asia is seeing it in lethal storms and floods whereas Europeans are experiencing it in melting glaciers, forest fires and disastrous heat waves (Pearce, 2006). All these experiences of different countries disclose that the consideration regarding this environmental challenge is imperative as otherwise more and more countries of the world will start experiencing its effects. The present drastic change in the climate needs to be controlled for assuring an appropriate level of CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere as otherwise it could bring unpredictable changes in our environment and ecological system. For controlling this environmental challenge staying educated about climate change and supporting attempts to deliberate its progress are the things that everyone can do and should do. Our efforts regarding the climate change could make our economy more internationally competitive by creating expansion and jobs while raising less waste, pollution and greenhouse gases.

Profile of Adolf Hitler (1889 -1945) Essay -- Papers

Profile of Adolf Hitler (1889 -1945) Family Background Adolf Hitler was born on April 20th 1889 in Braunau-am-Inn, Austria. The town is near to the Austro-German border, and his father, Alois, worked as a customs officer on the border crossing. His mother, Klara, had previously given birth to two other children by Alois, (Gustav and Ida) but they both died in their infancy. Adolf attended school from the age of six and the family lived in various villages around the town of Linz, east of Braunau. By this time Adolf had a younger brother, Edmund, but he only lived until the age of six. In 1896, Klara gave birth to Adolf 's sister, Paula, who survived to outlive him. When his father died in 1903, Hitler saw this as a relief to him. However when his mother Klara died of cancer in 1907, Hitler was devastated, as she was loving and caring of him and his siblings, unlike his father, who was a strict disciplinarian. Childhood/Youth =============== Hitler grew up with a poor record at school and left before completing his education, with an ambition to become an artist. During his school years Hitler only showed and interest in two of his subjects which were Gymnastics and Art. After his father's death in 1903, Klara Hitler brought up the thirteen year old Adolf and Paula on her own. Between the ages of sixteen and nineteen, Hitler neither worked to earn his keep, nor properly studied, but had gained an interest in politics and history. During this time he unsuccessfully applied for admission to the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. When his mother died, 19 year old Hitler had no relatives to support him any more. So in ... ...920 Hitler chose the swastika as the Nazi party emblem. By 1921 Hitler had virtually secured total control of the Nazi party, however this was not to the liking of all Nazis. In July of that year, whilst Hitler was away in Berlin, the angry members of the party proposed a merger with a like-minded political party in Nuremberg in the hope that this would stop Hitler's influence. On hearing the news, Hitler rushed back to Munich to confront the party and threatened to resign. The other members were aware that Hitler was bringing funds into the organization, from the collections following his speeches at meetings and from other sources. Thus they knew they couldn't afford his resignation. Hitler then turned tables on the committee members and forced them to accept him as formal leader of the party with dictatorial powers.

Forecast of Aud/Usd:

