Geopolitical profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Geopolitical profile - Essay Example ty to project its power across the globe and it is mainly as a result of this that it has been able to retain its influence long after falling from its superpower status. Russia is the largest country in the world with its borders stretching from northern Europe across northern Asia to the Bering Straits. As the largest country in the world, with an area of 17,075,400 square kilometres, it is one of the few countries in the world that have a diversity of natural resources, people, as well as neighbouring countries. The result is that this country has come to exert a lot of influence over a large territory as well as its neighbours for centuries. Its geographical position is unique because it allows it to wield some influence on three continents as well as being able to project itself militarily. Russia incorporates a wide range of climates and environments within its territory and these have had an effect on its historical development. Moreover, this country has borders with a diverse number of countries including China, Norway, Lithuania, Finland, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the United States across the Bering Straits, among many others. The geographical position of this country has also placed it on top of the largest oil and gas reserves on the planet and this country has been able to ensure that this resource is used to further its geopolitical power over the Eurasian region. In addition to oil and natural gas, Russia has other significant resources which include deposits of timber, coal, and as well as mineral resources that have given it an advantage over other countries in the region. As the largest producer of natural gas in the world, Russia is in a unique position to determine the futures of some of its neighbouring countries, most of which were former member states of the Soviet Union. It is through its unique position as being the number one producer of natural gas, in addition to oil, that it has been able to ensure that it maintains its influence over the

Basic Control Mechanisms of Thermoregulatory Process in Livestock Essay Example for Free

Basic Control Mechanisms of Thermoregulatory Process in Livestock Essay Introduction Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperature is very different (Wikipedia, 2012). Thermoregulation could also be referred to as the mechanisms and control systems used by the body to balance thermal inputs and thermal losses so as to maintain its core temperature nearly constant (Monique, 2002). This process is one aspect of homeostasis: a dynamic state of stability between an animals internal environment and its external environment (the study of such processes in zoology has been called ecophysiology or physiological ecology) (Wikipedia, 2012). If the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature and it increases significantly above normal, a condition known as hyperthermia occurs and any prolonged exposure (longer than a few hours) at this temperature without control mechanisms to bring it back to normal is tantamount to death of the animal. The opposite condition, when body temperature decreases below normal levels, is known as hypothermia. Most body heat is generated in the deep organs, especially the liver, brain, and heart, and in contraction of skeletal muscles (Guyton and Hall, 2006). Animals and humans have been able to adapt to a great diversity of climates, including hot humid and hot arid. High temperatures pose serious stresses for the animal body, placing it in great danger of injury or even death. For animals, adaptation to varying climatic conditions includes both physiological mechanisms as a byproduct of evolution, and the conscious development of cultural adaptations (Harrison et al., 1988; Weiss and Mann, 1985). There are four avenues of heat loss: convection, conduction, radiation, and evaporation (Wikipedia, 2012). If skin temperature is greater than that of the surroundings, the body can lose heat by radiation and conduction. But if the temperature of the surroundings is greater than that of the skin, the body actually gains heat by radiation and conduction. In such conditions, the only means by which the body can rid itself of heat is by evaporation. So when the surrounding temperature is higher than the skin temperature, anything that prevents adequate evaporation will cause the internal body temperature to rise (Guyton, 2006). During sports activities, evaporation becomes the main avenue of heat loss (Wilmore et al., 1999). Humidity affects thermoregulation by limiting sweat evaporation and thus heat loss (Guyton and Arthur, 1976). The skin assists in homeostasis (keeping different aspects of the body constant e.g. temperature). It does this by reacting differently to hot and cold conditions so that the inner body temperature remains more or less constant. Vasodilation and sweating are the primary modes by which humans attempt to lose excess body heat. The brain creates much heat