Profile prepared by Management Analysis Corporation

Do you believe that the diagnosis and resulting profile prepared by Management Analysis Corporation was a necessary step in the process of finding potentially successful general managers? ExplainThe profile prepared by Management Analysis Corporation is the first step in the process of finding a potentially successful of general managers, but it is not the only step. Actually, after MAC has understood very clearly the needs of Dancey Electronics, they could picture the perfect leader. Once this was done, they could see what skills must be innate and what skills can be learned to become a leader. Then, MAC could propose one more interview to the candidates. For example, the candidates are faced to a concrete leadership problem, and they need to solve it very quickly.MAC should analyze reactions of the candidates and pick the best one. This means picking the person who has the best ability to change and to adapt to a new situation. So, I do not know yet if Joe Morris could be the good candidate for leading Dancey Electronics.Moreover, I think that the analysis done by MAC is a good way to find a potentially successful group of general managers because it accually describes the ideal qualities of being an effective general manager and at the same time gives us ideas about the relationship and task orientation of each candidate along with analysis of some important environmental factors that might have some effect on their leadership style, such as the company’s expectation and the subordinated expectation for the behavior of general managers.However, I think Management Analysis Corporation should analyze the behavior of the followers more. This way, MAC will know what leadership style would be the best for the group.What alternatives are available to modify Joe Morris’s potential effectiveness in the new general manager position?Joe Morris has a high task orientation it means he can apply an initiating structure focused on goals and results. But it i s not enough to lead a team. Joe Morris has to be more relationship oriented. We know that Joe Morris has low skills in relationship orientation. But a leader needs to communicate with his team to have an influence on the behavior of the individuals. If Joe Morris does not change, he could only be a manager, but not a leader. As we learnt in class, â€Å"leaders do the right things, managers do things right†.According to the Fielder theory, Joe Morris can make changes to be more relationship-oriented. He can spend more informal time (lunch, leisure activities) with his subordinates. He can also request particular people for work in his group. He can be a volunteer to direct difficult or troublesome subordinates. He can suggest or affects transfers of particular subordinates into his unit. Finally, Joe Morris can raise morale by obtaining positive outcomes (special bonuses, time off, attractive jobs) for subordinates.Moreover, Joe Morris should follow a training session to dis cuss and analyze his leadership situation. This way, he can understand his performance and improve it. If Joe Morris increases his position of power, he could be a better leader because he would repair his lack in relationship orientation.Why will it be difficult for Joe Morris to modify his style of leadership?Joe Morris knows how to organize and define the relationships in the group and he establishes well-defined patterns and channels of communication, and spells out ways of getting the job done. So it is a good start. But it would be difficult for him to modify his style of leadership because it is very hard to change him. Moreover, he does not have an overall insight of the company. He needs to fit in the group to eventually change. Considering that Joe Morris is far away from a good relationship orientation, it might be very difficult for him to understand what changes he has to do to modify his style of leadership.It also may be hard for Joe Morris to change his style of lead ership due to the argument against the path-goal theory whereby subordinates play a rule  in the leadership style of the manager. In that, Joe Morris has a low score in relationship orientation which means that his relationship with the employees may not be as effective and efficient. As a result, although Morris my want to change his leadership style type, employees may not be as willing to change given his low relationship orientation which therefore makes it hard for him to change his leadership style.But on the other hand, according to the Leader-Member Exchange Approach, there is no consistent leader behavior across subordinates and Joe Morris can behave in different ways with his future followers than he used to. So he may not have to change his style of leadership and still be appreciated by his followers. Therefore he will become a good leader.

How does Paver make this extract (p.148-149) frightening? Essay

Paver uses many techniques to make this extract frightening. It is when Jack had just got lost but manages to find his way back to his cabin. He has already encountered a ghost and read about local folklore about the ghost and has another experience with the ghost. Paver uses techniques such as punctuation for effect, short sentences and mystery and she commonly shows lots of detail but rarely tells which means you cannot be sure till you read it. Paver uses many ways to create fright for the reader, for example punctuation for effect. Paver says, â€Å"a black tide drowning†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p.149). The ellipsis allows the reader the time to create an image and then to understand the terror. Also, a tide is normally blue or clear, similar to the sea, which seems normal and calm whereas this is black, dark and menacing, almost like Dark Matter. It reinforces that there is nothing normal about this place, for example, when Paver says, â€Å"Fog had darkened the blotchy stains to black†. When Paver says â€Å"drowning†, it gives the idea that there is some dark controlling ‘ghost’ that can drown a wave. It is particularly menacing because a black tide gives the reader the idea that it is powerful and almost has an agenda. The fact that the ghost can ‘drown’ this tide frightens the reader. The ellipsis creates fright because it is a pause in what Jack is saying so is there a problem, has Jack seen something and the ellipsis creates the time to think and imaging. The knowledge of the power of this ghost is especially frightening for the reader. Paver also uses many short sentences to create, build and maintain fright. For example Paver says, â€Å"I saw nothing.† (p.148). This shows that not all Jack’s senses are working as he refers to the idea that he could see it and hear it but then he could only hear it. This creates fright because it is confusing and you don’t often hear things but not be able to see them. This also creates fright because you think there is something there but you cannot be sure that there is until it is read. By saying, â€Å"nothing† it gives the idea that Jack is lonely but not alone which again makes you unsure whether the ghost is actually there which in turn creates fright. By being a short sentence it makes the reader feel like completing a sentence is almost a privilege and that it could be Jack’s last sentence he ever says. Paver also adds â€Å"Clink. Clink.† (p.148) this creates fright for the reader because there are other repetitions of the word ‘clink’ in the book, furthermore, by being just one word long, it is as if that is the only thing that Jack can hear going on around him. Paver carries on and finishes the phrase as, â€Å"Clink. Clink. Coming closer. It is all alliteration and if you imagine that in your head it is rhythmic and sounds frightening – as if that’s all Jack can think about. Short sentences create fright because they are concise and increase tension in a menacing scene. Paver finally creates fright by using a lot of mystery to increase uncertainty I the reader’s mind. Firstly, Paver says, â€Å"patter of paws† which is showing not telling and therefore makes the reader feel like they have the ability to assume Jack’s talking about dogs but because of all the uncertainty prior in the book the reader cannot be sure. It reinforces the idea that something could be there but was it a dog or a ghost which makes it particularly frightening for the reader. Paver also adds, â€Å"it took a moment to recognise myself†. This creates anxiety for the reader because there is no mirror around Jack that he has mentioned and what did Jack recognise in himself. Did Jack recognise something emotional rather than physical about himself? What did Jack do in the moments after he â€Å"recognise[d] himself†? This creates fright because you are completely unsure to the situation. In conclusion, Paver’s use of mystery is particularly frightening because even though you are the reader, you are almost fully unaware to the situation and frightened by the facts that you don’t know.

How to use R packages to identify differentially expressed genes for a Coursework

How to use R packages to identify differentially expressed genes for a real data set - Coursework Example The data were classified according to the gene expressions before and after application of the drug on patients. However, owing to time constraints, some important operations that would have allowed the analysis to exhibit more of its features were left out. For example the arrays were given a summative test at every level; that is t-tests, ebayes and samr. The arrays would have exhibited more underlying relations if the individual cases were matched against their resultant gene expressions after the administration of the drug. The columns could alternatively have been split up in pairs to come up with several individual files that would allow the execution of singular tests on individual files, thereby making the results even more focused. The only weakness of this approach is the need to further recombine the individual results from the tests, but which can not be addressed by the use of the combined arrays. With more time the tests would also have been described under varying p-values. By varying the p-value, it is possible to know the levels of accuracy that similar tests should be subjected to in future. This sets a crucial precedent especially since same method of study will be repeated for future

Construction Safety Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Construction Safety - Assignment Example The design problems and stress overloading that resulted into the failure of the bridge were part of the management faults since through proper design; the situation could have been rectified. The collapse could have also been caused by faults during construction as a result of workers overlooking some important issues regarding to construction safety. There were some concerns on the safety of the bridge before the project started. The company had a lot of financial constraints before the project started. Kranakis (2004) argues that the government was not willing to part with large sums of money at that time and hence the safety issues became overlooked due to an exorbitant budget. The company however went ahead with the construction despite its financial conditions that could not have allowed the construction of the project. These were all calculated human errors that led to the collapse of the final project. According to the Cleveland State University (n,d), system theory is aimed at controlling and preventing the hazards. This is done through identifying the interactions between components rather than the failures of the components which include the non technical elements of the system. In the case of the Quebec bridge collapse the elements making up the bridge were not in harmony to create safety. The environmental conditions might have affected the bridge leading to swinging beyond the stress limits provided. This might have been caused by poor welding or jointing between the various parts making the bridge. The bridge design might not have been designed to carry the total weight of the bridge or the supporting beams used to strengthen and support the bridge may have failed due to unforeseen circumstances. It could also have happened that part of the ground that the bridge was elected yielded due to weight leading to the collapse. Kranakis (2004) explains that the design drawings and the plans

International intercultural management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

International intercultural management - Essay Example This paper is based on an intercultural dinner that the writer was involved in. During the dinner, there were discussions carried out in relation to relevant cultural differences that existed between their respective countries. The countries represented at the dinner were Saudi Arabia [the writer's nation which is the base nation for this essay], Thailand, China,and Ghana. In the dinner, significant aspects of the cultures and social structures of the different nations were discussed. These discussions included economic activities in the respective nations, significant determinants of business activities, unique systems, food, and other relevant factors. During the dinner, there were some notes that were made by the writer of this paper. They include important elements and aspects of the various nations. The writer noticed that noodles play an important aspect in the diet of the Chinese and the Thai people. I also learned that rice is an important element of the Thai society. Both na tions have strong connections with the Silk Route which was a trail of trade between Asia and Europe. Due to this, there were some exchanges between Europe and Asia albeit minor in terms of influence. It was also noted that the Chinese nation is really huge and there were different time zones as well as different states within the nation. I was shocked to discover that there are some urban areas in China with as many as 320 million people [which is the size of some populations]. This confirms the realities of the fact that China is the largest nation in terms of population. I also noticed that most of the chocolate we eat is from cocoa which is the core element of the Ghanaian society. I therefore identified that agriculture remains an important element of the Ghanaian society. Active-learning activities promotes cooperation, critical thinking, independence, time management and sensitivity to cultural differences (Gardner, 2008). Another aspect of active-learning is that it provides the avenue for the application of theoretical knowledge (Harmin and Toth, 2010). Based on these elements of active learning, the research undertook a comparative system beginning with the culture and systems of Saudi Arabia. The researcher begins by using Hofstede's model of cross-cultural management to examine and evaluate the culture of Saudi Arabia. This is done by following up on the findings that were made during the dinner. The research goes on to trace the findings of the dinner to define the elements of Thailand, China and Ghana. A core tool that is used in

