A Report on Oil Production in Libya and Operational Policies with Global Societal Impacts

A Report on Oil Production in Libya and Operational Policies with Global Societal Impacts Background The hydrocarbon industry forms the back bone of the Libyan economy. It is estimated by the IMF that contributed to about 95% of export earnings in Libya in 2010 (Country Analysis Briefs, 2011). The oil and gas journal (OGJ) has approximated Libya’s oil reserves to be about 46.4 billion barrels, the largest in the African continent.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on A Report on Oil Production in Libya and Operational Policies with Global Societal Impacts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In 2010, it is estimated that the total oil production was about 1.8 million barrels per day. A majority of the oil in Libya (about 80%) is in Sirte basin. 25% of total oil production is from Murzuq basin and the remaining largely comes from Pelagian Shelf Basin (Country Analysis Briefs, 2011). Sector Organization The Oil industry is run by state owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) which implements Exploration and Pro duction Sharing Agreements (EPSA) with international oil companies (IOC’s) such as Total, Repsol YPF, Statoil Hydro, Occidental, OMV, ConocoPhillips, Hess, Marathon, Shell, BP and Exxon Mobil. NOC also engages in field development and downstream activities (Country Analysis Briefs, 2011). Production and refining Libya’s oil production has been on the decline despite hitting 3 million barrels per day (bbI/d) in 1960’s. Despite the decline, crude oil has increased from 1.4 million bbl/d in 2000 to 1.8 million bbl/d in 2010. There are about 5 refineries with a total capacity of 378000 bbI/d. These include Ras Lanuf-crude oil capacity of 220,000 bbl/d; Az Zawiya -120,000 bbl/d; Tobruk -20,000 bbl/d; Sarir, 10,000 bbl/d; and Brega 8,000 bbl/d (Country Analysis Briefs, 2011).. Challenges Facing Oil Production Civil war and a decade of the United States and international sanctions have affected oil industry.These include sanctions by the United States and the United N ations in 2003 and 2004. Since sanctionS were lifted, Libya has been the target of international oil companies which boosted oil production even despite uncertainties in terms of regulations and renewal of contracts. However, government plans to increase oil production were slapped by the US’s designation of Libya as a state sponsor of terrorist activities in 2006 and the civil war (Country Analysis Briefs, 2011).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Operational Polices With Global Societal Impacts Oil companies in Libya are usually locally or globally subjected to operational policies which have global societal impacts. Such policies are geared towards environmental protection (Wawryk, 2010). For example IOC’s operating in Libya that are members of other bodies and are subjected to laws and best practices to improve health, safety and environment globall y. On a global perspective, the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) have guidelines and standards with a global societal impact. Other operational policies may include those of NGOs, IGOs, World Conservation Union, (UNEP), World Bank and the international chamber of Commerce (Wawryk, 2010). Operational policies tend to address vulnerability to disruption and higher prices and the effects can be long-term. This is because material shifts in the energy sector takes time either through efficiency, renewable or increased oil and gas production. Policy options which are short-term (unlike wider national security and diplomatic issues) are limited. Oil exporters like Libya with alternative production capacity are bound to take short-term decisions in an attempt to moderate prices through product-level-adjustments, but this ability is determined by internal decisions (Country Analysis Briefs, 2011). Other operational policies with global impacts are from within the Lib yan government. For example participation of IOC’s in oil concessions was previously at 49% which was reduced due to changes in oil production and sharing agreements under EPSA. The IOCs were under obligation to rewrite contracts in an attempt to comply NOC’s demands. This created uncertainty in the contractual arena and reduced oil exploration, despite the global need for oil (Country Analysis Briefs, 2011). References Country Analysis Briefs, (2011). Energy information administration. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/analysis_includes/countries_long/Libya/libya.pdfAdvertising We will write a custom report sample on A Report on Oil Production in Libya and Operational Policies with Global Societal Impacts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Wawryk, A. (2010). International environmental standards in the oil industry: improving the operations of transnational oil companies in emerging economies. Univers ity of Adelaide: University of Adelaide Press.

