Antisense Theory Essays - Biology, Genetics, RNA, DNA,

Antisense Theory It is estimated that cancer affects three out of four families in the United States alone the disease and its treatments cause substantial mortality and morbidity, prompting intense interest in cancer prevention. Most available treatments for cancers are non-specific; meaning that they target all rapidly growing cells, both normal and cancerous. Consequences of these treatments include side effects towards the normal cells. In addition, cancer is a genetically unstable disease. Cancer cells can develop drug resistance through repeated rounds of mutation and selection. This may render a particular non-specific chemotherapeutic treatment ineffective so that new drugs must be administered in its place. To remedy this occurrence, current research is focusing on the genetic level to terminate the disease and to avoid the damaging side effects and development of drug resistance. One avenue of research focuses on antisense oligonucleotide to target the oncogenes, or cancer causing genes, in a specific fashion to completely inhibit the expression of the oncogenes. Information necessary to produce proteins in cells is contained in genes. In humans it is contained in the human genome and its collection of more than 100,000 genes. Genes are made up of DNA. The DNA molecule is a ?double helix?. They are made up of Adenine, Thymidine, Guanine and Cytosine and are bound by hydrogen to complementary nucleotides on the other strand. RNA is the DNA intermediary and carries the information necessary for the cell to produce its specific protein. During the transferring on information the DNA strand partly uncoils. The ?sense? strand separates from the ?antisense strand.? Because RNA is translated by the cell it is called the ?sense strand.? The hybridization of an antisense strand to mRNA can interfere with its translation to protein . Antisense oligonucleotide are polymers of nucleic acids, which can vary from 12-25 base pairs in length, and which are sequence specific and bind to the target mRNA or DNA through complementary hydrogen bonding. Antisense theory proposes that oligonucleotide, or oligos, recognize specific sequences of mRNA or DNA and bind to them, thus preventing translation or transcription of a gene. Through the binding of an oligo to an mRNA that translates an essential protein for cancer growth, the action of the protein is terminated because the product, an oncoprotein, is never formed The main advantage of antisense is it offers specificity and point of attack. Traditional drugs are less effective because they are not as specific and only work when the disease causing protein has already been produced. Whereas, antisense drugs are complementary strands of Mrna and bind to specific nucleotides in its Mrna to inhibit production of a disease causing protein. They can bind to multiple areas whereas traditional drugs can only bind at two points of interaction. Another advantage of antisense is that it is less complex, than traditional drugs that target proteins. Proteins are complex molecules whose structure is hard to predict, antisense compound are designed to bind to Mrna whose structures are easy to understand. Experimental results seem to support the antisense theory model. If an antisense oligonucleotide does indeed act in a sequence specific, antisense manner to target a gene that is over expressed in cancer or leukemia cells, gene expression can be inhibited and cell growth can be terminated. The application of this theory offers the potential to halt the growth of cancer cells if the over expressed gene can be targeted. The hopes for the future include studying other cell types for similar effects by targeting different over expressed genes using different antisense oligonucleotide.

Free Essays on Private Versus State Schools

PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND STATE SCHOOLS As we know there are two types of schools in Turkiye by which education is held.One of them is private schools wich are established by a person or a firm where mostly children of the rich are educated. The other is the public schools which government sets up itself and are sen more commonly in TÃ ¼rkiye. When we compare the former with the latter, private schools haave some aspects that are hardly seen in public schools, such as the quality of education, the facilities provided and the high rate of entering a university. Firstly, the teachers who are provided with high salary and some other opportunities are the source of the quality education in private schools. Not encountering any hardship, they concentrate on their work and thus, comes the success.One reason which increases the quality of education in private schools is the perfect relationship berween the teachers and students. Via this structural organization, students in private schools tell any of the problems they face; hence, education rises to degrees which are beyond perfection. Secondly, as success depends not only on education but also on facilities that help students socialize himself and relax, private schools are far ahead from the public equivalents. Sport halls, swimming pools, conference halls, places for recreation enable students to have both a physically and psychologically perfect condition. The third and the most obvious aspect of the private schools is the astounding success ratio in entering universities. By the help of their qualified teachers and the facilities they have, students in private schools will surely be more successful than those graduated from public schools. To conclude. Our country needs more and more private schools because of the quality education which our children need. For this process, the government’s support is intensively needed.Thus, if the government helps the people and the fir... Free Essays on Private Versus State Schools Free Essays on Private Versus State Schools PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND STATE SCHOOLS As we know there are two types of schools in Turkiye by which education is held.One of them is private schools wich are established by a person or a firm where mostly children of the rich are educated. The other is the public schools which government sets up itself and are sen more commonly in TÃ ¼rkiye. When we compare the former with the latter, private schools haave some aspects that are hardly seen in public schools, such as the quality of education, the facilities provided and the high rate of entering a university. Firstly, the teachers who are provided with high salary and some other opportunities are the source of the quality education in private schools. Not encountering any hardship, they concentrate on their work and thus, comes the success.One reason which increases the quality of education in private schools is the perfect relationship berween the teachers and students. Via this structural organization, students in private schools tell any of the problems they face; hence, education rises to degrees which are beyond perfection. Secondly, as success depends not only on education but also on facilities that help students socialize himself and relax, private schools are far ahead from the public equivalents. Sport halls, swimming pools, conference halls, places for recreation enable students to have both a physically and psychologically perfect condition. The third and the most obvious aspect of the private schools is the astounding success ratio in entering universities. By the help of their qualified teachers and the facilities they have, students in private schools will surely be more successful than those graduated from public schools. To conclude. Our country needs more and more private schools because of the quality education which our children need. For this process, the government’s support is intensively needed.Thus, if the government helps the people and the fir...

