Effect of Coffee Bean Prices on Starbucks Essay Example

Effect of Coffee Bean Prices on Starbucks Essay GM599 Course Project Problem Statement: February 2011, coffee prices hit a 14-year high at $2. This trend is likely to continue for some time as this rising prices according to analysts is primarily due to a combination of the growing demand for different types of coffee and the poor harvests we have had in past years. How should the company position itself against the continuous increase and/or fluctuations in the price of its main raw material? Background: Starbucks is almost synonymous with coffee, although the company offers other beverages and products. The organization prides itself as the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world with about 17,000 stores and operating in more than 50 countries worldwide. Coffee is its major raw material and like the competition, the recent price increases have been passed on to an extent to the consumers. Concern: According to the NewYork times, â€Å"In 2008, Starbucks found itself in an economic climate that had most people reassessing their daily spending habits on luxury items. The company’s revenues and profit tumbled as a result. Starbucks was hurt by rising costs, the cannibalizing effects of years of overexpansion, and stiff competition in espresso drinks from the likes of McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. In the summer of 2007, its customer traffic declined for the first time since the company went public, sending the stock tumbling. By the end of its fiscal 2008, Starbucks stock, once seemingly invincible, had declined by over 50 percent† In other words the company may not be invincible and continuous price increases of its products coupled with stiff competition can affect the company. We will write a custom essay sample on Effect of Coffee Bean Prices on Starbucks specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Effect of Coffee Bean Prices on Starbucks specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Effect of Coffee Bean Prices on Starbucks specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer With 17,000 stores worldwide, growing number of partners (as their employees are referred to ) and stockholders, the failure of the company will have a huge impact on many families and economies. Plan of Study: This paper seeks to recommend ways the company can maintain its consumer base and profitability in the face of these price fluctuations. To achieve this, the research will involve an examination of the coffee industry, major sources of coffee, how prices are determined and factors that drive the process. In addition, the effect of price increases and how it affects Starbucks and its consumers will be examined. Furthermore, the effectiveness of Starbuck’s current strategy on the issue will be considered before recommendations for the future are provided. References http://money. cnn. com/2011/02/18/markets/coffee_price/index. htm http://topics. nytimes. com/top/news/business/companies/starbucks_corporation/index. html http://assets. starbucks. com/assets/aboutuscompanyprofileq12011final13111. pdf

Free Essays on The Hudson River And PCB Pollution

The Hudson River and PCB Pollution The Hudson River and PCB Pollution The Hudson River is a body of water that stretches for 315 miles from the Adirondack Mountains to the Battery in Manhattan, reaching its deepest point of 216 feet in the Highlands near Constitution Island and West Point and reaches its widest point of 3 miles across at Havestraw. This river is one of the most beautiful and scenic of the Tri-State area. Unfortunately, it happens to be New York’s most polluted river. The river has been influenced upon since the early 1600’s, when Englishman Henry Hudson commanded the Dutch ship Half Moon on an exploration of the river, certain that he had discovered a trade route to China. It soon dawned that this was no Atlantic-to-Pacific passage but an Edenlike place of awesome potential-a river valley teeming with prospect and spirit that was worth fighting for. In the centuries that followed, the fight for the river and its commerce never stopped, and still continues to the present. Then during the Industrial Revolution, with the advent of hulking manufacturing plants on the riverbanks, everything changed. The river became a sewer, cut off from the people around it by the electrification of the railroads. The 1825 completion of the Erie Canal instantly opened trade to the Midwest by linking Troy to Buffalo and established the Hudson River as the major commerce channel for New York City. Tycoons transformed the landscape in New York and across the country with the railroad, and the Hudson River valley became a hotbed for iron mining, limestone quarrying and clear-cutting. Toward the 19th century, when dynamite blasting was reducing the face of the Palisades to rubble, conservationists became alarmed that something was being lost to progress. In 1900, New York and New Jersey established the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to preserve the cliffs from further quarrying. Although conservation efforts continued into the 20th... Free Essays on The Hudson River And PCB Pollution Free Essays on The Hudson River And PCB Pollution The Hudson River and PCB Pollution The Hudson River and PCB Pollution The Hudson River is a body of water that stretches for 315 miles from the Adirondack Mountains to the Battery in Manhattan, reaching its deepest point of 216 feet in the Highlands near Constitution Island and West Point and reaches its widest point of 3 miles across at Havestraw. This river is one of the most beautiful and scenic of the Tri-State area. Unfortunately, it happens to be New York’s most polluted river. The river has been influenced upon since the early 1600’s, when Englishman Henry Hudson commanded the Dutch ship Half Moon on an exploration of the river, certain that he had discovered a trade route to China. It soon dawned that this was no Atlantic-to-Pacific passage but an Edenlike place of awesome potential-a river valley teeming with prospect and spirit that was worth fighting for. In the centuries that followed, the fight for the river and its commerce never stopped, and still continues to the present. Then during the Industrial Revolution, with the advent of hulking manufacturing plants on the riverbanks, everything changed. The river became a sewer, cut off from the people around it by the electrification of the railroads. The 1825 completion of the Erie Canal instantly opened trade to the Midwest by linking Troy to Buffalo and established the Hudson River as the major commerce channel for New York City. Tycoons transformed the landscape in New York and across the country with the railroad, and the Hudson River valley became a hotbed for iron mining, limestone quarrying and clear-cutting. Toward the 19th century, when dynamite blasting was reducing the face of the Palisades to rubble, conservationists became alarmed that something was being lost to progress. In 1900, New York and New Jersey established the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to preserve the cliffs from further quarrying. Although conservation efforts continued into the 20th...

