Flatland

First Of all, the preceding ha If of the book dived into such detail as the protagonist, Square, explained the culture and many other aspects of flatland. For instance, he explained the the nature of other people, houses, class system et c. Afterward, once the novel proceeded into the latter half of the book, square began to experience other dimensions. At first, he had a vision of a single dimensional world, Leland. Here he attempted to explain the very nature of the second dimension to the king of Leland.This proved very ineffective as t he king was unable to comprehend other dimensions and proclaimed, † Instead of moving, you mere lye exercise some magic art of vanishing and returning to sight; and instead of any lucid description of your new World, you simply tell me the numbers and sizes of some forty of my retinue, facts know n to any child in my capital. Can anything be more irrational or audacious? Acknowledge your folly or depart from my dominions. † (peg. 51 ) T hough Square tried in many ways to help the kind of line eland to comprehend a second dimension, it was useless.Later on, Square got approached by a sphere re who attempted to explain the third dimension to Square. As though Square completely disregard deed the dream he had the night prior, he found great difficulty understanding the third dimension. He is only convinced when the sphere took Square outside Of flatland and into the third dimension. Here Sq rare had been able to look upon the same perspective as the sphere. Only in this instant did Square ace apt the sphere's words as truth After the sphere's work was done, he sent Square back to flatland where e it became his job to preach about the third dimension.Due to the laws against the belief of a third dimension, and Square's ewe obsession over this dimension, Square became imprisoned. This brings us up to present tense where Square is left in the prison, where he still attempts to convert his broth retro a believer of the th ird dimension. In my opinion, the author's purpose to exercise the imagination by worlds of other dimensions was accomplished fairly well. First of all, the whole book demands understand ins of another world and how the culture works. This put my mind to the test as being such a small boo k, the explanation of flatland was surely condensed.Secondly, the author uses complex language t roughest the book. Found this very interesting as the novel became a challenge to understand at some points. This helped my improve my vocabulary and also to better comprehend and even somehow at express writing in a more complex style. Overall, I enjoyed the majority of the book. Though in the beginning when flatland and everything within it was explained, I felt as though everything WA s merely a list to follow of what I needed to know about flatland. Believe that this section of the book could have been portrayed in a much more interesting manner.However, the latter half of the book was very intrigui ng as it contained the plot of the book. Lastly, one aspect of the novel which did not quite fancy was the portrayal of uselessness of women. For instance, the women in flatland are m ere lines and considerably unintelligent as proved in the explanation, â€Å"For as they have no pretensions t o an angle, being inferior in this respect to the very lowest of the Isosceles, they are consequently wholly y devoid of brainpower, and have neither reflection, judgment nor forethought, and hardly any memo y. (peg. 12) Perhaps being a feminist may make me have a little bit Of a bias, but I would much rather pr offer for women to be portrayed as equal as men. Though I did not enjoy this particular detail of the novel, there are multiple other things I found interesting. Many aspects of were intriguing to me. Firstly, the whole concept of worlds in other dimensions were at first hard to understand, but became easier as continue d with the book. This encouraged me to think how life would be fo r me if our world was constructed d of only two dimensions.Secondly, the idea put forth by Square about a fourth dimension was very into resting to me. To me, it seemed so simple to distinguish and understand the difference between the first, second, and third dimensions. However, was stumped as I tried to attempt to think of a world made up of four dimensions. Lastly, I also found the higher level vocabulary to be a great shall Eng. Though at some parts, it was difficult to get through a paragraph without using the dictionary a couple times, I enjoyed it nevertheless. Overall I enjoyed the book fairly well.Though the parts of the novel which I did slicked, the tedious beginning and women being the inferior gender, were very prominence t, the rest of the book was still immensely intriguing to me. The book played with my mind as I attempt d to picture a world of a fourth dimension, as well as others such as second and one dimension. I would d definitely recommend this book to others if they are looking for a challenging, but also interesting b ask to read. As long as they don't mind reading through the long introduction to flatland, I'm sure the eye would enjoy the book as much as did.

Person Perception

The first person is someone whom I’ll probably never see again. Pam a co-worker and I decided to go shopping at the mall. She was being dropped off at my house by a male friend of hers named Demeitrius. He was introduced, and we all had a cup of java before going our separate ways. My initial impression of him was that he was gay, very discriminate about his attire, attractive and a people person. He was well groomed and had this great big smile when we shook hands. Even though we only had just met, he had a lot to say within those thirty minutes. As a matter of fact he over talked Pam and me about shopping deals the entire time fueled with a sense of humor. He was a six feet plus weighing in at around 350 or so and didn’t appear to be a shy person at all and exuded more femininity than I (being female) ever had. He didn’t appear to be self conscious about the shiny lip gloss, green contact lenses or polished nails that he sported. The contour of his speech was different and higher pitched than most men. Generally, a higher pitched voice indicates a person is a liar, but in Demeitrius case; I believe it was an effort to be more feminine. I determined that he was a very likable person. First Impressions Evaluated Forming impression entails separate inferences in part by: evaluation, negativity effect, positivity bias, and emotional information. The first thing I did when forming an impression of Demeitrius was an evaluation of liking or disliking him. His great big smile and enthusiastic handshake was received well. â€Å"A general evaluative bias in person perception is to evaluate people positively; a phenomenon termed the positivity bias† (Taylor, et al 2006). The social context upon which we met dictated a positive bias, because of the commonality of being friends with the same person. We expected a positive interaction in that we knew nothing of each other before hand. Demeitrius personality and physical appearance was not usual of a man. I suppose someone who felt insecure or uncomfortable with someone as large,loud and displaying gay tendencies may have viewed those qualities as negative. For this reason â€Å"people may simply pay more attention to those negative qualities and give them more weight† (Taylor, et al 2006). Demeitrius was also well received because he appeared to be happy; an impression that was quickly inferred from his witty and comical conversation. I didn’t know it then but now I know that the use of a weighted average approach was used to combine the little information I had on Demeitrius. An evaluation of his traits found him to be tall, neat, and funny; but a little discourteous in the art of the conversation. Although evaluation, negativity effect, positivity bias and emotional inferences are integrated into forming an impression; only â€Å"certain information was important† (Taylor, et al 2006) enough to use in my schema to draw an inference about Demeitrius. Schemas and Causal Attribution Demeitrius was neatly placed in my person schema of being a live wire (extroverted). â€Å"Schemas are stereotypes or preconceptions we hold about the categories that define people† (Taylor, et al 2006). The fact that he was vociferous and didn’t have a problem talking incessantly put him in this category. Categorizing Demeitrius helped me to know how to relate to him. I didn’t feel as though my conversation with him had to be overly guarded. He was a very colorful person, in dress and conversation. Demeitrius reminded me of some of the guys I knew while working in hair salons. Most of them were outgoing, people persons and created the most colorful hairstyles. I didn’t know what he did for a living, but he fit the prototype of being a hairdresser or some career that would be predominately female oriented. If he didn’t work in a beauty salon, I was willing to bet that his closest friends were women. Even though he was a large guy, attention to detail in his grooming and willingness to discuss topics such as shopping deals are major attributes to the interests of most women. Demeitrius behavior was not surprising to me, it was his appearance that was inconsistent with what I was used to. In the past I’ve had friendships with men that are extroverted and gay; but what was unexpected was the extent of his femininity. His nails were manicured better than mine. His lips were glossier than a New York hooker’s. As big as he was his walk was as soft as a house cat. â€Å"Many of our causal attributions are virtually automatic, implicit in the impressions we form of other people and situations† (Taylor, et al 2006). I had to make sense of the circumstances as they were unfolding at that time. All of my other causal attributions were pretty much dispositional and automatic, but because of the surprising circumstance of his appearance; it forced me to pay closer attention as I was not accustomed to them. More than a Casual Aqaintance The second person is my best friend Crystal, whom I’ve known for over ten years. Crystal is a forty year old mother of three, married and employed as a military computer specialist. She was told by her sister that I ran a home daycare. When I first met her, she was in her military uniform knocking on my door seeking childcare services for her first young daughter. She was tiny in stature, attractive and very anxious about securing childcare. My initial impression of her was hard working, employed and a caring young mother. She sat and talked to me for quite awhile about her current circumstance with the child’s father and needing childcare as soon as possible. Her revelations appeared to be sincere. She was attentive to her daughter while we worked out the details of her. Over the years we became close and I’ve gotten to know her a lot better. Traits, Roles, Motivations, and Emotions Crystal being dressed in her military attire alerted me that she had traits of being a disciplined, trustworthy and a dependable individual; mainly because that’s what the military represents. She wore her military uniform which represented the â€Å"figure-ground principle of attention being drawn to stimuli that stand out against background† (Taylor, et al 2006). Knowing this summed up that she was in a good position to pay for her child’s care without depending on the dad. Correct judgment on one’s ability to pay their bill was crucial to the success of my small business. Categorizing is important in this context because it induces momentum in the information-processing time. Her small frame and child-like facial features inferred that she was an honest person. Her role was acceptable to me in that I too am female and had served in the military. â€Å"Role schemas are more useful than traits for recall† (Taylor, et al 2006). Maybe she wore her uniform to our interview knowing how socially accepted it is in this country. The fact that she was attentive to her daughter represented a behavior that is expected of a mother. Naturally, I inferred that she was nurturing and from that I inferred that she was warm; â€Å"the implications that traits have for other traits is called implicit personality theory† (Taylor, et al 2006). Without really knowing her, that behavior could have summed up her total personality. Turns out I was right about that because she’s the same way with her other two daughters in different contexts as well as with friends. â€Å"Research shows that people remember more and organize the information differently when they expect to interact with someone in the future† (Taylor, et al 2006). After all, I would be responsible for her child and would have to communicate with her on a daily basis. The inferences that I had of Crystal were important which led to a more systematic style of processing as opposed to rapid heuristically based processing. â€Å"Mood may influence not only the content of impressions we form of others but also the process we use in forming them† (Taylor, et al 2006). I believe a person’s emotional state can have an effect on inferences. However, my initial meeting with Crystal was after normal business hours, so things were calm and she had my full attention. My mood was good and that is probably why I could use categorical processing in impression formation as opposed to piecemeal processing. Disposition or Situational in Different Cultures? Attributing cause to behavior generally tends to differ between meeting someone in passing and knowing someone for a long time. â€Å"We are more likely to make situational attributions for the behavior of people we know very well than for those we know less well† (Taylor, et al 2006). Meeting Demeitrius for the first and last time did not afford me more information to take into account, such as personal goals or how he sees the world. I had to depend more on general abstract traits to build an impression of him. The exact opposite was true for Crystal. Culturally, the United States tend to explain behavior in terms of enduring dispositions than in Asian countries. In Eastern countries the role of context and situational factors as causes of behavior is more likely to be acknowledged (Taylor, et al 2006). This causal theory is due to Eastern cultures taking a more complex holistic view and taking a greater amount of information before making an attribution.

