PUBLICATION DESIGN Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

PUBLICATION DESIGN - Essay Example Garfield Simon (2010), states that topography is the use of design with type with the aim of communicating a message (p. 45). This is usually achieved through the use of a computer to design publications. The computer allows one to use various styles and fonts that allows the designer to achieve a more professional and appealing look of the magazine being published. In the publication â€Å"How to spend† the design of the magazine has been achieved professional standards of a modern designer. A publication needs to be clear and accessible. It also has to be to connect with its readers. This will allow the reader to scan through the pages to search for something that might intrigue them. The ‘How to Spend it’ magazine has been able to capture most vital designing elements. Contents of the magazine suit the overall objective of the magazine. As the name suggests, the magazine intends to enlighten the reader on how to spend money on most of the important things from clothing to beauty products. In addition, it has managed to show the reader some exciting places that are fun to visit. This is all with the aim of teaching the reader on how to spend his or her money wisely and enjoy life. ... Use of heading such as ‘digging deeper’ creates as sense of spending it to the last possible coin. Therefore, this matches the intention of the magazine which is to ensure the reader develops a taste for things advertised in the magazine. The ‘How to Spend it’ magazine features other characteristics that are important to the customer. Baines & Haslam (2005) believe that the designer of the magazine shifts from the normal format of designing to the loop format of designing which is very important when designing a publication (pg 45). By deviating from the usual ways of spending ones’ money, he highlights unique ways through which one can try spending. For example, he does not concentrate on the usual items that most people consider relevant and at most times end up buying. Most females will spend their income on items like handbags and designer shoes and such items as is evident by most of them. On the other hand, men will spend on watches and expensiv e clothes. However, the design of the magazine seems to avoid what is normal for most people and introduces new ways one can spend his or her money. Rather than concentrating on handbags and designer wear including ornaments, he majors on travelling and engaging in activities that require money such as mountain climbing and skiing. This strategy makes the reader to consider how he or she spends his or her money by trying such unique things as compared to the things he or she has already bought. There is significant use of texts in headings that catch the reader’s attention. The magazine features headings of different sizes and styles. The headings in most parts of the magazine are used appropriately to capture the reader’s

Natures Impact Essay Example for Free

Natures Impact Essay The outdoors contains many wonders that a child explores throughout the early years of life; therefore, a person’s childhood tends to position his path for the future. As a result, occurrences seen on an average day sitting at school, exploring in the woods, or examining the stars have the potential to be life changing. An American Childhood (Dillard), â€Å"Two Views of a River† (Twain), and â€Å"Listening† (Welty) all allocate this thought, yet the works juxtapose each other with different morals. Annie Dillard writes of the expectations of her to return after completing college and settling in the same town in which she resides her entire life before attending college: â€Å"It crawled down the driveway toward Shadyside, one of the several sections of town where people like me were expected to settle after college, renting an apartment until they married one of the boys and bought a house† (2). Dillard feels essentially unpermitted to broaden her horizon of a future. She believes she had been restricted too early and therefore Dillard feels she is not allowed to live up to her possible potential. Mark Twain, on the other hand, writes of the river and its influence upon him: This sun means that we are going to have wind tomorrow; that floating log means that the river is rising, small thanks to it; that slanting mark on the water refers to a bluff reef which is going to kill somebody’s steamboat one of these nights if it keeps on stretching out like that [†¦]. (1) Within his piece, Twain wonders if he were to have noticed all the diminutive and revealing things of the river as a child, whether it would have foreshadowed the future from the perspective from which he sees the past now. Twain wishes he had respected the river further as a child rather than simply viewing it as an effortless beauty. Eudora Welty also writes of her childhood, explaining her love for the sky and all that dwells within it. She states, â€Å"I could see the full constellations in it and call their names; when I could read, I knew their myths† (Welty 1). Even with all the knowledge she had of the ominous unknown that seems endless and vague to the common child, it still takes Welty until she is already a published writer before she realizes the moon does not rise in the west. Learning of this alters her perspective. However, without believing that the moon rises in the west, less delight and excitement would have occurred within her childhood. Dillard, Twain, and Welty write of their upbringings and how certain changes, if varied, could have fashioned a different future. They outwardly realize the options they had, and the elements they would have distorted in the past to assist themselves in the future. Where Dillard, Twain, and Welty’s works mutually contain the reference to their childhoods, they contrast each other with the morals of their writings. Dillard’s extended metaphor places her in an equivalent situation as the Polyphemus moth whose overgrown wings span wider than the Mason jar that withholds it. The piece uses the bit about the moth to foreshadow her telling of her confinement to Shadyside. The moral of her piece is that one’s parents, friends, or even society’s restraints should not oppress one’s aspirations to what is simply considered to be correct: Conversely, Twain’s piece concludes one should not take life for granted because it can exceed so hastily, that a large quantity of imperative information and experiences can be neglected and missed: The world was new to me, and I had never seen anything like this at home. But as I have said, a day came when I began to cease from noting the glories and the charms which the moon and the sun and the twilight wrought upon the river’s face; another day came when I ceased altogether to note them. (1) Welty teaches in her piece that a child’s learning is made of specific moments in time and she shares her involvements with this learning: â€Å"There comes the moment, and I saw it then, when the moon goes from flat to round. For the first time it met my eyes as a globe. The word â€Å"moon† came into my mouth as though fed to me out of a silver spoon. Held in my mouth the mood became a word† (Welty 1). Eudora reveals that moments like this which seem miniscule can alter one’s personality and interests. Each instant of learning creates a change in one’s mental makeup. Dillard, Twain, and Welty are each eloquent and sophisticated writers. Their works are relatively alike in the fact that they each converse of their childhoods and what they would have altered within them; however, they juxtapose each other with diverse morals veiled within the pieces. Works Cited Dillard, Annie. An American Childhood. New York: Harper Row, 1988. Twain, Mark. â€Å"Two Views of a River. † Life on the Mississippi. New York: Harper, 1896. Welty, Eudora. â€Å"Listening. † Agents, Russell Volkening. Welty: 1984.

Futility of the American Dream Exposed in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby :: Great Gatsby Essays

The ideal of the ‘American Dream’ has hardly changed over the past century. The dream is a unique American phenomenon. It represents a nebulous concept that is exemplified by a number of American values. Many deem wealth and success to be the means to this paradigm. When stability, security and family values also become part of the suburban lifestyle, the American Dream comes close to becoming reality. Nick Carraway, the candid narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby analyzes the legitimacy of this principle through the inevitable downfall of Jay Gatsby. The novel takes place during the ‘roaring twenties’ in two sophisticated, affluent Long Island neighborhoods. The people in these neighborhoods epitomize the superficiality and arrogance that distorts the American Dream. Fitzgerald utilizes this environment and its people to examine the negative attributes of the American Dream. Fitzgerald portrays two neighborhoods, East Egg and West Egg, to display the slowly evolving corruption of the American Dream. East Egg houses old money sophisticates, and West Egg accommodates the less fashionable â€Å"nouveau riche† types. The apparent differences cause the two neighborhoods to develop a seeming rivalry. The different neighborhoods are connected through the characters becoming entangled with each other. Both Carraway, and his wealthy, yet enigmatic neighbor, Jay Gatsby live in West Egg. Carraway lives in a modest bungalow, which is overshadowed by Gatsby’s extravagant estate. In his magnificent manor, Gatsby indulges in an excessive and exaggerated lifestyle including many lavish parties: â€Å"In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars† (43). Gatsby considers his prodigious wealth and stature to be the means to regain his one true love, Daisy Buchanan. Daisy's aura of wealt h and privilege--her many clothes, her perfect house, her lack of fear or worry—attract Gatsby's attention and gradual obsession. Gatsby realizes that his own capacity for hope made Daisy seem ideal to him. He does not realize that he is pursuing an image that has no true, lasting value. This realization would have made the world look entirely different to Gatsby, like "a new world, material without being real, where poor ghosts, breathing dreams like air, drifted fortuitously about† (169). Daisy and her unfaithful husband Tom live in a large East Egg mansion directly across from Gatsby’s estate. In this environment, Gatsby’s destiny with Daisy becomes his individual version of the American Dream. Futility of the American Dream Exposed in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby :: Great Gatsby Essays The ideal of the ‘American Dream’ has hardly changed over the past century. The dream is a unique American phenomenon. It represents a nebulous concept that is exemplified by a number of American values. Many deem wealth and success to be the means to this paradigm. When stability, security and family values also become part of the suburban lifestyle, the American Dream comes close to becoming reality. Nick Carraway, the candid narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby analyzes the legitimacy of this principle through the inevitable downfall of Jay Gatsby. The novel takes place during the ‘roaring twenties’ in two sophisticated, affluent Long Island neighborhoods. The people in these neighborhoods epitomize the superficiality and arrogance that distorts the American Dream. Fitzgerald utilizes this environment and its people to examine the negative attributes of the American Dream. Fitzgerald portrays two neighborhoods, East Egg and West Egg, to display the slowly evolving corruption of the American Dream. East Egg houses old money sophisticates, and West Egg accommodates the less fashionable â€Å"nouveau riche† types. The apparent differences cause the two neighborhoods to develop a seeming rivalry. The different neighborhoods are connected through the characters becoming entangled with each other. Both Carraway, and his wealthy, yet enigmatic neighbor, Jay Gatsby live in West Egg. Carraway lives in a modest bungalow, which is overshadowed by Gatsby’s extravagant estate. In his magnificent manor, Gatsby indulges in an excessive and exaggerated lifestyle including many lavish parties: â€Å"In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars† (43). Gatsby considers his prodigious wealth and stature to be the means to regain his one true love, Daisy Buchanan. Daisy's aura of wealt h and privilege--her many clothes, her perfect house, her lack of fear or worry—attract Gatsby's attention and gradual obsession. Gatsby realizes that his own capacity for hope made Daisy seem ideal to him. He does not realize that he is pursuing an image that has no true, lasting value. This realization would have made the world look entirely different to Gatsby, like "a new world, material without being real, where poor ghosts, breathing dreams like air, drifted fortuitously about† (169). Daisy and her unfaithful husband Tom live in a large East Egg mansion directly across from Gatsby’s estate. In this environment, Gatsby’s destiny with Daisy becomes his individual version of the American Dream.

