Feasibility Paper Essay Example

Feasibility Paper Essay Product/ Service Feasibility Analysis Being and feeling healthy has always been a major desire and while many people unreason ten Detentes AT Dealing inanely Ana not many nave Eden addle to Implement healthy habits into their daily lives. As technology has advanced and we have discovered more about diseases and disorders, we have also grown into the awareness that many of these are attributed to the food people eat and the environment they live in. Due to these discoveries a new trend of healthy eating and living has came about and this awareness has been spreading over the years among the population. A number of people definitely desire to enjoy life longevity and minimize their medical expenses. Unfortunately, not many businesses have responded to the demand of the population regarding healthy habits. The companies that have taken advantage of this trend have achieved to charge high prices, but limiting the segment of the population they can target Just to high income. This happens because many restaurants disregard using organic ingredients due to its slightly higher price and its least lasting life or conservation, thus limiting options for customers of choosing green organic food while relaxing in an environmentally friendly place. Green Addict offers to satisfy the need of the customers. Its products and services are unique and appealing to a large number of people who are health conscious. It is apparent that the consumers will get excited when they are served organic food in a cool and environmental-friendly restaurant. Green Addict takes advantage of an environmental trend of global warming and the publicity of environmental issues. Most people are aware of the dangers of genetically modified food and the carbon production. It is apparent that even small children are aware of the going green concerned because of the media publicity. Green Addicts idea of sing recycled materials is vital in the eye of the public who are already trying in their own level to reduce carbon emission. Green Addict therefore feels the environmental gap that is currently experienced in the market place. The introduction of products and services by Green Addict is timely because it comes at a time when almost everyone around the world is worried about global warming and are more willing to implement healthy habits. We will write a custom essay sample on Feasibility Paper specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Feasibility Paper specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Feasibility Paper specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Green Addict will be offering products that many consumers would want to buy because of the consciousness of helping to save the environment environment and staying healthy. Everyone asked about the importance of organic food has given a positive response. Offering organic meals and a healthy environmentally friendly experience will therefore lead to a competitive edge in the market thus increasing the chances of the business idea to be successful. Customers that are health and environmental-conservation conscious will even be willing to pay slightly higher price because of their understanding of the quality of products and services offered. The product design and services offered at Green Addict may have a challenge of obtaining raw material as well as other organic supplies because they are very limited and extremely expensive. Offering organic foodstuffs is very costly and the customers may not be willing to pay the higher cost of services. It is also likely that Green Addict may incorporate a few ingredients, which are not organic such as cheaper cooking oil that may contain food additive and chemicals that may turn away the consumers. Maintaining a purely green and organic product may therefore not easy to maintain unless the customers targeted are willing and able to pay for the higher costs associated with the product and services. We decided to see what reaction would University of Miami students would eave T Green Act winner to De opened Ana located close to ten coral Ga campus. We were able to interview 100 students in the library to whom we asked two questions. The first question said: How important is to you eating healthy in a scale from one to seven, one being not important at all and seven being it is very important? From 1 to 7, the average came to be a 5. 8; this number, tells us a lot about how important staying and eating healthy is to the University of Miami students. The second question was a simpler Yes/No asked given after providing the student with a brief explanation of what Green Addict had to offer. Would you be ailing to spend two to three dollars more in your meal if the food were to be hea lthy? Surprisingly, again we obtained a favorable number towards accepting Green Addict in the market. Approximately 74% of the students at the University of Miami would consider spending two to three dollars more in order to have a Green Addict meal. We can conclude that students at the University of Miami would have a positive attitude toward Green Addict if it were to be opened. 2. Industry/ Target Market Feasibility Analysis It is crucial to assess the overall appeal of the industry as well as the target market for the Green Addict. Industry/ Target Market feasibility analysis includes industry and target market attractiveness. The new venture Green Addict targets individuals of middle and high income, college educated residents, and family oriented zones because these communities are generally more interested in the benefits of eating natural and organic foods. For consumers who believe that there are not enough places to eat in Miami, Green Addict would satisfy and cater to their recycled, go green, and organic lifestyle. The restaurant and food services industry is expected to grow extensively by 2014 and cafes and restaurants represent almost over 50% of the vernal industry. The organic food demand is skyrocketing because of the increasing global population as well as the general migration from rural to urban that changes the lifestyle trend. It is undeniable that the eating habits are changing particularly amongst the middle class and the rich families as well as college students because of their healthy living awareness. The increased number of organic food campaigns plays an integral role in the great performance of organic food industry. Most people currently work in the offices and do not have time to prepare and eat organic food as including time to relax in their homes. Green Addict operates in an industry with many prospects because college students along with the rich and the middle class families will always want to have healthy food and relax in an environmentally friendly organization. Change in consumer preference positively affects the organic food industry. Most consumers prefer serving a healthy menu, which includes eating fresh organic, nutritious and low calorie food because of the healthiness, and the environmental friendliness linked with it. The organic food restaurant industry is a vapidly growing industry due to the rising health concerns with increased obesity awareness on top of other related diseases. Most restaurant menus are filled with organic foods and drinks because of the readily available market. Consumers in the high-income bracket are shifting their preferences to organic food and other related products that are served in an environmental friendly experience and that is exactly what the Green Addict offers. Although the industry is associated with expensive products, a large under AT roll Ana immune class populations cannot Ignore ten health benefits associated with the products. The target market, who are the middle class and the rich believe that the health benefits linked with organic foods and related experiences deserve the higher prices. It is therefore obvious that the organic food restaurant industry is still young and is rapidly growing thus providing numerous opportunities for the Green Addict. Currently, most people are beginning to be health conscious and are therefore willing to buy healthy food while enjoying similar experience. The industry is also early in the lifestyle due to the latest needs and campaigns regarding healthy living. However, the industry is fragmented cause only the middle and the rich class are only consumers capable of buying the costly products. The health conscious and environmentally conservative people believe that organic food products and green experience is a must have and therefore should not be avoided as much as possible. This segment of consumers is more concerned with their lives and environment than the price of the product. They think that there are no alternatives for healthy living and are ready to give it all Just to remain healthy. Presently, the industry is not crowded because of the higher costs and low operating margins involved. 3. Organizational Feasibility Analysis The need for sufficient management expertise, business competence and resources are crucial for the better performance of a business venture. In organizational feasibility analysis, management prowess and resource sufficiency are important as well. The Green Addict will satisfy the necessity of pleasant living including fresh air and organic food in a green self-sufficient environment thus making it differentiated from other restaurants in Miami. Green Addict will differentiate itself from its competitors by providing a healthy, CEO-friendly experience that is unique in the industry. This will be an important aspect of the organization as far as increasing its market share is concerned because it will appeal to the untapped but willing and able to buy market. Additionally, Green Addict will operate as a chain of restaurants thus leading to wider market coverage. It will operate in different geographical places hence creating place utility to various potential consumers in different positions. Moreover, Green Addict will focus on satisfying the customers wants, such as, offering a more intimate environment and simplifying the act of healthy eating thus satisfying the immediate needs of the consumers. The chain of restaurants will not let their consumers take home foodstuffs as their competitors like Whole Foods and Fresh Market do, instead they will make their own organic food that will be eaten right in the restaurant. Ambiance remains integral to the Green Addict unlike some of its fast food competitors such as, Eves and Jamb Juice, which do not pay attention to the environment. Management of Green Addict will serve its purpose appropriately because the team will carry what it takes to do its intended business venture. The chain of restaurants management comprises of the expounders who eave vast experience in various special fields. The expounders include Amy Fernando who is yoga, Palates and eating healthy addict who greatly understands the target market and therefore will enhance marketing and promotions. The other expounder is Nathalie Base who is expected to induce the experiences she gained Trot working In a restaurant Tort two conservative summer, as well as Mane Average who has served in a non-profit organization that provided crucial management techniques and skills. Finally, there is Daniel Buttock who has taken several nutrition courses at the University of Miami hence providing a great knowledge in providing he best organic nutrition. Green Addict will operate in an environmental friendly place that conforms the nature of business. However, there will be few suppliers of organic food to the organization because most suppliers supply food for home consumption and at a higher price, which may not earn much profit for the business. The industry is still growing and the fast food industry seems to enjoy a higher number of suppliers compared to the organic food industry. This may therefore force the Green Addict to have their own garden and grow some of their own organic food such as vegetables and fruit. Nevertheless, this may take place after long run and working at a higher scale. . Financial Feasibility Analysis Restaurant business has really been thriving in Miami with annual revenue of $2,000,000. By analyzing the purchase and a set of Restaurant start up and Feasibility spread sheets for various restaurants serving dinner and lunch, the total weekly sales may be $14,380 and maintain a steady rise in percentage of 5%. When weekly sales are multiplied by 52 weeks, the likely annual revenue will be around $1,000 ,000 during the peak sales in the first 5-7 years. This forecast incorporates both the peak and low season. Green Addict is planning to maintain their customers through distinctive quality services and products. The loyal customers will then help in marketing the restaurant resulting into recurring and increasing source of revenue. The revenues generated will be sufficient to cater for expenses and finance other internal projects that contribute in growth sustained. When the Green Addict venture utilizes the four As strategically, then it is definite that it will be successful. Green Addicts products and services are unique and are highly demanded. Green Addict should also utilize the social media and print media as well as leaflets promotions to boost their revenues. Social media is currently the most popular media especially Backbone and therefore its utilization may be useful in targeting the college students who form a bigger percentage of Backbone users. Moreover, the restaurant will provide services and products at various locations due to the environmental friendly surroundings that are associated with it. To prove the viability of Green Addict, a cash flow statement for the two first years is explained. The following cash flow is based on forecasting the first two years of the company, which are 2014 and 2015. It starts by calculating depreciation, dividing the initial cost by the useful life of the asset, the first year the company is estimated to spend around 100,000$ in equipment and furniture. Those assets are calculated to last for a period of 10 years. Finally we will get depreciation sums a total of 10,000$. For the next year, 201 5, we expect to spend in equipment 50,000, which will focus on expansion and quality control. As well as 2014, we expect that those assets last for 10 ears minimum, so the depreciation for 201 5 will be 5,000$. Then we calculate the decrease in account payable and the increase in account expenses. There is a Mullen amount In decrease AT account paddle as well as In Increase AT Inventory since is a new venture and also because the business is selling a service, where the product is sold right away and do not have people owing them. Furthermore, we calculate the decrease in inventory. We are expecting a sale of more the 500,000$ a year, and we calculate that our inventory for a year costs 100,000$.