About digital marketing but the title is not set yet Thesis

About digital marketing but the title is not set yet - Thesis Example It has come with its advantages for businesses that can adapt early. Firms which could not cope with the changing rules of the digital world would necessarily tend to lose their competitiveness. Digital Marketing is a constantly developing area with a need for Digital Marketing Strategies. Established organizations have their conventional marketing plans and strategies which comprise the status quo, but the attention of a large segment of target audiences have gravitated towards digital mediums such as the web, mobile and digitally social world which connects both. In a high speed changing area, developing strategies is not easy. Day by day new advertisement and sales channels emerge and ongoing marketing strategies may not adapt to the new technologies, mediums and behaviors. The strategies to be set must be flexible to enable any new developments, and the new mediums and technologies must be adapted to the current strategies. As a result of the inflexible marketing strategies which refuse to accommodate the changing mediums and technologies, new companies emerge daily that can better compete with the established traditional firms. The dissertation will address the problem of the integration of digital marketing strategies in the overall marketing strategy of business organizations and the difficulties attendant thereto. The need for integrating digital technology into marketing processes is in response to new customer demand patterns that are influenced by the new media. (2) Describe the hard elements (structure, strategy and systems) which retail businesses with digital marketing needed to adopt in developing their respective digital marketing capability. Describe the processes required to adapt the business to its new capability. (3) Describe the soft elements (staff, style and skills) which retail businesses with digital marketing needed to adopt in developing their

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 128

Essay Example The historians oppose this concept. They illustrate that cultural and demographic constraints resulted into generally restrained courtship approach. Contemporary writers during the period deplored sexual activities, which they believed were not only rampant but also widespread. The popular culture during courtship period was considered immoral (Robert 39). Parents had significant role during selection of marriage partners. The initial stage of parents’ involvement is when courtship is serious. The parents had the responsibility of providing of formally providing or withholding consent. However, parental consent was not a legal requirement until 1754. In reality it took a lot of courage and will for a couple to continue with their courtship, in the presence of strong and open opposition from the parents or other respectable community members. Parental approval was greatly considered a desirable issue. For poorer couple, parental involvement was majorly a formality. The rich parents had economic factors to consider before providing consent; for instance, inheritance, family reputation, and dowry (Keith 92). The England community showed less control system and more flexible approaches in terms of parental control during courtship and marriage, than other world communities. Courtship and marriage were affected negligibly according to social class. There is no adequate illustration of a sub-society, during the period under study in terms of marriage. But, the concept that societal limitations illustrated a huge aspect of the attitude of the society towards reproduction, courtship and marriage, was mainly influenced through individual attraction, status in society and age. The social class factor was a significant factor to consider if property and wealth was involved. It was in some cases very difficult to marry into a family that is of high status financially or even

Failure and Error analysis Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Failure and Error analysis - Term Paper Example Lastly, acknowledged from the cases is the fact that what leads to failure are leadership, material, tools, and environment and should all be looked into when designing a product in the engineering discipline (Delatte 1-12). Many factors contribute to human error in their daily operation, which include high pressure at work, complexities in technicality tasks, and the environmental disposition. By anticipating human factors principles and research based on a systematic collection of data, does aid in coming up with improved control systems, high quality of information, and enhanced human resource management, which all add up to human safety. The most common cause of errors from human operation according to Brosnan (2008) is the negligence attributed to incompetence, which I have felt in my actions. In addition, ignorance, having an oversight amidst greed contributes to failure (Brosnan 11). Disorganization of the leadership structure breaks communication channel and flow of information and leads to misuse, abuse, and neglect, which breaks down the smooth operation hence attracting failure. Types of errors that exist are the bounded, imperfect and reluctant rationality errors, which all are either indivi dual or collective error in engineering. Errors are also adverse or mild and require to be noted during design to avoid catastrophic accidents. 2000-commonwealth Avenue, 1971 is an engineering error that occurred, and I relate to it personally. The licensing of engineering work in any organization, institution and level of work is crucial (Delatte 1-3). The overseer bodies, which ensure that designs are well-elaborated and meet standards, require that the best practices be adhered. According to the Brosnan (2008) categorization, the issues here were unsafe acts and supervision (Brosnan 13). In addition, the individual errors committed become collective and led to the catastrophe as experienced. From the incidence, leadership, skills, and licensing

Critical Thinking Class - Editorial Evaluation Essay

Critical Thinking Class - Editorial Evaluation - Essay Example They do this by stating the audience’s side of the issue objectively and fairly. This makes the audience realize that the writer is treating the issue with respect. For instance, the editorial board note that Mayor Michael Bloomberg defended the dishonored â€Å"stop- and-frisk program† and point out that the mayor claim the program to be important in cutting crime in New York City. However, we find the editorial board trying to give an objective statement of its position about crime by providing its opinion (The editorial board, 2013). The editorial board’s opinion is that the mayor’s claim is not credible. Again the editorial board tries to avoid using attacking language. It also implies that its position is not superior to that of the audience. The editorial board’s assumptions are that the crime would never decline in New York City, as compared to other cities, because citizens were detained millions of times without legitimate reason. In this case, the editorial board tries to explain the context in which its position is valid. Furthermore, its viewpoints are that crime would not stop even after the stop-and-frisk program insinuates the police department to command police officers to stop torturing people on the street. The editorial board also explores how its position differs from that of the audience by providing evidence. The evident suggest that the police department could have achieved its public safety goals through the legal use of stop-and-frisk program; when officers have legitimate reasons for criminal activities; and avoiding violation of the constitution (The editorial board, 2013). To conclude, the editorial board finally presents the thesis. This thesis is phrased in a way that reveals that the editorial board has made some concessions toward the position of the audience. For instance, it comes to agree that the crime rate in New York City is likely to decrease. This is because; in

Islamic Symbolism and History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Islamic Symbolism and History - Essay Example It is still contested when the emergence of Islam in the modern period started. Three historical episodes occurred in the 15th century and had an enduring impact on Islamic foundation in the modern age (Esposito, 1999): (1) the conquest of Jerusalem by Crusaders, (2) expulsion of Muslims from Spain in 1492, and (3) Islamic revolution in Iran. Under the regime of the Ottoman, approximately from the mid-15th century to the conclusion of the First World War, Islam turned into the formal religion of the Ottoman rule (Esposito, 1999). Nevertheless, because of the imperialistic thrust of European powers, Ottoman supremacy was defined in the 19th century. The Ottoman state turned to a restructuring agenda, called Tanzimat, to face this challenge (Ahmed, 2002). Under the Tanzimat, according to Esposito (1999), the Ottoman Empire modernized its economy, commerce, and military. Turkish patriotism emerged at the end of Tanzimat which became eventually an alarming dispute to the Ottoman stateâ⠂¬â„¢s Islamic foundations. In 1924, Kemal Ataturk formed the Turkish Republic which tried to restrict the presence of Islam in politics and public affairs while practicing a Westernized political and cultural rule (Ahmed, 2002). Three main phenomena were existing in the Islamic domain in the 19th century, namely, Islamic Reform, patriotism, and Imperialism (Esposito, 1999). According to Esposito (1999), patriotism in the Islamic world in the modern period emerged as a reaction to the dominance of European powers and the weakening of Islam.

