The Weather and Folklore of Altocumulus Clouds

The Weather and Folklore of Altocumulus Clouds An altocumulus cloud is a middle-level cloud that lives between 6,500 to 20,00 feet above ground and is made of water. Its name comes from the Latin Altus meaning high Cumulus meaning heaped. Altocumulus clouds are of the stratocumuliform cloud family (physical form) and are one of the 10 basic cloud types. There are four species of cloud underneath the altocumulus genus: altocumulus lenticularis (stationary lens-shaped clouds that are often mistaken for UFOs)altocumulus castellanus (altocumulus with tower-like sproutings that billow upwards)altocumulus stratiformis (altocumulus in sheets or relatively flat patches)altocumulus floccus (altocumulus with scattered tufts and fringy lower parts) The abbreviation for altocumulus clouds is (Ac). Cotton Balls in the Sky Altocumulus are commonly seen on warm spring and summer mornings. Theyre some of the simplest clouds to identify, especially since they look like balls of cotton stuck into the blue background of the sky. Theyre often white or gray in color and are arranged in patches of wavy, rounded masses or rolls. Altocumulus clouds are often called sheepback or mackerel sky because they resemble the wool of sheep and scales of mackerel fish. Bellwethers of Bad Weather Altocumulus clouds that appear on a clear humid morning can indicate the development of thunderstorms later in the day. Thats because altocumulus clouds often precede cold fronts of low-pressure systems. As such, they also sometimes signal the onset of cooler temperatures. While they are not clouds from which precipitation falls, their presence signals convection and instability at mid-levels of the troposphere. Altocumulus in Weather Folklore Mackerel sky, mackerel sky. Never long wet and never long dry.Mackerel scales and mares tails make lofty ships carry low sails. If youre a fan of weather folklore, youve likely heard the above sayings, both of which are true. The first piece of lore warns that if altocumulus clouds are seen and air pressure begins to fall, the weather wont be dry for much longer because it may start raining within 6 hours time. But once the rain does come, it wont be wet for long because as the warm front passes, so too will the precipitation. The second rhyme warns ships to lower and take in their sails for the same reason; a storm may be approaching soon and the sails should be lowered to protect them from the accompanying high winds.

How did the Christian Church contribute to the development o essays

How did the Christian Church contribute to the development o essays Today, Spain is one of the most influential countries in Europe. It is a country that is portrayed as being strong, sophisticated and stable. However, Spain's past and the route in which the country has taken to be where it is now were shaped hugely in the medieval ages. During the medieval ages Iberians experienced great change in with the transformation of Iberia from that of an Islamic culture to one based upon Christianity. Iberian culture fluctuated greatly during the medieval ages and the contrasting lifestyles of the Christians and the Moors led to an interesting mix in terms of society. Most aspects of society changed during this period, though the period in which the moors governed the area has also left some reminders of the time which are still in evidence nowadays. One of the main aspects of society that the Christian Church decided to improve was the education system. The Christian Church observed that the present education system was ineffective largely due to the neglecting of that system by the Moors during Iberia's uncultured past. Initially, much attention was given to the problems of education. The improvements which took place included the creation of schools in the most highly populated Christian areas. Most of these improvements to the education system took place during the 13th century. Municipal schools, cathedral schools and Universities were built. Through this avenue the change to Christianity was strengthened by the introduction of lecturers from Italy and France; both Christian nations. There were also improvements in the field of health care again occurring in the 13th century. The hospital movement, in which many health facilities were created, was in full flow during this century. As a result, the region of Castille benefited by the establishment of many hospitals and leprosarium. Nine hospitals and hospices were erected in Barcelona (including one which cared for abandoned children) and eleven ho ...

