Thursday, October 31, 2019

Disscuss the relevance of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) to a Essay - 2

Disscuss the relevance of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) to a company seeking to evaluate its cost of capital - Essay Example (Burton, 1998) The CAPM had its origin from the model of portfolio choice developed by Harry Markowitz. In the model, an investor is assumed to decide on the investment portfolio at time t-1 with an expected return at time t. Since the investors are assumed to be risk averse, the data that they care about are the mean and the variance of their one period investment return. â€Å"As a result, investors choose â€Å"mean-variance-efficient† portfolios, in the sense that the portfolios: 1) minimize the variance of portfolio return, given expected return, and 2) maximize expected return, given variance. Thus, the Markowitz approach is often called a â€Å"mean-variance model† (Eugene F. Fama). This figure gives a clear picture of the CAPM. Its horizontal axis shows the portfolio risk which is measure by the standard deviation of portfolio return. Its vertical axis is the expected return. The curve is the minimum variance frontier which â€Å"traces the combination of expected return and variance at different levels of expected return† (Eugene F. Fama). This shows the obvious trade-off between risk and expected return. â€Å"At point T, the investor can have an intermediate expected return with lower volatility. If there is no risk free borrowing or lending, only portfolios above b along abc are mean-variance-efficient, since these portfolios also maximize expected return, given their return variances† (Eugene F. Fama). EM applications. (2009). Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). Emapplications.com. Available from; [November 16,

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Managerial Economics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managerial Economics - Research Paper Example Designers split their focus in making the current designs for their clients while having time to produce designs for the upcoming promotional activities for the new packages. It was found out that the current plan of making new design packages may push the company to many opportunity costs. Alternatives may be needed, such as getting talented workers from developing countries through freelance sites to finish the project while continuing the planned release of new packages. Application of Managerial Economics Executive Summary The company named Graphic Design Works specializes in graphic design as a product for other companies like small businesses and startup companies. The management comes to a point where it needs to decide to add new packages that may increase the profits of the company. In addition, the decision-making body plans to expand the ventures of the company towards software development, networking and business process outsourcing. It means the company may hire new work ers when it expands its business operations. For the company to expand, it requires huge amount of capital; the profits from the new packages may help in this if ever the launching and sales will be successful. The expansion may commence once the target profit is hit through the campaigns and promotions to popularize the new design packages for the clients to enjoy. The packages include various custom designs for merchandise, emails, webpage, logo and stationery with corresponding number of designs. Campaigns will be implemented through postings in the official website of Graphic Design Works, massive email advertising, article postings on web magazines, free ad postings, producing television commercials and radio announcements, post mail advertising, visiting corporate offices and phoning the potential customers. The company thinks of continuing the new packages to be offered to their past and present clients and even expand their market via promotions using traditional media with some touch of online advertising. Traditional media like newspapers, radio and television have already solid set of viewers that the company may tap to produce sales for their new packages. On the other hand, the internet allows any business to save while reaching global audience but with less developed tactics and strategies as of the moment. The potential of the internet shows that more people can start their business with low capital and target a wider market. In addition, companies can hire employees from overseas entirely online which saves them from spending too much on manpower. Graphic Design Works looks at the conditions as opportunities since more startup businesses mean more potential clients to convince which may lead to more sales and profit for the company. Other than that, the company also plans to target ordinary people without businesses by offering them design packages for parties or personal messages. Traditional media also become big opportunities for the company as more people are acquainted to view them since they are already part of the culture unlike the internet which still experiences many developments to cope up with the traditional media. When it comes to production decision, Graphic Design Works does not worry about the needed materials and equipment to create the packages. Computers, software and professional graphic designers are the ones needed for the job. Since computers become cheaper

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Design of Condition Monitoring (CM) system of a Case Study