Malleability Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Malleability - Essay Example A person cannot remain the same from birth to death - changes are inevitable. These changes not only comprise of physical and growth, but also of the mental capacities. When these mental capabilities expand along with one's horizons, he tends to perceive the world in a much better manner. When one experiences different situations and lives his daily life around people, he learns how to behave in certain situations and what actions to take when one is encountering a particular scene. All these instances shape the thinking, perceptions, judgments, relationships, and even one's simple lifestyle; all this leads to a change in a person's fixed dispositions, traits, attributes and characteristics - a change in personality. This change in personality is only possible when a person is flexible or say, malleable. If one is too rigid and has a fixed path of actions that they follow, life becomes very difficult for them. This reason behind this is that it is impossible to a person to fit into every situation with his particular traits. When a person understands the situation and comprehends what course of action needs to be performed, he might realize that the action is not compatible with his personality; thus, demanding a flex in his traits.

Nonprofit Sector Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Nonprofit Sector - Essay Example Secondly, comments have been directed toward nonprofit organizations in regards to their lack of market discipline as a predominant cause of their limited self-sustainability. Other factors involve rising service and administration costs, and the increased competition for limited donations amongst nonprofit organisations. By becoming a commercial enterprise nonprofits are able to leverage former sources of funding. Nonprofits are seeking additional revenue such as setting up peripheral commercial businesses as a way to add to their fee paying programs that do not generate profits. In many cases this is a strategy in which they can raise community awareness of their cause and simultaneously make money. Some nonprofits have sought to commercialize their key programs, relying less on donations and moving to fee payments by beneficiaries, or creating contracts with government organisations or corporations. Alternatively, nonprofits may charge a corporation, which in turn charges its beneficiaries for a once free service.

Letter to relative requesting financial assistance to start a retail Article

Letter to relative requesting financial assistance to start a retail store - Article Example We intend to separate ourselves from the competition by utilizing both a brick and mortar storefront at the mall as well as a web presence. Therefore, our customer base will not be limited to local clients, but we will deal with a potential worldwide clientele. Our market research has indicated that there is a high level of dissatisfaction among gift recipients as a result of the lack of high- quality customized gifts that are also affordable. Our intention is to fill the gap between the high-end customized gifts and the lackluster generic gift market. The Gift Basket Company offers these people an alternative, providing them memorable and magical gift baskets. For example, we use highly detailed surveys to prepare our baskets, in which the customer gives details about such things as favorite colors, foods, hobbies, interests and other items of interest that help us build the most appropriate gift basket. Daily employee relations create an enormous opportunity for corporate gift baskets. Companies are experiencing more and more needs for gifts: congratulatory gifts for new births or marriages, sympathy gifts for bereaved family members and even smaller items to welcome a new employee or give thanks to a longstanding employee. In addition, the clientele for corporate gifts is wide open.