The History of the Hygrometer

The History of the Hygrometer A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the moisture content – that is, the humidity –  of air or any other gas. The hygrometer is a device that has had many incarnations. Leonardo da Vinci built the first crude hygrometer in the 1400s. Francesco Folli invented a more practical hygrometer in 1664.In 1783, Swiss physicist and geologist, Horace Bà ©nà ©dict de Saussure built the first hygrometer using a human hair to measure humidity. These are called mechanical hygrometers, based on the principle that organic substances (human hair) contract and expand in response to the relative humidity. The contraction and expansion move a needle gauge. Dry and Wet-Bulb Psychrometer The best-known type of hygrometer is the dry and wet-bulb psychrometer, best described as two mercury thermometers, one with a wetted base, one with a dry base. The water from the wet base evaporates and absorbs heat, causing the thermometer reading to drop. Using a calculation table, the reading from the dry thermometer and the reading drop from the wet thermometer are used to determine the relative humidity. While the term â€Å"psychrometer† was coined by a German Ernst Ferdinand August, 19th-century physicist Sir John Leslie (1776-1832) is often credited with actually inventing the device.   Some hygrometers use the measurements of changes in electrical resistance, using a thin piece of lithium chloride or other semiconductive material and measuring the resistance, which is affected by humidity. Other Hygrometer Inventors Robert Hooke: A 17th century contemporary of Sir Isaac Newton invented or improved a number of meteorological instruments such as the barometer and the anemometer. His hygrometer, regarded as the first mechanical hygrometer, used the husk of oat grain, which he noted curled and uncurled depending on the humidity of the air. Hooke’s other inventions include the universal joint, an early prototype of the respirator, the anchor escapement and the balance spring, which made more accurate clocks possible. Most famously, however, he was the first to discover cells.   John Frederic Daniell:  In 1820, British chemist and meteorologist, John Frederic invented a dew-point hygrometer, which came into widespread use to measure the temperature at which moist air reaches a saturation point. Daniel is best known for inventing the Daniell cell, an improvement over the voltaic cell used in the early history of battery development.

Mapping your Future Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Mapping your Future - Essay Example Professionalism requires informed decision making. The individual needs to take responsibility for his/her actions and do his/her best to ensure optimal output remaining within the laws and regulations imposed by the state and the organization. Moreover, professionalism of an individual is also judged by his/her productivity, compliance with the deadlines, and the quality of work. Although most organizations in the contemporary age have a defined set of ethical and work-related rules, yet certain rules are expected to be understood by the employees without indication because they are the requirements of professionalism, and may not thus be necessarily included in the ethical codes. Such rules include but are not limited to no gossiping, dealing others with respect, dressing decently, and greeting the coworkers. One must follow these rules because they depict one’s behavior as well as one’s impression on others. In addition to that, following these rules is necessary in order to have a professional attitude and excel in the professional

Pharmco National Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pharmco National - Essay Example What is effective and evident practice of one manager does not necessarily mean appropriateness to other managers as well. Sharing of knowledge as one context in the system does not get an absolute support from the employees, considering the fact that it is one investment that they nurture through years of experience and they are not set of giving it. Doubts relating to threats in position exist among managers that impede them to be one in meeting the intranet prospects. Likely, each function performs in a world different from the others and concentrates on meeting the objectives of their particular area only. Knowledge capturing by intranet system differs from person to person interaction in conceptualization of information. Knowledge barrier is evident in all concerned functions, particularly among Marketing and Sales role that speak their own language in performing their respective responsibility. The Intranet system does not bridge the differences of each area and utilization of knowledge for use by others. There is absence of common contextualization of the knowledge management system that makes it difficult to acquire participation of involved personnel. 1. The project fails to account the details of the nature of responsibility of involved function.

