The Turkish Gambit by Boris Akunin Essay Example for Free

The Turkish Gambit by Boris Akunin EssayThe Turkish Gambit is the third novel by Boris Akunin to be translated from Russian to English. It is also the second novel among the Erast Fandorin spy-fiction masterpieces written by Akunin. This novel is get along during 1877-1878 when the Russian-Ottoman war was marking its place in World History. It revolves about the search of protagonist Erast Petrovich Fandorin for a Turkish spy among the ranks of Russian soldiers. In his plight, he was accompanied by a female sidekick named Varvara Andreevna Varya Suvorova who has gone in Bulgaria to gamble her fianc. The novel involves the death of Russian hussar officer Count Zurov and Officer Ivan Kazanzaki.Apparently, these deaths are very much planned by the Turkish- secret agent Anwar Effendi wrapped as the French journalist Charles wedge.Paladins story that he was able to see that the Turks were smaller in number may have been his venture to talk to this army and tell them that he was about to convince the Russians to attack Plevna with smaller troops. Thus, the Russian army attacked Plevna with no exact knowledge of the Turks strength.The death of Zurov occurred when he was ordered by Russian General Sobolev to fetch reinforcements from their headquarters as they were being beaten by the Turks during their battle at Plevna. This attack was lead by incorrect information from Paladin who said that the Turks were already on the losing end when in fact, they were gathering more strength against the Russian army. Zurov may have been killed on his way to their headquarters by Paladin as he was still in Bucharest where he killed Colonel Lukan (Lukan may have also been able to find out that Paladin was the spy) so as not to be able to call the said reinforcement. In Akunins novels that feature Fandorin, there is always a homosexual character that is usually blamed of a crime but ends up innocent. In The Turkish Gambit, this character is portrayed by a Russian Greek gay officer named Ivan Kazanzaki who was accused of treason. He was sent to jail and suffered because of this accusation. But as Fandorin relayed what he found out about Paladin, Kazanzaki was proven innocent. The detective said that all along, it was Paladin who was causing so much trouble on the Russian army because of severe treachery. He revealed that no one from Paladins paper has ever seen him and why Paladins stories were filled with information at cities where Anwar was said to be located. He was also the one who changed Plevna to Nikopol on the telegram by distracting Peter Yablokov telling him that Varvara was at their place. It was Paladin who was supposed to be accused of treason and not Yablokov or Kazanzaki. And as the novel ended, with the riddle on the espionage resolved, Akunin imparts another predicament to his readers as Fandorin was able to predict that although Russia was able to win over Turkey, they are still up to a new set of problems. And that is for sure is another installment of the Fandorin series that should be anticipated.SOURCESKiem, Elizabeth. The Turkish Gambit by Boris Akunin Random House. Flak Magazine 1999-2006. 10 December2006.http//www.flakmag.com/books/turkishgambit.htmlWeidenfeld Nicolson. The tzars Man. The Guardian 29 Jan. 2005. 10 December 2006. http//books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/crime/0,6121,1400851,00.html

Learning Healthcare Organizations Essay Example for Free

Learning Healthc be Organizations EssayThere atomic number 18 two wellnesscare organizations that I will be discussing that have transformational change to promote/create learning organization. One is the Centers for Disease ascendency and Prevention (CDC), and the separate one is International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). CDC is a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services that focuses national attention on developing and applying disease comptroller and prevention.CDC collaborates to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability and preparedness for new health treats. Stakeholders at CDC are people invested in the program that are interested in the results of the evaluation, and/or with a stake in what will be done with the results of the evaluation. Representing their needs and interests passim the appendage is fun damental to good program evaluation.Those involved in program operations are the management, program rung, partners, funding agencies and coalition members. Those served or affected by the program are patients or clients, advocacy group, biotic partnership members, and elected official. And lastly, those who are intended users of the evaluation findings are persons in a position to make decisions virtually the program, such as partners, funding agencies, coalition members, and the general public or taxpayers.