The Process Of Change In The Workplace

The Process Of Change In The Workplace In recent years, changes in the economy and the business environment have forced some organisations to modify the way in which the business was transacted. It is the duty of the managers and supervisors to bring about changes to the organisation so as to face the competitive world and to have existence in the business world. It is important on behalf of the business unit to understand the importance of changes in the modern business world.(Burnes, 2004) Organisations must to alter themselves in the business areas since eachday our world present new things kind of thing for us. And too all the big organizations have extensively choice of employee. So, organizations always have a intention and they can get their aims with their employee. Furthermore they have to know and understand them to get utmost success from them. In contrast , day to day the new employees are taking their position in the organizations but we can see simply many people who has different culture in the organizations. Consequently the subject is on that state of affairs, managers have to get a ample communication with them As a consequently, the major reason of this assignment is How significant is it for managers have a good understanding of cultural diversity in the work place? Conversely , we will look at some communication hypothesis to hold up our main question. There is nothing in the world which is steady except for changes. So as to stay successful the organisations has to believe changes and stay on having ground-breaking thoughts to have competitive compensation over other firms in the competition. Only the fittest organisation can survive - Charles Darwin and in the rivalry only those organisation can survive which adapts altering process. No business man is in the business to undergo losses.(Jaffe, 2004) The organisational changes signifies main changes undertaken via an organisation quite than the pair of slight changes been undertaken by them for e.g. appointment or dismissal of employees otherwise making changes in the program, which might be in assignment of the companys survival , reform operations, new technologies, mergers, major collaborations, novel programs which includes Sum Quality Management, re-engineering etc. Alter is predictable in the modern workplace. Changes in technology, changes in procedure and changes in the market and the wider economy all present their own sole challenges to employers and the employees. optimistic or pessimistic way . If the change is taken in a optimistic way than it is going to be in a great being for the firm. On the opposing if the employees takes the changes in a pessimistic way than it will be result the working of the organisation and the organisation will not be up to attain its preferred results. Alter have been defined by many authors in numerous way . According to Laura and Harmony Staff (www.soi.org/reading/change/index.) Accessed on 18th April, 2008, A concerted, planned effort to add to organizational effectiveness and health by means of changes in the organizations dynamics using behavioural discipline information Changes in organisation comes in two levels: Level one, |Consulting to make changes in the row for organisation of a structural, rule or technical nature. Level Two, The purpose for one person or many people in the row organisation to have learned something new.( Carr, 1995) There are several views about how organizations expand and change over time. In the 1970s, Greiner recommended that, as organisations turn out to be additional grown up and possibly get bigger, they go through a number of important changes in order to maintain an satisfactory level of performance. There are five stages of organisation growth, and the change from one to the next is triggered by a disaster. Change management is a methodical approach to dealing with change, both from the viewpoint of an organisation and on the individual level. A rather indistinc term, change management has at least three different aspects, counting: adapting to change, scheming change, and effecting change. A practical approach to commerce with change is at the centre of all three aspects. For an organisation, change management means important and implementing events or technologies to deal with changes in the business environment and to profit from changing opportunities. (Burnes, 2004) Harrison complaint that there are a number of levels of intercession and that the depth of intercession have to be shallow as the problem permits. Cognitive and irrational problem-solving techniques for instance those used in management accounting and operational research are located at the shallow end of the range of available strategies. Manufacturing psychology based methods, focusing on the individual and their task relationships are at a rather deeper level and include occupation improvement and management by objectives (MBO) At the sincer level are those instrumental approaches, which effort to change attitudes and social orientations as well as task-related behaviour. Organisational improvement is such an approach: see later in this chapter. A lot of business managers center their alter efforts at a specific level within the organisation such as the level of the: Individual; in the belief that organisational behaviour is determined by the characteristics of the a members. The aspire is a to develop personals skill levels, behaviour and motivation. Techniques employed incorporate education and teaching and management improvement. Organisation of structure and systems; claiming that organisational behaviour is determined by characteristics of the organisational situation in which people work. The aspire is to direct members behaviour to organisational goals and techniques subsumption structural and technical modifications such as divisionalisation, matrices, size, jop redesign, reward systems and management by ojectives. Organisational climate and interpersonal style; such managers believe that emotional and social processes, which characterise the relations among members, determine organisational behaviours. Their aims are to create system with a wide climate of high interpersonal trust and openness and a reduction in the dysfunctional consequences of excessive social conflict and competitiveness. The principal technique is organisation development. Obviously no one level should be focused on exclusively and a balance of approaches should be the aim. (carr, 1995) According to the Leavitts model of change management Leavitt argued that succeeded in one organisation were not necessarily successful in another. He suggests that the chosen approach to change in a particular organisation should reflect the underlying beliefs within that organisations. Seeking improved solutions to tasks will be largely technical, that is seeking to improve the quality of decisions. The task approach, even were it involves clear changes of methods, is clearly interrelated to the other three approaches. This approach covers: The traditional performance approaches of ensuring proper division of labour, levels of authority and responsibility, defining chain of command, span of control. Decentralisation, the creation of project centres and localising of decision-making creating a high level of local autonomy. Communication patterns, the consideration of communication channels and flows; thus for repetitious, predictable work a highly centralised communication structure seems most efficient, whereas for novel, loosely structured tasks, a more open multi channel communication network seems more appropriate. Taylors Scientific Management is an early example of this approach category, which includes method study approaches where an outsider views the work pattern and suggests changes in a technological approach. Updating and replacement of equipment is a natural example of an external approach. The essence is that the approach occurs outside of the work group itself.