HSA 530 week 11 DB1 & DB2 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HSA 530 week 11 DB1 & DB2 - Coursework Example The knowledge I have gained through reading several literatures has also been key towards molding me to be a future dependable human resource manager. This course entails a lot relevant to the issue of human resource management. The course entails employee relations management, customer relations management, communication management, as well as conflict resolution among other things. Employee relations management is important in achieving the maximum productivity of the employees. A customer relations management is geared towards maintaining the increased levels of consumption of the goods by the customers, thereby influencing the profit maximizations b the organizations. Communication management is important in ensuring effective ways of communicating to different levels of staff, as well as aide in conflict resolution. It is true that initially, we did not have any clue on what the course was all about. However, with time, learning advanced into several stages. This made us gain knowledge on several things that the course entails. As Jasmyne asserts, it is true that our skills have really matured relevant to the readings and knowledge gained from this course. This course has also imparted into us the ability to face challenges with optimism as Jasmyne puts it. This involves broadening our ways of viewing things. This has also prepared us for new endeavors that may come our way as Jasmyne has asserted. I totally agree with Sheila’s post on the speech concerning the contents of this course. Sheila as noted that human resourced was developed to modify the employee relations. This is true since one of the contents of the course entails employee relations management. Moreover, she has also mentioned something concerning the issue of organizational conflict that is also covered in the course. As such, it is within my consideration that Sheila has been right on her opinions concerning some of the contents of the

Immortality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Immortality - Essay Example The influence of immortality has had a basis in human society for thousands and thousands of years. Whereas many people will fantasise about the idea that our physical bodies may surpass their lifespan, it is now universally accepted that no one can live forever (in the physical sense); yet the debate as to whether there is some essence, namely the human soul, that 'lives on' after our physical body has passed away continues to fuel much debate. Thousands of years ago the search for the Philosopher's Stone, a red coloured compound which was believed to greatly prolong human life, as well as turn metal into gold (and thus bring wealth as well as long life), became the holy grail of the medieval world. Buddhism in particular places much emphasis on the belief that our 'essence' moves from creature to creature through reincarnation, that we are reborn into a new body each time our physical one dies, and that our actions in the last body determine which new body we are put into. Christia nity, unlike Buddhism believes that our actions in this life determine whether we spend the rest of eternity in Heaven of Hell. There are many people who will then go on to argue that if a person does not go to Heaven or Hell, they will become trapped in Limbo, wandering 'in between' the astral planes. Christian beliefs seem to have derived a lot from the teachings of Plato, be it that the changed Gods to God. The fact that immortality has played such an integral role in society and religion raises many questions. It begs an answer to the question 'what is motivating people to look for things (namely religious beliefs and actual objects, such as the Philosopher's Stone), that will secure their immortality Why do people want to live forever' Moving on from this question then we can ask 'are religious systems and people in powerful positions manipulating people's belief (particularly in the immortality of the soul, and hence the fate of it after death), in immortality to control their actions' A King, for example in medieval England could use the Church as a vehicle for ensuring that all his subjects obey his every order. Yes, it was believed that a King had 'divine right,' but were these 'rights' believed to be from God or were they a creation of the Monarchy, or an age old belief that the monarchy had corrupted The King could easily have, and did, punish heretics, using their deaths as a warning to others that if they too committed heresy their souls would be damned to hell, because an insult to the King is an insult to God himself.It follows from this that I am sceptical of the idea that the soul will ascend or descend to its Christian resting place. Whilst I too humour the idea of the soul, I find myself drawn towards the idea of reincarnation. Perhaps it is my ego, yet as I sit and think, I cannot help but recall the teachings of Hume. He stated that we could never know our 'true self,'1 be that our soul or something else, because all we can ever experience (Hume was a renowned advocate of Empiricism2), is our perceptions. I am aware that I am constantly in a 'perceptive state' (thinking, reasoning, unconsciously or consciously), I cannot see how

