Performance Evaluation & Competitive Benchmarking Research Paper

Performance Evaluation & Competitive Benchmarking - Research Paper Example The information was gathered from these sites by searching for the most appropriate and relevant key words such as hospitality, satisfaction, quality of services, accommodation, cuisine and beverages. Of all the 50 reviews, many clients seem to be content with the quality of services offered by these restaurants. However, for them to be too competitive, they need to make the necessary improvements in their specified weak areas. â€Å"Trace† Restaurant is part of the prestigious W Hotel SF which specializes in the provision of catering, accommodation and a wide range of services. As an established facility, â€Å"Trace† Restaurant, it is obvious that the restaurant offers a high degree of quality services. This has been evidenced in the kind of reviews it has been getting from the clients who often attest to the nostalgic and memorable experiences they had while visiting the facility. Based on my experiences and the numerous positive customer reviews, I would like to point out that this restaurant offers an exceptionally high quality service. For this reason, anyone who visits it, would not be disappointed, but would have to get a taste of delicious meals in a conducive environment worth staying on. Indeed, the reviews published in Yelp, Trip Advisor and social media platforms demonstrate that the restaurant has lots of strengths which need to be maintained for excellent services. To begin with, the restaurant is equipped with high tech modern and up-to date facilities. These include comfortable tables, chairs, beds which are used by the clients when having their meals or spending the night within the restaurant. In order to effectively accommodate all its clients, the management has supplied the facility with a total of 500 chairs and 300 tables. The other strength for â€Å"Trace† Restaurant is that it has employed a team of professionals to manage its

Financial Management Of The Tottenham Hotspur Plc Finance Essay

Financial Management Of The Tottenham Hotspur Plc Finance Essay Tottenham Hotspur is one of the famous Football clubs in England; the club had huge fan base reaching 20 million people worldwide and almost 2.1 million in UK, how ever the current stadium capacity is only 36,500 fans. The one Hotspur membership scheme the club created attracted over 70,000 fans. Since one of the revenues sources is attendance, the club starts thinking of expanding or building new stadium to increase the number of fans attending the games. The quality of the strikers are also critical, and usually clubs loses some of their players during the year, therefore need to replace them with better quality if possible and that costly too. The current Enterprise value of the club is 156 million, with Net Debt / EV of 0.12 and revenue of 75 million, in addition to that, the club Avg.net Goals ( 1998-2007) was -1.9 (December 31, 2007)  [1]   Such situation ranks the club 6 among other clubs. Mr. Daniel the chairman is about to take a very important business decisions which will drive the success of the club in the coming 13 years. The chairman has to decide if the stadium development plans made sense, and how best to proceed in the player acquisition market as well  [2]   It goes without saying that any further investment should be justify by the return on investment, therefore the chairman should take in to consideration all the financial aspects such as revenue and cost. As one of the most a manager can make is the capital decision. This key decision requires spending now in order to acquire long-lived assets that will be source of cash flow in the future a successful capital investment program will contribute to the firms financial performance for many years.  [3]   Executive Summary: In this case analysis I will try to answer three important questions which can be considered as the base of above mentioned capital investment program Mr. Daniel can set for Tottenham Hotspur club for the coming years. Is Tottenham at the current stock price of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤ 13.80 fairly valued? And to answer such question financial evaluation using DCF should be conducted assuming that Tottenham continues in its current stadium. What will be the value of the chairman decision to build new stadium? And also a DCF should be conducted taking in to consideration the increase on Revenues and capital expenditure. What will be the value of the chairman decision to sign a new striker? Taking in to consideration the cost to be paid to the formal striker club and the running cost of the striker him self once he join Tottenham. Since the purpose of an investment is to get more back, over time, than you put in. One of the most common valuation criteria, which satisfy the above condition, is called NPV. Net Present Value (NPV) (NPV =Present Value of Cash Inflows Present Value of Cash Outflows Decision Rule:  [4]   If NPV>0, then accept the project If NPV=0, then indifference position, go no go situation If NPV Based on the above, and my deep analysis my findings and recommendations are as follows: Tottenham Hotspur current stock price is over valued, Their Enterprise value as a result of DCF is 107.14 Million à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤, therefore the Value per share is 9.73 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤,  [5]   Tottenham Hotspur Enterprise value of 107.14 Million à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤, confirm its rank as No.6 Just after Newcastle United and before Everton,  [6]   Investing à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤250 million in building new stadium is not visible or profitable , DCF based on incremental increase in revenue and operating cost due to Stadium resulted in negative NPV (-60.12)  [7]   Investing à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤20 Million as a cost of acquiring new striker in addition to his high running cost also is not visible or profitable. DCF based on incremental increase in Broadcast and others, and operating cost due to acquiring new striker resulted in negative NPV (-23.5)  [8]   All these questions and comprehensive analysis and recommendations will be included in the main report. The main report and questions Answers : Part one: At its current stock price of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤13.80, is Tottenham fairly valued? To answer this question we should conduct a company valuation, and calculate the Enterprise value (EV) of the company then divide the EV on the total Number of shares. In addition to the available data mentioned in both the balance sheet (Dec.2007) and income statement of Tottenham  [9]  and in order to be able to calculate the change in working capital, the following major assumption has been taken during the evaluation, In order to calculate the change in working capital i calculate it for the first year, then calculate it as % or revenue then I apply the % for the remaining years,  [10]  using this assumption enable me to calculate the Free cash flow and then discount that cash flow using the discounted factor 10.25, to reach Enterprise Value (NPV) of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤107.14 million out of that the Terminal Value and the PV were calculated. Since the company under long term debt of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤43.08 million and having à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤26.29 million as Cash and equivalent their Equity value is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤90.35 million and accordingly their share value is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤9.73.  [11]   It is clear that Tottenham share value is over valued and may be that because of commercial issues related to stock market. As a recommendation the management should start looking to find solutions where by the revenue can be increased with a strict control in operating Expenses, in order to increase the cash inflow versus the cash outflow. This will be reflected on their Annual net Income, and consequently on their share price. Part 2: One of the major resources of Tottenham Revenue is the attendance, and their current stadium capacity is limited to 36,500 fans only, however they have about 2.1 million fans in UK, in addition to that they launch an incentive program to their fans One Hotspur Membership scheme which attract over 70,000 fans.  [12]  That is why the club start thinking to build a new stadium which will cost à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤250 million to be paid in two equal installments over two years, such a decision need to be challenged in term of the return as revenue and Net profit , therefore New stadium DCF analysis was conducted to obtain the NPV of the project. The whole scenario was built on the following assumption: Since the cash out (à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤250) will be paid to generate cash in as revenue, so I only took in to consideration the INCREMENTAL increase in revenue( Attendance and Sponsorship only) and the INCREMENTAL increase in operating Cost using the forecasted growth as mentioned in the case  [13]  due to the new stadium. The (à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤250) million were considered as cost of constricting new stadium distributed equally, 2008 and 2009; the increase in capital expenditure was taken as it is forecasted in the case. Since the construction will take two years, the cash in as revenue will start by (2010)  [14]   The DCF result was not satisfactory, NPV is negative (-60.2)  [15]  . My recommendation to Mr. Daniel is not to go with this option based on the given cost of construction, how ever he can think of other solutions to increase the capacity of the stadium at lower cost and I can suggest one of two options The first one is do some expansion to the current stadium if possible to increase the capacity to almost 60,000 fans and definitely this could be at lower cost, The other suggestion is to go in partner ship with one of the small size clubs as to share the cost and benefit from the revenue. Part 3: Do the club has to acquire new striker at the acquiring cost of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤20 million and salary of 2.6 million in the first year to reach à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤6.13 million in ten years or not? And what will be the impact of the new striker on Tottenham revenue and net income?. It goes without saying that answering these questions will depend on the financial analysis of the cash inflow as revenue versus cash outflow as cost. DCF To go with such Analysis I also took major assumptions in addition to what already mentioned in the case, the assumptions are: To consider only the Incremental revenue generated from Broadcast and others.  [16]   The new striker will enhance the team rank and then earned a greater share of league television broadcast revenue. The each moves up in the standings worth an estimated à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤670,000  [17]  . So The club will move one rank up during 2008 season and another move every three seasons due to the strong completions Based on the above data and assumptions, the result of the DCF was not encouraging and the NPV negative (-23.5) therefore the club should not sign with the new striker at these conditions and instead I have the following suggestions: Knowing the importance of acquiring professional strikers Tottenham should negotiate better deal with the formal club of the striker and the striker him self. They can spend some of that money in developing their current strikers and enhancing their performance. An aggressive incentive scheme based on profit sharing could be established to motivate the existing team to enhance their Avg. Net Goals which is currently (-1.9)  [18]  . Because Investment tie up cash, their value is based on the amount of future cash flows that will accrue to investors  [19]  

