Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Autobiography Example

You have just completed your 300-page autobiography. Please submit page 217. To be honest, I am a really a busy person. I usually stay late at work, and sometimes lose my time with my family because of work. However, there is one event that I always do two or three times in a year. I go to music concerts. Since I was young I always listened to music. I listened while studying, driving, getting ready to sleep. Music, especially the drums, has been my strength and friend all the time. The drumsticks, which have been my hands’ friends since I was in seventh grade, are still the friends of my 47 year old hands.Of course my old sticks from my young age have been broken and changed many times over, but I still consider my new sticks as the same sticks I used to have when I was young. It is rather unusual for people to think that I love playing drums because my job is not a part time job or a freelance, and that they think of me as a reticent, a perceptive, and a sensitive person who only cares about his work. Nine years ago, I organized a band, and since then our band have concerts annually. Of course the proceeds of our concert are not for our own profit making.We have our concerts to help other people through the sales of tickets and donations. I know that I can donate money personally, but I wanted to help others by doing things I enjoy and entertain other people. The audiences know that they not only enjoyed the concert, but also have contributed in aiding the needy. Our band consists of seven people each with diverse jobs; CEO, doctor, engineer, composer. Each member has successful work and is recognized in society, and even has busier lives than mine.We gather together, brought about by sympathy for the underprivileged, and the love for music, reason and freedom, even though we work in different areas. Music does not restrict and discriminate age, position, or appearance. We just enjoy the music with our hearts to forget any problems on our shoulders. We first started the band just to dissolve our stress from work and life, and as time went by, it has expanded. We are now having concerts every year. Even though we are not professional musicians, many people, friends, family, have enjoyed our music for years and come and enjoy the concert.It seems that the audiences share our goals. They also get out the burdens of life and work, to just enjoy. The applause I hear from the stage while I shout, jump, and swing the sticks feels different from the greetings I receive at the hallway at work. I sometimes get very excited as if I was an idol star. Even though I think of myself as a professional drummer once in a while, I am really a businessman deep down. I love my job that and have never regretted my decision for it. I hear about people who chose their careers on the basis of success are the ones that regret their lives.It is different for me. Even though I chose my job to be successful; wealthy and reputable, I truly love my job and do my best. However, I have stacks of documents to go through, phone calls ringing every ten minutes, reprimands from the boss, and the room without windows can sometimes make me stressful and not efficient in work. During those times I grab my drum sticks bag from the third drawer of my desk, and walk out of my office, to head for the studio to swing my stresses away on the drum.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Manage Budgets And Financial Plans Essay

This project, I chose Woolworths Limited Annual Report 2012 to answer the following questions: To whom is this report disseminated and how is this done? â€Å"The financial report provides people who are interested in a company – such as shareholders, lenders, analysts and employees – with information about the financial performance and financial position of the company†( A guide to understanding annual reports 2012). It is one means by which directors of the company advise shareholders on how the business has performed during the year. The financial report also provides information to shareholders on how the directors have discharged their responsibilities. In other words, Current shareholders and potential investors remain the primary audiences for annual reports. Employees (who today are also likely to be shareholders), customers, suppliers, community leaders, and the community-at-large are also targeted audiences. Employees The annual report serves many purposes with employees. It provides management with an opportunity to praise employee innovation, quality, teamwork, and commitment, all of which are critical components in overall business success. In addition, an annual report can also be used as a vehicle to relate those company successes—a new contract, a new product, cost-saving initiatives, new applications of products, expansions into new geographies—that have an impact on its work force. Seeing a successful project or initiative profiled in the annual report gives reinforcement to the employees responsible for the success. The annual report can help increase employee understanding of the different parts of the company. Many manufacturing locations are in remote areas, and an employee’s understanding of the company often does not go beyond the facility where he or she works. An annual report can be a source for learning about each of a company’s product lines, its operating locations, and who is leading the various operations. The annual report can show employees how they fit into the â€Å"big picture.† Employees also are often shareholders. So, like other shareholders, these employees can use the annual report to help gauge their investment in the company. In this case, the annual report can serve as a reminder to employees of the impact that the work they do has on the value of the company’s stock value. Customers Customers want to work with quality suppliers of goods and services, and an annual report can help a company promote its image with customers by highlighting its corporate mission and core values. Describing company initiatives designed to improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, create quality, or enhance service can also illustrate a company’s customer orientation. Finally, the annual report can also show the company’s financial strength. Customers are reducing their number of suppliers, and one evaluation criterion is financial strength. They want committed and capable suppliers that are going to be around for the long term. Suppliers A company’s abilities to meet its customers’ requirements will be seriously compromised if it is saddled with inept or undependable suppliers. Successful companies today quickly weed out such companies. By highlighting internal measurements of quality, innovation, and commitment, annual reports can send an implicit message to suppliers about the company’s expectations of outside vendors. Sometimes an annual report will even offer a profile of a supplier that the company has found exemplary. Such a profile serves two purposes. First, it rewards the supplier for its work and serves to further cement the business relationship. Second, it provides the company’s other suppliers with a better understanding of the level of service desired (and the rewards that can be reaped from such service). The Community Companies invariably pay a great deal of attention to their reputation in the community or communities in which they operate, for their reputations as corporate citizens can have a decisive impact on bottom-line financial performance. A company would much rather be known for its sponsorship of a benefit charity event than for poisoning a local river, whatever its other attributes. Annual reports, then, can be invaluable tools in burnishing a company’s public image. Many annual reports discuss community initiatives undertaken by the company, including community renovation projects, charitable contributions, volunteer efforts, and programs to help protect the environment. The objective is to present the company as a proactive  member of the community. This sort of publicity also can be valuable when a company is making plans to move into a new community. Companies seek warm welcomes in new communities (including tax breaks and other incentives). Communities will woo a company perceived as a â€Å"good† corporate citizen more zealously than one that is not. The good corporate citizen also will receive less resistance from local interest groups. The company’s annual report will be one document that all affected parties will pore over in evaluating the business. The way that the company publish it annual report, most listed companies publish their financial statements and reports on their website and notify shareholders of its action including Woolworths Limited. Alternatively, a company may elect to send shareholders a hard copy or a concise report. A shareholder has the right to receive a hard copy, but must specifically request the printed version. Copies are lodged with ASIC and the ASX and are available for inspection online. Why do these people need the information contained in the annual report? Those people need the information contained in the annual report because the financial accounts provide a wealth of information that is useful to various users of financial information, as summarised below: User Interest in / Use of Accounting Information Investors Investors are concerned about risk and return in relation to their investments. They require information to decide whether they should continue to invest in a business. They also need to be able to assess whether a business will be able to pay dividends, and to measure the performance of the business’ management overall Lenders Banks and other financial institutions who lend money to a business require information that helps them determined whether loans and interest will be paid when due Creditors  Suppliers and trade creditors require information that helps them understand and assess the short-term liquidity of a business. Is the business able to pay short-term debt when it falls due? Customers & Debtors Customers and trade debtors require information about the ability of the business to survive and prosper. As customers of the company’s products, they have a long-term interest in the company’s range of products and services. They may even be dependent on the business for certain products or services Employees Employees (and organisations that represent them – e.g. trade unions) require information about the stability and continuing profitability of the business. They are crucially interested in information about employment prospects and the maintenance of pension funding and retirement benefits. They are also likely to interested in the pay and benefits obtained by senior management! Government There are many government agencies and departments that are interested in accounting information. For example, the IR&CE needs information on business profitability in order to levy and collect Corporation Tax. Various regulatory agencies (e.g. the Competition Commission and the Environment Agency) need information to support decisions about takeovers and grants, for example. Analysts Investment analysts are an important user group – specifically for companies quoted on a stock exchange. They require very detailed financial and other information in order to analyses the competitive performance of a business and its sector. Much of this is provided by the detailed accounting disclosures that are required by the London Stock Exchange. However, additional accounting information is usually provided to analysts via formal company briefings and interviews. General public Interest groups, formed by various groups of individuals who have a specific interest in the activities and performance of businesses, will also require accounting information. Table: User of account (Riley 2012) What financial information does the report offer-describe the contents of the report and explain Under the Companies Act is required to prepare a set of accounts that give a true and fair view of its profit or loss for the year  and of its state of affairs at the year end. Woolworths Annual accounts include: Performance Summary Growth Plans Chairman’s Report Managing Director’s Report The Results in Brief Food, Liquor and Petrol General Merchandise Hotels Home Improvement Consumer Electronics Discontinued Operations Overheads, Expenses and Balance Sheet Capital Management and Outlook Board of Directors Directors’ Statutory Report Remuneration Report Auditor’s Independence Declaration Corporate Governance Statement Financial Report to Shareholders Shareholder Information For Woolworths Limited, It is a parent company due to it also owns other companies subsidiaries. Therefore, there are consolidated accounts in its annual report. There are many contents contained in Woolworths Limited Annual Report because Woolworths is the big company and also owns other companies subsidiaries which lead to many transactions occurred in the company. Therefore, I will explain some contents to give some idea. Managing Director’s Report: The directors’ report of a listed company is required to contain information that shareholders of the company would reasonably require to make an informed assessment of: †¢ the operations of the company reported on †¢ the financial position of that company †¢ the business strategies of that company and its prospects for future financial years (unless their inclusion would be unreasonably prejudicial) The report by the directors will identify the names of the directors and officers of the company, and is required to contain information about options including share options, executive options, indemnity and insurance. The directors’ report includes a remuneration report that must include a discussion of the board’s policy on remuneration and its relationship to company performance. The remuneration report includes information about the cost to the company of providing its directors and key management personnel with short-term employee benefits, post-employment benefits, other long-term employee benefits, termination benefits and share-based payment arrangements. For the managing director’s report of Woolworths reveal that Woolworths pleased to report that we are making significant progress against their goals. Also, for this financial year Woolworths pleased to report a solid increase in net profit after tax from continuing operations of 3.6% and by the end of FY12 Woolworths was Australia’s leading online retailer. These statement shows that they were achieve their goals and success during financial year 2012. Directors’ declaration The Directors declare that: (a) in the Directors’ opinion, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable; (b) in the Directors opinion, the attached financial statements are in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as stated in Note 1 to the Financial Statements; (c) in the Directors’ opinion, the attached Financial Statements and notes thereto are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including compliance with accounting standards and giving a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the consolidated entity; and (d) the Directors have been given the declarations required by s.295A of the Corporations Act 2001. Examine the financial summaries for information about the fiscal condition of the company. Did the company show a profit? Yes, Woolworths show a profit  and for financial results net profit after tax from continuing operations increased 3.6 per cent to $2.18 billion on total Group sales from continuing operations of $55.1 billion, up 4.8 per cent. These results were affected by provisioning for the disposal of the Consumer Electronic business, which has been impacted in recent years by significant price deflation, around the world. On a one off basis, this reduced our after‑tax profits by 14.5% and earnings per share by 14.9%, compared to the previous year. What sorts of recommendations are made and what suggestions are made regarding business activities for the up-coming year? Business activities for the up-coming year: Leadership in food and liquor Act on Woolworths portfolio to maximize shareholder value Maintain track record of building new growth Woolworths expect further earnings growth in FY13, with net profit after tax from continuing operations expected to grow in the range of 3% ‑6% (on a normalised 52 week basis), subject to the uncertainties detailed above (note: FY13 will be a 53 week year). Section 2 Explain the following statement. â€Å"Ratio analysis can help in measuring business performance and setting objectives/goals†. Ratio Analysis is a form of Financial Statement Analysis that is used to obtain a quick indication of a firm’s financial performance in several key areas. The ratios are categorized as Short-term Solvency Ratios, Debt Management Ratios, Asset Management Ratios, Profitability Ratios, and Market Value Ratios. Also, ratio Analysis as a tool possesses several important features. The data, which are provided by financial statements, are readily available. The computation of ratios facilitates the comparison of firms which differ in size. Ratios can be used to compare a firm’s financial performance with industry averages. In addition, ratios can be used in a form of trend analysis to identify areas where performance has improved or deteriorated over time. However, ratios are not just a device used by accountants, but a useful tool that identifies strengths and weaknesses of a business and leads to questions about performance that  should result in action. Moreover, â€Å"ratios can be used to set performance goals. For instance, a business seeking to improve its cash flow position may do so by setting targets to reduce average debtors and inventory turnover† (Manage budgets and financial plans 2010). Understanding the relationship between these items and their impact on cash flow, gives greater control over the business and the ability to clearly communicate performance objectives.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Reading response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 9

