The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications

The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications Executive summary In the business environment today, making decisions on an effective strategic sourcing method to adopt has become one of the key supply chain management challenges that managers are faced with as they seek better sourcing methods which favor them against intense global competition, short product life cycles and increasingly demanding customers.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In strategic sourcing, the decision to adopt in-sourcing, near-shoring or on-shoring plays an important role in enhancing the performance of an organization. When a manager in an organization decides to adopt a framework for sourcing, what will determine the concept to be used are the advantages or gains a business intends to make. Studies point out that increased effectiveness and efficiency in a business is a factor that has a close relationship with cost. In-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring decisions have been identified as important key drivers of long-term approach towards saving current cost challenges on supply functions facing businesses. As such, owners of business with complex products and high changing demands must ensure that they decide on sourcing strategies that do not interfere with their business’ total output. In terms of hiring workers, the decisions to in-source are advantageous in saving cost as employees can be hired via intern practices with other local business organizations, and mentoring activities for newly hired employees can be done internally. In-sourcing decisions allow managers to standardize their local systems and tools by effectively and efficiently using their local stuff saving cost of hiring multiple specialists from elsewhere to perform roles. From a theoretical perspective, the effective operations of a business rely on decisions to adopt effective sourci ng strategies to foster gaining of competitive advantage. Flexibility and capacity have become some of the key benefits that businesses which have adopted in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring are enjoying. Research has shown that many business supply functions for companies that are outsourcing and off-shoring are susceptible to threats, dangers and loses. Analysts point out that the new concepts of sourcing strategies that businesses have adopted today have cushioned them from technicalities presented by outsourcing and off-shoring. Effective and efficient service improvement has become one of the key factors that have caused most companies that were using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring strategies to decide on in-sourcing and near-shoring methods to improve service quality.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In decision making, during the p rocess of requesting for proposals (RFP), evaluating the tangibles of a supplier is the simplest process. Engagements, number of members of staff, and financial figures are some of the quantifiable information that scored and reported easily. Neoclassical economists point out that in all competitive markets, cost management, consolidation, cost reduction and cost cutting are central for a maximization of profits, business growth and development. Abstract Making managerial decisions that enhances the growth of a business has become an important practice that many managers are faced with today. Of critical importance to this paper is decision making on sourcing strategies to adopt. As the market for commodities and services is increasingly becoming global, many businesses that have been using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring methods have now adopted new strategic perspectives of in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring to improve the overall performance of their businesses . The methods have been effective in cutting supply costs and boosting profits of businesses. Besides, in-sourcing aids businesses in sustaining organizational resources and minimizing technicalities related to time and distance. Introduction In the business environment today, making decisions on an effective strategic sourcing method to adopt has become one of the key supply chain management practices that managers are faced as they seek better sourcing methods which favor them against intense global competition, short product life cycles and increasingly demanding customers. As market for services and products is increasingly becoming global, many businesses that have been using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring methods have now adopted new strategic perspectives of in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring to improve the overall performance of their businesses. As this paper shall analyze using general trade theory, organizational supply management theory and congruency theory, these new concepts are vital for lowering costs, demand flexibility, process capability, strategic risk and gaining competitive advantage. This paper shall examine why managers are deciding to adopt the new concept of strategic sourcing, their implications and long-term impacts on the operations of the supplies function.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Definition of strategic sourcing concepts In strategic sourcing, the decision to adopt in-sourcing, near-shoring or on-shoring plays an important role in enhancing the performance of an organization. Bakker and Kamann (2007) point out that many managers in organizations are opting the new concepts of strategic sourcing with a bid to re-design and optimize their supply systems or supply chain. It is imperative to point out that these decisions could have been p rompted by imitation of other business leaders, attempts aimed at cutting cost or competitive pressures. Studies on transaction cost economic points out that the type of strategic sourcing a given organization adopts is based on economic governance structures. This are characterized in terms of uncertainty, transaction-specific investments and dimensions of frequency. Factors and costs When a manager in an organization decides to adopt a framework for sourcing, what will determine the concept to be used are the advantages or gains a business intends to make. Barnes and Lea-Greenwood (2006, p. 260) point out that this involves substituting the contemporary practice of out sourcing with the new concepts of either in-sourcing, near shoring or on-shoring. The following are some of the important factors that deciding to adopt in-sourcing methods might bring to a business in terms of costs and related benefits. Higher cost effectiveness in the emerging global business operation dynamics C ai and Yang (2008) point out that increased effectiveness and efficiency in a business is a factor that has a close relationship with cost. In-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring decisions have been identified as important key drivers of long-term approach to saving current cost challenges on supply functions facing businesses. They also indicate that due to the aforementioned concepts, cost effectiveness has been demonstrated through lean thinking, and has seen most business reengineering their services with an aim of increasing productivity. As such, businesses have maintained service quality and reduced expenditure. It is important to note that in the present business environment, in-sourcing decisions have been lauded by many analysts as the best strategies for driving business efficiency on a long-term basis. Process adherences Studies indicate that owners of business with complex products and high changing demands must ensure that they decide on sourcing strategies that do n ot interfere with their business’ total throughput time. The studies further point out that any interference with the normal supply chain may easily affect the reliability and reputation of a business towards customers. As such, businesses with an understanding of the difference between low cost and low prices of operations as well as costs of total life cycles should substitute outsourcing and off-shoring practices with in-shoring and near shoring methods.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Figure 1: Figure showing how in-sourcing enhances process adherences Source: http://findingmillions.wordpress.com/ In his publication, Carter and Rogers (2008) point out that decisions to replace outsourcing with in-sourcing has become important in process adherence in the sense that the new concepts have not only effectively lowered cost of supplies or production, but have also improved performance criteria by taking into account quality, flexibility, reliability and speed. Labor arbitrage In terms of hiring workers, the decisions to in-source are advantageous in saving cost as employees can be hired via intern practices with other local business organizations, and mentoring activities for newly hired employees can be done internally. Carter and Rogers (2008) argue from the perspective of transaction cost theory by indicating that on average, the decision to in-source workers ensures that compensation cost, hiring and burdened salary costs drop due use of rural resources and not h aving to hire workers from large cities where the cost of living is high. It is imperative to note that there are many individuals who are skilled and may want to work in a rural environment near their homes. This when compared to outsourcing, may be beneficial in lowering compensation costs as a manager cam manage labor locally and not halfway across the globe. Figure 2: A graph showing how in-sourcing is increasingly being used in the US to hire workers Source: ncpa.org/pub/ba480 Skilled resources In-sourcing decisions allow managers to standardize their local systems and tools by effectively and efficiently using their local stuff saving cost of hiring multiple specialists from elsewhere to perform roles. By using skilled personnel within a company, hiring contract specialists will not be necessary, and if needed may be done on part time basis. Besides, many medium and small sized companies do no require enterprise architects and project