Human Computer Interaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Human Computer Interaction - Essay Example From 1999 to 2010, the Yahoo website linked together a sequence of pages with Back/Next links. The developers created a parent page that links to all of the pages in this sequence, and allowed users to view them either in sequence or out of order. In this regard, the 1999 website was the most basic, and the 2010 version was the most advanced (Barrier 27). It is safe to say that all the Yahoo websites since 1999 to 2010 have been designed to support easy navigation by linking pages (Barrier 29). If a user clicks on a link and wants to go back to the parent page, there is a Back/Next link; if a user has gone back by mistake, for example, he/she can also go to the next page by clicking on the Next link. Visual Framework: From 1999 to 2010, the Yahoo website pages were designed to use the same basic layout, colors and stylistic elements, but give the design enough flexibility to handle varying page content. Going through the different versions, it is clear this aspect of design has been enhanced with time but it was a concept that was in use as early as 1999. When it comes to center stage, all the website versions from 1999 to 2010 put the most important part of the UI into the largest subsection of the page or window; cluster secondary tools and content around it in smaller panels. Context, size, color and headlines were applied in making the most important news and website sections stand out for easy recognition and identification by users. In terms of grid of equals, from 1999 to 2010, content items are arranged in a grid or matrix. Each item follows a common template, and each item’s visual weight is similar. Right/Left alignments are applied to good effect in all the website versions ranging from 1999 to 2010. Bullet points have been used from 1999 to 2010. However, their use was more prominent in earlier versions (1999-2003) than in 2005-2010. A good look would reveal that bulleted points are now used to highlight less important links, as compared to 1 999 when they were conspicuously placed and occupied a large section of the home page. Diagonal balance, collapsible panels, and module taps have been used to very good effect from 1999 to 2010, exemplifying good website design. They were less prominent in earlier versions (1999-2003) when compared to the 2005-2010 versions of the website. List patterns (thumbnail grids and list inlays) have been well designed and applied from 1999 to 2010, although they were less pronounced in the earlier versions (1999-2003). For instance, I looked at the button groups used in the 1999-2003 website versions and it was evident that due to their simple and primitive nature, they cannot be used in the 2010 version. Also, I examined the macros and progress indicators used in the 1999-2003 versions vis- a-vis the 2005-2010 versions. On a head-to-head matchup, the 1999-2003 macros and progress indicators seem even archaic when compared to the ones used in the 2005-2010 versions. This is understandable g iven that time and technological changes are very influential and inevitable. Thumbnail grids, list inlays, diagonal balance, collapsible panels, and module taps that are used in the 1999-2003 versions basically pale when compared to the 2005-2010 versions. These elements should be flexible, adaptable, comprehensive, and relevant as time changes, and although they may have

