Legal Environment of Business3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Legal Environment of Business3 - Essay Example r is not liable to the student loan because it is still part of the debts he has and when he is declared bankrupt, it means that even the student loan he has cannot be paid, hence he cannot be held liable. The trustee cannot enforce the lease as written because the initial lease when it was being signed indicated that the lease cannot be assignable, so despite the present circumstance the company is in, the lease statement still holds (Morgan et al 832). The government can claim from the first filing before the bankruptcy court appointed a trustee. This will therefore entitle the government to acquire and get its due before everything is fully under the trustee to supervise liquidation. Below cost pricing is where the price for a product or service is below the initial amount paid by the seller to acquire it. It can be shown when the profitability of a company reduces but its market share is going up and it attracts more customers. Competition pricing laws apply in such a case and the company can even be closed (Morgan et al 880). Yes it is legal to merge the two companies as they will be merged under the combination merger and the shareholders of each company will be the ones to decide if they want to have their shares back or they can get new shares from the new merged company. Yes the laws would apply since they are meant to protect the citizens from fraud. Since the products will be sold even in the United States, the laws would be enforced under the private suits section of the anti-trust laws (Morgan et al

America & Globalization Essay Example for Free

America Globalization Essay Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea that American corporations are working with international companies to help boost the economy. The paper focuses on the use of globalization as a primary tool towards accomplishing that goal. The paper also provides the reader with views from both supporters of globalization and opponents as well. The articles used for this paper give very interesting facts as well as views on both sides of the socio-economic table. In U.S Liberal Politics author Deborah White’s article â€Å"Pros and Cons of Free Trade† she discuses globalization in relation to free trade agreements and provides both pros and cons as well as a generalized definition of free trade. Meanwhile, Gary Hufbauer provides a more supporting article on Globalization supplied with studies and debates. As for Chris Isidore’s article, it focuses generally on the recessions from past to present and what trends are different and remain the same when it deals with the progression of the economy. Lastly, Wikipedia’s definition of †Globalization† lays out in detail the history, timeline, business applications, and etc. about the economic reference. In like manner, this paper examines the overall analysis of globalization and how it relates to boosting the economy. America Globalization One of the biggest topics today in America’s current events is the U.S. economy and the need for an economical boost. The U.S. declared the latest recession the biggest since the Great Depression. According to Chris Isidore (2010, p.1), â€Å"The Great Recession started in December 2007 and ended June 2009†. However, this information does nothing for the many Americans out of work, over-debt in their mortgage, and uncertain about their financial future. Nevertheless, seemingly, the American corporations have worked hard to try to find ways to help fellow Americans and boost the economy back to its median. One of the ways big corporations think will help is the use of Globalization. According to Wikipedia (2012, p.1) by definition, â€Å"Globalization refers to the increasingly global relationships of culture, people, and economic activity. It is generally used to refer to economic globalization: the global distribution of the production of goods and services, through reduction of barriers to international trade such as tariffs, export fees, and import quotas†. Comparatively, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission have also written that globalization is a widely-used term that can be defined in a number of different ways. When used in an economic context, it refers to the reduction and removal of barriers between national borders in order to facilitate the flow of goods, capital, and services and labor† In contrast, there are just as many people opposed to this idea as those whom support it. Deborah White writes (p.1), â€Å"One angry complaint is that more than three million U.S. jobs with middle-class wages have been outsourced to foreign countries since 1994.† It seems that the biggest obstacle is convincing the middle class that globalization is in fact, a good idea for the economy. Those same opponents believe that free trade has caused more U.S. jobs losses than gains, especially for higher-wage jobs. They also feel that many free trade agreements are bad deals for the U.S. Nevertheless, American corporations in conjunction with government officials are both working with other international companies to help boost our economy. To begin with, American corporations like the idea of boosting the economy through the use of globalization. Henceforth, with treaties like NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and organizations like NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) America has been at the forefront of the campaign for the removal of barriers between national borders in order to facilitate the flow of goods, capital, services and labor. Moreover, as White writes (2012, p.2), â€Å"The purpose of free trade agreements is to allow faster and more business between the two countries/areas, which should benefit both.† Statistics show that globalization does help boost the economy. Gary Clyde Hufbauer writes in his article, â€Å"The Peterson Institute calculates that the US economy is approximately $1 trillion richer each year owing to past globalization—the payoff both from technological innovation and from policy liberalization—and could gain another $500 billion annually from futur e liberalization†. These are the numbers that motivate American Corporations. In addition, globalization helps increase sales and profits for U.S. businesses, which ultimately boost the economy. What the middle class does not understand is that globalizations tactics such free trade help create more jobs within the middle class sector for the long term. White also adds (2012, p.2), â€Å"Removal of costly and delaying trade barriers, such as tariffs, quotas and conditions, inherently leads to easier and swifter trade of consumer goods. The result is an increased volume of U.S. sales.† Globalization also helps to develop and strengthen the economy of the poorest countries as well. Some of the biggest benefits of poor countries through tactics like free trade are creating more industrialized nations and increasing the purchase of their natural resources and/or labor services. Condescendingly, there are just as many opponents to globalization and free trade as there are supporters. Many of those that oppose consists of middle class Americans and the congressman they elect. The biggest problem is a fear of the unknown. Middle class Americans don’t want to wait for the â€Å"long-term†. They want to continue to have the same security of employment as they’ve always had, which is understandable. Nevertheless, they also feel free trade agreements cause a loss in higher paying jobs. This is the basis or platform for the argument of the â€Å"War on the Middle Class†. The argument of free trade and globalization, although provides a soaring boost in corporate profits, individual wages stagnate. This leaves no room for the middle-class to advance. As White explains (2012, p.2), While corporate profits soar, individual wages stagnate, held at least partly in check by the brave new fact of offshoring that millions of Americans jobs can be performed at a fraction of the cost in developing nations near and far. All things considered, the determination of whether globalization is good for the economy will continue to be a debatable issue amongst those of different socio-economic groups. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that globalization has its pros and cons. The ultimate goal and mindset of American Corporations behind implementing globalization is to work with international companies in an effort to boost the economy. Famous investor Warren Buffet once said, â€Å"Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.’ Whether that shade tree is globalization, who knows? The ultimate goal is creating jobs and getting the economy back on course. References Deborah White. (2012) US Liberal Politics Pros and Cons of Free Trade Agreement. Retrieved from http://usliberals.about.com/od/theeconomyjobs/i/FreeTradeAgmts.htm Chris Isidore. (September 2010) Economy Recession officially ended in June 2009. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/20/news/economy/recession_over/index.htm Gary Hufbauer. (May 2008) Answering the Critics: Why Large American Gains from Globalization Are Plausible. Retrieved from http://www.iie.com/publications/papers/paper.cfm?ResearchID=929 Wikipedia. (March 2012) Globalization Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalization

Essay on The Holy Bible - The Cruel God of Genesis -- Holy Bible Genes

The Cruel God of Genesis This essay will propose and support the thesis that God carries the blame for the expulsion of man from the Garden of Eden and resulting downfall of mankind. Genesis has always been the cause of heated discussions. The work itself is not all that confusing, but rather the symbolism buried deep within the text is. The opinions of the reader often have a substantial influence on the reader's interpretation of the text. Because the scripture has played such an important role in the theological beliefs of so many Christians, extremely different interpretations of the text have the potential to create distance between even the closest of friends and even worse, families. To expect that all of mankind would agree on one interpretation is quite foolish. Human nature and our free will limit the possibility that any two people, let alone the entire population of the world, would agree completely with each other on even the simplest issues. When dealing with the most popular book in the world, these substantial arguments make an unbelievable difference on how people feel about the "good book." Some interpret the story of the fall as being Adam and Eve's fault. However, this is not the case. God, the almighty, knew of the events that would transpire leading up to man's expulsion from paradise. God is truly at fault for mankind's loss of eternal bliss. He is the one who first tempted us to sin by placing before Adam and Eve the forbidden tree, knowing full and well that human nature would tell them to find the loophole in his rules. The presence of the serpent in the garden is merely coincidental and offers God a scapegoat. Without a doubt, God is the unanimously evident reason for the ... ...loving, creator of the heavens and the earth, destroy one of his own creations? The answer to that question is, to the best of my knowledge, not printed in any book in existence today. It remains a mystery to this world and very well could remain a mystery throughout the existence of life on earth. With such overwhelming evidence how can one possibly blame anyone, but God for the expulsion of mankind from the Garden of Eden? Only he had the power to do so. The only way he could destroy a creation as divine as Paradise would be to relinquish it of its divinity. He made the mistake of giving man free will, he has sufficient motive for the banishment from Eden, and he is, without a shadow of a doubt, the one at fault for this world that we live in. Humankind is merely an innocent victim of the punishments that come from a cruel God. Essay on The Holy Bible - The Cruel God of Genesis -- Holy Bible Genes The Cruel God of Genesis This essay will propose and support the thesis that God carries the blame for the expulsion of man from the Garden of Eden and resulting downfall of mankind. Genesis has always been the cause of heated discussions. The work itself is not all that confusing, but rather the symbolism buried deep within the text is. The opinions of the reader often have a substantial influence on the reader's interpretation of the text. Because the scripture has played such an important role in the theological beliefs of so many Christians, extremely different interpretations of the text have the potential to create distance between even the closest of friends and even worse, families. To expect that all of mankind would agree on one interpretation is quite foolish. Human nature and our free will limit the possibility that any two people, let alone the entire population of the world, would agree completely with each other on even the simplest issues. When dealing with the most popular book in the world, these substantial arguments make an unbelievable difference on how people feel about the "good book." Some interpret the story of the fall as being Adam and Eve's fault. However, this is not the case. God, the almighty, knew of the events that would transpire leading up to man's expulsion from paradise. God is truly at fault for mankind's loss of eternal bliss. He is the one who first tempted us to sin by placing before Adam and Eve the forbidden tree, knowing full and well that human nature would tell them to find the loophole in his rules. The presence of the serpent in the garden is merely coincidental and offers God a scapegoat. Without a doubt, God is the unanimously evident reason for the ... ...loving, creator of the heavens and the earth, destroy one of his own creations? The answer to that question is, to the best of my knowledge, not printed in any book in existence today. It remains a mystery to this world and very well could remain a mystery throughout the existence of life on earth. With such overwhelming evidence how can one possibly blame anyone, but God for the expulsion of mankind from the Garden of Eden? Only he had the power to do so. The only way he could destroy a creation as divine as Paradise would be to relinquish it of its divinity. He made the mistake of giving man free will, he has sufficient motive for the banishment from Eden, and he is, without a shadow of a doubt, the one at fault for this world that we live in. Humankind is merely an innocent victim of the punishments that come from a cruel God.