Aids/Hiv Essay 6

Kimberly S. Johnson SOS 313: Social Implications of Medical Issues Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Its Deadly Effects Deanna Swinford March 14, 2010 Over the past few decades Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention strategies has focused on helping high risk individuals including individuals uninfected with HIV. The responsibility of National programs is to inform the public regarding prevention strategies, identify priorities, plan, and implement disease prevention strategies. It’s common knowledge all over the world that HIV infection is the leading cause of death. â€Å"Human immunodeficiency virus HIV and AIDS remain the leading causes of illness and death in the United States. As of December 2004, an estimated 944,306 persons had received a diagnosis of AIDS, and of these 529,113 (56%) had died† (Center for Disease Control, 2010). Approximately 40,000 new cases of HIV infection occur each year and 40 million people worldwide are now living with HIV† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 318). Everyone knows, or should be aware that there’s no way to restore their damaged immune system, and no cure for HIV, nor for AIDS. Advances in medical systems today have shown improved life expectancy. â€Å"Since 1995, the number of deaths from AIDS in the United States has declined so sign ificantly that HIV/AIDS is no longer treated as a terminal illness but rather as a chronic condition to be managed† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 18). â€Å"A virus is an infectious organism that cannot grow or reproduce outside living cells. To survive, it must enter a living cell and use the reproductive capacity of that cell for its own replication. Consequently, when a virus enters a cell, it instructs the cell to reproduce the virus† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 313). Normally the body recognizes these as foreign, this is how a healthy immune system is suppose to work, as I remember from anatomy and physiology, then will destroy the foreign cells. Some will remain dormant, sometimes for long periods of time, and without causing problems, but still will remain in our body with other cells and can replicate at any time. â€Å"HIV infection is caused by a retrovirus called HIV. A retrovirus uses a complicated process called reverse transcription to reproduce itself. This process uses a viral enzyme called reverse transcriptase to integrate the virus’s genetic material into the other cells. HIV essentially takes over these cells—primarily the CD4 cells to produce more HIV. They multiply extremely rapidly and some errors caused by this rapid generation of ells are not corrected, so there are constant mutations of the virus. Some of the cells containing the virus burst, releasing HIV directly into the blood stream. Consequently, there can be both infected cells and virus in the blood traveling to other sites† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 313). This rapid generation of cells explain why some patients who may have been somewhat stable, then they rapidly deteriorate or their medications do not seem to work anymore. The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary depending on the phase of the infection. â€Å"Early infection—when first infected with HIV, you may have no signs or symptoms at all, although it’s more common to develop a brief flu-like illness two to four weeks after becoming infected. Signs and symptoms may include: * Fever * Headache * Sore throat * Swollen lymph glands * Rash Even if you don’t have symptoms, you’re still able to transmit the virus to others. Once the virus enters your body, your immune system also comes under attack. The virus multiplies in your lymph nodes and slowly begins to destroy your helper T cells (CD4 lymphocytes) —the white blood cells that coordinate your entire immune system† (Mayo clinic, 2010). In my opinion, this phase is when most HIV is transmitted, sexually people don’t know they have it, they are engaging in unprotected sex and it’s just too late. This among others is a priority needed regarding informing public awareness. â€Å"Later infection—you may remain symptom free for eight or nine years or more. As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may develop mild infections or chronic symptoms such as: * Swollen lymph nodes-often one of the first signs of HIV infection * Diarrhea * Weight loss * Fever * Cough & Shortness of Breath This phase is scary in itself; it could be a multitude of conditions, an individual wouldn’t know, depending on their lifestyle, probably have a clue that they have aides. I do not think any of our physicians would guess HIV infection either. Thinking back, I have taken care of a few HIV patients, and if I didn’t already know they had the infection, I don’t think I could have guessed it! But they do have a dark circles around their eyes, deathly look, and very pale. A number of the signs and symptoms are just what you would guess for the flu, or respiratory infection. Just think for so many years, they are carrying the virus, and not knowing! â€Å"During the last phase of HIV—which occurs ten or more years after the initial infection, more serious symptoms begin to appear, infection may then meet the official definition of AIDS. In 1993 the CDC redefined AIDS to mean the presence of HIV infection as shown by a positive HIV antibody test plus at least one of the following: * The development of an opportunistic infection-an infection that occurs when your immune system is impaired. Such as: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) * A CD4 lymphocyte count of 200 of less (normal 800-1200) By the time AIDS develops your immune system has been severely damaged, making you susceptible to opportunistic infections. The signs and symptoms of some of these infections may include: * Soaking night sweats Shaking chills or fever higher than 100*F for several weeks * Dry cough and Shortness of Breath * Chronic diarrhea, Headaches * Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth * Blurred or distorted vision, Weight loss You may also begin to experience signs and symptoms of later stages HIV infection itself, such as: * Persistent, unexplained fatigue * Soaking night sweats * Shaking chills or fever higher than 100*F for several weeks * Chronic diarrhea, persistent headaches Everyone should get tested especially if they are engaging in high risk behavior, like IV drug use, unprotected sex. Every community should also make their people knowledgeable about services available to them. High risk individuals also need to know these test are private and not released to anyone else, including the federal government, employers, insurance companies and family members, unless of course the individual gives permission or consent to do so as stated by the Mayo Clinic. (2010). There are several ways to become infected with HIV: Sexual Transmission: Vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner whose blood, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body. * Infected blood: Since 1985, American hospitals and blood banks have screened the blood supply for HIV antibodies. * Needle sharing: Needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing intravenous drug paraphernalia puts individuals at high risk * Accidental Needle sticks: HIV positive people and health care workers through needle sticks are low. Experts put the risk at far less than 1%. Mother to child: Each year nearly 600,000 infants are infected with HIV, either during pregnancy or delivery or through breastfeeding. If women receive treatment during pregnancy, the risk to their babies is significantly reduced. â€Å"In the U. S. most pregnant women are prescreened for HIV, and antiviral drugs are given. Not so in developing nations, where women seldom know there status, and treatment is limited or nonexistent. When medications aren’t available, Caesarean section is recommended instead of vaginal delivery. Other options, such as vaginal disinfection, haven’t proven effective† (Mayo clinic, 2010). Other sources of transmission can be sexual devices that are not washed or covered with a condom. The virus also can be present in vaginal tears or the rectum, which places the person at greater risk of developing HIV. Needle users also should be informed that some communities have a needle exchange program where they can trade used needles and syringes for new ones. Most individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS use a test to predict their prognosis called viral load. This measures the amount of virus in the blood, of course the lower the load the better their prognosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages adolescents and adults ages 13 to 64 as a part of their routine medical care for these ages. Yearly testing should be done. Several tests can be done, including ELISA, and Western Blot tests. ELISA looks for antibodies to the virus in a sample of your blood. If the test is positive, meaning you have the antibodies to HIV, they would repeat the test, and then do the western blot test, which checks for HIV proteins, combining the two tests confirms the diagnosis† (Mayo clinic, 2010). There are home tests in which you mail in a drop of your blood, and call a toll free number to receive the results in three to seven business days. This test is marketed by Home Access Health, is as accurate as a clinical test, and if positive, they are all retested. We all know, there is no cure for HIV, nor for AIDS, which was first identified sometime in the 80’s. Since that time a number of drugs have been developed to treat both HIV, and AIDS. The other problem, and a big one, with this condition, is the secondary infections that come along with HIV/AIDS. According to current guidelines, treatment should focus on achieving the maximum suppression of symptoms for as long as possible. This aggressive approach is known as highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). The aim of HAART is to reduce the amount of virus in your blood to very low or even nondetectable levels, although this doesn’t mean the virus is gone. This is usually accomplished by three or more drugs . The first anti-retroviral drugs developed: Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI’s). They inhibit the replication of the HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase. They include zidovudine (Retrovir), Iamivudine (Epivir), didanosine (Videx). A newer drug emtricitabine (Emtriva), which must be used in combination with at least two other AIDS medications, treats both HIV and hepatitis B† (Mayo clinic, 2010). Treatment should be also aimed at quality of life in my opinion, as most of these drugs cause a number of side effects, including the most common nausea, and diarrhea. Another drug, the Protease inhibitor, which interrupts HIV replication at a later stage in the life cycle by interfering with an enzyme known as HIV protease. It causes HIV particles in your body to become structurally disorganized and noninfectious. Protease inhibitors are usually prescribed with other medications to help avoid drug resistance. â€Å"A clinical trial with a Chemokine co-receptor inhibitors (CCR5 antagonists) make up a new class of drugs used to treat a type of HIV infection call ed CCR5-tropic HIV-1. The only drug in this class—maraviroc (Selzentry) was used in this trial , approximately twice as many people with CCR5-tropic HIV-1 infection who received maraviroc had undetectable viral loads after 24 weeks as did those who received more standard therapy in the control groups. The side effects of maraviroc may include liver and cardiovascular problems, as well as cough, fever, upper respiratory infections, rash and abdominal pain. â€Å"The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the most recent international social program instituted by the U. S. Government to combat HIV/AIDS. Since its inception in 2003, this foreign policy initiative has dedicated $63 billion for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in foreign countries. Despite PEPFAR’s many accomplishments, it continues to promote controversial prevention strategies† (Barney, Buckingham, Friedrich, Johnson, Robinson, Sar, 2010, p. 9). The most important thing to remember, and to be able to implement is to get individuals, and doctors to coordinate HIV testing into routine medical care. The CDC has initiated several strategies for prevention: Strategy 1: Incorporate HIV Testing as a Routine Part of Care in Traditional Medical Settings. CDC will issue recommendations strongly encouraging all health care providers to include HIV testing, when indicated, as part of routine medical care, like other routine medical tests by: * Promoting removal of real and perceived barriers to routine testing, including â€Å"de-coupling† HIV tests in the medical setting from extensive, pre-test prevention counseling. In some jurisdictions, statutory requirements, e. g. for pretest counseling, can serve as barriers to testing. * Working with professional medical associations and others to promote adoption of the recommendations. CDC will work with public and private payors to promote appropriate reimbursement incentives. Strategy 2: Implement New Models for Diagnosing HIV Infections Outside Medical Settings. * Encouraging the use of HIV rapid test—Some persons do not have access to traditional medical settings * Funding pilot projects in 2003, aimed at identifying the most effective models for HIV diagnosis and referral for medical and preventive care which CDC grantees can employ outside traditional medical settings Strategy 3: Prevent New Infections by Working with People Diagnosed with HIV and their partners. CDC will promote preventive and treatment services within and outside traditional settings by: * Working with HRSA to reach those who have been diagnosed with HIV but who are not receiving treatment and care * Conducting demonstration projects through health departments to provide prevention case management and counseling to people living with HIV. * Standardizing procedures for prevention interventions and evaluation activities to ensure that such measures are appropriate and effective. * Ensuring that requirements related to partner notification in grant guidelines are fully met. Piloting new approaches to partner notification, including rapid HIV testing for partners and using peers to conduct appropriate partner notification, prevention counseling, and referral. Strategy 4: Further Decrease Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission: Treatment of pregnant women and their infants can substantially reduce the number of babies born with HIV infection. * Promote screening of every pregnant wom an for HIV, using the â€Å"opt-out† approach. Make prenatal HIV screening a routine part of medical care. * Promote screening of newborns whose mothers HIV status is not known (Center for Disease Control, 2010). Historically, HIV and AIDS have been treated differently from other diseases or conditions. Since the last decade or so, it has changed, as far as how it is viewed medically. No longer is AIDS viewed as a deadly condition, rather it’s more looked at as a chronic, long term condition, that is treated like other diseases, we treat the symptoms, and the secondary infections. The problem with AIDS/HIV is the public doesn’t have the knowledge that the medical community has, and will probably never understand, or believe the real ways of contracting the infection. We as health care professionals need to continue to inform the public regarding prevention, and encourage more public awareness of the need to be tested before it is too late. References: Barney, R. , Buckingham, S. , Friedrich, J. , Johnson, L. , Robinson, M. , Sar. , B. (2010, Mar). The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR): A Social Work Ethical Analysis and Recommendations. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare. 37(1), 9-22. Retrieved from Ebscohost database. Bashook, P. , Linsk, N. , Jacob, B. , Aguado, P. (2010, Feb). Outcomes of Aids Education And Training Center HIV/Aids Skill-Building Workshops on Provider Practices. Aids Education and Prevention. 22 (1), 49. Retrieved from ProQuest database. Center for Disease Control. (2010). A Career with the CDC Global Aids Program. Retrieved from http://www. cdc. gov/globalAIDS/johs. html Falvo, D. (2009). Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness & Disability. Boston: Jones & Bartlett. HIV/AIDS: ALL. (2010) . Retrieved from http://www. mayoclinic. com References Insert References Here.