through the countless reactions which occur. Even the process of thought creates heat. The head has a complex system of blood vessels, which keeps the brain from overheating by bringing blood to the thin skin on the head, allowing heat to escape. The effectiveness of these methods is influenced by the character of the climate and the degree to which the individual is acclimatized. Classification of Animals by Thermal Characteristics Based on thermal characteristics, animals could be classified into four broad groups: †¢ Endotherms: These are animals that create most of their heat via metabolic processes, and are colloquially referred to as warm-blooded. Most mammals and humans belong to this group. †¢ Ectotherms: These are animals that use external sources of temperature to regulate their body temperatures. They are colloquially referred to as coldblooded despite the fact that body temperatures often stay within the same temperature ranges as warm-blooded animals. Examples of animals that belong to this group are fish, amphibians and reptiles. †¢ Homeotherms: These are animals or organisms with stable body temperature which is independent of the temperature of the surrounding environment. Most endothermic organisms are homeothermic, like mammals. Although, fish are ectotherms because all of their heat comes from the surrounding water. However, most are homeotherms because their temperature is very stable. †¢ Poikiotherms: These are animals or organisms with variable body temperature. The body temperature varies according to the temperature of the surrounding environment. Animals with facultative endothermy are often poikilothermic, meaning their temperature can vary considerably. Examples of poikilotherms include amphibians, reptiles and fish. The Hypothalamus as a Thermoregulatory Centre Thermoregulation in both ectotherms and endotherms is controlled mainly by the preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus (Romanovsky, 2007). In general, the posterior hypothalamus controls responses to cold, and the anterior hypothalamus controls responses to heat (Martha, 2010), hence, both serving as thermoregulatory centres. This area receives input from temperature receptors in the skin and mucous membranes (peripheral thermoreceptors) and from internal structures (central thermoreceptors), which include the hypothalamus itself (Dominika, 1998). The temperature sensory signals from the preoptic area and those from the periphery are combined in the posterior hypothalamus to control the heat producing and conserving reactions of the body. The hypothalamic thermostat works in conjunction with other hypothalamic, autonomic and higher nervous thermoregulatory centers to keep the core temperature constant. Some of these thermoregulatory responses are involuntary, mediated by the autonomic nervous system, some are neurohormonal and others are semi-voluntary or voluntary behavioral responses (Dominika, 1998). The brain receives signals regarding body temperature from the nerves in the skin and the blood. These signals go to the hypothalamus, which coordinates thermoregulation in the body. Both sets of information are needed so that the body can make appropriate adjustments. The thermoregulatory centre sends impulses to several different effectors to adjust body temperature. The signals from the hypothalamus control the sympathetic nervous system, which affects vasoconstriction, metabolism, shivering, sweating, and hormonal controls over temperature to bring the increased or decreased temperature back to normal (Wikipedia,2012) Figure 1: Schematic representation of the thermoregulatory centre role in thermoregulation (IHW, 2006) Feedback Control Mechanism for Thermoregulation in Hot Condition When the surroundings are hot or when the animal body is vigorously exercising, the following could be described as the summary of the feedback control system responsible for regulating the temperature back to normal: †¢ As the body core temperature starts to rise, the increase in temperature is detected by heat receptors in the body. †¢ †¢ These receptors send signals to the hypothermic thermostat. The thermostat inhibits the adrenergic activity of the sympathetic nervous system and stimulates the vasomotor system to dilate the capillaries underlying the skin. †¢ Arteriolar vasodilation occurs. The smooth muscle walls of the arterioles relax allowing increased blood flow through the artery. This redirects blood into the superficial capillaries in the skin increasing heat loss by convection, conduction and radiation. †¢ If the heat is sufficiently intense, the cholinergic sympathetic fibers, wh ich innervate sweat glands release ACh, stimulating sweat. †¢ The eccrine sweat glands under the skin secrete sweat (a fluid containing mostly water with some dissolved ions) which travels up the sweat duct, through the sweat pore and onto the surface of the skin. This causes heat loss via evaporative cooling; however, a lot of essential water is lost (Wikipedia, 2012). †¢ The hairs on the skin lay flat, preventing heat from being