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues its long standing dedication to improving the health and wellness of all Americans with the Community Transformation Grant (CTG) program. The CTG program is funded by the Affordable Care Acts Prevention and Public Health entrepot andawarded $103 million to 61 states and local government agencies, tribes, and territories, and nonprofit organizations in 36 states, along with nearly $4 million to 6 national network s of community-based organizations.Focusing on priorities for change for healthier living is improving health and wellness on tobacco-free living, active living and healthy eating, and high impact quality clinical and other preventive services to prevent and control high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Also, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion that includes sociable and emotional wellness and healthy and safe physical environments, which facilitate the early identification of mental health needs and access to quality services.Specific community interventions includes promotes healthy eating by supporting local farmers and developing small grocery stores where people live, protecting people from secondhand smoke exposure, improving community environments to make it safe and easy for people to walk and ride bikes.The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is part of the World Health Organization. It coordinates and conducts both(prenominal) epidemiolo gical and laboratory research into the causes of human genus Cancer. IARC main objectives are to monitor global cancer occurrence, identify the causes of cancer, elucidate the mechanism of carcinogenesis, and develop scientific strategies for cancer control. On February 3, 2014, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released World Cancer Report 2014, a collaboration of over 250 leading scientist from much than 40 countries, describing multiple aspects of cancer research and control.The report says about half of all cancers could be avoided if current knowledge was adequately implemented. The stakeholders are the scientists that has been researching for the cure of diverse types of cancer patients that are suffering and waiting for the cure, and the leadership of the World Health organization that implements the research. The IARC activities are mainly funded by the regular cypher contributions paid by its participating states. The regular budget for the 2014-201 5 biennium was approved in May 2013 at a level of 40 424 491 EUR.Recent changes in the epidemiology of straits and love cancer has new findings.Overall, the incidence of head and neck cancer is increasing in women, whereas it is decreasing in men. Chewing tobacco is a freshly recognized risk factor of great public health concern. The role of tobacco smoking and alcohol as the source of cancer has been reinforced. Head and neck cancer among women in developing countries should deserve more attention, as the mortality rates appears to be higher than those of women in developed countries. For never smokers and never drinkers, more research needs to be done to identify their risk factor patterns. While it is true that advances is medical science have led to continued improvements in medical care and health outcomes, the effectiveness of management options remains inadequate for informed medical care and health policy decision making. Frequently, the result is on a lower floor an opti mal level or standard and inefficient care as well as unsustainable appeal.In order to maintain quality of care and cost containment, evidence of comparative clinical and cost effectiveness is necessary for healthcare organization. Examples of healthcare organization that I previously discussed have the institutional lessons learned from the process that is learn along the way. As Feinstein said a strategic plan is not worth the paper it is printed on unless its underlying vision is embedded in the organizations culture, (Feinstein W.L. The Institutional Change Process). The most essential element of organizational change is the alignment of all relevant stakeholders to the new directions. The following are critical to achieving momentum and the successful implementation of a vision for change such as updating the executives leadership style, increasing staff involvement in achieving organizational plans, helping the board understand the scope of the change, and strengthening the a gency-federation relationship. Enthusiasm, persistence, and commitment for change by the leadership are key.ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2009. MMWR Early release, 58(Early release), 1-54. Chang, S., Collie, C. L. (2009). The future of cancer prevention will our workforce be ready? Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers Prevention, 18(9), 2348-2351. Feinstein, W. L. The Institutional ChangeProcess Lessons Learned Along the Way. Journal of Jewish Communal Service. Jewish Communal Service Association of north America (JCSA), 1999. James, J. (2009). Health Organizations Theory, Behavior, and Development 273 Saudbery Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Oreg, Shaul Berson, Yair. Personnel Psychology. Autumn2011, Vol. 64 Issue 3, p627-659. 33p. 1 Diagram, 2 Charts, 1 Graph. DOI 10.1111/j.1744-6570.2011.01221.x. , Database Business So urce Elite Weiner, B. J. (2009). A theory of organizational readiness for change. Implement Sci, 4(1), 67.

