Take-home final exam of Korean Melodrama class Term Paper

Take-home final exam of Korean Melodrama class - Term Paper Example In the context of cinema, shinpa is used to describe the melodramatic films made mainly between 1913 and 1923. These films were the ones which had strong theatrical elements as compared to the pure film drama which was influenced from the western style. Shinpa films were criticized by the critics in the beginning but later the contemporary audience received them very well. The shinpa films were appreciated but then they suddenly disappeared. Today, they exist in some form (Gateward 44). Shinpa originated in Japan and it meant a new wave to the old plays. Filming in Korea was initiated by the shinpa troupes who adapted them from Japanese plays. This style eventually had a huge impact on the Korean cinema. Shinpa came as a modernization in the colonized Korea where the film and theatre combined and produced silent films with songs in the background. It also brought new concepts to the Korean cinema; the earliest being family conspiracies with an intellectual who has been sent abroad to study. This was the earliest and most evident characteristic of shinpa (Gateward 44). Contradiction between two values, describing pain and confusion to catch the attention of the viewers to bring them out of the old values and get them into new modern ones. The struggle between the two values or two feeling of a person is the shinpa form portraying the collision between traditional and modern Korea. The traditional Korean melodrama was largely influenced by the western culture as Korea was largely dependent upon the American economy and culture both. However, there were still many of the ideas that belonged to popular culture. Shinpa got hold of this culture and it started developing. Eventually, with the development of the cinema and the modernization, shinpa lost its control. Shinpa was considered to be a colonial hangover and it was forced out of cinema. Melodramatic films of families and youth took over and shinpa had disappeared. Shinpa’s stylistic elements

Homeopath and Naturopath Medicine Essay Example for Free

Homeopath and Naturopath Medicine Essay Before the practice of the traditional medicine that is used today there was Homeopath and Naturopath medicine; there is evidence of a growing acceptance and use of these more historical medicine practices being used in modern times. Homeopathy and naturopathic medicine practices have a great deal in common; however, there are distinct differences. Over traditional medicine practice and treatment, homeopath and naturopath medicine tend to treat the whole person that try to address the root of the medical problem instead of just treating its symptoms. Cranberry juice helps cure urinary tract infections, garlic is a natural antibiotic and has also been shown to help heart disease as well as other health issues; these two â€Å"cures† are just a sample of using a more holistic approach to treatment rather than prescribing a medication that can be purchased at the local pharmacy. Traditional physicians now prescribe natural based treatments like the garlic and another is fish oil. Knowing the difference between the homeopath and the naturopath practices when seeking medical help is advisable. As stated by Martin Hughes, in his article â€Å"Homeopath vs. Naturopath†: ‘The terms homeopath and naturopath mean different things in different states. In states that license naturopathic doctors as primary care physicians, a practitioner of naturopathic medicine is known as a naturopathic physician. A naturopathic physician may practice homeopathy; homeopathy is one of several treatment modalities used by naturopathic physicians to address your health complaints. In these states, a person who has not obtained the degree of naturopathic doctor from an accredited four-year naturopathic medical school may practice homeopathy but is not permitted to call herself a naturopathic doctor. In states that do not have a licensing process for naturopathic doctors, anybodyincluding lay homeopathscan refer to themselves as a naturopathic doctor.’ Both types of practitioners are unique, however still complement the other. Both believe that the human body is able to heal itself from many illnesses and treatment of ailments should be in a natural form that enables the body  to work properly and heal naturally. Homeopaths and Naturopaths do not always go for the quick fix that a traditional doctor may use. An example is that a traditional doctor may prescribe a chemically based cream for a sever rash, the homeopath and naturopath might advise a cream made from gold seal. Both natural and traditional creams do work. The chemical based is more expensive and may work somewhat faster. A choice comes down to whether the patient would rather use chemicals or something natural to treat an ailment. Before the treatment even begins, there are major differences between naturopathic and homeopathic medical diagnosing that the patient should be aware of. Homeopaths use a detailed question and answering session that may take hours to go thr ough; a naturopath may use a question format along with x-rays and blood work to find the root cause to health problems. A naturopath may work alongside a formally trained medical doctor in an office or within a hospital format, homeopaths typically do not. (Hughes, 2011) Patients need to be aware of how their choice of practitioner works, have confidence in their ability and a willingness to follow any treatment plan given. The treatment that both Homeopaths and Naturopath practitioners use can have differences, both treat the whole body. Many homeopaths use herbalists for help in creating a mixture or formula that treat an ailment. The mixtures are normally made from plants, herbs and juices that are developed in a refined manner and often grown by the herbalist. A naturopath may use botanical and/or chemically based medication. An interesting fact is that women that created the concoctions that healed and treated the sick hundreds of years ago were once considered witches. The practice of burning witches at the stake began in Europe. An ironic fact is that men who practiced â€Å"modern† medicine and often used treatments such as blood-letting found the â€Å"witches† potions to be more effective treatment which then men did not like. (Ehrenreich and English, 1972) Historically effective naturopathic medicine is being brought back into many remedies used today by traditional, naturopathic and holistic practitioners. There is a weaving of practices that is being integrated in a positive way that allows patients today to look at their own health as a whole body treatment. Yoga, vitamin therapy, exercising, following a healthy eating plan is as important as taking medications prescribed by a physician. The weaving begins with the historical use of the naturopath and  homeopathic knowledge we’ve had for generations. The naturopath uses a more whole body approach which may include exercise, diet, regular medicine, herbal or natural types of medicine, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and lifestyle coach ing. (Hughes, 2011) Both homeopaths and naturopaths believe that the human spirit has a great deal to do with how well a person may do when the holistic approach is used. Cancer Treatment Centers of America advertise use of a more naturopathic and holistic approach to treating cancer patients. Caretakers that use a holistic approach and are competent to help treat homeopathic and naturopathic patients are used as a form of support and re-enforcing the treatment plans. ( http://www.cancercenter.com/integrative-treatment.cfm) In some societies spiritual blessings are given or offerings are made, what once was seen as voodoo and witchcraft is now seen in a more spiritually accepted point of healing the inner body. All treatments should be done following the guidelines that are given by the practitioners. Some of the treatments may sound farfetched and even weird, but have proof of their use and positive effect for thousands of years before today. Social media sites such as Facebook are full of people who will swear by some crazy sounding cures, which in fact actually do have medical merit. (One should always check with someone that has proper knowledge before trying anything that may sound dangerous.) It is wise any time a patient is uncomfortable with a diagnosis or treatment plan, they have the right to refuse. Once the treatment is given and completed, there is another difference in how homeopath and naturopath practitioners review the patient’s success. The naturopath will go through many of the same questions that were used in diagnosing a problem. Along the same lines is the checking of symptoms and reactions to the remedies used. If a problem still exists, a naturopath will add another nature formulated item to the treatment and there will be another follow-up a week or two later. A homeopath may use further x-rays and blood work to ensure the treatment is being effective. (Hughes, 2011) There is an ability in gaining knowledge that allows one to know that many forms of natural and homeopathic treatments are being used rather than filling the human body with chemicals that may become toxic, thus poisoning the body. Toxic medications and treatments have been known to cause death, birth defects and cancers. Drug recalls are constantly in the news, most people know at least  one person that has been impacted by a dangerous side effect of a chemical-based medication. Natural medicines or treatments are not without danger; therefore it is imperative to talk to someone who has studied homeopathy, naturopathy or are an herbalist before treating a health problem. Empowering knowledge comes from studying holistic medicine, learning there are ways that are cheaper and better for the body than dangerous, more traditional medicine. The human body is an incredible machine that needs to be treated in the best way possible, using naturopathic and homeopathic medicine is a step in the right direction. References: Hughes, M., D.C. (August 11, 2011). Homeopath-vs-naturopath. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/100600-homeopath-vs.-naturopath/ Ross, J. (2004) The Mood Cure, published by Viking-Penguin Ehrereich, B., English, D. (1972). Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers http://www.cancercenter.com/integrative-treatment.cfm

Free Narrative Essays - The Battle of the Bands :: Personal Narrative Essays

The Battle of the Bands The best and worst two days of my life took place at Bogarts with my band Radioactive Weasel last month. We had practiced daily for near three years, and our group decided to pull together again and enter "The Battle of the Bands." This was the first time we sparingly paid fifty dollars to perform anywhere. All the other competitions we had entered were mail in tapes and then wait for a response. We got out of bed at five in the morning, then raced to our drummer's house. Loaded on uppers, practiced four and a half hours to perfect our original songs, we were to play that night. Pumped and ready to get started we packed the van with our drums and guitars then started our journey to Clifton for our show. As usual, we got there way to early, so we did what any fun seeking under aged musicians would do. We searched the allies and found a half passed out drunk and took him to the local bar, then got a few beers each before the show. We then returned to draw numbers for the order of the bands. I eagerly pushed my way to the front of all the other bands, being the obnoxious prick I am, and drew the first card. Unfortunately I drew the second band on stage out of nine. The best position to be in is about fourth or fifth band because that is when the crowd starts getting into the music. Pissed off I haphazardly wandered back to my group to inform them of my greatest mistake. We loaded the equipment into the worlds slowest elevator, and stumbled our way to the backstage lounge. After I had read graffiti covered walls until my heart was content I noticed much writing by some of my favorite groups like Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Mansion, Korn, and The Dead Milkmen. Inspired by them I also signed the wall with some chosen words. The time had rolled around for the first band to hit the stage. Excited, we rushed our way into the mosh pit, (in my mind the only place to be). Screams turned into whispers as Pieces entered the stage in a cowardly

