Saturday, August 31, 2019

Health Governance in Bangladesh Essay

The main aim of this assignment is to uncover the dynamics of politics in the agenda setting of the health governance of Bangladesh through investigation of the role of deferent actors. In every policy process politics play an important role in idea generation, formulation and implementation. Policy reform in health sector is not different from other policy reforms. In the process of health policy making of any country, different actors try to bring the governance in their favor through playing significant role. This interaction of deferent actors in governance is known as politics of public policy. In the complex political process of health sector reform viability of special agenda, type of changes in policy reform, vision of national politics play an important role. In Bangladesh, health is one of the most important sectors since good health ensure more social and economic production and good quality of life. Beyond debate, priority of the health sector is forefront in the development discourse, even though, ‘health sector’ it is associated with multi sectoral factors and actors. Thus, making implementation of health sector policy requires interplay of actors and factors from different sectors and levels: local, national, regional and international. Health situation in Bangladesh Till today, health situation in Bangladesh is not quite satisfactory. Lack of broad national health policy or policy vacuum, lack of policy priority setting, discontinuity of policy, lack of policy ownership, lack of resource allocation and lack of proper uses of resources due to lack institutional arrangement and elite dominated health sector are the main characteristics of health sector in Bangladesh. These characteristics create hindrance in the process of achievement of national and international goals and ultimately health situation of common people remains vulnerable. Bangladesh, being a country with small land size of 144,000 sq. km, has the burden of a huge population of 140 million. Still, with low per capita income and low literacy. Though Bangladesh has one of the strongest networks for delivering countrywide health services among developing countries, still the quality of services are not up to the mark and the services are neither client focused nor need based. In the following tables we demonstrated the trends of basic health indicators of Bangladesh Indicators1970s (1978-80)1980s (1990)1990s (1996-972000s (2003)2007 Population growth rate2. 72. 101. 741. 54NA Infant mortality rate(per 1000)150116776652 Maternal mortality rate105. 74. 13NA Delivery care by trained2581218 Under 5 mortality rate(per 1000)2991101169465 Table 3. 1: Trends of Basic Health Indicators of Bangladesh Heath governance system The government driven healthcare service has a network in all over the country from the centre to the extreme periphery, having two wings, one concerned with Population and Family Planning and the other concerned with Health in total. The service network has three approaches with primary care at upazilla level; secondary care at district level; and tertiary care at divisional level. To administer administrative activities the country has six administrative divisions and 64 districts and furthermore the districts are divided into upazilas (476 in number) and upazilas into unions (4,770). It is estimated that each of the union consist of 25,000 people in most cases each of the unions are again divided into nine villages. The upazila health complexes (463) acts as the first referral centers for primary health care along with one district levels hospitals at all districts (64) and most of the specialized hospitals resides at tertiary levels, mostly in Dhaka – the capital of Bangladesh. There is a standard setup for health services in an upazilla consisting of one upazilla health complex, one union health & family welfare center (UHFWC) at union level (4062) and community clinics at village levels for every 6000 populations. It is mentionable that the community clinics were established under the Health and Population Sector Program (HPSP) – a donor driven mega program – were not functioning till now and being revitalized in recent periods (from the regime of interim caretaker government to present AL government) Apart from general health services other services i. e. minimal reproductive, maternal, and child health care services get provided by these centers for the local people free of cost. The ratio of physicians and registered nurses to population is 241 and 136 respectively per million people and the number of hospitals available for a million people is 10, while the availability of hospital beds is one for about 4000 people. Non government organizations (NGO) and private sectors also play an important role to provide health services for the country. Numbers of NGOs have targeted projects, program and facilities to provide antenatal care (ANC) and safe delivery care. Besides in urban areas the number of private service delivery centers and private physicians are also on the rise. Thought the private clinics get operated privately, most of the doctors working in public hospitals work there on part time basis. These clinics have high charges and operate on commercial basis and people living in highest quintiles prefers such clinics for good quality service, which sometimes is not available in public sectors, as per the wealthiest quintiles perception. Recent politics in policy making Like many other developing country the lifetime of a public policy in Bangladesh depends on the change of political power and health policy is no exception. Visions and directions of all health policies got changed with the change of ruling government. Likewise the NHP 2000 was also interrupted as the government changed. After that two attempts were made to revise the policy till 2008. This instigated disruption in policy implementation rather than bringing any positive change. Many arguments took place in favor of policy reversal by the policyactors but the decision remained absolutely political. The following subsection illustrates the policy vulnerability of NHP 2000 as reflected in its reversal and formulation of NHP 2006 and 2008 and the political dynamics behind it (BHW, 2010). The first and fully operational national health policy was initiated in 1988 during the autocratic regime. In 2000 the democratic government promulgated a national health policy with five goals and objectives, in October 2001 after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led coalition government came to power. This new government deviated from NHP 2000 and got engaged in redrafting a new health policy, without rejecting the existing one in its entirety. This NHP 2000 was to some extent rejected when two of its essential components related to structural transformation were made dysfunctional. The issues were i) unification of health and FP wings ii) the issue of community clinic. Key policy actors (both politicians and bureaucrats) had staid uncertainties about the outcome of these two major reforms and believed that these two issues introduction had been politically motivated by Awami League (AL), which finally resulted in non-implementation. The following segments give an outline of how two major reforms proposed by the policy faced rejection. Integration or unification of health and FP wings – the ornerstone of the NHP 2000 – was formally approved earlier through the HPSS and HPSP (1998-2003), did not experience smooth implementation even during the AL arena. This unification was intended to provide health and FP services in a package for improved service efficiency by minimizing duplication and overlapping of service delivery, which did not take place due to bureaucracy. During the era of 2001-2006, reversal of NHP 2000 became the interior of a whirlpool of conflicts, delays, and difference among policy players, including the bureaucrats, politicians, medical professionals and donors. At the early stage of BNP regime, the system of government held substantial power over the execution of NHP 2000. And the final decision on reversing unification was taken by the Health Secretary and the Prime Minister. The new senior level bureaucrats during this period contrasted the amalgamation and community clinics. The bureaucrats believed that incorporation would marginalize the FP section of the health sector, when it was decisive to uphold the responsibilities and sovereignty of the FP workers. The ruling BNP leaders were rigid to renounce the NHP 2000 since it was formulated by the previous AL government. And political leaders played a fundamental part in the policy implications during 2001-2006. It has been observed that the harmonization between the medical professionals and political leaders led to dealings with the bureaucrats and other forces and exercise more power (BHW 2010). The partial refusal of NHP 2000 can be accredited to the customs of confrontational politics and prejudice that permeates every level of the polity, rather than ideological dissimilarity often political parties. There was little ideological difference between the BNP and AL governments, as demonstrated in similar policy proposals of the two respective health policy documents. Interest group & policy issues According to the views presented by the study respondents, numerous problems were highlighted by different levels of organizations and individuals. More than 160 organizations and individuals have submitted written demand to the Program Support Office (PSO), HNPSP, MoHFW more prior to the preparation of the final draft. All of these demands reflected personal or professional interests. The written comments covered about 70 issues and a significant number of NGO participation was seen. All the policy issues were not dominant. Weight of the problems and proper evidence and strategy to highlight the problems play important role to catch attention of the policy makers. Among the policy issues, following were more dominant compared to others. State policy in health governance State actors and non-state actors play their role in the policy process. During the time of agenda setting interest groups try to influence the policy makers to consider their preferable issues. Like other policy process, different actors and factors impacted the generation of ideas in health policy. Till today, health situation of Bangladesh is not satisfactory in term of ‘equity and justice’. In the literature of policy ownership, source of ideas/visions is treated as one of the major indicator to measure the ownership of policy (Osman, 2006). In public policy process ‘agenda setting’ is a stage where owner of ideas/vision and promoter of the ideas adopt different strategy to draw the attention of the policy makers. In public policy making ‘ownership’ can be measured with participation of different actors in policy process. In this connection role of the different actors were investigated in this study. According to Jhon Kingdon’s Garbage Can Model, an issue becomes agenda with three confluence â€Å"streams†. Different actors play their role from their own perspective in these steams. In this study it was found that three steams emerged at the same time and opened a window. In problem stream evidence production and dissemination were highly supportive for highlighting the problems of community health issues as policy agenda. In proposal stream national and international policy coherences, international and national good practices and positive attitude of donors were among other factors that supported the community clinic issues as policy proposal. Also, political support of the ruling party (AL) was also positive to highlight the community clinic and community health issues. These problems were highlighted in different documents of governments, NGOs and donors. Moreover, these problems were recognized by bureaucrats, politicians, media people, donors and NGOs. Apart from evidences, ordinary people through experiences and observations also recognized these problems. Thus, all stakeholders had good faith about these evidences. It can be said that three confluence streams emerged and opened a policy window to take a decision for establishing community clinic for solving the community health problems in Bangladesh. In every stream, different actors and factors played vital role to highlight the issue. Evidence is crucial to guide improvements in health systems and develop new initiatives. In this connection state actors and non-sate actors create evidence for highlighting the importance of a policy problem or issues. In this study effort has been made to analyze the system of evidence creation and evidence dissemination. From the systems perspective, it is important to understand how research and knowledge from various sources are produced and synthesized. In addition, effort has also been made to investigate how the research findings were highlighted to strengthen the demand of good health services for community people. These evidences revealed that maternal health situation and services have not reached to the satisfaction level. Situation of child health is still in an alarming condition for attaining national and international goals. Till now population problem is a big challenge for development of Bangladesh but evidence showed that there are human resource gaps in community level to offer proper services to the community people. Cost of health services, absenteeism and distribution of health service providers in the community level were dominant factors which played vital role to highlight the community health situation as a problem. It was found that about 160 organizations and individuals took part in the agenda setting process of the health policy. Among the participants, NGOs presence was significant considering their number. A one may wonder why a significant number of NGOs took part in the agenda setting process. The answer is a large number of NGOs are working in health sectors of Bangladesh whose mission is to highlight the common peoples’ rights and external support for doing policy advocacy. Majority of the participants’ expressed their personal, organizational or professional interest.. Health professionals from government side played significant role while creating evidences. In the absence of wide ranging government sponsored research these professional remained engaged in writing articles in journals and news papers. Due to contracting system of evidence creation, bureaucrats were guided or assisted y a number of consultants and their influences are decreasing nowadays. Apart from the findings of the present study many previous studies showed that during unification of two wings of MoHFW (family planning and health) IMED created evidence to analyze the context. Research findings showed that bureaucrats who were influential during the period of 1996-2001 did not able to exert influence after 2000. It is mentioned that successive health secretaries were either explicitly against or remained passive over the unification process and community clinic program, resulting weak bureaucratic leadership within the ministry. Among the professionals who are involved with party politics, DAB (Doctors Association Bangladesh, aligned with the BNP) and SCP (Shawdhinata Chikitshak Parishad, aligned with the Awami League) played influential roles in agenda setting health issues. In this study it is found that these members who are affiliated with SCP remained vocal from the very beginning of the policy process when Health Advisor of immediate past caretaker government (2008-09) initiated the process of health policy formulation. Historical evidences showed that DAB had great influence in the agenda setting during the draft preparation in 2006. In case of NHP 2010, SCP played an important role in community related agenda setting since they are well connected with the Prime Minister and Health Minister. Medical professionals, particularly physicians, were in favor of the implementation of major reforms under the NHP 2000. Previous researchers found that support of the professionals for the two major elements of the NHP 2000 was reflected in the policy document prepared by the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) (BHW, 2010). Donors provide financial supports during evidence creation. While offering financial support, donors imposed some conditions including methodology finalization and indicators setting which ultimately, influenced the process of making evidence based policy. In addition, donors suggested government to include NGOs in this process on the ground of GO-NGO collaboration or public-private partnerships. In the community health related evidence creation USAID, UNICEF and WHO played leading role since 2000. Thus, it can be said that donors had great influence in evidence creations about community health issues. Of course, this is not new in the health sector of Bangladesh. In case of evidence creation for Sector Wide Approach introduction donor community provide guidance and financial supports for evidence creation. When compared to equivalent government operations, NGO services generally run more efficiently and cheaply keeping closer ties with communities. For this reason, donors often favor them as entry points to accessing communities in Bangladesh, especially since the 1980s. In other words, NGOs become powerful and influential, especially because of their external sources of financial support, cooperation, and advocacy. In this regards, NGOs are considered as spokesman of donors. Civil society/NGOs are potential actors to highlight health rights and social welfare goals through mobilization of citizen demand. Through different activities NGOs emphasized on the decentralization as a means of localizing policy-making, bringing decision- making closer to disadvantaged groups, and encouraging local participation. Also NGOs are playing roles of academics and professionals by monitoring and analyzing contextual factors. In this study we found that NGOs remained more or less equivalent in the creation of evidences. Bangladesh health watch was in the leading position to provide evidence for policy making Present Government and Health Strategy: According to the majority portion of respondent, the present government consists with a number of health professionals and they were very much enthusiastic to promote the health facilities issues for ensuring the health rights of community people of Bangladesh. Also as a political party AL has commitment to the people to provide health services for the betterment of common people. Election Manifesto of AL in Election 2008 highlighted the health issues in the following way – â€Å"In order to ensure health facilities to every citizen of the country, the health policy of the erstwhile Awami League government will be reevaluated and adjusted according to the demands of the time. In the light of this policy, 18000 community clinics, established during Awami League rule, will be commissioned. † [Source: Election Manifesto of AL in Election 2008] Conclusion It can be said that proper evidence for highlighting the problem, stakeholders support in the solutions and strong political support highlighted the community health issues as issues to be considered in government actions. In evidence creation and conducting advocacy, NGOs who backed by the donors remained vocal. Top level bureaucrats also played their role with the help of consultants who were generally recommended by the donors. Finally, recognition of ruling political party played an important role in this regard.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Immigration During the Industrial Revolution