The Biological Importance of Water Essay

The Biological Importance of Water Essay The Biological Importance of Water Essay The Biological Importance of Water Water is essential to us humans and all other living organisms, without it life on Earth would not exist. Water as a molecule is quite peculiar and it is its unusual properties that give it the ability to sustain life. Water has the molecular formula of H2O, this means that there are two Hydrogen atoms (H) and one oxygen atom (O). The water molecules layout could be described as a Mickey Mouse head; the face being the oxygen molecule and the ears being the hydrogen molecules. Water is a dipolar molecule this means that one end is slightly positively charged (the hydrogen) and the other is slightly negatively charged (the oxygen), because of the dipolar charges water molecules attract each other, and this is called cohesion. Cohesion is when the oxygen atom of one water molecule forms a hydrogen bond with the hydrogen atom of another water molecule (opposite charges attract), cohesion can also occur between other molecules of similar substances. Water molecules on the surface of the water form hydrogen bonds with the surrounding water molecules but not with the molecules in the air, the unequal distribution of bonds enables the water to form a force called surface tension, this causes the water to form a sort of tough ‘skin’. This is important because it keeps the water as a singular body, protecting itself from disruption. It can also be important for insects, such as pond skaters, and other life forms, such as birds, because it enables them to sit on the surface of the water. Water can also form hydrogen bonds with polar substances; this is why water feels ‘wet’. The water molecules actually stick to other molecules with hydrogen bonds, causing a thin layer of water to form on the surface of a material, but because of the cohesion force the water never forms a flat layer. The molecules stick to each other to form circular drops called ‘droplets’. When oil is mixed with water, because of it non-polar properties it does not dissolve, it simply sits on the surface in a droplet, it does this because the oil is cohesive to itself and less dense than water. These bonds are weak and so the water can easily move and break away from the material, this intermolecular bonding is known as adhesion. This ‘sticky’ property enables water to move, unbroken, up the xylem tissue of plants up to the leaves to be used in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process that plants us to turn water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen ( 6H2O + 6CO2 - C6H12O6 + 6O2). This process is essential for the plants to have energy and for the production of oxygen, which is essential for other organisms in allowing them to perform the process of respiration. Water is also essential for other biochemical reactions such as peptide bonding for protein formation, without proteins life would not exist. Proteins perform the majority of functions within a living organism, for example; catalyzing metabolic reactions, responding to stimuli, replicating DNA and transporting molecules from one location to another. Water forms the peptide bonds that hold the amino acids together to form proteins such as enzymes. Enzymes are biological catalysts, they depend on water to reach their substrates and bind to them. There is no enzymatic activity without water. In addition, enzymes depend on sufficient pH interval to work and the pH is a consequence of the delivery of hydrogen cations (H+) and hydroxyl anions (OH-) by acids and bases in water solution. Water is also essential in living organisms because it is a universal solvent, this means that the majority of solutes (polar and ionic substances), are attracted by the waters charges and break down in the water to form a solution. If the substance can dissolve in the water they are known as hydrophilic and non-polar substances that won’t dissolve are known as hydrophobic. Biologically, the solvent properties of water are essential because this means that the water can transport

Using an extended example critically examine whether the sector matrix Essay

Using an extended example critically examine whether the sector matrix framework gives a better strategic understanding of product markets than the concepts of product or commodity chains - Essay Example This has given rise to the concept of commodity chain. Different firms with heterogeneous geographical distribution engaged in production activities of a commodity is said to constitute a global commodity chain. This is known as the Global Commodity Chain (GCC) model. (Dicken P., 2003) According to Hopkins and Wallerstein a commodity chain is defined as â€Å"a network of labor and production processes whose end result is a finished commodity†. The process of production of a commodity is of main importance in the commodity chain. The entire process can be thought of being comprised of a network of points where each point is related to its preceding one in terms of procuring raw material, production, distribution and consumption. These interorganaisational points are technically defined as ‘nodes’. The geographical location of the nodes is generally different from one another. This explanation provides an innovative view for explaining the global inequalities in development. The nodes that are located at the periphery of the network are open to more competition than the nodes at the centre. As a result, central nodes are subject to more aggregate wealth than the peripheral nodes. This distribution is augmented by competitive pressures of innovat ion that flows from the centre to the periphery. It is natural that the core areas will enjoy better support facilities like infrastructure than the peripheral area. (Birch K., April 2006) The Value Chain Analysis developed by Michael Porter is an important tool in the hands of business managers that help to increase the value of the offering by a firm.. The generic value chain model suggests of breaking the entire set of activities undertaken by a firm into primary activities and support activities. The primary value chain activities include inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and after sales

Recruitment and selection for an IT manager&#8207 Essay

Recruitment and selection for an IT manager‏ - Essay Example It has once been said that the human resource in an organization can either make or destroy the organization. If the people factor of an organization is well managed then success is evident and the opposite is also true. The human resource department has the responsibility of hiring and firing employees, paying, controlling, disciplining and awarding employees (Williams, 2001). The department controls and manages the people factor in an organization by setting policies that regulate and direct the human resource. These policies often have a regal implication. The implication may be skewed to the positive thereby enabling the hiring and maintenance of an efficient workforce. However, the policies may be skewed to the negative thereby posing a potent legal risk for the organization. This paper seeks to highlight the implication of human resource policies that rely on positive action as a means of means of recruitment and selection (Kay & Banfield, 2008). Human resource policies may be construed to refer to the set of systematic codified decisions institutionalized by and organization to aid in the administration of the human factor in the organization. The policies also aid in the management of performance, management of employee relations and the human resource planning function. ... Employee expectations of the company Company expectations of the employees Nature of the organization The working of policy and procedure in the organization Acceptable and unacceptable behavior Penalties and repercussions of unacceptable behavior The organization therefore uses these policies to hire workforce. The policies differ from one organization top another. The hiring process starts from the advertisement of the vacancy to the preferred candidate being given the letter of appointment (Transit Cooperative Research Program et al, 2002). Using the policies, each organization has its individual strategy that it uses to hire the best and highly competent workers. This paper seeks to highlight the recruitment and selection strategy that can be applied in the recruitment of an IT manager. Amongst a myriad of strategies, the in-house recruitment strategy is discussed and the entire process highlighted as well thereby showing its pros and cons. The paper will start with offering a background to the recruitment and selection strategy before submitting a critical review of recruitment and selection strategy i.e. the in-house recruitment strategy. 2.0 Background to the Recruitment and Selection Strategy The in-house recruitment strategy is often preferred by majority of the organizations. It often employed by the larger employers who prefer to carry out their own in-house recruitment (Williams, 2001). They do this using their human resource departments sometimes in coordination with recruitment agencies. In-house recruiters often advertise job positions that are vacant mostly on their official website or any other media