Exercise In Coping Up With Stress Education Essay

Stress is strictly a fact of nature to anyone in this universe. Stress is the impact of forces from the exterior or inside universe heartwarming the person ( Dryden, 1996, p.52 ) . Different persons react to emphasize in ways that touch the person, in add-on to, their environment. This paper will seek to look into how the usage of exercising affects the degree of emphasis among university pupils. Respondents for the survey will be University pupils from all modules. University pupils are celebrated to hold a high leaning to emphasize experience.Background OverviewUniversity instruction system has been altering every twenty-four hours due to emerging demands of higher instruction. For case, most public universities are regarded as research universities due to the sum of research being undertaken in those universities. University pupils, hence, bump into high force per unit area with the alteration of the instruction system ( Ebert, 2010, p. 271 ) . Consequently, the exam-oriented strategy in many universities lead to anxiety among bookmans since the pupils is forced to determine that acquiring good classs in the scrutiny aids them to be a nice frontrunner and get a respectable occupation in the hereafter.Problem StatementThe researches which have been done in t he yesteryear were conducted to look into the factors that influence the degree force per unit area among bookmans. However, there has been no any survey that verified and compared the designated of import facets towards choosing the foremost facet that sway the degree of anxiousness ( Dryden, 1996, p.34 ) . In add-on, the survey carried before has been piloted merely other degrees of instruction other than university instruction. Therefore, this research will seek to successfully look into the consequence of exercising in get bying with emphasis to university pupils. Therefore, the job statement for this probe can be spawned as: & A ; acirc ; ˆ?how does the usage of exercising aid in get bying up with emphasis among university pupils? & A ; acirc ; ˆA?Research ProblemThis survey will be done to size up and understand how exercising can be used in get bying with emphasis to university bookmans. Besides that, the survey will besides be speculative to how good exercising can b e used to act upon the degree of force per unit area among university scholars. This survey will concentrate to detect the importance of exercising in get bying with the degree of emphasis among the pupils in the establishment of higher instruction. Consequently, the research job can be formulated as: Use of exercising in get bying up with emphasis among university pupils.Research AimsThe followers are the aims of this survey: To look into the usage of exercising ( independent variables ) in get bying with emphasis among university pupils ( dependent variable ) . To happen out the influence of exercising to the degree of emphasis among university pupil.Research QuestionsSince the research job is highly wide to be studied openly, the following are the research inquiries that will assist to achieve the research intent for this probe: 1. What are the effects of exercising to the degree of emphasis among university pupil? 2. Is exercise helpful in get bying with emphasis among university pupil? 3. How good can exert be used in get bying with emphasis among university pupils?Literature ReviewStress is the attitude of unfamiliarity between environmental necessities ( stressors ) and single capableness to accomplish these necessities. Harmonizing to ( Dryden, 1996, p.45 ) , emphasis is the awful reaction from persons who have to unsafe force per unit area. Pressure takes topographic point when a individual is handled with a state of affairs that they recognize as overpowering and can non manage. Stress is recognized as a response shown by a diverseness of peripheral occurrences and can be treated as a positive or negative experience. Allard ( 2001 ) defines emphasis as an order focused to the adaptative capablenesss both bodily and emotionally. If these abilities can win the demand and take disposition in the stimulation concerned, so anxiousness will go an optimistic force of inducement and frailty versa is true. Stress is likely to impede scholastic public presentation and influence about 1000000s of pupils per twelvemonth. Harmonizing to Bj & A ; Atilde ; Â ¶rling ( 2009 ) , emphasis is debatable to command due its random effect on individuals. Dryden ( 1996 ) , through his research realized that pupils come across indicant of desperateness, anxiousness, and affair usage. Stress in educational establishments can impact pupil negatively and positively if non good administered ( Ebert, 2010, p. 274 ) . Educational establishments have diverse occupation milieus, as opposed to nonacademic. It is forecasted to hold changes in marks, facets, and effects of emphasis to pupils ( Burns, 2000, p.67 ) . It is really good to the society that scholars be educated and additions the critical cognition and proficiencies. This ensures that they make them add positively to the growing and development of the corporate economic system of any given state. Nevertheless, the complex academic environment seldom generates serious wellness troubles to the bookmans ‘ life. This tends to travel contrary to the confirmatory additions that one would prevent after progressing from University ( Onghena, 2002, p. 150 ) . These pupils must, hence, pay close attending to the assorted university ambiances and border an effectual and adept force per unit area direction in the establishment of higher instruction ( Gibson, 2006, p. 45 ) . University besides ought to maintain tantrum and stable academic ambiances good for improved acquisition, which is suited, with respect to the pupils ‘ distinguishable demands. Disposition of pupils airss diverse degree of mentalities to pupils ( Dryden, 1996, p.75 ) . In add-on, pupils ‘ upbringings influences how one differentiates the fortunes around them ( Nicassio, 1987, p. 61 ) . There are different sorts of expectancies, desires, and values for scholars which they pursue to carry through at the university. It can merely be possible to be identified merely if their abilities, desires, and values are combined with what have been presented in the university ( Martire, 2008, p.357 ) .MethodologyThis subdivision will concentrate on methods that were used to roll up informations needed to reply the research inquiries. This subdivision focus majorly on: research design, trying techniques and processs, informations aggregation tools and method of informations analysis.Research DesignHarmonizing to Dryden ( 1996 ) , a research design is the organisation lineation or a program that is used to make replies to research jobs. Research design is intended to bring forth arithmetical information about the characteristic that policy shapers and researc h workers are interested in ( Dryden, 1996, p.115 ) . This research will utilize a descriptive design to roll up information and carry out the study. This sort of design is extremely suited to the sort of information to be collected in this research.AdvantageDescriptive research offers research workers the chance to utilize both finite and qualitative informations in order to detect informations and characteristics about the phenomenon that is being investigated.DisadvantageDescriptive research normally has a subjectiveness and mistake which is disadvantageous to descriptive research. From the subjectiveness and mistake, research worker may pick what facts to utilize and ignore informations that do non follow to their hypothesis.Participants and enlistingThe survey bunch will include pupils from different modules who were contacted via electronic mail to take portion in the survey undertaking. The pick of pupils will be convenience sample of 130 university pupil. All pupils will be eligible to be selected for engagement. The bunch will besides hold equal gender representation which is equal to 65 male pupils and 65 female pupils. This is conformity to the rule of equal representation in aggregations ( Dryden, 1996, pp.115-117 ) . The bunch will besides seek to hold equal representation in all modules.SampleIn this probe, the simple random sample will be performed as a methodological analysis for this research paper. Data will be collected from a reappraisal of the population of bookmans from every individual module within the University ( Dryden, 1996, p.111 ) . The participants who will be make fulling in the study will be from assorted backgrounds for case race, gender and educational degree. The bunch will include pupils who will be analyzing in an extended assortment of educational subjects and those who achieved a normal scope of grade point norms. This study will be wholly voluntary ; however, it will be completed by all sampled pupils in the category.AdvantageSample random method is highly representative if all issues take part.DisadvantageThis method is non likely without whole list of population participants. It is besides perchance wasteful to carry through. Not burying that it can be troublesome to insulate some participants from a group.Data aggregationData will be gathered utilizing self-administered 10 entries questionnaire which will seek to detect the importance of exercising in get bying with emphasis among university pupils. The questionnaire will besides seek to happen out how good exercising can be used in cut downing the degree of emphasis among university pupils ( Dryden, 1996, p.117 ) . It will take each participant a approximately 5- 10 minute to finish. The inquiries will be easy to reply, but there will be counsel to the respondents. This will guarantee that they provide the needed information and besides supply accurate and relevant information.Ethical DeductionsPrior to any project of the survey, behavior research moralss commission application should be completed. While making this research, this signifier will be filled ( Appendix V ) . At the clip, of enlisting participant will be given the needed information leting them to make up one's mind whether to take part in survey utilizing a standard verbal book ( Appendix II ) . If the respondents will be willing to larn more about the survey they will be given a missive of debut ( Appendix III ) . An information sheet depicting the survey and what would be expected of them will besides be provided ( Appendix IV ) . They will be made cognizant that any information provided is purely confidential and in no manner w ill they be identified in the research ( Appendix III ) . Persons wishing to take part in the survey will subscribe a consent signifier ( Appendix V ) . It will be made known to them that if they feel at all affected or disturbed by the survey ; they are welcome to reach the research worker with their concern for farther probe ( Appendix IV ) . While making publication of consequences obtained in the research, ethical unity will be indispensable. Important ethical hurts will be considered while composing a papers ( Dryden, 1996, p.98 ) . Although there are hazards of false publication, extra publication, plagiarism, authorship, and chance for struggle of involvement ( Dryden, 1996, p.121 ) . Strategies will be established to forestall or detect ethical amendss, and usage of these attacks will rise ethical honestness when fixing a concluding papers for publication. Information therefore, given by the respondent in this topic will non be subjected to the above stated hazard. Therefore, respondents should experience free while giving out information. They are being protected from any hazard.