trapped by the layer of still air between the hairs. This is caused by tiny muscles under the surface of the skin called arrector pili muscles relaxing so that their attached hair follicles are not erect. These flat hairs increase the flow of air next to the skin increasing heat loss by convection. †¢ Behavioral responses to heat, such as lethargy, resting, lying down with limbs spread out or wallowing in pool of water or mud, decreases heat production and increases heat loss †¢ As the animal body gets cooler, the hypothalamic receptors detect this and diminish the heat loss prevention responses . †¢ The body core temperature returns to normal. It should be noted that most animals cant sweat efficiently. Cats and dogs have sweat glands only on the pads of their feet. Horses and humans are two of the few animals capable of sweating. Many animals pant rather than sweat because the lungs have a large surface area and are highly vascularised. Air is inhaled, cooling the surface of the lungs and is then exhaled losing heat and some water vapour. Figure 2: Schematic representation of thermoregulatory process in the body of an animal (IHW, 2006) Feedback Control Mechanism for Thermoregulation in Cold Condition When the surroundings are cold or when the animal body is resting, the following could be described as the summary of the feedback control system responsible for regulating the temperature back to normal: †¢ As the body core temperature starts to drop, this is detected by cold receptors in the body. †¢ These receptors send signals to both the hypothalamic thermostat and higher cortical centres in the CNS. †¢ The activation of the sympathetic centre results in several response which slow down the activity of the sweat glands. †¢ This lowers the production of sweat and it decreases the evaporation of sweat, which reduces heat loss by evaporation. †¢ The muscles under the surface of the skin called arrector pili muscles (attached to an individual hair follicle) contract (piloerection), lifting the hair follicle upright. This makes the hairs stand on end which acts as an insulating layer, trapping heat. †¢ The hypothalamus also signals the vasomotor system to constrict the capillaries underlying the skin. †¢ Arterioles carrying blood to superficial capillaries under the surface of the skin can shrink (constrict), thereby rerouting blood away from the skin and towards the warmer core of the body. This prevents blood from losing heat to the surroundings and also prevents the core temperature dropping further. This process is called vasoconstriction. It is impossible to prevent all heat loss from the blood, only to reduce it. In extremely cold conditions excessive vasoconstriction leads to numbness and pale skin. Frostbite only occurs when water within the cells begins to freeze, this destroys the cell causing damage (Wikipedia, 2012). This reduces heat loss by conduction, radiation, and convection. †¢ A Shivering Center in the hypothalamus is also activated which activates the brainstem motor centers to initiate involuntary contraction of skeletal muscles causing shivering. This increases heat production as respiration is an exothermic reaction in muscle cells. Shivering is more effective than exercise at producing heat because the animal remains still. This means that less heat is lost to the environment via convection. There are two types of shivering: low intensity and high intensity. During low intensity shivering animals shiver constantly at a low level for months during cold conditions. During high intensity shivering animals shiver violently for a relatively short time. Both processes consume energy although high intensity shivering uses glucose as a fuel source and low intensity tends to use fats. This is a primary reason why animals store up food in the winter (Wikipedia, 2012). †¢ There is also epinephrine secretion from adrenal medulla that increases thermogenesis.

What Impression of Inman is created in chapter 1 of Cold Mountain? Essa

What Impression of Inman is created in chapter 1 of Cold Mountain? Throughout Chapter one Frazier establishes Inman’ s character in sufficient detail for the reader to feel involved in his life and get an insight into the way he thinks. This gives the reader a feeling of superiority as to their knowledge of Inman and his feelings. Inman is based on Frazier’s great uncle. This gives them a better impression of him and a greater feeling of pity for him and his situation. He appears to be very sensitive to his surroundings as the environment of the hospital seems to affect his feelings in a very negative way. An example of this is where he thinks about how he obtained his wound. This shows his strength of character both physically and mentally. This is because he is strongly affected by the battles he has experienced and is horrified and haunted by it. His description of the train journey to the hospital is very sensual. This shows how he is extremely observant and has a great memory for detail. It also shows how vivid the horrors are that he has faced throughout his ...