Reading response - Essay Example The white race is protected from pollution and other environmental problems more than any other race particularly on issues such as siting the waste facilities and degree of penalties. The government’s style of cleaning up waste also favored only the white people since they were given priority. It is unfortunate to note that even the administration which should protect its people also discriminated them against race (Cole & Sheila 58-65). According to the authors, some of the reasons attributed to unequal distribution of environmental risks are the current social practices and structures. The article reveals that the individual lifestyle is one of the causes of environmental risks. The minority groups are said to be residing around areas where there are high environmental exposures such as where there are contaminated fish and heavy industries (Cole & Sheila 64-69). I agree with the authors that a good number of minority groups is poor thus forcing them to reside in poor urban areas. The poverty nature of the minority groups also deters them from accessing better medical facilities. However, the government should put measures to avoid such kind of unequal distribution of environmental risks such as offering better housing, employment and health care to all (Cole & Sheila 63-72). Some of the intentions or conducts by the government such as discrimination are based on racism although the judiciary may want further evidence on this. It may be hard to prove racism in the court but the fact that environmental risks are common amongst minority group is enough evidence. The article claims that perhaps the challenge of environmental exposure may be influenced by unequal distribution of the siting process (Westra & Bill 95-105). According to the authors, the minority groups segregated themselves in places that made the government to marginalize them and pay less attention to them. This was also

Sunday, July 28, 2019

The Impact Of Capital Gains Tax On Residential Property Investment Essay

The Impact Of Capital Gains Tax On Residential Property Investment Performance And Viability In Australia - Essay Example Net losses in a tax year may be carried forward, but not offset against income. Personal use assets and collectables are treated as separate categories and losses on those are quarantined so they can only be applied against gains in the same category, not other gains. This works to stop taxpayers subsidizing hobbies from their investment earnings. (Wikipedia). This study will include the impact of CGT on Residencial Property Investment Performance and viability in Australia. Some organizations believe that because of this capital gains tax the increasing number of house affordability is alarming. Only a small percentage of family can now be able to afford houses. Instead they resort on renting it, still it is not that affordable to rent one. This high cost of housing is because of the capital gains tax in Australian. However to some investors it has a positive effect on their business. Capital Gain Tax as defined by Australian Taxation Office as the tax that you pay on any capital gain you include on your annual income tax return. It is not a separate tax, merely a component of your income tax. Your are taxed on your net capital gain at your marginal tax rate. All residential properties are subjected to capital gains tax. To those family that owns one or more properties the capital gain tax is complicated for them. Even if they uses the name of their spouse the said property is still subjected to capital gain tax. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union - Construction and General Division, the CFMEU believes that Australia is in the grip of a housing crisis. This crisis is not only characterized by declining affordability in first home ownership, but by increasing levels of housing stress among low to middle income participants in the private rental market, the degradation and running down of public housing stock across Australia, and finally, by growi ng levels of homelessness in the community. The Union believes that this trend comes at a time when a select few have grown more and more wealthy off the back of a speculative boom in house and land prices, that serves to make the already well off even more affluent, while locking many ordinary Australians out of home ownership, and affordable rental housing. The Union bases its view on several important studies over the recent period, including work done by the Affordable Housing National Research Consortium, of which the Union was a part. However there are still residential properties which are exempted in the tax. This may have a positive effect to those who owns only one property but to some who has 2 or more property the capital gains tax is a burden for them. Impact of Capital Gains Tax to Residential Property in Australia As per described above one main impact of capital gain tax is the increasing number of non-affordability of renting and owning a house. Confusion on the application of the capital gain tax is also another reason of this. There are cases where in the property is not subjected to capital gain tax because of some exemptions which are further discuss in this paper. Factors Determining Application of

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Gallery review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Gallery review - Essay Example They bring about a sense of sexuality and romance. This exhibit is different from the others in the sense that it is catchy and controversial at the same time. Different people might interpret the pictures differently, but what really matters is the fact that; the pictures are an excellent piece of artwork (Barrett, 2003). Various aspects of the pictures are of interest to me, and call for further research. Students who viewed pictures in gallery two had different interpretations, which prompted a deeper insight of their meaning. Eye movement through the pictures was swift. I skimmed through the pictures to try and get an exclusive interpretation of their meaning. The picture’s visual attraction was of much interest than trying to understand what the artist had accomplished. The arrangement of the pictures below illustrates that eye movement was triggered by visual impression. After skimming through the pictures, I had a slight idea of what the artist was trying to communicate. My attention was drawn by the nudity of the last image. My eye movement around this image was in a circular motion. I scanned through this image to acquire some knowledge on why the artist thought of posting it (Barrett, 2000). The colours in the pictures enhanced their interpretation. A sexual aura and a sense of romance could not have been portrayed without the bright colours. The bright colours were an indication of a seamless compatibility between the pictures. These colours create an intimacy and energy that remained present in the images. The images from this gallery have a hidden meaning. They all involve a woman, which tries to bring out the idea of her lifestyle. The seamless documentary-style images try to bring about a sense of addiction and sex. The images might also tend to expose the preoccupations and interest of the artist and his subjects. Observing the pictures triggers the brain to teeter between realism and expanded ideas of the

Self Fulfilling and Self Sealing Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Self Fulfilling and Self Sealing Theory - Essay Example The essay "Self Fulfilling and Self Sealing Theory" discusses the self-fulfilling and self-sealing theory, the concepts of â€Å"Power Visible† and â€Å"Power Invisible†, the spray diagram of virtual classroom support system, the system and subsystem diversion in the banking system and system thinking in the light of self-sealing doctrine.Many a time, what we think or vouch, by coincidence, appears to be true. It is called as ‘Self Fulfilling’ which was coroneted as ‘Prophesy’ in the  earlier era. The myths of yesteryears, defying the geographical boundary, had stood for this theory. The mythology of different civilization bears the testimonies of the self-fulfilling prophecy. In fact, our own action many a time makes this theory come true. For example, an average student, discouraged from every corner, ends up with a firm belief that he can never do well in the examination. Eventually, his grade slides and he keeps on losing faith, resultin g much more decay in his career.On the other hand, â€Å"Self Sealing† as a theory leads to the cherished mental set that clings to a particular belief or taboo. Prevailing in the orthodox religious group or in different cults this theory prevents the believer to act normally as he gets paranoid in respect to the outside world order. The hideous crime done by some Jihad groups in terms of culpable loss of human life and resources shows us how a person under the grip of severe self-sealing doctrine can mow down innocent lives.