Stock Valuation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Stock Valuation - Essay Example Common stockholders are entitled to voting where shareholders come together and are recipients of dividends while a preferred stock is a bond at the same time, that is, it is a cross between a common stock and a bond (Damodaran, 2007). Some of its characteristics include scripted return, lack of maturity in most cases, ability to recover as a mature bond and conversion to a common stock. In case of company bankruptcy, preferred stock holders are a priority in the payment of liquidated assets then the common stockholders. A direct implication of this is that the former mentioned stock preference is high regarding liquidation and some of its dividends are preferred. There are instances where dissolving a company results to no payments to the common stockholder. Therefore holding the same value for stock by investors goes against the principles of the two kinds of stocks in discussion. An imbalance of the stock market is therefore inevitable in the long

A.i. artifcial inteligence (2001) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

A.i. artifcial inteligence (2001) - Essay Example The robot is highly developed that can feel love was adopted by Henry (Sam Robards) and his wife (Frances O’Connor). Henry and his wife have a son named Martin who is unwell and ill. But when Martin returns home, both Martin and David are jealous between each other. Henry’s wife, Monica sends David loose in the woods as Monica thinks that David may be a threat. David is truly determined to find Blue Fairy who can help David to turn to a real boy to get back love from Monica. The science fiction movie Artificial intelligence was directed, written, and also produced by Steven Spielberg. The idea behind the movie Artificial Intelligence was originated by Stanley Kubrick. Stanley entrusted Steven Spielberg the proposed project. But in the year 1999 suddenly Stanley Kubrick died. Then Kubrick’s wife persuaded Spielberg to complete the direction and artistic control of the film. Steven Spielberg is regarded as one of the best known and influential film personalities in the film industry. The movie A.I. is based on the short story by Brian Aldiss named as super –toys last all summer which was released in the year 1969. ... Artificial Intelligence was released in the year 2001. Structure/ Form Artificial Intelligence A.I. is very much a visionary, complex, ad spellbinding film that helps to tutor everyone through the faculty of imagination and in the name of love. Maximum shot of the film was done in studio where the famous Flesh fair and Gondola sets were developed in the Long beach of the south Los Angeles and in the enormous Spruce Goose Dome. These sets were built in the year 1983. It was built to house famous Howard Hughes plane. Artificial Intelligence is cinematically wonderful to watch and tells emotional story about the robot child and quest for maternal love (Westfahl, 2005). The title of the movie perfectly blends with the movie. Normally Artificial Intelligence means a branch of computer science that develops advance software and machines. The whole movie is sci-fi and movie is about future machines like David which was created and can act normally as a kid. The title of the movie connects w onderfully with the theme of the movie. Artificial Intelligence movie was distributed by DreamWorks Pictures in international theatrical and Warner Bros. Pictures in USA theatrical. In the opening credits only movie name is presented. And movie name is presented in such a way that both words Artificial and Intelligence words are coming from sideways to join at a center of a screen to become A.I. It perfectly blends with the setting of the movie. The setting of the movie is futuristic. The film commences with a narrative after the catastrophic global warming that lead to flood which destroyed landscapes and thousands of population (Kowalski, 2008). The commencement of movie gives the view everything changed in

Experiences of Community-Based Children's Nurses Providing Pallative Essay

Experiences of Community-Based Children's Nurses Providing Pallative Care - Essay Example These keyword were selected so that I could focus the search on the nurses’ group who worked with children and with the community in providing palliative care. As it is the child cancer patients who are in need of community-based palliative care more than any other child patient groups, I included ‘cancer care’, and ‘onchology’ into my keyword list. I could locate many UK sources from this database but majority of articles that I found on this database were non-UK sources. There were also a limited number of post-2004 articles on this topic in this database. The next database that I searched for articles was CINAHL. I could locate many British journals on nursing here. Internurse.com was a very useful nursing article archive that I found more user-friendly as well. In Internurse.com, I could find plenty of UK sources. Medline database was accessed by me through PubMed and became the source of many UK-sources for this study. I used CASP QUALITATIVE as my critiquing tool for this research because this tool gave me a comprehensive framework to locate my research in. Using this tool, I could address oft-faced research issues like clarity about the aim of the research, the appropriateness of the selected methodology, effectiveness of the research design, data collection and analysis related issues, ethical concerns, and the validity of the research. Especially, the qualitative approach was relevant because this research concerns directly with the experiences of the subjects being studied and hence should be anchored in their own first person accounts of those experiences in the form of interviews. Findings- General Overview As WHO (2003) has observed, palliative care â€Å"Improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other probl ems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.† (as cited in Quin et al., 2005, p.5). (WHO, 2003)Neilson, Kai, Macarthur, and Greenfield (2011) have done a community-based qualitative study in West Midlands region to investigate the experience of GPs and community-based nursing practitioners who were working with children having cancer in their homes. The findings of this study (Neilson, Kai, Macarthur, and Greenfield, 2011) are relevant to this paper because it proved that more than the general practitioners, it were the community nurses who could play an active role in the treatment and palliative care of such children (p.551-553). Another study done by the same authors in 2010 was also located from this database which showed that community  children's nurses (CCNs) and  children's  palliative care  nurses (CPCNs) needed to be imparted further skills and knowledge regarding palliative care of children and suggested that more funds be allocated for the same (Neilson, Kai, Macarthur, and Greenfield, 2010). This was a qualitative study that employed one-to-one interviews for data collection. Grounded theory approach was the method by which data was analysed. There was another UK-based study that I could find in this database. In this study, Beringer, Eaton and Jones (2007) have carried out a qualitative analysis of the

All human interaction Essay Example for Free

All human interaction Essay All human interaction is powerplay. How is powerplay represented in Antigone? Powerplay involves the complex struggle and manipulation for authority and dominance between opposing ideologies. Several diverse forms of powerplay through human interaction are experienced, however power is a tortuous process to attain and retain due to its tangible and allusive nature. Sophocles Antigone delves into this convoluted interplay of powers through investigating the relationship between political and personal power. Not only does Antigone explore the consequences when divine power is challenged, but also when state law and male authority are challenged. Thus the texts utilisation of powerplay through human interaction enhances its intricate nature. Antigones act of defiance to Creons edict is due to her belief that man-made laws are inferior to the unwritten laws of God, whereas Creon views that an enemy of state is not deserving of an honourable burial. This powerplay is primarily a conflict of point of view between Creon and Antigone arising directly from their differing values, perspectives and personalities. Creon, who values to establish his reign of power after an acrimonious battle between the two brothers vying for political control, depicts a politic and pragmatic attitude. He believes that he is restoring stability and peace to his kingdom by establishing such an inhumane law. He also reinforces his view to not give equal honour to good and bad which portrays Creon nature to reward the loyalty and punish the rebellion. Furthermore, Creon contends that he must appear to be a powerful and tenable leader of Thebes. He explains to Haemon that letting Antigone go with impunity for defying his laws would make him a traitor as stated in How if I tolerate a traitor at home, shall I rule those abroad? . This is ironic as Creon himself develops into a traitor since he refuses to comply with divine law. Antigone however values to abide higher law as she has the duty to the dead to bury them, keeping with divine law. She believes that as a sister, she has the duty to bury her family members regardless of the laws that are implemented against it. The citizens of Thebes create powerplay in support of her perception that divine law overrules Creons decree. For example, Haemon expresses that Antigones action is noble in Know how the people mourn this maiden doomed for noblest deeds to die the worst of deaths. Antigone moreover yearns for a noble death to compensate her history of misfortunes as she alliterates in The weird of Oedipus, a world of woes! . Her own initiative of a noble death is ironic as she is incapable of maintaining her composure and reveals her human frailties resulting in her suicidal. Through Creons and Antigones differing views on political power, their conflict of values and beliefs represents powerplay in the tragedy. Sophocles conveys in Antigone the inherently destructive nature to the wielders of power signifying that those who play with power will ultimately lose all power. Creon rules by trepidation in a despotic manner and also by pride in his power, which will not allow him to acquiesce resulting in dire consequences. He firmly believes that his actions are moral contradicting the divine laws of the gods who honour the dead. Teiresias points out that Creon commits an atrocious sin by condemning a living human being to death inside a grave, as he keeps a rotting boy in daylight. Creons actions against Antigone and Polyneices body demonstrate his attempts in inverting the order of nature, defying the gods through the assertion of his political power. Haemon challenges Creons parental power by confrontment on his rational decision of Antigones fate. He uses metaphoric language in See how the trees beside a stream in flood sae, if they yield to force, each spray unharmed, but by resisting perish root and branch, to compare Creons kingly authority to a tree representing how he governs his kingdom. Haemon advises that even though his decisions were for the good of the people, in the end his obstinate and unyielding nature towards Antigone will perish him. Creons ignorance to these confrontments is symbolic of his blindness to the catastrophic events he was creating, thus losing all power over controlling his fate. Antigone creates powerplay in her confrontation with Creon as she attempts to use her power to prevail over his male and kingly authorities. Her determination and courage derives from her belief that she did not commit a crime. She declares that the laws of the state are not binding as they have been laid down by a man and men are not infallible. Antigones statement is a direct challenge to male dominance and Creons political power, showing her critical involvement in the powerplay.