Review of the book Women in Ancirnt Egypt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Review of the book Women in Ancirnt Egypt - Essay Example One point that Gay Robins make that is not all Egyptian women looked like Cleopatra or Nefertiti. Just like not all American women look like models, Egyptian women came in all sizes, shapes, and could be ugly, plain, or beautiful. Most of the Egyptian art that is famous contains pictures of the powerful and beautiful women. However upon second glance of the Ancient Egyptian art, Robins gleans information about all Egyptian women. Instead of taking a patriarchal look at Ancient Egypt, because that was the view in which the written and art was made, Robins delves into the past like no other. Although describing common women, Robins also looks at women rulers and other royalty. She shows how these women rulers were placed on the level of a goddess. The royal women had influence, although not directly. A king’s wife, mother, or daughter could affect his decisions. This shows that even in Ancient Egypt women were strong influences on the men around them despite the male dominant role in this society. Priestesses were also examined in this book. After years of a male dominated society stating that priestesses were pagan and evil, Robins show how these women did fertility and other rituals. These priestesses were the religion in Ancient Egypt. They were honored and adored by many in order to have their wishes granted. It might have seem superstitious to the current audience, but many of today’s religions would seem superstitious to the Ancient Egyptians. Since Robins is examining Ancient Egyptian women through a woman’s perspective, issues concerning women are shown. Examples range from fertility to marriage. Other issues were jobs outside the home, incest, and children. Cosmetics used by Ancient Egyptian women were explained. Soap and hair removal products were also examined. All of these issues did not just affect men, but women as