The Second Brandenburg Concerto Essay Example for Free

The Second Brandenburg Concerto EssayComposing for the inauguration of a harpsichord he had acquired in Berlin, Bach prepargond the Brandenburg Concertos in 1720. 1 Drawing from a wide range of tuneful influences and styles, Bach pays tribute to and in many ways surpasses the works of his contemporaries, lastly and undeniably furthering the concerto form. The concerto is a genre of instrumental works of three movements performed by one or more solo instruments accompanied by an orchestra.In a musical theater context, the term concerto (from the Latin concertare to contend, to dispute, to debate and to work together)2 was initially used inconsistently to refer to a variety of forms and functions, including blunt ensembles, mixed vocal/instrumental groups, and the act of accompanying. As the form developed, the term gained its lasting definition. The instrumental concerto emerged in the late 17th century. In Italy, two distinct styles arose, reflecting different approaches to mu sical structure and scoring.The Roman concerto featured a small ensemble of instrumentalists (called the concertino) playing in unison, contrapuntally or in alternation, accompanied by the bigger concerto grosso or ripieno. Federal Italian concertos were written for much smaller orchestras, with sometimes as little as five instrumental voices, and emphasized the role of a single soloist (usually a violinist) backed by relatively light accompaniment. The genre flourished in the early 18th century with the many innovations of Antonio Vivaldi.His earliest concertos made use of the ritornello form, in which tonalities are established and reestablished throughout a movement by orchestral refrains. The form was the first to regularly present a recurring musical motif in several contrasting tonalities. Vivaldi also incorporated techniques largely unused outside of opera, such as the orchestral unison and onomatopoeic effects. His compositions contain slow, lyrical passages that leave beh ind for and encourage improvisation and embellishment.Suited to a variety of settings and functions, from secular to recreational, Vivaldis concertos were highly accessible and diverse. 2 Bach was among the many influenced by Vivaldis style. An informal student of the Italian composer, Bach devotedly transcribed Vivaldis concertos by hand, often rescoring them. 3 Bachs attention to detail and expertise in musical structure gave his own works a refreshing individuality. His compositions included new, virtuosic instrumental techniques and applications, particularly for the harpsichord.Bachs Brandenburg Concertos brim with dense compositional textures, complex instrumentations (combining strings, brass, woods and mentionboard instruments) and crotchety mixtures of conventions usually exclusive to their own specific form of concerto. Featuring an astonishing amount of instruments, the Brandenburg Concertos make for a tonally diverse listening experience. Taking every travel in his palette into consideration, Bach orchestrates passages both instrumentally homogenous (specifically, string ensemble) and unusually varied (combining recorder and trumpet).The instrumental parts are as unique and unusual as they are difficult violas da gamba back atypically soloing violas, a recorder fights to sing above a trumpet, and a violin piccolo plays a debauched atmosphere customarily reserved for other members of its instrumental family. 4 Following the conventions of the concerto grosso form, the second Brandenburg concerto features two ensembles the concertino, a small group of soloists, and the ripieno, the larger orchestra accompanying them. The concerto is scored for the violin, viola, flute, trumpet, oboe and continuo.The fine-tune interplay between the soloists and the ripieno is most apparent in the manipulation of recurring musical themes. pic mm. 1-7 The first measures establish the ritornello, played in unison by both the soloist and larger orchestra, with con trapuntal voices in the accompaniment. The theme is grandiose the repeating 16th-16th-8th note motif excitedly calls for the listeners immediate attention, heralding a rising and falling current of 16th notes that seems to relay some thrilling news. pic mm. 8-9, violinA second theme, a brief solo, follows the ritornello, marking the entrance of a solo instrument in its every occurrence. The solo instrument is supported only by the continuo and at most one other instrument in the concertino the orchestra is at rest. The melody floats sweetly, lingering on a trill as a temporary reprieve from the uproar of the orchestra. The second theme is played by the violin in its first instance and in subsequent occurrences by the oboe, flute and trumpet, respectively. The two themes (the first truncated) alternate in rapid two-measure exchanges.Changes in thrash about and direction in the solo passages bring about modulation in the restated ritornellos that follow, shifting the mood of the pie ce and establishing the soloists and the driving force behind its movement. As the solo guides, the opening of each(prenominal) ritornello serves as a point of arrival. 5 This pattern is characteristic of Vivaldis style his concertos typically began with a full statement of the orchestral ritornello, which would re-emerge between alternate(a) solo passages in a notably altered form. 3 pic mm. 9-11 (top), 13-15 (bottom)The first example of this occurs in the transition from the solo passage to the restatement of the ritornello in measures 14 to 15. Reflecting a single change in the solo (a high C replaces the F in the last note), the transposed ritornello moves the piece into the chance on of C, the dominant to the tonic key of F. To the listener, the key change instills a sense of triumphant accumulation and a desire for eventual resolution. pic mm. 31-37, trumpet (top) and oboe (bottom) The next modulation takes the piece to the key of D minor, the relative minor to the tonic ke y.Against a suddenly (and unexpectedly) downcast orchestra, the high-pitched trumpet introduces a new theme a simple, prolonged intravenous feeding note sequence that contrasts with the complex and rapid movement of the accompaniment. The oboe answers this sequence between the trumpets restatements, gradually guiding it to a lower pitch range. As the trumpets sequence tapers off, the full orchestra returns to another restatement of the ritornello.