Analysis of Robert Hass's Meditation at Lagunitas Essay

Analysis of Robert Hass's Meditation at Lagunitas - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that Robert Hass is known to have spent much of his life residing in the ‘Lagunitas’, a rural town in Northern California, where beautiful forests, lakes, and green grass thrive and most   importantly, it reserves the spot for the wildly growing blackberries which Hass makes reference to in the poem. Hence, the poet can be imagined to be taking a stride along paths surrounded by the scenic wonders in Lagunitas at which he might have found delight in meditating and composing poems altogether. As Hass speaks of the ‘clown-faced woodpecker’ and the ‘black birch’ in the 5th and 6th lines, the curious reader may readily suppose that these details appear specific as they are in association to the place, in the same way, the author may have held a special regard for Lagunitas being a particular setting. Since the poet is claimed to have sought inclinations with an Oriental school of thinking, the meditation carried out through his poem may be thought to derive influence in part from Hass’s religious endeavor with Buddhism and Hinduism. By the first and second lines, the poet necessitates introducing the piece by alluding that there exists loss as language fails with proper expression in â€Å"the new thinking†. A â€Å"clown- / faced woodpecker probing the dead sculpted trunk / of that black birch† is a metaphor for his quest for a more suitable expression and eloquence. The act of â€Å"probing the dead sculpted trunk† provides an imagery for such theme, justifying the fact that the struggle to find an exact identity with words is as painstaking as it gets in the process. At a point, saying â€Å"a word is an elegy to what it signifies† blends of tragedy with occasional beauty especially as the writer testifies to the truth about his friend’s voice in the 13th line where it possesses â€Å"a thin wire of grief†. This tonal conflict ind icates how at times, poetic potentials may be limited by the approach and narrow scope of language the complexity of which is normally understood on a gradual basis. The General vs. The Particular Hass appears to be utilizing irony in the rather Platonic concept which distinguishes the unique worldly elements and the words that represent a uniform ideal. Such application of Platonic thought supports the first two lines as it vividly depicts the proof that general philosophical ideas can be clear but are practically useless while personal experience counts in developing conveyable philosophical thought. Despite this, the narrator sounds appreciative with â€Å"the luminous clarity of a general idea† even though the intricacy in specifics removes its original essence. Close It is seemingly through the lamenting about â€Å"loss† that words along with the human experiences bound to which as well as the ability to recount them, lose their intended significance. The signifi cance of the Blackberry On the second half of ‘Meditation at Lagunitas’, the poet diverts his path of discourse from the notion of the general to the certain ensuing splendor which bears another subject of particular value. Brought by the transition stating that â€Å"everything dissolves: justice, pine, hair, woman, you and I†, the term ‘woman’ which gets mentioned twice in the 16th line constitutes softness in thought as if Hass chooses to mellow from the former mode of heavy meditation.

Applying Bradshaws model of river characteristics to the Barranco Del Essay

Applying Bradshaws model of river characteristics to the Barranco Del Rio, Tenerife. With the focus on the impact of landslides - Essay Example in the introductory parts of the paper for the better understanding of what will be discussed and linked with the hypothesis as well as the Bradshadow model (Arthur, 2007, page 391). The methodology used in the study has included the designs, the various equipments used in testing and experimenting as well as measuring, and the instruments. This study is therefore aimed at determining the drinks’ possible effects. It is also important to highlight that this paper has specified coherently the procedures and the results of the study. The study has been summarized with a clear conclusion. It is therefore important to highlight that the report is therefore quite detailed with the facts that were collected and the truths about Tenerife (Christine, 2001, page 281). It is important to highlight that this paper delves in the discussion of the Application of Bradshaw’s model of river characteristics to the Barranko Del Rio, Tenerife. The paper as well focuses on the impact of landslides. In the paper, there will be various diagrams that illustrate the various stages at the distinctive stages of the river. This is a report of a fieldtrip undertaken to Tenerife where variables of Bradshaw’s Model of River Characteristics were tested on a Barranko (river valley), focusing on the hypotheses that are listed below (Donald, 2008, page 518). Tenerife Island has a land of 2034.38Km2, the most densely populate is and in Spain. This as well makes it to be the largest island of the Canary Islands archipelago. It is important to highlight that it is one of the Canary Islands. It is connected using two airports that well developed for the enhancement of the accessibility of the island. These are the Tenerife north airport and the Tenerife south airport. The island was formed due to volcanic eruption and nearly visited by above 10 million tourists every year because of the scenic beauty in the island. The soils I this area are therefore the permeable volcanic type of soils that