Design of Condition Monitoring (CM) system of a Case Study Term / Abbreviation Definition CBW Continuous Batch Washer CM Condition Monitoring DIN Deutsches Institut fur Normung (German Institute for Standardization) FFT Fast Fourier Transform FTIR Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy IR Infra-Red OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer P-F Potential to Functional Failure PM Preventive Maintenance SGS Spring Grove Services TAN Total Acid Number TBN Total Base Number TWF Time Wave Form WDA Wear Debris Analysis Spring Grove Services has decided to embark on a Condition Monitoring approach for the maintenance of its most critical equipment. Criticality was established by carrying out a study on the main Utilities and Process systems/machinery. This report includes data and images from a Thermography study, carried out at SGS, as this type of CM has already commenced. The findings identified in this exercise have highlighted potential points of failure in the Novopac shrink-wrap lines. Lubrication and Vibration Analysis studies have yet to commence so will be considered from a look-ahead perspective. The areas of focus here are the 18 Stage CBW and the Kaeser air compressor respectively. There will be predictions and estimates made on possible findings and required follow-up actions. The report undertaken here confirms to the author the necessity of introducing CM for equipment that is central to the successful running of the SGS plant in Cork. Spring Grove Services is one of Irelands leading laundry rental service providers. SGS has four major processing sites in Ireland. The business model functions by supplying linen to customers on a rental basis. This is then collected after use and cleaned before re-supply. Clients are supplied from a pool stock i.e. linen is not specific to any one client. The plant in Cork, which is featured in our case study, processes on average 330,000kgs of linen per week which equates to approximately 660,000 individual pieces. Run hours are 85 per week. Its customers include Irelands biggest hotels and hospitals. There is a real time aspect to this industry in the sense that linen processed today may well be used in a hotel or hospital tonight. This same linen will probably have only arrived in the laundry this morning in a soiled state. Lengthy batch release times due to quality inspections do not feature as they would in the pharmaceutical and healthcare products industries. This does not mean that there are poor quality standards, it just means that there is a minimum of time to ascertain them. This super-lean model requires maximum availability of plant equipment so effective maintenance is paramount. The operating context is also a factor in the maintenance strategy: equipment with many moving parts operating in a hot, humid and/or dusty environment. Preventive and Corrective Maintenance has historically been accepted practice with SGS but Condition Monitoring is coming more to the forefront for the most critical equipment. SGS is part of the European wide Berendsen group. The first step in the Condition Monitoring journey was to identify the most critical equipment. This would naturally become the focus of CM. Appendices A and B illustrate how Utilities and Process systems interact at SGS. Appendix C explains in detail, using a Criticality Scoring Scheme (Wheelhouse, 2014), how the results in Figure 1 were attained. Figure 1: SGS Criticality Curve Figure 1 trends criticality for the various Utilities and Process systems/equipment in Spring Grove Services. From Figure 1, we can deduce that the most critical assets are the CBWs, the Plastic Wrappers and the air Compressor. On further analysing the failure modes associated with this equipment, we can decide on where the exact focus of CM will be: 18 Stage CBW: This machine is the work horse of the Wash House as it alone processes 50% of the linen. Its most critical piece of equipment is the drive motor/gearbox assembly. We will apply Lubrication Analysis to the gearbox. Plastic Wrappers: These pieces of equipment form the final stage of the laundering process. Failure here creates a severe bottleneck. We will apply Thermographic Analysis to the electrical control panels. Air Compressor: If the compressor stops, production stops as there is no redundancy available. We will apply Vibration Analysis to the bearings as they are overdue replacement according to Original Equipment Manufacturer specification. 3.1 Equipment Description Figure 2: Lenze GST Geared Motor (Source: Geared Motor Spares) Figure 2 shows the type of geared motor used to drive the 18 Stage CBW (Geared Motor Spares). Lenze GST Helical Gearbox Power: 18.5kW Speed: 331rpm Torque: 518Nm Ratio: 4.457:1 Product Code: GST09-2MVBR180C12 Oil manufacture/type: Shell Omala S4 GX 320 Quantity of oil: 4.8 litres 3.2 Testing Overview The main purpose of carrying out lubrication analysis on this gearbox is to determine its health. The health of the lubricating oil itself is of secondary importance to SGS as it is a relatively inexpensive and easy task to replace. Because of these considerations our findings on Wear Debris Analysis (particle count) and Content Analysis will be used to make an overall estimation of system health. Where possible analysis performed through In-line or On-line methods is often preferable. However in this instance, neither of these options is possible so Off-line sampling will have to suffice. Off-line analysis does however provide increased scope for evaluating a greater variety of debris (Pruftechnik, 2002). Figure 3: GST gearbox lubrication service points (Source: Geared Motor Spares)    Figure 3 illustrates the various lubrication service points on a Lenze GST type gearbox (Geared Motor Spares). To take an oil sample, we will employ the following procedure: Ensure that the gearbox/oil is at normal operating temperature. It is not safe to take a sample while the gearbox is in operation due to the proximity of hazardous moving parts. We will therefore instead stop the machine and take a sample as soon as the drive motor is safely isolated. 100ml will be extracted using a Vampire Pump and entering the gearbox through the Breathing/oil filler plug as displayed in Figure 3. This method of extraction is known as the Drop Tube Sampling Method. Figure 4: Drop Tube Sampling Method (Source: Zidoune) Figure 4 shows a Vampire Pump extracting oil using the Drop Tube Sampling Method (Zidoune). Precautions when sampling: Record time, date and operating conditions. Oil must be at operating temperature. Ensure clean bottles and new tubing are used. Take oil from middle of gearbox i.e. not too close to the bottom. A turbulent zone is best. Samples should be sent for laboratory testing without delay. Poor sampling = poor results = poor decisions (Zidoune, 2013). 3.3 Test Findings Visual Inspection This can be performed by onsite staff prior to laboratory analysis and observations will be aimed at the following: Foaming an indication of contamination, passage through restricted openings or excessive churning. Emulsion water has entered the gearbox. Darkening oxidation has occurred or oil has been exposed to excessive heat. Laboratory Analysis On receiving laboratory results, we will consider the following factors in estimating the health of the gearbox: FTIR This provides information about oil chemistry and particulates. It can also determine if there has been a decrease in desirable content such as corrosion inhibitors. Viscosity This can tell us much about the lubricants condition. It can also give us an insight into system health when considered alongside factors such as detergency and dilution. Metal Concentration This is a key health indicator. The presence of certain metals can point towards the defect location e.g. Lead and Tin detected in large amounts indicates wear of a white metal bearing. TAN/TBN Acid number determines amount of oxidation present in the oil. Base number is an indication of the capacity to neutralise acids. Fault Level Settings Gearbox or oil manufacturers should be consulted, however setting useful alarm limits can be subjective as there are many variables in the operating context that it is not possible to account for in their specifications. Alarm limits are best set by initially estimating, based on specifications, and then gathering data over a period of time to tune the initial estimates. This will help reduce both false triggers and potential failures. As there are three CBWs in the wash house with identical drive systems, there is a likelihood that a gearbox will be fully overhauled in the not too distant future. We could use this opportunity to get data from perfectly healthy system i.e. a reconditioned gearbox with new oil. ISO Coding Sample Standard Cleanliness Target for an Industrial Gearbox: ISO 17/15/12 (Angeles, 2003) Table 2 Table 2 contains hypotethical data that we would expect to see in an oil sample taken from a healty gearbox. Using ISO 4406 methods with this data would give us a code of 17/15/12. 3.4 Conclusion Trending It is imperative that a trend is developed from the successive analysis exercises. This will result in a graph curve which displays system health and allow for a timely maintenance intervention when required. Recommended sampling frequency Care must be taken here as 100ml test amounts will render the gearbox empty of oil after 48 samples. Topping up the gearbox after each sample is not recommended as introducing new oil dilutes the existing content and thus distorts WDA data. Current oil replacement interval is every 4 years. Initial sampling frequency will be every 6 months with the gearbox oil level topped up every 12 months. Quick wins Spurlock (n.d.) states that one of the most common points of ingress for contamination in a gearbox is the OEM breather. It is recommended that an aftermarket breather be used instead. 4.1 Equipment Description Figure 5: Novopac ANL 090 Wrapper (Source: Bidspotter) Figure 6: Novopac BM2009 Heat Shrinking Oven (Source: Bidspotter) Figures 5 and 6 show examples of the Novopac Wrapper and Heat Shrinking Oven used in SGS (Bidspotter). Novopac ANL 090 Wrapper and BM2009 Heat Shrinking Oven (both function as a combined unit). Power: 41kW. Output per min.: 8/16 packs. 4.2 Testing Overview It was decided that SGS would purchase a thermographic camera and have one of the maintenance technicians trained in its operation. The supervisor consulted with the technician immediately after the study was completed and again when the full report was completed. 4.3 Test Findings There were two areas that were cause for concern: the three phase power supply connection and the DIN rail mounted contactors. Three Phase Power Supply Connection Figure 7: IR image Figure 8: Standard image Table 3 Figures 7 and 8 show both an IR and a standard image of the three phase connection block. Table 3 lists the data recorded by the camera in this instance. Action taken: The hot spot found in Figure 7 was found to be a loose connection on the DIN rail connection block. Tightening the same connector resolved the issue. DIN Rail Mounted Contactors Figure 9: IR image Figure 10: Standard image Table 4 Figures 9 and 10 show both an IR and a standard image of the DIN rail mounted contactors. Table 4 lists the data recorded by the camera in this instance. Action taken: Figure 9 indicates that there is a temperature build up between the contactors. On consulting previous reports, it was found that the temperature readings were similar during the last thermographic study. At this point the contactors were actually located closer together. A recommendation was made at that time to space out the contactors to allow for extra cooling. However this has made no difference but since there has not been deterioration in the state of the contactors, SGS has decided not to take any further action at present. 4.4 Conclusion The overall conclusion is that, beyond the tightening of the loose connection, there is no serious action required regarding repairs. However SGS has realised that there are shortcomings in the testing procedures which are mainly down to the technician not being trained to the proper standard. Listed below are the observations and recommendations relating to this viewpoint: The approach being applied is a Qualitative one which is sufficient for identifying the presence of a fault. It is also effective as a comparative technique. A Qualitative approach measures the Blackbody Apparent Temperature. Neither reflected/transmitted radiation nor emissivity has been accounted for. To get a true temperature reading, a Quantitative approach would be required. This will not only identify the presence of a fault but also its severity. Reflected/transmitted radiation is accounted for by entering the ambient temperature in the IR Camera. This can be done using pre-measured or estimated values. A correct entry here would provide the Blackbody temperature. Emissivity can be accounted for by entering a pre-measured or library values. A correct entry here, combined with accounting for the reflected/transmitted radiation, would provide the actual temperature. 5.1 Equipment Description Figure 11: Kaeser CS76 (Source: Synairgies) Figure 11 shows the type of Kaeser air compressor used in SGS (Synairgies). Kaeser CS76. Type: Rotary screw wet. Power: 45kW. Motor speed: 3000rpm. Mains frequency: 50Hz. Pressure: 7.5bar. Year of manufacture: 2004. Total running hours: 53563. On-load running hours: 42789. Recommended frequency for bearings replacement: 35000 hours this activity has yet to be completed. 5.2 Testing Overview The most likely cause of a screw compressor to fail is its bearings (KCF Technologies, n.d.). Accelerometer Locations For our Kaeser machine, we will apply vibration monitoring at the radial bearing positions of both the motor and compressor. This area will get a particular focus because OEM specifications suggest the bearings should have already been replaced. SGS is hoping that vibration analysis will give a true indicator of bearing condition and thus inform of the optimum time for bearing change-out. Figure 12: Sensor locations (Source: KCF Technologies) Figure 12 shows typical mounting positions, in yellow, for sensors to measure vibration at motor and compressor radial bearings (KCF Technologies). Mounting technique Accelerometers will be stud mounted to help ensure the most accurate readings. Accelerometer selection and equipment set-up Frequencies associated with bearings usually occur in the 1 to 5 kHz range. For this application an accelerometer with 25 kHz natural frequency is required. Sampling frequency (fs) = 2.56 x 5000 = 12800 Hz. For Fast Fourier Transform Spectrum Analysis, to achieve a frequency resolution of less than 1Hz: df = fs/N à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ 1 N is the number of data points. N = 2^14 = 16,384 fs/N = 0.78125 Crest Factor or Kurtosis on Time Wave Form Acceleration signal can be employed to assist with diagnosis. Velocity and Acceleration will be the main focus for FFT. 5.3 Test Findings TWF and FFT For fault diagnosis, we will refer to TWF and FFT graphs. Figure 13: TWF and FFT (Source: Sinha) Figure 13 displays vibration acceleration measurement for a ball bearing in the initial fault stage (Sinha). Vibration Alarm and Fault level examples Table 5 (Source: Zargar) Table 5 lists vibration limits for a similar size and specification to the Kaeser CS76 (Zargar). 5.4 Conclusion A successful vibration monitoring program can be most difficult to attain for screw compressors. This is because of the high frequencies associated with the bearings, gearbox, male and female rotors. The associated noise pollution of the compressor can cause additional monitoring problems (Zargar, 2013). For the Kaeser compressor, there is a risk that bearing wear is present because of the hours run by the machine. However we cannot draw a firm conclusion on this until we develop a trend based on several sets of analysis data. The ultimate goal is to capture the point at which the bearings begin to deteriorate and from there successfully monitor the P-F interval. This will enable a well-judged maintenance intervention. CM want to have: If sufficient finance was available, a great option would be to invest in an Online monitoring system and have data fed back to a central PC. The software package could then issue periodic reports as well as alarm condition notifications. It is clear, I believe, from this report that embarking on a Conditioning Monitoring programme would bring great benefit to SGS. As well as the immediate gains to be made on the above equipment, the following should also result as pleasant side effects: An awareness will have developed among the key stakeholders of the advantages of CM over other types of maintenance. Technical staff will have an opportunity to upskill in either carrying out CM activities such as the Thermography study or be involved in interpreting results from Lubrication and Vibration analysis. There will be a willingness to roll out CM to other pieces of equipment. Thermography is an obvious contender as the equipment is already purchased. Downtime in the Wash House should be reduced as potential failures in the 18 Stage CBW drive gearbox will be identified before descending into functional failures. Again, as soon as this benefit is realised, this approach should carry across to other equipment. The criticality study which underpins the CM strategy will help focus technical resources on the most important equipment to the business. The expected success of the programme in the Cork plant should result in adoption of CM across the other sites in Ireland as there has always been close cooperation in terms of maintenance practices and parts sourcing. There will be an opportunity for the maintenance department to come to the forefront of the company when reporting the expected good news stories to emerge from adopting this new maintenance approach. Continuous improvement will organically develop from CM and bring kudos to the maintenance team. The general non-contact nature of CM will enhance safe working practices. The non-intrusive nature of CM will result in less equipment stoppages and reduced maintenance induced failures. The maintenance team will be encouraged to work more closely with equipment and components suppliers. This will help better inform future selection of machinery. It should be the beginning of a new maintenance culture across the organisation. Angeles, R. (2003). Tables on Oil Analysis. [Online]. Available from http://www.rsareliability.com/Oil%20Analysis%20Tables.pdf [Accessed 12 November 2016]. Bidspotter (n.d.). Impianti Novo Pac heat shrink-wrap tunnel.[Online]. Available from https://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/auction-catalogues/es-group/catalogue-id-ed10487/lot-85e81420-d4ca-4279-8ccd-a64400d6ecc2 [Accessed 08 November 2016]. Geared Motor Spares (n.d.). Lenze GST Geared Motors.[Online]. Available from http://www.gearedmotorspares-lenzegst.co.uk/lenze-gst-gearbox-products/lenze-185kw/lenze-185kw-277rpm/lenze-gst-geared-motor-185kw-277rpm-619nm-c-16/ [Accessed 08 November 2016]. Geared Motor Spares (n.d.). L-force Geared Motors.[Online]. Available from http://www.gearedmotorspares-lenzegst.co.uk/media/1001/gst-gfl-gks-gkl-gkr-gss-operating-instructions.pdf [Accessed 11 November 2016]. KCF Technologies (n.d.). Vibration Monitoring of Compressors. [Online]. Available from https://kcftech.com/smartdiagnostics/resources/application%20briefs/Application%20White%20Paper%20Compressors%20web.pdf [Accessed 16 November 2016]. Pruftechnik (2002). An Engineers Guide to Shaft Alignment, Vibration Analysis, Dynamic Balancing Wear Debris Analysis. [Online]. Available from http://www.pruftechnik.com/fileadmin/pt/Downloads/Brochures-Flyers_SPECIAL/Engineers_Guide_ALI_CM/EngineersGuide2012.pdf [Accessed 13 November 2016]. Sinha, J. (2016). PG Course in Reliability Engineering and Asset Management, Unit M04: Condition Monitoring. School of Mechanical Aerospace and Civil Engineering. University of Manchester. Spurlock, M. (n.d.). Reducing Gearbox Oil Contamination Levels. [Online]. Available from http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/28393/gearbox-oil-contamination [Accessed 11 November 2016]. Synairgies (n.d.).Synairgies Compresseurs Doccasion.[Online]. Available from http://www.synairgies.com/pl/Air/Spr%C4%99%C5%BCarki-%C5%9Brubowe-smarowane/Kaeser/Kaeser-CS-CSD-CSDX/Kaeser-CS76-45kW-Ref12115.html [Accessed 08 November 2016]. Zargar, O. A. (2013). Hydraulic Unbalance in Oil Injected Twin Rotary Screw Compressor Vibration Analysis. [Online]. Available from http://waset.org/publications/9997612/hydraulic-unbalance-in-oil-injected-twin-rotary-screw-compressor-vibration-analysis-a-case-history-related-to-iran-oil-industries- [Accessed 17 November 2016]. Zidoune, M. (2013). Lubricants Handling and Analysis. [Online]. Available from http://www.slideshare.net/marcpalud/tribologik-lubricant-handling-and-analysis-presentation [Accessed 11 November 2016]. Wheelhouse, P. (2014). Exercise 3_5 Criticality, Unit M01: Asset Management Maintenance Strategy. School of Mechanical Aerospace and Civil Engineering. University of Manchester. 8.1 Appendix A Figure 14: SGS Utilities Systems Figure 14 shows the systems which form Utilities at SGS. 8.2 Appendix B Figure 15: SGS Process System/Equipment Figure 15 shows a high level view of process systems and equipment at SGS. 8.3 Appendix C Criticality Scoring Scheme(Wheelhouse, 2014) The plant has decided on a criticality scoring scheme which consists of four different factors which will be multiplied together to give an overall score for equipment criticality. These factors are: Redundancy, Failure Likelihood, Failure Duration Financial Impact. A scoring scheme has been devised for each factor as follows: Redundancy = Number of units required / Number of units available Likelihood KeywordEvents per YearScore Never00 Very unlikely Unlikely 0.2 0.6 2 Probable 1.0 1.5 3 Almost certain >24 Duration KeywordScore Hours1 Days2 Weeks3 Months4 Financial Impact KeywordScore Repair cost only1 Additional cost penalty2 Potential loss of sales3 Immediate loss of sales4 Table 6 lists equipment criticalities as calculated at SGS. References Angeles, R. (2003). Tables on Oil Analysis. [Online]. Available from http://www.rsareliability.com/Oil%20Analysis%20Tables.pdf [Accessed 12 November 2016]. British Standards Institution (1999). BS ISO4406:1999. Hydraulic fluid power Fluids Method for coding the level of contamination by solid particles. Published under the authority of the Standards Committee. Felten, D. (2003). Understanding Bearing Vibration Frequencies. [Online]. Available from http://electromotores.com/PDF/InfoT%C3%A9cnica/EASA/Understanding%20Bearing%20Vibration%20Frequencies.pdf [Accessed 16 November 2016]. Geared Motor Spares (n.d.). L-force Geared Motors.[Online]. Available from http://www.gearedmotorspares-lenzegst.co

