Michael Collins free essay sample

This is a historical film review of the movie made about the Irish revolutionarys life. This paper is a historical film review that analyzes Michael Collins starring Liam Neeson and discusses the movies historical accuracy. The author includes specific details of the Irish patriots life, his major role in politics, his military strength, and the attacks he carried out as a member of Sinn Fein. The movie Michael Collins is the story of an Irish revolutionary and political leader. He was a leader within the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a leader in the Sinn Fein Movement and a member of its cabinet, a guerrilla leader, and eventually became the Commander in Chief of the Irish Free State Army. The film details the events of his political career, his love life, and ultimately, his death. Collins goal of course was to take Ireland back from the British after 700 years to form an independent republic for the Irish people. We will write a custom essay sample on Michael Collins or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page

Microbes Essays - Microbiology, Bacteria, Bacteriology, Extremophile

Microbes Essays - Microbiology, Bacteria, Bacteriology, Extremophile Microbes Can All The Microbes Be Destroyed? Tina Marie Partin Somerset Community College Bio 226 Principles Of Microbiology Dr. Md. Jahurul Karim 2/07/2012 Can All The Microbes Be Destroyed? With all the emerging technology which allows us to study and understand microbes, it is now imperative to ask ourselves if destroying all the microbes on earth would be a possibility. The answer is no. Destroying all microbes on earth would not only be impossible, it would be impractical. Microbes assist humans and the earth in many ways, such as making food edible, maintaining normal flora in the human body, microbes are also used in many modern medicines, and lastly microbes are involved in cycling vital elements such as carbon and nitrogen, breaking down wastes and dead organisms into simpler substances plants can use in photosynthesis (Cohen 2002). Although microbes benefit us in so many ways, many scientists today have pondered destroying all microbial life. Thankfully, due to the hardiness and the will to survive, most microbes have certain characteristics which would allow them to survive extinction. Not only would microbes have the ability to fight back, microbes behave so d ifferently that destroying them with one source would be impossible. If the world did have all the technology needed for the destruction of all microbes including infectious diseases, it would become a deserted waste land that would not be suitable for life. In order to understand why microbes would survive an assassination attempt, we must understand what characteristics microbes have that would ensure their survival. Destroying all microbial life is impossible due to the characteristics of most microorganisms. Like most living things, microbes have many characteristics that would allow them to survive destruction. For example, some of the most extreme survivors of microbes are known as extremophiles. These microbes have been found living in a few inches below the surface in suspended animation without water. The microbes that can survive without water have activated a sequence of DNA, which compensates for lack of water. Scientists have also found microbes that survive beyond -100? F; these psychrophiles have a remarkable cellular ingredient that prevents the formation of ice crystals, while others huddle together into mats of biofilms. Other microorganisms however have evolved a love for heat. Miles below the ocean?s surface, scientis ts have recently discovered organisms thriving in unforgiving territories where temperatures exceed 600? F. In this kind of dark landscape photosynthesis is not a possibility so certain kinds of single-celled archaea have developed a unique alternative called chemosynthesis: a means of converting inorganic hydrogen sulfide dissolved from rocks into food. And finally when it comes to acidity, human?s blood has to stay between 6.8 and 7.8 to support life. But scientists have found microbes in Yellowstone National Park that were adapted to a pH of 10. These microbes have the ability to keep the pH inside their cells neutral. With extreme characteristics such as these, microbes are determined to ensure their survival (Cohen 2002). After understanding some of the extreme characteristics of certain microbes, it is imperative that science must understand that destroying microbes by one source would be impossible. It is estimated that microbes have been around for billions of years, so they have endured some of the most extreme types of life. When we look around we don?t see microbes but they are everywhere. They around us, they are on us, they are in us. Most of us understand that if we destroy microbes, we destroy ourselves. Let?s just pretend for a moment that human life does not need the imperative essentials provided by microbes and we can do without them. So now the question is: How are we going to destroy them. From the information above we see that some microbes have the ability to survive the most extreme of heat, some survive the most extreme of cold, some doesn?t need water at all, and some live in the most extreme of acidic levels. Also many viruses live inside our own cells, so we could not kill them without destroying ourselves. It seems that evolution has solved many problems, except immunity against viral or bacterial invaders. Another thing that some microbes due to ensure their survival against attack is that they will shed their pathogenicity even under dire conditions