Canada and The Korean War Essay examples -- History, War

Overshadowed by the previous, long and devastating Second World War, the Korean War became known by Canadian veterans as the "Forgotten War". After Japan's defeat in World War II, Korea was split into two parts, North Korea and South Korea. North Korea was occupied by the communist country of USSR while South Korea was held by the Americans and other democratic nations. War officially broke out on June 25, 1950, when the North Koreans assaulted across the country's division on the 38th Parallel with their men and artillery behind them. North Korea and its leaders wanted to unify the whole country from its division by taking over South Korea under their government. North Korea was allied with China and the Republic of Korea was supported by democratic nations. Although Canada did not send as many troops as the Americans, Canada played a vital part in the war being victorious over several important battles. The Korean War was significant for Canada because it demonstrated Cana da's relations with the US and UN and showcased its growing power among other nations. Canada participated in the Korean War because of their obligation to UN, American influence, and Canada's early misconception of the war. The United Nations was formed shortly before the end of World War II when the League of Nations was deemed useless when it failed to prevent the outbreak of the war. Canada was so obliged to helping UN because they were a part of it when it was formed. Canada alongside the "Big Five" and others, became one of the original members of the peacekeeping and peacemaking UN. It was stated that "Canada has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and of peacekeeping, and has participated in almost every mission since its inc... ...a/war_conflict/cold_war/topics/274/ (accessed December 18, 2011). canadiansoldiers.com. The Korean War. December 11, 2011. http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/wars/koreanwar.htm (accessed December 18, 2011). English, John. "Korean War." The Canadian Encyclopedia. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0004370 (accessed December 18, 2011). Pearson, Lester B. "Documents on the Korean Crisis." University of Manitoba. January 24, 1951. http://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/archives/canada_war/tribune/website/clippings/korea/Documents_on_the_Korean_Crisis1.shtml (accessed December 18, 2011). United Nations Association in Canada. Canadian Participation in UN Peacekeeping - Chronology. http://www.unac.org/peacekeeping/en/un-peacekeeping/fact-sheets/canadian-participation-in-un-peacekeepinga-chro/ (accessed December 18, 2011).

Computerised quotation system Essay

The task that I am going to provide a solution for is to produce a computerised quotation system for S & S Insurances. EXISTING SYSTEM: Thomas Davidson is currently a broker providing insurance for cars. At present he insures through a financial institution, S & S Finances. He is a broker working for the insurance company S & S Insurances. He has worked with many insurance companies in the past trying to find the best deal so that he can earn a good amount of profit. He finally made a deal with S & S Insurances in which he can gain a good amount of commission. His job is to find customers who would like to buy insurance for their cars and he gains a commission of 7.5% for each customer to whom he sells a quote. He started his career as a broker approximately three years ago after being made redundant as a factory worker assembling car parts. He has no employees working for him at the moment. However his wife helps him with the paperwork when she can. Thomas works full- time from his home study, which is located in the heart of Streatham. In the past Thomas has had a lot of experience dealing with customers and clients. He now has a number of devoted customers who frequently contact him when the renewal for their car insurance is due. Thomas usually interacts with his customers over the phone from his study; sometimes however he does conduct business at the home of his customer to their convenience. When Thomas finds an interested client he firstly explains to the client everything that is involved in the quote. In order for Thomas to calculate the insurance quote, he uses a calculator, a record of tables with the insurance ratings provided by S & S Insurances and his diary where he notes all the information down. The insurance ratings show a different variety of things the first table is the insurance group, which shows the basic cost for a car depending on the car’s make, price and power. The more expensive and powerful the car, higher the basic cost. Thomas then adjusts the basic cost by multiplying it by various factors, which could affect the insurance. Age is also a factor, the older the driver is, the less they are considered as a risk. Sex is also a factor; a female is considered as a less of a risk than males. The area you live in is also a criterion which Thomas considers before issuing an insurance quote, if you live in a high risk sensitive area you are likely to pay more. The customer can then choose what type of insurance he would like; third party only, third party fire and theft or fully comprehensive. The insurance also offers an extra driver criterion, which can be added at an increased cost. Thomas then offers a discount to the customers if they have had no claims varying from the past year or five years. Thomas then calculates the quote by multiplying the basic cost with all the factor multipliers and seeing if they can get a discount and then giving the customer the final result. Thomas writes all of the things discussed and quotations in his diary. If the client agrees to go ahead with the quote after hearing the final cost, Thomas makes a word- processed quote, which he then sends to S & S Insurances. From there S & S Insurances make the actual policy and then send it directly to the customer. Thomas does possess a computer and laptop at home, which his children use for educational purposes. Thomas has very little knowledge about using computers, however to produce the insurance quotes which are word-processed his daughter helps him and recently Thomas has started to produce the quotes by himself since he is gradually learning to use a computer, even though he is slow with the typing. Thomas makes hand-written notes about all his clients, their details and policies, which is time consuming and can get tiring and boring despite having a computer due to his lack of computer skills. Furthermore sometimes Thomas’ wife also helps him with the paperwork, if there are too many customers wishing to have a quote ready. Thomas says that most of his customers find out about his business by word of mouth or from the consequence of the advert he has placed in the local newspaper, if he could he would also like to attract more customers to increase the standard of his living. Thomas Davidson finds the existing manual way he issues quotes prolonged and exhausting and would like to automate the system. He would also prefer to make more use of his laptop, however his lack of computer skills is a problem and therefore would like to be able to issue quotes on a simple and straightforward system. He would also like to automate the system so that it would be much faster to issue quotes and therefore would not have to spend too much time doing things manually. At the moment he hardly gets anytime to spend with his children especially when there is a heavy workload. Thomas feels that if he were able to get the system to be computerised he would like to employ some staff and expand and preferably shift into an office. He would also like to work with more than one insurance company at the same time if possible in the near future. CONSTRAINTS: There are not many constraints however there are a few which are important. My user Thomas Davidson has no experience of using a computer except for possessing basic typing skills. This means the system will have to be easy and simple to use and understand. Another constraint is time, although my user does not want the system to be made immediately or as soon as possible. However he would like the computerised system to be created soon so that he can use it and update all his handwritten manual notes onto the system and be able to use it with future clients. USER REQUIREMENTS: My user is Thomas Davidson, who is a broker for S & S Insurances for whom I will be creating a computerised quotation system. He would like the following requirements to be taken into account. * To be able to see the total cost of the insurance quote. * To be able to see the total cost of the insurance quote before a discount is given. * To be able to print the quotation. * To make sure that system is safe and secure. * To be able to see the details of all the customers such as; forename, surname, age, and the type of insurance they would like. * To be able to store the issued quotes so that they can be used at a later date. * To enable phone enquiries to be dealt much quickly. * To make the system user- friendly. * To make sure the data entered is accurate. * To make the system look professional, systematic and organised. QUANTITATIVE OBJECTIVES: * To use a formula to work out the total cost of the insurance quote. * To use another formula to work out the cost of the quote excluding the discount. * To be able to print multiple copies of the quotes. * To make the system password protected so a password will be needed in order to enter the system. * To make sure the details about the customers’ names, surnames, addresses, age and other details can be seen. * To be able to use a command button so data can be stored. * To use drop down boxes to be able to select options. QUALITATIVE OBJECTIVES: * To make the system user- friendly I will create a user interface so that it is easy to move around the system. * To make the system look professional and organised. PERFORMANCE CRITERIAS: * The system should be able to use a formula in order to work out the total cost of the insurance quote. * The system should be able to use a calculation in order to work out the cost of the insurance excluding the discount. * The system should be able to print multiple copies of the insurance quotation. * The system should be password enable, so a password will be needed in order to access the system to make sure the system is safe. * The system should show all the details about the customers such as names, surnames, addresses and other details. * The system should be able to store the issued quotes so that they can be used at a later date. * The system should have drop down boxes so the user can select options quickly and easily. NEW SYSTEM: HARDWARE: In order to computerise the quotation system I will need a Windows XP computer. I will also need a QWERTY keyboard and a mouse in order to input the data into the spreadsheet. I will be using the hard drive to save the spreadsheet on an internal storage. I will also be saving the spreadsheet on an external storage such as CR-RW so that I have a back- up copy of the data in case the original copy is deleted I will still have another copy. I will also be using a VDU (visual display unit) to see the spreadsheet. I will also be using a printer to print out the quotes so that the user can see them and then send them to S & S Insurances. SOFTWARE: In order to produce the car insurance quotation system I will be using spreadsheet software for many reasons. In a spreadsheet I can use many of the features which will enable me to produce an efficient quotation system. I can use macros, list boxes, combo boxes, V Lookup, IF statements and other features in the system. There is other software such as a word- processor or a database but they are not suitable for this quotation system. Although you can make tables and do basic calculations they are only limited as they are not mainly designed for that purpose. I will be using Microsoft Excel 2003 as I do not have any other spreadsheet software available on my computer. I will also use it as I am more familiar with it as I have used it many times in the past. SECURITY: I will need to make sure the spreadsheet I create will be kept safe and secure. I will need to make sure the data is secure as I will need to follow the Data Protection Act 1998. In order to comply with the law I will keep the data safe by having cell protection so if anyone other than me or the user accesses the data he will need to enter the password in order to alter the information. I will also keep a backup copy of the system so if the user loses the original copy he will still have another backup copy. INPUT, PROCESSES AND OUTPUT: Input: I will input all the data required using a keyboard into the spreadsheet. The input data I will need in order to produce the quotation system are all the customer details and the headings. I will require the following specific data about the customers: forename, surname, address, sex, model and make of the car. I will also need the age of the driver, which will be in a grouped arrangement e.g. 17- 19 or 60- 65. The type of insurance the driver wants will also be required whether it is, fully comprehensive, third party only or third party fire and theft. I will abbreviate the type of insurance to make it shorter so it would be much quicker to type and also easier. I will also need to know what type of area the driver lives in, as this could be a risk factor, low, medium or high. I will also need to know if the driver would like to state an extra driver or not. I will also need to know the number of claims the driver has made in the past 4 years and whether he is eligible for a discount. The other details I will need to know is about the insurance and which rating the cars are allocated according to their power and cost. I will also need to know about the multipliers so that I can work what I need to multiple the costs, these will be allocated to the sex, age of driver, risk of area and insurance and type. The final detail I will need to know are the number of penalty points the customer has, as having more conviction point will increase the cost of the insurance quote. Processes: In order to create the quotation system I will need to carry out a number of processes with the input data in order to produce the output. The fixed data will be the data that I will not change on the spreadsheet such as the main headings e.g.: forename, surname, address. The variable data will be the data that will change. The data that will need to be changed are all the details about the customer and his car. In order to fulfil the following user requirements I will carry out a number of processes: * To be able to see the total cost of the insurance quote and to be able to see the total cost of the insurance quote before a discount is given. I will be using a formula to calculate the total costs of the quote and also to work out the cost excluding the discount. I will be using a simple Auto sum calculation in order to do this. In order to work out the total cost I will need to use a V Lookup formula. A V Lookup searches for a value in the leftmost column of a table, and then returns a value in the same rows from a column you specify in the table. I will be using a V Lookup formula since I will having different things on different sheets it will need to lookup the values in other cells. * To be able to print the quotation. In order to do this the user can use the menu options on the toolbar however to make it easier for the user I will have a macro. * To make sure that system is safe and secure. In order to keep the data safe I will be using cell protection. I will be keeping a password so when someone accesses the file he will be prompted to enter the password. If the password entered is correct he will gain access and be able to change the data. However if an incorrect password is entered an error message will appear informing the user he cannot gain access. * To be able to see the details of all the customers such as; forename, surname, age, and the type of insurance they would like. In order to do this I will have a sheet where the details about the customer can be seen. * To be able to store the issued quotes so that they can be used at a later date. In order to do this I will be using macros. Macro is a feature that stores a series of commands so that the user can use them with a single command. I will be using macros for various things such as printing the quote, storing the quotes, to view the quotes and other tasks. * To enable phone enquiries to be dealt much quickly. In order to fulfil this requirement I will be using a variety of buttons to make it easier for the user. Option buttons are used for choosing one item from a list of options, where you can select one option button at a time. I will be using them so the user can select the sex of the driver, either male or female. Combo boxes can also be called drop- down boxes, which offer a number of choices to the user, one of which maybe selected. I will be using a combo box so that my user can select the driver’s car. By selecting on the drop- down arrow will provide the models of the cars. A list box and combo boxes are alike however a list box shows the choices available without having to click on the arrow. I will be using a list box for the risk assessment of the area and type of insurance, as there are only three options from which the user can select. A check box is a box, which can either be selected or unselected, when you click on the box a tick appears in the box. I will be using a check box for the declaration of the extra driver. A spinner is made up of two arrows, one point up and the other down. By clicking on the up arrow increases the value and the down arrow decreases the value. I will be using the spinner to choose the number of years the driver has made no claims. I will also be using IF statements in order to see the values of the check box which will check whether the customer would like an extra driver. * To make the system user- friendly. In order to make the printed quote professional and organised I will be adding the name of the company, address, telephone numbers and the company logo at the top. I will also arrange all the information into sections and add colour to make it look more attractive. I will create the macros into buttons so the user can quickly carry the tasks. I will also add a front end to the system. A front end is the name given to the user-friendly interface that will appear on the screen when the file is loaded. It will provide the user with a number of options. Once the data has been entered I will need to rename the worksheets and insert a defined name for certain data which will be used in calculations. Output: The output will be the full quote details, which will be on the screen of the computer showing the customer name, address, car details, and the cost of the insurance and without the discount. The output on the screen will also show the macros, which can be used to navigate around the system. The other output will be the fully modified and professional printed quote that will show the company logo along with the company’s address and contact numbers. It will also show the issue date, all the details about the quote and the expiry date of the quote.