(Jaffe, 2004) Team working, approach preparation, changes in styles of organization are for instance of the people approach. Each change can therefore be move toward through one of these main four methods other than it must be remembered that there is strong coaction between these categories. For instance , a change in technology ( introduction of a computer) will power tasks (production may be quicker or better) and a change in arrangement could mean less staff needed. A change in any category is likely to have an effect upon people approach. According to the change theory of Kurt Lewin, who put forward ideas about how planned change should be introduce in an organisation. His views are from time to time called prescriptive planned change theory. A intended change procedur should begin with an analysis and diagnosis of the current situation, in order to recognize the sources of the problem and recognize the opportunities for improveme The change procedur be supposed to experience three stages the first one is called as Unfreeze, second group considered as change and lastly it is named as Re-Freeze. Unfreezing implies change will mean abandoning obtainable put into practice before the new practices are implemented successfully. In order to conquer resistance they should be allow to have their current behaviour which are being influence by them. Unfreezing will guide to formation of misgivings and the fear of the unknown. It will help to motivate the staff and overcoming the desirability of the fright situation of the staff. Managers can bring in the process of instruction and teaching at this phase. In this process communication plays an significant position. Managers should communicate to the staff who are going to sway these changes so as to help them to understand clearly the procedure of change and accepting it. Changes should be made understood to additional bet holders who are going to be affected by changes and the process of unfreezing their proves behaviour to helpful in adopting changes successfully. (Lewin, 1951) Movement is the which procedure comes after the procedure of unfreezing which means touching from current position to the intended new changes responsibility. Management of this process involves wining the support of people who are affected in the process of change. When we look at the helping point, manager should try to create contribution via others in the change process. It helps to decrease the resistance to change as well as become successful in adapting the changes and make it more successful. It will too help to develop communication of the cause for change and in knowing the cause so as to for the changes undertaken. In order to make change successful, there must be support from employees. Employees have to be convinced for successfully adapting changes. In the rule of Re-freeze, Lewin argued that even if the change is implemented successfully,the success could be short -lived because the employees might to back to their former behaviour and methods. An important way of making the change stick is through the use of rewards. Motivation theory suggest that, If individuals have strong need for reward, and if they see that they will probably achieve those rewards by acting in certain manner.(Lewin 1951) The re-freeze process is essential in order to stabilise the change and to reinforce the new pattern of the working or behaviour. An important way to undertake changes is y giving rewards. If the employees feel that they will receive rewards for sticking to act in the way managers want they will surely provide support in the changing process. Reporting system are essential to provide better performance and in trying to ensure that the targets and the targets. The control system might use benchmarks in order to compare performance and the standard of performances as well as for specifying the responsibilities of key managers and the work groups. |The following Examples will illustrate how this system works out: British Airways on becoming privatisation: From being bureaucratic public sector to commercial organisation which had to be serviced oriented having a market driven culture. Changes which were to be undertaken were reducing the strength of the organisation from 59,000 employees to 37,000 employees, flatten the hierarchical structure and introduce changes in the operational system and structures.(Slomon, 2004) Now the following analysis will demonstrate the view of managers who work as managers in several Companies. However following questions were asked to the manager and taken their answers from their point of view on business change. 1. How is it important for managers to have greater understanding of the process of change in a work place? In recent years the banking and finance sector has been subject to great changes, specially because of the global credit crisis sparked by the sub-prime lending in the American Market. Due to these, it is essential for the line and cost centre managers to understand the drivers for changes as well as the processes that governs the changes. says Peter Leach who work in FitchRating ltd as managing director. Basically he suggests that the process of change may adapt by itself in order to suit the circumstances. If managers do not understand the reasons for undertaking changes then they will not be able to meet the unforeseen challenges 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of change in the work place? According to the John Lionson who is one of the change managers in HSBC group saying that changes come in many form, say it might come in form of a major business change (takeover) or indeed in the senior management change which is quite often these days in the banking and finance sector. Advantages can be considered to be such which often brings challenges to the staff resulting in the innovation and new ideas. It may act as springboards for talented staff members and increase their efficiency and prove to be an asset for the firm. These changes can prove to be profitable as well as successful. 3. How often a company should make changes in the working environment? This question was answered by Peter Leach who told that this issue depends on the nature of the business. It is common in the field of banking and finance. It is common for the field of banking and finance to have major changes once in every 2 to 3 years. This may not be applicable to public sectors wherein the changes are less common as well as subjected to external factors. It is said that changes should be undertaken whenever the need arises not for the sake for doing so. 4. What are the factors that forces the company to make changes? According to the answer of Ian Williams, works for Bizzforyou ltd as senior manager counted these in order which are, take over/mergers, major advantages in the technology, changing market place, foreign exchange factors, cost of materials, cost of resources and productivity. 5. How do you measure of the value change? The only real values are share holders sentiments, profits and the stock market value of the company in the banking and finance sector. While staff morale is important, it is likely that a company is likely to have a lower churn rate than a unsuccessful one. added Peter Leach. In my conversation, I observed that 50% of managers consider that change must be done equally among the staff, however, 80% of them mainly think that company can be successful if managers drive it in a correct way.70% of managers support the idea of changing process due to achieve the companies goals. In conclusion, change can never be fully planned due to unexpected problems and follow on effects, many organisations are adopting a positive attitude to the need for change , Leavitt recognised four variables, which can be affected by change and claimed that these entry points can be come specific targets for managerial efforts to instigate change. The variables are : task, structure, technology, people. With these process change can work out successfully in businesses. REFERENCES: Carr D, (1995) Managing the Change Process: A Field Book for Change Agents, Consultants, Mcgraw hill professional, pp98-107 Jaffe D. (2004) Managing Change at Work: Leading People Through Organizational Transitions Thompson Crisp Learning,pp45-56 Burnes B., (2004) Managing Change: A Strategic Approach to Organisational Dynamics Pearson education, pp358-376 Slomon, J.(2004) Essantials of economics Printence Hill,pp89-103 Lewin, K.(1951) Theory of Change7th edition, pp105-112 PRIMARY DATA COLLECTIONS: Peter Leach, Fitch Ratings, Managing the director.02074173504 e-mail: [emailprotected]tchratings.com John Lionson, HSBC group ,Change manager, 02074351976 e-mail: [emailprotected] Ian Williams, Bizzforyou ltd, senior manager, 02081759091 e-mail:[emailprotected]