Friday, October 25, 2019

Is Love A Key Element When Choosing A Marriage Partner? Essay -- essay

A famous quote by John Lennon saying that â€Å"love is the answer and only you know that for sure† was not entirely truthful the fact not realised was that, for the many people in today’s contemporary â€Å"dating† grouping, truly knowing what the answer actually is in regards to dating is often easier said than done. Therefore, the answer certainly is not love. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (1974), love is defined as a â€Å"strong affection, a warm attachment, attraction based on sexual desire, cherish, to feel passion, devotion or tenderness for ~, caress and to take pleasure in ~ â€Å" (p.417). In the modern-day world where the preferences and choices of human mate selection has become a topic of broad exploration, it is highly questionable as to whether or not â€Å"love† is the principal influence that leads an individual’s decision of choosing a life-long partner. The choosing of a marriage partner today seems to be a crucial aspect of life decisions that makes all other choices in one’s life seem to be more or less trivial when comparing accordingly. When you come to a decision as to who you want to marry, share the rest of your life with and become one with, you are changing every aspect of your once single and independent life. For the reason that life changes so significantly when a marriage partner has been chosen, there are countless factors that have an effect on the choices that individuals make. Firstly, Botwin et al. (1997) insist that â€Å"personality plays a critical role in mate selection and marital happiness† (p.128) but many other attributes such as the many dating processes, the many problems that often occur in relationships, and individual preferences all highly motivate, aspire and aim to encourage people in today’s society toward finding their preferred marriage partner. Society often questions the difficulty involved for an average person to simply decide â€Å"who† they desire to marry. What's more is the reality that many people also criticize the individuals who have no idea who they want to marry. Research by Doosje et al. (1999) shows that â€Å"both men and women value most in their partner that she/he is kind and considerate, socially exciting, creative and intellectually stimulating† (p.46) which goes to prove that couples want their marriages to work and do not even consider them to eventually fail. Buying a car or buying a house is a diff... ...enges that young adults face in today’s society but even more importantly, it is the largest challenge that the future of the family life will be facing for years to come. Bibliography Botwin, D., Buss, D., & Shackelford, T. (1997). Personality and Mate Preferences: Five Factors in Mate Selection and Marital Satisfaction. Journal of Personality, 65(1), 107-136. Doosje, B., Rojahn, K., & Fisher, A. (1999). Partner Preferences as a Function of Gender, Age, Political Orientation and Level of Education. Sex Roles, 40 (1/2), 45-163. Nock, S. (1995). Spouse Preferences of Never-Married, Divorced, and Cohabitating Americans. Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, 22(3/4), 91-108. Simpson, J., & Gangestad, S. (1992). Sociosexuality and Romantic Partner Choice. Journal of Personality, 60(1), 31-51. Townsend, J., and Levy, G. (1990). Effects of Potential Partners’ Physical Attractiveness and Socioeconomic Status on Sexuality and Partner Selection. Archives of Sexual Behaviour, 19(2), 149-163. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. New York: Pocket Books New York, 1974. New International Version Youth Walk Devotional Bible. Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Communication Modes

Communication There are other types of communication that are beyond the four basic types: face-to-face communication, spoken communications that is transmitted electronically, personally addressed written communication, and impersonal written communication. There is also visual communication. Visual communication is visual display of information, like maps, photos, signs, symbols and designs. Television and video clips are the electronic form of visual communication.An employee that has performed in an outstanding, above-the-call manner would be given a face to face meeting, which may include a company-wide email or a public presentation to show appreciation. Face to face communication will project the sincerity and honesty of the employee’s hard work. They will be able to visualize the verbal and non-verbal cues of the manager. The public presentation of appreciation would also show other employees how hard work is rewarded in the workplace, and be a motivator for high produ ction; including a more cohesive feeling of teamwork throughout the company.The use of a company-wide email would allow other employees to see that hard work can be rewarded by public recognition. In order to capture the attention of the employees receiving the email the salutation of â€Å"Dear Company XYZ Team Member,† to give it a more personal and endearing feel. The most effective method to communicate a new policy on the use of cell phones would be impersonal written communication. The down-side of using this type of communication is that since it is not personally addressed to the receiver they may not read the email.If the employee does not read the email and is in violation of the new cell phone policy; it is ultimately the employees’ responsibility to stay current on new policies and procedures instituted within the company. In the event that an employee is found violating the new policy a face-to-face meeting would occur. This would include at the least a ve rbal reprimand or according to company policies the level of reprimand that is required. An employee that is repeatedly late for work always requires a face-to-face eeting. There is no other form of communication that is effective in this situation. The employee must be able to see the verbal and non-verbal cues of the manager conveying the seriousness of the employee’s employment. The manager should find out what is the root cause of the employee’s non-compliance with the attendance policy. The employee could be having timing issues with a babysitter; the employee could be oversleeping due to a second job, or not leaving home in time to allow for potential traffic issues.The manager would be required to reprimand the employee according to company policy, which could be an oral warning up to and including termination, depending on the magnitude of the attendance policy violation. An employee that has a child that has been injured should always communicate face-to-face. The manager should go to the employee’s workspace and ask him/her to come with them to their office or other private space.This cannot be communicated over the phone; even if the manager is off-site they should call and appoint another member of the management team to convey the message to this employee. References Batson, T. R. , & Neff, B. J. (2007). Business ethics: Sunday ethics — Monday world. Marion, Ind. : Triangle Publishing. R, A. (n. d. ). Four Types of Communication. Buzzle. Retrieved October 28, 2012, from http://www. buzzle. com/articles/four-types-of-communication. html

