The Strugle for the California Condor essays

The Strugle for the California Condor essays THE STRUGGLE FOR THE CALIFORNIA CONDOR The natural environment of the modern world has been under siege for the better part of the past century. This has been due to many factors. The waste produced by an ever-expanding human population has tainted much of the natural resources available to both humans and animals alike. Efforts to curb this waste output and to more effectively dispose of the waste have failed in the mainstream. The constant change of the common environment instituted by humans who have collectively sought to modify their own habitat has exacted a high toll on the available habitat for lesser creatures. Constant waste production, poor disposal, and habitat encroachment have combined to render the balance of the natural world asunder. The delicate and intricate balance of the natural world has been damaged by a dominant species that has commonly disregarded its inherent responsibility to garnish its actions concurrent with the world it shares with the rest of nature (Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species. p3). An all too common result of this imbalance is the expiration of entire species of animals that are dependent on precious resources. Historically, the presence of humans has exponentially accelerated the natural rate at which fringe species have met with extinction. Modern humans have followed their own ancient precedent in this regard. Recorded evidence of early human settlement has shown that human presence alone had accelerated extinction rates to several times its natural rate (Center for the Reproduction of Endangered Species. p4). However, it is a different precedent that modern humans have sought with the advent of a new and more complete awareness of our collective role as the dominant species. Several recent advances in waste treatment are offering alternatives to the usual high-output, wasteful societal paradigm. Although habitat encroachment continues to be a s...

Aesops Fable (ESL) Lesson Plan - The Ant and the Dove

Aesop's Fable (ESL) Lesson Plan - The Ant and the Dove An Ant went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and being carried away by the rush of the stream, was on the point of drowning. A Dove sitting on a tree overhanging the water plucked a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her. The Ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank. Shortly afterward, a birdcatcher came and stood under the tree and laid his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the branches. The Ant, perceiving his design, stung him in the foot. In pain, the birdcatcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the Dove take wing. Moral One good turn deserves another Key Vocabulary Words and Phrases bank of a river: the side of the river where you can standto quench your thirst: to drink when you are thirstyon the point of: just about to do somethingto drown: to die in the water because you cant swimto overhang: to be in a position over something elsetwigs: small branches usually with leaves attachedto perceive: to understandOne good turn deserves another: If someone does something to help you, you should do something to help him/her when possible. Questions/Discussion What did the Dove do for the Ant?What did the Ant do for the Dove?Vocabulary Building: Make a list of words related to these categories presented in the fable:​watertreesanimalsDo you have any stories/fables in your culture that has a similar message? If so, try to tell the story or fable in English.Tell a story of when you helped someone who helped you. Explain why.

Why Sport Sponsorship is important for a company marketing strategy Dissertation

Why Sport Sponsorship is important for a company marketing strategy - Dissertation Example In addition to this, the research work also aims at understanding the influence of sports sponsorship on target audience. In this study, the researcher has selected a mixed research approach for this study, which includes both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Following this approach, the study includes interview with manager of Nike and survey of Manchester United fans. The interview responses are analyzed on the basis of thematic analysis approach, whereas responses from survey are analysed statistically, which include descriptive and regression analysis of the responses. The study has concluded that sports sponsorship has a significant importance for business entities, particularly Nike, which has been considered in this study. The findings of the study have concluded marketers regard sponsorship as a significant marketing tool. In addition to this, an overall positive impact of sports sponsorship of Nike has been observed on its brand identity. In today’s b usiness world, marketers are in continuous search of new avenues which can be used to promote their products and services and therefore gain new customer bases or retain existing ones (Kotler & Armstrong, 2008; Farris et al., 2010). Sports sponsorship is a modern marketing tool, which is nowadays used extensively by a number of large business enterprises (Ferrand et al., 2007). Sports are today regarded as global events and when bearing sponsors they possess the potential to promote brands all over the world. Sponsorship is often viewed as an entirely different activity in comparison with promotion. This difference in viewing these two mediums of marketing is based on the fact that promotions are considered and used as a direct marketing tool which targets specific customer bases, whereas sponsorships are regarded as part of a company’s corporate social responsibility activities. As for instance, in sporting events sponsors pay significant amounts of money to help organizers to successfully arrange the event and entertain general public (Boyle & Haynes, 2009). However, notwithstanding the direct and indirect nature of promotions and sponsorships, corporate entities are always keen to gain from anything they do. Keeping aside the less direct nature of sponsorship, the underlying objectives are purely based on marketing principles. Building brand’s identity, equity, awareness, values, etc. is all what marketers seek through any channel of marketing (Ferrand et al., 2007). Moreover, with fierce competition all over the globe and increase in globalization and its effects, marketers have turned sports sponsorship activities into large scale marketing campaigns (Boyle & Haynes, 2009). 1.2. Research Aim The broad aim of this research work is to determine the