Theoretical Perspective Of Principal Agent Theory

Theoretical Perspective Of Principal Agent Theory According to Random House Dictionary, theory is a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena. In the formal meanings of the term, theory has the following three meanings (Frederickson and Smith, 2003): Theory in the natural sciences is the rigorous testing of predictive theorems or assumptions using observable and comparable data. The tested and verified hypotheses constitute the foundation of theories. And theories derived from this process usually serve as a highly reliable direction for behavior. Theories in the social sciences, including public administration, implies the sequence of factual material (history, events, cases, stories, measures of opinion, observations) presented in definitions, concepts, and metaphors to promote understanding. The rigorous and the intuitive observation of social behavior, patterns of communication, and culture is the basis to this theory. The last meaning of theory in public administration is the theories of what should to be. These theories compose the bridge between public administration, political science, and philosophy. The theorists aim at discovering theories that account for, explain, or describe observable trends in behavior and to evaluate the normative cues of such behavior. It is often true that public administration theorists use a mix of the second and third definition of theory. And there is no doubt that theory is the bedrock of understanding of public administration (Frederickson and Smith, 2003). If manuscripts contain no theory, their value is suspect (Whetten, 2000). Hence, an important mission of scholars and educators in the areas of management, health, education, and social work is, on the one hand to conduct researches that contribute knowledge to a scientific discipline, and to apply that knowledge to the practice of management as a profession, on the other (Simon, 1967). To do this well, we need to design our research so that it provides an intimate understanding of the practical problems facing the profession. Equally important, we need to appreciate and strengthen our skills in developing good theory so that research conducted about these problems will advance the knowledge that is relevant to both the discipline and the profession (Van DE Ven, 1989). Therefore, this paper aims at discussing what is theoretical from the perspective of principal-agent theory. It is consisted of four sections: 1) What is Principal-Agent Theory; 2) Whats the theoretical contribution of Principal-Agent Theory; 3) Limitations of Principal-Agent Theory; 4) Conclusion. Principal-Agent Theory One day Deng Xiaoping decided to take his grandson to visit Mao. Call me granduncle, Mao offered warmly. Oh, I certainly couldnt do that, Chairman Mao, the awe-struck child replied. Why dont you give him an apple? suggested Deng. No sooner had Mao done so than the boy happily chirped, Oh thank you, Granduncle. You see, said Deng, what incentives can achieve. (Capitalism, 1984) According to Arrow (1971) and Wilson (1968), during the 1960s and early 1970s, economists investigated risk sharing among individuals or groups. The risk-sharing problem, described in this literature, arises when collaborating parties have different standpoints toward risk. Principal-Agent theory expanded the risk-sharing literature to include what is called agency problem. And agency problem occurs when cooperating parties have different goals, information, and division of labor (Jensen Meckling, 1976). Specifically, principal-agent theory concentrates on the ubiquitous agency-relationship, in which one party (the principal) delegates work to another (the agent), who performs that work in behalf of the principal (Eisenhardt, 1989). And principal-agent theory seeks to portray this relationship using the metaphor of a contract (Jensen Meckling, 1976). As a consequence, the central dilemma explored by principal agent theorists is how to stimulate the employee or contractor (agent) to behave in the best interests of the principal (the employer) when the employee or contractor has an informational advantage over the principal and has different interests from the principal. From the agency perspective, most organizations are simply legal fictions which serve as a nexus for a set of contracting relationships among individuals (Jensen and Meckling, 1976). The basic premise of the theory is that if both parties to the relationship are utility maximisers, there is good reason to believe that the agent will not always act in the best interests of the principal (Jensen and Meckling, 1976). In determining the most efficient contract, principal-agent theory brings up certain hypotheses about people, organizations and information. It assumes that agents and principals will act in their self-interest to maximize their own welfare. Agents possess more information than their principals possess. As a result, it identifies two impediments to effective contractual performance: moral hazard and adverse selection. Moral hazard refers to that the agent doesnt put agreed-upon efforts to the tasks. That is, the agent is shirking. Adverse selection refers to the misrepresentation of ability by the agent (Eisenhardt, 1989). The agent may claim to have certain skills, experiences, or capabilities when he or she is hired. Adverse selection arises because the principal cannot completely verify these skills, experiences, or capabilities either at the time of recruitment or while the agent is working (Eisenhardt, 1989). Two types of problems are especially relevant. One is the agency problem which arises from the conflicting goals of the principal and the agent and from the difficulty/expense involved in verifying the agents behavior (Eisenhardt, 1989). The second is the problem of risk-sharing which arises from the different attitudes toward risk on the part of the principal and the agent. The different risk preferences between the principals and agents are likely to lead to different actions. Therefore, the theory concentrates on the contract between the principal and the agent and the ways in which the contract can be made most efficient from the point of view of the principal (V. Nilakant, 1994). Besides, the theory makes two assumptions: that goal conflict exists between principals and agents and that agents have more information than their principals, which results in an information asymmetry between them (Waterman and Meier, 1998). Goal Conflict. In the marketplace, principals and agents clearly have different goals and/or preferences (Waterman and Meier, 1998). Commonly, agents want to make as much money as possible, however principals want to pay as little as possible for services. The same as in the public sector. The government wants to produce as more public goods as possible, while the contractor agents expect to decrease the cost as much as possible. Therefore, in a contract relationship, maximum principals interest couldnt inevitably contribute to the maximum of agents interests. It could even reversely worsen agents advantages, such as less compensation or profit. As a consequence, how to encourage agents to accomplish principals goals at a minimum cost has become a great challenge. Information Asymmetry. As we already have noted, the information asymmetry is a critical assumption of the principal-agent model. The information asymmetry is simply the claim that agents possess more information than their principals possess. (Waterman and Meier, 1998) When the distribution of information between principal and agent is asymmetric, the classic principal-agent problem arises. The problem brought up here is how to avoid information asymmetry so that principals know to what extent the agents have achieved the principals goals, what agents are doing, and what are not done. With these information, principals could better monitor the contract relation and working process to improve organizational performance. In addition to the assumption that partial goal conflict is inherent in any principal-agent relationship, principal-agent theory also presumes that information about the agent is a commodity that can be purchased. (V. Nilakant, 1994) Table 1 presents an overview of principal-agent theory, including key idea, unit of analysis, human assumptions, organizational assumptions, information assumptions, and contracting problems. Table 1 Principal-Agent Theory Overview Key Idea Principal-agent relationships should reflect efficient organization of information and risk-bearing costs Unit of Analysis Contract between principal and agent Human Assumptions Self-interest Bounded rationality Risk aversion Organizational Assumptions Partial goal conflict among participants Efficiency as the effectiveness criterion Information asymmetry between principal and agent Information Assumptions Information as a purchasable commodity Contracting Problems Agency (moral hazard and adverse selection) Risk sharing Problem Domain Relationships in which the principal and agent have partly differing goals and risk preferences (e.g., compensation, regulation, leadership, impression management, whistle-blowing, vertical integration, transfer pricing) Source: Eisenhardt, Kathleen M. (1989). Agency Theory: An Assessment and Review. The Academy of Management Review, Vol. 14, No. 1, p.59 Theoretical Contribution of Principal-Agent Theory Principal-Agent theory has been contributing a lot to organization theory and incentive theory. Principal-Agent theory has been the basis for an extensive set of studies relating bureaucracy to elected officials. It also has been extended to presidents decisions to use force and to the Supreme Court and its relationship to lower courts. (Waterman and Meier, 1998) Before discussing the theoretical contribution of principal-agent theory, Id like to talk about what is a good theory. Above all, a good theory is the theory appropriately used. All theories are false. They are, after all, just words and symbols on pieces of paper, about the reality they purport to describe; they are not that reality. So they simplify it. This means we must choose our theories according to how useful they are, not how true they are. (Mintzberg, 2005) Obviously, principal-agent theory is not omnipotent to explain or solve all problems in an organization. It is true only when it is appropriately used. Furthermore, a good theory is practical precisely. A theory to be useful, should accurately describe or depict a real world event or phenomenon. (Frederickson and Smith, 2003) The first section has demonstrated that principal-agent theory fits this requirement. Scholars devoted to this theory have explicitly described what principal-agent is and what it could explain in the real world. Finally, a good theory is insightful and predictive. Theory is insightful when it surprises, when it allows us to see profoundly, imaginatively, unconventionally into phenomena we thought we understoodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦theory is of no use unless it initially surprises-that is, changes perceptions. (Mintzberg, 2005) From this perspective, principal-Agent theory may not dramatically change perceptions, but it really brings in some new thinking about organizations and incentives. Firstly, Principal-Agent theory reestablishes the importance of incentives and self-interest in organizational thinking. It reminds us that much of organizational life, whether we like it or not, is based on self-interest. (Eisenhardt, 1989) Both principal and agent are usually assumed to be attempting to maximize their own utilities. Agents would not voluntarily produce desires of principal and it is difficult or expensive for the principal to investigate what the agent is actually doing. Hence, it is significant for principals to provide incentives to agents which lead to an alignment of goals between principal and agent, in order to assure that the agents act for principals aims. That is to maximize principals interests rather than impair principals efficiency through agents over possession of information. Secondly, Principal-Agent theory also makes important contributions to organizational thinking, the most important of which is the treatment of information. (Eisenhardt, 1989). In principal-agent theory, information is considered as merchandise: it has a cost, and it can be exchanged and purchased. The implication is that organizations can invest in information systems in order to control agent opportunism, an illustration of which is the executive compensation. And one of the important factors such compensation requires is information systems. It is assumed that richer information systems control managerial opportunism and, therefore, lead to less performance-contingent pay. Board of directors is considered as one particular relevant information system to monitor executive behaviors. When boards provide richer information, compensation is less likely to be based on firm performance. Also, when boards provide richer information, top executives are more likely to engage in behaviors t hat are consistent with stockholders interest. (Eisenhardt, 1989) Besides, to break agents superiority status on information is of great significance to keep balance between principals and agents and to improve agents performance. Moreover, profit sharing has been widely used as an attempt to give employees more opportunities to involve into and to get pleasurable emotion from the organization and to make employees feel they are part of the organization; to increase employees sense of commitment to organization; to increase sense of co-operation between management and subordinates; and to ensure employees benefit from organization profitability. In the public sector, administrators should frequently involve into policy-making process. Participatory management could be an efficient approach to get an alignment of goals of the management and subordinates and to motive employees performance consciousness. In addition, Principal-Agent theory could be used to elucidate hierarchical control of organizations as well (Moe, 1984). Difficulty in monitoring the actions of subordinates/agents, asymmetric information superior status of subordinates/agents, or transactions costs in supervising and verifying the actions of subordinates/agents all can give agents opportunities to escape from principals goals by maximizing agents interests. Typically, principals find means to ameliorate these problems, for example, by relying on signals that warn them when agents step outside certain bounds. (Song, Segal, and Cameron, 1976) Limitations of Principal-Agent Theory Principal-Agent theory, which characterizes relationships that develop and evolve, is supposed to be a dynamic, rather than a static theory (Waterman and Meier, 1998). It provides insightful and predictive theoretical contribution to organization and incentive theory development. Principal-agent theory provides a unique, realistic, and empirically testable perspective on problems of cooperative effort (Eisenhardt, 1989). Besides its theoretical contribution, however, principal-agent theory needs further improvement as the following: Principal-Agent Theory merely displays a partial aspect of the real world, although it is valid, and it also ignores a great amount of organizational complexity. Additional perspectives could contribute to attain the more important complexity (Eisenhardt, 1989). According to Ogden (1993), the highly simplified model of organizational conflict and the contrasting complexity of the mathematics required to provide solutions to the agency problem have been frequently cited as limitations to principal-agent theory. In addition, principal-agent theory could be developed to a richer and more complicated range of contexts. Principal-agent theory studies the relationship between the principal and the agent defined by contract, resting on a basis in economics. Under this theory, relationship problems are explained from a contractual perspective; and solutions derives from the change of contract. However, noneconomic considerations should be emphasized as well, such as cultural, social, psychological, and political. And some scholars have already argued to look at important non-contractual aspects of principal-agent relationship. So, to study principal-agent relationship from non-contractual perspectives is demanded and valuable. Conclusion Starting from an introduction to what is the principal-agent theory and the importance of the theory in public administration, we conclude that the principal-agent theory has contributed a lot to the development of organization theory and incentive theory. Although theoretical significant, principal-agent theory still has its limitations, such as simplified model and ignorance of non-economic factors, which leaves a long way for future development. Nevertheless, this term paper merely provides a short review and summary of principal-agent theory and its theoretical contributions. It is far from a comprehensive and deep study on principal-agent problems and solutions. Much more works are needed to elaborately review this theory.