Biological Module Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Biological Module - Essay Example The relationship lead to the permanent association and integration leading to eventual evolution of eukaryotes. Membranes that may be double or single layered line cell organelles. The Mitochondria, chloroplast and the nucleus (not strictly an organelle) have double layered membranes, while the Lysosomes, Golgi apparati, vacuoles and so on have a single membrane. The Ribosomes are non-membranous structures. The structural representation in the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane is universal in all living cells (plants & animals) and consists of two layers of phospholipids (lipids attached to a phosphate unit, proteins that dynamically move about the membrane and a small amount of glycoproteins (glucose bonded to proteins). The lipid molecules are "amphiphilic," having a hydrophilic (water loving) portion facing outside and a hydrophobic (water shunning) lipid portion turned inside. (Campbells' Biology Chapter 8; Dalton.M Chapter2/membrane/html.) Primarily, there are10 different types of lipids reported in cell membranes with different types of cells/organelles having differing percentage of each lipid, protein, and carbohydrate. They are: (1)Cholesterol, (2)Glycolipids, (3) Phosphatidylcholine, (4)Sphingomyelin, (5)Phosphatidylethnolamine, (6)Phosphatydilinositol, (7)Phosphatidylserine, (8) Phosphatidylglycerol, (9)Diphosphatidylglycerol (Cardiolipin), (10)Phosphatidic acid (Dalton.M Chapter2/membrane/html). Proteins in the cell membrane may have limited movement (being bound to the cell's exoskeleton or other membrane structures) or move freely if unbound (Campbells' Biology Chapter 8; Cellmembranes.html 10 Aug. 2003) . These proteins could be in the hydrophobic (integral proteins) or in the hydrophilic (peripheral proteins) regions. The proteins vary in structure and function but have distinct directional orientation (Campbells' Biology Chapter 8). Differential permeability The membranes are responsible for maintaining an almost constant cell or organelle environment. For instance the pH with the Lysosome is maintained at 5. This has been made possible by the selective permeability of the membrane that allows ready entry of glucose, amino acids and lipids and prevents the exit of metabolic intermediates while allowing external passage of wastes. The membranes' hydrophobic portions are typically impermeable to water-soluble materials like glucose, amino

