The gift of the magi, a continuation Essay Example For Students

The gift of the magi, a continuation Essay THE GIFT OF THE MAGIIt was one week from Dellas 30th birthday and Jim didnt have enough money to buy her a present. Well, Jim thought, if I dont have a watch then why should I have a chain for one? So, he sold his watchchain in order to have money for Dellas present. Now, what do I buy Della? he asked himself. I think Ill goto the flea market and look for something, because one little rusty old chain wont buy me very much, Jim statedas he started riding his bicycle to the market. At the market Jim found many things, some very pretty andexpensive, some very pretty and cheap, and some just plain ugly things that had been there awhile and alwayswould be until they were finally thrown away. Omigosh, is that DDDDeeDDDe? Jim stuttered inastonishment. Was what he had seen real? Or was he just jumping to conclusions? Was that really the hair thatDella had sold just 2 years ago? It was, and Jim thought that Della would maybe like it back, so he bought it for 2cents and he was so happy and he thought he had the best present anyone could ever give their girlfriend. Now,Jim thought, will this be a useful gift, and I dont mean in a few years, this time I want to get it right, So Jimthought for two days straight. Finally he came up with an idea, Ill make it into a wig, a girl can never have tomany wigs. So he went to the wig shop, which usually only made those white braided wigs that all the importantmen wore, but the wigmaker made an exception because Jim was a good friend and after all, it was for a girlsbirthday. The wigmaker asked, Are you sure Della will like this present, I mean it is rather odd, and Dellas hairhas already grown twice as long as this. But dont get me wrong, Im not trying to be rude, I mean, well I thinkIll just get started on this wig right away, okay, bye. So Jim left, thinking that the wigmaker was a little out ofhis mind that day. The next day, which was the day before Dellas birthday, the wigmaker called Jim. Hello, Umm, did youwant this wig dyed, or left red? And also, I cant make a wig that fits unless Dellas head is measured, what willyou do to find out without arousing her suspicions? Jim answered uncertainly, Well I guess Ill just have tothats all, and of course not, Dont you dare dye that beautiful color of hair, its the prettiest Ive ever seen. Thewigmaker replied, Okay, but I still need to know her head size very soon in order to finish the hat, are you sureyou like that color? Im not stupid, what I say I want is what I want. Now, I will bring the measurements overas soon as I get them, Jim replied rudely. We will write a custom essay on The gift of the magi, a continuation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Della, Jim replied, breathless from running all the way to the store and back to buy a tape measure, Ineed to get your measurements for something, could you come here? Della obeys thinking maybe a new dress as apresent. What measurements do you need, honey? Della answered in her sweetest voice. Jim said I need to getyour head size for something, thats all. Well, Okay, Della replied surprised at first, and then realized that shemust be getting a hat for her birthday. Later at the wig shop. There, its all finished; do you like it Jim? asked the wigmaker. Jim said, Itsgreat, dont you think? You dont look to sure about it? The wigmaker replied, lying, Its great, after all its thethought that counts, right?. Sure thing Phil, well, gotta go, tomorrows Dellas birthday, are you going to bethere? Sure Jim, Ill be there. Said the wigmaker. .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 , .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 .postImageUrl , .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 , .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9:hover , .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9:visited , .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9:active { border:0!important; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9:active , .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9 .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u5f7ba4b43143ba7356e709548d688bc9:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Sir Gawain And The Green Knight EssayIt is Dellas birthday, all of Jim and Dellas friends are at their home, and she begins to open presents. She will be opening Jims present first. I wonder what it could be? Della claims, quite ecstatically. She untiesthe ribbon, carefully undoes the golden wrapping paper, opens the box, and slowly takes out the tissue paper, pieceby piece. Im really exited, she says as the first piece floats to the floor. I can hardly wait, I know it will begreat, she says as the second tissue is lifted up. This is the last one, its its its a wig!!! Della shoutsloudly and upset. It is just a piece of filthy old hair, worse yet its someone elses who coul d have germs. Howdare you, you, you Jim shouts back, in order to be heard by the roaring of Della, My sweet, its your very ownhair, the hair in which you cut off to buy me a Christmas present, doesnt that mean anything to you? And besides,I thought it was the thought that counted. But Della was to upset to listen to reason. She shouted at him, I hateyou, I really hate you. How dare you give me a worthless rag, get away from me, I never want to see you again, Impacking and leaving tomorrow! As she finished speaking she ran into her bedroom, locked the door, and droppedonto her bed, crying her eyes out. Della left the next day, not even saying goodbye to Jim. Jim was heartbroken. He moved away out of shame for being so dum. For the next 30 years he kept the wig, which had been thrownback in his face by his beloved, and he mourned his loss. He vowed that if he could ever se Della again, he couldmake up for his