Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Organizational Technology Plan Essay

Team C is researching University of Phoenix and the technology used at the school. The team will research new technology, workforce training, and recommendations to stay ahead of future challenges. In addition, team C will cover value chain analysis and primary technology the school uses for instructions. University of Phoenix has extensive support activities that students and instructors access daily. Team C will retrieve information and recommend ideas for UOPX to create a more enjoyable learning environment. The team will also cover the different ways UOPX uses the Internet to market products available to all stakeholders. Challenges University of Phoenix has set itself apart by creating a competitive advantage for working adults seeking to further his or her education. Points of differences include advanced technology and communication networks, service-oriented staff in a virtual environment, and easy access of training modules for students of all levels. Although technology has proved a point of difference for UOPX, it also is a hurdle for those intimidated by new advancements. Fear of technology is a consideration. The target market for UOPX is adults who have been away from college for 10-15 years or more. With this market comes a clientele removed from technology that did not exist when he or she enrolled in high school or college. This supports a strategy of establishing partnerships with organizations such as Microsoft or Apple to assist in managing server workload as well as attracting new customers. Staying ahead of the technology curve is essential, and organizations such as Apple can introduce new customers as well as offer new mediums of communication that can bring more awareness to each brand. One example would be developing an Apple tutorial available within the UOPX library. This would help to train, service the students, and enhance their academic experience. University of Phoenix needs to continue to enhance the on boarding process with orientation classes and a consistent stream of tutorials to engage new students to the online program. The current model includes communication networks including e-mail, blogs, chat forums and online forums. This is effective but will become dated if UOPX does not stay ahead of the technology curve. â€Å"Current struggles with bandwidth size for wireless networks is a good example of the need to anticipate and stay ahead of the competition† (Information Systems and Technology Articles, 2011). In addition to the software, it is important to be aggressive with hiring talent who is current with tomorrow’s technology. Recruiting from organizations such as Microsoft, Google, and other technology companies will inspire creative and innovative thinking that will assist in maintaining a competitive advantage and attract new markets. Value Chain Analysis University of Phoenix is an accredited college that is available for adult learners seeking a learning environment, which is flexible, has challenging curriculum, provides a supportive learning environment and is a top-rated college to attend. University of Phoenix has five goals that help students understand what key subjects are essential to his or her education; professional competence and values, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, information utilization, and collaboration (University of Phoenix, 2011). University of Phoenix primary activities related to value chain analysis is apparent; the learning environment has been constructed. An online campus is available for those adult learners not able to attend an educational campus. The value chain support activities are readily available for any student to research via University of Phoenix website or by calling an academic counselor who can provide information and answer any student or potential students’ question or concern. Primary Activities University of Phoenix was technologically created so learners are provided the same learning experience as those students who attend on-campus classes. Virtual students can feel they are provided the same learning environment and are just as engaged as if sitting in a classroom. This technological edge gives University of Phoenix a competitive advantage over many other universities not offering virtual classrooms or just started to implement virtual learning. Dr. John Sperling, a Cambridge-educated economist and professor-turned-entrepreneur, established University of Phoenix in 1976. He saw an opportunity to cater to working adults seeking higher education by offering convenient class times at local sites (University of Phoenix, 2011). University of Phoenix is the nation’s largest private university, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs at more than 200 locations as well as online in most countries around the world (University of Phoenix, 2011). Support Activities Many organizations use some type of support services put into place to help the people who need it. At University of Phoenix, there are support systems to help the students who require help. Most of the students at University of Phoenix are online students and the need for technical support and help desks are extremely important to facilitate with the success of the student. When students and instructors need to meet deadlines, the most important system in place is technical support. UOPX even has help desks for the student or teacher help him or herself instead of talking to a support specialist. Often this list is full of questions that can help solve many common problems. University of Phoenix has numerous types of help desks for the students not just for technical questions. (Regan and O’Connor, 2002. p. 246). UOPX has enrollment specialists and staff members available to help the student enroll in the program they are seeking and properly prepare for the upcoming course. Because University of Phoenix is predominantly online campus, help desks and technical supports are necessary from the start of the course to graduation to ensure the success of the instructors and students. These systems are in place and are usually 24 hours so that help is available when needed. Innovative Approaches University of Phoenix uses innovative approaches toward higher learning and uses the business technology to help them approach new information and old. Data mining is utilized by the business world to help them discover how customers like or dislike a certain product or process; University of Phoenix uses data mining to find new and old information that can be used in classes. Harvard Business School is considered one of the top business schools in the world; the professors teach information that can be useful in all business schools. The information taught by the Harvard professors is available online and in websites like those that are available in the UOPX library. By collaborating with sites like EBSCOhost, Gale PowerSearch, and ProQuest students can research information that has been reviewed by professionals from different sources. Another source of information and also a source of friendship that helps the University of Phoenix with communication, learning, and camaraderie are the e-mail, individual class threads. In addition, the new phoenix connect forums that allow students and faculty to keep in touch with each other. The online learning environment is new to many students and the idea that a person can receive his or her bachelorettes’ in an online class is hard for the professional world to grasp. According to a study about the online learning experience, â€Å"In comparing students who had and who had not completed online courses, Dobbs, Waid and del Carmen (2009) found that students who had completed online courses viewed the online experience as positive, would likely take more online courses and wished faculty would put more materials online† (Deggs, Grover & Kacirek, 2010). With this in mind, the online education experience is improving and using more technology to help students gain access to the material that is available. Internet Use University of Phoenix uses the Internet to recruit staff, for customer service and marketing purposes. In the instance of recruitment of new staff, one can find job listings on careerbuilder.com and the phoenix.edu site. This is an added benefit for University of Phoenix to uses the Internet to reach a larger demographic of potential staff. Staff recruiters are available via e-mail if there are questions or concerns. University of Phoenix is quite transparent and open for comments and suggestions. When dealing with marketing, one can stumble across a non-University of Phoenix site and see a banner that can be clicked on to, acquire information about the school. â€Å"University of Phoenix is recognized as the pioneer of online higher education and has been at the forefront of advancing education through technology for more than 30 years† (Mary Berry, UOPX). With Phoenix Connect alone, University of Phoenix is not only tackling customer service for students but also a marketing tool for the university. Banners, blogs, videos, and social networking are exceptional ways that University of Phoenix has used the Internet. Potential students want to know that the university is on the cutting edge and can provide a quality education. By having these avenues to research and learn online are additional advantages and benefits to students and potential staff. Organizations to Move University of Phoenix must remain a dynamic organization with regard to technology. Using Michael Porter’s Value Chain model, technology is a key support system that influences each of the value chains (NetMBA: Business Knowledge Center, Strategy, 2010). For University of Phoenix to continue to look ahead to future opportunities for growth the outbound logistics and operations units will need to adapt to change. The operations value chain for UOPX is the transformation of the raw materials into a finished product or service. This correlates to the network and infrastructure that UOPX uses today. Advances in technology affect UOPX more than most organizations because they rely on this technology as a primary support system to present the finished product to its customers. Technology advances to increase productivity and service will enhance the website, increase the efficiency and speed of service, introduce new tutorials, and change the design and brand of the network used by students. How the product is delivered describes Porter’s outbound logistics value chain (NetMBA: Business Knowledge Center, Strategy, 2010). Brick and mortar organizations would refer to this as the packaging and presentation. Phoenix presents this value chain as the online experience it provides the students. Enhancements and technology upgrades to the library, blogs, academic advisory center, and access to the writing and mathematics center for excellence contribute to the online presentation that UOPX provides for the students. Advancements in technology will drive change with Phoenix because it is more than just a support system for the value chains. People upgrade technology at home and at work via communication media, smart phones, and wireless technology. UOPX must embrace this change and adapt it to the current model to remain current with the expectations of its customers and faculty. Embracing this change will ensure that UOPX is keeping pace with the expectations of the public, and stay ahead of competition using technology as a point of difference. Manager Responsibility An essential part of organizational change is the learning curve involved in the implementation plan within the organization. The four phases consist of vital key components involved within managements grasp include unfreezing change, learning, change, and refreezing. Unfreezing change is the management skill of making sure that all parties involved within the change ahead, are current, and prepared for the learning curve ahead. Management must create urgency for the need to change toward each individual. The second phase will include a period of learning. This will be considered the urgency brought upon by the first phase of needing to be prepared for adaptation of change. During this period, the change will focus on changing the old attitude so that each individual is acclimated for the new company vision. Vision during the implementation phase is extremely important to guide each individual. The next phase is called the change phase that takes place after the unfreeze phase. The most optimal time to introduce this phase is once everyone has communicated his or her differences or concerns about the phase. This will include organized meetings within the company to brainstorm within each department. Final phase of this process is called the refreeze phase. The refreeze phase will inclusively bring together the entire process and knowledge gathered by each process. Staff will be encouraged to attend the advanced training sessions created to make the change possible. Through attending these sessions or training classes, each employee will unknowingly become more comfortable with the change. Implement Change Participation will allow employees to be part of the planning and implementation process; he or she can contribute to identifying and understanding the goals of the strategic plan. Education is another factor to help overcome resistance to change from employees. Leaders should educate employees about the strategy before and during the implementation process. Education is a method that supplies individuals with information he or she needs to understand the reason for change. A method a leader can use in the negotiating process is to identify and offer incentives to individuals who resist change such as giving him or her important role in the implementation process. Management and Knowledge Every business needs a good manager to be successful. Without a knowledgeable manager the business will not thrive. One of the most important jobs of a manager is the ability to find and recruit new employee’s that will be able to aid in the success of the business (Change Management Learning Center, 1996-2011). Once the manager has the employee trained and ready to work, the manager will need to have the knowledge to manage the employees. Successfully managing employees is not easy and would require the knowledge of the laws and regulations of employee’s rights. The employees represent the business and are the people that the customers turn to for help. If properly trained and managed the employees will be a huge reason that customers will be loyal. Customer loyalty is partly based upon how much the customer can trust and rely on the business. So training employees to be the best representatives is the absolute most import job of a manager. Managers are also responsible for overseeing the daily business to include stock and supply. It is important for a business not to run out of anything that will help them be successful. The manager must oversee that equipment is staying in good repair and that all the employees be responsible for his or her own duties. Also when needed a manager must restructure any plan or process not working up to standards. Because of changing times and constant technological upgrades new processes are a must, and where there is new processes there must also be new training to learn new processes. The manager is the one person who everyone goes to, when there is an issue or problem it is the manager’s expertise and knowledge that will help the employees to have a good working condition Areas of Manager Knowledge At University of Phoenix, management must be knowledgeable of process re-engineering and restructuring, innovating application of goods and services approaches to managing employees as a vital element in the value chain, methods of achieving, and maintaining customer loyalty. To remain and compete as one of the top nation’s largest private universities offering degree programs in 200 locations as well as online courses in many countries around the world. An organization must be aware of what consumers want and need to keep up with the changing times and remain successful. â€Å"Planning is specifying the goals to be achieved and deciding in advance the appropriate actions needed to achieve those goals† (Bateman & Snell, 2009) . In today’s world of technology, University of Phoenix must be able to invent new ways of advancing the company, coming up with competitive advantages while staying progressive, looking for revolutionary technological advances. Planning involves analyzing current situations as well as projecting and estimating future requirements. Company Preparedness Top management in any company has the responsibility to communicate the organization’s vision and guide strategic planning. Consistent and clear communication with team members is other key factors to identify desired outcomes. Leaders will achieve success by simply communicating with the team his or her shared vision, achieving milestones, and celebrating large, or small wins. Team members should share in the vision without fear of reprimand because he or she voices an opinion or challenges premises. Internal Resistance Organizations understand that changes in technology are a constant in today’s business. Management needs to understand that with those changes individuals will react differently depending on how the information is conveyed to the employee. Management understands that individuals will have issues or concerns with new technology changes in the workforce. Individuals who have those issues or concerns should understand that management has his or her best interest in mind when making those changes. Organizations that have a direct communication style with those individuals will ask members of his or her staff what his or her thoughts are with the new change. This will give direct feedback regarding what individuals think about the changes. Individuals, who express those concerns, are more apt to understand the change and move forward. Managers who will use this style can understand that not all members of his or her staff will express his or her concern. Management should develop a straight talk with individuals when he or she has gathered information about any changes in technology within the organization. Management should be straightforward with individuals when the information is needed to be communicated with individuals so that the individual can understand the change and how this will affect his or her job. Employees who are included with developing changes will understand those changes and work on developing a positive attitude toward those changes. Management should understand that some individuals will not understand the changes and do not want to make those changes. Individuals who are part of those groups should be addressed as individuals who need extra attention and understand what concerns that he or she has. Those individuals are people who do not understand those changes and should have extra training to help those individuals with his or her issues. Management should include trainers with any new change in technology so that individuals could be trained on the new processes with the company. Trainers with a hands-on approach with employees are a tool that can assist with the negativity an employee may experience. Employees will be more open to express his or her concern with a coworker who is a trainer. The trainer can take that information and pass it on to management. Management can sit down and come to positive conclusions for all parties involved to provide better solutions to employees. The solution to resistance from employees during technology changes can be implemented differently. It depends on the individual and not every individual will be positive with any change in an organization with technologies. Management needs to let people know the benefits of those changes, and involve as many people as possible to ensure people can understand the changes. Involvement and open talk with employees with make the resistance dwindle as much as possible. Management must prepare for those changes and be open with individuals to show him or her change. Effective Communication of Change Companies are prone to change regardless of how hard an organization attempts to limit changes. Companies like University of Phoenix embrace change because they know it drives the competitive edge. Recently University of Phoenix went under some drastic changes for the betterment of the school and most important the students. This was highlighted in the media as well as on the Internet. One example of how the university effectively communicated changes was by having their representatives speak to the media and reporters about why they were changing compensation for employers and eliminated staff members. The following is a statement from a representative at University of Phoenix about changing compensation, â€Å"We are the first to do so among proprietary schools, and it is an important change that is clearly something that regulators and policy makers in Washington want to see† (De Groote, Michael of Deseret News). This statement alone lets any potential student know that the reason for the change is to align with what the government wants to see. This puts in the customers mind that the UOPX is serious about abiding to guidelines and policies. Making such a statement is a bold move and advantageous in creating the competitive edge for the university. Because the university is the first to make such a change this allows students whether new or old, know they are serious about the accreditation of the school. They proved this by making a tough decision even though it may have displayed weakness but were essential at the time. Ownership UOPX markets itself as an accredited institution that provides education at the highest level. It provides students an online library with resources that represent the integrity of the university and the product UOPX delivers to its students. This information and the content provided represent the outbound logistics and the sales and marketing value chain for University