Nigerias Business Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nigerias Business Environment - Essay Example Misrule compounded by corruption and uncertainty are wrecking chances for development in Nigeria (Iba, Louis; 2009). The image of Nigeria is one of poverty and anarchy. This is largely due to unemployment and political uncertainty. Except for oil and gas the country is known for little else although natural resources are in abundance. Population below poverty line is shown as 70%. The country keeps showing results and returning to shambles in turns. Nigeria has not shown consistency in economical reforms although it has made attempts to project oil and other natural resources for potential foreign investments (Doing Business in Nigeria, 2007). There is inconsistency in the business environment. It has not shown any progress in clearing IMF debts. IMF had instructed stringent measures to revive economy that included reforms in the banking sector (Nigeria Economy 2010). Well-informed Nigerians rue the years of instability since the 1950s when oil was discovered in Nigeria. However, people are poor and spend more time on earning for their daily necessities. Revenues from oil are spent on balancing for various loans taken for infrastructure. Talking of infrastructure, the country's aspirations for establishing railway network has not resulted in any concrete action. This has given rise to facilitating transportation by roads. However, majority of the roadways are in poor shape resulting in traffic snarls. The civilian government of the day is doing all it can to project the country as a safe and conducive destination for business. However, their clarion call is not yielding the desired effects. Western powers are cool to investing in a nation where political status is still seen as unstable (Nigeria Economy 2010). Western economies have shied away from directly doing business in Nigeria leaving it to Asians. Asians have been more forthcoming from the 1970s and enjoyed the fruits of doing business in Nigeria. Japan has showed some interest in doing business in Nigeria (Bala, Dr Julius J; 2003). Today, Nigeria is a progressive economy. However, the country is experiencing setbacks so it is unable to meet projected economical targets. The country needs to act on its initiatives for economical turnaround with gender-based schemes to attract greater foreign investment and participation (Nwoye, May; 2007). In spite of the political and economic status, Nigeria has a vibrant and innovative population. It is this effervescent attitude that provides the best hope for appropriate business environment in a country torn by decades of mistrust among its two main communities Islamic and Christianity. Business Prospects in Nigeria When President Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in on 29 May 1999 his reformative measures instilled confidence and attracted foreign investments. Obasanjo quietly

Media imperialism PowerPoint Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Media imperialism - PowerPoint Presentation Example Media imperialism and cultural imperialism pose great negative effects not only to the local media but also the consumers of the content. The local media stand to lose since they may be swallowed or taken over by large media corporations. According to (Desai and Agrawa 2009, p. 19) cultural –media imperialism theories had predicted that the importation of television channels would lead to demise of local cultures and cultural industries without considering complex patterns of television production, distribution and consumption. Generally, a perception of cultural consequence of the control of various media products is based on a view that mass media as primarily manipulative agents capable of having direct, unmediated effects on the audience behavior and world view (Tomlinson 2002). He asserts that there are also good reasons for cultural-media imperialism especially for the Marxists in understanding domination of the media. The consumers tend to be influenced by the cultures of the dominant media. Such culture influence may be a threat to the National security of a Nation especially where the culture of terrorism is inculcated in the minds of the local consumers. In addition to this effect, the contents of the dominant media can also be biased. The media content may not capture the more pressing issues of the home country instead focus on the world news. In most cases world news coverage may not be of importance to the consumers of the home country. Such a state is dangerous to a state.

An examination of the attitudes of parents towards the impact of play Essay

An examination of the attitudes of parents towards the impact of play in the Foundation Stage - Essay Example (Wiltshire, 2002). This paper considers whether parents are aware of the educational importance of play in the foundation stage curriculum. Interviews were used to collect data from parents of children who attended either a nursery, or reception class of a foundation stage setting in one infant school. Results indicated that although parents were aware of the social benefits of play, in some cases they were unaware of the other areas of a child’s development. Findings were organized and analysed according to four themes namely behaviour, educational and spontaneous, play and learning, and the social benefits of play. These were related to current literature in the area of early years education, and recommendations for future practice are also considered. This enquiry will seek to determine the extent of parents’ awareness and understanding of the educational value of play in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Furthermore, the enquiry will specifically outline and discuss concerns with how parents of children in an early years setting, understand and value the importance of play in the early years curriculum. In addition, the enquiry will review the academic literature in the area of early year’s education and seek opinions of some regarding the current definitions of play. As an early year’s specialist, it is important to be aware of the importance of play in the early year’s sector. From personal experience it has been observed that although parents are often very supportive of the play-based curriculum for nursery children, many parents become overly concerned about the lack of reading books and homework when their child reaches reception. Therefore the enquiry will discover how parents believe children benefit from play and will attempt to gain insight into how much parents understand about the value of play. Finally, this enquiry will be significant in