stupidity. It is 34 years after Della left Jim. Jim had previously been traveling the country, and eventually settledin Dellas home town, hoping that someday she too would return. Lucky for him, she did return, for her 64thbirthday. She wanted to spend it with her brother, David, and his family. David and Jim had been friends eversince they met when Della and Jim started seeing each other. David is how Jim had been keeping tabs on whereDella was. By now, Della was old, gray, with short ugly hair. On Dellas birthday, Jim showed up, with the wighiding in a box. Della opened the door and froze, stunned. Jim, it, its been so long, why are you here? Dellaasked shakily. Jim replied, Well, I have never forgotten you Della, and I still love you and hope you could forgiveme. Actually, I shouldnt have been as cruel to you as I was, but still, that was a dum move, Della said. Jimstated apologetically, It was a stupid present then, but would you take it now? It kinda fits the situation betterdont you thin k? But I am not implying that you look ugly now, If I gave you this I wouldnt want you to wear it ifyour just around me if you didnt want, because I dont think youve changed one bit. Jim says, taking the boxfrom behind him and handing it to Della. She opens it, and its the old wig, but cleaned and groomed of course. Della stutters, I, I, I dont know what to say. I love it, and its true with me also. I have never loved anyone elsebut you. Jim asks, Della, will you marry me? Yes, oh yes, of course I will marry you. Della says as she putson the old wig. Della and Jim lived happily ever after, until 2 years later when they both died together in a terrible carcrash. .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 , .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 .postImageUrl , .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 , .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94:hover , .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94:visited , .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94:active { border:0!important; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94:active , .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94 .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ud1432ecf15847bfa9a68939c7a5d7f94:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Christopher Columbus (601 words) EssayCategory: English

Expected Value for Chuck-a-Luck

Expected Value for Chuck-a-Luck Chuck-a-Luck is a game of chance. Three dice are rolled, sometimes in a wire frame. Due to this frame, this game is also called birdcage. This game is more often seen in carnivals rather than casinos. However, due to the use of random dice, we can use probability to analyze this game. More specifically we can calculate the expected value of this game. Wagers There are several types of wagers that are possible to bet on. We will only consider the single number wager. On this wager we simply choose a specific number from one to six. Then we roll the dice. Consider the possibilities. All of the dice, two of them, one of them or none could show the number that we have chosen. Suppose that this game will pay the following: $3 if all three dice match the number chosen.$2 if exactly two dice match the number chosen.$1 if exactly one of the dice matches the number chosen. If none of the dice matches the number chosen, then we must pay $1. What is the expected value of this game? In other words, in the long run how much on average would we expect to win or lose if we played this game repeatedly? Probabilities In order to find the expected value of this game we need to determine four probabilities. These probabilities correspond to the four possible outcomes. We note that each die is independent of the others. Due to this independence, we use the multiplication rule. This will help us in determining the number of outcomes. We also assume that the dice are fair. Each of the six sides on each of the three dice is equally likely to be rolled. There are 6 x 6 x 6 216 possible outcomes from rolling these three dice. This number will be the denominator for all of our probabilities. There is one way to match all three dice with the number chosen. There are five ways for a single die to not match our chosen number. This means that there are 5 x 5 x 5 125 ways for none of our dice to match the number that was chosen. If we consider exactly two of the dice matching, then we have one die that does not match. There are 1 x 1 x 5 5 ways for the first two dice to match our number and the third to be different.There are 1 x 5 x 1 5 ways for the first and third dice to match, with the second be different.There are 5 x 1 x 1 5 ways for the first die to be different and for the second and third to match. This means that there is a total of 15 ways for exactly two dice to match. We now have calculated the number of ways to obtain all but one of our outcomes. There are 216 rolls possible. We have accounted for 1 15 125 141 of them. This means that there are 216 -141 75 remaining. We collect all of the above information and see: The probability our number matches all three dice is 1/216.The probability our number matches exactly two dice is 15/216.The probability our number matches exactly one die is 75/216.The probability our number matches none of the dice is 125/216. Expected Value We are now ready to calculate the expected value of this situation. The formula for expected value requires us to multiply the probability of each event by the net gain or loss if the event occurs. We then add all of these products together. The calculation of the expected value is as follows: (3)(1/216) (2)(15/216) (1)(75/216) (-1)(125/216) 3/216 30/216 75/216 -125/216 -17/216 This is approximately -$0.08. The interpretation is that if we were to play this game repeatedly, on average we would lose 8 cents each time that we played.