of Phoenix. The university packages this information to attract students to the benefits and value of the product. Accuracy, quality, and flow of this information (outbound logistics) will determine the success of this value chain and the impact on the entire system. If this value chain breaks down the synergy of the organization will be lost. The raw materials and operations value chains can be managed perfectly but if the logistics of the customers’ access to this information is flawed, UOPX will fail. More important, technology becomes a key support to this value chain because the content, accuracy, and accessibility of this information is a primary point of difference for UOPX. Leaders must have excellent communication with the technology team and logistics team to coordinate the product in a way that offers value to the student but not overwhelming him or her with complicated application to access the information. Accuracy and quality of the information will reflect the sales and service value chain. UOPX markets itself as an institution that affords students every benefit of a traditional brick and mortar university. With that statement UOPX must ensure that all information obtained from the students complies with privacy regulations and material found within the university library is credible. Communicate Change University of Phoenix is at the forefront of technology in an educational environment. The company is continually looking for the best technology to be used in the adult education field. To stay at the top as the largest private university the organization must be able to communicate internally with employees and externally with customers. Different resources reach out to different individuals. Apollo Group is the parent company of University of Phoenix. Within the walls of the company Apollo group uses several ways to communicate with employees about technology changes coming down the road. The organization uses both broadcast e-mail as well as individual e-mail to relay information on technology researched, beta tested, and progressed pertaining to the implementation plan. The organization uses an internal website and network to allow employees to learn more about different projects and give input to the project teams. Employees can access training materials for the new technology implemented or considered for implementation. Social Contract Social contract will meet these principles of social contract through actively contributing revenue earned through the successful implementation of new technology. This shows the benefit rather than just the revenue by exemplifying to the public that this company is in support and contributes to welfare of society and not just focused on maximizing profit. University of Phoenix’s annual report will highlight the progress of our social responsibility on many levels. Including furthering members of society education, minority help, donations to arts, and social welfare agencies that will improve many social conditions. Through implementing a well planned/organized technology, these standards of ethical issues will be met. Ethical issues concur with the science of human duty to one another. Giving social responsibility to society exemplifies an easy and unique decision for our future investors. â€Å"Primary functions, such as product research and development, production, and marketing; and support functions, such as human resources, public relations, and information systems† (Regan & O’Connor, 2002, p. 17) are extremely important primary functions involved in actively and directly involving the production and marketing for this product. The IT department expanded to other departments of the new technology will correlate a focus on organization-wide management to develop skills of knowledge management in training and development issues. Ownership Any organization has social responsibilities to the community and the employees. Technology plays a role in that responsibility. Not only does University of Phoenix use technology to service its customers but also to help the employees of Apollo group. The University of Phoenix uses secure technology programs to transmit information with the Department of Education and Direct Loans. The student’s social security number, birth date, contact information, and sometimes banking information must be secure. Personal information must be protected because of privacy rights set in place by the federal government. One of the largest reasons to protect this information is identity theft. This would be the biggest failure of social responsibility. Technology Technology is used to help employees as well. Apollo group employs people across the nation. Human resources to provide benefits and pay to all employees use technology. Paperwork for different types of leave is transmitted electronically. Changes in personal information are kept on the human resources website. The University of Phoenix uses technology to improve and support the well-being of the employees. Through the internal intranet system, the employees have access to resources to become healthier, physically, and mentally. Through the same HR site, employees can view paychecks, vacation, sick hours, change personal information, and complete training. Technology is continually being used to help employees. Many items have to consider when researching going global. In fact, the world is becoming a smaller place in terms of business. With all the new technology, it is easy for a business to be productive in other countries. E-mail, video teleconferencing, the Internet, and e-commerce are some of the methods used by businesses so that they can be in more than one place. Many rules apply that may make the transition difficult if not known. Possessing an IT manager is a must when going global because of the rules and regulations of other countries for the Internet. Web accessibility in some countries is limited that would make setting up the Internet in another country difficult. Each country has policies and procedures that must be followed in order for use of the Internet to be used (W3C Web Accessibility initiative, 25 August 2006). This means that a company should understand the policies and procedures before they purchase their property in the country. Being online will be one of the m ost important tasks this business will have. Without the use of the Internet the business will be, blind so to speak from their sister locations, and this may pose a problem to the company. The long term effects of cultural and languages differences on a company’s business operations can be positive and negative for an organization depending on how that organization is prepared for that development. Organizations must understand the countries culture when expanding to that country. Different cultures have different customs that is acceptable and unacceptable in that country. The long-term effect of an organization moving into a country and conducting business not fully aware of those habits and customs in that country can result in very negative for that organization. Different nations have different customs that he or she is accustomed too. If an organization crosses those lines in the form of the employee, those employees will not work as effetely as he or she should. This happens because of an individual upset with the organization and spending more resources complaining about what had happen. This result for the organization will take time to resolve to make things work for the better. That organization must communicate with the employees and other members of the community what the goal is for the organization. If the goal is positive for both the organization and country than that business will result in a win-win solution for everyone involved. In an organizations standpoint it should be able to communicate effetely so that miscommunication cannot accrue. If an organization does have miscommunication, the organization must be able to correct that miscommunication as quickly as possible to save the organization from down time. Organizations can benefit from expanding globally if it is done correctly. The correct way to do this is to have research done on the country that the organization is looking to expand. This will ensure that the organization is successful in working with that organization. The long-term effect for doing business that must expand to stay competitive is positive for the organizations and expands employment for other people involved. Expansion is a necessity for organizations. With that necessity, the expansion should have the research needed to support effective communication within that organization. Ownership UOPX markets itself as an accredited institution that provides education at the highest level. It provides students an online library with resources that represent the integrity of the university and the product UOPX delivers to its students. This information and the content provided represent the outbound logistics and the sales and marketing value chain for University of Phoenix. The university packages this information to attract students to the benefits and value of the product. Accuracy, quality, and flow of this information (outbound logistics) will determine the success of this value chain and the impact on the entire system. If this value chain breaks down the synergy of the organization will be lost. The raw materials and operations value chains can be managed perfectly but if the logistics of the customers’ access to this information is flawed, UOPX will fail. More important, technology becomes a key support to this value chain because the content, accuracy, and accessibility of this information is a primary point of difference for UOPX. Leaders must have excellent communication with the technology team and logistics team to coordinate the product in a way that offers value to the student but not overwhelming him or her with complicated application to access the information. Accuracy and quality of the information will reflect the sales and service value chain. UOPX markets itself as an institution that affords students every benefit of a traditional brick and mortar university. With that statement UOPX must ensure that all information obtained from the students complies with privacy regulations and material found within the university library is credible. Communicate Change University of Phoenix is at the forefront of technology in an educational environment. The company is continually looking for the best technology to be used in the adult education field. To stay at the top as the largest private university the organization must be able to communicate internally with employees and externally with customers. Different resources reach out to different individuals. Apollo Group is the parent company of University of Phoenix. Within the walls of the company Apollo group uses several ways to communicate with employees about technology changes coming down the road. The organization uses both broadcast e-mail as well as individual e-mail to relay information on technology researched, beta tested, and progressed pertaining to the implementation plan. The organization uses an internal website and network to allow employees to learn more about different projects and give input to the project teams. Employees can access training materials for the new technology implemented or considered for implementation. Social Contract Social contract will meet these principles of social contract through actively contributing revenue earned through the successful implementation of new technology. This shows the benefit rather than just the revenue by exemplifying to the public that this company is in support and contributes to welfare of society and not just focused on maximizing profit. University of Phoenix’s annual report will highlight the progress of our social responsibility on many levels. Including furthering members of society education, minority help, donations to arts, and social welfare agencies that will improve many social conditions. Through implementing a well planned/organized technology, these standards of ethical issues will be met. Ethical issues concur with the science of human duty to one another. Giving social responsibility to society exemplifies an easy and unique decision for our future investors. â€Å"Primary functions, such as product research and development, production, and marketing; and support functions, such as human resources, public relations, and information systems† (Regan & O’Connor, 2002, p. 17) are extremely important primary functions involved in actively and directly involving the production and marketing for this product. The IT department expanded to other departments of the new technology will correlate a focus on organization-wide management to develop skills of knowledge management in training and development issues. Ownership Any organization has social responsibilities to the community and the employees. Technology plays a role in that responsibility. Not only does University of Phoenix use technology to service its customers but also to help the employees of Apollo group. The University of Phoenix uses secure technology programs to transmit information with the Department of Education and Direct Loans. The student’s social security number, birth date, contact information, and sometimes banking information must be secure. Personal information must be protected because of privacy rights set in place by the federal government. One of the largest reasons to protect this information is identity theft. This would be the biggest failure of social responsibility. Technology Technology is used to help employees as well. Apollo group employs people across the nation. Human resources to provide benefits and pay to all employees use technology. Paperwork for different types of leave is transmitted electronically. Changes in personal information are kept on the human resources website. The University of Phoenix uses technology to improve and support the well-being of the employees. Through the internal intranet system, the employees have access to resources to become healthier, physically, and mentally. Through the same HR site, employees can view paychecks, vacation, sick hours, change personal information, and complete training. Technology is continually being used to help employees. Many items have to consider when researching going global. In fact, the world is becoming a smaller place in terms of business. With all the new technology, it is easy for a business to be productive in other countries. E-mail, video teleconferencing, the Internet, and e-commerce are some of the methods used by businesses so that they can be in more than one place. Many rules apply that may make the transition difficult if not known. Possessing an IT manager is a must when going global because of the rules and regulations of other countries for the Internet. Web accessibility in some countries is limited that would make setting up the Internet in another country difficult. Each country has policies and procedures that must be followed in order for use of the Internet to be used (W3C Web Accessibility initiative, 25 August 2006). This means that a company should understand the policies and procedures before they purchase their property in the country. Being online will be one of the most important tasks this business will have. Without the use of the Internet the business will be, blind so to speak from their sister locations, and this may pose a problem to the company. The long term effects of cultural and languages differences on a company’s business operations can be positive and negative for an organization depending on how that organization is prepared for that development. Organizations must understand the countries culture when expanding to that country. Different cultures have different customs that is acceptable and unacceptable in that country. The long-term effect of an organization moving into a country and conducting business not fully aware of those habits and customs in that country can result in very negative for that organization. Different nations have different customs that he or she is accustomed too. If an organization crosses those lines in the form of the employee, those employees will not work as effetely as he or she should. This happens because of an individual upset with the organization and spending more resources complaining about what had happen. This result for the organization will take time to resolve to make things work for the better. That organization must communicate with the employees and other members of the community what the goal is for the organization. If the goal is positive for both the organization and country than that business will result in a win-win solution for everyone involved. In an organizations standpoint it should be able to communicate effetely so that miscommunication cannot accrue. If an organization does have miscommunication, the organization must be able to correct that miscommunication as quickly as possible to save the organization from down time. Organizations can benefit from expanding globally if it is done correctly. The correct way to do this is to have research done on the country that the organization is looking to expand. This will ensure that the organization is successful in working with that organization. The long-term effect for doing business that must expand to stay competitive is positive for the organizations and expands employment for other people involved. Expansion is a necessity for organizations. With that necessity, the expansion should have the research needed to support effective communication within that organization. To allow a company to grow, the expansion globally may need to take place. Whereas this would be an excellent feat to take on, there are technology issues that can occur in the process. It is best to prepare oneself for any technology issue that may arise. First, it is important to understand where the company plans to spread globally and if that country is capable of meeting the standard s required in the United States. One issue that may arise is some â€Å"countries lack the infrastructure to support such technology† (Encyclopedia of Business, p. 1). If this occurs, a solution may be establishing intermediate technology for the time being. Another problem could be security when business is conducted online. Other countries may not uphold the same privacy acts as The United States therefore customers could suffer because of this. One key issue would be the Internet and how quickly information can be communicated. Looking at University of Phoenix the online students would suffer in another country if they did not have comparable Internet to the United States. This would hinder their schooling, and this would not be something the university would want for the student. Another factor would be the time difference and tech support available for students who need it in other time zones. Hence, it is crucial to research and know the location thoroughly so these technology issues would not take place. Team C completed extensive research on University of Phoenix’s technology plan and current upgrades. UOPX has a business description of giving all individuals the chance to receive a degree to improve his or her marketability and improving his or her lively hood. Technology has an enormous impact on UOPX because a majority of students attends classes on-line. The university has a stringent policy on proper conduct of students and faculty. UOPX requires and expects all stakeholders to respect and treat all students and employees with proper etiquette. In addition, UOPX has students and instructors around the world. This requires UOPX to establish technology and support staff that is well versed in the technology that is used by all stakeholders. UOPX has consistently been on the for-front of technological advancement for on-line classes. The university has consistently sought out the best and brightest individuals in the technology field to stay ahead of all other on-line universities. Because of being on the for-front, UOPX has continued to set the standard with-in the for-profit universities. References Information Systems and Technology Articles. (2011, April). Wireless Infrastructure: Can our Current System Handle Bandwidth Demands. Retrieved from http://www.phonix.edu University of Phoenix. (2011). Introducing PhoenixConnect: The University of Phoenix Academic Social Network. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/business/articles/2011/01/introducing-phoenixconnect-the-university-of-phoenix-academic-social-network.html Regan, E., & O’Connor, B. (2002). End-User Information Systems: Implementing Individual and Work Group Technologies. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-Text]. : A Pearson Education Company. Retrieved from chap7,pg.6 , TEC401 website. Deggs, D. Grover, K. Kacirek, K. (Sep. 2010) EXPECTATIONS OF ADULT GRADUATE STUDENTS IN AN ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM. College Student Journal, 01463934, Sep2010, Vol. 44, Issue 3 retrieved June 4, 2011 from EBSCOhost Bateman, T.S., & Snell, S.A. (2009). Management: Leading and Collaborating in a Competitive W orld. (8th ed.) McGraw-Hill. University of Phoenix, (2006-2011), retrieved on June 2, 2011 from http://www.phoenix.edu/ Change Management Learning Center. (1996-2011). An Overview of Change Management. Retrieved from http://www.change-managment.com/change-managment-overview.htm http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700088460/University-of-Phoenix-enrollment-drops-because-of-changes-to-enrollment-recruiting-practices.html NetMBA: Business Knowledge Center, Strategy. (2010). The Value Chain. Retrieved from http://www.netmba.com W3C Web Accessibility initiative. (25 August 2006). Policies Relating to Web Accessibility. Retrieved from http://www.w3.org/WAI/Policy Regan, E. A., & O’Connor, B. N. (2002). End-User Information Systems: Implementing Individual and Work Group Technologies (2nd ed.). Pearson, NY: Prentice-Hall.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The 23rd Session of the International Poplar Commission