Alone on a Mountaintop Summary Essay

In â€Å"Alone in a Mountaintop†, an excerpt from Lonesome Traveler (1960), Jack Kerouac describes his journey west as â€Å"a fire lookout†. Jack Kerouac stated that he was â€Å"tired† do city life and sought solitude, so†[he]applied† to be â€Å"a fire lookout† and went west (218). (218) Kerouac started his journey by driving towards the Cascades, followed by taking a â€Å"lift†, riding on a ferry, followed by a tugboat, and climbing with a horse and mule up the northern cascade mountain. He them noted how the further on he traveled the less â€Å"inhabitants† he noticed. After two days of waiting for Andy, the muleskinner, and Assistant Ranger Marty Gohlke, Jack describes how they took the tugboat up †Ross Lake† and started up the mountain with mules packed with enough supplies for sixty-three days and nights on Desolation mountain. Kerouac described how he reacted when they came upon what was to be his summer home and then noted how Andy and Marty helped him set up camp. He then settled into bed for the night. (222-223)  Kerouac noted that he was now alone, Andy and Marty left. He then spent the day cleaning and turned in early to be awoken to the sounds of nature. The job, as Kerouac noted, was to watch out for fires and he noted one storm. Jack felt sympathy for all of the smoke jumpers. He noted that most days were routine. He ate breakfast and radioed in. Kerouac would lay in the meadow and eat around noon, and by nightfall he had gathered his firewood to cook his supper. Kerouac noted that two months had passed. (223-224) Kerouac explained that he discussed that the journey to solitude does not matter where you are; but it’s in one’s mind. (227-228) Jack concluded by noting as he would lead a renewed life, and as he left his summer home he â€Å"turned and blessed† â€Å"the little pagoda on top† of Desolation Mountain which he had come to adore (228). (228)

Fundamental Positions

Carinosa †¢Is a Philippine dance of Hispanic origin from the Maria Clara suite of Philippine folk dances, where the fan or handkerchief plays an instrumental role as it places the couple in romance scenario.. Folk dance †¢Is a form of dance developed by a group of people that reflects the traditional life of the people of a certain country or region. Folk dancing originated in the 18th century to distinguish dance forms of common people from those of the upper classes. Folk dances, unlike most other dance forms, tend to have no stringent rules, and are sometimes formed spontaneously among groups of people.The steps of folk dances are passed through generations, rarely being changed. Folk dancing is usually associated with social activities, although some folk dances are performed competitively. Terminology †¢Is the study of terms and their use. Terms are words and compound words that in specific contexts are given specific meanings, meanings that may deviate from the m eaning the same words have in other contexts and in everyday language. The discipline Terminology studies among other things how such terms of art come to be and their interrelationships within a culture.Terminology differs from lexicography in studying concepts, conceptual systems, and their labels (terms), whereas lexicography study words and their meanings. Terminology is a discipline which systematically studies the labeling or designating of concepts particular to one or more subject fields or domains of human activity. It does this through research and analysis of terms in context for the purpose of documenting and promoting consistent usage. 5 Fundamental Positions †¢Standing Fundamental Position †¢Knee-standing Fundamental Position †¢Sitting Fundamental Position †¢Lying Fundamental Position †¢Hanging Fundamental Position

Knights and Samurais essays

Knights and Samurais essays Many people often see little similarity between the country of Japan and Europe. However, there are actually several similarities between these two countries. In fact, Reischauer and Jansen note that Feudal Japan had departed so far from East Asian norms that it was more similar to medieval Europe than it was to China. Thus, the knight of Europe and the samurai of Japan despite a lack of contact with one another shared several common elements. This was a result of many similarities social and cultural influences experienced by the two distant countries. Japan has a history that dates back thousands of years. Researchers believe the Japanese people descended from many groups that migrated to the islands from other parts of Asia, including China and Korea. As early as 4500 B.C., the Japanese islands were inhabited by fishermen, hunters and farmers. The early culture was known as "Jomon," named after the "cord pattern" pottery crafted by the people at the time. Major Japanese cultural changes occurred about 200 B.C. The people were known as "Yayoi." The Yayoi were mostly farmers. It is believed that the present-day Japanese closely resemble the Yayoi in appearance and language. Ancient Yayoi warriors developed weapons, armor and a code during the ensuing centuries that became the centerpiece for the Japanese samurai. War played a central part in the history of Japan. Warring clans controlled much of the country. A chief headed each clan; made up of related families. The chiefs were the ancestors of Japan's imperial family. The wars were usually about land useful for the production of rice. In fact, only 20% of the land was fit for farming. The struggle for control of that land eventually gave rise to the Samurai. One of the important dates in the history of the Japanese warring class is 660 B.C. That's when, according to legend, Emperor Jimmu became head of a confederation of warlike clans. Emperor Jimmu was known as "The Divin...

My Perfect Life †Example College Admission Essay

My Perfect Life – Example College Admission Essay Free Online Research Papers My Perfect Life Example College Admission Essay Three years ago I wanted to die. â€Å"WHAT?!† they would exclaim, looking like they had a massive heart failure because of their shock. Then the usual follow up of â€Å"wow, you’re strong Rachel, I never knew†¦ you never acted like your father died†¦Ã¢â‚¬  but that’s just how I deal with life. I was a nerdy honor student that loved school and playtime. One would see me in the halls zooming to my next class, chit chatting with my friends, or laughing till my eyes watered – trembling like a Pillsbury doughboy. Sounds like a perfect life doesn’t it? Ignorantly, I was oblivious to the world outside of the comfort of my own. That was my â€Å"perfect† life. However, things aren’t perfect, and sure enough my life wasn’t perfect at all. Several people, including my friends didn’t know about the death of my dad that feels like it happened just last month. My dad’s passing led to the manifestation of my sadness and fear of not death, but the effects of it. Even to this day people who know me are shocked when they find out that I am in fact fatherless due to the life robbing disease known as colon cancer. I burrowed myself under school activities, homework, volunteering, and friends keeping myself busy like a mole determinedly burrowing under the grass of golf zones and the noses of golfers, unable to see what it will encounter up ahead. This comfort was something I held dear, for it was what I clung to in times of darkness. A girl was standing in front of her house surrounded by gleaming red fire trucks and light blinding ambulances, waiting for her carpool buddy to tell them that she couldn’t make it to orchestra today. Shivering in her oversized black parka looking like a marshmallow held for too long in the fire. Her eyes were pink and tear filled creating tiny rivers on her cheeks making them sopping wet, her black hair wasn’t brushed; her face was as pale as a moth’s wing. Guess who? Now here was a young lady who was older†¦She was short but petite, her laughter tinkled like a crystal glass tapped by a silver spoon and she laughed and nearly always had a smile upon her face, she had the sparkle of a hundred stars in her eyes, her hair shined and shimmered like the surface of the sea at sunset. This lady had many friends for people were attracted to her like insects to a warm fluorescent light bulb. This young female couldn’t possibly be the one and same as the afore mentioned distressed girl, right? Wrong. That’s right; they are one and the same, me. My life has been a Ferris wheel that has spun out of control. But I have managed to bring myself down, and plant my feet firmly on the ground of what I believe in. Just three years ago I wanted to die, now that the last thing in my mind. Through the hysteria I loved life but also recognized that death was as much a part of life as living. So I laugh until tears come out of joy this time and not sorrow, live vibrantly without regret, and love passionately like I’ve never been wounded. Clichà ©? Yes, but only because it’s true. Research Papers on My Perfect Life College Admission EssayThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsThe Hockey GameThe Fifth HorsemanHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayThe Spring and AutumnStandardized TestingHip-Hop is ArtCapital PunishmentArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided Era

EFL Instructors

Writing Skills Teaching Guide for ESL/EFL Instructors Writing competence in a foreign language tends to be one of the most difficult skills to acquire. This is true for English as well. The key to successful writing classes is that they are pragmatic in nature targeting the skills required or desired by students. Students need to be personally involved in order to make the learning experience of lasting value. Encouraging student participation in the exercise, while at the same time refining and expanding writing skills, requires a certain pragmatic approach. The teacher should be clear on what skills he/she is trying to develop. Next, the teacher needs to decide on which means (or type of exercise) can facilitate learning of the target area. Once the target skill areas and means of implementation are defined, the teacher can then proceed to focus on what topic can be employed to ensure student participation. By pragmatically combing these objectives, the teacher can expect both enthusiasm and effective learning. Overall Game Plan Choose writing objectiveFind a writing exercise that helps to focus on the specific objectiveIf possible, tie the subject matter to student needsProvide feedback through correction activities that call on students to correct their own mistakesHave students revise work Choose Your Target Well Choosing the target area depends on many factors; What level are the students?, What is the average age of the students, Why are the students learning English, Are there any specific future intentions for the writing (i.e school tests, job application letters, etc.). Other important questions to ask oneself are: What should the students be able to produce at the end of this exercise? (a well-written letter, basic communication of ideas, etc.) What is the focus of the exercise? (structure, tense usage, creative writing). Once these factors are clear in the mind of the teacher, the teacher can begin to focus on how to involve the students in the activity thus promoting a positive, long-term learning experience. Things to Remember What will students be able to do after the exercise?Keep the focus on one area of English writing skills Having decided on the target area, the teacher can focus on the means to achieve this type of learning. As in correction, the teacher must choose the most appropriate manner for the specified writing area. If formal business letter English is required, it is of little use to employ a free expression type of exercise. Likewise, when working on descriptive language writing skills, a formal letter is equally out of place. Keeping Students Involved With both the target area and means of production, clear in the teachers mind, the teacher can begin to consider how to involve the students by considering what type of activities are interesting to the students; Are they preparing for something specific such as a holiday or test?, Will they need any of the skills pragmatically? What has been effective in the past? A good way to approach this is by class feedback or brainstorming sessions. By choosing a topic that involves the students the teacher is providing a context within which effective learning on the target area can be undertaken. Correction The question of which type of correction will facilitate a useful writing exercise is of utmost importance. Here the teacher needs to once again think about the overall target area of the exercise. If there is an immediate task at hand, such as taking a test, perhaps a teacher-guided correction is the most effective solution. If the task is more general (for example, developing informal letter writing skills), maybe the best approach would be to have the students work in groups thereby learning from each other. Most importantly, by choosing the correct means of correction the teacher can encourage rather discourage students.

Week 5 paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Week 5 paper - Essay Example The main question during the trial of an offenders of antisocial offences is the presence of inclusive laws that can recognize and properly attribute commitment of anti-social acts with the mental status during the act. Availability of such a law would ensure that offenders are fairly convicted in relation to their psychosocial status, and others referred to appropriate mental facilities. Application of investigatory laws in an appropriate manner coupled with adequate referral mechanism will be a pivotal point in ensuring that both the offenders and the offended are served with the right form of justice (Robertson & Law, 2007). Andrea Yates, who formerly resided in Houston, Texas, made a confession to having killed her five children after drowning them in the bathtub. She confessed to the authorities as well as to her husband whom she called informing that she had committed the act. All the children of Andrea and Rusty were named from the figures of the bible: Noah, john, Paul, Luke, and Mary. The naming structure of these children was influenced by devotion to Christianity. Andrea developed the devotion after listening to the extremist sermons of Michal Peter, a minister that captivated the spiritual life of Andrea with his preaching of good and evil spirits (West, 2006). Andrea was determined to have committed the crime following a mental instability. Following the birth of the fourth child, she was diagnosed with postpartum psychosis as well as postpartum depression. Her psychiatrist then advised her against giving birth to another child as that would worsen the condition. In June 1999, rusty came home and found Andrea quivering and chewing her figures, a trait that he compared to degeneration of mental condition to the childhood level. She equally attempted to commit suicide by overdosing on pills but was saved and admitted in