Popular, Fine, Folk: Making Do and Thinking Out of the Box Essay

Once upon a time, at the turn of the 20th century, Marcel Duchamp brought a urinal into the museum. As expected, it was banned from being shown in a major exhibition at that time. Today, the urinal is called a ‘found object,† a fine arts category that has become standard practice for contemporary artists, especially those who are working on media and techniques spawned by Duchamp’s rebellion: conceptual art, installations, and the readymade. One of the most famous latter day versions is that of Andy Warhol’s Campbell soup and Brillo boxes – those mass consumer items that found their way into the domain of the fine arts, and in their turn spawned another academic art historical category: Pop Art. Once upon a time, at the turn of the 19th century, the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, who has not sold a single painting during his lifetime (with the possible exception of one work bought by his brother Theo), died a pauper. In the 1980s, his Sunflower fetched millions of dollars at an auction. Today, he is not only a bestseller; he is also considered one of the best artists of all times. Once upon a time, Madonna was just any other upstart, who with her limited vocal range was singing seemingly superficial songs like â€Å"Like a Virgin† and â€Å"Material Girl. † Today, she and her ‘bad girl’ image, as well as her numerous personas, is the subject of numerous academic papers on popular culture. This and examples from Charlie Parker, as well – Shakespeare, the Shaker furniture, the quilt, Amazing Grace, photography – tell us not only that values change through time, some for the better, others for the worse, depending on one’s point of view. The more important point is that, while terms like popular, fine and folk arts are valuable as terms of convenience, they are unreliable – perhaps even superfluous or unnecessary – as terms of judgment or standards, as in say, low and high art, good and bad art, truthful and false art, among many other boundaries. On one hand, these boundaries are important because they guard against extreme relativism, an intellectual indolence that results in people thinking that anything can be art, and that art is anything and everything that you can get away with. On the other hand, boundaries prevent us from looking at art forms more productively, or think out of the box. As Parker’s essay suggests, it is more productive to suspend our received judgments or templates – if only for a while – and analyze each art form on their own terms: as part of certain domains (popular, fine, folk and their combinations) with their own specific dynamics, gatekeepers, institutions, forms and contexts of production, reception, creativity and artistry and their own specific systems of producing and making meanings. These elements – domain (popular, fine, folk), field (gatekeepers and institutions), artistry (form, content, context) – clash and intersect with each other in an uneven world, characterized by unequal power relations. In this context, extreme relativism – that anything and everything can be art – is problematic. While it is true that anything – say, the urinal – can be art, its transformation required a movement from one domain to another: from the everyday to the museum, where it was lit and put on a pedestal, was signed and given a title (The Fountain) and in the process, became a candidate for appreciation, contemplation, and later, legitimation by the gatekeepers – the people (art historians, critics) and institutions (media, museums, schools) who had the power to rethink its meaning, and bestow on the urinal the term â€Å"art,† under the rubric â€Å"found object,† â€Å"readymade,† â€Å"conceptual art. Such legitimation was later confirmed by artistic, critical and curatorial practice: today, the Fountain, which started out as a rebellion against art and its definitions, is now ironically an academic, art historical and critical orthodoxy. Boundaries between domains are therefore simultaneously porous and self-contained. Everyday objects enter the fine arts, and vice versa. What used to be â€Å"folk† and popular, as in Shakespeare and Bob Dylan are now classics. When the urinal became The Fountain, it ceased to become a mundane object and entered the domain of the museum and the academe, subject to their terms and conditions. When elements of popular culture – the Brillo box, Campbell soup – crossed the boundaries, it became an art-historical category: Pop Art. And when Madonna crossed over from the Billboard charts to academe, her feminist radical potential was recognized, but at the same time, again quite ironically, tamed because her pop rebellion is now academic. Parker mapped the domains according to class – fine arts is a product of the elite, folk, of common folk and popular, of the masses. In real life of course, soap operas (popular) are viewed by different classes and sub-classes; jazz and hip hop, which started out in the ghettos were co-opted by American Top 40s; the Mona Lisa, the epitome of the Classic Masterpiece, found and continue to find its way into t-shirts and tabletops. Thus, instead of bemoaning that standards of excellence are being eroded, it may be more productive to chart these movements of objects and images, not only in terms of content, expression or truths that they contain, as question No. 3 leads us to suspect, but also in terms of how these truths are expressed (form), and the circumstances within which these truths are produced (context). Put another way, instead of persuading the â€Å"masses† that Hamlet is as entertaining as My Fair Lady, it would probably be better to find out why and how My Fair Lady ticks today and why and how Hamlet, which caught the imagination of royalties and subjects alike, clicked during the Elizabethan period and no longer does so today. I suspect this is not because standards of excellence have waned; it is just that each epoch, age, society and culture has its own way of defining, producing, valuing, consuming and receiving art. To be an intellectual therefore does not mean, being the kind of intellectual espoused by Arendt, one who imposes a top-down approach – imposing Hamlet on the masses, for instance. Instead, we need the kind of intellectual who will sit in front of the TV set, watch almost everything – from the seemingly most idiotic sitcoms to the most enlightening art film – and analyze and read the pictures, images and mediums, according to an oppositional and critical frame that works from and within, not from without and from the top. In other words, this is the kind of intellectual that challenges what is and sets out to suggest what is possible, not by imposing so-called alternatives (Hamlet instead of My Fair Lady), but by a process called bricolage – a process of thinking out of the box by making do with, pilfering, borrowing, and reconfiguring what is available, after a sensitive, critical and thorough analysis based on the parameters of form, content, context and domain, field and artist.