computer virus :: essays research papers

Overview In the following report, â€Å"computer viruses† will be explained in detail. A lengthy and informative description of the evolution and history on microcomputer viruses will be given, to give you a background of their origin for some understanding of how they came to be. The next segment in the report is on how to combat computer viruses with the development of anti-virus applications. The current status of microcomputer viruses will also be discussed, naming the most common types of viruses and the most harmful type at this present point in time. Details of the most recent outbreaks of computer viruses, such as the â€Å"Melissa†, â€Å"I Love You† and the most recent â€Å"Anna Kournikova† viruses will be explained, and why they are so harmful. I will also give you my recommendations on how to combat this threat of computer viruses, what Anti-virus Applications that I believe should be used, and why updating your virus definitions for these programs on a regular basis is so vital and important in your quest to have a happy and uninfected computer. And finally, I give you my conclusion in which I can only hope that you will find helpful. A History Of Computer Viruses The term â€Å"Virus† was not used to describe a self-replicating computer program until the American electrical engineer named â€Å"Fred Cohen† associated the term with it in 1983. In the 1950’s at Bell Laboratories, â€Å"John von Neumann’s† theory in which he made in 1949 was put to the test. His theory stated that it was (MS Encarta 98, Virus [computer], History) â€Å"Theoretically possible for a computer program to replicate†. His theory was tested after a game called â€Å"Core Wars† was developed whereby (MS Encarta 98, Virus [computer], History) â€Å"Players created tiny computer programs that attacked, erased, and tried to propagate on an opponent’s system†. In the late 1960’s through to the early 1970’s, the program called â€Å"The Rabbit† was constantly appearing on the mainframes at the time. Kaspersky (www.avp.ch) â€Å"These programs cloned themselves, occupied system resources, thus lowering the productivity of the system†. These viruses were only localised, as they did not spread from one system to another and are thought to have only been pranks or mistakes by programmers. The â€Å"Univac 1108† and â€Å"IBM 360/370† systems were infected with one of the first known computer viruses, â€Å"Pervading Animal†. This virus attached itself to executable files, which damaged the infected file. In 1986 the first stealth virus hit IBM Compatible PC’s, called the â€Å"BRAIN† virus.

Life of Gangsters

â€Å"Quick a coppers coming!† said Dominic, Ringleader of the robbers. † I can't get this crap to start up!† said Vincent. (Vinc) â€Å"Oi stop in the name of the law!† yelled the police officer. At this point the police officer was running after the Hi-Jackers like a bullet. He was so eager to apprehend the law-binding criminals. â€Å"Yes it's started,† shouted Vinc. â€Å"Run him over, he's trying to mess us around!† Cried Dominic at the top of his voice. The Car backed up like the speed of lightning and hit the Police officer leaving him crippled like a boneless dog. â€Å"Bingo! Nice aim huh? Asked Vinc. The robbers had a good getaway leaving the policeman behind. The sun was setting and the view was beautiful. The robbers were cruising towards an urban area. â€Å"Dom where do you want to go now?† asked Vinc. â€Å"Lets go and see Dred, I need announce of weed.† Replied Clyde. They pulled up at an old wrecked garage. The garage was like a rusty old skip there was a sign that said â€Å"Dred Motor Company.† The sign was about to fall off it was hanging vertically. The robbers went inside and saw a big huge figure. â€Å"Yo what do you need today boys?† asked the huge figure. â€Å"I just need an ounce of weed,† said Dom. Dred pulled out a small transparent bag with some cannabis inside it. â€Å"Is this enough ma boy Dom?† asked Dred. â€Å"Yeah that's enough,† said Dom Dom was about to grab the bag, but Dred demanded for some money first â€Å"Money First† said Dred. Dom went towards the car and pulled out a machine gun. â€Å"Gimme the Flipin weed before I blow yo big ass off permanently!† Said Dom â€Å"Yo Dom you know im just messing around with you here take it its all yours† said Dred in a discreet voice. Vincent and Dominic drove off leaving not a footprint in sight. Dom was busy rolling up a spliff when Vinc pulled up at a petrol station. Bonnie filled the tank up to the maximum amount of petrol. He was about to drive off when the shopkeeper came out and threatened to shoot if they drove off. Dom came outside with his machinegun and shot the innocent shopkeeper in his head. As soon as they were about to drive off, 10 police cars and 3 riot vans surrounded the exits. Clyde shot four of the police officers. It was a narrow getaway, but they made it. Riot vans and police cars were chasing them. With Vincent's Skilful driving the pair lost the cops. Hey Dom this car is mashed man! We need to boost another car. Then do it, but make sure no cops are involved. They approached a little quite area and saw a Nissan skyline. Dom this will do us nicely. Within a minute they drove off in a Nissan Skyline without anyone knowing. There, nice new car and no cops, but we are broke. â€Å"How fast does this baby go?† asked Dominic. This one will do over 170mph. Great! I know some one who organises street races. If we enter this car into a race we are sure to win! Dominic took out his mobile phone and phoned a guy called Hector. â€Å"Hector its me Dominic, I need some cash. Are there any races going on?† asked Dominic â€Å"It's a good job you phoned me there is one today. Why what car you got?† asked Hector. â€Å"I got a Nissan R34 Skyline.† â€Å"Meet me at the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ seven o'clock sharp.† Said Hector. Dominic and Vincent just arrive at the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, and meet Hector. â€Å"Hey Dom long time no see and who's the other guy?† asked Hector. This is my man Vinc. Vinc this is Hector. Hector, Vinc is going to drive. Right then, let's roll! There are three other guys who you are going to be racing with. As soon as Vinc took a right the cops were on their tail. They caught Dominic and Vinc And arrested them on murder, grand theft auto and possession of drugs. They were sentenced life and both died in prison.