Computer-aided image processing for bacterial cell enumeration Essay

Computer-aided image processing for bacterial cell enumeration - Essay Example There appear several inhibitors in the way of counting colonies to ensure effectiveness of the method. The inhibitors include; methods of handling confluent development of the development of colonies that lean or overlaps other colonies, the methods of differentiating colonies regardless of the different form, volume, their feel, light intensity amongst other factors (Daims, 2007) The methods ensure accuracy in counting. A devise termed as a colony counter assists in including colonies in bacteria and varied microorganisms thriving in an algae plate. The method applied in overcoming the hindrances includes thresholding, segmentation methods, time domain frequency method, watersheding method, edge detection and morphology operator methods, regional descriptors amongst others. These methods emit a heightened level of accurateness. The projected counter proves highly reliable at both levels of correctness and memory; it also proves flexible and efficient in terms of effort and time savi ng (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.) and United States, 2006) Keywords Some of the key words in the study includes Bacteria colony, thresholding, morphology, water shedding. Introduction Bacteria colony counting appears vital in quantitative, accurate judgment of pathogens in clinical investigations and diagnosis. The manual process of counting bacteria appears challenging. The use of an automated colony counting helps in saving time and reduces labor requirements. In a bid to create fast and accurate information, and cut down the use of labor workload, two colony counting techniques come in play. The techniques might apply the use of direct and indirect process of counting the colonies. The tradition plate count technique pauses as an indirect technique and often preferred for its cheap nature. Technologies applied for quantification of microbial growth involves: ATP Bioluminescence, spiral plating, the use of membrane filtration, Direct Epi-Florescent Filter Microscopy and Membrane laser scanning, Fluorescence amongst others. Various hindrances require addressing for the techniques that count the present colonies. The techniques supply a heightened degree of correctness in counting that could be attained by applying the use of a trained hand on operator. The machine technique; allows the Bacteria to grow on a filter within a period of 24to 48 hours to examine the contamination level of the sample (Mittal and Matsko, 2012).   The microbiologists’ uses dye to identify the bacteria clearly and ease the counting process. In an industry setting, thousands of such samples appear per day; the colonies on each side remain counted manually. This consumes a lot of time and increases the chances of errors. The aim of the project remains to create software that saves time and produces the exact outcomes and ensures competence to customers. The project extension designs allows for colonies counting for a period of 6 to 8 hours before, which saves time . The paper seems to differentiate the processing of colony figures with colored data; the filter method applies to deionize (Masters, 2006).   Bacteria Bacteria pause as nuclear microorganisms; that thrives in various surfaces of the earth. Bacteriology, the study of bacteria, is a branch in micro biology. Bacteria can grow anywhere on the face of the earth, in soil, acid hot springs amongst other places. Grouped bacteria originate from one common bacterium. A bacteria cell

Problems of Library Automation in Africa Essay Example for Free

Problems of Library Automation in Africa Essay In 1981, IBM introduced its personal computer (PC) for use in the home, office and schools. Prior to that time, there had been several MS-DOS compatible personal computers that ran DOS programs. As computers became more widespread in the workplace (ie. an independent agent’s office), new  ways to unleash their potential developed. As smaller computers became more powerful, they could be linked together, or networked, to share memory space, software and information, and communicate with each other. So where does the insurance industry enter the â€Å"automation† picture? A word from our sponsor: Whats so difficult about combining personal and commercial umbrella coverage? Not much. Get a quote online now! Independent agents have come a long way in using technology over the past 20 years. From the early 1980s through the mid-1990s, independent agents for the most part used PC-based automation systems to boost efficiency and cut costs. Since 1970, ACORD, a not-for-profit standards-setting association for the insurance industry, has been involved in automation. The association is comprised of carriers, agents, vendors, solution providers, associations and other interested parties. â€Å"We aren’t the ones who ‘built’ the automation system,† said Carolyn â€Å"Cal† Durland, managing director of Standards for ACORD. â€Å"What we did and still do is provide standards-Forms and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) upon which the vendors or solution providers base their automation systems.† She explained that to find out how the industry became automated, one must look to the vendors and solution providers. In 1972, the first ACORD form, a property loss notice, went into use. Today, ACORD’s standards include Forms, AL3 (Automation Level 3), XML, OLife and ObjX. The Forms are point of sale, data collection vehicles, AL3 is ACORD’s EDI standard (or machine-to-machine, business-to-business, data transmission formats or components), OLife is a data integration standard and ObjX is â€Å"much more than EDI.† In the 1980s-when the number of PCs in use increased dramatically-ACORD members asked for standardized electronic transmissions between the agents’  computers and the carriers’ computers. â€Å"The industry has come to ACORD to consolidate efforts to eliminate duplication of work,† Durland said. â€Å"For example, without one approved, countrywide ACORD application, all of the 2,400-plus insurance carriers would have to have their own form. And the vendors or solution providers who automate those forms would have to customize each form.† Now that ACORD and the industry are working hand-in-hand, there is one form accepted and used by many of those carriers. In addition, the vendors or solution providers have the option to become licensed by ACORD to redistribute the Forms. â€Å"ACORD provides them with tools†¦to print the ACORD Forms,† Durland said. â€Å"ACORD’s Forms efforts have stripped the costs out of this distribution channel.† According to Durland, in the same manner that the industry came together with ACORD to do Forms, they have also worked to develop EDI Standards. â€Å"Through our subcommittee process and strict compliance to anti-trust guidelines, we bring together carriers, agents, vendors, solution providers and other interested parties to discuss what is needed to transmit the data collected,† she said. Change is good The industry on the whole, according to Durland, is slow to make changes, â€Å"although there are some carriers that have the resources to be on the leading edge of technology.† The beginning was a bit archaic. â€Å"Carriers realized the benefits of automation and developed proprietary systems that they placed in the agents’ offices,† Durland said. â€Å"This resulted in the agents having to physically go from one terminal to another to interface with the carriers automating their process.† With the inception of the agency management vendors and ACORD’s standards implemented in those systems, the agents were conceptually able to eliminate  those proprietary terminals and work through one system. â€Å"This concept called SEMCI, Single Entry Multiple Company Interface, allowed the agents to keep the data in one place and transmit it electronically to any of the carriers it was licensed to represent,† Durland explained. One step forward, two steps back Ten years ago, when Durland joined ACORD, there were many agency management systems attempting to enable SEMCI. â€Å"Today, due to acquisitions and mergers, there are three primary vendors and a few smaller ones,† she said. â€Å"SEMCI is still the goal for the agents and the carriers. However, with the inception of Web enabled processes, the carriers-in an effort to streamline their costs-reverted back to proprietary applications. â€Å"Those leading edge carriers put up Web sites that required the agent to go to the site and enter the information. So instead of going to a separate terminal in their office, they now had to connect to a Web site and rekey the data that was already in their databases.† This resulted in the acceptance of the new standard XML. â€Å"XML is a standard that enables connectivity between Web applications and agency management systems, in addition to business-to-business, business-to-customer, etc.,† Durland said. The goal to secure SEMCI, according to Durland, can still happen with the implementation of XML. â€Å"Plus it broadens the trading partner base to be more than the agent to insurance carrier,† she said. A push for implementation In the 1990s, implementation guides were written and a certification process was developed. Today, there are more than 12,000 upload and 40,000 download implementations using AL3 standards. AL3 continues to evolve and there are new implementations every day, including using AL3 standards over the Internet. Ever since the dawn of the industry’s automation, forms standardization  continued and still continues to be an important focus for ACORD as the standards-setting association works with many different trading partners within the industry. Today there are roughly 400 ACORD forms. And although it’s important to note how many forms there are, what is even more important to note is the fact that these ACORD forms have eliminated or prevented 80,000 proprietary forms-saving the industry millions of dollars. Communicating on a global basis According to Durland, ACORD has staff dedicated to building relationships with other standards-setting organizations. The fact is, the industry handles business on a global basis, so it just makes sense that the goal is to be able to communicate on a global basis. As an example, Durland pointed out that carriers write coverage for properties owned by people all over the world. In turn, these carriers work with other carriers or reinsurers to share the exposure. When asked why it is so important for the industry to be automated, Durland said, â€Å"Automation strips costs out of workflows.† Simply put, to only have to go to one place for information and to be able to service customers quickly and efficiently is key. â€Å"For example, the agent and carrier agree to indemnify the customer if they have a loss which is covered under their policy. The customer pays a fee based on that promise. When the loss occurs, they want someone to handle it promptly†¦to be given information on the progression of the resolution and be paid or have the item replaced ASAP,† Durland said. Automation makes it possible. â€Å"With the technology and automation available to us today, the opportunities to share information are unlimited,† Durland said. â€Å"The industry realizes that and is working together to figure out how to communicate electronically  with each other.†

