7-11 Supply Operations Management

7-11 SOM Study – Final Group 1 LRSP – 433 March 3, 2010 Pledged 3/3/2010 Table of Contents Background2-3 Problem Statement4 Scope5 Service Design and Characteristics6 Service Analysis and Selection7-8 Sales Production & Forecasting9-11 Breakeven Analysis12-13 Capacity Management (includes Decision Tree)14-15 Inventory Management and Materials Requirements16 Logistics and Supply Chain Management17 Quality Management and Implementation18-19 Prototype Design20-21 Conclusions & Recommendations22 References23 Appendices – Tables/Figures/Graphs24 Background Extensive research into 7 Eleven’s history and current status finds there is no evidence 7-Eleven has ever had one of their stores provide a drive through service. The company that pioneered the convenience store concept was founded during 1927 in Dallas, Texas and the concept was developed during their first five years of operation. The company was initially an ice company and its retail outlets began selling milk, bread and eggs as a convenience to local customers. Almost 20 years later (1946) the name 7-Eleven originated in when stores adjusted their hours of operation to 7 a. m. to 11 p. m. (7-Eleven About Us, 2010). 7-Eleven, Inc. has become the world’s largest operator, franchisor and licensor of convenience stores. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company operates, franchises and licenses more than 6,970 stores in the U. S. and Canada. The company operates and franchises more than 5,900 (4,550 franchised) stores in the United States and they serve approximately seven million customers each day. Store count exceeded 36,000 worldwide in April 2009. Internationally, 7-Eleven operates, licenses and affiliates convenience stores in countries including Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark (7-Eleven Inc, 2010). 7-Eleven marketing strategy focuses the needs of convenience oriented customers by providing a broad selection of fresh, high quality products and services at everyday fair prices, and speedy transactions. Each store's selection of about 2,500 different products and services is tailored to meet the needs and preferences of local customers. Stores typically vary in size from 2,400 to 3,000 square feet and are most often located on corners for great visibility and easy access. 7-Eleven’s food service offers a proprietary line of prepared-fresh-daily and daily delivered deli sandwiches, wraps, breakfast sandwiches and a wide assortment of baked goods. Well known 7-Eleven proprietary products are; Big Gulp fountain soft drink, Big Bite grill items, the Slurpee beverage and fresh-brewed Cafe Select coffee. 7-Eleven is also one of the nation's largest independent gasoline retailers. In addition to the food and gasoline service, 7-Eleven offers patrons a number of convenient services designed to meet the specific needs of individual neighborhoods, including automated money orders, copiers, fax machines, automatic teller machines, phone cards and, where available, lottery tickets. Key Milestones * 7-Eleven, Inc. is privately held and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Seven-Eleven Japan Co. , Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, and its affiliates on Nov. 9, 2005. * Company launched its private-label brand, 7-Select, in 2008 and introduced 32 new products to stores. 7-Eleven introduced Yosemite Road Wines to their stores * In 2009, 7-Eleven began offering a Hot Foods Menu – includes pizza, chicken tenders, chicken wings, breakfast sausage, egg and cheese quesadillas and hash-brown potatoes. 7-Eleven has become much more innovative since the mid 1990's. They have evolved from a decentralized retail organization, with most store support functions handled in each geographic ally organized division by a local management team to the proprietary Retail Information System (RIS). In 1994 The University of 7-Eleven (USE) was born out of the Merchandising Personnel Expo, a store show and sampling event held once a year and intended to train field merchandising. USE was expanded to include field consultants and market managers and today it gives franchisees, store managers and employees a chance to see and taste new products for upcoming seasons that are intended to address the changing preferences of customers. The merchandising plan for seasonal and high-potential new products is also shared. The centerpiece of the USE is the virtual 7-Eleven store, actual size 7-Eleven floor plans are built to show how seasonal products are assimilated into the standard store mix (7-Eleven About Us, 2010). For future reference, this capability should be the tool whereby the adjustments necessary to accommodate a drive thru capability are visualized and ultimately realized. For perspective, as of January 2010, 7-Eleven, Inc. had earned the No. 3 spot on Entrepreneur magazine annual Franchise 500, which ranks top franchise opportunities in the U. S. An obviously healthy organization, this is 7-Eleven's 17th year to break into the top 10 (7-Eleven Inc, 2010). Problem Statement A major element of 7-11’s success is its focus on convenience. By staying open 24 hours a day and offering quick and easy pre-made food items, customers are able to make a speedy stop at the store at any point during the day. 7-11 continues to add to its selection of food items to better compete with fast food restaurants and other convenience stores. However, while 7-11 does compete very well with other convenience stores, the store has a significant disadvantage competing with fast food chains due to the ack of a drive-thru. Customers may choose to visit a McDonald’s or a Burger King over 7-11 for their beverages and sandwiches, simply due to the fact that they do not have to get out of the car. Therefore, 7-11 would benefit significantly from a strategy that allows them to be competitive with the fast food chains while simultaneously captur ing a market niche that other convenience stores have no capability in. For that reason, this report analyzes the financial benefit of adding a drive-thru window to already existing 7-11 stores. Scope This study analyzes the challenges and benefits of adding a drive-thru window service to existing 7-11 service designs and subsequently offers a prototype solution for the drive thru service option. Analysis includes detailed service design or redesign of current 7-11 service systems along with examining processes and physical layouts of stores. Sales forecasting will be used to support decision tree modeling intended to examine strengths and weaknesses of the drive thru service as an alternative to current 7-11 service (based upon costs and revenues). The break-even point of adding this service is also considered along with numbers required to make a profit. Other stores with successful drive-thru services will be examined for purposes of potentially adopting similar methods in specific service areas. This project provides analysis for an efficient queuing system for the drive thru customer and establishing a smooth process for the 7-11 employees to complete the customer orders. This study also examines why 7-11 stores should select specific products for sale through the drive thru window that are intended to encourage customers to choose 7-11 over competitors. Service Design and Characteristics The 7-Eleven franchise locations across the nation offer the convenience of access to gasoline and groceries. Historically the onus was on the client to retrieve the products desired, and then purchase the items. The current structure of the 7-Eleven queuing system is the simplest form of single channel, single phase (7-Eleven Inc, 2010). In that the client enters the store and selects the product, waits in line, and then purchases the item. Depending on the store location, and the ability for paying staff, there are either one or two cashiers. The service of 7-Eleven’s convenience is hampered by fluctuations of population arrival rates during specific events, and times of day. The exponential distribution of clients assists in ordering products, but it does not repair the service failings when there are long lines, especially compared to the competitor Wawa, Inc. Wawa has twice the amount of gasoline stalls, and cashier capabilities. Customers are able to still walk in select product, and gasoline, but do not have to wait as long, because the flow and layout of the Wawa store is set up to handle periods of higher traffic. The set up of the 7-Eleven store is such that they are still servicing smaller populations, and are not retrofit to handle higher amounts of traffic; therefore 7-Eleven is missing out on opportunities from the clientele that are in need of a quicker sales process. The correction of this lies in altering the service design of the franchise stores. The addition of a drive-thru window would dramatically increase the service capabilities of the franchise locations. This would shift the service flow to a multi-channel single phase process. The addition of a separate external line would benefit the current queuing system the 7-Eleven offers, of just one or two cashiers servicing all clientele. The ability to handle the clientele who are simply purchasing the convenience items, foods, and beverages has the potential to firm the positioning of the organization. Cars passing through a drive-thru would be able to purchase simple items such as coffee, quick 7-Eleven brand foods, Slurpees, and tobacco products. As exampled in the costs analysis the alteration of the retrofit to include a drive-thru window, would require a store owner to incur a significant loan to complete the product, but the break-even point would be relatively quick considering the size of investment, and the future return on investment has the potential to increase store sales significantly. The new flow decreases the inside traffic, which reduces the amount of irritation a person feels when trying to purchase the signature 7-Eleven items (7-Eleven Inc, 2010). Service Analysis and Selection Service Process Flowchart Service Analysis: The Queuing System The 7-Eleven Drive-Thru queue system will be a simple first come, first served system. This will simplify queue system discipline. The line structure will be a single channel, single phase; the simplest type of waiting line structure. We will make the following assumptions for our drive-thru model: * An arrival rate of sixteen cars (customers) per hour * A customer service rate of three* minutes per unit or twenty per hour * Poisson arrivals and exponential service We can now determine the following: * Utilization of the drive-thru operator(s) * Average number waiting in line Average number in the system * Average waiting time in line * Average waiting time in the system, including service * Average utilization of the drive-thru operator(s) is 80%. The average number in the waiting line is 3. 2 cars. The average number in the system is 4 cars. The average waiting time in line is 12 minutes. The average waiting time in the system is 15 minutes. Our new store layout provides limited sp ace availability and we want to keep our customers safe and provide acceptable service. We would like to ensure, with 95% certainty that no more than 4 cars will be in the system at any time. The present level of service for the four car limit is 67. 2%. Therefore, the probability of having more than four cars in the system is 32. 8 %. The operator(s) must attain a service level of 29 cars per hour to provide a 95% confidence that no more than four cars will be in the system. The current operator rate is 20 per hour; the rate will improve because we will provide a limited selection of items for our drive-thru customers and acceptance of electronic payment will increase efficiency also. *Approximately three minutes per customer is the drive-thru national average ime for customer service (Baker, 2009). Sales and Production Forecasting Sales and Production Forecasting (cont) Sales and Production Forecasting (cont) Individual Product Sales Changes due to Drive-Thru Window Breakeven Analysis As the store stands, the breakeven point of current sales is 23,809. The table below assumes a monthly fixed cost of $42,618 with no addition to the store, with an average unit variable co st of $1. 21 per unit and an average selling price of $3. 00 per unit. If the lease holder decides to add the drive through window, the estimated cost of construction will run $400,000. As the store does not have this amount of cash, a loan will need to be taken to cover costs. Fortunately, the store is able to gain a loan for 5 years at 6% interest. Due to the increased size of the building and additional employees and infrastructure, the fixed costs increase from $42,618 to $66,025 or an increase of 55%. However, because of the drive through window the store will be selling higher profit margin goods such as coffee, fountain drinks, bottle drinks and cigarettes in greater volume, the variable cost per transaction will decrease from 1. 21 to $0. 91 and the average selling price will also decrease to $2. 65. These values hold the required profit margin percentage relatively constant while increasing profits through increased unit sales. The chart below assumes a monthly fixed cost of $66,025 plus $400,000 loan (Financed 5 years, 6% Int = $7,773/month), an average variable cost of $0. 91 per unit and an average selling price of $2. 65. The difference between break even points is reduced from 23,809 additional units sold to 20,847 cover the cost of the loan amount. Therefore, if the store can obtain finiancing for the $400,000 loan, then the investment will be profitable both in the short and long term periods. Capacity Management Capacity planning for our 7-Eleven drive thru was mostly completed in the Service Analysis section where the service rate was calculated. Based on our customer service rate of three minutes per customer (vehicle), the maximum capacity of our drive thru is twenty cars per hour or theoretically, 174,720 vehicles per year. However, demand will not dictate that the drive thru operate at sustained maximum capacity at all times. Jacobs and Chase determines that the best operating point for a service is near 70 percent of the maximum capacity for the best balance between rate of service utilization and service quality (Jacobs & Chase, 2009). In our present queuing model, the operator utilization rate is 80 percent. The zone between 70% and 100% of capacity is the critical zone where customers will get processed through the line but service quality will decline. Above 100% capacity, the line will back up and many customers will probably not be served at all. We can safely lower the projected customer arrival rate from 16 vehicles per hour to 15 vehicles per hour which will calculate to an operator utilization rate of 75 percent; while still maintaining a customer service rate of three minutes or less. The queuing system will now be revised: * Average utilization of drive thru operator(s) is 70% * Average number of customers waiting in line is 2. 25 * Average number of customers in the system is 3 * Average waiting time in line is 9 minutes * Average waiting time in the system is 12 minutes The remainder of the queuing system data remains unchanged because we will still operate at a 95% certainty that no more than 4 cars will be in the system at any time. At 75% capacity the customers can be served quickly and accurately. The remaining 25% unused capacity can be utilized in valued added operations such as facility clean-up and maintenance, refilling refreshment tables or shelf stocking. Considering the volatility of customer demand throughout the daily cycle, this is a good balance. The breakeven analysis determined that an addition 20,847 units need be sold monthly to cover the cost of the loan amount for the drive thru addition. At 75% operator utilization rate, the drive thru has the capacity to serve 10,920 vehicles per month. Capacity Management – Decision Tree Analysis 1) Build drive-thru addition to existing store at a cost of $400,000. 