Business Function Integration Paper

BUSINESS FUNCTION INTEGRATION PAPER The Business Function Integration Paper is a 2 page paper where students provided insight as to how functional areas of a business or organization integrate to drive firm performance. Students are required to describe how their functional area of study (1) drives firm performance directly, (2) integrates with another functional area to drive firm performance, and (3) determines the success of the other functional area in the business. Tangible examples from current events are required for each point listed above.This assignment will require an understanding of multiple functional areas and how they integrate to determine firm outcomes. Please format the paper as Times New Roman, 10 point font, double spaced, with one inch margins. TRAIT| Fails to Meet Standards| Meets Standards| Exceeds Standards| Score| Properly Defines Functional Area(10 pts. )| Incorrectly defines functional area. | Provides a proper definition of the subject functional area. | Provides a holistic definition of functional area including relevant examples and their application. | Identifies Functional Area Responsibilities(10 pts. )| Identifies few, if any, responsibilities. | Identifies multiple responsibilities. | Identifies a comprehensive integrated set of responsibilities. | | Properly Identifies Linkages toFirm Performance(15 pts. )| Identifies few, if any, linkages with few, if any examples. | Identifies multiple linkages and provides relevant examples. | Identifies multiple linkages, describes their influence on firm performance, and provides relevant examples and their application. | | Identifies Integration withAnother Functional Area(15 pts. | Identifies a single linkage and example with another functional area. | Identifies multiple linkages and examples with another functional area. | Identifies comprehensive integrated linkages including relevant and insightful examples to another functional area. | | Identifies Linkages to Success of Other Fu nctional Areas(15 pts. )| Provides few, if any, instances of how the focal functional area leads to success of another functional area. | Provides multiple instances of how the focal functional area leads to success of another functional area. | Provides multiple comprehensive examples of how he focal functional area leads to success of another functional area. | | Quality of Written Work(35 pts. )| Paper includes multiple issues with respect to grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Paper is not in assignment context. | Paper includes some issues with respect to grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Paper is written to the standard of KSBI. Paper addresses assignment adequately. | Paper includes few, if any, issues with respect to grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Paper is written to the standard of KSBI. Paper offers novel insight into assignment topic area| | Comments| Total Score|

Women in Combat essays

Women in Combat essays The Idea of women in combat is not unusual anymore. Women should be able to hold combat positions because, although physical strength matters, the military still needs the intelligence that women can bring. By banning women from combat it also hurts their military careers. Although women only account for a small portion of the military, they still play a major role. Their performance has generated support from the public for enhancing the role of females in the military. The United States is not the only country that has issues with women in the military. Only two countries besides the United States have used women in modern warfare. First, was Russia during World War two and later, Israel in 1948. Russian women flew fighters to protect Stalin grad from advancing German armies and also took up arms to protect the city (Campell 57). After the war, Russian women were banned from all combat positions. During the war it was documented that they performed extremely well in their combat positions. The women pilots were soon called Night Watchers due to their great performance (Campell 320). Israel during the War for independence, also used women in direct combat positions. There was a great need for women to serve in combat positions because so many men had been killed on the front lines. Israeli experience with women in combat is much different from the Russian. After the war ended the Israeli military conducted a survey, which determined that the men were adversely affected by seeing women killed or maimed in combat (campell -326). In 1948 women all over the world accounted for a very small percentage of the military. This led to a traditionalist view of the role of women in the military and many Israeli men shared this view. Serving in a ground combat unit is the most physically demanding job in the military. To serve with a...

Free Essays on Dark Matter

There is perhaps no current problem of greater importance to astrophysics and cosmology than that of "dark matter". The controversy, as the name implies, is centered on the notion that there may exist an enormous amount of matter in the Universe that cannot be detected from the light that it emits. The evidence of dark matter is from the motions of astronomical objects, specifically stellar, galactic, and galaxy cluster/super cluster observations. The basic argument is that if we measure velocities in some region, then there has to be enough mass there for gravity to stop all the objects from flying apart. When such velocity measurements are done on large scales, it turns out that the amount of inferred mass is much more than can be explained by the luminous mass. Hence we infer that there is non-luminous matter in the Universe, i.e. there is dark matter. Dark matter has important consequences for the evolution of the Universe. According to standard cosmological theory, the Universe must conform to one of three possible types: open, flat, or closed. A parameter known as the "mass density" - that is, how much matter per unit volume is contained in the Universe - determines which of the three possibilities applies to the Universe. In the case of an open Universe, the mass density is less than unity, and the Universe is predicted to expand forever. If the Universe is closed the Universe will eventually stop its expansion and re-collapse back upon itself. For the case where the universe is exactly equal to one, the Universe is delicately balanced between the two states, and is said to be "flat". Dark matter candidates are usually split into two broad categories, with the second category being further sub-divided: baryonic and bon-baryonic. Then, under non-baryonic, hot dark matter (HDM) and cold dark matter (CDM) are its types. Depending on their respective masses and speeds, CDM candidates have relatively large mass and travel at ... Free Essays on Dark Matter Free Essays on Dark Matter There is perhaps no current problem of greater importance to astrophysics and cosmology than that of "dark matter". The controversy, as the name implies, is centered on the notion that there may exist an enormous amount of matter in the Universe that cannot be detected from the light that it emits. The evidence of dark matter is from the motions of astronomical objects, specifically stellar, galactic, and galaxy cluster/super cluster observations. The basic argument is that if we measure velocities in some region, then there has to be enough mass there for gravity to stop all the objects from flying apart. When such velocity measurements are done on large scales, it turns out that the amount of inferred mass is much more than can be explained by the luminous mass. Hence we infer that there is non-luminous matter in the Universe, i.e. there is dark matter. Dark matter has important consequences for the evolution of the Universe. According to standard cosmological theory, the Universe must conform to one of three possible types: open, flat, or closed. A parameter known as the "mass density" - that is, how much matter per unit volume is contained in the Universe - determines which of the three possibilities applies to the Universe. In the case of an open Universe, the mass density is less than unity, and the Universe is predicted to expand forever. If the Universe is closed the Universe will eventually stop its expansion and re-collapse back upon itself. For the case where the universe is exactly equal to one, the Universe is delicately balanced between the two states, and is said to be "flat". Dark matter candidates are usually split into two broad categories, with the second category being further sub-divided: baryonic and bon-baryonic. Then, under non-baryonic, hot dark matter (HDM) and cold dark matter (CDM) are its types. Depending on their respective masses and speeds, CDM candidates have relatively large mass and travel at ...

You Need a Platform as You Dive Into Writing

You Need a Platform as You Dive Into Writing What is a writer’s platform? There are as many definitions as there are experts. In the past, an author’s platform was his reputation (titles, expertise, and past awards). Now Nathan Bransford defines a platform â€Å"as the number of eyeballs you can summon as you promote your book† (http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2010/09/what-platform-means-for-writers.html). I suspect he’s right, because â€Å"tell-alls† of disgraced, shallow celebrities sell better than well-written memoirs of less famous, heroic individuals. Platforms sell books. What can you do to build this nebulous entity called a platform? You need a website, blog, and/or a newsletter. Let’s be honest: Most of us electronically reach mainly other authors, who are too busy to read our thoughts as they scramble to build their own platforms. What can you do to make your written electronic communications more effective? A few points seem obvious but are often overlooked: 1) Sound bites apply to writing. Short, frequent communications are more effective than longer ones. 2) Most readers and search engines only scan articles. Keywords and tag lines are important. The free Google Ad Words Keywords Tool and similar services can help you sharpen your selection of tags. 3) Cooperation pays. Guest blogs expand your audience, i.e. platform. Public speaking and media appearances are other key elements in building a platform. I know from past experience that drumming up a crowd for a presentation at most libraries takes more than posters plastered around town and a couple event announcements in a local newspaper. Here are ideas that worked: ==One author mentioned a certain brand of wine repeatedly in his novel, then held a book signing at the winery. ==I speak at libraries on â€Å"Science in Your Fiction† not my novels per se. I answer questions like: Could scientists now create a Jurassic Park? Are there real invisibility cloaks? I do this because I was a