Services Provided By Hospitality Establishments

Services Provided By Hospitality Establishments About The Term Hospitality: Hospitality refers to the support, warmth and help tourists look forward when visiting a country they are not familiar with. Its a process in which the host country deals with their guests with good behavior offering them all the basic facilities and also exclusive offerings. This industry in the fruitful business explains the concept of accommodation, catering service, transportation, resorts and sometimes guides as well who help the tourists explore the sight seeing places of the host country (Lankford S.V, 1994). It explains how pleasantly the local community has accepted you and their behavior towards you because of which you feel comfortable and safe in a strange country. Hospitality is the dealings between the local people and visitors depending upon care, respect and sense of belongingness they put forward (Lankford S.V, 1994). Different Hospitality Establishment in Discussion: The three establishments selected to be thoroughly observed in this reports are: Marriot International Corporation Hilton Worldwide Holiday Inn These are three establishment founded in U.S and are known worldwide. The main categories this industry is classified are two that is commercial and non-commercial category. In this report we will discuss commercial category which is composed of variety of sectors that is food sector, accommodation sector, entertainment sector and transportation sector. Structure This assignment is divided into four different sections from section 1 to section 5. Section 1 would discuss the brief introduction about hospitality and names of the hospitality organization selected, section 2 would describe the three hospitality establishment thoroughly, section 3 would describe the service/facilities provided by them. Whereas section 4 will do the comparison between each establishments service provision and the conclusion recommending the better establishment among the three selected establishments. 2) THREE HOSPITALITY ESTABLISHMENTS: C:Documents and Settingscomputer pointDesktopasgnments200px-Marriott_Logo.svg.png 2.1) MARRIOT CORPORATION: It was formed in 1927 and worked as a single corporation till 1992.The founder of this corporation was Mr. J. Willard Marriot and his wife, but at that time it was a small food stand named as Hot Shoppes which later expanded into different small ventures, services and finally formed a proper company in 1967 names as Marriot Incorporation. However Marriot ended its single entity in 1993 and separated into two entities Marriot International Corporation: Hotel business of the corporation and vacation tourist resorts. Host Marriot Corporation: changed name for Marriot Corporation. It has a accommodation service which has more than 3000 properties in United States and in service in more than 60 countries worldwide and include 10 brands. Some of the famous brands of Marriot Incorporation include names like Residence INN JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts Ritz-Carlton Hotel Marriot Incorporation has its headquarter in United States and it has more than 140000 employees working for it all over the world. Among the world wide hospitality incorporations Marriot International is listed as top most. People with high standards such as celebrities, sportsmen, politicians and rich socialites are the common guests of Marriot Incorporation (Marriot Corporation Online) C:Documents and Settingscomputer pointDesktopasgnments120px-Holiday_Inn_Logo.svg.png 2.2) HOLIDAY INN: It is one of the most prestigious and reputed service provided which offer comfort, value and pleasure to its customer proficiently. It is one of the brands of InterContinental Hotel Groups. Holiday Inn came into being in 1952 by Mr. Wilson in partnership with Mr. Wallace E. Johnson however the demise of Mr. Wallace, Wilson named the place as Holiday Inn which flourish spectacularly. The main slogan of Holiday Inn clean, friendliness and customer satisfaction was always taken care of and this is the main reason of its prosperity as it has always kept its customers satisfaction to the first priority (Holiday Inn Online). Holiday Inn is categorized among two types that is well developed, full service hotels and comparatively less developed, full service hotels however both the types include basic facilities such as room service, swimming pools, restaurants etc. It contains more than 200,000 rooms total in 1300 hotels worldwide and has more than 90 million guests visiting annually (Hoiday Inn Online). 2.3) HILTON WORLDWIDE: C:Documents and Settingscomputer pointDesktopasgnments250px-Hilton_Worldwide_Logo.svg.png Hilton worldwide formally known as Hilton International Corporation is owned by Blackstone Private Equity founded in Texas by Conrad Hilton in 1919. Hilton Worldwide own different brands including Hilton hotel resorts, Embassy suites hotels and Conrad hotels. Among which Conrad hotels is a luxury hotel, Hilton hotel resorts and embassy suites are full service hotel. It has 3000 hotels in more than 80 countries and has more than 130000 team of employees working for it worldwide in its every chain of hotels (Hilton Worldwide Online). Vision Mission: Hilton has a vision of spreading warmth, comfort and affection while its mission is to make itself worlds best hospitality organization and satisfying its customers with nothing lower than the best Values: Hiltons values is hidden in its name Hospitality, Integrity, Loyalty, Teamwork, Ownership, Newness forming HILTON. Hilton Worldwide manages it services very professionally as it pays attention to every minor detail including hotel management to supply chain management. They take care of your comfort as their own and provide you with the best and is increasing their satisfaction level annually by 10%. It is working to cater its mission statement by designing new buildings, improving operational efficiency and satisfying their customers by enhancing their experience. Moreover Hilton worldwide make sure they follow safety programs involving earth like reduction of energy consumption, waste by 20%, water consumption etc (Hilton Worldwide online). 3) Services Provided By All Three Establishments: 3.1) Services By Marriot: Vacation Packages: Marriot Incorporation offers various vacation packages to its customers depending on their affordability. Their packages usually include airfares and stay in their accommodation for few nights and also offer special discounts to its members. Out of all the 60 countries in which Marriot Incorporation is operating you can chose any place and can privilege yourself with the vacation packages they are offering. Marriot Incorporation is located at the worlds most preferable tourists spots having beautiful beaches, golf clubs, museums, restaurants while the accommodation service already being offered to you by Marriott making it and over all a promising trip with all the best facilities depending upon your selection (Marriot International Online). Vacation Club Ownership: This is an exclusive offer of Marriot which has a slogan of Carefree, Memorable stay. This package includes best facilities for the customer providing them with the finest option of villas comprising of one, two or three large bedrooms, fitted with all the necessary amenities like kitchen, dryer room, small projector. Some of them also include small swimming pools, fitness center, area for playing golf and kids activities center therefore, having facilities for every generation. You have to purchase the ownership by collecting vacation club points which has three offering: 1500 points : This package is for 15500 and offers vacations in Las Vegas and Colorado with accommodation in studio apartment or 2 bedroom villas. 2500 points: You can get this offer for 25500 while the vacation destinations can be Florida and Palm Beach(Aruba) with accommodation in studio apartment or 2 bedroom villas. 