A need for old age homes in modern times Essay

It’s a shameful state of affairs that there has arisen a need for old age homes in modern times. Why do we need these homes? Why are we considering our older relatives as a burden on us? Not too long ago we used to have a strong joint family system. It was an unquestioned norm of the society to take care if of the elderly. It was considered an honour and a blessing. Sadly, joint families have become relics of the past. In this nuclear age, old people are considered a liability. Time is money. And time and money determine our priorities today. Why are old age homes a symbol of societal ingratitude? Obviously, the absence of near and dear ones and the lack of their love and affection are the causes. Definitely, old age homes stand out as sore thumbs in the society, symbolic of our negligence towards our aged parents. As Thomas Merton, a catholic author rightly said, ‘These people, who live the evening of their lives in old age homes live unloved and die unmourned. Death comes to them as a great reliever.’ Are we not negating the role they have played in catapulting us to what we are today? Can we be so mean and selfish? Do we ever realise how priceless senior citizens are to the nation because of their wide experience and wisdom? How can we overlook their sad forlorn faces and concentrate on our triumphs? Don’t you remember all those countless hurdles and sleepless nights they have faced? So why don’t we make a fresh start? Let’s work together to weave a web of love and compassion to shelter our elders who have been torch lights of guidance all their lives for us. The elderly of the world today are more in need of love, kindness, safety and comfort from their own children and family members than that coming from a stranger. They can do without the amenities and/or luxuries that any OLD AGE HOME, SANITARIUM or GERIATRIC HOSPITAL WARD can give them. You might very well be paying a high price to keep a domestic helper or cook for your elderly parent(s) or grand-parent(s) – but that is not what the elderly  really WANT. They need the aid of a helper in their daily lives, it is true – but it is for a smile, a kind, polite word, attention and love that they really crave for. They crave for somebody who will talk to them and laugh with them – people who will stay by their side when the darkness of night falls and the fear of dying alone creeps in. Whether you want to believe it or not, old people crave for a TRUE AND LOYAL FRIEND. An emotional and moral â€Å"SUPPORT SYSTEM† that comes from one’s own loving and ca ring family members has more curative value in the longer run than all the allopathic drugs and medicines put together. now a days our Indian society is intensely influenced by the western world.. & we have become obsessed with money so that we are gradually losing our morality. †¨its time to realise that Aged parents are like children. & we should take care of them†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¨finally i wanna say 1 thing that†¨WHATEVER WE GIVE IN THE PRESENT ONLY WE WILL GET IN THE FUTURE†¦.!!!†¨so it is preferable if possible and the children are willing to look after you. in case the children are not favourable then it is preferred to live in a good old age home who can take care of of you till your death. but the people who do not have their children then the preference is to live in old age home only old people are big support for the family. bcz they are our base and having better experinces den new age people. and bcz old age people we r kwn in the society.and they r the strength of the family. so don’t let dem to old age home keep them in family bcz in this age they need family support and care†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. well according to me everyone has right to live with their family happily †¦.. to days people are trying to avoid their responsibility †¦ they think old parents are only burden†¦there is no use of them†¦but i think if you got saperate by your old parents ..send them old age home.. then you are the next one who will suffer the same problem†¦. Can not agree with your view even with best effort. Did our parents think the same way when they spared time, attention and energy for us? The answer is no. If our parents could find time for us, surely we as well, can think the same way both for our children and parents. Provide quality time as also while we need to pay back even if it is at the cost of a few promotions less in job or making less money in other vocations. Being competitive was very much known to our parents as well and so was the rat-race, yet if they avoided we must appreciate that gesture. Of course few from â€Å"Rat-race† may realize of this being a differentiating factors to be called Human. my opinion Parents make great sacrifices for the care of their children. Day after day, parents protect their children from danger, attend to their cries, and reassure them after a bad dream. Parents give up necessities for their children everyday†¦.But when the children grown up and if they reach better postion in the society, they are forgetting their own parents†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦I cant able to undersatnd, how they(children) can forget their past lifehow they can avoid their own parents in their lifeIs it Good? that it’s shamefull that we have to discuss this matter as we are forgetting our culture which tell us that mother father are god in the world . I agree with your views that parents must be kept with us if required we can keep servent to tocare for them in our absence and after coming from work we can spend some time with them .This much will keep them happy . Our parents are taking too many difficulties or we can say they are sacrificing for the welfare of their children. Hence it should not be the right thing to leave them in the oldage homes. It is the duty of every one to keep their old age parents with them and should be taken care by their children. In case the old age parents are left in the homes by you, which will be watched by your own children and tomorrow you will meet the same thing by your children. Whether elderly people should live with their children and grandchildren or  in retirement homes depends on their personal choice and the circumstances in which they have been living till then.I personally feel elderly people must live with their children and grand children.