Feedback Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Feedback - Essay Example Target marketing is a good opportunity for the company, which will allow in effective execution of plans and comprehension of the customer needs. As such, the return on investment through target marketing is high because the company will have an opportunity to comprehend the nature of business activities and achieve success. Differentiation is a strategy, which will aid the company in achieving success. Such is because the market of Australia is different in terms of economics, politics and cultural activities. Hence, differentiation will facilitate in ensuring that the company has different brands, which receive appraisal from the target markets. Nevertheless, Starbucks may not achieve success if it does not engage in extensive marketing of its brands in the competitive market environment. This is where the company needs to seek subsidiary sellers or intermediary sellers to ensure that its brands reach the market and achieve the best appraisal from customers. These innovative ways w ill create room for the achievement of success for the

Environmental Geology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Environmental Geology - Assignment Example The Disaster yielded both to economic and life loss where fifty-seven people died besides obliteration of 250 homes and the region’s infrastructure. Additionally, the mountain also comprises of crater glacier that has an ice thickness raging amid 1 to 2 meters, thus making it young geologically. The mountain besides having glaciated valleys during eruption incidences, it comprises of three rivers namely Toutle, Kalama and Lewis where their purposes entail recreational and power generation (Samson 17). For illustration, lewis, which feeds three dams mainly for hydropower production, is helpful to the park itself and society. The park has its contribution regarding environmental degradation setbacks that have affected the area besides humanity and wildlife. The frequent eruption incidences witnessed on the mountain comprises production of obnoxious gases like Chlorine and HFCs that contribute to the destruction of ozone (GVP). However, this feature to numerous populaces may not be clear, but scientifically it is evident that volcano eruptions normally comprise of harmful gases that enhance global warming. This is due to the obliteration of the ozone layer that is liable for filtration of harmful solar rays to human. The eruptions besides destroying the surrounding forest cover, it also yields to wildlife destruction that adorns the mountain. The destruction inevitable because no known human efforts or any known remedy can salvage both the forest and wildlife. According to some concerns emanating from environmentalists, they stated that, the augmenting volcanic ash might yield to prolonged negative impacts like freezing, crop destruction or horrific hazards (GVP). This is an indication that, in the future these occurrences may render the region unfruitful because the economic factors that mark the place mighty become extinct. Its eruption yields to burning of numerous insects hence destroying ecosystem that

Dietary Quality and Eating Competence Term Paper

Dietary Quality and Eating Competence - Term Paper Example The supposition is that people will deliberately choose foods that add to their long-term physical well-being by decreasing their threat of chronic disease. There is a slight doubt that a diet well-suited to human biological requirements is necessary to the existence of the species (Clifford, & Keeler, 2002). Satter is a model developed by Ellyn Satter, and that is based on her clinical observations of how people do well with eating. Essentially, eating competence explains how normal people eat. It is descriptive in that sense, and rigid only for that group who are not comfortable with their current eating or who are concerned about their diet and health, and seek to make a dietary transformation. Still, Weight Watchers, which a lot of people hype as the finest of the diet centers because of its dependence on real, unmarked food and flexible menu options, does not help people in understanding and knowledge about the inner competence on eating. This comes down to the issue of trust against control, according to the nutritionist Ellyn Satter†¦who takes care of ‘dieting casualties’ in her practice. She trusts that people require learning to believe that they will get filled, even on the food they think as highly desirable, and recognize that they can reliably control their own food intake, instead of depending on exterior rules to control those choices. â€Å"Weight Watchers is good at easing up food choices, teaching people how to eat carefully, and encouraging them to add to the diversity of food in their diet,† states Satter. â€Å"But it is still essentially a control stance they apply† (Satte, 2007, p. 56). When people rely on exterior rules, ranges, and diet cops to control their eating, their association with food remains delicate.

Death And Its Significance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Death And Its Significance - Essay Example The attribute of death being evil was picked up due to people not being able to justify a person’s death. Some people would have been better off alive than dead according to some people’s interpretation. The idea of death is however ruled out by Fieldman, as he considers dead people not to have any feeling whatsoever lest an opinion (1992).His perception of a dead person thus means that he has become non-existent. Death in Medieval/ Middle Ages In the medieval years, death was viewed as a way of life. Everyone had the concept that that was where they were all headed; that they would eventually die. This shows that people in the middle ages were more proverbial with the term death and what it actually brought. It was more welcome in their lives than feared (Aries, 1974). They were all resigned to their fate, which was to die. This was the eventuality of everyone and everything. People’s experience with death began at birth where in communities like the African one s, new-borns were named after those who had already passed on. They considered it a reincarnation or rebirth of their loved ones who had already passed on. This was probably in a bid to keep their memories alive and the belief that there was life after death. This is how Buddhists view death even up to date. They are at ease with death and just think of it as relocation, where one moves from one place to another or switching houses for a particular convenience. In the ancient times, the thought of death was rather comforting than it is worrying in the days we now live in. It was as if they had a premonition of death and were somewhat prepared for it waiting for the day it come knocking at their door. It was as if they had it all figured out; the surrendering of oneself to death (a better place full of peace and serenity) until it was time to return to this world by being reborn. The middle ages’ people saw death as this obvious and restrained thing la mort apprivoisee; which is a complete opposite of the present times, where death is seen as strange and feared by people. These people also had mourning and burial rituals and traditions that followed a death encounter. This again is in support of how the people in those times were at ease with death and were prepared for the loss that comes with death. Death was a rite of passage in life. Death in Present Times In most recent times, death has become a taboo rarely spoken about and with myths surrounding it. It is still though a mystery but people have become more detached from it due to fear of the ‘evil’ that is mostly accompanied with death (Aries, 1974). Instead of people accepting death as a way of life like in the past ages, they are forced to actually be terrified of death. Death is now met with anxiety as people wonder what will happen to them later. People grief their loved ones and some even go to the extent of mental depression due to the loss of their loved ones. In addition, peopl e have now become attached to their earthly possessions such as pets, and things like power and wealth. These things matter more to human beings so much that the thought of being away from them is too scary to even think about. Instead of the resignation which usually met death in early ages, people panic at the thought of dying, or otherwise losing their loved ones (Aries, 1974). The universally accepted notion that everyone is bound to die has now become completely forgotten such that an estranged person would rather

The impact of iPads on children Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The impact of iPads on children - Research Paper Example A number of studies have been conducted to show the positive benefits of iPads and tablet PC’s on children. In one such study conducted by Dundar & Akcayir (2012) that sought to try and compare the electronic reading performance, reading comprehension and reading speed of primary school 5th-class students using printed books and tablet PCs, the researchers selected a randomly selected sample size of 20 students. The study was designed in such a manner that the students were divided into the two groups of a control group and a treatment group. Whereas the students in the control book read ordinary printed books, the students in the treatment group read the same text on electronic tablet PC display. The findings of the study showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in either reading speed or reading comprehension. However the study found that students’ opinions pertaining to the use of tablet PCs was significantly positive. The ergonomics, display quality and availability of tablet PCs was noted to have a positive effect on students who could read the text on the tablets like a book (Dundar & Akcayir, 2012). Tablet PCs can be used in both the vertical and horizontal positions and the size of the text can be easily adjusted to allow for students to read the books more easily and hence make the learning process easier. The results of this study were found to be similar to that which was conducted by Clarke & Svanaes (2012) that analyzed the feasibility of giving pupils tablets. In this study, researchers established that the iPad greatly contributed to the motivation of pupils to become more engaged with school work. The study also showed that tablets were especially beneficial to children that happened to have special educational needs. The technology promotes inclusion and improves com munication and

Ted Talks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ted Talks - Essay Example Brooks seeks to find out if we can balance these two selves. I do believe that we can balance the two selves since us human beings need morals, which are the external logic to attain a reward which is part of the internal logic. I strong concur with Jeremy Kasdin in his video titled â€Å"The flower-shaped starshade that might help us detect Earth-like planets.† With the universe and every star in the galaxy surrounded by planets, there is need to find out which of these planets harbor life. Kasdin, with a team of scientists who support his cause, are to come up with an extraordinary invention which will be positioned 50,000 Km from a telescope. They call it the flower petal-shaped â€Å"starshade.† This extraordinary piece of science will help reduce the diffracting light thus making planets visible in the dim space and thus help further studies on them. This breakthrough in science and technology will enable astronomers determine the capabilities of planets in the solar system to harbor life. For me it is one the best innovation ever. Allan Adams in his video titled, â€Å"The discovery that could rewrite physics† explains that in the night sky there exists stars and further away galaxies. However, much further away, there is nothing visible. Afterwards, a faint, fading afterglow representing the â€Å"Big bang† is prevalent according to Adams. Big bang according to Adam marked the era in the formation of the universe which happened million years ago. Adam goes on to compare the universe with a large bubble surrounded by something and calls this inflation. This serves as an idea of the Big bang theory of the formation of the universe. Adams goes on to explain what it means in a physics theoretical way by using a hammer and bell as an example. In my opinion, I find the idea theoretical and applicable for science and not Christianity and its beliefs. I strongly