The Power of the U.S. Supreme Court WK6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Power of the U.S. Supreme Court WK6 - Essay Example Consequently, the U.S. courts interpret the United States Congress inspired laws. The court’s decision includes preventing the police officers from forcibly and illegally conducting illegal search evidences and forcing self-incriminating confessions. The federal courts should accept the concept that the United States Congress’ constitution ensures the police officers should not abuse the citizen’s rights against illegal searches and illegally obtained evidences and confessions. The Miranda law continues to be one of the significant victories for the rights of suspects, a stunning win of the U.S. Supreme Court over Congress. The Courts’ interpretation and implementation of the constitution includes making decisions on the 2000 United States presidential elections, abortion, affirmation action, as well as elimination of school segregation policies. Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s Dickerson decision has implications for the federal exclusion rule. The Dickerson case affirmed the constitutionality or legality of the Miranda Doctrine1, enforcing the fourth Amendment. Dickerson filed a complaint stating a police officer DiFilippo attached a GPRS tracking device under his car, without permission, to track the travels of the suspected drug dealer, Dickerson. The rule states that all evidence taken without a search warrant, including the Dickerson drug evidences, illegally violated the suspect’s Miranda rights to self-incrimination (http://w.info.com/) In addition to the above discussion, The United States Congress can modify the laws that do not conflict with constitutional provisions2. The Circuit court incorporates Professor Cassell’s insistence that Miranda Rights reduces conviction of voluntary confessors by stating the United States Congress’ Act 3501 expressly overrides the Miranda Doctrine by focusing on the overall situation, not the Miranda Doctrine (https://wsws.org/). In short, the victim’s voluntary confession,

Item Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Item Analysis - Assignment Example This information needs to be interpreted in context to the principles on the basis of which the test was designed. A test that was given at the beginning of a course simply to assess which concepts a class was familiar with would be expected to have a positive skew; as there would be fewer items that students would be able to answer. On the other hand; if this test was given to assess mastery or proficiency; these scores would indicate that a number of course goals were not met. If the test were given in order to choose a few individuals who are proficient in very advanced concepts; it would be acceptable that a majority of scores are clustered towards the lower half; as only a few individuals would qualify by getting higher scores.It is also necessary to assess if these results are caused by a few erroneous or confusing items. This may be done by evaluating the trends seen for each item. A competency test typically contains a few simple items, a few difficult items and a few items w ith moderate difficulty. A speed test, on the other hand, requires all items to be similarly difficult. For a competency test; it is necessary that we choose items that not only have different levels of difficulty; but also discriminate between individuals who are able to solve it and those who are not. A good item would typically help us in understanding how well the individual test taker has mastered the individual concept while also helping us differentiate those who did master the concept from those who did not.... Also; the Alpha coefficient is affected by the length of the test; with the reliability being higher and more trusted for a longer test than a shorter one. The given test is only 10 items long; and this may compromise the reliability to some extent. The skewed scores also present other concerns. The Standard Error of Skewness for this test may be calculated by using the Tabachnick & Fidell’s (1996) formula . This provides us with a SES value of 0.245. If we define the acceptable limits within which the value of skewness may fall as being between 2 SES both sides of zero; then we may accept a value that falls between – 0.49 and + 0.49. the obtained value of + 0.78 is well outside these limits, indicating that there is a positive skew to the scores and a significant clustering of scores towards the lower side of the scale. This information needs to be interpreted in context to the principles on the basis of which the test was designed. A test that was given at the beginni ng of a course simply to assess which concepts a class was familiar with would be expected to have a positive skew; as there would be less items that students would be able to answer. On the other hand; if this test was given to assess mastery or proficiency; these scores would indicate that a number of course goals were not met. If the test were given in order to choose a few individuals who are proficient in very advanced concepts; it would be acceptable that a majority of scores are clustered towards the lower half; as only a few individuals would qualify by getting higher scores. It is also necessary to assess if these results are caused by a few erroneous or confusing items. This may be done by evaluating the trends seen for each item. A

Historical Geography of North America Journal Review Essay

Historical Geography of North America Journal Review - Essay Example Mann's sources are recognizable experts in this arena and the article cites them prolifically. While many of Mann's points make enough logical and reasonable sense to dispel the widely held romantic version of the early settlements, the author's arguments rely on a connect-the-dots logic in the absence of a complete historical record. The author succeeds in making the point that the early American settlers were not faced with the typically romantic ideal of cooperation with the environment and struggling against Mother Nature. Instead, he paints a stark picture of famine, disease, and constant hardship replete with starvation and cannibalism. His vision of the Europeans being able to stave off hostile attacks from the Natives is based on the theory that the Natives had been severely weakened by Malaria. Mann also dispels the myth of Pocahontas saving the life of John Smith in 1607. However, this is a literary story that is part of America's myth and hardly an historical moving revelation. The real power of the article is the sense the author gives us that, "Much of what we learned in grade school about the New World encountered by the colonists at Jamestown turns out to be wrong". It demands further investigation and invites a more deeply researched debate. The author contends that the ecology of ... s little evidence offered for the damage done by the earthworm purportedly imported in European soil, it has been long held that the agricultural practices of Europe had a profound effect on the New World. The author also magnifies the destruction that domesticated animals did to the native's farmland, and the resulting tensions between the Natives and the Europeans. Here again, the author gives a reasonable view of animal farming in New England of large animals running wild and destroying the crops of the Natives. However, the evidence is anecdotal and does not consider the viewpoint that it may have been more likely that the animals were restrained and managed as they were in England, as that would be in the best interest of the settlers. However, Mann's point that they altered the ecological landscape cannot be refuted. The strength of the article, apart from its intellectual stimulation, is its contention that European farming and agricultural practices forever transformed the landscape. Mann explains why the different approaches held by the Natives and Europeans to the concept of property ownership came at odds and favored the Europeans. The Native culture believed in a constantly evolving landscape where property rights would shift according to need and use. The Europeans believed in private property ownership and were thus able to accumulate property. The introduction of new plants and controlled agriculture invaded the New World and left a permanent change on the face of America. There can be little argument that tobacco and corn changed the soil, the land, the people, and the economy of the New World. In conclusion, this article is a well-written consensus of a number of noted experts. While it may be somewhat shy of hard evidence, the incomplete historical

The Future of Home Landscape Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Future of Home Landscape - Essay Example This discussion stresses that most contemporary land designers have adopted classy home outlooks with emphasis on the exterior outlook of the houses that are made to appear more unique, natural, and attractive. The incorporation of modern elements such as outdoor benches can be useful as meeting places during hot weather; additionally, swimming pools provide exquisite refreshment zones. Formal and ornamental splashes are used to decorate the house and serve human purposes where individuals experience the feeling of change while in the building. The Lurie Garden is an example of exquisite outdoor elements of home landscapes. Despite the modernization of home landscape, the infrastructure faces major challenges regarding the sustainability of their originality in case the indigenous designer is no longer present to oversee maintenance. Most of the previously exquisite features currently appear to be extinct due to negligence.As the paper discusses  in the U.S., landscape architecture is an inherently ephemeral art form that is adapted for the exhibition.   Home landscape designs in modern cities are utilizing the vast amount of waste to turn trash into treasures through recycling and reusing the wastes for exterior decorations.   The outdoor space is given more attention by designers. It is manicured into front lawns, stone paver pathway, and intricate garden designs.  Prospective landscaping architects are aiming to incorporate more beautiful gardens to remodel the exterior appearance of the houses and reduce wastage of space.

Historical Geography of North America Journal Review Essay

Historical Geography of North America Journal Review - Essay Example Mann's sources are recognizable experts in this arena and the article cites them prolifically. While many of Mann's points make enough logical and reasonable sense to dispel the widely held romantic version of the early settlements, the author's arguments rely on a connect-the-dots logic in the absence of a complete historical record. The author succeeds in making the point that the early American settlers were not faced with the typically romantic ideal of cooperation with the environment and struggling against Mother Nature. Instead, he paints a stark picture of famine, disease, and constant hardship replete with starvation and cannibalism. His vision of the Europeans being able to stave off hostile attacks from the Natives is based on the theory that the Natives had been severely weakened by Malaria. Mann also dispels the myth of Pocahontas saving the life of John Smith in 1607. However, this is a literary story that is part of America's myth and hardly an historical moving revelation. The real power of the article is the sense the author gives us that, "Much of what we learned in grade school about the New World encountered by the colonists at Jamestown turns out to be wrong". It demands further investigation and invites a more deeply researched debate. The author contends that the ecology of ... s little evidence offered for the damage done by the earthworm purportedly imported in European soil, it has been long held that the agricultural practices of Europe had a profound effect on the New World. The author also magnifies the destruction that domesticated animals did to the native's farmland, and the resulting tensions between the Natives and the Europeans. Here again, the author gives a reasonable view of animal farming in New England of large animals running wild and destroying the crops of the Natives. However, the evidence is anecdotal and does not consider the viewpoint that it may have been more likely that the animals were restrained and managed as they were in England, as that would be in the best interest of the settlers. However, Mann's point that they altered the ecological landscape cannot be refuted. The strength of the article, apart from its intellectual stimulation, is its contention that European farming and agricultural practices forever transformed the landscape. Mann explains why the different approaches held by the Natives and Europeans to the concept of property ownership came at odds and favored the Europeans. The Native culture believed in a constantly evolving landscape where property rights would shift according to need and use. The Europeans believed in private property ownership and were thus able to accumulate property. The introduction of new plants and controlled agriculture invaded the New World and left a permanent change on the face of America. There can be little argument that tobacco and corn changed the soil, the land, the people, and the economy of the New World. In conclusion, this article is a well-written consensus of a number of noted experts. While it may be somewhat shy of hard evidence, the incomplete historical

Consider The Use of Force by William Carlos Williams to prove and Essay

Consider The Use of Force by William Carlos Williams to prove and interrogate Laura Mulvey's theory of the patriarchal gaze - Essay Example The more she fights against him, the more the doctor insists on the examination until it is an all-out war there in the kitchen. Although the doctor finally gets a successful examination, confirming his fears that the girl does have diptheria and has been keeping it hidden from her parents, he is left feeling very disturbed by the encounter. While it is possible to come up with some conclusions about this story without outside input, it is helpful to examine it in light of a theorist such as Laura Mulvey, who applied psychoanalytic theory to film studies in 1975 in her essay "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema." Although she relates her ideas to film, Mulvey's concept that the one who looks has all the power is easily applicable to Williams' story. Within her article, Mulvey examines how pre-existing patterns of behavior and social formations has shaped conventions of story-telling and how that has in turn helped shape a patriarchal society. She makes the case that our ideas of mea ning are defined mostly by men who associate their masculinity with their ability to name, define, and control reality. "The paradox of phallocentrism in all its manifestations is that it depends on the image of the castrated woman to give order and meaning to its world. An idea of woman stands as lynch pin to the system: it is her lack that produces the phallus as a symbolic presence, it is her desire to make good the lack that the phallus signifies† (Mulvey 6). In other words, the patriarchic world view is founded on the idea that woman are missing a vital part of the human being, which automatically sets up the man as superior because he does have this part. Because she knows she is missing it, the theory holds, the woman is eager to do what she must to make it up by appropriately lending herself to others' vision of her. Mulvey indicates that Hollywood movies depend on this theme as a means of reaching out to the alienated individual and reinforce the patriarchal obsession s. These are difficult ideas to understand until they are applied to a real-world example, such as Williams' story. Reflecting the language of patriarchy It almost seems the story is written specifically to provide a lesson on the rules of patriarchy as the doctor emerges as the sole narrator. Only his thoughts and opinions matter, which is true both for the reader and for the little family within the home. Among his earliest comments concern his arrival at the home. "When I arrived I was met by the mother, a big startled looking woman, very clean and apologetic" (Williams). His comments are startling not just because they contain no pleasantries at the door in greeting, but because of the clear assessment he is making of the woman based entirely on this first impression of her. Describing her as â€Å"big† sets her up as existing outside of the traditional female ideal; she is not the ‘little’ woman in the home. Adding the description that she is â€Å"startled looking† begins to give the impression that perhaps she is not very bright and clearly not attractive. "In a world ordered by sexual imbalance, pleasure in looking has been split between active/male and passive/female. The determining male gaze projects its phantasy on to the female form which is styled accordingly. In their traditional exhibitionist role women are simultaneously looked at and displayed, with their appearance coded for strong visual and erotic impact so that they can