Adequacy Of Crime Control In The Uk Criminology Essay

Adequacy Of Crime Control In The Uk Criminology Essay Analyse the adequacy(sufficient to satisfied or meet a need) and relevance(relation of something) of the crime control and due process models for understanding criminal justice, with reference to the jurisdiction you are in and/or England and Wales. For discussing this question we should first tell what criminal justice system is and how it does works. A Criminal Justice system is a set of legal and social institutions to ensure the implementation of criminal law with a set course of rules and regulations . The system of criminal justice is directed at controlling and mitigating crimes, punishing the offender and providing safety to the society by the help of the government. Today its one of the major concerns of the general public. Fruitfully criminal justice is a behavior that changes with the change in different aspects of the society and varies with space and time(Black, 1976). A lot of agencies namely the Police, the Crown Prosecution service,judges,juries,lawyers. courts etc. are working together to reform and improve the Criminal Justice System (CJS). The main challenge was that of making the prisons system and the processes of dealing with prisoners more better and efficient .Only to criminal justice process a number of government departments agencies and other departments make contributions which sometimes can be conflicting. Maintaining a level of deterrence in the society that can stop the violation of law by punishing and convicting those who are guilty and deliver justice to the society is the sole purpose of Criminal Justice System. One of the reasons which has made this system more prone to criticism is due to the recent modifications made to it with the amendments made to the areas that are more concerned with the proceedings of these crimes.Every citizen has the right to be safe and is always eager to know that whether the criminal will be brought to justice or not.punishing the offender can increase public faith.CJS also aims at practicing fairness in the system fair treatment to everyone. A few societies have been able to setup criminal justice institutions that practice equality,fairness and openness (Prillaman 2000; Solomon and Foglesong 2000; Ungar 2002). The local criminal justice board led on reducing crime and administering justice on local basis. The crime levels have been increasing, which leaves the subject even more criticized however there exists a mistrust of justice for those who believe that the innocent people are being punished and the guilty people escape. Mostly justice systems that practice secrarcy, brutality and arbitrariness are in a society that is under authoritarian regime (Smykla 1989; McElligott 1994; Shelley 1994; Trevaskes 2004). We will examine how the CJS works and focus on the crime control model and due process model. Its theories and models are are identified following. Due process model: it can be said that the current system in UK is a element of the Due Process Model. The Model looks very much like an obstruction route. Each of its succeeding stages is planned to present frightening impediments to carrying the accused any further along in the course. this was created by the American Commentator Herbert Packer in 1968.the primary social goal of the model is Justice and there is an emphasis on fairness and procedural due Process. Basically the model insists on the avoidance and removal of mistakes to the level possible, a process of evidence gathering and dealing with suspects that are needed to protect the accused. The crime control models primary goal is to control crime and punishment of offenders, focuses on ensuring that the police get the convictions in courts. It emphesises on the responsibility of an individual to protect the citizens of the society that abide by the law by apprehending and punishing the criminals (Pecker,1968), David Bunkett was responding to a journalists question concerning the Prime Ministers speech regarding a move towards Crime Control Centered Criminal Justice System, on BBC News. One of the major and most disturbing problems of the Crime Control Model is the miscarriages of justice The rest of models like the The restorative justice mode, bureaucratic model ,A medical model, social integration and exclusion model and status passage model requires no discussion yet. Here the main models of crime control and due process will be discussed that are considered as two different ideal types of criminal justice.Protection of the innocence and elimination of crimes from the street is the main role of crime control.While comparing both models it should be borne in mind that proponents of both models embrace constitutional values. According to the crime control model repression of criminal conduct should be the vital purpose of the criminal process and that justice should focus on upholding the rights of victims rather than those of the accused. Based on the concept of police fact-finding it treats the alleged criminal as guilty. This therefore, shows a negative mannerism of the crime control model. Now coming towards the latter goal, in the due process model the focal point is the assumption that a person cannot be deprived of his liberty or rights unless the relevant legal procedures and safeguards are adhered to. Those who believe in harsh approaches towards criminal activity may be classed in favor of crime control whereas those against the notion of state intrusions and harassment of the accused tend to value the due process model. There seems erratic swings in crime control in some societies (Rose,2000). On the other hand, the due process model rests upon the principle of legal guilt and the presumption of innocence. After scrutinizing both the models it appears that much depends on the political climate of a country on what model to adopt. It follows that the crime control model mirrors the conservative ideals while the due process thereby reflecting liberal views. During the 1960s the system was manipulated by the policies of the due process. However, when conservatism dominated from the mid 1970s to the early twenty-first century the criminal justice system took the shape of the crime control model.The most important breakdown that is also considered as the failure of law enforcement is bringing criminal conduct under strict control that vanishes an important condition of human freedom. Successful operation of this model must result into a strong rate of apprehension and conviction. Secondly it has to be done in a manner that although the resources are limited still a very large m agnitude can be dealt with.According to Paul Roberts by far the most important function that has to be performed by the criminal process is based on the proposal of forcibly subjugating crime conduct which is the basic of crime control model. A properly criminalized conduct is the dependency of this model. Punishing the guilty and freedom of the innocenct is the aim of both of these models. Here it should also be mentioned as Zander points out that there are so many important current developments affecting criminal justice that it is difficult to keep abreast of them and even more difficult sometimes to be sure whether they are to be welcomed or deplored .A number of miscarriages can be seen in justice that are rapidly increasing. The three great IRA cases are have gathered a lot of interest and highlighted problem of miscarriage of justice. The Guildford four, Derek Bentley, Birmingham six , the Maguire seven, Judith ward and Bridgewater four. In all these cases later Royal commission found them innocent and before that people served long time in prison for wrongly being accused.. The defendants had their convictions quashed by the court of appeal. The structural reforms purposed and accepted by both the May inquiry into the Guildford four and the Runciman commission, which reported in 1993. In case of Birmingham six, where Defendant was beaten up after arrest and forced to confess. Lord Denning held that the police were guilty of perjury; that they were guilty of violence and threats; that the confession was involuntary and improperly admitted in evidence; and that the convictions were erroneous ,Lord Denning held à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦that the police were guilty of perjury; that they were guilty of violence and threats; that the confessions were involuntary and improperly admitted in evidence; and that the convictions were erroneousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ in the case of Cardiff three, where d was held for murder of a Cardiff prostitute and later the convictions were quashed on the basis of the fact. The Lord Chief justice held that the techniques of interrogation used by the police amounted to an oppression of s.76 of PACE. Case of M62 bombing, where d was convicted of murder and causing an explosion. She did not appeal. Her convictions were quashed. Her personality disorder which rendered her confession unreliable. Tottenham three, d was convicted of murder of a police officer. their appeal was unsuccessful. However Home Secretary referred their case back to CA and their convictions were quashed. And Confait, (which resulted in the royal commission on criminal procedure)the d confessed to a crime that they had actually not committed ,similar problems with confession evidence occurred. the common element which was found in these cases was confession from the suspect and its clearly seen how the police has abuse their powers to arrest the victim bringing them to justice thus taking away the rights of innocent party .one thing we should mention is the Royal commission on criminal justice which was set up by the Home Secretary on the day when Birmingham six was released. It was served by the Lord Runciman and its report was published in 1993.the reason was to examine the reality of the criminal justice system. The report was for securing the convictions of the guilty, which contained disclose of evidence by prosecution and defense and unsupported confession evidence.