managers. Figure 3: Figure showing the ef fectiveness of in-sourcing service jobs Source: theatlantic.com/national/archive/2009/06/in-sourcing/19416/ For competitive advantage From a theoretical perspective, the effective operations of a business rely on decisions to adopt effective sourcing strategies to foster gaining of competitive advantage. International management textbooks illustrating general trade theories clearly exemplify that a sourcing strategy, with particular emphasis on in-sourcing, is critical to a supply business’ competitive advantage in terms of innovativeness, labor cost and price (Christopher, 2000). Gaining a competitive advantage requires identifying and deciding strategic sourcing methods that are appropriate. According to transaction cost theory, being able to supply high quality products at a low cost and still maintain a competitive advantage requires that companies restructure their sourcing strategies and capabilities in such a way that supply functions are done at a low cost possible ( Christopher, 2000). Increased flexibility and sustainability capacity Flexibility and capacity have become some of the key benefits that businesses which have adopted in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring are enjoying. Brege, Brehmer and Lindskog (2010) point out that the in-sourcing method has offered many businesses that have adopted it flexibility they need in carrying out their supply functions. In the rapidly changing business environment, it has aided businesses to respond faster to circumstances and policies that keep changing, without being tied to procedures that can be expensive to alter. Basing the argument on congruency theory, businesses adopt a sourcing strategy depending on the complexity of their products and the environment they are in. To sustain expertise and capabilities In his publication, Asta (2005) points out that adoption of in-sourcing strategy by most companies has facilitated their ability to sustain expertise and capabilities in policies, organization and processes (POP), and has aided them to respond to business agenda that keep changing. As such, supply management, how it is selected, evaluated, managed, valued and differentiated as marketing strategy functions have been made easier. In addition, in-sourcing is important since they enable a business to provide flexible, responsive and cohesive local services. Through it, businesses which are in the retail industry have become innovative and adopted a transformative approach that have enabled them to be efficient in service delivery, and as such, have made quick efficiency gains. Figure 4: A pie chart showing how in-sourcing sustains a countries expertise ans capabilities Source: globalprofitsalert.com/china-stock-digest/who-cant-handle-the-truth-chinas-tiny-economic-surprise-119058 Enhanced simplicity and guaranteed risk minimization Research has shown that many business supply functions for companies that are outsourcing and off-shoring are susceptible to threats, dangers an d loses (McKenna Walker, 2008). The study further indicates that for that reason, most businesses have resorted to shift from outsourcing to in-sourcing in order to minimize risks and simplify service delivery. It is worth noting that contractual, consultancy and negotiation process when out sourcing can be costly and time consuming. To manage this, in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring have been considered by analysts as best strategies to tackle the processes as they are less complex and have minimum risk levels. To cushion a business from technicalities McKenna and Walker (2008) point out that the new concepts of sourcing strategies that businesses have adopted today have cushioned them from technicalities presented by outsourcing and off-shoring. One of the major disadvantages includes communication problems. For instance, a company in Kenya intending to supply or buy from Asia may find it cumbersome to contact a supplier due to cultural differences and language barrier. Stu dies derived from network literature indicates that individuals and partners with general cultural and language differences often fail to succeed in their ventures due to the potential problem of reaching an agreement, (Alguire Frear, 1994). Therefore, it is imperative to note that since the new concepts of sourcing strategy works within a nation, adopting them will make the issue of communication ceases to be an issue of concern. Effective and efficient service improvement to deliver added value Effective and efficient service improvement has become one of the key factors that have caused most companies that were using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring strategies to decide on in-sourcing and near-shoring methods to improve service quality. Barnes and Lea-Greenwood (2006) point out that in-sourcing has been one of the current concepts that most supply businesses have used to bolster local economies, create employment opportunities and boost training. As such, through ser vice improvement and value addition, they have enhanced their local customer base. For instance, studies on APSE indicate that through its supply chains and strong local employments, it generates  £1.64 to the local economy from the £ 1 of money that it receives from the taxpayer. This has enhanced its customer base and aided it in gaining competitive advantage. Figure 4: A figure showing how in-sourcing boosts effective service delivery Source: emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=865350show=html Measurement In decision making, during the process of requesting for proposals (RFP), evaluating the tangibles of a supplier is the simplest process. Engagements, number of members of staff, and financial figures are some of the quantifiable information that scored and reported easily. Best measurement practice for evaluating in-sourcing activities can be achieved by looking at the capabilities and key questions in the RFP. To determine the sourcing relationship of the intangibl es, careful selection is necessary and which include looking at cultural affinity, supplier engagement and growth with a client over the years. Getting measurements to such questions require applying methods such as interviews where vendors, reference clients and colleagues asked questions to provide essential answers that will help in measuring intangibles. Analysis Neoclassical economists point out that in all competitive markets, cost management, consolidation, cost reduction and cost cutting are central for a maximization of profits, business growth and development. Edward argues that minimizing losses due to outsourcing and can be achieved by adopting the cost cutting in-sourcing methods. According to Keynesian paradox of thrift saving cost through better sourcing methods will boost aggregate output and income of a firm. Analysts with mainstream thinking argue that Keynesians are wrong in their arguments because by insisting that business adopt means that cut costs impacts on a business’ spending and hurt its revenues and profits. The argument is that cutting costs does not lift profits, instead as people save, the economy runs into a slump. Indeed, they are right because as a business use in-sourcing methods to save costs of certain aggregate income levels, consumption in other areas decreases. However, what is wrong with trimming costs through in-sourcing methods to enhance profits? Is cost cutting not an effective means a business can enhance its profits? It is undoubtedly true that a business that uses in-sourcing methods and not outsourcing efficiently cuts costs and transitions into profits since it is using its own or local resources. In a nutshell, a company that decides to adopt in-sourcing creates real wealth and generates positive results. Conclusions To sum up, this review has based its arguments from the thesis statement â€Å"In the business environment today, making decisions on an effective strategic sourcing method to adopt has be come one of the key supply chain management practices that managers are faced with as they seek better sourcing methods which favor them against intense global competition, short product life cycles and increasingly demanding customers†. From the review, it is evident that many businesses are shifting from contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring methods to in-shoring, in-sourcing and near sourcing for the numerous advantages analyzed in the paper. Besides, it is imperative to note that different companies differ in organization, style, size, market position and strategy. As such, dynamic sourcing with a design that is less expensive is required. References Alguire, M. Frear, R. (1994). An Examination of Determinants of Global Sourcing Strategy. Journal of Business Industrial Marketing, (9:2) 62-75. Asta, S. (2005). Managing Supplier Relations in Western Purchasing from China. Proceedings of the 14th IPSERA Conference, Archamps, France, 925-936. Bakker, E. Kamann D. (2007). Perception and Social Influence as Influencing Supply Management: A Research Agenda. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 13(4): 304-316. Barnes, L. Lea-Greenwood, G. (2006). Fast Fashioning the Supply Chain: Shaping the Research Agenda. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 10(3): 259-271. Brege, S., Brehmer, P. Lindskog, H. (2010). Sourcing, insourcing and two times outsourcing: four phases of procurement of telecommunications services within the Swedish public sector. Strategic Outsourcing: an International Journal, 3(2)144-162. Cai, S. Yang, Z. (2008). Development of Cooperative Norms in the Buyer-Supplier Relationship: The Chinese Experience. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 44(1): 55-70. Carter, C. Rogers, D. 2008. A Framework of Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Moving Towards New Theory. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, (38:5)360-387. Christopher, M. (2000). The Agile Supply Chain. Industrial Marketing Managem ent, (29)37-44. McKenna, D. Walker, D. (2008). A study of out-sourcing versus in-sourcing tasks within a project value chain. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business 1(2): 216-232.

