Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Business - Essay Example The company currently operates with more than 450 stores. Morison was incorporated in 1899 in Brandford, UK. The company currently has a market cap of GBP 8.02 billion with a share price of GBP 303.3. Safeway is one of the biggest food as well as drug retailers in North America. Within US and Canada the company operated within 1692 stores as of Mar-2011.The Company currently has a market cap of $8.93 billion with current share price of $24.25. Compared to Morrison, Safeway was incorporated in 1990 in California. Analysis The financial statements of both the companies before and after the takeover are as follows: Morrison Balance sheet as of 2010 and 2004: 2010 (million GBP) 2004 (million GBP) Assets Non-current assets 7,666 1,739 Current Assets 1,094 492 Liabilities Current Liabilities (2,152) (814) Non-current Liabilities (1,659) (100) Net Assets 4,959 1,357 Dividends 363 174 Profit Retained 2,008 1,143 Merger Reserve 2,578 Capital Employed 4,949 1,317 Morrison Income statement as o f 2010 and 2004: 2010 (million GBP) 2004 (million GBP) Turnover 15,410 4,959 Cost of sales (14,348) (3,696) Gross Profit 1,062 1,263 Operating profit 907 306 As can be seen above the difference in assets, liabilities, turnover and profits of the company in 6 years after the company acquired Safeway. The turnover has gone up by 210.75% and operating profit has gone up by 195.44%. The nets assets of the company following the takeover have gone up by 265.4%. All these are good signs for the company and represents that the company had followed the positive outlook following the merger. This means that the company has maintained the aggressive growth rate even after the takeover of Safeway in 2004. Next analysis of company would be stock price analysis of past 7 years following the takeover of Safeway. This is discussed as follows: The stock price analysis shows the positive outlook for the company. It shows how the stock has continued to provide return to its investors even after the ta keover of Safeway. The analysis of stock chart for 2004 shows the positive investor sentiment following the takeover. This is also due to high presence of company in retail industry in UK. The food and retail sector represents the biggest industry in the United Kingdom, providing employment to more than four million people in production, manufacturing, retailing and distribution. Retail sector accounted for 9% of the GDP of the country in 2003 (Datamonitor, 2003). In last few years, UK’s supermarkets have been under increasing scrutiny in regard to their treatment with suppliers, in own-label products, still the development of supply networks in the country had been an integral part of supermarket strategies in the past decade. The US$ 9 trillion Retail industry is one of the world’s largest industries and still growing. 47 of the Global Fortune 500 companies & 25 of Asia’s Top 200 companies are retailers. Even as the developing countries are making rapid stride s in this industry, organized Retail is currently dominated by the developed countries with the USA, EU & Japan constituting 80% of world. (Global retail Business) Retail is a significant contributor to the overall economic activity the world over: the total Retail share in the World GDP is 27% while in the USA it accounts for 22% of the GDP. The share of organized Retail in the developing markets ranges between 20% - 55%. Over recent months these three risks have abated or disappeared: †¢

Reintroduction of Wolves Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Reintroduction of Wolves - Research Paper Example While there are some demerits in reintroducing the wolves, the merits far outweigh them. For decades, the native species of North America had been adjusting to the changes in the environment by self sustaining balance of prey, predator and supporting habitat. This ecosystem flourished for many ages without any interference or intervention on the part of humans (Busch, 2007). Yellowstone national park was build with the aim of preserving the wildlife and wilderness in North America. It was discovered by the State of Montana that wolves and other predators were destroying the ecosystem by killing too many game animals such as elk and Moose. There was plan to eliminate them from the area. Due to this, wolves were hunted and killed by wildlife personnel in 1914. The idea of eliminating wolves made them become endangered species which led to the plan to protect and reintroduce them in North America especially in Yellowstone National Park which had favorable habitat for their survival. The controversial reintroduction program has been successful in the sense that wolves are now back in Yellowstone National Park after an absence of more than 50 years. ... es in the Yellowstone National Park started in the year 1995 when wolves were regarded as ‘non-essential, experimental’ population according to article 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act. In addition, this clarification authorized government officials to deal with the problems that wolves posed to the society and it was regarded as series of consensus or compromises of wolf reintroduction pioneers made with the local ranchers and livestock farmers (9news.com). Environmental groups and local industries battled for many years over the Idaho and Yellowstone program of wolf reintroduction