Ancient Commerce in China Essay Example for Free

Ancient Commerce in China Essay 1- The route The Silk Road, or Silk Route, is the most famous and important historically trading route of ancient Chinese civilization. This historical network of interlinking, with more than 4000 miles, between East, South, Western Asia with the Mediterranean and European world, as well as parts of North and East Africa began to be used under the Han Dynasty (202 BC – AD 220). Originally, the Chinese trade silk occurred internally within the empire, but the caravans were often attacked by central Asian tribes, hoping to find some valuable commodities. In order to protect these caravans, the Han Dynasty extended its military defenses further into Central Asia. Later came the idea to expand the silk trade to central Asia. Silk Road extension: The land routes are red, and the water routes are blue Source: http://en.wikipedia.org 2- Name and Purpose The Silk Road gets its name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade that was the major reason to sustain the route for so wide area. Some scholars prefer the term â€Å"Silk Routes† because of the several network of routes existed there. Trading silk was not the only purpose of the Silk Road, many other commodities were also traded. In addition to silk the route carried other precious goods like gold and other precious metals, ivory, precious stones and glass, exotic animals and plants were trade as well. Indeed the silk was the most remarkable goods, mainly among the Romans, it became very popular in Rome for its soft texture and attractiveness making the Romans sees the route mainly as a Silk Route. Although this fact, the name â€Å"Silk Road† originated in the nineteenth century, coined by the German scholar, von Richthofen. 3- Routes The intercontinental Silk Road had two different overland routes bypassing the Taklimakan Desert and Lop Nur. The northern route started at Changan (now called Xian), the capital of the ancient Chinese Kingdom, which, in the Later Han, was moved further east to Luoyang. The route was defined about the 1st century BCE as Han Wudi put an end to harassment by nomadic tribes The southern route was mainly a single route running from China, through the Karakoram, where it persists to modern times as the international paved road connecting Pakistan and China as the Karakoram Highway. It then set off westwards, but with southward spurs enabling the journey to be completed by sea from various points. Crossing the high mountains, it passed through northern Pakistan, over the Hindu Kush mountains, and into Afghanistan, rejoining the northern route near Merv. From there, it followed a nearly straight line west through mountainous northern Iran, Mesopotamia and the northern tip of the Syrian Desert to the Levant, where Mediterranean trading ships plied regular routes to Italy, while land routes went either north through Anatolia or south to North Africa. Another branch road traveled from Herat through Susa to Charax Spasinu at the head of the Persian Gulf and across to Petra and on to Alexandria and other eastern Mediterranean ports from where ships carried the cargoes to Rome. The Silk Road in the 1st century Source: http://en.wikipedia.org 4- Mongol Age In central Asia, Islam expanded from the 7th century onward, bringing a stop to Chinese westward expansion at the Battle of Talas in 751. Further expansion of the Islamic Turks in Central Asia from the 10th century finished disrupting trade in that part of the world. For a long time during the Middle Ages, the Islamic Caliphate often had a monopoly over much of the trade conducted across the route. Under the command of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire rapidly proceeded to conquer a huge region of Asia, the Mongol expansion throughout the Asian continent from around 1207 to 1360 helped to bring political and stability and re-establish the Silk Road. The partial unification of so many states under the Mongol Empire allowed a significant interaction between cultures of different regions. The trading started to happen again and the route became important as path for communication between different parts of the Empire once more. The Mongols, in general, were more open to ideas, more sympathetic to different religions and nationalities promoting the trading. Around 1288, the Venetian explorer Marco Polo became one of the first Europeans to travel the Silk Road to China, he was not the first, however, the most well known and best documented visitor. In his tales, The Travels of Marco Polo, he describes the way of life in the cities and small kingdoms through which his party passed, with particular interest on the trade and marriage customs, opening the western eyes to some of the customs of the Far East. 5- The Peak, Decline and the Sea Route In seventh century, the Silk Route had its height of importance at this time during the Tang dynasty China was a living a relative stability after the divisions of the earlier dynasties since the Han. The art and civilization of the Silk Road achieved its highest poin in the Tang Dynasty. Changan, as the starting point of the route, as well as the capital of the dynasty, developed into one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities of the time. By 742 A.D its population reached almost two million people and in 754 A.D it had around five thousand foreigners living in the city. During the Mongol Empire as mentioned before, the route established a new good period but despite the presence of the Mongols, the route never reached the heights that it did in the Tang dynasty. Furthermore, with the disintegration of the Mongol empire, that was fairly short-lived, the barriers rose again on the land route between East and West. After the Mongol Empire, the control of the Silk Road became economically and culturally separated. The demise of the Silk Road developed the Silk Route by sea at that time it was becoming easier and safer to transport goods by water than overland (Later however, the sea route suffered a lot of problems like bad weather and pirates). Beside this the sea route passed by promising new markets in Southern Asia at that time. The commerce with China and Asia at that time was very profitable and this situation is significantly important in explaining several factors about the present economy. It was the main driving factor for the Portuguese, and later Europeans, explorations of the Indian Ocean, including the sea of China. 6- Nowadays The last link along the Silk Road was completed in 1990, when the railway connecting Lanzhou to Urumchi was extended to the border with Kazakhstan, providing an important route to the new republics and beyond. Beside this the trade route itself is also being reopened, trading between the peoples of Xinjiang and Russia has developed quickly. The new republics in Central Asia have been contributing much of the heavy industry of the region. Trade with China has also utilized the route it was encouraged by the socialist market economy and its benefits to the market. 7- Conclusion The Silk Road played a key role in the development of the ancient economy in Asia, especially in China, In China it was the main responsible to significantly increase the number of foreign merchants present in China under the Han Dynasty and exposing the Chinese and visitors to their country to different cultures and religions. Buddhism spread from India to China because of trade along the Silk Route. This route was very important in foreign trade, during all history of civilization in the last 1200 years, placing China and India, and all East Asia, in a major role for contact with the western world in a time when this region was isolated by deserts and oceans. During the Mongol Empire, based on the Mongol’s idea of liberty about different religions and cultures, once more, the route had a very important role in the foreign trade and culture exchange between Asia countries and some countries of Europe and Africa as well. Later, the great population and the varieties of products attracted the European interest (economic center of the world at that time), by sea several expeditions in order to explore the commerce in that region change the course of the world, affecting the Americas and Africa as well Asia, being decisive in the current political, economic and social aspects of several countries in these continents.