The contemporary perspectives in psychology Essay Example for Free

The contemporary perspectives in psychology Essay Which of the contemporary perspectives in psychology makes the most sense to you? Discussion It is evident that psychology is being increasingly used in daily events. Employment for example, in Europe more companies are subjecting potential personnel to psychological profile checks and psychological tests during interviews. Even our social lives are becoming affected. People who are seeking the right partner are using psychological techniques to establish the emotional state of their potential partners. As psychology becomes more and more accessible and understandable to more people, I feel that it will begin to influence our lifestyles more. The evolutionary perspective focuses on why a particular behavior or physical structure developed and how the behavior or structure aids in adaptation to the environment (Lahey, 20). Charles Darwin was the innovator who popularized the evolutionary theory. This summarizes how a being can adapt to an environment and keep certain habits, in turn passing these traits along to future generations. Sociocultural perspective focuses on the different cultures, ethnic identity and other sociocoultural factors to fully understand a person (Lahey, 17) which I think is makes the most sense. At a point in time the psychology field was dominated by Caucasian males. Females and people from different races were not allowed to be in the field or even to obtain a doctoral degree. Thought the years, the percentage of men and women in the field have changed dramatically. Once dominated by men, the field has shifted more toward women dominating the field. The contemporary perspective in psychology that makes the most sense to me is the neuroscience perspective. I think the neuroscience perspective is very important especially within the medical field. I understand why this course is a pre-req for entry into pharmacy school. The neuroscience perspective focuses on the nervous system in explaining behavior and mental processes. Psychologists are interested in the structures of the brain that play roles in emotion, reasoning, speaking, and other psychological processes (Lahey, 20). For example, after drinking alcohol you slur you speech and are unable to walk a straight line. Alcoh ol affects the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination. Also,the illegal drug MDMA/ecstasy effects serotonin levels in the brain. This plays a role in emotion. While on the drug you have a wide range of good emotions. After the drug is out of the brain you dont feel as good. The brains of people with schizophernia, bipolar disorder, MS and Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers are different than people without these conditions. MRIs, EEGS and PETS (scans of the brain) have shown this difference. New drugs have been created to treat these conditions based on neurotransmitters and chemicals in the brain. With more and more research being today on these diseases, better and effective treatments are being developed based on the way are body/brains are built and function. Most psychologists agree Human beings are biological creatures (Lahey, 26) The new drug Namenda, for Alzheimers works by attaching to a certain receptors and allowing just enough chemical that effects learning and memory. Too much of this chemical and the nerve cells die, too little and information cannot be stored. I think all of the perspectives have some value. They are different and some similar in explaining behavior and mental processes. Generally, contemporary psychologists do not align themselves with a single theoretical position. Rather, they integrate the best contributions of each perspective into their own eclectic view. (Lahey, 25) I think when evaluating behavior and mental processes, each perspective should be considered and the best parts used. I agree with Aga when she says in her post The evolutionary perspective focuses on why a particular behavior or physical structure developed and how the behavior or structure aids in adaptation to the environment (Lahey, 20). Charles Darwin was the innovator who popularized the evolutionary theory. This summarizes how a being can adapt to an environment and keep certain habits, in turn passing these traits along to future generations. Many traits are passed along and also bipolar disorder can be passed on to future generations. The behavior of a son/daughter having bipolar disorder can be similar to the mother/father that has bipolar disorder. Also, bipolar disorder is somehow connected with out physical makeup, DNA. That is how it is passed on. Although Darwin wrote long before the mechanisms of genetic inheritance were understood, he hypothesized that variations occur occasionally in the process of reproduction (Lahey 20) Who knows maybe bipolar disorder was originally a mutation.