Market analysis and business plan for a gym

Market analysis and business plan for a gym Stayfit gym is a privately owned business which is positioned at 15 Menai Road, Menai. The estimated opening date is August 2010. The establishing business, Stayfit gym is dedicated to provide the best personal fitness service. The mission is to offer the general public with the willpower to set reachable goals and to reach ultimate health and fitness level. The business will take a holistic approach to lifestyle, health and fitness management and work around the clock to provide the public with practical and innovative fitness programs that flexibly put together into busy lifestyles. Stayfit gym will include of 1-20 employees making it to be a small business. Stayfit gym will be registered as a sole trader ownership (Maroutcha Hadwan) meaning it is an incorporated business with one owner. The owner is responsible for all decisions made within the business and is able to retain all profits. Funding for the business is through the owners equity and money and money borrowed from financial institutions. An advantage of a sole trader is that all profits go to the one person; unlike a partnership the profits made are split evenly between all partners in the business. The risks in opening this business as a sole trader are that the owner of the business is personally responsible for the debt incurred by the business (unlimited liability). In the event that the business is unable to meet its financial obligations, the owner must take responsibility for finding funds to pay off all debts, the owners personal assets are all at risk of the business does not succeed. Purpose of Plan Planning is important to guide the business, the purpose of this business plan of that it gives clear direction for the future of Stayfit gym, it also increases awareness of opportunities arising in further future growth. It helps the business prevent failure and to achieve goals. Stayfit gym holds many different goals such as: personal, social, and financial which consist of the following goals: Personal Goals: Upholding a good image Being a sole trader (being their own boss) Satisfaction from your work Social Goals: Helping the general public improve their fitness To help children over come obesity Financial Goals: Gaining maximum wealth Making a great profit Situation Analysis SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis provides the business with an opportunity to examine the strengths and weaknesses Stayfit Gym must address. It also allows the business to examine the opportunities presented to Stayfit Gym as well as possible threats. Strengths Weakness Knowledgeable and friendly staff Top of the line equipment Flexible operating hours Complementary service Womens room Free parking for all gym members Childminding Newness Viable workers may leave the gym Membership fees High health care costs Poor brand image High staff turnover Opportunities Threats Opening more gyms in the future Growing population interested in fitness Buy out a competitor Growing economy Increasing high health conscious population New exercise trends New government health care regulations Decease in the number of competitors Declining economy Local competitors Change in government regulations Equipment shortage Decreasing local population Competitors Analysis The three main competitors for Stayfit Gym are: Fitness First Miranda Goodlife Gym Menai Contours Ilawong Fitness First As fitness first being a well known Gym nationwide, it then has the major influence on Stayfit Gym. As Fitness First being the main competitor because they can offer better prices and more services, product and have more capital behind them and are able to take more risks than a newly established Gym like Stayfit. An advantage for Stayfit Gym is that Fitness First doesnt not offer flexible contracts, like Stayfit Gym, as for example at Syatfit Gym we do not charge joining fees, as for fitness first do. Goodlife Gym Goodlife Gym is another competitor which also has an influence on Stayfit Gym for it being located nearby. It also influences Stayfit Gym as it is well known in the area, and has been open for a long period of time. This gives a reason why Stayfit Gym offers better and suitable pricing which will benefit those who are willing to lose weight for an affordable price. Contours Like any other competitor, Contours is also well known throughout Australia, as well as the local community. Unlike Fitness First, and Goodlife Gym, Contours is a circuit gym as well as an all ladies gym, this being one their weaknesses which benefits Stayfit Gym. Although, Contours offers those women who are not confident and comfortable working out in front of men the luxury and comfort to work out, this strength is a major disadvantage towards Stayfit Gym as the majority of women may prefer this environment. Market Analysis Stayfit offers everyone, no matter your age, anyone looking to loose weight; anyone looking to get fit, and anyone looking to stay fit! With Australia being the fattest nation on earth there is an ever more increasing need for easily accessible gyms with these facilities like Stayfit Gym who target and encourages people to exercise and get fit, as well as the opportunity to have fun. As the main aim of this business is to overcome obesity, Stayfit Gym mainly targets those who are overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. Statistics show that the main reason why Australias decided to join a gym and take over a healthy life style is to loose weight and this is shown in the table below. For further information visit the following website: http://www.executiveresults.com.au/health-and-fitness-statistics.cfm The Marketing Mix Product Price Stayfit Gym aims to provide top quality and safe equipment, which benefit members in weight loss. Stayfit Gym offers penetration and a discount pricing, as it is competing with other gyms who offer the same facilities and services as Stayfit Gym but for a better price. Discount pricing is offered for those who are students, and off-peak gym use, the prices reflect the quality of the equipment and service. Place Promotion The upcoming Gym will be located on 15 Menai Road, Menai. The population of this community has grown by 5% each year for the past three years, giving Stayfit Gym a better opportunity to gain more members of the public and customers to join and become apart of the Stayfit family. Stayfit Gym works to promote there services throughout advertising ads on local billboards, handing out flyers also by setting up stands in local centres. Stayfit also wishes to promote their gym through T.V commercials as well as radio broadcasting. Market Segmentation The market segmentations for Stayfit Gym customer consists of the following geographic, demographic and behavioural factors: Geographical The immediate target region of Stayfit Gym is Menai, Illawong, and Alfords Point. As the population of these areas continue to increase, this will have a positive impact towards Stayfit. Demographic Stayfit Gym targets both males and females from 15years and over. Income range of $35,000 $75,000. Behavioural Recognises that they need to improve their fitness Those who have recognised that they need to lose weight Those who are willing to enjoy extreme sport Marketing Strategies and Objectives Marketing Objective Marketing Strategy Overtake competitors Keep an update competitor profile Offer better pricing to the public (6months) Price level Maintain a price level lower than competitors as then it will be harder for the competitor (4months) Discounts Offer a range of discounts (9months) Online access to the gym To build up an online website of the gym which will be easy for the members to access and also helps promote the business. (2months) Equipment To provide the gym with more equipment, and to improve facilities(12months) Sales Force Employ telemarketing staff (13months) Product Analysis Stayfit Gym provides individuals with the opportunity to exceed their fitness expectations, which are delivered through expert coaching, high-quality equipment, convenient scheduling and great exercise programs. The equipment division of Stayfit Gym offer the largest range of quality fitness equipment from the worlds leading brands, including: Technogym Cybex Precor Zest Life Fitness Equipment Positives Negatives Cardio Treadmills Elliptical cross-trainers Exercise bikes Stair climbers Summit trainers Having a different range and variety of cardio equipment benefits Stayfit Gym, as having more facilities available for the public will then attract more people to join Stayfit. A negative of cardio equipment is that when equipment brakes or is miss used, also safety issues, for example: falling off equipment, this can give a bad reputation for Stayfit. Strength Chest press Biceps press Triceps press Shoulder press Bench press Lateral chest press Leg press Dumbbells Torso rotation Chin dip Iso glute Lateral chess press Vertical Ab trainer Rower Having a wide range of strengthening facilities will also have a great benefit on Stayfit as other Gyms may not have the same equipment available. A negative of strengthening facilities is that when one equipment brakes or is miss used, also safety issues, for example: falling off equipment, this can give a bad reputation for Stayfit. Objectives and strategies Stayfits primary goal is to create a community committed to best functional fitness. Objectives Strategies Our monthly objective is to generate at least 20 new members. This will be done through advertising Stayfit, also free weekly trials of the gym and Stayfit aims to open and run a facility at full capacity within the first year with 150-200 members. This will be carried out by providing new members better opportunities and pricing. Better membership deals by the second year of operations Offering on-peak and off-peak membership, this will be better for people who want to use the gym during hours when not busy. For example, during the day when school kids are at school. To franchise Stayfit in other areas towards the further future This will be done by upholding the right image and keep a good reputation for Stayfit. To make people fit and healthy! This will be done through providing the right exercises, staff and classes that will help the general public stay fit and healthy. To make profit and pay off all debts within 1st two years of opening This will be done by having more members entering the Gym, and with that money Stayfit will then be able to payoff debt More classes available by 6 months of operations (zumba, urban dance, and etc) By hiring staff that are able to carry out these classes. Provide the only fitness facility truly dedicated to solving the fitness needs of our customers This will be done through providing the highest quality equipment available, constantly keeping our staff up to date on certifications, providing a clean and crowd-free gym. Description of product/service At Stayfit Gym we provide you with comfortable surroundings, with the latest facilities and equipment to facilitate your training and exercise needs. Stayfit also aim ensure that the members receive a fantastic exercise experience. Stayfit aims to provide the following classes/sessions free weights, kickboxing, personal training, cardiovascular, and group cycling; we also offer professional instruction, well-balanced and enjoyable workouts which focus upon strength gain, aerobic conditioning, weight loss and increasing fitness levels. Stayfit Gym also provides a womens only room, including both cardio and strengthening equipment. Stayfit Gym also provides childminding, for those who have young children and want to achieve the ideal fitness levels. Our services are directed at maximizing your health and fitness levels in a safe, productive and exciting environment to give you a fantastic health and fitness experience. We also offer a range of drinks to freshen in between workouts, towels; also a wide range of protein shakes and supplements, Stayfit also offers free and convenient private parking for all members of the gym. Pricing NO joining fees or administration fees! Free weekly trial pass for new members! $590 12 Months up front $590 12 Months off peak $540 6 months $350 3mothns $220 1month $75 10 day gym pass $60 Casual Visit $10 10% Discount for students Under 18 years old Trading Hours Monday to Friday 5am 10pm Saturday 7am 7pm Sunday Public Holidays 8am 5pm Workout Timetable Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 6.00am Body Pump Body Balance Body Pump Fat Burner 7.00am Body Attack Body Combat Body Balance Spin 9.00am Spin 1.00pm Spin Body Combat Fat Burner Body Pump Body Attack 3.00pm Kick Boxing Kick Boxing 5.00pm Fat Burner Body Balance Body Attack 7.00pm Kick Boxing Body Pump Spin Session/Class timetable available for members and general public: Class Description Body Pump Non-impact class created to shape and tone the entire body, using weights and barbells. Body Attack High intensity strength, aerobics and stabilization exercises. Fat Burner Standard high energy aerobic exercise. Body Combat aerobics based on a variety of exercises, such as: Tai Chi, Karate, Boxing and Taekwondo. Spin Calorie and fat burner cycling exercise. Body Balance A class combining Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. Kick Boxing Circuit kick boxing, using high energy boxing techniques and stations. For those who are members of Stayfit Gym all classes are free, and for those who wish to take part of these classes pay $5 per class. Staffing Requirements The manager, who will also be the owner of Stayfit Gym (Maroutcha Hadwan), will be qualified to hold the following certificates: Certificate in Fitness Certificate in Personal Training First Aid Certificate Diploma in Fitness It is preferred that the manager has prior experience in field, as Stayfit Gym is dedicated to provide a diverse range of programs suitable for all people. Job Title Quantity Skills, Qualifications and Experiences Receptionist 1 Computer skills Communication skills Social skills First Aid Certificate Child minding 2 At least 2 years experience prior too Certificate in child care Certificate in First Aid Personal trainers 7 First Aid Certificate Communication skills Certificate in fitness Certificate in Personal Training Specialized in karate Specialized in boxing Specialized in aerobics Specialized in cycling Specialized in body building Must have at least a year experience prior to working at Stayfit Gym, as we are dedicated to provide the public with the best of our ability. Dieticians 2 First Aid Certificate Must have at least 1-2 years experience Certificate in dietician Spotters 9 First Aid Certificate Specialized in Yoga Specialized in Pilates Specialized in Tai Chi Specialized in cycling Certificate in fitness Social skills Must have at least a year experience Financial Forecasts Revenue Statement for Stayfit Gym Pty Ltd For the period ending 01/08/2011 Cash Flow Statements Cash Flow Statement for Stayfit Gym Pty Ltd From period ended 01/08/2012 Opening Cash Balance $415,000.00 This projected cash flow statement shows that this upcoming business will be Surplus, as of the period ended 2012 whereas the closing chase balance was a greater amount of money than the opening cash balance. Critically Review of the Plan and Process Throughout this business task I managed to meet all deadlines and make sure everything was up to date. My weaknesses throughout this assignment was the Market Analysis and Financial Forecast, where as I was unsure how to complete both sections. In relation to Market Analysis, I feel that I havent covered all sections in this heading. For financial forecast I first started of with balance sheet, but i was unable to complete this section as my balance sheet was not balanced so I then chose to complete the cash flow statement and revenue statement, I also struggled to completed these two finical records. Overall my progress within this assignment was satisfactory, and I am happy with my overall work, as I never knew I was capable to completing this task meeting the criteria. Index Description of Business Ownership 2 Purpose of Plan 3 Situation Analysis 4-9 Swot Analysis 4 Competitor Analysis 5 Market Analysis 6 -8 Product Analysis 9 Objectives and Strategies 10 Description of Product/Service 10 -11 Pricing 11 Trading Hours 11 Class Timetable 12 Staffing Requirements 13 Financial Forecasts 14 15 Revenue Statement 14 Cash Flow Statement 15 Critically Review of Plan and Process 16