Film Noir Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Film Noir - Essay Example Hence, the significance of film neo-noir is that they draw upon or relate the image, the notion and the putative rules of film noir. The approach of the research paper is to identify the attributes that Spicer argues â€Å"neo-noir has remained a form that continues to accommodate complex, difficult ideas whereby existentialist attitudes continue to flourish.† Using the film Memento (Nolan), I can present how these neo-noir attributes have been presented in the film. Perhaps Memento has the most complex neo-noir feature as it provides a space in which the audience can, if not force, to deliberate the nature of identity. Though the question of identity is a repeated theme in neo-noir films, it is in Memento that has directly addressed this concern. The film depicts an antihero whose memory maybe or is faulty and his experience of time is confusing and is uncertain about his past and not sure about the meaning of the present activity he has engaged in and the very fabric of his identity (Nolan 217). Therefore, depicting that it consists attributes of neo-noir. The film is much concerned with the dark side that emphasizes loneliness, alienation and the fear that any or all activity being carried out by the character may be futile and meaningless. Therefore, the choices taken by the noir protagonist are never the real ones; lack the opportunity of escaping the bonds of convention, except via a hollow freedom represented by money, power, sex, and pro mise of adventure. Moreover, in the film, Memento, the noir antihero (Leonard) is often acting from desperation instead of rational choice, reacting to an inchoate, contingent world dominated by blind chance, which is often threatening and carries an undercurrent of violence that at any moment they can strike. Therefore, being an instant in the film of attributes stated by Spicer’s in his essay as being a neo-noir. The protagonist in Memento, has anterograde amnesia, and is unable to

B2C (Business to Consumer) case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 1

B2C (Business to Consumer) case study - Essay Example E-commerce is the doing business on the Internet, not only purchasing and selling, but providing services to customers and collaborating with trade partners. Organizations recognize that putting up easy online sites for employees, customers, and associates does not generate an e-business (Voges and Pope 2006). E-business online sites must generate a buzz, as Amazon has made in the bookselling business. E-business online sites must be inventive, add value, and supply constructive information. In brief, the site has to build a sense of collaboration and community, ultimately transforming the port of entry for commerce. Comprehending e-business starts with understanding the disruptive technology, accessing internet information, evolution of the internet, and providing internet information In the 90s, dotcoms such as Amazon.com and eBay which were rapidly attainment in dimension and market capitalization created a threat to conventional brick and mortar commerce (Mortensen 2007). In numerous ways, these dotcoms appeared to be redrafting the regulations of business; they had the consumers with no the expenses of sustaining physical stores, minimal inventory, unrestricted access to resources and little concern regarding actual earnings. The concept was to obtain big fast and be concerned about profits afterwards (Grefen 2010). By late 1999, Amazon.com had a market share of approximately $25 billion, obscuring some of the biggest and most developed corporations in America. Since that time, retail giants like Wal-mart and Kmart were anticipating cashing in on the dotcom challenges, also other small businesses that were in the market opposing the retail giants, but were not in a stable position (Schepp and Schepp 2009).   Many never survived it to the first public initia l offer after the Nasdaq commenced to drop in mid 2000. Almost as fast as the dotcom

Case Study about Tourism in Kuala Lumpur Term Paper

Case Study about Tourism in Kuala Lumpur - Term Paper Example Is it to explore the new countries and the historical monuments? Or, to get rid off from the daily hectic life? The tourism industry generates many business opportunity for the citizen of the country, it also generates different employment opportunities which leads to the improvement of the GDP. For the Asian countries the Malaysia has been one of the main tourist destinations and Kuala Lumpur has always been the main attractions in Malaysia. There are many diversified tourism have shown up in the recent advancement of the tourism industry and few of the most promising kinds are Wine tourism, medical tourism, education tourism and job tourism. The new paradigm of tourism industry has emerges with a brand new look. And for this enormous effect of the tourism the globalised world will hire more people to sustain the high quality services for the tourism. 2 The Expectation Theory plays a vital role to understand why people love tourism. This theory portrays that the social behavior and the communication are very much influenced by people’s expectation about the behaviors of other The tourism has grown from the psychological pursuits of few privileged individuals to a mass. The tourism has become the mass movement to discover the unknown.5 Kuala Lumpur is having the rich natural beauty and dense forest, advanced education structure, ultimate shopping experiences, the rich cultural historical values and obviously the ultimate business opportunity. Culture: The culture is one of the important socio-economic factors in the Kuala Lumpur for the success of its fabulous tourism industry. The Kuala Lumpur is the cultural center of peninsular Malaysia. The art style has a rich cultural attachment in Kuala Lumpur 6. The main dominating cultures in Kuala Lumpur are Malays, Chinese and Indians 7. There is a great barrier of the present as far as the religion in concern. However, the effect of Islamic ideology has become the central element in the Malay

Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Essay Example for Free

Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Essay To relief the high demand of energy, countries like United States, Venezuela and especially Canada with 232 billion bbl recoverable unconventional reservoirs which contain bitumen, heavy oil and extra heavy oil as remarkable resources of energy. The reducing high quality oil resources and increase of oil price contributed to production from heavy oil reservoirs in recent years. This paper investigates the heavy crude oil properties and evaluates the steam-assisted gravity drainage(SAGD) which has become the method of choice for oil sand producers and it is therefore critical to optimize this process. Analysis has been done to realize the influence of different parameters on SAGD. The effects of parameters such as horizontal well length, steam quality, viscosity, porosity, permeability in both horizontal and vertical directions, injection well location, injection rate, shale barrier and grid refinement on proficiency of SAGD are analysed. The following findings were obtained: Higher vertical and horizontal permeability, injection rate and steam quality have positive effect on oil production while Lower porosity, absence of preheating period and higher injection rate have adverse effects on steam-oil ratio(SOR) . Preheating period has impact on SOR at the start of the process. In fact without preheating period the amount of SOR at the start of process is very high. Horizontal shale barrier has more negative effect on oil production than vertical shale barriers. Locating injector close to the horizontal production well has nugatory impact. The shorter the length of horizontal wells the lower the recovery of oil. This paper explains the aforementioned effects in details. Results of numerical simulations show that SAGD is advantageous for production of bitumen by considering recovery factor and cumulative steam-oil ratio(CSOR).

Peace Essay Example for Free

Peace Essay Christianity and Islam have similar teachings on peace and it is evident that there is a strong relationship between these fundamental teachings and the ways in which the religious traditions and their organizations actively strive towards world peace. World peace is understood in both faiths, not just as an absence of violence and conflict, but also as an overall sense of wellbeing and social cohesion. Inner peace is essential in achieving world peace, and must be attained in order to work towards peace at a higher level. Christianity teaches that peace is Christ’s parting gift and a concept that begins with Him, â€Å"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you† (John 14:27). The Catholic peace movement â€Å"Pax Christi† stands for the ‘peace of Christ’ and has launched a policy for a culture of peace and non-violence. â€Å"Pax Christi† uses the teaching of the peace of Christ to guide them, calling adherents to state that they are recognizing their responsibility to â€Å"respect life†¦practice active non-violence [and] defend freedom† (Pax Christi International Manifesto for a Culture of Peace and Non Violence 1999) in order to contribute to the achievement of world peace. Islam teaches that peace can only be attained through the submission to Allah’s will. One is able to submit to Allah through the process of jihad, which is to struggle to overcome the obstacles in the way of submission, or the process of Shahada. The Sufism movement provides Muslims with a path to follow in order to contribute to the attainment of world peace through 3 stations. These mirror the teaching that peace can only be found in Allah, encouraging the submission as the initial step in moving towards world peace, â€Å"Submitting our†¦bodies to Allah is Sufism† (Sufism Equals to Islam). The teaching of submission and anticipation of pleasing Him, establishes a Muslims role in actively working towards achieving world peace. The Quakers are a Christian denomination that follows the principal teaching of pacifism, as modelled by Jesus’ ministry. Christ’s teaching of the Beatitudes is fundamental in guiding the Quakers, especially in â€Å"Blessed are the peacemakers† (Matthew 5:9). The Quakers work towards world peace through things such as rallies and marches for peace and justice, as well as campaigning and raising awareness about social justice and supporting those looking for an alternative to violence. The Quaker’s choice to refrain from war to contribute to world peace can be seen by their silent vigils against war, such as that in King George Square. In 1660, the Quakers presented â€Å"A Declaration from the Harmless and Innocent†¦Quakers†, which has been the basis for the Quaker’s peace testimony in which they strive towards attaining world peace. Rufus Jones, a Quaker, stated that Quakers have an â€Å"obligation to assist and to forward movements and forces which make for peace in the world† (The Quaker Peace Position). Peace is a fundamental aim of Islam and teaches that war is only permitted to overcome oppression and tyranny. The Qur’an teaches that â€Å"whosoever killed a soul†¦it is as if he had killed all mankinds† (Al-Madiah 5:32). However, this is overlooked due to common misconceptions about the Islamic faith, especially due to exploitation by the media. After the violent aftermath of the London bombings in 2005, the NSW Islamic Council stated on their website, â€Å"We firmly hold the view that these killings and atrocities have absolutely no sanction in Islam†¦terrorism†¦has no support from†¦the Islamic community†¦and would never be endorsed†. Partnerships exist between Muslim, Jewish and Christian organizations so that their voices aren’t overlooked, for example the 1991 ‘Prayer for Peace’ in which it was asked, â€Å"Forgive our violence towards each other†. Even though overlooked by the media, Muslims work tirelessly towards world peace. Christianity expresses that justice must come before peace is achieved. In 1972, in the World Day of Peace Message, the Catholic Pope Paul VI said, â€Å"If you want peace, act for Justice†. Accordingly, the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), seek peace, justice and reconciliation. In a report titled, â€Å"Called Together to be Peacemakers†, Catholics and Mennonites hoped to work together to assist the WCC’s DOV, stating, â€Å"Our similar identities as ‘peace churches’†¦our commitment to be followers†¦of Jesus Christ†¦Prince of Peace. † They quote John Paul II in the World Day of Peace (2002), â€Å"no peace without justice†, adding, â€Å"in the absence of justice†¦peace is a mirage†¦justice is an inseparable companion of peace† (CTBP 177). It is evident, the relationship between the doctrine of justice before peace, and then the actions to chieve this to strive towards world peace. The Qur’an teaches that, â€Å"Allah guides those†¦to the ways of peace†¦and guides them to a straight path† (5:16), often termed ‘the paths of peace’. This teaching of being guided on a path of peace is demonstrated by the organization Muslim Peace Fellowship, declaring on their website that their main objectives are to â€Å"work together with all people of good will to keep open the straight path† and to â€Å"work against injustice and for peace†¦in our world† (Muslim Peace Fellowship Blog). This organization actively seek world peace through the use of conferences, publications, speeches and interreligious action, as well as interior work and prayer. Evidently, principal teachings in both Christianity and Islam help to guide and encourage both their roles in the attainment of world peace. The fundamental teachings act as guidelines to be interpreted by current followers in order to play a role in the triumph of world peace. There is a strong correlation between the theoretical principal teachings and he actions performed by leaders and adherents to gain peace at a world level.

