My Mom the Powerhouse Essay -- Descriptive Essay Examples

My Mom the Powerhouse One of the biggest influences in my life is my Mom. She is one of 10 children born to an Appalachian coal miner who could not read or write. Her family lived in the mountains of Kentucky in a little cottage that had no running water and no electricity. She read by kerosene lamp. As a child, she attended a one-room schoolhouse, which also had no electricity and no running water. There was one teacher for eight grades, and each row in the classroom was a grade. My mom says she liked listening to the lessons of the higher grades. There was a big, black potbellied stove in the middle of the room, between the fourth- and fifth-grade rows. My mom couldn't wait to get to the fourth grade so she could sit by the warm stove in the winter. She got her drinks of water from a big bucket in the back of the schoolroom. She would make a little cup by folding writing paper, and she would use a metal dipper to take water from the bucket and put it into the cup. She says the water tasted like the writing paper. At Christmas, my mom's family couldn't afford a tree o... ...She whispered softly, "I was 10." I try to fathom what it would be like if my mom had died when I was 10. I can't imagine, and I'm glad I haven't had to experience that. I must admit that my mom and I sometimes disagree because we're both so strong-willed. Actually, my father affectionately calls my mom "just plain stubborn." But now I realize that her will had to be powerful to pull her through tough times. I am thankful that she taught me to be determined and to focus on the positive. She says those two things can help everyone survive.

Macbeth - GUILTY :: essays research papers

This was an oral presentation, in which I prosecuted Macbeth. I received a grade of A-, however was told that it was my actual presentation rather than my essay that stopped me getting a higher grade :) Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be brief. You have heard the testimonies and seen the evidence; it is now time for the fate of Macbeth to be decided. Today you have met scores of witnesses testify, under oath, the defendant’s entirely good and honest character, and have pondered as to how the King of Scotland could commit such atrocities. However, unmistakable evidence opposes such testimonies and proves beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant Macbeth killed his King, Duncan the II of Scotland, his life-long friend Banquo and Lady Macduff and her children. Over the last six months we have seen Macbeth degrade from a fearless and heroic warrior to a murderer, a conscious villain who felt extreme guilt after killing his King out of pure greed and ambition. His servant, as testified, overheard Macbeth express his guilt to his wife on the night of the murder: â€Å"I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on ‘t again I dare not.† Following his crowning at Scone, King Macbeth hired three assassins to murder his long-time friend Banquo, in order to protect his crown. It was after the murder of Banquo that Macbeth then turned into an unmerciful, non-repentant tyrant. This man, once heralded a hero, became the bane of Scotland and his people. The defense has tried to manipulate facts to persuade you that Macbeth is not to blame for these murders and has placed responsibility for these deaths on everyone from Lady Macbeth to the witches, who occasionally conversed with the accused. You have heard testimonies of the three witches, who told us of their encounters with Macbeth. What sort of man would associate with such evil beings, and most of all, believe the nonsense they foresee? The witches did not directly influence Macbeth to assassinate his King, they only speculated as to what the future may hold and these predictions ignited his overwhelming ambition to become King. These associations with the witches bring serious doubts to the goodness of the defendant’s character. Speculations that Lady Macbeth is responsible for Duncan’s murder have been made by the defense. But blood found on this cloak hidden in Macbeth’s quarters proves without doubt that it was Macbeth who actually committed the murder.