Wedding Toast - Best Man Essay -- Wedding Toasts Roasts Speeches

Wedding Speech – Best Man Hello my name’s Paul and I’m Martin’s best man, although I’m sure Martin will have a new name for me by the time I’ve finished this. When Martin asked me to be his best man I was initially thrilled at the prospect. Unfortunately it didn't take long for this feeling of well being to dissolve into utter apprehension as I remembered the last time I had to stand up in a room full of people†¦.. I was found guilty and fined $300. I went to a wedding two weeks ago that was held in a nudist colony. Apparently I was just half an inch away from being the best man there too. By the way, if anyone is running a book on the length of this speech could I put $5 on it lasting 12 minutes please? Martin Firstly I’d like to congratulate Martin on his speech. I'm particularly impressed with the fact that you all paid attention and followed his instructions not to laugh. I’m also impressed that Martin followed my instructions to dress smartly today, although I am a bit disappointed he decided to copy my outfit. I have known Martin for over 10 long long years now. When I first met him in college he was loud, aggressive, rude, abusive and swore a lot, but just look at the man he’s become now†¦..nothing has changed. Whilst at college we discovered a local nightclub called Winkers. I would regularly witness Martin’s unique, raw, undiscovered style of dancing in Winkers that left the women speechl... ...any more happy years of friendship. On behalf of all of us in this room I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Pete and Sue Foster for the wonderful hospitality they have shown today. Martin would also like to thank Pete and Sue, in advance, for how well they’re going to treat him in the future. I’d also like to thank the bridesmaids and ushers today for their invaluable contribution to the wedding, I’m sure you’ll all agree with me that they all look wonderful. So, finally (get a glass in your hand): Here's to love, laughter And happily ever after. As Martin and Anne start their new life Please stand and toast the new husband and wife Ladies and gentlemen†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦the Bride and Groom

Ethics of Business or Ethics for Business? Two Models for Teaching Business Ethics Essay

Business management Introduction                   The art of managing a business, means coordinating the various efforts of the staff with the aim of accomplishing goals and the set objectives with the aid of available resources effectively and efficiently. Business management generally comprise of organization, planning, leading, staffing, and controlling organization activities to achieve the prospected goal. Many organizations are viewed as systems. It therefore dictates that management is a human action, which includes designing, facilitating the production of important outcomes from the system. This then present a picture people being able to manage themselves is a prerequisite in trying to manage other people (Ananthan, Appannaiah, & Reddy, 2010).                   Theoretically, business management includes manipulating of human capital in an enterprise to enhance the business success. An enterprise must therefore include humans, positive communication, and endeavors that are positive (Ananthan, Appannaiah, & Reddy, 2010). Other factors such as psychological motivational tools, plans, goals, measurements, and economic measures at times can or cannot be important components of business management. Critical business functions                   In the current tumultuous business world economy, enterprises must adjust to fit.. It is necessary for the business to be aggressive in finding means of remaining competitive in the current economy of the world. One of the critical things to do is to restructure its functionality mode (Sen, 2008). Many times some of the enterprises that try this are faced with failure due to existence of stumbling blocks. Therefore, it is worth for the business to come up with well structured plan to go through these radical changes. The best way of doing this is by fully including their staff prior to and after making a decision that impacts change in the operation of the business (Ananthan, Appannaiah, & Reddy, 2010).                   Companies that are willing to understand some of inextricable that might occur within the time of preparing the workers to welcome the new changes and the effective and efficient new initiatives implementation, then, are likely to notice that their efforts make an extra mile. Through careful planning and top leaders’ support will help the workforce to adjust to the changes- therefore the business will hence remain at its competitive edge (Sen, 2008). Individuals and systems integration for effectiveness in an organization                   In the dynamic technological advancement, any business corporations need to be in line with the ever changing business operation systems. Aggressively, all the individuals are supposed to accept the role played by these systems. The most crucial system is that of passing information, all the workers are deemed to be aware with any new implementation at any particular point. Communication keeps the business running, internally; the workforce will be flexible if and only if, the information passed is clear. Externally; information coming will enhance the enterprise to be aware of the competition level of their competitors and then adjust appropriately. Effective integrations will subdue the full utilizations of the employee’s abilities (Sen, 2008) The ethical and social responsibilities bestowed on a business                   In terms of ethical issues the business is faced with great challenge of remaining a loft with its initial target of servicing their prospected customers. Some of the ethical issues are quality service and quality productions. Any business that has been in the market for long and their service and goods have gained a brand, should not start lowering the quality and quantity of service and goods production. They also need to run their business in relation to the demand of the general public and the requirement the state (Kwarci, 2012).                   Socially, businesses have the responsibility of playing a great partnership with the state and the general public at large. They need to be part and parcel of the major operations of the society in such a way that take part of society development. Environmental protection is also their great responsibility in ensuring its prosperity. In regard to the state, business need to be aware of the need to pay taxes in advance to avoid being in conflict with the state (Kwarci, 2012). The aspects of business management                   The following will be some of the very crucial aspects that any business manager ought to be equipped with to facilitate the process of business management. Human resources, is one of the most crucial aspects of any business. It involves looking after the well being of your staff, it is the staff that determines your way as business. Another aspect is that of marketing, sales and promotion. Once the products and services have been produced, it is the responsibility of the sales marketing department. A well strategized plan from this department will see the business go up in the total sales (Ananthan, Appannaiah, & Reddy, 2010).                   These aspects are very crucial because they really give out the clear picture of the business from within and outside business environment. In conclusion, they help the enterprise to furnish their business outlook before the eyes of the customer and very importantly to those of their competitors. References Ananthan, B. R., Appannaiah, H. R., & Reddy, P. N. (2010). Business management (Rev. Ed.) Mumbai [India: Himalaya Pub. House. KwarciÅ„ski, T. (2012). Ethics of Business or Ethics for Business? Two Models for Teaching Business Ethics. Management and Business Administration. Central Europe, 3(116), 42-49. Sen, M. (2008). Business management. Jaipur, India: Oxford Book Co Source document