Cindy Sherman Artist Biography

Cindy Sherman Artist Biography No other artist has ever made as extended or complex career of presenting herself to the camera as has Cindy Sherman. Yet, while all of her photographs are taken of Cindy Sherman, it is impossible to class call her works self-portraits. She has transformed and staged herself into as unnamed actresses in undefined B movies, make-believe television characters, pretend porn stars, undifferentiated young women in ambivalent emotional states, fashion mannequins, monsters form fairly tales and those which she has created, bodies with deformities, and numbers of grotesqueries. Her work as been praised and embraced by both feminist political groups and apolitical mainstream art. Essentially, Shermans photography is part of the culture and investigation of sexual and racial identity within the visual arts since the 1970s. It has been said that, The bulk of her workà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦has been constructed as a theater of femininity as it is formed and informed by mass culture (her) pictures insist on the aporia of feminine identity tout court, represented in her pictures as a potentially limitless range of masquerades, roles, projections (Sobieszek 229). Born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Cindy Sherman grew up in suburban Huntington Beach on Long Island, the youngest of five children and had a regular American childhood. She was very self-involved, found of costumes, and given to spending hours at the mirror, playing with makeup (Schjeldahl 7). Cindy Sherman attended the state University College at Buffalo, New York, where she first started to create art in the medium of painting. During her college years, she painted self-portraits and realistic copies of images that she saw in photographs and magazines. Yet, she became less, and less interested in painting and became increasingly interested in conceptual, minimal, performance, body art, and film alternatives (Sherman 5). Shermans very first introductory photography class in college was a complete failure for she had difficulties with the technological aspects of making a print. After her disastrous first attempt in photography, Sherman discovered Contemporary Art, which had a profound and lasting effect on the rest of her artistic career (Thames and Hudson 1). Shermans first assignment in her photography class was to photograph something which gave her a problem, thus, Sherman chose to photograph her self naked. While this was difficult, she learned that having an idea was the most important factor in creating her art, not so much the technique that she used. While she was talented at copying with pencils and paints, this artistic method would not allow Sherman to express herself personally. But with a camera, Sherman could use her body as a tool (Sills 64). The young artist became fascinated by the way any image at all, simply being presented, activates a mysterious charge-neither subjective nor objective, but of both (Schjeldahl 7). In college, Sherman became active in the local avant-garde scene, the liveliest of two decades, and especially in Hallwalls, an artist-run alternative exhibition space (Heller 223). In 1975, while still attending college, Cindy She rman created her first series of five photographs entitled, Untitled A-E. Within these first photographs, Sherman attempts to alter her face with makeup and hats, attempting to take on different personas, such as a little girl in Untitled D, and a clown in Untitled A (Thames and Hudson 2). This first series is Shermans first attempt of documenting transformation. The Curator Linda Cathcart, saw the pictures at Hallwalls and put them at the Albright Knox Art Gallery (Heller 225). Because Sherman had such vivid imagination and became fascinated with self-transformation, Sherman often bought vintage clothes and accessories from thrift stores, which helped her to form and create different characters. So it just grew and grew until I was buying and collecting more and more of these things, and suddenly the characters came together just because I had so much of the detritus from them (Thames and Hudson 2 ). Sherman went even as far as wearing the costumes and dressing as different charact ers to gallery openings and events in Buffalo. She wore these costumes because she wanted to see how far she how transformed she could look (Haller 225). Yet, Sherman never considered dressing up for performance purposes because she was not maintaining a character but simply getting dressed up to go out (Thames and Hudson 2). Cindy Sherman began her famous series of Untitled Film Series at the end of 1977. The small black and white photographs are of Sherman impersonating female character types from old B grade movies, which speak to a generation of baby boomer women who had grown up absorbing these glamorous images ay home on their televisions, taking such portrayals as cues for their future (Thames and Hudson 1). Upon graduation of college in 1977, Cindy Sherman and her fellow student Robert Longo moved to Manhattan, New York together. She continued with her interest in role-playing and dressing up as different characters, and began to photograph herself in these different guises among different locations such as her apartment Untitled Film Still #10, in the Southwest in Untitled Film Still #43, and in Long Island in Untitled Film Still # 9. Shermans manipulation of lighting, makeup, and dress make it difficult to believe that all of the characters represented were indeed the same person (Heller 225). A ll of the portraits are of her but none of the works are in any way a self-portrait of Sherman. They are portraits of an identity that Sherman shares with every female who thinks of her life in the way of a cheap movie. For this reason alone, is why her work has been looked at for special by feminist who hold the view that women do not hold theories, but tell stories. In the stills it is important to get a deep and true understanding that her use of photography is more integral to the performance then a photographic record of what took place. (Danto 10-11). Each of the stills is about the girl in trouble, but in the aggregate they touch the myth we each carry out of childhood, of danger, love, and security that defines the human condition. Desire mixed with nostalgia fuels the allure of the Untitled Film Stills-desire for the woman depicted as well as desire to be that woman, during that time (Thames and Hudson 4). Sherman said that the last thing she wanted her pictures to have was emotion. The still only provided a framework through which her deeper artistic impulses found expression (Danto 9). She was most interested in what a character was like when they were completely emotionless (Sherman 8). These black and white photographs were purposely grainy because Sherman wanted them to look like cheap publicity shots. While, Sherman takes most of her own photographs using a remote shutter-release, some of her pictures are also taken by her family and friends. This Untitled Film Series was first exhibited in 1995, in the Hirshborn Museum of Washington D.C. In each of the photographs, Sherman is depicted alone, As a familiar but unidentifiable film heroine in an appropriate setting (Thames and Hudson 2). Some of the many characters depicted are of a perky B-movie librarian in Untitled Film Still #13; a voluptuous lower-class women from an Italian neo-realist film in Untitled Film still #35; and a young secretary in the city Untitled Film Still # 21 (Thames and Hud son 2). In terms of the untitled film still #35 and Untitled Film still #15, both depict Sherman as a seductress, Sherman says To pick a character like that was about my own ambivalence about sexuality-growing up with the woman role models that I had, and a lot of them in films, that were like that character, and yet you were supposed to be a good girl (Thames and Hudson 2). Sherman encourages the viewers participation in constructing their own narratives of her Untitled Film Still #10, Untitled Film Still # 14, and Untitled Film Still #65 (Thames and Hudson 3) Sherman created sixty-nine photographs in total, presenting her works in an array of types. According to Judith Williamson, force upon the viewers that elision of image and identity which women experience all the timeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Thames and Hudson 3). Cindy Shermans Untitled Film Stills are also seen as related to feminist performance work of the 1970s by artists such as Adrian Piper and Eleanor Antin. Sherman is also noted as being heavily influenced by these artists. The Untitled Film Series are not only photographic records of performance but performative accounts of filmic images (Thames and Hudson 4). Sherman ended her sixty-nine photograph scenes in 1980, when she began to realize that she was duplicating previously used characters, clichà ©s, and stereotypes. Cindy Shermans next series or collection of photographs was her first working color called the Rear Screen Projections, which exude the artifice of a television show. With her increasing desire to work at home, Sherman created her photographs in front of a projected screen, which she projected slides of outdoor and indoor scenes. Viewing the photographs one can obviously tell that the background is fake. The very realistic and sometimes quite closely cropped images of Sherman contrast with the blurry and substantial settings, heightening the artifice of the entire scene (Thames and Hudson 5). Her second series concentrates on the 1960s and 1970s rather then the 1950s depicted in the Untitled Film Series. Rather then female victims, the Rear Screen Projections depict women who are confident and independent, usually youthful, middle-class women in the real world. The characters of the Rear Screen Projections are best identified as being counterparts of women in the media of the 1970s s uch as Mary Richards character in The Mary Tyler Moore television series (Thames and Hudson 5). In 1981, after creating a portfolio of images for an issue of Artforum, Sherman became inspired by the magazines horizontal format and produced a series of works that refer to the photo spreads in photographic magazines. This is said to be Shermans first mature work. These large photographs are in color, are cropped and close-up with each image depicting a young woman looking off to the side with a vacant and vulnerable look. She keeps background details to a minimum allowing the attention to be drawn to the figure. Shermans horizontals suggest a profound transgression against form. Within these pictures have there is no coherent point of view (Sobieszek, 25). When Sherman showed this series, she was criticized by some for having created women that reaffirm sexist stereotypes, therefore Artforum rejecting this series. Critics have found Untitled #93 as the most suggestive of all her works. This photograph shows a woman with messy hair and smudged makeup in bed covering her eyes, whil e looking toward the light that shines in her eyes. Although Sherman has stated that She was imagining someone who had just come home in the early morning from being out partying all night, and the sun wakes her shortly after she has gone to bed (Thames and Hudson 6). Critics on the other hand have read this photograph as a rape portrayal. Misreading of the centerfolds became very common because people tried to create stories from them, discovering hidden meanings where none were present (Schjeldahl 9). Much like her earlier works, the centerfolds mimic and repeat mass media modes. In the Pink Robe series, Sherman uses herself once again to imitate the stance of porno models, choosing to pose only in a pink chenille bathrobe. This series conveys a state of loveless intimacy, intimacy without understanding or personal tenderness (Schjeldahl 10). In this series, Sherman responds to the criticism of the centerfold series, and switches to a vertical format in order to do away with the vulnerability of the characters. Yet, the Pink Robe Series is just a continuation of the Centerfold series because Sherman thinks of these images as depiction of the porno model during breaks between posing for nude shots (Thames and Hudson 7). Sherman sits in front of the camera deciding to appear as un-sexy and without makeup or wigs, staring directly toward the viewer. Many critics interpret this series as the real Cindy and most revealing of all of her photographs (Thames and Hudson 7). Sherman has produced four groups of works that quote from fashion photography. In Shermans fashion series, she reminds the viewer that that fashion allows us to create and display a wide range of appearances as if we each possessed a wide range of identities (Sobieszek, 253). Her first fashion series was commissioned in 1983 for a spread in Interview magazine. Provided with designer clothes such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Sherman undoubtedly provided an antithesis of a glamour ads. The models look silly but utterly delighted in their high fashion frocks. Her second commissioned fashion photographs are even more bizarre from the previous works, with the models looking dejected in Untitled #137, exaggeratedly wrinkled in Untitled #132, and even homicidal in Untitled #138. It appears inevitable that Sherman would be drawn to fashion spreads because fashion is yet another means of masquerade for women, and ads for clothing promise to convert the buyer into a more perfect version of herself ( Thames and Hudson 8). Like all advertisements, fashion photographs manufacture a desire in a woman that could never be filled. Sherman uses her fashion photographs to undermine the desirability of such images by emphasizing their manipulating nature (Thames and Hudson 8). In the fairy tales and monster series, Sherman reminds us of the monsters from childhood memories and may be suggesting through these photographs that everyone harbors a secret, repressed self that can shift form and shape at will (Sobieszek, 253). The undercurrent turned, rather startling in the 1980s into a torrent of gore and rage when she switched to using a larger format and often lurid colors, and to concocting increasingly horrific and surreal images (Kimmelman 142). These images represent a time in her career when her images truly become strange and surreal. These photographs are unusual not only because of their horrific images, but also because a viewer is unaccustomed to seeing such stories represented in photographs. The strangest scene appears in Untitled #150, In which an androgyn with a huge, extended tongue fills the foreground, and tiny figures stand in the landscape behind it, making it seem like a giant among Lilliputians (Thames and Hudson 9). Shermans Fairy Tales do not depict a specific example, but evoke a narrative form. By the early 1990s Sherman had tired of creating these shocking images turning to art history for inspiration. The result was a series of photographic portraits of her returning as the model, transformed by her usual false noses, bosoms, into both male and female figures as painted by various old masters of Western painting (Heller 225). Even when Sherman was creating history portraits she worked out of books, with reproduction, she says that Its the aspect of photography that I appreciate, conceptually: the idea that images can be reproduced and seen anytime, anywhere, by anyone ( Kimmelman 145). Just like all the rest of her works, the history paintings do not depict a particular painting but depicts types for the history genre. Sherman creates the most memorable and humorous pictures of women. Often spoofing the awkward depictions of the female anatomy of the Old Masters paintings. Understanding how ridiculous these history paintings are helps the viewer understand that Sherman is mocking the Western canon and its depiction of royalty and religious figures (Thames and Hudson 12). Shermans next career move was to a raunchy pornographic depiction of individuals called the Sex Pictures. Using mannequins and body parts form medical catalogues, she constructs hybrid dolls. Rather then showing the dolls having sex, Sherman proudly shows the sex. Sherman created these works in response to the controversy over the National Endowment for the arts ands the debates over the constitute obscenity in the arts. Typically, pornography portrays sex as anonymous, but in Shermans series she depicts sex as ridiculous (Thames and Hudson 14). It Shermans work, the notion of self is completely abandoned, replaced by the concept of multiplicity, dissociation, and fluidity. Yet, her portraits do not appear as performances only unstable representations in ambiguous non-narratives making brief appearances, caught in a moment of ambivalent emotional expression (Sobieszek, 253). Much of her work is clearly meant to be ambiguous. Her pictures have been interpreted as feminist indictments of gender stereotyping, but Sherman insists that she is not political (Heller 226). References Danto, Arthur C. Cindy Sherman: Untitled Film Stills. New York: Rizzoli, 1990.. Heller, Nancy G. Women Artists and Illustrated History. New York: Abbeville Press, 1987. Kimmelman, Michael. Portraits. New York: Random House, 1998. Schjeldahl, Peter. Cindy Sherman. New York: Pantheon Books, 1984. Sherman, Cindy. The complete Untitled Film Stills. New York: The museum Of Modern Art, 2003. Sills, Leslie. In Real Life: Six Women Photographers. New York: Holiday House, 2000. Sobieszek, Robert A. Photography and The Human Soul 1850-2000. Los Angles: MIT Press and Los Angles County Museum of Art, 1999 Thames and Hudson. Cindy Sherman Retrospective. Chicago: Museum of Contemporary Art, 1998.