Review of an Academic Research Paper Literature Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Of an Academic Research Paper - Literature review Example Educational validity is influenced by the representational validity problems, and methods of implementing the simulation (Stainton, Johnson and Borodzicz, 2010, p.707). The representational problems of validity emanate from algorithmic validity, and the percentage of reality that aims to achieve the necessary learning. Other factors that influence representational validity are prejudices that emanate from designers, and the effectiveness of simulators in helping partakers to understand the simulation representation (Stainton, Johnson and Borodzicz, 2010, P. 709) ). To achieve educational validity, it is important to apply the principles of experiential learning. Experiential learning involves the use of senses to construct learning by undergoing through different problems, and later on reflecting on them, for purposes of understanding the problem and its solution. Robinson (2005) also agrees with the articles proposition that, there is no process for the design, implementation, and validation of total enterprise simulations. For purposes of providing a structure for a validation investigation, the following are formulated theoretical prepositions. Klein (1985) agrees with the articles argument which states that simulation is successful is successful if participants manage to prove that their experiences during the process changed their attitudes regarding the management of businesses. This method gives investigators a chance to acquire meaningful and an all-inclusive characteristics of events that shape the real life. Case studies explain real life phenomena’s that are impossible for experiments and surveys to describe and offer a solution (Stainton, Johnson and Borodzicz, 2010, p. 712). The main aim of construct validity is to create accurate operational measures for purposes of using it during the process of data collection. Therefore, it is important to operationalize total enterprise simulation in order to measure it. External validity

Marketing Master Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marketing Master - Case Study Example Price competition, backed by improved efficiency, is the main feature of this industry today (Chrisman et al 2003). Mission: the mission of Kitchen Made Pies is to produce and market high-quality fresh and frozen pies to institutional customers and restaurants. The original mission had made it clear that it was in the relatively unexploited sector that Kitchen Made Pies saw its clearest opportunity for innovation. Kitchen Made Pies set out to create a range of high-quality products that were distinctive in type, and especially appealing to people who had acquired a taste for pies. A wholesome, appetizing and, at same time, slightly exotic taste experience is what Kitchen Made Pies wanted to offer (Chrisman et al 2003). Goals: the main goal of the company is to get and keep a customer. Also, Kitchen Made Pies is aimed to achieve competitive advantage and sustainable competitive creating value for their customers, select markets where they can excel and present a moving target to their competitors by continually improving their position. Three of the most important factors are innovation, quality and inventory reduction. In order to improve logistics, the company is aimed to concentrate on doing business with drop-shippers which allow to involve larger orders. A continuum of resource sustainability is to compose resources and capabilities characterized by their durability and imitability. Financial goal is to increase sales and liquidity of business (Chrisman et al 2003; Paley, 2006). Marketing Policies Marketing policies Be in one of the most highly rated industries for stability and success, Kitchen Made Pies offers a high quality pies to everyone who wants an excellent taste. It is advantage is that Kitchen Made Pies can meet the requirement of wide audience marketing fresh and frozen pies. The high quality ingredients are the main criterion for Kitchen Made Pies. It does not want to reduce costs of production as it can worsen quality of their products. Recent years, sales of the company have failed (Paley, 2006). According the present day situation: "the current product mix, sales of approximately $35,000 per week which is $1,829,000 per year" (Chrisman et al 2003, p. 45). PR personnel also play a key role in responding to unflattering media reports or controversies that arise because of company activities in different parts of country. The basic tools of public relations include news releases, newsletters, media kits, press conferences, tours of plants and other company facilit ies. Financial Policies Financial policies Financial situation of the company suggest that it needs additional costs to cover all the expenses. According to Financial data, the net profit sales is "- 10,91%", total assets is " - 44,9%" and equity is "- 65,4%" (Chrisman et al 2003, p. 45). In general, these are very low figures for the company like Kitchen Made Pies. The other problem is that the bank note is due, and Kitchen Made Pies has to pay it. Refinancing the loan is the major concern of the company. Another negative situation is low liquidity which can have a great impact on the future financial situation of Kitchen Made Pies. Also, the major problem is Dean Distributing which has a poor payment record. High production costs are concern of the co

Deregulation Of Downstream Oil And Gas Industry Business Essay

Deregulation Of Downstream Oil And Gas Industry Business Essay This study began with a historical background of deregulation, government motives and the benefits the deregulation of downstream oil and gas industry will deliver to Nigerians. The literature review provided an assessment of the opinion of two schools of thought: the opposing and the supporting group for deregulation. Their different views gave insight into the various reasons why government should or should not deregulate the industry. The purpose of the study is aimed to answer three questions: (1) What informed governments deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry and is it the only solution in Nigerias economic environment? 