Report Evaluation of Peets Coffee Tea

Report Evaluation of Peets Coffee Tea Company valuation is a cardinal process in an organization that is used to assess the elements of performance and financial condition. As a process, evaluation entails examination of economic and non-economic factors to determine the position of a company. The results of the evaluation process enable a business to increase efficiency and effectiveness of various business processes. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for an organization to improve customer service, reduce costs of operation, and modernize business practices (Jones, 2007). However, the most difficult task during company evaluation is identification of relevant areas that should be considered for the process. It is in this regard that this paper identifies several elements of evaluation that are applicable to Peet’s Coffee Tea. Peet’s Coffee and Tea Peet’s Coffee and Tea is a global company that sells coffee products and operates a long chain of coffee houses across the world. The company is headquartered in California and has many branches all over the world. The company offers a variety of coffee products that entail the full-leaf teas, whole-bean coffee, cold and hot coffee beverages, pastries and microground instant beverages (Baber, 2007). In addition to coffee products, the company sells other product varieties such as sandwiches, wines, and even beer depending on the target market. Peet’s Coffee and Tea has managed to become one of the successful coffee companies due to its market share and highly diversified product line. Therefore, the evaluation of the company should consider key elements of economic and non-economic factors, which include competitive strategies, market share, financial position, and labor practices (Youngme Quelch, 2003). Competitive Strategies When evaluating competitive strategies of a business, it is cardinal to assess the capability of the strategies to overcome competition in a given market or industry. Peet’s Coffee Tea has competitive strategies that enabled it to outmatch its rivals in the coffee industry. The company employs competitive strategies that entail competitive pricing, product innovation, and customer value proposition (Anthony, Dearden, Govindaraja 1992). Competitive Pricing With regards to competitive pricing, the organization offers quality coffee products that are favorably priced to attract and retain its customers. Currently, the company has lowered prices of most coffee products by more than 10% across all the markets in the world. The defensive approach taken by the company was also meant to enhance product value and increase the frequency of repeat purchases. Moreover, the approach was meant to enable the company outmatch the competitors who sell their products in supermarkets such as Folgers and Maxwell and Dunkin Donuts. However, the organization monitors changes in the prices of raw materials such as coffee beans to ensure that the strategy is sustainable (Baber, 2007). Product Innovation Peet’s Coffee and Tea relies on product innovation as a competitive strategy to achieve product-oriented differentiation. Product innovation involves developing new product features that meet the changes in consumers’ needs and wants. Peet’s Coffee and Tea has ensured product innovation by producing coffee products that meet the changes in culture, social status, and geographical setting. For example, on the issue of culture the organization offers products that conform to cultural requirements of the consumers. A coffee product in Italy has completely different taste compared to the coffee in London or New York. With regards to geography, it is appropriate to sell cold beverages in tropical regions and offer hot beverages in cold areas. Unpredictability of change sometimes makes it difficult for the organization to effectively utilize its product innovation strategies. The organization plans to invest in marketing research in order to predict changes in consumer behavior (Erasmus, 2008). Customer Value Proposition Customer value proposition is another competitive strategy that is used by the company to increase its competitiveness. It entails the total number of benefits that a consumer derives from the product or services offered by a company. Products with higher benefits enable the customers to attain higher value. Peet’s Coffee and Tea has been able to achieve this by providing good packaging, offering products in a serene environment, and improving the quality of coffee products. Customer value proposition enables the organization to improve customer service and increase its sales revenue (Collan Kinnunen, 2011). Market Share Market share is another key element that is deemed important for this evaluation. A company’s market share is the proportion of the market that is occupied by the company in terms of customer dominance. A company’s market share is determined by its competitive factors. In this case, Peet’s Coffee and Tea market share is influenced by the aforementioned competitive strategies (Baber, 2007). For example, defensive pricing approach used by the company has enabled the organization to attract retailers from various market segments. Pricing approach used by a business determines the unit market share from the percentage of units sold. The market unit also determines the level of sales revenues and profitability (Anthony et al., 1992) Peet’s Coffee Tea relies on effective assessment of the competitors’ activities and changes in consumers’ behavior to evaluate its market share. Moreover, the organization relies on external factors that affect the market, such as government regulations and changes in economic conditions to assess its market share. As an international organization, the company’s share is also affected by transactions in international markets. The movement of funds between countries affects economic variables such as inflation and exchange rate. Countries that maximize trade opportunities in export business are good places for investment since such countries have stable exchange rates and currencies. The company also predicts the changes in demand and supply for key products that affect economic conditions of different countries across the world. The demand and supply of a key product such as oil is very important in evaluating economic conditions and determining the demand of coffee products. Proper assessment of the market share must embrace the above-mentioned factors to enable an organization to determine its trade position in the industry. However, some of the factors that determine the performance of the market such as government, fiscal and monetary policies are very difficult to predict. Financial Position A company’s financial position is a key factor that should be considered during evaluation. Evaluation of a firm’s financial position enables organizational members to determine the profitability of the firm. Financial ratios used in determining profitability highlight the profit margin of an organization and its ability to withstand competition from