Theory of Competitive Advantage Value Chain Analysis

Theory of Competitive Advantage Value Chain AnalysisThe initial surmise regarding relative serves was related to comparative vantages of regions or nations. It included land, location, labor, natural resources and local population size. But it is not true always as rise of round the most advanced industrial nations have proved that the above factors have less bow in their course of development. For example, japan had disadvantage regarding availability of raw materials, abundant space and even access to other lands. But still the Nipponese companies have prospered and rose to be among the best in the world. Again Japan also has disadvantage in term of population size available. But that could not stop Japan from being a leader in business. in like manner economic hardship can really fuel fixth in a nation. It has been seen both in case if both Japan and Germ either. Both these nations were under severe economic trouble after World War II, but still they grew to be consta ncy major countries in the world.The reason for such port of nations or organizations in particular can be understood from The theory of competitory advantage which says that at that place argon other critical factors that determine the industry leadership. As per Michael Porter, the renowned Harvard business school professor sustainable industrial offset is hardly dependent on the above inherited factors. But it depends on groups of interconnected regulars, suppliers, related industries, and institutions that arise in certain locations and termed them as clusters. These clusters ar geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, service providers, and associated institutions in a particular field. They grow on locations where enough resources and copences amass and reach a critical threshold, giving it a key position in a given economic sort out of activity, with a decisive sustainable agonistical advantage over others places, or even a world supremacy in that field.Porter says clusters can influence competition in three waysThey can growth the productivity of the companies in the cluster.They can drive innovation in the field.They can stimulate red-hot businesses in the field.The competitive advantage of any industry or organization is determined by five forces of Porter. These five forces help the managers to focus on competitive forces that prevail in the industry and the possible threats to their organizations.Diagrammatic view of Porters five forcesThese areExisting competitive rivalry among organizations in industry The much that companies compete against one another for customers, ex- by take downing the prices of their products or by increasing advertising the lower is the level of industry profits. So this is a threat to the companies. thence in order to sustain the companies whitethorn come up with new strategies and innovations in their technologies as well as business processes. gum olibanum competitio n fuels growth in the industry as well as leads to innovations.Threat of new foodstuff entrants The easier it is for companies to enter the industry, because for ex- barriers to entry, such as brand loyalty are low, more than the likely it is for industry prices and hence the industry profits to be low. In the wake of such a situation the companies might go for further innovations or even differentiations in their products or businesses. Thus it helps in the evolution process of the companies.Bargaining power of buyers It depends on the size of the customers. The bargaining powers of the customers come if they are cock-a-hoop in size. So they can bargain to drive down the price of that output. As a result the industry producers might encounter low profits. So the bargaining power of buyers also decides the competitive advantage of the industry.Power of suppliers The suppliers also have important role in deciding the competitive advantage of firms. If in that location are only fe w large suppliers of an important input, then suppliers can drive up the price of that input and expensive inputs result in lower profits for profits for companies in an industry.Threat of substitute products (including technology change) Often the output of one industry is a substitute for the output of another industry. Ex- bendable may be substitute for steel in some industry. When this type of substitutes exists in the industry companies cannot demand very high prices for it or customers will electrical switch to the substitute and this constraint keeps their profits low.Again the above all factors lead the managers to take decisions in quadruple business level strategies to gain competitive advantage.These areLow cost strategy It is the strategy where the alliance focuses all its energies to lower its be in all the departments. As a result it can betray its products in lower costs than its rivals. Here though the companies are selling the products at low prices but since the product costs are low the company still makes profits. Ex- BIC competes Gillette with this strategy in razor blade industry.Focused low cost strategy In such a strategy managers focus to practice only a segment of overall market and tries to be lowest cost organization in that segment.Differentiation strategy It is the strategy where organizations products can be distinguished from the products of other organizations on factors like product design, quality, service, or after sales service. Here the process of differentiation may be unique and expensive. coca plant cola, PepsiCo, PG practice such strategies.Focused differentiation strategy it is the strategy that tries to serve only one segment of the overall market and aims to be the most tell organization serving that segment. For ex, BMW