0. Offer a limited assortment of targeted items to drive-thru selection. Sales of 401400 (33,450 x 12) units per year for 5 years at average unit cost of $2. 63 is $1,055. 682. 00. Probability is 80% for $4. 88 million in revenue . 20% for $2. 77 million in revenue. 2) Build drive -thru addition to existing store at a cost of $400,000. 00. Discontinue wal k-in service, provide limited assortment of items. Sales of 240,000 (20,000 x 12) units per year for 5 years at average cost of $2. 63 is $631,200. 00. Probability is 80% for $2. 76 million in revenue, 20% for $1. 49 million in revenue. ) Do nothing. Sales of 300,000 (25,000 x 12) units per year at an average unit cost of $3. 00 is $900,000. Probability is 80% for $4. 5 million in revenue, 20% for $2. 7 million in revenue. Inventory Management and Material Requirements 7-11 has already implemented an effective inventory management system. The Retail Information System (RIS) was developed in the early 1990’s to maintain store inventory and manage product ordering. Initially created as an accounting system, the RIS has been developed to track sales information and determine the success of each product. Therefore, the RIS enables store operators to â€Å"stay in stock, order best-selling and delete slow-moving items,† (Store, 2010). The RIS uses a bar code scanner and touch screen point-of-sale registers to scan products and track when they are being sold. This system allows store operators to easily obtain current stock quantities and determine which products are selling well. As the stock decreases, managers use Mobile Ordering Terminals to reorder items that are moving and delete items that are not selling (Store, 2010). Since 7-11’s RIS has been successfully established as an effective form of product management, this report does not recommend implementing any additional inventory systems to maintain the stock. While the inventory system would not have to change, there would be a few new material requirements for adding a drive-thru service to 7-11. The stores may require additional registers and counter space to account for the new layout designed around the window. Furthermore, stores may need to order more stands and coolers to display the food products closer to the counter so that they are in a convenient location for the employees running the window. Finally, the 7-11 will need to create the drive-thru menu for customers to view before they order. Logistics and Supply Chain Management Location Selection The current requirements for the selection of optimum locations depend on the traffic of the area, and design of the store. The urban locations have a high foot-traffic requirement, and thus would not be an optimal choice for this conversion. The free standing stores in strip-mall locations would not be a desirable location either, due to the fact that the structure is not owned by 7-Eleven. The prime locations for the 7-Eleven with the drive-thru would be the locations that are free standing, with fuel capabilities; these stores have the option of being retro-fit or built-to-suit. The traffic requirements for these locations are as listed: 1. Trade area demographics—(a) Heavy density within ? mile radius – 5,000 or more residents/workers per square mile in the trade area; (b) Lack of low priced gas brands within ? mile 2. Traffic—(a) 25,000 vehicles per day passing the site 3. Activity Generators—(a) Mixture of residential, commercial, office, Industrial; (b) Freeway orientation preferred; (c) Complimentary 24 hour uses 4. Site Characteristics—(a) Corner location with traffic signal or shopping center pad location; (b) 25,000 to 50,000 sq. ft. space preferred; (c) High visibility and excellent accessibility with typical gas station access – far corner and no road medians preferred; (d) 2,000 to 3,000 sq. ft store size – min. 1,800 sq. ft selling space; (e) Spacious and convenient ingress, egress, and in-lot maneuverability; (f) Ability to sell beer and wine preferred; (g) 24 hour operation required There would still need to be a high density of population, and traffic for the new sites. Traffic and activity generators would also be the same. The primary alteration would be the need to select a site that can support the new feature. The square foot space preferred would need to be altered to include the drive-thru space of the store, and extra pavement outside. Traffic flow would also have to be managed in a way that would make the inside of the store as accessible as before, in addition to allowing the gasoline purchase to still be maintained. This would necessitate an additional 10,000 sq. ft. for the pavement, in addition to the extra 500 to 1,000 sq. ft. of space added to the store (Store RIS, 2010). Supply Chain Management The current supply method for 7-Eleven is a Just-In-Time (JIT) method, and it begins with the Retail Information System (RIS). The store owner will be able to order the extra inventory needed to stock the drive-thru in addition to the regular interior sales, with the click of a button on this system. Supplies currently are delivered throughout the day, depending on the items needed and the supplier’s schedules. The alteration of the select stores utilizing the drive-thru window increase of supplies needed, and subsequently would require an increase of deliveries to the store. The alteration would impact each segment of the supply chain, beginning with the centrally located distribution center, and filtering out to the distributors. This impact would also increase of demand from suppliers in each link; similar to the economic concept of a money multiplier. There would not be an extreme alteration of supply chain management, considering only select stores will have this option (Store RIS, 2010). Quality Management and Implementation The breadth and depth of current 7-Eleven systems and processes should allow for an uncomplicated implementation of a new Drive-Thru service. To support this position the following analysis and discussion is offered. 7-Eleven is not an ISO-9000 company however it is a very innovative and well managed company. And though 7-Eleven is not ISO 9000 certified their most important business processes align with the management principles of the ISO standards and Total Quality Management objectives. There is nothing in the 7-Eleven archives that clearly states they have a Quality Management System however several of their internal systems and processes equate to a Quality Management System because of the functional areas they control (Jacobs & Chase, 2009). A recent 7-Eleven corporate job opening announcement for a Continuous Improvement Manager (CI) stipulated Six Sigma certification was a desired qualification. A CI Manager would be expected to participate with division level managers in corporate process improvement events at various facilities. The CI Manager would also be responsible for executing process overhaul, and upgrading programs for the organization at local levels. In addition, the CI Manager would be responsible for coaching, functional training, communications, and identifying and transferring best practices externally and internally (Jobs in DFW, 2010). Thus, 7-Eleven does recognize and embrace the benefits of Six Sigma certification. Foremost in importance to quality management and process improvement for any organization is its IT infrastructure. Accordingly, 7-Eleven commissioned Hewlett Packard (HP) to assist in analyzing their IT requirements and then developing an IT infrastructure that supported all of 7-Eleven's needs. The 7-Eleven CIO ultimately approved the HP Adaptive Enterprise Strategy as the company IT solution. The AE Strategy enhances system wide agility and improves productivity and service. -Eleven management views the AE Strategy as differentiating their company from other organizations in the way they run their stores, select and distribute products, work with suppliers, serve customers and communicate to key stakeholders. Other key 7-Eleven systems identified and analyzed in this report leverage the overarching AE infrastructure to perform their varied processes (7-Eleven Inc, 2010). The Retail Information Syste ms (RIS) uses AE infrastructure servers, switches, printers, and monitors to drive all of their system processes on a 4/7 basis. As noted earlier in the background section 7-Eleven is one of the nation's largest independent gasoline retailers and tied into the AE infrastructure is the FuelQuest Fuel Management System (FMS) that 7-Eleven uses to remotely monitor tank inventories, forecast fuel replenishment, manage fuel-supplier contracts, perform best-buy, fuel-pricing analysis, ensure environmental compliance and to dispatch and receive fuel deliveries (7-Eleven Inc, 2004). The University of 7-Eleven (USE) could arguably be the key component in 7-Eleven's quality management processes and essential to the successful implementation of a new Drive-Thru service. The USE was discussed in some detail during the background section so just a few key attributes that could be leveraged to facilitate implementation of a new Drive-Thru service will be highlighted here. The USE is a great tool for examination and quality implementation of change. 7-Eleven senior management employs the USE to introduce new ideas and to start standardization of product selections, merchandising and operations. They involve all levels of management, marketing, field consultants, franchisees, and employees in the USE, providing everyone an opportunity to see and taste new products, and review recommended merchandising plans for seasonal and high-potential new products. The centerpiece of the USE, and possibly most beneficial to supporting the Drive-Thru concept is the Virtual 7-Eleven store – an actual size 7-Eleven floor plan designed to show how products are assimilated into the standard store mix (7-Eleven About Us, 2010). This capability should be leveraged as the means through which the new Drive-Thru service is modeled. Physical structure of a facility with a Drive-Thru service could easily be modeled, thereby allowing for examination of internal re-design or process changes/improvements necessary for the new concept. Although 7-Eleven does not â€Å"fly† a TQM flag above their corporate headquarters, their key management systems and processes indicate they adhere to an organization wide commitment to continuous work improvement and meeting customers' needs, with continuous effort to improve quality whenever and wherever possible – an approach that defines the basic tenets of TQM. A benefit from this should be a successful implementation of a new Drive-Thru service. Prototype Design Current 7-Eleven Store Layout & Design New 7-Eleven Drive-Thru Prototype Layout & Design Conclusions and Recommendations The option to expand an individual 7-Eleven store with a Drive-Thu window will not only develop a more profitable scenario for the individual lease holder, it may also stand as a positive example for implementing profitable innovations through the 7-Elenve convenience store network and company structure. Based on preliminary financial analysis a $400,000 investment in a drive through window will greatly increase fixed costs, will dramatically increase profits through increased average transaction sales and a reduction in variable costs due to availability of products offered. The main sections of the 7-Eleven store will remain the same, but the drive-thru window will provide customers specific goods such as coffee, soft drinks and cigarettes which represent the stores highest volume and highest marginal profit items. The profits generated from the addition will provide customers a greater value by offering them the benefits of remaining in their car to obtain most of the same goods and services typically available in the store. If the venture is successful, it is very likely corporate support will be granted resulting in additional Drive-Thru locations throughout the country. To properly implement these changes, additional training and support structures already exist within The University of 7-Eleven (USE). The USE is the principal â€Å"change management† tool for 7-Eleven and therefore should be the centerpiece for managing implementation of the Drive-Thru Service. The company currently uses the USE  to introduce new products and processes, they educate and involve employees, managers, and suppliers in the USE, and the Virtual Store is precisely what should be used to model our Drive-Thru Service & Prototype. Proper training is the first step for educating current store lease holders to achieve success. To further incentivize and expand national 7-Eleven sales, corporate financing should be made available to encourage private lease holders to expand their businesses with the Drive-Thru service. In addition, 7-Eleven can assist individual lease holder by providing common construction plans, operations managers and breakeven data from similar sized and market stores to paint a better picture of the profitability of expansion. These trends will provide customers higher value while creating better profits for individual store as well as the organization as a whole. References 7 Eleven – About Us. (2010). Retrieved February 10, 2010, from http://www. 7-eleven. com/AboutUs/tabid/73/Default. aspx 7-Eleven Inc. Climbs to No. 3 Spot. (2010). Retrieved February 11, 2010, from http://www. 7-eleven. com/NewsRoom/7ElevenIncClimbstoNo3Spot/tabid/360/Default. aspx. 7-Eleven, Inc. , Selects FuelQuest/PDI for Gasoline Inventory Management and Accounting System; PR Newswire. (2004). Retrieved February 25, 2010, from http://www. highbeam. com/doc/1G1-123232449. html Baker, B. (2009). Chic-fil-A wins 6th drive-thru title. QSR Magazine. Retrieved February 19, 2010 from www. qsrmagazine. com/reports/drive-thru_time_study/ Franchise Opportunities Mall. (2010). Retrieved February 11, 2010, from 7-Eleven: http://www. franchiseopportunitiesmall. com/Best_Franchise_Opportunities. asp? ID=2682 Gillespie, E. M. (2005). Starbucks sees growing demand for drive-thru coffee. Retrieved February 20, 2010 from Web site: http://www. usatoday. com/money/ industries/food/2005-12-24-starbucksdrivethru_x. htm. Jacobs, R. F. & Chase, R. B. (2009). Operations and supply management: The core. New York, NY. McGraw-Hill Irwin. Jobs in DFW LocalHelpWanted-Continuous Improvement Manager Help Wanted ads-Continuous Improvement Manager Local Help Wanted-Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs-Continuous Improvement Manager Careers. (2010). Retrieved February 21, 2010, from http://www. localhelpwanted. net/dfw/job/Continuous-Improvement-Manager-Dallas-TX-75219-USA/lhw-e0-3741966/ Real Estate Require ments. (2010). Retrieved February 27, 2010, from http://www. 7-eleven. om/RealEstate/RealEstateRequirements/tabid/181/Default. aspx. Store retail information system. (2010). Retrieved February 23, 2010 from Web site: http://www. 7-eleven. com/NewsRoom/BackgroundInformation/ StoreRetailInformationSystem/tabid/159/Default. aspx. Appendices Service Process Flowchart7 Sales and Production Forecasting9-11 Individual Product Sales Changes due to Drive-Thru Window11 Breakeven Analysis Graphs12-13 Capacity Management – Decision Tree15 7-Eleven Current Store Layout20 7-Eleven Drive-Thru Prototype Design21