Friday, July 26, 2019

Is P&G a world-class organization Research Paper

Is P&G a world-class organization - Research Paper Example   Being a small soap and candle preparing company, P&G became a multinational organization dealing in consumer goods industry. P&G became successful in maintaining such a huge change mainly due to the core strengths such as consumer understanding, innovation, brand building, go-to-market capabilities and scale. Consumer understanding helped the organization to attain a detailed analysis about the preferences and demands of the customers with changing times. After knowing the changed preferences, the organization also tries to develop varied types of innovative products. This strategy helped the organization to enhance its brand image and portfolio in the market among other rival players. Moreover, the organization also developed the products as per the rules and regulations of the industry so as to enhance the reliability and trust of the customers. P& G also enhanced the operations, technologies and inner knowledge of the employees in order to satisfy the demands of the customers effectively. P&G does not concentrate in one market but the organization always tries to expand into new markets so as to amplify its brand value and market share. In order to do so, P&G always tried to offer high attention over consumer understanding. Consumer understanding helped to analyze the changed preferences of the customers and innovation satisfies them entirely. Moreover, with the help of innovation, numerous inventive products and services are developed that may amplify the profitability and loyalty of the organization among others and, by inventing varied types of new products, a wide range of customers might get attracted towards the brand that may enhance the demand and portfolio as compared Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark etc. Hence, innovation helped to improve the operating income and total revenue of P&G by US$ 14.48 billion in 2014 and US$ 84.17 billion in 2013.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Pharmacology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pharmacology - Assignment Example Potential issues in the system in which a mistake could be made includes staff not understanding the orders given. This could lead to patients being given the incorrect drugs, which could means disastrous effects to the health of the patient. This however can be prevented by an RN through double checking drugs that are of high alert through making independent calculations. Medications referred to as high-alert drugs are those that have a very high chance of causing disastrous effects on the patients when used in error. In addition, the RN could take their time off in between rechecking the calculations. This will give them time to relax and recheck the drugs when they are not fatigued to ensure they take the correct orders. There is a significant effect of food on drugs prescribed by health professionals to their patients. Food might have an effect on the extent and rate of absorption of the drugs particularly after oral administration (McLachlan & Ramzan, 2006). Being able to fully comprehend what kind of effect food has on different types of medicines helps health professionals be able to give patients the correct advice of whether to take the medicines with food or not. Generally, taking food together with medicine usually delays absorption of the drugs; nevertheless, the effect depends on the drug, the kind of food and its formulation. There are those drugs that come with strict guidelines of whether they should be taken with meals or not. Food especially that has high fat content usually slows down the emptying of the gastric, which might delay absorption of the drug. This means that if there is a delay of the drug going to the small intestine absorption into the systemic circulation becomes difficult. The effect food has is determined by the pharmacokinetic and physicochemical features of the drug (McLachlan & Ramzan, 2006). An example is the antiretroviral drug saquinavir, which is very poor in dissolving in water; therefore health professionals advice t heir patients to take it with food in order to allow enhancement of bile to dissolve it aiding absorption. Absorption of saquinavir works much better after having a heavy breakfast; taking it on an empty stomach could result to therapeutic failure. Food also has an effect of drug toxicity especially when they are mixed. For example, when it comes to blood pressure and MAO inhibitors drugs, taking them with chocolate or peanut butter could be disastrous (American heart organization, 2013). Other foods like grapefruit also interfere with certain prescription drugs and therefore should not be taken with drugs meant to lower blood pressure. This is because grapefruit juice can lead to an increase of the medicines in the body causing negative side effects. When it comes to timing of meals, there is also an effect especially when comes to foods containing dairy products. Dairy products contain calcium and minerals which when taken with some certain medicines reduce absorption into the blo od from the gut. Therefore, this can only be prevented by time spacing. Patients are advised to take dairy products an hour before or some two hours after taking the medication. Patient aged 42 years is suffering from high blood pressure and is put under blood pressure medication. The doctor has prescribed

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Explain Vince Rizzo's search for identity in the movie City Island Essay

Explain Vince Rizzo's search for identity in the movie City Island - Essay Example This paper will shed light upon Vince’s search for identity in the movie; light will also be thrown upon how he fathered a child in his teenage, who comes back in his life and how things progress from there. Vince is a native of the island, he is uncomfortable with people who come to stay there and bring about unwanted changes, and the opening scene of his voiceover presents the same very comprehensively. Vince is not comfortable with his job, he is a prison guard, and his ambition of becoming an actor is perhaps the most important thing in the movie. He lies to his wife and moves to Manhattan to pursue a career as an actor. There are a lot of misunderstandings in the movie, Vince’s wife thinks that her husband is after some mistress who he has been pursuing for quite some time, Vince’s ambition and several misunderstandings make this movie very intriguing. Vince has several problems which he is completely unaware of, his daughter strips at a club in order to pay her school fees; he meets his step son who he fathered out of wedlock. Vince’s son is addicted to porn on internet and wants to fulfill his fantasies with a girl residing in the neighborhood; these are some of the many problems which Vince was facing. The introduction of Tony, Vince’s step-son brings a huge twist in the movie.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Education Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Education - Research Paper Example There are a variety of post reading strategies that will heighten, enrich and refine interest in a specific topic, but the primary objective of post reading strategies is to further clarify and develop interpretations of readings and text, and to aid students recall whatever they have individually developed in their minds after reading a particular text. There are generally four main types of post reading strategies or activities. These are: a) Those provide students with the opportunity to ask questions with regards to assignments or readings. b) Those that concentrate on text structure c) Those that involve peer and classroom review d) Those that extend learning This paper will be based on the following paragraph from the book Tangerine by Edward Bloor: Antoine studied my face. He said, â€Å"You’re Erik Fisher’s little brother?† I tightened up at the sound of Erik’s name. I mumbled, â€Å"Yes.† Antoine said quietly, â€Å"It’s time to sta rt telling the truth, little brother. Do you understand what I’m saying?† I nodded like I understood. But, I didn’t. Not really. Not until he added, â€Å"Don’t spend your life under the bleachers, little brother. The truth shall set you free.† I nodded with real conviction now. ... Activity 1: Web The discussion web is a graphic illustration that helps students prepare for discussions in the classroom (Kinsella & Widener, 2001). In this case, the students will be required to develop a discussion centered on the paragraph drawn from the book that has been mentioned earlier and to primarily focus on the content. The discussion web is geared towards helping the students examine all sides of an issue and understand all perspectives emanating from that particular issue. Your role (the teacher) in this activity will be that of a moderator and an encourager (Behrens & Rosen, 2008). As a moderator, you will help the students to create a topic and stay focused on it. As an encourager, you will help the students engage participants and ensure that they are free to voice their opinions and points of view. Prepare students for listening or reading by establishing a purpose for reading, activating previous knowledge and introducing important vocabulary. After students have read the paragraph, introduce the web by way of a provocative question. For instance, â€Å"was Paul a dishonest person?† 1. Students will be required (in pairs) to discuss the pros and cons of the question and then complete the web as a unit or team. They will take turns filling in as many NO and YES statements as they can generate. 2. Pairs are rearranged into units of four students, who then compare their webs and come up with one answer to the question. 3. The group chooses and records the most appropriate and strongest argument and gives its reasons for that choice. 4. Each group selects a spokesperson to report (in three minutes) the results, and then students with

Monday, July 22, 2019

Role of Parliament in Germany Essay Example for Free

Role of Parliament in Germany Essay This article is about the current parliament of Germany. For the governing body of the Germany. Confederation from 1815 to 1866, see Bundesversammlung (German Confederation). Confederation from 1815 to 1866, see Bundesversammlung (German Confederation). The Bundestag (Federal Diet; pronounced [ˈbÊŠndÉ™staË k]) is a legislative body in Germany. In practice Germany is governed by a bicameral legislature, of which the Bundestag serves as the lower house and the Bundesrat the upper house. The Bundestag was established by the German Basic Law of 1949, as the successor to the earlier Reichstag. It meets in the Reichstag Building in Berlin. Norbert Lammert is the current President of the Bundestag. With the new constitution of 1949, the Bundestag was established as the new (West) German parliament. Because West Berlin was not officially under the jurisdiction of the Constitution and because of the Cold War, the Bundestag met in Bonn in several different buildings, including (provisionally) a former water works facility. In addition, owing to the citys legal status, citizens of West Berlin were unable to vote in elections to the Bundestag, and were instead represented by 20 non-voting delegates, indirectly elected by the citys House of Representatives. The Bundeshaus in Bonn is the former Parliament Building of Germany. The sessions of the German Bundestag were held there from 1949 until its move to Berlin in 1999. Today it houses the International Congress Centre Bundeshaus Bonn and in the north areas the branch office of the Bundesrat (upper house). The southern areas became part of German offices for the United Nations in 2008. The former Reichstag building housed a history exhibition (Fragen an die deutsche Geschichte) and served occasionally as a conference center. The Reichstag building was also occasionally used as a venue for sittings of the Bundestag and its committees and the Bundesversammlung, the body which elects the German Federal President. However the Soviets harshly protested against the use of the Reichstag building by institutions of the Federal Republic of Germany and tried to disturb the sittings by flying supersonic jets close to the building. Since 1999, the German parliament has again assembled in Berlin in its original Reichstag building, which dates from the 1890s and underwent a significant renovation under the lead of British architect Sir Norman Foster. Parliamentary committees and subcommittees, public hearings and faction meetings take place in three auxiliary buildings, which surround the Reichstag building: the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus, Paul-Là ¶be-Haus and Marie-Elisabeth-Là ¼ders-Haus. Together with the Bundesrat, the Bundestag is the legislative branch of the German political system. Although most legislation is initiated by the executive branch, the Bundestag considers the legislative function its most important responsibility, concentrating much of its energy on assessing and amending the governments legislative program. The committees (see below) play a prominent role in this process. Plenary sessions provide a forum for members to engage in public debate on legislative issues before them, but they tend to be well attended only when significant legislation is being considered. The Bundestag members are the only federal officials directly elected by the public; the Bundestag in turn elects the Chancellor and, in addition, exercises oversight of the executive branch on issues of both substantive policy and routine administration. This check on executive power can be employed through binding legislation, public debates on government policy, investigations, and direct questioning of the chancellor or cabinet officials. For example, the Bundestag can conduct a question hour (Fragestunde), in which a government representative responds to a previously submitted written question from a member. Members can ask related questions during the question hour. The questions can concern anything from a major policy issue to a specific constituents problem. Use of the question hour has increased markedly over the past forty years, with more than 20,000 questions being posed during the 1987-90 term. Understandably, the opposition parties are active in exercising the parliame ntary right to scrutinize government actions. One striking difference when comparing the Bundestag with the British Parliament is the lack of time spent on serving constituents in Germany. This is in part due to Germanys electoral system. A practical constraint on the expansion of constituent service is the limited personal staff of Bundestag deputies. Despite these constraints especially those deputies that are elected directly normally try to keep close contact with their constituents and to help them with their problems, particularly when they are related to federal policies or agencies. Constituent service does also take place in the form of the Petition Committee. In 2004, the Petition Committee received over 18,000 complaints from citizens and was able to negotiate a mutually satisfactory solution to more than half of them. In 2005, as a pilot of the potential of internet petitions, a version of e-Petitioner was produced for the Bundestag. This was a collaborative project involving The Scottish Parliament, International Teledemocracy Centre and the Bundestag ‘Online Services Department’. The system was formally launched on 1 September 2005, and in 2008 the Bundestag moved to a new system based on its evaluation.[1] ELECTION : Members serve four-year terms; elections are held every four years, or earlier in the relatively rare case that the Bundestag is dissolved prematurely by the president. The Bundestag can be dissolved by the president on the recommendation of the chancellor if the latter has lost a vote of confidence in the Bundestag. This has happened three times: 1972 under Chancellor Willy Brandt, 1983 under Chancellor Helmut Kohl and 2005 under Chancellor Gerhard Schrà ¶der. All candidates must be at least eighteen years old; there are no term limits. The election uses the MMP electoral system. In addition, the Bundestag has a minimum threshold of either 5% of the national party vote or three (directly elected) constituency representatives for a party to gain additional representation through the system of proportional representation. Thus, small minority parties cannot easily enter the Bundestag and prevent the formation of stable majority governments as they could under the Weimar constitution. Since 1961, only two new parties (Bà ¼ndnis 90/Die Grà ¼nen and PDS/Die Linke) have entered the Bundestag. The most recent election, the German federal election, 2009, was held on September 27, 2009.[2] Distribution of seats in the Bundestag Half of the Members of the Bundestag are elected directly from 299 constituencies (first-past-the-post system), the other half are elected from the parties’ Land lists in such a way as to achieve proportional representation for the total Bundestag (if possible). Accordingly, each voter has two votes in the elections to the Bundestag. The first vote, allowing voters to elect their local representatives to the Bundestag, decides which candidates are sent to Parliament from the constituencies. The second vote is cast for a party list; it determines the relative strengths of the parties represented in the Bundestag. At least 598 Members of the Bundestag are elected in this way. Parties that gain more than 5% of the second votes or win at least 3 direct mandates are allocated seats in the Bundestag in proportion to the number of votes it has received (dHondt method until 1987, largest remainder method until the 2005 election, now Sainte-Laguà « method). When the total number of mandates gained by a party has been determined, they are distributed between the Land lists. The distribution of the seats of that party to the 16 Lands is proportional to that partys second vote results in the Lands. The first of the mandates allocated to each Land go to the candidates who have won direct mandates in that Land. The rest are assigned in order to the candidates on the Land list put forward before the election. In addition to this, there are certain circumstances in which some candidates win what are known as overhang seats when the seats are being distributed. If a party has gained more direct mandates in a Land than it is entitled to according to the results of the second vote, it does not forfeit these mandates because all directly elected candidates are guaranteed a seat in the Bundestag. ORGANISATIONS : Parliamentary groups The most important organisational structures within the Bundestag are parliamentary groups (Fraktionen; sing. Fraktion), which are formed by political parties represented in the chamber which incorporate more than 5% of the Bundestag legislators; CDU and CSU have always formed a single united Fraktion. The size of a partys Fraktion determines the extent of its representation on legislative committees, the time slots allotted for speaking, the number of committee chairs it can hold, and its representation in executive bodies of the Bundestag. The Fraktionen, not the members, receive the bulk of government funding for legislative and administrative activities. The Bundestags executive bodies include the Council of Elders and the Presidium. The council consists of the Bundestag leadership, together with the most senior representatives of each fraktion, with the number of these representatives tied to the strength of the Parliamentary groups in the chamber. The council is the coordination hub, determining the daily legislative agenda and assigning committee chairpersons based on Parliamentary group representation. The council also serves as an important forum for interparty negotiations on specific legislation and procedural issues. The Presidium is responsible for the routine administration of the Bundestag, including its clerical and research activities. It consists of the chambers president (usually elected from the largest fraktion) and vice presidents (one from each fraktion).