How To Build An Irresistible Brand Via Social Media With Dave Kerpen

How To Build An Irresistible Brand Via Social Media With Dave Kerpen Do you know how to use social media to build an irresistible brand and delight customers? Want to be amazing on Facebook, Instagram, and all the other sites? Need some inspiration for your social media branding? Today, we’re talking to Dave Kerpen, chairman of Likeable Media and best-selling author of Likeable Social Media. He shares his advice on what has remained relevant in social media over the past few years and what will continue to help you be successful. Dave’s favorite ideas/concepts include using social media for listening and storytelling to put ideas into the world Brands that are good at storytelling are Redbox, Ahold, Century 21, and Work It Dave’s #1 social media goal for brands is to make money; have a specific monetary ROI in mind Move people down the sales funnel for awareness to purchase Social media savagery trend where brands troll the trolls; is it helpful or hurtful? Depends on your brand’s personality and audience Biggest mistakes marketers make include using social media to sell too quickly, not sell at all, and not use advertising to take advantage of paid opportunities Make sure you’re not selling too much and your content is something you would Like, share, or comment on For paid opportunities, focus first on investing dollars into ads on social media Future Social Media Trends: Musical.ly, videos, and messaging apps Stop investing time into a social channel when the reason you joined no longer applies Links: Dave Kerpen on Facebook Dave Kerpen on Twitter Dave Kerpen on Instagram Likeable Media Likeable Social Media The Art of People Redbox Ahold Supermarkets Century 21 Carrie Kerpen Work It book All the Social Ladies podcast Musical.ly Write and send a review to receive a care package If you liked today’s show, please subscribe on iTunes to The Actionable Marketing Podcast! The podcast is also available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Quotes by Dave Kerpen: â€Å"There’s so many ways to tell stories now. Social media allows us to not only tell that story, but to distribute that story in a really powerful way.† â€Å"If you’re engaging in social media activities, you should have a specific monetary ROI in mind.† â€Å"Social media is a great way to build relationships and nurture people across that sales funnel, no matter what the product or service is.†

How To Build An Irresistible Brand Via Social Media With Dave Kerpen

How To Build An Irresistible Brand Via Social Media With Dave Kerpen Do you know how to use social media to build an irresistible brand and delight customers? Want to be amazing on Facebook, Instagram, and all the other sites? Need some inspiration for your social media branding? Today, we’re talking to Dave Kerpen, chairman of Likeable Media and best-selling author of Likeable Social Media. He shares his advice on what has remained relevant in social media over the past few years and what will continue to help you be successful. Dave’s favorite ideas/concepts include using social media for listening and storytelling to put ideas into the world Brands that are good at storytelling are Redbox, Ahold, Century 21, and Work It Dave’s #1 social media goal for brands is to make money; have a specific monetary ROI in mind Move people down the sales funnel for awareness to purchase Social media savagery trend where brands troll the trolls; is it helpful or hurtful? Depends on your brand’s personality and audience Biggest mistakes marketers make include using social media to sell too quickly, not sell at all, and not use advertising to take advantage of paid opportunities Make sure you’re not selling too much and your content is something you would Like, share, or comment on For paid opportunities, focus first on investing dollars into ads on social media Future Social Media Trends: Musical.ly, videos, and messaging apps Stop investing time into a social channel when the reason you joined no longer applies Links: Dave Kerpen on Facebook Dave Kerpen on Twitter Dave Kerpen on Instagram Likeable Media Likeable Social Media The Art of People Redbox Ahold Supermarkets Century 21 Carrie Kerpen Work It book All the Social Ladies podcast Musical.ly Write and send a review to receive a care package If you liked today’s show, please subscribe on iTunes to The Actionable Marketing Podcast! The podcast is also available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Quotes by Dave Kerpen: â€Å"There’s so many ways to tell stories now. Social media allows us to not only tell that story, but to distribute that story in a really powerful way.† â€Å"If you’re engaging in social media activities, you should have a specific monetary ROI in mind.† â€Å"Social media is a great way to build relationships and nurture people across that sales funnel, no matter what the product or service is.†

Compare and contrast the experiences of African Americans with those Essay

Compare and contrast the experiences of African Americans with those of women between 1800 and 1865 - Essay Example These consequent rebellions helped in making the United States country free of marginalization and slave trade. In an effort to combat these injustices, the slaves and women employed certain tactics to have their voices heard. Some of the women used conventions to bring other s of their kind together and enlighten them of their right and the need to rise for justice, the conventions involved declarations to overthrow men leadership and the chauvinism that was imposed on them. Most of these conventions were made by women who were wives to some of the influential men in the society. African American slaves used both primary and secondary sources to reach out to their counterparts, the primary sources included writing of journals and holding conventional meetings, secondary sources were the use of maps and picture diagrams to educate others on how they would help fight for their rights. The activists also got help from some of their sympathizers in the government; the women on the other hand used legal ties to their husband to take advantage of the opportunity The Seneca Falls convention of 1848 was attended more than 200 women. Its main aim was to liberalize the women in the United States, they complained of the unfulfilled promises that they had been given by the government at its formation in 1776. The convention stirred emotions amongst women in the women of Seneca Falls; it was followed by constant rebellion and conventions by women to shun the government (DBQ #10, Doc. #1). Then there was the Quaker convention of 1848 in the state of New York, it was organized by the women of New York to call for gender equality in the country, this, however, was denied by angry delegates who stormed and destroyed the meeting (Gerald, S, pp 23). They made a venue where the women would air their sentiments, which would later be thrown away like those of the Seneca convention (DBQ #10, Doc. #3). Lastly, there was a convention at the Wesleyan chapel, it was attended by two hund red and sixty delegates and of them, and there were sixty men. Most of the resolutions that were brought forward were passed except one (DBQ #10, Doc. #4), which stated that women were not able to attend the fashionable cultural spheres of those times (Elizabeth, R, pp 5). The slaves on the other hand used mostly primary sources to spread their information to their counterparts; they applied the use of documentations to arrange for meetings. Paul Cuffe, who was a slave who had bought his freedom, wrote a petition to the legislature of Massachusetts, citing his petitions as slaves not being allowed a share of the profits earned from their labor, in his petition he also complained about how slaves were not allowed to participate in the voting process (DBQ #9, Doc. #2). In 1794, Absalom Jones wrote to the slaves regarding the fugitive slave act of 1793, he urged the slaves to take it upon themselves to fight for their rights and not expect anyone else to handle their problems for thems elves (DBQ #9, Doc. #3). In 1797 prince hall made a speech in Boston to remind the slaves how they were being mistreated by their employers, it was somewhat a wakeup call to the slaves to fight for their rights (DBQ #9, Doc. #4). This was followed by constant rebellion by the slaves in Boston (Lamont, D, PP 23). The slaves also used secondary sources to communicate to the authorities and among themselves, such source included, pictures, thematic