The 23rd Session of the International Poplar Commission The Mechanism of 2n Pollen Formatiom in Populus ? euramericana and P. ? popularis Speaker Jin-feng Zhang (Jennifer) [email  protected] edu. cn Beijing Forestry University P. R. China OUTLINE 1 Introduction 2 Materials and Methods 3 Results and Analysis 4 Discussion 1 Introduction 1. 1 Polyploid breeding is an important part in poplar breeding ? ? Triploid white poplar trees Triploid and aneuploid hybrids in Populus trichocarpa ? P. deltoides ? Triploidy were found in the cultivar poplar clones in section Aigeiros Introduction 1. 2 Mechanisms of 2n gamete formation in plant ? ? ? ? ? Premeiotic doubling Omission of the first or second meiotic division Abnormal spindle Abnormal cytokinesis Nuclear fusion FDR ( first division restitution ) : Contains non-sister chromatids SDR ( second division restitution): Contains two sister chromatids 1 Introduction 1. 3 The objective of this study ? Poplar can produce 2n gamete naturally or b y artificial induction Elucidation of the cytological mechanisms of 2n gamete formation has been seldom in poplar.To detect and elucidate the mechanisms of 2n pollen formation in diploid poplar Results from this research may offer a more effective method for polyploid breeding in poplar in section Aigeiros. ? ? ? 2 Materials and Methods 2. 1 Plant materials ? Populus ? euramericana Four male : EA1, EA2, EA3 and EA4 One female: A ? P. ? popularis The offspring of (P. simonii ? (P. nigra var pyramidalis + Salix matsudana mixed pollen) ) One Male: P ? The crosses A ? EA1, A ? EA2, A ? EA3, A ? EA4, A? P 2 Materials and Methods 2. 2 Microsporogenesis observation 2. 3 Flow cytometry analyses 2. 4. Chromosome counting 2. 5. SSR analysis 3. Results and Analysis . 1 Cytological determination on 2n pollen formation 10 11 5 6 8 9 Table 1 The expected and observed rate of 2n pollen grains Sporads Code of poplar Dyad Triad Tetrad Total Expected rate of 2n pollen % Observed rate of 2n pollen % ? 2 EA1 EA2 EA3 EA4 P 539 163 689 2189 308 341 1818 682 4093 484 6629 5528 6354 1691 7308 7509 7509 7725 7973 8100 4. 96 7. 69 7. 14 36. 17 3. 15 0. 03 0. 09 10. 08 29. 41 2. 35 26. 056** ** Indicated significant difference between expected rate of 2n pollen from sporads sample and the observed rate of 2n pollen from pollen sample at P< 0. 01. The percentage were converted to arcsine data before ? 2 test. . Results and Analysis 3. 2. Detection of polyploid offspring of 2n pollen Diploid 61# Diploid 61# Triploid 65# Triploid 65# 0 50 Channels (FL2-A- 100 150 1. 27) 200 250 Diploid 61# Diploid 61# Triploid 73# Triploid 73# 0 50 Channels (FL2-A- 100 150 1. 27) 200 Diploid 61# 61#+ 61# Diploid 75# 75# Tetraploid Tetraploid 75# 0 50 Channels (FL2-A- 100 150 1. 27) 200 250 3. Results and Analysis 3. 3. SSR determination on mechanism of 2n pollen formation M > + M EA4> A EA4 4x 75# 2x 2x 2x 4x 2x 2x 75# > 4x M EA4 + 75# 2x 2x 2x A M > + 4x 2x 2x 2x EA4 A 75# (a) Primer: 14: M > + EA4 A (b ) Primer: 41 4x 2x 2x 2x (c) Primer: 47 75# + 4x 2x 2x 2x EA4 A 75# M (d) Primer: 68 (e) Primer: 105 Table 2 Segregation of alleles at loci where the male Populus ? euramericana. (Dode) Guinier parent EA4 is heterozygous Code 14 41 47 68 105 SSR primer GCPM_2453-1 GCPM_3345-1 GCPM_3559-1 GCPM_432-1 ORPM_29 locus 1 2 3 4 5 6 EA4(>) AB AB AB AB A0 B0 A(+) CDE AC B A C0 DE 75#(4x) ABCDE ABC AB AB A0C0 B0DE 421(2x) 422(2x) 423(2x) ADE AC B A C0 BE ADE AC AB A C0 BE ADE AC AB A C0 BE These letters do not necessarily correspond to discrete alleles(e. g. the â€Å"E†band for GCPM_2453-1 may be the non specific amplification ) and ORPM_29 primer detects two loci, 0 means a null allele. . Results and Analysis 3. 3. SSR determination on mechanism of 2n pollen formation M > P + 3x 3x 2x 2x 2x A 65# 73# M > + 3x 3x 2x P A 65# 73# 2x 2x (a) Primer: 13 M > P + A 3x 3x 2x 65# 73# 2x 2x (b) Primer: 68 (c) Primer: 105 Table 3 Segregation of alleles at loci where the male P. ? popularis parent P is haterozygous Code 14 68 105 SSR primer GCPM_2453-1 GCPM_432-1 ORPM_29 4 AB BD AD AD BB AB AB locus 1 2 3 P(>) AB AB 00 A(+) CAD C C0 65#(3x) CAB AC C0 73#(3x) 321(2x) CAB BC C0 AD AC 00 322(2x) 323(2x) AD AC C0 AD AC 00These letters do not necessarily correspond to discrete alleles(e. g. the â€Å"C†band for GCPM_24531 may be the non specific amplification) and the ORPM_29 primer detects two loci, 0 means a null allele. 4. Discussion 4. 1 Mechanisms of 2n pollen formation 4. 2 The biological reason for high percentage of 2n pollen 4. 3 The formation of 2n female gametes in poplars of section Aigeiros 4. 4 Polyploidy identification using molecular markers 4. 5 Implications of polyploidy for genetic research and tree breeding