other rivals in the same industry. Evaluation of financial position also defiles the liquidity of the firm. Liquidity rations in the balance sheet reveal the size of a company’s working capital and the ability of an organization to meet its financial requirements. Moreover, efficiency ratios in financial statements determine the relationship between inventory and the revenue of an organization (Collan Kinnunen, 2011). Evaluation of Peet’s Coffee and Tea financial position should embrace the following factors: the cash position of the company, overhead costs, solvency of the company, changes in securities and prices. Cash Position of the Company Cash flows affect the performance and growth of an organization. Peet’s Coffee and Tea has a good cash position whereby the total amount of inflows is higher than the outflows. The organization operates under a cash flow strategy, which enables it to minimize expenditure but increase the value of earnings. The company’s pricing strategy also enables to generate high sales revenue and increase the number of cash inflows. Moreover, the organization effectively controls its receivables by minimizing credit purchases and increasing investment in fixed assets (Erasmus, 2008). Overhead Costs The organization does not only focus on increasing its revenues but also controls overhead costs that emanate from expenditure in salaries, rents, power bills and other overhead charges. The company determines the percentage of revenues that can be used to meet the all the overheads. It keeps a good record of all the overhead costs. Peet’s Coffee and Tea also ensures that expenditure in overhead needs is consistent with the level of sales revenue. However, any losses in sales of the organization have been associated with the increase in cost of overhead needs. The organization should therefore control cost of overhead to minimize losses and ensure efficiency in operations (Collan Kinnunen, 2011). Solvency Evaluation of financial position of a company also enables it to determine its solvency. Since most businesses rely on cash inflows from sales, it is therefore important to determine the ratio of cash in the bank to monthly expenses incurred by an organization. Peet’s Coffee and Tea relies on the ratio in its cash management and ensures effective control of all major expenses in the company. The company also ensures effective debt collection method from the clients and reduces overreliance on accounts receivables to fund its operations. The organization has been very successful in managing its solvency in order to avoid bankruptcy (Anthony et al., 1992). Labor Practices The labor practices in an organization determine its productivity and performance in the industry. Good practices adopted by organization ensure the competitiveness of the organization and its success. For example, for Peet’s Coffee and Tea to achieve its competitive strategies such as product innovation, it has to ensure that workforce has the right skills and experience that is needed to facilitate innovation. Moreover, the company should ensure that its workforce is motivated towards the achievement of the company’s goals and objectives. The organization employs efficient labor practices to establish increased productivity of labor. These practices entail workforce planning and compensation policy. Workforce Planning Workforce planning is an activity that is employed by the organization to ensure that it hires the right number of workers who have right knowledge and experience pertaining to the job involved. The process also takes into account the regulatory and legislative requirements that govern labor practices. Peet’s Coffee and Tea relies on strategic workforce planning in order to acquire the employees that are highly experienced, innovative and talented in various functions of the business. Workforce planning is also important to determine the demand and supply of labor in the market. The organization embraces the fact that different categories of employees with specific skills are in varying demand by different organizations. For example, the demand for a nutrition analyst cannot be compared to the demand of a general company attendant. Therefore, the organization forecasts all labor requirements prior to the process of recruitment to avoid shortages in supply of highly skilled individuals. Compensation Policy Labor compensation policy is another key area that should be properly considered when evaluating a company’s labor practices. Such policy determines whether a company pays its workers according to the industry rate and adheres to the labor laws during compensation. The policy should also enable the organization to effectively manage labor costs in order to reduce over expenditure in labor. Peet’s Coffee and Tea compensation policy enables the organization to pay its employees according to the legal labor requirements and industry rate. In certain regions, the company pays its workers higher rates that are above the industry rates in order to attract highly qualified labor. The company’s compensation policy enabled it to achieve its competitive strategies by producing products of high quality and enjoy economies of scale. Summary Company evaluation plays an important role in assessing the performance of an organization. Peet’s Coffee and Tea evaluation is therefore important to identify the various factors that have contributed to its success. In addition to the aforementioned factors, Peet’s Coffee and Tea embraces equal treatment of all employees due to its highly diversified workforce. The company embraces diversity to ensure that all employees are treated equally regardless of their differences that may be based on gender, race, nationality, tribe, religion, and age. The organization ensures that human resources functions such as selection, hiring, training, compensation, and retrenchment embrace diversity of the workforce. It also adheres to labor requirements to ensure equal treatment of all workers. Peet’s Coffee and Tea also believes in diversity of the workforce as an element of improving creativity and innovation among the employees. The organization believes that different employees from different backgrounds have different ideas which should be shared for the benefit of the organization (Erasmus, 2008). References Anthony, R., Dearden, J., Govindarajan, V. (1992). Management Control of Projects. Chapter 17 of Management Control Systems. Homewood, Illinois: Irwin. Baber, J, (2007). A Knowledge-based Approach to Program Analysis. American Society for the Advancement of Project Management. Online Magazine, pp. 1- 11. Collan, M. Kinnunen, J. (2011). A Procedure for the Rapid Pre-acquisition Screening of Target Companies Using the Pay-off Method for Real Option Valuation. Journal of Real Options and Strategy, 4(1), 117-141. Erasmus, L. (2008). Financial Performance in terms of the PFMA: What does it mean? Journal of Accountability and Auditing Research, 4 (8), 57– 66. Jones, C. (2007, May 29). Peet’s moves roasting plant to double output of coffee. San Francisco Chronicle, p. B-2.