focuses on this strategy.The theory of competitive advantage can be also easily extended to the position of various nations. Here four factors have taken into consideration to nalayze the c ompetitive position of the nations. Germany and Japan are most apt examples of such a competitive advantage. These are discussed as follows intravenous feeding factors for competitive advantageThe strategy, structure and rivalry of firms As there is high competition among the firms, this competitive environment leads the firms to work harder for increase in productivity and innovation. The Japanese companies are cooperative at certain levels but they are also fiercely competitive. Thus it is the strategy and structure and rivalry of the firms that gives rise to excellence to the firms in terms of efficiency.Demand conditions If the firms face challenging and demanding customers then they constantly face pressure to improve their competiveness by innovative products, high quality etc. associate supporting industry A company prospers when supporting companies are located in the same area. Presence of supporting companies in the vicinity gives the firm added advantage in terms of gaini ng technological support and expertise.Factor conditions Specialized factors of production are skilled labor, capital and infrastructure. Non-key factors or general use factors, such as unskilled labor and raw materials, can be obtained by any company and, hence, do not generate sustained competitive advantage. However, specialized factors come to heavy, sustained investment. They are more difficult to duplicate. This creates a competitive advantage, because if other firms cannot easily duplicate these factors, they are valuable.VALUE cooking stoveValue Chain is a model that helps to analyze specific activities through which firms can create honour and competitive advantage. A tax scope is a chain of activities for a firm operating in a specific industry. The business unit is the appropriate level for construction of a observe chain, not the divisional level or corporate level. Products pass through all activities of the chain in order, and at each activity the product gains s ome value. The chain of activities gives the products more added value than the add up of the independent activitys value. It is important not to mix the concept of the value chain with the costs occurring throughout the activities. A diamond cutter, as a profession, can be used to illustrate the difference of cost and the value chain. The cutting activity may have a low cost, but the activity adds much of the value to the end product, since a rough diamond is significantly less valuable than a cut diamond.Value Chain framework modelValue Chain ensample of PorterTHE ACTIVITIES OF THE VALUE CHAINPrimary activities (line functions)inward Logistics. Includes receiving, storing, inventory control, transportation planning.Operations. Includes machining, packaging, assembly, equipment maintenance, testing and all other value-creating activities that transform the inputs into the final product.Outbound Logistics. The activities required to feel the finished product at the customers ware housing, order fulfillment, transportation, distribution management.Marketing and Sales. The activities associated with getting buyers to purchase the product, including channel selection, advertising, promotion, selling, pricing, retail management, etc.Service. The activities that maintain and enhance the products value, including customer support, regular services, installation, training, spare parts management, upgrading, etc.Support activities (Staff functions, overhead)Procurement. Procurement of raw materials, servicing, spare parts, buildings, machines, etc.Technology Development. Includes technology development to support the value chain activities. much(prenominal) as Research and Development, Process automation, design, redesign.Human Resource Management. The activities associated with recruiting, development (education), retention and compensation of employees and managers.Firm Infrastructure. Includes general management, planning management, legal, finance, accounting, public affairs, quality management, etc.A COST ADVANTAGE BASED ON THE VALUE CHAINA firm may create a cost advantageby trim back the cost of individual value chain activities, orby reconfiguring the value chain.Note that a cost advantage can be created by lessen the costs of the primary activities, but also by reducing the costs of the support activities. Recently there have been many companies that achieved a cost advantage by the clever use of Information Technology.Once the value chain has been defined, a cost analysis can be performed by assigning costs to the value chain activities. Porter identified 10 cost drivers related to value chain activitiesEconomies of scale.Learning.Capacity utilization.Linkages among activities.Interrelationships among business units.Degree of vertical integration.Timing of market entry.Firms policy of cost or differentiation.Geographic location.Institutional factors (regulation, union activity, taxes, etc.).A firm develops a cost advantage by cont rolling these drivers better than its competitors do. A cost advantage also can be pursued by Reconfiguring the value chain. Reconfiguration means structural changes such as a new production process, new distribution channels, or a different sales approach.DIFFERENTIATION AND VALUE CHAINA differentiation advantage can arise from any part of the value chain. For example, procurement of inputs that are unique and not widely available to competitors can create differentiation, as can distribution channels that adjure high service levels.Differentiation stems from uniqueness. A differentiation advantage may be achieved