Free Essays: The Youth of Red Badge of Courage and Youth of Today :: Red Badge Courage Essays

Youth of Red Badge of Courage and Youth of Today As a young member of today’s society, I don’t fear death. If I did fear death, I would be "dead." There are so many sources of death today, like car wrecks, shootings, drugs, and diseases that if I was constantly afraid of all of them, I couldn’t leave my own backyard. Therefore, I refuse to believe that death will happen to me. In the novel The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane, the 19th century youth, like youths of today, is unafraid of death, but his reasoning is different, so he actually welcomes death. The average youth of today isn’t afraid of death because it seems to happen to other people. Death is distant. Every day, we read about people being killed in this or drowned in that but it never happens to someone we know. If someone we know does die, we are shocked and forced to reconsider our lives because, for an instant, we realize that we could die as well. Unlike us, the youth in The Red Badge of Courage knows about death first hand, and he is unafraid. When the youth was young, his father died. Through the novel, the youth is fighting in the bloodiest war on American soil and the war that caused the most casualties per capita of any U.S. war. He has seen corpses and walked with dying men. He was trying to help one of his injured friends when his friend died convulsively. Earlier in his experiences, especially when he first encountered fighting, he was immensely afraid of death, so afraid that he ran away from battle. During the passage, and later in the novel, he knows that he could die at any time but he is unapprehensive. When death does strike a loved one, I feel that it is unfair. "Why," I ask, " Did granny have to die? She was such a kind old woman. Why couldn’t some bum have died instead?" I didn’t want her to die and I feel like she was undeserving of death. Likewise, the youth feels like death is unfair but in just the opposite way. He wishes that death would not fall on the Unknown Soldier, but would fall on him. Like us, he sees death as brought on by luck and being unfair, but unlike us, during this passage, he thinks that death is lucky.

Civil rights DBQ Essay

Teakolya Gibson May 29, 2014 MS 390 805 Civil Rights DBQ Essay The civil rights movement was a time period that can be defined as a large popular movement to secure for African Americans equal access to and opportunities for the basic privileges and rights of U.S. citizenship. The roots of the civil rights movement go back to the 19th century; the movement was addressed in the 1950s and 1960s. African American men and women, also whites, organized and led the movement at national and local levels. They pursued their goals through legal means, negotiations, petitions, and nonviolent protest demonstrations. The largest social movement of the 20th century, the civil rights movement influenced the modern women’s rights movement and the student movement of the 1960s. In public schools African Americans faced inequality in their learning experience. According to the document the inequality Blacks faced were they were not involved as much in school because of their race, even though physical facilities are equal and also other real factors could be equal, the programs deprive children from minority groups of equal educational opportunities. From my understanding of the document, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Brown and declared that segregation in the public schools was unconstitutional. The situation that led to Rosa Parks getting arrested was on December 1, 1955 is when she refused to give up her seat to a White man because there were no more seats in their area on a Montgomery bus. Methods that African Americans use to deal with the inequality faced by the African Americans in that city were bus boycott, nonviolent protest, passive resistance, and peaceful protest. A method that was used to gain equality is sit-ins, pickets, taking part in a public demonstration, filling up all of the seats in a Restaurant, sitting at the lunch counter, and nonviolent protest. Two goals of the March on Washington in August 1963 were to get jobs (equal employment opportunities), gain decent/acceptable housing, end segregation in Schools, gain more equal rights, increase the number of integrated facilities, end Jim Crow laws, gain voting rights, end police brutality, attain first-class citizenship, get equal restaurant services, receive decent pay, and pass the  FEPC (Fair Employment Practices Committee) law, bring civil rights issues to the attention of the Government, and show Washington that they needed to do something to improve civil rights. There were many methods recommended but W.E.B Du Bois thought that they should fight for their rights and equality. Booker T. Washington believed that they should get an education and work their way up to equality. The major trend in African American voter registration that is shown by the map above is that voting population of African Americans increased after 1965, more African Americans were registered to vote after 1965, more African Americans voted after 1965, more people voted after 1965. The two actions that were taken by the government were in 1964 the twenty-fourth amendment outlaws the pool tax in elections for federal office, and second was in 1965 Voting Rights Act prohibits literacy tests and makes it easier for African Social movement Americans to register to vote. Methods that were recommended to help African Americans achieve equality were nonviolence, nonviolent resistance, use of nonviolence as Jesus did, not one hair of one head of one White person shall be harmed, no harm to White people. African Americans have made gains in racial equality. African Americans still face challenges in areas of equal rights such as economic inequality, economics, African Americans are not getting jobs because of the color of their skin, they are not being paid enough for their labor, jobs, and job Discrimination, making less money than whites, they are still in an economic pit. In conclusion, discrimination is still active in America today. Even after the Civil Rights Movement, a disparity still exists in education, the work place and society. Today, unfortunately, discrimination and social segregation are more evident than it has ever been.