Conversation Analysis In A Real Conversation English Language Essay

Conversation Analysis In A Real Conversation English Language Essay In the previous chapter, discourse analysis has been discussed. In this chapter, we are going to talk about conversation analysis, which is one of the approaches to analyze discourse. 8.1.1 What is Conversation Analysis? People are interested in understanding how social interaction work. Linguists discover the ways in which how social interaction are organized, they tried to describe and analyze those features appeared in conversation; they use scientific methods to examine the phenomena. Conversation Analysis is a systematic study established by the American pioneers, Harvey Sacks, Emanuel A. Schegloff, and Gail Jefferson. According to Hutchby and Wooffitt (2008), how is a normal conversation organized, how do people arrange their conversation in daily social interaction, and what is the role of conversation in between each participants, are the major subject matter of this chapter. 8.1.2 Why do we need Conversation Analysis? Conversation analysis represents a methodological approach to the study of social communication (Psathas, 1995). At the fundamental level, conversation analysis is the study of talk. It studies the natural and authentic conversation in real life situations, especially to determine turn-taking organization, silence and repairing problem, sequence of utterances and transcription. The term interaction could apply to numbers of social encounters. For instance, a teacher chatting with students in a staff room is one kind of interaction; others included a doctor asking patient for the illnesses, a professor attending to a formal academic exchange meeting, or a woman chit-chat with the shop-keeper during she buys vegetables at the supermarket, and there are dozens of examples showing that people are involved in different contexts of conversation. 8.1.3 Maxims of Conversation In the field of linguistics, even more specifically in the area of pragmatics and discourse analysis, scholar introduced an important concept: maxims of conversation. It is the unwritten rules that govern people to make an appropriate conversation. The basic description of Grices cooperative principle govern how people ordinarily react in conversations: Be true, be brief, be relevant and be clear. 8.2.1 Turn-taking Organization in Conversation Turn-taking is one of the most critical and noticeable aspects of conversational structure. Harvey Sacks (1995), who the founder of the conversational analytic system, hold the view that the basic small unit of the conversation is turn. We are going to look at some fundamental features about turns (or floors) in order to discover how turns can be allocated. Furthermore, in a normal, polite, Western-styled conversation, participants do not keep on speaking all the time, as to demonstrates patience, cooperation, social etiquette in a conversation, they will wait for their turn to speak. Liddicoat (2007) indicated that speakers keep changing in a conversation: when A is finished, it is Bs turn to talk. Consequently when B has finished speaking, A take turn again. 8.2.2 How does turn-taking works? Schegloff, Sacks Jefferson (1974) introduced a set of turn-taking rules for people who involved in conversation can manage turn transition and turn allocation easily. The turn-taking rules are set for distinguishing who should take the turn at the next transition relevance place (TRP). A transition-relevance place (TRP) takes place at the completion of an utterance; it is the change-of-turn place (Wang, 2011). The turn-taking rules are ordered as the following: If a speaker is selected by the current speaker, then that speaker must take the turn at the next transition relevance place. Example Venus: Where should we go now, turn left or turn right?Winnie. Winnie: Erà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I dont know, I am sorry. In this situation, A pass the turn to B by asking a question. If, however, no next speaker is selected, then any other participant in the conversation may self-select to take the role and start speaking. Example Venus: Where should we go now, turn left or turn right? Hailey: I know. Venus: Yes? Hailey. Hailey: uhà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I suppose we should turn left. If no other speaker self-selects to take the role, the current speaker may then continue to talk again. Example Venus: Which is the correct direction to go, left or right? Winnie, Joanna, Hailey: (Silence) Venus: No one knows? Venus: uhà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Ok, turn right then. Speakers will indicate their willingness to stop by using signals, such as turning their gaze to someone in the conversation, or using body languages and gestures, in order to stop and let others continue. Also, they may soften their speech, lengthen the last syllable of a sentence or use some discourse markers e.g. you know, as you see or sort of things etc. If certain markers are showed by the current speaker, another participant will then take over the conversation. There are two types of signals or markers. Implicit markers Most of the time, people use body languages, sometimes prosodic features such as falling tone and rising tone can also be used. Example 1 Have you noticedà ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ that? Example 2 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Cant you see the dolphin? Explicit markers These are different kinds of linguistic features to invite people give response. a) Suggestion Turn-taking by making some suggestions. Example Shall we go to Lamma Island on this Tuesday? b) Request Current speaker may make a request the others. Example Could you please tell me about your journey? c) Question Current speaker will asks question in order to draws people attention and encourage others to get involved. Example We go to Barcelona in the coming Easter, what do you think, darling? 8.2.3 Gaps and Overlaps in Turn-taking Jerfferson (1983) have proposed some of the organizational features of gaps and overlapping. As we mentioned before, turn-taking can be visibly signaled by using body languages and gestures, however, it can also be marked by overlapping (Hutchby Wooffitt, 1998; Schegloff, Sacks Jefferson, 1974). If two or more people are speaking at the same time, overlapping will occur when the next speaker start talking when the current speaker has just completed a thought only, but still decide to continue (Schegloff, Sacks Jefferson 1974). Gaps may be treated as signs of trouble, for example, that the upcoming turn such as disagreements and repairs (Levinson, 1983). Gaps in conversation occur very frequently, such as telephone conversation. Example 1 Joanna: Well, will you help me for these. Hailey: I certainly will give you a hand. Example 2 Hailey: Why dont you come and join me tonight at the party. Winnie: Sure, I would like to. When the next speaker self-selects at a transition-relevance place, but a current speaker would like to add additional information into the completed utterance, overlaps will also occur. Example 3 Hailey: That was a romantic weekend, uh..Ven- Venus. Venus: Im glad you enjoyed your time. Example 4 Winnie: The party should be around seven or so Venus: Well, do you have an extra bed at your place? 8.3 Repairs As Schegloff (1979) said, Repair is defined as the mechanism by which trouble in speaking, hearing, and understanding is claimed and resolved. 8.3.1 Different kinds of conversation repair Repair can be classified by who initiates repair, such as self or other, and by who solves them, such as self or other (Wikipedia: Conversation Analysis, n. d.). Repair therefore can be divided into four types. They are self-initiated self repair, other-initiated self repair, self-initiated other repair and other-initiated other repair. 8.3.1.1 Self-initiated self repair According to Wang (2011), the speaker initiates the mistake or something unknown in his conversation and he repairs it by himself, which is called self-initiated and self repair. Example Ruby: What have you done at the weekend? LiXun: I go toà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦erà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦have gone to see a movie. In the example, LiXun initiates that he uses the wrong tense so he changes go into have gone immediately. 8.3.1.2 Other-initiated self repair Not only the speaker himself can initiate his mistake, but other speakers also can do so. The speaker himself will repair it. This situation is called other-initiated self repair. The same situation as what mentioned above. The situation is changed. Ruby: What have you seen? LiXun: I go to see a movie. Ruby: (surprised) What do you mean? LiXun: I said I have gone to a movie. In this example, LiXun does not initiate that he uses the wrong tense. Ruby however dose. She reminds LiXun to repair. 8.3.1.3 Self-initiated other repair Self-initiated other repair is absolutely opposite to other-initiated self repair. The speaker himself initiates what should be repaired but he fails to repair it. The others help him to repair. Example Ruby is going on talking with LiXun. Ruby: Then what have you seen? LiXun: A movie, er, adapted from a magic fiction, er, so famous. I forget the nameà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Its writer is J.K. Rowling. Ruby: Aha. I see. Its Harry Potter. LiXun: Yes, that is! Thanks. In this example, LiXun fails to remember the name of the movie in the conversation. Even though he knows the detail of the movie, he still cannot tell Ruby what he has seen. The detail which he gives however reminds Ruby of the name of the movie. This situation is defined as self-initiated other repair. 8.3.1.4 Other-initiated other repair In other-initiated other repair, the speaker even does not initiate what he has to repair. Others initiate it and repair for the speaker. You can learn from the following example. Example LiXun wants to go on their conversation. LiXun: What about you, Ruby? Ruby: Er, I think we have to go to the lecture room. Otherwise, we will be late for the lecture. LiXun: Lets go to D1-LP-02. Ruby: No, we are going to D1-LP-04. Ruby initiates what LiXun says is wrong in the conversation and repairs what he fails to say. 8.4 Attributable silences Silence plays an important role in our speech. As stated by Jaworski (1993, p.3), The main common link between speech and silence is that the same interpretive processes apply to someones remaining meaningfully silent in discourse as to their speaking. Jaworski (1993) also suggests that silence has positive and negative value in a speech. His words indicated various silences of different situation perform different functions. 8.4.1 Function of silence Jeasen (1973) suggested that there are five function of silence in speech. The functions he points out are the following: a judgmental function, a linkage function, an affecting function, a revelation function and an activating function. All of the five functions are what we are going to focus on. 8.4.1.1 Judgmental silence According to Jeasen (1973), silence may indicate ones attitude towards the topic he is talking about. Silence can tell whether he supports or he objects the idea. Example LiXun is talking a boring topic with Ruby. LiXun: I think chemistry is so amazing! Ruby: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Smiles and says nothing) LiXun: Wow! You see the chemistry formulaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (He goes on talking excitedly.) Ruby: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Still keeps silent) Its apparent that Ruby holds opposite attitude to what LiXun is talking about. So she keeps silent for politeness. 8.4.1.2 Linkage silence Jeasen (1973) stated that silence is able to bring two or more people together or to separate them. It brings further effects on the speakers in the speech. We are familiar with the following situation. Two good friends misunderstood each other. Every time when they see each other they just keep silent. They, sooner or later, will become strangers. Because of silence, they fail to know what the other thinks. As the time goes by, they are separated by silence. This kind of silence separates people. 8.4.1.3 Affective silence Jeansen (1973) holds the opinion that silence can heal or wound someone. It is believed that silence shows your attitude towards the topic of the conversation, as well as your attitude towards the speakers. For example, people always keep silence when they are talking to someone they dislike. The silence usually wound the speakers. 8.4.1.4 Revelatory silence Revelatory silence is an interesting one. Jeasen (1973) said that there may be some information behind the silence. It, meanwhile, may be known to the speakers or the listeners. What the silence actually means depends on the relationship between the speakers. You can see in the following example. If two closed friends, especially girls, are gossiping, they will keep silence when they are met someone who they are talking about. In this example, the silence conveys a warning. 