ACL Injuries in Athletes essays

ACL Injuries in Athletes essays The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) attaches the femur, which is the thighbone, and the tibia, which is the shin, together (northstar). A torn ACL is one of the most excruciating experiences in an athletes life. It is the first thing that comes to mind when they hurt their knee on the field; for many it is their greatest fear. A torn ACL can sometimes mean the end of an athletes career. It can mean losing the chance to get that scholarship for young athletes, and it can also mean the end of those million dollar paychecks for those who have gone professional. A torn ACL can result in numerous surgeries, months of vigorous exercise and rehabilitation, and a sufficient amount of pain. It requires complete patience, for pushing too hard can result in further, more painful injury. Even after all that, an athlete is not guaranteed he or she will ever be able to play sports again. The anterior cruciate ligament is the reason that the knee only has one pattern of movement. Instead of moving sideways and up and down, the knee only serves as a pivot for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening); it holds the tibia and femur in place (northstar). In the northstar web page it is stated that, The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most important ligaments to athletes because of its main function, stabilization of the joint while decelerating. In other words, it is the reason that we can stop abruptly without our leg collapsing. Obviously this asset makes it an essential to have a functioning ACL while playing sports. It is an especially common injury in soccer, which is a game of constant abrupt stops. Not only is soccer a danger to the ACL because of its constant stops and starts, it is also a game of jumps, falls, and slide-tackles, which put a continuous stress on the ACL for the entire 90 minutes of the game. ACL tears are also more common in women . It is said that the reason for this is because women...

My Unforgettable Trip Essay Example

My Unforgettable Trip Essay Example My Unforgettable Trip Paper My Unforgettable Trip Paper My most unforgettable Trip occurred about 3 years ago during the summer vacation, when I and my sister were embarking on our journey to Spain due to relocation. The day of the trip I laid in bed thinking about the friends of mine whom I was going to leave behind. Thoughts kept coming in. A night before we planned the journey from a city in Nigeria to the capital to catch the plane the next day. We didnt book to take a van. So thought of waking earlier to get to the station were they hire cars and taxis for travelling because we could drive down due to the far distance. So the day came when we had to travel and got to the station as planned. When we arrived at the hire station we seemed to have some problems with our luggage because they were too much for a car our taxi so we had to book for a van to be able to take our luggage. We waited for a long period of time to find the perfect car that would fit our luggage but they seemed to too small or parked up. My aunty who was going to accompanied me and my sister to the airport got so angry because she tend to get very hot tempered because we didnt have a very long period of time to waste before our plane could take off because the journey from were we where to the airport was about 3 hours long. And we had to be their before 7pm. It was about 12pm we hungry so we went for food everyone looking frustrated at the time hoping we leave soon. We where about to leave to another hire company when they assigned us to the perfect van that could take us to the place and fit our entire luggage. Before leaving we had to pray, and I felt very bad because I was going to a different country and was going to miss all my friends and family. I was not comfortable and I cried and wished I never moved. I then got used to the fact that I could come and visit them often and call them. So we took some pictures and we where very happy. The journey was almost perfect but they rain started and it was extremely heavy the drivers driving couldnt see as far due to the rain and that caused a huge traffic jam. I was sitting close to the window with my can of coke and eating my lunch which I had purchased earlier on from the shop. My aunty and my sister fell asleep. During that time I was bored and thinking about other things that were bothering me. My eyes moved into seeing the hill at were in font of us. A bus suddenly came into the picture and which was very close to us. Every car speeding by passing, no limit what so ever. At my side I could say lakes which were very deep inside: I wondered to myself what if something someone fell in side it Then suddenly the bus that was in front of our van suddenly stopped, due to the rain and the speed those cars where taking no one could see what was going to happen and, Boom we smashed into each other. Our car tumbled and we were in luck that the car didnt stumble into the lake. People came across to help us get out of the car because we where stocked and the driver was half dead. We struggled to get out of the car and our entire luggage went lost. Everything was very strange; I had never had that kind of experience before. It was like watching a horror movie. Some people who also participated in the accident started crying, looking for their children, tears beginning to increase, and my leg was deeply injured, my aunty was seeking some help, and my sister was full of injury. It almost seemed that the strategy was never going to end. It felt that I was dreaming and was confused. I was losing a lot of blood and then the emergency aid came and took me and some other people to the hospital where we where treated. We had to pay for some fees but someone came to our aid and did the payments. That was miraculous because we didnt have any money on our hands. We finally got to where we where headed to. And rested but didnt miss our flight. We were happy that we made it through because someone could have lost their life.

What Are College Prep Courses and Classes

What Are College Prep Courses and Classes SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips College prep is a confusing term because it can refer to three different things! Sometimes, calling something a college prep class is just a way to differentiate it from remedial classes on the one hand, and honors/AP classes on the other. Other times, college prep is a way of describing a bunch of government or private programs that are designed to increase access to college for those who would ordinarily be unlikely to go. And finally, college prep is a short name for high schools that place an overwhelming emphasis on getting their students into college. But don’t worry. Whether you want to read about standard high school classes, learn about programs that will make college easier, or are curious about public and private high schools that really stress college admission, you've come to the right place. #1: College Prep = Standard Core High School Curriculum Since the goal of high school is to prepare students for college, it makes sense that the classes that you take in high school are called "college prep classes." After all, the way you get ready for college is by learning what there is to learn in high school! Actually, those are books - they're for reading, not chinups. So, the first and most common definition of the term "college prep" is the core requirements of a high school education. They differ from school to school, but typically go something like this: 4 years of English 3 years of math 3 years of science 3 years of social studies In states and districts that require a high school exit exam in order to graduate, these are the subjects that this exit exam is based on. For example, Massachusetts doesn’t let students graduate unless they can pass the MCAS exam in English, math, and one science or technology subject. College Prep vs. Honors/AP vs. Remedial Classes Because "college prep" refers to the coreset of high school classes, this term has basically become the way to identify the standard class level. College Prep is the class you will take when you are not being challenged by the honors or AP version of a class, and when you are not placed into the remedial version of the class for catch-up. College Prep Classes and the Big Decision When you start planning your high school curriculum, you'll face a tough decision. Should you stick with the standard (or college prep) classes in order to have a higher GPA, or should you challenge yourself and take the Honors or AP course where you’ll probably do a little worse? The answer is: challenge yourself - within reason. Typically, you should go with the harder level class if you think you can earn a B or higher because generally,most colleges would rather see a B in an Honors or AP course than a set of straight A's in college prep classes. Straight As in all college prep courses looks like you are avoiding the challenge of honors/AP, and colleges don’t like challenge-avoidance in their applicants. Don't get trapped by the lure of easy A's! The idea is to demonstrate that you are challenging yourself, and also that you are mastering the material.Getting a B grade says â€Å"I’m just very slightly reaching past my grasp.† On the other hand, avoiding honors or AP classes where you will most likely geta C or D shows self-knowledge and mature judgment - another thing colleges tend to value. Taking too many honors and AP classes and ending up with mostly C's and D's implies that the standard classes would have been a better fit. So what should you do? Our advice is to try to take 1-2 of honors or AP courses, maybe in subjects you feel most comfortable in, or those where your strengths lie, or those you’re most interested in pursuing further. To check out the different options, check out our guides that break down each core subject progression: The high school math classesyou should take Thehigh school English classesyou should take Thehigh school science classesyou should take Thehigh school history classesyou should take #2: College Prep = Programs to Increase College Access Sometimes the term "college prep" is a way of referring to a set of programs that work to increase college access, especially for students who are least likely to enroll. These programs focus on building academic skills, handle college admissions or financial aid, involve families and mentors, and sometimes incorporate service projects. With the right support, anything is possible. Here are some examples, divided into federal, state, university, and community-based categories. The Federal TRIO Programs These programs are targeted to assist low-income, first-generation, and disabled students. Upward Bound is for students from low-income backgrounds that have inadequate secondary school preparation. Students from traditionally underrepresented groups areexposed to a simulated college experience that is rich in academic and motivational support. Students receive tutoring, counseling and individualized instruction to help get ready for college. Talent Search serves low-income, first-generation students. The program provides a range of counseling services to help students graduate from high school and earn a college degree. The Student Support Services Program (SSS) helps low-income, first-generation and disabled students attain a college degree. Support services provide students with needed help through academic advising, career counseling, mentoring, tutoring, financial aid guidance, and some financial aid. Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). GEAR UP works to increase college awareness and preparation among low-income and minority students from seventh grade through high school graduation, providing them with intensive tutoring, mentoring, college/career planning information, and sometimes also scholarships. State Programs New York, California and New Jersey'sEducational Opportunity Programs serve students who have shown potential for success in college but have not completed typical college preparatory programs in high school due to economic or personal disadvantages. New York also has thePre-Collegiate Preparation Programs which develops collaborative partnerships between colleges, schools, community organizations, parents, students, business, and government so thatstudents in New York State have every opportunity to be successful learners. California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) seeks to raise the achievement of low-income and first-generation K-12 students and provide them with the opportunity to attend higher education. Florida’s College Reach-Out Program (CROP) provides educational support to low-income, academically disadvantaged students in sixth through 12th grade by helping students develop and maintain the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to successfully pursue and complete a college education. University Programs The University of California Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) is a pre-collegiate student academic development program that provides academic enrichment, entrance exams preparation, academic advising, and college knowledge. The University of Colorado's Pre-Collegiate Program is an academic enhancement program designed to motivate first-generation and underrepresented students middle and high school students to pursue higher education. Community and Nonprofit Programs Sometimes a little local support is what you need. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a program to prepare mid-rank fifth to 12th grade students for college, bringing out the best in students and closing the achievement gap. The "I Have a Dream"Program helps children from low-income areas reach their education and career goals by providing a long-term program of mentoring, tutoring and enrichment with an assured opportunity for higher education. ENLACE increases opportunities for Latinos to enter and complete college. #3: College Prep = Schools Focusing on Successful College Application Finally, "college prep" can refer to a specific type of high school, where lots of focus is placed on the concept of college. These schools can be public, private, boarding, parochial, and charter schools - just as long as what they most emphasize is getting into and graduating from college. College admission - and graduation - makes the world your oyster. Here are some examples of these kinds of schools: At Gateway High School, a charter school in San Francisco, all 9th gradersvisit a college on their first day of school. At Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in St. Louis, students earn up to 18 hours of college credit before they leave high school. At the Gary Lighthouse Charter Schools, every student researches colleges and develops a list of reach and safety schools and writes a paper outlining their plan for applying to college. In fact, students don’t earn a high school diploma if they aren’t accepted to at least one college. What’s Next? Interested in learning more aboutcollege preparatory programs in your state? The best place to start is searching NACAC'sdirectory of college access programs. Want to see how rigorous a curriculum you should go for? Check out our discussion of what makes course load challenging. Worried your GPA is too low to try for an honors or AP course? See how your numbers stack up in our good GPA/bad GPA roundup. Exploring your less-competitive college options? Learn about your options for the best colleges with low GPA requirements. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: Get eBook: 5 Tips for 160+ Points // Free eBook: 5 Tips to 4+ Points on the ACT //