Disc Platinum Rule Behavioral Style Assessment

Uncovering an individual’s personality and behavioral traits is one of the most important realizations in every person’s life that one must achieve. In addition, it is one of the determinants of a person’s success. This is because self-awareness allows individuals to obtain an understanding of their traits and characteristics, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, as based on personal judgments and other people’s perceptions. Self-awareness is also a tool in living a productive and fruitful way of life. There are ways to gauge and categorize behavior, with man-made tools such as personality tests, direct inquiry from other people, etc.The DISC Platinum Rule Behavioral Style Assessment is a kind of test in determining an individual’s behavioral style based on distinct behavioral categories – secondary behavioral styles included – thus, assisting individuals to focus on attaining their goals and objectives through behavior analysis and introspection. The DISC Platinum Rule documents four primary behavioral styles. Among the four behavioral styles, the result of the assessment labeled my personality predominantly belonging to the Interactive Style.Individuals under this category are interactive and dynamic, valuing attention and admiration, as well as social relationships, more than the other primary behavioral styles. If Dominant Style is controlling, the Steady Style is relaxed, and the Cautious Style is analytical, the Interactive Style is grounded on optimism and enthusiasm. Moreover, the Interactive Style values approval and commendation coming from others, rather than themselves, because of their high involvement and reliance to people. This social dependency is observable in their desire for companionship, and on the contrary, in their disliking of being alone.This style’s eagerness is manifested on the individual’s ability to communicate and build good relationships with other people, and in the process persuade other people into adhering to certain personal principles and ideologies. This particular characteristic is most important in accomplishing goals, as establishing solid relationships with other people might come in handy, when the process of achieving objectives requires help from them. Individuals under the Interactive Style easily persuade other people to look forward in the same direction. Persuasiveness, as aforementioned is one of the strengths of the interactive style.Strong points also include being cheery and confident, well-motivated, and passionate. These attributes should be developed and sustained within individuals characterizing these features for these will aid them in their industry, as well as day-to-day activities or responsibilities, and eventually lead to the realization of their life goals and objectives. On the other hand, overriding weak points of the interactive style include absentmindedness and negligence, being disorderly and unsyst ematic, lack of focus, and the tendency to make a mountain out of a molehill. Exaggeration is mainly caused by their desire to gain attention and approval.The interactive style’s lack of focus on important facts and details, including other behavioral flaws, may impede their achievement of their goals if this kind of attitude is not resolved. Therefore, the interactive style must learn to concentrate on obtaining the main facts and details that are highly significant in all tasks and responsibilities, keep track of time and the requirements needed to accomplish these tasks, and perhaps create a timetable or a schedule and a to-do list, for a more systematic and competent means of carrying out responsibilities. This also ensures that no detail Is left out or neglected in the process.Setting priorities and limitations is also important in order to maintain balance in all aspects of the individual’s life. For instance, lessening social interaction and dependency is a must in order to meet other obligations. The Interactive Style is further divided into four different sub styles: the socializer, the helper, the impresser, and the enthusiast. Individuals who will take the Platinum Rule Assessment will be categorized under the dominant behavioral styles, however, the sub styles will determine which personality or behavioral pattern related to the dominant style best characterizes people.For instance, the assessment labeled my personality as the impresser. The impresser is success-oriented; however, it is not simply a goal to be achieved. Impressers want to accomplish their objectives ingeniously, leading them to look for ways or opportunities of handling things in the most excellent means possible. Personally, I believe this kind of attitude will lead to many disappointments, as setting high standards, most especially in goal setting, will harbor resentments and frustrations if expectations are not met.With the result of the assessment in mind, the har d-working attitude of the impresser might be instrumental in avoiding hurdles along the way. In addition, impressers still value social order and relationships as they are cautious enough to avoid stepping on other people’s toes while on the process of walking toward their roads to success. In order to make the most out of the impresser’s skills and strengths, one must be able to accept weaknesses, such as impatience, etc., and make way for changes that must be done in order to become efficient and constructive. Impressers must be able to focus on the prerequisites of goal-achievement, such as the overall plan including the time-frame, resources, etc. Moreover, impressers should learn to take things one at a time, especially in tasks and responsibilities, in order to ensure efficiency and success. Moreover, impatience and stress is easier to manage by taking a breather and just learning to sit down and relax at times.

