The Impact of Declining Nokia Market

PRESTIGE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH SESSION 2012-2014 Minor Research Project Synopsis â€Å"THE IMPACT OF DECLINING NOKIA MARKET † CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1. 1 Literature Review 1. 2 Objective Of The Study 2. Research Methodology 2. 1 The Study 2. 2 Sample 2. 3 Tools For Data Collection 2. 4 Tools For Data Analysis 2. References 3. Questionnaire Introduction Nokia has come a long way to evolve from a paper mill founded in 1865 to a world renowned mobile phone manufacturer and one of the most powerful brands in the world. In 1992 Nokia appointed Jorma Ollila as the new CEO and concentrated its focus on telecommunications.Throughout the 1990’s Nokia was known as a relentless innovator and a pioneer that made the world’s first satellite call among many other groundbreaking milestones. In 1998 Nokia became the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer with a turnover of 31 billion dollars. Nokia is still the most influential company to the Finnish n ational economy, but Nokia’s effect is far from what it was in the early years of the 21st century when Nokia accounted for almost half of the economic growth in Finland and produced as much as five percent of Finland’s annual Gross Domestic Product.In 2006, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo replaced Jorma Ollila as the CEO, but was not able to reverse the decline of Nokia’s market share especially in the high end segment, where competitors like Apple, Blackberry,HTC, Samsung, and phones using Google’s Android operating system captured market share from Nokia at an alarmingly increasing rate. At the end of year 2010 Android was already the most widespread smart phone operating system in the world and Nokia’s market share in the smart phone segment had declined from 38 to 31 percent in one year (Sokala).Literature Review The purpose of this literature review is to discuss relevant writings on how to improve marketing strategies from the branding perspective. Fir st, important terms such as brand equity and the concept of consumer-based brand equity are discussed. Secondly, the brand management process is discussed from a strategic viewpoint with the help of terms like brand revitalization and integrated marketing activity. The next part of the literature review concentrates on analyzing the marketing environment.Finally, the last section summarizes important conclusions on how the literature review relates to the company being observed, Nokia During 2012, the telecom infrastructure market saw slight growth in capital expenditures in Euro terms by global mobile operators, mainly attributable to operators in Japan, Asia Pacific and North America but it was off-set by declines in Europe, China and India, it added. Objective Of The Study The thesis has three distinct research objectives. First of all I will try to find out what is the aspired brand identity and brand image Nokia is trying to convey with its smart phone marketing.To achieve this I will conduct interviews with people who are responsible for Nokia’s brand management and marketing. The second research objective of my thesis is to find out what is the consumers’ brand perception of Nokia at the moment. To answer this question I will conduct a comprehensive smart phone brand perception survey to collect data from Finland and the United States. The last research objective of the thesis is improving Nokia’s current marketing strategies for its smart phones from a branding perspective in the countries subject to research.By comparing the results of the customer surveys with the company interviews, I can detect where the aspired brand identity of Nokia does not meet the brand perceptions of the consumers. By utilizing the existing knowledge and literature on the topic, I should be able to come up with ways to improve Nokia’s smart phone marketing in the two distinct geographical regions. Research Methodology The Study This Bachelorâ€⠄¢s Thesis is a case study with a conceptual research design since it consists of a defined research problem, clear research objectives, and exact research questions that lead to conclusions on a real-life phenomenon.The thesis includes empirical as well as descriptive elements. There are several contexts to the research, because the aim is to improve Nokia’s existing marketing strategies in different regions based on potentially differing brand perceptions prevalent in these areas. Data Collection Methods Interview Qualitative research and analysis methods were used to assess the depth interview (Appendix 1) conducted on the fourth of February, 2011, with Mr. Pekka Somerto, the Vice President of Nokia’s Brand and Marketing Portfolio Management. The interview was conducted at Nokia’s headquarters in Keilaniemi and it lasted for approximately an hour.The interview consisted of thirteen questions and the purpose was to find out about the brand identity Nokia tries to create with their marketing. The questions asked were chosen based on the literature discussed in the literature review, and with the overall goal of improving Nokia’s marketing strategies for smart phones from the branding perspective. The results of the interview not only helped in reaching the research objective, but they also provided useful ideas and additional questions for the consumer survey. Survey To find out consumers’ brand perceptions of Nokia, quantitative research and analysis methods were utilized.An online consumer survey (Appendix 2) was created with the Qualtrics-software and distributed to approximately 400 people in Finland and the United States through e-mail and social media networks. Data Analysis The data analysis of the survey results started with a general analysis of the averages and apparent trends. It was followed by the identification of significant regional differences between the responses with the help of cross tabulations. QUESTIO NNAIRE Smart Phone Brand Perception Survey REFERENCES Arnould, Eric, Linda Price, and George Zinkhan. Consumers. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin,2004.Print. Barrett, Larry. â€Å"Palm, Nokia Smartphone Users Most Likely to Switch: Survey. † Enterprise Mobile Today. Internet. com, 19 Jan. 2011. Web. 24 Apr. 2011. . Best Global Brands Ranking for 2010. Interbrand, n. d. Web. 24 Apr. 2011. . Business Source Complete. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. . Christodoulides, George, and Leslie De Chernatony. â€Å"Consumer-based brand equity conceptualization and measurement. † International Journal of Market Research 52. 1 (2010): 43-66. EBSCO Business Source Complete. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. . Drobis, David R. â€Å"Integrated Marketing Communications Redefined. † Journal of Integrated The Impact of Declining Nokia Market PRESTIGE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH SESSION 2012-2014 Minor Research Project Synopsis â€Å"THE IMPACT OF DECLINING NOKIA MARKET † CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1. 1 Literature Review 1. 2 Objective Of The Study 2. Research Methodology 2. 1 The Study 2. 2 Sample 2. 3 Tools For Data Collection 2. 4 Tools For Data Analysis 2. References 3. Questionnaire Introduction Nokia has come a long way to evolve from a paper mill founded in 1865 to a world renowned mobile phone manufacturer and one of the most powerful brands in the world. In 1992 Nokia appointed Jorma Ollila as the new CEO and concentrated its focus on telecommunications.Throughout the 1990’s Nokia was known as a relentless innovator and a pioneer that made the world’s first satellite call among many other groundbreaking milestones. In 1998 Nokia became the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer with a turnover of 31 billion dollars. Nokia is still the most influential company to the Finnish n ational economy, but Nokia’s effect is far from what it was in the early years of the 21st century when Nokia accounted for almost half of the economic growth in Finland and produced as much as five percent of Finland’s annual Gross Domestic Product.In 2006, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo replaced Jorma Ollila as the CEO, but was not able to reverse the decline of Nokia’s market share especially in the high end segment, where competitors like Apple, Blackberry,HTC, Samsung, and phones using Google’s Android operating system captured market share from Nokia at an alarmingly increasing rate. At the end of year 2010 Android was already the most widespread smart phone operating system in the world and Nokia’s market share in the smart phone segment had declined from 38 to 31 percent in one year (Sokala).Literature Review The purpose of this literature review is to discuss relevant writings on how to improve marketing strategies from the branding perspective. Fir st, important terms such as brand equity and the concept of consumer-based brand equity are discussed. Secondly, the brand management process is discussed from a strategic viewpoint with the help of terms like brand revitalization and integrated marketing activity. The next part of the literature review concentrates on analyzing the marketing environment.Finally, the last section summarizes important conclusions on how the literature review relates to the company being observed, Nokia During 2012, the telecom infrastructure market saw slight growth in capital expenditures in Euro terms by global mobile operators, mainly attributable to operators in Japan, Asia Pacific and North America but it was off-set by declines in Europe, China and India, it added. Objective Of The Study The thesis has three distinct research objectives. First of all I will try to find out what is the aspired brand identity and brand image Nokia is trying to convey with its smart phone marketing.To achieve this I will conduct interviews with people who are responsible for Nokia’s brand management and marketing. The second research objective of my thesis is to find out what is the consumers’ brand perception of Nokia at the moment. To answer this question I will conduct a comprehensive smart phone brand perception survey to collect data from Finland and the United States. The last research objective of the thesis is improving Nokia’s current marketing strategies for its smart phones from a branding perspective in the countries subject to research.By comparing the results of the customer surveys with the company interviews, I can detect where the aspired brand identity of Nokia does not meet the brand perceptions of the consumers. By utilizing the existing knowledge and literature on the topic, I should be able to come up with ways to improve Nokia’s smart phone marketing in the two distinct geographical regions. Research Methodology The Study This Bachelorâ€⠄¢s Thesis is a case study with a conceptual research design since it consists of a defined research problem, clear research objectives, and exact research questions that lead to conclusions on a real-life phenomenon.The thesis includes empirical as well as descriptive elements. There are several contexts to the research, because the aim is to improve Nokia’s existing marketing strategies in different regions based on potentially differing brand perceptions prevalent in these areas. Data Collection Methods Interview Qualitative research and analysis methods were used to assess the depth interview (Appendix 1) conducted on the fourth of February, 2011, with Mr. Pekka Somerto, the Vice President of Nokia’s Brand and Marketing Portfolio Management. The interview was conducted at Nokia’s headquarters in Keilaniemi and it lasted for approximately an hour.The interview consisted of thirteen questions and the purpose was to find out about the brand identity Nokia tries to create with their marketing. The questions asked were chosen based on the literature discussed in the literature review, and with the overall goal of improving Nokia’s marketing strategies for smart phones from the branding perspective. The results of the interview not only helped in reaching the research objective, but they also provided useful ideas and additional questions for the consumer survey. Survey To find out consumers’ brand perceptions of Nokia, quantitative research and analysis methods were utilized.An online consumer survey (Appendix 2) was created with the Qualtrics-software and distributed to approximately 400 people in Finland and the United States through e-mail and social media networks. Data Analysis The data analysis of the survey results started with a general analysis of the averages and apparent trends. It was followed by the identification of significant regional differences between the responses with the help of cross tabulations. QUESTIO NNAIRE Smart Phone Brand Perception Survey REFERENCES Arnould, Eric, Linda Price, and George Zinkhan. Consumers. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin,2004.Print. Barrett, Larry. â€Å"Palm, Nokia Smartphone Users Most Likely to Switch: Survey. † Enterprise Mobile Today. Internet. com, 19 Jan. 2011. Web. 24 Apr. 2011. . Best Global Brands Ranking for 2010. Interbrand, n. d. Web. 24 Apr. 2011. . Business Source Complete. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. . Christodoulides, George, and Leslie De Chernatony. â€Å"Consumer-based brand equity conceptualization and measurement. † International Journal of Market Research 52. 1 (2010): 43-66. EBSCO Business Source Complete. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. . Drobis, David R. â€Å"Integrated Marketing Communications Redefined. † Journal of Integrated