Shakespeares Presentation Of Claudius In Hamlet Essay -- William Shak

Shakespeare's Presentation Of Claudius In Hamlet 'Hamlet' opens with the death of Old King Hamlet, Father of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. The new king, Claudius, brother of the previous king has married Gertrude, the dead man's widow and has taken the throne. Shakespeare presents Claudius as the plays 'damned smiley villain' although he does allow him some redeeming features; leading an audience to view him as a complex and contradictory figure within the play. After Old King Hamlet dies Claudius is crowned king of Denmark and talks to the people as though he has sympathy and is saddened by his brother's death 'and that it is us befitted to bear out hearts in grief, and our whole kingdom to be continued in one brow of woe.' However, he comes across as insincere as he marries his brother's wife so soon after the funeral. Claudius is sly and clever as he counters possible opposition to his marriage by flattering his court; thanking them for their better wisdoms, which have freely gone with this affair! For the same reasons he turns his attention to the threat of invasion by Fortinbras and shows himself to be an excellent king: knowledgeable, organised and efficient in dealing with the imminent attack by diplomatic means. The king's treachery is revealed when the ghost of Old King Hamlet appears to Hamlet who talks very much of his hate of his brother, Claudius 'The serpent that did sting thy fathers life now wears the crown.' Referring to Claudius as a serpent who plays around beneath you, very deceptive and sly. Claudius has committed two crimes of murder, Fratricide- murder of his brother and Regicide- murder of the ki... ..., I am but hurt.' Hamlet kills Claudius by forcing him to drink the poison his mother has drank. Hamlet is not an unprincipled murderer and traitor, Claudius is! Claudius has manipulated Laertes and deserved to die by Hamlet, as it was an act of revenge and justice for the murder of his father. Claudius is the obvious villain of the play presented by Shakespeare as a contradictory character with clear strengths and weaknesses. He possesses excellent leadership qualities, is diplomatic, determined and clever but beneath this impressive public image he is cowardly, deceptive, murderous and duplicitous. He is therefore presented as a complex character throughout the play. Shakespeare's presentation of Claudius allows him to explore human nature and the themes of corruption, appearance and reality and political intrigue.