either by ever-changing individual value chain activities to increase uniqueness in the final product or by reconfiguring the value chain.Porter identified several drivers of uniquenessPolicies and decisionsLinkages among activitiesTimingLocationInterrelationshipsLearning consolidationScale (e.g. better service as a result of large scale)Institutional factorsMany of thes e also serve as cost drivers. Differentiation ofttimes results in greater costs, resulting in tradeoffs amid cost and differentiation. There are several ways in which a firm can reconfigure its value chain in order to create uniqueness. It can forward integrate in order to perform functions that once were performed by its customers. It can backward integrate in order to have more control over its inputs. It may implement new process technologies or utilize new distribution channels. Ultimately, the firm may need to be creative in order to develop a novel value chain configuration that increases product differentiation.TECHNOLOGY AND VALUE CHAINBecause technology is employed to some degree in every value creating activity, changes in technology can impact competitive advantage by incrementally changing the activities themselves or by making possible new configurations of the value chain.Various technologies are used in both primary value activities and support activitiesInbound Logi stics TechnologiesTransportationMaterial handlingMaterial storageCommunicationsTestingInformation systemsOperations TechnologiesProcessMaterialsMachine toolsMaterial handlingPackaging maintenanceTestingBuilding design operationInformation systemsOutbound Logistics TechnologiesTransportationMaterial handlingPackagingCommunicationsInformation systemsMarketing Sales TechnologiesMedia phone/videoCommunicationsInformation systemsService TechnologiesTestingCommunicationsInformation systemsNote that many of these technologies are used across the value chain. For example, information systems are seen in every activity. Similar technologies are used in support activities. In addition, technologies related to training, computer-aided design, and software development frequently are employed in support activities.To the extent that these technologies affect cost drivers or uniqueness, they can lead to a competitive advantage.LINKAGES BETWEEN VALUE CHAIN ACTIVITIESValue chain activities are no t isolated from one another. Rather, one value chain activity often affects the cost or performance of other ones. Linkages may exist between primary activities and also between primary and support activities.Consider the case in which the design of a product is changed in order to reduce manufacturing costs. allege that inadvertently the new product design results in increased service costs the cost reduction could be less than anticipated and even worse, there could be a net cost increase.Sometimes however, the firm may be able to reduce cost in one activity and consequently enjoy a cost reduction in another, such as when a design change simultaneously reduces manufacturing costs and improves reliability so that the service costs also are reduced. Through such improvements the firm has the potential to develop a competitive advantage.ANALYZING BUSINESS UNIT INTERRELATIONSHIPSInterrelationships among business units form the footing for a horizontal strategy. Such business unit i nterrelationships can be identified by a value chain analysis.Tangible interrelationships offer film opportunities to create a synergy among business units. For example, if multiple business units require a particular raw material, the procurement of that material can be shared among the business units. This sharing of the procurement activity can result in cost reduction. Such interrelationships may exist simultaneously in multiple value chain activities.Unfortunately, attempts to achieve synergy from the interrelationships among different business units often fall short of expectations due to unanticipated drawbacks. The cost of coordination, the cost of reduced flexibility, and organizational practicalities should be analyzed when devising a strategy to reap the benefits of the synergies.OUTSOURCING VALUE CHAIN ACTIVITIESA firm may specialize in one or more value chain activities and outsource the rest. The extent to which a firm performs upstream and downstream activities is d escribed by its degree of vertical integration.A thorough value chain analysis can illuminate the business system to facilitate outsourcing decisions. To decide which activities to outsource, managers must understand the firms strengths and weaknesses in each activity, both in terms of cost and ability to differentiate. Managers may consider the following when selecting activities to outsourceWhether the activity can be performed cheaper or better by suppliers.Whether the activity is one of the firms centre competencies from which stems a cost advantage or product differentiation?The risk of performing the activity in-house. If the activity relies on fast-changing technology or the product is interchange in a rapidly-changing market, it may be advantageous to outsource the activity in order to maintain flexibility and avoid the risk of investing in specialized assets.Whether the outsourcing of an activity can result in business process improvements such as reduced lead time, highe r flexibility, reduced inventory, etc.Thus we can see that every aspect of an organization can be rightly explained in light of value chain analysis to judge the competitive position of the organization. Normally, the Value Chain of a company is connected to other Value Chains and is part of a larger Value Chain. Hence, developing a competitive advantage depends on how efficiently we can analyze and manage the entire Value Chain.