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Speech Class

Seven of Australia's nine provinces have long historical tradition predating the establishment f the republic of Austria In 1918: upper Austria, lower Austria, Astray, Corinthian, Salisbury, Tyro, and Overlarge. The provinces of Borderland and Vienna were established after World War 1 . Austria is located in a temperate climate zone with a central European climate influenced by the Atlantic climate. It has four seasons which all have typical temperatures and climatic characters. Some of the most popular sports In Austria are football, alpine skiing, and ice hockey.In Austria you can expect a first class musical experience with the multiple musical festivals they have throughout the year. There are many famous people from Austria a couple commonly known ones are actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the composer Mozart. Austria has three main religions, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim. The official language which is spoken by 98 percent of the population is German although, there a re very distinct differences between the many religion dialects. There are three other languages are taught alongside German In some bilingual schools.Austria is very strict about their family values. Some of the mall ones are 1 ) forming the basis of the Austrian social structure, 2) Families are usually small, and due to lack of migration, they are generally closely knit with a certain town or village, 3) Weekends are devoted to family activities which often take place outdoors, 4) Eating dinner every evening with the family is a norm, and 5) Sundays are for visiting grandparents for dinner, and/or enjoying a hike In the country as a family.Austrian are very conservative people, who are prudent and moderate In their behavior. Appearance Is very important, even when dressed Informally they are neat and conservative with the way they look and present themselves. Austrian customs are very simple, they include making eye contact during a greeting, a quick handshake is the most traditi onal greeting for them. Some older Austrian men kiss the hand of a female, but it is important to know that men from other countries should not kiss the hand of a female as a greeting.When you enter a room It Is appropriate to shake the hands of everyone In the room Including children Individually. Just Like us one of Australia's main holidays is Christmas in which they exchange gifts with their families, they also exchange gifts for birthdays regularly also. They celebrate something called The Feast of SST. Nicholas on December 6th of every year and the children receive gifts. You should open a gift when it is received and they are normally to be neatly wrapped. Now that I have told you about Austria I hope It has told you a little more about you.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Gatsby Thought and Garden Party Essay

Gatsby Thought and Garden Party Essay Gatsby: Thought and Garden Party Essay After reading the text â€Å"The Garden Party† by Katherine Mansfield, it is possible to notice many conflicts of mind of the main charater, Laura, a poor rich girl who faces two sides of life: One side, which is always beautiful, full of parties and flowers – her house; and the other side, which is not good to be seen where, even the flowers, do not want to be in – the neighborhood out there. These two worlds are separated by a wall. How may two different visions be separated just by brick and cement? This question can be answered when we think about the wall as something more than concrete. It simbolizes the division between rich and poor; what is beautiful and ugly; what has to be seen and what has to be covered. The wall, under this point of view, can be considered an allegory.1 Since the beginning the reader notices how Laura was disturbed by her own thoughts. In the moment that she found herself organizing the garden party, she did not know how to react towards the workers (to be harsh or to be nice to them?). According to her upbringing she was born to command without getting involved with subordinate people; the girl grew up thinking that the world’s attention was focused on the space in which her house stood. Later on, Laura started wondering about the reason of such rudeness towards the workermen, as expressed by Katherine Mansfield in The Garden Party â€Å"Oh, how extraordinarily nice workmen were, she thought. Why couldn’t she have workmen for friends rather than the silly