Effects of Water Temperature on Plant Growth

Effects of Water Temperature on Plant Growth Abstract   Test the affect of microwave water and boiled water on plants. No major difference of the plants growth between boiled and microwave water, shown in the results. 1.0 Introduction The following experiment was conducted over a period of 5 weeks testing 2 different plant species on the affects of microwave water, behind the theory of microwave radiation altering the chemical composition of water. Based upon this theory the plants were experimented to see if microwave radiation alters the structure of DNA affecting the growth of plants. [Research Centre, 2006] Two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom is the very simple atomic structure of water. Causing it to have unique electrochemical properties. A slight positive charge on the hydrogen side of the molecule, with a negative charge on the other side. Water is a powerful solvent and is responsible for its string surface tension, as the molecular polarity causes water molecules to arrange themselves in patterns when a physical phase changes in water molecule. Specific heat is the energy amount required to change the temperature of a substance and wast has high specific heat. Large amount of heat energy, before it begins to get hot as its high specific heat. Helps organisms relate their body temperature as it releases energy slower and more effectively when caused to cool. Neither acid or basis with a neutral pH. The pH changes if substances are dissolved in it. Good heat conductor, conducting easily than any other liquid. Uniform vertical temperature profile for large bodies of water is due t he easy heat conduction. With a temperature range of 0 to 100 ° Celsius, allows the water molecule to exist in most places around the world. Being able to dissolve many different compounds and chemicals as its an universal solvent with a high surface tension. Adhesive, elastic and in aggregate drops is what water tends to be. Despite the downward of gravity the phenomenon causes water to stick to the sides of vertical structures. It also allows waves and water droplet formation and for plants to move water dissolving nutrients from their roots to their leaves. [Pidwirny, M. 2006.] A group of living organism with some 300, 000 different species characterised by their green colour, are plants. Trees, herbs, flowers and ferns are some common groups of plants. Sprout, seedling is the meaning of planta a Latin word in which plant originated form. [R, Conan-Davies. 2009] Each part of the plant plays a different role. Absorbing from the soil, water and minerals are the roots which act like straws. Extra food for the future is stored and helps anchor the plant, the tiny root hairs assist in the nutrients absorption. Acting like the plumbing system for the plant and supporting it, is the stem. In the form of glucose water and nutrients is conducted from the leaves to different parts of the plant. Being either herbaceous and bendable or woody. The small stalk which attaches the leaf to the plants stem is called the petiole. The leaves are where majority of the plants food is made, through the process of photosynthesis. The leaves are designed to capture sunlight for the photosynthesis process to work. The reproductive section of the plant is the flower. Pollen and ovules are contained in the flower, after the pollen fertilizes the ovule through pollination, fruit develops. Providing seed covering is the fruits role and is also edible to humans and animals. The seed is the basis of a plant. [Botanical Garden, 2009] Carbon fixation and photosynthesis conducted by plans and algae is the energy and organic material source in all habitats. The earths 20% composition is changed radically by the plants process. Internal energy which relies on oxygen to move and grow is aerobic organism such as animals. The nutrients of animal and humans rely heavily on plants. [R, Conan-Davies. 2009] Petunia is scientifically known as; Petunia x hybrida. [NC State University, 2010] popular low lying annuals provide a brilliant display and attractive colours and green foliage in garden beds or containers. Blooming all summer long. Growing best in full sunlight with soil the is peat based which contains vermiculite. Petunias will survive in the shade that at least 6 hours of full sunlight daily. With ranging colours from whites to yellows, petunias can be the main attraction in a garden bed with minimal maintenance. There are several varieties of petunias. Water the plants pior to planting them and allow for drainage. Fertilising with a liquid fertiliser or soluble on every two weeks will help keep plants healthy. [Garden Guides, 2010 information peg] Calendula officinalis is commonly known as the marigold. [Eco India, 2008] Easy to grow and provide bright large displays in the garden. With a strong unpleasant scent, its effective for repelling garden pests. Coming in yellow, orange colours, can be planted in pots or gardens. Being able to be grown anywhere in all but cold climates. To help conserve moisture in the plants mulch and fertilise to keep them healthy. Regular water and will bloom throughout the summer and autumn and will keep pests away. [Garden Guides, 2010 information peg] The largest component of plants is water. 80 to 90% of water is the growing tissue part of the plant, lower water percentage parts are the woody, between 45 and 60% by weight of the water. Transporting minerals acting as a solvent and carbohydrates dissolved. Excellent solvent due to its unique chemical properties. A reactant in many chemical reactions throughout the plant. Oxygen we breathe everyday is the result of water acting as electron in the reaction of photosynthesis. Maintaining pressure in the plant so the leaves are literally inflated is an important role of water, as wilted plants is a lack of water. The water pressure is necessary for cell enlargement, growth and maintenance. [John Peterson, 2010] The net movement of atoms or ions of a higher concentration to a lower is diffusion. Until a state of equilibrium, diffusion will continue. Temperature, molecule density are the affect in which diffusions rate is, occurring through the stomata into the atmosphere. Through a sem i permeable membrane, the diffusion of molecules. Pressure can prevent osmosis. The minimum pressure required for the fluid to be prevented from moving due to osmosis is call osmotic potential. Until the osmotic potential is balance fluid will enter the cell via it. To help keep the plant cell turgor, any water gained by osmosis is kept. As a result of water entering the cells vacuole developing against the wall is turgor pressure. The water potential is made up by the pressure potential combined with the osmotic potential. Water will move from the cell with higher water potential to the cell with lower water potential if there next to each other. Water moves due to the soils higher water potential than the roots and plant parts. The plant will die if there is no net movement in the plants. The loss of water via osmosis is plasmolysis and the shrinkage of protoplasm. If the cell is placed in fresh water this process can be reversed, as the