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Business Appraisal - Assignment Example The strategy can be accomplished by maintaining its low prices as continual respond to the changing needs of its markets. It diversification efforts to more products would continue to protect also itself from industry threats. Investing in research and development cost could be another way protects the company further from industry threats. Tesco PLC (or â€Å"Tesco†), based in the United Kingdom, operates under the retail industry. It has expanded operations outside the UK and it now considered as international retailer. Its being the UK leader in the grocery retailing, and its success internationally could explain its being considered world’s third largest retailer in terms of gross sales (Tesco, 2010a, 2010b). From being originally a UK-focused retailer specializing in food and drink, the company’s expansion should include its eventual diversification both by products and geographically. Its present business on clothing, financial services, health, car and dental insurance, electronics, telecoms, retailing and renting DVDs, and software speak for the magnitude of its diversification. Geographical diversification produced as retailing and associated activities outside the United Kingdom including that of Japan, Malaysia, Poland Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, China, The Czech Republic , India South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States (MSN, 2010a). This paper demonstrates an organization’s need to be knowledgeable of the influence of both its internal and external environment in order to have effective and appropriate decisions for the organization and for promoting good management. A wise decision maker should know itself firms in terms of its strengths and weaknesses and its industry opportunities and threats. The industry opportunities are what make the industry attractive or give more chances of gaining profits while industry