Immigration during the Industrial Revolution Immigration was a huge part of the industrial revolution, some migrated legal, some illegal. Either way, many immigrants came to the United States searching for a dream, the American dream to be precise. This leads to the question; Why did people immigrate to America? There can be many answers to this question, but some of the most important answers are: political, others economic, while yet others religious, whatever the case was, the United States became a mix of different cultures.However, the main reason for immigration was because of the â€Å"Industrial Revolution† Industrial Revolution is basically the changes in industry from the 18th century to the 19th century that started in Britain and then other Western European countries and spread to the Unites States. Without the growth in Industry however, Many Immigrants cannot migrate to the United States. For example without the technology improvements in shipbuilding, many ships could not make it past the long journey through the ocean.The industrial revolution gave many Immigrants the chance to travel to the United States where they were able to get jobs working in railroads, factories, potato picking, or any other jobs industries enabled them to do. In the 1750’s, most people in Europe lived on small farms and made most of their needs by hand. As the industrial revolution started, many people lived in cities and most of their needs were produced by complicated machines. The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain and spread to Belgium, France, Germany, the United States and Japan.It was an important change in the way goods were produced, and improved the way people lived. The Industrial Revolution is a major turning point in world history. I’m sure by now you are asking What caused industrial revolution? Agricultural Revolution or farming revolution was a change in farming methods that allowed greater production of food. This huge chan ge was caused by the use of new farming technology such as seed drill (Machine that plants seeds) and improved fertilizers. The outcome of this farming change was higher access of food.The enclosure Movement also forced people into Industrial Revolution for example; farmers who worked in the farming industry where replaced by farming machines and where left homeless forced to find new jobs in the industrial revolution. Big business was also a change that created Mass Production. Mass Production shifted people from production at home, to production in large factories in cities. Mass production also allowed for lower prices on the good produced. In 1892, the government made an immigration station on Ellis Island, in a bay between New York and Jersey City, New Jersey.Every day, hundreds or even thousands of people arrived by boat and pass through inspections as they arrived, potential immigrants were escorted through a quick health exam. As immigrants climbed up a set of stairs, offici als watched for symptoms of illnesses, heavy breathing, and signs of mental disturbances. These were indications that the person might not be able to find or maintain a job. Doctors then gave a â€Å"six second physical† and checked for diseases, including a contagious eye infection called trachoma.Sick people were sent to a hospital on Ellis Island to be treated, and escorted through the same immigration process again. After the physical checkup, potential immigrants were asked a series of questions by immigration inspectors. Life as an immigrant in the U. S was not all that great. First, they had to learn English for many immigrants; they had to put up with going to school and at the same time working which was very exhausting in a situation like this. No one put up signs or notices in other languages for them. This is why learning English was the most important process.Then, they had to get work, because the government didn't give money to anyone. They had to earn it thems elves! No one cut them any breaks if you were a different nationality. The Italians and Irish were especially subject to cruelty and where paid less sometimes because of their nationality. Swedish and German immigrants: many of these made their way to Wisconsin and Minnesota. They established dairy farms, in particular, and also grew wheat. In this part of the country, there are hundreds of Lutheran churches that they founded, as most of these immigrants were, if not Lutheran, Protestants.In conclusion, many immigrants migrated to the United States for various reasons and went through the hardest situations to live the American dream. Some immigrants where successful and managed to live their dreams as an American but others struggled through the hardest situations and went through cruelty and discrimination. All of this was caused by nothing more than the changes in the industrial revolution and the huge impact on many people that had to migrate to places like cities to not be affe cted by this change.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Discussion question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Discussion question - Essay Example If companies were able to realize that in the long run it is better to be environmentally-conscious, then I am sure that more companies would be socially responsible. It is in the self-interest of companies to be socially responsible because the decisions that they make and actions that are taken will reflect back on the company. For corporations that become well-known for damaging the environment, the consequences may be devastating. Most consumers do not like buying a product from a company that disrespects society and looks to take advantage of people. Once a corporations actions are discovered, it is likely that customers will take their business somewhere else. This is why it is best for firms to come up with ways to protect the environment because it makes commercial sense rather than the government forcing these corporations to pay up. 2- Lincoln Electric considers customers and employees to be more important stakeholders than shareholders. Is it appropriate for management to define some stakeholders as more important than others? Should all stakeholders be considered equal? It is not appropriate for management to differentiate between stakeholders in order of importance. The fact is that each stakeholder has a vested interest in the business and so they should be treated with the same respect. Of course each stakeholder has a different role to play, but a business would not survive without the participation of all of the stakeholders. Customers are the lifeblood of a business because without consumers choosing to part with the money, a business would not make any revenue. Employees also play a vital role because they are the face of the business and are the go-between for management and customers. It is up to employees to sell the brand so that the customer is willing to part with their money. On the other hand, while shareholders may not seem to play an important role in