Effectiveness Of Biologigal Wastewater Treatment Environmental Sciences Essay

Effectiveness Of Biologigal Wastewater Treatment Environmental Sciences Essay Wastewater treatment is a serious environmental concern due to the hazards of discharging poorly treated effluent to the environment. Poor wastewater treatment poses a pollution threat to receiving water bodies, groundwater pollution, soil contamination and resulting loss of biodiversity (Mantila, 2002). Dandora Estate Sewerage Treatment Works treats on average 62,000m3 per day annually of wastewater from Nairobi city and its environs through biological treatment and will form the study area. The population targeted in this study is wastewater received and treated at DESTW. The purpose of this study is to find out the effectiveness of biological wastewater treatment and the pollution potential of DESTW activities to the environment. An experimental research design will be used to determine the wastewater characteristics and contaminant removal while a descriptive design will be used to determine the environmental implications of wastewater treatment. The instruments used in the study are observation, laboratory experiments, leopold matrix, network analysis, and impact characteristic analysis. Data analysis will be done using both inferential and descriptive statistics. Wastewater treatment has been defined as the process of removing contaminants from wastewater produced by both domestic and industrial sources (Tchobanglous, 1993). Its objective is to produce treated effluent and sludge suitable for discharge or reuse back into the environment which is achieved through physical, chemical and biological processes. The issue of wastewater treatment and disposal assumed increasing importance in the early 1970s as a result of the general concern expressed in the United States and worldwide about the wider problem of pollution of the human environment, the contamination of the atmosphere, rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater by domestic, municipal, agricultural, and industrial waste (Oswald, 1996) A great deal of wastewater treatment plants are scattered all over the world and until recently not much scientific attention was given to these plants. They were considered to solve local problems so specific that one did not want to think it worthwhile to discuss design and operation of them in international fora. However, the interest shown for the 1st International Specialized Conference on Design and Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants (Trondheim, 1989), and the IAWQ Specialist Group on the same subject (formed in 1991), demonstrated that there is a need to discussion on international scale the strategies for planning and the technical development of such plants. The reason for this interest must be found in the abundance of cases around the world where small wastewater treatment plants have to be put in operation to prevent environmental pollution and hazards. There is a global shift from the traditional centralized wastewater treatment system to locally based wastewater solutions (Hallvard, 1993) following the UN Decade for Water and Sanitation recommendations. The need for good solutions for wastewater treatment plants is therefore crucial in many developing countries. Developed countries mainly use mechanical and chemical treatment processes which though requiring less land are very expensive to establish and maintain. Alabaster (1994) cites that many developing countries favour the use of biological treatment which uses wastewater stabilization ponds since climate favours its operation and it is a low-cost, low-maintenance, highly efficient and natural method of wastewater treatment. The Dandora Sewerage Treatment Works (DESTW) which treats wastewater from Nairobi city and its environs uses biological treatment. However, due to stricter discharge standards set by National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), DESTW is increasingly falling short of those standards. Parr and Horan (1994) highlight three principal reasons for wastewater treatment plants failure: a lack of technical knowledge, failure to consider all relevant local factors at pre-design stage and inappropriate discharge standards. Mara (1992) cites the following broad impacts to the environment due to poorly treated effluent: pollution of receiving aquatic water body, groundwater pollution from seepage of effluent, soil pollution from dumping sludge and health impacts from drinking contaminated water or food grown by the same water. 1.2 Problem Statement The problem under investigation in this study is the effectiveness of biological treatment in removing contaminants from wastewater and pollution potential of DESTW activities. Factors making the problem a critical issue to warrant research are: the physical treatment unit at DESTW has not been operational for the past four years; all pond series apart from series 3 and 5 lack anaerobic ponds; closure of series 8 due to water hyacinth infestation may overload series 7; lack of pretreatment facilities in many industries that discharge into the Nairobi city sewer network may reduce treatment effectiveness; and the environmental implications of groundwater pollution by effluent seepage and soil pollution by dumping of toxic sludge. Purpose of the Study Based on the problem stated the purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of biological treatment at removing contaminants from wastewater through empirical method of inquiry and propose sustainable methods of improving treatment effectiveness at DESTW. This study also aims at identifying the potential impacts to the environment resulting from DESTW activities and proposes methods of mitigating negative impacts based on findings. 1.4 Objectives of the Study The objectives of this study are as follows: To analyze the composition of wastewater received at DESTW To analyze the effectiveness of contaminants mass removal at DESTW To determine the pollution potential in relation to activities of DESTW To identify alternative uses of treated effluent 1.5 Hypothesis There is a positive relationship between the functioning of biological treatment and the quality of effluent at DESTW. 1.6 Significance and Justification of the Study This study addresses gaps in knowledge that exist in biological treatment effectiveness in treating wastewater from Nairobi, sewage effluent has long been cited as the cause of Nairobi River pollution, this study will quantify the extent to which effluent from DESTW pollutes the river. By addressing the above gaps in knowledge, the study will add to the body of knowledge in the field of wastewater treatment in Kenya. This study is important since the results will influence future environmental policies on wastewater management, recommendations will propose sustainable methods suitable for Kenya of further treating the effluent to ensure compliance with discharge standards, and they will also propose methods on improving existing methods of treating wastewater e.g. by harvesting methane gas from anaerobic ponds to provide electricity for running the physical treatment works. The findings and recommendations will mitigate negative impacts to the environment as a result of DESTW activities. Beneficiaries from findings of this study are the community surrounding DESTW who will enjoy cleaner groundwater resources and decrease health risks from eating vegetables grown by effluent or eating fish caught from oxidation ponds. Downstream users of R. Nairobi will enjoy cleaner river water which will decrease prevalence of waterborne diseases. DESTW will benefit from this studys recommendations by increased environmental compliance and they will also cut down on operational costs through generating electricity from anaerobic ponds methane gas. Researchers will benefit from this studys findings which will form background information and methodology reference for future related studies. Policy makers will use the findings and recommendations of this study in formulating policies for wastewater management in Kenya. 1.7 Limitations and Assumptions Limitations Length of the study was limited to 3 months from January to March 2008 where data was to be collected. To overcome this limitation, data for previous years was obtained from the DESTW database. Breakdown of some laboratory machines hindered analysis of samples e.g. water distiller breakdown prevented analysis on some days due to lack of distilled water. Lack of a permanent vehicle at DESTW prevented final effluent sampling on some days. Assumptions It is assumed that the reagents were not contaminated. It is assumed that the measuring equipments were calibrated properly. It is assumed that sampling and storage cans were kept clean to prevent sample contamination. 1.8 Study Area This study will be carried out at the Dandora Estate Sewerage Treatment Works (DESTW) which treats wastewater from Nairobi city and its environs using biological treatment process. The study area was chosen since it forms a representative sample of Nairobi city wastewaters. Commissioning The first phase was completed in 1977 and commissioned on 1978. The second phase was completed in 1990 and commissioned on 1992. Location DESTW is located at Ruai in Embakasi division approximately 30km from the city center and about 3km off Kangundo road. Access to the plant is on a permanent earth road. The site is approximately 1000ha and the oxidation ponds are on 200ha. Climate The climate is a typical Nairobi climate with temperature ranging between 15-30 degrees centigrade. The average rainfall is approximately 760mm with the most of the rains falling in two seasons, March to May (long rains) and October to December (short rains). Geology, soils and topography The geology of the area mainly comprise of Nairobi volcanics covered by black cotton clay soils. The area is generally flat with Nairobi River forming the north Eastern boundary of the land. Flora and fauna The area is generally arid with scanty vegetation cover, mainly sisal and shrubs. The ponds have attracted crocodiles and hippos from the nearby Nairobi River since they provide habitat and cheap source of food to for fauna and flora. Large colonies of different species of birds such as birds of prey (e.g., buzzard, golden eagle, and barn-owl), garden and woodland birds (e.g., pigeon, crow, and sparrow) water-birds and sea-birds (e.g., heron, swans, kingfisher, and curlew), and game birds such as quail hovered around the stabilization ponds during the day. Mudfish and tilapia fish have also been introduced in the maturation ponds to assist in quality monitoring. Number of ponds and arrangement There are a total of 38 waste stabilization ponds at DESTW which occur in 8 series. Facultative and maturation (aerobic) ponds run in parallel. Only series 3 and 5 have anaerobic ponds. Types of ponds There are three types of ponds at DESTW and these are: Anaerobic ponds- they are 4.0m deep and measure 100m by 100m. They are deigned for organic matter removal e.g. helminth eggs. Facultative ponds they are 2.5 m deep and measure 700m by 300m. They are designed for BOD5 removal. Maturation ponds- they are 1.5m deep and measure m by m. They are designed for nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Pretreatment and flow measurement facilities DESTW has a conventional inlet works where large suspended solids are screened by coarse bar screens before being automatically raked by cup screens. Grit is removed by use of constant velocity grit traps. A venturi flume is provided for flow measurement. CHAPTETR TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Nature of Wastewater 2.1.1 Origin and Quantity Wastewater originates mainly from domestic, industrial, groundwater, and meteorological sources and these forms of wastewater are commonly referred to as domestic sewage, industrial waste, infiltration, and storm-water drainage, respectively(Mara, 1997). Domestic sewage results from peoples day-to-day activities, such as bathing, body elimination, food preparation, and recreation, averaging about 90 liters per person daily in Kenya (Asano, 1998). The quantity and character of industrial wastewater is highly varied, depending on the type of industry, the management of its water usage, and the degree of treatment the wastewater receives before it is discharged. A typical metropolitan area discharges a volume of wastewater equal to about 60 to 80 percent of its total daily water requirements, the rest being used for washing cars and watering lawns, and for manufacturing processes such as food canning and bottling (WHO, 1992). 2.1.2 Composition The composition of wastewater is analyzed using several physical, chemical, and biological measurements. The most common analyses include the measurements of solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and pH (Pena, 2002). The solid wastes include dissolved and suspended solids. Dissolved solids are the materials that will pass through a filter paper, and suspended solids are those that do not. The concentration of organic matter is measured by the BOD5 and COD analyses. The BOD5 is the amount of oxygen used over a five-day period by microorganisms as they decompose the organic matter in sewage at a temperature of 20 ° C. Similarly, the COD is the amount of oxygen required to oxidize the organic matter by use of dichromate in an acid solution and to convert it to carbon dioxide and water. The value of COD is always higher than that of BOD 5 because many organic substances can be oxidized chemically but cannot oxidize biologically (Curtis, 1992) . Commonly, BOD5 is used to test the strength of untreated and treated municipal and biodegradable industrial wastewaters. COD is used to test the strength of wastewater that is either not biodegradable or contains compounds that inhibit activities of microorganisms. The pH analysis is a measure of the acidity of a wastewater sample. 2.2 Biological Wastewater Treatment 2.2.1 Waste Stabilization Ponds Technology Overview Waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) are usually the most appropriate method of domestic and municipal wastewater treatment in developing countries, where the climate is most favourable for their operation WSPs are low-cost (usually least-cost), low-maintenance, highly efficient, entirely natural and highly sustainable (Alabaster, 1994). The only energy they use is direct solar energy, so they do not need any electromechanical equipment, saving expenditure on electricity and more skilled operation. They do require much more land than conventional electromechanical treatment processes such as activated sludge but land is an asset which increases in value with time, whereas money spent on electricity for the operation of electromechanical systems is gone forever). WSP systems comprise one or more series of different types of ponds. Usually the first pond in the series is an anaerobic pond, and the second is a facultative pond. These may need to be followed by maturation ponds, but this depends on the required final effluent quality which in turn depends on what is to be done with the effluent: used for restricted or unrestricted irrigation; used for fish or aquatic vegetable culture; or discharged into surface water or groundwater (Horan, 1994). Prior to treatment in the WSPs, the wastewater is first subjected to preliminary treatment à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢screening and grit removal à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ to remove large and heavy solids. Basically, primary treatment is carried out in anaerobic ponds, secondary treatment in facultative ponds, and tertiary treatment in maturation ponds. Anaerobic and facultative ponds are for the removal of organic matter (normally expressed as biochemical oxygen demand or BOD), Vibrio cholerae and helminth eggs; and maturation ponds for the removal of faecal viruses (especially rotavirus, astrovirus and norovirus), faecal bacteria (for example, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp. and pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli), and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). Due to their high removal of excreted pathogens, WSPs produce effluents that are very suitable for reuse in agriculture and aquaculture. 2.2.2 Related Research on Biological Wastewater Treatment Mandi (1993) in his comparative study of Wastewater treatment by stabilization ponds with and without macrophytes under arid climate found that ponds using water hyacinth proved most efficient than those using microphytic plants (algae). Howver, the process based on water hyacinth for wastewater purification is faced with two major problems: first the water loss by evapotranspiration reaches 60% during summer time and secondly the development of mosquito during summer time. He however does not address the huge quantities of biomass produced from water hyacinth treatment systems and the resulting increase in sludge deposition rate. Ghrabi (1989) in his experimental study Treatment of wastewater by stabilization ponds application to Tunisian conditions concluded that sediment accumulation occurs mainly in the first pond: the deposition rate is high (5 cm/year). In the maturation ponds, it ranges from 1.3 cm/year to 1.6 cm/year. The first pond can be desludged yearly or once each two years. He however in his study doesnt mention the environmental impacts of sludge to the soil and he also doesnt suggest methods of decreasing the amounts reaching the wastewater stabilization ponds. Jensen (1992) in his study on the Potential use of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in Northern environments concluded that wetlands achieve 98% phosphorus removal, 88% BOD removal and 55% nitrogen removal respectively. COD removal was only 64% due to discharge of organic matter that is slowly biodegradable e.g. humic acids. This study however didnt estimate the productive lifespan of the constructed wetlands. 2.3 Problems in Wastewater Treatment and Disposal 2.3.1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Problems Many wastewater treatment plants (WwTP) of all kinds in developing countries do not function properly. Parr and Horan (1994) found that there are three principal reasons for WwTP failure: a lack of technical knowledge; failure to consider all relevant local factors at the pre-design stage; and inappropriate discharge standards. As a result, wrong decisions are often made and inappropriate unsustainable treatment processes are selected and implemented. This is then exacerbated by the absence of any real incentive to operate the WwTP correctly once it has been commissioned. It is therefore essential for the long-term sustainability of WwTP that simple efficient technologies such as WSPs are always considered at the pre-design (or feasibility) stage. An honest comparison of the cost-effectiveness of wastewater treatment technologies will almost always favour the selection of WSPs in warm-climate countries. 2.3.2 Environmental Problems of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal If wastewater is discharged before it is properly treated, it can adversely affect the environment, public health and destinations economic well-being. The cost of these negative impacts can be expressed in monetary, health and ecological terms (Mara, 1997). Mantila (2002) identifies a number of consequences of poorly treated wastewater: Health Impacts from pathogenic bacteria, viruses and toxic algae cause diarrhoea, shellfish poisoning and other diseases; bathing in polluted water causes gastroenteritis and upper respiratory diseases; eating polluted shellfish results in hepatitis, liver damage and in some cases death. Impact on Marine Environment in the form of suspended solids may cause excessive turbidity and shading of sea grasses, produce sedimentation, damaging benthic (bottom layer) habitats and affect anaerobic conditions at the sea bottom; high BOD levels may cause severe oxygen depletion especially in shallow and enclosed aquatic systems such as estuaries that are ideal breeding grounds for various marine species resulting in fish deaths and anaerobic conditions which release bad odors(hydrogen sulfide); adverse nutrient levels cause algal blooms, resulting in the death of coral and sea grasses and eutrophication leading to severe oxygen depletion which kills living resources; many toxic materials and suspected carcinogens and mutagens can concentrate in fish tissue, putting humans at risk when they eat them; metals in specific forms can be toxic to humans and various marine organisms especially shellfish which is vulnerable, in areas with highly contaminated sediment layers; fats, oil an d grease that float on the water surface interfere with natural aeration, are possibly toxic to aquatic life, destroy coastal vegetation and reduce recreational use of waters and beaches. Impact on Groundwater and Water Resources in the form of improper disposal of wastewater can directly impact the quality of an areas groundwater and water resources and since their movements are dynamic, contaminants can spread far beyond the immediate pollution area. 2.4 Wastewater Management Options Oswald (1995) states that the following issues should be addressed before designing an effective wastewater management plan: assess current wastewater management practice before water is discharged to the municipal treatment facility, identification of sources of wastewater, determine whether discharged wastewater quality meets effluent standards, identify whether industries carry out pre-tretment of their wastewater and finally assessing complaints from users of reclaimed wastewater effluent. Once the situation has been assessed, a range of approaches and techniques to deal with wastewater can be considered. Bartone (1996) argues that to ensure effective treatment o wastewater, the volume has to be reduced to prevent overloading of wastewater treatment plants and this can only be achieved at the source through installation of water efficiency equipment e.g. ultra-low flush toilets, spray nozzles, low-flow showerheads, water spigots, all which reduce overall water consumption. Collection of domestic wastewater and transportation to a distant treatment plant is a difficult and highly expensive task, if the catchment area to be served is low in population density (Tchobanoglous, 1993). Onsite treatment of sewage is the alternative and has been applied al around the world for many centuries. However, purification achieved by traditional onsite treatment systems such as septic tanks (DIN, 1993) is rather poor especially with respect to nutrient removal and as a result impacts on the quality of groundwater are inevitable. The basic idea of the biofilter septic tank was introduced by Toshio Yahata (1981) and further developed by Stubner and Sekoulov (1987). The biofilm reactor septic tank has been found to be more efficient (Robert, 1996) and effluent can be reused for irrigating or flushing toilets. 2.5 Conceptual Framework This study is based on the conceptual framework below that aims at optimal use of resources in an environmentally sustainable manner. Stage Description The main sources of generation are households, commercial and industrial sources. This is done through the sewer network in Nairobi and conveyed to DESTW. An annual average of 62000 m3 wastewater reaches DESTW daily It aims at screening solids and grit removal from wastewater stream. Coarse bar screens- remove large suspended solids Medium bar screens remove smaller suspended solids Cup screens- remove finer suspended solids Grit traps- remove grit and sand particles from wastewater Involves use of wastewater stabilization ponds Anaerobic ponds are designed for organic matter removal Facultative ponds- are designed for BOD removal Maturation ponds- designed for nitrogen and phosphorus removal Treated effluent disposed of in Nairobi River Effluent reused for agricultural irrigation and livestock watering. Fig 1: Conceptual framework for wastewater treatment and disposal in Nairobi.(Adapted from WHO,1992) CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 3.1 Research Design The design used in this research is experimental since analysis of wastewater quality is done in the laboratory. It is also descriptive since the state of the environment and biological treatment process are described. The approach used in this study is deductive since it begins with the perceptual experience and observation of an environmental problem, leads to hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, theory construction, and finally to explanation. 3.2 Population and Sample Population The population targeted in this study is the wastewater received and treated at DESTW which averages 62,000m3 per day annually. Sample types Grab samples were necessary for parameters such as pH, ammonia, and faecal indicator bacteria. Flow-weighted composite samples were necessary for raw sewage parameters such as electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, Frequency of sampling Raw sewage was sampled hourly because its composition varies considerably throughout the day. Flow was sampled hourly throughout the day. Final effluents were sampled once daily before noon. Pond series were sampled once every week. Nairobi River upstream and downstream was sampled once a week. Data Collection Instruments 3.3.1 Field Observation Environmental impacts will be identified using field observation which will be aided by the following instruments a) Leopold matrix It is a grid-like table that is used to identify the interaction between project activities, which are displayed along one axis, and environmental characteristics, which are displayed along the other axis. Using the table, environment-activity interactions can be noted in the appropriate cells or intersecting points in the grid. Entries are made in the cells to highlight impact severity or other features related to the nature of the impact, e.g. numbers in this study are used to indicate scale in this study. This instrument was chosen for environmental impact identification because it links the action to the impact, shows impact magnitude and significance, and is a good way of displaying environmental impact results. b) Network analysis Networks illustrate the cause-effect relationship of project activities and environmental characteristics. They are, therefore, particularly useful in identifying and depicting secondary impacts (indirect, cumulative, etc). They are drawn by identifying first order impacts first then linking them to second order impacts and third order impacts by use of an arrow. This instrument was chosen for environmental impact identification since it links the actions to the impacts, is useful I simplified form for checking for second order impacts and can handle direct and indirect impacts. c) Impact characteristics analysis It is normally in the form of a summary table and this instrument was chosen for environmental impact identification because it shows impact nature, magnitude, extent/location, timing, duration, reversibility, likelihood (risk), and significance. 3.3.2 Laboratory experiments Experiments were performed to determine the composition of wastewater at DESTW and the mass removal of contaminants from the wastewater. The apparatus below will be used during the laboratory experiments: Plastic sampling cans were used to collect and store samples. A wooden pole with 1cm graduations was used to measure depth at the venturi flume. A refrigerator was used to store samples at below 4 degrees Celsius. Burettes, conical flasks, pipettes, beakers, and digestion tubes were used to hold samples and reagents when analyzing for various parameters in the laboratory. Ovens, digestion blocks, water baths, and fume chambers were used in creating conducive conditions for chemical reactions to take place in the laboratory. Pan balances, beam balances, UV spectrophotometers, atomic absorption spectrophotometers, water quality meters and flame photometers were used to measure values of various parameters in the samples. 3.4 Data Collection Procedures 3.4.1 Laboratory Analysis Procedures Parameters will be analyzed according to Alabasters 1989 Practical Guide to the Monitoring of Waste Stabilization Ponds standard operations manual that was adopted by the DESTW laboratory. a) Flow This will be measured on the raw sewage and final effluents using the venturi flume which is a restriction in the channel carrying wastewater. The formula below was used to calculate flow. Q =2à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬ ¢3 à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡2/3 g CV.CD . b. h3/2 Where Q= flowrate m3/s CV = coefficient of velocity CD = coefficient of discharge b = width of throat (m) h = upstream depth (m) b) COD total and filtered The micro-digestion sealed tube method will be used with potassium dichromate as digestion solution and ferrous ammonium sulphate as titration solution. Procedure 1.5 ml of digestion solution is dispensed into a digestion tube, 2.5 ml of sample is added using a pipette and mixed well, 3.5 ml of catalyst solution (silver sulphate in 2.5 liters of sulphuric acid ) is added, the tube is capped tightly using a PTFE sealing gasket, the tubes contents are then mixed by gentle swirling, the tubes are then placed in a digestion block at 1500 C for 120 minutes, contents of the tube are transferred quantitavely to 100ml conical flask and sufficient water added to a final volume around 25 ml , 1 drop of ferroin indicator is added and the solution mixed well, it is titrated with FAS (N/40) until the faint blue colour changes to red and the value of the titre T ml recorded, a blank titration is carried out following the same procedure but using distilled water instead and the value of blank titre B ml recorded. COD calculated as follows: COD = (B-T) / S ÃÆ'- 1000 mg/l c) BOD total The standard 5 days, 20 0C, BOD bottle test will be used. Reagents Dilution water, ferric chloride solution, manganous sulphate solution, sodium azide solution, alkali- iodide solution, 90 % orthophosphoric acid, N/40 sodium thiosulphate, starch solution. Procedure Dilution water is prepared, sample added and incubated at 200C for 5 days to determine dissolved oxygen, remove stopper from the BOD bottle and 2ml each of manganous sulphate solution, sodium azide solution, alkali- iodide solution, immediately after the addition of alkali-iodide reagent a brown flocculent precipitate forms therefore the bottle is shaken to ensure that all the dissolved oxygen reacts with the reagents, when the floc settles add 2ml orthophosphoric acid and shaken until the bottle contents turn yellow, 205 ml of the bottle contents is titrated with N/40 sodium thiosulp