Autobiography of Charlie Chaplin Essays -- essays research papers fc

I was born Charles Spencer Chaplin in Walworth, London on April 16, 1889. I have an older brother, Sydney, but he’s only my half brother- same mother, different father. I was named after my father, but he was a drunk. He died when he was thirty-seven. My mother, Hannah, was a music hall entertainer. Both her physical and mental health fluctuated during my youth. One night, when I was five years old, she became sick during a performance. I went out on stage and sang in her place. I knew then that I loved performing, and I loved it when the audience threw money at me. It was difficult for my mother to make enough money to support me, Syd, and herself. Syd and I had to share a single pair of shoes, taking turns going from place to place. My mother slipped into insanity. We were constantly made fun of and the authorities separated the three of us for a year. By the time I was fourteen, I was forced to have her committed to an institution. I don’t like to remember my childhood. When I was about seventeen, Syd introduced me to Fred Karno, who led a vaudeville troupe. I succeeded in impressing him, and I subsequently became a member of the troupe. It was during my time in this troupe that I fell in love with a dancer, named Hetty Kelly. I asked her to marry me, but she, being only sixteen, felt that she was too young. I then asked her to wait for me until I returned from the troupe’s planned trip to New York. While spending time in New York, I started to become fascinated with the movies. I got a telegram one day from Mack Sennett from Keystone Pictures, who offered me a job in California. He promised $150 per week. I was off to Hollywood within the next month. When we I met Sennett, he did not believe that I was Charlie Chaplin. He said that Charlie Chaplin did the best drunk he had ever seen and that I was too young to be him. I immediately went into my drunk routine, which convinced him. He took me and said, â€Å"Forget everything you ever learned, you’re not in the theater anymore.† At first I was terrified by the movies, but it soon became very natural to me. I walked into a room of costumes and tried many different things on. Sennett and the rest of the crew grew angry as they waited for me to get myself dressed. â€Å"I thought I would dress in baggy pants, big shoes, a cane and a derby hat. Everything a contradiction: the pants baggy, the coat tight, the hat small... ...mas day, 1977. In all, I was in seventeen feature films, and over seventy short films. Works Cited _____. Biography for Charles Chaplin. Internet Movie Database Inc. Copyright  © 1990-2005. 11 January, 2005. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000122/bio. _____. Chaplin, Charlie. Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyrigt  © 2005. 11 January, 2005. http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/c/chaplin.asp. Chaplin, Charlie. â€Å"Rhythm: A Story of Men in Macabre Movement.† Script Magazine. January, 1938. Chaplin. DVD. Dir. Richard Attenborough. Perf. Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Hopkins, Dan Aykroyd, Diane Lane, Kevin Kline, Moira Kelly, James Wood. 1992. 144 min. Gerstein, David. Charlie Chaplin, A World Wide Web Celebration. 11 January, 2005. http://wso.williams.edu/~dgerstei/chaplin/intro.html. Haining, Peter. The Legend of Charlie Caplin. Book Sales Inc. 110 Enterprise Avenue, Secaucus, NJ. 1982. Lynn, Kenneth S. Charlie Chaplin and His Times. Simon & Schuster Rockefeller Center. 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY. 1997 Raymond, Tom. Charlie Chaplin Biography. â€Å"Clown Ministry† Copyright  ©WebRing Inc. 28 January, 2005. http://www.clown-ministry.com/History/Charlie-Chaplin.html.

Jean-Paul Sartre’s Play No Exit Essays -- Existentialism Sartre No Exi

Jean-Paul Sartre’s Play â€Å"No Exit† Existentialism is a very confusing concept to understand. Existentialism is a school of thought, so to speak, where people believe that for every action there is a reaction. Moreover, most of the time, the reaction is a negative one. There is the basic understanding that humans have free will. They have the choice to do whatever they feel in life, which in turn makes life very stressful. Our choices obviously result in some other consequence, and as I said, the consequences, though we may not notice, are negative ones. That is something that cannot really be explained. That is something that happens a lot. Many things are irrational, absurd, and really have no explanation whatsoever. The only that is for sure in our lives is once you decide to do something, you must follow through with it completely and accept whatever may come to you afterwards. Existentialism is sometimes very hard to live by because of the beliefs that go along it with. Someone who is an existentialist believes that human choice is subjective, and that we must makes our decisions not based on outside influences such as laws or ethical standards set forth by society. Since we free our selves of the pressures of outside traditions and ways, we must be completely responsible for any choice we make. There is also a very dark side to existentialism. There is always that question of who are we, why are we here, and how can we make meaning of this life? Because you a...