See instructions Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

See instructions - Term Paper Example Furthermore, I edited the document two times after each peer review. The first peer reviewer was Robert Luo. He suggested that I should write more clearly about the exact identity of my author and audience, and why HUD intends to offer its TMS to the University of Maryland. He also suggested using a chart to compare HUD’s TMS with other existing systems. Moreover, he provided a good analogy also for the TMS, as he compares it to a central nervous system. He also recommended a white paper format because it can offer more technical and numerical information about the advantages and superiority of the HUD’s TMS compared to other systems. I addressed his issues by changing the format to a white paper one. I also determined a specific audience and clarified why the HUD is reaching out to the University of Maryland in particular. I did not include suggestions about charts and numerical detail because I will be going over the word count and I could not find relevant data at th at time. I will try to include that in future drafts. My second peer reviewer was Kevin Muldoon. He commented on my run-on sentences and unclear choice of words. He also wanted me to elaborate more on the goals of the Office of Sustainability. Furthermore, he recommended deleting the headings and explaining the relevance of and connection among my resources. He added that I should use a bibliography page instead. Moreover, he suggested that I should use a business letter format because it is the best way to get my extended definition paper to the target audience. I addressed these issues by fixing my run-on sentences and simplifying words and sentences to make them clearer. I did not think that I needed to elaborate more on the goals of the Office of Sustainability because I thought it was clear already that they wanted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help resolve transportation costs and traffic issues. I also changed the format to a business

Critical Thinking in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Critical Thinking in Business - Essay Example There is an ongoing debate over whether a firm should exist solely for making profits or whether it should pay heed to the social and environmental concerns that accompany the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR. The proponents of the view that a firm exists solely for making profit argue about the market being the final arbiter of allocating resources and point to the market as the place where incentives for allocating resources for social and environmental causes is to be found. The opponents of this view take the stand that everything cannot be left to the market and there needs to be a mechanism in place whereby the environmental and social causes need to be taken care of. (Smith, 2003) If we examine both sides of the debate as well as take into account superficial attempts by businesses to pay lip service to CSR, the first strand of thought that comes to mind is about the need for businesses to invest in CSR as a way of mitigating the deleterious effects of the industrial paradigm on the environment. The practice of CSR by industrial companies is in vogue these days because of the fact that they have contributed to polluting the environment. As Maak and Pless point out in their article, â€Å"If this world is to be a decent world in the future, Martha Nussbaum contends, ‘‘we must acknowledge right now that we are citizens of one interdependent world, held together by mutual fellowship as well as the pursuit of mutual advantage, by compassion as well as self-interest, by a love of human dignity in all people, even when there is nothing we have to gain from cooperating with them’’ (2005, p. 217) Hence in this interconnected and flat world (Friedman, 2005) there is a need for concerted action by the businesses to take steps that would alleviate the pressing issues of the day. However, the opponents of this view are some of the multinationals themselves as can be seen from

Precise Software Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Precise Software - Essay Example If they do not launch the product, they might be losing an opportunity of a first mover advantage in the market. The company might lose the novelty of the new product, because other companies are always in the developing spree and might come up with something similar in short period of time. Having analyzed the risks associated, there are three main issues which Precise is facing and if addressed can help to arrive at a decision. (a) When to launch? Within the answer of which lies the explanation for key issues of new product planning and development (b) How to Market it? The answer to that question should suggest correct segmentation analysis and valued marketing strategies to attack the targeted segment (c) What is the best price? An in-depth study of ideal pricing strategy and one which matches with its sales and marketing strategy should be undertaken by Precise. Analysis: Precise is still under the planning and development stage and the product is a novice in the market. Precise is carrying reputation risk and risk of losing its customers. When weighted with the benefits of an early launch, I feel Precise should not launch it in OpenWorld 2000. There are two scenarios which crops up if it’s launched.

Methods Analysis and Techniques Coursework Data Analysis Essay

Methods Analysis and Techniques Coursework Data Analysis - Essay Example 19% of these children were below 18 years old. The official level of poverty changes and in relation to household size; however, in 2008 the definition of poor family changed if a single parent with two children had an income below $17,346. The Connecticut Commission on children indicates that most children living in poverty are more vulnerable to diseases than children from more a well off homes. According to this commission, most babies that are born to low-income parents experience lower birth weights hence are more vulnerable to infant mortality. Child Trends organization reports that children from poor families experience mental health such as impulsiveness, disobedience and difficulties in association with other people. Their self-esteem is low and this may affect them throughout their lives. It is clear that income is a determinant on the health conditions of a person. Therefore this study wants to determine the effect of total family income on the health condition of an indiv idual. This study will be appropriate at making conclusions about the relationship that exist between income and health conditions. This study will be important to several stakeholders including the ministries of planning and health to make appropriate policies that will improve health conditions of the citizens. Researchers, who study the effect of income on health conditions, generally seek to generalize their results from the available data to some larger context by generalizing a sample to a population. Assumptions are important aspect of empirical studies. This study, just like any other study, applies some statistical assumptions in order to achieve at the desired results. The statistical assumptions are: The independent variable of the study is income while the dependent variable is health. The study will mainly duel on correlation and regression for data analysis. Correlation coefficient is important in showing

Health Care Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Health Care - Assignment Example This has been attributed by the increase in the number of generic drugs that cost far much less than the original drugs. Besides, the diagnostic costs through insurance schemes have proven to be more expensive in contrary to paying directly from the pocket (Hicks &Jacobs, 2014). Despite the presence of an oversight physicians as one of the healthcare regulatory authority in the United States healthcare management, it has been noted with great concern that not much is being done in trying to regulate or control the influx and dispensation of drugs to the citizens. The state government should implement regulations to eliminate license on physicians perceived to be indulged in the production of generic drugs. Besides, there are no prescribed policies governing the conduct of pharmaceutical malpractices and this has given room for best sales of generic drugs than branded drugs. Moreover, there are no enforceable contracts that give clarifications on the best possible measure necessary in curbing medical practices reforms (Hicks &Jacobs, 2014). ... From the research, possible sources are also pointing a shaft decrease in supply of FDA drugs through a consistent variation as from the year 1996 to 2010. Another observation made indicates that in every five drugs, only one would be found to be branded. This is because generic drugs are known to sell at cheaper price whereas the possible content is almost of the same quality or it may have very little difference. There is projection that, if this trend continues for the next few years then there would be a very deep decline from branded medicine to the stakeholders’ payers’ model (Prelovs?ek & Hajna, 2011). Due to the presence and the pricing cost of generic drugs, pharmaceutical industries would be far much affected in terms of future revenues leading to a decline in job markets and sales. Moreover, some pharmaceutical companies that are engaged in sale of branded medicines would find it very difficult to generate enough returns while sale representative would shift opportunities to dealing in generic drugs that would otherwise generate quick returns (Prelovs?ek & Hajna, 2011). Comparing the pricing of drugs in United States and Canada According to the U.S health care reforms report of 2012, it has been realized that the United State of charges very high prices on prescription drugs as compared to any other developed state in the world. Even though the manufacturing cost of medicines seems to be low in The United States, the escalating cost in pricing are attributed during the development process. Most of the pharmaceutical companies see this rising cost in pricing to have been characterized by a lot of money being spent in

Methods Analysis and Techniques Coursework Data Analysis Essay

Methods Analysis and Techniques Coursework Data Analysis - Essay Example 19% of these children were below 18 years old. The official level of poverty changes and in relation to household size; however, in 2008 the definition of poor family changed if a single parent with two children had an income below $17,346. The Connecticut Commission on children indicates that most children living in poverty are more vulnerable to diseases than children from more a well off homes. According to this commission, most babies that are born to low-income parents experience lower birth weights hence are more vulnerable to infant mortality. Child Trends organization reports that children from poor families experience mental health such as impulsiveness, disobedience and difficulties in association with other people. Their self-esteem is low and this may affect them throughout their lives. It is clear that income is a determinant on the health conditions of a person. Therefore this study wants to determine the effect of total family income on the health condition of an indiv idual. This study will be appropriate at making conclusions about the relationship that exist between income and health conditions. This study will be important to several stakeholders including the ministries of planning and health to make appropriate policies that will improve health conditions of the citizens. Researchers, who study the effect of income on health conditions, generally seek to generalize their results from the available data to some larger context by generalizing a sample to a population. Assumptions are important aspect of empirical studies. This study, just like any other study, applies some statistical assumptions in order to achieve at the desired results. The statistical assumptions are: The independent variable of the study is income while the dependent variable is health. The study will mainly duel on correlation and regression for data analysis. Correlation coefficient is important in showing