American Foreign Policy since 1877 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

American Foreign Policy since 1877 - Assignment Example In its formative years, American foreign policy dealt with issues like challenging the Great Britain, maintaining their trade in the overseas, etc. In spite of these early hindrances, the country has managed itself by emerging into a key international power or even a sole superpower by the end of the twentieth century. During the Gilded Age, instead of having robust foreign policy, America turned its focus on internal growth paving the way for political, military and economic stability of the country. â€Å"In the years that followed, the United States lapsed into diplomatic inactivity, not out of weakness but for lack of any clear national purpose in world affairs. The business of building the nation’s industrial economy absorbed Americans and turned their attention inward.†1 In the early 1920s, the country followed the path of isolationism in their foreign policy by avoiding key role in the League of Nations and seeking to have a free operating authority. However, as time went, the country’s foreign policy turned from cautious into aggressive dealing due to the confident intervening strategies. In the period of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, he confidently intervened in the world affairs through various strategies of presidential diplomacy. As his term coincided with the Second World War, his key role in ending the War and also his successful handling of the colonial conflicts between the nations strengthened American’s position in major areas of the world. In addition, along with United Nations, America invested heavily for strengthening the war-devastated European democracies through the Marshall Plan. This expansion of its foreign policy strategies into Europe also led to the establishment of trade relations with those countries, thereby giving it strong influence in those countries. Thus, its victory in the Second World War and its key role in the post-war phase elevated United States as the most powerful nation in the world leading to dramatic changes in its foreign policies from the political perspective. â€Å"By the end of the war, the United States stood alone, easily the most powerful nation in the world, its power greatly increased by its mobilization and war effort, its rivals defeated, and its allies exhausted†.2 In the days of Woodrow Wilson, the economy of the country expanded into overseas markets as well, and that provided the platform for America to exercise its dominance over Third World Countries, thereby orienting its foreign policy further. That is, the prodigious development of American economy in late 19th century and early 20th century demanded the Americans to look abroad for further economic growth and expansion. â€Å"Through the 19th century, America concentrated on creating a nation that spanned the continent, and it avoided foreign entanglements. Once industrialized and more prosperous, it began looking for foreign markets and colonies.†3 America’s gross d omestic product quadrupled towards the end of the 19th century, which in turn led to the export of surplus products. â€Å"Roughly one-fifth of the nation’s agricultural output was exported, and as industry expanded, so did export of manufactured goods. Between 1880 and 1900, the Industrial share of exports jumped from 15 percent to over 30 percent.†4 These heightened exports and foreign trade relations paved the way for industrial expansion of the country into European as well as

Jesus and Victory Essay Example for Free

Jesus and Victory Essay Chapter eleven, pages 510 through 539, in the book Jesus and the Victory of God by N. T. Wright, details Jesus as a messiah, and the meaning of this messiahship. The chapter had several sections, each titled according to the question N. T. Wright was trying to answer at that particular moment. Pages 510 through 539 detailed the Temple being destroyed and Jesus being vindicated, Jesus being put on trial for claiming to be a messiah, â€Å"Caesarea Philippi†, messianic praxis, messianic sayings, and the roots of Jesus ministry. In the first section, it was established that Jesus was a prophet. It was explained that he described warnings against the Temple, and against Jerusalem. Jesus knew that he was the messiah, Mark 13 explained this. Jesus warned of the destruction of the Temple, and was vindicated as both a prophet and a messiah when this did indeed happen. Jesus also warned against false messiahs using apocalyptic language. Because of the claims Jesus made, he was put on trial. The second section of the chapter questions the accuracy of the â€Å"trial narrative† in Mark. The main questions Wrights asks are whether or not the Jewish authorities were legally able to carry out the death penalty and who was responsible for Jesus death. It was found that the Romans had prohibited the Jewish leaders from carrying out the death penalty. This is why the Romans executed Jesus. The official charge against Jesus was that he claimed to be a messiah. In essence, Jesus was thought to be blasphemous. The Romans saw this as a threat to Caesars order, but the Romans would have never found out about it had the Jewish authorities not turned him in. Jesus confessed to the allegations, and was put to death. The next section makes clear that Jesus acted and spoke as a messiah even before he made his final trip to Jerusalem. It was said that Jesus thought himself to be the messiah when he was still in Galilee. He accepted the title of messiah, and tried his best to carry out the mission that went along with that title. Jesus account of the kingdom of god indicates that he believed the kingdom to be where ever he was. Jesus believed that the kingdom was only in operation through him. He was fully aware that he was following a messianic program, even in his sayings. Jesus, for example, likens himself to a shepard; a shepard that goes looking for lost sheep. He was saying that he was the shepard, guiding his flock, the people, to a better life through god. Jesus uses this analogy several times to describe his ministry. The chapter goes on to explain that one can trace the roots of Jesus ministry. It was explained that Jesus was called by god to be a messiah for the people of Israel. For example, Psalm 2.7 and Isaiah 42. 1 indicate that there was a voice at Jesus baptism. This voice was thought to be the call for Jesus to be a messiah. There is no historical proof that Jesus received his call then, but it is possible. God worked through Jesus ministry. The kingdom was present because Jesus was there. Jesus was the reason for the kingdom of god on Earth. One was welcomed into the kingdom by following Jesus. Jesus believed that he was the messiah, that he embodied Israel itself because of the people who followed his ministry. The conclusion of chapter eleven sums up what the chapter was about. It revisited Jesus belief and claim that he was the messiah. Jesus had a â€Å"kingdom-agenda†, and he gained followers for his ministry with this agenda. After he was executed, Jesus followers needed no other confirmation that he was indeed the messiah when Jesus was resurrected. Jesus believed that he was the messiah, and he was prepared to die because of this belief. Wright, N. T. (1996). Jesus and Israel: The Meaning of Messiahship. Jesus and the Victory of God. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press. 510-539.