The impact of iPads on children Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The impact of iPads on children - Research Paper Example A number of studies have been conducted to show the positive benefits of iPads and tablet PC’s on children. In one such study conducted by Dundar & Akcayir (2012) that sought to try and compare the electronic reading performance, reading comprehension and reading speed of primary school 5th-class students using printed books and tablet PCs, the researchers selected a randomly selected sample size of 20 students. The study was designed in such a manner that the students were divided into the two groups of a control group and a treatment group. Whereas the students in the control book read ordinary printed books, the students in the treatment group read the same text on electronic tablet PC display. The findings of the study showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in either reading speed or reading comprehension. However the study found that students’ opinions pertaining to the use of tablet PCs was significantly positive. The ergonomics, display quality and availability of tablet PCs was noted to have a positive effect on students who could read the text on the tablets like a book (Dundar & Akcayir, 2012). Tablet PCs can be used in both the vertical and horizontal positions and the size of the text can be easily adjusted to allow for students to read the books more easily and hence make the learning process easier. The results of this study were found to be similar to that which was conducted by Clarke & Svanaes (2012) that analyzed the feasibility of giving pupils tablets. In this study, researchers established that the iPad greatly contributed to the motivation of pupils to become more engaged with school work. The study also showed that tablets were especially beneficial to children that happened to have special educational needs. The technology promotes inclusion and improves com munication and

Crew Resource Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Crew Resource Management - Research Paper Example This research paper describes ways of implementing successful crew managment tasks for organizations. Crew resource management is the study of the behavior of crew members in industries of aviation, fire related services, marine industries and other such types of industries. The origin of crew resource management took place in the year 1979 in a workshop that was conducted by NASA. The purpose of crew resource management is to train, develope and increase the effectiveness of the crews, such as firefighers, police crews, troops and other military forces. Research paper defines that the main accomplishments that the crew resource management focuses on are the adaptability skills, the assertiveness skills, the mission analysis experience, communication job, leadership art, decision making competence and also developing the skills of situational awareness. The leadership arts that are required in the phase of crew resource management are to focus on coordinating and directing the activities of the entire crew team. The crew members need to be motivated by their leader at all times and should be insisted towards showing positive team work at all times. This research paper also covers basic requirements that are needed for a leader to provide all types of assistance and information to the team members so that all, for example, military operations can take place smoothly.

Research Spotlight on Homework Essay Example for Free

Research Spotlight on Homework Essay Some researchers are urging schools to take a fresh look at homework and its potential for engaging students and improving student performance. The key, they say, is to take into account grade-specific and developmental factors when determining the amount and kind of homework. So, whats appropriate? What benefits can be expected? What makes for good homework policies? Research doesnt have all the answers, but a review of some existing data yields some helpful observations and guidance. How Much Homework Do Students Do? Survey data and anecdotal evidence show that some students spend hours nightly doing homework. Homework overload is the exception rather than the norm; however, according to research from the Brookings Institution and the Rand Corporation (see the Brown Center 2003 below). Their researchers analyzed data from a variety of sources and concluded that the majority of U.S. students spend less than an hour a day on homework, regardless of grade level, and this has held true for most of the past 50 years. In the last 20 years, homework has increased only in the lower grade levels, and this increase is associated with neutral (and sometimes negative) effects on student achievement. How Much Is Appropriate? The National PTA recommendations fall in line with general guidelines suggested by researcher Harris Cooper: 10-20 minutes per night in the first grade, and an additional 10 minutes per grade level thereafter (e.g., 20 minutes for second grade, 120 minutes for twelfth). High school students may sometimes do more, depending on what classes they take (see Review of Educational Research, 2006). What are the benefits? Homework usually falls into one of three categories: practice, preparation, or extension. The purpose usually varies by grade. Individualized assignments that tap into students existing skills or interests can be motivating. At the elementary school level, homework can help students develop study skills and habits and can keep families informed about their childs learning. At the secondary school level, student homework is associated with greater academic achievement. (Review of Educational Research, 2006) What’s good policy? Experts advise schools or districts to include teachers, parents, and students in any effort to set homework policies. Policies should address the purposes of homework; amount and frequency; school and teacher responsibilities; student responsibilities; and, the role of parents or others who assist students with homework. Reference: Cooper, H. (2003). A synthesis of research. Review of Educational Reseach, volume 76, Retrieved January 09, 2013, from http://www.nea.org/tools/16938.htm Reasons why students should not have homework Homework is supposed to ensure that all students retain the material covered in the classroom, but for many children it is an unnecessary chore and actually hinders their learning. Children learn best when they are interested in the subject. Positive mental attitude makes learning even challenging things much easier. Negative mental attitude, however, makes retaining knowledge harder and creates stress in a learner. It also takes much longer periods of time to complete. As a result children hardly have any time to develop their talents through extracurricular activities, or to spend adequate time with family and friends. Instead of being burdened with much resented huge loads of homework, children should have the opportunity for more self-directed and interactive learning at school to generate their interest and build in them positive attitude towards learning. Teachers should be more creative and use multimedia like computers and video presentations to make covered subjects more engaging involving childrens input more. Students should be allowed to suggest activities and projects they would like to do. In the present school system it is usually the teacher who decides what and how children should learn in class and at home. This promotes passivity and a sense that learning is a necessary evil rather than exiting opportunity to learn about the world we live in. This is very ineffective, making kids bored, stressed, and frustrated. Not to mention that it is often parents who do the reluctant kids homework therefore homework doesnt help them to learn at all. They get their grades, but end up having learning gaps that will come out later on and hinder their success. Children who are struggling themselves with loads of homework lack the time to develop other than academic passions and experience very unhealty stress that cen result even in a depression. The numbers of children who take antidepressants is rapidly growing. Students who are defiant about their homework often have very strained relationship with their parents. It is a source of contention in too many families and contributes to deep emotional problems in these children and also inevitably may cause depression and substance abuse. The age of kids taking street drugs is getting lower and lower. Children as young as ten in some countries have a drinking problem and homework overload can be an indirect cause of that. That is why I think students should not have homework, but be able to have enjoyable learning experience at school and freedom to be encouraged by the teacher to expand their knowledge on their own terms at home, and to be rewarded for the extra effort instead of being forced to do homework they dont like. Reference: Tehrani, E. (2009). Reasons why students should not have homework. Retrieved January 09, 2013, from http://www.helium.com/items/1309973-why-students-shoul-not-have-homework The Truth About Homework In high school, some studies do find a correlation between homework and test scores (or grades), but it’s usually fairly small, and it has a tendency to disappear when more sophisticated statistical controls are applied. Moreover, there’s no evidence that higher achievement is due to the homework even when an association does appear. It isn’t hard to think of other explanations for why successful students might be in classrooms where more homework is assigned—or why they might spend more time on it than their peers do. The results of national and international exams raise further doubts. One of many examples is an analysis of 1994 and 1999 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, or TIMSS, data from 50 countries. Researchers David P. Baker and Gerald K. LeTendre were scarcely able to conceal their surprise when they published their results last year: â€Å"Not only did we fail to find any positive relationships,† they wrote, but â€Å"the overall correlations between national average student achievement and national averages in [amount of homework assigned] are all negative.† Consider the assumption that homework should be beneficial just because it gives students more time to master a topic or skill. (Plenty of pundits rely on this premise when they call for extending the school day or year. Indeed, homework can be seen as a way of prolonging the school day on the cheap.) Unfortunately, this reasoning turns out to be woefully simplistic. Back â€Å"when experimental psychologists mainly studied words and nonsense syllables, it was thought that learning inevitably depended upon time,† the reading researcher Richard C. Anderson and his colleagues explain. But â€Å"subsequent research suggests that this belief is false.† The statement â€Å"People need time to learn things† is true, of course, but it doesn’t tell us much of practical value. On the other hand, the assertion â€Å"More time usually leads to better learning† is considerably more interesting. It’s also demonstrably untrue, however, because there are enough cases where more time doesn’t lead to better learning. In fact, more hours are least likely to produce better outcomes when understanding or creativity is involved. Anderson and his associates found that when children are taught to read by focusing on the meaning of the text (rather than primarily on phonetic skills), their learning does â€Å"not depend on amount of instructional time.† In math, too, as another group of researchers discovered, time on task is directly correlated to achievement only if both the activity and the outcome measure are focused on rote recall as opposed to problem-solving. Carole Ames of Michigan State University points out that it isn’t â€Å"quantitative changes in behavior†Ã¢â‚¬â€such as requiring students to spend more hours in front of books or worksheets—that help children learn better. Rather, it’s â€Å"qualitative changes in the ways students view themselves in relation to the task, engage in the process of learning, and then respond to the learning activities and situation.† In turn, these attitudes and responses emerge from the way teachers think about learning and, as a result, how they organize their classrooms. Assigning homework is unlikely to have a positive effect on any of these variables. We might say that education is less about how much the teacher covers than about what students can be helped to discover—and more time won’t help to bring about that shift. Regardless of ones criteria, there is no reason to think that most students would be at any sort of disadvantage if homework were sharply reduced or even eliminated. But even if practice is sometimes useful, we’re not entitled to conclude that homework of this type works for most students. It isn’t of any use for those who don’t understand what they’re doing. Such homework makes them feel stupid; gets them accustomed to doing things the wrong way (because what’s really â€Å"reinforced† are mistaken assumptions); and teaches them to conceal what they don’t know. At the same time, other students in the same class already have the skill down cold, so further practice for them is a waste of time. You’ve got some kids, then, who don’t need the practice, and others who can’t use it. Furthermore, even if practice were helpful for most students, that wouldn’t mean they needed to do it at home. In my research, I found a number of superb teachers (at different grade levels and with diverse instructional styles) who rarely, if ever, found it necessary to assign homework. Some not only didn’t feel a need to make students read, write, or do math at home; they preferred to have students do these things during class, where it was possible to observe, guide, and discuss. Finally, any theoretical benefit of practice homework must be weighed against the effect it has on students’ interest in learning. If slogging through worksheets dampens one’s desire to read or think, surely that wouldn’t be worth an incremental improvement in skills. And when an activity feels like drudgery, the quality of learning tends to suffer, too. That so many children regard homework as something to finish as quickly as possible—or even as a significant source of stress—helps explain why it appears not to offer any academic advantage even for those who obediently sit down and complete the tasks they’ve been assigned. All that research showing little value to homework may not be so surprising after all. Reference: Kohn, A. (2006). The truth about homework. Retrieved January 09, 2013, from http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2006/09/06/02kohn.h26.html?tkn=RVRFTkNGGXy32nbQpdGsSFt01V8aHU5cZ3wG