2) How can the government improve the implementation of the deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry to achieve the actual policy objective? (3) In what way can government encourage the private sector to fully participate in the downstream oil and gas deregulation exercise? In order to answer these questions, this study solicited the views of Nigerians and some industry professionals through self-administered questionnaires. Response by industry professionals addressed the perspective of strategic management, implementation, innovation and competitive forces. The response from other Nigerians addressed the perspective of effects, challenges and prospects of deregulation. By using broad theoretical approach, this study has demonstrated that a wider scope and broader assessment of the downstream oil and gas sector deregulation can be achieved. The theoretical framework has also been empirically tested through the questionnaire response and hypotheses that were carried out and it has proven to be effective in understanding the dynamics of the industrys deregulation programme. The responses provided by industry professionals answers the first question on what informed governments deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry and is it the only solution in Nigerias economic environment. The second and third questions were also answered by them. Two respondents were not in support of deregulation, while the other two were in favour of the governments deregulation programme, stressing that deregulation is the only remedy for the problems in the oil and gas industry. Their views on the implementation of deregulation, control mechanism by regulatory agencies, innovation and competitive forces shows similar response. They feel government is not implementing deregulation properly and suggested a fully deregulated downstream oil and gas sector as against the current partial deregulation where NNPC is still involved in marketing activities and fixing product prices. On the aspect of government encouraging the oil marketers to ensure the success of deregulatio n, respondent (B) suggested providing loan facilities for them while, respondent (C) felt that providing a level playing field for equity and equal participation will drive the success of deregulation. From the analyses on quantitative data which illustrate the views and opinions of 150 Nigerians on the effects, challenges and prospects of the downstream oil and gas industry deregulation, we can infer that there is no significant difference in the response in support that deregulation would deliver positive effects to Nigerians and those against. The response on if challenges in the industry will hinder the success of deregulation also indicates no significant difference between those in support and those not in support. However, the response to the prospects of deregulation shows a significant difference in support that deregulation of the sector will facilitate better economic prospects and opportunities. In conclusion, based on the responses and views of Nigerians towards the downstream oil and gas deregulation, the study findings shows that deregulation of the sector is not properly implemented by the regulatory agencies. It also shows that the sector has been transformed to become competitive and market driven. It further reveals that the sector is not fully deregulated to enable market forces determine price, rather government is still fixing petroleum product prices. The overall result indicates that Nigerians are fully in support of deregulation of the sector, believing it will deliver positive effects, reduce challenges in the sector and create better prospects and opportunities. 6.2 Recommendation The purpose of this study is to examine the effects, challenges and prospects of the deregulation of the downstream oil and gas industry in Nigeria. To establish this objective, an analysis was conducted to evaluate findings on the effects, challenges and prospects. The study also examined deregulation implementation, competitive forces and innovation in the industry. This study recommendation would be based on the research findings, which includes the following: The response from staff (C) as shown in the appendix, suggests that the government is yet to fully deregulate the industry and NNPC is also still involve in product importation and distribution. He argued that the intending benefits of deregulation can only be achieved if the government totally discontinues direct participation and concentrates its efforts on the regulatory role. Against this background, this study recommends that government should display seriousness in implementing complete deregulation in the sector in accordance with the original policy framework. More oil marketers should be licensed, opportunities for free entry and exist should be allowed to encourage competition, equal participation and equity should be practiced without any sacred cow and more importantly, the demand and supply mechanism should be allowed to determine prices. This is the conventional concept that is obtainable in most countries where deregulation is practiced. The need for government to encourage and support oil marketers is also recommended in order to assist them acquire loan facilities. This view is consistent with the response from respondent (A) and (B) that suggested the provision of loan schemes most especially to indigenous oil marketers to grow in the industry. They argued that if governments wants to ensure that fuel scarcity is nipped in the bud, loan facilities should be granted to them to avoid supply lapses. This view is also supported by Kolawole (2012) who observes that probe by legislators of the sector reveals that the local content policy by way of encouraging indigenous operators are not enforced as claimed by The Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (ISOAN). The ISOAN accused the NNPC of deliberately side-lining Nigeria ship owners from lifting fuel both locally and international. The practice by NNPC will not encourage the deregulation program. A non-discriminatory system should be enforced, especially to the local oil marketers and vessel owners. Inefficiency and lack of integrity contributes largely to the major problems affecting the downstream oil and gas sector. Corruption is the main problem militating against the government policy agenda of deregulation (Auwal and Mamman, 2012). According to respondent (C) he posits that the government monitoring arm like the PPPRA, DPR NNPC and the security agents saddled with the responsibility of appraising and ensuring the success of deregulation are complete disappointment and have failed in their assigned responsibility because of their corrupt practices. This implies that government should fight corruption by ensuring that the agencies responsible for implementing and coordinating the deregulation program are monitored to ensure they discharge their jobs with integrity. Corrupt officers collaborating with fuel importing syndicates to frustrate government policies of proliferation of refineries in Nigeria should be fetched out, arrested and punished in order to serve as a deterren t to others. To maintain competitive advantage under the industrys current deregulation platform requires innovative and strategic approaches to gain market position. This view corresponds with the observation made by the industry respondents on the high competitive nature of the sector. Hence, prompting them to carry out market intelligence to have a competitive edge over their competitors. Essentially, the oil marketers should be more proactive by engaging in technological innovations, training courses, research and development in order for them to remain competitive. They should also invest in high tech facilities like oil discharge jetties, pipeline networks for oil and gas product distribution to their customers. According to Barney and Zajac (1994) competitive strategies depends significantly on firms resources and capabilities. However, if the strategies are not adopted, the capabilities are more likely to emerge during periods of turbulence and market instability. Hart (1995) also argues that innovative strategies can lead to the development of firms specific capabilities which can be a source of competitive advantage. The analysis of the downstream oil and gas industry using Porters Five forces framework shows that the threats of new entrants is low. The