cell is allowed to regain turgor pressure. Permanent damage can occur to the cell. Alive or dead tissue, swelling is imbition. It can swell to several times their original volume. Minerals, cellulose and starches in suspension, attraction highly polar molecules is due to this. The initial germination of the seeds is this swelling process. Movement energy of substances is active transport. Enzymes and a pump in the plasma membrane are required for this process. ATP molecules energize the face. [Biology online, 2010] Transpiration is where 90% of water that enters the plant is loss. Through the leaves is the loss of water vapour, this is transpiration. Loss if water through the cuticle is less than 5%. Not just for the pressure reason, vital to plant life is water and the cellular activities that occur in water molecules presence. The internal plants temperature is regulated by water. From the smallest root all the way up to the smallest leaf is the xylem pathway, internal plumbing system paired with phloem. The plants water needs and resources are maintained in the nutrient transportation system or internal plumbing. Columns of water in the plant form as the water molecules adhere to the xylem and tracheids walls and vessels to cohere each other allowing an overall tension. Water that enters the roots via osmosis, water content from the soil travels up these columns. Enough force to transport water through the plant is the water potentials of the soil and the stomata, from bottom to top. Externa l input is the minerals in the soil, affects the growth rate and quality. Hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, potassium, iron, calcium, cobalt, zinc, sulphur, sodium, manganese, chlorine, oxygen, phosphorus, molybdenum and boron are essential mineral in the plants growth. Minerals vary from plant to plant in which helps them to survive. If the soil is lacking these nutrients and fertilizer isnt used to compensated, the plant will demonstrate mineral deficiencies symptoms. The ratio of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus compensate the deficiencies. [Biology online, 2010] 2.0 Hypothesis Microwave radiation water will affect the plants growth. Boiled water will have minimal impact on the plants growth. 3.0 Aim To investigate the effect of microwave and boiled water on plants. 4.0 Materials Used Gardening spade 4 black P.E.T pots Searles real premium potting mix Microwave Oven Boiling jug/kettle 2 petunia x hybrid 2 Calendula officinalis Pen and Paper Ruler Gloves 2 measuring jugs 5.0 Method Potting Plants: Group names and plant type experiment were labelled on the pot. Pot was half filled with potting mixed. Plant was removed from seedling tray. Roots of the plant were spread out. Plant was placed into the pot. Pot was then filled with soil surrounding the plant and compacted. Steps 1 to 7 were repeated for each plant. Measuring Plants: Plant height was measured from the base to the highest point and recorded. Number of flowers and buds on the plant were counted and recorded. Stems of the plant were counted and recorded. Heating Water: Measuring jugs were labelled, boiling water and microwave water. Kettle was filled with tap water and boiled. Glass proof jug was filled with tap water. Jug was placed in microwave for approximately 2 to 5 minutes on high. Water was left to cool. 500ml of both boiled and microwave water were measured out. 1 of both the boiled and microwave experiment plants was watered. Steps 6 and 7 were repeated for the remaining 2 plants. Each week the method of heating the water measuring were carried out recording the plants development and growth. 6.0 Discussion The results of the experiment showed the aims outcome. Two plants Calendula officinalis and petunia x hybrid were tested for the affect that boiling water or microwaving it had up it. The stimulus was that microwaving water altered the DNA affecting plants. The water travel up the transport system of the plants, known as the xylem like a circulatory system. This is how the water and the dissolved nutrients throughout it is dispersed throughout the plant. If microwaving water alters its DNA and affects the nutrients which dissolve itself from the soil, the reason it affects the whole plant is due to its transport system. The plants werent affected that much by the two different waters, although the microwave marigold wilted and died. However there shouldnt be much difference between the boiled and microwave water. The hypothesis was based upon the stimulus of the experiment stating, microwave radiation water will affect the plants growth. Boiled water will have minimal impact on the plants growth. Although the results didnt support the hypothesis, as there wasnt any major difference between the boiled and microwave petunias and marigolds. Although the microwave marigold welted in our experiment other groups may have had boiled plants that welted. The variables would have been the reason as to why we received the results we did. As there was no fertiliser added to the plants and some of them demonstrated the characteristics of lacking nutrients, as fertiliser can assist in this and supply the plant with the nutrients to help its deterioration the plants werent helped. The dying plant couldve have been easily prevented if a substitute nutrient like fertiliser was given to it. Many errors throughout the experiment can be improved. When potting the plants the soil could have been compacted more so there were no air pockets and the water soaked in more. It also wouldve prevented the plants to die. Measuring the data, could have been more accurate by having more than 3 standard measurements, things such as the plants width could have been measured and the plants weight. The standard error ranges which mean the way in which every group maintained their plant was different and play a major affect on them. Such as accidently pouring the wrong water into the incorrect plant would have affected the outcome even though there shouldnt be much of a difference between microwave and boiled water. The environment in which the plants were in also affected them as they were open and exposed to rain and bad weathers. Many things of the experiment could have been improved to get a more accurate result. 7.0 Conclusion The hypothesis wasnt supported nor was it wrong as there wasnt a massive difference between the microwave water and boiled water results, it seems that the microwave water plants were growing better than the boiled plants, although only by a minimal amount. The results can lead to further experimentation upon humans and wether microwaving makes us susceptible to cancers and harmful diseases. Tests on animals and if over a period of time that microwave radiation can affect you and deteriorate the body. Does microwave radiation alter foods DNA and prevent our bodies from registering it. The experiment has answered the hypothesis and reached the aim, it has also left many further possible investigations about microwave radiation and its affects. 8.0  Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the year 10 biology class, Mr. Fesuk the teacher, Ms. Mason student teacher and my group buddies; Caitlin, Dorine and Shadae.