Penelope Is a Real Hero

Penelope Is a Real Hero Odysseus has often been regarded as the only hero in the famous Homer’s epic Odyssey. It is but natural as the epic goes under the name Odyssey and it focuses on Odysseus’s adventures. Nonetheless, there are many other heroes. It is important to note that males have been ascribed to heroic deeds, e.g.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Penelope Is a Real Hero specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Odysseus and his men, or Telemachus (Clayton 18). However, women also play an important role in the story. Goddesses, shadows and living women help men in their activities. Of course, Athena, the goddess of warfare and wisdom, helps Odysseus in many affairs. However, the goddess should not be regarded as a heroine as she does not belong to the world of humans. As far as the heroines pertaining to the world of humans are concerned, one of the main heroines to be admired is Penelope, Odysseus’s wife who i s faithful, wise and even as cunning as her husband. In fact, Penelope should be considered a hero as she manages to rule the kingdom (Ithaca), she is ready to sacrifice her entire life for the sake of her son, Telemachus, and she manages to remain faithful to her husband due to her wisdom and cunning. The Wise Ruler When analyzing the role of the queen in the story, it is crucial to remember about the role of women in the Ancient Greek society. Thus, Clark and Schwiebert point out that Penelope is to fulfill tasks which â€Å"must be relatively safe, can easily be interrupted and resumed, and must require minimal movement from home† (164). Penelope being a woman has to comply with these rules. However, the queen is in quite a specific position. She does not have her husband beside her to run the house and the entire kingdom. It is necessary to note that the epic does not focus on Penelope as a ruler. Nonetheless, it is clear that Penelope plays a very important role in her k ingdom even though it is not revealed explicitly. Thus, Odysseus meets his mother and inquires her about Penelope. The woman describes Penelope’s position in the following way: Still with her child indeed she is, poor heart, still in your palace hall. Forlorn her nightsAdvertising Looking for research paper on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More and days go by, her life in weeping. But no man takes your honored place. Telemakhos has care of all your garden plots and fields, and holds the public honor of a magistrate, feasting and being feasted†¦ (Homer 351) The first part of this speech suggests that Penelope is only weeping and doing some female job in the house. It may seem that Telemachus is the real ruler of the kingdom as he takes care of all public affairs, and he also runs their lands. Nonetheless, it is clear that the young ruler resorts to his mother’s help who gives val uable advice on various matters. The first line of the speech confirms that Penelope is beside her son helping him in any possible way. Of course, it is impossible to claim that Penelope is as powerful as any other ruler, or Odysseus himself, as she is still just a woman in the Ancient Greek society. Nonetheless, Penelope’s role is somewhere in between (Clayton 19). It is possible to claim that she is the ‘à ©minence grise’ of Ithaca who manages to keep the wealth and glory of the kingdom.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Penelope Is a Real Hero specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Vetter claims that weaving is one of the most important symbols in the epic (33). Of course, it is the symbol of memory as Penelope is thinking about Odysseus while weaving. Apart from this, Penelope’s weaving can also be regarded as a symbol of her â€Å"status within her household, the city of Ithakaâ₠¬  (Vetter 33). On one hand, she fulfills purely female tasks like weaving. On the other hand, she guides her son and helps him to be a wise ruler. She creates a covert web which covers the entire kingdom and keeps its order. It is necessary to add that that the woman has to live under a great pressure as she is doomed to hear news about her heroic husband and she still thinks he is dead. She cannot bear listening to songs about her courageous husband: â€Å"†¦ But sing no more / this bitter tale that wears my heart away† (Homer 233). Nonetheless, the woman finds strength to think of her son and the entire kingdom. She manages to be thoughtful even in her grief. Admittedly, this is one of the features ascribed to heroes. Penelope’s Self-Sacrifice Furthermore, she is not only a wise and strong ruler. She is also a loving mother. She is also ready to sacrifice her entire life to secure her son’s future. She has to comply with the necessity to remarry as her son â€Å"is suffering as a result of the suitors’ devouring of his resources† (Said 298). The woman has to think of remarriage as her family as well as her son force her to do this as all think that Odysseus is no more alive: â€Å"Odysseus was not the only one at Troy / never to know the day of his homecoming† (Homer 234). Even Odysseus himself forces her to marry as on his departure he claims that she should remarry in case he does not come back when their son is already adult (Vetter 33). The wretched woman loves her husband and believes he is still alive and she hopes that her husband will come and take revenge: Ah, if he comes again, no falcon ever struck more suddenly than he will, with his son,Advertising Looking for research paper on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More to avenge this outrage! (Homer 445) However, she still cannot lament for the rest of her life as she is to take care of her child (Heitman 63). She understands that many people would like to be the rulers of Ithaca. She also understands that she is not able to resist all those suitors who can soon become enemies. These enemies can bring their troops to the gates of Ithaca. Thus, Penelope understands that only women, her young son and her old wretched father-in-law cannot resist an army of trained warriors. She understands that any resistance will lead to the fall of her homeland: â€Å"spurn them she dare not, though she hates that