8.4.1.5 Activating silence Jeasen (1973) indicated that this kind of silence may bring some deep thoughtful signal. It also may bring mental inactive signal. While we are talking, our mind keeps on thinking. A silence is able to show the deep mind of the speakers. As you can see, when we are consulting with the professors, they usually lead us to thinking deeply. The professors, therefore, choose to be silence when we are talking our ideas. The silence can be considered as an encouragement, an agreement or an appreciation. 8.5 Sequence of Conversation 8.5.1 Adjacency Pairs Adjacency pair is the sequence of conversation. It includes two parts which are produced near another (Hutchby Wooffitt, 1998) and is the smallest unit of conversational exchange. Basic form of adjacency pair (Schegloff, 2007): First, adjacency pair involves two utterances. Once the first utterance is spoken, the second is required. Second, each utterance is produced by two different speakers. Third, pairs are adjacently placed. Fourth, pairs of utterances are ordered. They are separated into two parts. They are the first pair parts (FPPs) and the second pair parts (SFFs). For instance, given a question is followed by an answer, then the question is the FPPs and the answer is the SPPs. Lastly, they are pair-type related. Here are some example of some types of adjacency pairs (Wang, 2011): Question à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ answer [At the supermarket] Hailey: Can I get some help over here? I cant get that tin of sardines. Shop-keeper: Ill be right here to help you. Invitation / request à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ acceptance / declination [In Winnies birthday] Joanna: Would you like to dance with me, please? Winnie: Yes. Greeting à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ return greeting Hailey: Good morning. Joanna: Morning. Offer à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ acceptance / rejection [In the library] Liberian: May I help you find something? Venus: No thanks, I can find it by myself. Compliment à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ acceptance Venus: Your dress looks very lovely. Winnie: Thank you. I just brought it from HM. 8.5.1.2 Transition of sequence There are different types of transition of sequence. 8.5.1.2.1 Adjacency/ Nextness To verbalize a turn-constructional unit, every word ought to be placed one by one (Schegloff, 2007). (8.5.1.2.1.a) Ben : Good morning. Bob : Good morning. In the above conversation, Ben greets Bob and then Bob returns the greeting to Ben immediately. (8.5.1.2.1.b) Ben :Would you like to have a lunch? Bob : No, thanks. Ben : How about a drink? The above conversation is called exchange as it includes three utterances. The IRF pattern are initiation, response and follow-up (Wang, 2011). 8.5.1.2.2 Counters Counter means one does not answer SPP directly after one asks a FPP, instead he/she direct the FPP back to the asker (Schegloff, 2007). In this case, SSP given is being delayed. (8.5.1.2.2.a) (Tarpee, 1991:1) 1 Kate : F Æ’Â   What is it? 2 Emily : F Æ’Â   You guess what it is first. 3 (0.2) 4 Kate : S Æ’Â   Pumpkin. 5 Emily : Yes, it is. In the conversation, Kate asks a question (FFP) in line 1, however, Emily does not answer it in return, and instead she redirects the question back to Kate (the asker) to answer. (line2) (8.5.1.2.2.b) (Scheflen, 1961:114, as adapted in Peyrot, 1994:17) 1 Seth : F Æ’Â   Do you love me? 2 Candy : F Æ’Â   Do you think so? 3 Seth : Sure. 4 Candy : But I dont. In the conversation, Candy does not answer Seths question directly. Instead, she answers the question with an insertion of a question-answer exchange. 8.5.2 Pre-expansion Pre-expansion means adding a part before an exchange (FPs and SPs). According to Schegloffs, pre-expansion is expanding the conversation by adding preliminary question in front of the FFP (Schegloffs, 2007). 8.5.2.1 Pre-invitation Before giving an invitation, you need to be sure that he or she is available or not. So, you need to ask some preliminary questions. For example, by asking What are you doing?, if you want one to accept your invitation, you expect the answer to be no; vice versa. (8.5.2.1) (Jefferson G.3:1) (Arthur is the caller; Sylvia is answering to the phone) 1 Sylvia : Hello. 2 Arthur : Hello, how are you? 3 Sylvia : Fine, thanks. 4 Arthur : F(pre)Æ’Â   What are you doing? 5 Sylvia : S(pre)Æ’Â   Nothing. 6 Arthur : F(b) Æ’Â   Do you want a drink? 7 Sylvia : S(b) Æ’Â   Yes, why not? Arthur asks what Sylvia is doing to see if she is free or not. With the go-ahead response of Sylvia (line 5) indicating she is free, Arthur continues to invite her as he knows she is free with the pre-sequence asked at line 4. Finally, Sylvia accepts his invitation. 8.5.2.1 Pre-offer Pre-offer is similar to pre-invitation. It aims to provide the need to someone beforehand. (8.5.2.2.a) 1 Sylvia : Oh, I tear the sheet mistakenly. 2 Arthur : 3 Sylvia : I think I need to buy a tape. 4 Arthur : I have one. 5 Sylvia : Really? 6 Arthur : Do you want it? 7 Sylvia : Sure. From the example, Arthur gives the pre-offer (line 4) to Sylvia after knowing she needs a tape. At line5, when she says Really?, it is a go-ahead response to pre-sequence. Lastly, when Arthur makes the offer, she accepts. 8.5.3 Preference There are different types of responses during exchanges. For instance, when greeting, one says hello to you and you are supposed to reply with a greeting too. Nevertheless, when one asks you a question, you may have different answers which can be preferred or dispreferred by the asker. Like an invitation, the reply can be positive or negative. Nonetheless, an answer with yes does not mean it is a prefered response. According to Schegloff, If the question is built to prefer yes, then no is a dispreferred response, even if delivered without delay and in turn-initial position, vise versa (Schegloff, 1988 c:453). 8.5.3.1 Types of responses There are two types of responses. The first one is preferred responses, which means answers are given positively. Another is dispreferred responses, which means answers are given negatively. In fact, there are some hints indicating the preferred status of a turn. When answering directly and without any delay: Example: Janice : Do you want to go swimming Jill : Yes, I do. Moreover, there are some other hints indicating the dispreferred status of a turn. a) When answering indirectly: Example: Janice : Are you free on Monday? Jill : Well, I need to do my homework, and b) When answering with delay: Example: Hesitation such as Well, Um, Erà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 8.6 Conversation Transcription Transcription of conversation is very essential for analyzing conversation .It should be produced preceding conversation analysis, because it is used as a referential tool for the analysis of conversation (Psathas, 1995). 8.6.1 Tools used for recording A naturally occurring conversation is usually recorded by video recorders these days. Hence, apart from recording the conversation, body languages, gestures as well as facial expressions can also be recorded. These features are very crucial as they allow the relationship between speech and body movement to be observed (Psathas, 1995). 8.6.2 Procedures involved in transcription In fact, the recordings mentioned in 8.6.1 are done by analysts themselves. After producing the recordings, analysts listen to the recordings repeatedly by themselves. Once analysts repeatedly listen to the tape, they can focus on the phenomena that are very crucial for conversation analysis (Hutchby, Wooffitt, 2008). 8.6.3 Characteristics of conversation transcription Conversation transcription is not simply a piece of writing with words and sentences exchanged by the speakers. However, it includes many other different features as well. The information listed below should be included in a transcript (Wang, 2011). Information about the participants Words spoken Sound uttered Inaudible sound Overlapping speech Stretch, stresses, volume Different transcription symbols will be introduced as follows: 1. Latching When latching occurs in a conversation between two people, two = will be placed in the transcript when the second speaker speaks just after the first speaker speaks. The first = will be placed right behind the transcription of the first speaker, while the second one is placed in front of the transcript of the second speaker (Psathas, 1995). Example Mary: Im hungry= Peter: =You never feel full Latching by more than one speaker is represented similarly to latching by two speakers. A = is put after the transcription of the first speaker, but a =[[ is placed in front of the transcription of two speakers instead of = (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: Im hungry= Joanna: =[[You never feel full Venus: =[[So do I Latching by more than one speaker can also occur in a way that two speakers end their conversation at the same time and immediately the third speaker speaks. (Psathas, 1995) Example Venus: Im very very [hungry]= Hailey: [hungry] Joanna: =So do I. In this case, the Mary and Peter end their conversation at the same time and then Paul immediately speaks. 2. Audible breathing Exhalations are represented by an h or more than one h while inhalations are represented by .h or more than one .h (Psathas, 1995). Usually, exhalation expresses tiredness or sadness. Example Joanna: I havent finished my Wiki-book project yet hhhh! As for inhalation, it usually indicates surprise or nervousness. Example Venus: .hhh Im going to have my linguistics exam tomorrow. Sound stretch Sound stretch means lengthening the sound. When speakers would like to strengthen their tone, sound stretch occurs. One colon denotes that the precedent sound is lengthened, while more than 1 colon means a more lengthened sound (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: I am so:::: hungry Venus: I know (.) I can hear that some sounds coming out from your stomach. Intonation Throughout a conversation, there must be rises and falls in the intonation of speakers (Psathas, 1995). A rise in intonation An arrow pointing upwards is put just prior to the rise in intonation (Psathas, 1995). Example Joanna: Would you like to have dinner with me? Venus: à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬ËœYes, sure. A fall in intonation An arrow pointing downwards is put just behind the fall in intonation (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: Would you like to have dinner with me? ((gap)) Venus:à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Yes(0.9)if Im free tonight. Stress When speakers want to emphasize something, they will speak the words more loudly and lengthen the words. The emphasized word is underlined (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: I almost got full marks for my linguistics exam, will I be awarded something, Mum? Venus: Sure (0.9) Ill buy a reference book for you to study so that you can get full marks next time. Pitch A Fall in pitch To show a fall in pitch, the vowel of the word should be underlined, and a colon is added just behind the underlined vowel (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: I was awarded a reference boo:k(0.8) for having good results in the exam.. Joanna: If you were awarded the newly released photo album of Rain, you would have been much happier. A rise in pitch To show a rise in pitch, the stress is marked on the prolongation (Psathas, 1995). Example Joanna: My mother gave me a big surprise:::! Hailey: Buying you the photo album of Rain? Joanna: Yes:: Volume Increased Volume is indicated by capital letters (Wang, 2011). Example When Joanna is talking to Hailey, suddenly a dog appears. Joanna: Have you finished the wiki-book project? (.) A DOGS RUNNING TOWARDS US! Hailey: Calm down, Joanna. Decreased volume is indicated by degree marks (Wang, 2011). Example When Venus is telling Hailey something bad about Paul, suddenly Paul approaches. Venus: Paul never hands in his homework on time. Hailey: ËÅ ¡Pauls approachingËÅ ¡ 8. Sound uttered There are not only words within a conversation. Sometimes, when the speakers produce some sounds, they are also recorded. Example Hailey: Oh! Ive dropped my mobile phone into the toilet! Venus:(laugh) Why are you so careless? 8.7 Conclusion Conversation is an exchange of information between people in real-life situations. The aim of conversation analysis is to give an analytic description of the organization of interaction. We can understand how people carry out conversation in the society. In addition, we know more about the secrets behind the conversation, such as silence and preference.