International Journal of Business and Management Essay

As one of the most successful fast food chain in the world, throughout the development of McDonald’s, we could easily identify many successful business strategy implementations. In this paper, I will discuss some critical business strategies, which linked to the company’s structure and external environment. This paper is organized as follows: In the first section, I will give brief introduction to the success of McDonald’s. In the second section, I will analyze some particular strategies used by McDonald’s and how these strategies are suitable to their business structure. I will then analyze why McDonald’s choose these strategies in response to the changing external environment. Finally, I will summarize the approaches used by McDonald’s to achieve their strategic goals. Keywords: Strategy, McDonald’s structure Introduction McDonald’s, originated in California, USA, 1954, has become one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. The success achieved includes that they have established more than 30,000 franchising stores in 119 countries, serving more than 47 million people each day, and generating about $15 billions revenues annually. McDonald’s also continuously enhances its brand imagine through different social activities and the sponsorship of special events and sports i.e. as a major sponsor of the world cup since 1994 and the Champions League football in England from 1996 to 2000.(www.McDonalds.com) How can McDonald’s achieve such success? There are many formulating strategies, which we could use for our analysis of their recipe of success such as Porter’s competitive strategies model, which includes differentiation and low-cost leadership; or Miles and Snow’s ‘strategy typology’, which defined prospector, defender, analyzer, and reactor strategy. Obviously, it is extremely important for McDonald’s to choose the most appropriate strategy to be successful. From my personal point view, to be an Analyzer is the most suitable strategic position for them to develop their business as a whole especially when they facing an extreme complex continuously changing world. As Miles and Snow defined that â€Å"The analyzer tries to maintain a stable business while innovating on the periphery. It seems to lie midway between the prospector and the defender. Some products will be targeted toward stable environment in which an efficiency strategy designed to keep current customers is used. Others will be targeted toward new, mor e dynamic environment, where growth is possible.† (Richard L.Daft) It is also very important to consider how McDonald’s applies these strategies and how their strategies interact with their business structure and the external environment. 1. How McDonald’s business structure influences its strategy? The McDonald’s business structure is based upon a geographic structure. When log on their website, you will be asked to choose the country that you are interested in. Actually, McDonald’s divided its operations into five geographical divisions. (www.McDonalds.com) International Journal of Business and Management November, 2008 As shown in above pie charts that around 65% of McDonald’s restaurants and approximately 75% of its revenues are generated in the United State and Europe. So, to McDonald’s, the most important strategic approach for maintaining its leading position is to keep their major markets at the same time expanding their business into the other emerging markets. However, different consumer groups in different countries may have very different tastes and/or requirements. So each full functional geographic unit of McDonald’s was required to wholly response for producing and marketing its products in that region. Through this regional structure, McDonald’s could not only satisfy the local consumers’ needs in different geographical areas but also pursuing ‘maximum local development’. Actually they produce and market slightly different types of products in different areas, and they even have different prices. As Jim Skinner, the vice-chairmen of McDonald’s illustrated that ‘if you are looking for a command center with one push button that operate our restaurant in every corner of the world, you won’t find it’. However, their philosophy of QSC&V-quality, service, cleanliness and value is same for everywhere. And McDonald’s targets the similar consumer segments that need fast service, affordable price and good standard hygiene. So their main products are similar in most countries, where they provided service, including beef, chicken, bread potatoes and milk. As the consumers in different countries having different foods requirements, McDonald’s keep launching new products for their regional consumers. In this case China and France can be very good examples. 2. McDonald’s in China: In 1990, McDonald’s opened their first store in shenzhen (near HongKong). But before they actually started their business, McDonald’s had already carried out 5 years business research and all sorts of information gathering such as the income level of the Chinese people, the kind of foods they enjoy etc. Moreover, their re-design of the counter, chairs and desks also reflected their considerations of the height and body shape of Chinese people. They made lots of efforts to promote their American burgers, and wanted to repeat the same success in China market as they has done elsewhere. Unfortunately, they are not as successful as KFC, their biggest rival, in China now. There are lots of reasons to explain it, one important issue which has once been ignored by McDonald’s is that Chinese people are more prefer chicken dishes than beef burgers, which are their main products. After identified this problem, McDonald’s has tried to adapt more Chinese tastes by adding more chicken meals into their menu for attracting more customers.(Chinese website) 3. McDonald’s in France: In France, where customers has been resentful of the fast-food chain’s incursion, McDonald’s has boosted it sales by remodeling restaurants i.e. hardwood floors, wood-beam ceilings, comfortable armchairs, and also by adding new menu items such as espresso, brioche and more upscale sandwiches. Actually they have successfully responded to the preferences of the local area. (Richard L.Daft) In the other countries the situation is the same. For example, in Canada, McDonald’s has introduced new Canadian feature breakfast. In Belgium, the McCicken Premiere has been added to the menu. Although McDonald’s has been regarded as the ultimate example of standardization for the world market. 