Developmental Psychology Essay -- Papers

Developmental Psychology Attachments in Developments =========================== Developmental psychology is concerned with how our cognitions, emotions and behaviour change as we grow with age and experience. Babies, only a few months old develop close bonds called attachment bonds with some people in particular. These people are able to settle the child, if upset, more easily than others and the baby will become upset if separated from the attachment object for too long. There has been a big debate in psychology over the precise role the mother figure takes in child development generally and especially the emotional development. Topic 4 - The Development and Variety of Attachments ==================================================== Attachments are emotional bonds that are formed with people very close to us. For babies and young people these attachments are formed with the people who look after them, usually their parents that prove very important to them. As we grow up our attachment objects usually change and may include boyfriends and girlfriends. The development of attachments ------------------------------ When you have become attached to somebody it means that you have formed a special bond with that person and them with you. These "attachment bonds" are very important to us but more so at an infant age with the loss of attachments having a negative effect on an individual. Maurer and Maurer said that attachments are welded in the heat of interactions, which shows that attachments depend on the interaction between two people rather than simply just being together. Maccoby identified four ... ...owed signs of behavioural instability e.g. shaking were less likely to become securely attached to their mother. Cross-Cultural Variations in Secure and Insecure Attachments In the same way that there are differences in attachment behaviour between individuals there is also differences in from one culture to another. Secure attachment is important in all cultures and the concept of an internal working model being universal has become a widely accepted view. Researchers in many different countries have used the Strange Situation to investigate secure and insecure attachment. There is considerable consistency in the results across cultures that show there is a relationship between mother - infant interaction and secure attachment. This suggests that there is a biological or genetic basis for attachment formation.

Immanuel Kant Essay -- Immanuel Kant Deontology Ethics

Immanuel Kant Immanuel Kant was born, lived and passed away in his home town of Konigsberg. He lived from 1724 to 1804. He studied at the local university and later returned to tutor and lecture students. It wasn’t until he met an English merchant by the name of Joseph Green that Kant learned of David Hume and began to develop his ideas of morals and values. Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason (1781) is believed by many to be his greatest work. Kant’s was known mainly, however, for his moral code The Categorical Imperative. Immanuel Kant was a follower of Deontology, or duty ethics. This means that for an act to be moral it must be performed out of duty. If you are concerned for the end product of your actions it is not a moral act. Only when your action is done in such a way that your only ...

Cause and Effect Solar Energy

Cause/Effect: Solar Energy Solar radiation is an energy resource many times larger than mankind’s energy needs. Mankind has been able to capture/harness this energy resource, but only on a limited scale. Mankind has found that the use of the sun was quite useful. They used it to grow and dry crops, dry clothing, produce heat, and for light. The sun is a sphere, on the inside of the sun there is a continuous process of fusion in which hydrogen nuclei combine to from helium nuclei. There is less helium than that of hydrogen, which allows the sun to create energy.The energy is then radiated out of the surface of the sun, in which only a small portion is intercepted by plant earth. Just outside of the earth’s atmosphere, approximately 93 million miles from the sun, has the intensity of radiation of about 1. 36 kilowatts per square foot. This process is also called the Solar Constant. This energy is absorbed, dispersed, and reflected by the atmosphere; beaming its radiation to earth’s ground. Almost half of this energy is visible light, approximately half is infrared radiation, and a very small portion of it is ultraviolet radiation.There are many ways to convert this energy. Some use it to heat their water and homes; some convert it to Electrical Energy. Most of the world’s energy needs have been met by converting solar energy into its electrical or mechanical forms. Electrical energy conversion of solar energy can be quite expensive. Much more than it would be to convert into thermal energy, but worth it in the long run. Solar panels or solar cells have been created to convert solar energy into mechanical energy, which can then be converted into electrical energy or used directly.This green energy alternative would cause a reduction in our environmental impact because it has less physical impact on the environment. They also help reduce the level of greenhouse gases produced and would decrease the demands of fossil fuels. Without a reli able, yet sustainable source of energy for the future, mankind will face a continued environmental destruction and continue to contribute to the growing problem of global warming. In order to stop the damage that is being done to the environment, we need to switch to an environmentally friendly energy production system.If we do not switch, the current facilities who rely mainly on fossil fuels, will continue to destroy the earth because they are leaving behind toxic residues and wasteful by products that will have to be dealt with for many years. The future lies with systems that eliminate these toxic and wasteful by products. Only by switching to fully renewable energy systems will humanity be free of these toxins. With our current technology and the expanding knowledge of tomorrow, wind turbines have a 30 year life span.The effort used to run these turbines is lower than the use of traditional power plants. Using wind energy to power turbines instead of plants using fossil fuels f or energy will reduce the overall impact of the U. S. Energy production. The before mentioned solar panel has a life expectancy of approximately 25 years. The total cost per kilowatt is way lower for solar panels than that of fossil fueled based power plants. These panels, once installed, need little to no maintenance. There is no monthly bill or added fees.Just like wind energy, solar energy is completely sustainable and they do not produce any physical by products. I believe that wind and solar energy is the perfect solution to the future of preserving the earth’s environment. Our environment is turning against us and there is a shortage of fossil fuels. It seems as though mankind as a whole is killing itself off. Mankind as a whole needs to rid itself of its dependency of fossil fuels. While wind and solar energy are not the only options available for sustainable energy solutions, in my opinion, they are the best alternative solutions.

The Role of the Quantity Surveying Profession within the contemporary Built Environment