Effects of CTelevision Broadcasting :: Essays Papers

Effects of CTelevision Broadcasting The television is one of the most widely known and utilized inventions of the twentieth century. As its popularity has grown, its effect on how people, especially children, view the world around them has become more prominent and recognized. â€Å"To suggest that children growing up in the 1990s live in a different world than the one their parents or grandparents experienced is not only to state the obvious, but to understate the obvious.† Increasing popularity of television between the generations is partly responsible for the changes. Television is at the center of a multimedia society. Television is especially prominent because it reaches children at a much younger age than other mediums. (Asamen 9) Television becomes a firm staple in most children’s lives a considerable amount of time before formal education begins. Children as young as six months react to television’s sights and sounds. â€Å"For young children, a major determinate of what... they view is w hat... their parents view.† This measure of coviewing decreases with age â€Å"as does the time spent with parents in other activities.† (Bryant 231) Television and Time Control It is generally recognized that television dominates a lot of children’s time, more than any other waking activity. TV watching is often paired with other activities, such as talking, reading, and studying though. The effects of television on children vary, depending on the programs watched and â€Å"when and with whom† they watch it. It also depends on how often and how much the child watches television. (Bryant 227) Research on the effect has been sparse. "Recently, some investigators have taken account of the role played by television in family as planned or default activity, as subject matter for discussion and argument, as the occasion for parental regulation and for children's assumption of increasing responsibility for controlling their own time use." The media has taken on a partial role in raising children, just as church and school did in the past. (Bryant 227) "Children's use of television is influenced by structural factors in their lives." Children who attend day care, for example, are less likely to watch large amounts of television than those who are home all day long. Other factors of how much television children watch are if they have access to all stations or a VCR, education, social class, and ethnicity. "[Researcher's] efforts to analyze family influences on viewing rest on some general assumptions about television use.