3500 points: This package is for 35500 and offers vacations in Hawaii and California with accommodation in studio apartment or 3 bedroom villas. Other exclusive Offerings By Marriot: Dining: Marriot has the worlds top chef working for them, master in cooking all kind of cuisines for their customers like Italian food, Mexican, Chinese , Japanese, Thai Cuisine including the specialty of the particular country you have visited. Spa: The Spa at Marriot include many varieties of Spa like stone massage, morocco bath, mil sword massage, herbal massage making your trip relaxing by all these offerings. Pools, Exercise Recreation: It has fitness centers which will not let you get idle by your trip, as it will provide you with best fitness facilities along with swimming pools (Marriot International Online). Wedding Honeymoon At Marriot: Marriot has certified experts and wedding planner to arrange your wedding in a dream wedding that is best to the last point. From decoration to food to music selection everything will be perfect at Marriot with the help of specialist working for you according to the customized wedding packages you have opt for. Later you can chose a honeymoon package as well making your wedding complete with Chocolate coated strawberries and banquet in bed ( Marriot International Online). 3.2) Services By Holiday Inn: Family Vacation Holiday Inn states to understand the need of spending time together by families and therefore there major offering are beneficial for families including special discount packages for kids. Kids under 19 years of age can share the room with their parents and stays for free while those who are under 12 can even enjoy free meals anytime at restaurant in Holiday Inn while their menu is composed of fruits, healthy and grilled items that is full of proteins so that you does not have to worry about their health and can easily plan and bring your family for enjoying vacations at Holiday Inn (Holiday Inn Online). Reward Nights A reward night in Holiday Inn is based on point systems. You have to collect points by purchasing some amount and your package will be entertained accordingly. There are 3 kinds of reward packages 10000 points, 15000 points and 25000 points. However the major drawback in this package is this that this deal does not offer you food or any other extra facilities, the charges are jut for accommodation and other basic room services while rest you have to pay again from your pocket. Despite of this fact reward rooms are over booked and reservation for it has to be made beforehand in order to get a room (Holiday Inn Online). Senior Discounts On of the commendable facilities provided by Holiday Inn is their senior package. This package is for seniors of age 62 or above you can enjoy your retirement by spending splendid time at Holiday Inn in more than 100 countries. This discount offer is applied to even rooms which are not up for discounts (Holiday Inn Online). Other Exclusive Facilities By Holiday Inn: Internet Service: People out on vacations wants to stay connected with their loved ones and also likes to update them with latest photographs and details about their trip so here holiday inn is providing them with internet facilities in rooms which help the people stay connected. Moreover its also good for people staying for business. Fitness Centers and Swimming Pools: These facilities allows you to enjoy yourself in the striking blue water forgetting all your worries and diving while also taking caring of your fitness away from your home and regular gym. Basic Facilities leads to comfort: These basic comforts comprises of perfect beds, pillows and shower for you to sleep well and starts a fresh day. 3.3) Services By Hilton Worldwide: Packages: Hilton has wide range of packages at your service Advance purchase packages: This packages offers you 20% discount if you have registers in advance Indulge package: This package has a special validity date and if you register within that date you will be able to benefited with special services excluding the charges of package. Bed and breakfast package: As the name suggests this package offers you a breakfast for two excluding the accommodation charges. Romance Package: Specially designed for the couples this package make sure that the couple is left undisturbed with complimentary beverages, breakfast served in room with special services like spa, swimming pools etc (Hilton Worldwide Online). Other Exclusive Packages Offerings: Apart from the above mentioned packages Hilton Worldwide has other exclusive packages as wells like Romantic journey, Funny bone Package, Bed and Brunch, Stay and dine and give her the sun, moon and stars which has different kinds of offering for their consumers. SPA: Hilton offers an exclusive range of Spa. It does not depend that whether you are at Hilton of Florida or Hawaii, all the chains of Hilton hotel has a spa located in its building promising you a relaxing experience (Hilton Worldwide Online). Wedding At Hilton: Hilton promises to meet your high expectations that you have thought about your wedding day. They have wedding planners which are expert in their work and their chefs will make the tongues of your guests tempt with delicious cuisines. You customize everything about your wedding in your own way and let the experts represent everything you have up till now fantasized about your wedding, from flower decoration to choice of music everything will be planned considering your wish and happiness (Hilton Worldwide Online). 4) Comparison: By going through above collected data the following comparison can be concluded that each establishment organization is working hard and trying to stay ahead of each other by providing innovative services and packages to attract its customers. Marriot and Hilton both offers Wedding Ceremonies package while Holiday Inn does not making it lack on this part. On the other hand Holiday Inn and Marriot both offer points system which is not the present in Hilton. Holiday Inn has this exclusive senior package offer along with special kids discounts making it a good and attractive selection for its customer while Hilton will easy win the hearts by its different, exclusive and unique kinds of packages. Both holiday Inn and Marriot has other activities offering like spa, fitness center helping it to make it at the top again therefore it was correct to state that these three establishments are updating themselves with nothing less than the best in order to stay and make its place in this competitive market. TARGET MARKET: The target market of all these three establishments is upper class economy on which they are focusing immensely by providing them with all the luxuries they wish for and charging them for every facility they offer. However at some reference you will also come to notice that target market of these establishments are considered to be middle class economy which is absolutely wrong or miss understood because the price per package offered by all three establishments are beyond the affordability of any middle class family. These establishments are design for upper class or business men and are providing them with best service any hospitality organization can offer. CONCLUSION: From the data mentioned above and by discussing about the three hospitality establishment we can conclude that all three of them are providing their customers with the best service, brining new and innovative ideas in order to keep themselves ahead in hospitality industry. There packages are attractive and are economical for upper class however the one with the best offering in my opinion would be Marriot Corporation as it has all the facilities that the other two establishments have as well as other exclusive offerings as well making it superior than the other two. Second in the list would by Holiday Inn while the third position will be to Hilton among the three. However the basic facilities provided by all the three establishments are more or less same and the other exclusive offering on which we are ranking them, depends upon your affordability. REFRENCES: Hilton Worldwide online (http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/index.do) Holiday Inn Online (http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/reservation) Lankford, S. V. (1994). Attitudes and perceptions toward hospitality and rural regional development. Journal of Travel Research, 31(3), 35-43 Marriot Corporation Online (http://www.marriott.com/default.mi)