The Federal Reserve: Central Banking In The Us Essay -- Economics Econ

The Federal Reserve: Central Banking in the U.S. The Federal Reserve as we know it today was created by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 by President Woodrow Wilson. The Fed, as it is commonly referred, is the central bank for the United States. Primarily, the Fed's job is to manage our nation's money supply. Prior to establishing the central bank, the United States did not have a money manager and the financial system was similar to the nation itself, "diverse and subject to uneven growth" (San Francisco). This led to frequent depressions and financial panics, and after the Bank Panic of 1907, which consisted of heavy withdrawal of funds, large importations of gold, and among other things, a major bank failing, the public realized a central bank was necessary (Herrick). The Federal Reserve System is composed of four basic components; the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, the Federal Open Market Committee, the Federal Reserve Banks, and member banks. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is an independent federal agency that does not receive any funding from Congress. The Board is made up of seven members who are appointed by the president for one term of 14 years that can span multiple presidential and congressional terms. Two of the appointees are designated by the president as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board, to serve four-year terms, subject to Senate Confirmation. The Chairman of the Board of Governors is one of the most important decision-makers in American economic policies. Even though members function independently, the Board is required to make an annual report of operations to the Speaker of the House. If the president sees "cause," a member may be removed from the Board. T... ...rable stock in their regional Federal Reserve Bank. Works Cited "Court Rules Federal Reserve is Privately Owned." Save-A- Patriot. 23 Jul 2007 . "Fed FAQs." Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. 2007. 23 Jul 2007 . Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, "FED101." The Reserve Today. 2007. 23 Jul 2007 . "The Federal Reserve System in Brief: The Nation's Central Bank." Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. 30 Aug 2006. 23 Jul 2007 . Herrick, Myron. "The Panic of 1907 and Some of Its Lessons." Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 31(1908): 8-25. Kemmerer, Edwin. The ABC of the Federal Reserve System. Fourth. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1920. Obringer, Lee Ann . "How the Fed Works." Howstuffworks. 02 May 1992. 23 Jul 2007 . "Open Market Operation." Federal Reserve Bank of New York. 2007. 23 Jul 2007 .

Colombian Immigration to America

Colombian Immigration to America Nicole University Of Phoenix ETH/125 Katherine Ruberto In the early nineteenth century the first known Colombian immigrants settled in New York City. Among these immigrants were nurses, accountants, lab technicians, and pharmacists. The Colombian Civil War called â€Å"La Violencia† of 1948 where more than 250,000 people were killed in total after the popular presidential candidate Jorge Eliecer Gaitan was assassinated forced many to flee Colombia and settle in America. The ongoing struggle with Colombia’s government and the recession also pushed many Colombians to migrate. Between 1960 and 1977 about 116,000 Colombians came to America. Because of the signing of the Immigration Act of 1965, Colombians as well as other potential immigrants of other countries were brought to a halt when there was a limit placed on how many visas were handed out. The fact that visas were limited to only 20,000 visas per country a year along with the high unemployment rate in Colombia put pressure on many families. Colombians that were able to come to America on a temporary based visa became illegal because they stayed beyond the allotted time. As a result the rate of undocumented immigration soared: estimates of those living in the country without permanent residency status ranged from 250,00 to 350,000 in the mid 1970s† (Sturner, n. d. ). The Immigration Act of 1965 was later revised to allow more visas to be issued. Colombians settled throughout the country in areas such as New York, New Jersey, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, and Washington D. C. The late 70s and early 80s brought many Colombians to Miami, Fl. that is a city that thrives on Hispanic cultures and is very accepting of immigrants. Miami is a city that most people will speak Spanish before they even speak English, so for immigrants this allowed them to communicate and learn skills easier than in other parts of the country. The 80’s and the 90s proved to be a tough time for Colombians. America became more advanced technology wise, therefore the work immigrants performed was no longer needed. Another factor hitting Colombians hard was the recession of 1981. Americans felt that immigrants were a financial burden on the country and it became a pressing issue. As the Guerilla violence escalated in Colombia more Colombians fled to America. During that time, my mother had been traveling to New York to visit her father and I was born there practically by accident because I was suppose to be born in Colombia. My family suffered a tragedy when two of my uncles were murdered and we received threats not to go to the police or they would take every family member out. I am the only one from my family that was born a U. S. citizen, but I recall when my mother would have to tell people that I was an American Citizen in order to receive my health care and other things. It was like people looked at me differently because I had a Colombian last name. When I was young my mother made it a point that I learn English since I was about four years old because she knew that America was very discriminating against those that do not speak English. My mother knew first hand how limiting it is to have a degree in another country that is not worth anything here. My grandmother was a detective in Colombia, yet when we came here she had to clean houses because that career was worthless here. Because we came during the escalating drug war that was going on, we did feel that people stereotyped us. Even today when I tell people where I am from, they say an ignorant comment about my country and the drug that it is mostly connected to. People do not know how many lives and families were innocently ruined because of a war that is uncontrollable and is still going strong today. Because of the resentment from the American Society felt towards immigrants Proposition 187 was passed which denied health care, education, and other services to undocumented immigrants. In 1999 the federal court ruled that Proposition 187 was unconstitutional and their decision was not appealed by the state of California. I would say that I culturally identify with my Hispanic roots because it is attached to my family. We all want to preserve our family roots and values so that we can pass them on to our future generation. When my family comes together we cook Hispanic food and listen to Spanish music. Colombians are known to speak the best form of Spanish, which is known as â€Å"Castellano† and we have a heavy accent. For my family it has always been important that we preserve the language since we are around many other Hispanics and we tend to pick up their form of Spanish. In â€Å"Castellano† the words that we use are very different from the Spanish that a Cuban or Dominican would use. I love the American mainstream culture because I have spent the majority of my life here and grew up listening to Britney Spears, and watching Boy Meets World, and Full House. America is a great country for opportunity and although I was born here, whenever anyone asks me where I am from, I always smile proudly and say, â€Å"I am Colombian. Reference Page †¢Berube, Myriam. (November 2005). (Online) Migration Information Source. Available http://www. migrationinformation. org/Profiles/display. cfm? ID=344 (Retrieved Dec 4, 2011) †¢Sturner, Pamela n. d. (Online) Colombian Americans. Available http://www. everyculture. com/multi/Bu-Dr/Colombian-Americans. html#b †¢(Retrieved Dec 4,2011) †¢Colombia’s Civil War (Online) PBS. Available http://www. pbs. org/newshour/bb/latin_america/colombia/timeline. html (Retrieved Dec 4, 2011)