†¨ The chief reason for my view is old people are like infants who need constant care and attention.Most of them have some or the other medical conditions which may require assistance from people around.Some people may or may not be financially sound to live in retirement homes.Above all,it is the primary duty of the children to take care of their parents at such an age For example,In India most of the parents live with their children in their older age.This develops bond between different generations and bridges the gap between them.Younger generation can learn a lot from the older generation where as older generation can know about the progress which the newer generations are making. Moreover living with the family creates a sense of security and warmth which might be lacking in any other type of residences.Finally,living with the family would be a better option. They did not ponder much about lack of privacy whenever we barged into their romantic rendezvous. They did it all for Us! Is this how we pay back? By dumping them in old age homes? i know Okay, times have changed. Now, both parents might have to work to run the home. Maybe, we don’t want to miss out on our promotions. After all, the money from that promotion will also be used to give parents a ‘better old age home!!’ And now-a-days, old age homes are all spruced up like hotels with all facilities including medicine and entertainment readily available. Fine, but pray tell me, if we have the time to party, if we have the time to watch television can we not find a little time for our parents at home? Is it too much to ask for? Old age homes may provide all material requirements but surely, we are wise enough( or are we?!) to understand that an old age home cannot fill in the vacuum of love and affection that only a family can provide. Even if we call them every other day, can the phone call fulfill the anticipations and expectation that a parent has to meet his/her son or/and daughter? Come on friend , I am telling you a little story † one day my friend’s father made a little mistake then my friend shout on them.. his father replied , son , when you were small (child) you made lot of errors but i never rebuked on you , you did several mistake but i always tried to show  you good manner to do that task. but today , when i am getting sick , my memory and body is not supporting me , you are not doing the same as what i did in past for you . Friends they are treasure for us, with lot of experience of life, with lot of love, with lot of honor . don’t loo se you wealth , they are root of your life , without root , you will not be strong and steady. I believe that they should live in family and with family.I believe that whatever we do we do it for our family.If we can manage our small kids who also want special care why not our parents.We dont send them to some other kid care center then why there is problem with parents.If one can afford them to old age home then it could also be managed, care and attention could also be provided at our home by arranging some professionals who will come to home and take care of them.Definitely it cost higher but I think they deserve it.They don’t need money,they need family and want to die in front of there loved one rather than some unknown professional. We should understand that no matter how high we rise in our life but we are in life because of them and we should help them to get the LOVE,RESPECT that they deserve. Here I want to post something that i recently gone through. Today I’m sharing something that is very close to us & also very true. We all go through this †¦plz read through†¦ At 4 Years†¨ My daddy is great.†¨ †¨ At 6 Years†¨ My daddy knows everybody.†¨ †¨ At 10 Years†¨ My daddy is good but is short tempered†¨ †¨ At 12 Years†¨ My daddy was very nice to me when I was young.†¨ †¨ At 14 Years†¨ My daddy is getting fastidious.†¨ †¨ At 16 Years†¨ My daddy is not in line with the current times.†¨ †¨ At 18 Years†¨ My daddy is becoming increasingly cranky.†¨ †¨ At 20 Years†¨ Oh! It’s becoming difficult to tolerate daddy. Wonder how Mother puts up†¨ with him.†¨ †¨ At 25 Years†¨ Daddy is objecting to everything.†¨ †¨ At 30 Years†¨ it’s becoming difficult to manage my son. I was so scared of my father†¨ when I was young.†¨ †¨ At 40 Years†¨ Daddy brought me up with so much discipline. Even I should do the same.†¨ †¨ At 45 Years†¨ I am baffled as to how my daddy brought us up.â € ¨ †¨ At 50 Years†¨ My daddy faced so many hardships to bring us up. I am unable to manage†¨ A Single son.†¨ †¨ At 55 Years†¨ My daddy was so far  sighted and planned so many things for us. He is†¨ one of his kind and unique.†¨ †¨ At 60 Years†¨ My daddy is great.†¨ †¨ Thus, it took 56 years to complete the cycle and come back to the 1st. Stage. Realize the true value of your parents before it’s too late†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Bye the way I want to thank the owner of this debate and to Disha.who gave me an opportunity to take part in this debate I don’t think people have time today even to take care of their own parents, I mean they are busy running behind money and creating better future for themselves but are forgetting who provided a better future for them in the first place, and even parents at times think that they don’t want to be a burden on their children and they themselves at times get registered to these oldage homes, as they are seeing whats happening infront of them and they dont want to be let down by their own kids infront of others I strongly feel that older people should spend rest of their lives with their children because there are some things that money can’t buy especially â€Å"LOVE†. Old age especially demands affection. Children are brought up by their parents since they are too young. Especially in a society to which I belong, Technology-integration in Old Age Homes in India A Status Paper Sugan Bhatia, Ph.D. President Indian University Association for Continuing Education Delhi 1.1 The elderly (aged 60 years and above) in India account for more than 9 percent of the total population. The National Population Commission estimated that the population of the elderly is expected to grow from 71 million in 2001 to 173 million in 2026. This demographic scenario appears to indicate a very precarious condition for the older persons in terms of their capability to enjoy the right to life with dignity. While those in the age group 60-69 years could be expected to lead a fairly healthy life and offer their services as volunteers for informal care giving to others in the two higher age groups, both the 70-79 years age group and the 80 + years age group would require critical social and medical healthcare support – both  informal care giving and formal care giving. 