Evidence-based Interventions for a Patient Suffering from Dementia

Introduction Evidence-based practice has been promoted in all healthcare levels in the NHS (Department of Health, 2012). This is done to ensure that interventions are supported by current evidence in healthcare and have been found to be effective for most patients (Pearson et al., 2009). The use of evidence-based practice is rooted in the belief that patients should only receive quality care (Pearson et al., 2009). The same approach is used when caring for patients with mental health conditions. In the policy, No Health without Mental Health (Department of Health, 2012), the NHS has emphasised that patients suffering from mental health conditions should receive quality and evidence-based care. This brief aims to critically discuss the case of an 80-year old woman who is suffering from dementia and the different forms of interventions that could be applied to the case. Consistent with the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC, 2008) code of conduct, a pseudonym will be used to hide the identity of the patient. This brief discusses the purpose of evidence-based practice in managing patients with a progressive condition such as dementia. An investigation on the different forms of evidence-based interventions and their potential impact for promoting inclusion would also be presented. A discussion on interventions as means to develop a shared understanding of the patient’s needs would also be done. Legal, ethical and socio-political factors that influence the intervention process would also be explored. Finally, the last part discusses my role as a nurse in the intervention process. Using Evidence-based Interventions for Patients with Dementia The Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC, 2008) Code of Conduct has stressed the importance of delivering quality evidence-based care that is patient-centred. Fitzpatrick (2007a) emphasised that the past model of evidence-based intervention relies only on current evidence from literature to support clinical decisions. Current studies that are of high quality are often used to inform current practices. Fitzpatrick (2007b; 2007c) exmphasised that nurses and other healthcare professionals should have the skills to critically assess the quality of a study and determine whether the findings are applicable to one’s current and future practice. Evaluating the strength of the evidence presented in a research study would require understanding of the search process and whether themes or findings from the study are credible or trustworthy (Polit and Beck, 2010). In recent years, this definition has included best practices, personal experiences of healthcare professional on providi ng care, experiences of colleagues, opinions of experts and current guidelines on a health condition (Fitzpatrick, 2007a; 2007b, 2007c; Greenhalgh, 2010). This new definition embraces other sources of evidence that could be used to help healthcare practitioners and patients make decisions regarding their care. Greenhalgh (2010) specifically points out that while there is reliance on good evidence from published studies, including the experiences of nurses, expert opinion and best practices to aid decision-making would ensure that patients receive quality care. Communicating evidence from published literature is also essential in helping patients decide on the best form of intervention. Morrisey and Calighan (2011) emphasises that effective communication is needed to convey findings of a study in a manner that is understandable to the patient. Successful use of evidence depends first on the quality of relationship between the healthcare providers and the patients (Croker et al., 2013. Kizer (2002) argued that for better care, the relationship between the healthcare professionals and the patients should be strengthened first. Kizer (2002) observe that, â€Å"this intimate relationship is the medium by which information, feelings, fears, concerns, and hopes are exchanged between caregiver and patient† (p. 117). In the UK, The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2006) and the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (2007) have provided evidence-based guidelines on how to care for patients with dementia. These guidelines along with current literature, my own and my colleagues’ experiences, expert opinion and the experiences of my patient and her carers will form evidence on the best form of interventions for the patient. My patient’s name is Laura (not her real name). She is 80 years old with dementia, a condition that is progressive and characterized by deterioration of mental state, aggressive behaviour and agitation (Department of Health, 2009). A psychiatric consultant oversees the management of her condition. She has been receiving medications for her dementia but her GP and psychiatrist are discussing alternative drugs to reduce her anxiety level and regulate her sleeping patterns. She is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and is mobilised with a frame following a broken hip. While she is still lucid and can communicate clearly, it is a challenge to care for her during nighttime when she becomes more anxious and shows signs of confusion. Patients with dementia suffer from progressive cognitive impairments (Department of Health, 2009) that could have an impact on how they receive information from their healthcare professionals and carers and in their adherence to medications. In the case of my patient, she is now showing signs of advanced dementia (NICE, 2006). This could be a challenge since her ability to refuse treatment or engage in healthcare decisions is severely reduced (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2007). In the UK, the Mental Health Act 2007 (UK Legislation, 2007) and the Mental Capacity Act (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2007) serve as guides on how to care for patients with mental health conditions such as dementia. These acts serve to protect the rights of the patient by locating a representative of the patient who could decide on her behalf. Hence, any interventions introduced for the patient should be agreed by the patient’s immediate family members or appointed guardian (Depart ment for Constitutional Affair, 2007). Since dementia is a progressive condition that could eventually lead to palliative care, the nurses have to ensure that the patient receives appropriate support during the trajectory of the condition. In my patient’s case, she needs immediate interventions for anxiety and sleep disturbance. She is also currently taking medications for her type 2 diabetes. The NICE (2006) guideline has stated the use of psychological intervention for patients with dementia. These include cognitive behavioural therapy, which will include the patient’s carers, animal-assisted therapy, reminiscence therapy, multisensory stimulation and exercise. Evidence-based Interventions and Potential Impact for Promoting Inclusion A number of studies (Casartelli et al., 2013; Monaghan et al., 2012; Ewen et al., 2012) have shown that exercise could improve the mobility of patients following hip surgery. Most of these studies use the randomised controlled trial study design, which ranks high in the hierarchy of evidence (Greenhalgh, 2010). This type of design reduces selection bias of the participants and increases the credibility of the findings of the study (Polit and Beck, 2010). The NICE (2013) guideline for fall also supports exercise intervention for improving patient’s mobility. My patient Laura is using a frame to aid her walking following a fall and an exercise intervention would improve her mobility. Considering that Laura is also suffering from anxiety, I counseled with the carer that we might consider an exercise intervention to both manage anxiety and improve mobility of the patient. This was well-received by the carer who expressed that they could help the patient with a structured walking e xercise. Meanwhile, cognitive behavioural therapy (Kurz et al., 2012; Hopper et al., 2013) has also been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety amongst patients and in regulating sleep behaviour. This form of intervention was also introduced to Laura and her carer. A programme was created where she would receive CBT on a weekly basis. It should be noted that the psychiatrist and the GP in the healthcare team are considering on alternative pharmacologic therapy to regulate sleeping behaviour and anxiety of the patient. While this might have a positive effect on the patient, it should be noted that medications for anxiety have side effects. For instance, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as rivastigmine, galantamine and donepezil are known to have side effects on the cognition of patients (Porsteinsson et al., 2013; Moncrieff and Cohen, 2009). As a nurse and part of the team, I suggested to the team to consider the effects of pharmacologic interventions on the patient. Further, the NICE (2006) guideline also states that only specialists, that include GPs specialising in elderly care or psychiatrists, should initiate pharmacologic interventions. This guideline also emphasises that the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of the patient should be between 10 to 20 points. In Laura’s case, she is pro gressing from moderately severe dementia to its severe form. Introducing pharmacologic interventions might only worsen the cognitive state of Laura. Meanwhile, there is strong evidence from a systematic review (Filan and Llewellyn-Jones, 2006) on the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy in reducing psychological and behavioural symptoms of dementia. A systematic review also ranks as high as randomised controlled trials in the hierarchy of evidence (Greenhalgh, 2010). Findings of Filan and Llewellyn-Jones (2006) also reveal that it can promote social behaviour amongst patients. This form of therapy was initially considered in Laura’s case due to its possible effects on the sleep behaviour of the patient. However, current evidence is still unclear on whether the effects could be sustained for prolonged periods. In application to my patient’s case, the use of animal-assisted therapy might be difficult to carry out since the patient has to depend on a carer for her daily needs. However, our team decided on using music therapy for the patient. Similar to animal-assisted therapy, there is also strong evidence on the e ffectiveness of music therapy in managing anxiety, depression and aggression amongst patients with dementia (Sakamoto et al., 2013; Wall and Duffy, 2010). Importantly, cognitive behavioural and music therapies and exercise interventions all promote inclusion of the patient in the care process (Repper and Perkins, 2003). In cognitive behavioural therapy, the patient and her carer receive support on how to manage anxiety and sleeping behaviour. Since carers are highly involved during CBT, there is a higher chance that the intervention would be successful (Hopper et al., 2013). It has been shown that carers of patients with chronic conditions such as dementia are also at risk of developing depression and anxiety (Department of Health, 2009). Smith et al. (2007) explain that this might be due to the realisation that the patient would not recover from the illness. Further, these carers have to prepare themselves for the patient’s end-of-life care. All these realisations could influence the carer’s own mental health (Smith et al., 2007). Hence, it is important that interventions are not only holistic for the patient, but should also include the carers in the process. Hence, implementing CBT would promote inclusion in practice (Wright and Stickley, 2013). The patient in my care is also suffering from type 2 diabetes. Pharmacologic interventions would include metformin and insulin therapy (NICE, 2008). Non-pharmacologic interventions include exercise, behavioural modification and diet. This presents a complex problem for Laura since it has been shown that elderly patients are also at greatest risk of malnutrition due to the aging process (Department of Health, 2009). Patients with dementia could experience feeding behavioural problems. When patients are admitted in hospitals, the new environment and lack of social interaction with peers could act as triggers in behavioural problems (Department of Health, 2009). Since patients might lack the cognitive ability to express themselves, this might present as aggressive behaviour (NICE, 2006). Hence, ensuring that Laura receives appropriate nutrition during her hospital stay could be influenced by changes in her behaviour. It is important that patients with type 2 diabetes do not only receive pharmacologic interventions but should also have sufficient diet. This is seen as a challenge in Laura’s case since she could experience feeding problems due to loss in cognitive abilities. For instance, she might be reminded on how to chew food or why she needs to eat (Department of Health, 2009). In patients with severe forms, the main aim of feeding is now focused on comfort feeding rather than allowing patients to eat the proper amount of food (Department of Health, 2009). Hence, managing Laura’s type 