Compare and Contrast role model: Richard Dawkins Essay

When choosing a role model according to my Christian worldview there are several positions taken into account. Their position and belief on Sexuality, Social Issues, and the Nature of God are areas in which our agreeing or disagreeing is a major contributing factor throughout the decision making process. Because of our foundational beliefs, Richard Dawkins does not meet the most lenient of qualifications according to my Christian worldview in order to serve as a role model. According to my Christian worldview a role model can be defined as a person whose belief system being based upon their acceptance that God is the creator of the universe, has sent his only begotten Son as the sacrifice for sin, and trusting the Holy scriptures are the inerrant and infallible word of God. Richard Dawkins once stated, Genetic engineering is important for the future of the human species and that our emerging technology of altering certain human cells will affect individual gene pool in order to dictate human behavior and gender (Harris, 1984). This statement implies humankind posses the knowledge of what it takes to create a person and to determine their sexual behavior outside of the Christian worldview. In believing human behavior has a genetic basis whereby altering specific genes we can create individual as we see fit is the very premises that Adolf Hitler used when attempting to create a master race. Professor Dawkins believes the possibility of engineering human being exist where my Christian worldview says, biblical scriptures provide the necessary truth on God not only creating humankind but also that Gods Holy Spirit will affect human behavior without gene manipulation. The Christian worldview beliefs on sexual behavior differ from Professor Dawkins suggesting it is genetically based. Christianity teaches, humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), God determines the gender of a child, and God has the ability to change the deviant behavior of people. As I continued efforts towards invalidating Richard Dawkins as a possible role model his questionable stance on abortion came to mind as I read an article entitled â€Å"Abortion and Dawkins’ Fallacious Account of the So-called ‘Great Beethoven Fallacy’. The article discussed Professor Dawkins ethical and moral understanding on abortion as it relates to the Great Beethoven Fallacy and religion. Though he bible does not speak about aborting a child directly, scripture does make a distinction between killing as a result of an act of God and killing as a result of premeditation (Exodus 21:12). Christianity foundational belief in Jesus and the teachings of Jesus stands against all forms and efforts to stop procreation among humankind. God while speaking words of encouragement to Jeremiah says, â€Å"Before you were in the belly I formed you and before you came out I gave you purpose or a reason for living† (Jeremiah 1:5). In other words, the Christian worldview stands against supporting abortion or any form of human population control efforts that cause the death of Gods children. Professor Dawkins opinion differs from a person sharing in the Christian worldview by claiming, â€Å"The measuring stick for abortion is the suffering of the fetus (McLachlan, 2009). Professor Dawkins proposing questions such as â€Å"Does the pregnant woman or the family suffer† is immaterial when God identifies with the fetus before the birthing process begins. In addition to the fetus or the family suffering in respect to aborting the child, consideration was also placed on the mental aspects of the family. For instance, terminating pregnancy due to psychological issues, health of parents or number of children could also be a deciding factor in aborting the child. The final area used to rule out the possibility of Professor Dawkins serving as a role model for me or anyone with a Christian worldview was his foundational belief concerning the existence and nature of God. Professor Dawkins book entitled The God Delusion, characterization of God in saying, â€Å"The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak, a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogymstic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, fihcidal, pestilential, megalomamacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully (Baker, 2009, p. 75). † During his childlike rant Dawkins proved, he was incapable of serving as a role model to anyone whose foundational belief was Christianity. By questioning Gods absolute authority, Dawkins implied God was unable to judge humankind righteously. A person with a limited understanding of scripture yet posses the Christian worldview may feel challenged as they read Dawkins statement of God as being jealous. In all actuality the Biblical scriptures contained in the book of Exodus speaks of God being jealous but not in the context of Professor Dawkins statement. By definition, Dawkins reasoning meant someone that is envious of another because of his or her achievements and advantages. The difference in Dawkins definition of jealousy and the Holy Scripture is in the interpretation of Exodus 20:5, which does not pertain to the sin of jealously but rather the act of giving someone else something (Worship) that only belongs to God. In closing, Professor Richard Dawkins is not a person I would choose to be a role model based on the following facts, his belief that gene manipulation will determine the outcome of human behavior as compared to my believing God created us individually without gene manipulation. Professor Dawkins stance for supporting abortion says the measuring stick should be the suffering of the fetus, mother and father, as compared to my believing God identifies with us before we are formed in the mother’s womb. Finally, the argument that nullifies any chance that Professor Dawkins meet the qualification of serving as my role model was his characterizing God as having the same sinful nature of humanity.

A Person Who Had Made a Difference in My Life Essay

Everyone go through their life and meeting new people every day. Sometimes there are some people who play an important role in our life which had made a biggest impact in our life. Fortunately, I met that person, Miss Stephanie. She is my form teacher when I was in Form One. I was a very naughty and bullheaded girl when I was in Form One. All teachers treated me so bad because they thought I would influence other good students. They often listed me in blacklist which all the bad students’ names were in it. I played truant and fought a lot with all those blacklisted friends when I was in school because birds of a feather flock together. My father and mother were so busy with their works so they did not have time to watch me out. There was no one who cared about me. I had freedom and I had a lot of pocket money which most of the child needed. I thought all those things were enough for me and I did not need to study. But someday, the person who changed my life appeared. That day, I was sleeping on the table. I felt people patted my shoulder. I woke and I saw a stranger who was young and blonde standing in front of me. She was Miss Stephanie, our new English teacher who was also our form teacher. She started paid attention to me and when I played trunk she would advise me and tell my parents to pay attention to me. However, my father and mother did not care about it and they still worked day and night. I started dislike Miss Stephanie because she was so annoying because she even came to my house someday when I did not go to school. Someday, my friend invited me to a shopping Centre and wanted me to join him for stealing. I took the challenge and we went into shop and started our plan. When we finished our plan, we went out from the shop immediately. Unfortunately, my friend’s dropped the things he stole. The shopkeeper looked at us and my friend accused me for stealing the things. I was in the daze and speechless. The shopkeeper started to scold me and wanted to call the police. Suddenly, Miss Stephanie appeared and told the truth to the shopkeeper. However, Miss Stephanie told the shopkeeper not to call the police. I was so grateful that she had helped us. After that, she scolded us for stealing things with a gentle tone. We promised her not to do it again and would listen to her advice after this. I started went to school and study hard. She taught me study every day after school patiently. Obviously I passed my test with flying colours. Besides, she also came to my house and advice my parents to be more concerned about me. She was like my second mother who taught me how to be a good girl and what should do and what should not do. Now, I become a girl who is so much better than before. My results improve a lot and now I become a useful person who can help a lame dog over a stile. Without Miss Stephanie, I think I would not become a person who I am now. I was so thankful that I could meet her. Although now she is no longer to be with me but I will always remember this person who had made a difference in my life.