Pepsico Restaurants Case

MGM 399 1:30-2:50 PepsiCo’s Restaurants PepsiCo started off being a passive company, but later took a more aggressive stance into acquiring key figures like Frito Lay, Pizza Hut, and KFC. The mastermind CEO Calloway orchestrated unique mindsets within each business, and also learned through experience (buying a bakery that failed). Calloway has a lot of success but now faces another important decision: Should he acquire Carts of Colorado? I believe this decision does have some issues and some risk, however overall the benefits might outweigh the problems.If PepsiCo has the right managerial experience and finances Calloway might want to acquire or at least do business with COC. As stated in the case PepsiCo has many competitors in the restaurant industry. The primary reason for acquiring COC is to give PepsiCo a larger advantage over their competitors and maintain sustainable growth. One way these carts can be of great value is their accessibility. Having a low cost mobile serv ice has great benefits. You can read also Classifications of RestaurantsAn example of mobility might be in an amusement park, or a populated city. Another advantage towards acquiring COC might be backward integration. If the carts are doing well other companies might want to buy carts from PepsiCo. A costly venture within the carts is technology. Research and development might be costly in the beginning stages. Management has to be efficient and up to date just as it would be in a restaurant. According to PepsiCo’s Foodservice Revenue of $250 billion 25% of that is from Quick Service.From the expertise with quick service, this should be implemented to increase revenue with the COC. From the case COC was technically bankrupt, and owed $1. 25 million. Pizza Hut helped to keep COC in business. PepsiCo has the capabilities that COC did not have in order to achieve sustainability. PepsiCo analyzed COC as not being the lowest-cost cart and kiosk manufacturer. They also evaluated its engineering and design to be around 18 months ahead of its competitors. This can be very attractive looking at the short term.Maintaining the competitive advantage in technology can be costly, especially since PepsiCo does not have much experience in this field. If PepsiCo acquires COC they would have to invest in technology which could be too expensive. The first recommendation is getting the carts or kiosks in the best location possible according to demographics and population. Backward integration may be possible down the road, but can also oppose a threat by giving competitors some market share. The main risk factor or issue down the road might be the technological aspect.I would suggest hiring managers that have mixed expertise with engineering/design, and with restaurant management skills. PepsiCo can definitely use their success in the quick service business. By using similar standards as they did with Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC can be very helpful in order to reach their growth goals. The low c ost of the carts/kiosks may be one of the more attractive incentives. My overall decision is to not acquire COC, but come up with some kind of an agreement/contract to do business with them.The main reason for not acquiring COC is PepsiCo would have to invest a lot in resources that deal with technology/R&D. I think it is too risky to get involved in areas where you do not have the correct resources/capabilities to maintain net gains. After a few years the competitors would have the same machines and loss could be evident. COC can provide a temporary competitive advantage. By just doing business with COC this can secure a competitive advantage in the industry for snacks/beverages/food at a low risk.