Gallipoli :: essays research papers

Gallipoli Gallipoli, a favorite war movie of mine, is an Australian movie of the fateful First World War battle of Gallipoli. Directed and co-written by the talented Australian native Peter Weir; Gallipoli is a wonderfully written drama about two best friends, Archy Hamilton and Frank Dunne, who put aside their hopes and dreams when they join the war effort. The first half of the film is devoted to their lives and their strong friendship. The second half details the doomed war efforts of the Aussies, who are no match for the powerful and aggressive Turkish army.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story begins in Australia during the early stages of the War in 1915 where two young men become friends and decide to enlist together. They pursue their goal, go through training in Egypt, and wind up in Turkey at Gallipoli, one of the early and important engagements of the conflict. The first main character is country boy rancher named Archy Hamilton played by Mark Lee, who is being trained by his uncle as a world-class runner, but Archy who dreams of romance and excitement is eager to run away from the center of nowhere and become a soldier.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Archy meets the city kid Frank Dunne, who is played by Mel Gibson, when he beats him in a track meet. Archy convinces Frank of the advantages of enlisting for God and and the country, and they decide upon joining the Light Horse Cavalry. The only trouble is that Archy is not old enough to enlist and Frank can't ride a horse. Overcoming these obstacles, Archy finally signs up against the wishes of his family. The second half of the film recounts their exploits just before and during the fateful battle of Gallipoli. In Egypt, Frank and his friends are camped near the Pyramids and spend their free time in the city of Cairo, drinking, getting ripped off by merchants and visiting brothels. During a chaotic training exercise, Frank and Archy meet once again and Frank is able to transfer to the light horse because they are now being sent to the Gallipoli peninsula as infantry and not have to ride the horses. Frank and Archy arrived at Anzac Cove and endure the hardship and boredom of trench warfare that went on for much of the campaign. Frank's infantry friends fought in the evening battle of Lone Pine, which was talked about but not shown.

My Spring Break

My Spring Break Excited for the spring break? Spring Break or Midterm Break, as some people call it, is a week given to the students at universities and schools in some countries. People usually go out of the city to relax and enjoy their time. The vacation meets with the weekend holiday of St. Patrick's day. Therefore, I decided to go with my sister to watch the parade in South Boston. Going there was challenging for us. While we were in the train station, everyone was going in the same direction. We were in the middle of the crowd when suddenly everyone stopped.It was really crowded and we couldn't move until the train came and some people got on it. When we got close to the train, we had to wait for another one. The transit police were telling people to move forward for more space to the upcoming crowed. Finally, we got on the train with all that pushing from people. It took us 30 minutes to arrive at our destination. It was my first time seeing the parade. I did not know what to expect there. My sister and I stood there for about an hour waiting to see something until one man shout â€Å"I see the flags†.At that moment, I was very excited to see what was next. A three young men appeared holding huge flags. That was followed by different performances such as Irish traditional music and dancing. Also, the parade included some soldiers' groups from the Army and the Navy. Furthermore, there were several politicians who participated in the parade as well. It was fascinating to watch all of that. You can tell that the people were ready to celebrate. On our way, we noticed how most of them were wearing green and heading there with family and friends.Some of them wore big green hats and necklaces, especially the kids. Others wore unusual costumes and painted their faces. People were getting drunk and enjoying their time. The day was not only celebrated by the Irish but also by people from different countries. In conclusion, going to the parade was a great ex perience for me. I learned about the Irish culture and religion. Additionally, I realized how it is important for them to celebrate this day. It was great sharing that with them and getting to know them up close. I definitely enjoyed my day.