If Beale Street Could Talk: The Story of Love and Endurance Essay

The topics of racial injustice and ethnic discrimination are extremely popular in literature. Writers of fiction exploit these topics, to shed the light on the difficulties a black person faces in contemporary America. James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk is considered by critics as a brilliant representation of the racial and ethnic tensions in the American society. However, despite the profound racial implications, this book is primarily a love story. Certainly, James Baldwin condemns racism and imperialism and criticizes racial bias in criminal justice and social relationships. However, more than anything else, James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk is a complex example of a love story, in which two people deeply connected to each other face the pain of separation and successfully pass this test to their feelings and commitments. James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk is a successful example of a love story, in which two people deeply connected to each other face the pain of separation. Fonny and Tish are separated by the injustice and racial bias that are so characteristic of the American criminal justice system. However, not the injustice and racial bias but the pain and sufferings of a loving man and a loving woman shape the foreground of Baldwin’s story: â€Å"I always remember now, because he’s in jail and I love his eyes and every time I see him I’m afraid I’ll never see him again. So I pick up the phone as soon as I get there and I just hold it and I keep looking up at him. [†¦] I hope that nobody has ever had to look at anybody they love through glass† (Baldwin 4). The fact of Fonny’s being falsely accused of rape is just a minor part of Tish’s personal experiences. Tish fights to release Fonny from prison not because she wants to prove the unfairness of the racial relationships in her society, but because she truly loves her man and wants to spend her life with him. The baby in Tish’s belly adds stimuli to her individual fight for happiness and turns Baldwin’s book into a story of love that can survive the most unbelievable hardships. Baldwin’s book is the story about love that evolves over Tish and Fonny’s lifespan. Tish’s memories bring the reader back to her infant and school years: her first encounter with Fonny, her experiences and perceptions about his personality, the development of their feelings toward each other, and the first understanding that they were meant to be together. â€Å"I thought of Fonny’s touch, of Fonny, in my arms, his breath, his touch, his odor, his weight, that terrible and beautiful presence riding into me and his breath being snarled, as if by a golden thread, deeper in his throat as he rode†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Baldwin 35). The way Baldwin describes Tish and Fonny creates a sense of a never ending happiness, which happens only once in a lifetime. Through the prism of her memories and experiences, Tish cannot but recognize the wonder of her own and Fonny’s feelings. She cannot but admit that â€Å"it’s a miracle to realize that somebody loves you† (Baldwin 36). Even if any racial and ethical dilemmas poison their lives, they are overshadowed and die away against the connectedness of their souls and spiritual beings. In the context of Baldwin’s story, racial discrimination and bias are useful only to the extent that emphasizes the miraculous nature of the relationship between Tish and Fonny. This relationship is equally complicated and perfect. Nothing can break their love. The future baby is, probably, the culmination of their feelings toward each other: â€Å"Love had sent it, spinning out of us, to us. [†¦] Something in me sang and hummed and then I felt the deadly morning sickness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Baldwin 41). These are the realities in the lives of any two people, who love each other and who, regardless of the social and racial difficulties, turn this love into the strongest stimulus in their movement to the ultimate happiness. Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk is a complex example of a love story, in which two people who are deeply connected to each other successfully pass a difficult test to their feelings and commitments. Fonny’s arrest and imprisonment is the first serious separation in the life of Tish. Tish feels the threat of losing Fonny. She is not afraid of loneliness, but she is afraid of losing her beloved man forever. She remembers the best moments of their relationship, and these memories give her strength to move forward and bring Fonny back home: â€Å"You know, that I’ve always been yours, right? – I said, ‘I never thought about it that way’. He said, ‘Think about it now, Tish. ’ ‘I just know that I love you’, I said, and I started to cry† (Baldwin 63). Love gives Tish trust and endurance; she is full of confidence that she will be able to win this fight against the injustice. In her talk to Victoria, Tish once again says that she knows Fonny is not guilty. Her argument is simple: she has known him all his life (Baldwin 141). Not the striving to change the society’s beliefs about race, but Tish’s true love and commitment to Fonny move her to the victory. In a similar vein, love is the only source of hope for Fonny: â€Å"Baby. Baby. Baby. I love you. And I’m going to build us a table and a whole lot of folks going to be eating off it for a long, long time to come† (Baldwin 163). With their love, as well as the hope and faith born out of their love, Tish and Fonny successfully pass the test of separation. Nothing but love supports them on their way to each other. James Baldwin’s book is a triumph of the sincere human feelings, which can successfully break the racial, social and injustice barriers in the way to never ending happiness. Conclusion James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk is often considered as the bright description of American imperialism, racism, and ethnic injustice. However, the book is primarily a complex example of a love story, in which two people deeply connected to each other face the pain of separation and successfully pass this test to their feelings and commitments. The evolution of the romantic relationship between Tish and Fonny is at the story’s foreground. The fight against racial bias and the inconsistencies of the criminal justice system are of minor importance: nothing but love moves Tish on her way to releasing Fonny from imprisonment; nothing but love gives Fonny more hope and optimism. Love gives Tish and Fonny strength and endurance necessary to successfully pass the test of separation. In this sense, James Baldwin’s book is the triumph of the sincere human feelings, which can successfully break the racial and social barriers in the way to never ending happiness.