1.2 The growing incidence of elder abuse and severe fissures in the multigenerational family or household has forced many older persons to abandon their family home; some of them have also been â€Å"pushed out† and have thus been left shelter-less. Most urban areas appear to have a growing incidence of cases of abandoned elderly. A new culture of â€Å"peer group participation† being attempted by the old persons appears to be taking roots in many parts of urban India; Old Age Homes of various types are rapidly becoming a choice for many â€Å"abandoned†, â€Å"left out† or â€Å"neglected† old persons with or without survival resources. 1.3 The vision of â€Å"alternate shelter† for older persons, as enunciated in both national and global policy frameworks, includes Group housing for older persons, No physical barriers to mobility, Health care and nutritional support, Development of age-integrated communities, Recreation services, Age-friend ly, easy and safe accessibility to shopping complexes, community centers, parks and other services, and Provision of ramps†¦

EBay Inc. and Amazon.com Essay

EBay, Inc. and Amazon.com Introduction Problem definition and historical context            In broad spectrum, the case of eBay and Amazon explores the strategic interaction between the two organizations as they embrace different business models. This case considers how competitors in the market can successfully challenge the rival in highly competitive market where business is defined by strong network effects and fluctuating costs. The audiences in this case are given a chance to assess the merits and the demerits of the business platform utilized by eBay in contrast to Amazon’s online based retail model (Harvard business school, 2012). In addition, the case allows those interested to evaluate business performance in the event of looping value because of the indirect interactions in the two industries. The case offers a vivid exploration and analysis of how Amazon expanded its business in the competitive environment as well as discussing how eBay responded and the strategies they can adopt to lower the difference in earnings between the two. All this is done through an in-depth analysis of acquisition of GSI commerce by eBay in 2011. Briefly, business competition is the main issue in this case. Case research            Business competition between the two corporations rapidly grew in 2011, ten years after a story by â€Å"Businessweek’ labeled eBay vs. Amazon was released. The publication by Businessweek clearly depicted that between the two, the company that would win the biggest market share would probably dominate the future of internet-based business. By the time of this publication, Amazon was leading in all aspects of online transactions. Inherently, the history of the two corporations is based on Royal battle. The rivalry between the two companies is very high. Actually, Amazon and eBay are the biggest firms in online business. They are competitors of each other. Despite being in the same business, the two corporations have been operating by taking different business approaches. In terms of financial growth, Amazon had established itself as the market leader. Its financial aspects had grown by 37% as compared to eBay’s 6% (Harvard business school, 2012). Mor eover, eBay specializes in focusing on being a facilitator in internet business while Amazon focuses on becoming a one-stop platform. It is in the is respect that the case establishes that Amazon in the long-run will outrun eBay in the online stage. The two companies expand their markets by merging with other related companies. Industry/Goal/Product            EBay Company offers a market place where both retailers and buyers interact. The company aims at enabling both buyers and sellers to agree at a neutral price that can be referred to as action price. Similar to Amazon, e bay offers its clients with variety of products where they can choose on what to buy or sell. Both companies deal with used good but strictly dealing with e commerce as mode of payment. Generic Strategies Grid (2 char. per axis) 291909541338500 The generic strategies are mostly applied in analyzing competitive advantage of the business environment of both companies. Cost leadership Differentiation 147637518796000 Cost focus Differentiation focus This chart articulates ways how e Bay company can gain competitive advantage over the other viable competitors. Five Forces Model            In business context, Five Forces Model is paramount as they help then businesses analyze their competitive advantage. It is paramount to understand both internal and external business environment so in order to develop viable strategies to remain in the competitive edge. In reference to the case study, the Five Forces Model will greatly help to analyze the intense competition between Amazon.com and e Bay. More importantly, Five Forces Model is a viable tool to help both companies to plan in ways such as coming up with new products needed by the customers. Supplier Power is the first element that deals with suppliers and prices of the commodities (Harvard business school, 2012). With the intense competition as witnessed in the case study, each company is striving with best ways how they can demand the prices of commodities to lower. Indeed, E bay has collaborated with many suppliers by offering clients with variety of products ranging from different prices.            