In short term, Australia is facing higher inflation rate (2. 9%) than the United States (2. 1%), this can lead to the domestic market price increase but not much fluctuation for currency exchange rate. Moreover, Australia has higher GDP growth rate than United States (3. 5% vs 2. 4%) and lower unemployment rate than US, which are 5. 2% and 7. 9% in 2013. Therefore, the income will increase in Australia. Australia consumers would spend more on the US imports and the demand for US will increase. The supply of dollars will increase to buy more US products and the value of USD will increase relative to the AUD.In conclusion, we predict that the exchange rate of AUD/USD will decrease in the short term. In intermediate term, there will be almost a constant decline of inflation rate each year in Australia while that of United States remains fairly constant. The Inflation rate in United States is still lower than Australia. As a result, it is highly unlikely that the interest rate in Austral ia will increase by a large amount. On the other hand, the interest rate within the United States would be expected to remain quite low.In addition, according to the information from IMF, GDP growth of Australia will be stable at 3. 5% while that of United States will increase from 2. 4% to 3. 5%. Although there is a large reduction in unemployment rate in United States, it is still higher than Australia’s. Therefore, as long as the US Federal Reserve will not implement the monetary policy QE3 in the next few years, the currency of the United States will go up against Australia, but exchange rate of Australia will still be slightly higher than United States in the intermediate term.In the long term (greater than 5 years), the inflation rate of Australia will drop to 2. 4% in 2017 while that of United States will start to rise. On the other hand, GDP growth for both Australia and United States are similar at a stable pace of 4% and are hard to improve?In addition, the unemploy ment rate will continue to decline to about 4%. After 2017, inflation rates and GDP growth rate of both countries are expected to get closer and closer, achieving the stable coordination finally.At the same time, the Central Banks should not raise their interest rate to lower the inflation. Therefore, in conclusion, we predict that the exchange rate of AUD/USD will remain at a stable relationship with each other in the long term. Reference: IMF 2012, IMF Data Mapper, 2Executive summary This report focuses on forecasting the trend of exchange rate of AUD/USD and PHP/USD in short term, intermediate term and long term. The fundamental analysis is based on the changes in demand and supply of those three currencies.In terms of PHP/USD, for short term, the higher domestic interest rate in Philippine and the monetary policy (QE) will be implemented by United States will result in PHP/USD decreases. For intermediate term, as QE grows the GDP of United States, Philippines remain domestic pol icies and target, the supply of dollars increase faster than demand of pesos decrease, PHP/USD continue to decrease. For long term, those factors which affect the exchange rate will trend to reach an another equilibrium, PHP/USD increase.As for AUD/USD, due to the increased consumption of Australia on the US imports, the demand for US will increase. Consequently, AUD/USD will decrease in the short term. For intermediate term, Unit Stated will experience an obvious economic recovery while the major macroeconomic variables in Australia generally remain at a stable level, thus AUD/USD will continuous fall, but AUD will still appreciate slightly against USD. In the long term, the economy of both countries are expected to get a stable coordination, so it is likely that the USD will stop depreciating against the AUD and the exchange rate between the USD and he AUD achieve an new equilibrium.In recommendation, US dollar trend to depreciate against Philippines peso in short and intermediate term, purchasing pesos using US dollars now and exchange back to US dollar in the future which up to 5 years for gaining profit. US dollar trend to be appreciated against AU dollar in short and intermediate term, hence the top manager should hold a short position on the AUD and a long position on the USD, while for the long term the top manager just hold a short position on the USD.