School Journey Essays

School Journey Essays School: Journey Essays Journey is usually defined as a physical journey i.e. moving from one place to another. This term though can also be defined as emotional, mental and/or spiritual. Through these types of journeys we gain a greater understanding of how characters interact with the world around them and others involved in their lives. The responder can predict how each character will change over time through the development of their journey. Journey can be seen through the play ‘Away’ by Michael Gow, the novel ‘Hiding Edith’ by Kathy Kacer and an excerpt of the poem ‘The Wind In The Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame. There are also numerous literary techniques which further broaden our knowledge and understanding. In Away, an emotional and mental journey is evident in Coral’s life. Coral is mourning the loss of her son, however is finding it extremely difficult to move on and go on with her life. As result of her withdrawn, depressed behaviour, her husband, Roy, is being left in the dark and therefore finds it difficult to communicate with her. â€Å"Do you want to me to send you a doctor? Do you want to see a doctor?...Look at you. Look at me† Roy is frustrated and through his anger and sadness is having a harsh argument with Coral although the message he is trying to get across to Coral is that he is desperate to get his wife back both physically and psychologically. The repetition of referring to the same question emphasises that she needs help. He is also incorporating himself in the statement initiating that the death of their son is not only affecting her only but him too, however Coral has taken the wrong turn on things excluding herself and everyone else around hers. T his leads to Coral having to examine the alternatives whether she will dwell on the past and give her marriage a break or to try hardest to cope with the fact that her son is never coming back. Coral though is reluctant and prefers to stay close to her dead son. However through trial and error, Coral acknowledges she has made an irresponsible decision by not moving on and re-establishes where she and her husband stand in their relationship. When Coral states â€Å"I’ve started taking such interest in the world around me†, it clearly shows that she is beginning to open up and take in what she missed out on due to her world looking grey but now can finally see colour again. She is proving to Roy that she is moving on. Coral’s changed values and self-realisation relates to journey as without taking an emotional and mental journey she would not have learnt from her mistakes and therefore only dwell on the past. She has realised that sometimes good things come out o f bad situations. The novel Hiding Edith links to the concept journey as physically Edith is moving from place to place and metaphorically this journey teaches her about the world around and what measures she must take to keep herself alive. Hiding Edith relates to the play Away as like Coral, Edith too must get used to living without a significant other; in this case it is her father, Both are leaving behind all the troubles at home in hope to find a place that will help them all reconnect with each other. Hiding Edith is in first person witch gives it a personal view as it helps us understand the characters feelings and emotions in much more depth. â€Å"What’s the use of thinking of the future?† this statement said by Edith herself evidently relates to Coral in her early stages of her grief. She saw no hope in living life without her son and Edith too felt the same when she had no support from her family. However whilst going on their physical journey; Coral to the Gold Coast and Edit h to a safe home, they have been able to look past the bad things and look further to a brighter future. In Away, an emotional and mental journey is also manifested in Harry, Vic and Tom’s life. As parents of Tom, Harry and Vic have been struck with their worst nightmare, that Tom only has little time to live. Harry however is adamant that Tom

Cuba As An Example Of Sustainable Living Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

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Influencing Individuals and Groups Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Influencing Individuals and Groups - Essay Example Readers can be influenced and informed very powerfully by using different tools in written communication and generate the desired results. According to experts, by simply avoiding some common grammatical errors, written communication can be made highly effective (School Press H, 2006). Task sheets and employee bulletin boards are one of the common examples of the written communication which is used when the purpose is to inform the lower level employees about the goals and expectations. Emails are used by the employees of Wal-Mart and especially the managers for sharing information, and conveying their concerns. At Wal-Mart e mail is a frequently used medium and is preferred because of the low cost and eases of use (Jonathan Scott, 2005). In his book titled 21: Written Business Communication, Jonathan Scott a memo is a piece of written communication employed to convey information to the employees. The documentation evidence of memos serves in maintaining a record of communication as well (Jonathan Scott, 2005). An example of the use of memos in Wal-Mart was in 2005 when the executive vice president, Susan Chambers suggested used a memo to float a suggestion that health workers should be hired to keep employee costs low (John Hollon, 2005). This memo was used as evidence by the labor union and published in The New York Times when the company announced that it would adopt a new health plan for employees (Julie Appleby, 2005). Annual or monthly progress reports are prepared at Wal-Mart for example the 2009 Global Sustainability Report was issued and it stated that the company had been able to come close to its goals that it had established in 2005. These three goals were rely on renewable energy, no waste and selling sustainable products. The company also donated towards social causes as well (Mike Duke, 2009). In Wal-Mart, employees are also provided Instruction manuals that contain rules, policies and procedures for issues related to work (Gregory