2 diabetes through proper feeding would be an added challenge to her care. Legal, Ethical and Socio-Political Factors that Influence the Intervention Process Decisions on the care and interventions received by the patient are influenced by several factors. First, the Mental Health Act 2007 (UK Legislation, 2007) states that patients with mental health condition could seek voluntary admission to hospitals and leave whenever they want. This Act also states that patients could only be forced to receive treatment in hospital settings if they are detained under this Act. Laura and her carer could refuse treatment or interventions at any point of her care and my team and I would respect her decision. Observance of this provision under the Mental Health Act would also be consistent with patient-centred care where patients are empowered to act for own benefit and to choose appropriate interventions. Apart from the legal aspects that influence the delivery of interventions, ethical issues should also be observed. In the ethics principle of beneficence, nurses and ot her healthcare practitioners should ensure that the interventions would be beneficial to the patient (Beauchamp and Childress, 2001). In Laura’s case, all the interventions cited previously have been shown to be beneficial to the patient. Only the pharmacologic interventions are associated with adverse and side effects for the patient (Popp and Arlt, 2011). Hence, as a nurse, I lobbied for inclusion of non-pharmacologic interventions instead of reliance on anticholinergic drugs to control the patient’s behaviour. In addition to beneficence, Beauchamp and Childress (2001) also add the ethics principles of autonomy, non-maleficence and justice. In Laura’s case, her autonomy would be respected. Allowing patients to participate in the decision-making process is crucial. However, patients with dementia suffer from cognitive impairments that could influence their decision-making ability (Wright et al., 2009). In accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2007), the carers of Laura could be appointed to act on her behalf. In non-maleficence, the main aim of the interventions is to promote the health of the patient. There are no known side effects of the psychosocial and exercise interventions. Justice will be observed if Laura receives tailored-interventions that would address her needs. It is important that regardless of the patient’s background, religion, race, gender, ethnicity, she should receive healthcare interventions fit for her needs. This ethics principle is observed since a healthcare team has been addressing Laura’s healthcare needs. While all interventions are patient-centred, socio-political issues that could influence the interventions include the recent changes in the NHS structure where local health boards are primarily responsible for allocating funds to healthcare services (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2007). Hence, if dementia care is not a priority in the local health board, health programmes for dementia might not receive sufficient funding. This could pose considerable problems for the elderly who are dependent on the NHS for their care. Laura has been receiving sufficient support for her mental health condition. This demonstrates that dementia care remains a priority in my area of care. A survey of the support system in my community reveals that support groups for carers are available. This is essential since supporting carers is also a priority in the NHS (National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2007). Role of the Nurse in the Intervention Process On reflection of the case, I have a role to coordinate care with other team members and to ensure that the patient receives patient-centered care. As a nurse, I have to adhere to the NMC’s (2008) code of conduct and observe patient safety. Recognising that dementia is a progressive condition, I should also focus on interventions that not only addresses the current behavioural problems of the patient but also on preparing the carer and Laura’s family members on palliative care. The NICE (2006) guideline has stated that nurses have an important role in preparing patients of dementia and their family members on end-of-life care. This could be a highly stressful stage in the patient’s disease trajectory or could be one of acceptance and peace for the family. As a nurse, I have to ensure that interventions are appropriate to the stage of dementia that the patient is experiencing. Since nursing is a continuing process, I have to inform the family members that the patie nt will increasingly lose her cognitive abilities and would have difficulty feeding in the last stages of the condition (National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2007). I have to ensure that the patient receives both spiritual and physical support at this stage. Evidence-based care is crucial in ensuring that patients receive the appropriate intervention. In my role as a nurse, I have to ensure that interventions are acceptable to the patient. I should also consider the preferences of the patient, their past experiences and their own perceptions on how to best manage their condition. Since I would be caring for a patient with declining cognitive abilities, I should ensure that her dignity would be maintained (Baillie and Gallagher, 2011). As part of my future learning development, I will attend courses on how to conduct end-of-life care for patients with dementia. Through Laura, I realised that a patient’s dignity should always be observed. It is recommended that in my future and present practice, I will continue to rely on literature on the best form of interventions of my patient. I will also consult with my colleagues, seek expert opinion and the patient’s experiences on how to choose and deliver interventions. Conclusion Evidence-based practice is important in helping patients achieve quality care. In this case, Laura is an 80-year old patient with dementia. She exhibits the moderate form of the condition but is beginning to show signs of advance dementia. As her nurse, I have the duty to observe ethics in healthcare and to seek for interventions that are evidence-based. However, I also realised that other factors also influence the delivery of interventions. These include socio-political, legal and ethical factors. As a nurse, I have to protect the patient’s rights, act as her advocate and ensure her safety during the trajectory of the condition. For future practice, I will continue to practice evidence-based practice. I will also encourage others in the mental health profession to always consider the patient’s preferences when caring for patients with dementia. When patients are unable to decide for their own care, the carer of the patient could act on her behalf. Finally, as a mental health nurse, I should constantly update myself with the best form of interventions for patients with dementia. This will ensure that my patients will receive evidence-based interventions. References Baillie, L. & Gallagher, A. (2011). ‘Respecting dignity in care in diverse care settings: Strategies of UK nurses’. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 17, pp. 336-341. Beauchamp, T. & Childress, J. (2001). Principles of biomedical ethics. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 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Available from: http://www.bmj.com/content/338/bmj.b1963#alternate. Morrissey, J. & Callgahan, P. (2011). Communication skills for mental health nurses. Maidenhead: Open University Press. National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (2007). Dementia: The NICE-SCIE Guideline on supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care. London: The British Psychological Society and Gaskell and Social Care Institute for Excellence and NICE. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2013). Falls: assessment and prevention of falls in older people: NICE clinical guideline 161. London: NICE. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2008). Type 2 Diabetes: The Management of type 2 diabetes. London: NICE. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2006). Dementia: Supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care. London: NICE. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2008). The Code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. London: NMC. Pearson, A., Field, J., Jordan, Z. (2009). Evidence-Based Clinical Practice in Nursing and health Care. Assimilating Research, Experience and Expertise. Oxford. Blackwell Publishing. Polit, D. & Beck, C. (2010). Essentials of nursing research: appraising evidence for nursing practice. 7th ed. London: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Popp, J. & Arlt, S. (2011). ‘Pharmacological treatment of dementia and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease’. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 24(6), pp. 556-561. Porsteinsson, A., Drye, L., Pollock, B., Devanand, D., Frangakis, C. Ismail, Z., Marano, C., Meinert, C., Mintzer, J., Munro, C., Pelton, G., Rabins, P., Rosenberg, P., Schneider, L., Shade, D., Weintraub, D., yesavage, J. & Lyketsos, C. (2013). ‘Effect of citalopram on agitation in Alzheimer disease: the CitAD randomized clinical trial’. JAMA, 311(7), pp. 682-691. Repper, J. & Perkins, R. (2003). Social inclusion and recovery: A model for mental health practice. London: Balliere Tindall. Sakamoto, M., Ando, H. & Tsutou, A. (2013). ‘Comparing the effects of different individualized music interventions for elderly individuals with severe dementia’, International Psychogeriatrics. 25(5), pp. 775-784. Smith, G., Greogry, K. & Higgs, A. (2007). An integrated approach to family work for psychosis. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. UK Legislation (2007) Mental Health Act 2007 [Online]. Available from: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2007/12/contents (Accessed: 13th May, 2014). Wall, M. & Duffy, A. (2010). ‘The effects of music therapy for older people with dementia’. British Journal of Nursing, 19(2), pp. 108-113. Wright, N. & Stickley, T. (2013). Concepts of social inclusion, exclusion and mental health: A review of the international literature. London: SAGE. Wright, J., Turkington, D., Kingdon, D. & Basco, M. (2009). Cognitive-behaviour therapy for severe mental illness: An illustrated guide. USA: American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

Improvement of Danones Purchasing and Supply Management Assignment

Improvement of Danones Purchasing and Supply Management - Assignment Example Secondly, Danone has a major weakness in availing products to consumers at the right time. This is because of the lack of efficient distribution mechanisms. This has triggered the firms to formulate distribution channels such as door-to-door, but Danone has not achieved maximum efficiency where consumers can receive goods instantly. Danone has an objective of ensuring that products reach the consumer in the best possible conditions and at the best price (Danone Par 1). Therefore, Danone may have to adopt collaborative distribution both at the urban and rural levels in order to further develop and improve its purchasing and supply management. This means that Danone will have to partner with other organizations to aid in the process of order delivery. With this, the company will be able to facilitate home delivery and pick-up efficiently in rural and urban areas (Capgemin 46).   Danone will have to adopt Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), in future to   monitor goods from the p oint of supply to the final consumer. This technology is expected to reduce the delay of goods from production to consumption points. It will also enable Danone’s managers to identify the points where goods are required, and determine the length of time that it will take the goods to reach clients. With the aid of an electronic chip which will be attached to goods immediately, they are acquired from the supplier; information will be sent to the company about the state and location of goods (Scott, Lundgren and Thompson 95). Consequently, this will reduce delays in goods delivery. This is because managers will be able to monitor the location of goods, and they may fasten the distribution process when demand is high. Danone can also manage the relationships between buyers and sellers to improve its purchase and supply management. This will involve the strengthening of relationships between these parties. The relationships would be strengthened by holding conferences through the information system (Scott, Lundgren and Thompson 97). Buyers would understand the processes at the supplier’s point, and this understanding would create long-term relationships with sellers. Consequently, the long-term relationships would guarantee the firm supply of all products, and this would reduce the shortage. In addition, Danone would have to adopt electronic distribution would reduce delay and increase customer satisfaction (Scott, Lundgren and Thompson 101). This will improve the purchasing and supply management of the company by allowing customers to purchase goods on-line, and have the goods delivered to their door steps.