reason as observed by respondent A and B is that the sector is capitally intensive with the old oil marketers enjoying economies of scale and large customer loyalty. New entrants are struggling to penetrate the industry under the deregulated environment. The analysis also reveals that threats of substitute to petroleum products is low. According to respondent C there is over dependence on petroleum products in the country without any foreseeable alternative in the near future. The bargaining power of suppliers as observed by respondent A is high, NNPC is mainly the dominant importer and distributor with only few other importers participating. This study recommends that for deregulation to succeed, the government should promote alliances and mergers among the smaller marketers in the industry to enable them take market position. Government should a lso think of diversification into renewable energy sources like wind energy, tidal waves and solar energy which is in high abundance in the country. This will reduce the high demand and over dependence on petroleum products. More oil marketers should be encouraged to get involved in products importation and distribution. The refineries should also be privatized for them to function properly and discourage importation. The adoption of these measures by the government will create the enabling environment for deregulation to succeed. BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS Ansoff, H. I. (1965). Corporate Strategy: An Analytical Approach to business policy for growth and expansion. Newyork: McGraw-Hill, 1965. (pp. 118-121). Babbie, E. (2004). The practice of social research (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Best, J. W. and Khan, J.V. (1993). Research in Education 7th Edition. Boston: Allyn and Bacon Boutellier, R., Gassmann, O. and Von Zedtwitz, M. (2000). Managing Global Innovation. Berlin: Springer. pp. 30. ISBN 3-540-66832-2. Bryman, A. (2004). Social Research Methods. 2nd edition. New York: Oxford University Press. Burns, T. and Stalker, E. (1961). The Management of Innovation. London: Travistock. Chandler, A.D. Jr. (1962). Strategy and Structure: Chapters in the History of the Industrial Enterprise. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Charles, W. L. H. and Gareth, R. J. (1989). Strategic Management; An Integrated Approach. 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Using experiments to inform the privatization/deregulation movement in electricity. Cato Journal, 21, 515-544. Rothwell, G. and Gomez, T. (2003). Electricity economics: Regulation and deregulation. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE Press. Slater, S. F. and Narver, J. (1994). Does competitive environment moderate the market orientation performance relationship, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 58. (January), 46-55. Stigler, G. (1974). Free Riders and Collective Action: An Appendix to Theories of Economic Regulation, Bell Journal of Economics and Management Science 5 (Autumn), pp. 359-65. Stigler, G. (1971).The Theory of Economic Regulation, Bell Journal of Economics and Management Science 2 (Spring), pp. 3-21. Trott, P. (1998). Growing businesses by generating genuine business opportunities, Journal of Applied Management Studies, Vol. 7, No. 4, 211-222 Winston, C. (1993). Economic deregulation: Days of reckoning for macroeconomists. Journal of Economic Literature, 31 (3), 1263-1289. Winston, C. (1998). 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Compare and Contrast Two Supply Chains

To start, it is vital to clarify the concept of a supply chain. It consists basically of all the process that the materials suffer as they flow from the source to the final customer. There are many concepts linked to this term, purchasing, warehousing, manufacturing, etc. Or more precisely: â€Å"a supply chain is a system of business enterprises that link together to satisfy consumer demand. The elements of a supply chain can be contained in the same business or be part of different companies† (Riddalls et Al. 2000) For this essay I have chosen two very different companies; Zara, a Spanish fashion collection manufacturing company, and Dell, American multinational information technologic corporation. Some years ago, in the fashion industry there was a relationship between price and quality. For high quality brands, there was a need to spend a high amount of money. Zara was one of the first companies that changed this assumption by introducing good quality clothes at a good price. Normally, if you look at any other brand such as Loewe, Louis Vuitton, etc. you will realize that they basically have two different collections of clothes: autumn- winter and spring-summer. Zara does not use in this way of supplying their stores. On the contrary they believe in change. They are constantly changing their clothes and supplying their stores (over 14,000 stores in the whole world) with new and different outfit two times per week (only for the European stores) to satisfy the needs of their customers. Traditionally all the fashion companies required long time to supply the stores with the clothes. Basically the whole supply chain has very long lead times; if you want to produce a new t-shirt, the production, manufacturing, packaging and specially distribution will require a lot of time which will make the planning for weeks or even months. Zara, on the contrary, has manage to minimise the time to supply the demand as much as possible but, how do they do that? First of all they minimize the time spent in design, as they don’t always look for the most innovative and creative clothes. What they do is listen to consumer preferences and what it is more popular and produce what they want. That is why they always have fresh and trendy designs. In terms of production, they have and control the main factory in La Coruna (north of Spain) to be able to supply as fast as possible all the stores. The fact of having the factory in Europe and not in other countries such as China is high, but it is something that is covered by lower transportation costs as well as the capacity to supply demand almost immediately, which its translated in big amount of sells. It is a very flexible demand based production. Another positive point of Zara, due to high frequency of changing clothes is the low risk that this report. As they change constantly the outfit, if there is a product that is working good it can be immediately replace within a maximum of one week, while in other companies, where the stock is bigger, it will need to be stored in the shops for longer time. This will carry on low inventory costs. Zara, has an agile production that focus it success in the quick response to demand even though it is no, a priori, predictable. Dell’s supply chain, on the other hand it is completely different that Zara’s one. The components of Dell’s supply chain are the customers, Dell’s website (which is the only official place where you can buy a Dell computer), Dell’s assembly plant and Dell’s suppliers. The way Dell computers production works is completely different from Zara. In the previous example we saw that the company was the one regarding the demand and trends in order to make their products (clothes). Dell provides the customers a platform, their webpage, where they have all the different options for their products.