Car Crash While Hitchhiking Essay

1. In the story, â€Å"Car Crash While Hitchhiking† the protagonist is characterized as an outsider. Reason being, is because he is he’s evidently a drug addict who wakes up in the middle of nowhere. It even mentioned in the story that he had been to detox. He’s abandoned by the fellows whom he did drugs with. Clearly he did not fit in with most social groups, and he had a hard time being accepted. Due to him being an outsider, I believe that there was some type of event that lead him to be an addict. Maybe he was neglected, or he had a midlife crisis.In the story, he implicated that he wanted to die. As he said when he was inside the car and put all his bags on one side of the car and said that he did not care whether he lives or dies. Certainly all this man was living for was so that he can reach his ultimate nirvana. 2. The central theme in Susan Minot’s short story, â€Å"Lust† is running on empty. Reason I chose this to be the theme is because the protagonist in the story is seeks and she’s in search for the right guy to fall in love with her. Yet, as she continues to be promiscuous activities trying to find the right one, she realizes that they all want her for one reason. She knows that they just want her for sex, and every time she has sexual encounters with them she feels empty inside afterwards. We know she is empty because her parents don’t give her attention, she has no family, and she just wants her heart to be fulfilled. But as you read throughout the short story, you realize all this promiscuity is her fulfillment. This is what makes her content. When she’s in the act of it she has nothing to worry about, bc the sex is hot and passionate. She’s running in empty because she’s absorbing all these guys with the gratifying attitude of not b eing loved. And that is why she continues to lustful.. 3. In the short story, â€Å"The Half Skinned-Steer, the story takes place a in Chicago on a ranch somewhere in the country outskirts. The setting also causes me to think that it’s set in the 1900’s due to the Chicago stockyards. In the short story, â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† the setting of the story takes place in Atlanta, Ga, somewhere maybe in the city, or the suburbs. The reason I believe that the setting is in the city or suburbs, is because it took the family twenty minutes to reach the outskirts of the city. You can also assume that the setting of the story is in the city due to how the family are dresses. In the story, â€Å"A Worn Path† the setting of the story is in a country town Natchez, Mississippi on an early chilly cold morning on a path of pinewoods while the sun is rising.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Music Comparison Matrix Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Music Comparison Matrix - Assignment Example The time signature is 2/4 There are several accents and the piece is heavily syncopated. 1. Sound was produced by many instruments: Saxophone, piano, drums and bass. The intensity varies, usually dependent on the saxophone and trumpet. Range is not very wide, except for the trumpet. Tone color is rich, but dark because of the use of low notes. It is cool too. The duration is 5:28. Intensity varies throughout the piece, usually gets softer at when it is time to introduce another instrument. 2. The song is very rhythmic. The rhythm is steadily provided by the piano, which is different since most pieces usually depend on drums for rhythm. The drums became the main instrument in this piece starting at the 2 minute mark. The time signature for this piece is 5/4, which has 90 beats per minute. The measure has five beats and the quarter note represents one beat. 3. The melody is very catchy. The melody is vary obvious at the start of the piece and it maintains it throughout the piece. It is not dynamic. The range is narrow for the piano and drums. For the trumpet and saxophone, the range is quite wide. The chords flow smoothly, it is consonant. The song is heavily sequenced. The theme is evident throughout the whole song. The elements of music provide various facets of the sonata to the listener. It is Allegretto, and it’s upbeat tempo gave the classical music a bit of a difference because it is martial, which is uncommon for sonatas. Even if it is not as dynamic because the range is not as wide, it is still quite exciting because of the staccatos which provide exciting surprises. The arpeggios also accomplish the same function. And even though there are dissonances, it gets resolved by consonances. The major difference of this musical piece is the time signature. It is rare for musicians to adhere to the 5/4 time signature. Even if it has a lot of notes per