Challenges of Malaysian Labour Market Essays

Challenges of Malaysian Labour Market Essays Challenges of Malaysian Labour Market Essay Challenges of Malaysian Labour Market Essay Introduction Labour market is a key issue for many developing as well as developed countries. Whether the people are skilled or unskilled is determining factor for the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDIs) to many developing nations. So, Malaysia depended on its abundant supply of literate and trainable labour force to attract investments in the export-oriented electronics industry since the early 70s’. This labour force has gone through skilled upgrading and enhancement in the past three decades and today, Malaysia can boast of having a pool of relatively skilled and professional labour force that is capable of handling and developing state-of-the-art technologies. Despite these accomplishments, human labour which was and remains the key factor in driving Malaysia’s economic growth. In charting the growth path for the first decade of the 21st century, Malaysia decided to engage in global information economy. As the Ex-Prime Minister Tun Datuk Dr. Mahathir Mohamad emphasised (Malaysia 2001a), â€Å"†¦, the force of globalization, liberalization and information and communications technology have fundamentally changed the rules and nature of global trade, resource flows and competition. Obviously, the world is changing, the new event happen will affect labour market, and Government continue to face many challenges. In this paper researchers will examines the challenges of the global economy lie ahead of Malaysian labour market. And researchers know that the countries that are able to face to the challenges will grow in success, while those failing to do so will decrease the speed of development. Discussion Section Structure of Labour  Force in Malaysia Since 1970, Malaysia has seen many changes. There have been reductions in poverty levels, improved health conditions and significant gains in per capita income. The Gross National Product per capita in 1998 prices increased 223% from RM2,414 in 1970 to RM7,794 in 1998 (Malaysia, 2003). The unemployment rate which in 1970 was 8. 1% declined to 3. 5% in 2004. This successful growth path has been achieved with the context of the need to achieve national unity and reduce poverty (Economic Report, 2004/2005). The direction of policies has been regularly redefined as required, from economic growth with social reengineering has succeed in bringing about gains for the Bumiputra community especially in reducing in identification of ethnicity with occupations (Nagaraj and Lee, 2003). The policy has worked, in large part due to expansion of opportunities for education, even though the Bumiputra population has increased faster than that the other ethnic groups between 1970 and 2005. Economic growth has been accompanied by rising living standards, greater urbanization and access to health and education, and an improvement in the distribution of income, ameliorating the twin problems of poverty and racial imbalances. The performance has been particularly remarkable after 1987 when the economy achieved above 7% growth in seven consecutive years reaching virtual full employment by 1995. With this background Malaysia now aspires to become a fully developed economy by 2020 (Athukorala and Menon, 1996). In the 1970s, the primary source of wealth for economy has thus seen diversification from agriculture and mining to include manufacturing and services today. Employment is expected to grow at an average rate of 1. 9% per annum, contributing 1. 1 million jobs during the Ninth Malaysia Plan period, particularly those requiring tertiary education. The economy is expected to maintain full employment with the unemployment rate at 3. 5% in 2010 (Ninth Malaysia Plan, 2006). The structural changes observed in the economy are reflected in the changes in the labour force (Nagaraj and Lee, 2003). There has been a shift as well to occupations requiring greater education levels. In 1970, 49% of the workforce comprised agricultural workers, 33% clerical, sales, and services workers, 13% production workers, and 5% professional, technical and administrative workers. In 2000, only 18% of the agriculture workers, 34% clerical, sales and services workers, 33% production workers, and 19% professional, technical and administrative workers. The Challenges in Labour Force of Malaysia Education and skill attainment The quality of the labour force will be improved with the increasing share of the labour force with educational attainment at tertiary level to meet the demand of a knowledge-based economy (Ninth Malaysia Plan, 2006). One area of growing concern is the disproportionately low percentage of males at higher levels of education and interaction her with ethnicity (Nagaraj and Lee, 2002). The overall labour force participation rate (LFPR) is expected to be 67. 3% in 2010 with the LFPR for male at 87. 4% and female LFPR at 46. 3% in 2010. The labour force is estimated to increase to 12. million in 2010 (Ninth Malaysia Plan, 2006). Another stems from preferences for education and work, there are of course factors besides education that shape the occupational distribution patterns of males and females-these include aptitude, tastes, economic factors and gender discrimination.  But importantly, to the extent that women prefer not to go into science based fields, there may be shortage of workers with the requisite level of education; the emerging pattern suggests a strong link between development and education of women, but not between the development and the number of women scientist (Nagaraj, 2001). There is therefore a need encourage girls to graduate in sciences and encourage boys to further their education. Human Resource Development A strong human resource base to support the development of a knowledge-based economy and enhance productivity and competitiveness will be one of the key strategies in ensuring that the nation is able to face the challenges of the globalization and sustain economic growth (Ninth Malaysia Plan, 2006). Therefore, the Government will take initiatives to encourage firms to intensify the implementation of the productivity-linked wage system (PLWS) o ensure that wage movements are closely aligned with productivity. But the firms have to meet some challenges during implementation, companies are aware that PLWS is important for enhancing competitiveness. However, to ensure smooth transition of the system, there must be a strong commitment and cooperation from top management and employees. Information sharing of relevant information pertaining to the system by management is necessary to ensure the system works (Economic Report, 2004/2005). And also it should be a fair and equitable performance measurement system. The system is able to be reviewed periodically and improvements made when necessary (Economic Report, 2004/2005). Thus, if the companies implement the PLWS, the measurement system and the key indicators to be used should be collectively developed by both employers and employees and agreed upon by both parties (Economic Report, 2004/2005). Employment Restructuring As the implementation of strategies and programmes to restructure employment in the various sectors and occupations will continue to be undertaken. Measures will be taken to improve the balance of Bumiputra and non-Bumiputra employment in both the public and private sectors (Ninth Malaysia Plan, 2006). This will require concerted efforts of both the Government and the private sector. Previously, the concentration of non-Bumiputra in the private sector and the Bumiputra in the public sector has been change. Recently, there are increasingly the intakes of Bumiputra in the private sector in management and supervisory positions as well as in their businesses. The Government will endeavour to increase the participation of non-Bumiputra at all levels of the police, army and in the education fields. In this way, all the activities in the community will be reflective of the various races of Malaysia. Thus education and training will still be an important vehicle to achieve the employment restructuring objectives (Ninth Malaysia Plan, 2006). In this regard, more places will be made available for qualified Bumiputra students in public and private institutions of higher learning, particularly in science, ICT and other professional courses. At the same time, attention will also be given towards improving the performance of Bumiputra students especially in Science, Mathematics and the English language, through more effective teaching methods, a better provision of educational facilities and the establishment of more residential schools (Malaysia, 2003). Financing will be provided to the Bumiputra to assist them to pay the higher fees in the private institutions. Migrant workers Migrant workers have added to the challenges of maintaining industrial harmony. As Malaysia has a long history of using foreign labour, at first introduced in post-independence Malaysia in the early 1970s in response to labour shortages in the plantation industries. Since then certain sectors of the economy, especially plantation and construction, have received a great number of foreigner workers, and some sectors appear to be dependent on them, foreign workers were 7. 8% of the labour force in 2000 (Malaysia, 2001b). Now, Malaysia continues to remain attractive to foreign workers, the total number of registered foreign workers increased by 10. 2% to reach 1. 62 million. The majority of foreign workers are from Indonesia (69. 4%), followed by Nepal (10. 2%), India (6. 2%), and Vietnam (4. 6%), in addition, there are between 500,00 and 800,000 illegal or undocumented foreign workers in Malaysia (Hamid; Ninth Malaysia Plan, 2006). Nevertheless, especially for the manufacturing sector, the need to compete effectively in the global economy has led to observable changes in the economy. There is an increasing focus on product quality and more differentiated demand for products, resulting in shift from mass production to flexible specialisation (Economic Report, 2004/2005). There is a shift to higher value-added, less labour incentive production, even as low value-adding, labour-incentive production is moving form Malaysia to other low labour cost countries, or using foreign labour which is lower cost. So migrant workers have added to the challenge of maintaining industrial harmony, their wages are contractual, and when wages differ between the local and foreign workers, there have been disputes. Migrant workers are also from particular countries, and sometimes bring with them their inter-ethnic tensions and biases, leading to melees. As a result of labour migration, the resulting diversity of the workforce may also compound the nature of wage negotiation and contractual arrangements. In addition, there have been arguments that their presence has led to depressed wages. It has long been argued that the problems caused by migrant workers are greater than their benefits (Azizah, 1998), but the needs of business in the light of a tight labour market have always been greater priority. Thus the challenge has arisen. Conclusion In this paper, the researchers have highlighted some of the challenges for Malaysia in the light of its commitment to take growth path of globalization. These include developing a workforce with the necessary skills, equipping the existing workforce with necessary skills addressing the problems arising from the use of foreign workers, enhancing the improved worker protection. In the short run appropriate legislation needs to be put in place to allow for a diversity of working arrangements while providing adequately for worker’s protection. In the long run, there is a need to review the way education is delivered, so that schools become the great equaliser that they are meant to be by providing the entire right educational environment in which to succeed. Researchers believe that all the challenges that has been planned and predicted by the Government will be solved successfully and the labour market can become more healthy and stable. References Azizah Kassim (1998), â€Å"Immigrant workers and the informal sector in West Malaysia: A case study of the Indonesia worker in Kula Lumpur. In current issues in Labour Migration in Malaysia, University Of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur: pp 232-254. Athukorala PM and Menon J (1996), â€Å"Globalization, Employment and Equity: The Malaysian Experience†, ILO, Bangkok, June. Economic Report (2004/2005), Kuala Lumpur: Percetakan National Malaysia. Hamid H (2006), â€Å"Foreign Labour Dilemma†, New Straits Times, 25 Sept. Ninth Malaysia Plan 2006-2010 (2006), Kuala Lumpur Inagami T (1998), â€Å"Labour market policies in Asian countries: Diversity and similarity among Singapore, Malaysia,the Republic of Korea and Japan† , ILO: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PAPERS.

Voting essays

Voting essays If you were to ask me a few years ago why voting was important, I wouldnt really have the proper grasp as to why you should. A few years ago, what was on television that night was important to me, American politics were only the video clips that my father watched on the news before I was able to take over with MTV and vegetate mindlessly. Politics was a very foreign concept to me; I always saw it as a very complicated issue. Perhaps due to the fact that whenever a child asked an adult, What is the difference between a Democrat and a Communist? They would give some round about response totally evading the actual answer, only so they could be politically correct and protect any actual real information entering their childs head, for example, they reply with, Well dear, its quite confusing. If people would actually take the time and effort to explain the differences from the previous hypothetical (because there are really so few), our government would be more supported by the people it is supposed to support. Aside from the past Election of 2000, voting is really important. Voting gives the population an equal opportunity completely blind of race, sex, origin, etc. to actually contribute; free from all of the vices our society holds. To go to the voting booth is to say, I care enough about the welfare of my country to come down here to contribute to the progression of a wonderful capitalist society, Americas. (Now if you really want to contribute to a great capitalist society, just remember this handy rule of thumb, Got an R? You get a hole.) Also, if you dont vote, then dont complain. The most pathetic and disgusting thing about democracy is the people that abuse it. If you dont vote, then you have no room to moan and groan about the person elected, and can you guess why? Well, for starters, if you dont vote, you really dont...