Report on Long-term Financing Policy :: essays research papers

Work Teams: Dispute Resolution Abstract Can conflict among work teams or individual employees be avoided? This and other conflict resolution issues will be addressed in this paper along with a couple of hypothetical workplace disputes and the viable solutions that can be applied to resolve the conflict(s). Work Teams and Conflicts   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The use of work teams has become a popular strategy for increasing productivity and worker flexibility in the United States. Seventy-eight percent of U.S. organizations report that at least some of their employees are organized into work teams. In those organizations that utilize teams, an average of 61% of all employees is members of teams† (Bishop, Scott, and Burroughs, 2000). â€Å"A team is a group of people who are interdependent with respect to information, resources, and skills and who seek to combine their efforts to achieve a common goal† (Thompson, Aranda, and Robbins 2000, p9).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In most cultures and most global organizations, individuals have been paired or grouped into teams that are required to work together towards the completion of set goals. Today’s employees come from diverse cultural backgrounds with diverse attitudes and values. This can be good in that it can provide an organization with new and innovative ideas for positive and profitable direction in a global economy that is dominated by many of the same types of businesses. However, when employees are placed in groups or work teams, conflict can, sometimes, arise. Types of Hypothetical Workplace Disputes   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conflict can be good or bad for an organization. It is good or functional when it causes a team to perform effectively. However, conflict can be bad for an organization when it causes a group or team to perform inefficient and ineffective work that keeps the team from achieving its desired goals and objectives in the specified timeframe. Some conflicts support the goals of the group and improve its performance; these are functional, constructive forms of conflicts. There are also conflicts that hinder group performance; these are dysfunctional or destructive forms (Robbins 2001, p262-263). What Causes Conflicts   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Several factors can lead or contribute to the escalation of conflict among groups or teams in the workplace. Some factors include but are not limited to: communication barriers, lack of good interpersonal skills, and poor ethical behavior. Desired Outcomes   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Conflict is constructive when it improves the quality of decisions, stimulates creativity and innovation, encourages interest and curiosity among group members, provides the medium through which problems can be aired and tensions released, and fosters an environment of self-evaluation and improvement† (Robbins 2001, p269).