Monday, October 21, 2019

Marlboro Cigarette company case Study

Marlboro Cigarette company case Study Executive Summary The effects of tobacco use on human health have triggered a number of anti-tobacco campaigners; the campaigns are targeting casual/addicted users, social tobacco user and those people who have not started the habit. The anti-tobacco campaigners use both public education and legal legislations approach to control the use and sale of tobacco products.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Marlboro Cigarette company case Study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Marlboro is an international cigarette manufacturer and distributer, in 2010, the company’s products were the most used in Saudi Arabia; Saudi Arabia is among the few countries that have recorded an increase in tobacco use in the recent past. The increase in tobacco use in Saudi Arabia is evident despite governments’ and non-governmental movement’s campaigns to change peoples behavior. Anti-tobacco campaigns have been succe ssful in enacting policies that control marketing approach of tobacco products. This paper analysis the tobacco industry in Saudi Arabia; it will evaluate the effects of tobacco marketing control legislation on Marlboro Cigarettes Company as well as how the company has responded to the controls. Towards the end, the report will offer marketing recommendations that the company can enact to remain competitive in the fast growing Saudi Arabian market. Introduction The world tobacco industry has been facing challenges from strong advocacy against tobacco use by national, international, and non-governmental agencies; dispute the challenges, the companies in the industry has to sell their products. However, according to Euro-monitor report on tobacco use in Saudi Arabia, the country experienced an increase in volume and value terms of tobacco use, the country is having an increasing tobacco users. The above report was different from what was recorded in European and American Markets were tobacco consumption has drastically reduced (Euromonitor). Marlboro, is an international cigarette manufacture and distributor with its main operating base at Philip Morris USA (the Brach concentrates on the United States market) and Philip Morris International that concentrates on the company sale abroad; currently, Marlboro is the world largest cigarette company in the world and has its head quarters at Richmond, Virginia. Marlboro Company names its brands Marlboro that was a name borrowed from its initial location in the United Kingdom at Great Marlborough-Street. In Saudi Arabia, Marlboro products are imported into the country by corporate and individual importers; the brand is more considered and regarded for the well to do in the community. The tobacco industry has been facing numerous challenges, especially when it comes to marketing and advertising for the products.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your f irst paper with 15% OFF Learn More Diseases caused by tobacco use have claimed a number of lives in the world and remain to be the world’s largest killer; these statistics has been the strongest point of anti-tobacco campaigners. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has massive campaigns that advocate that there are no safe cigarettes; players in the industry are only left with the task of counter attacking these campaigns. The effects that the industry has had on human health has made the industry a monolith in terms of scope and coverage when relating to consumers; the marketing approach adopted by Marlboro minds consumers welfare at the same time selling its products; a conflict of interest (Engstrom 1-75). Since the 1998 Tobacco Settlement Agreements marketing has become a challenge to Marlboro, this paper diagnoses the marketing problems faced by Marlboro as it markets its in domestic and international markets; the paper will focus on Saudi Arabia. As European countries embark on campaigns that hinder the sale of tobacco and its products, Saudi Arabia is showing a reduced strength in its campaigns against the use of the products, the industry is growing and likely to grow further (Euromonitor). Company Background: Overview Marlboro first branch was established at Great Marlborough, London, it is from the name of it first location that the company derived its brand and factory name. in the company targets the United states in t1902, however the strength of the company was seen in 1924 when it when Altria Group Philip Morris International, the company’s founder, developed an advertising campaign selling filter-less cigarettes to women under an advertising campaigns named Mild as May. By then smoking was considered a social and acceptable until the late 1940’s when medical practitioners started to research on possible effects that smoking had on human health; with the wave to no smoking, the company establi shed a niche market that previous campaigns did not meet, men. It then diversified its focus and campaigns to men segment of the market. The wave of the anti-campaigns and warning from health was a big blow to the industry coupled with the Second World War; the company was pulled out of the market only to return with filtered cigarette in 1955. The company’s management team is lead by Michael Szymanczyk, the company’s chairman; the chief executive officer is William F. Gifford. The leadership mission as advocated for by the chairman is, My vision is that leadership becomes a defining factor that sets us apart from other organizations. The company’s mission and vision are contained in four operating paradigms as adopted by the company, they are:Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Marlboro Cigarette company case Study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Invest in Leadership: the company aims a t offering appropriate leadership that can assist the company add value to its stake holders align with Society:  the company aims to add value to societies that its operates Satisfy Adult Consumers:  the company has a target to produce satisfying brands to its customers as it tries to win others Create Substantial Value for Shareholders: the company has high value for its shareholders and aims at adding value to them To fulfill the above elements of vision and mission, the company operates under the frameworks of five values they are: Integrity, trust and respect. Passion to succeed. Executing with quality. Driving creativity into everything, we do. Sharing with others. The effect of tobacco industry products span further than the consumer of the product to have an effect on both consumer and those people around smokers, the major health complications brought about by the consumption of tobacco are pulmonary illnesses and other conditions that could be described as cancerous in nature like bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. Despite the health dangers that the industry products on the health of human beings, the use of the products still is on the increase; Marlboro Company realized the life threatening danger that its products have , however there is insatiable market that it has to supply for (RE 996-1003). The tobacco industry in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is the world largest Muslim country, however, there are rises in tobacco use among the population despite shisha culture and efforts made by the government and international bodies to curb the use of the products. Pipe tobacco remains as the most proffered method of taking tobacco, its products in the country, in 2009, the country recorded the highest sales in cigars, and the growth of smokers is evident in the count. According to the countries industrial analysis in 2010,   Philip Morris International Inc   (Malboro) had the highest share of the market in volume and sales. The report by Eu ro-monitor suggested that the major likelihood of the increase in tobacco use in the country can be contributed to the economic well being of the country that enable the population afford luxury commodities more easily (Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia). In the country, the control of purchase of the commodity has been limited, in 2009, almost in all supermarkets had a cigarette vending machine that was efficient and offered buyers good chances of buying the commodity. other than the vending booths, the country is having increasing specialized suppliers of tobacco leading to an increased accessibility of the products in the country; the products are also sold in independent small grocers and hotels/bars/restaurants, convenience stores, and forecourt retailers. The future of the industry in Saudi Arabia is expected to be on the rise especially with the improved access of the products in among the youth.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The effects that tobacco use has had on Saudi Arabia is evident, in 2006, the government threatened to sue the national and international cigarette companies to cater for the cost of curing those people affected by use of tobacco. In 2006, the country is estimated to have been using 5bn riyals ( £683m; $1.3bn) a year. According to world health organization reports of 2006, 10% of Saudi Arabians are smokers, the figure has also been challenged for having underestimated the case with some analysts being of the view that the rate may be as higher as 30% (Euromonitor). Problem Statement The main problem facing the company is how to market its products amidst aggressive campaigns against consumption of tobacco supported by legislations against the products consumption. The  World Health Organization  (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) are among the leaders in the campaign against tobacco consumption; they have enacted restrictions to hinder and contr ol marketing and advertising tobacco. In Saudi Arabia, the ministry of health during Ramadan of 2009, launched an anti-tobacco campaign and legislation; the program was launched to enforce the countries Tobacco Control Program, it aimed at setting the platforms of selling tobacco in the country, it controlled the use of the product in public places and advertising. Advertisement is means to reach a certain target market with certain information that a company intends to pass, when the information gets to the customer, then he can be persuaded to use the advertising company’s products. In the case of Marlboro, the marketing team has the role of ensuring that cigarette brand from the company are getting to the market segment they were meant to reach as well as increase the market base. However, the efforts are controlled and limited by legislations controlling the industry; other than coming up with marketing strategy, the company has to ensure the strategies do not contravene legislations regulating the industry. Coming to think about it, who are new entrants that the company are trying to get to the net of using the products, are they are the innocent youth and non-smokers in a community? According to the company’s website, it does not aim at increasing smoking rates in a country but it competes for available adult smokers, the market becomes further competitive from other companies, and the fast dying (from tobacco related diseases) and quitting (after being convinced of the dangers of smoking) population. The controversy comes between the company’s core objective of increasing business through offering satisfying products and services to its customers. The following are the specific problems that the company is facing: How can the company advertise and sell its products without negative effects of anti-tobacco campaigns How can the company sell and market its products to people of majority age without influencing the desire of taking to bacco on people of the age of minority Which tools can the company use to give back to the community after â€Å"killing† its people What is the best way to enlarge their market and remain an accepted company in the community Marlboro marketing team is actively involved in getting answers to the above burning questions; it want to be a country with high reputation and one that adds value to community and people around, however in the industry has been blamed for causing harm to the communities. To market and remain a respected company among community that company has to build a name despite the already existing negative perception and it need to build its own platform. Specifically, the study will focus on how the company can convince existing adult smokers to use its products; this will call for persuading consumers from other companies to use Marlboro products in the growing market of Saudi Arabia. To give an elaborate analysis, the paper will be divided in different parts each having certain issue, it aims at tackling; all the issues will be tied to the company’s strategies (Dewhirst and Brad 81-92). Historical background of the problem or contributing factors The cigarette market segment has been skewed to a minimal number, the population that the major players are expected to target is adult smokers, and the players in the industry should not try to increase the number of smokers. however, it should only be interested with the existing groups in the community who are smokers and of the age of 21 and above. The  American Cancer Society International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Tobacco Control Program in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian anti tobacco policy, Tobacco Settlement Agreements and the  U.S. Surgeon General, prohibits promotion of tobacco products to non-users and the youth, the agencies also regulate the marketing approaches that companies in the industry should use. Other than the skewed market, the market is suffering fro m high death rates fro use of tobacco products and quitters from smoking after an effective â€Å"stop-smoking-campaign†, this has made the market smaller and more competitive (Tobacco Industry Profile: United States 1). Literature review According to Reuters Anti-Smoking Society, every year, 22000 people in the Saudi Arabia die out of tobacco products use; report by Ministry of Health  in  Saudi Arabia in 2009 said that the world had lost 29 million people of tobacco use; this alarming statistics has yielded less to the behavior change in Saudi Arabia. Adverting is a crucial part in selling of a company’s products; it creates awareness and used as a tool to enlarge a company’s market base. In the tobacco sector, different people have their own tastes that they seem to be loyal and persuading a customer to shift to ones products needs a lot of energy and use of resources. On the other hand, it is more ethical to persuade customers leave their smoking behavio r instead of persuading them to change brands. Marlboro as well as other companies in the industry opts to concentrate on getting convince the existing ones to shift to its products than new smokers on board than tying. The main form of advertising and outdoor customer reaching method that Marlboro has been using (before the ban on public advertisement in Saudi Arabia) is the use of billboards and sports, the sport that the company is known to support is rallying. the young and the old are the target of the advertisement campaigns however the campaigns have influence minors to take the products, which is against the requirements of World health Organization as well as the company’s intentions/motives. Ministry of Health  in  Saudi Arabia, anti-tobacco legislations are hindering the company’s traditional marketing approach has been challenged by legislations controlling the industry (Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia). Other than the difficulty that the company fac es from convincing existing smokers to shift to the company’s products, the rate of death from tobacco related products is on the increase, the death is in among the old smokers, thus the company has minimal option other than target the young population. According to statistics, user of tobacco products are more likely to start taking the products before they are of the age of majority, if the company has to campaign aiming at getting the non smokers, then the adverts must be seen to be inclined towards the age of majority, this is unethical and unaccepted. the company is left at deadlock of the way forward since the most probable way that it can earn customers is against the societal expectations and needs. Tobacco is addictive thus, when a company is able to win a customers, it is on the higher side to have earned a lifetime customer, this is reinforced by the loyalty that smokers have for their brand. The notion and