Overcome the Identified Weaknesses and Threats

Performance SWOT analysis IKEA is amongst the biggest retailers of furniture in the world. It has grown rapidly since it was founded in 1943. It sells more than 10,000 furnishing products from well over 300 stores in around 40 countries. The company has in excess of 600 million visitors to its stores, and it is very successful website attracts in excess of 600 million visitors every year. IKEA is a Scandinavian company famous for furniture from living rooms to children's bedrooms. The majority of IKEA's furniture is flat-pack, ready to be assembled by the consumer. Strength IKEA is an environmentally friendly business with a keen focus upon sustainability. In years gone by the company had been accused of encouraging wastefulness since it made a very large numbers of furniture products at low prices. As part of an integrated public relations campaign – IKEA now focuses on sustainability and made it an underpinning principle of its business philosophy. * A democratic design reac hing an ideal balance between function, quality, design and price. IKEA Cost Consciousness means that low prices are taken into account when each product is designed from the outset. * IKEA likes satisfied customers.The business manages to score highly in customer satisfaction surveys. Many marketing research companies rank IKEA in their top 10 companies for customer satisfaction. They managed to enhance their brand association with such great results. * IKEA has maintained long-term partnerships with its suppliers. By committing to buying large volumes over a number of years IKEA can negotiate lower prices. This ensures that the company has access to high-quality materials at reasonable prices. This also benefits the suppliers because they enjoy the greater security of having guaranteed orders. Weaknesses The business is experiencing problems in one or two home markets. For example in the European market of the United Kingdom, IKEA has recently opened more stores which means that t he number of visitors is divided by a greater number of retail outlets. So in the past the consumers would travel many miles to visit stores and each store had a large number of visitors, now these consumers have not really increased in number, but are now able to visit a more local store. This has reduced the footfall per store and any sales density * The size and scale of its global business. This could make it hard to control standards and quality.Some countries where IKEA products are made do not implement the legislation to control working conditions. This could represent a weak link in IKEA's supply chain, affecting consumer views of IKEA's products. The IWAY code is backed up by training and inspectors visiting factories to make sure that suppliers meet its requirements. * The need for low cost products. This needs to be balanced against producing good quality. IKEA also needs to differentiate itself and its products from competitors. IKEA believes there is no compromise betw een being able to offer good quality products and low prices. Opportunities * IKEA can further capitalize on the â€Å"green† movement and IKEA's customers' desire to have less of an impact on the environment to denoting the demand for cheaper and greener products .* IKEA has a number of areas of focus to its work with sustainability, each of which it supports in various ways such as offers tips and ideas online for costumers to create a more sustainable home , developing strong social responsibility by giving to a wide range of different charities and reducing carbon footprint by packing in less material. IKEA is traditionally famous for its diversification strategies. For example in the past they have sold food products and opened restaurants in their stores. So the online opportunity of trading through highly advanced e-commerce technologies is an ideal avenue for IKEA. Obviously this helps the business to overcome problems with out-of-town stores since consumers can stay at home to shop and then request that goods are delivered to their doorstep. Threats * Businesses such as IKEA will struggle against the larger portfolio suppliers such as Tesco in the United Kingdom and Walmart in the United States.For example Tesco's sells not only groceries, but TV sets and mobile phones, so it is only a matter of time before the business diversifies into a range of bedroom furniture or kitchens. * Like any global marketing company IKEA has to compensate for the global economic situation. The business needs people to move through the family life cycle. Empty nesters need to equip their homes with furniture. So interest rates need to be low enough so that they can afford to borrow money to equip their new homes. There needs to be plenty of low-cost housing for them to be able to do this.Do they have job security? The changing economic environment will impact and influence IKEA’s furniture business. * IKEA is trading in relatively mature consumer markets, an d has entered all plausible free markets countries. The new and emerging nations of India and China sometimes make it difficult for IKEA to embed itself as a supplier to new consumers. For example, there are often foreign ownership rules which mean that IKEA might have to take a local business partner. The new partner could take more than 50% of its business and this is not always acceptable to its board.

Mississippi Online Public and Charter Schools (List)

Mississippi Online Public and Charter Schools (List) Mississippi offers resident students the opportunity to take online public school courses for free. Below is a list of no-cost online schools currently serving elementary and high school students in Mississippi. In order to qualify for the list, schools must meet the following qualifications: classes must be available completely online, they must offer services to state residents, and they must be funded by the government. Virtual schools listed may be charter schools, state-wide public programs, or private programs that receive government funding. List of Mississippi Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools Mississippi Virtual Public School (off-site link) About Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools Many states now offer tuition-free online schools for resident students under a certain age (often 21). Most virtual schools are charter schools; they receive government funding and are run by a private organization. Online charter schools are subject to fewer restrictions than traditional schools. However, they are reviewed regularly and must continue to meet state standards. Some states also offer their own online public schools. These virtual programs generally operate from a state office or a school district. State-wide public school programs vary. Some online public schools offer a limited number of remedial or advanced courses not available in brick-and-mortar public school campuses. Others offer full online diploma programs. A few states choose to fund â€Å"seats† for students in private online schools. The number of available seats may be limited and students are usually asked to apply through their public school guidance counselor. (See also: 4 Types of Online High Schools). Choosing a Mississippi Online Public School When choosing an online public school, look for an established program that is regionally accredited and has a track record of success. Be wary of new schools that are disorganized, are unaccredited, or have been the subject of public scrutiny. For more suggestions on evaluating virtual schools see: How to Choose an Online High School.

THE USE OF BAD ENGINEERING IN METROPOLIS THE INVISIBLE RAY & FORBIDDEN PLANET essays

THE USE OF BAD ENGINEERING IN METROPOLIS THE INVISIBLE RAY & FORBIDDEN PLANET essays In today's technological universe, most science fiction films and texts, being "the only literature capable of exploring the macro-history of our species. . . in a cosmic context" (Franklin, Internet), are structured on hard science and research and contain machines or other devices which are quite recognizable in form and shape to the general viewing audience. But this has not always been the case, for in a number of science fiction films produced in the early days of Hollywood and well into the late 1950's, the portrayal of mechanical devices, such as robots, weapons, communications instruments and navigational aids, not to mention certain theories or ideas concerning radiation and power sources, were based on pure speculation and hypothesis with a grain of engineering ingenuity added for good measure. Some of these devices and ideas were well ahead of their time, but most were either ill-conceived or based on pseudo-science, being unscientific in nature. Three films stand out as prime examples of the application of "bad engineering"Metropolis ( 1926), directed by Fritz Lang; The Invisible Ray (1936), directed by Lambert Hillyer, and Forbidden Planet (1956), directed by Fred MacLeod Wilcox. According to Erica Hawkins, Metropolis is a showcase for Lang's visual prowess and relies upon "innovative visual imagery that was well ahead of its time," which is highlighted by the film's scenario of "a robot- like society controlled by an evil super-industrialist" (Internet, 2004). In essence, Metropolis, set in the year 2026, relates the tale of a future supercity where the workers spend a zombie-like existence working underneath the city, running the machines that keep it alive and that allow the elite city masters to frolic in reckless abandon. These tyrannical industrialists also live in absolute splendor, while the workers live ...