marriage† (Homer 231). Her son reveals the graveness of their position: We have no strong Odysseus to defend us, and as to putting up a fight ourselves – we’d only show our incompetence in arms. (Homer 237) She has to find the way out. The only way out for her is another marriage. She has to marry one of the suitors. Admittedly, this deed can be seen as incompatible to heroic deeds. However, in this case Penelope does perform a heroic deed. She sacrifices her feelings, and even her life to save her son and her land from destruction. Of course, she does not lead an army and she does not defeat her enemies. However, her submission should be considered heroic. Furthermore, sacrifice is often regarded as a heroic deed, no matter what kind of sacrifice it is. Therefore, Penelope is one of those heroes who sacrifice something for the good. She is not concerned with her own destiny as she strives to save her land and her son. This courage is inspiring. More so, even some men depicted in the epic do not reveal the same courage and self-sacrifice. Admittedly, Penelope should be considered as one of the heroes of the epic. Penelope’s Faithfulness She Tries the Suitors Apart from her readiness to sacrifice everything, Penelope has the courage and wits to remain faithful to her husband. In the first place, she tries to postpone the day she should make her decision. She is as cunning as her husband. She manages to deceive her suitors for three years weaving and unweaving (Heitman 63). At the same time she never stops inquiring about her husband: Every time some traveller comes ashore he has to tell my mistress his pretty tale, and she receives him kindly, questions him, remembering her prince, while the tears run down her cheeks†¦ (Homer 391) Penelope is unwilling to betray her husband or even his memory. Even when her secret is revealed and she is forced to make her decision, she still manages to postpone the day of her marriage. Penelope makes her suitors compete. Even when the wise woman understands that she has no choice and she has to choose a new husband, she makes a wise choice. She invents another trial for the suitors. She makes the suitors understand that she can marry only the most deserving man who could be as strong as Odysseus (Steinruck 113). She Tries Her Own Husband Apart f rom trials for her suitors, she wants to make sure that the man who claims to be her husband is really her beloved. Her faithfulness does not allow her to accept the man unless she is perfectly sure that the man is her husband. The woman feels that the beggar is her husband, but she wants to make sure (Steinruck 114). Steinruck suggests that Penelope understands that the beggar is Odysseus but still keeps asking and trying him â€Å"for the playful revenge she takes on Odysseus because he misled her† (114). Nonetheless, her reluctance is more likely to be a sign of her great faith. She makes everyone understand that there is only one man who can be beside her. It goes without saying that Penelope’s faithfulness is one of the features ascribed to heroes. Only real heroes can be that faithful to their beloved (or to some ideas). Penelope is faithful to both her husband and her idea of marriage. She believes she can belong to one man only and she remains faithful to this idea no matter what. It is also important to note that her faith makes her that courageous and wise. Like any other hero, Penelope is guided by her faith. She performs heroic deeds in the name of her ideas. This makes her one of the main heroes of the epic. Conclusion It is important to remember that Penelope is one of the main heroes of the epic. This courageous woman has all features of a great hero. She manages to keep the kingdom prosperous. It is necessary to note that she manages to rule even though women in Ancient Greece were to fulfill female tasks only. She does not exercise her power overtly. However, Penelope is a wise advisor who helps the young Telemachus to rule the kingdom. Apart from being a wise ruler (like any other hero), she is also ready to sacrifice everything. Thus, the kingdom as well as her own son is in danger, so she does not care about her well-being. Penelope is ready to remarry (which means death for her) in order to save her homeland. Finally, the wis e woman is faithful. She never betrays her husband, her love and her principles. Admittedly, this faithfulness can be regarded as a heroic feature. It is also important to note that Penelope should be considered a hero as she performs heroic deeds and she can be characterized by major heroic features. At the same time, she is a woman who has to comply with conventions of the patriarchal world. More so, she can be regarded as one of the major heroes as she reveals great courage to save the entire kingdom when her royal husband is away. Admittedly, Odysseus himself in many situations is not as courageous as his wise wife as the former often flees from dangerous situations whereas Penelope has to remain in the place where she can be destroyed. Penelope has the courage to face her enemies, which makes her a great hero. Clark, Susan H., and Valerie L. Schwiebert. Penelope’s Loom: A Metaphor of Women’s Development at Midlife. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education and Development 40.2 (2001): 161-171. Print. Clayton, Barbara. A Penelopean Poetics: Reweaving the Feminine in Homer’s Odyssey. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2004. Print. Heitman, Richard. Taking Her Seriously: Penelope the Plot of Homer’s Odyssey. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 2005. Print. Homer. Odyssey. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Ed. Sarah Lawall et al. New York, NY: W.W. Norton Company, 2003. 225-516. Print. Said, Suzanne. Homer and the Odyssey. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print. Steinruck, Martin. The Suitors in the Odyssey: The Clash between Homer and Archilochus. New York, NY: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc., 2008. Print. Vetter, Lisa Pace. â€Å"Women’s Work† as Political Art: Weaving and Dialectical Politics in Homer, Aristophanes, and Plato. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2005. Print.