the behavior of consumers make marketing cigarettes chall enging especially if the focus is to win existing adult smokers. When using direct means of marketing like advertising, health advocators are of the opinion that continues advertisement of the companies’ products is likely to result to an increase use of the products among the youth and children. they have thus pushed for enactment of policies that limit direct advertising of cigarettes, the move is seen as one aimed at controlling the growth of the number of smokers in the community (Mejia and PM 78-87). The nature of Saudi Arabian tobacco industry market-situation is that that can be classified as a sticky market where players earn customers for â€Å"lifetime†. this sticky character means that the growth of the industry can only be attained if the new entrants exceed the total of those dying because of smoking and those quitting smoking; it is a give take industry. The very nature then determines the approach that a company in the industry is going to use; it is the approach to attract more smokers as the old ones are retained. With the trend and approach as used by tobacco industry, Saudi Arabian anti-tobacco campaigners are using the same approach but in a different angle. Anti-tobacco campaigners target the young population in the community to warn them on the dangers that smoking tobacco is likely to have on their health, they directly ask the young to keep off the smoking behavior/menace. To do this the campaigners give statistical data on the effect that tobacco has done in the world and suggest the best most method to keep off the problem is through complete abstinence the product, they also target those people taking the products with a message of hope and the will to rehabilitate and help them change the behavior. Their approach is more direct and seen as more ethical than the approach adopted by Marlboro and other companies in the tobacco industry. For example it is more welcoming for anti-tobacco campaigners to go to high schools se lling their products but its is never welcoming to have cigarette manufacturing companies advertising in high schools, which can be seen as unethical and as a promotion o deviant behavior among community. The ethical approach of the market and anti-campaigners leave the company at cross road on the right approach it can get an increased business. Anti-tobacco campaigners suggest that cigarette-manufacturing companies should switch their campaigns to prevention of the use of the products since it leads to more damage among communities than the goods it brings. The benefit that comes from the companies in the form of taxes, employment and agriculture promotion is highly lower than the health implications that the uses of the products have. The Ministry of health in Saudi Arabia is on the forefront enacting campaigns that target at reducing the rate of consumption of tobacco in the country; for example, it is illegal for the use of the products in public offices and buildings (Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia). The sale and marketing department at Marlboro has to come-up with an approach that erode and deletes the negative perception created by anti-campaigners and enforce the habit of smoking among the youth. This is a double sword that the company needs to employ; the approach to advertising is seen as a marketing from a negative market persuasion and going to the building to a positive market (CL 283-294). In Saudi Arabia, over 20% of those people who are suffering from lung cancer and other complications from the use of tobacco continue to use the products despite their health and medical advice. Cigarette smoking yield some poisonous gasses and thousands of chemicals that find their way to human system, the chemicals are harmful and affects the health and physical appearance of the smoker and those people around him/her as smoking takes place. The ingredients found in cigarettes are toxic and addictive; thus when someone starts the behavior he is more unli kely to leave; campaigners against smoking used the weapon of the deadly diseases that can be gotten with the use of the drug to warn people against the products. Marlboro has been targeting the existing users of its products with the aim of maintaining and winning their loyalty; to do this the company tries to put a face that discourages the behavior however, it ensures that it sells its products effectively. In recognition of the danger and according to the law, the company has to give a warning on its products that smoking is dangerous for one’s health. Individuals suffer from tobacco related ailments like heart failures and emphysema, which is a fatal illness that affects lungs and entire respiratory system; however, users of tobacco products continue to use them despite the dangers; one strong point of the industry that maintaining the existing customers is not a challenge. Numerous marketing and advertising controls that have been made by the company, they include not a dvertising for the youth and not using television and radios to advertise the products, on the other hand, advertising of tobacco has been controlled by national and international legislation promoting health (Chee-Ruey 795-804). The main players or actors who contributed to this problem Marlboro is facing challenges from different corners; they are from people who are advocating for anti-tobacco players at national and international players they include: Anti-tobacco players and ministry of health They are groups sponsored by governments and other financing channels with the aim of information the youth about the dangers they are exposing themselves to when they are taking tobacco products. In Saudi Arabia, the ministry of health has a Tobacco Control Program at the ministry; the main aim of the program is to ensure that the population stops tobacco use. These groups target the youth who have nit started the behavior as well as those people who are using the products. When these gr oups conduct their sensitization, which they do with verifiable facts on how tobacco products have affected people, then the population that is likely to form customer base for the likes of Marlboro is limited. The approach of these organizations has stepped a notch higher when they have included the parents and advised them on how to smoke away from their children, and not to send their children cigars and cigarettes, these groups are determined to hamper campaigns that lead to the use of cigar and their products. The Saudi Arabian government and ministries of health are other players who have anti-tobacco campaigns, they feel the behaviors has resulted to an increased budget in the economy; they feel the economy can be relieved this duty. One of the main roles that a government aims at is to improve the welfare and health of its population, when the government is doing this task; they discourage people from taking tobacco products. In different countries, governments have enacted rules that hinder the use and advertising of the products, for example in Kenya, an African country, cigarettes are not supposed to be advertised through the national media, companies in the industry has to look for other measures advertise their products; this has limited the use of the products. In the United States, there is a legislation that defines the where people should be taking the products; local councils have the responsibility of maintaining smoking zones and ensuring that everybody smoking is in the zones. As much as this is seen as a good policy to prevent the effect of the products, it has influenced negatively to the companies in the industry. The Saudi Arabian health policy has a number of legislations aimed at protecting the health of the people; they include Anti-tobacco rules and Tobacco Control Program at the ministry. The legislations were aimed at prohibiting the use and sale of tobacco to underage people; the following are some of the specifications of the l egislations: Prohibit the sale of tobacco using â€Å"self service† Establish the minimal age of selling cigarette (the age was set at 18 years) Required that all consumers should get identification document to people expected t be of less than 27 years In 2009 alone, there was none underage legislations that were made to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to underage and prohibit the use of tobacco in public places. In the United Kingdom, advertisement of tobacco and their products has been limited, the legislators in the country are of the opinion that advertising the products have a close link between their uses among the youth so they have controlled the marketing approaches used. One such approach that seems to have been accepted internationally is the use of a warning message with every advert and on the packets with the message that smoking of tobacco is harmful to one’s health. For example, The United States of America Food Drug Administration (FDA  orà ‚  USFDA), is mandated with the role of protecting and promoting  public health. It fulfills its task through delegated powers from United States Department of Health and Human Services to regulate and supervise the provision of food and medical service/product. One of the areas that the body looks into is the tobacco consumption and the use of tobacco products. The authority was mandated with the rule of regulating tobacco on June 22, 2009, when President Obama signed a clause that allowed the authority to regulate tobacco industry. It has set high standards of tobacco use and discouraged the use of the commodity in human arenas and prevents any move that could give the impression that smoking is less risky or contains low nicotine, it prohibits the use of the words like â€Å"light,† â€Å"mild,† or â€Å"low†, they were thought to create a perception that smoking. Such corporations are also placing blame on tobacco manufacturing companies that they are resp onsible of the current tobacco consumption trend in the world. The power that such organizations are getting from the acts of parliaments that have enacted them is making them able to use direct attacks method to campaign against the use of tobacco products (Any tobacco use in 13 States behavioral risk factor surveillance system 946-950). In Australia, the use of mass marketing for campaigning against the use of tobacco was started when there was Sponge advertisement in the original Quit. For life, this was in 1970’s. National Tobacco Strategy 2004–2009, has the mandate to ensure has the mandate to ensure that there are campaigns that are aimed at reducing the consumption of tobacco in the society. It aims to attain this strategy by alighting users on the dangers that they are posing to their bodies when they use tobacco, the country aims at informing its citizens on the danger that can be suffer from when they take tobacco products Encourage users to quit using thes e products, the country has developed some coaching, counseling and rehabilitation centers that aim at assisting people already addicted by tobacco use to change their addiction behavior developed a quitting process and increase understanding of the quitting process, and Enhance treatments and services to those who are already using the products; the heath care sector has been enhanced with modern equipments to cure those people suffering from tobacco related complications. When such government and ministry policies have been set in places, then marketing and advertising of tobacco products have been hampered. It acts like a pull push game where the powerful side wins the battle. China has the world largest market for tobacco products followed by Brazil, the United States fall in third in production and use, while Saudi Arabia is the second largest growing user of tobacco products, the sale of the product and importation has been restricted in many countries with tariff and not tar iff approaches. For example in the 1985, the United states was challenged for bleached agreements made under General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), when it refused the importation of tobacco products from China, although the move was condemned the country under USTR was able to convinces the world the need to contain the use of tobacco in the country. This made tobacco an exemption from some international trade laws. Heath personnel’s and practitioners Saudi Arabian government and private good health campaigners and the growth of health industry and ease of passing information among people is contributing negatively to the industry, health workers are having programs to train people on how they should be save from diseases especially life threatening diseases, tobacco is a culprit in life threatening diseases. When the practitioners are aiming at improving the welfare of the people, they are injuring the company on the other side. One special and positive attribute th at tobacco companies benefit from is the fact that the products are addictive, medical experts who have come up with tools that can cure any addition have hindered the move. The international community Internationally, some programs that target tobacco and its use directly, they include world cancer day that creates awareness on the dangers that can be gotten when someone is taking tobacco products. Tobacco control movement is an international body that aims at creating more awareness on the danger of tobacco use, the programs has the main role of educating the young people on the advantages of not engaging into smoking at the same time offering hope to the addicted people. Some rehabilitation centers have been established with the aim of changing the addition behavior. For a number of years World Health Organization and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) has been concerned on the use of Tobacco among the people, it pointed out the dangers that consumption of the same hav e on the users and on partial smokers. The two international organizations are of the opinion that if appropriate measures are put in place, then tobacco consumption can be reduced. In periodical health results and analysis, WHO has been condemning the use of tobacco; in some countries that rely heavily on the production of tobacco, the organization has sponsored farmers to plant other plants that they advise are more economical than tobacco but the main aim is to fight the tobacco tread. Indirect players The danger of tobacco has become real in some people and is using every opportunity to discourage its use, for instance parents might have suffered from their tobacco use habits and children learn from them. Environments conservatisms have also a role to play, they are discouraging the use of tobacco products as they damage the environment. There have been concerns that the growth of tobacco has negative effect on soils that they are grown. Taxation in the industry is another move that different government have used in the efforts of discouraging the use of the drug, in the republic of south Africa, the country has high taxation on tobacco products; many are the times that budgets have increased the products tax rates. The government has also regulated the packaging and displays that cigarettes should have in the country; for example, shops should not display the products and should only sell in packages of ten. This discourages the expansion of the market as the products become expensive and unaffordable. Challenges, issues, and prospects Despite the prevailing campaigns against smoking, the Saudi Arabian Market is on the rise, Marlboro has to advertise and come up with strategies to win more customers. According the company’s website, sales for 2009 declined by 8% in the United States but in 2010, the company’s sales were at their peak in Saudi Arabia, the trend was expected to increase because of anti-tobacco campaigns as well as competition in the industry. The design of the approach aimed at increasing the company’s share of the market without recruiting other smokers. To remain afloat in the fast growing and competitive Saudi Arabian tobacco industry, the company has embarked on brand strengthening strategy where adult smokers are targeted to buy the company’s brands. The advertising and marketing approach adopted by the company aims at creating brand awareness, recognition and loyalty among adult cigarette smokers; to attain this goal, the company has enacted a personalized selling approach where it sells via emails to customers, retails outlets and running of occasional promotional campaigns to support the marketing campaign. The advertising strategy operated by the company has made the company’s brand to be the ninth