The Lure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Lure - Essay Example Nowadays, casual coital relationships and pre-marital sex are widely accepted. In fact, it is a subject discussed not only among married couples but among friends, male and female alike. It is an adventure, if not a necessity that must happen for a person to find the perfect match. With this perception growing to be widely accepted, being physically attractive is not the only matter that is given attention. Since coital relationships require intimacy, fragrance should be equally important and this is the message of Gucci Guilty in its advertisement. The advertisement of the perfume, Gucci Guilty displays a nude couple and is in a physical intimate relationship. It is directed to women in particular who desire to draw and satisfy the perfect partner. With the model being beautiful and sexy, it metaphorically implies that such attributes are not enough to have a man totally captivated in her arms. The sense of smell must also be satisfied. A woman should be fragrant as well to be sexua lly appealing to the opposite sex and Gucci Guilty is the perfect perfume for such moments. The man is shown to be closing his eyes, his nose under the chin of the woman, his lips open, almost ready to kiss but not touching the neck of his lover. The neck is one of the parts of the body where perfume is applied. This suggests that the man is hooked in that area, stopping to just enjoy the smell of the woman’s perfume. The neck is also a part that is usually kissed because of where it is situated. Intimate kissing usually starts from the lips, down through the neck and, to the more intimate parts of the body. Moreover, it is one of the parts of the body that arouses sexual appetite when touched tenderly and lovingly. The man actually appears to have been mesmerized by the neck of the woman so that he was magnetized by something. That something is the scent of the woman’s perfume. This statement is not just an assumption but is proven true by what is shown in the picture . As mentioned earlier, the man is not kissing the neck of the woman, although his lips are parted, almost ready to kiss her. However, instead of him being portrayed as a very passionate lover who is ready for action, he is shown to have been magnetized, unable to resist the neck of the woman. With his face just very close to the woman without touching her neck, the photo implies that the man had to stop and sate himself with the smell of the woman. This specific reason for the man just stopping to smell the woman may not really be clearly stated in the photo but with the bottle of Gucci Guilty beside the woman, it says it all. Looking at the woman, one might wonder in relation to the statements made above, that she is not as interested about her lover as the man is of her. The man’s looks do not present any question about his physical attractiveness rather appears extremely desirable. Still the woman is not as concentrated on him as he is about her. This is because the perfu me is worn by the woman that is why it is only the man who is captivated by her. The woman’s lips are slightly curved to a smile which shows satisfaction. She appears to be happy about how her lover is so attracted to her but her smile has something else beside the satisfaction that she feels. Looking at the woman’s eyes, one can tell that there is a knowing in her. That she knows why her lover is so a

Emerging Markets of Pakistan and Vietnam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Emerging Markets of Pakistan and Vietnam - Essay Example Investors need to constantly monitor markets around the globe to identify a niche for themselves. One avenue which interests every strategic investor is the emerging markets. Emerging markets denote possibilities available for investors in countries that have just begun to get prominence in the investment sector. Countries such as India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia offer lucrative advantages to big business houses. This report aims at studying the economic factors of two emerging markets viz. Pakistan and Vietnam to identify which market offers better opportunities for an investor. The report studies the prevailing economic conditions in these countries and other non-economic parameters that might affect investment. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an important feature of an increasingly globalized economic system. Direct investments in productive assets by a company incorporated in a foreign company, as opposed to investments in shares of local companies by foreign entities (investorguide.com, 2007). Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is defined as the total market value of all final goods and services produced in a country in a given year, equal to total consumer, investment and government spending, plus the value of exports, minus the value of imports. GDP is usually calculated on an annual basis. GDP is commonly used as an indicator of the economic health of a country, as well as to gauge a country's standard of living (investorwords.com, 2007). Savings and Investment are closely associated with each other. Savings is treated as a part of the assets possessed by an economy. Savings and saving are different. Saving is computed as Income minus the sum of expenditure and tax payments (Pradeep Agarwal, 2000). Savings in a broader sense refers to an entity that increases Economic growth and therefore it is treated as a stock variable. Investment means diverting capital for acquiring assets usually with an expectation of getting returns. It's a general observation that in developing economies, domestic savings are bound to be minimal for various reasons. In order to keep up with the pace of international market, foreign capital inflow is encouraged by these countries, in various forms such as loads, Foreign Direct Investment, grants and portfolios (Griffin and Econ, 1970). A research work on foreign capital inflows for developing economies by Ahmad and Ahmed at University of Karachi (Ahmad and Ahmed, 2001) proves that foreign capital inflow and domestic savings are substitutes of each other. This statement was proved theoretically and empirically (Ahmad and Ahmed, 2001). Per-capita Income is calculated as the yearly income that is generated by a state/Country divided by the total population. It is reported as Currency/year. Mostly it is measured in Euros or Dollars. It is