A History of Greek Festivals

In the Archaic Period four major festivals were established which brought together Greeks from across the known universe to vie in athletic and later on musical competitions. The first was the Olympic Games which has a traditional foundation day of the month of 776 BC. This was followed by three more in speedy sequence in the early 6Thursdaycentury BC. Together these festivals made up the ‘periodos’ [ 1 ] which was extremely important in furthering the dealingss between Greeks from different topographic points and between Greeks and non-Greeks. The competition between those take parting and the city states they were stand foring is an illustration of how those Pan-hellenic dealingss were developing. Other countries are how the direction of each of the festivals and who really attended these ‘Panhellenic’ festivals. The honor and glorification gained by the masters in each of the four Games was so great that the lone stuff awards straight received from the organizers were Crowns of assorted workss sacred to the Gods that the festivals were dedicated to. [ 2 ] This led to the term ‘periodonikes’ being created which was given to the jocks that had won competitions at all four Games and were considered to be the greatest jocks for this accomplishment. [ 3 ] This could propose that the competition between the jocks would be so ferocious that tensenesss would be created in dealingss between persons in add-on to the city states that they were stand foring. On the other manus it is deserving observing that Olympic masters were non above the jurisprudence in their place province as can be shown in the narrative of Philippos of Croton who was exiled after he became betrothed to a adult female from Sybaris even though he had been winning at the Olympic Games. [ 4 ] The memorials that were bui lt by the city states shows the committedness they had to guaranting the remainder of the Greek universe could retrieve their triumphs for many old ages to come. Not merely were the memorials dedicated to athletic triumphs but the sanctuaries where the four Panhellenic Games were held besides contained memorials honoring military triumphs over other city states. [ 5 ] This suggests the metropoliss were non interested in whether their oppositions were offended and hence strains in the dealingss between them due to the struggles the memorials were mentioning to would go on. Shortly after the creative activity of the four Panhellenic festivals in the early 6Thursdaycentury BC Athens began reorganizing their Panathenaia festival in order for it to include athletic tourneies in add-on to the musical and ecstatic competitions that had been held at that place. [ 6 ] Consequently the Panathenaic festival became more important within the athletic universe yet it was ne'er regarded every bit extremely as the four Panhellenic festivals that made up the ‘periodos’ which can be seen through the usage of expensive stuff awards [ 7 ] as opposed to the Crown prizes masters took off at the Olympic, Pythian, Isthmian and Nemean Games. This suggests the jocks would hold a focal point of winning the awards alternatively of the honor they received through their triumphs. Consequently, the city states they represented would hold had less of an involvement in whether they won if the glorification of triumph was less than that in ‘periodos’ triumphs and therefore dealingss between different city states would hold been more likely to be unchanged. The lone city state to truly profit from the revitalised Panathenaic festival would hold been Athens as they had the chance to advance their metropolis to visitants from beyond Attica yet it has been suggested that the Panathenaia was ne'er supposed to be Panhellenic and was alternatively supposed to back Athenian national pride which is why dealingss between Greeks remained unchanged. [ 8 ] The last race to be added to the programme of events at the Olympic Games in approximately 520 BC was the ‘hoplitodromos’ which involved jocks running in full armor. This peculiar race besides featured in the other Panhellenic Games which suggests the importance of such a race. Pausanias suggests the race could hold been designed to advance military preparation as contending wars was common in the Archaic Period and the menace of struggle with Iranian forces was increasing. [ 9 ] This ‘military training’ could hold besides been a manner for the city states to expose their military art and hence derive farther glorification from a military facet in add-on to the athletic facet. However Philostratus suggests as it was the last race of the competition that it symbolised the return to a militant nature after the ‘peaceful’ armistices that were established for the continuance of each of the Panhellenic festivals. [ 10 ] The armistices referred to above were designed to advance peace amongst the city states of Greece as it prohibited ground forcess to come in the countries around the sanctuaries where the festivals were held and ensured the safe transition of those go toing the festivals. [ 11 ] However as it may hold ensured peaceable dealingss for city states such as Elis it did non forestall wars from taking topographic point outside of these parts. However holding a armistice in topographic point meant people from all over the Grecian universe and beyond could garner in one topographic point and set up peaceable dealingss with others every bit good as keep them. As minister plenipotentiaries were sent out from the city states where the festivals were held in the months taking up to each of the Games to denote the beginning of them this was a method of advancing the Games whilst at the same clip advertising the city-states themselves and networking with the remainder of Greece as representatives f rom each metropolis would be chosen to have the minister plenipotentiary. [ 12 ] Harmonizing to Pausanias Pisa originally had control over the metropolis of Olympia and hence would hold governed the Olympic Games. However their â€Å"hostility† towards the