efforts. It is important to note that the concept of wolf reintroduction was first presented in the congress in 1966 by a group of biologists who were weary of the high population of elk in Idaho and Yellowstone areas. It can be said that in1926, it was the last year that wolves were officially killed in Yellowstone area and over the succeeding years, the elk population and other prey anim als had tremendously increased thus, posing a threat to new growth vegetation (Philips et al, 1996). This was as a result of removal of key predators in the area. The wolves were on top of the food pyramid but their absence gave the elk population a fertile ground to boom out of control. In the coming year’s species of riparian and aspen cottonwood crashed because of overgrazing. This in turn, affected habitat of other species. Despite the dangers posed to the ecosystem by the absence of wolves, livestock farmers and ranchers were still opposed to the reintroduction of wolves in the area citing problems that wolves will bring to their livestock. Yellowstone National Park is the national park in the U.S where many people visit every year. Conservationists, biologists and local business owners

Chinesse Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Chinesse Culture - Essay Example The aim of this paper is to do just that, as well as discuss several other particular issues, which are: the history of China in the United States, the traditional Chinese perceptions of health and illness, the traditional Chinese healing methods and views on death, and the current healthcare problems of China. By thoroughly addressing and discussing all of these issues, we will be able to come to a much more informed and knowledgeable understanding on the subject matter at hand overall. This is what will be dissertated in the following. The early history of China is rather complicated, primarily by that of the lack of a written language during this period, coupled with the existence of documents from later time periods which attempted to described certain events which occurred several centuries beforehand, thus obviously causing quite a bit of confusion and complexion. However the earliest comprehensive history of China, the Records of the Grand Historian, which were written a Chinese historiographer named Sima Qian in the 2nd century BC, and as well the Bamboo Annuals, are both able to trace and consequently show Chinese history from about 2800 BC, with an account of the Three August Ones and the Five Emperors. It is actually considered as being unknown as to who the first Chinese was to set foot in America, it is thought that more than likely it was a fisherman and that it was in San Diego. In the early 1850s, many Chinese came to California in search of gold, and later on they came as contract laborers to work on the railroads and other construction projects, and as gold mining was increasingly difficult for them and the construction projects were completed, they soon then began to seek other means of livelihood. From San Francisco and Monterey Bays the Chinese then began to go south to San Diego, where they ended up establishing a base to fish the waters all the way to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. "They established a fishing village at Roseville in Pt. Loma and another at the foot of San Diego's New Town, the latter village to become Chinatown. They dominated this industry until 1890, and during its peak built and sailed as many as 18 junks. Besides a wide variety of fish, they had exclusi ve domain in the pursuit of abalone. They were able to supply all the fresh fish requirements of San Diego and to export dried fish products to other Chinese communities worldwide" (Lee, 1996). Then, starting in about the 1880s, the activities that were completed by the Chinese in San Diego increased, including construction of the Californian Southern Railroad between National City and San Bernardino, and as well they were involved with the work that was done on the San Diego Flume, which carried water from the Cuyamaca Reservoir to San Diego for 36 miles on 315 redwood trestles and through 5 tunnels. What's more, is that besides providing labor for large projects in irrigation and flood control, the Chinese were also involved largely in the mining of gold and precious gems in the mountains that centered in Julian. Besides fishing, which was one of the activities th

Extra Curriculum Activities Essay Example for Free

Extra Curriculum Activities Essay An ideal school need more subject options such as drama, art and music—to excel at all levels. The school works provided to students by teachers have their own academic importance, Nevertheless that alone does not fulfil the schooling and learning requirements and standards. In some schools, the educational systems are only based upon fixed set of courses that excludes extra curriculum activities, causing insufficient or restrictiveness for the student’s comprehension skills and imaginations. Although it is believed that today’s schools have the best education system including extra curriculum activities, it is yet underestimated in many schools. These activities will bring many benefits to students. Involving students to participate in extra curriculum activities is very important in helping them to develop many skills such as working and social skills. Of course, while there are definitely a large amount of benefits to