Decisions in Paradise III Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Decisions in Paradise III - Essay Example With newspaper or Third Estate being a key part of optimal democracy, the people and importantly responsible government could welcome it. Factors affecting the decision As discussed in the case scenario, there are certain internal as well as external environmental factors, which could impede CBTL’s plan of launching the new business. When one focuses on the external factor, the main problem is the destructive and inconsistent weather pattern in Kava. Kava being in the â€Å"danger zone† of many natural disasters including earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, etc, any business initiative of CBTL in Kava has to face its repercussions. These natural phenomenons have the power to completely destroy the newspaper office and its network, if the intensity is greater or even closer to the newspaper infrastructure. Although, CBTL can technologically safeguard its infrastructure and network, it cannot be fully trusted, until it effectively faces and survives a disaster. Th at is, there will be skepticism regarding how CBTL can protect its infrastructure, creating doubts even among the upper management and stakeholders of the CBTL. This could lead to blocking of finances for the project, thereby making the newspaper plan unsuccessful. In addition, the upper management could raise skepticism about the reconstruction costs, which may be incurred on the CBTL, if the technological safeguarding does not work out well and the infrastructure gets destroyed. So, the solution mainly focuses on building a strong and disaster proof infrastructure for the newspaper office and its network, even building at a safer location. Resources and actions required Natural phenomenon could wreck CBTL’s business plans and could even diminish any chances of it developing a hold in Kava. Thus, all the natural and even man-made factors, which could destroy or even impede the newspaper plan has to be solved through certain measures. As part of these plans, the newspaper off ice including its network has to be located in a safe and secured location within the islands. Although, most of Kava is disaster prone, locations with minimal threat level can be selected after good study of the geography and importantly after analyzing previous incidences of natural disasters. After finding a safe location, CBTL can put all its technological resources to build a stronger and effective infrastructure, which will be able to withstand most of the natural phenomenon. To further make its investment in the infrastructure foolproof, CBTL can go for insurance cover. With the insurance scheme, CBTL can be financially protected in the case of disasters, and could do the reconstruction with that option. In addition, to further strengthen its business and also to fulfill CSR, CBTL can recruit local people for jobs in the newspaper office. Qualified and equipped employees can provide good employment option for CTBL. Ethical aspects A lack of business ethics on the part of orga nizations and corporate leaders can contribute sizably to the demise of the organization (Adadevoh, n. d). When CTBL carries out various steps to solve the threats to its newspaper plan, it could also lead to some ethical issues. As mentioned above, as part of CSR and also to tap good talent, CTBL can recruit local people for its newspaper operations. However, with HIV having incidence rate in Kava and with the targeted population of youth being the main sufferers, there may be ethical dilemmas on

International politics- alignments and alliances Research Paper

International politics- alignments and alliances - Research Paper Example The president despite making the emancipation proclamation fears that certain forces who did not want to see the end of slave trade may inculcate it back to the society. In this regard, the president makes an effort to ensure that the amendment is passed within the end of the month so that slaves who had been freed are taken back to captivity. It is clear that the political class has their own issues and fighting slave trade is not such a bid deal to them; this is more evident from politicians who had just lost their seats. Other political intrigues were evident. Politicians are willing to take advantage of the fight against slavery for their own personal gain. For example President Lincoln seeks the help of Preston Blair who had influence over Republicans. In return, for his support, Blair expected the president to give a political favor. The favor meant more problems because it would upset another faction. The president was however forced to comply with those demands. 12 years a slave shows the predicament of African Americans through the story of Northup and his family. It is clear that slavery was propagated because of the economic gains they made to the masters. Northup ends up in the hand s of Freeman who eventually sells him to Ford who later sold him to Epps. Epps was a sadist who treated slaves with contempt because, like many other masters he believed that they have no dignity and deserve to be treated as such. Through the life of Northup it is clear that slaves were used for economic purposes. Those who worked as slaves were required to work hard because as such they fetched their masters more money. This explains why Northup was able to work for many masters. There is an instance when Ford engaged Northup and told him that he had, â€Å"a debt to pay† and as such would not consider Northup as a free man. To Ford and other like him slaves were purposely for economic gain to the masters. Slaves such as Northup

Strategic Management Plan for Sear's Holding Company Term Paper

Strategic Management Plan for Sear's Holding Company - Term Paper Example Sears Roebuck & Company was planned to enter into a merger with Kmart by Edward Lampert who worked as a hedge-fund manager. The merger was initiated with the aim to intensify the existence of Sears and create Sears Holding Corporation. However, the financial position of Sears Holding Corporation seemed to be worsening post merger along with a drop in their share prices. The company was learnt to be over burdened with debt. A drop was also experienced in the volume of sales of the company. Owing to all these reasons, the company was facing a huge dip in its share prices. To add more, the adjusted earnings of the company were predicted to drop considerably along with a cash crisis. The company had also failed to make payments for its respective credit lines (Laing, 2011). The waning sales, over expending on restructuring the stores, poor merchandising and unwise micromanaging was suffered by the company due to which the share price of the company was estimated to witness a decline by around 50%. As per the Fitch ratings, the company was ranked in the junk territory in terms of its debt. Furthermore, the liquidity of the company was expected to remain insufficient in the year 2012, in case the company fails to exploit the markets for fresh cash. On the other hand, the company was stated to hold a considerable share of inventory along with a significant portfolio of the possessed real estate which ranged from $8 billion to $10 billion. However, the worth of the real estate which was chiefly situated at the Borders was required to be ascertained. Therefore, with the aim to avoid such insufficiency of funds, the company is required to set an appropriate strategic management plan which would assist the company to a significant extent to overcome its seriou s financial crunch by bringing in fresh funds (Laing, 2011). The fresh strategic management plan for the company should entail few considerable alterations in its stores by getting rid of the entire soft-line inventories for the reason of enhancing the sales. The soft-line inventories would entail the poorly performing shoes, jewelry and apparel which have been believed and observed to lack the ability of appealing to the customers in the arena of soft-lines. Hence, it is required for the company to amalgamate few of the outstanding part of the inventory with the offerings of Kmart (Albrecht, Brainard, Fadgen, Jackson & Sengbusch, 2009). The company should also focus on expanding few of its product lines such as the kitchen appliances and dining furnitures. The company should also undertake necessary steps to intensify the advertising activities related to the electronic products that are offered. The mentioned alterations along with the additions would prove to be sufficient to rep lace the soft-lines products to a significant extent. The company should also try and shift its concentration on catalogue & internet retail, automotive repair, consumer appliances as well as electronics retail and supply of building material in order to diversify and attain competitive advantage. In order to strengthen the defensive walls of the company, it needs to consider the options of entering into a few selected partnerships with certain companies, particularly in the field of automotive care (Albrecht, Brainard, Fadgen, Jackson & Sengbusch, 2009). To augment the demand of the amended platform or array of products as well as services, the company requires shifting its degree of emphasis to the adults of the middle class varying from 25 years to 64 years as this particular age group is considered to hold the

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 20

Psychology - Essay Example English bolstered my comprehension regarding the European Business Model – for the sake of knowing how the business strategies would shape up within the future. Within my BBA course, I gained a much needed exposure in the subjects of administration, communication, management and marketing. As for my personality, I have proactively remained a very ambitious and highly motivated individual. I adapt to different things easily and my command over four different languages makes me unique in my own righteous way. I love spending time playing golf and tennis. I seek to know more and more about cultural understandings and issues. In the same vein, traveling has remained as one of my most revered pastimes. I want to learn psychology due to the fact that it asks for interaction with people on a constant basis. I plan to complete my Masters in Psychology and thus I believe the foundation course would help me to firm up my basics within the subject. As for the future, I look forward to getting a respectable job within the International Relations departments of some esteemed governmental organization. I would request the management at the helm of affairs to support my candidature at Regents College so that I could enliven my dream of learning the science of