What Price Freedom? :: American America History

What Price Freedom? No country allows as much personal freedoms like the United States of America. The Supreme Court has passed laws which allow more freedom of expression than ever before. By hearing this, you may think that everyone is happy in the U.S. Well, a lot are, but to gain these freedoms, there was once a price to pay. Several people have been beaten, verbally assaulted, and killed for others to gain freedom that they deserve. I ask: At what price should freedom come? In December or 1965, in Des Moines, Iowa, a 15 year old girl and her brother wore black armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The Principal then decided that no student should be allowed to do such demonstrations, and after a warning, he suspended anyone wearing the bands. Later that day both wearers of the bands were suspended until January. The 2 students too it to federal court where they said that they had the right to wear the bands under the First Amendment right. They ended up loosing because the armbands would "disturb school discipline". About 4 years later, the decision was changed in favor of the students. Soon after, in the 1970's, more and more court battles about the First Amendment appeared. Without the help of the 2 students getting suspended, the First Amendment may have still been limited. Ever since dated history in the U.S. has begun, slavery had always gone on. Africans were forced to do the work and labor of the Americans. Black females were forced to do work in the kitchen such as cook and clean the house. Black men worked in the farm, picking cotton, and loading wagons with the crops. Slaves were often beaten by their owners and slave traders. Some were killed or mutilated for doing a "wrong" deed such as learning to read. If the slaves tried to escape from their home to the north, they would be beaten and brought back immediately. The blacks coming from Africa had to rights whatsoever. Slavery went on in the United States until the mid 1800's. The Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued in 1863 made slavery illegal in all the states in the U.S. It took the hard work and determination that one day the blacks of America would be free. A severe price of freedom, but one that stands out and may be worth while.

The University Education: A Religious Experience :: University Education

The University Education: A Religious Experience If I wanted to do an over-view of my thoughts about the university being related to religion for a layman who doesn't understand anything beneath the surface, then my first paper would be a success. Putting myself in an educated person's position of having to read that as a college essay, I would be insulted. Of course this is a post-English 220 thought. I've opened up to find myself more since then. I'm not saying that have found my perfect style. I've found a new style in myself other than the "Official Style". I'm writing for you in a close version of the "O.S." because this is an explanation about my own writing and I feel that this is the best way to *explain*. Don't worry, by the end I'm sure that I'll have fallen away. I've taken a close look at this paper of mine entitled _The University Education: A Religious Experience_ and found that my thoughts about the metaphor haven't changed a lot. I'm the type of person who finds little religious quirks in everything, though (A result of: accepting evolution; seeing the Bible as a bunch of parables and tall tales - including Genesis and the entire New Testament; reading Don Delillo's _White Noise_ , Heinlein's _A Stranger in a Strange Land_, Baudelaire's "Voyage"; rebelling my over-religious, over-hypocritic mother; oh ya. Moliere and Chaucer; learning about different cultures and religions; etc., etc.). I like comparing people and their actions, myself included, to Christian rituals and events. When it comes to the university as a religion, this comparing multiplies because so many of us here take our education as a life or death matter. And I think it should be. Of course there are those who are hypocritic in the university life - don't worry they get a few second chances and are then abandoned. I'm on one of my second chances. Yes, I feel the same way about my metaphor as I did when I wrote this introduction paper. No, I don't like paper because if I were to truly put effort into the it now I would not have written it that way. My style is much different now (A result of this class and my new interest in fiction writing from Eng. 218). I like to lay things between the lines - let the reader work a little. I'm not a combination of Elliot and Pound, nor do I intend to be.

Precautionary Measures for Genetically Modified Foods Essay

Genetically modified (GM) foods, a fairly recent development that came about from research in genetic engineering, pose a potential threat to human and environmental health. The basis of genetically modifying foods is the transferal of desirable genetic traits of plants to an agricultural crop. Genetic modification creates crops that are resistant to herbicides or can repel insects. Genetic modification also makes growing crops easier and allows for higher production rates. Anytime genetically altered crops are consumed by humans, the GM crops should be subjected to rigorous testing to assure that it is safe for human consumption and safe for the environment. When it comes to the environment and human safety, one cannot be too cautious. Some say that further safety testing of GM foods is not necessary because there is no evidence of GM foods being unsafe (Cockburn 2002). The truth is that the public does not yet trust that genetically modified foods are completely safe (Harlander 2002). The only way to convince the public that GM foods are safe and to create a market for GM foods is to perform further safety tests, such as a human study or controlled experiments. I propose that you fund this necessary and fundamental testing to ensure that GM foods are safe for the environment and for human consumption in order to help create a market for this life-improving product. Genetically modified crops were first commercially introduced in the United States in 1996; and by 2001 24% of the corn, 63% of the soybeans, and 64% of the cotton being grown in the U. S. were genetically modified varieties (Harlander 2002). Through genetic engineering, scientists have created varieties of crops that are insect-resistant, virus resistant, and herbicide tolerant. These qualities allow for improved yield and reduced use of potentially dangerous pesticides, as well as improved weed control reduced crop injury, reduction in foreign matter, reduced fuel use, and significant reduction in soil erosion. All of these consequences seem to be beneficial for the human race and the environment. It is important to prove to the public that GM foods are safe so that such a beneficial technology will not be under-utilized. In the United States, three government agencies are involved in the approval of genetically modified crops. These three agencies are the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (Harlander 2002). These agencies are responsible for ensuring that the GM crops are safe for the environment and for human consumption. More specifically, the USDA ensures that the GM crops are safe to grow, the EPA makes sure that the GM crops are safe for the environment, and the FDA ensures that the products are safe to eat (Harlander 2002). The three agencies put the genetically modified crops through rigorous environmental and food safety assessments before they can be commercialized. However, Susan Harlander reminds the scientific community â€Å"an effective food safety evaluation system minimizes risk, but it is important to remember that food is not inherently safe† (2002). Tampering with the genetics of a crop increases the possibility of that crop being dangerous to the environment or to human health. Bettie Sue Masters, PhD, states, â€Å"All evidence to date indicates that any breeding technique that alters a plant or animal, whether by genetic engineering or other methods, has the potential to create unintended changes in the quality or amounts of food components that could harm health† (qtd. in Panasevich 2004). It is highly likely that this lack of inherent safety is a reason why the public is so cautious about the acceptance of GM foods. The key to diminishing the public’s fear of GM foods is to extend the safety evaluation process. Consumers have two main concerns about genetically modified foods: first, that GM foods are unsafe to eat; and second, that their cultivation will harm the environment (Gasson 2001). Currently the most widely used safety evaluation process is called substantial equivalence. Michael Gasson and Derek Burke discuss substantial equivalence: Substantial equivalence recognizes the fact that conventional foods have been eaten by many people over a long period of time and have an established and accepted level of safety. Genetic modification involves the introduction of a limited amount of change and substantial equivalence uses a comparative approach to reveal both intended and unintended differences between a genetically modified (GM) food and its conventional counterpart. (Gasson 2002) If the genetically modified food is substantially equivalent to, or similar to, it’s conventional counterpart, then it is generally regarded as safe. Thus far substantial equivalence has been effective, but as genetically modified foods become more and more complex there is no guarantee that this method will continue its success. More in-depth testing is required to ensure the safety of future GM foods. Genetically modified crops should be tested on living subjects in addition to applying the substantial equivalence method. Animals or human volunteers are essential in proving the safety of the genetically modified crops already approved by the FDA, EPA, and USDA, in addition to the GM crops to be introduced in the future. The risk of harm to a living being would be low as the GM food would have already passed the substantial equivalence test before being consumed. Long term testing would be able to prove that there are no mal-effects resulting from the consumption of GM foods. While long term testing may seem unappealing, it is a small price to pay for improving the quality of life for a nation. The public’s concern extends beyond the effects of GM crops after human consumption all the way to GM crops’ effects on the environment. Many environmentalists as well as non-affiliated persons think that genetically modified crops have a negative effect on the environment. Traits meant only for agricultural crops can be transferred to other plants through pollination; traits, like being herbicide tolerant or virus-resistant, which would diminish natural and artificial checks and balances on plants (Guebert 2004). The best way to ensure that the GM crops will not harm the environment is to perform experiments and further safety assessments. Convincing the public that genetically modified crops are safe for the environment is pivotal towards creating a market for GM foods and in turn improving quality of life. The testing and assessing of the safety of GM foods that I propose will be divided into two categories: the safety of genetically modified crops for the environment; and the safety of GM foods for human consumption. The testing of the safety of GM crops for the environment must be performed under controlled conditions. Our testing will take place in a greenhouse, where any negative effects will be contained and kept away from the environment. All genetically modified crops would be tested for two factors: whether or not the trait is likely to be passed on to other plants; and what nutrients in the soil the GM crop depletes and how fast it does so. These two factors are essential in proving the safety of genetically modified crops for the environment. If a GM crop passed traits, such as herbicide tolerance or virus-resistance, on to other plant species, it could potentially change the ability of that species to survive and thrive and wreak havoc on the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This risk of upsetting the ecosystem frightens would-be GM food consumers from supporting the industry. In order to test the ability of the genetically modified crop to pass on its genes to another species of plant, it would be planted for two growing seasons in the presence of varying plant species found around the agricultural United States. The soil will be tested for nutrients before and after each growing season in order to keep track of the nutrient depletion rate. Any genetically modified crop that depleted the soil of essential nutrients at an abnormally fast rate would be rejected. A genetically modified crop’s failure to pass any of the tests or assessments would not be approved, thereby leaving no reason for the public to fear for the safety of the environment on account of the GM foods on the market. To test the safety of GM foods for human consumption, a comparative study must be performed. In order for the study to be effective and result in usable data, several hundred human volunteers will need to participate. The volunteers will be divided into two groups. The first group will be asked to incorporate a specific genetically modified food into their everyday diet. The second group will be asked to incorporate the conventional counterpart of the same GM food into their diet. The study will last for 2 months with the participants receiving weekly physicals to check for any changes in health. A change in negative change in health in a number participant from group one, the group consuming a GM food, would indicate that the genetically modified food is playing a role in the deterioration. The GM food in question would then either be taken off of the market or subjected to further testing, depending on the extent of the data acquired from the study. With this study in place, consumers would feel much more comfortable purchasing, and creating a market for, genetically modified foods. By proving that genetically modified foods are safe for human consumption and for the environment, we are proving to the public that there is no cause for fear. In the absence of fear, consumers will no longer object to buying GM foods resulting in a market for genetically modified foods. The increase in demand for GM foods will result in more research and development and bring advances in GM technology. Genetically modified foods have the potential to improve the quality of life of people all over the world, and it would be a shame to let this technology go to waste. If you give us this grant, there will be numerous benefits that can come from our work. Please consider the well-being of the people that will be helped by our work while you are making your decision. Thank you. Works Cited Cockburn A. Assuring the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods: the importance of an holistic, integrative approach. J Biotechnol. 2002; 98 (1): 79-106. Harlander SK. Safety assessments and public concern for genetically modified food products: the American view. Toxicol Pathol. 2002; 30 (1): 132-134. Gasson M, Burke D. Scientific perspectives on regulating the safety of genetically modified foods. Nat Rev Genet. 2001; 2 (3): 217-222. Guebert A, Cousins D. Welcome to the world of unintended consequences. Farmers Weekly 2004; 141 (9): 64. Panasevich CL. Risk assessment urged for genetically modified foods. Nation’s Health. 2004; 34 (7): 25.