Censorship of Pornography :: Social Issues Argumentative Censor Porn Essays

Censorship of Pornography Sex, Erotica, nude women, three some, these are some keywords for finding pornography on the internet. The censorship of pornography has a positive affect on the United States of America and is a good thing because pornography leads to crime, pornography has no positive effects on society, and censoring pornography is not against the constitution. Crimes and pornography have a direct and apparent link. Eighty-one percent of criminals rate pornography as their highest sexual interest ( ). This means that the clear majority of criminals love pornography and find it highly interesting, most other people probably rank other human beings as their highest sexual interest. When an adult book store is closed the crime rate in the surrounding areas falls significantly ( 188). Also It was found that child molesters have a higher probability of molesting a larger number of victims and it is likely that these offenders have some access to pornography or erotica. ( 189). Over all crime and pornography do have a link between them and that makes censoring it a positive idea for America. Pornography has no positive effect on society. The American population agrees that pornography does not serve a legitimate purpose. Seventy-two percent of Americans want some sort of crack down on pornography. Also Ninety-two percent of Americans want a crack down on child pornography because it has no value and is disgusting and against the law ( 179). Pornography was found to have little redeeming social value by artistic criteria and is close to worth less ( 218). The censoring of pornography is not against the United States Constitution. The reason why pornography is not included under the constitution is because it was demeaned by the United States Supreme court in 1973 to be lewd and obscene material ( 173). The first amendment was intended to protect political speech in America not the speech that includes the exploiting of women and photography of women being raped ( 183). The founding fathers did not intend for their bill of rights to be exploited in the ways that it is today they would have wanted us to have a safe and peaceful society. That would be one that does not include pornography. The opposition to the censoring of pornography will say that it is against the United States Constitution, which it is not. They will also say that it is censoring thoughts and ideas not actions.

Projects and Project Management Essay

Organizational leaders are facing complex challenges through a rapid rate of change in both the technology and government which has then created pressure in new and existing organizations. As a result, the traditional structure for managing is giving way to a new form of management (Kerzner, 2003). This form is project management. How can this be? Projects have been around since the building of the pyramids (Dobson, 2003). In 2650 B.C., the step pyramid was built by Imhotep for the pharaoh Zoser in Egypt. The building of Stonehenge occurred about 150 years later. In another 2,500 years, the Mayans began building pyramids throughout Central America. These were the very first projects in history. The builders of these structures used simple tools and did not have paper or software programs (Lewis, 1995). The beginning of project management as a discipline began in the 1950Â’s and 1960Â’s in the United States but was not generally accepted until today. The purpose of this initial lecture is to help you in: 1.Recognizing projects. 2.Developing an understanding of project management. 3.Recognizing the project management process. This lecture will support these objectives by providing you with definitions, examples and descriptions of projects and project management. Additionally, the lecture will conclude with a brief description of the project management process. ProjectsIn business today, there are many types of projects with endless possibilities. A project can be:Developing a new product or service. Implementing a new business process. Developing a marketing plan. Completing an assignment. According to Lewis (1995:2) a project is: “a one-time job that has definite starting and ending points, clearly defined objectives, scope and (usually) a budget.” The key words in this definition are underlined to aid you in differentiating between a project and a repetitive process or operation such as order processing or production. Operations and projects share characteristics. They are both:Performed by people. Constrained by limited resources. Planned, executed and controlled (PMI, 2000:4-5). However, a project can be differentiating from an operation by its distinctive characteristics. As the Project Management Institute (2000: 4-5) explains: “a project is a temporary endeavor to create a unique product or service.” In this definition, temporary refers to the definite beginning and end while unique refer to the difference of the project from others. For seemingly repetitive actives like building houses from the same blueprint that are always unique features and problems. For example, the climate may vary or there could be special restrictions for zoning. Another view of a project is provided by (Kerzner, 2000:2) as a series of tasks that:Have a specified objective to be completed within certain specifications. Have a defined start and finish. Consume human and nonhuman resources (such as money, time, expertise, equipment). Are multifunctional (they cut across functional lines such as marketing, design, development, production and so forth). Project ReviewA project is a one-time job. This is:Temporary. Unique. With a clear start & finish. Consuming resources (human and nonhuman)Budgeted, if appropriate. Multifunctional (cuts across different functions). A quality expert, Dr. J.M. Juran, defines a project as a problem scheduled for solution. From this perspective, a project is conducted to solve a problem for an organization. The problem(s) are solved by project work teams and the project manager (Lewis, 1995). Project ManagementThe best way to learn about project management is to understand what it is not. Project Management is not software and it is not just scheduling (Lewis, 1995). Project management has two aspects (Heerkins, 2002: 6):The art Ââ€" leading people on a project. The science Ââ€" defining and coordinating the work to be done. According to Lewis (1995:4-5), project management is the: “planning, scheduling, controlling of project activates to achieve performance, cost, and time objectives for a given scope of work using resources efficiently and effectively.” As a project manager you will always manage competing demands for people, money and time to meet specified project goals and requirements. Sound tough? It can be. It can also be challenging and help you to develop your management skills. There are both ProÂ’s and ConÂ’s of being a project manager (Heerkins, 2002: 3). ProÂ’sIt can be a steeping stone to promotion. It provides a strong sense of accomplishment. ThereÂ’s variety: no two days are alike. ThereÂ’s significant freedom of choice. It affords the opportunity to effect change across the organization. ConÂ’sIt requires significant tolerance for politics. It requires significant tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty. ThereÂ’s a lot of responsibility, but little or no affordability. You may feel “disconnected” from your technical discipline and prior work experiences. You may be perceived as not having a “real job.”The advantages and disadvantages of project management as outlined by Kerzner ( 2003:3) are:Potential BenefitsIdentification of functional responsibilities to ensure all activities is accounted for in the project. Measurement of accomplishment against tasks. Improved capability for future planning. Identification of:oTime limits. oMethodologyPotential BarriersProject complexity. Special requirements and changes per customer. Organizational restructuring. Project risks. Changes in technology. Project management calls for the creation of a small organizational structure Ââ€" the project team. This team is often multifunctional and is representative of the larger organization (Heerkins, 2000). For example, the project team may consist of a data analyst from research, a customer service representative, a person from finance and so forth. Also, as the learning team is your partners in learning, the project team will be your partners throughout the project management process. This process involves:Defining the goal of a project. Determining the results you expect from your project. Working within a budget. Setting-up a schedule. Selecting your teams and establishing roles. Making sure tools and technology are in place. Monitoring on-going process. Maintaining team morale. Dealing with problems that may arise. Keeping stakeholders (such as customers, clients, and executives) informed of your progress. Brining the project to a conclusion. Accessing what went right and what went wrong (Mintzer, 2002:5-8). It is important to note that these activities within this process are iterative in nature because there will be progressive elaboration on each activity throughout the life cycle of the project. As the Project Management  Institute describes, “project management is the application of knowledge, skills and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements (2000:6).” In summary, project management is an emerging profession that is both art and science which follows processes to bring about the successful completion of a project. Project Management ReviewProject Management depends on a project team that is:Cross-functional and diverse in experience and expertise. Representative of the larger organization. Motivated to bring the project to a conclusion. Project Management is:An art and a science. The planning, scheduling and controlling project activities. The measurement of accomplishment against goals and requirements. An emerging profession with the goal to bring projects to completion on time and within the budget. SummaryThis lecture has covered both projects and project management. It will give you a basis for understanding the complexities, challenges and opportunities of the project management process. This lecture was developed to help you in: 1) recognizing projects, 2) developing an understanding of project management 3) and recognizing the project management process. References Dobson, M.S. (2003). Streetwise Project Management, How to Manage People. Processes and Time to Achieve the Results You Need. Avon, MA.: Adams Media Corporation. Heerkens, G.R. (2002). Project Management, a Briefcase Book. New York: McGraw-Hill. Kerzner, H. (2003). Project Management, A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. 8th Ed. New York: Wiley. Lewis, J.P. (1995). Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control, A Hands-On Guide to Bringing Projects in on Time and on Budget, Chicago: Irwin Professional Publishing. Project Management Institute (2000). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, PPMBOK Guide. An American National Standard, ANSI/PMI 99-001-2000. Newton Square, PA.: PMI. Mintzer, R. (2002).The Everything Project Management Book, Tackle any Project with Confidence and Get it Done on Time. Avon, MA.: Adams Media Corporation.