Reconstructing gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reconstructing gender - Essay Example Although chromosomes do play a certain role in gender development, it is definitely not the only determinant (Gibson, 2014). Social interactions and especially socialization of gender roles also play a part. The other important issue that is discussed here is the fact that gender is not a choice between two gender types, but it is a spectrum whose range cannot be defined definitively. Michael Messner also agrees with Lorber. In his article which looks at organized sports and its use on the gendering process, he argues that gender is not something that people have, but is a process, which he calls gendering process. Michael Messner goes to the point of arguing that the development of organized sports in the 20th century was a gendering process and a response to the rising economic feminist movement. He argues that organized sports were deliberately made over competitive and physically demanding in an attempt to make the male gender look more powerful and to give it hegemony. Michael Kimmel also agrees with this view. He argues that he father is the first person who evaluates the masculinity of the person and that this then affects a man for the rest of his life. Additionally, it is evident that gender is a scan process rather than a genetic one. Jill Nelson talks about gender, especially femininity and the way it relates to race. She argues about how three features have always defined what a beautiful woman is; hair, skin complexion and body shape. And because all the three factors with regard to how a woman is regarded as beautiful or not seen to favor Caucasian race as opposed to the Negro race. The black woman has always not received the appreciation she deserves as a woman. Although Jill Nelson’s essay seems to border more on the issue of race and not gender, she does forward a string point of how social processes define gender. According to what she talks about, not only is gender conceived

Second Language Acquisition Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words

Second Language Acquisition - Case Study Example Contemporary attitudes towards English learning in Cyprus is divided into two - the early Cypriots who were educated during the reign of British rule acknowledged English as a tool to enhance their culture, knowledge and relationships with other countries, and those who in this era consider English to access resources around the world. The new generation of English learners hold a more positive attitude toward second language acquisition (SLA) and consider it as a tool to 'globalisation'. Cypriot learners of new generation are positive to grasp English language (EL) concepts while at the same time many teachers have noticed that they have fear of public speaking, however once they get over their fears; they will enjoy engaging in public debates since learners are well aware of the skills they are developing in context of SLA. SLA research suggests that a majority of English non-native speakers in Greek Cyprus are teaching English depending upon their Cypriot language backgrounds, level of education and training, teaching methods, aspirations and career prospects, and the status of English in Cyprus. Many linguists believe that an ideal teacher of English language is a native speaker, since native speakers of a language have a better command of fluent, idiomatically correct language forms, are more knowledgeable about the cultural connotations of a language, and are the intermediaries of the acceptability of any given samples of the language. Such a native speaker fallacy pointed out a number of weaknesses and contradictions when the features attributed to native speakers of a language, and it was discovered that native language features can be instilled through teacher training. The general nature of our research will highlight various communicative language teaching methods in context with SLA but would not be limited to what linguistic researchers view SLA as the process of combining the structural components into their preexisting mental structures. In fact it would be better to say that our research would seek means beyond traditional approaches learning SLA. The specific goals of research would follow a perspective varying from finding the most convenient theory of facilitating the integration of new systemic knowledge to discovering an ideal learner based linguistic system with the help of problem identification. Throughout each chapter we would be discussing various learning methods of SLA in context to the new changes and what made the initial learning methods to be criticised. Chapter 1 highlights the significance of grammar and translation while highlighting on further advancement of methods discussed in previous chapter. Chapter 2 would proceed the learning methods while at the same time mentioning theories of language acquisition in the light of its pros and cons. Chapter 3 discusses the significance of silence language learning techniques while chapter 4 discusses how new methods of language acquisition to teachers have brought challenges to the preexisting teaching methods. Learning or teaching a second language allows the learner to build a more comprehensive model of second language learning and this is done by creating a set of principles that are easily applied in the environment of classroom interaction practices. However in the case of Cypriot learners, it would be wrong to say that Greek Cypriot language would be helpful in communicating, it would not provide the learners with a new

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Marketing, Product Safety, and Essay - 1

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Marketing, Product Safety, and Intellectual Property - Essay Example Correspondingly, recommendations have also been provided in the essay so as to mitigate the identified challenges. Ethical issues relating to marketing and advertising, intellectual property, and regulation of product safety Use of negative advertisement techniques The use of negative techniques refers to the adoption of comparative advertisement strategy by the companies. In this unethical practice, the advertisement focuses on the disadvantages of the competitor’s product. Arguably, in the modern phenomenon, this technique has become a major tool for promoting the utility of the products of a particular company (Majtan & Dubcova, n.d.). Misleading or dishonest advertisement It is one of the most serious ethical problems that have been observed as commonly used by many of the advertisers in the modern day. It involves not only misleading facts about the product but also false impression forecasted. Any advertiser who fails to promote the truth of the product not only goes aga inst morality but also against the law as it violates customer protection rights to information. The advertisement must also not include any kind of false statement regarding the product or claim for the dishonest value of that product (Majtan & Dubcova, n.d.). Copyright infringement It is one of the most serious unethical issues that are observed in the field of intellectual property. Notably, the copyright infringement occurs whenever a person who does not own the copyright violates any of the rights of others without permission. The most common practice found in this aspect is breach of reproduction right and invention of new work base under the existing one (Tehranian, 2007). Use of unsafe raw materials in the production Many of the companies use cheap quality material in the production of its final product for the sake of earning maximum profits. They do not keep consumer health or stakeholders’ interest into consideration being highly concerned about the profitability o f their company. For example, in a free market, if a health drink manufacturing company uses cheap quality ingredients in production, it would ultimately affect the health of the consumers offering the company with profits, but only for a limited period in the short-run, inhibiting the company’s sustainability interests to a substantial extent (Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, 2013). Argue for Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) marketing by drug companies The sponsorship of pharmaceutical drugs through Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) has much significance in the current market scenario as it promotes customer confidence and provides better opportunity to the company to align the marketing strategies with customer preferences to a greater extent. In the US, majority of the drug companies have been found spending double than the total amount in DTC marketing technique (Mogull, 2008). On the contrary, there exist many customers who are strictly against this technique of advertising on grounds that because the technique requires substantial financial investments, the drug companies focusing on direct-to-customers selling concept have to spent maximum money on advertising rather than on research and development. However, considering its positive effects, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Diversity in the Classroom Essay Example for Free

Diversity in the Classroom Essay In what ways might you experience diversity in a classroom? What strategies might you use to help provide equal learning outcomes for all? Diversity occurs in many forms within the classroom environment and necessitates the knowledge of the whole child, testing the skills and insight of the teacher. Children do not differ solely in their academic aptitude but in their behavioural, motivational and emotional needs as well. The inefficiencies in any of these areas can be the result of a great variety of reasons and therefore overcoming or resolving these issues relies on knowing the individual and their needs explicitly in addition to comprehensive awareness of the alternative strategies that can be used. Successful teaching encompasses three main components, the teaching, the students and the teacher. Effectiveness requires thorough understanding of all three. The teaching involves the content being taught and the pedagogy used to convey that content. Nonetheless, before strategic planning begins, part two of the puzzle must be understood, the children. How do they learn? What are their strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly, their needs? This must be approached with the overall class and each individual in mind. Knowing the child starts primarily by examining the backgrounds of students especially by considering and respecting differing family values and beliefs. According to Groundwater-Smith et al. (2003) teachers must diagnose and continually monitor their students’ learning to identify needs and abilities. As Nieto argues, students are often treated differently because of the way their differences are perceived rather than because of these differences per se. (Nieto, 2002, as quoted in Groundwater-Smith et al, 2003, p. 4). Any differences or disabilities require particular attention with considerations to individual needs.