Eleians caused a war which saw Elis conquer Pisa and claim the site of Olympia as theirs. [ 13 ] This combat over the ‘Panhellenic’ sanctuaries suggests metropoliss would be prepared to pay a war if it resulted in them having the honor that must hold come with bring forthing the most esteemed Games in this period. The existent disposal of the Olympic Games by the city state of Elis was by and large considered to be without prejudice. [ 14 ] The Judgess were Eleian and chosen by Elis and as a consequence it did pull some unfavorable judgment from foreigners such as Herodotus who describes the narrative of when citizens of Elis visit Egypt to inquire them their sentiment on whether the Games were being administered reasonably to which they reply they are non because Eleians themselves could co me in the competitions and therefore they would non be judged reasonably against people from different topographic points. [ 15 ] This suggests Herodotus is belittling the unity of those judging the competitions who had even named themselves as ‘Hellanodikai’ which means ‘judges of the Greeks’ . [ 16 ] It is possible that many other Greeks had this position and so it would hold the possible to make tensenesss within dealingss between those pull offing the festival and the foreigners who were take parting in it. However they may be some truth to these positions as Thomas Heine Nielsen states that Elis was the most successful province to vie in the Olympics with the bulk of triumphs in the boy’s competitions and the equestrian events although you would anticipate more entrants from Elis into these tourneies as they were closest to the Olympic sanctuary. [ 17 ] The history of the locations of the four Panhellenic festivals was important in pulling Greeks from afar as the city states that were bring forthing these Games relied on the fabulous importance of the sites. In add-on to holding sanctuaries dedicated to a major God and world-renowned prophets in topographic points like Delphi these city states managed to utilize outstanding fabulous figures such as Heracles as a method of advancing their festivals. At Olympia Heracles was traditionally the laminitis of the Olympic Games and his undertaking of get the better ofing the Nemean king of beasts was used for the Nemean Games. In Delphi it was thought that there was a battle between him and Apollo over a tripod which surface in the early 6Thursdaycentury BC. [ 18 ] Furthermore, the Isthmian Games were held in honor of Poseidon and as a consequence the Equus caballus races were the most of import portion of the festival at that place. [ 19 ] This mixture of major Gods and heroes from mytholo gy ensured the success of the Panhellenic festivals in add-on to developing the construct of Panhellenism as people from across the Grecian universe would hold identified with these myths which suggests dealingss between them would hold improved. Relationss besides had the possible to be fostered through the construction of the Pythian Games as forfeits and banquets were the lone events on the first two yearss of the five-day festival. This gave rivals and witnesss alike the â€Å"opportunity to socialize and advance sentiments of harmoniousness and community.† [ 20 ] An confederation of city states known as the Amphictyonic League were responsible for puting up the Pythian Games and the readyings for them every four old ages after they had been winning in the First Sacred War. [ 21 ] This is an illustration of Greeks from different topographic points working together and their desire to prolong the dealingss created by their engagement in the war. Producing a festival would hold besides promoted peace and community values which is shown by the Pythian armistice established during each festival. A important historical figure associated with taking the reorganization of the Pythian Games after the First Sacred War was the tyrant Cleisthenes of Sicyon. McGregor besides believes that Cleisthenes of Sicyon was linked with the other Panhellenic festivals every bit good. The narrative of Cleisthenes and his daughter’s suers at Olympia maintains the thought that the Olympic Games were truly a universe phase for powerful leaders to acquire their vo ices heard. However Cleisthenes seemingly favoured the suers from Eretria and its Alliess as they were Ionians and he was traditionally thought to be anti-Dorian. [ 22 ] This suggests divisions amongst those viing could be formed as a consequence of cultural differences and that dealingss could go labored between Greeks from different topographic points as a effect. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the Nemean Games were established by the less dominant city state of Cleonae in concurrence with Argos in resistance to Cleisthenes of Sicyon after Cleonae had secured their freedom from Sicyon. [ 23 ] If this is true so it is farther grounds of the Panhellenic Games being used to do tenseness between city states. On the topic of who was really allowed to vie in the four Panhellenic Games it seemed to be originally sole to the nobility and the wealthy as the funerary games in honor of Patroclus in the Iliad show blue Greeks from many different topographic points compete in the chariot race which was the chief event. Chariot races were preponderantly for the wealthiest as Equus caballuss were expensive and hard to develop which meant they could expose their wealth whilst set uping dealingss with Greeks from different topographic points. [ 24 ] On the other manus this suggests that the poorest in society would non hold competed in the Panhellenic festivals such as the Isthmian Games where the equestrian events were considered to be the most esteemed and so if they did take part it would be in inferior events where they could non derive as much glorification. The suggestion that poorer persons would non vie in the major four Panhellenic festivals is evidenced by the point that they would non hold had the clip for athletic preparation [ 25 ] or to go to the four sanctuaries where each of the four