extra curriculum activities for students, there needs to be a balance between that and school work. Getting involved in a few different activities is a great choice to improve various skills and attitudes, and is definitely beneficial in all aspects, but too many activities can result in students having academic problems and more. Therefore, it is important for students to set some limits in being involved in extra curriculum activities. Also not every student is a mad scientist or a mathematician, so these extra subject choices give students a chance to develop skills in particular areas they are well in. Students learn about long term commitments when they are involved in extracurricular activities as well, which is another excellent benefit. When they join one of the activities or clubs, they commit themselves to that activity for a period of time. Learning to take on commitments is important, and these activities can teach students this important lesson. Many times, being involved in extracurricular activities helps to raise the self esteem of teens. There are many teens that feel worthless or that there is nothing they are good at. Teens struggle with self esteem, and these activities are a way that they can build self esteem. Everyone wants to find something that they are really good at, and extracurricular activities provide them with a way that they can get involved in something and really shine, giving their self esteem a boost. Getting involved in extracurricular activities also allows students to get involved in various interests. It is important for students to be very diverse in their interests. These activities allow them to explore a range of interests that they may have. Students should be allowed to take another step forward and be able to explore the world of art and music and to be able to nurture their talent and explore their own potential in other areas. There are numerous advantages for students to participate in extra curriculum activities. Therefore schools should be encouraged to involve students in these activities that increase the students’ self-worth, ability to think creatively, emotional understanding, social networks and overall increase their academic performances. With so many benefits and advantages, how can schools exclude extra Curriculum Activities?

RIBA Work Stages and Pre-Construction Processes

RIBA Work Stages and Pre-Construction Processes Identification of the steps in construction process: The steps which are identified in construction process through which the construction project passes is important if improvement is occur because it is necessary to every project that goes through similar steps in its assessment and finally the stages vary their intensity or the importance depending up on the project. There are different stages to analysis the process model such as. Inception: It defines the about needs and to determine the financial implications and sources. Feasibility: For use of preliminary designs, and also the costing and investigations of the alternatives. Scheme Design: The scheme design is used for the programming, for budgeting, for briefing, and for the outline design, etc. Detail Design: These Detail design is used for the development of all sub-systems within the design, and for the use the detailed cost control, and technical details etc. Contract: Specification of the contract, pricing mechanisms, and documentation should be prepared carefully for the selection of contractor, etc. Construction: Under these the execution and control of all site works and associated actives are done and further documentation of the contract is done. Commissioning: Getting rid of the problems, giving the instructions regarding the operations, maintenance manuals, conducting opening ceremonies, occupation, evaluation, managing the facility, giving training to the staff, etc. comes under these commissioning. The above sections describe some of the existing design and construction process models in operation and also present the gateway process. This is the process which is adopted by the office of government commerce in the UK, demonstrating multi project management. RIBA plan of work: The process of managing and designing building projects and administering the building contracts in to a number of work Stages is organised by RIBA plan of work. The sequence of work stages may vary to suit the procurement method. The choice of the procurement route has a fundamental influence on how different work stages proceed. This was summarised in outline as far as possible but the exact way in which different stages are conducted in the overall project programme needs the careful consideration at the outset. The RIBA plan of work was originally developed to reflect the needs of traditional contract forms. The subsequent development of alternative contract forms such as PFI, BSF. As per the project needs a vision and key performance indicators should be identified. They should assess at each stage and check that they are still appropriate. Here if they are to be successfully implemented, KPLs should be identified in the early project stages such as preparation, design, construc t and use cycle. RIBA Work Stages: The work stages for the CTG project according to RIBA plan of work is divided into 5 phases as shown below: Preparation Design Pre construction Construction Use Fig 1: RIBA work stages Preparation: Under this stage