Festivals in Davao Region Essay Example for Free

Festivals in Davao Region Essay Held annually in the city of Tagum, Davao del Norte during February 21-27, Musikahan Festival also known as Musikahan sa Tagum, is a distinct cultural event celebrating Filipino excellence in music through composition, performance and production, providing the youth with more opportunities in the music industry as its goal. Local government of Tagum provides musical instruments to public schools aiming to amplify music appreciation and enhance the skills in performance of the youth in the field of music and prepare them for a bright future in music career. Also, Tagum City facilitates the participation of local barangay units in various music competitons not only to enrich cultural literacy but also as an opportunity to gain support in the development projects of local communities. Musikahan Festival is a weeklong musical celebration that also aims to promote Tagum City as the Music Capital of Mindanao and have now finally made a mark in the music scene as Department of Tourism have officially included the event as one of the countrys pride festivals .Already earning popularism, the city of Tagum plans to bid for a Guinness Record for the longest nonstop live concert in the world. Current holder of the title is Japan with a record of 184 hours. About 5,000 members of contingents from the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay, Marawi, Cotabato, Butuan, and Davao, of participants alone not including the visitors, compete in various musical contests which is expected to triple the income of business establishments in Tagum City. Musikahan Festival also aims to provide employment and livelihood for the townspeople. The City of Tagum claims that visitors who would take part in the celebration will be the cause for the city to have substantial multiplier effect to its businesses for they are sure to buy goods in the markets. Revelers can avail food at reasonable prices as booths are scattered in almost every part of the venue during the Musikahan Festival. Holding of the event is also an opportunity for tourism investments for hotels and malls, which is continously flourishing along with the citys development. Among the festivals highlights are the Battle of the Bands which divided into three categories: Folksong / Acoustic / Bossa Nova, Reggae / Ska / Emo, and Pop / Rock / Alternative category, the Drum and Bugle Corps / Chorale Competition category, and the Marching Brass Band Competition. Kadayawan Festival From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search The Kadayawan Festival is an annual festival in the city of Davao in the Philippines. Its name derives from the friendly greeting Madayaw, from the Dabawenyo word dayaw, meaning good, valuable, superior or beautiful. The festival is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living. Indak-indak sa Kadalanan. Indak-indak sa Kadalanan. Kadayawan Festival 2012 Kadayawan Festival 2012 Kadayawan Festival 2012 Davao Events and Festivals Davao, Philippines offers visitors a rich array of events and festivals throughout the year that highlight its unique cultural identity and history. HotelTravel.com highlights the key events and festivals in Davao from month to month, providing visitors with a huge choice of possible choice to play that once in a lifetime holiday around. Each one brings to life why Davao is so representative of people from Philippines. Click the events and festival links below for further information. Davao has a busy calendar of events which includes both holidays that are celebrated by the entire nation and a variety of celebrations that are exclusive to the region. Religion plays a big part in local festivities, with the largest events generally revolving around Roman Catholicism. Below are the most popular festivals enjoyed across the Davao region. January New Years Day: Davao’s residents celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a day off work and the chance to relax and enjoy get-togethers with friends and family. Araw ng mga Natibo: otherwise known as the Day of the Natives, this distinctly regional event sees members of the Tagacaolos, Blaans and Manobo tribes come together to celebrate their respective cultures through performances of ethnic singing and dancing, and the unusual spectacle of horse fighting. February People Power Day: Davao’s residents join the nation in enjoying a public holiday in remembrance of the 1986 People Power Revolt. March Araw ng Dabaw: Davao City celebrates the historic event when the city received an official charter. For a week, the locals enjoy a variety of festivities including horse fighting, ethnic rituals, a beauty contest and grand parade. April Easter: Locals are predominantly Catholic and so attend Holy Week services, culminating in Mass on Easter Sunday followed by celebrations with family and friends. Bataan Day: Davao locals enjoy this national holiday in remembrance of those who gave their lives in battles against the Japanese for control of the Bataan peninsular at the start of WWII. May Summer Island Festival: the third week of the month sees this popular event based at Samal Island in Davao. Locals and visitors assemble to enjoy cultural performances, banca racing and water sports competitions. June Santacruzan: locals don brightly coloured outfits and re-enact St Helene’s discovery of the cross of Christ. The event takes place in the residential areas of Belisario Heights and Lanang, which can be found a short distance north of Davao City. Tabanogan Festival: the feast of St Peter is celebrated in Davao with a number of festivities, among the most notable being the kite flying competition in which locals showcase their talents in this age-old activity. Independence Day: the 12th of June is a national holiday and sees residents of Davao enjoy a day off work to celebrate the country’s anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain. July Araw ng Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental: this is the annual celebration of Davao’s division into the three independent provinces of del Sur, del Norte and Oriental. A variety of festivities are enjoyed including horse fighting displays, beauty pageants and tribal dance performances. Filipino-American Friendship Day: the formal Declaration of Independence from the United States is celebrated across the country on the 4th of July. Davao residents enjoy a day off work. August Araw ng mga Bayani: otherwise known as National Heroes Day, this is a public holiday enjoyed by all on the 26th of August. Kadayawan sa Dabaw: in the second week of August, this festival is enjoyed by locals with a variety of events including a beauty pageant, ethnic performances, a fruit and flower show and more. September Osmeà ±a Day: this national holiday commemorates the now deceased fourth President of the Philippines, Sergio Osmeà ±a. October Ramadan: a small percentage of Davao’s residents are Muslim and therefore celebrate the Islamic month of abstinence called Ramadan. Locals eat sparingly and avoid indulgences of any kind for the duration of the period. November Eid ul-Fitr: the Muslim residents of Davao mark the end of the Ramadan period with get-togethers and family feasts. Bonifacio Day: the birth date of Filipino revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio is celebrated by residents of the Davao region. December Lopez Jaena Day: the life of Graciano Là ³pez Jaena, one of the country’s most significant historic figures, is celebrated on the 18th of December. Christmas: beginning on the 15th of the month and lasting until the 31st, Paskuhan sa Dabaw is the country’s official Christmas season. The period is marked by a variety of festive events. New Years Eve (Bisperas ng Bagong Taon): is the official end of year celebration and sees a variety of festivities enjoyed across the Davao region. Davao City is particularly lively, holding various parties and putting on fireworks displays in a number of locations.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Aesthetically Pleasing Efficient Intelligent Building Skins Engineering Essay