Costco Pay and Benefit Essay

Consequently, many of them are part of a union and hold strikes known as â€Å"Black Friday Strike†, to fight against their job dissatisfaction. Furthermore, Weissmann (2012) goes on to state that Costco is paying their employees â€Å"commendably† better. As demonstrated in figure one, the average wage for a Cost Co cashier, after 5 years of employment is approximately 64% higher than that of an employee at the Wal-Mart Empire (McArdle 2012). Moreover the commentary of Business Week Magazine quotes â€Å"At Costco, it’s better to be an employee or a customer than a shareholder,† says Deutsche Bank†. By showing generosity to employees, they are able to retain them (Commentary:The Costco Way 2004). This is unlike at Wal-Mart where are higher focus is made on shareholder value (Weissmann 2012). Additionally, no Costco employees are part of a union in Washington State (Frey 2004). This only goes to show that employees at Costco are generally satisfied and as such they have no need to join a union, as they have no criticisms on employee treatment. Despite remarks that Costco has more employee value than shareholder value, figure two demonstrates otherwise. Where Costco’s market price had risen constantly over the past 5 years, Wal-mart’s market price has been relatively constant (Yahoo Finance 2013). One particular employee was offer a biannual bonus and had been given time off paid after suffering health issues (Frey 2004). Moreover, Costco offers health care and life insurance although it should be noted that most companies, particularly in USA where health care is not free. As depicted in figure one, Cost co pays for 82% of their employee’s medical costs. However at Wal-Mart, only 50% of health care expenses are paid for, meaning the employee bears 50% of the costs. Additionally, Employees at Cost co can also add family members and de-facto partners to the program and increase their package (Costco 2013). Furthermore, they offer mental care to employees and their families (Costco Wholesale 2011). The 31 December 2012 annual report goes on detail that they do not attempt to minimise wages and benefits but to ensure their satisfaction and reduce employee turnover (Costco 2012). However Costco also has a share scheme where by employees at Costco are offered shares if they have been employees for a substantial period of time (Costco 2012). Additionally, employees also benefit from â€Å"retirement plans† if they complete at least 90 days on the job (Costco 2012). Although it is not offered to employees who are members of the California Union (Costco 2012). One could assume that this retirement scheme was offered to employees to reduce their turnover. Hence Costco will replicate in act of good faith. DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH In terms of the development and growth of their employee’s one motivator factor that creates much satisfaction is the fact that Costco promotes internally (Katsarski 2008). The chance of a promotion may motivate employees to perform better and to persevere with their employment. This is reflected by their low turnover rate (Katsarski 2008). In 2009, the turnover rate, for the average employee at Costco, was 12%, which was considerable lower than the industry average (Ruggeri 2009). (REQUIRE MORE STATISTICS) For instance, Sinegal explains that many managers started out at 19-20 years of age and have been employed by Costco for at least 10 years (Staff 2012). . It appears as though the CEO of Costco understands that employees have needs and desires to grow professionally. For this reason, opportunities for development are not only offered to long-standing employees, but also t. Figure ONE: Comparison Table | Cost Co| Wal-Mart(Including Sam’s Club)| Difference| Employee Starting Rate| $11| $10| $1| Wage after 5 years| $19. 50| $12. 50| $7| Health Benefit Costs paid for| 82%| 50%| 32%| Profit per Employee| $10,623| $7,428| $3,195| McArdle, M 2012, ‘Why Can’t Walmart Be More Like Costco? ’, The Daily Beast, 26 November, viewed 13 May 2013, Figure TWO: Movements in Market Price (listed share price) Yahoo Finance (2013) Costco Wholesale Corporation share price data 2008-2012, Yahoo Finance, viewed 13 May 2013 Figure THREE: Equity Theory Applied for Costco Ruggeri, A 2009, ‘Jim Sinegal: Costco CEO Focuses on Employees’, US News, 22 October, viewed 20 April 2013, Reference Costco Wholesale Corporation 2012, Annual Report 2012, Costco Wholesale Corporation, viewed 19 April 2013, Frey, C 2004, ‘Costco’s love of labor: Employees’ well-being key to its success’, Seattlepi, 28 march, viewed 20 April 2013, Weissmann, J 2012, ‘Who’s Really to Blame for the Wal-Mart Strikes? The American Consumer’, The Atlantic, 22 November, viewed 20 April 2013, Costco Wholesale 2013, Costco Employee Benefit Program Annual Open Enrolment 2013, Costco Wholsale, viewed 20 April 2013, Costco Wholesale 2011, Costco Employee Benefits Program Summary Plan Description, Costco Wholesale, viewed 13 May 2013, Commentary:The Costco Way 2004, accessed 30 April 2013, Ghillyer, A (2010), Management Now, McGraw Hill Higher Education Katsarski, S 2008, ‘Employee Motivation – The Key to Success’, Ezine Articles, 18 September, viewed 20 April 2013, Staff, M 2012, ‘Jim Sinegal on Costco’s â€Å"Promote From Within† Strategy and Why It Needs to Think Like a Small Company’, Daily Finance, 21 June, viewed 13 May 2013, Ruggeri, A 2009, ‘Jim Sinegal: Costco CEO Focuses on Employees’, US News, 22 October, viewed 20 April 2013,