Before discussing the role of the quantity surveyor, it’s very important to get an idea about the built environment where the quantity surveyor works. Simply the built environment means human made buildings, cities, roads and surroundings etc.. that could provide an environment for their activities. The concept of the built environment was introduced in Greece in many centuries ago in the process of developing their cities using grid plans. But the modern concept of built environment is far more complex than that. Considering the contemporary built environment, with huge increase of the population in the world over the last century human desires are risen up and became more complicated. Similarly necessity to have houses, cities, roads, which is called built environment, has become compulsive aspect of human life. Since the Quantity Surveyor is a significant character of constructing that built environment, he/she has to play a vital role in it. The Origin of the Quantity Surveying What is the quantity surveying? According to the Seeley (1997), Quantity Surveying is a profession which would prepare an accurate bill of quantities to be priced by tendering contractors and who would measure and value any variations that might occur during the progress of the works. But when considering the history of this profession, the origin of quantity surveying carries us way back to the 17th century. In 1666 after the Great Fire, London was under restoration process it needed huge no. of workers like masons, carpenters and other tradesmen. Before the 1666 all the workers mentioned above got paid daily basis. But the large amount of labor needed to restore the city after the fire, it made governors to think twice and decided to pay each worker for the quantity of work they had done. It meant on behalf of the salary workers had been paid for the amount of carpentry, masonry and other works they had done. Therefore one person had to read the drawings of the buildings and take off the quantity of work each and every trade in the construction and at the same time he had to prepare an estimate for the total cost. And the Quantity Surveying profession was evolved to the current status after that incidence. History of the Quantity Surveying In early 70’s there was a misunderstanding about the profession that believing the â€Å"valuation† and the â€Å"measurement† are covering the whole area of quantity surveying. Therefore quantity surveying profession was highlighted only for its â€Å"Technical† role throughout that period. But measurement and valuation are only two functions performed by quantity surveyors. Because of this nature, many people believed that the functions done by the quantity surveyor can be undertaken by any person or machine that can perform arithmetic calculations, like a computer. â€Å"The QS is not a necessity in the order of things. Any convenient and cheap method of multiplying drawings and specifications and placing copies in the hands of each estimator would answer the same purpose and get rid of the QS for good† (Anon, 1889 cited in Wood, 2008). Changing roles of Quantity Surveying Despite all the above doubts quantity surveying profession was survived and presently regarded as one of the most expensive profession in the construction industry. Also quantity surveying is being known as a dynamic profession and its skills section had gone for different changes over the last decade or so. Smith (2004) mentioned that the quantity surveying profession has faced to considerable changes over the last decade in terms of scope and the type of contributions provided within and outside the construction process. Ashworth (1981) pointed out the changing role of the quantity surveyor in recent past has been significant. Traditional roles of Quantity Surveying Quantity Surveyor Is the person who giving advices and preparing documents regarding cost estimating and financial section of the construction process. Thirty years ago the role of quantity surveyor was to prepare Bill of Quantities and providing Final Accounts only. â€Å"The traditional role of quantity surveyor is the professional who provides advice about cost and financial management for the construction process. The traditional services provided are considered to be of a technical basis, such as preparing the cost plan and the bills of quantities, tender documentation and tender appraisal, interim payments, measuring and valuing variations, advising on anticipated final costs and preparing the final account† (Burnside and Westcott, 1999). Competencies of Quantity Surveying Quantity surveyors are also well known as a construction economists who perform various and wide range of duties to support the cost effective construction projects. The core competencies of quantity surveying profession such as determining the budgets of projects, measuring project quantities, preparing Bills of Quantities, cost control documents, administrating contracts, and preparing final accounts, etc.. should be maintained and enhanced in order to adapt to changes in many areas of the construction industry since the quantity surveyor’s success depends not only the skills which he/she has. Practitioners need to be far more adaptable and willing to change their standard work practices than in the past (Smith, 2004). Also the RICS has introduced and highlighted some basic and optional core competencies that required of quantity surveyors to enhance their ability to face the varying construction industry and they are as follows. Competencies required of Quantity Surveyors for professional Competency (RICS) Basic competencies Core competencies Optional competencies Personal and interpersonal skills Construction contract practice Arbitration & other dispute resolution procedures Business skills Construction technology and environmental services Development appraisal Data, information and information technology Economics of construction Facilities management Professional practice Procurement and financial management Insolvency Law Insurance Measurement Project management Mapping Property investment funding Research methodologies and techniques Valuation Taxation allowances & grants Apart from that, Information Technology has made huge impact on quantity surveying profession as though it is spread out all over the construction industry. Smith (2004; 2006) keep emphasized that all the professionals should have the knowledge of how to use the AUTOCAD properly and accurately and be an expertise in the field of construction without delaying. (Odeyinka, 2008) Stated that, commercially developed software packages are available worldwide to improve the performance of quantity surveyors. Frei, (2009) also stated that with the intention of developing the productivity and high performance of the industry it is necessary to invest in information technology (IT) and information communication technology (ICT). RICS (1991) In 1990s and 2000s, Quantity Surveyors should be more innovative, more pro-active and more mobile to solve the problems and the changing of client requirements. New skills and services will be progressively developed from continuous research and developments of new techniques. Evolving roles of Quantity Surveying The quantity surveying profession has been able to evolve and diversify into new areas of practicing, providing a wider range of services, with the modern quantity surveyor covering all aspects of project cost management, procurement and contract management (Lee, Trench and Willis 2011) (Menaha Thayaparan, et.al2011) â€Å"Deviating from its traditional â€Å"technical† role, during mid-80’s RICS has promoted the role of the Quantity Surveyor as â€Å"the Building Economist†, â€Å"Cost Engineer†, â€Å"Procurement consultant† and as a â€Å"Cost Consultant† (RICS, 1986; RICS, 1991). These roles have attributed more of a â€Å"managerial† image to the quantity surveying profession.† Since that dynamic nature of the profession, it has been shaped up to provide timely needs such as cost and value management, project management, procurement consultant, quality management, risk management, arbitration, and many more non-traditional services of the construction industry without limiting to its narrow scope. QSBC (2009) Has been suggested that the role of the quantity surveyor has outspread over time beyond its main scope of financial based concerns not only to cover the knowledge of values, cost, labor and materials, but also to include legal and contractual matters, like wise being a consultants on construction business and also has to be concern about developers, the government, contractors and the general project management. According to the facts which I have discussed so far, it has declared that Quantity Surveyors not only have to perform traditional roles by offering traditional services nevertheless also have to play contemporary roles by granting non-traditional or additional services to fill up the demand of this innovative and mutable construction industry. Apart from those cost concerned aspects discussed above, quantity surveyors are also needed to be conversant in construction management and procurement, contractual administration and legal aspects of construction within the modern built environment. Therefore it’s important to discuss about management knowledge of quantity surveyor which gives the ability to adapt to divers conditions and to solve problems emerge in financial and contractual sectors which are very unique for each and every construction projects. In the recent past years it has been not rare for quantity surveyors to widen their scope of profession and put themselves in a position of project manager with the amount of experience they have got. The importance of the Project Management is growing worldwide and it has huge impact on productivity and quality of the project. By using this art of leading and coordinating material and human resources in construction process called project management, Quantity surveyor will be able to complete project on time within the budget. â€Å"Is a quantity surveyor an estimator, contract manager or project manager? The short answer to this question is yes, yes and yes. People from a quantity surveying background may find working environment compatible with any of those roles because the training qualifications acquired from the quantity surveying create the pathways† (Donald Towey ,2012, pp.110) It is possible to list about 5 main evolved roles of the quantity surveying profession from the information mentioned above. 1. Client advocate and representative 2. Construction designing and economics 3. Construction planning and procurement 4. Construction administration and management 5. Project management Emerging roles of Quantity Surveying Not limiting to discussing about the changes that already has made an impact on the profession, it’s better to address about changes which are going to happen in near future to the quantity surveying profession. Due to the latest economic climate over the world, there are very fewer resources available to commence new building projects. But it has become viable with the finding of new ways to handle building project more cost-efficiently by modern quantity surveyors who has given the traditional and contemporary monetary roles. Whence, future changes of quantity surveying profession seem to be more compulsive and its influence to the construction industry should be more explored by the quantity surveyors. Sustainability, whole life costing and the building information modeling (BIM) are the three main emerging roles of quantity surveying profession. When it comes to the whole life costing, it is a technique that use intentionally to improve efficiency, sustainability and also it provides clear information to the client whether the project is going to be financially viable or not after built. Calculating the costs of building and the items included for its whole life is called whole life costing assessment. By carrying these assessments prior to any other works which has been taken into count maintenance, operational and demolition costs of the project with the consideration of the inflation, client will be able to get best value for his money. The concept of sustainable construction is becoming more significant in the world as we are trying to bring down the environmental pollution and the greenhouse gases globally. By using recycled material, installing innovative natural sourced systems (solar systems) and introducing efficient material, labor and waste management, Sustainability can be admitted to the construction industry. Building Information Modeling (BIM) compares all details about projects design and its construction and operation process to meet the maximum efficiency at any stage of the project by using a computer generated model. (BIMIWG 2011) Furthermore, capability of identifying number of variations in design and compare them with traditional measures in a second, reduces the workload of the quantity surveyor. Also the changes has being made to quantity surveying profession with BIM is enforced by the UK government as 3D-BIM modeling will be essential component of every project by 2016. (BIMIWG 2011) Conclusion In brief, this report has done a critical discussion on traditional and contemporary roles of quantity surveying, origin and history of the profession, key and core competencies of quantity surveying and also changing, evolved and emerging roles of quantity surveying profession. Due to the changing nature of client’s and the market demand the quantity surveying profession has evolved continuously during recent decades. Clients not only ask for traditional services but also request for nontraditional services like project management, procurement, construction administration in contemporary built environment. Also there are some emerging aspects like whole life costing assessments, sustainability and BIM that could add more changes to the quantity surveying profession in near future. Therefore, in order to develop their skills and practice Quantity Surveyors should be well aware of these changes and has to adapt to them quickly.