Human resource management (Making a layoff Decision) Assignment

Human resource management (Making a layoff Decision) - Assignment Example His seniority is also less than the other employees’. My second recommendation would be John Melendez, who also has less seniority. Though he has been with the company for four years and his evaluations have been outstanding, his career could be further enhanced with the help of further education, which goes a long way in today’s competitive business world. Though his contributions to the company through the introduction of administration intranet for employees has undoubtedly been invaluable, it is a positive attribute that helps to ensure that he is easily able to obtain an appropriate position in another company that will take advantage of his abilities. Advanced layoff planning minimizes the chances of litigation, reduces the negative impacts on employees, decreases company disruptions, and ensures that employees do not lose trust, respect, and goodwill that they felt towards the company before the layoff (Pfadenhauer, 2009, p. 94). One of the most important steps in a company layoff is deciding selection criteria for the persons to be laid off. The most simple and clear cut method is usually seniority, which is the least likely one to result in discrimination claims. This is the method most demonstrated in this case as these employees have the least seniority. All communications concerning the layoffs must be handled by human resources experts, legal experts, or marketing and communication’s experts. It is the company’s responsibility to assist the two laid off employees in order that they avoid feeling demoralized and pushed aside by a company they have likely been loyal to and good employees of for a length of time. Top management must provide clear explanations of the layoffs to the employees, and those laid off need an explanation of the procedure and benefits they will receive. Often there is a severance package involved in large

Rehetorical Analysis in The Necklace Essay Example for Free

Rehetorical Analysis in The Necklace Essay Guy de Maupassant’s story ‘the necklace’ is an interesting story. The narrative starts with a description of Madame Mathilde Loisel. De Maupassant depicts Mathilde as a ‘pretty and charming’ person. However, she desired a life of leisure, a lifestyle where she would have many servants and a large house yet her life was modest. The twists and the astounding end enable the reader to better understand the earlier hypothesis of the story. The proposition tries to depict how ‘strange and changeful’ life could be. The writer has incorporated a rounded quality, an excellent plot, unrivaled social observations and comprehensive information makes the story more captivating. De Maupassant uses character, symbolism, and irony to show that greed can end in tragedy. While introducing the story, Maupassant presents minimal information regarding the most significant characters, an aspect which enhances the plot of the story. Character In reference to character, Mathilde Loisel’s gluttony makes her assume that objects can transform her life. She desires what she does not have yet other people have. The character of desire coupled with the perception that objects can change life lead Mathilde to her downfall when she borrows the necklace and misplaces it. Consequently, Mathilde’s perception of wealth is that the rich are comfortable and idle. She only laments as evidenced by her saying ‘it annoys me not to have a jewel. ’ Mathilde further states that she would ‘look like distress’ if she went to the party without a jewel. As such, her state of affairs and such weakness becomes her source of most of her troubles. At the party, Mathilde fulfills her dream of appearing wealthy and beautiful. However, after the party reality downs on her and she is reduced to coping with hard life in a bid to replace the necklace. The difficulties that she goes through make her lose her dream of elegance. With regard to the fore mentioned, the disparity between Mrs Loisel’s ambition and actuality cause her economic and emotional difficulty and at last she changes courtesy of her mistakes. De Maupassant therefore tries to show how the aspects of aspiration, pride and dishonesty can alter the fortune of a person forever. Irony  With regard to irony, Maupassant makes a surprising ending of the story by the fact that Loisels spent many years paying for what was otherwise a worthless necklace. She was now with frowsy hair, red hands and skirts askew. ’ Further irony is that her only valued asset which is her beauty disappears as a consequence of her labor in a bid to replace the necklace. On the onset she had borrowed the necklace in order to enhance her beauty yet she ends up losing her beauty as well. Subsequently, the greatest irony is seen when the grueling life that she finds herself after the loss of the necklace. Such state of affairs makes her earlier life appear luxurious. The fact that she borrows Madame Forestier’s necklace in order to appear wealthier than she actually is only to end up losing even the little she has. She became ‘a woman of impoverished households’. The fore mentioned is apparent in the reality that Mathilde ends up paying with money and her looks for a worthless necklace. The end reveals that actually the ten years of suffering could have been evaded had Mathilde been sincere with Madame Forestier. From the story the mistake was really not the loss of the necklace but rather the dishonesty act of Mathilde. Symbolism Symbolism on the other hand is evidenced by ‘the necklace. ’ The item depicted as attractive but worthless. The reality dawns on Mathilde when at the end she learns that the ‘necklace was paste. ’ The necklace therefore represents how influential perception can be. The piece brings out the difference between reality and appearance. Mathilde borrows the necklace in order to appear wealthier than she in fact is. The reason is because she is envious of Madame Forestier and believes that the later is wealthy. The Madame does not inform Mathilde from the onset that the necklace is not genuine. That can be construed to mean that the Madame also wanted Mathilde to perceive her as well off that she really is. Mathilde’s rich perception of Forestier makes her not to suspect the legitimacy of the necklace. Further, since Mathilde expects that the necklace is made of diamonds; diamonds in this pretext symbolize wealth. The perceived genuine diamonds enable Mathilde to communicate a wealthy appearance to her peers. She therefore considers herself rich albeit for a short time. Conclusion Mathilde may not have deserved the life that she got but her lack of ethical determination is the source of her emotional problems. The turnaround meaning technique employed by Maupassant at the end of the story makes it more fascinating. The fallacy of appearances as depicted by the writer on the illusory lifestyle of Mathilde and the deceiving nature of the necklace clearly bring out the plot of the story which basically is the split between myth and authenticity. Lastly, De Maupassant creates the character of Mathilde to suit the common saying that money is the route of all evil. In the end the writer does not take a strong opinion of the on the fate of the characters he however provides the information. The reader is then left to judge the characters and to interpret and judge. For instance, depending on the understanding of reader one may make a decision whether Mathilde is a casualty of bad luck or a victim of misjudged self observation of the public where success or otherwise stem from acknowledgment of wealth.