4. How the strategy is influenced by external environment? The external environment can be divided into several sectors. In this section, I will only discuss two important parts: competitors, social concept (healthy problem) and uncertainty situation, which can greatly influence McDonald’s strategies. Then at the last part of this section, I will discuss one particular strategy they used which served for their future development purpose. Competitor: It’s unlikely that McDonald’s can always be No.1. In an annual consumer satisfaction survey, McDonald’s has been scored dead last among fast-food restaurants since 1992. In the fourth quarter of 2002, McDonald’s disclosed its first-ever quarterly loss, one reason why McDonald’s is struggling is that the consumers began to switch to its competitors, such as Burger King, Wendy’s, and Subway. These companies emphasized on offering fresher, hotter, high-quality foods at lower price with faster service. On the other hand, McDonald’s decided to close 719 poorly performing restaurants around world. All of these simply proved that McDonald’s might no longer be competitive in the fast-food market. And if McDonald’s cannot adapt external environment change, they might be gradually diminished and even replaced by other competitors. In order to keep their market share, increasing sales and profits. McDonald’s has to respond to the threat of competitors. In 2003, McDonald’s offered the McGriddles sandwiches in the US and the Canada feature breakfast. Meanwhile, McChicken Premiere and a zesty chicken have been introduced in the UK, France, Italy and Belgium. McDonald’s was trying to satisfy customer’s desire for premium products at affordable prices. Furthermore, McDonald’s is providing more choice with respond to offer ‘ Happy Meal’ to keep the children. For example, Happy meal now including chicken selects, and no-sugar –add fruit drink (juice and low-fat drink) and also to produce McDonald’s coffee which appeals to adult. Those products have been made to attract existing customer and develop new customers.(www.McDonalds) Moreover, in addition to the innovative menu, McDonald’s is also rebuilding and even relocating some of their restaurants to make the environment more attractive. At the same time, McDonald’s is differentiating itself by creating 73 Vol. 3, No. 11 International Journal of Business and Management more relevant experiences such as allowing the customers to access the Internet with the wireless technology platform. This innovative way not only attracts the teenagers, but also perfectly fitting the modern professionals’ requirements. Social problem –healthy issue With the economic development, people’s living standards have increased dramatically these years. People are becoming more concerned about their health issues. It cannot be denied that McDonald’s has attempted to make itself more convenience for the people. However, people also believe that such kinds of fast food are not good for their health. The world health organization‘s report presented that those food not only can cause the obesity of children, but also is part of the reason of causing cancer. Healthy issues became the biggest stumbling block to the development of McDonald’s. Customers were switching to healthier offering, such as Subway’s sandwiches, or KFC’s mashed potato instead of fried potato. McDonald’s has responded to this healthy trend. In order to compete, McDonald’s has added salads and other lighter options into their menu. If a mother comes in, she is not only buy the happy meal for her children, she will also be likely to buy herself a meal too .the lighter options also encourage existing customers to come back more often, because there is a greater variety of choices. Focus on Children No matter how different the tastes and the local needs are, McDonald’s has paid considerable attention to the children in every country. They built ‘happy land’ for them, offering fantastic â€Å"happy meals† with novelty toys to them. Furthermore, McDonald’s has just launched computers with games that were designed to inspire the children’s imagination at the same time shape their personal characteristics. There are three main reasons for McDonald’s to focus on the children: (1) Children are one of the biggest consumers groups to McDonald’s. And McDonald’s has been regarded, as their favorite place to go .The brand culture â€Å"happiness† is known by children. (2) McDonald’s believe that focusing on children can build the stable business, and will provide the best engine to encourage the whole family to come to McDonald’s. For example, one happy meal for a child only cost $ 5 but McDonald’s can produce more new products in addition to happy meal to offer the whole family. (3) By Building a brand loyalty with the children, McDonald’s more likely to be successfully today and in the future. In my opinion, McDonald’s is not just selling the happy meal to children; it is selling the American culture to the children – the enjoyable individual life. Actually this strategy with focused children segment is fully worked for their future development purpose. Whatever how the environment changes this strategy can always develop future generation customers’ loyalty. And the â€Å"happy children† can also bring in the whole â€Å"happy families†. Conclusion To sum up, there is a strong possibility that if the company fails to recognize the new competitions, shifting of consumer interests, and the social trends or innovative technologies, it will loose its market share. Previously, McDonald’s emphasis on adding new restaurants for near 5 years, more than 50% of increase in new restaurants opened. Unfortunately, there was only 2% of increase in the sale of the food. So, in the year 2003 McDonald’s decided to change its focus on increasing sales at existing restaurant and reduced capital spending which allows for a sizeable amount of cash be returned to shareholder. For achieving their objectives, the McDonald’s strategy should be attract more new customers, encourage existing customers to visit McDonald’s more often, build brand loyalty and, ultimately, create enduring profitable growth for the company. References Edstrà ¶m. A., & Galbraith, J.R. (1977). Transfer of managers as a coordination and control strategy in multinational organizations. Administrative Science Quarterly, 22, June, 248-263. Egelhoff, W.G. (1984). Patterns of control in U.S., U.K. and European multinational corporations. Journal of International Business Studies, Fall, 73-83 Fatehi, K. (1996). International Management, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Geringer, J.M. & Hebert, L. (1989). Control and performance of international joint ventures. Journal of International Business Studies, Summer, 235-253 Hodgetts, R.M., Luthans, F. (1994). International Management, New York: McGraw-Hi Richard L.Daft,(2005).Organization Theory and Design, 8th edition, Thomson ,south-western(Chapter 10) Mead, R. (1994). International Management. Cross Cultural Dimensions, Oxford: Blackwell. http://baike.baidu.com/view/4676.htm