Operations Management at Kudler Foods

Operations Management at Kudler Foods Free Online Research Papers Operations management is the process used by an organization to obtain materials, the process of transforming the product, and the process of providing the final product to the end user. Operations management consists of three stages: acquiring inputs, controlling the conversion process and delving the product to the user (Gomez, Meija Balkin 2002). At Kudler Fine Foods (Kudler) this translates to purchasing products, preparing them for sale and selling to the customer (Apollo 2008). Kudler Fine Foods (Kudler) has experienced significant growth since its inception five years ago and is now focusing on expanding services while improving the efficiency of its operations. Kudler has made the decision to contract with local growers of organic produce to improve the efficiency of its operation while expanding its services. This paper will identify the business processes at Kudler that could be affected by this decision and will explain how they would be affected. This paper will also describe the affect of this decision on Kudler’s supply chain. Finally, this paper will describe the quality control tools and performance standards that Kudler would need to put in place to ensure the effectiveness of its operations (Apollo 2008). Business Processes Business processes refer to the various systems employed by a business to make it run efficiently (Eduka 2008). For example, the way an organization manages its purchasing, inventory control, quality management and operations systems, are all part of the business processes (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2005). Contracting with local organic growers will most likely have a significant impact on the purchasing and inventory processes at Kudler. Purchasing Currently purchasing practices at Kudler are not efficient. Each of the three store managers are responsible for determining items to sell as well as negotiating individually with suppliers for the best price, quality and delivery possible. In a report prepared by the University of Nebraska addressing the feasibility of working with local growers, it was determined that one of the best indicators of success with a local grower is developing a relationship with the grower (2003). Kathy Kudler is the best person to build that relationship and will need meet with the growers, personally, to negotiate the best prices for the produce as well as to determine the most efficient ordering procedures and delivery schedule to maximize efficiency. Kudler’s store managers are encouraged to work together to place orders, however, without a formal process in place, most purchasing decisions are made separately (Apollo 2008). Kudler’s finance and accounting department has developed purchasing and receiving procedures, but the procedures are not being used by the individual stores. Prepared purchase orders are mailed, handed to the suppliers, faxed or sent via e-mail. These purchase orders become the key to tracking orders and serve as the basis for payment to the suppliers. The purchase order system will need to be refined and standardized for all growers.The current networking capabilities and available inventory reports will need to be used to determine the demand at each store as well as to track inventory. This will require additional support from the purchasing staff at corporate (Apollo 2008). Purchasing organic produce from local growers will require better planning and processes to eliminate waste and bottlenecks. In order to realize a cost savings through bulk ordering, the process flowcharting will need to be revamped in order to consider the combined ordering of organic produce and inventory controls for all stores (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano 2005). Kudler may benefit from conducting a benchmarking study to determine the best practices for purchasing using the practices from a firm such as Whole Foods, just as they are benchmarking Nordstrom’s for best practices in customer service (Apollo, 2005). Inventory Control The individual stores at Kudler, are responsible to receive and verify all shipments to determine if the correct items and quantities were received and in what condition. Received items are documented on a form and sent to accounting to reconcile and pay the supplies. The department managers determine the items to stock as well as the number of them to order, based on data provided from prior sales. Inventory control at Kudler is a challenge because there must be enough product to satisfy the customer needs without having excess inventory wasted through spoilage while tying up valuable resources. Due to the nature of organic produce being generally seasonal, the best way to monitor the inventory would be through updating technology at all levels Kudler to generate inventory and purchase reports. This will allow those responsible for purchasing to adjust purchases in response to the inventory on hand and current demand. The reports generated will increase the accuracy of the forecasting future inventory needs and trends for each of the stores instead of relying on historical data as they do now (Apollo 2008). This will also reduce waste caused by overstocking, since organic produce has such a short shelf life. Operations Systems Kudler’s operations system consists of outdated hardware and software, using Windows 97 with bubble jet printers at the stores as well as a 56k modem to connect to the network. The POS cash register information is transmitted via the network on a daily basis through uploads at the store and downloads at corporate. In a special report written by Liz Parks and published by Supermarket News (Parks 2005), independent grocers were encouraged to invest in technology as a way of streamlining operating costs. Chase, Jacobs Aquilano (2005) discuss the benefits of using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) computer software to manage business operations with a single integrated set of corporate data. Having an ERP in place allows an organization to streamline processes through the reduction of time needed to process supplier payments or process customer orders. Kudler would be able to use an ERP to forecast future needs to assist with accurate purchasing, track vendor and retail pricing as well as other financial information. The ERP would allow Kudler to track the sales performance of new items that are introduced to determine if they are products that they want to bring into inventory. The investment in new technology is highly recommended. New technology may be an option for Kudler, however, cost of the purchase, installation and training would be a major factor which would influence the decision as opposed to upgrading current systems. Supply Chain According to Chase, Jacobs Aquilano (2005) supply chain management is applying a total systems approach in order to manage the flow of the materials (such as organic produce) from the suppliers (local growers) through receiving, to the end user (the customer). Kudler’s decision to use local organic farmers for their produce can have a negative impact on its supply chain. Due to the nature of organic produce being seasonal, optimizing ordering techniques of the produce would benefit the company. Fullscope discusses the unique problems faced with the supply chain of organics in a white paper published in 2007. One of the biggest factors to consider in the supply chain is that of time. When dealing with organics, companies can not use traditional â€Å"order due date† as the driver for their business processes, due to the short shelf life of the organics. Additionally, communication is crucial to the success. Growers will need to communicate shortfalls and Kudler will nee d to be prepared to have alternative sources to keep its inventory at desired levels. Quality Management Current quality control measures at Kudler are subjective and left up to each individual store manager to determine the quality of the product that is received. Quality Control Tools and Performance Standards Quality control measures are crucial to the success of any organization. Four basic methods of managing quality exist: total quality management, kaizen, just-in-time, and process reengineering. â€Å"Total quality management (TQM) is based on the belief that all of an organization’s activities need to be focused on improving its product† (Gomez-Meija Balkin, 2002 p 13). TQM affects management, employees, customers, suppliers and the production process. Kudler’s overall products will not be affected by the decision to purchase produce locally and therefore, TQM is not needed. Kaizen is the process of continuous improvement in the production system using small, incremental improvement in the production process (Gomez-Meija Balkin, 2002). Kudler may want to integrate Kaizen theory when analyzing the suppliers to use as well as when developing new flow charts, in order to eliminate wasted employee activities caused by duplication and redundancies. Just-in-Time-Systems is based upon the concept that the product (organic produce) is available to the customers when they need it, not before. Drawbacks are that it does not allow any buffer and may defeat the goal of having inventory on hand for customers (Gomez-Meija Balkin, 2002). This would not fit the customer service levels that have been set by Kudler and would result in having low stock or no stock more frequently, which could result in lost sales. Process re-engineering is a method of changing the entire production process rather than making incremental changes. All processes of the organization are viewed as a complete process and would involve changing all processes at once. It focuses on the process and not on the individual activities with a goal to reduce waste and improve profitability (Gomez-Meija Balkin, 2002). This method seems to be the best fit to make such a major change and purchase organic produce from local growers. It will involve changing all processes at Kudler from negotiating with the growers all the way through the sale to the end user. Kudler will need to implement quality controls for the organic produce purchased from local growers to ensure that purchases are as defect free as possible. Conclusion In the plan to contract with local growers of organic produce, Kudler will need to take careful steps to ensure the success of this new initiative. Implementing and creating new processes which will stream line operations while keeping down costs, will have many benefits for Kudler. These benefits include improving purchasing procedures, inventory and quality management control, upgrading the existing operating system while maintaining the supply chain. By addressing organizational changes that can be applied to the make the transition smooth, the company will be able to incorporate local organic growers as their suppliers. In doing so, Kudler will be successful in achieving its goals to expand services to its customers and to realize continued growth. References Apollo Group, Inc. (2008). Kudler Fine Foods. Retrieved January 9, 2008. MMPBL/502- Managing the Business Enterprise. https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/CIST/VOPL/Business/Kudler/Kudlerho me002.htm. Chase, Jacobs Aquilano (2005). Operations Management for Competitive Advantage. 11th Edition. [University of Phoenix Custom e-text]. The McGraw-Hill Companies. Retrieved December 3, 2007, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, MMBPL/502- Managing the Business Enterprise. Fullscope (2007) Organic Supply Chain Management. A White Paper. Retrieved from website: fullscope.com/mktg/organic_supply_chain_management_white_paper.pdf?PHPSESSID=c8744999b814c5dcf37fc67c73d23878 Gomez-Mejia, L. Balkin, D. (2002). Management, 1e. [University of Phoenix Custom e-text]. The McGraw-Hill Companies. Retrieved December 3, 2007, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, MMBPL/502- Managing the Business Enterprise. Parks, L. (2005) Technology Difference. Supermarket News 1/17/2005, Vol. 53 Issue 3, p38. Eduka Solutions (2008) Retrieved on January 9, 2008, from Website: eduka.com/News/Glossary-of-Terms.aspx Research Papers on Operations Management at Kudler FoodsThe Project Managment Office SystemOpen Architechture a white paperIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfDefinition of Export QuotasResearch Process Part OneNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceThree Concepts of Psychodynamic