Mad Shadows and the Scarlet Letter

In the novel Mad Shadows by Marie-Claire Blais and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, isolation was used as a major theme to sculpt and reveal the characters true identity. The behaviour of each central character towards isolation crafted their fates. The Scarlet Letter portrays the psychological effects of alienation on the characters. Mad shadows illustrates an unprincipled world where beauty is skin only deep and love is measured by material possessions. The main character in The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne, committed adultery with the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. Hester was outcast by the puritan community that deemed her a presence of evil. Hester refused to reveal the other adulterer. In doing so, Arthur Dimmesdales quietly suffered until he finally completed penance. Roger Chillingsworth whom Hester was lawfully wed to, swore to reveal her lover thus poisoning his soul with revenge. Hester wore a scarlet letter A_ _as punishment, estranging her from her community. This was to remind her and everyone of her sinful deed. She had no communication with the rest of the world either than her trips to receive and deliver embroidery orders. Hester lived in a cottage remote from the sphere of society. The dark forest provided Hester with private surroundings in which she may search for truth and escape the glare of her community, although dejected. The consequence of her pure and innate impulse had to be taken on with humiliation in exile. Arthur Dimmesdale imposed desolation upon himself. Dimmesdale was incapable and reluctant to openly make public his sin. He therefore continued to be troubled by his own shame and as a result felt inner isolation from the community. His secret also forbade him from being with Hester and his daughter, separating him from his family. Dimmesdale saw himself as an immoral person. He reprimanded himself with neglect and hunger. When Dimmesdale finally frees himself from guilt and shame by confessing to the public, he yields to illness and dies. Roger Chillingworth undergoes a masked and vague form of estrangement and seclusion. He is physically divorced from Hester and feared by the townspeople, who believed that he was evil. Chillingworth, obsessed with seeking Hester’s secret lover, became mentally detached from himself. He gradually loses his self to the devil. Impiety causes Chillingworth to ultimately withdraw from his prior self. He lived secluded in a world which he believed only holds bitterness and anger. The central characters in The Scarlet Letter manipulated and contributed to the theme of isolation through their personalities. They were secluded from one another, themselves and their community. Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth endured differtent types of alienation and isolation and to various degrees. Hester is segregated from society. Dimmesdale felt alone due to the secrecy of his sin. Chillingworth surrendered himself to evil and gradually withers away. Mad Shadows focuses on a family that live in a corrupt perception of true beauty and love. Louise, who only valued material possessions and outer beauty, disregarded her unsightly daughter while pampering her handsome son. Her shallowness planted a jealous seed in Isabelle-Marie preventing her from experiencing happiness. Patrice on the other hand lived in superficiality and never had a deeper meaning to life or himself. These characters are isolated from nature and each other consequently preventing true happiness. Isabelle-Marie was the unsightly daughter of Louise. Her appearance deemed her unworthy of her mother’s love and affection. Isabelle-Marie was assigned to work in the farms preoccupying her time and preventing her from socializing. She was separated from the family because of the way she looked. Patrice couldn’t sympathize with his sister due to his idiocy. Her mother’s mistreatment spawned hatred for herself. Isabelle-Marie was wrapped in jealousy preventing her from loving her brother. Insecurities inspired her to lie to her husband ultimately losing him in the end. She had a daughter, like her she was ugly and her lack of love and acceptance for herself prevented her for genuinely loving her child. After she took revenge on her unloving mother Isabelle-Marie was still unfulfilled, everything was gone except for her, soon after she took her life. Patrice was treated like a baby by his mother. His beauty was her possession and was the only thing she loved of him. Patrice never knew anybody but Louise. He felt no real love from his family and was never understood. His mother spoke for him, acted on his behalf, and thought for him. Patrice was detached from his true self for he did not need to ponder anything outside of his mother and his beauty. When Patrice’s face was disfigured he lost his mother’s love and was left in an asylum. Unable to cope with his loneliness he eventually escaped the asylum to go back to his mother, only to find the remains of his life burned. His upbringing kept his soul and purpose empty. Ultimately Patrice lived in a hollow shell. Louise was an empty and excessive doll. Her concerns were only of her trim body and Patrice’s beauty, which she saw as her own beauty. External beauty made her self-absorbed not allowing her to naturally love Isabelle-Marie. Her marriage to Lanz served as a union of two faded and shallow lovers. Lanz only saw Louise for her beauty and riches. Her demanding husband forced Louise to give less of herself to her son, driving a wedge between them. Louise’s incapability to naturally lover her children kept herself detached from them. In the end she died alone amongst her possessions. The family lived in an immoral world. Isabelle-Marie destroyed her life and family due to her self-loathing. She was not able to completely lover her daughter for she was her mirror. Patrice lived in a world without living. When everything he knew was in ruins, he found his soul and peace in the lake. Louise only loving material possession condemned her children lives. The main characters segregation from each other didn’t let them escape the feeling of loneliness in their present lives. Marie-Claire Blais and Nathaniel Hawthorne depicted the characters inner feelings of suffering and hurt through relentless loneliness and seclusion. Both authors used two different forms of estrangement, isolation and alienation. The central characters in both novels experience different settings of isolation, which they developed with their personalities. The Scarlet Letter emphasized the suffering of the characters in psychological aspect. Mad Shadows_ _focused on the shallowness of the heart. The main characters in both novels undergo a variety of changes which eventually sealed their fates. *Mad Shadows and The* Scarlet Letter Theme of isolation Agnes Palaganas April 8, 2010 ENG18Y1- James Meade Reference: Blais,Marie-Claire. Mad Shadows. This New Canadian Library:2008 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Penguin Books:2003