Employee relations Essay

The conviction that there exists a power imbalance in the employment relationship which gives employers a prejudicial benefit over employees takes its existence for several centuries. Karl Marx known for his theories and contributions related to the employment relations field, became famous through his literatures and ever since his popularity remains. Firstly and primarily, the lives of most men and women are subject of work. The large majority of individuals who work are simply employees only few are employers. Therefore, the terms and conditions in which individuals perform this work are crucial for everyone. These agreements are characterized by the relationship between employer and employee. Again, employee relations suggest notion of fairness and equity in the remuneration of labour. At the basic level, employee relations tend to create active group collaboration in the place of work rather than conflicts which give to employees the impression in some way to be separated from employers and organisations for which they work. Employee relations take into account many factors related to a good quality of work such as remuneration of labour, bonuses, promotions as well as the corporate culture and the work environment, training and development programs for employees. Recognizing the achievements and contributions made by the empl oyee, this is an important part of employee relations, as the demands of the employees are more or less respected. Numerous scholars and authors have written lot of theories related to employment relationship field. Edwards defines Employee relation as â€Å"all forms of economic activity in which an employee works under the authority of an employer and receives a wage in return for his or her labour†. (Edwards, 2003) However, new approaches have emerged with the influence and recognition of trade unions in the midst of 60’s and the male breadwinner mainly considered  as industrial relationships. According to Blyton and Turnbull, more factors to be considered; â€Å"wages and profit, authority and compliance† ,the need of â€Å"work being a source of dignity, a ‘living wage'† and â€Å"social cohesion, employee voice and participation in decision making†. (Blyton and Turnbull, 2004, p.7) In this essay, I will briefly talk about the unitary and pluralist perspectives on Employee relations. I will also discuss the applicability of the radical or Marxist perspective to the analysis of employment relations. Early in the twenty century, before the advent of industrialization and globalization, industries and organisations operated in a context in which all the aspects related the work was largely ruled by employers and the employees had no power and no right to express their views, therefore they were submitted and had to comply with the compulsory rules and regulations on them by employers. For a very long time, the interests of employers have overcome the interests of employees. During the period of post-war, the phenomenon called globalization hardly was not existent and technology had not reached its climax, these factors have not play a predominant role in the industrial world. Employees were forced to complete the entire amount of work required which included intellectual and physical effort. In return, they had limited support from employers due to managerial styles set. By comparing the post modernization epoch and the current context of work, there has been a huge progress between relations of employees and employers. Today, a large number of factors have be taken into account, which have an impact on Employee relations such as the politico-economic system, new legislation, globalisation, technological advances, trade union, professional organisations, Training and development. Fox found two basic views expressed about the basis of relationship between management and trade unions in particular or employees in general, the unitary and pluralist. Thereafter, a radical or Marxist view came up as a third perspective, which was totally different and opposed from the others two frames of management. These perspectives are not essentially focused on the nature of the employment relationship but rather by conflict (Fox, 1966). The unitary view on one hand, this theory considered as one of the earliest theories. The unitary perspective takes into account the nature of work of employees as well as the technology. For the unitary, the organisation must be a united group of individuals with single authority, loyalty structure sharing common objectives. The employers have the right to make decisions; those decisions are considered as legitimate, rational and are not opposable. The assumption is within the unitary organisation system, basic harmony and conflict is needless and exceptional. According to Howard, conflict is seen by your boss as both unnatural and unnecessary. (Howard F, 1993) Therefore, many managers see trade unions a disturbance within organisation from external which contests unfair decisions for the loyalty of workers. Therefore, if conflict still pending, the management suggests it should be dealt with by their authority: management coercion. As example, this perspective was the case of many organisations during the 1980 in the UK while Margaret Thatcher was prime minister. This clearly demonstrates that there was a strong inequality and an asymmetry between the workers and the employees and the voice of the workers were not taken into consideration. The pluralist view on the other hand, Pluralist theory is deep-rooted in interests’ conflicts between employers and employees which co-operate in imperfect labour markets. The employment relationship is perceived as a matter of negotiation between stakeholders with opposing interests, the employment outcomes depend primarily on several environmental factors that determine the bargaining power of each party. Pluralist view distinguishes that both employees and employers have divergences in their opinions, and following this, a power struggle or a conflict may rise within the workplace. However, pluralist view claims that it could be better for the sake of the interests of the organisation if the views of all parties in conflict could be taken in consideration and reconciled. Pluralist views was essentially founded on an convenient situation and did not take into account certain factors such as the flexibility or changes taken in the world of the industry, this due to the evolution of the technology, fast expansion of business, environmental issues. Conflict resolution is branded by the necessity to make agreed actions and institutions which attain collaboration via comprehensive, codified negotiated settlement systems. Marxism was established through the observation of Marx recognized as one of the famous scholar who have advanced many theses opposing to capitalism. To Marx employee relations was a significant way to understand the theory of capitalist production. Marx explained how organisations were working, of how and why the history has extended, and particularly an account of the nature of capitalism. Capitalism was seen by Marx as extremely inacceptable and his concern was to end up with this system through violent revolution and shape a communist society. According to Hyman, â€Å"capitalism constitutes a complex of work and social relations of production†. (Hyman, 1975:96-97) The main characteristics of the capitalist structure of employment relations are constituted as follow: private ownership of the workers, the small minority control the ownership, mandatory method for the majority of society to sell their labour power as a product, the dominance of profit as the purpose of the e conomic. Although, the capitalist structure of employment relations reflects an exploitative relationship. For instance, wages remunerated to the employees consists essentially a small part of the collective value produced by them, in other words wages would be minimized to a substantial level. However the rest of the gain from production is allocated to the employer as a benefit. Therefore, the capitalist environment is fundamentally being seen as a conflicting class relation. On the basis of the capitalist perspective on employment relations, Marxists believes that capitalist organisations are gradually dominating as prescribed in their economic status by two main opposed classes, which are the ruling class or capitalist and the workers considered as subject class. The ruling class owns and controls the mean of production, distribution and trade, in certain ways the means of political domination. Contrary to the ruling class, subject class is subordinate; workers have not control on property and are subject of servitude of the bourgeoisie interests. Therefore, workers are exploited and ruled politically and socio-economically. This competition between the ruling class and the subjected class would be in argument to gain ground and impose the persistent challenge, therefore fight will be obvious. The asymmetric distribution of power in the presence of private information and opposing between the ruling class and the workers interests  is obvious. Although, it is possible that private information and opposing interests give rise to opportunism of both parties to the employment contract in most cases, However, The Marxists believe that the negative consequences experienced by the workers are possibly more thoughtful than consequences encountered employers because of the power of the employers based in the ownership of the organisation. The main noticeable risks related to imbalances in bargaining power are paying low wage compared to the output that workers have produced and the risk that could arise in the investment decisions of the organisation. As an example of imbalances in bargaining power to illustrate, we can refer to the case study of Nike firm; Nike has been the subject of many criticisms. It has been shown that the conditions of work were inhuman in many factories of Nike in Asia and a strict requirement of standards level needed to be achieved by all workers. How Nike has exploited its workers for financial gain with low wages. (www.stanford.edu/class/e297c/trade_environment/wheeling/hnike.html, last seen 06/02/14) This unacceptable situation is a good example to illustrates how unfairly the capitalist system operates. Therefore, all these inequalities and all of these issues within organisations have given rise to conflict. For John Kelly, The Marxist approach to industrial relations accepts that conflict exists but that at present there is little balance between organised labour and capital, especially in an era of globalisation. (John Kelly, 1998) A big gap of power between the workers and the Employers within an organisation creates imbalance, the ruling class with more power compared to the workers rarely tend to use it. This is because the use of the excessive power usually turns into a kind of dictatorship in the minds of employers who want to control it. The current situation comes to be genuine, and workers must comply and accept any unfair decisions taken against them. Therefore, for the Marxist perspective, it was crucial to seek the need to settle conflicts of interests via some forms of job regulations. Contrarily to the unitary and pluralist perspectives, the Marxist perspective has go in depth in term of developing a series of elements related to industrial relations such collective bargaining, trade union regulations and workplace legislations. According to Flanders, industrial relations are a study of the  institutions of job regulation. (Flanders, 1974) In order to understand why there is asymmetry of power between employees and employers, it will be relevant to look closer at the three major actors who play a significant role, which are the collective bargaining and trade union, and the state. However, Marxism has given birth to the collective bargaining and trade unions on the basis of anxieties relating to the negotiation between management and the workforce. According to Gunnigle et al, collective bargaining gives redress the imbalance of power between individual workers and employers. ( (Gunnigle, 1995)) It is for the fundamental reason that collective bargaining is implemented in industrial relations, and basically gives an objective purely politic to collective bargaining which is the balance of power. As soon as his purpose is accomplished, collective bargaining is utilized principally for financial reasons. Collective bargaining allows managing in tactical way how to deal with employees fairly. The collective bargaining’s process may also provide legitimacy to trade unions within organisations. Purcell states that this legitimacy can give trade union members a sense of belonging to the organisation. (Purcell, 1979) However, collective bargaining has also its imperfections and disadvantages as far the capitalism is concerned. Collective bargaining may result to irrational and groundless demands which may lead to serious conflicts. Marx has modelled the historical significance of union fight strongly in his book `The Poverty of Philosophy†. Marx was not indifferent to the conditions of workers to make their lives better; they were concerned on how they were struggling to unionize themselves. Marx argues that higher wages simply set up prices and strikes were a dead end. For Marx, the unions could play a political role in the real civil war to pay higher wages to workers. Marx argued that capitalism had operated a physical minimum, which maintained people alive, but that is a social balance of power between capital and labour. Trade unions are naturel response of workers who have been exploited by the capitalist system; it gives to employees a voice. Within the trade union the workers have the role that the management occupies; this role consists to affect the demand of the union service and union memberships.  The establishment of union has been encouraged since the workers are feel frustrate with the style of work or management. When there is a strong presence of union, there is a balance within the employment relations. For instance, the case of John Lewis employees, there is a strong democratic structure where partnership is also encouraged. Workers are less exploited and are less dissatisfy about the style of work. This is a good example to illustrate when we think in term of benefit of the trade unions. Marx argued about the role played by the state, which he thinks is serves only the interests of the dominant class within organisations. The state appears more as the instrument of the ruling class, because it tries to maintaining its control over employees who are already exploited. Marx claimed that the state reacts as dictatorship for proletariat. The executive of the modern state is essentially a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie.† (Marx and Engels,1948, p.11.) Again in the instant case, we see that the state plays an adverse and inequitable role the balance of power on employers over their employees. Having critically assessed some facet of the Marxist perspective on the asymmetry of power between employees and employers, we can come to the conclusion that this perspective leads a concept of the dictatorship of the proletariat. Marxist perspective focuses more on the structure and nature of the organisation rather than the current workplace in the society and Marxists argue that the conflict in the industrial relations is a reflection on how the society is structured. Marxism puts a particular emphasis on the division of interest between the employers and the employees. The Marxists considered the conflict as unavoidable and trade unions are a seeing as an alternative solution of workers to exploitation by owners. Within the Marxists perspective, employers are continued to exercise their unfair power over employees even thus the presence of trade unions which are powerless. The state is also considered as an instrument of the bourgeoisie. For the Marxist, trade unions and collective bargaining may increase but may not limit of the employers’ power because they are subjected to the persistence of capitalism instead of challenge it. However, The Marxist perspective is seen to be out-of-date as the entire nature of the class conflict has  changed, as a result of modern organisations, ‘as well as its mixed economy and welfare state, which is currently more open and on a social basis mobile. Reference: Blyton, P. &. (2004). _The Dynamics of Employee Relations Basingstoke: Macmillan._ Bukharin. (2003). _Imperialism and World Economy._ London & Sydney: Bookmarks. Engels, M. &. (1948). _The Communist Manifesto, International Publishers._ _Fox, A.(19660. Industrial Sociology And Industrial Relations (Research Paper 3, Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers’ Associations), London._ Hyman, R. (1975). _Industrial Relations: A Marxist Introduction._ London: The Macmillan Press Ltd. _http://www.stanford.edu/class/e297c/trade_environment/wheeling/hnike.html_ _Bukharin (2003) Imperialism and World Economy._ (n.d.). London & sydney: Bookmarks. Kelly, J. (1998). _Rethinking Industrial Relations: Mobilization, Collectivism and Long Waves._ London: Routledge. Marx, K. (1964). _Early writings._ New York: McGraw-Hill. P., E. (2003). _The employment relationship and the field of industrial relations._ oxford: Backwell. Palmer, H. F. (1993). _British Industrial Relations._ London: Routledge. Purcell, K. (1979). _Militancy and acquiescence amongst women workers. Burman (ed.), Fit Work for Women, London, Croom Helm._ _Gunnigle, P. (1995). Collectivism and the management of industrial relations in greenfield sites, Human Ressources Journal._