Counter Terrorism Measures For Global Safety

Counter Terrorism Measures For Global SafetyTerrorism has inflicted fear and fear on almost every corner of the globe. Due to the pain that it inflicts on people indiscriminately, the United Nations has taken the threat of misgivingism seriously and is actively benignant all member nations to participate in counter act of terrorism efforts (United Nations UN, 2008). The counterterrorism agenda is a priority one for the UN for some years now. Countering terrorism has been a difficult pursuit because it is promptly laden with honest and moral issues. Due to terrorism targeting even innocent women and children and random civilians located at the wrong place and at the wrong time, many are tempted to pursue counterterrorism finished the eye for an eye approach. However, doing this would make the counterterrorism efforts no less evil than the terrorists, so engaging in acts to combat terrorism must adhere to egalitarian principles (Steven Gunaratna, 2007). While terrorism has be en a scourge for many decades now, the United States was forced to combat terror more than aggressively in the approaching of the September 11 attacks which claimed the lives of thousands. Measures energize been promulgated using various anti-terror approaches in order to protect civilians and to defend the world against terrorism (Bater, 2010). However, combating terrorism has become more difficult because the US is forced to deal not only with terrorists from overseas but even homegrown terrorists such as 19-year old Osban Muhamud who allegedly put a bomb in a Christmas tree (Thomas, Goldman Ryan, 2010). Nine years after 9/11, the terror threat has not waned and resolving the threat of terror at home and abroad is far from over.Models and Measures of CounterterrorismThere are three general models to combat terrorism. The first model, the criminal justice model (CJM), aims to combat terrorism while at the same time preserving fundamental human rights and elected principles. T he second model, the war model (WM), emphasizes on restraining terrorism itself than preserving democratic rights and places the state in a war-fighting mode to counter terrorism effectively. The third model integrates the previous two, called the expanded criminal justice model to provide greater flexibility in counterterrorism efforts (Steven Gunaratna, 2004).These models also reflect current counterterrorism measures recommended by the UN and its member nations, chiefly the United States (Department of Homeland Security DHS, 2008). Due to the fact that terrorists operate at various levels, whether political, legal, economic, force, and through the media, efforts to combat terrorism also encompass these areas (UN, 2008).Political Measures Political strategies in combating terrorism require that states address the root causes of terrorism in their respective countries. Terrorists legalise their violent acts as a solvent to poverty, unemployment, and other socio-political progra ms. Political measures to counter terror require that states negotiate with terror groups and making small concessions with them. The danger with this schema is that it gives terrorist groups legitimacy and may even encourage other groups to resort to terrorism in order to achieve their political goals and demands. Nonetheless, some governments have addressed terrorism by using poverty-reduction programs, employment and livelihood activities, land redistribution, and offering amnesties (UN, 2008).Punitive Measures Punitive measures are aimed at severing a terrorist groups lifeline by trip off its finances and other resource-generating capabilities (DHS, 2008). This involves banning fund-raising initiatives of know front organizations of terrorist groups. Other punitive measures that are used in many include freezing assets of known front organizations or of key leaders, boycotting countries found to harbor terrorists, and placing economic sanctions, as in the case of Iran and Iraq .Judicial Measures Judicial measures consider international human rights police force and enact legal measures to prevent terrorism. This includes ratification of international conventions or regional agreements relating to the extradition, prosecution, and mutual legal assistance to facilitate the capture of terrorists. Although this measure is the most democratic form of counterterrorism, it presents many problems such as the possibility of nations refusing to cooperate where the legal systems are not compatible and the refusal to prosecute suspected terrorists out of fear of retaliation. Legally, prosecuting terrorists is a challenge given the non-uniform definition of terrorism among countries (Steven Gunaratna, 2004).Intelligence gathering The lapses of 9/11 brought several measures to strengthen intelligence in the United States. One of the soonest measures undertaken was the passage of the controversial Patriot put to work which reduced the limitations that constabulary enforcement agencies were subject to in terms of searching email, telephone, medical, financial, and professional records (The Investigative Project on Terrorism, 2008). The Act also reduced the restrictions of the US when gathering information on other countries. The law also amended the definition of terrorism to encompass domestic terrorism, thus, expanding the powers of law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism. The law came under fire from civil rights groups and enhanced fears regarding breach of privacy and increasing surveillance powers of the government (Bater, 2010).Military Response The use of military for retaliatory response is an application of the war model whereby civilian legal systems are temporarily suspended in favor of martial law (UN, 2008). The military response is a controversial measure in terms of international law. It poses the likelihood of alienating the public and giving the terrorists hero status moreover, military response can be interpreted acts of aggression and heighten anti-US sentiment, making the capture of terrorists more difficult (The Investigative Project on Terrorism, 2008).ConclusionDifferent models and approaches to counterterrorism have been applied by the United States and members of the United Nations. While each have its advantages in zeroing in on terrorists and preventing the further loss of life, certain democratic rights and ethical issues make such measures precarious and difficult. This is because any effort to weed out terrorism must be balanced against international norms on human rights and democratic freedoms.