strongest brand in the world; though the target of the adverting cannot be really be stated as a certain age, there are some successful adverts that even a ten-year-old person can establish and relate with Marlboro. An example of the advert is Joe Camel, in the advert, the company presented a case that a horse was seen restless but after smoking a stick of cigarette, the animal is seen to relax and becomes rejuvenated. Such an advert is a psychological approach where the company communicates in depth but using a rather indirect method. The characters chosen in adverts are characters that show boldness and the boldness is associated with the brand that the company is trying to promote. Marlboro uses image-character adverting, in the billboards it uses characters that are seen to be bold and highly valued among communities; when such an approach is adopted, then people are more likely to associate the character in the advert and the products and eventually they end up smoking. When posing the adverts, Marlboro seeks to create an impression hat it has the aim of entertaining the community however a close analysis of the adverts can revel the intention that they want to create, they always aim at associating greatness with the products. The form of image advertising is mostly very successful among the youth people and has a psychological effect on smokers who feel their mightiness when smoking the product; this creates loyalty to the products. Since there is a challenge in direct advertisement, the company uses some elements of the same in private areas and places, for example, it uses the adverts in movies and television shows, whether directly or indirectly. for example, the main character of a movie may be portrayed taking a stick of the Marlboro, in most case, this is the person whom the youth can associate or would like to be associate with, in so doing, the young get persuaded to use the products. The company has been using paid adverts in feels and movies to ensure that when the movie is selling the message has been passed to the customer. The move however was present in the 20th century but the government has strengthened and contr olled the film industry to avoid such moves. As a form of indirect marketing, the company supports youth activities especially sporting activities, like sports. There are some sporting clubs and organizations that the company supports. For example in Latin America, the company runs a football-sporting tournament where it aims at creating awareness of its products indirectly. When looking for the function to support, the company is keen to venture in those projects that can calls for high mass following of the youth. In times of peaceful and guaranteed demonstrations, the company chips in to assist in the preparation and even offers some packets of the products to the demonstrators. This creates the brand identity and increases awareness of the brand among the youth (Michael 222-233). Implications for future use In November 1988, the company with other major tobacco producer signed an agreement with some American and European countries on how the industry could be managed. Some of th e countries involved in the signing were Florida, Minnesota, Mississippi and Texas, the agreement was called Tobacco Settlement Agreements, and the agreement was aimed at monitoring the use of tobacco products. The agreement was entered for health interests but offered restrictions that affected Marlboro and other companies in the industry, the following are some of the restrictions as per the agreement: The companies should not engage in adverts that target the youth; the adverts were aimed to be to already existing adult smokers The agreement prohibited the use of cartoons and animations in advertising, promotion, packaging or labeling of tobacco; the use was thought to have the likelihood of influencing the youth to take tobacco products The agreement barred the use of billboards, stadium and outdoor/transit advertisements like on vehicles, taxis, trains, ships, boats and bus stops The agreement prohibited the distribution of caps, shirts and backpacks, bearing tobacco brand nam es and logos; this was a challenging decision but the companies had to comply The following were the advertising areas that the agreement allowed: Advertising on magazines and periodicals, however the adverts should not target youth and children Since 2005, the company placed no restriction to advertising news papers and dailies (Sundaram and Kaushik 194-204) In the future if the company maintain effective marketing approaches, then it can outdoes other players in the industry and earn an increasing share of the market despite a reduction in cigarette consumption rate. Alternative solutions as to how this problem can be implemented Saudi Arabian tobacco industry seem to be offering a future to Marlboro’s sales, in 2010, the company was the leader in the sale of cigarettes in the country, however, Marketing cannot be ignored for the success of Marlboro. the challenging thing is the approach that the firm should use that is likely to benefit the company and create no harm to the community, and the most strategy is an indirect marketing and selling approach. Under this approach, the company should aim at creating a strong brand name and if possibly try to win the already existing smokers. The marketing department has the role of establishing what can be referred to as soft selling and psychological selling; by this approach, the company will not target groups and the youth directly. However, it will create such needed relationship that can trigger the minds of people of the company’s superiority, the approach should be in line with the legislations enacted in the industry. When promoting the products, the company should use a push approach of marketing, this is an advertising approach where the company makes its products so good to resist, for example, it can have cheap products for the masses and have some other products sold at a premium for the well to do in the society. Some of the indirect marketing exercises that the company can adopt inclu de the use of corporate social responsibilities and corporate governance. In the efforts to ensure that it has created healthy suppliers relation, the company should target farmers. It should empower farmers to produce sorter by the use of good pays, guaranteeing that they will buy the products as well as selling shares to farmers. When such an approach is used, then the company will have guaranteed supply of tobacco in its lifetime. When selling to consumers, there is always, the feeling that a consumer feels attracts him or her to a certain brand, Marlboro should engage in massive market research to establish the approaches that it can adopt to win the masses, there should be continuous development of products, tastes and processes. When the company come up with better and more diversified tastes, the masses are likely to divert their attention to the company’s products. In the massive campaigns against smoking and use of tobacco products, the company should aim at a campai gn that does not seem to contradict the campaigns since at the end of the day they have an upper hand and when fighting them the company is likely to face repulsion from the communities. The approach should be tactical and well through; creating an impression of promoting bad life threatening behavior should be avoided. On the other hand, in the efforts of ensuring there is no confrontation with the authorities, the company should aim at complying with all set regulations. Domestic legislations varies with countries, there are some countries who have lose legislations on tobacco and its products for example Saudi Arabia; the company should consider tapping such markets as a way of diversifying sales and increasing the sale volume. Such countries include Cambodia and Jamaica; they seem to have little concern on the advertising methods and the use of tobacco products among its population. When venturing in these markets, the company will be greatly be assisted by having a variety of b rand. The company should aim at developing smoking not as a habit but a social thing, an approach that aims not to create addicts but to have some people who smoke occasionally. Such an approach should be borrowed from beer companies; in the world the greatest position of alcohol products consumed in the world is by social drinkers, they take the products over the weeks or such times, this has no effect on the communities. When such a policy has been enforced, then the company will be able to grow sales without having a huge negative effect on the community taking the products. The approach can be reinforced further by the manufacture of low nicotine Products, they should be seen as products that have minimal effects on human health, and thus people can use the products without considering much danger. Although high restriction of tobacco advertising in the Saudi Arabia, some areas that the country has allowed for advertising; the county prohibits advertising of the products through televisions and radio stations but it does not prohibit the use of print media. This should be seen as a loophole that the company should exploit. The most important thing in an advertising campaign is to create awareness, print media may have limited assess to the people that the case world have been for televisions however if well utilized the message can be passed effectively. The company should diversify its resources in buying space in dailies, periodical and magazines. Periodically, the company should be producing a magazine that handles different issues in life and market its products inside. The magazines should be attractive to the target customers to increase their sales. Marlboro is known for the use of billboards, although it has been successful in this area, it has not exhausted the approach; it should diversify the approach in all it selling countries. Although the company has diversified in different countries, the company has not fully taken advantage of internation al trade and globalization; the marketing should have developed aggressive foreign countries marketing approach to win a larger market. Another area that the company has not exploited fully the use of internet as a marketing tool, with the high rise of use of computers, the company can tap the international community and the youth. The company should have entertaining and catching adverts posed in the internet and places like you-tubes and social network. Although the company has a social network page, it should be more robust advertising and marketing its products via the website. For instance, it should have an automatic friend’s acquisition and a site where smokers can offer their experience with the products. So far you tube is considered a private affair and when used to air out interesting scripts advertising Marlboro products can be an effective method. The videos created can be passed over in the social net works; when there is an interesting video, it is likely to re ach a number of people. It should carry a message that can persuade customers to use the products. Social networks are growing fast and the young are the main users of the sites so when targeted they can be of great benefit to the company. The use of sports as an indirect advertising tool can be an effective way of advertising cigarettes; although Marlboro is using golf and rally sporting to advertise, the company is seen to have concentrated on one segment of the market and forgot there are other people who can offer it good market. The use of the bottom of the pyramid approach should be implemented; when such an approach issued, then the company will aim at targeting the masses with great tastes at an affordable price. When the approach is used, the company is likely to benefit from increased sales. Some of the games that the company can use are football tournaments fully supported and named as the company and when the game is on, and then the company will have a chance to sell it s products to the communities. From the way things look, the company can only be successful if it personalizes its sales and advertising campaigns, they should target micro groups and individuals. The company should use the general behaviors of the youth who are known to cope with each other, when one section of the young is taking cigarettes then the entire group of the young is likely to start taking the product. When among other smokers, the company should aim at winning the markets and persuading people to start taking its products; the policies to win such groups include products improvement and having more tastes that can attract a higher customer base. The use of mail advertising is a good approach by the company however, the company should consider other form of individualized customer approach like the use of mobile phones and social networks accounts. The company should also use a retailer marketing approach; this is where the company offers incentives to consumers to stoc k its products, the advantages include a higher profit margin doorstep delivery and ensuring that retail outlets are well stocked with the commodity. This should be done alongside line extension and strengthening relationship between adult smokers and their preferred brands; study of the market will assist the company establish the new tastes they can come up with for more customer base (Oriola 828-840). Retailers should be well advised on the approach they should take when selling the company’s products so that at any one point, they will not be violating the legislations by domestic and international bodies. Conclusion and Recommendation Marlboro is an international cigarette company that has been in the business for over a century; marketing in the tobacco industry is challenging because of restrictions put by national and international anti-tobacco campaigns. Restrictions in the industry have limited the advertising campaigns enacted by Marlboro however, the company is us ing the limited allowed tools of advertising, and they include magazines, social networks and mail advertising. Despite the successful campaigns, in 2009, the company recorded an 8% decline in sales; however, the sales were at their pick 2010 only in Saudi Arabia. The best marketing approach in Saudi Arabia that the company can adopt is one that targets adult smokers and persuade them switch to its products, instead of targeting non-smokers. To target effectively the existing smokers, the company should embark on corporate social responsibilities programs and creating good smokers-company relationship. â€Å"Any tobacco use in 13 State behavioral risk factor surveillance systems, 2008. MMWR. Morbidity And Mortality Weekly Report 59.30 (2010): 946-950. Print. Chee-Ruey, Hsieh. Health risk and the decision to quit smoking. Applied Economics 30.6 (1998): 795-804. Print. CL, Perry. Associations between tobacco marketing and use among urban youth in India. American Journal of Health Be havior 32.3 (2008): 283-294. Print. Dewhirst, Timothy, and Brad Davis. BRAND STRATEGY AND INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION (IMC). Journal of Advertising 34.4 (2005): 81-92. Print. Engstrom, McClave. Adult Tobacco Survey 19 states, 2003-2007. MMWR Surveillance Summaries 59.3 (2010): 1-75. Print. Euromonitor. Tobacco in Saudi Arabia. Oct 2010. Web. Marlboro Official Website. Responsibility, 2011. Web. Mejia, AB, and PM Ling. Tobacco industry consumer research on smokeless tobacco users and product development. American Journal of Public Health 100.1 (2010): 78-87. Print. Michael, Cummings. Usage patterns of stop smoking medications in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States: findings from the 2006-2008 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 8.1 (2011): 222-233. Print. Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Health In Saudi Arabia Launches Anti-smoking campagin During Ram adan. Web. Oriola, TA. Ethical and legal analyses of policy prohibiting tobacco smoking in enclosed public spaces. Journal of Law, Medicine Ethics 37.4 (2009): 828-840. Print. RE, Malone. If you know you exist, its just marketing poison: meanings of tobacco industry targeting in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. American Journal of Public Health 98.6 (2008): 996-1003. Print. Sundaram, Davis, and Kaushik Mitra. ETHICAL EVALUATION OF MARKETING PRACTICES IN TOBACCO INDUSTRY. International Journal of Business Research 7.2 (2007): 194-204. Print. Tobacco Industry Profile: United States. Tobacco Industry Profile: United States (2010): 1.Print.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