DBQ Atomic Bomb Essay

In August of 1945, the United States launched two atomic bombs on Japan; the first, in Hiroshima on August 6, and the second in Nagasaki a few days later. Despite the obvious diplomatic advantage to implementing one of the most intimidating weapons of that time, the United States’ tactics and goals behind dropping the atomic bombs were purely military oriented; the political benefit was merely an added bonus. The atomic bomb was necessary due to the Japanese’s refusal to surrender and the hundreds of thousands of lives at stake. Although there were attempts at peace, Japan showed no signs of agreement towards a peaceful and unconditional surrender. Japan’s reluctance to stop fighting could have left to months more of fighting and thousands of more deaths. The atomic bomb ensured an enormous display that could quickly end the war. As Cuhrchill proclaimed, â€Å"the end of the Japanese war no longer depended upon the pouring in of their armies for the final and perhaps protracted slaughter†¦ this nightmare picture [has] vanished†¦ in its place the vision of the end of the whole war in one or two violent shocks† (Doc E). Churchill summed up the gist of America’s reasoning for implementing the bombs. The United States did not have to depend on the slaughter of millions of people in bloody, messy fights, and , instead, â€Å"a speedy end to the Second World War† could be reached with one machine (Doc E). However, once the first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, the Japanese continued to resist. It wasn’t until a second bomb was dropped that Japan surrendered with a simple stipulation that their emperor remain in his position. This alone proves the military necessity of the bombs. Despite the attack on Hiroshima, Japanese still wished to continue their war. If not for the second bomb, who know how many lives would have been lost. In Document B, General H. H. Arnold mentions that, even before the atomic bombs were dropped, Japan was already in a state of disarray and on the verge of collapse (Doc B). His argument was that Japan would not have lasted much longer and would not have been able to â€Å"carry on a large-scale war† (Doc B). However, despite this, the Japanese refused to surrender, and, though they may have been on the verge of a complete depletion of supplies and resources, there is no way to determine how long Japan could have or would have continued fighting. This could have meant months more of fighting and  Americans dying. As of July 1945, the Japanese army surmounted to over 5 million men (Doc A). Had the Japanese not surrendered- which they showed no inclination towards doing so u ntil after Nagasaki was bombed- Americans, and possibly the Soviets, would have been â€Å"faced with the enormous task of destroying an armed force of 5 million men† in unfamiliar terrain with 5 thousand suicide bombers overhead (Doc A). According to Henry Stimson, if the United States had continued with their original plans, – a combination of naval blockades and land invasions- the war could have lasted until â€Å"the latter part of 1946† (Doc A). The atomic bombs obviously affected diplomatic relations after implemented, but, despite the obvious benefits, the United State needed this advantage of nuclear weapons to win the war. Had the bombs not been implemented, Japan would not have surrender so quickly and peacefully, and hundreds of thousands of lives could have been lost in the fight for peace. Had the United States not come out with the bomb, Germany would have undoubtedly discovered it, and the results of Germany using the bomb would have been much more devastating than the results of America’s excursions. The bombs were definitely a military strategy to win the war and any diplomatic advantage was simply an added benefit that ensured future peace.

Differentiation in the Classroom

Differentiation in the Classroom Brittany Hunt University of Toledo Differentiated instruction in the classroom can be beneficially for every child’s needs to learn to their best ability. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Whether teachers differentiate content, process, products, or the learning environment, the use of ongoing assessment and flexible grouping makes this a successful approach to instruction. No student learns the same and differentiation is helping each student grow and succeed by meeting each individual needs.Whenever a teacher reaches out to an individual or a small group to change his or his teaching to create the best learning experience possible, that teacher is differentiating the instruction for the student(s). Four characteristics shape teaching and learning in an effective differentiated classroom (Tomlinson, 1995a): 1. ) Instruction is concept focused and principle driven. All students have the opportunity to explor e and apply the key concepts of the subject being studied. All students come to understand the key principles on which the study is based.Such instruction enables struggling learners to grasp and use powerful ideas and, at the same time, encourages advanced learners to expand their understanding and application of the key concepts and principles. Such instruction stresses understanding or sense-making rather than retention and regurgitation of fragmented bits of information. Concept-based and principle-driven instruction invites teachers to provide varied learning options. A â€Å"coverage-based† curriculum may cause a teacher to feel compelled to see that all students do the same work. Related article: Cda Competency Goal # 1In the former, all students have the opportunity to explore meaningful ideas through a variety of avenues and approaches. 2. ) Ongoing assessment of student readiness and growth are built into the curriculum. Teachers do not assume that all students need a given task or segment of study, but continuously assess student readiness and interest, providing support when students need additional instruction and guidance, and extending student exploration when indications are that a student or group of students is ready to move ahead. 3. ) Flexible grouping is consistently used. In a differentiated class, students work in many patterns. Sometimes hey work alone, sometimes in pairs, sometimes in groups. Sometimes tasks are readiness-based, sometimes interest-based, sometimes constructed to match learning style, and sometimes a combination of readiness, interest, and learning style. In a differentiated classroom, whole-group instruction may also be used for introducing new ideas, when planning, and for sharing learning outcomes. 4. ) Students are active explorers. Teachers guide the exploration. Because varied activities often occur simultaneously in a differentiated classroom, the teacher works more as a guide or facilitator of learning than as a dispenser of information.As in a large family, students must learn to be responsible for their own work. Not only does such student-centeredness give students more ownership of their learning, but it also facilitates the important adolescent learning goal of growing independence in thought, planning, and evaluation. Implicit in such instruction is (1) goal-setting shared by teacher and student based on student readiness, interest, and learning profile, and (2) assessment predicated on student growth and goal attainment.Teachers can differentiate at least four classroom elements based on student readiness, interest, or learning profile: * Content- what the student needs to learn or how th e student will get access to the information; * Process- activities in which the student engages in order to make sense of or master the content; * Products- culminating projects that ask the student to rehearse, apply, and extend what he or she has learned in a unit; and * Learning environment- the way the classroom works and feels.Examples of differentiating content at the elementary level include the following: using reading materials at varying readability levels; putting text materials on tape; using spelling or vocabulary lists at readiness levels of students; presenting ideas through both auditory and visual means; using reading buddies; and meeting with small groups to re-teach an idea or skill for struggling learners, or to extend the thinking or skills of advanced learners. Several elements and materials are used to support instructional content. These include acts, concepts, generalizations or principles, attitudes, and skills.The variation seen in a differentiated classr oom is most frequently in the manner in which students gain access to important learning. Access to the content is seen as key. Align tasks and objectives to learning goals: designers of differentiated instruction view the alignment of tasks with instructional goals and objectives as essential. Goals are most frequently assessed by many state-level, high-stakes tests and frequently administered standardized measures. Objectives are frequently written in incremental steps resulting in a continuum of skills-building tasks.An objectives-driven menu makes it easier to find the next instructional step for learners entering at varying levels. Differentiated instruction should be concept-focused and principle-driven. The instructional concepts should be broad-based, not focused on minute details or unlimited facts. Teachers must focus on the concepts, principles and skills that students should learn. The content of instruction should address the same concepts with all students, but the deg ree of complexity should be adjusted to suit diverse learners. Some examples of differentiating process or activities at the elementary level include the following: 1.Using tiered activities through which all learners work with the same important understandings and skills, but proceed with different levels of support, challenge, or complexity; 2. Providing interest centers that encourage students to explore subsets of the class topic of particular interest to them; 3. Developing personal agendas (task lists written by the teacher and containing both in-common work for the whole class and work that addresses individual needs of learners) to be completed either during specified agenda time or as students complete other work early; 4.Offering manipulative’s or other hands-on supports for students who need them; and 5. Varying the length of time a student may take to complete a task in order to provide additional support for a struggling learner or to encourage an advanced learne r to pursue a topic in greater depth. Samples of differentiating products at the elementary level include: giving students options of how to express required learning (e. g. create a puppet show, write a letter, or develop a mural with labels); using rubrics that match and extend students' varied skills levels; allowing students to work alone or in small groups on their products; and encouraging students to create their own product assignments as long as the assignments contain required elements. Items to which students respond may be differentiated so that different students can demonstrate or express their knowledge and understanding in different ways. A well-designed student product allows varied means of expression and alternative procedures and offers varying degrees of difficulty, types of valuation, and scoring. Examples of differentiating the learning environment at the elementary level include: 1. Making sure there are places in the room to work quietly and without distract ion, as well as places that invite student collaboration; 2. Providing materials that reflect a variety of cultures and home settings; 3. Setting out clear guidelines for independent work that matches individual needs; 4. Developing routines that allow students to get help when teachers are busy with other students and cannot help them immediately; and 5.Helping students understand that some learners need to move around to learn, while others do better sitting quietly (Tomlinson, 1995, 1999; Winebrenner, 1992, 1996). Characteristics of a differentiated classroom likely to be responsive to the needs of gifted (and other academically diverse) students are the following: * Teacher sensitivity to the varying needs of learners; * On-going assessment of student progress and modification of instruction based on assessment data; * Multiple learning options at a given time on many occasions; * Variable pacing; Respectful (interesting, important) tasks for all learners; * Use of flexible grou ping (balancing like-readiness grouping, mixed-readiness grouping, grouping by interest, random grouping, whole class instruction, and individual/independent work); * Teacher use of a variety of instructional strategies (learning contracts, compacting, group investigation, complex instruction, interest centers, learning centers, tiered lessons, tiered products, graduated rubrics) that invite varying students to learn in a variety of ways; * Varied modes of assessment likely to give students maximum opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and skill; and * Grading based, at least in significant measure, on student growth rather than in comparison to one another or to an absolute scale (Tomlinson, 1995a). Additional guidelines that make differentiation possible for teachers to attain is key to having a successful differentiated classroom, this includes: * Clarify key concepts and generalizations. Ensure that all learners gain powerful understandings that can serve as the f oundation for future learning. Teachers are encouraged to identify essential concepts and instructional foci to ensure that all learners comprehend. * Use assessment as a teaching tool to extend rather than merely measure instruction.Assessment should occur before, during, and following the instructional episode, and it should be used to help pose questions regarding student needs and optimal learning. * Emphasize critical and creative thinking as a goal in lesson design. The tasks, activities, and procedures for students should require that they understand and apply meaning. Instruction may require supports, additional motivation, varied tasks, materials, or equipment for different students in the classroom. * Engaging all learners is essential! Teachers are encouraged to strive for the development of lessons that are engaging and motivating for a diverse class of students.Vary tasks within instruction as well as across students. In other words, an entire session for students shoul d not consist of all drill and practice, or any single structure or activity. * Provide a balance between teacher-assigned and student-selected tasks. A balanced working structure is optimal in a differentiated classroom. Based on pre-assessment information, the balance will vary from class-to-class as well as lesson-to-lesson. Teachers should ensure that students have choices in their learning. Most classrooms employ single-size instruction. Thus, moving toward differentiated instruction requires considerable change on the part of teachers.Changing habits or patterns of teaching in busy and pressure-laden classrooms is difficult and stressful. Teachers who are helped to understand specific benefits to students and to themselves of differentiated instruction may be more willing to risk the change than those who are not assisted in developing a solid rationale for change, or those who are mandated to change rather than assisted in doing so. The design and development of differentiate d instruction as a model began in the general education classroom. The initial application came to practice for students considered gifted but whom perhaps were not sufficiently challenged by the content provided in the general classroom setting.As classrooms have become more diverse, differentiated instruction has been applied at all levels for students of all abilities. Many authors of publications about differentiated instruction, strongly recommend that teachers adapt the practices slowly, perhaps one content area at a time. Additionally, these experts agree that teachers should share the creative load by working together to develop ideas and menus of options for students. Differentiated instruction is an instructional process that has excellent potential to positively impact learning by offering teachers a means to provide instruction to a range of students in today's classroom situations.