Coral Reefs Example

Coral Reefs Example Coral Reefs – Book Report/Review Example Coral reefs Coral reefs are marine habitats made by corals from calcium carbonate. Most coral reefs are made from stony corals. It is important to note among all the underwater habitats, coral reefs are the most beautiful and diverse. Coral reefs are of great benefit to both the people and the environment. For instance, they offer benefit to people in terms of medicine and food, guard ocean shores from influence of storms and waves, and offer economic benefit to certain countries in form of tourism. Coral reefs are on the decline because of human activities such as thermal bleaching from spike of high ocean temperatures, powerful storms, increased sea acidity, and invasion by predatory starfish. Coral reefs can recover from the damage in a span of 10-20 years from invasion of starfish or bleaching. However, change in climate slow down the recovery of coral reefs. This is because increase in sea acidity caused by oceans absorbing more carbon dioxide and other chemicals is hindering t he ability of coral reefs to develop their calcium carbonate structures. In addition, the reef ecosystem is threatened by the expansion of shipping industries and installation of liquefied and coal natural gas. These activities have mounted pressure on authorities to find out how they can conserve and guard the delicate coral reef. In order to decrease the rate at which coral reefs are declining, it is significant to decrease the emission of green house gases and handle the problem of climate change. Work CitedShah, Anup. Coral Reefs. Web. 4 April 2013. Print.