Ibuprofen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ibuprofen - Essay Example However, other websites say that it is 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid, where methylpropyl is replaced with isobutyl (Broyles, 2009). First of all, Ibuprofen is a propanoic acid, which is a carboxylic acid, characterized by a –COOH tail, and is an organic hydrocarbon molecule with three carbons, which is a property of the basic propane structure. Its being a propanoic acid gives Ibuprofen its pharmacologic properties – analgesic, antipyretic and antiinflammatory – because it is its carboxylic end that reacts with the enzymes that help produce pain hormones. Moreover, Ibuprofen is a chiral or aromatic compound because of its benzene ring or phenyl group, which is attached to the second carbon. Furthermore, there is an isobutyl group, which is made up of four carbons, attached to the second carbon of the phenyl group. Ibuprofen has two optical isomers, the R- and the S+ forms, and where the S+ form has distinct pharmacologic properties and has a significant role in inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. The R- form, on the other hand, has no anti-inflammatory effect. Nevertheless, an enzyme in the human body naturally converts R- isomers of Ibuprofen into the useful S+ forms, thus increasing the total active forms of Ibuprofen in the body (â€Å"The Structure of Ibuprofen,† 2012). According to information from the University of Oxford Department of Chemistry, Ibuprofen is â€Å"only slightly soluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol† (â€Å"Ibuprofen,† University of Oxford, 2012). Other sources, however, say that Ibuprofen is insoluble in cold water (â€Å"Material Safety,† 2012). The insolubility of Ibuprofen is due to the presence of the non-polar covalent bonds present in the hydrocarbon chains, which are not soluble in polar compounds like water. In fact, this particular physical property of Ibuprofen accounts for some of its less significant pharmacologic effects. Other physical properties

Movie Review Stranger than Paradise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Movie Review Stranger than Paradise - Essay Example They gave birth tÐ ¾ many Ð ¾ther artistic mÐ ¾vements influencing talented peÐ ¾ple and inspired them tÐ ¾ create the real masterpieces. MÐ ¾re recently, artistic styles barely last a decade since the speed Ð ¾f develÐ ¾pment and grÐ ¾wth Ð ¾f a persÐ ¾n as well as the sÐ ¾ciety as a whÐ ¾le is much bigger than it was many centuries agÐ ¾. MÐ ¾dernity and alternative art became the cÐ ¾ncept that have generated the mÐ ¾st challenging questiÐ ¾ns abÐ ¾ut art in the twentieth century since â€Å"traditiÐ ¾nal† fÐ ¾rms Ð ¾f art, literature, filmmaking and architecture were cÐ ¾nsidered Ð ¾utdated by the mÐ ¾dern artists in the emerging industrialized wÐ ¾rld (О'CÐ ¾nnÐ ¾r, 1967). Any fÐ ¾rm Ð ¾f artistic activity creating its system Ð ¾f fÐ ¾rms, techniques, terminÐ ¾lÐ ¾gy, aesthetic effects, mÐ ¾vements and schÐ ¾Ã ¾ls never fÐ ¾rgets abÐ ¾ut its past. Twentieth century represents the mÐ ¾st impressive and unfÐ ¾rgettable artists and their art wÐ ¾rks as this periÐ ¾d Ð ¾f time cÐ ¾vers many different art mÐ ¾vements, amÐ ¾ng which are cubism, surrealism, suprematism, pÐ ¾p art, actiÐ ¾n painting, dada, avant-garde, essentialist feminism, sÐ ¾cial cÐ ¾nstructivist feminism and many Ð ¾thers. HistÐ ¾rical plÐ ¾ts full Ð ¾f herÐ ¾ism and pathetic elements were extraneÐ ¾us fÐ ¾r the artists frÐ ¾m thÐ ¾se mÐ ¾vements. ... PrÐ ¾ducers refused frÐ ¾m the traditiÐ ¾ns Ð ¾f classical filmmaking, preferred tÐ ¾ give the dÐ ¾minant rÐ ¾le tÐ ¾ the subjective Ð ¾rigin and made fÐ ¾rm be prevalent Ð ¾ver substance. Independent filmmakers are nÐ ¾t interested tÐ ¾ create films that lÐ ¾Ã ¾k real Ð ¾r understandable. It is mÐ ¾re impÐ ¾rtant tÐ ¾ express the feelings and emÐ ¾tiÐ ¾ns Ð ¾f the prÐ ¾ducer as well as his characters. In Ð ¾rder tÐ ¾ dÐ ¾ it, the prÐ ¾ducer becÐ ¾mes part Ð ¾f the film in the prÐ ¾cess Ð ¾f its creatiÐ ¾n. "Stranger than Paradise" by Jim Jarmusch belÐ ¾ngs tÐ ¾ independent films that usually differ nÐ ¾ticeably frÐ ¾m mÐ ¾st mass marketed films being prÐ ¾duced by majÐ ¾r film studiÐ ¾s. PersÐ ¾nal artistic visiÐ ¾n Ð ¾f Jarmusch is realized in the cÐ ¾ntent and style Ð ¾f the mÐ ¾vie. As an independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch refused frÐ ¾m the traditiÐ ¾nal means Ð ¾f filmmaking and uses film wÐ ¾rks tÐ ¾ express his inner feelings , the state Ð ¾f his Ð ¾wn psyche and attitude tÐ ¾wards the external surrÐ ¾undings. BefÐ ¾re analyzing the film "Stranger than Paradise" by Jim Jarmusch, it is impÐ ¾rtant tÐ ¾ discuss the art tendencies Ð ¾f the twentieth century as the basis fÐ ¾r independent and alternative filmmaking, the main purpÐ ¾se Ð ¾f which is tÐ ¾ gÐ ¾ beyÐ ¾nd the traditiÐ ¾nal and classic art. PÐ ¾p Art and Avant-Garde in the Twentieth Century MÐ ¾dernity Ð ¾f the twentieth century represented a crisis fÐ ¾r the traditiÐ ¾nal art and ways Ð ¾f life, which have been replaced with uncÐ ¾ntrÐ ¾llable change, unusual experiences and unmanageable alternatives (WillsÐ ¾n, 1997). The rejectiÐ ¾n Ð ¾f traditiÐ ¾n was and remains the main cÐ ¾ntrÐ ¾versial aspect Ð ¾f the mÐ ¾dernism. The artwÐ ¾rks they

Jim Goodnight Essay Example for Free

Jim Goodnight Essay Goodnight is driven by creating a culture that is full of employee engagement and motivation. On the SAS website, Jim Goodnight is quoted as saying, â€Å"Treat employees like they make a difference and they will†. In a publication from Harvard Business Review that Goodnight co-wrote with author Richard Florida he states, â€Å"companies prosper when they harness the creative capital of their employees, as those are the individuals that are creative thinkers and generate valuable products and services. † Mr. Goodnight understands that his product is a â€Å"product of the mind,† and therefore recognizes that maintaining an environment that retains employees and keeps them engaged is a requirement to be successfully. Jim Goodnight has entrenched motivator factors into his business, while minimizing and eliminating hygiene factors for his employees. SAS uses a vertical loading management style that allows employees to be more engaged and empowered in their work. Employees draw responsibility and challenge from this management platform. SAS employees are often only two or three levels down from the CEO, Jim Goodnight, and work alongside their management writing code and setting deadlines. These factors motivate employees and displays to them that managers can be technical in nature and work alongside them â€Å"in the trenches. † Also, SAS has a strong focus on employee satisfaction and uses all possible means to minimize and eliminate hygiene factors that could cause dissatisfaction. Mr. Goodnight pays his employees a competitive salary, however, he shows his commitment through other means such as; benefits, company programs, and employee facilities. SAS understands that work life balance is a conflict that most professionals have to deal with and overcome. SAS maintains flexibility by offering services that ease this burden such as; lunch programs, unlimited sick leave, and in house childcare. The fact that SAS has never had a layoff speaks volumes to its employees about the dedication that leadership has to its employees on job security and proper staffing levels. These factors have far reaching effects on employees and families, as they recognize and appreciate these benefits. My current employer offers a package similar to the one SAS provides its employees, and I experience similar results. For example, teams are more motivated and engaged in their work with minimal turnover and low dissatisfaction with their jobs, and teams are more likely to accept additional assignments with minimal pushback. Jim Goodnight is clearly motivated by offering his employees the highest quality of work life balance possible. He believes the culture is based on trust between our employees and the company.