Caborn - Geography :: essays research papers fc

CabornThe topographic map that is the study area is the Caborn quadrangle. This area is located in the southwest area of Indiana and on the south is bordering the Ohio River. The topography of this area is pocketed with piano rolling hills with the largest depression in the land just north of the Ohio River with Goose pond located in the center of it. This study area is located in the Wabash lowland of Indiana and its bedrock consists of mainly of shale and sandstone. There is also a thin layer of bedrock consisting of limestone, clay and coal.There are three major routes of transportation through this area which are the Ohio River, the railroad, and highway 62. The Ohio River in the southern area of the study region is one of the main transportation routes. The Southwind Maritime concentrate on is a river port located on the Ohio River and is located on the west side of the map. This port is a state-of-the-art river port with advanced material discussion technologies. The port is specifically designed to handle in or out bound container cargo. The port is also a designated Foreign Trade Zone providing advantages to companies in this area involved in international trade. This Port is more than 740 acres and is home to a wide variety of companies. The Southwind Maritime Center is also advantageously accessible by railroad and a four-lane freeway as shown on map where they are located just north of the port. The railroad as shown on the map runs from the northeastern corner to the mid-west side. Highway 62 runs from the east to west along the middle of the map. The highway and railroad provide transportation routes concealment and forth between Mount Vernon and Evansville. The Caborn quadrangle is located in Posey County, Indiana. There are 491 farms in Posey County. Eighty-five percent of the total land in this county is farming area according to Bureau of the Census in 1992. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics about forty percent of the work for ce in Posey County works near sort of manufacturing job and this shows the importance of Southwind Maritime center to this region. The study area has a humid, continental climate with warm summers and cool winters. The average temperatures for this region transform from 37 F in the winter to 80 F in the summer.

The Socio-Economic Link Between Town and Country Essay example -- Karl

Nowadays, nine tenth of the global population are residents of cities. This implies that urbanization reduced modern human race to a state where the vast majority of population dwells in the urban areas. Nevertheless, peripheral regions constitute a substantial segment of a states socio-economic pattern. One of the most prominent philosophers of the nineteenth century, Karl Marx, in his extraordinary 1848 political treatise The Communist Manifesto, wrote, The bourgeoisie has subjected the country to the rule of the townspeoples. It has created enormous cities, has greatly increased the urban population as compared with the rural and has thus rescued a considerable part of the population from the idiocy of rural life. it has made the country dependent on the towns (366). In fact, Marx establishes the idea that bourgeoisie by exploiting proletarians of rural areas encourages an essential social and economic inequality between town and country. Contrariwise, Adam smith, one of the most prestigious economic thinkers of the eighteenth century, in his distinguished 1776 work Of the Natural Progress of Opulence, asserted, The great commerce is that between town and country, which is obviously advantageous to both (351). Inherently, Smith states the concept that country and town exist in a mutual and reciprocal socio-economic causation and consent, in which both participants succeed in a relevant mode. To sum up, there is a significant discrepancy in Marxs and Smiths opinions. Specifically, Marx maintains that the country is obliged to submit to the absolute dominion of the town, or, by means of Smiths formulation, the gain of the town is the loss of the country, and oppositely Smith argues that there is country modifying... ...nt mode, whereas Marx suggests that in these circumstances the country acts as a defeated party. Particularly, Smith might agree that there is inequality in lifestyles between country and town, nevertheless this inequality is d etermined not by the town exploiting the country, but is created by the disproportional distribution of opulence between them. The other disagreement manifests in the idea that despite Marx suggests that urban lifestyle is more delightful than rural, Smith asserts that rural lifestyle is original and more preferable for the ordinary citizen. However, despite obvious dissensions between Marxs and Smiths argumentations, generally they fulfill to the ideological balance, since, both Marx and Smith agree that the nature of socio-economic relationships between town and country is fundamentally positive for the general population of the state.