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Epidemics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Epidemics - Essay Example For example, the fear about epidemics is growing in Nepal at present because of the recent earthquake. Many of the people in Nepal are still struggling because of this earthquake. Majority of the people in Nepal are living in open streets at the moment. These streets are not much clean at the moment because of earthquake. Diseases or epidemics can develop in these streets at any time. It is difficult to control or treat an epidemic once it occurs. There are no effective methods for the treatment or controlling of epidemics. Each epidemic may have different characteristics and different control measures are required to prevent them. In any case, vaccination is the first method of prevention of spreading of epidemic. Once, the epidemic starts striking an area, all the people in that area should be vaccinated first. Moreover, people in the affected area should be educated about the necessities of taking precautionary measures that prevent the spreading of the epidemic. The victims should be advised to wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand cleaners before taking foods. Victims should be advised to avoid touching mouth, nose and eyes with dirty hands. Moreover, the victims should be advised to wear face masks in order to avoid breathing of contaminated air. Epidemics are severe diseases that can spread within a short period to much wider areas. It is caused by natural disasters and changes in the ecology. Victims of epidemic should be given vaccines first and they should be advised to take control measures such as washing hands before food and wearing mouth

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Overpopulation and Its Effects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Overpopulation and Its Effects - Essay Example Death rate is the prime regulator of the growth rate in a country. Death rate is controlled by a number of factors that include but are not limited to the quality of health care, awareness of health and safety in the society, availability of healthy diet and general style of living of the people. The Japanese population underwent a rapid growth during the 18th and 20th century, which can be attributed to the measures taken by the government to combat epidemics, the situation of law and order implemented by the central government which prevented the continuation of conflicts among the various states in Java, and the food policy which maintained an adequate supply of food to the nation during famines. There occurred an epidemic of Variola in Java during the 18th and 19th centuries. â€Å"Since 1856 there had been a systematic method under the supervision of the medical inspector to prevent further variola epidemics† (Timmer). Accordingly, the spread of disease was controlled. Th ere has occurred a general improvement in the quality of health care all over the world in general and the technologically advanced countries in particular. Alongside, birth rate has increased which controls the growth of population at the other end of the continuum. Birth rate is controlled by a number of factors including the increase of influx of foreigners to fill the skill gaps in countries with low growth rate of the local population, and religion. There are several religions including Islam which encourage people to have more children. Also, governments of several countries around the world have started to take measures to increase population so that the shortage of skills can be eradicated, which emerged in countries with low population. Hence, the two-way effect of decline in death rate and increase in birth rate is the main cause of growth of population. Early marriage is one of the most important causes of overpopulation. Again, religion is the prime motivational source f or the people to marry early as most religions condemn the acts of fornication and appreciate marriage. The practice of early marriage is also an outcome of the modernization of the society. As the society has become more modern and the factors provoking sexual desire are omnipresent, people have started to marry their children earlier than they did before so that the children can have a legitimate means of satisfying their physical needs in the society. Advanced societies around the world have conventionally suffered a lot from the increase of teen pregnancies. Teen pregnancies not only put the pregnant girls and their families in distress, but also the future of the children born from such pregnancies is insecure. Single parents tend to be more irresponsible towards their children. On the contrary, the responsibility of the up-bringing and nurturing of a child born to a married couple is shared by both husband and wife. Therefore, there has been an increase in the emphasis upon th e importance of marriage. Accordingly, early marriages have increased in number. This means that young couples feel more secure in marriage and their tendency to have more children increases. Illegal immigration is an external factor that increases the population of specially the advanced countries. Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants enter

Monday, August 26, 2019

How has education and sports contributed to who you are today and how Essay

How has education and sports contributed to who you are today and how it will effect who you will become - Essay Example However, my academic life had not been affected by my participation in sports activities and competitions, because I always wanted to do well in both my studies and sports. The fact that I focused equally on sports and education helped me develop a high level of personal discipline from early years onwards. Since my parents allowed me to play when I was a small child, sports had in fact become a part of my daily life. I did learn to accommodate regular exercises and practice every day no matter how busy my schedule was. My school years did in fact provide me a lot of opportunities to be trained under excellent instructors. The special training programmes were very useful for me, and they were scheduled either early in the morning or in the evening, before or after class hours. Since I had been used to rigorous training programs since my early childhood, it was never a problem for me to dedicate quality time for academics and attend all the classes. In fact, the sport activities did help me develop a healthy mind in a healthy body, which did prepare me to utilize the maximum of time I had for my studies. I realized at school education was an integral part of my growth and development as an individual. I liked everything I was taught in the classrooms. I had been a diligent student who honors classes throughout high school and maintained a 2.5 average. I could connect well with all my teachers and be in jovial terms with my classmates. I learnt about the value of good friendship through my school years. Many of my friends did go out of their way to help me. They shared their class notes with me and spent time to explain the main points discussed in classes that I missed during sport competitions. I had been truly convinced of the relevance of all the subjects I had to study. I believe I have a very balanced personality thanks to my equal interest in

Sunday, August 25, 2019

History assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

History - Assignment Example Even in events where stable states arose, they did not match the sizes and authorities of the Ottoman and Ming Empires. Portugal and Spain were the most expansive and populous European states in the sixteenth century. Portugal had a population of 1million while Spain had a population of 9 million. The Ottoman Empire had a population of 25 million loyal and dedicated citizens (Tignor and Hague, 2007). This gave the empire an upper hand in penetrating other kingdoms and states in the West and the East to spread Islam. Ottoman’s assault on Central Europe and Balkans and invasion of Croatia and Hungary in 1492 and 1493 marked the beginning of serious conversion attempts of the West to Islam. The invasion was so voracious and threatening that the French invaded Italy to try spread their crusade against the Ottomans in the territory. One of the methods used by the Ottoman Empire to lead a successful conversion was the adoption of administrative practices that unified the large empir e. Mehmed, the ruler of the time made Istabul administrative capital of the Ottoman Empire and adopted Byzantine administrative style thus incorporating the powerful families of the Byzantines to the empire. Using the effective administrative system, the ruler and his successors expanded the territories of Ottoman Empire and eventually seized Greece and Balkan (Tignor and Hague, 2007). ... The Western merchants became so worried at the successful use of port controls to capture the capital by the Ottoman that they never thought it would ever be possible to gain riches from Asia via the traditional overland route. Ottoman’s strategic use of geographic points denied the West of their riches and merchandise, thus weakening the states. Invasion became easy and thus they were able to spread Islam. Unlike the Christian crusades that wielded their dynastic dominance on the power of the sword, ottoman dynasty was centered on sound religious foundation. The Christian crusades used excess force to force to convert the people they targeted with the crusades. The crusades gained a false tag of â€Å"holy wars†. There was practically no choice of staying out of the crusades. The battles divinized, and Pauline metaphor, â€Å"fighting for Christ† became a rule. At first, the adventures appeared to have a humane focus as the initial military sacerdotal orders dem anded high ideals of chivalry, charity and medical care for the wounded. Grand and petty political intrigues often overrode these well-intended acts (Tignor and Hague, 2007). By the time the Fourth Crusades began, the Papal authority had lost control over monastic knights. Innocent III thereby excommunicated Templers. Ottoman dynasty that spread Islam, on the other hand, centered on religious ideals. The Sultans combined warriors’ ethos with unshaken devotion to Islam. They claimed to be the shadows of God on earth and took it upon themselves to be caretakers of the welfare of Islamic faith. Efforts of the Ottomans to spread Islam in both the West and the East were successful because of the ruling elite’s ability to win favor of diverse populations. Unlike the Christian Crusaders, the Ottoman’s capture of

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Shear Testing in Made Ground Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Shear Testing in Made Ground - Essay Example guided by the quantitative risk assessment, backed up by understanding wider issues of projects, including civil and geotechnical engineering aspects. To assess risks properly, sufficient quality data is critical, so there is a need to carry out extensive sampling and analysis. The aim is to produce remediation strategies which will integrate with the overall engineering objectives. Regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency and the local planning authorities has developed links with leading remediation contractors to ensure the viability of options in terms of cost-effectiveness and statutory requirements and environmental practices. Remediation involves physical, chemical and biological methods, including soil treatments. Contamination is defined as a coming into contact something so as to make it impure, unclean or corrupt. It emphasizes effect over cause and implies that some measure of decay or corruption has taken place. Contaminated site is defined as the site that poses considerable risk to the human health and the environment. The contaminated soil functions are endangered because of the impacting of contaminant level. In the local contamination assessment, there were problems that were found. The industrial activities landfills, mining sites radiation comprises the different problems of contamination. The extent are estimated 1.5 million contaminated sites from a preliminary surveys across Europe. Remediation would cost 2,000 million Euro per year all across Europe. Wide contamination extents from limited to strongly polluted; from small sites petrol stations, (petrol stations) to mega sites (thousand of hectares each). Our objective for prevention is to avoid deterioration of soil quality, l oss of soil functions and water resources degradation. One question is: does relevant legislation apply and protect the soil efficiently? Diffuse contamination is the application of acceptable input levels that is generally sufficient for remedial measures. A

Friday, August 23, 2019

Biotransport Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Biotransport - Research Paper Example The model foresaw deadly values of pH (less than 6.5) in EHTs consisted of 106 cells per square centimeter. Predictions of pH slightly relied on oxygen concentration and strongly on carbon dioxide concentration and the length of diffusion path. In study conclusion, acidosis induced by hypoxia are an important factor in the mass transport problem. The limitations of Transport of critical nutrients obstruct cardiac tissue engineering. The available EHT models comprise of high-density neonatal cardiomyocytes in biopolymer hydrogel or scaffold of synthetic porous polymer. After cultivation by a bioreactor, the cardiac tissue constructs make tiny synchronous contractions like that of differentiated cardiac myofibrils. The problem that prevailed was of scaling the tissue constructs to clinical size and dead cells inside the construct. Reports emphasize on the importance of oxygen as a metabolite in cardiac tissue engineering and engineered cartilage. Reports has it that oxygen concentrations of less than 14 micro molar exist in 1mm EHT model solution and the rate of consumption of oxygen by cardiomyocyte finishes it to above zero. Laboratory data suggest that reduced oxygen does not cause cell death due to hypoxia. Acidosis initiate apoptosis. Lactate-induced acidosis of culture medium at pH 6 stimulates apoptosis in cultured cardiomyocytes. There is expectation that pH and oxygen have functions to play in tissue engineering mass transport problem. Generally, the work done was to analyze the pH gradients resulting from mass transport limitations in engineered heart tissue (EHT). Brown obtained neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) for experiment. He noticed variations in the hypoxia response in acidification of culture medium in relation to the source and procurement method. Development of EHTs constructs succeeded Eschenhagen lab method plus some modifications. He neutralized 3.2mg/mL