Platform †Its About Making Friends

Platform – Its About Making Friends Who you know and how far you can reach. Thats pretty much the definition of platform. But so many people are writing that the competition is fierce. And theres so much competition for entertainment that books arent everyones first choice. Which means putting a book on Amazon will not sell it. Someone told me their book was in Barnes Noble, and they were excited. I asked if they were in the stores, and they said, no, not that they knew of. But they were online at the website. Sorry, but everyone is there. Jane Friedman, publishing guru and previous editor of Writers Digest and Virginia Quarterly, states that your platform is measured in three ways: Ability to reach new readers Ability to engage existing readers Ability to mobilize super fans At a recent conference, I changed this to read: Ability to reach new friends Ability to engage existing friends Ability to mobilize super best friends When you stop and consider that you are asking people to invest money and loads of time reading your work, it gives you pause. How do you convince these strangers to buy your stuff? But if you consider them friends, the effort has a softer feel to it. But still, how do you find these friends? Create a newsletter that sounds like a letter to a friend. Be constantly available online to anyone interested in you or your work. Establish yourself on at least two social media sites and share yourself. Do not alienate folks. Be genuine. People know about me. I share myself with them. And slowly but surely, people are finding my books. . . because we became friends.

Working with Budgets Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Working with Budgets - Assignment Example For an organization to perform to its best, it therefore must have well prepared budgets that will facilitate all the plans. The initial budget in an organization is the master budget, which encompasses all the other budgets. The master budget gives all the revenues and expenses that are expected for the period in time. This is followed by the revenue budget, which is considered to be the sales budget. The sales budget explains the forecasted sales and how they are to be achieved (Dugdale and Lyne, 2010). The proceeds are therefore considered to be the revenue of the organization. Therefore, the sales budget is considered to be the primary budget, as it is an input to the organization. The organization has to succinctly prepare budgets that are directed towards the expenditure of the organization. An organization that does not have a plan for such budgets is likely to plunge into a negative accrual. The first budget in the expenditure side is the operational and administration budget. This is a budget that caters for the workers and personnel in the organization. Since they are vital in the organization, they have to be prioritized (Drury, 2007). This is followed by manufacturing and overheads budget. This is a budget that denotes the materials that are to be used in the organization for production. The third budget is the labor budget, which is directed to the workers. Labor is a vital factor of production and should be given much consideration. The fourth budget is considered to be the production budget. This denotes the expenses that will be used during the production of the goods and services. This is vital in that it initiates the final production of goods. T he last budget is the supply and distribution budget. This is the final budget that shows the goods are ready for the market. The goods are therefore supplied in the market for sale, which is the initial forecast of an

Single Tuned Harmonic Filter Design Research Paper

Single Tuned Harmonic Filter Design - Research Paper Example Therefre, the filter re ued t ntrl hrmni in the netwrk. T deign uh filter, it i neery t: Minimiztin f ttl t f the filter (bjetive funtin) ubjet t ertin vlue f filter rmeter (ntrint) i the bigget hllenge fr filter deign. n timiztin re n be defined mximiztin (r minimiztin) f n bjetive funtin, f(x), ubjet t me ntrint f the rblem, g(x). Thee ntrint define the feible regin, i.e. regin tht ntin ible lutin f the rblem. The bjetive funtin i t minimize the ttl t f the filter n be frmulted : where F i the ttl filter t; R the filter reitne; X the fundmentl frequeny itive retne; XL the fundmentl frequeny indutive retne; Q the qulity ftr; X0 the rennt retne; min nd mx: dente the minimum nd the mximum limit, reetively. The ue f nventinl L tehnique i ulr, ne my ue due t the imliity f ytem mdeling nd bjetive. The qulity ftr determine hw hrly the filter i tuned t the trget hrmni rder. The dmittne f high Q filter dr ff quikly t frequenie bve nd belw it trget vlue. The timl Q fr ingle tuned filter led t hve the lwet hrmni vltge ditrtin. where ; ; ; U the inrementl t f the itr nd it i equl t 170103LE/MVR; UL the inrementl t f the retr nd it i equl t 170103LE/MVR; n the hrmni number; K=ntnt=0.4KW/MVR ; If the fundmentl urrent mnent; Ih the hrmni urrent mnent; U i ntnt, nd it i equl t : The fuzzy liner rgrmming tehnique i ued t minimize the bjetive funtin in Eq. (1) nd tify the filter rmeter (ntrint). ... The imedne f ingle tuned filter (Z) n be exreed : (7) t the trget hrmni rder, the filter retne i: (8) nd (9) where h i the trget hrmni rder. The ttl filter t bjetive funtin f filter deign f Eq. (1) n be exreed : (10) =K1R+K2X+K3XL where ; ; ; U the inrementl t f the itr nd it i equl t 170103LE/MVR; UL the inrementl t f the retr nd it i equl t 170103LE/MVR; n the hrmni number; K=ntnt=0.4KW/MVR ; If the fundmentl urrent mnent; Ih the hrmni urrent mnent; U i ntnt, nd it i equl t : (11) U=8760vFuUu where Fu i the Filter utiliztin ftr whih i equl t 1.0 nd Uu i the t f wer l/KWH whih i equl t 0.2 L.E. (12) nd N i the filter life=15 yer; I i the interet rte=0.05. 3.2. FD uing fuzzy liner rgrmming (FL) timiztin tehnique The fuzzy liner rgrmming tehnique i ued t minimize the bjetive funtin in Eq. (1) nd tify the filter rmeter (ntrint). The differene between L nd FL tehnique i tht the vlue nd ertr uing the nventinl L re ri vlue, while, the vlue nd/r ertr f the FL re Fuzzified hrteriti, uing FL tehnique. 3.2.1. Fuzzy mdeling f ntrint The red tringulr fuzzy mdeling fr the filter reitne i hwn in Fig. 1. It i een tht, memberhi funtin fr the reitne i equl t 1 igned t Rmed, eh mnent f filter i rereented by tw liner ntrint: the lwer limit nd the uer limit. The lwer limit memberhi fr the reitne f the filter i deribed fllw: (13) nd the uer reitne limit memberhi i: (14) imilrly, the red tringulr fuzzy mdeling fr the itive retne i hwn in Fig. 2. The lwer limit memberhi fr the itive retne f the filter i deribed fllw: (15) nd the uer itive retne limit memberhi i: (16) imilrly, the red tringulr fuzzy mdeling fr the indutive retne i hwn in Fig. 3. The lwer limit memberhi fr the indutive retne f the filter i deribed

Stop kiss Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stop kiss - Movie Review Example Live performances allow the audience to see how the actors undergo a sustained three-dimensional experience. In addition, the audience get to touch reality as presented by the actors and identify with some creativity in the artwork. This paper is a response to a performance of the â€Å"Stop Kiss† play. The play is about little triumphs of ordinary people in relationships. Diana Son who put the writings on the page reveals the secrets that befall a contemporary urban life of the mighty and politicians, who have to face a sour aftermath of their hate actions. The Garage Theatre made all this happen on the third Saturday of April 2012 at eight pm. You could read the excitement as the long waited moment of raising the curtains arrived. Garage theatre was celebrating ten years since its inception, which explained the big audience of the day. Callie and Sarah have recently met via a friend after Sarah has joined New York City. They realise that they share many commonalities in that they are in the process of self rediscovery after the diverse lives that are part of their past now. It is a tragedy that the two had a first kiss, which takes their friendship to another level and appears more of a love relationship. A late night walk in the park ends it all after their sight catches a vicious thug who beats Sarah into a coma. The performance was perfect with the audience laughing their hearts out all through the play. The audience encouraged the actors to do it better by laughing it off loudly in moments of humour. Great suspense rocked the audience as Bush and Beth Meticulously made their moves to deliver Diana’s message. Their voices were audible to every corner of the theatre, their movements good utilizing every part of the stage, and they acted professionally. As the play began I thought that the theme was on heterosexual behaviours of our society only to get a different meaning at the climax of the play.

Special education Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Special education - Coursework Example All children are being handled in the inclusion class to help them interact and socialize with other students. The syllabus learnt by students with special needs is the same as those learnt by others. The inclusion of all children in the same class has necessitated the use of learning aids to help children with special needs in the learning process. Training of teachers has also been intensified to enable teachers in regular classes handle both students with special needs and those without special needs at the same time. (Friend, 2011) The three, IDEA, section 504 and ADA are legislations aimed at protecting the people with disabilities in various aspects. Thus, they are similar in that they all advocate for the rights of those with disabilities. The application of each of the law is what makes them different. IDEA is a federally funded law that provides financial assistance to the state and local education agencies to aid in the provision of special education to the disabled children and other services that these children require. IDEA added autism and traumatic brain injury to the Education of Handicapped Act to enable those suffering from these disabilities to access special education like other special needs children. Section 504, unlike IDEA, is not federally funded. The 504 law is against discrimination of the handicapped persons in programs and activities funded by the federal government whether in the private or public sector. The ADA on the other hand, unlike IDEA and section 504, caters for both the righ ts of the handicapped in the private and public sector. The ADA law prohibits discrimination of the disabled in employment, public service and accommodation. While IDEA covers only children of between 3-21 years of age with disabilities, ADA and section 504 protects all persons who qualify as being disabled through having a physical or mental impairment. Groups not eligible for IDEA and have special needs are students