Compare and Cotrast the Characters of Gabriel Conroy and Michael Furey in “The Dead.”

Michal Furey loved Gretta so much that he, a (probably) tubercular worker in a potentially carcinogenic workplace (the gasworks) risked his already fragile health to come stand in her back garden in a cold rain. He is so desperate to see Gretta before she leaves that he says â€Å"†¦ he did not want to live. † Gretta believes that he died for her, and it may well be the case. There is no mention of whether or not he wore galoshes, but if he did it didn't save him. He died a week after that last time he saw Gretta.Gabriel, however, is fond of the newfangled galoshes, and he is careful about his and his wife's health. Unlike Michael Furey, Gabriel seems to relish being alive. He is in love with his wife, but he also does not seem to harbor romantic notions about her. â€Å"He did not like to say even to himself that her face was no longer beautiful but he knew that it was no longer the face for which Michael Furey had braved death. † It's hard to imagine Gabriel Conr oy braving death for anyone, and certainly not for romantic love.He seems too self-satisfied for that, but he also has, as many smug and contented people have, an element of self-loathing â€Å"A shameful consciousness of his own person assailed him. He saw himself as a ludicrous figure, acting as a pennyboy for his aunts, a nervous wellmeaning sentimentalist, orating to vulgarians and idealising his own clownish lusts, the pitiable fatuous fellow he had caught a glimpse of in the mirror. † It is difficult, in this last respect, to compare Michael Furey and Gabriel Conroy.Michael Furey died as a teenager, in all the passion of ill-health coupled with immaturity and intense romanticism. Gabriel is a grown man, a teacher, a father and husband, with all the cares, maturity, satisfactions, and even dashed illusions that that status conveys. Michael, the passionate lover of Gretta who sang, with a beautiful voice, the maudlin tune of â€Å"The Lass of Aughrim† had none of G abriel's life of solid — and, perhaps, stolid — respectability and responsibility. Such circumstances change personalities.But, it is suggested by Joyce's text, Michael and Gabriel shared little except their love for Gretta. Michael is headlong, talented, in ill-health, but also careless of life. Gabriel is, by comparison, careful, steady, respectable, and bent on the enjoyment of his possessions (especially Gretta) and his raised status compared to many people around him. They seem to be of very different dipositions, and, at the end of the story, Gabriel and the reader are left to think whether Gretta would have been happier with Michael Furey, had he lived.

How to Solve Equations With Exponential Decay Functions

How to Solve Equations With Exponential Decay Functions Exponential functions tell the stories of explosive change. The two types of exponential functions are exponential growth and exponential decay. Four variables- percent change, time, the amount at the beginning of the time period, and the amount at the end of the time period- play roles in exponential functions. This article focuses on how to use an exponential decay function to find a, the amount at the beginning of the time period. Exponential Decay Exponential decay: the change that occurs when an original amount is reduced by a consistent rate over a period of time Heres an exponential decay function: y a(1-b)x y: Final amount remaining after the decay over a period of timea: The original amountx: TimeThe decay factor is (1-b).The variable, b, is percent decrease in decimal form. Purpose of Finding the Original Amount If you are reading this article, then you are probably ambitious. Six years from now, perhaps you want to pursue an undergraduate degree at Dream University. With a $120,000 price tag, Dream University evokes financial night terrors. After sleepless nights, you, Mom, and Dad meet with a financial planner. Your parents bloodshot eyes clear up when the planner reveals an investment with an 8% growth rate that can help your family reach the $120,000 target. Study hard. If you and your parents invest $75,620.36 today, then Dream University will become your reality. How to Solve for the Original Amount of an Exponential Function This function describes the exponential growth of the investment: 120,000 a(1 .08)6 120,000: Final amount remaining after 6 years.08: Yearly growth rate6: The number of years for the investment to growa: The initial amount that your family invested Hint: Thanks to the symmetric property of equality, 120,000 a(1 .08)6 is the same as a(1 .08)6 120,000. (Symmetric property of equality: If 10 5 15, then 15 10 5.) If you prefer to rewrite the equation with the constant, 120,000, on the right of the equation, then do so. a(1 .08)6 120,000 Granted, the equation doesnt look like a linear equation (6a $120,000), but its solvable. Stick with it! a(1 .08)6 120,000 Be careful: Do not solve this exponential equation by dividing 120,000 by 6. Its a tempting math no-no. 1. Use order of operations to simplify. a(1 .08)6 120,000a(1.08)6 120,000 (Parenthesis)a(1.586874323) 120,000 (Exponent) 2. Solve by dividing a(1.586874323) 120,000a(1.586874323)/(1.586874323) 120,000/(1.586874323)1a 75,620.35523a 75,620.35523 The original amount to invest is approximately $75,620.36. 3. Freeze -youre not done yet. Use order of operations to check your answer. 120,000 a(1 .08)6120,000 75,620.35523(1 .08)6120,000 75,620.35523(1.08)6 (Parenthesis)120,000 75,620.35523(1.586874323) (Exponent)120,000 120,000 (Multiplication) Answers and Explanations to the Questions Woodforest, Texas, a suburb of Houston, is determined to close the digital divide in its community. A few years ago, community leaders discovered that their citizens were computer illiterate: they did not have access to the Internet and were shut out of the information superhighway. The leaders established the World Wide Web on Wheels, a set of mobile computer stations. World Wide Web on Wheels has achieved its goal of only 100 computer illiterate citizens in Woodforest. Community leaders studied the monthly progress of the World Wide Web on Wheels. According to the data, the decline of computer illiterate citizens can be described by the following function: 100 a(1 - .12)10 1. How many people are computer illiterate 10 months after the inception of the World Wide Web on Wheels? 100 people Compare this function to the original exponential growth function: 100 a(1 - .12)10y a(1 b)x The variable, y, represents the number of computer illiterate people at the end of 10 months, so 100 people are still computer illiterate after the World Wide Web on Wheels began to work in the community. 2. Does this function represent exponential decay or exponential growth? This function represents exponential decay because a negative sign sits in front of the percent change, .12. 3. What is the monthly rate of change? 12% 4. How many people were computer illiterate 10 months ago, at the inception of the World Wide Web on Wheels? 359 people Use ​order of operations to simplify. 100 a(1 - .12)10 100 a(.88)10 (Parenthesis) 100 a(.278500976) (Exponent) Divide to solve. 100(.278500976) a(.278500976)/(.278500976) 359.0651689 1a 359.0651689 a Use order of operations to check your answer. 100 359.0651689(1 - .12)10 100 359.0651689(.88)10 (Parenthesis) 100 359.0651689(.278500976) (Exponent) 100 100 (Okay, 99.9999999†¦Its just a bit of a rounding error.) (Multiply) 5. If these trends continue, how many people will be computer illiterate 15 months after the inception of the World Wide Web on Wheels? 52 people Plug in what you know about the function. y 359.0651689(1 - .12) x y 359.0651689(1 - .12) 15 Use Order of Operations to find y. y 359.0651689(.88)15 (Parenthesis) y 359.0651689(.146973854) (Exponent) y 52.77319167 (Multiply)