Installation of CCTV in McDonalds Fast Food Chains in UK Essay

Installation of CCTV in McDonalds Fast Food Chains in UK - Essay Example Having established more than 30,000 fast food restaurants all over 121 countries around the world (BBC News, 2001), McDonald’s is considered as one of the largest global foodservice retailers today. Since the era of globalization, there are quite a lot of McDonald’s restaurants all over the world that operates 24/7. For this reason, McDonald’s restaurant has become one of the common places wherein criminal activities can take place. Serving almost 50 million customers each day, Andy Lane – McDonald’s region security manager created the urgency for the need to invest on the installation of closed circuit television system (CCTV) in each of the company-owned restaurants (Dallmeier, 2009). Right after convincing the top management that the use of digital video recorders could effectively protect their staff and customers from becoming a victim of crime, Dallmeier was again awarded the contract to install digital CCTV specifically within the southern regions of the United Kingdom. (Sims, 2008). Making it known to the public that McDonald’s is using a digital CCTV that are directed straight to nearby police stations could somehow make people think twice before committing a crime. As of 2011, McDonald’s managed to establish approximately 1,000 fast food restaurant outlets throughout the northern, central, and southern regions of the United Kingdom (Fujitsu, 2011; Sims, 2008). As reported b y Sims (2008), approximately 400 McDonald’s restaurants were established in the southern region. Specifically the business relationship between Dallmeier and McDonalds was established way back in 1999. Back then, Dallmeier was able to win the contract for the installation of analogue products in each of McDonalds’ restaurants in southern area (Sims, 2008). Basically, the shift from the use of analogue products to digital products such as digital CCTV was necessary to allow McDonalds gather some digital images which can be use for legal purposes. The study of project management strongly suggests the idea that having a clear planning process could empower the project managers to effectively manage and implement a successful project plan. Considering the importance of installing digital CCTV in each of McDonald’s fast food store outlet throughout the southern part of the United Kingdom, this report will tackle in details rationale behind the need on the part of Dal lmeier’s project manager to make use of a SMART metric, power and influence graph, risk exposure, activity network, three-point estimate, and project cash flow over the success of installing CCTV to approximately 400 fast food restaurants in the southern part of the UK market. A SMART Matrix The acronym SMART in a SMART goal matrix means that the project manager of Dallmeier should be able to come up with a project plan that is specific, has a measurable time table or schedule, is very much attainable, realistic and relevant to the installation of digital CCTV, and is within the proposed time bound (Kerzner, 2009: 296). In other words, given that the project manager of Dallmeier would come up with a non-specific and unrealistic project plan, the team members that is being headed by the Dallmeier’s project manager may end up being confused about what they really need to complete within a given project schedule. Coming up with a non-effective project plan may lead to a l ong-list of installation errors. As a result, there is a huge possibility wherein the cost of installing digital CCTV throughout the 400 McDonalds restaurant outlets throughout the southern part of UK may increase. This is probably due to a lot of unnecessary expenses which includes the installation of a wrong model of digital CCTV in a wrong spot. When this happen, the company may end up spending extra not only for the salary or wages of the team

Thursday, August 22, 2019

E Commerce Homework Essay Example for Free

E Commerce Homework Essay 1Would you say that Google and Yahoo are direct or indirect competitors? What about McDonalds and Macaroni Grill? Explain why? Indeed Google and yahoo are both direct competitors because the both provide the same services such as : email , search ,chatting groups , blogs ,for McDonalds and Macaroni they are indirect since both provide food but of different types which make them compete for different products .   2 . Given the example of Atari and Nintendo games, which one was the first mover into the market and which was the fast follower? What advantages and disadvantages does each one have over the other? First mover: Atari Fast follower : Nintendo Advantages and disadvantages over each other: 1- Atari had the lead for a long period of time and was dominate in the marketplace 2-Nintendo learned from the failure of Atari and was able to take over the market only by doing stuff the Atari company missed out. 3 . Visit hamleys.com and describe its business model based on t he information you find there. Identify its customer value proposition, its revenue model, the marketspace it operates in, who its main competitors are, any comparative advantages you believe the company possesses and what its market strategy appears to be . Also try to locate information about the   company’s management team and organizational structure. (Check for a page labeled â€Å"the Company,† â€Å"About Us,† or something similar). Value proposition: facilitation of transaction ,law search cost ,low item discovery cost Revenue model: Sales revenue model The market space it operates in: toy selling Main competitors are: Toys-R-Us ,FAO schwarz Comparative advantages: provide party organizing services and gift warping services Market strategy: create a brand name, use the good reputation and long history as a proof of good service, and provide good and appealing offers . Company’s management team and organizational structure Buying and Planning, Retail Operations, Marketing, Human Resources (HR), IT, Finance, E-commerce Visual Merchandising and Design, Franchise .