Games were held if they lived a long distance off. Furthermore there were local festivals and games they could hold competed in which would hold been much more practical [ 26 ] but if this was the instance for most Greeks so at that place would hold been less of a fosterage of dealingss between people from different topographic points if they were merely interacting with others from the same community. However by the 6Thursdaycentury BC other events were added to the Panhellenic Games which meant the poorer in society could take part [ 27 ] as they were athleticss that were practiced throughout the whole of the Grecian universe. [ 28 ] This implies that the festivals became more Pan-hellenic as more people from different topographic points would be more likely to come in the competitions. Bury suggests that autocrats were the cause for this alteration as they wanted to defend the common people in order to win their support. [ 29 ] However if this ground is true so Panhellenism would merely be a side-effect of the autocrats desiring to derive more power and keep their reign. In add-on to this the autocrats could besides be a beginning of tenseness within dealingss between Greeks from different topographic points as is shown from the illustration of Cleisthenes of Sicyon trying to put up his ain Pythian Games in Sicyon after the autumn of dictatorship in Corinth meant they had more i nfluence in Delphi. [ 30 ] Relations between Corinth and Elis were besides strained in this period because of Olympia’s refusal to wipe out the names of the Cypselidae from some offerings which resulted in no Eleians being allowed to vie in the Isthmian Games and hence they were non able to derive the extremely esteemed ‘periodonikes’ rubric that athletes longed for. This is an illustration of a city-state utilizing its authorization over one of the Panhellenic festivals to demo their resistance to another city state which would hold had a well negative consequence on dealingss. In contrast Pausanias suggests that it was the â€Å"curses of Moline† that kept the Eleians off from the Isthmian Games. [ 31 ] Officially all free Grecian males were permitted to vie in the Olympic Games but this meant â€Å"females, non-Greeks and slaves were excluded from direct participation.† [ 32 ] However the Judgess make up one's minding who could come in the competitions must hold been moderately flexible with the regulations as there is no record of person being refused entry on the evidences of their cultural individuality. [ 33 ] As a consequence of this many Grecian settlers from distant topographic points like Sicily and the north shore of the Black Sea came to Olympia during the Olympic festival. [ 34 ] Attending the festivals such as the Olympic Games was a immense benefit to Greek settlements as it meant they could remain in close contact with the mainland and set up connexions with other metropoliss and settlements whilst maintaining a safe distance off from the metropolis it originated from in order to keep its independency. Olympia besides acted as a impersonal land for neighboring settlements who were at war with each other whilst supplying a beginning of military preparation when jocks competed in events such as the ‘hoplitodromos’ so they could support themselves against non-Greeks and other settlements. Western Greeks were slightly influential in the running of the Olympic Games which can be seen by the add-on of two new events in the early 5Thursdaycentury BC that were popular throughout Grecian settlements in the West. [ 35 ] This suggests dealingss between the settlements in the West and the Grecian mainland were good. For the dealingss between Greeks and non-Greeks Panhellenic festivals caused divisions. One of the narratives from Herodotus shows how Alexander’s rivals tried to take him from the race by claiming that he was non genuinely Grecian. [ 36 ] Another states the response of a Iranian when he is told of the â€Å"crown of olive† that athletes compete for in the Olympic Games and he was called a â€Å"coward† by a Grecian male monarch for it. [ 37 ] This dissentious facet of the Panhellenic Games can besides be seen by the usage of nakedness when viing in the competitions as it was considered absurd for high-level males in cultural groups such as the Persians or Lydians to look bare when practising athletics. [ 38 ] These illustrations show the contrasts between the Greeks manner of thought compared to the remainder of the universe and how this was implemented at the Panhellenic festivals. Ultimately the four Panhellenic festivals that formed the ‘periodos’ were designed in a manner that promoted Greek individuality and therefore dealingss between Greeks from different topographic points were frequently fostered through the shared faith and mythology of the sanctuaries where they were held every bit good as the shared athleticss that the competitions were comprised of. Nevertheless the jocks were ferociously competitory as they were the most esteemed competitions in the Greek universe which suggests tensenesss would hold developed in dealingss between non merely the jocks themselves but besides the city states they were stand foring. Armistices were established during each of the four festivals but this did non forestall war from happening outside of the affected parts. Furthermore it was the blue and the wealthy who chiefly competed in the extremely esteemed events such as chariot racing which would hold received the most honour for winning but with autoc rats presenting more events aimed at poorer persons there was the possibility that more dealingss were being fostered between Greeks from different degrees of society. Overall, the Panhellenic festivals did much to further dealingss between Greeks from different topographic points even if it was non the primary purpose sometimes. On the other manus festivals such as the Olympic Games showed a clear divide between the Greeks and the remainder of the universe and consequently dealingss between them would hold been less developed.