Carbon capture and storage

Carbon capture and storage Introduction Increasing numbers now recognise the potential devastation upon the worldwide environment climate change could have. With CO2 emissions increasing at a rate of 1.6%/Yr (1999-2005) and emissions from power production at 23,684 Mt/yr (2005)1 plus no current successor to the Kyoto Protocol*, it is clear that Carbon Dioxide is going to become an ever growing threat to our planets stability. Worryingly, not only in a climatic sense but a societal one as well. From solar and geothermal power to hydrogen fuel cells, the scientific community is working to develop ways of reducing CO2 output and one field of growing interest from both the research and business community is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Serious research in this field is relatively new and many aspects of its viability, safety, efficiency and cost have still to be fully discovered. As CCS is simply storing CO2 and not actually decomposing it, many feel CCS is counter-productive and the resources should instead be channelled to focus on clean energy production. However with current emission trends, CCS will be an extremely useful tool should we see drastic changes in climate toward the end of this century and need a way to buy time to fully utilise and develop clean energy. This paper will briefly describe a range of potential CCS methods as shown in figure A as well as discuss the potential for CCS in our society. The smallest estimated potential storage for CO2 at 320Gt is worth approximately 32 years of emissions!2 Few dispute the fact that we should evolve to a more environmentally-friendly society in all senses of the word, CCS will buy the time needed for this to happen. Over the last 10-20 years several proposals have been put forward and developed such as the Sleipner oil field, Norway and ‘CarbFix in Iceland. We are now beginning to get live data from current CCS projects worldwide to analyse and use for the enhancement of CCS, this paper aims to synthesise this information from these pr ojects for a brief analysis of CCS potential. Deep Ocean or the deep seabed Many have hypothesised on potential CCS sites. One suggestion is storing CO2 in the deep ocean or seabed as shown in figure B. As the oceans are already absorbing ~8 billion tons of CO2and negating ~50% of our anthropogenic CO2 emissions3 it is already a natural CCS site. CO2 is denser than seawater in its supercritical state (both solid and liquid, see figure C)and so will sink and pond on the seabed staying there for thousands of years as figure B illustrates. Alternatively, ships would pump CO2 into the ocean as shown in figure B where natural thermohaline currents would dissolve the CO2 upon which that slightly denser body of water would pond on the seabed. While salinity, pressure and temperature all affect the dissolution of CO2, below 600m, 41-48kg/m3 CO2 can dissolve in a 1M brine solution,2 a fairly large figure. Increase the brine concentration and this figure will drop,however, with the average molarity of the oceans at 0.5M it is clear that this store has great potential . Unfortunately immediate acidification of the local water would occur as carbonic acid forms. Therefore this storage method would probably be devastating to local ecology. The cost:benefit analysis over acidifying patches of ocean as opposed to lowering atmospheric CO2 and thats effect upon terrestrial habitats and surface ocean marine communities could fill a thesis and resulted in much debate. This method has so far seen no field tests even though its potential storage capacity is vast and inestimable. Mineral Carbonation Of similar environmental concern is disposal via mineral carbonation. CO2 reacts with certain rocks to form carbonate minerals. This process is seen naturally in the form of weathering where ~1.8108 tons CO2 are mineralised annually yet this geochemical process could also occur underground. Rather than mine and crush rocks such as basalt and peridotite to react with atmospheric CO2 on the surface, causing major environmental disruption due to mass mining operation and a great increase in sediment flux,4 CO2 would be injected into deep geological stores of: olivine; pyroxene; and plagioclase.Here the CO2 would slowly react to form its carbonates over tens of thousands of years where it would then be a near permanent store. As these reactive minerals are found in reasonable abundance in basic rock, potential CCS sites of this nature are found worldwide. The Columbia River basalt has been predicted to be able to dispose of 36-148Gt/CO2 whereas the Caribbean flood basalts could potentia l store 1,000-5,500Gt/CO2. Similarly, the basalt basin offshore of Washington D.C. could hold 500-2,500Gt/CO2.10 The gaseous CO2 conversion to solid carbonate involves an increase in volume and pressure. It is hypothesised this process would cause major fracturing within the basalt rock which could potentially form an escape route for the still supercritical CO2 (see figure D).8 The ‘CarbFix Pilot Project in Iceland is monitoring the effects and potential of this style of CCS through intensive Geophysical monitoring as ~9.4Mt/CO2 is pumped into the ground. Coal-bed seams Worldwide there are many coal fields economically unviable for mining and these are potential CCS sites as figure A (4) shows. The coal seams contain natural micropores due to coal production process. These micropores currently contain methane molecules, again as a by-product of the coal creation. However, CO2 molecules adsorb to the micropores easier than the CH4.2 By pumping CO2 into these seams a volume of CH4 will be yielded proportional to the volume of CO2 injected,2 while still providing a deep underground store for CO2. This has been calculated at 20m3/ton coal from a field site in the San Juan Basin. Therefore there is an approximate minimum storage capacity of 150Gt/CO2 worldwide however exact volumes of unmineable coal are not available. Adsorption involves weak electrostatic forces to hold the CO2 molecules to the pore which are very dependent on a stable environment.2 Should any tectonic activity take place to alter the temperature or pressure of the storage site, the C O2 would detach and plume. This CO2 plume would then slow migrate to the surface through existing pore channels which figure D shows clearly. This is a worry faced in many CCS schemes, as any CO2 migration could cause interaction and dissolution into groundwater thereby polluting it, force saline groundwater to mix with freshwater and pollute the freshwater or alternatively migrate to the earth surface and plume. Also, dependent on the CCS site, CO2 could end up acidifying patches of ocean where ‘leaks have occurred. CO2 plumes on the earth surface have proven fatal before when 1,700 people and all fauna within a 14km radius perished in the Lake Nyos disaster when CO2 suddenly degassed from the base of the lake to the atmosphere. 14 Depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers One of the most promising and researched suggestions is storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers. Figure A (1,3a,3b) illustrates these are both on and off shore and deep geological area of rock with high porosity and low permeability. The gas field ‘Sleipner West in the North Sea just off the Norwegian coast is an actual working CCS site where much research into CCS is being conducted and monitored. 1106 tons of CO2/Yr2 are being pumped into a space of 5.5x1011m32 previously occupied by predominantly methane gas. The CO2 is stored in the pore spaces in rocks identical to how groundwater is stored in aquifers. In the case of saline aquifers, while pumping in CO2, saline water is removed as well as forced into surrounding rock. These Porous rocks are commonly sedimentary rocks found in basins normally 600-1200m deep. Pressure increases with depth as well as temperature, by about 28Â °C/km2. This means CO2 would need to be stored in its supercritical state ( figure C) which is more compact than normal, 1 ton of CO2 occupies 6m3 rock2. Once injected, the CO2 will naturally migrate through the pore spaces trying to reach ground level (figure D). During this process the CO2 will become ‘trapped and well in pore routes which do not actually lead to the surface. The inevitable migration makes choosing a CCS site difficult. Any site needs an impermeable rock layer above it or a low permeability rock where the migration time will be equal to the sites desired lifespan to act as a ‘cap rock. Without a cap rock, the CO2 could migrate back to the surface in decades making the entire operation an epic fail. However, storing CO2 in these fields is not just about pocketing it underground. The geochemical processes of dissolution and mineral precipitation would also occur adding to the favourability of depleted reservoirs as the optimum CCS technique. For any single site 3 different forms of CCS would be occurring. Dissolution would take a few thousand years dependant on the surface area to volume ratio of water to CO2 and mineralisation would happen along similar timelines. Therefore, four factors will affect the usefulness of any CCS depleted reservoir site: immobilisation of CO2 in any traps or wells; geochemical reactions between the rock and CO2; dissolution into groundwater or saline water resident in the rock; and migration back to the surface.2 The benefits of this method of CCS do not stop here though! The process of pumping CO2 into the ground forces out the dregs of what was previously there, beneficial if it was gas or oil. Shows this as a separate process but it can easily be paired with depleted fossil fuel stores. This can be collected and sold, providing a slight economical offset to the cost of the project. This is referred to as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). EOR has been embraced in the Americas and is in use at Pan-Canadians Weyburn field in Saskatchewan, another field example of CCS in use today. Only 18Mt/CO2 is its expected capacity2 however data on this specific technique will be invaluable. It does raise questions into the economics as it would take thousands of these sites worldwide to have a significant impact upon atmospheric levels and with each new site, the risks of a CO2 disaster associated with the storing of CO2 increases. Worldwide there is great uncertainty into the potential volumetric storage capacity of CO2 in underground reservoirs ranging from 400-10,000 Gt/CO2 according to Hendriks and Blok, 425Gt/CO2 was proposed by Van De Meer whereas Koide and team calculated it at 320Gt/CO2. There is such variation not only because worldwide high resolution mapping of the subsurface is scarce, but the presence of micropores is undetectable and the question of how do you incorporate figures from processes such as dissolution and geochemical mineral precipitation is raised. Figure E shows the IPCC calculation of potential worldwide storage sites. Either way, CCS can cl early buy the time we may need to avoid major global climate change. Conclusion As natural gas itself contains a fraction of CO2, this proves it is possible to store CO2 in a geological setting for millions of years, the exact purpose of CCS technology. Unfortunately, with all the ambition and optimism over CCS, its true benefits must be realistically analysed. Yes CO2 is a powerful greenhouse gas and the one most accountable to anthropogenic sources,1 but it is only one of many. CCS is completely unable to deal with methane, sulphur oxides and of apparent increasing importance, water vapour. Critics are also completely correct with their feelings of it only being a temporary fix. The earths surface system is dynamic enough that the stored carbon will eventually make its way back into the atmospheric carbon cycle . Although we will be far gone, is that a responsible excuse? CO2 migration will occur within the store and so will need constant monitoring. Is the economic cost of initiation, monitoring and potential clean-up should leaks develop enough to justify t he project? Current estimates reckon in the cement industry, it will cost $50-250/ton CO2 to be avoided2 and that electricity prices will have to double at minimum2, the lower figures representing technology advancement. The CO2 could pollute groundwater sources with saline water and Cox et. al. have perceived that a fault during late stage CO2 injection could produce a CO2 plume similar to that seen at Lake Nyos.[19] While this risk could be mitigated by placing CCS sites offshore it would still be an ecological disaster.2 Finally, who would be responsible for the CCS site? The purpose of the site is to store CO2 for 10,000 years or more.19 It is highly unlike any company will be around for its lifetime. While CCS is technically possible, it undoubtedly requires more research and development to convince not only the rest of the scientific community, but the general public as well. As of February 2010 Metz, B. et. al. IPCC Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage 2005 ISBN-13 978-0-521-86643-9 Holloway, S. Underground Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide a viable greenhouse gas mitigation option Energy 30 (2005) Pg2318-2333 Keeling, R. Triage in the greenhouse Nature Geoscience 2 (Dec 2009) Pg820-822 Bickle, M. Geological carbon storage Nature Geoscience 2 (Dec 2009) Pg815-818 Bachu S. Sequestration of CO2 in geological media in response to climate change Energy Conservation Management 2004 (Pg147-164) National Oceanographic Data Center www.nodc.noaa.gov/OC5/WOA05/pr_woa05.html (Data set 2005) Dessert, C. et. al. Weathering laws and their impact of basalt weathering on the global carbon cycle Chemical Geology 202 Pg257-273 (2003) Matter, J. Kelemen, P. Permanent storage of carbon dioxide in geological reservoirs by mineral carbonation Nature Geoscience 2 (Dec 2009) Pg837-840 McGrail, P. et. al. Potential for carbon dioxide sequestration in flood basalts Journal of Geophysical Research 111, 2006 Pg445-468 Goldberg, D. Slagle, A. A global assessment of deep sea basalt sites for carbon sequestration Energy Procedia 1 (2009) Pg3675-3682 Juerg, M. et. al. Permanent Carbon Dioxide storage into basalt: the CarbFix Pilot Project, Iceland Energy Procedia 1 (2009) Pg3641-3646 Creedy, D. An introduction to geological aspects of methane occurrence and control in British deep coal mines Geology 1991;24 Pg209-220 Glazer, E. CO2 Sequestration Princeton University Website www.princeton.edu/~chm333/2002/fall/co_two/geo/coal_beds.htm#_ftn7 2002 Le Guern, F. Sigvaldason, G. The Lake Nyos event and natural CO2 degassing Volcanol Geotherm Research 1989 Pg95-276 Czernichowski-Lauriol, I. The underground disposal of Carbon Dioxide British Geological Survey 1996 Pg183-276 Hendriks, C. Blok, K. Underground storage of Carbon Dioxide Energy Conservation Management 1995 36(6-9):539-542 Van De Meer, L. Investigation regarding the storage of carbon dioxide in Aquifers Energy Conservation Management 1992;33(5-8):611-618 Kodie, H. et. al. Subterranean containment and long term storage of carbon dioxide in unused aquifers and in depleted natural gas reservoirs Energy Conservation Management 1992;33(5-8):619-626 Cox, H. et. al. Safety and stability of underground CO2 storage British Geological Survey 1996 Pg116-162