Piggery Business Plan

piggery University of Technology, Jamaica Introduction to Entrepreneurship Course code: ENT3001 Lecturer: Dr. Horace Williams October 4, 2012 Group Members: Garyann Robertson – 1105821 Nastassia Rowe-1101791 Adrean Dawkins-1103471 Oneika Robinson-1102703 Vancine Brown-1100550 Darain Harris -1104783 Table of Contents Content| Page| Executive Summary| | Industry Analysis| | Definition of Market| | Purpose Of the Business Plan| | Business Feasibility| | Justification Of the Business| | Organization and Management| | Human Resources| | Operational Considerations| | Marketing Arrangement| |Financial Considerations| | Implementation of Schedule| | Appendices| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Executive Summary The name of the business will be Argyle Mountain Piggery. In Jamaica rearing of animals for sale is a common business practice; many people enter into such ventures when quests for finding alternate employment prove to be futile. Most of these entrepreneurs do not recognize th e immense potential such businesses have to succeed. The entrepreneurs of the proposed business realized an opportunity to build a profitable and successful pig rearing and selling business and took advantage of it.The decision taken to embark on such a business can prove to be most profitable; the entrepreneurs recognized an opportunity which is the demand for the product and will seek to supply the potential market with pigs and pork and collect the profits to be had. The business’s focus will be on the sale of live pigs and pork, it will be concerned with the breading and rearing of pigs for consumption. The product that the proposed business opts to sell will be live pigs, dressed pig carcasses and pig offal. The business established will be a partnership; the venture will have six co-owners all of which will be general partners.The finances will be shared among the partners as follows: Oneika Robinson will contribute approximately 40% of the capital needed to start the b usiness as she possesses the collateral that is required to receive loans. She will in turn be the major shareholder of the business. The other 60% of the capital needed will be shared equally among the remaining partners Darain Harris, Nastassia Rowe, Adrean Dawkins, Vancine Brown and Gary- Ann Robertson. A lawyer will prepare a partnership deed that will outline the specifics of the contract.The business is a small private venture and has unlimited liability, each partner is fully liable for the debts incurred or profits gained. The business will be based in the rural district of Argyle Mountain located in the parish of Westmorland. The land on which the business will be situated was acquired from one of the partners, who is owner of the property. The small house on the property will be converted to a storage unit for feed needed for pig rearing. The property also has a nearby water source; water will be pumped to the pens for the pigs from this stream. This location is also seclu ded with no close eighbours; public nuisance from the operation of the business will be avoided. The entrepreneurs of Argyle Mountain piggery took advantage of an opportunity that presented itself on the market; explain. this business concept was developed out of the need for pork on the market. The entrepreneurs sort to address the demands for a reliable supply of pork as the competitors fail to satisfy this demand. The business is also situated at an opportunistic location close to the target market. The business, exemplary service and products will facilitate its growth and expansion.Once a market for a product a business produces is available the business has a good chance to succeed. What will determine the faith of the business is how it is managed and operated. Definition of Business The name of the proposed business will be Argyle Mountain Piggery. The business’ focus will be on the sale of live pigs and pork. The business will be located in the community of Argyle Mo untain in the parish of Westmoreland. Argyle Mountain Piggery is proposed to start with ten pig, four pens and a small storage unit where feed and the equipment and tools will be stored.For the first six months of operation the business will have three employees where two will be working shifts on weekdays and the other on the weekend. As the business expands more man power will be employed. The venture will start as a small farm that shall expand as the pigs reproduce. Piggery will sell primarily to restaurants, local butchers and supermarkets. As the business it will seek out more lucrative clients such as hotels, or large cooperation’s such as Grace, Eve, Lasco ect. Contracts with such entities will bring additional revenue for further expansion.By the end of the second year of operation the business is expected to double its out. By the end of year six of operations the business is expected to accumulate enough wealth to facilitate growth in the form of opening a new bran ch in St. Mary Jamaica. 6. 0 Justification of the Business Entrepreneurs creates something of value by pulling together resources, and in order for the venture to be worthwhile the entrepreneur should assume the economic, social and personal satisfaction or benefits associated with venturing in the business of choice. Economic BenefitsOne of the economic benefits of operating a piggery is the opportunity to contribute to the society whilst gaining recognition for the effort. Operation of a business of this kind helps to contribute to the development and growth of the society in various ways such as: creating employment especially to those members of the community where the business is located, helping to improve the well being of such employees; the payment of taxes and contributing to the Gross Development Product (GDP), whilst helping to build the community as well. Social BenefitsThe social aspect of a business is very much important seeing it involves the relationship between pe ople. There are several social benefits to be gained from operating a business. Firstly there is a close personal contact with employees and customers, which makes good personal relationships with employees and owner creating a better understanding of customer needs. Also through the promotion and transaction of business potential clients and business partners are developed. Finally there is the opportunity to sponsor community events thus developing stronger relationships.Personal Benefits It is said that although money is not the primary force driving most entrepreneur the possible profits the business will earn is a motivating factor in the decision to start the business. Owning a business also provides entrepreneurs the independence and opportunity to achieve what is important to them, also reaping the rewards of knowing that the driving force behind the business are them. Finally any modification of the business or its products and services are easily facilitated as well as fos tering easy decision making. 8. Human Resources Human resource looks at the activities undertaken by an organisation to attract, develop and maintain an effective work force within the organisation. Some of the key factors of human resource is staffing which involves the selecting, training, developing, placing and orienting new employees, where they can be most productive. The entrepreneurs of Argyle Mountain Piggery realize how crucial it is to have an effective workforce in order to be better able to meet and even exceed the ever changing demands and needs of our target market.Therefore it is of great importance to recruit the right individuals, who are able to interact with customers, provide good customer service and are able to contribute positively to the overall growth of the business. In addition employees have to be trained in order to meet up to the standards, goal and objectives of the organisation as well as ensuring that each employee is capable of performing the assig ned tasks. The positions required are designed in the organizational chart.In recruiting members of staff a number of methods will be employed; such functions would include job advertisements through electronic or printed media especially in the Argyle District community. Persons with the required qualifications and experience will be shortlisted and screened then the most suited and fit persons will be interviewed. Those recruited will be provided with the rules and operations of the business and these principles will be outlined in a worker’s manual provided; as well as through verbal briefings with regards to their job description.A job analysis which will be performed to determine the job specifications for each assignment and subsequently the job descriptions will be developed. 8. 1 Training and Development There will be On the Job Training (OJT) as selected individuals will gain hands on and practical knowledge as they attempt to carry out their job tasks. Also there wi ll be weekly meetings in order to have an effective performance evaluation which will be done to evaluate the weekly activities and to identify how best to improve the worker’s skills and abilities.This will allow employees to gain constructive feedback with regards to deficiencies if any and assist in determining if employees are have the right behaviour and attitude to complete task towards achieving the goals of the organisation. 8. 2 Compensation In compensating employees their ability, education and skills should be considered as well as the task assigned to them. Therefore full-time employees will be remunerated based on their job functions and their responsibilities as well as the hours worked. They will also benefit from special discounts.A revision of salary will be performed based on the rate of inflation and profitability of the business and will be revised by the Human Resources Management. 9. 1 Location The Argyle Mountain Piggery prospected location is the commu nity of Argyle District in Westmoreland. Based on the feasibility study the demands is high for pork in Argyle District, as the community of Argyle Mountain and its surroundings consume about 2,053 pigs annually, which is equivalent to approximately 350,030 pounds of pork. 9. 2 Technical Requirements 9. 2. 1 Business ProcessesArgyle Mountain Piggery is proposed to start with nine sows and one boar, four pens and a small storage unit for feed and the equipment and tools. For the first six months of operation the business will have three employees where two will be working shifts on weekdays and the other on the weekend. As the business expands more man power will be employed. Butcher shops are the main market for Argyle’s Pigs, and contracts will be made with these butchers as well to slaughter animals for the organisation in order to supply carcasses to other customers such as Restaurants, Meat shops and supermarkets. . 3 Equipment Required Argyle Mountain Piggery would be co nsidered a retail business as pigs will be reared and sold to various consumers of the product. On the farm certain equipment and supplies are needed to carry out operations including: * Pig Feeding and Watering Equipment * Waste Disposal Equipment * Pest and Disease Control Supplies * Pig house cleaning Equipment * Pig Weight and Handling Equipment 9. 4 Suppliers of Raw MaterialThe farm supplies and equipment will be purchased at AgroGrace farm and garden centre as well as Rapid True Value which are both located at the Fairview Shopping Centre, Bogue Montego Bay. The stores are located at approximately half an hour from Argyle Mountain. Supplies can also be ordered on a monthly basis. 9. 5 Utilities 9. 5. 1 Electricity Electricity for the farm will be supplied by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS Co. ). There might be possible considerations of alternatives if cheaper such as a generator or solar energy to be a part of the going green concept for protecting the environment. . 5. 2 Water Water will be obtained from the National Water Commission (NWC) as well a river is located in the community which water could be taken from, carried and stored in a tank that could be utilized in the carrying out of more domesticated processes such as cleaning pens, flushing toilet facilities, washing equipment etc. 9. 