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

John Lewis partnership

John Lewis partnership What is John Lewis partnership? John Lewis partnership is a visionary and successful way of doing business, boldly putting the happiness of partners at the centre of everything they do. The outcome of nearly a century of endeavour to create a different sort of company, owned by partners dedicated to serving customers with elegance and fairness. All 71,196 staff are partners who own 28 John Lewis department stores, 213 Waitrose supermarkets, an online and with catalogue business, (John Lewis direct-john Lewis.com), a direct services company (Greenbee), three production units, and a farm with a turnover of nearly  £6 billion last year. Partners share in the benefits and profits of a business that puts them first and the partnership follows its seven business principles purpose, power, profit, members, customers, business and relationships. Mission statement Mission statement addresses the question where does it belong to in the business. The John Lewis Partnerships reputation is founded on the uniqueness of its ownership structure and commercial success. Its purpose is the happiness of all our members, through their worthwhile, satisfying employment in a successful business, with success measured on its ability to sustain and enhance the position both as an outstanding retailer and as a thriving example of employee ownership. Partnership Strategy Partnership strategy is based on three interdependent objectives partners, customers, profit which together will make its successful business. Partners should gain personal satisfaction by being members of a co-owned enterprise in which they have worthwhile, secure and fulfilling employment and confidence in the way the partnership conducts its business. The partnership should recruit and retain loyal customers through their continued trust and confidence in our reputation for value, choice, service and honesty. The partnership should make sufficient profit to sustain our commercial vitality and distinctive character, allow continued development and distribute a share of profits each year consistent with partners reasonable expectations. Environmental Factors As ROBSON(1997) conveys environment analysis takes an important part towards increasing the quality of strategic decisions considering relevant features well before making an irrevocable decision. Social Fairtrade, certifies producers against internationally recognised trading standards. Fairtrade items generate a guaranteed price to cover production plus a social premium to be reinvested in suppliers businesses or local communities. Recruitment, retention and training- Partnership aims to attract and retain the best people who share the values. Traceability- Having full traceability of products, and their ingredients or components, is critical to success and to consumer confidence. Product safety- Ensure the integrity of products and the application of the best standards in safety, quality environment and animal welfare. Animal welfare- Waitrose is committed to providing the best conditions for animals at all stages of the supply chain and to combating cruel practices. Environmental Energy and emissions- committed to tackling the issue of Climate Change and have set a public target of reducing CO2 emissions by 10% by 2010 Packaging and waste- The Partnerships longstanding objective is to reduce waste wherever possible, and to reuse or recycle more of what they produce. Economic As a business based solely in the UK, the Partnership is particularly exposed to any economic downturn which could affect consumer spending, most notably in the Department Store business. Political The Partnership remains sensitive to the regulatory environment in which it trades in order to ensure ongoing compliance with key regulatory requirements around planning, trading, tax and competition. SWOT Analysis The importance of performing a SWOT analysis is that, no business should take a high risk strategy if there are any significant weaknesses foreseen. Performing a SWOT analysis may consider in, What are the weak/strong products, divisions, attitudes etc.? Are there any gaps/opportunities? Are there any dangers/threats needs to be protected? Are we strong in the right way to exploit the opportunity? Considering the above facts a SWOT analysis has taken place to mark the right opportunity. Strengths Weaknesses The Partnership has many strengths such as committed and experienced Partners; the ability to trade well even when conditions were difficult. It had also come through a very difficult period with its integrity and the trust of customers intact. However, it had not been plain sailing as profits has been hit hard particularly in John Lewis. Sales in Waitrose have been more resilient but the division has fought hard by turning up the volume on price and the cost of that investment. As Partnership Chairman Charlie Mayfield reports, Profits could be down this year but their financial position remained strong. Their financial strategy is conservative as borrowings and mortgages are low comparing to competitors. This is due to the fact that they have planned and were able to cope with difficult economic periods. They also have good relationships with banks, but it has to be maintained to ensure their continued support in the future. However, plans for growth cost money and the business needs to consider how much more it could afford to invest when operating profits on under pressure. Opportunities Threats Clearly sales have been under threat during recession periods and there were risks around the operational side of the business. A biggest threat seen was the collapse of banking sector. John Lewis partnership didnt seem to be affected by it but still since it has not ended yet there is a caution of lending money from banks. Apart from it, implementing new products and multi-channelling occupied the ongoing of business. Organisational Structure Its Decision Levels Partnership council Partnership has a clear and streamlined management structure which means decisions could be taken very quickly. The Partnership Council symbolizes its democratic structure and represents the strategic level governing authority. Signifying Partners as a whole,  most of its members  are elected by  Partners. Its main role is to hold its management to account, to influence policy and to make key governance decisions. Partnership Board has ultimate responsibility for issues of major policy and for allocating the financial and other resources of the business. To a large extent its role is keeping the Partnership true to its principles both in terms of the vitality of its commercial progress and its distinctive co-ownership objectives. The Council should retain its three vital decision-making powers: to elect the Trustees of the Constitution and five directors to the Board to change the Constitution, with the Chairmans agreement to dismiss the Chairman. Managing the business This starts with the two divisional Management Boards, who have clear responsibility for developing a strategy for the ongoing development of our John Lewis and Waitrose businesses and then for seeing through its implementation in accordance with an approved business plan. Said two divisions share the Partnerships principles in the managerial level and a common approach to doing business, but they are substantial businesses in their own right. The establishment of the Management Boards clarified the responsibility they carry for the trading operations of the business. They are accountable to the Chairman for their performance, and they derive their authority from the Partnership Boards approval of their business plans. Waitrose Management Board The Waitrose Management Board is accountable to the Chairman for its performance and it derives its authority from the Partnership Boards approval of its business plan. John Lewis Management Board The John Lewis Management Board is accountable to the Chairman for its performance and it derives its authority from the Partnership Boards approval of its business plan. Partnership Services Partnership Services represents the knowledge level and designed to meet the Business plan and Partner needs with simple, efficient services, enabling a growing and successful Partnership. Partner Being a partner with a shared responsibility for the partnership and a drive to put its success first is a different aspect compared to operational levels in other organisations. Further partnervoice is the local avenue for Partner opinion and is the means by which Partners can provide feedback, question management on branch, raise their own issues and be consulted. Types of Decisions Made at Various Levels Multi-Channel Retailer Level Type of decision Type of IS Benefits to organisation Link to the mission Strategic level Build multi channel retail ESS- sales forecast for 3 years. Improvement of profit margins and expanding the organisation. Partners could be stretched and develop their career. Management level Budgeting Cost analysis MIS- Annual budgeting on channels DSS- analysing cost in implementing and maintaining channels Knowing the spending In finding the best possible way to suit the business To build a successful business Knowledge level Designing modern trends KWS- designing channel workstations Best possible way to suit the business Sustain as an outstanding retailer Operational level Schedule employees TPS- Training and development Processes daily activities smoothly To sustain as a business IS Recommendations Strategic level management of performance as a whole where how it could meet the expectations of organisation Management level performance report against the spending. Knowledge level design performance indicators Operational level pay reviews. International Expansion Level Type of decision Type of IS Benefits to organisation Link to the mission Strategic level International expansion ESS-prepare 5 year forecast in sales Growth in the partnership internationally Partner satisfaction Management level Budgeting Pricing analysis MIS- annual budgeting on expenditures DSS- determine prices Keep track on expenditures of the company. Towards the company profit margin. Success of the business Knowledge level Market analysis KWS-analysing retail market Acquire the best opportunities. Sustain in the business Operational level Process orders TPS-processing and tracking of orders. Process routines Success of the business IS Recommendations Strategic level franchise internationally Management level franchise budgeting forecast reports Knowledge level analysing markets for franchise Operational level keep up the standards as a franchiser. Increase Marketing Level Type of decision Type of IS Benefits to organisation Link to the mission Strategic level Increase Marketing ESS- 3 year sales forecast Increase of sales Sustain of the business Management level Marketing budget Cost analysis MIS-issuing marketing budget DSS-analysing costs towards marketing Manage marketing budget Find best possible for the company Enhance the position in the market Knowledge level Design marketing trends KWS-market analysis Attract customers to drive sales Success of the company Operational level Display marketing adverts TPS-point of sale To drive more sales More sales more bonus IS Recommendations Strategic level economic trends of a countrys condition in a given time period Management level sales analysis and sales reports. Knowledge level design products to suit the economic trend. e.g. to suit economic crisis Operational level production order of the new designed product. Expansion In UK Level Type of decision Type of IS Benefits to organisation Link to the mission Strategic level Expansion in UK ESS-prepare 3 year operating plan Bring more sales, profits Enhance the partnership Management level New budgets for new stores Costs in expansion MIS-spending budgets for annum DSS-contract cost analysis Make most of it towards the future Keep within budgets Sustain of business Knowledge level Design KWS-engineering workstations Keep up standards Towards success of the company Operational level Enter, process orders TPS-order process Make sales More sales more profit, bonus IS Recommendations Strategic level profit forecasts, sales trend forecast Management level sales management, sales analysis Knowledge level market analysis Operational level training development Ethical Issues Climate change Reduced overall CO2 emissions by 16% Waitrose are investing  £55 million over five years to replace refrigeration equipment and improve efficiency Improved shop energy efficiency by 15% in John Lewis, 19% in Waitrose Investigated alternative, lower carbon fuels for vehicles Founder member of the Environmental IT Leadership Team, a cross industry user group aiming to develop more sustainable IT strategies Packaging, waste recycling In 2007-08, John Lewis recycled 4,490 tonnes of waste (39%) and Waitrose 21,500 tonnes (49%) Waitrose reduced carrier bag usage by 30% this year John Lewis have introduced a number of carrier bag initiatives Waitrose are committed to reducing packaging and are introducing recycled recyclable materials. In John Lewis, all new paper and card packaging uses either recycled or FSC-certified material. Waitroses anaerobic digestion generates green energy from food waste from 5 stores Building and operating sustainable shops- Signed up to the BCSC Sustainability Charter Each building project now starts with a Sustainability Action Plan Working to identify ways to improve the sustainability impacts of the design and construction of interior fixtures and fitting Over 90% building waste was recycled during the fit-out of John Lewis Leicester All new Waitrose in-store graphics are made from paper or card, making them fully recyclable, and signage equipment is fully deconstructable so it can be recycled at the end of its life. Supplier relationships The Partnership have provided suppliers with a Responsible Sourcing Supplier Workbook to give suppliers a better insight into our Responsible Sourcing Code of Practice. Through day-to-day contact, John Lewis highly trained buyers give suppliers a helping hand in meeting the terms of our Responsible Sourcing Code of Practice Sustainable products- 78% of the garden furniture FSC certified John Lewis We Can Make a Difference promotion covered more than 600 biodegradable, organic, energy-efficient, Fairtrade, recycled and sustainable products Waitrose stock 180 Fairtrade lines and Fairtrade sales rose by 76% in 2007 Waitrose are the only UK retailer to insist all British fruit and vegetable growers adopt the LEAF certification standard Waitrose local and regional sourcing sales increased by 58% to  £21 million in 2007-08 Improving the customer experience Ranked first for service in the Verdict customer satisfaction index for 2007 Focusing on reporting and sharing details of any customer complaints, so that we can learn from such feedback All new John Lewis Partners currently receive an induction and lots of on-the-job training. This year, we are investing more in training Partners Chairman Charlie Mayfield appointed to the UK Commission on Employment and Skills (UKCES). Health nutrition Over 1,000 products now carry the Food Standards Agency (FSA) multiple traffic light labelling on their packaging, and all recipe cards and publications carry key nutritional information per serving. Waitrose Education invests approximately  £400,000 a year educating young people about nutrition and food. The online Nutrition Advice Service provides customers and health. professionals with help and advice on a wide range of food issues Supporting our communities- Partnerships contribution to charities and communities in 2007-08 was  £6.2 million. All Waitrose shops support local charities and community groups nominated by customers through its new Community Matters scheme. Partners have raised  £138,000 for Wallace and Gromits Childrens Foundation, this years John Lewis Charity of the Year. Waitrose Partners donated 4,221 hours and John Lewis Partners 22,500 through the Golden Jubilee Trust scheme.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Critical Success Factors Of Tesco Marketing Essay