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Mobile Technology Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Mobile Technology - Annotated Bibliography Example It is meant to assist educators in the decision-making process especially when using mobile devices. The book also presents the advantages and disadvantages of mobile learning in a school context. Various polices that can be used in education are presented to facilitate decision making in mobile learning. Chinnery introduces Language Learning using mobile devices. The paper presents details on Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), as well as its capabilities in language learning and teaching. MALL is an amalgamation language teaching approach which can successfully incorporate reading, listening, and speaking activities. The paper can be used to develop critical thinking and research skills. Use of the MALL software is common in most schools and the soft where is readily available from the internet. The paper explores the theoretic basics and functions of mobile instruction in the literature and examines the achievability of using this universal technology in learning the Iranian EFL language. Furthermore, he conducted a survey on the state of learning languages through mobile devices. He reported technical problems experienced while giving students assignments and their feedbacks. Many of the projects conducted using these mobile devices affected lessons due to technical challenges. Other language projects were seriously affected by lack of internet connection or slow internet connection. He noted that, in order to supplement language teaching, tablets and mobile devices are increasingly being used in the education system. They act as effective ways to monitor students’ performance and feedback presentation. Mobile devices are ideal because one is in apposition to choose the kind of Apps to use during classroom interactions. He asserts that MALL can easily be found in different mobile devices such as iPhones, tablets, and they have started modifying their products to fit the current technological development. Finally,

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Land Acquisitions in India Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Land Acquisitions in India - Research Paper Example The Left Front, which built a noteworthy political hegemony in West Bengal largely on the basis of Operation Barga and land reforms, has been brought to its knees after a substandard attempt at wresting a thousand acres for a car factory, illustrating how land issues have a seismic potential in our political landscape. This was one of the potential reasons behind the political turmoil occurred in west Bengal. People of west Bengal took the issue of land acquisitions in the rural areas of Singur and Nandigram as a prime case of malfunction in the context of malfunction. The economic boom caused during the post-liberalization period continues to create a voracious appetite for space to meet the demands of industrialization, infrastructure building, urban expansion, and resource extraction. Finding a way to balance the needs of â€Å"economic growth, equitable distribution and human rights, rescuing these complex and sometimes conflicting objectives from the demagoguery of single issue advocates†¦and political opportunists, is perhaps the greatest challenge facing our democracy† (Ghatak and Ghosh, 2011, p.2). The paper addresses the hindrances associated with land acquisitions in India, the role of â€Å"special economic zones†, and the policy implications. ... Special economic zones will be facilitated with exemptions from government taxes and duties such as service tax, sales tax and others by the government of India. Although The Indian parliament passed the SEZ act in June 2005, the law came into effect in February 2006. The states like that of Gujarat had approved regional SEZ legislation in the year of 2004. The Commerce and the cabinet minister for industrial growth, Shri Kamal Nath acknowledged that exports will increase five times and the GDP of the nation will rise 2%. It was also emphasized that SEZ will generate substantial employment across India. The Indian government emphasizes that SEZ will possibly grab the attention of global manufacturing sector. It will enhance the transfer of latest technology and will also generate incentives for infrastructure. Central government of India has given the approval of a total of 439 SEZ across Indian states. Of the total198 of these SEZs have essentially been notified already (Vaidya, Dha r, 2005, p-1) Ultimately 500 SEZs are deemed to be formulated. The total volume of land to be taken across India for the purpose of SEZ is 150,000 hectares. This land mainly agricultural and essentially multi cropped is potentially competent of producing almost 1 million tons of food grains. If SEZs are seen to be triumphant in the future and more refined land is acquired, they will imperil the food security of the person. The employment generated in the organized sector is yet less than 3 crore. Employment is less than 0.15 crore even in the information technology and ITES sector. Due to the growing automation, modern era of manufacturing grows joylessly around the world. With the booming automobile sector, the organized sector is also in a need of labor supply (SACW,

Friday, July 26, 2019

E-Business Master Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

E-Business Master - Case Study Example The firm has approximately 153 stores across Britain; the number of its employees has been estimated to 21,500. The last 8 months the firm's profitability was reduced under the influence of the global financial crisis; however, signs of recovery of the firm's performance have been identified - see also the performance of the firm's shares for 2008 and 2009 in Figure 1 - Appendix. Characteristics of corporate website In general, the website has the structure of a B2C (business to customer) system, i.e. a system used for the selling of products/ services to the website's visitors (customers). The information included is available to the website's visitors - the communication with customers seems to be the priority for the system's developers. The characteristics of the corporate website could be summarized as follows: the entrance and navigation in the specific website is quite easy - the material included has been appropriately categorized, in terms of speed the website can be characterized as extremely effective, images are used as possible to highlight the content - especially regarding the products available, communication with the customers is highly supported - telephone numbers are available for all organisational departments One of the most important advantages of the firm's website is the fact that the information provided covers a wide range of issues including the firm's products and services - those currently available to the public, the existing vacancies in various organisational departments - including the terms of employment in the firm, the firm's financial performance, the firm's environmental policies, the methods of payment available for online orders of products/ services and the firm's culture and...The last 8 months the firm's profitability was reduced under the influence of the global financial crisis; however, signs of recovery of the firm's performance have been identified - see also the performance of the firm's shares for 2008 and 2009 in Figure 1 - Appendix. In general, the website has the structure of a B2C (business to customer) system, i.e. a system used for the selling of products/ services to the website's visitors (customers). The information included is available to the website's visitors - the communication with customers seems to be the priority for the system's developers. The characteristics of the corporate website could be summarized as follows: One of the most important advantages of the firm's website is the fact that the information provided covers a wide range of issues including the firm's products and services - those currently available to the public, the existing vacancies in various organisational departments - including the terms of employment in the firm, the firm's financial performance, the firm's environmental policies, the methods of payment available for online orders of products/ services and the firm's culture and mission. Up today, the firm's managers have tried to keep the firm's performance almost intact from the international crisis; in the feature the ability of the firm to face the threats developed would be evaluated in ac

Thursday, July 25, 2019

CHOOSE ONE QUESTIONS FROM FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ON THE INSTRUCTION LIST Essay

CHOOSE ONE QUESTIONS FROM FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ON THE INSTRUCTION LIST - Essay Example Globalization basically involves exchange of ideas, labour forces, knowledge, products and services internationally. Globalization exploded in the 1980s with the advances in internet and telecommunication infrastructure which made it easier for people to travel, communicate and do international business. [2] Capitalism refers to an economic structure that allows people to put their private property into use however way they want with little interference from the government. It can also be referred to as a free-market system.[5] Under this free-market structure, people are at liberty to work and undertake jobs of their own choice, buy and sell products from or to whoever they wish or consume a service from a service provider of their own choice. The domination of finance capital over the export of commodities constituted the world’s major features of new age. ... This was fuelled by the fall of the Berlin Wall followed by the dissolution of the Soviet Union that led to freeing of over 400 million people from closed economies. These fall of communism led to a free market and economy hence globalization. This led to countries to stop depending on imports hence formulation of trade and economic policies that aimed at advising that a country can increase its wealth by encouraging local production and few imports. However this failed and most countries resorted to globalization in order to promote capitalism hence welcoming foreign investments and opening their markets. [7] Its capitalism that gave birth to the current modern states and economies. The economics of capitalism was defined by the political structure and its social relations. Therefore globalization in modern day operates in a manner that it is undermining the national state in which it originated from. This therefore brings out the difference between third wave globalization and seco nd wave imperialism. The impact of the speeds and carrying capacity of digital telecommunication networks has led to capital to spread globally. This has changed the whole way in which production of goods is carried out and also how wealth is created. It has also created a new international legal structure, redefined sovereignty and how states control economies and also helped in the restructuring of the labor force and brought the ideologies for international free markets. [6] Globalization and revolution of information has not only affected the movement of capital but also it has affected the ways in which production is carried out and these produced goods are sold. Therefore transnational corporations have responded to the accumulation crisis by setting world market strategies. With the