Marketing research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Marketing - Research Paper Example They may become the center of discussions and ridicule among peers, thus making them suffer a psychological blow. Adults on the hand, are not as much affected as children, but suffer all the same in different dimensions that may include financial or even emotional (Basch, 45). The subject of divorce has developed to be a key social factor and plays a central role in human development as witnessed in legal courts, legislative arms and other aspects of law. The reason for such magnitude of importance is that it has risen so much to affect so many families across the globe. The effect sometimes streams to affect different aspects of the development of the country (Basch, 32). Answer for most people is to make divorce difficult to get, but still attainable. That is factored by making it the last option to solving family disputes but not the first. Before committing to divorce, the concerned parties should critically analyze the circumstances under which divorce will subject them to (Basch, 55-56). Compared to women, more men support separation for protection of their social status. They always pay little regard to their children and can consider starting new families and new lives so quickly (Riley, 55). Among an interviewed population of approximately 6000 that included both genders, not divorced and divorced alike, different answers were sustained. The men opted for divorce at a percentage ratio of 50.88: 49.12 of women. More whites view divorce as a solution to irreconcilable marital differences. The factor is fueled by the financial status that enables them to pay alimony and other dues. A white percentage of 79.24, compared to 20.77 of both Hispanic and Blacks favor divorce. Hispanic people do not support, divorce for cultural reasons, whilst the Africans fear divorce because of the inability to meet the alimony fines (Riley, 67). Divorce among the High School Graduates has always been high. Lack of proper education and peer

Nursing research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 40

Nursing research - Essay Example Thus, it is important to create a good methodology for the investigation held. This section should make readers familiar with the main purpose of your research and the ways and methods you are going to use to reach the goals. A person who wants to implement the same research that you did should be able to receive all the corresponding information from your methodology section. He/she should understand the main goal of the research and the ways you offer to reach these goals. This section should include everything that should belong to it, not much or less. - Write your thoughts about the following: When reviewing research or preparing a literature review, nurses should consider the level of evidence. How might levels of evidence influence nursing practice? In the field of nursing it is very difficult to have and express your own opinion. All the further investigations should be based on the previous ones and the acknowledged experience. All the innovations in the field of medicine should go through a great of number of important tests to be acknowledged as really helpful for human health. Thus, a literature review is a very important section of the research in the field of nursing and the whole research should be thoroughly based on

Marketing research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Marketing - Research Paper Example They may become the center of discussions and ridicule among peers, thus making them suffer a psychological blow. Adults on the hand, are not as much affected as children, but suffer all the same in different dimensions that may include financial or even emotional (Basch, 45). The subject of divorce has developed to be a key social factor and plays a central role in human development as witnessed in legal courts, legislative arms and other aspects of law. The reason for such magnitude of importance is that it has risen so much to affect so many families across the globe. The effect sometimes streams to affect different aspects of the development of the country (Basch, 32). Answer for most people is to make divorce difficult to get, but still attainable. That is factored by making it the last option to solving family disputes but not the first. Before committing to divorce, the concerned parties should critically analyze the circumstances under which divorce will subject them to (Basch, 55-56). Compared to women, more men support separation for protection of their social status. They always pay little regard to their children and can consider starting new families and new lives so quickly (Riley, 55). Among an interviewed population of approximately 6000 that included both genders, not divorced and divorced alike, different answers were sustained. The men opted for divorce at a percentage ratio of 50.88: 49.12 of women. More whites view divorce as a solution to irreconcilable marital differences. The factor is fueled by the financial status that enables them to pay alimony and other dues. A white percentage of 79.24, compared to 20.77 of both Hispanic and Blacks favor divorce. Hispanic people do not support, divorce for cultural reasons, whilst the Africans fear divorce because of the inability to meet the alimony fines (Riley, 67). Divorce among the High School Graduates has always been high. Lack of proper education and peer

Forces of magnetism accreditation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Forces of magnetism accreditation - Essay Example The Magnet Recognition Program was built on five components that are used as the standard for recognizing excellent nursing care in the health industry. The five components are 1. transformational leadership, 2. structural empowerment, 3. exemplary professional practice, 4. new knowledge, innovation, and improvements, and empirical quality results. These five areas are used to recognize quality care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing. The Joint Commission is an accreditation that is aimed at â€Å"continuously improving health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and aspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value,† (http://en.wikipedia.org/Joint_Commission, 2011). The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The main difference between the Magnet Recognition Program and the Joint Commission is that the Joint Commission is more of an accreditation process that requires the health professional goes through a strenuous survey every 3 years. The Magnet Recognition Program is viewed more as a recognition program to award hard-working professionals in the nursing

Moving Average Method: Limitations and Types of

Moving Average Method: Limitations and Types of Forecasting is very essential and important part in business planning. It refers to estimation of the demand for products and services in coming future and the resource necessary to produce these outputs. Estimates of the future demand for products or services are commonly referred to as sales forecast. In other words, forecasting is the art and science of predicting future events. Is is not mere a guess or prediction about the future without any rational basis. It may involve taking historical data or intuitive prediction in the absence of historical data. Basis of Forecasting Forecasting by its nature uses data from the past period to forecast the future projection of the company. Historical data includes your organization`s financial statements and any information you believe has relative predictive value to the future success of your company. Historical data doesnt have to solely come from your company; it can also be historical macroeconomic data, such as the Consumer Confidence Index, interest rates, housing starts or any other economic variable you believe has an effect on your business based on your business experience and observations. Moving Average Method A moving average method uses a number of most recent historical actual data values to generate a forecast. The moving average for n number of periods in the moving average is calculated as : This method uses the average of a number of adjoining data points or periods. The averaging process uses overlapping observations to generate averages. The term moving refers to the way averages are calculate the forecast moves up or down the time series to pick observations to calculate an average of a fixed number of observations. In our ten periods on the question the moving averages method would use the average of the most recent ten observations of the data in the time series as the forecast for the next period. The moving average is commonly used with time series data to smooth out the short-term fluctuation and highlights long term trends or cycles. The threshold between Long-term and short-term term depends on the application and the parameter of the moving average will be set accordingly. For example it usually used in the technical analysis of financial data like stock prices and return various stock or trading volume A moving average also called rolling average, is an average price movement indicator, showing average value of the data within specific time frame. Moving average levels are interpreted as resistance in a rising market, or support in a falling market. Here a support level means a price rank where the price tends to find support as it is going down. The price is more likely to bounce off this level rather than break through it. A resistance level is the opposite of a support level and is an upper extreme where the price tends to find resistance as it is going up. Modern graphical analytic programs calculate wide range of different Moving Average types and offer assortment of their visualization styles. A time frame for calculation could be set as short, intermediate or long term. For long term trend the 200-days average is most popular; for medium term 50-days average and for short term 10 days average. Following types of rolling averages are used more often than others: a simple moving average (SMA); a weighted moving average (WMA) and an exponentially moving average (EMA). Types of moving average method Simple moving average method it is used to estimate the average of a demand time series and remove the effects of random fluctuation. It is most useful when demand has no pronounced trend or seasonal fluctuations. In this method if we use n period moving averages, the average demand for the n most recent time periods is calculated and used as forecast for the next time period. For the next period, after the demand is known, the older demand from the previous average is replaced with the most recent demand and the average is recalculated. Weighted moving average method in this method each historical demand in the moving average can have its own weight and the sum of the weight equals one. For example, in a 5 period weighted moving average model, the most recent period might be assigned a weight 0.50, the second most recent period might be assigned a weight of 0.30, 0.20, 0.10, and for third most period with a weight of 0.05. text{WMA}_{M} = { n p_{M} + (n-1) p_{M-1} + cdots + 2 p_{(M-n+2)} + p_{(M-n+1)} over n + (n-1) + cdots + 2 + 1} The advantage of weighted average method is that is allows emphasis on recent demand over earlier demand. Exponential Smoothing Method It is a sophisticated weighted moving method that is still relatively easy to understand and use. It requires only three items of data: periods forecast, the actual demand for this period and ÃŽÂ ± which is referred to as smoothing constant and having a value between 0 and 1. The formula of the ESM is as follows: Ft = Ft-1 + ÃŽÂ ± (At-1 Ft-1) Where Ft = Forecast for the period (t) Ft-1 = Forecast for the previous period (t-1) At-1 = Actual demand for the previous period (t-1) ÃŽÂ ± = Smoothing constant (value varies from 0 to 1) Selecting a smoothing constant is basically a matter of judgment or trial and error. Commonly used values of ÃŽÂ ± range from 0.05 to 0.5. Feature Moving average method:- Smoothing data Moving average help in smoothing or smooth function on the original sequence, the original sequence of fluctuation is weakened, and the average interval number N bigger, stronger on series smoothing effect. Odd and Even Moving average time interval number N is odd, only a moving average, the moving average as the middle moving average terms in a trend representative value; and when the moving average term N is even, the moving average value represents the middle position of the even level, not on a time, is in need of an adjacent two average value of the moving average, it can make the average value of a certain period of time, this is called shift is average, also become the center of moving average. Seasonal changes When the series include seasonal change, moving average interval number should be consistent with the seasonal variation of N length, in order to eliminate the seasonal variation; if the sequence contains a cycle of change, from the terms N and cycle length should be basically the same average, cycle fluctuation elimination can be better Advantages of Moving average method: Easily understandable The moving average model assumption is that the most accurate prediction of future demand is a simple (linear) combination of past demand moving average method is easy to understand than any other method. This method smooths the data and makes it easier to spot trend.. Simple and Easy Calculation Moving average is calculated by taking the arithmetic mean of a given set of values. They are easier to use than other regression models. For example, to calculate a basic 10-day moving average you would add up the closing prices from the past 10 days and then divide the result by 10. Stable Forecasts how responsive we want the forecasting model to be to changes in the actual demand data must be balanced against our desire to suppress undesirable chance variation or noise in the data. With help of moving average can achieve such objectives. Limitations of Moving Average Method Equal weighing is given to each of the values used in the moving average calculation, whereas it is reasonable most reasonable data is more important to current situations. The moving average method doesnot takes into account the data outside the average period. The use of unadjusted moving average can lead to misguiding forecast The moving average method to a large number of data records from the past; Through the introduction of new data is more and more time, continuously revised average value, as predicted value. The basic principle of moving average method is through the moving average to eliminate irregular time series of changes and other changes, thus revealing the long-term trend of time series. Solution to the Given Problem Year No. of Cars 3 Year Moving Total 3 Year Moving Average 1 1324 ____ ____ 2 1605 ____ ____ 3 1486 4415 1471.67 4 1567 4658 1552.67 5 1687 4740 1580.00 6 1021 4275 1425.00 7 1424 4132 1377.33 8 986 3431 1143.67 9 1529 3939 1313.00 10 1425 3940 1313.33