Hamptonshire Express

Arjun R. Sabhaya Production 529 Hamptonshire Express October 16, 2012 PROBLEM #1 A. The simulated function given in the Excel spreadsheet â€Å"Hamptonshire Express: Problem_#1† allows the user to find the optimal quantity of newspapers to be stocked at the newly formed Hamptonshire Express Daily Newspaper. Anna Sheen estimated the daily demand of newspapers to be on a normal standard distribution; stating that daily demand will have a mean of 500 newspapers per day with a standard deviation of 100 newspapers per day.Using the function provided, the optimal stocking quantity, which maximizes expected profit, is determined to be approximately 584 newspapers. If 584 newspapers were to be ordered, Hamptonshire Express will net an expected profit of $331. 436 per day with an expected fill rate of 98%. Any inventory ordered above 584 will produce a loss of profit due to stocking inventory over expected demand causing an imbalance between the gains and losses due to the respective o verage and underage costs. The table below outlines the optimal amount of daily expected profit.Profits rise until the 584 newspaper mark; any potential increase in quantity stocked will decrease daily expected profit for every newspaper ordered above 584. Stocking Quantity| Daily Expected Profit| 575 newspapers| 331. 323| 576 newspapers| 331. 347| 577 newspapers| 331. 369| 578 newspapers| 331. 387| 579 newspapers| 331. 403| 580 newspapers| 331. 415| 581 newspapers| 331. 425| 582 newspapers| 331. 431| 583 newspapers| 331. 435| 584 newspapers| 331. 436| 585 newspapers| 331. 435| 586 newspapers| 331. 430| 587 newspapers| 331. 423| 588 newspapers| 331. 413| 89 newspapers| 331. 400| 590 newspapers| 331. 385| Calculations: Cr=cu/cu+co where Cr= critical ratio. Cu=1-0. 2=. 8 Co=0. 2 Therefore, Cr= . 8/. 8+. 2=. 8 which is equal to . 84 (z value) on the standard normal distribution function table. To find the optimal stocking quantity that maximizes expected profit, we will use mean and st andard deviation in formula shown: Q=mean +z*(SD): 500+. 84*100=584. B. Using the Newsvendor Formula given, Q=? +? -1(Cu/Cu+Co )? , where: Q=optimal quantity ?= mean of expected demand ?= standard distribution of expected demand -1= the inverse of the standard normal distribution function Cu= underage costs (Sale price – cost), or ($1. 00-$0. 20) Co= overage costs (cost – salvage value), or ($0. 20 – $0), We can estimate the optimal stock quantity. The values allow us to input the z statistic, and the overage/underage costs in the given equation to derive the equation and answer shown below. The output of the Newsvendor equation, while different than the excel function (due to rounding error), is consistent with the optimal stocking quantity found by the Excel model. Q= 500+ (. 8601)-1*(. 80/. 80 + . 20) * 100 = 593. 1244 PROBLEM #2 A. The given simulation model in the Excel spreadsheet â€Å"Hamptonshire Express: Problem_#2† allows the user to find the o ptimal number of hours per day to be invested into creating the profile section to maximize expected profits for the Hamptonshire Express Daily Newspaper. Looking at the table below, Anna can spend 4 hours, where (H=4), Hours Spent (H)| Optimal Expected Profit| 2. 00| $367. 91| 2. 25| $368. 84| 2. 50| $369. 58| 2. 75| $370. 17| 3. 00| $370. 61| 3. 25| $370. 94| 3. 50| $371. 16| 3. 75| $371. 29| 4. 00| $371. 33| 4. 25| $371. 29| 4. 50| $371. 18| 4. 75| $371. 01| 5. 0| $370. 77| B. Anna Sheen’s choice of effort is at the point where the marginal cost of spending the extra time to develop the profile section = marginal benefit of spending the extra time to develop the profile section; or the point where profit is maximized. If she spends the extra time to develop the profile section past where marginal cost = marginal benefit, she won’t be able to create enough demand for her newspaper, but if she spends less time than where marginal cost = marginal benefit, she wonâ€⠄¢t have a quality newspaper and misses out on additional sales, which leads to increased profits.To find the optimal profit level, you would set $10 = to the marginal benefit, or: $10= ((0. 8 *50) / (2h)) and solve for H which = 4 hours. C. Using a table to compare the difference between problem #1 and problem #2, respectively, we can see the obvious differences between the optimal stocking quantity and daily expected profit figures. | Stocking Quantity| Daily Expected Profit| 1| 584| 331. 44| 2| 685| 371. 33| The stocking quantity and expected profits are higher in the second scenario because of the extra time spent to improve the quality of profile section.By spending the extra time to improve the profile section, Anna Sheen increased the overall quality of her newspaper, which will, most likely, lead to an increased probability of demand for her newspaper around the area. This increased demand will raise Anna Sheen’s stocking quantity and the daily expected profits that a re associated with that individual stocking quantity. Problem #3 A. Assuming the number of hours Anna Sheen will spend developing the profile section will = 4; Ralph Armentrout’s optimal stocking quantity is 516, as portrayed in the table below: Stocking Quantity| Daily Expected Profit| 513| 62. 131| 14| 62. 139| 515| 62. 143| 516| 62. 145| 517| 62. 144| 518| 62. 140| 519| 62. 133| 520| 62. 124| B. Ralph Armentrout’s optimal stocking quantity is less than Anna Sheen’s in Problem #2 due to the retailing extension of the supply chain. Armentrout’s overage cost ($0. 80; as he purchases them from Sheen minus $0 of salvage value) is higher than his underage cost ($0. 20; $1 sale price minus $0. 80 purchasing cost). Due to this, Armentrout has less room than Sheen for a profit margin making it a higher risk for him to carry a greater amount of inventory, which ultimately affects the fill rate of the supply chain.C. The optimal time spent to improve the quality of the profile section is determined by the table below: The profit Sheen will stand to make in the combined supply chain is optimal at 2. 25 hours spent per day. Sheen’s profit rises with each 15 minute interval until 2 hours and 15 minutes is reached. The marginal benefit, from the additional time spent to improve the paper, will increase expected demand of newspaper, however, if too much time is spent, the marginal costs, associated with the additional time, will outweigh the associated marginal benefits.Expected demand is more resistant to high levels of time spent, basically, Sheen is hurting profits above 2. 25 hours spent per day on improvements. Sheen’s optimal amount of hours spent is lower, in this differentiated channel, as compared to Problem #2, due to Sheen’s lower marginal benefit being received due to the split supply chain. It wouldn’t make sense for Sheen to spend more time to improve her newspaper if she has to split a percentage of the profits with Armentrout. Due to this, she will put less effort in and get more expectation of demand.D. Transfer P| Stocking Q| Profit| Ralph’s P| Anna’s P| Anna’s E| Fill Rate| . 70| 510| 333| 104| 229. 38| 1. 563| 89%| .75| 501| 327| 81| 246. 64| 1. 891| 87%| .79| 493| 321| 62| 259. 11| 2. 176| 86%| .80| 491| 319| 57| 262. 10| 2. 25| 85%| .81| 488| 317| 53| 264. 42| 2. 326| 85%| .85| 478| 308| 34| 274. 29| 2. 641| 83%| .90| 459| 292| 11| 280. 68| 3. 063| 79%| If the transfer price, from Sheen to Armentrout, would decrease, Armentrout would ultimately gain a larger marginal benefit out of the purchasing deal with Sheen.Due to the increase of Armentrout’s profit margin, he would tend to stock more newspapers, which would increase the supply chain’s fill rate. However, this, in turn, would cause Sheen’s profits, from the deal, to decrease and would ultimately lower her motivation to improve the newspaper, which leads to a decrease in expecte d demand and loss of potential profits. E. Efforts and stocking levels will be lower in a differentiated channel than in an integrated firm due to the multiple entities that are present in the supply chain.The multiple retailing and manufacturing entities, in the supply chain, allow the profits to be split by percentage rather than totaled to one firm who does both functions. Problem #4 A. The optimal stocking quantity for Armentrout, in this scenario, was determined to be 409 newspapers as shown by the table below: The optimal stocking quantity is lower at 409, in this scenario, as compared to 516 in Problem #3a. The optimal stocking quantity is lower, because Armentrout has an alternative to The Express with Ralph’s Private Eye.B. The stocking quantity mainly differs from Problem #1, #2, and #3, because Armentrout underage costs have decreased, in this scenario, due to the consumer’s alternative to purchase Private when Express has a stock out to consumers. However, there are major differences that one should consider. The first two problems use an integrated point of view, as related to the supply chain, which allows for a higher optimal stocking quantity. On the other hand, Problems 3 and 4 use a differentiated channel.However, In Problem 3, while Armentrout tried to keep risk low by ordering a lower optimal stocking quantity, which was fueled by his low expected margins (due to his imbalanced underage and overage costs), Armentrout’s optimal stocking quantity changes when Private is introduced into the mix. In Problem 4, Armentrout makes more profit on Private, but there is a lower expectation of demand for Private. Due to this, he must still stock Express to maximize profits. To demonstrate this phenomenon, which will ultimately decrease optimal stocking quantity, the new overage cost would have to be set. In the Problem 4 scenario, Co= $0. 0 – 40% * $0. 40 = $0. 16. The Newsvendor model will also allow one to arrive at these conclusions. C. Armentrout’s overage cost would increase by $. 03 to $. 83, while his underage costs would be $. 01. (New Express profit; $. 17 – New Private profit; $. 16) The imbalance would reduce the critical ratio, which would lead to a reduction of the optimal stocking quantity to a decently lower amount. Problem #5 A. The buy-back price initiative allows Sheen to drop Armentrout’s overage costs, which leads to an increase in his optimal stocking quantity and a win-win situation for Sheen and Armentrout.If Sheen would set the buy-back price at $. 75, this would maximize the total supply chain’s profits as shown in the table below. At $. 75, Armentrout’s optimal stocking quantity would be 659 newspapers. B. The combination of buy-back price and transfer price is roughly $1. 02 and $1. 025, respectively, as shown in the table below. The optimal level of expected profit is maximized when Sheen, the manufacturer, in this scenario, has a high expe cted profit margin, while Armentrout, the retailer, has a negative expected profit.Armentrout is basically a non-factor in this supply chain and allows this scenario to act as one integrated chain although technically it is differentiated. C. The fixed franchise fee would not be factored into Armentrout’s overage and underage costs, so it wouldn’t have an effect on his stocking decisions. If Sheen were able to impose a franchise fee to Armentrout, however, she would not have a reason to sell newspapers at all, since her profits would be coming from franchising rather than newspaper sales.Problem #6 A. The â€Å"VMI† plan would allow Sheen to be able to establish the optimal levels of effort and allow her to set the optimal stocking quantity in relation to her maximizing the difference between her marginal benefits and her marginal costs; basically she is in control of the stocking decision rights of the Express to maximize total profits. Since she has control ov er stocking quantity, Armentrout could not make much of a profit using a differentiated supply chain model.However, due to proposed slotting allowance, Armentrout has the ability to make more of a profit than he would have battling against Sheen for stocking rights of the Express, if he would go for more of an integrated model and allow Sheen to control the Express. B. Since Armentrout would not care about sales directly (due to him collecting a slotting fee regardless of a sale or not), under the VMI plan versus the differentiated model, Armentrout might lose potential sales he might have gotten if he had a say in the daily stocking quantity of the Express.If Armentrout had the chance to make a potential profit off of the consumers, he might try harder to pay attention to demand. Because of this reality of manufacturer versus retailer, Sheen might not understand the local demand of the area as well as Armentrout, due to him being the â€Å"ground level retailer† and witnessi ng the subtle changes in daily demand.