New Heritage Doll Company: Business Overview

Index Executive summery†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦1 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 2 Case analysis Match My Doll Clothing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 2 Design Your Own Doll†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 Comparison†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 Additional Questions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 Recommendations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 Appendix Appendix 1: calculation formulas, definitions and assumptions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 Appendix 2: Exhibit 1 & 2†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 9Appendix 3: The NPV Profile†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 11 Executive Summary The production division at New Heritage Doll Company is considering between two business proposals to recommend at the firm’s upcoming capital budget meeting in October. In order to prioritize between the two projects, we needed to analyze both companies, quantitatively and qualitatively, to determine which proposal better suits NHDC’s goals. Using a qualitative analysis, we analyzed both Match My Doll clothing line and compared it to the Design Your Own Doll proposal.We found, after comparing the strengths and weaknesses of both proposals, that MMDC’s business case is more compelling. We then analyzed the financial aspect of both projects using the financial information given in the exhibit. In order to complete this analysis we began with a profitability analysis. First we computed the NPV, IRR and the profitability index in order to determine which of the projects would be more profitable. We found that although DYOD’s NPV was slightly higher, MMDC’s ratio’s seemed more compelling. We then moved on to a risk analysis, in order to compare the riskiness of the two projects.We found that not only is MMDC’s risk lower than that of DYOD, but its payback period was approximately 30% lower as well. Based on these analyses, we recommend that the company should choose the Match My Doll Clothing line expansion proposal. Introduction In this case study, two business proposals from the Production division of the New Heritage Doll Company (NHDC) are being considered for submission at the capital budgeting committee meetin g which makes decisions at the corporate level for all large spending proposals.The first proposal is to extend the company’s Match My Doll Clothing line, and the second is to develop a new Design Your Own Doll product. Emily Harris, vice president of NHDC’s production division, is weighing the two proposals. Due to constraints on financial and managerial resources, it is possible that the committee will decline to approve both projects as other divisions of the company such as licensing and retail are also presenting projects that may prove more attractive to the committee. Harris has to be prepared to recommend only one of the projects.In order to evaluate which of the projects Emily should promote, we look at the criteria of the committee. They will examine the proposed project for consistency with the company’s overall business strategy and they will see if the project balances the needs and priorities of each division against the practical, financial, and o rganizational constraints of the company. The committee will evaluate whether the proposed project will strengthen the entire company, not just the particular division. We would try to evaluate which of the proposals based on the projects' qualitative and quantitative analysis.We have used in our analysis both the figures that were supplied by the line managers, and further information that seem relevant from online researches we had conducted. Match My Doll Clothing This investment proposal is the expansion of the Match My Doll Clothing line (MMDC), an existing clothing line of matching doll and child clothing and accessories. The original line was a success, due to the strong identification that girls feel with their NH dolls. Due to the growing popularity of the line the line’s manager believe that the timing is right for expansion.The original line selected several items of New Heritage dolls’ fashions and produced identical items in girl’s sizes. However, t he number of items was limited. The proposed expansion would create an â€Å"All Seasons Collection† of apparel and gear covering all four season of the year. It would expand the number of matching doll and girl clothing items available One of the benefits of expanding the MMDC’ line is that the line has already demonstrated the commercial viability of the matching doll and child clothing model. The concept has a proven track record and now the company has only to further build on this successful model.Furthermore, the recent positive publicity engendered by the celebrity sightings, will create an even greater demand for the product, and will allow for the maintenance of premium pricing. We believe that the expanded line will be at least as profitable as the existing line. Another strength this project possesses is the project’s moderate risk , which is almost identical to that of MMDC’s existing business line. One of our concerns regarding the expansion of MMDC’s clothing line is the company’s inexperience within the clothing industry. NHDC will have to compete outside its current niche of dolls and accessories.The fickle nature of children’s fashion trends requires that the management keep up with current market trends, in order to maintain its premium pricing. Another concern we think is important to address is the expected lifetime of the project. Based on the risk that the company would not be able to stay up to date with the current trends and fashion we think that the life span of the projected CF may be somewhat optimistic, and might not reflect correctly the characters of this project. However, we do believe that for the sake of comparison this projection should be kept.Another concern that arises from the unexpectedness of children’s fashion trends is that the company may be faced with a very limited time frame in which it can make profitable investment decisions. One of the opportunities that a rise with the current proposal is the reduction in the seasonality of the company’s sales and earnings. The new line created an additional benefit of supplying clothing all year round, which in turn could provide the firm with a more stable revenue stream. By taking advantage of the â€Å"off peak discount† offered by some suppliers and anufacturers, the line manager expected to reduce the company’s seasonality which would create a more stable revenue stream for the firm. A threat which attributed to this proposal is its reliance on supposed discounts offered by suppliers and manufacturers. The failure of obtaining these discounts can cause an increase in costs, resulting in lower profitability. Capital expenditures in 2010 are predicted to be high since the project is during its first year of operation . In the following year they are still relatively high, but this can still be explained by it still being the beginning years of operation. 012-2013 have the low est Capital expenditure of all projected years; this could be explained by the high growth in revenues . It is important to note that these years are considered â€Å"day one†- since the product is new in the market, the market should embrace the product first and the depreciation is still on the lower numbers. From 2014 and onward, we see an increase in the firm’s Capital expenditure coupled with a constant growth . This might be due to maintaining the operation scope and compensating for the growth in depreciation (During year 2015 and onward). Design Your Own DollThe Design Your Own Doll (DYOD) project sets out to make dolls products more personal to customers, by creating dolls that can be designed to look like their owners. The new project was targeted to both new customers and loyal customers, who may already own a number of dolls, but are looking to add a unique addition to their collection. The strategy behind the project is that by becoming an active part of t he creation of the dolls the customers will become more loyal customers. The whole creation and participation will take part in a new section of New Heritage's website.We believes that because of all the new features, the experience and the uniqueness in this product, the customers would be willing to pay premium price. The fact that this project is web-based also enlarge the accessibility for customers, and by that enabling people that have hard time to approach an actual store to still purchase the company's product. On the other hand, there is a risk that the premium price, as discussed earlier, might narrow the audience since it approach higher socio economic level people. Due to the projects' unique the initial investing costs are higher, but so does the expected return .As a product which is â€Å"one of a kind† (â€Å"OOAK†), the production costs are going to be higher than usual (in particular fixed costs on a per unit basis, which come from low production runs and volume ), meaning that the payback period would be high. In addition, there are untested elements that need to be put into the manufacturing process, a risk that might cause future unexpected expenses. This project is considered to be a high risk project, due to the fact that it is completely new and contains (as mentioned) high costs of production.The initial equipment costs high (comparing to MMDC and) the time for it to be ready for production is going to be two years instead of 1 year in the MMDC proposal. Moreover, there is more equipment that shall be installed by the end of 2014 and that's why in the forecasts of DYOD (exhibit 2) there is a very high spike in the capital expenditures line. The good thing in purchasing this kind equipment is the option to pay custom equipment quarterly, so New Heritage can decide to pay everything in front, so it can get a sustainable discount.The projections for this project are based upon a near-flawless operation. Since this project wa s not tested and there is no experience with it, this may add to the riskiness of the project. New Heritage's website should be developed with the new software, which will take a year to write and test before starting with the sales. This is an explanation for the high initial R&D costs . Financial Comparison Net Present Value In order to evaluate both of the projects, we used the projections for MMDC and DYOD and calculated MMDC’s NPV to be slightly lower than that of DYOD.Our projections show that MMDC’s NPV is $7,150,070 , while DYOD’s is $7,298,100 . Due to the relatively small difference between the NPV’s we found, we believe that we should consider putting more emphasis on alternative factors when coming to a final decision. IRR Although we observed rather similar NPV’s, the two projects’ IRR are very different. Despite the slightly lower NPV, MMDC has an IRR of approximately 24%, compared to the 18% IRR of DYOD. This substantial diffe rence we’ve found can be explained by the significantly lower initial spending on capital by MMDC . Profitability indexUsing the Profitability index (PI) allows us to quantify the amount of value each project makes for every dollar invested. We calculated the Profitability ratios for both projects and found MMDC PI to be 2. 367, compared to 1. 17 of DYOD. After analyzing these results, it would seem that MMDC would generate a higher return on their investment. Risk analysis For MMDC, we took on the recommended moderate risk rate of 8. 4%. Based it is an already existing line that has no need for consumer acceptance, in addition to its proven ability to maintain premium prices, we decided that it was a logical assumption.For the DYOD, we assumed a high risk rate of 9%. After considering multiple factors, such as DYOD’s lengthy payback period , relatively high fixed costs and the use of new untested elements in the manufacturing process, a high discount rate is appropria te. Given these assumptions, we can see that MMDC is less risky than DYOD. Furthermore, we analyzed the NPV Profile and found that MMDC’s NPV is less sensitive to increases in the discount rate than DYOD. Another relevant figure we examined is the projects’ payback periods, which calculates the amount of time until a project’s initial investment is returned.According to our calculations, MMDC’s payback period is lower than that of DYOD . While MMDC will recuperate their initial investment in slightly over 7 years, it will take DYOD over 10 years to return their initial investment. Since the Payback period we calculated doesn’t take into account the time value of money, we calculated the Discounted Payback Period, and confirmed that here too, MMDC is faster at recuperating its initial investment . Profit Margin The average profit margin for the MMDC is 14. 9%, while for the DYOD it is 12. 55%. This suggests that MMDC is a more profitable company, an d may have better control over its costs than DYOD. Acid Test The result for the MMDC is 2. 43, while the result for DYOD is 2. 72. The significant of this is relating to the â€Å"worst case scenario† – what if the project would fail and the firm will need to get rid of it. Internal growth rate Even though we don't know how much of New Heritage's NI goes to dividends, we know that in both of the cases it will be the same and it would be