Aesthetically Pleasing Efficient Intelligent Building Skins Engineering Essay Architecture is no longer static and unchangeable instead it is dynamic, responsive and conversant The idea that building skins reflect the skins of living organisms: properly designed, they breathe, change form, and adapt to variations in climate But can highly efficient intelligent skins still be aesthetically pleasing? A building becomes a chameleon which adapts. A properly equipped and responsively clothed building would monitor all internal and external variables, temperature, hygrometry and light levels, solar radiation etc, to determine the best energy equation given these conditions and modify the building and its internal systems accordingly. It is not too much to ask of a building to incorporate, in its fabric and its nervous system, the very basic vestiges of an adaptive capability. (Rogers 1978) The aim of this paper is to explore the notion of incorporating intelligence into a buildings faà §ade. The discussion about the energy efficiency of faà §ades has inspired many architects to no longer view the building envelope as static but as a dynamic being, that can adjust its shape, surface, function and interior spaces in real time in response to intelligent controls that monitor active feedback from the environment. Solar and wind energy, daylight, and water can be captured by buildings and reused efficiently. An Intelligent building is one that combines both active features and passive design strategies to provide maximum user comfort by using minimum energy. The intelligent faà §ade forms part of the intelligent building, it is what protects the inhabited interior whilst controlling exchanges between inside and outside at the envelope level. The plan being to respond effectively to changing climate conditions and inhabitant needs in order to improve functional performance. A buildings faà §ade doesnt just play a key role in the sustainability of a building; adding to both energy efficiency and the quality of the internal climate. It is also a fundamental part of the buildings aesthetic, adding to the structural outline and defining its visual impact on the urban surroundings. A faà §ade can only be described as intelligent when it makes use of natural renewable energy sources such as solar energy, airflows or ground heat to meet a buildings requirements in terms of heating, cooling and lighting. The idea that the fabric of a building can increase its interaction and response to external changes and internal demands with a prime objective of lowering the environmental load is an exciting concept. The facades almost become local, non-polluting energy suppliers to the building. The notion of intelligent building facades is not a new idea; however the implementation of high-tech skins has been slow. While fashionable and almost certainly advantageous, sceptical architects are afraid that operable components are magnets for value engineering or foresee them being stripped off their buildings in the future due to poor performance or poor maintenance. However, the rising cost of energy, latest environmental initiatives and the focus on the green propaganda has put great responsibility on architects and engineers to make continuous energy savings and this must be achieved through effective building design and clever management. Almost seven years after the European Union passed legislation requiring property owners to report on the energy performance of their buildings, a new round of tougher regulations is under way. Plans to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in 2010 are expected to result in even tighter emissions targets for new buil dings. Gradually more and more architects are beginning to enjoy automating their facades rather than leaving energy-efficient functions to chance. Consequently, the crucial boundary connecting the interior environment and the elements is getting more consideration and consequently more animated. Most buildings today are equipped with increasingly advanced technologies, but few still seem to be utilizing the true potential that this green intelligence has to offer. The intention of this study is to take the idea of the intelligent skin much further and realize what could potentially be possible in the future. The paper will go on to describe the context within which the need for variability in building skin performance has arisen and demonstrate how such dynamic response mechanisms have been incorporated into the design and construction of three buildings; The GSW Headquarters in Berlin, by the architects Sauerbruch and Hutton 1999. The Debis Headquarters building, Berlin by The Renzo Piano Building Workshop in 1997 and the B4 and B6 office buildings in Berlin by Richard Rogers 1998. All three case studies are purpose built office buildings that were built around the same time frame and are in the same European climate, Germany. The climate in Berlin is known as continental. The summers are warmer than the UK and the winters colder. Summer temperatures can rise to 32 degrees centigrade while winter temperatures can drop to -15 degrees centigrade. After German reunification in 1990 Berlin was to become the gateway to the whole former Soviet Communist Empire as it was transformed into an economic epicentre by new investment from the West. A skyline of construction cranes rose over the city, citizens marvelled at the remarkable commitment to entwining a city separated for 50 years. Berlin bravely tried to reconcile its catastrophic past with a new visualization of the urban future. Potsdamer Platz has been the site of the extensive redevelopment, instigating all three of the buildings in the review. Because of this, the buildings should employ reasonably up to date technology and design, which can be effectively compared and critiqued in the study. Not only this, but through a growing trend, buildings that employ environmentally conscious technologies are still the exception in most of Europe today. However Mary Pepchinski explains why for many reasons Germany appears to be the leader Many German architects and engineers sincere ly care about the effect their buildings have on the environment, but others realise that new technologies will be profitable in 10 to 20 years time. Politically, Germanys powerful Green party also influences national environmental policies. (M, Pepchinski 1995:70) The overall purpose of this review is to determine whether functional and aesthetic value can be effectively combined in a single project while still managing to cut energy consumption. However to establish whether the buildings have aesthetic significance one must first determine the criteria for aesthetic judgement. Aesthetics examines our response to an object. Judgments of beauty are sensory, emotional and intellectual all at the same time. Viewer interpretations of beauty possess two concepts of value: aesthetics and taste. Aesthetics is the philosophical notion of beauty. Taste is a result of education and awareness of cultural values; therefore taste can be learned. Taste varies depending on class, cultural background, and education. According to Philosopher Immanuel Kant writing in 1790, beauty is objective and universal; thus certain things are beautiful to everyone. The contemporary view of beauty is not based on innate qualities, but rather on cultural specifics and individual interpretations. (Kant 1790) The criteria for assesing whether the buildings are aesthetically pleasing in this study will be based on two or more views, that of architects or journalists and my own personal opinion. Because judging aesthetics depends on individual interpretations, one is hard pressed to determine the answer, however if based on two views, both can be taken into account, and a conclusion come to. To asses whether the building meets the technological efficiency will be based on performance data or statistics and an engineers view. By also looking at whether or not post occupancy evaluation (POE) methods have been adopted at the as-built stage, involving the views about the buildings from the perspective of the people who use them. It could give vital information on building user perception assessing ease of use, controls, facilities and most importantly perceived visual appreciation. GSW Headquarters Berlin Sauerbruch Hutton Architects 1999 This landmark office tower is an exemplary example of sustainable architecture making use of energy-conserving features. It was the worlds first thermally flued tall building. The most important aspect of the low-energy concept is the highly transparent and dynamic high-rise faà §ade. Colourful orange and pink automated shading panels in the west double skin cavity manage solar heat gain and day lighting. These perforated metal shutters give the building its unique and ever varying appearance. They can be both pivoted and moved aside mechanically or individually by the user; therefore the composition of the entire west faà §ade depends on the habits of the occupants. This creates a distinctive ever-changing pattern causing the structure to come alive. Whilst elegant in simplicity, form and function, the design results from a highly technical discourse in which the engineering and architectural principles rely largely on each other. The design process involved a high level of collaboration between the architects and the engineers-Arup London. The multiple functioning envelope required the main elements of the building to be the result of excellent teamwork. To minimise heat loss both the East and West perimeter walls are designed as double skin facades. The West faà §ade acts as a solar flue, it has three layers; the inner layer consists of a double glazed aluminium curtain wall in which every second bay has an operable window. The vertical posts of this inner faà §ade carry cantilevering brackets to support the outer faà §ade this layer is single glazed and consists of 3.3m x1.8m laminated glass panels. Airflow within the inner and outer skins of the faà §ade can be regulated according to seasonal and weather conditions by da mpers at the top and bottom. Natural ventilation is brought in through the East double skin faà §ade. Fresh air enters the building, passes through the interior spaces, across specially designed corridor openings, and is extracted by the solar flue of the West faà §ade, which offers particularly good thermal insulation. The East faà §ade with its porous ventilation openings is like a smooth skin, where as the West faà §ade deep and separated into layers resembles a fur. (UME 2001:29). The reduced depth of the tower along with generously sized windows allows maximum day lighting, creating optimum conditions on the office floors making most artificial lighting redundant. The brief noted the building had to be a low-cost, socially sensitive structure, which addressed the historic urban context and street planning, but still provide a strong image as the headquarters of GSW. It also had to have functional quality in connecting new and old buildings whilst ensuring operational environmental efficiency. The overall aim for the mechanical design was to improve the buildings sustainability rating by achieving energy savings of 30-40% in comparison to an ordinary building. (www.arup.com) the structure is integrated in a three-dimensional composition, offering a working environment which is beneficial to team-working and customer-focused operations. In 1999 natural ventilation was reportedly used for 75% of the year and the building hardly saw the need to operate its air-conditioners. (NSG space modulation) In the Property EU Magazine M. Korteweg said The building is excellent in its passive control of energy consumption, with CO2 savings estimated to be 55% of equivalent air-conditioned buildings. (Korteweg, M) In my opinion the tall, slender 85 metre tall structure that is curved in shape adds an interesting addition to the urban skyline. The bright coloured red, pink and orange shutters on the West faà §ade are undoubtedly what makes this building stand out from the crowd. It looks like a radiant mosaic, very different from the silvery white East faà §ade. I consider colour to be a fantastic medium to address the senses. Colour is used actively in design as a means of generating atmospheric and distinctive buildings, and I think in this structure it works particularly well. It certainly looks the part but this buildings image is not just skin deep, it also plays the part in reducing emissions and saving energy. The fact that these vivid panels are not just decorative but also functional makes the building so much more fascinating. At night the exterior of the building is lit up, making it easily recognisable, even from a distance. Showing how functional and aesthetic value can be united fantastically in a lone project. In the Architectural Review magazine, James Russell describes the building as An array of energy saving strategies and staff amenities in a colourful, stylish package (Russell, JS 2000:156) Reunification put the site back at the centre of things, and the colourful new sun-shades on the west elevation energise the neighbourhood. (Russell, JS 2000:156) To sum up this sophisticated mix of bold good looks and intelligent features and to evaluate the success and failures, I would say that this building works astonishingly well on both levels. The building lives up to what the brief intended. The Debis Headquarters Berlin The Renzo Piano Building Workshop 1997 The Debis Tower was the first building in the initial stage of the huge Potsdamer Platz development, which was anticipated to give Berlin a new spirit. It is a pioneering energy-conserving design an exceptional example of environmentally progressive architecture celebrating design and technology. It comes across as being subtle and rather understated compared to some of the surrounding urban infrastructure. It has a certain graceful and distinguished modesty. The East facade of the tower is dominated by biscuit coloured terracotta cladding, horizontal and vertical terracotta slats create an accurately proportioned pattern, which expresses every floor and bay within an overall texture resembling a sort of skeletal skin. The building is technologically sophisticated; it has a highly effective curtain wall, which offers considerable advantages in terms of the preservation of energy, day lighting, user control and comfort. The interior skin consists of a visually delicate and subtle glass-breathing wall. It features double-pane operable windows, allow the individual inhabitants of the offices to adjust their own internal climates all year round by taking tempered air from the 700mm wide cavity for natural ventilation. The exterior faà §ade is made up of 12-mm thick, automated, pivoting, laminated glass louvers. The smallest amount of air exchange takes place through these louvers when closed. Allegedly the thermal devices designed for the faà §ade work so well that natural ventilation is used for around 60% of the year an exceptional percentage for a building in a northern climate. In addition, there is a 50% reduction in the energy consumption of the building and 70% reduction in the emission of car bon dioxide. (NSG, Space Modulation). Energy conservation was a significant aspect of the design policy for the building and the project was awarded funding from the European Union Joule II research programme to help finance the design of the facades. To create this environmentally sustainable building many factors had to be considered and contribute towards the design. One being water management. The building makes proficient use of the rainwater it collects, some of the rainwater is used to irrigate the surrounding landscape and vegetation of the building, some is used as water for toilets, and the excess is used to fill the nearby pond when the level drops. The building is accounted to save around 20,000 cubic metres of water a year. (Arch Review 1998) This building is very different from the first case study I looked at. It doesnt make a huge statement, clad in bright, bold colours and doesnt stand out significantly from its neighbours. I think it is delicate and rather subtle in the way it looks. A continuous rhythm of horizontal terracotta louvers interrupted by ever changing individually operable blinds, creating an interesting pattern. In the Architectural Record J.Russell gave his opinion of the building At some times of the day, the sun sparkles from the bevelled bottom edge of the pivoting glass panels; at others, it picks out elements between the glass walls: the vertical glass returns, the metal faà §ade-support structure, or the maintenance platforms. The terra-cotta elements dont move, but their raw-claw finish invites touch. The rhythms of open and closed cladding along with deepening and lightening shadows as the light changes through the day have their own sensuous appeal. (Russell 1998:135) To begin the process of discussing the successes and failures of the building, I am struggling to find a part of the buildings environmental aspects that can be described as a failure. Even tiny details seem to add to the sustainability of the design. The energy-saving approach of the facades combining terracotta and glass screens gives the building a visually rich texture and a highly practical purpose. The building has an innovative environmental approach and careful design detailing, making it an all round success. B4 B6 office buildings Berlin Richard Rogers 1998 Like the previous case study, these two office buildings were part of the much bigger master plan to redevelop the devastated Potsdamer Platz area of Berlin. In this dense urban context the aim was to produce innovative environments for businesses, which must be strikingly contemporary in appearance, and most significantly, utilized a low-energy servicing agenda with a high-quality user comfort. The faà §ades are made up of identical modules of which their basic identical construction can be varied by using different in-fills according to the orientation and performance requirement. This allows different parts of the building to perform in different ways, depending on its specific position. The materials used are clear and opaque glass panels, ceramic tile cladding, and external and internal blinds, a sophisticated mix, which allows the internal environments to be adjusted in response to the requirements of the occupants. The hollow core plan form of the office buildings is cut away gradually from roof level down flooding the atriums with natural light. The atriums are entirely naturally ventilated. In order to optimise the thermal conditions and airflow in the atrium computer simulations were conducted. Solar radiation contributes to the heating and thereby reduces energy consumption in the winter. The natural ventilation ensures that a comfortable climate prevails in the entrance area and the offices adjacent to the atrium throughout the year. A great deal of daylight enters the offices through glazing; this solar radiation is used to heat the fresh air from outside and naturally ventilates the offices. It was estimated that energy consumption in the office buildings would be 50% less than that generated by a conventionally air-conditioned building. When visiting this building what initially stood out to me was how much more high-tech it looked than the previous two case studies I had visited. The energy saving devices seem to stand out more and are what primarily make up the interesting, dynamic faà §ade. The building is made up of two blocks, symmetrical from the front. Similar to the GSW headquarters, brightly coloured solar shading blinds are used. In this case they are bright yellow, and feature at each end of the building almost acting as bookends. In terms of aesthetics, I think the building is visually interesting and fits in well with its surroundings. Kenneth Powell described the completed buildings as Striking expressions of the rise of an eco-architecture on a grand urban scale. (Kenneth Powell) The amalgamation of environmental technology and design in these three case studies seems to have created visually attractive and interesting facades that credit the surrounding city. However it has been argued that Design of such environmental screens has concentrated on technical developments with little appreciation that facades are the public face of architecture. (Moloney, J. 2007:461) this is a strong argument, which I cannot disagree with without taking every case into account. In the past environmentally aware buildings have sometimes been perceived as inept and unattractive. But times have changed. Technology and aesthetics should be able to run alongside each other in harmony. Architects are now beginning to use energy saving strategies to their advantage to create more unique, interesting facades. Solar shading devices can add a huge amount of visual interest to a building, creating an ever changing dynamic pattern, just like the buildings featured in this review. Climate change is undeniable. Therefore the demand for more efficient, next-generation adaptive systems for building facades is increasing. What has the future got in store for adaptive facades? New innovations in faà §ade design are primarily down to advanced technical developments in both computer technology and materials. The building envelope is a critical area of a buildings design, with the facade engineer playing a vital role in bringing the architects vision to life. New cladding materials and processing techniques are continually being developed in the search for better faà §ade performance, making the design and procurement of the building envelope a highly technical and complex process yet one that is still immensely creative. Various architects have presented performance-based prototypes as technological, social, and utopian solutions for the problems we face. Here are two examples: Adaptive faà §ade Fluidic muscle technology Prof Ir Kas Oosterhuis 2003 This was a competition, its aim being to come up with an innovative idea to create a faà §ade that has flexibility that will enable the occupants to have total control of the light levels in their immediate area, rather than have a centralised controller. Currently most solar shading devices have no facility for localised control and the whole faà §ade has to change at once and can usually only be set to fully open or fully closed. This system allows the building users in any part of the building to set their own preferred light levels. The muscles are made of silicon coated polyamide rubber with steel valves at each end, the shades are inflatable cushions made of polyester coated with hypalon and the whole assembly is joined by steel fixings. The structure is very lightweight meaning easy attachment to existing buildings with little disruption. It can therefore be used to enhance the aesthetics of a mundane building. The facade brings attention to the building by the way it moves, it makes the building appear as if its alive, as the skin pulsates and opens. Edge monkeys (theoretical idea) Stephen A. Gage and Will Thorne (British architect-academics) In an article published in the cyber journal Technoetic Arts Stephen A. Gage and Will Thorne describe a hypothetical fleet of small robots they call edge monkeys. Their function would be to patrol building facades, regulating energy usage and indoor conditions. Basic duties include closing unattended windows, checking thermostats, and adjusting blinds. But the machines would also gesture meaningfully to internal occupants when building users are clearly wasting energy. This sci-fi sounding scheme crystallizes the widespread concern informing many recent architectural projects. Today, activating a buildings skin is in fashion. From the robotecture labs at top architecture schools to interactive art installations. Aesthetics and technology are converging in unlikely places. Nonetheless, the mainstream drivers for interactive envelopes are sustainability and strict energy codes. Conclusion- At the conclusion of this review, I have gained an appreciation and better understanding of this new trend towards intelligent faà §ades. Although it is somewhat difficult to conclude this study, primarily because the outcome really depends on individual interpretations and taste. By comparing the views and opinions of more than one person, I feel an honest result has been achieved. Yet due to the lack of commonly accepted methods and relevant supporting data for technology, the assessment of the overall performance of the intelligent facades cannot be carried out. It remains difficult, if not impossible, to carry out a fair comparison between different case studies in terms of intelligence. The different examples show that there isnt only one intelligent faà §ade system but rather that depending on the case in order it is an individual solution according to the location and utilization of the building. As a result it proves difficult to compare the case studies in this report. How ever looking at them individually the environmental data and statistics collected all point to succesfull levels achieved. The facades seem to be doing their job by reacting intelligently to the climate and impoving internal conditions while still cutting energy consumption. The conclusion reached is that with the combination of these three elements: new technology, innovative materials and very good design, highly efficient intelligent skins can still be aesthetically pleasing. But do technically innovative buildings always come in such stylish packages? What twenty years ago was perceived as clumsy and unattractive eco-buildings and deterred architects from a design perspective is today an aesthetically interesting and multi faceted solution. In the design of new buildings, the sustainability aspect is particularly popular and the faà §ade returns to its initial purpose of representation: bold, transparent and sustainable architecture is implemented with minimal conflict as a general rule. Another thought is that intelligent facades are possibly perceived as being visually attractive because of their environmental advantages in a world where being green is in vogue. Or more philosophically, people are attracted to facades with moving parts because motion seems to herald change. Michael Fox an architect and robotics expert predicted Architectural environments will be increasingly smart and responsive and capable of complex behaviours. But one must question whether such promises have been realized? And what is needed to push the idea forward and turn the promise of extraordinarily intelligent faà §ades into a reality? Steps need to be taken to develop these products quickly. We are in the midst of global climate change, the way we think is changing and the way in which buildings are designed and made must also change. Adaptive, intelligent environmental strategies offer a critical contribution to the broad ambition of reversing environmental damage. Intelligent facades will, one day in the near future become a necessity/commonplace and that in time may hinder the obvious aesthetic merit of exemplar buildings like the ones shown in this report.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Genetic Engineering: Our Key to a Better World Essay -- Genetic Engine