Critical Success Factors Of Tesco Marketing Essay TESCO is one of the largest retailer companies in Europe and is the second largest in the global retailers ranked in the top three. TESCO was founded in 1924. Headquarters is located in British Hector Content Ford county. The first sales started with food, but along with the retail market environment change, TESCO company developed, grew, and went through innovation to meet each new opportunity, gradually extend to clothing, electrical appliances, customer financial services, also keep internet service telecommunications and other businesses. At present, there are a total of 2629 stores in the world (sells a total area of 4500 square feet). The stores are in 14 countries and regions, more than 500 million people patronage every day (according to www.uniqueworld.com.cn/view-484.html). TESCO hopes to be able to maintain their carbon missions make new buildings, they also want to make their business follow the way of the specific object this means that enterprise can put forward some specific business objectives to be achieved, so if they hope to within a year to play a certain profit targets, they must make a business plan or pattern can be aided by, in order to achieve their goals. 2.0 Company summary: 2.1 Companys Ownership The ownership of the Hymalls several partners, TESCO is owned by many people. This is due to; it is a public limited liability company or PLC. TESCO, the reason for this shareholding system is Tescos vast size. Because of its size it is difficult to raise enough money for TESCO if it is to belonged to a sole trader or partners in Plc. (like TESCO) company is the shareholders fund company. This happens when people buy the stock of the company to become shareholders. Sometimes this may look more attractive investment companies for their luxury have limited liability. Limited liability is when for instance, the company reaches bankruptcy or liquidation, the shareholders only lose whatever they invest in business. This is common in Plc. co., LTD. (private co., LTD.) unlimited liability applies to the soul traders and partnership, if one of the bankrupt, they may lose all their personal assets over it and capital investment. Mission: To create value for customers, make its lifetime loyalty. Our success depends on people shopping and the work of the company. Vision: TESCOs vision is especially easy to purchase the most valuable service customers; TESCO uses skills, business community, faithful and loyal employees and TESCO shareholders. Tesco is a growth, modern and innovative company, and wins the local and the global scope. TESCO objectives are: 1. To maximize sales and profit 2. To develop and maintain its position as Britains top retail company 3. TESCO aims to be better than their competitors and maintain market leadership 4. TESCO, the main purpose is to maximize profit 5. To provide goods/services cheaply and affordable for the consumers or the public. 3.0 Product: TESCO is in the food industry and food industry is quite powerful. TESCO does not only provide the food business but other non-food product that include electrical appliances, home entertainment products, daily necessities, kitchen supplies, in some of the largest shop even also provide white home appliance and furniture. Recently, TESCO is devoted to brand into the food industry, at present a lot of its large stores are reserve appliances, home entertainment products, toys, sports equipment, kitchen supplies, and even lighting products and decorations. CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS OF TESCO: 4.0 SWOT analysis: 4.1 STRENGHTS: TESCO can sell shares in the stock exchange and this can raise more money, rather than other types of business. The shareholders in the stock market have limited liability and this means that they can only lose their money invested in TESCO, if it failed, they cannot be forced to sell their personal property. Goods are generally cheaper than other places and this makes TESCO a place where people usually prefer to buy goods. This in turn makes TESCO a big and strong financial competitor. Employee welfare is good and so is Management ability. 4. 2 WEAKNESSES: TESCO, does not provide you with an online discount while most of the other top companies do, provide almost as much as 20% so this brings about some thinking before purchase. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2901824 4.3 OPPORTUNITIES: TESCO is able to increase its market share; TESCO is still an enviable position, can enter almost all of the markets and expect to have good performance. Management capability of Tesco can benefit it in the long run. Tesco can provide different ways of service and this can be advantageous 4.4 THREATS: TESCO have a lot of threats in Management capability, Goods price competition by other retailer companies and threats of new entrants into the market New technologies, service and ideals affect Tesco. The Product and self-brand should improve because if not, could cost the company. 5.0 PORTERS 5 FORCES ¼Ã… ¡ 5.1 Customers analysis ¼Ã… ¡ Keeping loyal customers TESCO must look after their customers they do so With low prices, this is because if TESCO low price will attract more Customers, because they spend less money on TESCO. TESCOs still maintain the customers satisfaction, and his mouth bigger, this is because when especially easy to purchase luxury store. Open the big store and then all under one roof this is convenient TESCO Customers are very busy, they just go to special TESCO and get everything they want to. (Lincoln, 2007), TESCO also maintain customer loyalty to they have a club card this system to encourage customers to buy more things, especially easy to buy and Receive. When the customer received enough points, and then they get coupons, they can use to TESCO .It is very conducive to purchase its easy to get a lot of customer loyalty 5.2 Suppliers analysis ¼Ã… ¡ Bargaining capability of the supplier is low. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ What should point out is, suppliers tend to grocery retailers and are afraid of losing their business contract and large supermarket. Therefore, the position of the retailers easy to buy and AASDI, like, plug INCE to further strengthen the, negotiation is positive to obtain the price as low as possible from supplier. 5.3 Rivals ¼Ã… ¡ The intensity of competition in the grocery retail industry is very high. Faced with fierce competition, TESCO direct competitors, including ASDA plug INCE , Morrison and Ross, this is competing with each other, price, promotion products and intermittent. So it should be emphasized, ASDA is a key competitors in the field of market share growth of 16.6% to 16.8% during the fiscal year 2010/09, and plug INCE he display increased 16.1%, 15.8%, 11.6%, 11.3% and Morrison through the same period (European GRUPPO, 2010). The market growth refers to the growing market competition market competition; this is the threat especially easy to purchase market leadership position. 5.4 New entry ¼Ã… ¡ Threat, the new competitors into retail food industry low. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ need huge capital investment to obtain competitive power, the establishment of brand. The main brand, have captured the food retail market TESCO, ASDA, plug INCE and Morrison and they accounted for 80% of all shopping in Britain (the company, 2010). Therefore, the newcomers produce in a very low price and/or high quality, established his market value. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ get planning permission from the local government needs a lot of time and resources, and establish a new supermarket, this is quite a big obstacle new entrants 5.5 Bargaining power of suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is very low because Tesco is a big company that buys goods from suppliers in large quantities and can therefore ask for cheaper prices from its suppliers and these suppliers can grant them this because of Tescos vast sixe and influence. 6.0 PEST analysis: TESCO is an International company. Therefore, it is affected by external factors such as political, economy, social and technology. 6.1 Political: All countries have different political views, regulations and laws. For example taxation and service charges and these will have big effect for company. 6.2 Economic: As different economics in different country, It will affect the companys sales performance. 6.3 Social: These are factors such as lifestyle, trends, consumer attitude and opinions. It is a lot of things will affect the sales performance. Even the media views and buying access can fall under this category. 6.4 Technology: One of the most important factors that affect big companies is Technological factors. Consumer buying technology means convenience is most important for the consumer. 7.0 Critical Success Factors 7.1 Competition analysis: TESCO, there are three main competitors plug INCE , ASDA and Morrison. The retail giant many chain stores and a collective can affect food market as a whole quality. However, the recent financial crisis that TESCO, under pressure, when the customers are seeking to reduce their cost switch to lidle, Asda and aldi supermarket cheaper alternative. Today, TESCO, with 273028 employees, is the UKs largest retailers; profit more than 2 billion pounds, including global sales, the domestic market share. In 2008, TESCO, become the worlds fourth largest retailers (Reuters News, 2008). Patterns: TESCO always corporate with local suppliers, and to share their TESCO relevant industry experience and technology. 7.2 Sales strategy The Power of Advertising and Public Relations by the use of media; newspapers and Journals. 7.3 Competitive edge: Price and service, most points are price and service. When I go shopping in TESCO, I find the service is better than other places and supermarkets. Moreover, I can accept the price so this makes sure I always buy something in TESCO. 8.0 Social-Economic impact to the host nation: TESCO has some positive impacts to the nations in which it operates. For example it provides many jobs because the people of the host nations are the ones that work in the supermarkets. The prices of goods in Tesco are affordable and cheaper compared to other retailers and shopping is convenient for the customer. Tesco also has some negative impacts to the host nations as well; Lack of private brands, and TESCO causes market monopoly and makes small shops profit weak and sometimes even close. The big company between very competitive. 9.0 WHOSE INTERESTS GOVERN BUSINESS ACTIVITY: Business activity is governed by people such as Stakeholders and Shareholders also. These people carry weight in company decisions because the company has to impress these people in order to succeed. For example the shareholders need to be shown that they are investing their money in a profitable business so as to not withdraw their funds from the business. Stakeholders such as the suppliers also need to be satisfied by many things such as the reputation of TESCO so as to be motivated to keep providing TESCO with products. 10.0 Conclusion: There are a lot of advantages in TESCO such as price competition and management opinion. However, there are some negatives that should improve. Examples of these are substantially the products, service style, brand effect, Sales ability and sales approach. ( 1936words)

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Negative Aspects of Animal Experimentation Essay -- Ethical Issues

Imagine your dog, your cat, or even your favorite animal being hit by a car. The tests that animals are put through during research are not much different. Every year millions of animals are forced to endure pain and suffering while being put through cruel and unnecessary tests (Newkirk 1). Animal experimentation should be illegal because there are other options for research, it is cruel and unfair to the animals, and because the results are not always accurate. There are several other ways to conduct experiments that do not use animals. Instead human tissue and living cells can be used to test new drugs and their chemical toxicity (Hayhurst 36). The cell cultures are placed in test tubes, assay plates, or other experimental containers and injected with a small amount of a drug. The cells create an artificial environment exactly like the environment inside a human’s body. Organs from humans or animals can also be used along with bacteria, fertilized chicken eggs, and from embryos (Day 98-99). Animal cells are more commonly used for testing than human cells are. Some human cells cannot be cultured in labs. Also there is a limited supply of cells from humans. The human cells used only come from tissue that is left over from surgery or from cadavers. A single animal can supply a large amount of cells as well as many different kinds of cells. These cells can be used for toxicity testing and to evaluate the risk of the drug. When cell cultures are used the dosage required is only a very small amount, which prevents the drug from being wasted. The dosage can also be carefully controlled and measured resulting in more accurate data (Day 99). Organ cells can be used to predict toxicity in target organs such as the l... ...drug had been given to mice, rabbits, rats, and monkeys, and all of them showed no bad effects (Allen 1). Within minutes the volunteers were writhing on the floor in agony. The drug was designed to dampen the immune response, but instead it supercharged theirs, unleashing a cascade of chemicals. All six of them were sent to the hospital. Several of them suffered permanent organ damage. One man’s head swelled up so badly that the case was referred to as the â€Å"elephant man trial† (Allen 1). Every year millions of animals are used to test products before they are used on humans. People use these products without thinking about the animals that the suffered and died for their benefit. They are selfish, and they never stop to think about the other options for testing, the cruelty of the experiments, or whether or not the test results are even accurate.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

American Dream Lost in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby :: The Great Gatsby