THE RITE OF SPRING by Igor Stravinsky Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

THE RITE OF SPRING by Igor Stravinsky - Essay Example So on 23rd February at 7:30 pm a huge crowd gathered in Kent Concert Hall in the Chase Fine Arts Centre to watch the performance. Moreover 130 student musicians also participated from Utah State and the University of Utah. There was a joint performance of Utah Philharmonic and USU symphony Orchestra of Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of spring. Stravinsky is the most influential figure in the musical history and people admire him a lot. His compositions were quite rhythmic and clearly depicted links with Russia.Stravinsky’s ‘Rite of Spring’ was composed in 1913 which greatly inspired the people and grew popular among the people and in 20th century it turned to be the most influential piece of music. In the end one of the young maiden was chosen by her luck to dance herself to death. After listening to his compositions, one can easily link the past and present of musical history. So the orchestral concert was held in the memory of this great composer welcoming the upcoming spring with open arms. People from distant places travelled to attend this festival. The audience were given 3D glasses while entering the hall. On stage there was a performance of full orchestra and a dancer who was surrounded by invisible 3D stereoscopic cameras. This stunned the whole crowd for a while. The first half of the concert presented a multimedia examination of Igor Stravinsky’s two-part ballet; later his images were also projected. His biography and life history was also presented to make the people know about the background of this popular man and how he began composing in 1913. His life history influenced the listeners. After an intermission, the concert transpired. This was a perfect way to celebrate spring season. The groundbreaking nature of his music, electrified the listeners following the Russia’s folk and classical traditions. The music had depth and was entirely unique and soothing for the listeners. The music captured the attention of crowd which ended in

Why is Chinas Economic Growth Slowing Down Essay

Why is Chinas Economic Growth Slowing Down - Essay Example China single-handedly accounts for approximately one-fifth of the total world economic output; thereby, a slowdown in Chinese economy will hinder a global recovery. In addition, several of Asia’s largest and emerging economies have struck deal with China as a trading partner; hence, a downturn in Chinese economy will adversely affect them. Until 2010, Chinas economic growth rate was more than ten percent, which encouraged officials to boost domestic consumption combined with a reduction in exports to accomplish sustainable growth. Consequently, while the construction and industrial boom decelerated, the retail sales held up strong. Many of today’s economic issues can be traced back to the global financial crisis period between 2008 and 2009 when China attempted to accelerate economic growth through injecting capital and boosting government spending. Back then, the central government pumped tremendous amounts of money in the economy by investing in infrastructure and con struction industries. However, on the downside, this created excess capacity, property prices soared sky-high with a simultaneous rise in inflation and consumer costs. Faced with these economic plights and the fear of Chinese economy overheating, policymakers then implemented measures aimed at curtailing lending and slowing down inflation. Unfortunately, these measures along with a sharp drop in the global demand for Chinese goods triggered the recent cycle of a slowdown. A fact that Chinese policy makers failed to take into account is that credit does no more good to economy than steroids do to body, every time bigger injection are needed to maintain the desired effect. In 2011, Chinese economic growth rate was 9.2 percent in contrast to the rate of 10.4 percent during 2010. Despite the imminent cyclical weakness that will decelerate China’s economy, even more, Chinese officials claimed that there is a way out. The World Bank has also supported this argument as it stated tha t the prospects for a soft landing appear positive, as China has largely mitigated the domestic property bubble invigorated by speculation. Chinese officials hold that they are working to temper the super economic growth towards more sustainable growth without triggering an economic recession. One of such simulative measures included the recent cut in interest rates after June by The People’s Bank of China. Likewise, the central government is striving to spur growth by relaxing reserve requirements so that bank lending could accelerate, which in turn would lead to greater injections of credit in the economy (Bradsher â€Å"Heavy Lending Creates a Surge in Chinese Economy†). Although, the construction and industrial sectors have registered a slowdown; however, retail sales have stayed strong. The Chinese government is determined to rebalance the economy by reducing reliance on investment and exports and escalating domestic consumption (Bradsher â€Å"Chinese Official R eaffirms ‘Rebalancing’ of Economy†). Policymakers hold that the government is empowered with myriad tools to prevent an economic collapse. They pointed out how unlike other major economies such as America and United Kingdom, China managed to survive through 2009’s recessionary period, marked by extensive layoffs and social unrest. Officials contend that they are deliberately aiming for sustainable growth after double-digit growth registered in the previous years that overheat the economy. Therefore, for them, the economic slowdown is solely a planned action. Official economic statistics released by China are futile in stopping the economic squabbling about the soft landing prospects for Chinese economy. The increasing