dogs essays

dogs essays A breed descended from the great Molloser that accompanied Hannibal across the Alps when he invaded Rome. Swissys were used by Swiss farmers to haul carts to market and as drivers to drive their cattle. Many Swissys still retain these working abilities today. The breed was used as late as World War II as pack dogs by the Swiss Army The breed was almost extinct around the turn of the century and numbers have been slowly increasing. Swissys are in great demand as pets because of their stable temperaments. Is a natural breed of wild origin. The over all impression is that of an extremely agile and graceful animal with a fox- like appearance. A tonal love is a unique characteristic of the breed. New Guinea Singing Dogs are highly active, lively, and alert. They are constantly exploring everything in their environment, using all five senses including taste. Although usually gentle and affectionate with people, they can be aggressive toward other dogs, especially of the same gender. Known in its homeland as Mah Thai Lang Aan, originates from eastern Thailand ( formerly Sion). This medium sized dog was originally used for hunting and as well as a guard dog at homes, and on the road as it escorted the carts. This is a well muscle dog that is closer to rectangular on body proportions than square. This dog is strong and has the ability to jump as well as being able to run at great speed. It is estimated that there are at least 500,000 dogs that are kept as pets or being used in their traditional jobs as watchdogs and traveling companion and with over 50,000 registered with the Dog Association of Thailand, throughout Thailand., I would cross all three of the previous dogs. From the Swissys I would take their calmness and hauling ability. From the N ...

The Outsourcing of Information Technology Jobs Research Paper

The Outsourcing of Information Technology Jobs - Research Paper Example This paper discusses various aspects of IT outsourcing phenomenon and the reasons as to why firms outsource. According to reports by Gartner, the worldwide IT services outsourcing market is currently worth about 50 billion USD with the ITES and BPO market being worth about 130 billion USD (Pettey, 2009). The economic recession has had a downward pressure on the outsourcing market. In 2008, India with its leading companies such as Accenture, Infosys, Wipro, TCS and many other had a 63% market share of the IT outsourcing market. This is a decrease from the 70% market share it enjoyed in 2007 when India was the preferred destination and now other countries such as Eastern European regions, China, Taiwan and South Africa have entered the market. This is a reduction from the 2004 figures that placed the IT outsourcing market at 163 billion USD (McCue, 2005). Clearly, the market has been worsted by the economic recession, failure of large banks and insurance companies, failure of large automobile manufacturers and many other firms. Outsourcing has been around since a few decades and the best examples were outsourcing of food and catering business, janitorial services, housekeeping work and so on. This was actually also called as ‘in sourcing’ since outside companies and vendors came to work inside a firm. The outsourcing and in sourcing phenomenon has been regarded as one of the forces that flattened the world. Among the 10 flattening forces, Friedman has listed five forces that can be regarded as leading to outsourcing. The forces are: 4th force Open-Sourcing; 5th force Outsourcing; 6th force Offshoring; 7th force Supply-Chaining and 8th force Insourcing (Friedman, 2005). The world firs realized the benefits of outsourcing when Kodak outsourced its whole IT department to IBM for 6 billion USD. Up till then, IT outsourcing was only done for data entry work, electronic transcription of hard

Reaction Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

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