6 Opening Hours The piggery will be in operation for seven days of the week from Sunday to Sunday. Purpose of the Business Plan In order to emphasize the issues and expectations of the Argyle Mountain Piggery, this business plan was prepared.Blurred issues such as the target market, the aims of the business, the market segment and the proper pricing strategy will be addressed. These factors will aid the competitiveness of the proposed business and allow the future success of the venture. In doing the business plan the factors mentioned previously will be harmonized as the areas of weaknesses and strengths will be identified and also the prediction of possi ble problems before they might occur. The business plan however, will not be definite as there maybe future changes in the proposed business so the business plan will be made to accommodate these changes.The business plan will also outline the duties and responsibilities of the professionals of the business which will give them a chance to concentrate their efforts on their specific tasks. A clear method of operation will be outlined to further guild the members of the proposed venture. Also the business plan is to be used as a reference for loans and investment funds that will be borrowed for the purpose of the proposed business as lending agencies will seek proof and a properly expressed idea before they invest money.Also for the purpose of borrowing money, the business plan will outline a feasible method of obtaining capital for the repayment of the loan and also for the sustainability of the proposed venture. The business plan will also be used to attract new employees as well a s new partners for the future expansion of the proposed venture as this expansion will trigger a bigger revenue as well as profit. ? Marketing Arrangements The market targeted by the Argyle Mountain Piggery would generally be supermarkets/ mini marts, public butchers attached to an abattoir, meat shops, restaurants as well as jerk establishments.These establishments are singled out because of their basic operations would require the service the proposed business would provide. The characteristics of the pork being offered by Argyle Mountain Piggery will possess: soundness, muscling, free of excess fat, width of body, frame size, general appearance. Soundness – The pig’s soundness is determined by the amount of space the pig has to move as this will determine the amount of ‘exercise’ the pig will get. This will ultimately affect the overall muscle and fat development. This is important for the soundness as well as the appearance of the pigs.A level-topped p ig will have a more correct slope to its shoulder and legs and have an advantage in ease of movement. Muscle – Our pigs will possess two important things that contribute to the evaluating of its muscle are the amount and type of muscle as the grade of the pigs would have been carefully selected and bred to yield the best results for the quality. Freedom of excess fat – Excess fat on the finished product is not a desirable feature for customers with the exception of persons in the business of jerk as the fat is used as a part of the jerking procedure; therefore, pigs with very little fat should be ideal.This can also be linked to the grade of the pigs; however the grade that is targeted by the proposed venture will help to solve this matter. Frame Size – Frame refers to the skeletal size of the pig. Frame size is determined by the grade of pigs. The grade of pigs targeted is of the Duroc and Yorkshire breed as these pigs have the desired skeletal frame and when b readed with one another will generate good results. The prices of the produce from the piggery will vary based on the orders received from the market. The pigs will be sold as either live weight of dead weight.The offal will also be offered. With that established, a regulated pricing strategy must be employed. Pigs sold at live weight (average weight being 240 pounds) would be sold at $170. 00/lb while pigs sold at dressing/dead weight would be sold at $185. 00/lb. The offal will be sold at a price of $100. 00/lb. Specific cuts will also be priced at the dead weight price per pound. Discounted prices may be considered when over a certain amount of meat or pigs are purchased. The penetrating pricing strategy will be used to gain access to the market as well as to gain a loyal customer base.The distribution of the products (meat) will be done via a refrigerated bus and the live pigs will be delivered to the respective clients using an open back, two (2) ton truck. However, the appropr iate preparations will be made in the case of the client having an operational vehicle to do their own transport. Argyle Mountain Piggery would be advertised on a wide scale with much emphasis being placed on popularizing the business. Argyle Mountain Piggeries would take advantage of the new and innovative social networks to promote and advertise its services.The Jamaica Yellow pages will also be considered as a source of advertisement. Newspapers advertisements will also be utilized. This will be done on a continually until a customer base is formed. Flyers will be distributed to allow persons to become aware of the new and upcoming business. The final promotional strategy will be via word of mouth from our developing customer base. However, this method is not necessarily directly related to the members of the business as we would rely on the satisfied customers to relate their satisfaction to potential clientele. Mission StatementArgyle Mountain piggery aims to provide the best g rade of pork and pigs to the community and its clients we aim to raise the standard of Jamaican pork and find more innovative ways to advertise the versatility of pig meat. Corporate Goals * To operate a sustainable and profitable business * To rare and sell high quality pigs * To expand in accordance to the growth of the business to accommodate three butcher shop and four distribution centres * Competitiveness of the business will be maintained by continuous market research into competitors and consumer demands. To achieve a contract with Grace and five major hotels in Jamaica * To appeal to a wider and more diverse target market in the Caribbean * To maintain a healthy and profitable relationship with members of the clients. The organization chart for Argyle Mountain Priggery Financial Manager Financial Manager Managing Director Managing Director Human Resource Manager Human Resource Manager Marketing Manager Marketing Manager Administrative Manager Administrative Manager Producti on & Operation Manager Production & Operation Manager Auxiliary staff Auxiliary staff Oneika (Managing Director)Vancine (Financial Manager) Adrean Dawkins (Human Resource Manager) Gary-Ann Robinson (Marketing Manager) Derain Harris (Administrative Manager) Nastassia Rowe (Production & Operation Manager) The Role and Responsibility of Each Personnel Managing Director Their main responsibility is to provide strategic direction, an operating framework and an effective management unit. * Ensuring all resources are utilised * Establish objectives with employees in support of these plans in order to achieve current year profit targets whilst ensuring sustainable longer term growth and profitability. Ensure that the sales function across the business units maintains effective and profitable relationships with existing customers * Personally participating in major negotiations/discussions as required. * Ensure that the manufacturing and site management processes of the units employ best pra ctice techniques to achieve maximum operational efficiency * Establish consistency in production standards * Ensure that the businesses purchasing function maintains an effective/mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers. * Ensure that the local purchasing function maintains effective relationships with customers.Financial Manager Some of the main functions of a Finance Manager include: * Setting up financial goals and planning strategies to reach these goals, * Keeping a high check on profits and loss, * Monitoring cash flows * Developing procedures in order to minimize financial risk * decide how much of the company’s profits should be returned into investment * Paying taxes * Development and Implementation of financial policies and systems * Preparation of various financial reports * Monitor employment costs and productivity levels Develop and analyse information to assess the current and future financial status of business. * Establish procedures for the control of assets, loan collateral, and securities, in order to ensure safekeeping. * Evaluate data pertaining to costs in order to plan budgets. * Network within target area to find and attract new potential customer. * Approval and rejection of, lines of credit, personal loans. Human Resource Manager Human resource managers may perform the following tasks: * determine Monetary payments or wages and/or salaries determining a cost-effective pay structure that will attract and retain competent employees * Determining the proper incentive for employees to work hard * Oversee the maintenance of personnel records * Coordinate occupational health and safety programs * make sure of compliance with law * Responsible for the hiring of employees and the dismissal employees * ensure each person is qualified to perform hisher responsibility * Provide information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages, and employee benefits * resolve disputes administering disciplinary procedures * ensure that pay levels of all employees are perceived as fair * responsible for the evaluation of employees performance Marketing Manager * Is responsible to promoting the product to the public * Establish advertising accounts for the business with clients and advertising agencies * Develop efficient ways of advertising the company * Developing and maintaining effective continuous marketing strategies Production & Operation ManagerIt is concerned with managing the process that converts inputs (in the forms of materials, labour, and energy) * Review financial statements, sales and activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement and to determine areas needing cost reduction and program improvement. * Ensuring that business is operating as efficiently as possible in terms of using as few resources as needed while maintaining the products quality * Concerned with overseeing, designing, controlling the process of production * To check that the machines and equipment’s are n good working condition. * Manage staff, preparing work schedules and assigning specific duties * To maintains the machinery and plant so that it produce quality work * Provide and implement strategies for a safe working environment * Monitor the businesses so that it stays within budgetary limits * Responsible for meeting customer request * Oversee hired personnel Administrative Manager He will supervise the day-to-day operation of the farm to see to it that: * The assets are in good condition The equipment for the farm is present and accounted for * To communicated with other partners in getting work done accordingly * Approving invoices. * Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops * This person is responsible for all the documentation of the company. He will organised and supervisor all the work to be done by the Administrative. Appendices Tools used in the feasibility study. Questionnaire Good day. The aim of th is questionnaire is to determine the market for pork in the Argyle Mountain district and surrounding area.Your honesty is greatly appreciated as it will help in establishing the feasibility of the proposed piggery. All information you provide will be held confidential. 1. What is the nature of the business you operate? a. Restaurant b. Supermarket c. Slaughter House d. Other__________________________ 2. How long have this business been operational? e. 1-3 years f. 4-6 years g. 7-9 years h. 10 years and over 3. How frequently do you buy pork/pigs? i. Weekly j. Biweekly k. Monthly l. Quarterly 4. What quantity of meat (dead/live) would you normally require per purchase? . Between 50-100lbs n. Betweent0100-500lbs o. Between500-1000lbs p. Other__________________ 5. In what manner would you prefer the pork products to be weighed? q. Live weight only r. Dead weight only s. Dead weight with offal t. Offal only 6. Indicate by ticking in the box provided what cuts of the pork you prefer? * S houlder square cut * Loin, back and ribs * Leg and ham trim * Middle and rack * Rump and shoulder picnic * Whole pig/carcase 7. State the price per pound that you are prepared to pay for live meat? A. 100-130 B. 130-160 C. 60-200 8. State the price per pound that you are prepared to pay for carcase? A. less than $150 B. $150-$170 C. $170-$200 9. State the price per pound that you are prepared to pay for offal? _____________________ 10. Would you buy pork from a piggery based in your community? Yes No 11. If possible what duration of contract would you be prepared to enter into with the proposed business? u. 1-2 year v. 3-4 years w. 5 years and over x. Not interested 12. Who is your current supplier of pork/live pigs? ___________________________________ 13.Do you currently have any problems with this supplier? Yes No If yes state the problem ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 14. Would you prefer the pork you order to be delivered? YesNo Profile of Management Team Name: Adrean Dawkins Age: 19 Position: Human Resource Manager Qualification/s: BSc. Environmental Health Name: Oneika Robinson Age: 20 Position: Managing DirectorQualification: BSc. Environmental Health Name: Vancine Brown Age: 20 Position: Finance manager Qualification: BSc. Environmental Health Name: Nastassia Rowe Age: 21 Position: Production & Operation Manager Qualification/s: BSc. Environmental Health Name: Derain Harris Age: 20 Position: Administrative Manager Qualification: BSc. Environmental Health Name: Gary-Ann Robinson Age: 19 Position: Marketing Manager Qualification: BSc. Environmental Health Letter of Commitment form costumer DATE: __/__/__ BUSINESS NAME: I†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. (Name) the current †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Position in business), her eby commit to a contract with Argyle mountain piggery, to receive a monthly supply of live pig/pork from the company for a period †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. year. I therefore acknowledge that argyle Mountain piggery is my one and only supplier of pig related meat. My company will be responsible for the pick-up and delivery of the product, that will be picked up at every†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. days. The business will pay Argyle Mountain Piggery for it product at the start of every month. Signature of business manager†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Signature of representative of Argyle Mountain Piggery†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Signature of Argyle Mountain Piggery manager†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Witness signature†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Letter of Commitment to Supplier DATE: __/__/__ BUSINESS NAME: We the partners o f Argyle Mountain Piggery, hereby commit to a contract with HI-PO, to receive a monthly supply of pig feeding from the company for a period five year. I therefore acknowledge that HI-PO pig feeding will be our one and only supplier of pig feeding for the stated time period. My company will be responsible for the pick-up of the product that will be picked up at every weekend.The business will pay HI-PO for it product