Theoretical Framework Essay Example for Free

Theoretical Framework Essay Amongst the continued violence between Sudan government’s Army and Minnawi’s SLM/A, Minni Arcua Minnawi, was sworn as the senior assistant to Sudan’s President Omar Al-Bashir. This appointment was a result of the agreement that was signed by the SLM/A and the government in the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).   The Darfur Peace Agreement was signed on May 5, 2006 between the Sudan’s government and the various factions in the country that were involved in civil war since the last five decades. It would be worthwhile if we can go through the disturbing history of Sudan which has hardly known what peace is since its independence. â€Å" The Sudan Peace Process – A comparison of the Addis Abba Peace agreement of 1972 and the Comprehensive Peace agreement of 2005† by Sara Basha in March 2006 not only gives a comprehensive review of the violent past of the country but also compares the two most important peace agreements in the country that promised peace to its people. According to Sara Basha, the reason the tension started brewing in the country was the divided rule that the Britishers implemented. They had demarcated such a strong line between the north Sudan and South Sudan that people no more got along each other. The Britisher’s deliberate emphasis on the North in terms of governance, business and appreciation led to its growth as more developed and rich when compared to south. In fact, at the time of independence, there was only one school in the whole of south Sudan. Over time, religion and ethnic differences also contributed to the conflict thereby making it a North Arabs vs. South Christians war. Sara Basha’s review gives a clear outline of the two civil wars that was fought in the country. The first civil war broke out immediately after independence, i.e., from 1955 and it lasted till 1972 when the Addis Abba Peace Agreement was signed. There was period of ten years of null when the people of Sudan first tasted peace. The agreement was signed under the rule of General Jaffer Nemeiri who was quite instrumental and influential in Sudan’s political history. It was due to his compliance and non-compliance of the agreement that failed the whole peace process. The first civil war, as Sara Basha reveals, was fought for South Sudan’s autonomy from the oppressive North. The Addis Abba Agreement sought to address that issue and South Sudan was given regional autonomous powers. Peace, according to Sara, was brought in to the picture when both the parties dutifully observed the conditions in the agreement. However, from 1977, hitherto peace-engaging ruler, Nemeiri started Islamization of the whole country and in 1983, imposed some new decrees and division of the south Sudan into three provinces without even consulting the regional heads of the South. That proved the last straw and the second civil war broke out which lasted for twenty one painful years. As Sara mentioned, this time the reason cited was not autonomy but a â€Å"New Sudan†. The faction fighting wanted a united Sudan that would ensure a fresh beginning to the nation.   The war ended in 2005 when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed between the Government and SLM/A. This historical agreement was signed in January 2005. The review states the various provisions in the agreement that can work wonders if they were followed strictly. The review also questions how effective this peace process can be. Provided the non-compliance of the conditions in the previous peace agreement by the Government, the review does seem a bit pessimistic about the outcome of the process. It specially mentions the not-so-enthusiastic face the government has managed to put forth about the power sharing between the rebel factions and it. Moreover, the transition of the SLM/A from a rebel faction to a governing body was also under question. The current study seeks to fill this gap and gives the situation post-2005 when the implementation of CPA started. The Sara Basha’s review had come up with a hypothesis that the CPA can bring lasting peace in the country if both the sides adhere to it. The current study gives further credence to this hypothesis as it clearly explains the steps taken by the Sudanese government to implement the provisions. The election of Minnawi in the cabinet, the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA), the efforts to resolve problems with the Eastern Front give weight to the whole peace process. There are, however, continued reports of deteriorating situation in the country where the human rights have been violated unabashedly. This partly answers the various questions and hypothesis raised by Sara Basha’s review. Though the current review does not explicitly state that the peace process would be a failure, the unabated violence in the country definitely leaves much to be desired. The current review cleared lot of gaps that Sara Basha’s review sought in future reviews. One of the main issues was the Darfur conflict and others that it could not cover. The current review not only covers that but also gives insights in to the latest developments in the issue. And the latest development doesn’t yet give promise of the lasting peace that Sara Basha’s review wished for.       References Basha, Sara. 2006. Sudan Peace Process: A comparison of Addis Abba Peace Agreement of 1972 and the comprehensive peace agreement of 2005. Online. Available from internet, http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/politics/depnews/ProposalPresentations/2006/Proposal%20Basha%20S%2017mar06.doc

Analysing Herman Melvilles Bartleby The Scrivener Film Studies Essay

Analysing Herman Melvilles Bartleby The Scrivener Film Studies Essay Herman Melvilles Bartleby, the Scrivener is a multi-faceted short story. There are many different approaches to understanding and interpreting this piece of literature. One of the most intriguing interpretations is to see Bartleby as a psychological double to the narrator of the short story. Bartleby is a very unique character in the story, one which most people cannot seem to figure out. This may be because in the reality of the short story, Bartleby simply does not exist except in the lawyers mind. Many critics would argue that Bartleby is the mentally unstable character throughout the short story. But there is a good possibility that the lawyer is in fact the mentally unstable character, for Bartleby is only a figment of the lawyers imagination. Bartleby exists solely to provide the lawyer with an escape from the barren and impersonal society in which he lives. The lawyers unusual obsessive concern with Bartleby coupled with the fact that Bartleby has no known historical background is the perfect indication that Bartleby has emerged from the lawyers subconscious mind. Bartleby is seen as mentally ill because of his erratic and unusual behavior, but only appears this way to the lawyer, who in the short story is the only character with any substantial contact with Bartleby. Bartleby is also described as eating very little other than a few ginger nuts and never leaving the lawyers office. I observed that he never went to dinner; indeed that he never went anywhere (Melville 1100). These factors also strongly indicate the strangeness of Bartleby as well as his limited contact with the world outside of his employers office. These factors are all the more reason to believe that Bartleby has been conceived in the lawyers mind. After Bartleby refuses to work any longer as a copyist he becomes somewhat of a parasite to the lawyer. He becomes dependent on the lawyer for mysterious reasons. Other than the obvious reason that Bartleby needs a place to live, his relationship with the lawyer remains a mystery. Although clearly a love hate relationship, it is otherwise vague. Bartleby is also very persistent in refusing to leave the lawyers office or the lawyers presence in general. Despite the bribes and threats made by the lawyer, Bartleby continues to stand firm in his resistance, perhaps as an indication that Bartleby cannot leave, that is not his role. Bartleby serves as a boost to the lawyers ego. The lawyer talks of Bartleby as a charity case and refers to himself as a Good Samaritan type for allowing Bartleby to stay at his office and later at his personal home without pay. The lawyer is using Bartleby as a way to earn himself merit points. He says in the short story, Here I can cheaply purchase a delicious self-approval (1101). The lawyer so detests his profession that he desires to do some good in the world. Bartleby becomes his own personal experiment to do good works, while also challenging himself to go beyond the comfort of his Wall Street home. The lawyer also displays some odd behavior throughout the short story in relation to Bartleby. He places a screen around Bartlebys desk which could be seen as an attempt to close Bartleby off from the other employees as a method of compartmentalizing his unconscious figure. He confesses he wants to isolate Bartleby from my sight, though not remove him from my voice (1098). The lawyer also admits that Bartleby has a certain kind of hold over him that is not evident in any of the other relationships in the story. He admits that Bartleby has a wondrous ascendancy over him (1109). This further proves that the relationship between Bartleby and the lawyer is unusual at best. The lawyer believes that Bartleby is sent to him for a divine purpose by an all-wise Providence (1111). The lawyer is obviously not entirely lucid when thinking this is the case. He has conjured Bartleby up in his mind to escape the realities of the harsh Wall Street world he lives in. The lawyer is in a profession tha t constantly consumes ones time and also ones emotions. He needs a release and it becomes Bartleby. Unfortunately because the lawyer becomes so consumed in Bartleby his work suffers. He is not able to keep business flowing because Bartleby has refused to copy any longer. Bartlebys inconvenience and unreasonable attitude is brought to the lawyers attention by his co-workers, Nippers and Ginger Nut. They represent the voice of reason when they tell the lawyer that he is being illogical allowing Bartleby to continue to stay at the office while not being employed any longer and failing to pay rent. They try to shed light on the lawyers situation by telling him to get rid of Bartleby because he is useless. This evolves into an internal struggle for the lawyer because Bartleby has become in many ways his confidant and friend, I had a singular confidence in his honesty (1102). He has come to rely on Bartleby to be consistently present, he was always there; first in the morning, continually through the day, and the last at night (1102). It is apparent that although the lawyer should give u p Bartleby, he does not want to. Bartlebys role is also to criticize the world in which the lawyer lives. In his subconscious mind, the lawyer feels like he is caged by his profession. He is walled off from the world by Wall Street. The pressure of the lawyers profession is further shown by the description of the two eccentric scriveners he works with. Nippers and Ginger Nut cannot get through the day without a drink. They are obviously unhappy with their professions and frustrated with their existences. With Bartlebys refusal to do work, he is challenging the lawyer to do the same. But instead the lawyer underestimates Bartleby and unknowingly shrugs off the challenge. The walls in the story are symbolic of the limitations that both the lawyer and Bartleby feel. They entrap these characters into feeling as if there is no way out of the profession that they have chosen. Furthermore the walls can be symbolic of the limitations that society imposes on all of its members. Such limitations include rules imposed by the government, norms that everyone is expected to follow, and the thought that once a profession is chosen one must stick with that profession until the end. Bartleby is attempting to challenge these limitations by not actively participating in the society in which he lives, another internal desire of the lawyer. He ultimately fails by dying within the walls of a prison yard, symbolizing his inability to actively resist the limitations. Bartlebys continued refusal to do work within the Wall Street office mirrors the internal struggle in the lawyers mind. Bartleby resounds with his insistence that he prefers not to conform to the pressures and unhappiness of mainstream society. This attitude appropriately represents a voice deep within the lawyer himself. He wants to change his way of life but he does not know how. He envies Bartlebys ease of quitting in order to maintain his integrity and composure. The fact that Bartleby refuses to leave the lawyer is a further indication of the ongoing protest in the lawyers mind. Ultimately Bartlebys lesson to the lawyer is not heard because he is eventually dismissed and locked up in prison. His lesson fails to reach the lawyer because Bartleby is suppressed by society. The ending note of the story seems to be a warning that everyone must conform and stay within the limitations that society imposes. A warning of what is to come to those who question.