The Chemical and Physical Properties of Lithium, or Li

The Chemical and Physical Properties of Lithium, or Li Lithium is the first metal you encounter on the periodic table. Here are important facts about this element. Lithium Basic Facts Atomic Number: 3Symbol: LiAtomic Weight: [6.938; 6.997]Reference: IUPAC 2009Discovery: 1817, Arfvedson (Sweden)Electron Configuration: [He]2s1Word Origin Greek: lithos, stoneElement Classification: Alkali Metal Lithium Properties Lithium has a melting point of 180.54 C, a boiling point of 1342 C, a specific gravity of 0.534 (20 C), and a valence of 1. It is the lightest of the metals, with a density approximately half that of water. Under ordinary conditions, lithium is the least dense of the solid elements. It has the highest specific heat of any solid element. Metallic lithium is silvery in appearance. It reacts with water, but not as vigorously as does sodium. Lithium imparts a crimson color to flame, although the metal itself burns a bright white. Lithium is corrosive and requires special handling. Elemental lithium is extremely flammable. Lithium Uses Lithium is used in heat transfer applications. It is used as an alloying agent, in synthesizing organic compounds, and is added to glasses and ceramics. Its high electrochemical potential makes it useful for battery anodes. Lithium chloride and lithium bromide are highly hygroscopic, so they are used as drying agents. Lithium stearate is used as a high-temperature lubricant. Lithium has medical applications as well. Lithium Sources Lithium does not occur free in nature. It is found in small amounts in practically all igneous rocks and in the waters of mineral springs. The minerals that contain lithium include lepidolite, petalite, amblygonite, and spodumene. Lithium metal is produced electrolytically from the fused chloride. Lithium Physical Data Density (g/cc): 0.534Appearance: soft, silvery-white metalIsotopes: 8 isotopes [Li-4 to Li-11]. Li-6 (7.59% abundance) and Li-7 (92.41% abundance) are both stable.Atomic Radius (pm): 155Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 13.1Covalent Radius (pm): 163Ionic Radius: 68 (1e)Specific Heat (20 °C J/g mol): 3.489Fusion Heat (kJ/mol): 2.89Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 148Debye Temperature ( °K): 400.00Pauling Negativity Number: 0.98First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 519.9Oxidation States: 1Lattice Structure: Body-Centered CubicLattice Constant (Ã…): 3.490Magnetic Ordering: paramagneticElectrical Resistivity (20 °C): 92.8 nÃŽ ©Ã‚ ·mThermal Conductivity (300 K): 84.8 W ·m−1 ·K−1Thermal Expansion (25 °C): 46  µm ·m−1 ·K−1Speed of Sound (thin rod) (20 °C): 6000 m/sYoungs Modulus: 4.9 GPaShear Modulus: 4.2 GPaBulk Modulus: 11 GPaMohs Hardness: 0.6CAS Registry Number: 7439-93-2 Lithium Trivia Lithium is used extensively in rechargeable battery technology.Lithium is the only alkali metal that reacts with nitrogen.Lithium burns red in a flame test.Lithium was first discovered in the mineral petalite (LiAlSi4O10).Lithium is used to create the hydrogen isotope tritium through bombardment of neutrons. Sources Los Alamos National Laboratory (2001)IUPAC 2009Crescent Chemical Company (2001)Langes Handbook of Chemistry (1952)

Historical analysis of football contracts Essay

Historical analysis of football contracts - Essay Example The relationship between players and clubs changed fundamentally through the years. Contemporary football is caught between two very powerful concepts: the freedom of movement of players on the one side and contractual stability on the other. The international governing body FIFA attempts to provide a universal guideline on how to deal with contractual stability and international mobility. A it was shown in this research project, freedom of movement is the consequence of many social, cultural and, not at last, political developments which have caused an increase in international mobility of players in the recent past. The focus of this article centered on playing contract conditions, analysis of power determinants in the football labor market. The football labor market, as this paper will demonstrate, is a site for power contestation between football authorities and players and the ‘transformation of circumstances’ with regard to playing contract conditions throughout the history of the game is central to this paper. The paper uses agency-structure as a framework and consequently adopts the view that football players perform their labor in an occupational workplace that is governed by football’s authorities (that is, the game’s rules, governing bodies, regulating authorities and clubs). In this sense, the players are considered to be the individual agents (agency)while the football authorities are the structure whilst the power battle between the players and authorities – as part of agency-structure – regarding playing contract conditions over time is the f ocal point of this paper.