Photosystems 12 essays

Photosystems 12 essays Photosynthesis occurs in 3 main stages: energy is captured from sunlight, then its converted into chemical energy and stored in organic molecules. Photosystems are light harvesting units of the thylakoid membrane. Each photosystem has four hundred pigment molecules. A photon hits the pigment molecules and travels through each molecule and then reaches the reaction center as shown in figure 1-1. The thylakoid membrane has two photosystems, photosystem 1 s reaction center is called P680 because it is best at absorbing 680 mm light. The Calvin cycle begins by incorporating Co2 from the air into molecules in the chloroplast. This action is called carbon fixation. The next thing it does is add electrons to the fixed carbon to make it carbohydrate. The power of the Calvin cycle comes from NADPH. The Calvin cycle also needs energy from ATP, which is generated by light reactions. This is reaction is called dark reactions because it does not directly need light to work. So basically all the Calvin cycle does is make sugar with out light but with help from ATP ...

Summer of the 17th doll essays

Summer of the 17th doll essays Ray Lawlers, Summer of the 17th doll captures the aura of a rapidly changing 1950s, focusing on the failures of a dilapidated Melbourne household, whilst also illustrating the changing characters of the Australian nation. Built around the traditions of a lay off period Lawlers famous play, in its language, costume and setting is exotically Australian and explores the failures of Australias characters to grow up and recognize there is future, beyond high times and livin Lawlers play, directed by Rod Kinnear, in 1977, although staying fairly true to the original script fails to capture the aura and importance of the lay off, whilst also alters audience perceptions of Lawlers characters. True to the play, Sumner shatters the Olives vision of the lay off, however such a dramatic event fails in its intended effect upon the audience. Lawlers stage directions are quick to establish the importance of the lay off even before a word is spoken. With little pattern or taste evident in the furniture, the souvenirs and kewpie dolls are the main decorative features. These, by themselves represent the long-standing tradition between the characters, Olive, Roo and Barney. Similarly through the likes of Bubba, Lawler is quick to establish a feel of excitement throughout his play. Bubba, is a youthful figure who enjoys and anticipates the tradition of the lay off and thus in her manner she continues to create audience anticipation for the arrival of Roo and Barney and thus the beginning of the extensive tradition. Bubbas walking sticks, yet another symbol of the lay off do not impress Pearl, however the audience are still able to sense the excitement and aura such a tradition brings to the small Melbournian household. Although Lawler carefully constructs the aura of the lay o...