Frankenstein: a Psychological Analysis Essay

What truly makes Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein an entertaining novel, in my opinion, is the mental development of each of the characters throughout the story. The best way to display such psychological progress is to compare events and thoughts from the book to Sigmund Freud’s theories on the conscience. Freud’s â€Å"id† is shown through primitive actions of certain characters; those that involve little judgment and rely on instincts rather than informed decisions. The â€Å"ego† can be observed through basic thoughts and decisions that are made without the influence of conscience. The â€Å"super-ego† is, in fact, conscious thought itself, often characterized by the guilt or other feelings that come as a result of the â€Å"id† and â€Å"ego†. As you will see, Freudian theory has an important place in the literary masterpiece that is Frankenstein. While the idea of the â€Å"id† is probably the least prevalent of the three in Frankenstein, it still plays a major role in shaping the characters, most specifically, Frankenstein’s monster. Id† is most commonly applied to instinctual actions and those taken simply out of a need for survival and instant gratification. The monster finds himself satisfying his â€Å"id† when teaching himself the basic means of living and human action. These skills give him what he needs to live and obtain his necessities, but contribute nothing to his ultimate consciousness. Much as the â€Å"id† is associated with primitive inhuman desires, Frankenstein’s monster takes on a bestial and primitive image. Next among the three parts of Freud’s psychic apparatus is â€Å"ego†. â€Å"Ego† is applied to the organized and realistic part of a character’s mentality and, unlike the â€Å"id†, requires judgment and next-level thinking. Victor Frankenstein’s willing development into a scientifically learned being and then his venture into creating life from inanimate body parts accurately shows the more advanced, yet still somewhat surface, thought process of an â€Å"ego†-influenced being. Additionally, it is Frankenstein’s â€Å"ego† that distances him from his family and friends. At this point he has the capacity to make decisions and act on them, but not consider or feel what might come out of them. Victor Frankenstein’s â€Å"ego† soon turns into â€Å"super-ego† as the consequences of his actions become visible. The â€Å"super-ego† plays the moral role of the three, allowing for emotional comprehension of the events that unfold. Guilt seems to be a common thread between the â€Å"super-egos† of Frankenstein and his monster. Victor is overwhelmed with guilt upon realizing that his creation is responsible for the deaths of his brother, father, friend, and wife. He even seeks a temporary release from the guilt in isolation and appreciation of nature. The monster finds himself in a very similar situation, facing the guilt of actually killing the ones that Frankenstein loved, and thus reducing his creator’s life to one without substance or anything to be emotionally attached to. Obviously, the mental punishment of guilt plays a large role in forming the â€Å"super-egos† of both protagonist and antagonist. Freud’s theories on the subconscious and conscience set the foundation for Shelley’s novel. His â€Å"id† characterizes the monster’s initial struggle for survival in an unfamiliar world. His â€Å"ego† is played out by Frankenstein’s obsession with biological sciences and later creation of a monster. His â€Å"super-ego† encompasses the basic actions taken in the previous two, but also adds an ethical and emotionally conscious element to the consequences. It is apparent that Sigmund Freud’s structural model of the psyche almost perfectly outlines the basic psychological activities in and between the characters of Frankenstein.