Irony in Ballards Chronopolis :: Ballard Chronopolis Essays

Irony in J. G. Ballard's Chronopolis J. G. Ballard gives us a good idea of the irony in 'Chronopolis' from the very beginning - the actual name 'Chronopolis' - city of time - is an ironic name for a city that has no time Throughout the story Ballard's view of time acts as a focus to the story, around which the plot revolves. The central point of the story is a world without time, without which the story would have no point - none of it would have happened, and it would be just like our world. The impression of time we are given at the beginning of the story is an ironic one, because it seems that time is important, but not really understood; we are told that Newman is in prison for understanding time - yet while he is in prison he controls the situation because of his knowledge of time, and organises the events of the day for Brocken (the block sergeant); 'Brocken... relied on Newman to programme the day for him'. The fact that Newman is 'serving time' for being obsessed with time is the first instance of irony through language that we are given in Chronopolis. This again brings our attention to the irony of Ballard's view of time, and provokes the reader to look more deeply into the text, thus discovering more about the way time works in the world of Chronopolis. At this point we do not learn any more about what happens to Newman, but instead the story has a flashback to when he was a child, and became interested in time. In this way the story is anachronistic - it is not in chronological order, and instead it switches between different points in time. This brings our attention to the way time works in 'Chronopolis'. Due to the fact that they have no time, their world is muddled up, and thinks have no real order - and this is reflected in the way Ballard writes the story. We are then told the story of Newman's childhood, and the way he slowly discovers time and gains an interest in it. Next we are told by Stacey (Newman's English teacher) why time is against the law: 'You can time [someone], know exactly how long it takes him to do something... then you can make him do it faster.

Chaucers View of the Pardoner as a Character Essay -- Geoffrey Chauce

Chaucer's View of the Pardoner as a Character In the Pardoner’s Tale, Chaucer presents the Pardoner in a particular light, and being a religious figure, this allows him to make a general statement about religion at the time. Chaucer’s view of the Pardoner as a character, and also as something to epitomise religion at the time, is evident from his use of vocabulary, his style, and by using strong imagery and description. In this way, Chaucer builds the character of the Pardoner as someone who is ironically deceptive and driven by his own selfish motives. A key theme that runs throughout the Pardoner’s Prologue is religion, and as the Pardoner’s proper role is to act as an intercessor between those who wish to repent and God himself, it is appropriate that Chaucer uses a great deal of religious lexis. There are many examples of this all through the text, such as when he mentions that the Pardoner carries ‘Bulles of popes and cardinals’ or ‘official documents’ signed by popes and cardinals. The plural use of the word ‘popes’ reveals a lot about the Pardoner in that it immediately shows his disregard and contempt for the clergy. Religiously, there is only meant to be one Pope and pluralizing the word devalues the pro-noun to a simple noun. The lack of determiners only further degrades the Pope as it shows no differentiation in these religious figures and others. They are simply the same and en masse, whereas, believers of the religion would disagree and be of the opinion that the Pope is the highest religious authority, but the Pardoner brings him down to basic levels and standards. Another example of lexis related to religion is when the Pardoner says ‘I stonde lyk a clerk in my pulpet’. This simile un... ...oner and Chaucer does not let his readers forget it as he gives continuous reminders throughout the text. Chaucer is not always so subtle in his presentation of the Pardoner. Near the end of the prologue, the Pardoner boldly asserts that ‘though myself be a full vicious man, A moral tale yet I you telle kan.’ The pardoner describes himself as we have aready been made to see him by Chaucer’s other techniques and here he admits it shamelessly, which only adds to the readers’ negative impression of him, in that he is not only deceptive, deceitful and ‘vicious’ but he also has no regret or remorse for his actions and attitudes, hence he is unlikely to change. It is ironic that the Pardoner admits to this characteristic of his and then claims that he will still be able to tell a moral tale, although his admittance also shows that he is aware of this irony.

Security And Privacy On The Internet Essay -- Computer Security

Many users are subject of Security and Privacy on the Internet issue. The term "information" now is more used when defining a special product or article of trade which could be bought, sold, exchanged, etc. Often the price of information is higher many times than the cost of the very computers and technologies where it is functioning. Naturally it raises the need of protecting information from unauthorized access, theft, destruction, and other crimes. However, many users do not realize that they risk their security and privacy online. First, I want to describe who the subjects of the issue are. In my opinion, the issue is the most relevant for the private and commercial information. Home users risk their security while connected to Internet. It is obvious that many people store private information such as Social Security and credit card numbers, as it is more convenient than to enter them every time completing a form for an online purchase. Hackers do not have to attack every user individually, they write special viruses named "Worms" and "Trojan horses" which, once run, could spread in a global scale. These programs may have different functions from gathering personal data to logging pressed keys and e-mailing the information to a hacker. Even if a user does not keep any valuable information, his or her computer does have a value for a hacker. "If you think that your small computer could not become an object of offence because it is very small, then you are mistaken. Even if it doesn't contain anything worthwhile , it could be perfectly used for breaking in other, more significant system." (A. Zaharchenko, Futurology without future [Computerra], 2002). Not rarely, competing entrepreneurs with the help of unlawful means wan... ...nowledge about threats of security and privacy issue on the Internet, one could feel less vulnerable and use Internet with confidence. References Zaharchenko, A. (2002, December 24). Futurology without future. Retrieved March 14, 2005, from http://www.computerra.ru/print/softerra/technologizm/22926/ Honeycutt, J. (2004, April 20). How to protect your computer from Spyware and Adware. Retrieved March 14, 2006, from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/expert/honeycutt_spyware.mspx IDS: Classification (2002, December 4). Retrieved March 12, 2005, from http://www.xakep.ru/post/17052/default.asp Stalsen, (2001, February 28). Researching Firewalls. Retrieved March 13, 2005, from http://www.xakep.ru/post/17052/default.asp Anonymity for lazy people (2004, June 17). Retrieved March 14, 2005, from http://www.xakep.ru/post/22763/default.asp

Gatsby, Corruption of Wealth

Cold Cash Turns to Cold Hearts The 1920s’ was a hectic time period for many young and wealthy people living in New York City. Many entrepreneurs took advantage of these economic opportunities and profited greatly. Although, some took their wealth in strife, to benefit others, some people misused their new power. In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald shows how money and power are often abused. Gatsby never understood the genuine value of hard work. While Tom and Gatsby are talking, Gatsby exclaimed, â€Å"After that, I lived like a rajah in all the capitols of Europe† (Fitzgerald 65). Gatsby was constantly living the life of extreme leisure and luxury, having no responsibilities, and no problems. It is almost as if Gatsby is the â€Å"king† of West Egg, with his huge palace and nice cars. As an article states, Gatsby had â€Å"his white suit, silver shirt, and gold tie-his palatial house, his grand parties, his fancy automobile, his hydroplane, and his library of real books. †(Pauly) With endless amounts of materialistic items and fake friendships what is there to live for? Although Gatsby tells people that he had â€Å"inherited† his wealth, Nick believes he made the money a different and immoral way. When Nick and Gatsby travel to the city one afternoon, they meet a shady man who claims to be good friends with Gatsby. At first, Nick mistakes him for a businessman but, Gatsby explains â€Å"Meyer Wolfsheim? No, he’s a gambler†¦ He’s the man who fixed the World Series back in 1919† (Fitzgerald 78). Gatsby appears to be an honest man, but there is a shady and crafty to side to him as well. A quote from an article proclaimed, â€Å"Jay Gatz, whose ill-gotten wealth is acquired solely to gain acceptance into the sophisticated, moneyed world of the woman he loves, Daisy Fay Buchanan† (Telgen). When people picture a sleazy gangster they see someone who is dirty, probably poorly dressed. However, Thomas H. Pauly’s article demonstrates, â€Å"Jay Gatsby effectively overturned the dated assumption that gangsters were lowlifes from the Bowery and replaced it with an upscale figure who was enviably wealthy and fashionably stylish. † Judging someone based on their appearance can have its repercussions. The squalid acts Gatsby would do just to get rich is mind-boggling, the money can bring out the most deceptive people. Some people may speculate that money can buy happiness, friends, and security. However, in the end Gatsby ended up with nothing, when he sadly discovered that money cannot buy true love. When people obtain a large amount of money, they either spend it wisely and profit or â€Å"blow† it, spending on superficial possessions they do not need. Unfortunately, with obvious disregard for morals, ethics and even the law, there is a corruption of wealth and power in the novel The Great Gatsby and in modern society as we know.