Performance Indicator Case Analysis

PRODUCT FLOW ALONG SUPPLY CHAIN: SOURCING IN CHINA vs. HONG KONG They are many aspects involved making a decision on which styles to source from China and which styles to source from Hong Kong. The differences between the producing the products in China and Hong Kong are: * ORDER SIZES: The minimum production quantity for a style in China is 1200 units while in Hong Kong it is 600 units. Thus Hong Kong factory can produce smaller order quantities effectively, thus enabling the company’s to increase the range of products it offered and manage the inventory risk.Reason: This difference in production abilities is mainly due to the high skilled labor coupled with shorter production lines in Hong Kong compared to the low skilled and long production lines in China * LABOUR The workers in Hong Kong worked about 50% faster compared to the workers in China. As a result the parka line in Hong Kong requires only 10 workers to complete all the operations whereas the parka line in China re quire up to 40 workers. This resulted in the longer production lines.In spite of the high quality of workers in Hong Kong, the unemployment rate in the country is very low and most of the younger workers prefer office jobs. Hence it is difficult to acquire labor in Hong Kong. Reason: The differences in the efficiency might be due to the variances in the trainings given to the workers in China and Hong Kong. The workers in Hong Kong were more cross functional and were trained to work in broader range of jobs compared to the Chinese workers. * TOTAL COST The overall cost of production is lower in China as compared to Hong Kong.Though there is a definite cost advantage, there are strict quota restrictions by the U. S government on shipping goods from China when compared to Hong Kong. Reason: The lower production costs in China can be mostly attributed to the low wage rates compared to the wage rates paid in Hong Kong. The workers are paid $0. 16 per hour in China compared to $3. 84 per hour paid in Hong Kong. * QUALITY Another main difference between sourcing in China and Hong Kong is the quality of the products. The quality and reliability of the products from China is relatives low when compared to Hong Kong.Reason: The difference in quality could mainly be attributed to the labor skill and efficiency in both the regions. The workers in Hong Kong have the capability to ramp up the production faster and thus they had the shorter production lines. Longer production lines in China led to the greater imbalances both in the quality and time required in manufacturing the product. Recommendation Based on our analysis we found the order quantity for each of the 10 parkas. A detailed order quantity for each of the 10 parkas is given in appendix 3. Steps for calculating order quantity: For Obermeyer we have Cu = $27 and Co = $9 from this we calculate CSL for Obermeyer = . 75. This means that there is 25% probability for a stock out applicable for each of the 10 parkas. * We used two standard deviations for the normal distribution of demand. * By using the formula Q=Z. S. D+mean for 25% stock out the overall quantity to be ordered is calculated to be 26412. * Since we need to order 10,000 units the summation of order quantity of all the 10 parkas is equal to 10,000. * We assume that the demand for each of the 10 parkas will be in same proposition.Using this we calculate for Z; Z=1. 06. * Using the z value, mean and standard deviation we calculate the order quantity for each of the 10 parkas. (See appendix 3) * Also total expected profit for 10 parkas is approximately $2. 3 Million and average left over quantity is 69 units per parka. APPENDIX 1) Cost analysis at different stages of production. OBERSPORT| Â  | | | cost if made in hongkong | $60. 08 | | | cost if made in China | $51. 92 | | | weighted average cost | $56. 00 | | | | | | | Greig Shell fabric | $9. 00 | | | Finishing of Shell fabric | $3. 90 | | |Finished lining fabric| $3. 90 | | | Ins ulation | $4. 80 | | | Zippers | $3. 60 | | | Thread| $0. 60 | | | Logo,Patches etc | $3. 00 | | | Snaps| $0. 90 | | | Dyeing of snaps | $0. 30 | | | | $30. 00 | | | | | | | Agent fee| Â  | | | Hong Kong | 3. 49| | | China| 2. 98| | | | Â  | | | Labor cost per unit | Â  | | | China| 0. 78| | | Hong Kong| 10| | | | | | | Tranportation cost (weighted average ) | Quantity| charge/unit| total| Ocean | 160000| 1. 4| 224000| Air | 40000| 5| 200000| weighted average | 200000| | 424000| weighted average/unit| Â  | Â  | $2. 12 | Appendix 2 Appendix 3

Globalization and Technology Changes in Starbucks Company Research Paper - 8

Globalization and Technology Changes in Starbucks Company - Research Paper Example Here the company has carefully expanded its products and expertise to reflect new channels, products, and markets. Today Starbucks Company proudly offers its newly acquired customers assorted iconic beverages as well as new menu choices that reflect their community preferences. Technological advancement has in the recent days proven as offering certain companies a competitive edge over other similar companies. Changes in technology have equally been associated with growth in the competitiveness. Starbuck Company takes this idea seriously and has been in the forefront initiating new technological operations. Using this technology Starbuck has realized benefits ranging from administrative functions, management of our supply chain, online business, point-of-sale processing and payment at the stores and online, Starbucks Cards. There is no doubt that technology has boosted Starbucks operations and profitability, thanks to its inherent effectiveness and efficiency elements. Globalization and technological changes have seen the Starbuck grow its market outside America to include the China and Asia Pacific segment and the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) segment. The former segment at one point became the fastest growing market delivering about 27% of the total growth in 2013. Ideally, Globalization and technological changes allowed the company to increase its market and thus increase its Net Revenues from $9.8 billion in 2009 to $14.9 in 2013(STARBUCKS CORPORATION Fiscal 2013 Annual Report, 2014). Â  Starbuck success is no secret and no one can doubt its standing among its equals; however, there is still much room for better performance. Maybe one of the ways this company can ensure its returns go above –average is by keeping up the search for more distribution channels in its US market and offer a wide range of food to complement its beverage business. Such is the case that this move will increase the average customer check.