Buyer Power is the second element in the Five Forces Model. Ultimately, this element is concerned on how best the buyers can bring down prices of commodities. Quite different from Amazon, E bay has offered their customers with a direct linkage with their suppliers with an urge to bring down cost of goods. Competitive Rivalry is another model vital to understand all potential competitors around the business. As noted in the case study, potential competitors in this industry include newspapers cites, music or video shops and personal homepages among others. Threat of Substitution is less as both companies have a strong CRM hence making it difficult for other companies to displace them in the market. Lastly, the companies face intense competion from Threat of New Entry companies such as yahoo among others. Strategic analysis Value chain analysis            Value chain analysis entails analysis of the manner in which companies ensure value creation to their customers with the use of their resources and strategies. In relation to eBay, the company ensures value creation to their customers through price cutting, enhancing its customer search capabilities and ensuring its new business model. The company’s inbound logistics are well-built. EBay is tight-lipped in regard to their approach to payment processing, communications, website operations and more importantly customer support. With respect to its operations, the company does not restrict the maintenance of a marketplace and this resulted to it entering new markets outside U.S.A in 2011 (Harvard business school, 2012). Evidently, eBay unlike Amazon is depicted a powerful in relation to its operations. With the introduction of its core business segments, that is communications, payments and marketplaces, eBay aimed to maintain the trust and opportunity by devel oping new business communities globally with the help of e- business. In this case, the company compared to Amazon generated much revenue and increased its popularity around the world. Project risk model            Project risk management aims to measure the company’s capabilities and risks and the most effective measures it adopts to prevent various risks as it conducts business. With respect to project risk model, eBay is depicted as one with clear project risk management process. On the other hand, Amazon also has a well established project risk model to address company’s capabilities and risks. Model justification            The business model assumed by eBay that is auctions marketplace is depicted by the article and paramount in ensuring the success of the company especially in the competitive business environment. The model provides effective and efficient means of payments, communication and means of entering new markets. Based on the article, the business model assumed by the company connects buyers and sellers in such a way that it ensures value creation. The model is also portrayed as effective as it improved the revenue of the company in the year in 1999 (Harvard business school, 2012). Alternatives flow from strategic models            To ensure its competitive, eBay according to the article used groundbreaking business platforms and models to attract more customers globally. However, the article depicts that the company should also focus on expanding and transforming its business and project risk models in areas such as marketing and services to its customers. In this case, the company should be in a position to compete with competitors such as Amazon. Technology and costs            Technological changes are occurring drastically hence citing the need why the companies should be at par with these innovations. The technology used by both companies is effective to enhance the search catalog and ability to retrieve information at ease hence cutting operational cost. Use of AWS has huge benefits, as it is not only reliable but also secure. Another advantage of this technology in relation to cost is that it is simple in scalability. Use of superior technology such as AWS, S3, catalogue and EC2 enhances the company to reduce fixed prices of commodities (Harvard business school, 2012). Recommendation            Competition between the two corporations is high and specifically eBay should adopt several strategies to minimize the available gap. For instance, eBay should embrace better advertisement strategies and search for better advertisement partners. This will help attract some of the Amazons customers to their side. Secondly, to ensure that they stand a chance to reduce the business gap, eBay should focus on its strengths. Getting into the digital media sales should be another area to strategize on. In terms of internet technology, eBay should ensure better internet search as well ensuring improved tagging approaches. Lastly, it is of importance for eBay to reduce the PayPal fees to entice and attract more clients. On the other hand, Amazon should materialize on making their products better besides competing with their close competitor on price. Reference Harvard business school.(2012). Bay, Inc. and Amazon.com (A) and (B). Source document

televsions effect essays

televsions effect essays Television is a pervasive and complex part of childrens lives, there are many factors that affect how much and what they view. In the essay Teaching as an Amusing Activity (1987), Neil Postman argues television conditions us to tolerate visually entertaining material measured out in chunks at a time. He explains the ways in which the media is changing the way our children are learning. Neil Postman starts off by explaining how television is being used as an attractive and seductive medium to make children to like school with shows such as Sesame Street. He describes how in a classroom setting allows the student to participate in asking questions and being interactive, while television lures the children with stimulating, colourful and creative images. Neil Postman than compares the difference in learning behaviours between the classroom setting and sitting in front of the television, which is the problem that is facing America today. Television does not encourage children to go to school but also affects their cognitive and social development. Neil Postman continues on with his idea on how children should learn. It is not what they are learning, since television shows can all be educational, it is how you learn it that is important. By watching television, the children are only expected to play a viewer role, while not realizing the familiarity of their role as a student in a classroom. This is leading American culture in the process of converting their culture from a word-centered to an image-centered society. Television is more and more becoming a curriculum as pointed out by Postman. It influences, warps and manipulates the young minds of children into believing that education is entertainment. Postman(1985) states that there are three basic commandments that educational television provides (pgs.147,148). The first one is Thou shalt have no prerequisites. It means that the viewer does no ...