American Dream Lost - Gatsby as a Social Commentary on American Life The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, has been celebrated as one of the greatest, if not the greatest American novel.   Yet this is ironic for the society which has so hailed the book is precisely that which is criticized throughout it.   Politically, the American dream was a foundation of ideals and hopes for any and every American individual.   Specifically, one of the ideals was an American dream free of class distinction; that every person has the opportunity to be whomever they hope to be.   In a sort of Cinderella-like fashion, it is in essence an ideal of social mobility and freedom.   The social reality, however, is far more cruel.   Because of the harsh truth of social America, by way of its pretentiousness and decadence, the American dream is lost.   Through Nick’s honest and poignant observation, the parallel lives of Myrtle Wilson and Jay Gatsby reflect The Great Gatsby as a social commentary about the polluted American Dream.   Myrtle is that infamous model of how the political and social ideals of America conflict so that the American dream becomes a nightmare.   Contrary to the naivete the American dream, there are indeed fine class distinctions.   With them comes certain social boundaries.   In a sense, it is almost as if there are unspoken sumptuary laws understood by low and high classed individuals alike.   Myrtle Wilson is no exception. Instead of abiding by them, Myrtle, who represents the low and ignorant class of America, tried to break the social barriers and thus pursues wealth by any means necessary.   Using her sexuality and vulgar mien, she becomes false for abandoning and dismissing her own social foundation, and like Nick, we as readers are repulsed by her grotesque approach to entering the rich class.   At one point, and quite humorously to the knowing onlooker, Myrtle complains about a service done for her that was so expensive that "when she gave [Myrtle] the bill you’d of thought she had [her] appendicitus out" (35).   Obviously misusing her wording, it is comical only because she is trying so hard to fit into the snobbish upper class persona, and failing miserably.   Her rudeness becomes more apparent when she "rejected the compliment [about her dress] by raising her eyebrow in disdain" (35).   She is so false in her manner that Nick observes that she "had changed her costume†¦and was now attired in an elaborate afternoon dress" (35).

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Cicero Letters Translation

Nunc ea cognosce, quae maxime exoptas: rem publicam funditus amisimus, adeo ut C. Cato, adolescens nullius consilli, sed tamen civis Romanus et Cato, vix vivus effugerit, quod, cum Gabinium de ambitu vellet postulare neque praetores diebus aliquot adiri possent vel potestatem sui facerent, in concionem escendit et Pompeium privatum dictatorem appellavit: propius nihil est factum, quam ut occideretur. 2 Ex hoc, qui sit status totius rei publicae, videre potes. 3 16. Nostrae tamen causae non videntur homines defuturi: mirandum in modum profitentur, offerunt se, pollicentur. 5 Equidem cum spe sum maxima, tum maiore etiam animo, spe, superiores fore nos, animo, ut in hac re publica ne casum quidem ullum pertimescam. 6 Sed tamen se res sic habet: si diem nobis Clodius dixerit, tota Italia concurret, ut multiplicata gloria discedamus; sin autem vi agere conabitur, spero fore studiis non solum amicorum, sed etiam alienorum ut vi resistamus. 7 Omnes et se et suos amicos clientes, libertos se rvos, pecunias denique suas pollicentur. Nostra antiqua manus bonorum ardet studio nostri atque amore; si qui antea aut alienores fuerant aut languidiores, nunc horum regum odio se cum bonis coniungunt. 9 Pompeius omnia pollicetur et Caesar, quibus ego ita credo, ut nihil de mea comparatione deminuam. 10 Tribuni pl. 11 designati sunt nobis amici; consules se optimos ostendunt; praetores habemus amicissimos et acerrimos cives Domitium, Nigidium, Memmium, Lentulum; bonos etiam alios, sed hos singulares: quare magnum fac animum habeas et spem bonam; de singulis tamen rebus, quae quotidie gerantur, faciam te crebro certiorem.Now for the news that you chiefly desire. We have so completely lost the constitution that Cato,[11] a young man of no sense, but yet a Roman citizen and a Cato, scarcely got off with his life because, having determined to prosecute Gabinius for bribery, when the praetors could not be approached for several days, and refused to admit anyone to their presence, he mou nted the rostra in public meeting and called Pompey an â€Å"unofficial dictator. † No one ever had a narrower escape of being killed. From this you may see the state of the whole Republic. People, however, show no inclination to desert my cause.They make wonderful professions, offers of service, and promises: and, indeed, I have the highest hopes and even greater spirit–so that I hope to get the better in the struggle, and feel confident in my mind that, in the present state of the Republic, I need not fear even an accident. However, the matter stands thus: if Clodius gives notice of an action against me, the whole of Italy will rush to my support, so that I shall come off with many times greater glory than before; but if he attempts the use of violence, I hope, by the zeal not only of friends but also of opponents, to be able to meet force with force.All promise me the aid of themselves, their friends, clients, freedmen, slaves, and, finally, of their money. Our old regiment of loyalists is warm in its zeal and attachment to me. If there were any who had formerly been comparatively hostile or lukewarm, they are now uniting themselves with the loyalists from hatred to these despots. Pompey makes every sort of promise, and so does Caesar: but my confidence in them is not enough to induce me to drop any of my preparations.The tribunes-designate are friendly to us. The consuls-designate make excellent professions. Some of the new praetors are very friendly and very brave citizens-Domitius, Nigidius, Memmius, Lentulus[12]–the others are loyalists also, but these are eminently so. Wherefore keep a good heart and high hopes. However, I will keep you constantly informed on particular events as they occur from day to day.

Dar es Salaam Essay

Education according to Nyerere (1967), refers to the transmission from one generation to the next the accumulated wisdom and knowledge of the society and to prepare young people for their future membership of the society and their active participation in its development. In other way it can be defined as a process of teaching, training and learning especially in schools or colleges to improve knowledge and develop skills. (Oxford Advanced learners Dictionary, 6th Edition). Education is the process of acquiring and developing desirable knowledge, specific skills, positive attitudes and values. (Thungu, J. et al, 2010) History is the study of the records of all past human experiences, as defined by a number of historians. It is concerned with political, social, economic, scientific, technological and cultural which have shaped and given birth to mankind. History of education can be defined as the study of the past development of educational systems, theories and institutions within the general historical framework of political, social, economic, scientific, technological and cultural change. (Thungu, J.et al, 2010) REASONS WHY STUDENTS’ TEACHRERS’ STUDY HISTORY OF EDUCATION First of all, studying history of education helps teachers to be in improving quality of education and strengthen professional competence. Studying history of education prepares teachers to explore and critically examine alternatives education theories, practices and culture so as to objectively determine what is acceptable. (Thungu, J. et al, 2010) Likewise, past experience help teachers to be to influence current decisions today. History of education helps teachers to be to improve decision making and judgment. Through it both good and bad examples of decision are given. History of education offers the opportunity from past example of the others through which formulation of policies to suit the current education systems are made. Moreover, helps to draw comparison of different educational ideas and to show the development of various educational theories and practices in educational context. Through comparison one is able to show the development of a particular theory and practice in historical context and demonstrates a particular condition out, which such a theory arose, the specific function that a practice was intended to serve. (Thungu, J, et al, 2010) History of education provides the opportunity to see how society has changed over centuries. It provides a better understanding of people and culture. Tanzania in particular, education system has been changing from time to time as for instance objectives of indigenous education are different from the post colonial era. Through it, teacher to be can be able to show the difference objectives of education basing on different generation. (http//:www. wikipedia. history of education/) Helps to cultivate the art of self expression, communication, inquiry, objective thinking and ability to judge on the side of the teachers to be. It enables in the developing the attitude of mind that distinguish the educated person, the habit of skepticism and criticism of thinking with perspective and objective of judging what is good or bad, as well as weighing the pros and cons. (Thungu, J. et al. 2010) Studying history of education enables student- teachers in choosing suitable methods and strategies when in classroom environment or context. Student-teachers to be in good position to avoid static methods of teaching and learning, at the same time theory improve the tradition methods to match with current situation. (http//:www. wikipedia. history of education/) Also, it exposes the student-teachers to other discipline such as history, Christian religion education, oral literature, sociology and psychology. This helps in enriching the analysis of important educational ideas. (Thungu, J. et al, 2010) It enables student-teachers in integrating both theoretical and practical education. Understanding the context of historical events engender the spirit of realism. Through various education theories creates or build good basis in implementation of curriculum. (Thungu, J. et al 2010) Then, it helps in establishing the sound knowledge and skills set in which teachers will be able to build as they are exposed to different life experiences. For instance, having studied a history of  education in a certain society, a student-teacher will be in a good position to handle the students of that society effectively and efficiently. (http//:www. wikipedia. history of education/) Studying history of education helps student-teachers to translate information and judgment, experience and wisdom into relevant knowledge that a student can understand, retain and pass to others. Generally, Studying history of education for the teachers to be is of great importance to their prospects of teaching. History of education is part and parcel of the teaching profession, if a teacher wants to be effective and efficient. REFERENCES http//:www. wikipedia. history of education/ 13th, Jan, 2011; 11:08 am Ishumi, A. G. M. , (1978), Education and Development, Dar es Salaam: National Printing Company Limited. Lema, E. et al (2004), Nyerere on Education, Dar es Salaam: Oxford University Press Mushi, A. K. (2009), History and Development of Education in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam: Dar es Salaam University Press Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 6th edition, (2000). Thungu, J. et al (2010), Mastering PTE Education, Nairobi: Oxford University Press