Kano Model Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Kano Model - Assignment Example According to the article, the main purpose of the Kano Model is increasing the customer’s happiness by improving the quality of the product or service provided. Every business organization has to out into consideration the features of any product before releasing it to the market. For successful implementation of the Kano model, a number of steps have to be completed. Fitting in all the features and attributes of a product is the first step. Then the organization should classify the features as either threshold, performance and excitement attributes. The article argues that all the attributes of the product must be fully satisfied to ensure employee satisfaction. Further, the article argues that for successful implementation of the model, the organization has to desist from focusing on the performance of the organization to major on the product attributes. The Kano model is very significant as it helps an organization in identifying customer needs, defining purposes that have necessities as well as carrying out an analysis of the competitive products in the market. Essential tools for the success of the Kano of the technique include customer involvement, value analysis, prioritizing matrices and ensuring the quality of the products. IV. KEY LEARNING POINTS Definition of Kano model- it is a model designed to improve the happiness of an organization’s customers through decisions aimed at improving the quality of products and services. Importance of the Kano model- its main importance is providing high-quality products to the customers, which lead to high customer satisfaction. The Kano model also helps in identifying factors that lead to customer dissatisfaction. Categories of the Kano technique include threshold attributes, considered as the most important attributes, Excitement Attributes that necessarily catapults the customers’ level of satisfaction and Performance Attributes that aims at improving customer satisfaction. V. RELEVANT STATE MENTS TO THE SESSION The main advantage of the Kano model is that it opens and widens the reasoning of business organizations, putting more emphasis on the features of the product which improves customer satisfaction. Kano model stresses on customer judgment of a product or service in the market. The original developer of the model was Dr. Noriaki Kano in 1980s, where he raised claims that for a product to capture the customers it must have three attributes include threshold, performance and excitement attributes. Steps involved in successful implementation of the Kano technique include settling on the most important and essential features of a product or service that customers deem as important and crucial in satisfying their needs. The next step involves classifying the identified features as either threshold, performance and excitement attributes respectively. Other performances and non-relevant attributes require trimming in order to develop fully the threshold attributes. VI. C RITICAL ANALYSIS According to the article, the Kano theory aims at improving the customer’s level of satisfaction. As such, all business organizations aims at providing the best quality product or services to the people geared to winning their loyalty.  

Advise VALCOs management about possible ways of managing a cash Essay

Advise VALCOs management about possible ways of managing a cash deficit in the short and long-term - Essay Example For example, the actual cash disbursements exceed budgeted cash out flow for wages and taxes, amount payable for supplies, or even dividend payments to shareholders. This being said, a firm usually prepares a cash budget before time to forecast the cash disbursements and receivables it will realize in near future. The cash inflow is subtracted from cash outflow (or payments) and the result is a cash deficit or a cash surplus depending on which amount is higher than the other. A cash deficit, when not financed, will carry over the next period. Consistent deficits of the cash budget reflect inefficient cash management, and because cash is an important resource, it has to be managed effectively. There are many ways to manage a cash deficit in the short term. Short term means a period of one year or less. Valco has two options to finance its cash deficit in the short term. The first is through making some changes internally and second is using external means to finance the deficit. By internal changes what is meant are changes in Valco’s policies. First, the company must strive to reduce the debtor cycle. Debtor cycle refers to the number of days it takes debtors to pay for the credit sales. Quick recovery from debtors will ensure that cash is not tied up in the form of account receivable and is free to be used to pay other expenses. Another option that Valco has is to reduce its credit sales. This however, does not come without repercussion as it may mean a reduction in overall sales revenue if Valco stops giving the option of credit to its customers. Valco can try to reduce its credit sales (and hence the amount tied up in debtors) by offering cash/trade discounts i f the customers pay in cash at the time of transaction. This will encourage cash sales and therefore a flow of cash payments. (Davoren, n.d.)Also, as the evidence from the question suggests, the raw material stock was increased for the second month, this means