Mesmerism :: Research Papers Franz Mesmer

Mesmerism "Mesmerism" is a term coined after a man named Franz Anton Mesmer ("writers also refer to him as Franciscus Antonius Mesmer, Franz Antoine Mesmer and Friedrich Anton Mesmer" [http://www.hcrc.org/diction/m.html] ). "Mesmer was born in Iznag, Swabia (Germany} on May 23, 1734" (http://www.eb.com/cgi-bin/g?keywords=mesmerism). He went on in life to complete medical training at the University of Vienna, by this time he was thirty-two years of age (http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exhibitions/Mind/Trance.html). According to one source, his first claim to fame revolved around an incident where it is said that he cured a blind girl. However, this turned out only to be a reversal of her hysteria that he actually performed (http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/8536/). According to another source, Mesmer's real first case was in 1773 when he met a young woman who was "suffering from a variety of recurring physical ailments". He then tried to relate the fluctuation of her symptoms with the tides and deci ded to try to induce a tide in his patient. He asked her to "swallow a solution containing iron and affixed magnets to her stomach and legs". The girl said she felt a "mysterious fluid coursing throughout her body". Miraculously her symptoms started to disappear and with several treatments they vanished. From this, Mesmer gained fame. A few years later, under some sort of pressure, perhaps political, he left Vienna for Paris. Here Mesmer's therapy and healing practices became quite popular (http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exhibitions/Mind/Trance.html). It is in Paris where Mesmer wrote his book called, Reflections on the Discourse of Animal Magnetism . This book contained 27 basic principles that Mesmer held to be true (Fuller 4). Basically, it said that there was a "physical magnetic fluid interconnecting every element of the universe, including human bodies" (http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exhibitions/Mind/Trance.html).This was essentially "Animal Magnetism" (http://www.hcrc.org/diction/m.html). "Mesmer argued that disease resulted from a disequilibrium of this fluid with in the body". To cure this, physicians manipulated these fluids using magnets or their hands in order to channel this energy from the universe at large into the patients body (http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exhibitions/Mind/Trance.html). This was the agent with which he induced hypnosis in patients (http://www.hcrc.org/diction/m.html). Mesmer went so far as to suggest that "animal magnetism constituted the etheric medium through which sensations of every kind-light, heat, magnetism, electricity- were able to pass from one physical object to another believed that his discovery had removed the basic impediment to scientific progress and that every area of human knowledge would soon undergo rapid transformation and advancement".

Keyspan analysis :: essays research papers

About Keyspan Keyspan, a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. In New York State, Keyspan is also the largest investor-owned electric generator. Keyspan has select investments along the gas supply chain as well as a dynamic portfolio of energy service companies. Keyspan’s acquisitions of Eastern Enterprises and EnergyNorth made them the largest gas Distribution Company in the northeast. They have 2.5 million gas customers, including customers in the lucrative New England market.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Keyspan has a solid gas distribution, with 1.7 million customers in New York City and Long Island. They have an additional 800,000 customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Keyspan’s gas utilities are the core drivers of the company and they intend to capitalize on the tremendous growth potential. Keyspan also provides electric service to 1.1 million Long Island Port Authority customers. Keyspan owns and operates over 6,200 megawatts of generating capacity. They plan to add 250 megawatts of electrical generation to New York City by 2003, as well as another 250 to 300 megawatts to Long Island by 2004.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Keyspan’s Energy Services business provides a full array of energy products to the immense Northeast market. Its energy investments sector includes a solid exploration and production business, as well as other investments that utilize their gas and electric core competencies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Keyspan is making investments in new technologies that will benefit its relationship with its customers. Their new technological device is the use of its E-Commerce investment in MyHomeKey.com. This is an Internet portal, which helps customers manage their energy needs. The current mission of Keyspan is to become the premier energy and Services Company in the Northeastern United States, providing a full range of products and services. Its priorities are to grow the core regulated business, to build the energy service business, as well as continuing to grow organically.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The goal of Keyspan is to grow its customer base. They would like to be able to sell new products and services, extend their management over a large base, and provide an economy needed for technology investments. Financial Position   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Keyspan is financially solid with a +4 billion ‘market cap’, a healthy dividend, yields of 5-6%, and a strong balance sheet. Keyspans 52 week high was 43.63, while its low was 29.10. Its EBIT (Earnings Before Income Taxes) for the year 2000 is 720 million. For 1999 the EBIT was 529 million.

Discuss the future role of the United States in the twenty-first century

The role of the United States in the 21st Century will more than likely remain the same role that is has been since the end of World War Two which is it retain its role of superpower and the epicenter of much of the world economy. Of course, this role could very well change or at least be altered. Case in point, when the Soviet Union detonated a successful atomic bomb and then launched Sputnik into orbit the face of American society changed and the Cold War began. Similarly, the events of Sept 11 changed much of the foreign policy (and even domestic) policies of the United States.This, much like Sputnik, came as a surprise and without warning (granted Sputnik was not an attack, but it did increase paranoia) and it led to major changes. As such, since the future is impossible to predict it would be difficult to fully say what roles the US will play. While there will definitely be an increased an active presence of the United States in the Middle East, how this will be carried out is d ependent on who will be writing the foreign policy decisions. If there was one area on contention worth examining it would be the US’ role in the world in regards to the development of China as a superpower.China as a nuclear armed economic superpower could raise levels of nervousness in countries such as Taiwan and Japan, but what role will the USA play in Asia? Will it be active or isolationist? Again, time will tell. Regarding the difference between and old system of politics vs. a new system of politics, the political system has not changed in over two hundred years. Granted, political parties and ideologies may change the political system hasn’t. The nation still has a legislative branch, an executive branch and a supreme court.Additionally, there still remains a certain level of federalism in the United States so the political systems remain fairly the same decade to decade. There really is no fate to American democracy because it is highly unlikely the democracy will be replaced with another form of government considering that 99. 9% of the population seems to like the notion of a democracy. Changing the constitution is a moot point as the vast majority of the amendments to the constitution occurred within the first ten years of the nation’s birth.In fact, there has not been an amendment to the constitution in over 30 years. Considering that the means of changing or amending the constitution requires a super majority of the Congress and the Senate as well as a 2/3 majority of the states, it is next to impossible to rally support for a single amendment much less a series of radical changes to the amendment. As such, the constitution isn’t going to change. Similarly, the need for the expansion of public welfare vs. the ability to pass legislation that would expand welfare is extremely far apart from one another. Welfare can not be expanded by fiat.Also, if welfare expansion occurs there is the potential for a backlash from the electorate and this would make politicians very unlikely to advance such legislation when both parties are highly reliant on swing states and tight election victories. Keep in mind, Bill Clinton reluctantly signed welfare reform legislation under the notion that he would lose re-election if he did not sign it. The United States is not a socialist system and the voting public will not get behind an expansion of welfare in light of the 15 year rollback. As such, it is best to examine a cure for poverty outside of the welfare system.