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Southwest Airlines Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Southwest Airlines - Case Study Example The challenges are: recession, intense competition, intensified airline regulations, uncertain weather conditions in new markets, and labor demands. The recommendations are: determine a succession plan, expand slowly to underserved markets, and strengthen the culture committee. Southwest Airlines is an example of a low-fare/no-frills airline with a point-to-point service strategy. It focuses on the southwest region of the U.S., where weather is more stable and delays are less frequent. The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 intensified competition because of the absence of government regulation in setting fares, allocating routes, and controlling entry and exit points. Instead of encouraging truly free competition, the Act benefitted large carriers who â€Å"cherry-picked† lucrative routes (Ginsberg & Freedman, p.260). A Porter’s 5-forces analysis reveals that the airline industry has intensive rivalry, high supplier power, low substitute, high buyer power, and high threat of new entrants. The strengths of Southwest are its good safety reputation, efficient services, low costs, strong corporate culture, strong customer and employee focus, and strong leadership. The weaknesses of the company are lower load factor, relatively low employee product ivity, slow expansion rate, dependence on the charismatic leadership of Kelleher, and reliance on passenger revenues. The opportunities are booming U.S. airlines industry, positive expansion in the US airfreight industry, underserved markets, increasing technology efficiency, and sympathetic business passengers. The challenges are recession, intense competition, intensified airline regulations, consolidation, uncertain weather conditions in new markets, and labor demands. The main problems of Southwest are: 1) it lacks succession planning; 2) it has a slow market expansion rate, because of its limited point-to-point service strategy; and 3) if Southwest changes its service

Domestic Violence, alcohol and substance abuse Thesis

Domestic Violence, alcohol and substance abuse - Thesis Example Excessive use of alcohol in men increases the possibility of wife abuse (Lynetta, 2011). According to researchers, there is a relation between the 2 behaviors and its exact character remains blurred. One research worker states that, â€Å"alcohol and substance abuse are the most prominent element that leads to domestic violence. Many of the theorists found that too much use of alcohol and substance abuse are the main factor in the dynamics of spouse beating (Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, n.d.). Many statistics records show a relationship between domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse. According to recent reports of the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) assailants in more than 90% of the domestic abuse cases used alcohol or substance abuse on the day of the assault (Buddy, 2011). In addition to this, one more study shows this relation among domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse; according to this study before assaulting their partners forty-eight to eighty-seven percent of the batterers were under the influence of alcohol, among these rates substance abuse rate is thirteen to twenty percent whereas alcohol rate is sixty to seventy percent (Buddy, 2011). Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (n.d.).  Chapter 1—Effects of Domestic Violence on Substance Abuse Treatment - Substance Abuse Treatment and Domestic Violence - NCBI Bookshelf. [online] Retrieved from:

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

How Apple INC supply issues effect the demand of its products such as Essay

How Apple INC supply issues effect the demand of its products such as Iphone, IPAD - Essay Example There are several types of supply theories abased on the nature of products. Generally we use the supply chain system based on following important components as given below. Factory: The factory is the basic component and the point of origination for any supply chain. If a factory has issues in the production, the whole supply chain will suffer due to lack of the goods or the quality of the supplied products depending upon the problem respectively. Distributor: The distributor has a supporting role for a company in a supply chain. He advises the company about the magnitude of the product to be manufactured. If a distributor is having issues then the supply chain will suffer due to the mismanagement in terms of faulty distribution. Stockist: A stockist acts as a filter between the distributor and the whole sellers as well as show rooms. The basic difference between a distributor and a stockist is that the distributor purchases the items as a bulk directly from the company while the st ockist purchases the items at a relatively smaller scale from the distributor depending upon the local requirements of the market. Whole sale: A whole seller acts as another filter between the retailers and bulk dealers. ... Retailers: They are the source of products for the end users by the help of company support & distributor’s good supply chain. They also play an effective role in satisfying the end user by giving product knowledge and guarantee and warranty as well. End users: End users are the main component of a business. Each and every company designs its marketing and production strategies to attract end users in the form of customers. They do it by facilitating the end users in different ways. CONSEQUENCES OF BREAKING OF SUPPLY CHAIN Companies invest heavily on generating customer demand about their product through advertising. Especially in smart phones, notepad, laptop industry customers have variable choices therefore, once the customer demand have been established the manufacturer has to ensure the continuous supply of the product to maintain the customer loyalty. Companies which fails to do so may loose their customer loyalty. Following are some key issues can be raised if supply li ne break at the time of demand: NEED OF A NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN: Once the demand developed in the market by the advertising campaigns the supplier is supposed to fulfill the customer demand. Otherwise customer may turned to other vendors. In this competitive era each product has several rivals in the market. Therefore, once the customer would have turned aside towards other product line or manufactures then in such situations the company has to re design the old marketing strategies, because the customer mind may not have any effect from old marketing approaches. This new advertisements and marketing may cause a huge expense over the company sales. Therefore, companies are very careful in maintaining the supply line un-broken. FRANCHISE/DISTRIBUTOR, FIELD FORCE WILL LOOSE TRUST ON

Monday, July 22, 2019

Gloria Jeans Essay Example for Free

Gloria Jeans Essay Gloria Jeans’ is well known due to it is made by 100% natural ingredients which include home-made cookies, muffins, and any other sweet desserts. 1) Economy The point here is that Gloria Jeans’ can not set a price that is too high because competitors will be attracted by potential profits and will follow by a lower price. After having taken all the important factors into consideration, there are five-price fixing approaches seem appropriate. 1.Cost Based pricing One of the centred objectives of this project being to become the market leader in functional drinks, Gloria Jeans’ is willing to stay among the top competitors if not becoming the greater by achieving a certain target profit this could be obtained by establish a price that will largely cover variable and fixed costs while bringing tremendous profits 2.Value Added Pricing Competitors and potential substitutes prices can also be part of the strategy. Having a higher price could make customers aware of the additional benefits and the higher quality of coffee. 3.Value based pricing The company sets its target price based on customer perceptions of the product value. The targeted value and price then drive decision about product design and what cost can be incurred. As a result of pricing begin with analysing consumer needs and value perceptions and price is set to match consumer perceived value. 4.Market Penetration Pricing The company can set a low price for a new product in order to attractive a large number of buyers and a large market share. 5.Break-even Pricing The company has to make some strategies for break-even prices, setting prices to break even on the cost of making and marketing a product or setting prices to make a target profit. According to the report of Su, Chiou and Chang (2006), the case study of Starbucks coffee displayed that Western culture adoration can influence the coffee consumption of Taiwan. Kim (2002),point at consumer behavior have significant influenced by the  product-of-origin and brand image. Hao(1998), states that superior brand has become the most important element to enhance value-added products and it also is a strategy. The brand image and product-of-origin would important factors, they would provide insights on cross-culture marketing. 4ï ¼â€° Demographics According to the survey, women more desire to drink coffee than men (Jones, 2006).There is no significant difference between two groups of people. Coffees are all thousands of years ranging from adults or even older. Its hard to resist the appeal of Coffee, and there is great opportunity to tea growing up. In addition, the social behaviour are one of the factors segmented coffee products in the market Because of different group has different demand for their need and wants. The high salary people may more focus on their healthy or willing to pay higher prices. 3ï ¼â€° Political and legal Doing coffee business there is no risky for the company because of it does not related any political and legal

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Is There Life On Mars?