Cirque Du Solleil- Strategic Management Essay

Executive Summary Cirque du Soleil is an entertainment firm from Montrà ©al, Canada and was founded in 1984. The company started as a small business and gradually grew into a successful organisation with an established presence in the entertainment industry. This report deals with the ways in which the organisation became successful. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse different factors. The first part enumerates the stakeholders which contribute profits for Cirque du Soleil. Conversely, this section will cover the considerations the organisation must take into account for the welfare of its stakeholders. The second part illustrates the organisation’s uniqueness and how they differ from their competitors, which is a result of several innovations and business strategy. In the last part, the mission statement will be illustrated and discussed. Analysis of the mission statement will show the principles, philosophy, and beliefs that take high priority for their business. Furthermore, suggestions for the future will be listed. 1.Stakeholders & the success of Cirque du Soleil A stakeholder is a person or a group who has an input in an organisation. It can affect the achievement of company’s objectives, activities and the behaviour of its member. (Mullins, 2005:163) 1.1.Cirque du Soleil’s stakeholders Cirque du Soleil, like all other organisations, has many stakeholders which include managers, employees, customers, government, etc. Every stakeholder has its particular interests to support an organisation. 1.1.1.Managers Managers have particular interests in an organisation e.g. in job security, size and growth of the organisation or prestige. (Mullins, 2005: 164) Additionally, the managers achieve a self fulfilment because they have career prospects due to the variety of jobs e.g. in environment issues. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) Hence, the managers are able to learn different stages of work and also have job possibilities in non-circus work. 1.1.2.Employees Like managers, employees have interests in job security and in learning because the shows are always differentiated. Therefore, employees can also experience a self fulfilment. It is believed that employee’s salary is above the average circus industry salary because the shows are upscale and successful. Thus, employees can build up a reputation and also expand career options e.g. by retraining for a second career or by changing the industry like transitioning to musical theatre for example. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) 1.1.3.Customers The customers of Cirque du Soleil are the audiences and they are of prime importance for the organisation. The benefit that Cirque du Soleil gives to the audience is an escape from the stress of their daily lives. In other words, they can get away from it all for a short while. The audience gets a unique experience from the spectacular performance. Due to the multiple shows, customers may come frequently which brings travel possibilities because the organization is touring around the world. An adult experience can be fulfilled due to the fact that the show is more elegant and rich than loud like in a traditional circus. (Pawar, 2007: 8-10) 1.1.4.Government The government’s purpose in helping the organisation might be to enhance their image. Especially for tourism, the organisation enlarge government’s cultural offering. Therefore, a new target group can be achieved e.g. those who are not interested in historical sights. As a result, this benefit supports the local industry due to taxes. Hence, the city can pursue other projects like the construction of parks as public service. Cirque du Soleil has an agreement with the Government of Canada to serve 25 years with entertainment to support the cultural program in Canada. (Canadian Heritage, 2010) 1.1.5.Suppliers & Distributors Suppliers and distributors are committed in long term relationships with Cirque du Soleil and bring prestige to the stakeholders due to frequent orders and demand. It may also be possible that the stakeholder gets new customer groups due to references. 1.1.6.Investors & Sponsors For these groups, cooperating with Cirque du Soleil brings a prestige to the  locals. In the case of Arab investors, the cooperation brings business in tourism, regional development and support for the local industry. Dubai firms bought 20% of Cirque du Soleil which brought profit. Last year 10000 visitors watched Cirque du Soleil’s performances and the company owns a stake in casinos where Cirque’s shows are shown. (The star, 2008) Sponsors want to enhance their image and in addition, get new target groups. Besides, return on investment is a benefit for sponsors. Nevertheless, sponsors are a low key stakeholder because they also use the event for fundraising opportunities. (De Wit, 2004: 931) 1.1.7.Community The province of Quebec and its community share almost the same interests as the government. Quebec wants to enhance their image and enlarge their cultural offering and in doing so, hope to achieve new target markets. The global community looks for funding and developing e.g. for projects like charity. Cirque du Mond is a special project for youth who have HIV or victims of sexual violence. Cirque offer them workshops to express themselves. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) 1.2.Stakeholders & financial performance The aforementioned stakeholders bring their expectations to the organisation and the organisation tries to fulfil their expectations which may simultaneously lead to the organisation accomplishing its own goals. If the requirements and expectations are reached, high performance can be achieved. (Manowong, 2010: 131) 1.2.1.Superior financial performance through serving stakeholders’ interests In the interests of the stakeholder, managers will be rewarded for their performance. When expectations are met, managers build commitment and loyalty and thus, cause a positive contribution from each member of the organisation. This in turn, lowers the cost for recruitment and training. Satisfied employees provide inputs for creativity for new shows. If they perform excellently they can bring more possibilities in creating new and spectacular acts. Hence, better shows can be offered. As a result more tickets can be sold for high prices which lead to high turnover and profits. Furthermore, new target groups can be tapped into by attracting those who  are watching the shows for the first time out of curiosity. By giving the audience unique experiences of its shows, Cirque may receive frequent and repeated business. As a result, and similar to the effect that employees have on the organisation, the audience brings the organisation turnover and profit due to high ticket sales. (Kim, 2005: 15) The government supports the organisation. One example can be given from 1985 where Cirque du Soleil was in debt. The Quebec government granted funds to the organisation to sustain their business which brought the organisation slowly back into a stable condition. (Pawar, 2007: 4) Due to long-term relationships to suppliers, the stakeholders build trust after a long collaboration. As a result, the stakeholder supports the organisation with lower and better prices. Concerning investors, they support Cirque du Soleil with projects for example. Therefore, Cirque du Soleil has lower financing costs and has a better financial reputation and position. Cirque du Soleil attracts investors and thus, they have a financial backup. (TheStar, 2008) Through the community, Cirque du Soleil achieves a reputation e.g. by giving tickets to charitable organisations. Having a positive impact on the greater community and society in general can help Cirque boost their ticket sales. (Pawar, 2007: 9) Corporate social responsibility became important where companies take responsibility towards community and environment and operate in social and ecological aspects. As a result, the organisation may increase customer retention, enhance relationships (customer, supplier) and differentiate from competitors. (Sims, 2003: 43-44) 1.3.Serving stakeholders’ interests through superior financial performance Good financial performance of Cirque enables the organisation to better serve the stakeholders in more ways than simply revenues and profit. As a consequence of superior financial performance, a further aspect is important to how Cirque du Soleil satisfies their stakeholders. Due to the high  turnover and profit in business, better shows are offered where the expenditure is spent on modern technology or venues. Suppliers are charged with new tasks and build trust. Besides, the bigger the company size, the bigger the orders because the company may have the ability to manage the delivery. Hence, the studios get seller’s attention. (Hollensen, 2005: 296-297) Additionally, better training can be provided for employees in circus school and career transition program support artists when they step out of the organisation. Furthermore, Cirque du Soleil offers their employees health benefits like medical plan and travel benefits due to shows in different countries. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) Communities can be provided with new projects beside environment issues like environmental pollution. According to Cirque du Mond Cirque du Soleil can provide new projects. So besides Africa and Australia they could also operate in Asia. (Cirque du Soleil) 2.Operational innovations at Ciruqe du Soleil Operational innovation is about creating new ways in business e.g. in new projects or providing customer service to achieve success. Consequently, success is not only based on the working performance of a company. (Hammer, 2004) 2.1.Operational innovations & the unique Cirque experience Cirque du Soleil distinguishes themselves from traditional circuses by eliminating and adding factors. (Kim, 2005: 36) Eliminate Star performance Animal shows Aisle concession sales Multiple show arenas 3 ringsRaise Unique venue + Touring location Reduce Fun and humour Thrill and dangerCreate Theme + Multiple shows Refines environment Multiple productions Artistic music and dance Music first than shows Production e.g. film, TV, retail, corporate shows Unique combination of performing act Table 1 Eliminate- Reduce- Raise- Create Grid (Source by Kim, 2005: supplemented by author) Furthermore, it is said that less successful companies followed usual strategic logic and successful companies used value innovation. Value innovation differs from the basic strategy and does not focus on rivals. It focuses more on the values customers have in common and new processes. (Kim, 1998: 25-26) Moreover, by eliminating certain elements, costs can be reduced e.g. by reducing advertising because value innovation causes word-of-mouth. Thus, a part of differentiation is also value at a lower cost. (Kim, 1998: 28-30) As illustrated below (see Figure 1), the key factors for the value curve are focus, divergence and a compelling tagline to achieve and exceed the value for both buyers and the organisation which Cirque du Soleil manages to do. Evidently, it is shown in Strategy Canvas that Cirque du Soleil differs from other competitors. The Circus Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Value Curves are similar to a traditional circus and Cirque du Soleil is the total opposite of it thr ough alternatives with new factors. (Kim, 2005: 37-41) Proceeding on the assumption, the operational innovation leads to value innovation and as a result, those unique strategies such as new concepts and process create unique experiences. (Waltz, 2003: 86) For example they attract audiences with lighting effects, original music and new and appealing costumes. (Pawar, 2007: 4) In general, a mature industry has a greater chance of success and rewards than industries which appear profitable because mature industries have a  greater creativity in business and higher level of innovation. Customers are especially attracted by the creativity of industries which can cause unique experiences. These industries are also difficult to compete because of the market niche they create. (Baden- Fuller, 1992: 18) These criteria fit Cirque du Soleil’s business model and is carried out by its Blue Ocean strategy in which the organisation builds a new and uncontested market which made the competition irrelevant due to creative innovations. (Kim, 2005: 4&18) 2.2.The influence of operational innovations on the financial dynamics of Cirque du Soleil Financial dynamics reflect results of an organisation’s decisions which are important for the cash flow. Increasing the productivity means not reducing costs. Nevertheless, it creates options which may lead to turnovers. The effect of increasing output or input may enhance profit for the business. (Yu- Lee, 2002: 136&138) In general the circus industry comprises high costs and most of the circuses incur increasing costs without rising revenues. (Kim, 2005: 13) Based on the innovation in 2.1 the author identifies the reducing cost and the turnover due to the organisation’s elimination and addition of elements which lead to profit. 2.2.1.Turnover Cirque du Soleil has various factors which attract customers and leads to turnover. For example, they have unique venues with comfortable seats instead of hard benches like in traditional circus. (Kim, 2005: 15) Cirque du Soleil started to perform in different continents like Asia and Europe and people all over the world have the chance to take part in the events. Moreover, the organisation creates themes which have impressive storylines and multiple shows with new acts. Additionally, artistic dance and music make it more unique. A special feature of the shows is how they create music first and then adapt the acts to the music. All in all, the unique entertainment created a new form of entertainment and combined circus art with theatre and ballet. (Pawar, 2007: 3-6) This generates turnover because creativity causes a great ambience and introduces an intellectual element into the shows which impress audiences and increase demand. (Kim, 2005: 15) In general, Cirque’s shows are sold out or well frequented with occupancy of  85-95%. (Williamson, 2004: 931) By other ventures like audio, videos, t-shirts and masks Cirque can increase their revenue. (Pawar, 2007: 3) In addition, less than 10% of revenues come from concessions at shows. Nothing is sold inside the tent and also not during performances. Therefore, Cirque du Soleil offers VIP packages which include food in a separate tent. Hence, the customer can get better beverages for a higher price. (Williamson, 2004: 931) 2.2.2.Reducing Cost Reducing costs are achieved by significantly eliminating elements. By eliminating circus animals reduce one of the most expensive expenditures. This consists of training, insurance, medical care and transportation, and transportation expenses are especially costly because Cirque du Soleil tours around the world. Moreover, star performances in traditional circuses are expensive and Cirque does not include these performers in its programs. Instead of three-ring venues Cirque reduces it into one which reduces e.g. the effort of decoration costs. (Kim, 2005: 14) Besides touring shows they have permanent shows which take place in Las Vegas, Orlando and Walt Disney World. (Pawar, 2007: 3) 2.2.3.Profit In terms of profit, operational innovations develop improvement for better market performance. It enables Strategic, Marketplace and Operational benefits. (Hammer, 2004) The results of Cirque du Soleil’s innovations can be gathered from â€Å"A Powerful Weapon† (see appendix: table 2). Applicable to Cirque du Soleil, they achieved strategic benefits which lead to higher customer retention, ability to execute strategies and to enter new markets due to their new entertainment business. Their marketplace benefits are based on greater customer satisfaction, differentiated offerings and stronger relationships due to offering unique experiences. Operational benefits are acquired with lower direct costs and more added values. 3.Cirque du Soleil’s corporate mission The corporate mission is an element of the organisation’s business plan. It is a function for the strategic planning which gives a specific direction to the business process. Therefore, the organisation has a purpose and business principles to form the firm’s identity. (Bierce, 2004: 592) 3.1.Components  of the corporate mission The corporate mission consists of three elements. First of all, in organisational beliefs the members have the same strategic beliefs and share a common understanding which makes decision making easier in business processes. It results in a more confident and driven group. (Bierce, 2004: 592) Secondly, the organisational values guide the actions in a business and are an integral part of the company but each person has her own value in what they believe to be good. Therefore, by sharing common values e.g. in ethical behaviour or worthwhile activities, reaching aims can be supported. Lastly, an organisation has a specific business definition which creates a direction for the organisation to follow and thereby attain success. Through this guideline, members focus on opportunities and efforts to expand their business. (Bierce, 2004: 593) 3.1.1.Business definition According to the mission, Cirque du Soleil places high importance on artistic performances and creative productions. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) Based on the research of the author, their mission is not a precise business definition of Cirque du Soleil because there is no clear direction how they want to develop. For example, they do not define themselves as a traditional circus. Not having a business definition points to a weakness in the organisation. On the other hand, not having a definition is a strength because there is no other organisation which is similar with Cirque du Soleil’s business (exemplified in 2.1.). 3.1.2.Organisational purpose Cirque du Soleil’s purpose â€Å"[..] is to invoke the imagination, to provoke the senses and to evoke the emotions of people around the world.† (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) The organisation is trying to do everything to impress their customers but to fulfil their needs they do not use market research for their shows. By following trends the organisation will lose their unique presence. Instead, the organisation’s culture is to create new shows to update previous shows. (Pawar, 2007:8-9) 3.1.3.Organisational beliefs Cirque du Soleil is breaking the market boundaries of circus and theatre (Kim, 2005: 14) which points to a new form of live entertainment with a  combination of circus art, ballet and theatre. (Pawar, 2007: 3) Coherent with this finding, the non-existent business definition is contradictory because it is said that Cirque du Soleil tried from the beginning to differentiate itself from the traditional circus in business perspectives. (Pawar, 2007: 6-7) Moreover, to achieve this belief by breaking market boundaries, innovations enabled steps to be taken in a specific direction. 3.1.4.Organisational values The value of this organisation is to keep their creativity in business and try to exceed their limits. In addition, the organisation tries to empower its people and promote the youth. Furthermore, every member of the organisation respects every contribution of one person. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) 3.2.Mission function & statement The mission functions devote strategic measures for the future and thus, represent the purpose of a unit. Moreover, a mission statement defines customers, products and services. (Entrepreneur Media, 2012) 3.2.1.The future development of the business & mission of Cirque du Soleil For the future, Cirque du Soleil is planning to build more entertainment complexes in major cities like Sydney, London and New York. The complexes would include art galleries, nightclubs and restaurants for people to dine. In addition, Cirque wants to include hotels in which artists perform in the waiting area and clowns are doing the room services. (Pawar, 2007: 10) Based on the mission of Cirque du Soleil, the author analyses the factors of mission. The aforementioned organisational values are definite such as the purpose has a clear understanding of what the organisation wants to offer their customer. In contrast to the business definition, there is an indistinct clarification. In particular, Cirque’s intentions for the future blur the business identity and make it even more vague than it already is. A suggestion would be to take preference and choose between the hospitality or entertainment industry and commit resources accordingly. Thus, they can also assure stakeholders of what specific business they are partaking in and the stakeholders have a clear understanding what purpose the organisation is. 3.2.2.Renewed mission statement To modify the mission statement the author extracts parts of the exciting mission of Cirque du Soleil (see appendix: Figure 2) and adds purposes: â€Å"Cirque du Soleil is an international organization and puts a high value on creation, production and performance of artistic work which will impress the audience to evoke the emotions. The organisation will torch people over the world with unique experiences of their performance which differentiate from other entertainment. â€Å" In the modified mission, value on creativity like production will be retained because it highlights the features of Cirque’s business. Furthermore, members of the organisation have a clearer understanding of their aim or purpose. Moreover, Cirque du Soleil should expand in more countries so that everyone, even people in developing countries, can take part in the unique experiences. Cirque could design smaller shows because the usual tickets are expensive. The mission clearly states that they differentiate from others and still hold their accurate business in the background. In summary, audiences might show a continued curiosity with promises. Strategic BenefitsïÆ'ËœHigher customer retention Greater market share Ability to execute strategies Ability to enter new markets Marketplace benefitsïÆ'ËœLower prices Greater customer satisfaction Differentiated offerings Stronger customer relationship Greater agility Operational benefitsïÆ'ËœLower direct costs Better use of assets Faster cycle time Increased accuracy Greater customization or precision More added value Simplifies processes Table 2 A Powerful Weapon (Source: Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation, 2004) â€Å"Cirque du Soleil is an international organization founded in Quebec dedicated to the creation, production and performance of artistic works whose mission is to invoke the imagination, to provoke the sense and to evoke the emotions of people around the world.† Figure 2 Mission (Source: Cirque du Soleil 2012, online) Bibliography Baden- Fuller, C. (1992). Rejuvenating the Mature Business: The Competitive Challenge. Routledge Bierce, A. (2004). Strategy: Process, Content, Context. Cengage Learning Emea Hollensen, S. (2010). Marketing Management- A Relaitionship Approach 2nd ed. Pearson Education Limited Kim, C. (2005). Blue Ocean Strategy. Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation Kim, C. (1998). Harvard Business Review on Strategies for Growth. Harvard Business School Publishing Corportation Manowong, E. ( 2010). Construction Stakeholder Management. Blackwell Publishing Ltd Mullins, L. (2007). Management and organisational behaviour 7th ed. Prentice Hall Pawar, M. (2007). Innovation at Cirque du Soleil. ICMR Center for Management Research Sims, R. (2003). Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Why Giants Fall Waltz, E. (2003). Knowledge Management in the Intelligence Enterprise. Artech House Inc. Williamson, M. (2004). Strategy: Process, Content, Context. Cengage Learning Emea Yu- Lee, R. (2002). Es sentials of Capacity Management. John Wiley & Sons Online Resource Hammer, M. (2004): Deep Change: How Operational Innovation Can Transform Your Company. Online: URL: http://hbr.org/2004/04/deep-change-how-operational-innovation-can-transform-your-company/ar/1 [25th June 2012] Cirque due Soleil (2012): Mission, Goal and Values. Online: URL: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/about/global-citizenship/introduction/mission.aspx [26th June 2012] Cirque du Soleil (2012): Career Transition.Online: URL: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/jobs/casting/work/career-transition.aspx [26th June 2012] Cirque du Soleil (2012): Social Circus. Online : URL : http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/about/global-citizenship/default.aspx [26th June 2012] Canadian Heritage (2010): Government of Canada and Cirque du Soleil Announce Canada’s Cultural Program for Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Online: URL: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-Canada-Cirque-du-Soleil-Announce-Canadas-Cultural-Program-Expo-2010-Shanghai-1100427.htm [26th June 2012] Entrepreneur Media (2012). Online: URL: http://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/term/82494.html [1st July 2012] The Star (2008). Dubai firms buy 20% of Cirque du Soleil. Online : URL : http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/473172–dubai-firms-buy-20-of-cirque-du-soleil [4th July 2012]