Existence of Racial Difference :: essays research papers

American tradition and culture is based around the concept of free speech. One can say what he likes, make any point he chooses, and express any opinion he desires in America. Anyone, from the homeless person, to the workingman, to the President of the United States himself is entitled to have an opinion, and to discuss it without impediment. It's considered a god-given right to speak what's on your mind. One thing that is never spoken of freely, however, is the subject of racial differences, what genetically separates us in terms of physical and mental abilities and instinct. It is almost a social "taboo" to go near anything that could possibly be construed as saying that somehow, we're not all the same, and somehow, race makes us different. Oh, no - talk about something like that and somebody might call you a "racist". And nobody likes to be called a "racist". But really, let's look at what makes us, as human beings, different from one another in terms of races of people.The differences between Negroes and Nordic Aryans particularly, because they are the most obvious and therefore the most well known. Well first, you would have to accept that there is a difference in skin color between a Black man and a White man, and this difference is caused by different melanin levels. What causes this difference? Why, it's evolution, that gradual process of genetic change due to the environment a particular species habitates. Negroes lived in very hot, sun-drenched parts of Africa, and they needed protection from the sun. So they evolved darker skin so they wouldn't get sunburned as easily. Now we all know that Africa is some of the most fertile, lush land in the world. Africa abounds with game and almost any type of fruit and berries imaginable. The actual deserts in Africa are quite small, and those images of starving African Negroes you see on your TV is only a very tiny portion of Africa's vast abundance. Any geography professor will tell you this, and they will tell you it has been like this for millennia. But look at the stark contrast in Northern Europe. The scarceness of food, the cold, the extreme Alpine landscapes of Sweden, Finland, and Germany. The birthplace of the Nordic Aryan, and a completely different type of place than Africa. Here you had to be on your toes, you had to think fast in order to survive.

The Vietnam War - The 1968 Tet Offensive :: Vietnam War Essays

The Vietnam War - The 1968 Tet Offensive For several thousand years, Vietnamese Lunar New Year has been a traditional celebration that brings the Vietnamese a sense of happiness, hope and peace. However, in recent years, It also bring back a bitter memory full of tears. It reminds them the 1968 bloodshed, a bloodiest military campaign of the Vietnam War the North Communists launched against the South. The "general offensive and general uprising" of the north marked the sharp turn of the Vietnam War. Today there have been a great number of writings about this event. However, it seems that many key facts in the Communist campaign are still misinterpreted or neglected. In the mid-80, living in Saigon after being released from the Communist "re-education camp," I read a book published in the early 1980's in America about the story of the 1968 Tet Offensive. It said that the North Vietnamese Army supreme command had imitated one of the greatest heroes of Vietnam, King Quang Trung, who won the most spectacular victory over the Chinese aggressors in the 1789 counter-attack - in planning the 1968 operations. The book quoted King Quang Trung's tactic of surprise. He let the troops celebrate the 1789 Tet Festival one day ahead so that he could launch the attacks on the first three days of the lunar new year while the Chinese troops were still feasting and not ready to organize their defense. Those who claimed the similarity between the two campaigns certainly did not know the whole truth, but jumped into conclusion with wild imagination after learning that the North Vietnamese attacking units also celebrated Tet "one day ahead" before the attacks. In fact, the Tet Offensive broke out on the Tet's Eve - in the early morning of January 30, 1968 at many cities of Central Vietnam, such as Da Nang and Qui Nhon, as well as cities in the central coastal and highland areas, that lied within the Communist 5th Military Region.. The other cities to the south that included Saigon, were attacked 24 hours later at the small hours of January 31. Thus the offensive lost its element of total surprise that every tactician has to respect. But It surprised me that some in the American media were still unaware of such tragic story. The story started some 5 months previously. On August 8, 1967, the North Vietnam government approved a lunar calendar specifically compiled for the 7th time zone that covers all Vietnam, replacing the traditional lunar calendar that had been in use in Asia for hundreds of years. That old calendar was calculated for the 8th time zone that Beijing falls

Hunger Games Essay

Mark Twain once remarked, â€Å"A classic is a book that people praise, but don’t read.† (Cowan 13). Everyone wants to say that they’ve read Shakespeare, but few people would actually choose to read it for fun. Shakespeare though is still considered a classic author. Why? The story of Romeo and Juliet has been produced and remade countless times since it was first written. The timeless love story has the â€Å"power to quicken your imagination to rouse your mind or to strike your feeling† (Pooley 76). This is what classic literature does. This â€Å"power† is what gains literature lasting recognition and the status of a â€Å"classic† When determining if a book should be considered a classic, there are several things to consider. One must take into consideration the genre of the book, the author’s career, and the qualities of the book itself. After reading the book and examining these factors, it becomes clear that certain works of literature stand out above the rest. by , for example, be considered a classic. The Hunger Games is an Adventure book. Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives. In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see. Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love. Bio of Suzanne Collins Suzanne Collins is the author of the bestselling Underland Chronicles, which started with Gregor the Overlander. In The Hunger Games, she continues to explore the effects of war and violence on those coming of age. Suzanne lives with her family in Connecticut. Bestselling author Suzanne Collins first made her mark in children’s literature with the New York Times bestselling under land Chronicles series for middle grade readers. Her debut for readers aged 12 and up, The Hunger Games-September 2008, immediately became a New York Times bestseller, appealing to both teen readers and adults. It was called â€Å"addictive† by Stephen King in Entertainment Weekly and â€Å"amazing by Stephanie Meyer on her website, and was named a New York Times Notable Book of 2008 and a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice. Catching Fire -September 2009, the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy, debuted at #1 on the USA Today bestseller list and simultaneously appeared at #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. It was named a Time Magazine Top Ten Fiction Book of 2009, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and a People Magazine (Top 10) Best Book of 2009. The final book in the trilogy, Mocking Jay -August 2010, debuted at No. 1 on all national bestseller lists during its first week on sale. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly said it â€Å"accomplishes a rare feat, the last installment being the best yet, a beautifully orchestrated and intelligent novel that succeeds on every level.† In April 2010, Suzanne Collins was named to the TIME 100 list of â€Å"the world’s most influential people.† The Hunger Games movie opens on March 23, 2012. Produced by Lionsgate Films and directed by Gary Ross, the movie stars Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss), Josh Hutchison (Peeta), and Liam Hemsworth (Gale). Suzanne Collins has also had a successful and prolific career writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains It All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. She received a Writers Guild of America nomination in animation for co-writing the critically acclaimed Christmas special, Santa, Baby! (http://www.scholastic.com) This paper compares and contrasts the themes, ideas, and genres of Shirley Jackson’s â€Å"The Lottery† and the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. The former is a short story satire while the latter is a roving epic with heroes and heroines. Both, however, look at the darker side of human nature in different ways. The Hunger Games has a dynamic heroine named Katniss, while The Lottery has no real hero or heroine. Katniss in The Hunger Games represents the kind of Christian heroic ethic of self-sacrifice that, in fact, is missing from The Lottery Katniss saves her sister by volunteering herself in her sister s place. It is an enormous act of courage and charity on her part. Such action is completely missing from Jackson s satire and for good reason. Jackson has not written a story that commends man s good deeds but rather indicts society for its hypocritical practices.

My Teacher, My Hero Essay

Teaching is an option. Sainthood is a preference. Heroism is a choice. Have you ever wondered what a true hero is like? When people say hero, they usually think of cartoon characters like Superman, Spiderman, or SpongeBob. If you mean a hero in cartoon or movies, then someone who is the strongest person around who wants to bring peace and justice. Heroes are not like real superheroes, people who could fly, who could hold a car using their forefinger, not even fighting villains for saving the world. Then, what is a hero? When talking about heroes, they’re the one who strengthen you, the one who are at your side whenever you’re down because they are there to lift you up. Your hero can be your mom, dad, brother, sister, a friend or it can be your teacher. Well, a teacher for me is most likely a hero because they do lots of things just to do their works. A teacher is similar to a hero for some reasons. Noisy students, lesson plans, tons of paper works, mountains of test papers – these are all a part of a teacher’s work. Despite the demanding situations and long hours of work, teachers of today persevere and endure, recognizing the crucial role they play in molding the minds of the future generations. As the unsung nation builders, they plant seeds of information and ensure the holistic growth of their students. They find time to manage and take care of the class; they serve as the student’s second parent. They mold the young minds to become the nation’s hope and great asset. Teachers generate interest in subjects that students often find tedious. Rousing students from their apathy and watching their curiosity grow is a giant reward for them.