Is There Life On Mars? In order to conclude whether a life-form can exist on Mars, much research must be done in order to gain an understanding of its atmosphere, surface, nutrients and minerals available to possible biological life-forms on the planet. Mars is the fourth planet in our Solar System and is known as the Red Planet due to iron oxide found on the surface. Having been studied for decades, Mars shows the most suitable conditions, of all the planets in our solar system, for our presumptions of evolution of life (Klein, Lederburg et al. 1976). There has been much evidence put forward contributing to the theory of a biological life-form on Mars, the most documented and well known of which being the study of the meteorite ALH 84001. This meteorite was believed to have been projected from the surface of Mars around 16 million years ago and landed in Antarctica 13,000 years ago(Frankel Buseck, 2000). The 2kg carbonaceous meteorite studied by McKay et al. contained globules of chemicals and also conta ined bacterial-shaped objects which resembled fossilized terrestrial microorganisms, ranging from 10-100nm long (McKay, et al., 1996). It is believed by many that there are too many factors such as UV radiation and extreme temperature environments which could inhibit a life-form on Mars. Although the distance from Earth to the Sun is considerably less than that of the Sun to Mars, our atmosphere protects living organisms on Earth. Studies have shown that an atmosphere is present on Mars through the identification of an insignificant ozone layer, however this atmosphere is not the most suitable for living organisms but unlikely to be a life limiting factor (Cockell, et al., 2000). Some arguments which both oppose and agree with the theory of extra-terrestrial life include studies carried out by the Viking Explorers and MER programmes which landed on Mars. These man-made devices studied the atmosphere and the top layer of soil to discover a very high oxidation factor which could inhibit growth by converting living matter to CO ², as well as studying sedimentary rocks on the surface of the planet. The search for life on Mars shows interesting differences in both personal theories and scientific studies. Panspermia is the theory that living organisms can be transported throughout the Universe, travelling in meteorites. The theory was first proposed by Arrhenius who believed that living bacteria could be transported through space, and therefore believed this was the reason for the beginning of life on Earth (Tepfer, 2008). These meteorites are projected from the surface of plates through collisions of boulders and/or planets in the Solar System. Many meteorites have landed on Earth from Mars, including ALH 84001, NWA 1195, NWA 2046, DaG 476 and the latest NWA 2626. The most famous of these meteorites is ALH 84001 which shows evidence of a life-form embedded in the meteorite. The theory of Panspermia can be justified by a study carried out by D.Stà ¶ffler et al.. The range of pressures observed in Martian meteorites range between 5 and 50 GPa. Bacterial spores, cyanobacteria and lichens (all of which appear to be embedded in the meteorite ALH 84001), were exposed to this range of shoc k pressure. The study revealed that bacterial spores and lichens could withstand the pressure up to 45 GPa while cyanobacteria was killed at 10 GPa. This study implies the potential for transfer of life throughout the Universe from one planet to another(Stà ¶ffler, et al., 2007). Analyses and Results of the Martian Meteorite ALH84001 Analysis of the meteorite show results which support and oppose the hypothesis of extra-terrestrial life to be found on Mars (Gibson, et al., 2001). The meteorite, which was studied by McKay et al, showed evidence of an extra-terrestrial life-form embedded in the rock. There were globules of Ca, Mg and Fe carbonate minerals which are believed to have been distributed by a biological factor. It is believed by McKay et al. that these globules were formed at low temperature. Otherwise high temperature (over 118 °C) would have killed any bacteria which are believed to have formed these globules. However, others who oppose the theory of extra-terrestrial life, believe that these globules may have been distributed by a non-biological factor which renders this piece of evidence quite unreliable. There were other factors noted which shows the possibility of extra-terrestrial life: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were observed and showed a different distribution than that of terrestr ial PAHs. Another factor observed was bacteria-shaped objects found on the surface of the meteorite, which resemble fossilized terrestrial micro-organisms, up to 100 µm long (Frankel Buseck, 2000). Some of the bacteria shaped objects are however extremely small in size which range from 20-100nm. This piece of evidence is ridiculed by some scientists, in which they declare that these tiny objects resemble artifacts in the meteorite (Bradley, et al., 1996). http://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpi/meteorites/s9612609.gif Bacteria shaped objects on Martian meteorite, Allan H. Treiman, Lunar and Planetary Institute. The Viking and MER Missions The first Viking mission was launched in the summer of 1976. It consisted of two orbiters, which had a main objective of photographing the planet from orbit, and two landers, which studied the surface of the planet. The main emphasis was on photography, in which orbiter 1 produced over 10,000 pictures, taken from the planets orbit(Snyder Evans, 1981). In 2003, two rovers were launched, called Mars Exploration Rovers. The objective of this mission to Mars was study and to determine whether Martian conditions and its atmosphere could support the theory of a possible life-form having ever existed on the planet (Squyres Knoll, 2005). The MER missions include the Rovers; Spirit and Opportunity which carried out surveys and analyses on the surface of Mars. File:NASA Mars Rover.jpg Rover Opportunity, Maas Digital LLC for Cornell University and NASA/JPL The two Rovers covered specific regions known as Gusev and Meridiani Planum respectively for over a year and a half. The Rover Opportunity landed on the surface of Mars on January 24th and travelled through two craters (Eagle and Endurance) while carrying out experiments on both craters. Experiments and Results from Viking and MER programmes Aerosols and water vapour were detected in the Martian atmosphere by the Viking orbiter and other scientific research objects, which included: Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Atmospheric Water Detector (MAWD) and Thermal Emissions Spectrometer (TES). This water vapour was detected in the North Polar region during Spring and Summer seasons. MAWD detected twice as much vapour in the region than any of the other orbiters (Pankine, et al., 2009). The detection of water in the Martian atmosphere contributes a large amount of evidence to support the theory of a suitable atmosphere for a biological life-form to exist. Hematite was discovered on the surface of the planet, by the rover Opportunity, in the Meridiani Planum. This mineral form of iron-oxide is a possible preservative for pre-biotic and biotic processes carried out on the surface of Mars. These processes are carried out on Earth in rock varnishing, in which micro-colonial fungi and bacteria are present in rock varnish matrices, which were documented in America and Australia (Allen, et al., 2004). It is believed that water did once flow on the surface of Mars through the discovery of rippled like curves, indicating that streams once flowed through the Meridiani Planum (Horneck). Ancient, sedimentary rocks were also found at Meridiani plain by the Rover Opportunity, which consist of sandstone composed of sand grains which consisted of a variety of sulphate salts formed by erosion and re-deposition (Squyres Knoll, 2005). One of the most important findings of the mission however was a record of aqueous processes found on the Meridiani plain both in surface and sub-surface regions. Although these aqueous processes were identified, there is still no record of liquid water on the surface of Mars. Any water present on Mars, is found in the atmosphere as water vapour, located at the north Polar region. UV Radiation: Because of a thin atmosphere and an insignificant ozone layer, the surface of Mars is exposed to high UV radiation, which includes UVA, UVB and UVC. UV radiation is known to be a cause of DNA damage and mutation in bacterial species and also more developed life-forms. UV radiation is also known to inhibit photosynthesis in plants. Life-forms on Earth contain processes that protect them from exposure to UVA radiation. However, because of high UVB and UVC radiation exposure to the Martian surface, and also conditions such as extreme temperature changes and a lack of liquid water on the surface, it is unknown for any life-form to withstand such conditions(Cockell, et al., 2000). In order to understand and examine bacterial behaviour under exposure to this high UV radiation, an experiment was carried out by Scheurger et al.. Seven different Bacillus spp. were exposed to conditions similar to that of the Martian surface. The Bacillus spp. were exposed to the radiation in time sets of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes. The bacteria were prepared for the experiment as thin monolayers of endospores. The results showed that B. pumilus SAFR-032 (surviving for 180 minutes) was the most resistant to the Martian conditions, while B. megaterium and B. subtillis 42HS-1 (which were inactivated after 30 minutes) were the least sensitive under exposure of high UVB and UVC radiation. Conclusion It is very difficult to conclude whether or not life does or even did exist on the surface or in the Martian atmosphere. Evidence from both sides of the theory are being analysed in extreme detail in order to come to a conclusion. The analyses and study of the Martian meteorite ALH84001, is considered the most studied and detailed analyses ever to be carried out on an igneous rock. Even with this extent of analyses being carried out on the meteorite, we still cannot come to a clear and concise conclusion to whether or not it contained traces of extra-terrestrial life. Although the detection of carbonate globules and bacterial shaped objects suggests that life theoretically could have existed on the planet of Mars, scientists who oppose the theory of extra-terrestrial life disagree that these discoveries indicate a life-form present in the meteorite. They suggest that because of the small size of these bacterial-shaped objects that they could represent artifacts in the meteorite. There was also some criticism about the Viking and MER missions. Although a small amount of atmospheric water vapour was observed, the lack of liquid water on the surface declares this evidence inconclusive. However there was some very interesting discoveries made by the Rover Opportunity, including the detection of hematite. This mineralised form of iron-oxide can be used for the preservation of aqueous processes. This discovery, along with the discovery of ripple-like curves in the Meridiani plain, could indicate a past life-form having existed on the surface of the planet many years ago. I believe that an extra-terrestrial, biological life-form could have existed on the surface of Mars, in past decades or even centuries. Evidence from both the Mars Exploration missions and the study of the Martian meteorite, ALH84001, provide much contribution to the theory that life did exist on the planet in the past. It is clear that life cannot survive in the Martian atmosphere at present because of extreme conditions. The exposure to high UV radiation, extreme temperature changes and also a lack of liquid water on the surface indicate to me that these conditions are not only unfavourable to the survival of a life-form but are far too extreme for a biological life-form to survive for a significant time frame. In relation to the theory of Panspermia, I believe that it can be justified by the experiment carried out by D.Stà ¶ffler et al.. If the bacteria shaped objects found in the meteorite prove to be biological life-forms this piece of evidence could explain another widely investigated theory of where and when life began on Earth. Through the study and analyses of Mars and its atmosphere, I believe that many of the questions and theories about life on Earth can be answered.