Free Essays on Mencius

We are all affected by our surroundings and experiences, as these are the fundamental building blocks on which we perceive our world. It is not surprising, then, that two of Confucius f most distinguished followers, Mencius and Xunzi, hold two very different views on Human Nature. Although the Confucian philosopher Mencius did not live during a particularly peaceful era in Chinese historyhe was a traveling advisor during the Warring States period, lasting from 403 until 221 BCEthe time during which Xunzi (a member of the following generation of Confucian scholars) lived was much darker and bloodier as he witnessed the wars leading up to the Qin dynasties conquest in the late third century which where  galmost indescribably brutal [as] the intrigues surrounding them [were] often intensely bitter. h While Confucian never saw the need to make his thoughts on the character of human nature unambiguously clear, insisting that  gby nature men are very much the same, [and that] it is through practice that they drift apart, h his followers, Mencius and Xunzi, have addressed the question much more clearly. The former believed that man was predisposed to good, and if some individuals wandered from the right path and turned to evil, it was because external influences has  gperverted their hearts. h He maintained that there exists a natural tendency for goodness, as inevitable as the natural tendency of water to flow downward, (Mencius, 6A.3) and that human beings gain a natural sense of pleasure from acting morally. He puts much greater emphasis on the innate goodness of human nature, which he insists is the gift of Heaven to each and every man. Also Mencius tries to  grecall and enlarge the Confucian idea of ren, or humaneness and the principle of yi, or rightness. h Xunzi on the other hand insists that Human Nature is inherently evil. He thought; people's natural tendencies are corrupt, and moral education runs against t... Free Essays on Mencius Free Essays on Mencius The ideas and theories that both Mencius and Hzun Tzu held entailed to whether or not man’s nature was good or evil. Mencius claimed that human nature was naturally good. Man was born innocent and naà ¯ve and it was only through time, war and experience that man became corrupt. However, Hzun Tzu felt that human nature from birth was stained with corruption and full of evil and selfishness. Mencius and Hzun Tzu’s attitudes towards human nature were equally debatable and controversial. These two great philosophers equally contributed to Confucianism and were both prominent founders of the Confucian belief. Mencius’ view on man and his nature were moralistic whereas Hzun Tzu’s view encompassed a more legalistic world (Liu, 2002). Hzun Tzu approached man through an authoritative manner where a ruling governor would discipline the people. Mencius felt it necessary to leave decisions as well as choices to the people; he felt whatever morals and value s they have learned would aid in the process of proper decision-making. Each philosopher has their own distinct belief as to the thought of human nature those of Mencius and Hzun Tzu although somewhat concrete in his own opinion and seemingly believable oppose and contradict one another. Hzun-Tzu believed that man was by nature evil. Unlike Mencius, he had little faith in humanity and did not feel that man could be depended on whereas Mencius felt that good is found in humanity and man’s mind is ultimately good (Shun, 2000). Hzun Tzu felt that man was born evil and it would only be through education and study that a mind at ease could emerge. Mencius had an extremely contrasting theory; he felt that the mind was innocent and that only man could destroy what was pure. The ideals of Hzun Tzu oppose the doctrines thought and taught by the Confucius faith. Confucian believers are to believe that man is good and by no means evil or bad. The Book of Mencius mentions how if ... Free Essays on Mencius We are all affected by our surroundings and experiences, as these are the fundamental building blocks on which we perceive our world. It is not surprising, then, that two of Confucius f most distinguished followers, Mencius and Xunzi, hold two very different views on Human Nature. Although the Confucian philosopher Mencius did not live during a particularly peaceful era in Chinese historyhe was a traveling advisor during the Warring States period, lasting from 403 until 221 BCEthe time during which Xunzi (a member of the following generation of Confucian scholars) lived was much darker and bloodier as he witnessed the wars leading up to the Qin dynasties conquest in the late third century which where  galmost indescribably brutal [as] the intrigues surrounding them [were] often intensely bitter. h While Confucian never saw the need to make his thoughts on the character of human nature unambiguously clear, insisting that  gby nature men are very much the same, [and that] it is through practice that they drift apart, h his followers, Mencius and Xunzi, have addressed the question much more clearly. The former believed that man was predisposed to good, and if some individuals wandered from the right path and turned to evil, it was because external influences has  gperverted their hearts. h He maintained that there exists a natural tendency for goodness, as inevitable as the natural tendency of water to flow downward, (Mencius, 6A.3) and that human beings gain a natural sense of pleasure from acting morally. He puts much greater emphasis on the innate goodness of human nature, which he insists is the gift of Heaven to each and every man. Also Mencius tries to  grecall and enlarge the Confucian idea of ren, or humaneness and the principle of yi, or rightness. h Xunzi on the other hand insists that Human Nature is inherently evil. He thought; people's natural tendencies are corrupt, and moral education runs against t...

Installing Perl Modules From CPAN

Installing Perl Modules From CPAN There are several ways to install Perl modules from the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network on your Unix-based system. There is always more than one way to do things with Perl, and this is no different. Before embarking on any installation, download the module, unzip it and check out the documentation. Most modules are installed using the same method. Activate the CPAN Module The simplest way to install Perl modules to use the CPAN module itself. If you are the system administrator and want to install the module systemwide, youll need to switch to your root user. To fire up the CPAN module, just get to your command line and run this: If this is the first time youve run CPAN, its going to ask you a series of questions- in most cases, the default answer is fine. Once you find yourself staring at the cpan command prompt, installing a module is as easy as install MODULE::NAME. For example, to install the HTML::Template module youd type: CPAN should take it from there, and youll wind up with the module installed in your Perl library. Installing from the Command Line Lets say youre on your system command line and you just want to install a module as quickly as possible; you can run the Perl CPAN module via command line Perl and install it in a single line: Its always advisable to download a module yourself, especially if youre having problems installing with CPAN. If youre on the command line, you can use something like wget to grab the file. Next, youll want to unzip it with something like: This unzips the module into a directory and then you can go in and poke around. Look for the README or INSTALL files. In most cases, installing a module by hand is still pretty easy, though, although not as easy as CPAN. Once youve switched into the base directory for the module, you should be able to install it by typing:

Theories on the History of Science as Social Constructs Essay

Theories on the History of Science as Social Constructs - Essay Example l description of Hess’s concepts related to the cultural construction of science and technology, this paper moves towards a comparison between the theories of Carolyn Merchant and Hess. Both of them have their own ideas related to science, technology and nature. Merchant takes a feminist stance in her description of science and technology. At the end, a conclusion is given that summarizes the overall paper. T.S. Kuhn is his book, â€Å"The Structure of Scientific Revolutions†, evaluates the history of Science. Kuhn illustrates that science has not developed from accretion of factual information but from continuous transforming situations and probabilities for the people related to scientific disciplines (Polsby, 1998). For Kuhn, science that was prevalent in different eras of history was an output of the factors at that time (Polsby, 1998). Kuhn divided the history of science in three phases. In the first phase, there was no agreement on a single theory and people differ from each other in terms of suggested theories due to which, the theories of this phase were left deficient (Kuhn, 1962). Second phase saw some acceptance on theories and there was proper experimentation and analysis (Kuhn, 1962). Kuhn regards the third phase of science as innovatory and revolutionary (Kuhn, 1962). According to Kuhn, science moves between these phases to get some results (Kuhn, 1962). The movie, â€Å"Mindwalk† directed by Bernt Amadeus Capra introduces three characters who are involved in a correspondence. First one is a politician; second one is a scientist while the third one is a poet. Each of them has a diverse viewpoint and sees the world differently. The movie is based on Kuhn ideas that are linked to the discovery of new concepts in scientific field. The movie illustrates that people should not rely on old discoveries and theories, they should revolutionize and should move towards new grounds. As Kuhn has explained that, every scientific development has three phases,