What is genetic engineering one might ask and why is there so much moral controversy surrounding the topic? Genetic engineering as defined by Pete Moore, "is the name given to a wide variety of techniques that have one thing in common: they all allow the biologist to take a gene from one cell and insert it into another" (SS1). Such techniques included in genetic engineering (both "good" and "bad") are, genetic screening both during the fetal stage and later in life, gene therapy, sex selection in fetuses, and cloning. Because of many ethical, religious, and safety concerns, genetic engineering is the source of much debate and argument. Many people, even scientists, have raised strong questions concerning the issue. In his article Moore raises such questions as, "Could the technology get out of control and damage human health or the environment? Who will decide which of the many uses are safe and permissible, and which should be banned? How can we assess the safety of genetic enginee ring?" (SS1) These questions and similar ones raised by the opposition do hold valid moral and ethical considerations. However, the vast benefits of regulated genetic engineering techniques could greatly improve human health, the environment, and agriculture, and must be allowed to be explored by responsible scientists. Simply put, genetic engineering offers a possible brighter future for our world and everyone in it and it must be pursued in a restricted manner so the positive effects can be obtained. The first point that must be made when arguing for the use of genetic engineering is stressing that genetic engineering must be highly controlled to avoid possible catastrophe. In his book, The Ethics of Genetic Control, Joseph Fletcher describes ... ...seases would also be eliminated. It is obvious that both sides of the genetic engineering debate have very valid arguments based on their beliefs. However, from the scientist standpoint the banning of genetic engineering research and techniques would be a rash mistake. For how can we know what might have been if we never try? And how can with move our world into the future without exploring progress? Therefore, under strict controls, safety precautions, and bans of unethical techniques, genetic engineering could very well be the key to a better world and a better life for all. Works Cited: Fletcher, Joseph. The Ethics of Genetic Control. New York: Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1974. Moore, Pete. "Genetic Manipulation." New Scientist 13 Nov. 1993: SS1-SS4. Shannon, Thomas A. What Are They Saying About Genetic Engineering? New York: Paulist Press, 1985.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Do Computers Think? :: essays research papers