Consumerism is Beneficial to U.S Society

Consumerism is Beneficial to U.S Society Consumerism thrives on the notion that individuals should have what they want in excess. This has led to a situation in which consumers acquire products in constantly increasing quantities.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Consumerism is Beneficial to U.S Society specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Perceived classiness appears to be the driving force of consumerism. That is, consumption of luxury products is thought to elevate a consumer’s social class. Consumerism thrives well in a capitalist society like the United States of America. It is responsible for a number of positive and negative effects. But to a large extent, consumerism is beneficial to the United States society. It unites different social classes. Acquisition and consumption of certain products appears to unite members of different social strata in the United States. For instance, fashionable items associated with inner city dwellers may be purchase d by middle class Americans living in suburban areas. Each group has a certain value it hopes to derive from the products. The poor may associate success with certain items commonly purchased by the middle class citizens. They will purchase the same products in an attempt to experience the perceived success. On the other hand, members of a higher social class may perceive items commonly acquired by the poor as sophisticated and modern. This consumer behavior transiently breaches the gap between the two groups. In the long run, it reduces conflict between the social classes. The desire to acquire the latest products in the market is a feeling shared by the social classes. It does not matter what class one belongs to, all that matter are needs and wants of the individual. At this point the attention of the consumer is focused not on class difference but on the product. Another benefit that can be linked to consumerism is growth of the marketing sector. Consumer demand is driven by shr ewd marketing. In an attempt to attract as many buyers as possible, manufacturers and sellers often use advertising and market segmentation. The growth of luxury goods market is an example of how market segmentation can increase sales. The ripple effect is increased consumption of luxury goods. This has a positive effect on the economy and society. Individual members of society may derive pleasure from consumption. In addition, it improves production capacity through development of tools. It has been argued that production and consumption are part of a continuous process.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Without one, the other is nonexistent. However, production and development of tools may be more dependent on consumption. Therefore, consumerism may encourage advancement in the development of tools. This is an indication that excessive consumption does not necessarily crowd out production. Consumption motivates one to make more money. This is a necessary ingredient for development. Needs and wants are limitless thus encouraging hard work. It is, therefore, not correct to argue that consumerism encourages laziness. A more disturbing argument is the perception that consumption only fills a void in the consumer. Consumerism is not always a substitute for higher level of enjoyment. Various arguments against consumerism have been advanced. Consumerism has been viewed as the biggest source of environmental degradation. As the consumers increase quantities of products they purchase, more demand is exerted on the environment. The demand for meat and meat products, for example, has been increasing steadily. Consumption of meat is among the major causes of animal depletion. Therefore, consumerism may cause depletion of all natural resources leading to scarcity. Scarcity in turn increases demand thus creating a vicious cycle of environmental degradation. Th is suggests that irresponsible consumption is not sustainable. Moreover, such consumers do not worry about effects of their actions on the environment. Excessive consumption represents the greatest danger to the environment. Another criticism of consumerism is that it tends to focus on pleasure rather than enjoyment. Pleasure focuses on current gratification and does not motivate the consumers to improve their lives. Enjoyment on the other hand focuses on the task and offers an opportunity for self development. People often choose pleasure over enjoyment because it is not demanding. Pleasure is a manifestation of inner emptiness. It represents an attempt to find something involving to do. Eventually this leads to a shift in ideas from ‘what to do’ to ‘what to have’. In this case, the focus is on the benefit associated with consumption. This may slow down innovation. To live meaningfully and well in a materialistic society, one has to make certain crucial ad justments. Consumers should pay attention to environmental effects of their actions. In general, consumers should do everything in moderation. This will ensure that the environment is conserved. In addition, consumers should only engage in consumption practices that do not harm them. Harmful habits include excessive consumption of food containing excess saturated fat and salt. Consumerism also tends to encourage passive pleasurable activities.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Consumerism is Beneficial to U.S Society specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consumers should strive to live their lives independently. Consumers should not pay a lot of attention to what others are doing. Some communal consumption habits are harmful to both the consumer and the environment. Consumption of luxury goods for example, does not add much value to the individual’s life. It appears to only increase expenses. Luxury goods are quite expensive yet the value obtained from them is similar to that of mass-market products. As a general rule, utility should override luxury. Luxury is a social construct that consumers should not chase after. A meaningful life is equivalent to having only what one needs. It also extends to owning only necessary quantities of the product. Excessive consumption does not appear to add any value to life. Moreover, owning more than necessary is wasteful. It encourages environmental destruction. This paper analyzed the benefits of consumerism to the United States society. It also examined some of the negative effects of consumerism. Consumerism is a belief that consumers should acquire what they want in excess. This implies that consumption shapes the behavior of both the individual and the society. Consumerism is a uniting factor in the society. It unites members of all social classes. Some products are associated with certain characteristics of the social class that commonly uses it. Membe rs of a lower social class may purchase products commonly used by the upper classes because they associate them with prosperity. Consumerism has fostered the development of marketing as a sector. There has been tremendous growth in the advertising sector. Some negative effects associated with consumerism include environmental degradation and focus on consumption rather than production. Consumerism has contributed to environmental degradation through wasteful ownership. Excessive consumption of meat alters ecosystems. This can be attributed to depletion of both animals and plants. To leave a meaningful and productive life in a materialistic world, one has to do things in moderation. Everything that one does should be friendly to the environment.