Arguments for and Against Horse Slaughter

Arguments for and Against Horse Slaughter While animal advocates argue against horse slaughter, some horse breeders and owners say that horse slaughter is a necessary evil. According to The Morning News, â€Å"a recent national poll found that almost 70 percent of Americans support a federal ban on horse slaughter for human consumption.† As of May 2009, there are no slaughterhouses killing horses for human consumption in the United States. There is now a federal bill pending that would prohibit horse slaughter in the US and would prohibit the transport of live horses for slaughter. While this federal bill is pending, several individual states are considering horse slaughterhouses. A Montana bill allowing horse slaughter and protecting potential slaughterhouse owners became law in April 2009. A bill modeled on the Montana law is now pending in Tennessee. Slaughter for Human Consumption Horses were being slaughtered for human consumption in the US as recently as 2007. In 2005, Congress had voted to withhold funding for USDA inspections of horse meat. This move should have stopped horse slaughter because the meat cannot be sold for human consumption without USDA inspections, but the USDA responded by adopting new rules that allowed the slaughterhouses to pay for the inspections themselves. A 2007 court ruling ordered the USDA to stop the inspections. Horses Still Being Slaughtered Although horses are no longer slaughtered for human consumption in the US, live horses are still shipped to foreign slaughterhouses. According to Keith Dane, Director of Equine Protection for the Humane Society of the US, about 100,000 live horses are shipped to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses each year, and the meat is sold in Belgium, France, and other countries. A lesser-known issue is that of horse slaughter for pet food and for zoos to feed to carnivores. According to Dane, these facilities are not required to be inspected by the USDA, so statistics are not available. The existence of such facilities usually goes unnoticed until there are a cruelty allegation and investigation. The International Society for the Protection of Exotic Animal Kind and Livestock, Inc. alleges that one such slaughterhouse in New Jersey kills the horses in an inhumane manner, and the case is still under investigation. According to Dane, most major pet food companies do not use horse meat, so there’s little chance of buying cat or dog food that supports horse slaughter. There are many reasons a breeder or owner may decide to sell a specific horse for slaughter, but on a macro level, the problem is overbreeding. Arguments For Horse Slaughter Some view horse slaughter as a necessary evil, to humanely dispose of unwanted horses. Unlike dogs and cats, unwanted horses cannot be dropped off at the local animal shelter. Sanctuaries for horses do exist, but there are not enough of them. Euthanasia is not always financially feasible. Having the horse humanely euthanized and then having the body of a 1,200-pound animal disposed of or transported to a rendering plant is expensive, sometimes prohibitively so. Rendering plants that turn horses into fertilizer and industrial products will accept carcasses, but do not pay for them. Some argue that the alternative to horse slaughter is neglect and abandonment. Horse slaughter proponents argue that horses should be treated no differently from cows, pigs or chickens, and there is no reason horses should not be slaughtered for human consumption. Arguments Against Horse Slaughter Animal rights activists do not believe in killing any animals for food, but there are several arguments that apply specifically to horses. Horse slaughter increases prices and profits for horse breeding. If there is no profitable or easy way to dispose of unwanted horses, fewer horses will be bred. As reported in the Morning News, Before slaughterhouses closed, ranchers knew they could get $1 per pound for the meat. The same meat is now worth only about 20 cents per pound[...] Ranchers are also simply getting out of the horse business, said Ross Lockhart, owner of Stockman’s Pride in Bentonville. He used to raise registered quarter horses but hasn’t bred anything for the past two years. Many Americans believe horses are special and should be treated more like companion animals than livestock. Neglect and abandonment do not increase when slaughterhouses close. According to the International Fund for Horses: California banned horse slaughter in 1998. California has experienced no increase in abuse case, and even noted a decrease 3 years following the ban. During the 4 years that [the Cavel slaughterhouse] was closed, Illinois saw a noticeable decrease in abuse and/or neglect cases. Texas, which had the only two slaughter plants in 2003, had among the nations highest rates of cruelty and theft. Some believe that horse slaughter is unusually cruel. At some slaughterhouses, horses are first stunned with a captive bolt gun, then bled to death. However, the horses are sometimes improperly stunned and are sometimes skinned and bled while still conscious. Allowing horse slaughter creates another source of profit for thoroughbred breeders, thereby supporting horse racing, to which many animal advocates object. Several major horse racetracks oppose horse slaughter. There are about 9 million domestic horses in the US, and approximately one percent of that number are sent to foreign slaughterhouses each year. If shipping live horses for slaughter were banned, that relatively small number of horses could be absorbed by the horse community in the US. The Upshot Whether prohibiting the export of live horses for slaughter will lead to neglect and abandonment remains to be seen, especially in an economy where foreclosures threaten all types of companion animals. However, several major racetracks oppose horse slaughter and taking away an incentive for breeding or overbreeding is a powerful argument against horse slaughter.

Islamic Banking Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Islamic Banking - Research Proposal Example There has been increasing number of people with growing interest in the Islamic banking as a phenomenon and a lot of questions have been raised on its differences from conventional banking. This study will investigate the question that is often raised by most people whether it is an economic or a religious bank. The success of the research depends on the use of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The qualitative methods include interviews conducted face-to-face, online and over the telephone. The interviews cover standard closed question requiring a limited range of answers. This offers precision in categorization of the responses offered. Open-ended questions are also included to give a respondent a wide range of answers to express their opinions, interests, concerns, recommendations and disapprovals. This encourages honesty in the respondents’ answers hence facilitates the collection of valid data (Arun & Rachana 2000). The questionnaire was designed as the preferred survey instrument because it included all constructs of the proposed model to help in achieving the objectives of this study. Quantitative and qualitative research methods will begin with the issue of questionnaires to respondents. The questionnaires offer a standard measure of results obtained and enables the performance of secondary research that includes simple regression and correlation. These will further analyze the responses of the customers of Islamic banking. In this study, only the primary data will be used. The primary data will be collected based on interviews conducted face-to-face, online and over the telephone to reach the target group. Primary data is appropriate for this study because it adds value that a researcher to the table. The sampling technique will enable the selection of respondents used in the research. Sampling will cover 200 customers of Islamic

Michael Hill Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Michael Hill - Assignment Example Furthermore, the report also provides a break-even analysis emphasizing on the cost/price and volume relationship. Lastly, the report examines the control in place in the firm’s operation. Most of the information comes from the firm’s website and financial statements, as well as other reliable secondary sources. The report has four parts: situation analysis, marketing strategy, break-even analysis, and controls. Situation Analysis Market Summary Market Demographics Michael Hill engages in jewellery manufacturing and retailing. The firm sells both men and women watches and diamond jewellery. Essentially, the company operates in the highly priced diamond jewellery market. The firm operates retail outlet stores for watches and jewellery under the major brand name: Michael Hill. Moreover, the firm provides other services, including jewellery inspection, cleaning, and repairing. The firm also offers customized services to its clients by designing the chosen diamonds for jewe llery. Through a chain of 240 jewellery stores, the company and its subsidiary operates in New Zealand, Australia, United States, and Canada. However, the headquarters is in Queensland, Australia (Gray, 2011). The diamond jewellery market is a rather delicate and emotional sector, just like the clients. Clients in the jewellery market have different characteristics. However, all of them are well above the poverty line, as the products and services offered by the company and the market in general are relatively costly (Kotler, Burton, and Keller, 234). In other words, the diamond jewellery market appeals to the elite societal class with a taste for fashion and glamour. Market Needs At the time of establishment, the jewellery market had a stiff and formal atmosphere attached to it. Hill, the entrepreneur, sought to establish a new philosophy in the market that would make jewellery buying more accessible to the entire public and less intimidating. Therefore, Hill introduced a new produ ct mix strategy, subsequently removing the store clutter of giftware such as imported glassware, Chinese ornaments, and cuckoo clocks. The window display of the stores was simple, exhibiting around five enticing items changed regularly. This, combined with the attention-grabbing advertisement, significantly enhanced the attraction towards the stores. What the jewellery industry required at the time was a reconsideration of the service aspect, as the products are largely emotional. Realizing this, Hill quickly designed a marketing strategy that would meet the needs of the customers to their level of enthusiasm and passion (Hill, 2012a). The Market and Trends Based on a 1996 statistic report, New Zealand, the headquarters of Michael Hill, had 550 retailers, 153 wholesalers, and 293 manufacturers operating in the jewellery industry. As with many other New Zealand business settings, these ventures are principally small businesses, privately owned and operated. Among the 293 jewellery ma nufacturers, only three had more than two outlets. The report also shows that fifteen of the major retailers have more than three stores, and only four specialist jewellery chains having more than twenty stores were present at the time. These were Michael Hill, Pascoes the Jeweller, Kleins, and Gemtime Jeweller. Nonetheless, jewellery was also available from a number of other outlets, including fashion and department stores, antique, craft, souvenir, and catalogues shops (Gray, 2011).