The History of Vending Machines

The History of Vending Machines Vending or automatic retailing, as the process of selling merchandise via automated machine is increasingly known, has a long history. The first recorded example of the vending machine comes from the Greek mathematician Hero of Alexandria, who  invented a device that dispensed  holy water inside Egyptian temples.   Other early examples include small machines made of brass that dispensed tobacco, were found in  some taverns in England around  1615.  In 1822, an English  publisher and bookshop owner named  Richard Carlile built a newspaper dispensing machine  that allowed patrons to purchase banned works. And it was in  1867 that the first fully automatic vending machine, which  dispensed  stamps, appeared.   Coin-Operated Vending Machines During the early 1880s, the first commercial coin-operated vending machines were introduced in London, England. Invented in 1883 by  Percival Everitt, the machines were found at railway stations and  post offices, as they were a convenient way to purchase  envelopes,  postcards, and  notepaper. And in 1887, the first vending machine servicer, the  Sweetmeat Automatic Delivery Company, was founded.   In 1888, the Thomas Adams Gum Company introduced the very first vending machines to the United States. The machines were installed on the elevated subway platforms in New York City and sold Tutti-Fruiti gum. In 1897, the Pulver Manufacturing Company added animated figures to its gum machines as an added attraction. The round, candy-coated gumball, and gumball vending machines were introduced in 1907. Coin-Operated Restaurants Soon, vending machines were available that offered almost everything, including cigars, postcards, and stamps. In Philadelphia, a completely coin-operated automat restaurant called Horn Hardart was opened in 1902 and stayed opened until 1962. Such fast-food restaurants, called automats, only took nickels and were popular among struggling  songwriters and  actors, as well as celebrities of that era.   Beverage Vending Machines Machines that dispensed drinks go as far back as 1890. The very first beverage vending machine was located in Paris, France and allowed people to buy beer wine and liquor. In the early 1920s, the first automatic vending machines started dispensing  sodas  into cups. Today, beverages are among the most popular items sold through vending machines.   Cigarettes in Vending Machines In 1926, an American inventor named William Rowe invented the cigarette vending machine. Over time, however, they became increasingly less common in the United States due to concerns over underage buyers. In other countries, vendors have addressed the issue by requiring that some sort of age verification, such as a drivers license, bank card or ID be inserted before a purchase can be made. Cigarette dispensing machines are still common in  Germany, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Japan.   Specialty Vending Machines Food, beverages, and cigarettes are the most common items sold in vending machines, but the list of specialty items sold by this form of automation is almost endless, as a quick survey of any airport or bus terminal will tell you. The vending machine industry took a big jump around 2006 when credit card scanners started to become common on vending machines. Within ten years, almost every new vending machine was equipped to accept credit cards. This opened the door to the sale of many high-priced items through vending machines. Here are just some of the specialty products that have been offered via vending machine:   Fishing baitOn-line internet timeLottery ticketsBooksElectronics, including I-pads,  cell phones, digital cameras, and computers.  Hot foods, such as french fries and pizzaLife insuranceCondoms and other contraceptivesOver-the-counter drugsMarijuanaAutomobiles Yes, you read that last item correctly.  In late 2016, Autobahn Motors in Singapore opened a luxury car vending machine that offered Ferrari  and  Lamborghini  cars. Buyers clearly need hefty limits on their credit cards.   Japan, Land of the Vending Machines Japan has gained a reputation for having some of the most innovative use of vending machines, offering machines that offer products including fresh fruits and vegetables, sake, hot foods, batteries, flowers, clothing and, of course, sushi. In fact, Japan has the highest per capita rate of vending machines in the world.   The Future of Vending Machines A coming trend is the advent of smart vending machines that offer things like cashless payment; face, eye, or fingerprint recognition,  and social media connectivity. It is likely that the vending machines of the future will recognize your identity and tailor their offerings to your interests and tastes. A beverage vending machine, for example, may well recognize what you have purchased at other vending machines all around the world and ask you if you want your usual skim latte with a double shot of vanilla.   Market research projects that by 2020, 20% of all vending machines will be smart machines, with at least 3.6 million units knowing who you are and what youd like.