Matrix

Phoenix Material Representation of Interests Matrix Follow the instructions below to complete the matrix: Identify, in the first column, a minimum of five interests that are affected by public policy decisions, one per row of the table. List, in the second column, any groups or organizations that support the Interests you Identified In column one. List, In the third column, any groups or organizations that oppose the Interests you Identified In column one. Identify classes or groups affected by policies related to the interests you identified in column one.Identify classes or groups who have an Interest in the outcomes of policies related to the interests you identified in column one. Interests affected by Public Policy Groups and Organizations Supporting the Interest Groups and Organizations Opposing the Interest Classes or Groups Affected by the Interest Classes or Groups Interested in Policy Outcomes (MAD) The mission of mothers against drunk driving. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and with the Law Enforcement community. ADAM) is an organization founded by a group of responsible citizens ho were astonished to learn how legislator and other groups that have created an entire DOI industry in there quest for government revenues. (PIP) Victim Impact Panels The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse National Mullen Drinking Age Act. (ARP) They work to improve the quality of life for people age 50 and older and helps them with issues they face. The united Health Group and Optimum Labs organization 60 Plus Organization is an conservative alternative to (ARP) (MAC) The voice of Americans 50 and more Generation AmericaRAJA has partnered with ARP on the Future of Nursing Campaign for Action. It affects about 40 million Americans over the age of 50 including workers and retirees. (NEAR) The National Rifle Association. Woman Warriors Pack which supports strong conservative woman which emphasizes that Its The National Right to Life Committee Issued an at tack on the legislation on and sellers of firearms, ammunition There are several politicians who take a great interest in the out come of the (NEAR) (AMA) The American Medical Association works to promote the art and Science of medicine and to improve public health.Members are warriors and not helpless warriors. The Second Amendment Foundation is the country's oldest legal-action group focusing on gun rights. Special treatment. Several religious groups such as The American Jewish Committee. And related wares. Millions of citizens are in favor of the (NEAR) and could be effected in countless ways according to the policies given to the (NEAR) Policies because they receive thousands of dollars for their personal campaigns from the (NEAR) The gun control activist groups are interested in the out come of the (NEAR) policies since they don't agree tit them.The Christian Coalition of America works to represent the pro-family agenda and support policies that will strengthen and preserve, ra ther than threaten our families and our values. The National Wildfire Federation. The Republican Senatorial Committee The Family Research Council The (C) has a major impact in state and national elections, which as an impact on everyday citizens. Congress is affected because (C) is a major lobbying force for it. The Focus on the Family group The Board of Education Website organizations

North Country Auto, Inc Essay

Each of the departments of North Country Auto, Inc. namely, the new cars sales and used cars sales, service, parts, body shop and oil change â€Å"operated as part of one business† before George Liddy bought into the dealership. The Department Managers were paid salaries and a year-end bonus. However, feeling that this system would not motivate employees, he devised a system wherein he could track effectively the departmental performance. For this, he developed a system for so that each department will be treated as decentralized profit centers. This new system requires that cost be broken down per department. Also, the bonuses per each department head will be based on departmental gross profits. So far as the outcome of the new system is concerned, a recent new car purchase sparked friction and disagreements among division heads on the matter of setting of transfer prices and allocation of costs and profits. It was important that as one department aims to maximize profit, it does not negatively affect other departments. Issues that needed to be resolved include setting of transfer prices between departments, formalizing intercompany transactions, the divisional structure (use of profit or cost center), and the proper allocation of company profits among departments. Problem The different departments of North Country Auto, Inc. must choose between three pricing systems: base on market price, full retail better than others, and based on book value. Also, the company must decide whether they should continue treating each department independently in order to gain huge profits considering that the manager’s incentives are determined upon the department’s earnings. Point of View In this case, we take the point of view of George Liddy, owner of North Country Auto, Inc. Analysis In examining the issues faced by the company, the car purchase discussed in the interdepartmental meeting is used as illustration. †¢ Company’s current operation Comparison: -retail full price considered (new car sold for $5200 without any repairs) -book value considered (used car sold for $5200) Revenue Costs Profit new car (full retail price) $14,150 , $11,4 , 20 , $2,7, 30, used car (book value) , 5200, 4800 , 400 †¢ Price-transfer shown by profits guide book value at wholesale and assumed market Price $3,500 , retail price 5200 , trade in allowance 4800 The trade in allowance of $4800 is the value that is essentially believed by the new and used car sales force believes that the car can be sold. Considering the market price of $3500, the calculated profit is $1700. But, it should be recognized that this profit is at the expense of the $1300 profit from the initial transaction. This is due to the difference between the car’s trade value ($4800) and the market price ($3500). With this, the used car manager must receive the credit or consequences for the profit or loss. This is due to the fact that the used car managers are the appropriate ones to receive incentives in selling the used cars. On the other hand, the new car managers are the ones to receive the incentives in increasing the trade-in value of the cars above the market value. This in turn, makes it easier for people to buy new cars. The illustration above brings up the issue of having the used car manager receive incentives because of the car’s value determined by the new car manager Explanation on $59000 loss on wholesaling of used cars The loss may have occurred because new car owners are pushing for trade-in car values above market valuations on their used cars. For example, if new cars are sold for $4800 and used cars for $3500, the used car group would have a difficult time making a profit. This is because they may have sold the car for $5200 (as shown in the example above). Most of the time, it will be hard for the used car department to sell the used cars above its book value of $3500. Thus, the used car division may incur loss since they are using cost for the used cars that is too high. Recommendations Incentives should be based on company profits. A better system should be established such that managers of the two departments are given incentives based not on the gross profits of their respective departments but on the  profits of the company as a whole. This would help ensure that conflicts of the two departments will be lessened and that the two departments will no longer compete but will work together to enrich the value of the firm. In order to be more profitable, the firm could use blue book values for the trade-in value and use that as the cost to the used car division. However, if it is better for the firm to provide added incentive to customers to trade in their cars, the firm could allow for higher trade-in values but responsibility for those added costs should reside in the new sales division. Regarding the issue of costs, whether it should be at wholesale or retail, it should be considered that North Country is a company offering more on services. The cost of service of making the cars sellable differs minimally from the market price. And these service costs should be added to the cost of used cars in wholesale. The profit on repairs must be akin to competitor’s values as well as to the industry. QUESTION and ANSWERS 1. Using the data in the transaction, compute the profitability of this one transaction to the new, used, parts, and service departments. Assume a sales commission of $250 for this trade-in on a selling price of $5000. (note : use the following allocations [new,$385; used,$665; parts,$32; service,$114] for overhead expense while computing the profitability of this one transaction. These overhead allocations are also shown as Note 13 in Exhibit 3.) Using the data in the transaction , compute the profitability of this one transaction to the new, used, parts and service departments. Assume a sales commission of $250 for the trade in on a selling price of $5000 2. How should the transfer – pricing system operate for each department (market price, full retail, full cost, variable cost)? The transfer pricing system should be operated at full retail . But at the same time care should be taken that the retail transfer price of the repairs should not encourage the used car sales manager to avoid the possibility of losses in her department by wholesaling trade in cars that  could be resold at a profit for the dealership. This cud hurt the dealership by making its deals less attractive for new car customers. Hence while maximizing profits in one’s department it should not affect the other departments negatively. 3. If it were found one week later that the trade-in could be wholesaled for only $3000, which manager should take the loss? If the used car is sold at auction for $3,000 after the trade-in value was set at $4,800, the company should note a loss of $1,800. However, if the new car salesman only gives $3,500 of value to the new customer based on the Blue Book value, then the loss reflected on the income statement and balance sheet should only be $500. In the case of the $1800 loss, responsibility should fall on both the new car salesman and the used car salesman. The new car salesman is at fault for giving the customer $4,800 in value when the car was only worth $3,500. The used car salesman is responsible for the additional loss of $500 for being unable to receive market value for the car. If the used car had a trade-in value at Blue Book of $3,500, then the used car salesman alone would be responsible for the loss of $500 in this transaction. 4. North Country incurred a year-to-date loss about $59.000 before allocation of fixed cost on the wholesaling of used cars (see note 2 in Exhibit 3). Wholesaling of used cars is the theoretically supposed to be a break-even operation. Where do you think the problem lies? It is possible that this loss occurred because new car owners were giving customers looking to trade-in existing cars above market valuations on their used cars. If new owners were providing credit for $4,800 for a used car that is worth $3,500, the used car group would have a difficult time making a profit. While there would be times (like the example above) where they could sell the car for $5,200 and still make a profit despite the inflated prices, most of the time they will have difficulty selling the used car above its Blue Book value of $3,500. Therefore, the used car division may be operating at a loss because the cost they are using for the used cars is too high. 5. Should profit centers be evaluated on gross profit or â€Å"full cost: profit? Incentives should be based on company profits. A better system should be established such that managers of the two departments are given incentives based not on the gross profits of their respective departments but on the profits of the company as a whole. This would help ensure that conflicts of the two departments will be lessened and that the two departments will no longer compete but will work together to enrich the value of the firm. 6. What advice do you have for the owners? The owners of the business should make sure the managers of their various groups are properly incented to do what is most profitable for the firm as a whole. Probably, the firm should use blue book values for the trade-in value and use that as the cost to the used car division. However, if it is better for the firm to provide added incentive to customers to trade in their cars, the firm could allow for higher trade-in values but responsibility for those added costs should reside in the new sales division. On the other hand, if a case can be made that the used cars are worth more to this organization than to the market as a whole because they have an ability to consistently sell used cars above blue book value or because the service organization can increase those used cars more than other organizations can at similar cost, the additional costs of allowing trade-ins above Blue Book value might be appropriately split between both the new car and used car divisions.