Marketing analysis of Famous Amos (Singapore) Essay

Famous Amos was established in the year 1983 in Singapore. It is now under Kellog’s Company since it was bought over in year 2001. Famous Amos offers cookies with nine varieties of flavours. It products also includes muffins and brownies. They serve the consumer with its finest and freshly made cookies. They believe in making the chip for the future generation. Famous Amos Cookies are also recognised as the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. Their cookies also meet the needs and wants of the audience. Famous Amos is also widely distributed in the island. Famous Amos targets audience are mainly the cookies and chocolate lovers. However, they segment their products Geographically; around the world, Demographic; targeting kids, young adults and adults, Psychographic; interest in chocolate cookies, and Behavioral Segmentation; can be used in any occasion. Famous Amos strength is mostly on its superior quality product and its weakness is mainly on its marketing skills, which is promotion. This is because, they did not advertise as frequent to inform the consumer about its existence. Famous Amos opportunity is having international expansion and threats that it may face is the increase in aging population when its target audience are mostly young adults. Famous Amos competitor is Mrs. Field and Little Jerry’s Place. Mrs. Field is its major competitor as they are selling mostly the same and it is also known. However, Famous Amos still stays competitive by continuing to produce new products and packaging designs to strengthen their competitive positions. Company Profile of Famous AmosFamous Amos was found by Wally Amos. He was a veteran who worked as a talent agent with William Morris Agency. He started with sending home-baked chocolate cookies to celebrities mainly to attract them before opening a store in Los Angeles, California on 10 March 1975. By 1985, his sales had grown to more than $10 million. By then the people around the world could see how â€Å"famous† Famous Amos is. However, between 1985 to 1989, Famous Amos went through four different owners since inception. The President Baking Company bought the brand from the Shansby Group in 1992 before Keebler foods purchased the President Baking Company in 1998. Kellogg’s Company then bought over Keebler in 2001. Thus, Famous Amos is now part of Kellogg’s Company. It was only then Famous Amos came to Singapore. Famous Amos was first established in Singapore in the year 1983. It serves the cookies lovers varieties of cookies flavour to choose from. Famous Amos is categorized as one of the Food and Beverage industry and Bakery sector in Singapore which they specialised in cookies, muffins and brownies. With 13 stores located island wide, their minimum requirements of Corporate Structure for each store are one Service Provider and a Baker. These are number of employees who serve the customers at each branch of the stores. Famous Amos also then came out with a new way in reaching the market. They produce the packed Famous Amos Cookies that is convenient to be sold at Convenient Shop such as NTUC Fairprice and Cheers. These are for the convenience of the cookies to be reached (manufactured) around the world without having the physical stores at a country or region. Famous Amos does not have any specific mission and vision since it is now part of the Kellogg’s Company. However, they have a tag line, which states that Famous Amos is â€Å"Truly the Chip Made for the Next Generation†. This shows that they want to serve its original and the best cookies made from generation to generation. Overall, Famous Amos has gone through around the world. They served the people around the world with its finest and freshly made cookies. With these, Wally Amos is now known as the father of gourmet cookie industry. Marketing PhilosophyFamous Amos adopts the Product Concept. The product concept holds that consumers will favour those products that offer the most quality, performance, or innovative features. They focus on making superior  products and improving them over time. Thus, based on Famous Amos, we can see that it offer the most quality, which are their finest and freshly baked cookies. They bake their cookies at their each stores everyday to make sure that its cookies are always fresh. Famous Amos also produced the packets one without changing its concept in serving quality cookies. They make sure that the taste of their cookies stays the same. This is to make sure that their performances meet the standard of the consumers. Marketing OfferFamous Amos is a Profit Organization. It offers mainly Cookies. It serves the finest in freshly baked cookies. It satisfies the wants of its customer due to its freshness of products. They offer nine flavours such as â€Å"No Nut Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chip Pecan†. Their product includes Cookies, Speciality Cookies, Soft â€Å"N† Chewy Cookies and Cookies Cakes. It also includes a wide range of Muffins and Brownies. However, the core benefits that customer received is actually the exceptional taste of Famous Amos Cookies. SWOT AnalysisInternal Environment (Strengths & Weaknesses)Famous Amos brand is the ultimate strength for the company. Its brand â€Å"Famous Amos† shows it all about them being a â€Å"famous† cookie company. To add with it, Famous Amos received an International Brand Recognition, which is widely recommended and recognised. Famous Amos also has the reputation for its homemade cookies. It has a unique taste that would always attract buyers and especially chocolate cookies lover. Being a product company that is Halal Certified is also strength as it does not limit its product to only non-Muslim but to Muslim people too. Its product that is well distributed in Singapore is also a strength to Famous Amos as it reached its target audience easily. Its packed cookies are also convenient that people can purchase almost everywhere. Famous Amos also provides delivery service that makes it easier and convenience for the customer who bought it online. Its Research and Development (R&D) department also make sure that they always improve on its products and packaging design so that they remain competitive company.  Famous Amos also provides training for its employee to provide good services to the customer. Famous Amos does not need experience bakers and only required a minimal space for its store to operate. Therefore, it is cost effective for Famous Amos and act as a strength to the company. Famous Amos main weakness is in its marketing and promoting as it does not advertise its product as frequent that would inform consumer about its new product or its new stores. These will not create a want for consumer to consume its products as advertisement usually attracts the public and advertisement help to reach the public geographically. It also shows that the public are lack of information about its products. External Environment (Opportunities & Threats)Famous Amos operates stores world wide and it has successfully grow in every market it operates. This shows that Famous Amos has the opportunities in its international expansion. It is the best way in expanding its market. Famous Amos also has the opportunity to develop new strategic ways to increase their profitability. They may ask customer for suggestions or they can give suggestions and ask customer to give opinion. For example, Famous Amos can ask consumers for suggestion if they might want to produce other food products besides cookies to be sold in its stores. However, reports have shown that there is more aging population in Singapore. This will thus be a threat to Famous Amos Cookies as their target audience are mostly kids, young adults and adults. Cookies are also considered bad for health, especially when it contains a lot of sugar. This can also be a threat to the company as government has been encouraging the public to have a healthy lifestyle. Consumers will then avoid consuming something that they might consider unhealthy for them. Target Customer SegmentsFamous Amos basically targets those Cookies and Chocolate Lovers. These are their main customer they are targeting at. However, to be specific, Famous Amos segments their products through marketing segmentation. They are Geographic, Demographic, Psychographic and  Behavioural Segmentation. Famous Amos segments their product geographically generally to attract Cookies Lovers around the world such as the one in Melbourne Shopping Centre in Australia. In Singapore, Famous Amos scattered its stores island wide and it is usually at places that is at convenient to the consumers. For example, they have a store in Compasspoint located in Sengkang which caters the needs for the North-East people and Tampines for the convenient of the East people. Demographic Segmentation segment markets by age, gender, income, education, occupation, religion and race, ethnic background and family life-cycle or size. Famous Amos segments their products within most of these parameters such as the age, income and family size. Age is actually concerning anyone above 3 years old but specifically teenagers and adults of both genders. Their price is relatively affordable for consumers to buy it. They also provide packaging for immediate consumptions and as well as larger family size packs. This means that they do cater to these markets segments to attract buyers with large family size. Psychographic Segmentation consists of social class, lifestyle and personality. Famous Amos mostly segments its market through lifestyle. Lifestyle is a person’s pattern of living as expressed in his or her activities, interests and opinions. When a person bought the Cookies, this may show their interest in consuming the chocolate cookies. Lastly, Famous Amos segments their products through Behavioural Segmentations which segment markets through occasions, benefits sought, user status, usage rate and loyalty status. However, in Famous Amos case, they markets through occasions and target the gift giving market. They provide special promotions and labels for special occasion. For example, they provide hampers and gifts that customer can give at any occasion. Famous Amos also offer benefit sought to the customer from its appealing gift designs. Their gift tins, hampers and products have since to become a gift to be treasured by the person who receives it and a pleasure for the one who gives it. This is the benefits sought a customer may receive. Needs and DemandsTherefore, Famous Amos target audience needs are basically to eat or to have a snack. However, the consumer wants Famous Amos Cookies to satisfy their need. Thus, when the consumer finds a need and has the purchasing power, they will then demand for high quality Famous Amos Cookies. Competitor AnalysisFamous Amos competitors are Mrs. Field and Little Jerry’s Place. Mrs. Field is Famous Amos major competitor as it sells exactly the same as Famous Amos which is cookies, brownies and muffins. Mrs. Field are also its competitor as Mrs. Field is also well-known food and beverages products. Little Jerry’s Place is also a competitor to Famous Amos as it sell cookies and muffins too. Mrs. Field products are slightly the same as Famous Amos as they provide a range of products from cookies, nibblers, cookie cakes, brownies to muffins with a wide range of flavours. In Little Jerry’s Place, they sell only cookies but claim to offer slightly more varieties than Famous Amos and they differ by the taste as Little Jerry’s Place contains more milk, thus the rich milky taste. Mrs. Field prices are considerably the same as Famous Amos whereas Little Jerry’s Place cookies prices are cheaper as compared to Famous Amos. This is a way for Little Jerry’s Place to attract customer, which is to provide good products with low price. Mrs. Field has 8 stores located mainly around the town area and at Singapore Changi Airport. Little Jerry’s Place have 3 stores, located in West Mall, Square 2 and Ang Mo Kio Hub. This shows that Famous Amos has the advantage over its competitors for its distribution area. Mrs. Field offers 10 percent discounts vouchers and season’s offer through its website. Thus, those internets savvy might have the chance to get  discount if they came across the website. Mrs. Field also have Students Special promotion, which is free flow of drinks when dining-in before 6 in the afternoon. Little Jerry’s Place also have a current promotion. They offer one free Muffin if the customer buy four of its Muffin. Both Mrs. Field and Little Jerry’s Place promotions are to attract more customers to buy their products. However, in this case, Mrs. Field has an advantage over Little Jerry’s Place as they target the students which can be the main consumers of cookies industry. Famous Amos is definitely the market leader as it is widely known and recognised around the world. Mrs. Field main strength over Famous Amos is the promotion. Mrs. Field promotions are always up to date as compared to Famous Amos. Mrs. Field shop is also attractive. However, another factor besides being a known brand, Famous Amos has an irresistible aroma that other shops like Mrs. Field and Little Jerry’s Place does not have. Little Jerry’s Place weakness to Famous Amos is its new entry to the market. It is still unknown and does not have any official websites for the consumers to check out their details. Thus, Famous Amos has advantages over Little Jerry’s Place due to Little Jerry’s Place weakness. With these, Little Jerry’s Place could not challenge the Famous Amos high quality, freshly baked and irresistible taste of its chocolate chip cookies. Famous Amos continues to provide its customer with the delicious sweet treats. They make sure that they always meet the standard of its customer by their performance in providing the finest in freshly baked cookies. They also continuously rolls-out new products and packaging design to strengthen their competitive position. Marketing Strategies (4Ps)ProductFamous Amos is classified as a Convenient Product. Convenient Products are products that are purchased frequently and immediately, sold at a lower price, mass advertising and many purchase locations. Thus, based on Famous Amos Singapore, Famous Amos is actually purchased frequently and immediately since it has many purchase locations. It can found mostly in shopping centres that are convenient to the markets. It has 13 stores located around Singapore such as in Cineleisure Orchard,  Tampines Mall and Marina Square. Famous Amos offers wide varieties of flavour for just its Cookies. This is to cater to different markets. For example, Double Chocolate Chip with Pecan targets those who really love chocolate as they offer twice the amount of chocolate chips than a normal favour such as Chocolate Chip with Pecan. Its cookies include the brand name, Famous Amos, quality level which they are known as the world’s best chocolate chip cookies and providing appealing gifts designs. It is nicely package even for own consumptions as it has its own packaging (Appendices: Pictures). PricingFamous Amos uses the Market-Skimming under the New Pricing Strategies. Market-Skimming states that company set a high price for a new product to â€Å"skim† revenues layer by layer from the market and make fewer, but more profitable sales. It is used when a product’s and image support the high price. Its costs of smaller volume could not be so high that they cancel the advantage of charging more. Market-Skimming strategies also make sure that competitors are not able to enter the market easily and undercut the high price. Famous Amos adopts these pricing strategies as it is a product of value. Their product and image thus supports the high price they are selling. The consumers are willing to pay as high as $4.20 for only 100 grams of Famous Amos Cookies that they purchased at the available stores. Competitors are also unable to enter the market easily and undercut the high price. This is due to its known brand and quality of its Cookies around the world for ages. DistributionFamous Amos has a Direct Marketing Channel. Direct Marketing Channel is a marketing channel that has no intermediaries. Famous Amos is a direct marketing channel as the cookies are baked freshly at its own stores that are located island wide in Singapore. This shows that it does not went through a number of intermediaries. However, the packed Famous Amos Cookies went through a number of  intermediaries. It has the Intensive Distribution as it aimed at having a product available in every outlet in where consumers might want it. This is to cater and meet those beyond reached of the cookies. PromotionsFamous Amos does not do any mass advertising for its product. However, Famous Amos has done a rapport with its consumers when they won the international acclaim as the world’s best chocolate chip cookies. It is so unique that it spun the birth of an entire new industry. Its cookies are special with a crisp, nutty and richly flavoured at just the right size. This is the public relations that the brand has done over the years. Famous Amos had also made contributing in helping the needy people by partnering with Community Chest in March 2006 (Appendix: Famous Amos Public Relations). This is to promote their cookies to the public. Famous Amos Website is also a public relation as it is a form of reaching and communicating with its audience through internet. Famous Amos provides Sales Promotion on its Cookies in Gift Tins, Gift Sets and Cookies in Gift Boxes. These are all the premium items that Famous Amos offers at lower prices as an incentive to buy their cookies. Strengths & Weakness of Marketing StrategiesFamous Amos products are definitely strength to the organization. Its product is well-known to the public due to its quality of cookies that always meet the standard of the consumers. It is strength as it can be a perfect choice for midmorning snacks or at any time of the day. It is so handy that it can also be brought for picnics or birthday parties. The same goes for the Packed Famous Amos Cookies. Packed Famous Amos Cookies that is usually manufactured to the convenient chop is strength too as it can easily reached its target audience. This is because convenient shops can be found easily and mostly everywhere. Thus consumers can purchase Famous at their convenient. Being well-located throughout the island is also strength for the organization because having stores island wide shows that consumers can easily purchase the products wherever they are. Famous Amos brand name is known that its pricing strategies are strength to them too. Competitors will be unable to challenge its cookies due to the product quality n well-known brand. Competitors have to make sure that their products are better than Famous Amos Cookies to compete with them. The original cookie that is being sold at the stores is strength as they do not have to go through a lot of intermediaries. These thus save the cost of the organization and eventually save cost for the customer. This is because each intermediary that the organization went through, they will usually tax the products and it will then increase the selling price. Famous Amos weakness is mainly on its promotion. It does not have mass advertising that will subsequently inform its consumer about their existence or that they are still there to offer them the delicious sweet treats, their Cookies. They also do not have any con-current sales promotions that usually attract the consumer attention. This will eventually go back to its product. Its irresistible aroma produced at its stores will be the only factor that shows Famous Amos is still alive. This will be its weakness as for those areas without the stores will then cause the consumer to forget about it. Even so, their products are still at advantage as its quality products are irresistible by most Chocolate Lovers. However, Famous Amos could not base on its products and do not make any changes to them. This is because they will soon be forgotten when a new brand arises. They have to make sure they did some activities to increase the relationship with the customer. Recommendations and SuggestionsFamous Amos promotion has always been its key weakness to its competitor such as Mrs. Field. Thus, they should improve its marketing, especially public relations. This is an important factor as they must communicate with the customer to show them that they are vulnerable to the company and they treasure them for consuming their products. Advertising  is equally important as advertisement helps in reminding customer about their existence. Distributing flyers or their pamphlet can also be done. Famous Amos may also like to offer financial benefits to its regular customer by having Frequency Programs. This will help its consumer to enjoy benefits that the company provide. They may also like to give out its pamphlet when they produce new products. This is also a form of promoting its products. Famous Amos may also want to wider their product varieties like providing Famous Amos may also like to make its place for the consumer to dine-in. This means that consumer can dine-in while enjoying the cookies and aroma of Famous Amos cookies. Famous Amos may also like to produce something new that target the older generation since Singapore is having more aging population. This also helps in widening its audience thus generate more profit. ConclusionFamous Amos is widely known in the world. However, it is always good for the company to improve any of its weakness, grab any chances, and be prepared in challenges that they will face and always be innovative that will strengthen their competitive position. In my findings, I found that Famous Amos is preferred as compared to its major competitor, Mrs. Field. This is so as when I consulted some people about cookies company in Singapore, some does not realise the existence of Mrs. Field. Even so, Famous Amos has to really improve on its marketing strategies to attract the consumers. It is because, Famous Amos has the opportunities in doing more than what they are doing currently. They should really inform the public about their new products if there is any. This is because, I did not know they produce a new product until I visited a Famous Amos store located in Tampines. There is a sign that shows that there is new Fudge Cake. When I asked one of the salesperson, they mentioned that it has been out for quite sometime. That is why it is important for Famous Amos to promote their products as to generate more profit to the company. However, one most important factor that Famous Amos has is its cookies fragrance. It  is strong and attract consumer to crave for their cookies. I also visited both Famous Amos competitor stores, Mrs. Field located in Changi Airport Terminal 3 and Little Jerry’s Place located in Ang Mo Kio Hub. Mrs. Field stores are so attractive. It has a good sense of attracting consumer by using bright metallic red as a theme to their store. Little Jerry’s Place does not really attract the public with its appearance. However, it use the strategy of promotion such as â€Å"Buy 4 get 1 free† to attract consumers to buy their product. Thus, I find that it is important for company to plan on its marketing strategies. This will help in their profit maximisation. I also realised that it is important for the company to be attractive in attracting the public attention. However, as a whole, I can say that Famous Amos has done a great job in its effectiveness of providing standard and superior quality products. Famous Amos has also stays competitive and innovative in managing its products. Websites Famous Amoshttp://www.famous-amos.com.sg/Main website of Famous Amoshttp://www.speakers.ca/amos_wally.aspxFounder of Famous Amoshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famous_amosHistory of Famous Amoshttp://www.sugarstand.com/sc/sc0073-famous-amos-cookies.htmhttp://www.instaoffice.com/famous-amos-chocolate-chip-chocolate-chip-cookie-cookies-famous-amos-food-keebler-snack-snack-food-s.keb98067.0.7.htmInformation on Packet Famous Amoshttp://www.ncss.org.sg/about_ncss/press_release_archives.aspPress Release of Famous AmosMrs. Fieldhttp://www.mrsfields.com.sg/index.htmlMain Website of Mrs. Fieldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._FieldsHistory of Mrs. Fieldhttp://www.asiacase.com/ecatalog/NO_FILTERS/page-GLOBIZ-653127.htmlInformation of Mrs. Field (e.g. Industry)Little Jerry’s Placehttp://www.timelessfacade.com/2007/04/amk-hub.htmlhttp://www.soshiok.com/print/9256Information websites