Research Ethics

A research study is defined as an activity involving collection of data with an aim of solving a specific selected problem. The above is followed by recording of the data then subsequently its analysis so as to arrive at meanings. Finally the results are generalized so as to make the findings applicable to whole populations and therefore deductions as well as suggestions also known as recommendations. Finally the researcher makes conclusions which are an opinion which expresses the researchers stand concerning the research problem. A researcher should ensure that the suitable data collection instruments and methods are used. The suitable data analysis techniques should be employed so as to enable the researcher draw the relevant conclusions of a study. A research study involves costs, which are incurred in various ways including data collection, carrying out interviews as well as costs associated with data analysis. In any given research study there is usually an involvement of usually three or more groups of participants. The participants include the researcher, the respondent and the sponsor. For a marketing research, the sponsor is usually the supplier. Research studies require that some ethical norms be considered to ensure that the research being carried out is meets ethical standards as well as regulations guiding various professions. These ethical norms are usually observed with reference to the rights and obligations of each participant in a research. In any given study, the researcher is supposed to adhere to ethical norms something aimed at ensuring that, the research does not interfe with peoples fundamentals rights no harm the research subjects in any way. All particiapants in a research are required to adhere to the given regulations in their interactions amongst themselves as well as in their interactions to the public in whose midst the research is conducted. When handling the respondent a researcher should apply certain ethical norms in order to observe and guarantee the respect of respondent’s rights. Such respondent’s rights in an interview can include amongst others: (i) Informed consent – it’s the right of the respondent to be informed about a certain research to be carried out and that the respondent is supposed to be a participant. The researcher is obliged to respect the respondent and give details of the research study. With an informed consent, the relationship between the researcher and that of the respondent is enhanced something which results into a good working rapport hence contributing to the success of the research study. Incases of lack of consent before a research begins co-operation lacks in the data collection process and therefore chances that the data gathered may be unreliable become high. (ii) Confidentiality – Ethical norms dictate that the respondent should be treated with a sense of confidentiality in handling the respondents’ information. The respondents’ information should not be exposed to third parties or used for purposes other than those for which consent was sought for. The information obtained from the respondent should be given to the right person. Incase of a marketing research the supplier should get the information. The researcher should make sure that he/she remains truthful and ensure that he /she does not expose the respondents’ information (Dooley, 2002, P160-170). (iii) Anonymity – It is the right of the respondent to maintain his or her anonymity. Anonymity refers to the concealing of the respondent’s identity. It is the right of the respondent to decide about his identity hence the researcher should respect that decision. The researcher should not disclose the identity of the respondent when the instructions demand so. The researcher should posses the value of promise keeping so as to succeed (Emerson 1990, P89-103) The researcher should be able to be responsible when handling the respondents’ identity. He/she should not be able to misplace any documents containing the respondents details this would contravene the respondents right to immunity. The researcher should be honest to the extent of involvement of respondent in the research study. The researcher should inform the respondent whether there is any risk of harm involved. This will help the respondent in preparing himself or herself. This honesty should not be compromised. This point to the obligation of the researcher in taking into consideration the respondent’s safety. The researcher has the obligation towards the research staff. Ethical issues will enable him or her handle the research team as per the ethical norms (Gray 2003 p 67-83) The researcher should be honest towards the research staff in terms of their remuneration. The researcher should also consider the safety of the research team. He or she should ensure that no acts of negligence or carelessness should occur which might cause safety risk of the research team. The researcher should also ensure that he or she practices patience while handling the respondent, the research team and also the sponsor (incase of a market research study; the supplier) Patience will be required in negotiations and discussions since a research study mostly involves teamwork. Each participant in a research study usually has a set of obligations to be taken care of. The researcher usually has an obligation towards the supplier who is the sponsor of a research study. The researcher is supposed to achieve these obligations through the guidance of ethical norms. The obligations of the researcher to the sponsor executable through application of ethical norms include: (i) Obligation to submit a conclusive research study worthy of the cost paid. The sponsor usually takes more of the research cost; therefore the researcher has to submit research work, which is worthy the amount paid for. To succeed in these obligations the researcher should remain honest. The researcher should be ready to account for the research project to the satisfaction of the sponsor; In the case of a marketing research the supplier ***** (ii) The researcher has the obligation of submitting the researcher has the obligation of submitting the research work within the specified time frame. This obligation requires that the researcher posses the quality of commitment. The researcher should be truthful in giving the expected time for completion of the research work. (iii) The researcher has the obligation of submitting research work of the right quality. The supplier or sponsor will expect the researcher to carry out a research study, which serves the purpose. This will include use of the suitable data collection methods, proper analysis and reasonable conclusions drawn. The supplier (sponsor) will expect the researcher to provide him or her with the suitable data evaluation techniques so that he may be able to understand well the research work (flick 1983 p 10-26) We must be aware of the fact that the sponsor who is usually the supplier in a market research study has an obligation towards the researcher. The sponsor has to be honest towards the researcher in terms of the scope of the research work required. He should not exaggerate on details required in a research study, which might be out of scope. Failure to be honest the researcher will definitely submit irrelevant information upon research (Johnson 1985 p 17-36) The supplier (sponsor) should remain truthful about the research costs. The sponsor should clear the costs of research and also remunerate the researcher. The supplier should not create complications after the research work has been completed. This would contravene the researcher’s right of remuneration. CONCLUSION Research studies are aimed at alleviating certain problem or learning more about a specific problem. For any research study to be successful the participants should be able to co-operate well towards attainment of the research objective. This co-operation will be brought about by each participant playing his or her role under the guidance of the ethical issues required in a research study. The ethical issues shouldn’t be largely dependent on the specific participants’ rights and obligations.

Introduction to Law: Law Firm Expansion Essay

When considering the expansion of a law firm, it is imperative to consider a number of different factors that can influence the success in new states. Primarily, the firm needs to determine the exact state/states that shall be targeted along with an analysis of the weaknesses and threats that exist for the company and the strengths and opportunities that the company can utilize to make the most of them. The extension of the firm has to be one that its clients can rely upon to provide them with the same credibility that they are accustomed to at the original establishment. In order to do so without any hindrances, it is highly essential to ensure that the firm does not come into conflict with the laws of the state in which it is planning to expand. This paper shall attempt to highlight some of the most essential factors that a law firm should consider when expanding within the US. With regard to expansion in multiple states in the US, the firm needs to pay special attention to income allocation methods, determining presence and nexus, sales tax on professional services and personal property tax amongst others (Quinn, 2007). Each state has specific laws regarding these areas of business operations with respect to law firms. Laws that influence these elements are designed to address the process of contracting parties to support the expansion and to allow the law firm to adapt to the legal and taxing infrastructure. Also, it is just as essential to consider laws that have implications on the engagement of external parties in the state where the firm is considering expansion. Taxing laws and prerequisites defined in state laws are to be given special concern in this regard since they may serve to dictate the very policy that the firm chooses to adopt in its expansion.

Restless Giant Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Restless Giant - Essay Example Therefore, he planned his actions and visited China, becoming the first American president to step on the land (ghk). This has been a significant action taken in the history of the United States because it begun the conception of other political strides the United States later implemented in order to make friendly relationships with other nations, especially with Russia which became Nixon’s next focus. Creating alliance with other nations is indeed very important for any nation because in times of troubles, there can always be a source of help that the nation might need. Although America may be known as a strong nation, it does not capable all by itself. Therefore, the nation needs to form strong alliances with other nations. The friendship formed with China had a domino effect on other nations which were formerly not given notice. Even though the nation is now known as a restless giant, putting its fingers on every nation’s affairs, it is playing a very important role in maintaining world peace. Finally, the friendly step did not just affect the nation economically and politically but it also seemed that the nation has become the ambassador for the warring nations it has allied

Children of Men Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Children of Men - Movie Review Example This essay demonstrates that it is noteworthy that the only hope for the human suffering from infertility is vested in a black pregnant woman Kee. The latter, in her turn, embodies the European myth of ‘noble savage’, the person representing a more authentic version of people â€Å"surrounded by a natural environment and living according to the rules of nature† (Cornea 184). For this reason, human infertility in the film creates the opposition between people and nature because while people lose their ability to reproduce animals retain it, which is evident in the examples of farm animals in the immigrant camp. In other words, Kee’s racial identity symbolizes her return to the natural state of mankind, which is further stressed by her pregnancy as the sign of her close ties with nature. Animals are also significant in the film because Kee makes her pregnancy known to her protector Theo in the barn standing surrounded by calves. The scene takes on symbolic me aning because it equates Kee and her unborn child with the Madonna and child as the only hope of humanity. What is more, the barn scene partially explains the reason for the human-nature opposition and ensuing conflict in the movie. Kee notices that the cows are mutilated to fit the particular types of milking machines serving human needs. In her view, it would have been more reasonable to adjust the machines to nature (Children of Men). Thus, it becomes evident that the denial of nature lies at heart of infertility treated as a broad concept in the film.

Psychoactive Substance use and Mental Health (Hong Kong) Essay

Psychoactive Substance use and Mental Health (Hong Kong) - Essay Example The semisynthetic derivatives in this group include hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, and buprenorphine. The remaining two groups are synthetic chemicals such as the phenylpiperidines which include the meperidineas well as the fentanyl, and the pseudopiperidines which include methadone and propoxyphene (Havens et al 2007, 101). Heroine and morphine were used first as medicine in the 19th century and later used illicitly for recreational purposes. Previously, the dependence of heroin and other opioid drugs has proved difficult to counter successfully whereby the poor result has been accredited to environmental characteristics, patient characteristics as well as other powerful reinforcing effects of the same drugs. The most common problems of opioid abuse are known to be nausea and constipation. These two side effects have been found to be difficult to deal with especially for constipation. The concept of agoinist-replecement therapy was introduced approximately forty years ago representing a breakthrough in opiod drugs management especially heroin. Developments in training have encompassed newer pharmacotherapies, Narcotics Anonymous and the psychosocial therapy (Davids & Gastpar 2004, 210). These drugs tend to produce analgesia, mood changes, drowsiness as well as mental clouding but not all of these lead to loss of consciousness. Patients who report of pain claim that it is less intense and less discomforting which fades eventually after healing dosage of these drugs. Relief in pain is believed to be selective without affecting the other modalities of sense. Some patients are believed to experience euphoria. Vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, mental difficulties, apathy as well as the occurrence of decreased physical activities when given to pain free individual is common. The toxic effects and the subjective analgesic, which includes respiratory depression, may become more pronounced as the dose is