Imaginary Life-Themes

Malouf's novel is one of deep philosophical themes. The first major theme in an imaginary life is humans' relationship with the natural world. This theme is a central aspect of the novel as it shows the reader how Ovid and the Child's relationship with nature changes their outlooks on life. The closer Ovid becomes with nature the closer he is to achieving inner peace. The same inner peace achieved at the end of the novel when Ovid surrenders himself and becomes one with the world. This is seen through the fact that Ovid becomes immeasurably happy at being the past, present and the future â€Å"It is summer. It is spring. I am immeasurably, unbearably happy. I am three years old. I am sixty. I am six.† This theme is also seen in how inseparable the child is from the natural world and in fact also â€Å"is the natural world†. This is shown in the section of the novel when Ovid is teaching the child how to speak his language. During this time the child also attempts to teach Ovid his language. Ovid finds this as difficult as the child finds learning Ovid's language. Ovid believes that by him â€Å"knowing that it is the sky, that the stars have names and a history† prevents him â€Å"being the sky†. This is due to the fact that Ovid's relationship with the natural world is not yet strong like the child's is. We are shown how crucial the child's relationship with the natural world is through the fact that the child becomes vulnerable and fragile when taken into the settlement in Tomis â€Å"Whatever his secret was I have taken it from him. He is as vulnerable now as anyone of us†¦. He shows himself human at last†. Despite having no dialogue throughout the novel, the function of language is still a central theme of the novel. The relationship between language and perception is highlighted through Ovid's personal descriptions as he believes one cannot view concepts in the same way with different language knowledge. He uses the example of colours to show this on page 25: â€Å"Scarlet. Magic word on the tongue to flash again on the eye. Scarlet†. This describes Ovid's amazement at the feeling evoked from the words. This is also portrayed through Ovid's different perspectives that he describes between the connotations allocated with the abilities of the different languages that he learns. His silent language with the child shows how language can enable one to relate more closely to others and learn from them. Another theme in this novel that helps to describe who the child is is the ‘destiny of the individual.' Throughout the novel Malouf emphasizes that one always has an idea of their destiny. This is illustrated by Ovid's realization that his destiny is lost with the child. Several times Ovid's dreams do in fact unravel themselves in the real world. An example is how he dreams of catching the boy and then later persuades Ryzak the chief to capture him. Another instance where this theory takes effect is in Ovid's dream of going travelling past all â€Å"boundaries† of this world. He later achieves this feet when he is taken across the river Ister by the child. On page 151 Ovid describes the river Ister as his destiny awaiting: â€Å"It remained, shifting its tides, freezing each season, cracking up, flowing again, whispering to me: I am the border beyond which you must go if you are to find your true life, your true death at last.†

I’M Not Scared Questions Essay

1. Read Niccolo Ammaniti’s epigraph by Jack London. Why has Ammaniti chosen to begin his novel with his novel with this quote? How does it illuminate what happens in the story? What is the literal and symbolic meaning in the novel about â€Å"falling into darkness†? Niccolo Ammaniti had chosen to start his novel with an epigraph by Jack London, this foreshadows that we’re going to read about a journey of discovering real evil and the loss of innocence. â€Å"He had fallen into darkness† the literal meaning of this part is Michele had fallen into a hole which is dark . The symbolic meaning is, he had stumbled into evil. 2. The novel opens with the scene in which Michele must choose between winning a race and helping his sister Maria. what conflicts and choices does this moment foreshadow? What is revealed about Michele’s character? The novel opens with the scene in which Michele contemplates between winning a race or helping his sister Maria. Michele choices to help his sister, this moment foreshadows the choices Michele must face. When Michele is confronted with Barbara pulling down her pants as a forfeit. Only Michele stands up for Barbara and tells Skull its not right. â€Å"Wait! I came last: I heard my voice saying†. This reveals to the reader that Michele is brave, compassionate and has self-respect. Michele is also very caring and protective of his sister † I didn’t like my sister being there†. 3. How does Ammaniti create and capture the atmosphere of childhood in his novel? What aspects of Michele’s way of seeing himself and the world indictate that he is a child? Ammaniti shows childhood through the eyes of Michele this is evident with the children’s gang’s mischievous and forfeits; this shows their concern and their innocence’s â€Å"Maria, you’ve made me lose the race!† the naive theories of the boy in the hole â€Å"Maybe the boy in the hole was my brother†¦. my sister and me†. Also the belief of ‘Monsters’ ‘Ogres’ and ‘Witches’ show us he is a young innocence child. 4. The novel is written twenty-one years later as Michele reflects back on the events of the summer of 1978. how can we tell this is true? What assumptions can be made in regards to how Michele’s life changes after that summer? The novel is written 21 years later we can tell this true when Michele says â€Å"Even after twenty-two years â€Å". Another indication that this is true is when he digresses about going to the snow.†About ten years later I happened to go skiing on the Gran Sasso†. This digression also suggest that he had left Acqua-Teverse, is better off, other assumptions that can be made are: The parents of the kidnapping would be sent to jail, The children of Acqua-Teverse would be traumatised. 5. Why does Michele identify with Filippo so strongly? Michele’s ability to empathise with Filippo was so strong because they both share the same pain of losing their innocence; Michele finding out his father is the real evil and Filippo been treated inhumanely and kidnapped. Their both young nine year old boys who share the same interests. 6. At one point Michele’s father tells him to â€Å"Stop all this talk about monsters†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Monsters don’t exist. Its men you should be afraid of, not monsters†.(page49) In what ways does the novel itself prove the statement to be true? This statement is ironic coming from Pino Michele’s father â€Å"It’s men you should be afraid of† is wise advice to Michele but he learns its the hard way. Its his father who is the ‘Monster’ that kidnapped Filippo and was prepared to murder Filippo. 7. In the games they play and their behaviour towards one another, how do Michele and his group of friends , compare to the adults in the novel? In what way does Michele possess an integrity that the adults and even the other children lack? The actions and behaviours of the children’s gang is minored more seriously by the adult gang in many ways like the children’s gang: do forfeits to decide the fate compared to the adults gang the solider’s draw to deal with Filippo. The bulling and torment is instigated by Skull this is also minored by the adults with Sergio bulling the rest of the adults. The children impaled a chicken and the adults treated Filippo inhumanely. Michele was the only person to help Barbara when she was tormented by Skull, he was the only one to care about Filippo even when Salvatore was told about him, his reaction was cold and wasn’t compassionate at all about the situation. They treated Filippo inhumanely and Michele was the only one that possess integrity and a kind heart. 8. What motivates the kidnappers? (Sergio, Felice & Pino) How do they betray their own children’s innocence? The motivation of the kidnap by the instigatored by Pino, Sergio and Felice. The reason for Pino is poverty: seeing the north while working as a truck driver this is evident when he bring a gondolas that represents his desire to live a fulfilled and materialistic life for himself and his family â€Å"Let’s go to the north†. He didn’t protect Michele’s and Maria’s innocence he held a child hostage and lost his child’s admiration. Sergio was involved in the kidnapping to fulfil his urge to go to Brazil â€Å"Had emigrated to South America†. Pino betrayed Michele by letting a criminal to slept next to Michele and didn’t protect him from danger. Felice was motivated by boredom he was a young man stuck in a isolation village woman less. He was cruel to Michele’s friend Filippo. 9. When Michele is running in the night to try to find Filippo, he fights off his fear by asking himself what Tiger Jack, a fictional hero, would do (page 196) What is so sad about this self talk? We’re introduced to a young boy Michele who admires his father like a hero . He loved his father, his father was his role model but when he discovers his evil side. Instead of been of his aspiration, the fictional hero Tiger Jack takes over and find him courage. This is so sad because it should have been his father and this shows the relationship is lost. 10. Why does Michele break his oath to his father and visit Filippo?(page 178) What is the â€Å"irresistible† force dragging him towards the hill? Micheles relationship with Filippo seems stronger then the relationship with his father. He should have kept his oath to his father, instead he kept the promise to Filippo this is evidence of that Michele isn’t as naive as he was . Michele was extracted an oath that Michele doesn’t keep. His conscience overrides and the hill is the irresistable force that pulls him to Filippo he saves himself and Filippo. 11. â€Å"I’m Not Scared† ends suddenly and dramatically: often such a climatic moment is followed by an extract in which the story’s loose ends are tied. why had Ammaniti chosen to end the novel this way? Niccolo Ammaniti has chosen to finish the novel at the climatic moment of the story because the reader can imagine the aftermath we have enough information to assump Michele didn’t died and Filippo is saved. When the novel is ended this way its evidence of reflection. In our minds we can fulfil our expectations. 12. Ammaniti’s novel can be described as a â€Å"coming of age story†. At what point does Michele grow up? What â€Å"hardness† about the adult world does he learn? â€Å"I’m Not Scared† is described as a â€Å"coming of age story† Michele loses his innocence and loses his childish ways when he discovers Filippo the boy in the hole he had experienced the truth behind the real world the isolation hadn’t protected him, his parents hadn’t protected him they betrayed him. This experience accelerated his maturity level, he learnt the real evil and ‘Monsters’ ‘Ogres’ ‘Witches’ didn’t exist they weren’t what he should have been afraid of it should been his father that’s what was so hard for Michele to swallow

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Case Study Example Ahmed. It is not possible to cure Mr. Ahmed. Under these circumstances, Nurse Janet Simpson suggested the family members to talk with Dr. Hopkins and the staff Imam from pastoral care sitting in a conference room. The Imam explained to Doctor Hopkins that according to their religious belief, cessation of brain activity is not considered as death of a human being. At the same time, the Imam explained the family members that according to the medical staff, very soon Mr. Ahmed’s brain would cease functioning. It would be considered as death, even though cardiovascular system might still function. As time passed, Mr. Ahmed became a brain dead person. Dr. Hopkins again approached the family with the same request, to turn off the ventilator. However, family members did not agree to it, and Nurse Simpson also reminded Dr. Hopkins about what the Imam said. Dr. Hopkins was in a quandary. She answered the Nurse; â€Å"By the death, we mean brain death and that is the law†. Shite religious beliefs do not consider that the cessation of brain activity is death of a human being. This is Mr. Ahmed’s familys religious belief. This is client’s autonomy. This is client’s family’s autonomy. Dr. Hopkins, as a physician understands that she has to fulfill her medical duty by turning off the ventilator, because the patient is a brain dead person. This is Dr. Hopkins autonomy as a physician. She cannot exercise this autonomy. Her act may be classified as malfeasance, or considered to be against the beneficences to Mr. Ahmed and his family. The dilemma is a situation in which the choices of one of two opposing decisions are equally difficult. Dr. Hopkins choice is to turn off the ventilator or stay with the Shite religious belief. She understands that Mr. Ahmed medically is a dead person. Keeping the ventilator on she cannot perform a miracle. At the same time, she understands she has to follow Shite Muslim cultural tradition. Dr. Hopkins

Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lab Report Example (a) Give the gender, age and height of your subject using SI units. Calculate FVC and TLC for your subject using the above formulae, remembering to include units. Show your calculations (6 lines maximum; 10 marks). (b) FER expresses FEV1 as a fraction of FVC. Given this information, why do you think that FER is often used, in preference to the simple variables FEV1 or PEF, when comparing different individuals, or when determining whether an individual’s reading is normal? (5 lines maximum; 5 marks) ROW 10. Calculate using the fact that oxygen consumption (expressed under STPD conditions) is proportional to energy expenditure: 1 L of oxygen consumed is approximately equivalent to an energy expenditure of 20 KJ. (20 marks) [NOTE: In the above table, volume data has been expressed using the terms ATPS and STPD. ATPS means the gas volume measured under actual laboratory conditions of temperature, pressure and humidity; these may vary from day to day. STPD conditions on the other hand are standardised, and it is necessary to convert ATPS volumes to STPD before carrying out the calculation for energy expenditure in the above table.] (b) How do your values for resting oxygen consumption and energy expenditure compare with â€Å"normal values† given in a textbook or other reference source? Suggest possible causes for any differences found. Give your source(s) as â€Å"in-text references†, and include the full reference(s) in the list at the end of this report.(8 lines maximum; 10 marks) (c) State the type of exercise your subject undertook. How does your value for energy expenditure during exercise compare with â€Å"normal values†, for the same or a similar activity, as given in a textbook or other reference source?Suggest possible causes for any differences found. By how much might energy expenditure increase during maximum exercise? Give your source(s), as â€Å"in-text references†, and include the full full

Annotated Bibliography of Organizational Systems and Style Essay

Annotated Bibliography of Organizational Systems and Style - Essay Example The article also clearly mentions the mission and functions as well as the recent organizational structure and the reasons behind the formation of TRADOC. The structural theory narrates about the entire TRADOC’s organizational construction, which is classified as a traditional hierarchy created in the United States in the early 20th century. In relation to the organization, the article mentions the overall role and responsibilities of TRADOC and also offers an insight in the process of Organizing, Recruiting, Supplying, Mobilizing, Training and Constructing in regard to the military equipment. The main concern of this article is the issues relating to the environment of military, political and internal operation and the ways of overcoming these issues. It also lists the ways and manners of enhancing the effectiveness of the external work operation by ‘Hypothetical Course of Action’ (HCA). The article evidently mentions the increasing efficiency of the overall work system with the application of HCA. The article provides a complete picture of the functions of the entire organizational structure. It helps readers comprehend the complete work process and techniques of TRADOC organization. This article offers information related to the role, functions and responsibilities of the TRADOC organization, which is quite helpful for the researchers for their future studies. Defense Technical Information System. (1994). A concept for the evolution of full dimensional operations for the strategic army of the early twenty-first century. Retrieved from http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA314276+ This article mentions the challenges of TRADOC organization likely to be witnessed in future and suggests changes which need to be done with regard to the strategy as well as technology in an upcoming dynamic world. This article offers details regarding the type of characteristics that are supposed to be required for the army in order to fight future battles and address future threats. The nature of the expected future challenges is explained in this article along with the ways of strategically dealing with them with the aid of fresh technologies. This article explains the theoretical structure in relation to the US Army’s constant development towards the future. It states about the ‘Force XXI’, which is a strategic army and subsists to meet the requirement of the nation’s security. The tasks of this particular army are found to be centered on leadership and quality soldiers possessing effective potential, which is more closely recognized through innovative information technologies. The article also provides an account of the predetermined full-dimensional functions of ‘Force XXI’. Basically this article demonstrates the ways in which the US Army will function in the future to achieve its missions and where control over the land is perceived to be necessary to attain success. The article narrates the theoretical foundation for the conduct of operations in future wars. In this article, the US Army is described to be active in the form of Army National Guard, Army Reserves and Department of Army Civilians. It offers information about the TRADOC’s Task Force XXI, doctrine writers, battle developers, combat laboratories and trainers. Moreover this article entails a vision of future TRADOC for the development of sustaining concepts, initiatives, experiments and strategies for upcoming wars. Moreover, this article highlights the entire TRADOC components: headquarters, their staffs,

The importance of analysis and analitical skills to the manager making Essay - 1

The importance of analysis and analitical skills to the manager making decisions in business - Essay Example The success of organisations heavily relies on the decision making processes undertaken by managers. Organisations are complex, and thus present complex problems or contexts in which the manager makes decisions. Monahan argues that sound decision making brings positive results while poor decision making can prove deleterious to an organisation. The author also states that although management involves a variety of functions, decision making is a central managerial function as all others entail its use. A good decision making process will result in good decisions and thus success in business, while a flawed process underlying conception of decisions will have the opposite effect.The use of these decision making approaches together will be analysed in terms of how managers apply them in an integrated manner. Managerial Decision Making, Problem Solving and the Structured Analytical Approach According to Yates, a decision refers to the act of making a commitment to undertake an action that will yield satisfactory results to the beneficiaries of that action. From this definition, it is clear that a decision has three fundamental aspects. First is the resolution to execute an action, deliberateness/intention-where the manager purposefully decides so as to achieve specific objectives, and lastly, the satisfaction of those affected by the decision-the beneficiaries. Decision making, thus, implies the process used to arrive at a decision which translates to the different approaches adopted by different business managers. Russell-Jones argues for the importance of the underlying decision making process, stating that a robust, consistent and analytical approach leverages the elements of complexity, uncertainty, objectives, trade-offs., consensus and flexibility among others. This results in the making of sound decisions that can consistently bring about business success. On a c losely related note, managers increasingly find themselves having to undertake problem solving. Hicks (2004, p. 8) details the concept of problem solving, explaining that it entails the manager seeking ways to move from a present situation to a more desirable one. A problem arises when a there is a disparity between what is and what should be. It also represents a situation in which the decision making individual- manager- has alternative courses of action, all with significantly different effects and thus accompanied by doubt about the best choice (9). A number of approaches can be adopted to make managerial decisions and/or solve problems. Monahan (2001, pp. 2-3) explains the dynamics that affect decision making processes; including availability of information, scarcity of resources, and psychological factors. The author also discusses uncertainty in the process of decision making. Deterministic models of managerial decision making activities are used in the absence of uncertainty , while probabilistic models are for cases where business decisions have to be made under uncertainty. One of the most highlighted approaches to effective decision making is the structured analytical approach. Saaty and Vargas (2006, p. 258) explain that structuring the process through analogies and attribute association helps establish a new perspective to a problem and create an environment in which controllable and distinct alternatives can be generated. Gustafson (2006, p. 12) states that an analytical approach to decision making deconstructs a problem into logical, sequential and distinctive elements which can be assessed separately before recombining the components to arrive at

SUMMARY AND problem solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

SUMMARY AND problem solution - Essay Example In the news and through YouTube images, we are witnesses to how texting while driving has become a dangerous habit. We see how it endangers the life of the driver, the passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers as well. Images from YouTube have managed to send the message across to many drivers and texters out there – that even the shortest period of time taken to text can lead to disastrous consequences (Andrzejczyk, p. 1). These images show very bluntly and graphically how violators who are caught in the act have exposed themselves to life-threatening conditions. They have also managed to serve as fitting examples of what can happen to people who text while driving and for people to somehow learn from the experience and to be deterred from adopting or from repeating the practice (Andrzejczyk, p. 2). However, many of these texters still claim that they cannot seem to stop themselves from texting and from texting while driving. This is another danger of texting while driving à ¢â‚¬â€œ that its practice in the hands of an obsessive compulsive personality makes for a dangerous combination on the road (Andrzejczyk, p. 1). A psychological factor which contributes to the problem of texting while driving can be attributed to a person’s need to socially and physically connect and communicate with others. The cell phone fulfills this need, more than any other technology; hence, its great popularity all over the world (Andrzejczyk, p. 4). The need to connect with other people is a need which is easily fulfilled by cell phones anytime anywhere. It is therefore easily understood why most users of the cell phone and of texting are teenagers because their need to communicate with other people is a top priority in their life (Andrzejczyk, p. 4). The psychological need of belongingness and of kinship with peers fuels the problem of texting while driving; and such need is often easily and conveniently filled by