there are two steps appraisal and describing the design in brief. Appraisal: Appraisal is nothing but the identification of the CTG project requirements and possible limits in developing the project. Feasibility studies and assessment of options are prepared to enable the client to decide whether to proceed. Design brief: This is the second step, in this step the development of the initial statement is prepared to know the clients requirements and limits. Identification of procurement methods, procedures, organisational structures and range of consultants and others to be engaged for the project. Design: In Design there are 3 steps they are as follows. Concept: In this step the design brief and preparation of additional data is implemented. This step includes out line proposals for structural and buildings services systems. The main concept is to review the procurement route. Design Development: This step includes structural and building services systems. This also gives updates on online specifications and cost-plan. In this step the application for getting the permission for detailed planning is done. Technical design: In this step the technical design and specifications are prepared which are sufficient to co-ordinate components and elements of the project and information for statutory standards and construction safety. Pre- construction: In this there are three steps Production Information: The production information has two steps, the first step involves in the preparation of detailed information for construction. Application for statutory approvals is done. The second step includes in the preparation of further information for construction required under the building contract. The review about the information is provided by specialists. Tender Documentation: To enable a tender or tenders to be obtained for the project the tender documentation has to be prepared in detailed. Tender action: This step involves in Identification and evaluation of potential contractors for the project. Obtaining and appraising tenders submission of recommendations to the client Construction: In these there are two steps Mobilisation: In these Mobilisation Letting the building contract, Appointing the contractor. Issuing the information to the contractor and arranging site hand over to the contractor. Construction to practical completion: The building contract is administered to practical completion. The provision to the contractor for the further information and where as when responsibilities are required. Review the information provided by the contractors and specialists. Use: Post Practical Completion: The administration of the building contractor after practical completion and making final inspections. Assisting building user during initial occupation period. Review of project performance in use. The Gate Way Process: This process was developed by the office of government commerce in the UK, and it was developed on the basis of well proven techniques. This is leads to more effective delivery of benefits in sense of outcomes and predictable costs. This is a review of government procurement project which was carried out by taking the decisions of experienced people as a team. These critical points are identified as gateways. The life cycle of the project has six gateways four before the contract is awarded and to more looking at service implementation and conformation operational benefits. The benefits which are supposed to be come under the process identified as follows: Availability of the best skills and experiences deployed on the project Understanding the status of the project and the stack holders issues carefully. Giving assurance that the project can progress to the next stage of development and implementation, with increased the expectations. Achievement of more realistic time and cost target for the projects. This process can prove to be very beneficial for single project or multiple projects management. Project management is nothing but the overall planning of the project from inspection and completion of the project in time aiming at the CTGs requirements. The process protocol: The process protocol is defined in ten distinct phases in which the design and construction process are mentioned. These ten phases are grouped into four stages namely: Pre-Project, Pre- Construction Construction and Post- construction Pre- Project Stage: Among the ten distinct phases of the process protocol the (0-3) phases comes under the pre- project stage. In this stage strategic business consideration of any potential project was done to fulfil the CTG project requirements. Applying the gateway process the alignment of process protocol is done which will be helpful in achieving higher benefits. In the pre à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ project phases the CTG project requirements are defined and considered with the aim of: Determining the need for a construction project solution, and Securing outline financial authority to proceed to the pre-construction phases. This is the most important stage of a construction process when compared with the later stages. The knowledge possessed by the building developers and consultants could help the CTG project in the early stages. By this approach the problems faced with the translation of this name can be eliminated through the conventional briefing stage of design have the potential for substantial elimination.