Welfare, a Broken System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Welfare, a Broken System - Essay Example This essay discusses that the policy of most states, given their new discretionary powers, is and will continue to be to ‘persuade’ women off welfare roles and to work outside of the home, many times well outside the home, with no regard as to their families’ needs. Because of federal budgetary constraints, the safety net of welfare benefits and programs such as Medicare that assist impoverished children is expected to diminish. The welfare system as it stands today is lacking in resources and innovative methods by which to alleviate child poverty despite the extensive welfare restructuring in the U.S. and its continued expansion. It would be a gross understatement to declare that the U.S. welfare system does not compare to European countries. Most countries in Europe have opposing views to those in the U.S. regarding the virtues of a comprehensive welfare system. The U.S. version of welfare largely subsists in the temporary benefits provided to a fraction of the most impoverished of families. Other monetary benefits to families are practically nonexistent. By contrast, in Sweden and Germany for example, benefits are made available to all citizens regardless of earnings. It is a cruel irony. The U.S. is the most powerful economic society in the history of the world yet is not willing to ease the miseries of those in desperate poverty residing within its own borders. European countries that have had their economies decimated by two world wars over the last hundred years yet still take care of their own.

International marketing and communication Essay

International marketing and communication - Essay Example Globalization has resulted in increased pressure on the firms to achieve global competitive advantage. Automotive industry has recently witnessed large scale consolidation of organization resulting in mergers and acquisitions to capitalize the strengths of each market and organization. Most of the organizations in the automobile industry are doing business offshore. Automobile manufacturing contributes to 10% of the world GDP. Canadian Automobile industry also contributes significantly in the regional GDP. With WTO policies of free trade there is no more legislation in Canada which supports the BIG three of the US automobile industry. Many non-American firms such as Japanese have already entered Canadian market. Peugeot already has its existence in the Canadian market with their motorbikes. With fluctuating oil prices, growing environmental concerns and the expected forecast of growth the time is ripe for Peugeot to enter Canadian market with its full range of products. Peugeot has a competitive edge in the Canadian market with already developed distribution system. A large population of Canada speaks French so a French company will get some favors from the consumers. Contents Introduction 4 Market Characteristics 5 Market Review 6 SLEPT Analysis 6 Social 7 Political 7 Economical 7 Technological 8 Legal 8 Industry Climate Significant New Trends 8 French Automobile Industry 9 Situational Analysis 9 Current products 10 Existing Segments 10 Current Pricing 11 Current Distribution 11 Current Media and Communications 12 Objectives 12 Objectives for the Organizations 13 Objectives for the product/services 14 Objectives for Target market 14 Implementation 14 Segmentation 14 Positioning 15 Standardization VS Adaptation 15 Communication 16 Future Research 16 Bibliography 18 Introduction The Canadian car manufacturing industry is very huge with total revenue of $ 18.1 billion in 2010. In the recent past the growth has been negative. The compound annual rate of change (CA RC) for the total revenue is -2.7% for the period 2006-2010. Total production along with the revenue has also declines in the same period and the CARC for the production volume of the industry is -2.8%. The total production volume in 2010 was 1,272,825 units. The picture is still not all that gloomy and that is the reason for my selection of this industry. The forecasts for the industry are encouraging. An upward trend is expected. For the next five years i.e. till 2015 the industry is expected to accelerate and grow. The forecast is a positive CARC although a little low at 0.4%. With this CARC the industry is expected to grow to a value of $18.4 billion by the end of 2015. 1(Data monitor, 2011) Peugeot has long history in France. Armond Peugeot launched the first quadricycle oil in 1890. Since then there has been no looking back for Peugeot. The second French manufacturer in early 1970’s developed partnership with Renault/Volvo, Fiat or BMW. This change in management led to the creation of Citroen PSA Peugeot-Citroen. Brand strengthened and the company has expanded globally. Peugeot has a distinctive history of providing elegant and unconventional designs. Peugeot 401 and 601 Eclipse shinned in 1934 with unconventional design of retractable rooftop designed by legendary Georges Paulin. It became such a success that it was preceded by a long queue of innovative and luxurious