Evaluating the Growth and Competitive Strategy of Coca Cola

Evaluating the Growth and Competitive Strategy of Coca Cola INTRODUCTION: The Coca-Cola Company is the worlds largest beverage company, largest manufacturer and marketer of non-alcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups in the world and in one of the largest corporations in the United States. The Company is best known for its flagship product Coca-Cola, invented by pharmacist John Stith Pemberton at Atlanta USA, in 1886. They used to make Coca-Cola syrup by melted sugar, water, and some other ingredients (especially coca leaf and the kola nut). Frank M. Robinson, Pembertons bookkeepers, was the person who suggested the name Coca-Cola. The company has 92,400 employees in 200+ countries. It refreshes the consumers nearly 1.6 billion per day. The companys portfolio includes 13 billion dollar brands. The Coca-Cola Company is a nonalcoholic beverage brands which is the worlds largest manufacturer, distributor. It is worlds most valuable brands where the company got license for more than 500 nonalcoholic beverage brands mostly sparkling beverages and a mixture of still beverages such as water, juices, teas and coffees, energy and sports drinks. Basically, the company produces beverage concentrates and syrups which are sold to authorized bottling and canning operations (which are called Bottlers) where they manufacture the concentrates and syrups to produce finished beverage products (The Coca-cola, 2009). It has worlds largest distribution networks through bottling partners, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. FINANCIAL POSITION: Revenue US$ 31.0 Billion (FY 2009) Operating income US$ 8.23 Billion (FY 2009) Net Income US$ 5.82 Billion (FY 2009) Total Assets US$ 48.7 Billion (FY2009) Total Equity US$ 24.8 Billion (FY2009) One year Growth: 3.0% Income Growth: 17.5% Employee Growth 0.4% Coca-Cola, a $62 Bn Brand (The Coca-Cola, Annual Report, 2009) COMPETITIORS: PepsiCo Nestle S.A. Dr Pepper Snapple Group Cadbury Schweppes plc Group Danone Kraft Foods Inc. THE COCA-COLA COMPANYS GROWTH: 1886-1892: The Coca-Cola Company was acquired the complete ownership of its business by Asa Candler for $2300 in 1891. In 1898 the company entered the market of Canada and Mexico. 1893-1904: An invention into a business, introduced promotion, advertisement, building plants in Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles, establishing first bottling franchises. 1905-1918: Cuba and Panama became the first two countries outside the U.S. to bottle the Coca-Cola. The company started delivering a unique bottle to ensure people are getting real Coca-Cola with free of cocaine, and introduced new shape of coke bottle. 1919-1940: The Company was sold for $25 million to Atlanta banker Ernest Woodruff and a group of investors in 1919. The Company established a manufacturing operation in France in 1923. The company became the public limited at $40 per share. It delivered 53 countries worldwide. 1940-1959: Expanding in 120 countries, promoting the word COKE, setting up new Coca-Cola plants in North America and Europe. 1960-1981: Expanding with new flavors, Fanta, Sprite, TAB, Fresca, acquiring the Minute Maid Company, promoting exciting and dynamic advertisement. In 1960, metal cans were introduced first time which are now available in the market. 1982-1989: 165 countries enjoyed Coca-Cola, introducing Diet coke, Cherry Coke. 1990-1999: 200 Countries enjoyed Coca-Cola, associated with Sports including the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. 2000-Now: More than 200 countries enjoy Coke, delivering global marketing platform. Ingredients and Packaging The Coca-Colas Manufacturing and Distribution Process: Ingredients and Bulk Packaging Concentrate Plants Transport Production and Sales Facilities Third-Party Transport by Rail/Road SalesMarketing Equipment Consumers Customers e.g.Tesco, Asda (Coca-cola Enterprise, 2009, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report) THE COCA-COLA BUSINESS SYSTEM: The Coca-Cola Company and/or subsidiaries only produce syrup concentrate which is then sold to various bottlers throughout the world who hold a Coca-Cola franchise. The Coca-Cola bottlers, who hold territorially exclusive contracts with the company, produce finished product in cans and bottles from the concentrate in combination with filtered water and sweeteners. The bottlers then sell, distribute and merchandise the resulting Coca-Cola product to retail stores, vending machines, restaurants and food service distributors. The Coca-Cola Enterprise (CCE) is the largest bottler of Coca-Cola beverage who manufactures and distributes the most popular beverage brands in the world. The CCE is one of more than 300 bottling companies CCE delivered approximately 41 billion bottles and cans in 2009. It represents approximately 16 % of total Coca-Cola product volumes. It creates revenues of $21.6 billion, with free cash flow of $872 million (Coca-Cola Enterprise, 2009). In North America, it operates 46 U.S States and all 10provinces of Canada, composed of five business units. It has 59 production facilities and 314 principal distribution facilities. It also has 59000 employees in US Canada. In Europe, it has 16 beverage production facilities and 35 principal distributors facilities with approximately 11000 employees. (www.answer.com) THE COCA-COLAS USE OF STRATEGIC CHOICES: Strategic choices are concerned with decisions about an organizations future and the way in which it has to respond to the myriad of pressures and influences as a result of its immediate and macro environment. To this end there are three basic choices to be made as shown below. Strategic choices Strategic choices Methods for pursuing strategies The choices about how strategies are to be pursued Strategy directions The choices of products and markets available to an organization Bases of competitive Strategy The choices as how to an organization positions itself in relation to competitors Bases of competitive Strategy directions Methods for pursuing Strategy strategies Whittington (2008, p. 217) Bases of competitive strategy: This area has to do with how Coca-Cola has positioned itself in relation to its competitors. The Coca-Cola Company competes in the non-alcoholic beverages segment of the commercial beverages industry. The non-alcoholic beverages segment of the commercial beverages industry is highly competitive, consisting of numerous firms. These include firms that, like Coca-Cola, compete in multiple geographic areas, as well as firms that are primarily regional or local in operation. Competitive products include numerous non-alcoholic sparkling beverages; various water products, including packaged, flavored and enhanced waters; juices and nectars; fruit drinks and dilatable (including syrups and powdered drinks); coffees and teas; energy and sports and other performance-enhancing drinks; dairy-based drinks; functional beverages; and various other non-alcoholic beverages. These competitive beverages are sold to consumers in both ready-to-drink and other than ready-to-drink form. In many of the coun tries in which Coca-Cola does business, including the United States, PepsiCo. Inc. is one of its primary competitors. Other significant competitors include, Nestlà ©, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., Group DANONE, Kraft Foods Inc, and Unilever etc. In certain markets, its competition includes beer companies. Coca-Cola also competes against numerous regional and local firms and, in some markets, against retailers that have developed their own store or private label beverage brands. The strategy clock: competitive strategy option: High Differentiation 2 4 Hybrid Focused differentiation 5 3 Perceived Product/ Service 2 Low price 6 No frills 7 1 Strategies destined for ultimate failure 8 Low High Low Price Whittington (2008, pp. 225) The strategy clock above represents different positions in a market, where customers or potential customers have different requirement in terms of value for money. Coca-Cola has therefore taken the strategy option of hybrid, in which case it maintains its price but tries to differentiate itself from competitors. The Company has had a mix of pricing, advertising, sales promotion programs, product innovation, increased efficiency in production techniques, the introduction of new packaging, new vending and dispensing equipment, and brand and trademark development and protection. In this regard Coca-Cola has increased its annual marketing budget substantially, launched many new products, and developed a model to help its retail customers maximize their sales while it continue to plan for the future. The risk of this choice is that one could lose market share due to its low prices but then it can be tackled through economies of scale where the company produces in large quantities to cover cost and tries to penetrate different geographies as is the case of Coca-Cola. This choice has actually proved beneficial to Coca-Cola even though its market share has not grown tremendously as one would think over the last ten years but it definitely has a much higher market share than its competitors, especially Pepsi Co. This has been possible for Coca-Cola due to its recognized brand name and strong presence in so many geographies including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Pacific spanning across 200 countries. Strategy Direction: This has to do with the scope of a company in terms of its products. Over the last few years Coca-Cola has introduced a lot of products to its portfolio, including the recent Coca-Cola zero, which sold more than 600 million cases globally. Today Coca-Cola does not only deal in non-alcoholic soft drinks, but it also makes a lot of juices and juice drinks, still and carbonated products. As a matter of fact Coca-Cola has more than 3,300 products in more than 200 countries. In general one can rightly say that Coca-Cola has gone into diversification since it has not only shifted from soft drink to juices and even energy drinks but has also ventured and penetrated larger market over the years. Diversification is simply a strategy that takes the organization away from both its existing market and its existing products. We have therefore used the Ansoff matrix below to identify the strategy direction which Coca-Cola is taking Box D, which is diversification. The Ansoff matrix provides a simp lified way of generating four basic alternative directions for strategic development. Strategic directions (ansoff matrix) Products Existing New A B Market penetration Product development Consolidation C D Market development Diversification Existing Markets New Whittington, (2008, p.258) Diversification happened to be a good strategic option for Coca-Cola as it helped the Company to break new grounds in business. For instance a new product like the Coca-Cola zero did so well in terms of sales. This therefore impacted positively on the companys market share. Again shifting from soft drinks to energy and sports drinks also gave Coca-Cola an opportunity of a larger market share. However diversification can be capital intensive as not all organizations will be able to cope with the finances involved since a lot of finances will be needed to go into research and development for the new product. For instance Pepsi-cola once came up with a new product called Meca cola but it wasnt successful and the product was withdrawn later on. Surely there will be a lot of laboratory works and feasibility studies to go with a new product and this will equally require skilled people getting involved and consequently hiring more employees so if the organization does not have enough finances it may not be able to cope. Again the organization which decides to diversify will put in place an adequate amount of public awareness in terms of advertisements and trainings. This may involve using news papers, television, internet etc. All these can be very enormous for an organization so suffice it to say that diversification requires careful planning. Methods for pursuing strategies: Most of Coca-Cola products are manufactured and sold by its bottling partners. The Company typically sells concentrates and syrups to its bottling partners, who convert them into finished packaged products which they sell to distributors and other customers. Separate contracts (Bottlers Agreements) exist between the Company and each of its bottling partners regarding the manufacture and sale of Company products. Subject to specified terms and conditions and certain variations, the Bottlers Agreements generally authorize the bottlers to prepare specified Company Trademark Beverages, to package the same in authorized containers, and to distribute and sell the same in (but, subject to applicable local law, generally only in) an identified territory. The bottler is obligated to purchase its entire requirement of concentrates or syrups for the designated Company Trademark Beverages from the Company or Company-authorized suppliers. Coca-Cola agrees to refrain from selling or distributing, or from authorizing third parties to sell or distribute, the designated Company Trademark Beverages throughout the identified territory in the particular authorized containers. The Coca-Cola Company has created and achieved a strategic lock-in such that it has achieved dominance in the industry. For instance many people will think of Coke once they think of using or taking a soft drink. Strategic Implementation: International strategic management is divided by Strategies monitoring, goal setting, strategies formulation, strategic implementation. Mostly, companies is going to face challenges when they implement their strategies. There are following challenges such as; Resistance to change and inertia Insufficient attention to context Wrong choice of style for managing the change Education, participation, intervention, direction, coercion Insufficient understanding of power and political processes Lack of clarity Lack of