Can or will computers ever think? Well this has been a subject of much debate between even the greatest minds, and yet there is still no answer. First of all I have would like you to answer a question. What is 4x13? Did you have to think to answer that? Yes? Well does that mean that a computer can think because it can answer that question. Well that is what we are going to set to answer and I think yes, depending on your definition of thinking. First off let’s get something straight. When I refer to computers in this essay I am not referring only to the microprocessor sitting on your desk but to microprocessors that control robots of various structure. Well as I said we first must define ‘to think’. What does that mean? Webster’s New Compact Dictionary defines ‘think’ as "1. Have a mind. 2. Believe. 3. Employ the mind.". It defines mind as ‘to think’. So does this mean that if you can think does this mean you have a mind? My opinion is that, according to this definition, computers can think. A computer can give you an answer to the question ‘What is 4x13?’, so it can think. What’s that? You say it’s just programmed to do that, if no one programmed it wouldn’t be able to do that. Well how did you know how to answer the question? Your teacher or parent’s or someone taught it to you. So you were programmed, same as the computer was. So you think that programing is different than learning. You might think the same as my grandma that programing is something where things are just drilled into you like people who are members of cults. Well when your teacher stood over you desk in elementary and do drilled you on the multiplication tables was that not programming? Would you know that 1x5 does not equal 10 if everyone you ever met said that it did. Another argument my grandma used was my little cousin and how when he runs into a wall he learns that it hurts so he doesn’t do it again. (Well actually he does it because he has a hard head). Yet a professor in Calgary builds robots that do not even contain a microprocessor yet it can learn. He builds them out of spare part from broken electronics such as walkman’s.

Computers and The Increase of Labor and Wage Inequality in The 1980’s :: History Technology Essays

Computers and The Increase of Labor and Wage Inequality in The 1980’s Although computer technology dates back to at least the 1940’s, microprocessors were first introduced on a wide scale in manufacturing in the 1970’s. It has been noted that mainframe computers started to be used in business in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Computers have seemed to grow more rapidly ever since the Apple II was born in 1977 and the IBM PC in 1981. PC (personal computers) spread rapidly in the 80’s and 90’s and have been upgrading ever since. It has been said that during this increase in popularity and use of computers the labor inequality and wage difference has been increasing as well. Throughout this paper we will discuss reasons why computers are to blame and why computers have had nothing to do with economic increase of skilled educated workers and a decrease in need for unskilled and uneducated workers. Increase in the growth rate of the demand of more skilled workers due to the pace of the technological work from 1970 to the present has been one of the arguments against computers causing inequality. From the 1970’s the pace of work has been faster, the work load has been greater because demand has gone up, and many jobs have become more difficult to learn. There are no longer mills where education and much knowledge was needed to get the job done. Work has gotten much more involved and complex. The employment of high school drop outs have fallen from 64.4% in 1940 to 9.8% in 1996, and the employment of college graduates have risen from 9.3% to 41.6%. Although computers have been around that whole time there is no way they caused a 54.6% decrease in the employment of high school drop outs. It has also been said that there has been an expansion slowdown from what the country was used to in the beginning half of this century from the 1970’s, so this has allowed companies to pay one educated worker rather than paying two of three uneducated workers that did the same job. Over the years unions have also began to disappear causing some of those unskilled workers how were once protected by contracts to a given union to become no longer demanded. Many of those unskilled workers who escaped being unneeded have noticed a dramatic pay decrease. Many people might think, â€Å"What are you talking about, in the 1940’s they were making like five to ten dollars a day.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Brief Analysis Report of Rio Tinto

Brief analysis report of Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a British multinational metals and mining corporation with headquarters in London and a management office in Melbourne, Australia. The corporation was founded in 1873 and it ranked at the number 263 in Global 500 of largest worldwide companies in 2008. (Wikipedia, 2012) Rio Tinto’s net earning has decreased in the year 2011 mainly because of the financial crisis and global economic uncertainty (Annual report of Rio Tinto, 2011). Meanwhile, the leadership claimed that they believe the long-term outlook is strong. Figure 1: Key Financial Data of Rio Tinto (from 2010 and 2011) YearItem | 2010 / US$ million| 2011 / US$ million| Net profit before tax| 20,491| 13,214| Net profit after tax| 15,098| 6,765| Total comprehensive income| 16,492| 4,365| Sales| 55,171| 60,537| Total assets| 112,773| 119,545| Current assets| 21,459| 21,898| Current liabilities| 12,876| 14,966| Cash flow from operating activities| 23,530| 27,388| (Annual report of Rio Tinto, 2011) According to figure 1 the net profit margin of Rio Tinto in the year 2010 fell from27. 4% to 11. 2% in the year 2011. (net profit margin is equal to net profit after tax divided by sales revenue) The profit rate to net worth of this company in the year is 5. %. (profit rate to net worth is net profit after tax divided by average total assets) The investors should use comprehensive income figure rather than net profit because comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period. (comprehensive income is equal to net profit plus other comprehensive income) The operating cash flow increased by $US3,858 million from $US23,530 million in the year 2010 to $US27,388 million in the year 2011 meanwhile, the sales raised by $US5,366 million from $US55,171 millionin the year 2010 to 60,537 million US$ in the year 2011.This matter of fact indicates Rio Tinto expended $US1,580 million on operating the company. The current assets increased smoothly from $US21,45 9 million in the year 2010 to $US21,898 million in the year 2011. At the same period the current liabilities raised up dramatically from $US12,876 million in the year 2010 to $US14,966 million in the year 2011. This data shows the company did not work well in this period. (Figure 1) Rio Tinto will cutting office jobs in Melbourne and Sydney in Australia and the board of the company will cut support and service costs by 10 per cent around the world (Greg, 2012).Because they said they need to build resilience and controlling costs during a difficult time, which includes product price decreases and Europe’s debt crisis (Greg, 2012). Greg’s report (2012) also showed that the Rio Tinto’s first half net profit dropped dramatically to $US4. 9 billion ($A4. 69 billion) from $US7. 78 billion ($A7. 44 billion) last year. Not only Rio Tinto’s earnings has dropped but BHP Billiton’s earnings are forecast to drop at the same time the world’s biggest iron ore miner Vale also posted lower than expected second quarter earnings at two year lows(Greg,2012).In the group statement of financial position the goodwill of Rio Tinto has dropped almost half of that in the year 2010 which is from $US15,316 million to $US8,187 million(Annual report of Rio Tinto, 2011). This matter of fact indicates that the company Rio Tinto appears to be done not well. The inventories of this company increase by $US551 million from $US4,756 million in the year 2010 to $US5,307 million in the year 2011(Annual report of Rio Tinto, 2011). The inventories rise up means the product of Rio Tinto cannot be sold mainly because the economy is uncertain and the demand of the ore is weak.The current and non-current liabilities all raise heavily and the net assets decreases from $US64,512 million in the year 2010 to $US59,208 million in the year 2011(Annual report of Rio Tinto, 2011). The liabilities rise up means the Rio Tinto tried to borrow money to pass the difficult ti me which lasting time is still uncertain. The net profit of Rio Tinto and other mining company decrease mainly because the commodity prices drop seriously. Commodity prices are formed by the interaction of global economic growth and costs of expanding supply of ommodities (Garnaut,n. d). According to Gurnaut’s article ‘the contemporary China resources boom’ China have been the main reason of high energy and metals prices since the year 2003. The article also claimed that Chinese growth has been the consequence of high investment rates and rapid increases in fringe population and the export share of production. The author believed that developing countries like China and India will still keep the commodity prices of ore in high level.In brief, although the financial and operating situation of the Rio Tinto is not well, the future of Rio Tinto will still be great because the demand of developing will be strong. Hence, it will be a good choice to invest Rio Tinto. R eference list Garnaut, R 2012, ‘The contemporary China resources boom’, The Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 222–243 Rio Tinto Ltd, 2011, Annual Report viewed 5 August 2012 http://www. riotinto. com/annualreport2011/pdf/rio_tinto_2011_annual_report. pdf Wikipedia2012, Rio Tinto Group, viewed 26 October 2012, < http://de. wikipedia. org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Group>