Friday, August 16, 2019

The Summer of My 15th Birthday

This summer was the best summer ever, because it was my 15th birthday. I celebrated on a cruise with 3 of my friends. When I got to the airplane I was very excited. Then I started to watch a movie on the airplane. The movie that I saw was one of my favorites Leap Year. When we landed to Miami, Florida I was more excited because I always wanted to go to Miami. When we got there my cousin picked us up on the airport. Then we went to the most famous place to have fun with friends called Lincoln Road. There we went to the apple store were my cousin works. Later we ate at a Cuban restaurant very delicious. There I order the most famous plate, which has â€Å"congri† rice with pork. Then we were so tired and went to the apartment. The next day we wanted to go to bay side. A very famous place in Miami with lots of stores. Like for example the one that all girls like, Victoria secret. There we ate at a famous restaurant called the Knife also very delicious. We stayed all day there and later went to a boat with music and had a lot of fun. The next day we had breakfast at IHOP. There I ate the best breakfast that is called the pancake combo. That has egg, 2 pancakes, bacon, and hash brown. Later after the breakfast we went to the most famous mall that has all kinds of expensive stores like Dolce and Gabanna, Channel, Louise Vitton, Carolina Herrera, Tiffany and Co., Etc. There I loved it because there it was all my favorites’ stores. From there we started to go to all Miami. The next day we went to the duck boat that goes in the road and then goes into the water. The tour goes to Palm Island and Star Island where the famous people live. The next day was the day to get on the cruise. I was very excited because I knew we were going to have lot of fun. We got in the cruise and first went to do the fun things like rock claiming, the flow rider and ice skating. In the flow rider I fell a lot but that’s part of the experience. When we got to the rock claiming was better because I’m good at it and I did all stages. Then we got to dinner, the next day we went to Haiti there we went to the beach went to a rollercoaster very cool and had a lot of fun. There we ate and the food very delicious. Later we didn’t have too much to do there so we went to the cruise. We stayed there just relaxing and getting some tan. That night we were walking the entire cruise to see it and look for the fun and cool places to go. The next day we were going to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. There we went to a cascade very cool that was slippery and we fell a lot of times but we all laugh we each other and didn’t care. The water was very cold but was a very fun experience. From there we went to a part where there was lots of little stores selling lots of cool thing from there of Jamaica. We went again to the cruise and the next day we went to Grand Caimans Island there we went to the beach and went on a banana boat. That was very funny we rented kayaks and just being in the beach and having some tanning. The next day we went to Cozumel, Mexico and there my father was very happy because his favorite beer is the corona. And there in Mexico were very cheap were at 1 dollar each. There we went to the beach and went snorkeling. We ate Mexican food and it was very spicy but also delicious. That was the last place we went. The next day we stayed all day on the cruise we went ice skating and my friend Bernadette fell, but very funny and I couldn’t stop laughing thank God it didn’t hurt and we all started laughing, that day was very funny she made my day. Bernadette and I every day went to an ice cream machine and at least we ate like 3 ice creams a day that was the best. The next day was the day we had to leave but this vacation was the best. I had a lot of fun and was the best birthday ever I loved it because I did so many things and went to so many cool places. I also had a very good experience in the places that I went, his is a vacation I’ll never forget.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Significance of Social Status in the Great Gatsby

Significance of Social Status in The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby may appear to be a simple tragic romance; however, within the text, Fitzgerald identifies and defines social gaps and importance of wealth. He also presents women within a very separate space as the men. The Great Gatsby allows the reader to enter into the world of wealth and experience the joys and tragedies of being within this certain class.In the novel, Fitzgerald criticizes American society in the 1920's for its emphasis on money, superficial relationships, and obsession over class; as well as allowing the reader to interpret the position of gender inside the class. Society has, indeed, a great part to play in shaping the identities of individuals. â€Å"Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,' he [my father] told me, â€Å"just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had† (1).This quote was probably the backbone of the narrator's a ctions and character. Throughout the novel, the characters that he came into contact with were immediately associated with their money and their association with their given level of wealth. Jay Gatsby is the center character in Fitzgerald's novel. Gatsby tells Nick that from his childhood in the Midwest and his youth, he got to know Cody from whom he learned how to struggle through life and get money.He is totally self-taught and tells Nick that he had been in the drug business and later in the oil business. Throughout the novel there is an overall absence of the lower class; however, ironically, the only character that lower wealth was associated with was Gatsby. He was the most prestigious when compared to all of the other characters, yet was the only to have the absence of money in his past. With this, Fitzgerald proves that the current existence of money justifies the acceptance of character, reiterating the idea of social levels of money.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Porcini’s Pronto

Porcini's Pronto: â€Å"Great Italian cuisine without the wait! † Porcini was opened in 1969 as a family-owned restaurant chain and its business was successful with 4% profit margin. Porcini’s was renowned with its attention to quality and price premium was relatively small compared to its quality and artful presentation. Porcini’s was able to maintain its high product and service quality mainly because it was a family-owned restaurant chain which gave considerable amount of control and of its safe approach on company expansion decisions.However, the management was also viewed as go-slow and comparing to its competitors like Olive Garden and other full-service chain restaurants like Denny's, Porcini’s brand recognition was much lower. The U. S. restaurants industry had three major segments: fast food, single location full-service restaurants, and full-service chain restaurants. Porcini's senior management came up with a Pronto concept which could possibly open up a new area which no one has entered yet.Key features of the Pronto concept included locations at interstate highway exits, Porcini's quality food and service with faster turnover of tables, and limited beer and wine selection. Main competitors would be fast food chain which has been operating along the interstate systems for decades and specifically targeting for travelers, and also full-service chain restaurants like Denny's. It will be critical to come up with a clear differentiator to its competitors, on both quality and service, and position itself against them.Chef Molise was taking it very serious on developing a special Pronto menu which would be less extensive with slightly lower price than Porcini’s traditional menu. Also, Halloran, who was Porcini’s HR director, put significant amount of effort onto recruiting the right people and form a â€Å"Pathfinder Team† with 3 or 4 outstanding Porcini’s employees at each new Pronto’s locati on. One full week of training and indoctrination in the rapid, quality service strategy and its implementation elements would be given.On the hiring side, it was a serious one. Pronto job applicants would have to pass several screens which include interviews with HR, then Pathfinder Team, and the manager. And a personality assessment test was given. It would seem logical and make sense to put focus on creating a customized menu, hiring the right people, and form a team with existing outstanding employees to bring current best practices to the new restaurants. However, it might be in the wrong direction or overkill sometimes.For the customized menu for Pronto, it was basically a stripped-down version of traditional Porcini’s menu, so what differentiated it from Porcini’s? And why customers should come to Pronto which had less menu choices, and not Porcini’s? Even though it’s a faster service didn’t mean customers would accept lower food quality, eve n just a slight one. And most importantly, Porcini’s didn’t ask if it mattered to them. On getting the right people for Pronto restaurants, was it actually a good idea to form a team with existing employees, while the business nature was much different?Porcini’s focused heavily on food and service quality, where Pronto focus on quick service experience without sacrificing much food and service quality. It would be doubtful if employees could switch their practice so easily and quickly. If they could not, imagine how it might impact the new hires in the team. In order to make sure Porcini's Pronto could maintain the same level of quality of food and service, a customer questionnaire system was created to collect information on customer satisfaction.The idea was great and it offered a discount card to customers who took the questionnaire, in order to bring up questionnaire completion rate and encourage repeat visits. However, the entire questionnaire focused only on food and service quality like meal quality, courtesy and efficiency of server, restaurant cleanliness etc. , with almost no questions around the time for taking orders, food serving, and pay bills etc. Also, questions like â€Å"are you traveling or live in the neighborhood? † could give a sense of what were the customer segments and did it align with the targeting customers originally.In addition, it should ask the customer to rank the importance of the factors, or simply ask the most important thing mattered to them e. g. Food, service, time, place etc. Without customers telling the importance of each factor, Porcini would have no clue on what to be focused on. Another set of metrics to be collected would be metrics around internal operations e. g. how long to seat a customer and take her order, to prepare a typical entree, and so forth. This could be done by having secret shoppers for instance, and it would be valuable information.After all, the Pronto concept was to of fer â€Å"Great Italian cuisine without the wait†, if Porcini could not guarantee acceptable table turnover time, success could not be claimed. In order to grow the business, there were three options: company-owned, franchising, and syndication. First of all, what do we want to focus on? At the very beginning, Pronto should not be expanded too quickly before it could find out and establish the winning strategy. The first few restaurants were crucial and steps should take slow.Also, full control should be obtained otherwise it could easily go out of track. Also, the failure rate of franchising was pretty big. Porcini’s could not afford to have restaurants closed down and affected its brand name. Syndication could give Porcini’s full control on restaurant operations. It would also be easier to get a good location as prime undeveloped locations were mostly owned by investors. However, upfront costs were high. At this point like a testing phase, it would be better t o take a slower and less costly approach before Pronto concept proved itself to be success.Company-owned would be the best option to start with and Porcini’s should consider franchising and syndication after seeing profits from the Pronto restaurants and also a reliable standards could be come up which could be applied quick to many restaurants. To conclude, the Pronto concept was aimed at a market space where no one had entered before and Porcini’s wanted to claim this space. However, an important question to ask would be why no one entered this space in the first place? Or did anyone entered but failed?It seems that in order to deliver good quality of food and service while making it a â€Å"Pronto† service is a big challenge itself. Not to mention the target customers are along the interstate highways, are they looking for good quality of food, fast service, or a nice place to chill? Seems that Pronto concept consists of all these elements, however, none of t hem is a real differentiator. Porcini’s management will definitely need to think about positioning and competitive advantage which Pronto could bring to the table.