Essay on Picture of Dorian Gray: Dorian as Tragic Hero -- The Picture

The Picture of Dorian Gray:   Dorian as Tragic Hero      Ã‚   In "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, we see a beautiful young man who makes tremendous efforts to transform the actual world into the idealistic world of art, dreams and sensations.   Dorian's quest, however, culminates in his ultimate tragic destruction. Given that Dorian lives a corrupt life, one is likely to focus on the negative aspects of his character.   In spite of his significant character flaws, Dorian Gray may still be considered a hero.   This essay will examine Dorian's degradation from the innocent world to the vicious, sensation-oriented world.   The elements contributing to Dorian’s status of tragic hero will then be discussed.    At the beginning, the general mood looks like pure and innocent expressed by the descriptions as follows: "the rich odours of roses...the light summer wind...the heavy scent of lilac"(Wilde 5).   This opening scene precisely symbolizes the world in which Dorian is situated at present.   Just like the beautiful setting, Dorian is a "beautiful creature"(7) and the portrait Basil draws shows Dorian's "extraordinary personal beauty"(5).   In other words, Dorian is in front of the mysterious gate of life that has immense possibilities.   At this point, Dorian is ignorant about both the world of idealistic art and the world of mundane, earthly values.   Dorian merely possesses "all youth's passionate purity"(17).    With the fateful encounter with Lord Henry, Dorian is ushered into a world of idealistic art and beauty.   Lord Henry plays a key role in introducing a new world in which beauty, youth and sensations dominate.   First, Lord Henry employs a powerful strategy of developing Dorian's self-consciousness of his ow... ...t in order to â€Å"kill the past† and â€Å"monstrous soul-life†(192).    Works Cited Bloom, Harold. Oscar Wilde. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1985. Cohen, Ed.   Talk on the Wilde Side.   Great Britain: Routledge, 1993. Ellman, Richard. Oscar Wilde. New york: Alfred A. Knopf Inc., 1987. Eriksen, Donald. Oscar Wilde. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1977. Freidman, Jonathan (edited).   Oscar Wilde: A Collection of Critical Essays.   New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1996. Hart-Davis, Rupert. The Letters of Oscar Wilde. New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, 1962. Juan, Efifanio. The Art of Oscar Wilde. New Jersey: Princetown University Press, 1991. Weintraub, Stanley (edited).   Literary Criticism of Oscar Wilde.   Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press, 1968. Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Random House, Inc., 1992.    Essay on Picture of Dorian Gray: Dorian as Tragic Hero -- The Picture The Picture of Dorian Gray:   Dorian as Tragic Hero      Ã‚   In "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, we see a beautiful young man who makes tremendous efforts to transform the actual world into the idealistic world of art, dreams and sensations.   Dorian's quest, however, culminates in his ultimate tragic destruction. Given that Dorian lives a corrupt life, one is likely to focus on the negative aspects of his character.   In spite of his significant character flaws, Dorian Gray may still be considered a hero.   This essay will examine Dorian's degradation from the innocent world to the vicious, sensation-oriented world.   The elements contributing to Dorian’s status of tragic hero will then be discussed.    At the beginning, the general mood looks like pure and innocent expressed by the descriptions as follows: "the rich odours of roses...the light summer wind...the heavy scent of lilac"(Wilde 5).   This opening scene precisely symbolizes the world in which Dorian is situated at present.   Just like the beautiful setting, Dorian is a "beautiful creature"(7) and the portrait Basil draws shows Dorian's "extraordinary personal beauty"(5).   In other words, Dorian is in front of the mysterious gate of life that has immense possibilities.   At this point, Dorian is ignorant about both the world of idealistic art and the world of mundane, earthly values.   Dorian merely possesses "all youth's passionate purity"(17).    With the fateful encounter with Lord Henry, Dorian is ushered into a world of idealistic art and beauty.   Lord Henry plays a key role in introducing a new world in which beauty, youth and sensations dominate.   First, Lord Henry employs a powerful strategy of developing Dorian's self-consciousness of his ow... ...t in order to â€Å"kill the past† and â€Å"monstrous soul-life†(192).    Works Cited Bloom, Harold. Oscar Wilde. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1985. Cohen, Ed.   Talk on the Wilde Side.   Great Britain: Routledge, 1993. Ellman, Richard. Oscar Wilde. New york: Alfred A. Knopf Inc., 1987. Eriksen, Donald. Oscar Wilde. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1977. Freidman, Jonathan (edited).   Oscar Wilde: A Collection of Critical Essays.   New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1996. Hart-Davis, Rupert. The Letters of Oscar Wilde. New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, 1962. Juan, Efifanio. The Art of Oscar Wilde. New Jersey: Princetown University Press, 1991. Weintraub, Stanley (edited).   Literary Criticism of Oscar Wilde.   Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press, 1968. Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Random House, Inc., 1992.   