Marketing Professional Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marketing Professional Practice - Essay Example Moreover, Robinson notes that the ‘background information on volunteers is necessary in order to evaluate their appropriateness for a sports club’ (Robinson 2010, p.95). These issues have to be taken into consideration by HR managers in sports clubs when having to evaluate the suitability and the potentials of volunteers in regard to a particular role. In general, one of the issues that are of critical importance in regard to volunteer turnover is the budget involved. In the case under examination, even if volunteers are not compensated at the same level as ordinary employees, still the costs related to their daily involvement in the club’s activities are high, taking into consideration the club’s daily profits. Reference is made specifically to the funds required for the volunteer’s daily salary but also the funds necessary for the volunteers’ daily food and transportation from home to the club and vice versa. This cost is covered entirely by the club. Therefore, the first issue that needs to be taken into consideration when planning the exit of certain volunteers is the ability of the club to keep a particular number of volunteers. According to its current performance, the club is able to keep just the 60% of its volunteers. The interview planned for evaluating the current value of volunteers, in regard to their contribution in the club’s daily performance, should address the following issues: a) the age and demographics of volunteers; only volunteers that are required for the development of the club’s critical operations should remain in the organization; for example, younger volunteers would be more necessary compared to older volunteers, especially if the tasks involved are quite demanding in terms of physical capabilities; b) the experience of volunteers in similar tasks is important for deciding the continuation of their cooperation with the organization; for example, volunteers that have worked in s ports club should be preferred by other volunteers that do not have such experience; c) the potential acceptance of a lower salary would be also an issue that should be addressed in the interviews; volunteers that could accept a reduction of salary, even low, i.e. about 10%, would be preferred, since in this way the organization’s daily costs would be significantly decreased; of course, the other issues, addressed through the interview, should be also taken into consideration for deciding the firing of a volunteer; d) the last issue that should be necessarily addressed in the interviews would be the time constraints of volunteers, meaning especially the social life and the other activities of each volunteer; for example, volunteers that do not have a second job would be preferred compared to volunteers that have to plan their time daily for responding to the needs of two jobs. 2. Given the financial difficulty faced by many non-profit organizations today discuss the opportuni ty of using social media. How can non-profit organisations use Facebook and other social media? Social media can be used for improving the communication between organizations and their customers. In non-profit organizations, the social media can play a similar role, helping to increase trust between the organizations

Divorce ( by lack of communication skills) Essay

Divorce ( by lack of communication skills) - Essay Example So many times, people think of listening as simply hearing the words. This is not the case though as the process involves hearing the words, thinking about them and analyzing what the message is being conveyed beyond the words. Reacting quickly and furiously to words is just a sign of hearing but not listening, often resulting to a fight which eventually puts a hedge between couples if not breaking the bridge between them. On the other hand, speaking is construed as saying words to communicate what is in one’s mind. Howbeit, this is usually abused with one party wanting to be considered most of the time. This causes problems which could result to getting tired of a spouse’s much talk, leading to bickering that could worsen to fights and eventually separation. Concurrently, silence would be the resort of the partner who does not like to fight verbally which is a form of communication problem with the person involved being unable to express what is in his heart. Behind communication as a cause for divorce, there are still so many issues that need to be considered which this paper can not contain due to some restrictions. In any case, it is the purpose of this paper to show that communication problem is one of the reasons for divorce which was discussed earlier. In this regard, it might be good for couples to have counseling on this to reduce the risks of divorce which can cause lack of con fidence, and more communication