stakeholder support Insufficient resources or capabilities Say in example coca cola Company decided to launch a new product in the market. So they consider with how do they decide what new product to sell? And who to sell them to? After that company has to do market research through the hypothesis test. They can do research two methods. Such as primary data and secondary data methods. According to coca cola company products they can do the following research such as; Desk research which is identify their gap in the market in particular product Detailed research which is using small groups like qualitative research such as survey. Quantitative research which is a large scale surveys to collect information. This method can identify which type of product and what design of product Trial test market which is a sample that mean company launch their product in the market after finishing and if consumers like the product they can increase their production and tracking success of product and in the other hand if consumers dont like the product they can stop their new product activities. People: People are a most valuable asset and greatest liability in any organization. If people dont perform well with productivity standards, provide good service business that will affect the organization business is doomed. Mostly organization select the people who can do get more jobs done, developed implement support program to the people and sell their goods and services. Employees are the best source of competitive advantage because cant copy by the customers. In case coca cola companys employees are sacrificing their competences within organization. They treated employees as good as well. They have to maintain their organizational structure to motivate their employees. As a reason that can do their work well done company needs to implementing compensation, performance management, training, reward and retention programs. Finally they may able to stave off competitors. They wanted caliber people for this century. They would use facts and the knowledge in order to add value to the organization. In any stage everyone should have the same information in order quickly put it to effective and profitable use. They believed having right people in right place can create competitive advantage. People participate all levels of product delivery from production workers to salespeople and corporate managers in Coca-Cola Company. Rebuilding the coke bubble is important issues of people within the coca cola company. Coca cola company is unable to control their people internally because poor handling of public relations. In globalization Coca-Cola Company will increase social pressure say as community friendly. Coca cola Companys future profitability depends on societal marketing with on ethics and corporate social responsibility. Cola Company has challenge with profitability and responsibility into stakeholders such as consumers, customers, employees, communities, governments and environment. Culture is effect on Cola Company with their managers and workers. If they dont have warm and genial culture they will face among staff and managers likely say staffs will not be motivated to work say in example staff may have to lose their rest days. This cause will effect with staff will be tired from their day to day working and also not have time to enjoy with their family. I think Coca Cola Company has warm culture because success of their company mainly depends on their employees. They sacrificed their skills and ability on their particular task. Company has friendly environment and they motivated themselves. Resources: Appropriate resources are time, money, talent and tools. Water is a main source of coca cola companys products. It is a limited resource. Which is availability, quality and sustainability nature resource? In addition principal raw materials are nutritive and non- nutritive sweeteners. Nutritive sweeteners are High Fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and Sucrose. Which is form of sugar? Which are available from numerous domestic sources? Those are fluctuation of market price. Coca Cola Company has no experience in difficulty in nutritive sweetener. Coca cola bottlers sales and services (CCBSS) is limited liability Company owned by coca cola bottlers. Non-nutritive sweeteners are aspartame, acesulfame, potassium, saccharin, cyclamate, sucrose. These raw materials are ready to available from numerous sources. Aspartame is a important non-nutritive sweetener. This is used alone or mixed with other sweeteners. According to coca cola company has above production factors such as people, system, raw materials, capital and brands etc. focus on the last ten years coca cola company has changed within the production factors to improve their business efficiency and competitive with other companies. Mostly start of their production people is most part of their business. Increase the cost of production is going to affect to decrease the marginal revenue and increase the marginal cost. Coca cola has Increasing completion which that they can develop their business in globally. In the economics most part is production factors which are limited resources and scarcity. With the limited resource Coca Cola Company has many choices. They consider with opportunity cost. I suggest that Coca Cola Company is using more with their production through water. Water is unlimited resources. So they cant use without control. Because geographical condition is going to affect in the environment, that is also affected to people. Finance: Coca Cola Company is doing their business with not only their money but also they have debt. Due to coca cola is a global presence and strong capital position now. They can increase their funds through low effective cost. In order to they could achieve mix of short term and long term debt and mix of fixed rate and variable rate debt. As a result is lower overall cost of borrowing. Basically funds are vital in order invest in new asset including people, machinery. The structure change would require more funds in order to move closer to the customer. It considered how the company has been raised the fund both internally (retain profits) and externally (capital markets sources: long term loans, share issues) over ten years. Lower interest rate is increase to consumer demand in economy. In this situation Coca Cola Company will increase their debt as result of low borrowing rates. It can use of debt on innovation of new products. In the point of view Coca Cola Company has spent less cost and also sell low price to the people. Due to this low price people get feel cheaper products in coca cola. Most of the non alcoholic beverage industry particularly coca cola company has high sales due to they have got major role in success and growing market in non-alcoholic beverage industry The non-alcoholic beverage industry has high sales in countries outside the U.S. According to the Standard and Poors Industry surveys, For major soft drink companies, 32 there has been economic improvement in many major international markets, such as Japan, Brazil, and Germany. These markets will continue to play a major role in the success and stable growth for a majority of the non-alcoholic beverage industry. This analysis basically examines the local, national and world economy impact which includes issues of recession and inflation rates. Since the September 11 attack the world has been facing a rapid change with increase instability further more give to the period of recession there has been a cut in the interest rate by ten times due to which the companys can increase the use of debt as result of low borrowing rates. Cola company contracts with larger number of bottling partners in the world to increase their distribution of beverages. The Company has threatened of stability due to the dependent relationship that impact with bottling partners. GROWTH ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES: 2008-2020 Percentage of NARTD Industry Incremental Growth: Vol. Value Sparkling 17% 24% Juice Juice Drink 13% 19% RTD Tea / Coffee 18% 13% ENERGY 4% 12% Packaged Water 25% 10% Sports 5% 9% (The Coca-Cola, Annual Report, 2009) Winning with Coca-Cola TM + Core and New in Developed and Emerging Markets: COCA-COLA TM CORE AND NEW MEXICO 3% 12% TURKEY 5% 24% RUSSIA 7% 13% BRAZIL 8% 18% S AFRICA 4% 6% CHINA 11% 20% Volume CAGR 2005 2008 Coca-Cola TM Growth Potential Is Just Beginning To Be Unlocked: (2008 PER CAPITA) Delivering Through Unique Global System Capabilities: Consumer Consumer Marketing Shopper Coca-Cola Growth Franchise Leadership System Customer Commercial Leadership CONSUMER MARKETING: 1.6 Bn serving per day 1 MM per minute 206 Countries CUSTOMER LEADERSHIP: 20 MM customer per week 7 MM Coolers FRANCHISE LEADERSHIP: $64 Bn supply chain 900 + mfg operations 8500 sales centers and warehouses 500,000 vehicles KEY SUCCESS FACTORS: The Coca-Cola Company is one of the largest, most successful and most widely recognized corporations in existence. Coca-Cola is a dominating force in the beverage industry and sets a very high standard of competition. Research shows that its trademark is recognized by over 94% of the worlds population. There are many factors contributing to Coca-Colas success. It is believed that their key success factors are Marketing, Innovation, and Globalization. MARKETING: Coca- Cola is seen as one of the winning business model. They were among the pioneers of advertising techniques and styles used to capture the markets. Through its intense marketing campaigns, Coke has developed an image that is reflected in what we think of when we buy Coke and what we associate with drinking Coke. This image has been subconsciously installed in our brain by the advertising campaigns that show Coca-Cola associated with good times. Marketing Strategy of Coca-Cola: Speed up carbonated soft-drink growth, led by Coca-Cola. Selectively expand the family of beverage brands to oblige gainful growth. Develop system productivity and capability together with bottling partners. Provide customers with inspiration and consistency to generate growth across all channels. Direct investments to highest potential areas across markets. Drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness everywhere. Incorporated promotional activities. (Www. Scribd.com) INNOVATION: Coca-Cola has been able to continue to exist and develop in an ever-changing market because of its ability to steadily innovate and deliver new products. Coca-Cola began to a strategy referred to as play to win innovation. The company started operating in a decentralized environment that was unfeasible in few years ago. Now Coca-Cola offers nearly 500 different products in and is still dominating the beverage industry. This is made possible by the companys ability to innovate and adapt to changing markets. Innovation brings markets faster. To satisfy the needs of older consumers, the Company made sophisticated Soda for social occasion. The Coca-Cola Company develops innovative premium brands, such as; Burn Soft Drinks- now in 85 countries. New Burn Intense Soft Drinks- Now in 7 countries. Illy Coffee- Now in 18 countries. The Company is also acquiring and expanding premium brands, such as; Making Glaceau vitamin water will be next global brand. Investing in premium platforms, such as; Innocent, Juice Smoothies, Lunch pack Smoothies, 100% NFC Orange Juice. Now they are in 11 countries in Europe. GLOBALIZATION: Todays big business takes place on a global scale, and Coca-Cola is no exception. Technology is continually changing business, and these constant changes have been making it more feasible and profitable for business to expand their operations globally in order to serve all different types of diverse markets around the world. Coca-Cola is taking advantages of the large revenue opportunities made possible by participating in global market and now offers products in 200+ countries around the world. $ 20 TRILLION GDP GROWTH BY 2020: Global Real GDP ($T) $70 $50 2020 2008 INCRIMENTAL GLOBAL GDP GROWTH RATE: COUNTRY / REGION PERCENTAGE Rest of the World 21% China, India, Latin America 39% USA 21% Japan 3% Europe 16% THE COCA-COLAS CONFIDENCE IN THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY LONG TERM OPPORTUNITIES: 5% CAGR 145 Bn Cases 4% CAGR $1,100 Bn 55 Bn Cases Incremental Growth $500 Bn Incremental Growth 90 Bn Cases $600 Bn 2008 2020 2008 2020 Industry Value Industry Volume TRACK RECORD OF PROFITABLE GROWTH: GROWTH SINCE 1977 22X 16X 13XXX 6X 9X 4XX Operating Income Net Revenue Operating Income Operating Income Net Revenue Net Revenue Total World Rest of World UNITED STATES HEALTHY SYSTEM INVESTING TO GROW: Higher Margin Reinvesting -Long term Improving Profitability Capital Expenditures Return on Invested Capital EBIT / Revenue 14.9% 14.6% 11.2% 13.8% $4 Bn $6 Bn 2005 2008 2005 2008 2005 20088 Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Among The Coca-Cola Company, The Peer Group Index and The SP 500 Index: Total Return Stock Price Plus Reinvested Dividends: KO Peer Group SP 31/12/04 $100 $100 $100 31/12/05 $99 $111 $105 31/12/06 $122 $132 $121 31/12/07 $160 $158 $128 31/12/08 $121 $120 $81 31/12/09 $158 $146 $102 The total return assumes that dividends were reinvested quarterly and is based on a $100 investment on December 31, 2004. PERFORMANCE AT-A-GLANCE: 2007 2008 2009 Unit Case Volume (in billions) 22.7 23.7 24.4 2007 2008 2009 Net Operating Revenues (in millions) $28,857 $31,944 $30,990 2007 2008 2009 Operating Income (in millions) $7,252 $8,446 $8,231 2007 2008 2009 Operating Cash Flow (in millions) $7,150 $7,571 $8,186 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total Assets (in millions) $29,963 $43,269 $40,519 $48,671 Long -Term Debt (in millions) $1,314 $3,277 $2,781 $5,059 The Comparison with PepsiCo: PepsiCo is the main competitors and threats to the Coca-Cola. (Year Ended December 31, 2009) (In Millions except per share data, and no.) DESCRIPTIONS The Coca-Cola The PepsiCo Total Assets