11 Flexible Jobs for Working Parents

11 Flexible Jobs for Working Parents finally ready to go back to work after your maternity or paternity leave? need a bit of extra income to make ends meet? or maybe you just need some time spent with actual grown-ups. it can be really difficult to find work that matches your experience, pay needs, and schedule conflicts. here are 11 flexible jobs that shouldn’t be too far away from ideal for the working parent.1. school bus driverthis job still requires you to spend the vast majority of your time with children, but you’ll get a break between the morning and the afternoon runs. all you need is a valid driver’s license and your high school diploma. average annual pay: about $31k.2. web writerthis job can be as flexible as you want it to be, and the field is very broad. find a kind of writing you like that you’re good at- maybe an area where  you have some experience. or start a blog! you may need your bachelor’s degree, but you can easily use this job to channel your creative energy. average annual pay: about $47k.3. marketing assistantyou’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree for this, as well as fantastic project and deadline management skills, but you can harness all that pta and volunteer experience you’ve built up helping your kids’ school and start getting paid for coordinating events! average annual pay: almost $38k.4. call center repit’s not the most glamorous job in the world and some of your callers might be even needier than your kids, but you can sometimes work from home or set a flexible schedule that fits your family’s needs. average annual pay: over $28k.5. translator/interpreteryou’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree, plus superb communication skills- not just in english, but in multiple languages. but if this is your skill set, you can make your own hours and design a schedule that works best for you. average annual pay: $43-44k.6. personal trainerif you haven’t taken a break from th e gym the way you have from the workforce and you can pass the necessary licensing tests, then you can make a good amount of money helping other people to get fit. bonus: you’ll get or stay fit yourself. average annual pay: just under $53k.7. hairdresser/stylistyou’ve been cutting your kids’ hair, and you love chatting to people. add a high school diploma to this, and you’ve got yourself a pretty flexible gig. average annual pay: $23.6k.8. teacher’s aideyou love education and teaching kids, and you feel you’d work well in a classroom setting, but you don’t want the full time responsibility of being a teacher. you can help out in the classroom, implementing curriculum, helping kids one-on-one, and still not be the one who bears the entire weight of the responsibility. and you’ll be working when your kids are already in school! average annual pay: $20k.9. web designerif you have a great eye for design, and lots of experience with computers- possibly also programming languages and a bachelor’s degree, then you can make great money, set your own hours and projects, and do web design as your career. average annual pay: $62.8k.10. dietitianyou already put so much care into what your family eats (and you’ve done so much research), why not start making money spreading what you’ve learned? you might need a master’s degree for this, but you can choose the setting (educational, clinical, private, etc.) that you prefer to work in and usually set your own schedule. average annual pay: $53k.11. event plannerwith all the skills you have planning birthday parties and family cookouts, this is just the big league equivalent. you’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree, and good attention to both details and deadlines, but if that sort of high stakes (occasionally stressful) environment appeals to you, then you could work in event planning. average annual pay: $55k.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Exam questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Exam questions - Essay Example First and foremost, the first question pertaining to the visual material provided is how we can make sure that the human rights laws are adhered to by the public? On that note, the answer to this question should be comprehensively elaborated. Secondly, what are the measures that have been put in place by the government to safe guard the vulnerable groups from human rights violation? Evidently, this question has been discreetly covered in the video and the lecture material provided. Finally, which are some of the organizations that have played a big role in the upholding of human rights laws? On the same point, the answer to this question is brief and is clearly covered in the video. In summation, it is clear that human rights violation are a major setback towards attaining universal development. To this end, the government has played a big role in trying to avert this looming crisis by creating the necessary legislation. ï‚ · Human rights Day. (n.d.). human rights. Retrieved February 13, 2014, from

Friday, October 18, 2019

Descriptive Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Descriptive Report - Essay Example Texas State Fair is a festive event that presents colors, forms, foods and many entertainments drawing people to visit the place, from children to adults. It is a busy place where everyone has somewhere else to go and something else to do, making people busy as they stay and enjoy the warmth and joy of the festivity. As people have different interests, the fair offers a wide variety of fascinating events to attract people from all walks of life. However, the greatest and perhaps the most-loved and most visited is the food offered in the fair. There are a lot of experimental victuals, unique, exquisite and creative although most of them are not healthy because of they are served with so much grease. Deep fried Oreo cookies, deep fried peanut butter, deep fried Twinkies, deep fried pork ribs, fried cheese cake and deep fried butter are just some among the cholesterol-filled foods available at the fair. The most recent introduced deep fried food is the deep fried beer by chef Mark Zable which attracted many curious spectators to try it, and it won the creator the ‘most creative’ award for the fair in 2010. This sort of tease keeps the people curious, wondering and expecting more from what is offered at the fair. As this year’s Texas State Fair nears, it is becoming a buzz and everyone is really getting excited to see the opening of the most awaited event in Dallas. Businessmen flock to this prestigious event and take part in sponsoring the affair and advertising their company and products. Competitors for the different categories surely have been busy preparing for the fair, expecting something good to come out from this year’s State Fair. One of the attractions that welcomes audiences to the fair is Big Tex, a tall cowboy mascot symbolizing the event, having a hinged jaw making him appear to be the one speaking as the activities are announced. He is clothed with the red, white and blue colors of the flag and has a single star

How Do We Forgive Our Fathers (Poem) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

How Do We Forgive Our Fathers (Poem) - Essay Example The speaker of the poem is most probably a son, a son who faces the double dilemmas of knowing himself and knowing his father, without losing touch with his own identity. The poem suggests that a father’s masculinity defines his personality, which in turn, shapes his attitudes and behaviors as a husband and a father to his family; in other words, masculinity develops and delimits his destiny, a destiny that is intertwined with his children’s identities. In the first stanza, the poem looks at his father through the haze of the past and the future. The first line states: â€Å"How do we forgive our Fathers?† (Lourie 1). These words ask all children about forgiving their fathers. â€Å"Fathers† is capitalized, which makes it more personal because a son would say â€Å"Father† not â€Å"father.† It is in plural form too, which connotes the universality of having fathers as a shared experience. The first line also evokes the image of a father who must be forgiven. The speaker no longer asks if people need to forgive their fathers, but focuses on the process, the â€Å"how.† Apparently, the speaker does not know the process of forgiving someone as important in his life as a father. The poet continues the thought to the second line, which states: â€Å"Maybe in a dream† (Lourie 2). ... The future may be bleak when children have a hard time forgiving their fathers. The question of forgiveness is perceived with both hesitation and opportunity. The next few lines of the first stanza introduce the greatest faults of fathers in general. The third line continues to the idea of fathers’ deficiencies. It states: â€Å"Do we forgive our Fathers for leaving us too often or forever† (Lourie 3). Instead of answering the question â€Å"how,† the poet refers to the reasons why people have to forgive their fathers. The shift of the content from the â€Å"how† to the â€Å"why† provides a clearer explanation of the context of forgiveness. What have fathers done to be forgiven? The poet answers that fathers sometimes leave their families too much or forever, wherein â€Å"too often† means they always have to go to work, and for their spare time, they drink or spend it with their colleagues and friends. This aspect of fatherhood highlights c lass, race, and gender issues. The working class, especially low-income minority groups, spends their lifetime working to make ends meet. As fathers, the patriarchal society expects them to be the breadwinners, which is a gender issue. As men of the house, they must make money, or else, society questions their masculinity. To leave â€Å"forever,† on the contrary, means that the father has abandoned his family. He has sired a child and left him/her to his/her mother. This kind of fatherhood is criticized, but not as blatantly as mothers who abandon their children. Somehow, a masculine world condones abandoning fathers as an acceptable norm. These reasons for forgiving fathers are important because they undermine the essence of a father. A father who is gone or almost always gone can hardly be a father in