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

PepsiCo restaurants Essay

I. IntroductionThe divulge oppugn is whether PepsiCo should expand its restaurant wrinkle by pursuing the leverage of CARTS OF atomic number 27, a $7 trillion manufacturer and merchandiser of expeditious fare handcarts and kiosks, and calcium pizza pie KITCHEN, a $34 million restaurant train in the casual dining segment.II. synopsis of the main caperPepsiCo has 3 main segments slowly potables (35% of PepsiCos gross revenue and 39% of its in operation(p) usefulnesss in 1991), snack foods (29% of PepsiCos sales and 35% of its operating pro scenes) and restaurants (36% of PepsiCos sales and 26% of its operating pro sounds). In the early 1990s PepsiCos trine restaurant chains (KFC, Taco doorbell and pizza shack) were the leaders in their individual segment. PepsiCos senior fore popular opinion believes its competency to move people at heart and across divisions gives PepsiCo a competitive reinforcement in the restaurant segment. PepsiCo believes their restaurant s be scram due to their salutary management teams which are developed in spite of come forwardance the corporation. PepsiCo would like to utilize their competitive reinforcement in running restaurants with PepsiCo managers by adding calcium pizza pie Kitchen and CARTS OF carbon monoxide gas to the PepsiCo portfolio.Despite PepsiCos success with KFC, Taco doorbell and Pizza hut it had unvoicedy expanding La piffling Boulangerie, a three-unit bakery chain it purchased in 1982. The large overhead for La piddling Boulangerie made the federation unprofitable and Pepsi change it in 1987 for a $13 million loss. The unsuccessful venture into La footling Boulangerie suggested that although PepsiCo managers were gifted and could be easily locomote across divisions the moves would non always guarantees a successful furrow expansion.Therefore, the main problem for PepsiCo management is to decide whether it great deal successfully purchase and administer atomic number 20 pizz a pie KITCHEN and CARTS OF carbon monoxide. This is in light of the fact that PepsiCo believes it has a competitive advantage in the skillfulness of its managers that was non borne out in the unsuccessful La diminutive Boulangerie bakery endeavor.III. RecommendationsPepsiCo outhouse be categorized as a relate diversifier. Approximately 30% of its tax revenue is adjourn between its 3 main industrialcategories. PepsiCos line of descent units comp unrivalednt usual resources and skills. Historically companies that use up a corporal st lay outgy of related diversification perform the best (GBS_634M lecture nones). Therefore on the surface it would appear that diversification by acquiring calcium pizza KITCHEN and CARTS OF carbon monoxide would be an excellent strategic decision.However, in arguments described below the evidence does non support a recommendation for PepsiCo to purchase Carts of Colorado or calcium pizza KITCHEN.IV. Justification for recommendationsPepsiCo is a lucrative company and thus does non shoot to radiate into atomic number 20 pizza KITCHEN and CARTS OF atomic number 27 to honor it profitability. From 1987-1991 PepsiCos sales doubled, income from continuing operations grew at a compound rate of much(prenominal) than 20%, and the companys value on the stock commercialise egress tripled (PepsiCo restaurant Case, pg. 4, and Exhibit 3).Eight key drives NOT to broaden into atomic number 20 pizza KITCHEN and CARTS OF atomic number 27.It is poor rationale for PepsiCo to diversify into atomic number 20 pizza KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO simply to adulterate risk. The restaurant logical argument is cyclical. Some restaurants allow be profitable, composition round lead non be profitable. PepsiCos shareholders crumb diversify risk by get shares in CALIFORNIA pizza KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO themselves. Furthermore, it is not an appropriate transcription for PepsiCo management to over-diversify to protect t heir personal wealth.Maintaining growth is not a dandy basis to diversify into CALIFORNIA pizza pie KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO. most(prenominal) shareholders would rather hold shares in a small profitable company, not a big unprofitable company. As a shareholder, there is only a supercharge ground if PepsiCo makes a profit. Currently PepsiCo is making a profit. Although managers benefit from growth regardless(prenominal) of profit or loss , growth for the interest group of growth is not an appropriate spring to diversify.Although PepsiCo rat use CALIFORNIA pizza pie KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO to balance cash lead by funneling cash from its large business units to the smaller CALIFORNIA pizza KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO business units this is not recommended. Even thought PepsiCo has the capability of doing this an individual shareholder back do this for himself. The counterargument would be that PepsiCo managers can do a better job equilibrize cash flow than share holders because the corporation can be more tax efficient than the individual shareholder. precisely this alone is not a ample reason to diversify.The scholarship of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO leave not create synergy within the PepsiCo corporate strategy. PepsiCo already has a Pizza segment (i.e. Pizza hovel) and does not get under ones skin experience in the quick food cart segment. Diversifying into these two market segments volition not produce corporate synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. star peachy reason for PepsiCo to diversity into CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO is the sharing of stand and to create economies of chain. PepsiCo is shortly saving silver because they are competing in several diametric industries (ie. Soft drinks, snack foods, and restaurants). These business units share the support structure and then the reduced costs. While Pepsis economy of scope can be used to dish out chips j ust as wellspring as nutty drinks it is not apparent that they can deliver well in the recession restaurant market like CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN (refer back to La Petite Boulangerie misfortune).If PepsiCo were to dispense two or more different products simultaneously that would be unspoilt by creating an economy of scope. For example, if PepsiCo could distri entirelye Pepsi soft drinks and calcium Pizza from a cart they would get to justification for the accomplishment of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO because they would be sharing common infrastructure that would make them unique. The singularity would make it really difficult for competitors to obey and would be a reason to diversify. But there are currently no mechanisms to sell California Pizzas from a cart. Therefore at this time, sharing ofinfrastructure is not a obedient justification for PepsiCo to diversify into these two markets.It is not apparent that PepsiCo volition increase its market power i f they acquire CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO. PepsiCo already has multiple business units that demoralise from the very(prenominal) set of suppliers and sell to same set of customers. They have used this to gain market power. It is not apparent that adding CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO to the pot will increase PepsiCos market share significantly.It could be argued that by acquiring CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO PepsiCo is exploiting message competence. Although this is generally a good reason to diversify by generating more revenue opportunity and competing in several markets this is not a good initiative for PepsiCo in the situation with CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO. In order to exploit core competencies, PepsiCos business units must be related, so they share the same set of skills. In order for this strategy to be successful, the benefits to PepsiCo have to be unavailable to PepsiCos competitors.If PepsiCos co mpetitors can gain the same advantage, thusly PepsiCo will not have a strategic benefit. Although the Colorado Carts are unique, they can be duplicated by the competition (e.g. California Carts, All-Star Carts, Creative Mobile systems). With regards to CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, other pizza restaurants can barf the unique flavors and styles of pizza. Therefore, PepsiCo will not be exploiting its core competence and should not diversify.If PepsiCo is contemplating CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO as good black eye projects then this is not a justification for diversification. CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN is a profitable company. CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN has change magnitude both sales and net income from 1990 to 1991. CARTS OF COLORADO has also shown an increase in sales and operating income from 1985-1991. The management teams of both companies appear to be performing well. Therefore the turnaround potential is not a good reason to diversify.CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO do not fit into the PepsiCo incorporate strategyWhere does PepsiCo compete?There whitethorn be a market opportunity for PepsiCo in the acquisition of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO, but that does not necessarily imply that PepsiCo should take the opportunity. The overall scope of PepsiCo is on pleasant foods and beverages. The acquisition of CARTS OF COLORADO would certainly be in-line with PepsiCos focus of providing foods and beverages at golden locations. However, PepsiCo does not have experience in the placement of mobile food carts and therefore PepsiCo would be at a discriminate to those more experienced in the mobile cart business.There is even less evidence for a distinctive market opportunity for PepsiCo with the acquisition of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN. PepsiCo already owns Pizza Hut and therefore has a place in the dine-in and take-out pizza business. Although CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN is suited for more upscale markets with unique fla vors and tastes, Pizza Hut could introduce similar unique flavors and tastes. In addition Pizza Hut has stores across the United States and internationally, while CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN has a limited geographic scope. It currently operates only 25 restaurants in ogdoad states (PepsiCo look, pg. 15). The offbeat pizzas may not sell well across the United States and internationally. For example, jerk-chicken pizza may sell very well in Beverly Hills, CA but not sell well in Peoria, Illinois or Duesseldorf, Germany.How does PepsiCo compete?PepsiCos corporate strategy allows for transfer of resources (i.e. managers) across their business units. PepsiCos philosophy is We take eagles and teach them to vaporize in formation (PepsiCo case, pg. 3). Therefore PepsiCo may have a strategic advantage by transferring managers from one of its current business units to CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO. For example, one manager could transfer her knowledge from a position at Pizza Hut to CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN relatively transparently although it may be more difficult to transfer knowledge from Pizza Hut to the food carts and kiosks the business of Colorado Carts.PepsiCo does transfers resources which fit well with the CARTS OF COLORADOenterprise. PepsiCo can place a Cart outside a shopping mall on the lane selling food. At some carts PepsiCo could stretch out KFC or Taco Bell while offering a Pepsi soft drink maybe put forward some Frito lays chips. But this strategy does not fit well with the idea of the upscale CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN being adoptly approximative a KFC or Taco Bell in a mega-mall food court.How does PepsiCo bleed?PepsiCo, although a very large corporate office, has an execution strategy in which they permit the managers go at their own pace. They have a decentralized organization (PepsiCo case pg. 4). PepsiCo managers are rewarded on a two-phase system reporting performance first to direct managers then to upper level managers. In order to be promoted managers of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO would have to perform very well relative to all of the be PepsiCo restaurants. Because all of the other PepsiCo restaurants are at the top of their respective segments it will be a challenge for managers of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and CARTS OF COLORADO to surpass other PepsiCo business units. Therefore the managers will not be incentivized as well managing CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO.Therefore, diversifying into California Pizza Kitchen and CARTS OF COLORADO is not copasetic with the PepsiCo corporate strategy.V. Summary.The acquisition of CARTS OF COLORADO and CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN will not lead toward the fulfillment of PepsiCos mission which is To be the worlds premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages and seeks to produce healthy fiscal rewards to investors as they provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to their employees, their busine ss partners and the communities in which they operate. And in everything they do, to strive for honesty, legality and integrity. (http//www.pepsico.com/PEP_Company/Overview/index.cfm)PepsiCos management should take the culpable until proven innocent approach and not diversify into these two business segments. As described in the preceding paragraphsat this time there is not sufficient and convincing evidence to support the need for diversification into CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or CARTS OF COLORADO.References1. http//www.pepsico.com/PEP_Company/Overview/index.cfm2. www.cpk.com3. PepsiCo restaurants. HBS 9-794-078