at the start of every month. Signature of sales manager†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Signature of Administrative Manager of Argyle Mountain Piggery†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Signature of Argyle Mountain Piggery manager†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Witness signature†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Meat Cuts that will be provided by Argyle Mountain Piggeries Label of Identification For Argyle Mountain pi ggery Promotional campaign As a new business vigorous and aggressive promotional and advertising strategy will be employed.The proposed business will need to build up a reliable customer base before its official opening which will be ten months after operations begin. At this point in time the business will have a constant monthly supply of pigs. The most effective ways of informing the public and prospective customers of the proposed business is via popular radio programs on various radio stations such as mellow, love 101, ZIP etc; radio is the best means to advertise the proposed business because it has a vast audience, capable of reaching the target market as well as more potential customers.It is also more affordable and practical than television. The internet is also a good avenue for advertising, popular websites and social networks such as Facebook and twitter will also be targeted for adverts since a substantial number of potential customers frequently visit these sites; it is also a means of free advertising and promoting. Ads will be placed in the Jamaica Yellow Pages, the national directory of the island. Advertisements will be placed in the WesternMirror, Observer and Jamaica Gleaner; these media also have a large audience and will successfully reach prospective customers. Flyers will be designed and placed at strategic central point’s such as community notice boards and Bus Parks in order to promote the business. Within Month ten of operation the business will have its official opening. This mile stone will be marked by a cook out; this cook out will be arranged with the primary intention of swaying potential customers to be official clients of the proposed business; A cook out is an ideal promotional and advertising strategy.Prospective customers will be given the opportunity sample the product; Pigs will be prepared whether jerked, stewed-, curry pork etc. they will be able to draw their own conclusion about the quality of the product and should most likely be impressed. Live pigs will also be on show to exhibit their superior qualities. Flyers and brochures will be distributed prior to this even to enable maximum turn out. Floor plan Feeding hole Feeding hole Feeding hole Feeding hole Feeding hole Feeding hole Feeding hole Feeding holeIndustry analysis It is estimated that pig production in Jamaica accounts for less than 2. 0% to the country’s gross domestic product. The industry provides direct employment of some 5900 persons, representing 3. 1% of the total agricultural labor force. However, only eleven per cent (13%) of pig farmers depends fully on pig production as a means of subsistence and finance. Pig production and marketing contribute to indirect employment and income through linkages with the food service industries and other services.Argyle Mountain Piggery is a potential establishment which will be dealing with the rearing and catering of pigs. It will be located in the argyle mountain area where land is owned by one of the partners, and it will be catering for the people of Jamaica especially in the parish of Westmoreland. The base for choosing this site is that it is deemed accessible to all potential consumers and will boost marketing. The business will be equip will the required equipment in order to run such an establishment.A pen will be build which will house the pigs until they are ready to be slaughtered or sold to the public, there will also be a storage unit which the feed and other material for the lifespan of the pig will be stored and kept clear from contaminates, a shed will also be built in order to keep grounds equipment safe from looting. A slaughter house will also be built and measures put in place to keep it sanitary since the pigs will be killed in this designated place.The major competitors to the proposed business includes Butcher Livingston and Green Grosser’s Meats and also other small scale pig farmers, however this would pose a challenge i n finding consumers as these other competitors would have already been familiar and have loyalty with the consumers. The advantage which the proposed business would have is being close to the region to which most of the customers are located; this would almost guarantee our share of the market, due to ease of travel, accessibility, convenience.Even though the amount of competitors are in the area are in a mid region most of them are on small scale, therefore they are likely to have a negative respond to this business venture. Given the fact that most of the competitors are on small scale, there is inconsistence in the service and product provision also poor customer services, unreasonably high prices and weak promotional strategies, so I strongly believe that the business can complete with the competitors. The Companies Act (Act of 2004) is the major regulatory laws that stipulate the proceedings of any organization within Jamaica.There are subsidiary regulations that guide the proc ess of registration of a business and the consequences that are attached to any offences that may be committed. It rules for the membership proceedings of the country and all that is attached to business laws. The Public Health Act also serves as a regulatory body as it relates to food handling and meat inspection. It states that each members of the business be administered with a food handler’s permit, and also the regulation to which slaughtering of swine and also the sanitary conditions of the business should be in.Implementation Schedule. 1st 30 days before start of the business The 1st month before for the start up of the business would see to include the conception of the idea of starting the argyle mountain piggery and also look at the partners to which would be involved in the creation the business, after the visualization of this idea is complete the commencing of a feasibility study would be done in order to gain specific information to a conclusion would be drawn i f the business is feasible or if it is not .Next 20 days before start of the business After a feasibility study is done time will be spent in order to create a business plan which will be most suitable for the proposed business to be most effective, it will include information which will discuss topics such as marketing strategies/arrangement, industrial analysis, and also the purpose of the business . Next 29 days before start of the businessThis period would be used to gain funds for the start up cost of the proposed business and the main source of these funds would be in acquiring a bank loan which would be repayable over a period of time, other funds would be gain via different mediums in order to successfully have enough capital to launch the proposed business. Next 50 days before start of the businessAfter the granting of a loan and accumulation of other funds from different sources, construction would begin, and these constructions would include; pig pen, 2 sheds, slaughter h ouse, any other building that will be needed will be provided by a structure which is already on the premises. All of the construction that would be taken place would be on the land which is owned by one of the partners within in the business so no time would be wasted in search and buying/leasing land for use of the piggery.Next 53 days before start of the business The livestock (pigs) which will be grown on the farm would have to be sourced before the opening of the proposed business so this would take some time as the best quality would need to be sought after before being bought. Time would also be needed to source equipment, material, feed and other farm supplies that will be used by the business as the most economical prices would be sought after. Also the hiring of staff would also be done to facilitate the business operations.Next 2 days before start of the business These days would be needed to sort out and set up the equipment that would be used by the business, and also t o make sure that all the necessary document are in place and up to date. Next 1 day before start of the business This would be the official launch of the business, meaning the doors would be open to customers and also sales would commence on this day Next 60 days after start of the businessThis would be the period in which advertisements would be sent out seeking persons to work with the proposed business doing duties assigned to them, interviews are don’t in order to select the rite persons for the job. In this same period there would be a training period for the new and existing employees to ensure productivity is at a high. Next 21 days after start of the business These next days would be for normal operations but at the same time new partners or new investors would be sought; also strategies to attract new customers would be implemented and put into place in this time period.Next 10 days after start of the business In this period the purchasing of supplies in order to con tinue running the business efficiently would be done in or to replenish what was used in the 1st place, depending of well the previous product was these days would be needed to get better products to be used by the business. Next 25 days after start of the business In these next up coming days, the business will try to source and buy equipment or jus try to make the business more efficient in its operations e. . implementing the nipple system for pigs which limits to loss of water. Next 17 days after start of the business These days will be used to fine tune who does what and when who does what, this will be done in order to build efficiency and also build a stronger working relationship as people would have jus began to settle down and get comfortable with each other. Gant Chart Business FeasibilityThe findings of the feasibility study showed that there is a high demand for the Argyle Mountain Piggery, so when the proposed business is actually started, it is going to be very succes sful. This statement is based on the fact that eighty eight percent of the respondent said they were willing to support the proposed business. Also, Another reason for the expected success of Argyle Mountain is the fact that the demand for all parts of the pig are high, with dead weight at sixty percent, live weight at thirty three percent and dead weight with offal at seven percent.The feasibility study that was carried out also equipped the operators with the knowledge that a large number of the prospective customers would want a reasonable amount of pork on a regular basis; so the demand will be great. The study also revealed the different part of the pig that the proposed buyers would like, so in this case the operators know the specific parts that the different customers want and would be able to satisfy their needs; thus adding to the success of the business.When entering a business, there are some risks that come along with it. The business risks of proposed Argyle Mountain P iggery are the possibility of a recession, when there is a recession most of the potential clients are likely to spend less in purchasing from the Argyle Mountain Piggery; so there is a high possibility of failure. Other market risks that the piggery might experience include sales variation, which cannot be avoided. These may occur as a result of financial situations of the prospective customer. Therefore sales may fluctuate.A decrease in sales means difficulties in financing fixed costs such as wages, rent and other overheads. A difficulty will also be faced in maintaining the business, as the cost of the raw materials is very high. Another business risk is that of the fluctuation of currency, the Jamaican dollar is losing value on a daily basis therefore the cost to purchase most foreign currency is very high. A constraint will also be placed on the profitability of the business due to the high interest rates at which most banks in Jamaica lend money.So borrowing money at those hi gh interest rates will cause more strain on the business in terms of making a profit. Business risks such as technology and regulatory aspect are also present. Technology might cause changes and in this case employees will have to be retrained to the more advanced technology and this will in turn cause the business more expense. Political/regulatory aspects may also be a risk to the Argyle Mountain Piggery, since licenses and approval are necessary for the business to be legal and it is not a guarantee that these will be approved by the government.Even though the competitors were indentified in the feasibility study, it is highly likely that a new competitor can enter the market and be stronger than Argyle Mountain Piggery. The business will then be forced to change its marketing strategy by lowering the cost and in this case the quality will definitely have to be improved. It is very important for the environment to be protected and the operators of the Argyle Mountain Piggery are aware of this so the necessary precautions will be taken to keep it safe.So the waste materials that are generated will be treated and sold to farmers as manure/ fertilizer, as it contains nutrients that will increase crop yield and during this process appropriate storage will be done in order to minimize the amount of greenhouses gases been emitted. In the case where it is not treated a private contractor will be hired to dispose of the waste. The materials and equipment used in the production of the product, will be environmentally friendly as operators are going green in order to sustain the environment.