Special Interest Tourism And Heritage Tourism Tourism Essay

Special Interest Tourism And Heritage Tourism Tourism Essay Special interest tourism can be defined as the provision of customized leisure and recreational experiences driven by the specific expressed interests of individual and group. (Douglas.N, 2001) In earlier days tourism word was termed as mass tourism.Mass tourism was the logical outcome of key social, economic, political and technological influences after the Second World War. Post-war was peace and prosperity, paid holidays, charter flights and cheap oil lubricated the wheels of tourism change (Po on 1993, pg 4). According to Poon( 1997) new tourism is a phenomenon of large scale packaging of non-standardized leisure services at competitive prices to suit demands of tourists as well as the economic and socio-environmental needs of destinations. Large scale packaging has been done by tour operators, airlines and multinational hotel groups who hold significant influence towards political economics of destinations and host communities all over the world. Special Interest tourism as defined by world tourism organization specialized tourism involves group or individual tours by people who wish to develop certain interest and visit sites and places connected with a specific subject. Generally speaking, the people concerned exercise the same profession or have a common hobby Special interest tourism activity includes wide variety urban, regional, well-established and newly emerging contexts. New tourism is a phenomenon of large scale packaging of non-standardized leisure service at competitive price to suit demands of tourism as well as the economic and socio ­-environmental needs of destinations. (Poon,1997) Question 2: How according to Douglas (2001), might this product be described as being complex? Author has chosen Heritage tourism as a product of special interest tourism. Heritage tourism is important for various reasons first of all it has a positive economic and social impact and helps the locals to preserve their historical monuments, museums, canals etc. And according to the study made travelers spend more money and stay more then other type of tourism http://www.indialine.com As per Douglas special interest tourism is a complex phenomenon characterized by flexible delivery, market segmentation and advances in technology affecting management and distribution. (Douglas-2001, pg3). Douglas termed it as a complex phenomenon. It might because of its effect on the current market trend and scenario or it might because of its effect on the communities who deliver the special interest tourism products. This complexity is directly linked with the communities who deliver SIT products. This complexity can be better understood by explaination by Douglas (2001) Douglas says The search for new experiences threatens current investment and provides alternative stresses on infrastructure like roads, transport systems, existing technology and accommodation, and access to sensitive natural locations. Both public and private sectors see problems with small-scale, personalized tourism traffic. (Douglas-200 1, pg 5). With increasing complexities in ones life these days, people are perpetually looking for a medium through which they get some peace of mind. This is where another science, that of meditation and spirituality comes into the scene. Meditation and Yoga are synonymous with India and Indian spirituality. Meditation is one of the most important components of Yoga, which is a mind-body therapy involving a series of exercises. http://uk.travelmartindia.com/india-culture.htm Question 3: Identify the reason for the growth of your example of SIT. Link your discussion to factors such as trends in consumer behavior and tourism industrys search for competitive advantage? The reason for the growth of heritage tourism is nothing but its the changing trend in the consumers taste. From mass tourism it is very specific segment of the tourism who wants to explore the historical aspect of the monuments etc. Heritage tourism basically attracts consumers which are really willing to know countrys historical events, battles, monuments etc. The reason for the growth of heritage tourism is increased leisure activities, high consumers. Educational tours has been organized by various institutes to heritage attractions, to encourage their students to learn more about their country past instead of reading these historical buildings, monuments on books. Media promoting the growth of heritage tourism through televisions worldwide and encouraging more more international tourists towards their countrys heritage attractions. Indias culture is like a rainbow of multiple facets which accommodates music, dance, performing arts, paintings and literature in itself which have gained recognition and fame from every comer of the world. Foreign tourist arrivals in India have grown from 6.9 percent in 2000 to 13.2 percent in 2005 for heritage tourism http://rwww.indiaenews.com, The growth of heritage tourism is directly linked with the growth of Indian economy. From mass tourism now its been specific tourism. as there is development in the country its led to the flow of tourist. Interest towards heritage tourism is very basic. As india is a place where there are many thing has happened, it is national movement, other historical movements, monuments like Taj Mahal, Mythological importance- there was Ramayana and Mahabharat kind of mythological events happened In india that automatically attracts attention of modern people to see the monuments and places. Questions 4: Who has responsibility for providing this particular type of product or service and to whom? (Note the latter requires you to examine what is the typical consumer profile of your SIT product?) It is the responsibility of the government and other intermediaries involved in tourism to make aware people about the site, places, monuments, and services and facilities at the place should be improved. The Indian tourism department looks after the publications distribution of promotional literature on India, information brochures for the tourists with the collaboration of Travel agents, tour operators, network of hotels, airlines, media, newspaper etc. The Tour operator service is to providing information related to travel to domestic or international tourists and arranging travel itineraries, hotel bookings, travel arrangement and combining all this into complete package. Sometimes, they also suggest tailor made itineraries to suite their guest requirement. These tour operators also work in close contact with various travel agents to arrange all above services. Both tour operator and travel agent work together in providing above services to a traveler in India. Tour Operators can be classified as Inbound Tour Operator and Outbound Tour Operator. Inbound Tour Operator provides services with in a country and Outbound Tour Operator arranges itineraries for travel outside a country h ttp://www.tourismdiary.com India receives largest number of overseas tourists from the United Kingdom, followed by United States, Sri Lanka, France, Germany, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore etc as a Heritage tourist. http://www.indiainbusiness.nic.in So not nationally it is internationally attracts the people to come and visit the places of historical importance in India. So it is the national and international both segment that has to be explored , attracted, and invited by providing better facilities, and infrastructure, and security by the government of india, state government, and other intermediaries of heritage tourism and local people too. Questions 5. Is there a link to sustainable development here? If so how? Sustainability in tourism-special interest tourism and with special reference to heritage tourism in India is not a big issue. Author believes that it is the basic facilities and infrastructural development that will keep the interest of the tourists towards heritage tourism in India. This heritage product is such kind of product of special interest tourism that is being treated as basic of tourism. People generally moves out to see the heritage properties of the country first compared to other product of specialized tourism. Sustainable tourism is an essential meaningless construct if the external context, and its effect on sustainability, are not taken into account in the planning and management of destinations and business. (Weaver-2006, pg 22) The above statements by Douglas refer to potential threats, which can disrupt the growth of wine or food tourism to a large extent. Every business should take into account external forces like climate, politics, social unrest and war before planning and making strategies. But the nature of wine tourism is self-sustaining.Wine-related tourism is therefore a significant factor in sustainable rural development, most obviously through the creation of jobs, the sale of local merchandise and the potential for creating linkages with other local business. (Douglas-2001, pg 320) Viticulture also has the capacity to provide sustainable land use in previously uneconomic agricultural areas, while tourism can help support the viability of agricultural diversification and m aximize the returns on existing viticulture. (Douglas ­2001, pg 322)

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Eulogy for Grandmother :: Eulogies Eulogy

Eulogy for Grandmother My grandmother was a truly amazing person. She was brilliant, compassionate, and outgoing, a fantastic dancer with a sense of humor, and without any ego at all. In other words, exactly like me! Seriously, though, we have a lot in common. Among other things, I inherited her curly hair, her mind for trivia, and her obsession with books and music... She preferred mystery novels and jazz standards, while I liked science fiction and rock n' roll, but those differences are only skin-deep. Like she always said, "I guess that's why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream." (She preferred butter pecan.) That reminds me of one small difference between us: she was an amazing cook, while I still have trouble boiling water. Meatballs with all-day sauce, stuffed shells, followed by icebox cake... It was all so good. You could walk into her apartment and pass out from the smells alone. It makes me hungry just thinking about it. And when I'd walk home from elementary school and let myself into her empty apartment, there would always be a note on the TV, telling me that there were cookies and milk in the fridge. It's the little things... I always knew that she was thinking about me. As we both grew older, we grew even closer. I did some pretty terrible things in high school, but she always took my side, even when I was clearly in the wrong. She defended and protected me, mostly from my mom. Years later, at my wedding, she serenaded us in a garden in Cambria, accompanied by a jazz band. She sang, "It had to be you, wonderful you... It had to be you." She had such a beautiful singing voice, and I swear, she must have known the lyrics to every single song written before 1959. We shared a dance afterwards. Even though I was taller than her, she still made me feel like a little boy, as we danced cheek-to-cheek. It was the best day of my life. When I think of her, I think of her warm embrace. On my bad days, she would hold and comfort me. Grandma would wrap me in her arms and protect me from the rest of the world, and make me feel that everything was going to be all right. Even in her hospital bed, holding her hand and listening to her soft breath, I wanted to kick my shoes off and be hugged by those safe, strong arms. Eulogy for Grandmother :: Eulogies Eulogy Eulogy for Grandmother My grandmother was a truly amazing person. She was brilliant, compassionate, and outgoing, a fantastic dancer with a sense of humor, and without any ego at all. In other words, exactly like me! Seriously, though, we have a lot in common. Among other things, I inherited her curly hair, her mind for trivia, and her obsession with books and music... She preferred mystery novels and jazz standards, while I liked science fiction and rock n' roll, but those differences are only skin-deep. Like she always said, "I guess that's why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream." (She preferred butter pecan.) That reminds me of one small difference between us: she was an amazing cook, while I still have trouble boiling water. Meatballs with all-day sauce, stuffed shells, followed by icebox cake... It was all so good. You could walk into her apartment and pass out from the smells alone. It makes me hungry just thinking about it. And when I'd walk home from elementary school and let myself into her empty apartment, there would always be a note on the TV, telling me that there were cookies and milk in the fridge. It's the little things... I always knew that she was thinking about me. As we both grew older, we grew even closer. I did some pretty terrible things in high school, but she always took my side, even when I was clearly in the wrong. She defended and protected me, mostly from my mom. Years later, at my wedding, she serenaded us in a garden in Cambria, accompanied by a jazz band. She sang, "It had to be you, wonderful you... It had to be you." She had such a beautiful singing voice, and I swear, she must have known the lyrics to every single song written before 1959. We shared a dance afterwards. Even though I was taller than her, she still made me feel like a little boy, as we danced cheek-to-cheek. It was the best day of my life. When I think of her, I think of her warm embrace. On my bad days, she would hold and comfort me. Grandma would wrap me in her arms and protect me from the rest of the world, and make me feel that everything was going to be all right. Even in her hospital bed, holding her hand and listening to her soft breath, I wanted to kick my shoes off and be hugged by those safe, strong arms.