Different Cultural Practices in the Philippines

Christille Lindy Joyce D. Caluyo BMLS II-A 1) Different cultural practices in the Philippines which could affect our health. Herbalaryo/Arbolaryo/Witch-Doctors †¢ Filipinos believe that some illnesses are caused by evil spirits that enter the body which are cast by â€Å"Manga ga mud†. †¢ â€Å"Manga ga mud† casts spells on people if they are jealous or disliked. They take personal items such as, clothing, a brush (to obtain a piece of hair), pictures, jewelry, etc. It is also done by food poisoning. †¢ These people who became sick / cursed ask help from herbalaryo/arbolaryo. They are also called witch-doctors. The herbalaryo may treat â€Å"Manga ga mud† by gathering unmarried individuals, and a bag of rice. †¢ This treatment involves a night of ritual sprinkling of rice, dining and dancing to Filipino music. †¢ After the night of festivities, everyone will say a Filipino prayer for the person who has been cursed. They believed that this treatment would remove the curse from the affected person. Halaman (Medicinal Herbs & Plants) †¢ Filipinos also believe in the healing effects of nature. †¢ Medicinal herbs & plants like ginger, garlic, and chives are used to treat different sickness. Religion †¢ Filipinos believe that religion is closely tied to health.Younger Filipino gives importance to prayer. †¢Filipinos are religious people that they entrust their health to their faith. †¢Prayer also has a role in the understanding of health. Regardless of how religious each age category, there is a consistent belief that God is present at work in times of illness. †¢In the case of terminal or serious illness, Filipino accepts the situation in a sense that â€Å"it is God’s will. Superstitious Beliefs †¢Many of Filipino’s believe on superstitious things such as if you comb your hair at the night, someone will die or eating twin bananas will helmyou conceive a twin. These belie fs are not scientifically proven and can only be supported by the word of our ancestors. †¢Maybe these things occur because of coincidence, just like when someone died because he is ill then they blame it for combing their hair and the word spread all over the nation. 2) Different religious practices that can affect our health. †¢Religious beliefs cause patients to forego needed medical care, refuse life-saving procedures, and stop necessary medication—choosing faith instead of medicine. Religion can cause people to be judgmental and lead to alienation or exclusion of those not playing â€Å"by the rules. † †¢If physical healing does not come immediately, the person may be disappointed and disheartened and claims that the prayer was not answered and that God does not care, and worse that the illness was sent by an angry, vengeful God as a punishment. †¢Religion may become so rigid and inflexible that it becomes excessively restricting and limiting. †¢Religion may encourage magical thinking as people pray for and expect physical healing. Jehovah's Witnesses may refuse life-saving blood products, and some Christian Scientists may avoid seeing Healthcare Provider because they rely on prayer instead. †¢Patients may stop their medications after attending a healing service in order to â€Å"demonstrate their faith†. †¢People believe that being spiritually healthy could lead you to a healthy body. †¢People would pray always and avoid being problematic. Sources: http://www. hawcc. hawaii. edu/nursing/tradfil2. htm http://www. spirit-health. org/resources_detail. asp? q=12 http://www. esipa. org/happening/documents/Culture_Health_Report. pdf